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      Sir Alf Ramsey would be apoplectic to see England managed by a German, but I have some sympathy with the FA

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      WE wanted roast beef and what did we get? Bratwurst, with Black Forest Gateau for dessert.Call me old-fashioned but isn’t international football supposed to be about one nation taking on another, with the players enjoying the ultimate honour of performing for their country?Sir Alf Ramsey led England to World Cup glory two decades after the end of World War 2Credit: PA:Empics SportThomas Tuchel has become England’s third foreign managerCredit: GettyI know the lines have got blurred over the years — under Jack Charlton you were Irish if you liked a drop of Guinness.But Thomas Tuchel’s appointment does really emphasise one glaring statistic… where have all the English managers gone?And while every major nation in Europe has enjoyed some sort of tangible success and even some not-so-major ones such as Denmark and Greece, we continue to look back to 1966 when an English manager last led an English men’s team to a trophy.That’s a bloody long time ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSI know we have had foreign-born managers of the England team before — Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello — but they weren’t exactly a rip-roaring success.And now we have a German in charge, who won the Champions League with Chelsea and by any measure is a fantastic manager.We must compromise on romantic notions of an Englishman in charge of an English team.As a result, we have a German bossing the men’s team and Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman holding court for the women’s squad.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhilst they are both fantastic managers, we really should be looking at ourselves and wondering how this has happened?Why can’t we find good England coaches to manage our English teams — and what are we going to do about it?Fabio Capello brutally ended David Beckham’s Real Madrid career with 8-word message that broke England legend’s heartSouthgate 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, 2024Answers please from the FA.Can you imagine what the boys of ’66 would have made of the England side being run by a German?Sir Alf would have been apoplectic. That glorious Wembley day was only two decades after Ramsey’s East End of London had been flattened by the Luftwaffe.But as I said that’s a bloody long time ago, and these days managing England is the so-called ‘impossible job’.Some will accuse the FA of having compromised in order to win by appointing a foreign manager.But I have sympathy for them as the last English-born manager to win the top flight was Howard Wilkinson, back when it was just the plain old First Division.We have five English-born managers currently operating in the Premier League although two of them, Russell Martin and Kieran McKenna, played at international levels for Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively.It suggests the nursery is thin on the ground.But club football is one thing, the national team is another.And as I’m a romantic at heart, I would much prefer to see our Three Lions led by a lion.But what are the FA meant to do when the pickings are slimmer than our goal tally in a penalty shootout.Tuchel has won some great trophies at a variety of clubs but so had Sven and so had Capello.The latter was a disaster who couldn’t even be bothered to learn English and enjoyed little or no connection with his players, while Sven did passably, reaching a succession of quarter-finals.I suppose we can console ourselves with the fact that Gareth Southgate showed it can be done and although he didn’t lead us to any silverware, at least he got damned close.READ MORE SUN STORIESI wish Tuchel the very best of luck, as every Englishman’s footballing hopes and dreams are on his shoulders, and at some point he will feel the weight of that pressure.He has had four managerial jobs in the last seven years and an England contract which is only 18 months suggests this is not one for the long-term.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. 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      ‘That’s why he’s captain’, say Man Utd fans as Bruno Fernandes shares touching message after gift from Scott McTominay

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has shared a touching message after receiving a gift from Scott McTominay.The Manchester United captain was surprised by his ex-team-mate after facing him during the international break.Bruno Fernandes has been hailed for his touching message to Scott McTominayCredit: AlamyThe Manchester United captain was gifted a Napoli shirt by his former team-mateCredit: Instagram @brunofernandes8McTominay’s Scotland welcomed Portugal to Hampden Park in the Nations League on Tuesday night.Both he and Fernandes played the full 90 minutes in a goalless draw.After the match, McTominay gifted his former skipper a Napoli shirt with his name and number on the back.The 27-year-old left the Red Devils to join the Italian side in the summer in a £25million deal.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSFernandes shared a snap of the gift to his Instagram story along with a touching message.He wrote: “The name that’s conquered the heart of Napoli,” to the delight of United fans.Reacting to their interaction, one supporter commented: “That’s why he’s the captain.”Meanwhile, another added: “This is beautiful.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMcTominay and Fernandes made 171 appearances together for United as well as winning both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup under Erik ten Hag.The Scot has continued to have success since penning a four-year deal with Napoli.Darren Bent claims Thomas Frank is ready to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man Utd He has scored twice in five appearances across all competitions for the Serie A leaders.As for Fernandes, he is yet to score in 11 appearances so far this term.His woes have contributed to United’s slow start to the campaign, with Ten Hag’s side sitting 14th in the Premier League.They have also already lost three of their opening seven league matches.Fernandes will be hoping to kickstart the season this weekend as United return to action against Brentford on Saturday.Fernandes and McTominay faced each other as Scotland and Portugal met on TuesdayCredit: Alamy More

