Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      David Beckham reveals how Sir Alex Ferguson helped bring Lionel Messi to Inter Miami

      by

      DAVID BECKHAM has revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson helped bring Lionel Messi to Inter Miami.The England and Manchester United icon is still a major figure in football, 11 years after hanging up his boots.David Beckham has lifted the lid on Lionel Messi’s move to Inter MiamiCredit: instagramBecks revealed Sir Alex Ferguson played a part in the Argentine’s MLS moveCredit: ReutersBeckham co-founded Inter Miami in 2018 with American billionaire businessman Jorge Mas.Now president, he has helped the Florida-based side top the Eastern Conference standings.And they now face an MLS Cup final against either LA Galaxy or LAFC next month.Miami’s success on the pitch has been down to Beckham’s savvy signings of ex-Barcelona stars Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and World Cup winner Messi.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe latter is still in fine form at the age of 37, with 19 goals in 21 games this year.And Becks has now lifted the lid on his plan to bring Messi to America.The ace looked set to re-join Barcelona when he quit Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023.But Beckham has revealed that some key advice from old boss Sir Alex played a crucial part in winning the race for Messi’s signature.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe told the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast: “A lot has changed over the years [with the MLS] and I feel very proud that I’ve been part of that change, but I know that there’s still a lot of work to do, but I think what we’ve done in Miami, when you bring someone like Leo to America, I always said that it was our gift.”As an ownership group and as a person that owns the club, I wanted to do something for the game, but I also wanted to do something for America because they’ve given me so much over the years and they’ve given me so much love that to bring Leo to inspire the next generation of players in America, that’s what we wanted to do.David Beckham is BOOED by 40,000 angry fans who demand refund after Lionel Messi no-show Beckham spilled the beans on Rio Ferdinand’s podcastCredit: X @rioferdy5Golden Balls also gave his backing to Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PABecks also took time to hail free-kick expert Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: Getty”I think that one of the things that I learned from the boss over the years, and it wasn’t something that he specifically told me, one of the things that I learned from the boss was it’s not about bringing the biggest and best players, it’s about bringing the right players.”If you can bring the biggest and best players that is the right player, then there’s not many of them around, but with Leo, what we knew that we were bringing and I knew that yes he was going to be successful on the field but I also knew that he was going to help our club off the field.”Meanwhile, Becks has given his backing to Sir Jim Ratcliffe to turn old club United into a lean and mean machine.He continued: “I think that it definitely needed change. Speaking as a United fan, I think that many people had said that the club needed change and it needed a fresh perspective in how this club needs to be run and the decisions that are made.”I really like Jim. I’ve met him a few times over the years with a few mutual friends and I think that he’s a fan and obviously he’s a great businessman as well, one of the best and one of the biggest. But I think more importantly the fans see that he cares, and I think that that’s a big part of it.”I think obviously the fans had lost faith with the leadership over the years and obviously he really cares about what he wants to do and what he wants to create. So, hopefully, things will change but these things take time. These things take time.”I think we have been quite patient as United fans over the years, but we want those good old days back. We want those days back, and the sooner the better.”Finally, Becks also sang the praises of England free-kick hero Trent Alexander-Arnold – even admitting the defender’s right foot is almost as good as his!Beckham added: “I suppose if there was one player where I look at and I think, ‘he’s very similar in the way he delivers the ball, he’s very similar in the way he crosses the ball or passes’, it has to be Trent.READ MORE SUN STORIES”In all honesty, I think he’s an unbelievable [player] – his vision, he’s unbelievable. And he’s an exceptional player.“But when I look at a player and I think I see myself in the way he puts the ball in, what he sees in the long balls that he plays, you know he plays balls that some players don’t even think about and that’s what I love about him as a player.” More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Harvey Higgins, 15, is Blackburn wonderkid compared to Jamie Vardy who has an astonishing 100m record

      by

      BLACKBURN fans are wondering whether Harvey Higgins is the latest in a line of academy products to make it all the way to the Premier League.There are hopes the 15-year-old will follow in the footsteps of Adam Wharton and David Raya in starting their journeys to stardom at Ewood Park.Harvey Higgins has been tipped to be a future starCredit: Instagram @ harvey_higgins7The Blackburn star has signed a deal with sportswear giant PumaHe has been compared to Jamie VardyCredit: GettyPLAYING STYLESpeak to people connected to the kid and there are early comparisons in the style of play to Jamie Vardy, Leicester’s irrepressible centre forward who is still going strong at 37.Higgins loves to chase a ball from over his shoulder and run on before unleashing his strength and finishing ability.He has scored 12 goals in his last six games for Championship Rovers’ Under-16s. They include two against Manchester United, hat-tricks against Derby and Wolves and one in a game against Liverpool.He has already trained with the Under-21s yet is still in his GCSE year at school.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBeing powerfully built and 6ft 2in he does not share Vardy’s more waspish physique but instead resembles more a young Erling Haaland.But even those close to this hot prospect say there is much work to be done before genuine comparisons can be made.Nonetheless, he is making his presence felt at Ewood Park, and elsewhere. Higgins already has a commercial contract with sportswear giants Puma and is attracting interest from the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea.Most read in FootballRISE TO THE TOPHarvey comes from a grounded family. He played for his school, district, and county team but that is being reduced now as his hopes of a professional career blossom.Being so strongly built, he looks a lot older than his years. He previously trialled at Manchester United, Liverpool and Man City at Under-7s but is now a young jewel in Blackburn’s crown.Is Man Utd star Harry Amass the next Luke Shaw?WHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING?There are some at Rovers who prefer to keep quiet about Higgins because he is still so young and very much a work in progress.However, it is hard to keep stats like his goals under wraps and the fact that he has previously been clocked running the 100m in 11.01 seconds. Lightning for a young footballer.NEXT 12 MONTHSHe is too young to loan so steady and accelerated progress through the youth ranks if all goes well and Higgins continues to meet the challenges being set for him at Rovers. There is even hope that by the end of this season he may even be granted a first-team debut, even if just for a few minutes, to raise his head above the parapet and be seen by football at large. More

