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      Arteta slams Arsenal’s Bournemouth defeat as ‘accident waiting to happen’ and Rice rages at ‘naivety and silly mistakes’

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      DECLAN RICE slammed his Arsenal team-mates for “naive” and “silly” errors – after a THIRD red-card nightmare of the Prem season.Gunners defender William Saliba’s controversial 30th-minute sending-off left boss Mikel Arteta admitting his side’s ill-discipline was  “an accident waiting to happen”.Mikel Arteta has demanded Arsenal shape up after receiving a third red card of the seasonCredit: AFPWilliam Saliba was dismissed after wiping out Bournemouth’s Evanilson when through on goalCredit: PADeclan Rice hit out at his team-mates for kicking themselves in the footCredit: GettyArsenal never recovered from Saliba’s dismissal – after a VAR intervention – for fouling Evanilson as the Bournemouth star appeared to be through on goal.Arteta’s side have only dropped points this season in games when they have gone down to ten men.And Rice raged: “We’ve kicked ourselves in the foot three times in eight games and we got away with it at home to Brighton and away at Manchester City. “I am proud of the players for fighting but the naivety, we need to stop making mistakes as you want 11 players for 90 minutes.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”We can’t make silly mistakes. You need all your best players on the pitch at all times. The belief is so high and we will stick together.”This is football — whatever happens, the most important thing is  you stick together.”Late goals by Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert via a penalty – after David Raya fouled Evanilson – gave the Cherries a stunning win and KO’d Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the season.Arteta was forced to drag an angry Kai Havertz away from the officials at full-time, but the Arsenal boss insisted the blame lay at their own door.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRef Robert Jones initially gave Saliba a yellow for dragging down Evanilson just inside his own half but Stockley Park urged a review to suggest a red.Arteta, whose side are third and one point behind leaders Liverpool,  said: “It was an impossible task. An accident waiting to happen not getting the points. Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori reveals he learned English through Netflix and drill music “I can’t fault the team. It was a decision made on the pitch.”That decision was changed — and it won’t change twice.”We need to play 11 with 11. We got away with it twice, but we have to accept it, move on.”Arsenal played with ten against Brighton and Manchester City – drawing  1-1 and 2-2 respectively having taken the lead after Rice and Leandro Trossard were red-carded.Saliba misses Sunday’s clash with Liverpool after a career-first dismissal.Arsenal player ratings vs BournemouthBy Alex CrookTEN-MAN Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season as brilliant Bournemouth dealt them a South Coast setback.The Gunners travelled to face Andoni Iraola’s men having won five and drawn three of their opening eight matches this term.But their task was made a tricky one when William Saliba was shown a red card on the half-hour.Ryan Christie brilliantly fired the hosts into a deserved lead following a well-worked set piece routine 20 minutes from time.Justin Kluivert then sealed his side’s incredible 2-0 victory from the penalty spot on 79 minutes.Here’s how SunSport rated each Gunners performer on the day.DAVID RAYA – 5Was lucky to get away with one poor pass out from the back early on. Made amends for another error by saving smartly with the legs to deny Marcus Tavernier after initially spilling a Semenyo cross-cum-shot before clumsily conceding the penalty.BEN WHITE – 4England outcast was back in the team after four games out, but did not look 100 per cent fit and found it tough going containing the lively Antoine Semenyo down the Bournemouth left in the first half and Dango Ouattara in the second.WILLIAM SALIBA – 3Usually calm and collected under pressure but paid the price for a rare moment of panic when he hauled down Bournemouth striker Evanilson to get himself sent off and will miss next weekend’s crunch clash at home to title rivals Liverpool as a result.GABRIEL – 5Given the captain’s armband in the absence of the stricken Bukayo Saka, but not at his commanding best, especially after losing centre-back partner Saliba. Did not really step up to the leadership plate.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Did a better job containing Semenyo when Bournemouth’s dangerman switched wings at half-time than White did in the first half, but unable to have his usual influence going forward.THOMAS PARTEY – 5Back in his traditional central midfield berth after being used as an emergency right back in the 3-1 win over Southampton. Was second best up against Bournemouth’s impressive Lewis Cook.DECLAN RICE – 5Another of Arsenal’s international contingent who looked sluggish after the break from domestic duty. Struggled to impose himself on the game in midfield and unable to get forward as much as he usually does. Did his bit dropping into the back-line after Saliba’s dismissal.RAHEEM STERLING – 4Former England man was deployed on the right wing in place of the injured Bukayo Saka and gave the ball away a few times when in promising positions before being sacrificed after the Saliba red card.MIKEL MERINO – 5Finally able to make his full Premier League debut after an injury-affected start to his Arsenal career and showed some nice touches. Also fired into the side-netting with the visitors’ best first half opening.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Started the game well but sold Saliba short with a poor back pass that led to the red card and disappeared from the action after that before being subbed shortly after the half-hour mark.KAI HAVERTZ – 5The German cut an isolated figure up front, especially after Arsenal were reduced to ten men, but worked tirelessly for the team without ever looking like adding to his run of scoring in the previous four games in all competitions.SUBSTITUTESJakub Kiwior (for Sterling, 37) – 4Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard, 64) – 5Gabriel Jesus (for Kiwior, 81) – N/AEthan Nwaneri (for Merino, 81) – N/APGMOL chief Howard Webb was seen in the stands with an earpiece in and using his phone.Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher tweeted: “Was Webb involved in the decision-making of the red card for Saliba??” before quickly deleting the post.It is understood Webb was listening to communications from the officials and VAR team, which is standard procedure, and had no input.READ MORE SUN STORIESCherries boss Andoni Iraola said: “It was quite a mature win because it is tricky playing against ten.”We had to control the game, attack, but don’t lose our minds as  they can be a threat still.” More