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      Brennan Johnson reveals meaning behind his tattoos including message his mum sends him before every Tottenham game

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      BRENNAN JOHNSON is ready to ink his name into Tottenham’s history books — with a helping hand from his mum.The forward, 23, bids to join ex-Spurs stars Steve Archibald and Garth Crooks in an exclusive club by scoring for the SEVENTH club match in a row against West Ham on Saturday.Brennan Johnson has been in incredible form for club and countryCredit: PAJohnson, 23, recently sat down to talk through his various tattoosCredit: Instagram @fawalesThe Welsh international has several tattoos on his armsCredit: Instagram @fawalesHe has explained the meaning behind his inkCredit: Instagram @fawalesJohnson receives good luck wishes before every match from his mother in the form of a four-leafed clover — which is also one of many tattoos on his body telling the story of his life.The Welshman revealed: “I’ve got a four-leafed clover which my mum has always texted me before every game. She sends me a little one  on messages.”Johnson has already scored in his last six games in all competitions against Coventry, Brentford, Qarabag, Manchester United, Ferencvaros and Brighton.He then netted for his country against Iceland in the Nations League a week last Friday but was suspended for the Montenegro clash on Monday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet Johnson wants to keep on writing new chapters in his blossoming career.The £47.5million ace has several tattoos across both arms and he got his first bit of ink at the age of 18.Johnson added: “My first was of my family initials in Greek. The main reason behind getting it was I wanted to get a tattoo but I didn’t really know what to get.“So I felt like getting the family initials always goes down well. I also got this one – on his left forearm – at the same time. It means family over everything. It’s what my sisters, my mum and dad all have so I wanted one as well. I felt it would be a nice thing to do.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSeveral of Johnson’s tattoos can be seen when he wears short sleeve shirts on the pitchCredit: Getty“I have my grandparents’ date of birth but I also have a map which represents where my family are from. I designed it myself.”It has an outline of Wales and Jamaica with the co-ordinates around the side and shows where my family are from. It means a lot to me so I thought it was a nice idea. I’m very happy with it.The incredible Rise of Tottenham’s Mikey Moore“I’ve got an eagle above the map. The idea was to do it all in one at first but then I wanted the get the map a bit lower. It was going to be on top of the map and flying over it. But I liked it the way it was done and keep it on its own.”Johnson’s mum Alison is from Wales while his dad David, who played for Nottingham Forest and Ipswich, was born in Jamaica and attends his matches. And the bulk of Johnson’s tattoos are dedicated to his family.Johnson has some tattoo collection which has built up from his days playing at ex-club Nottingham Forest and a loan spell at Lincoln.’I STARTED SMALL’He said: “I grew up seeing my family and other people that I inspired to be like having tattoos and I looked at them as cool. I didn’t want to force it and get one that didn’t mean anything.”I started small. Over time not all of them have crazy meanings or are really personal to me.“I’ve got the number 23 because I was born on the 23rd of May. I really like the number. But some of them I just like and I’m comfortable with.“I’ve got Bart Simpson. I was a big Simpsons fan growing up. I have a Daft Punk helmet. I’m not like a super crazy fan but I thought the helmet was really cool. It has got a smiley face and thought it looked quite cool.”I’ve even got an alien. They are random things that I find cool. This left arm shows little things I like and I’m not too serious about myself. It’s a reminder to always try and be happy.“The first one weren’t actually too bad or painful. They were quite small and thin. I’ve got a palm tree with some sun which is on the back. I was lying with my arm out and it was killing because it was in an awkward place to do. That one was quite painful.”’I’M LOOKING FOR AN ARTIST IN LONDON’Johnson plans to add more tattoos in future. He told an episode of Cymru Ink: the stories behind the tattoos: “I don’t have an artist that I go to in London yet. I would have liked a few dates of when we got promoted with Forest or the day I signed for Spurs which I still have time to get. I’m looking for an artist in London.“I probably got most of them on my right arm in the space of six to eight months. You kind of fall out of it and then you get back into it.“I had a tattoo artist in Nottingham who was really flexible and would fit me in whenever. I didn’t really want to have to wait too long and think about it too much. They are pretty instinctive.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’d definitely say at times it was addictive. When I first started I got a lot then I chilled a bit. I’d definitely get some more. I’ve got the arms pretty much done. Maybe a few more on my right arm.“Now it’s just if something happens or I find a bit of inspiration or something that means a lot to me, I’d definitely get it tattooed on me.”Johnson will be looking to keep up his impressive streak this weekendCredit: Reuters More

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      Mikel Arteta opens door to managing England as Arsenal boss says ‘I feel respected, welcomed & inspired by this country’

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      MIKEL ARTETA has told England fans they should feel “proud” that Thomas Tuchel has taken on the Three Lions hot seat.The Arsenal boss says he can relate to German-born Tuchel for feeling an affiliation with England and living in the country – even if it may upset a few people.Mikel Arteta has backed Thomas Tuchel to be a success as England bossCredit: GettyThe German was appointed as Three Lions manager earlier this weekCredit: GettyOn his reaction to Tuchel’s appointment, Arteta said: “I understand the opinions and the feelings.”That’s the responsibility for the FA to say the first filter is only English managers or the filters are any manager from any country and we select the best for the moment that we’re in right now.”I understand that it can feel sad for some people not to have an English manager.”History tells you how important this could be as well. I think I would take a lot of pride as well in how many people would do anything to be the England manager.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”That’s related to how we’re treated in this country as foreigners, the passion, the respect, the history and the way that things are done in this country.”I can say personally that when you are not from here. I think there are very few countries that could say that.”Arteta also revealed that he was NOT one of the 10 candidates the FA spoke to about the job.Asked whether he would be open to managing England one day, he added: “At the moment I’m not thinking about it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I’ll tell you right now, the feeling I have being here for 22 years.”I have that feeling towards it because I always feel respected, welcomed and inspired by this country and the history of football and how you get treated daily. Watch Thomas Tuchel’s awkward reaction when asked why he chose England over Man Utd”I think that’s something you should be really proud of.”Gunners stars Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice will work under Tuchel, with Raheem Sterling and Ben White also in with a chance of winning back a place in the squad.Arteta added: “They’re gonna learn a lot. He’s one of the best coaches in the world in my opinion, the way his teams are set up. It’s very exciting times.”I spoke to a few of the players and they had a smile on their faces straight away. That’s a good sign.”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.The Spanish-born coach had the chance to play for England back in 2010 but was denied by Fifa due to representing the La Roja youth teams.Ex-England boss Fabio Capello spoke to then-Everton manager David Moyes about potentially converting Toffees midfielder Arteta into a Three Lions star ahead of the 2010 World Cup.Arteta explained: “I would have done it. I feel very proud about it. I was very realistic, looking at the players Spain had at the time, and how big a challenge I had.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You need to know your level, that is very important. Look in the mirror. At the end it didn’t happen. But it was good, at least to think about it.”It was OK. If you cannot do it, you cannot do it. I wasn’t prepared to fight against the world.” More

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      Man Utd linked with forgotten Premier League star to replace under-fire Ten Hag after missing out on Thomas Tuchel