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      Gary Neville starts new job with Man Utd just days after club legend Sir Alex Ferguson was axed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe

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      GARY NEVILLE is back working for Manchester United in India.The ex-Red Devils captain has returned to the fold as a freelance ambassador after attending an event at the Minerva academy in Mohali.Gary Neville works in his new Manchester United role in IndiaCredit: XIt comes in the same week Sir Alex Ferguson was axed by Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: GettyNeville’s return came in the same week as Sir Jim Ratcliffe dropped Sir Alex Ferguson.Fergie, United’s greatest ever manager, had been a club ambassador at a £2m a year deal since his retirement as boss in 2013.But the Scot will leave the role as part of the latest cost-cutting by Ratcliffe’s Ineos part-ownership at Old Trafford.Neville posted on his Instagram stories of his visit to Asia where he attended the Apollo Tyres flagship grassroots football programme.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe 49-year-old is also on United’s stadium taskforce alongside Ratcliffe where they will decide over whether to revamp Old Trafford or build a new 100,000-capacity stadium on the same site.The Class of 92 graduate, who went on to win eight Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies, interacted with young footballers.Neville also won 85 England caps and was an assistant coach under ex-Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson.He later had a three-month stint in charge of Valencia during the 2015/16 season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, Neville now balances his punditry work with co-owning League Two side Salford City with the Class of 92.Meanwhile, Ferguson snubbed United’s win over Brentford on Saturday after being axed by Ratcliffe.Sir Alex Ferguson steps away from ambassador duties at Manchester UnitedMan Utd player ratings vs BrentfordBy Neil CustisMANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.The Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.ANDRE ONANA – 6Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.DIOGO DALOT – 6Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound when Brentford scored from a corner. He was already looking suspect, as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.JONNY EVANS – 7Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the Match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a Man of the Match performance.RASMUS HOJLUND – 7After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.SUBSTITUTESJoshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6A change that probably should have come earlier.The Red Devils came from behind to beat the Bees 2-1 at Old Trafford and move up to 11th in the Premier League.Their legendary former boss was in Glasgow instead, though, where he was spotted in the stands at Celtic vs Aberdeen.Ferguson was treated to a thriller at Celtic Park, as his former club Aberdeen recovered from 2-0 to draw 2-2 with the Scottish champions.Gary Neville has started a new job with Manchester UnitedCredit: PA More

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      ‘I have MAJOR doubts over Arsenal star William Saliba’s red card for three key reasons’, says ex-Premier League referee