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      A SHOCK name has reportedly been added to Manchester United’s managerial shortlist amid pressure mounting on Erik ten Hag.The current Old Trafford chief is clinging on to his job after a difficult start to the season. Erik ten Hag is fighting to keep hold of his job as Manchester United bossCredit: EPAThe Red Devils have racked up three defeats this term already, including two 3-0 at home to Liverpool and Tottenham.And they went into the October international break without a win in their last five matches in all competitions. That has led to rising speculation that the United hierarchy are preparing to make a change in the dugout if the slump continues.Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel were both high on the list of possible new managers.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut they are both now unavailable – Southgate ruled himself out and Tuchel took the England job. Now Turkish outlet Ajansspor claim a surprise candidate would be in the running to replace Ten Hag if he is relieved of his duties.They state Vincenzo Montella is in the frame thanks to the job he has done with Turkey.The former 20-cap Italian striker, 50, has been in charge of the Turkish national team since 2023 and guided them to the quarter-finals of this summer’s Euro 2024.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt is thought his 53 per cent win rate with Turkey has caught the attention of the United board.Montella’s impressive CV also includes stints in charge of Adana Demirspor, Fiorentina, Sevilla and AC Milan.Darren Bent claims Thomas Frank is ready to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man Utd He also led Roma’s Under-15s following his 2009 retirement before stepping up as interim head coach, replacing Claudio Ranieri. Montella spent the majority of his playing career in Italy, concluding with ten years at Roma which also included a short loan spell in the Premier League with Fulham in 2007, where he scored six goals in 15 games. Sir Jim Ratcliffe may be under further pressure to act should United not get back to winning ways against Brentford tomorrow. However, before the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa before the international break, Ratcliffe was quizzed on Ten Hag’s future but bizarrely claimed he does not call the shots at Old Trafford. He said: “I don’t want to answer that question…”I like Erik. I think he’s a very good coach but at the end of the day it’s not my call, it’s the management team that’s running Manchester United that have to decide how we best run the team in many different respects.”But that team that’s running Manchester United has only been together since June or July.”They weren’t there in January, February, March or April – [CEO] Omar [Berrada], [sporting director] Dan Ashworth – they only arrived in July.”They’ve only been there…you can count it in weeks almost – they’ve not been there a long time so they need to take stock and make some sensible decisions.”The United hierarchy held showdown talks in London last week but have stuck with Ten Hag for now. While Southgate and Tuchel are out of the running, data analysts believe Ruben Amorin would be the best fit – followed by Zinedine Zidane and Simone Inzaghi.Kieran McKenna and current No2 Ruud van Nistelrooy were both deemed to be better options than Ten Hag – but they warned Graham Potter, Michael Carrick, Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Frank would struggle. Ten Hag, though, reckons talk of his imminent sacking is “fairytales”. Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages.The Dutchman said: “The only noise is only coming from the media. Bringing up stories, creating stories, making fairytales. We are all on one page this club.“I said that before the break, and several journalists they didn’t believe me, I see the reports but internal in the club it’s quiet.”But he added: “Of course, we are unhappy in the position where we are and we have to turn the corner with a strategy to turn this corner but ultimately we are quiet, we are composed, we stay where we are, we stick to the plan and we are convinced we will make it a success.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Also we have to climb a mountain, that’s top football and sometimes you have to face challenges, sometimes it goes up, sometimes it goes down I am sure we will make it a success like we did the last two seasons.“We are in a direction, underneath I see good patterns, good steps that confirm we are in a direction but the ranking is not lying, it is not good enough.”Vincenzo Montella has impressed as Turkey’s head coachCredit: ReutersMontella finished his career with ten years at Roma and a brief loan stint at FulhamCredit: AP:Associated Press More

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      Germany star who was axed from World Cup after being caught with a sex worker reveals he’s had PILES for 10 years

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      MAX KRUSE has revealed the torment of his ten-year battle with HAEMORRHOIDS.The striker won 14 caps for Germany and played for Bundesliga clubs Borussia Monchengladbach, Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg.Max Kruse played for ten years with haemorrhoidsCredit: GettyIt is currently on Big Brother in GermanyCredit: JoynNewly-retired Kruse said earlier this week that he was axed from Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad after being caught with a sex worker in London.And the 36-year-old has now confessed to suffering further pain after living with piles for a decade.Kruse is currently taking part in German TV’s version of Big Brother.He told housemates: “I have haemorrhoids. I have never been to the doctors about them.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I have been fighting a running battle with them for ten years.”I am no fan of the idea of using the sort of chair a woman sits on at the gynaecologist’s surgery to have my backside looked at.”Then someone will fumble around in my rear end.  I still struggle to cope with the idea.”Kruse’s housemates Leyla Lahouar and Mike Heiter voiced their dismay at having to use the same toilet and swimming pool as him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey also urged the former German international to see a doctor once he leaves the Big Brother house.Kruse has made as many headlines off the field as on it during his controversial career.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeHe has enjoyed a lucrative side hustle playing poker, regularly competing at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.But he was disciplined by Wolfsburg in 2016 after losing 75,000 euros in cash, which he left in the back of a taxi.His other clubs include St Pauli, Freiburg, Union Berlin, SC Paderborn and Turkish side Fenerbahce.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Alan Shearer predicts Premier League results with more misery for Man Utd and verdict on huge Liverpool vs Chelsea clash

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      PREM legend Alan Shearer is expecting another miserable weekend for Manchester United fans.The Match of the Day pundit has revealed his predictions ahead of the Premier League’s big return on Saturday. Alan Shearer is predicting a tough weekend ahead for Man UtdCredit: GettyThe former Prem ace has given his thoughts on all 10 games this weekendCredit: GettyIt’s set to be a bumper weekend of action in the top flight as the players get back to business following the international break. Speaking to Betfair, Shearer has selected his winners and losers across a three-day feast of football. Tottenham vs West Ham – Saturday 12.30pm”This is a big game for Ange Postecoglou and a huge game for Spurs after what happened to them last time at Brighton. “He has said himself that the biggest disappointment of his Spurs reign so far was the way they crumbled when winning 2-0 last time out.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”West Ham will take some encouragement from that performance – they can be brave, and they might believe they can get something out of the game.”Ange will be looking and demanding a real performance after what happened in the last game, and because of that, I’ll go for Tottenham to edge it, just.”PREDICTION: Tottenham WINFulham vs Aston Villa – Saturday, 3pmUnai Emery’s Villa are unbeaten in 8 games ahead of a visit to Craven CottageCredit: Getty”I’ve been impressed with Fulham’s start to the season, they pushed Man City all the way last time out with all the chances they created.Most read in Football”Adama Traore is a nightmare for defenders in terms of his strength and pace, but the one thing that lets him down is his ability in front of goal. He should score a lot more than he does.”I think this will be a great game and there will be goals, and I’m going to go for a score draw in this one.”PREDICTION: DrawIpswich vs Everton – Saturday, 3pmIpswich are still searching for their first Premier League win of the seasonCredit: Getty”This is already a huge game for both clubs in terms of where they will want to be at the end of the season. “Both managers will be thinking this is a real opportunity to get some points on the board.I’m not sure if we’ll see a load of goals in this one, so I’m going to go for an away win for Everton, because I think they’ll be dangerous from set pieces, which could be the difference on the day.PREDICTION: Everton WINMan Utd vs Brentford – Saturday, 3pmErik Ten Hag continues to fight for his job as United welcome the BeesCredit: Alamy”This is such a dangerous game for Man Utd because of the way we’ve seen Brentford start games so fast this season. “They caused Man City problems too in the number of players they allowed to join the attacks on the counter.”It’s a difficult game this one, and I think if Brentford go there, be brave and play their normal game, they can get something.”If they can get a good start, then you can imagine the pressure that puts on Erik ten Hag and his team at Old Trafford. I will go for a draw.”PREDICTION: DrawNewcastle United v Brighton – Saturday, 3pm”Brighton always represents a tough game for Newcastle, and this is another difficult one to call.If reports are to be true, Newcastle have at least one of Callum Wilson or Aleksandar Isak back.”The chances that pair create combined with the way Brighton play with a high-line, means I will predict a home win at St James’ Park.”PREDICTION: Newcastle WINSouthampton v Leicester – Saturday, 3pmLeicester are targeting back-to-back wins after seeing off EvertonCredit: Getty”This is a very similar game to Ipswich vs Everton, where you’re already thinking that it would be a huge bonus for one of these two teams to take all three points here.”Both teams were promoted last season and Southampton are still without a win, with Leicester already five points ahead of them. “Again, both managers will be looking at this one thinking ‘this is our chance’.PREDICTION: DrawBournemouth v Arsenal – Saturday, 5.30pmShearer is backing the Gunners to get three points on the South CoastCredit: Getty”I’d be really surprised if Bournemouth were to cause an upset here. “This is a game where you’d like to see what state the players come back in from international duty, whether Bukayo Saka is going to be fit or not for example for Arsenal. We will have to wait and see.”Arsenal have had a couple of scares lately, but they’ve managed to get results even though they’ve left it late, so I expect them to go there and get the three points once again.”PREDICTION: Arsenal WINDream team Transfer Suggestions for Game Week 7 Wolves v Man City – Sunday, 2pmGary O’Neil’s Wolves have endured a torrid start to the campaignCredit: Getty”Wolves are under huge pressure after a poor start to the season. This is not the fixture you want to see when you are desperate for your first win of the season.”I can’t see them taking anything from the game – City will get the three points.”You have to look at the bigger picture for Gary O’Neil. If teams are showing promise and being unlucky, then that’s one thing, but if you look at a team and they’ve got no pattern, no understanding or confidence, then you must judge that.”However, with what he did at Wolves last season, I hope he has got a little bit of time on his side and gets the chance to pull them out of trouble.”PREDICTION: Man City WINLiverpool v Chelsea – Sunday, 4.30pmShearer has a bold prediction as Liverpool welcome in-form Chelsea to AnfieldCredit: Rex”Chelsea will be happy to walk away from Anfield with a point, despite the injury to Alisson. “I know they dropped points in their last home game vs Forest, but I would imagine Enzo Maresca would snap your hands off for a point here.”The key battle will be in midfield, where I think Liverpool have been strong. “Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis MacAllister have been superb, alongside Dominik Szoboszlai.”The international break always makes it a little bit tougher to call, as you wait to see how players are when the return to their clubs, whether they’re ready or not to start the game. “If everyone is fit and everyone plays, that midfield battle will be key, and I think Liverpool will come out on top.”PREDICTION: Liverpool WINHow Chelsea can shock Liverpool in ultimate ‘game of chicken’ with high-risk ‘tension-ball’ tacticNottingham Forest v Palace – Monday, 8pm”Crystal Palace have been a little bit disappointing in terms of their results and haven’t looked great in defensive situations. “Losing Joachim Andersen and the noise around Marc Guehi and Newcastle can’t have helped.”I fancy Nottingham Forest to win this game with the form they’re in. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Chris Wood is scoring goals again and with home advantage here, they might have too much for Palace at this moment in time.”PREDICTION: Nottingham Forest WIN More