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      I HAD major doubts over William Saliba’s red card and would have stayed with referee Rob Jones’ on-field decision of a caution.The Arsenal defender fouled Bournemouth striker Evanilson but was it a clear and obvious error for VAR to intervene?William Saliba was sent off against Bournemouth following a VAR reviewCredit: RexEx-Premier League referee Mark Halsey has major doubt over the decisionCredit: AFPIt’s a subjective decision, so I didn’t think VAR Jarred Gillett needed to get involved. For the denial of a goalscoring opportunity, we look at four key criteria.And I had doubts over three of those.The distance between the offence and the goal was lengthy, the general direction of play saw the ball coming across Evanilson and not in front of him and also the location and number of defenders was questionable.The likelihood of him keeping or gaining control of the ball would have probably been in the favour of the Cherries forward because  David Raya was back-pedalling towards his own goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPGMOL chiefs Howard Webb was spotted on TV listening into the VAR comms and that is  normal for him to have access — just like the media broadcasters.There is no way he would have had any input or communication into the Saliba red card.The Frenchman’s dismissal means he is now set to miss a crucial match in the title race for the Gunners.Saliba will serve a one -match ban in the Premier League, ruling him out of next Sunday’s clash with Liverpool.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe will then be free to return to league action away to Newcastle on November 2.Fortunately for Mikel Arteta, he remains available for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk.Arteta is open to allowing Arsenal academy players to take part in first team trainingThe 23-year-old is also free to face Preston in the Carabao Cup later this month ahead of the trip to St. James’ Park.Saliba’s red card against Bournemouth is only the second of his career and his first for almost four years.He was previously dismissed whilst playing for Arsenal’s under-21s in the EFL Trophy back in 2020.Robert Jones upgraded Saliba’s yellow to a red card after an on-field review of the incidentCredit: APSaliba will miss Arsenal’s home match against Liverpool next weekend through suspensionCredit: Getty More

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      Aaron Connolly had ‘specific goal to be ready’ for return to Hull as Sunderland boss provides update after rehab hell

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      REGIS LE BRIS says Aaron Connolly is desperate to face some of the demons of his past and make his debut against former club Hull City.Sunderland head to the Tigers knowing a victory would ensure they end the day top of the Championship.Aaron Connolly scored eight times for Hull last season before entering rehabCredit: GettyThe Irish striker is now desperate to make his debut for Sunderland against the TigersCredit: AlamyIrish forward Connolly, 24, revealed last week that he underwent treatment for alcohol addiction after he was released by Hull this summer.The brave ace, who famously burst on the Premier League scene aged 19 with Brighton thanks to a brace against Tottenham, opened up about how drinking had impacted his life and career to coincide with World Mental Health Day.Following his spell in rehab, Connolly was handed a chance to resurrect his career by Sunderland.And after scoring a couple of goals for the Under-21s in midweek, Le Bris says he is desperate to be unleashed against the side he got eight goals for last term despite claiming that his “life was a mess” while he was on Humberside.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe French coach said: “I think that it was a specific goal for him to be ready for this game.“We haven’t rushed the project, it was perfect, and I don’t know if we will use him but he is available.”He continued: “We knew before we knew we needed three or four weeks to assess his physical level.“He was really fit at the beginning which was good news for us.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“He needed to get to know his teammates and the team. We had two opportunities to play with the U21s and he did very well, he scored which is good for a striker.“He needed time to connect with a structure, team and team-mates and now he’s ready.”Chris Rigg talks about his journey to becoming a player for Sunderland On the bravery of Connolly sharing his issues with the world, Le Bris said: “It is very interesting to share these ideas instead of hiding and pretending that it doesn’t exist.“The first thing is to recognise your mistakes and then the next is to avoid any repetition. “So it’s not a problem for us to talk about any problems a player has had in their career, whether it is a small detail on the pitch or a bigger one off it.“I’m OK with that and it is a problem for the players in the dressing-room.”And Le Bris says that he has not had to put a shoulder around the forward since he bared his soul.But he did stress that everyone at the club would be there for him if he needed them.Le Bris added: “I don’t exactly know Aaron’s personality, it’s been three weeks now, but I think that he doesn’t need specific attention.“He knows what is important for him and that it is important to succeed now and he’s very connected to that project.“We’ll take care of him and I’m not sure he needs attention at the moment.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe will be vying with Wilson Isidor to start up front but Eliezer Mayenda is not expected to be available after injury until next weekend.Dan Ballard is also likely to be back to face Oxford but summer signing Salis Abdul Samed – who is yet to play for the Black Cats – remains several weeks away from being available.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Harry Redknapp: Arne Slot has made super start to life at Liverpool after replacing Jurgen Klopp… by doing NOTHING