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      Wayne Rooney slapped with touchline ban and fine after misconduct charge for losing his head in heated EFL clash

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      WAYNE ROONEY has been hit with a one-match touchline ban and a £5,500 fine after receiving a red card.The Plymouth Argyle boss lost his head during their 2-1 win over Blackburn last time out.Wayne Rooney was sent off after Blackburn scored against his sideCredit: RexHe will now serve a one-match ban and have to pay a fineCredit: GettyRooney was left fuming after Rovers star Joe Rankin-Costello headed home an 86th minute equaliser, claiming their was a foul in the build-up.The England and Manchester United legend lost his temper and was seen having a heated conversation with fourth official Jacob Miles.He then called across referee James Linington, who sent Rooney to the stands.But the side from Devon had the last laugh as Morgan Whittaker popped up with a 97th minute winner that saw them climb up to 14th in the Championship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRooney then returned to the pitch after the game to celebrate with his players and fans.The FA revealed his punishment in a statement that read: “It was alleged that the manager’s conduct around the 87th minute was improper and/or he used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official, which led to his dismissal. “It was further alleged that following his dismissal his conduct was improper and/or violent. “It was also alleged that by returning to the field of play after being dismissed his behaviour was improper.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Rooney admitted to this charge and an independent Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions following a hearing.”He will now not been in the dugout tomorrow against Cardiff.’Absolutely love this!’ – Watch Wayne Rooney go wild as his Plymouth side win first league game with 93rd minute strikeOpening up on the win over Blackburn and the sending off, Rooney told talkSPORT: “Me and the club secretary in the tunnel were celebrating, I broke his glasses celebrating.”So the win was a deserved win – but sometimes it boils over a little bit and that’s the nature of football.”It was my first time as a manager [getting sent off].”I think as a manager or a head coach, decisions happen on the pitch and looking back, it’s a free-kick, so the goal shouldn’t have stood.”In the Championship you don’t have VAR so the officials missed it and your emotions kick in and you know, I’m a passionate person, we want to win.”We worked extremely hard to win the game and to have that taken away by what I feel was a mistake by the officials, I felt was really harsh.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I reacted in a manner in which I shouldn’t have and the red card was deserved.”From my point of view the fans were fantastic, it almost galvanised the players and the stadium and we kept pushing to get the winning goal.” More