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      YOU know the most impressive thing Arne Slot has done since taking over at Liverpool? Nothing.And the best way to keep that fantastic start at Anfield rolling along? Carry on doing exactly the same.Arne Slot’s start as Liverpool manager has been impressiveCredit: APThe Reds have marched to the top of the league with Slot keeping changes to a minimumIf you think it’s a strange thing to say about someone who’s won six of his seven league games, I’m not suggesting Slot’s sitting in his office with his feet up.What I am saying is he’s been smart enough to realise there was no reason to make any big changes — and honest enough to admit it.The minute Liverpool won their first two or three games, everyone was into him about what he was doing on the training ground and how he was different from Jurgen Klopp.But Slot was dead honest. There was no secret plan, he didn’t arrive with big ideas of how he’d fix this or that. If it’s not broken, why should he?read more football newsInstead he was straight up. It was about having a fantastic group of players, with great partnerships, who’d been together for a long time.No bulls**t like you hear from lots of managers who talk about what they’ve done, about high presses, changes they’ve made, like there is some sort of magic formula.Well let me tell you, there isn’t. It’s not as though pressing is something new — just that back in the day they called it tackling!Stuart Pearce or Tony Adams didn’t press, they tackled!Most read in FootballSlot knows he took over a great squad and is happy to admit as much — and fair play to him.The more I hear about the Liverpool manager, the more I like. He comes across great.Arne Slot aims dig at Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss says ‘I’m a stupid manager if 12.30pm kick offs are more difficult’ He’s not gone around taking down pictures from the old days, like plenty do when they arrive.There’s been no “that was the past, we’re doing it my way now”.No boasting about his own success, no “I’ve won this or that”.The plan has been just to carry on playing as they did under Klopp — and they’re doing it very well.Slot knows he’s got great players — Virgil van Dijk at the back, Luis Diaz in the form of his life, a magnificent attack, class all over the park. That’s what wins things.I don’t dispute Liverpool face their biggest test so far, against Chelsea this afternoon, after a pretty kind start against sides you’d expect them to beat.And no doubt the next few weeks will tell us more, with Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa to come. But I’d be amazed if they’re not in the mix again this season.For me Liverpool are one of three contenders and although you would have them as outsiders behind Manchester City and Arsenal, it wouldn’t be the biggest shock if they won the title.Liverpool, led by Mo Salah, should be considered title contendersChelsea coach Enzo Maresca inherited a great squad says RedknappAnd I certainly expect them to win today, for all that Enzo Maresca has inherited a fantastic squad as well.Maresca was maybe a bit fortunate to get the Chelsea job on the back of one good season at Leicester, winning the promotion you’d expect with that bunch of players.Like Liverpool, they’ve made a decent start — but nothing they shouldn’t have done — and like Liverpool they have a tough-looking run coming up.I can’t have them as title- winners yet but they’re certainly entitled to think they’ll be challenging for the top four.Anything less would be a big disappointment — and in my book, that’s what they’re in for at Anfield.I fancy Liverpool and can’t see anything but a home win.Just don’t expect to hear Slot making a song and dance about his part in it.Chat a Cars-crashTHERE’S no doubt Thomas Tuchel has the world at his feet with such a huge pool of talent to pick from as national manager.So let’s hope he gets it right.Thomas Tuchel was announced as England manager in the past weekRedknapp believes Lee Carsley talked himself out of a jobAs a proud Englishman, I certainly hope he makes a right good go of it.Let’s face it, the bottom line is that’s what he will be judged on — if he can make us winners.But while I have no problem with a foreign boss, the big disappointment is we can’t produce an Englishman to manage England. That’s the really scary thing.I’ve no doubt Lee Carsley was first choice and, in my book, the job was his until we played so poorly against Greece.That is what changed the plan.Up to then Carsley was the one, for sure.I know the FA claim Tuchel signed up two days before the game but I’m not buying that.Yet it wasn’t losing the game where the real damage was done — anyone can get beaten.Thomas Tuchel inked an 18-month contract with the FA worth £5m-per-yearIt was Carsley’s interview afterwards that did more damage than anything his team did on the pitch. It was very, very poor.READ MORE SUN STORIESI looked at that and thought, ‘There’s no way you can manage England’.Obviously I wasn’t the only one, either.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Mason Greenwood refusing to give up on England dreams and wants to speak to new boss Tuchel as Jamaica wait in wings

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      MASON GREENWOOD wants Thomas Tuchel to tell him if he stands a chance of being part of his England revolution.Tuchel has been named as Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions successor on an 18-month deal.Mason Greenwood wants to know if he could play for England under new boss Thomas TuchelCredit: ReutersGreenwood is enjoying success at Marseille after leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: AFPTuchel was named as Gareth Southgate’s successor at EnglandCredit: GettyThe German will not take over as boss until January 1 — but Marseille star Greenwood hopes a change of regime could see him add to his one senior cap.If not, the former Manchester United forward will accept Steve McClaren’s invitation to switch allegiance and play for Jamaica.Greenwood’s international future has been in limbo since he spent 18 months out of the game after being charged with attempted rape, assault and coercive behaviour in January 2022. The charges were later dropped.A source told SunSport: “Mason knows his chances of playing for England again are very slim. But he wants to check with the FA and Tuchel now he has been appointed, to see what they think.Read More on England“He is determined to play at the highest level and that means the World Cup.“So if England don’t want him, he’ll switch to Jamaica and try and get to the 2026 World Cup that way.”Greenwood knew he would not play for England — where he won his only cap against Iceland in 2020 — again under Southgate.He left United following a club investigation and spent last season on loan at Spanish side Getafe before moving to Marseille for £26.6million this summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England jobGreenwood, expecting his second child, has scored five times this season. Despite winning a cap with England, Fifa allow players to switch if they have played fewer than four competitive appearances before the age of 21.Therefore, Greenwood can play for Jamaica — who he qualifies for through his dad.Thomas Tuchel England Press ConferenceReggae Boyz boss McClaren plans to try and recruit foreign-born stars in the Prem to play for his team.After being appointed in the summer, he said: “I had a little chat with Mason.“I will be making sure that we have a conversation with all the players. We have a list.”Jamaica last qualified for the World Cup in 1998.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel. More

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      Kyle Walker eyed by Saudi moneybags and could line up alongside FOUR ex-Premier League stars

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      KYLE WALKER is the latest high-profile name on the Saudi wish list — and may line up alongside Ivan Toney next season.Al-Ahli have made the Manchester City skipper their leading target, after bagging Toney with a £40million deal in August.Manchester City star Kyle Walker is attracting interest from Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyAl-Ahli are keeping tabs on Walker after signing England team-mate Ivan ToneyCredit: GettyWalker would also link up with ex-Man City team-mate Riyad MahrezCredit: GettyWalker could play with four other Premier League heroes, such as Roberto FirminoCredit: GettyFormer Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was also signed by Al-AhliCredit: GettyEngland striker Toney had only a year to go on his Bees contract and City would demand around £20m, although Walker’s deal has two years to run.But that will not deter the Saudi big-spenders, who already have one ex-Etihad star on the books in Riyad Mahrez.Al-Ahli also have ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino in their squad.And the emergence of Rico Lewis at City means the Prem champions are likely to play ball should Walker, 34, decide he wants a new challenge.Read More on FootballEngland defender Walker joined City from Tottenham in the summer of 2017 and has been a key player in Pep Guardiola’s glittering Etihad reign.He has won six Premier League titles, the Champions League as part of the Treble in 2023, two FA Cups and four EFL Cups.Walker has 91 England caps but a move to Saudi would cast a doubt over his international future.Toney has not played for the Three Lions since his switch to the Middle East.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, crocked striker Oscar Bobb is on course to return ahead of schedule.Bobb, 21, broke a bone in a leg in a freak pre-season clash and was initially ruled out until the turn of the year.Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowBut the Norwegian hopes to start light training in early December. More

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      New England boss Thomas Tuchel will get HUGE bonus if he wins the next World Cup

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      NEW England boss Thomas Tuchel will trouser a bonus of £3million if he wins the next World Cup.Victory with the Three Lions in 2026 would bump Tuchel’s pay packet up to £10.5million over his 18-month contract.England’s new manager Thomas Tuchel will pocket a £3million bonus if he wins the next World CupCredit: GettyTuchel starts his new job in March as England look to qualify for the 2026 World CupCredit: Splash newsThe bonus is £1million lower than the £4million on the table for Gareth Southgate if he won either the 2022 World Cup or Euro 2024.However German manager Tuchel’s £5million a year salary is double Southgate’s £2.5million pay packet.A source said: “Tuchel could possibly have earned much more at a Premier League club and has gone on record to say how proud he is to lead the England team and the opportunity to work with this special group of players.”He starts his new job in March as England look to qualify for the 2026 tournament taking place in Canada, Mexico and the US.READ MORE ON THOMAS TUCHELTuchel, 51, has won league titles in France with Paris Saint-Germain and in Germany at Bayern Munich.He also lifted the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021.Tuchel was unveiled as the new England manager last Wednesday.He revealed the FA first contacted him in August and he agreed terms with officials earlier this month.Most read in FootballTuchel has asked for supporters who wanted an English manager to give him a chance.He said: “I am sorry I just have a German passport but maybe the supporters can feel my passion for the Premier League, my passion for the country, how I love to live and work here. Watch Thomas Tuchel’s awkward reaction when asked why he chose England over Man Utd”I will do everything to show respect to this role and to this country. This is the biggest one in world football and everybody can be assured, no matter what nationality my passport says.“Everyone has their opinion. Even if someone says ‘I would fancy an English coach more’, I can understand it. But I think we deserve a fair chance. We deserve the credit for having a good record.“Maybe this counts a little bit for a British edge on my German passport.”So we will try to convince them by results and the way we play. It starts for us in January. We will dive in.”The FA was asked to comment.Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024 More