    • 275 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Paul Pogba – the famous guy – is no more’ – Ex-Man Utd star reveals how friends stopped ringing after doping ban

      by

      PAUL POGBA has revealed his friends stopped ringing him after his doping ban and admitted “the famous guy” was “no more”.The Juventus and France midfielder, 31, was initially handed a four-year ban from football for a doping offence, before the suspension was reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.Paul Pogba can return to playing for Juventus from March next yearCredit: ReutersHe has opened up about the change in his personal life following the banCredit: Sky SportsIt means he is able to return to training with Juventus from January – and can play as soon as March.In an interview with Sky Sports News, Pogba accepted responsibility for taking the banned supplement – DHEA – but was also adamant he is “not a cheater”.He also opened up about the impact it had on his personal relationships following the original four-year ban.And the World Cup winner, who had two stints at Manchester United, has claimed his friends stopped calling him following the suspension.READ MORE ON PAUL POGBASpeaking to The Mail, he said: “We are all human, we all have feelings. When that [ban] happened, I realised what life is.”Paul Pogba – the famous guy – is no more. People were avoiding me.”I used to get invited to fashion weeks and events like that. Now they were like, ‘We can’t use Pogba’. My friends weren’t ringing like the way they were ringing before.”When people hear doping it’s like they think you want to become the Incredible Hulk.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”That’s how people used to see me. And public opinion means they can say what they want.”Pogba spoke on his plans for when he returns to football, stating his main goal is to get back on the pitch – wherever that may be.Paul Pogba ban reducedHe said: “I would just love to be [back] on the pitch, on any pitch.”First it’s for sure Juventus and I want to start training with my teammates.”It’s tough to be alone doing passes for yourself on the wall. My main focus right now is to get back training, get fit, be on the pitch and be doing what I love.”He is convinced that he can still play at the highest level when he makes his return, with hopes of a France call-up.He added: “That’s what I hope [to play for France]. It’s in my mind for sure but I have to be ready for that.”There’s players there that deserve to be playing and deserve to be in the national team.”I have to win my place back in the team again.”Pogba won four Serie A titles and two Coppa Italias during his first spell at Juventus – while he also reached the Champions League final.He left to go back to Man Utd in 2016 and played more than 200 games for the club, picking up the Europa League and League Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESDuring his time as a Red Devils player, he also won the World Cup with France and has been capped 91 times by his country, scoring 11 goals.He returned to Juventus in 2022 but has made just 12 appearances in two years.What is DHEA?PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Jurgen Klopp ‘set to raid Barcelona as ex-Liverpool boss plots first two transfer deals for Red Bull’

      by

      JURGEN KLOPP is reportedly plotting to kick-start his Red Bull reign with a double swoop on Barcelona’s famed academy.The former Liverpool manager, 57, said he was taking a year out of football after leaving Anfield in May.Red Bull chief Jurgen Klopp is set to pounce for two Barcelona youngstersCredit: PABut Klopp stunned supporters when earlier this month he announced he was becoming Red Bull’s new Head of Global Football.The Premier League and Champions League winner is now in charge of business dealings for clubs including RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg.And he will pocket up to £10million each year in his new role.Red Bull have already been making moves under the German after investing in French side Paris FC.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd reports in Spain claim Klopp now wants to boost Red Bull’s incredible stable of young talents by poaching two of the best from Barcelona.According to Sport, Klopp would first like to sign Spain U19 midfielder Aleix Garrido.The talented playmaker, who turns 21 in February, has just one senior appearance for Barca and is out of contract next summer.He is ready for a change of scenery and would be tempted by a move to Red Bull, with Austrian giants Salzburg the most likely destination.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKlopp also hopes to pull off a deal for Germany U19 winger Noah Darvich.The 18-year-old is highly regarded at Barcelona following a £4million move from Freiburg’s academy last year.Ex-Liverpool boss and heavy metal fan Jurgen Klopp soundproofs £6m mansion in Germany’s ‘Beverly Hills’Midfielder Aleix Garrido could be on his way to RB SalzburgCredit: GettyWinger Noah Darvich could return to Germany with RB LeipzigCredit: GettyHe too is yet to make a senior appearance but has been tipped as a future first-team star.And due to Darvich’s German roots, he would likely end up at Leipzig.However, the ace is tied down to Barcelona until 2026.He is also said to have a mind-blowing £1BILLION release clause.But with Barca’s financial troubles well-documented, a fair bid from Red Bull and Klopp could be enough to twist their arm.Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave KiddNOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.Klopp got it wrong.Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I didn’t see the club going upwards’ – Paul Pogba reveals he predicted Man Utd woes five years ago

      by

      PAUL POGBA revealed he predicted Manchester United’s woes five years ago – after demanding to leave the club. Pogba found himself at civil war with then-United manager Jose Mourinho until Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over in December 2018. Paul Pogba wanted to leave Manchester United in 2019Credit: GettyThe Frenchman went onto finish the season as the club’s top goalscorer and things appeared to be on the up under Solskjaer. But Pogba has revealed he actually asked former United chief Ed Woodward to LEAVE in 2019 – before being denied. He told the Daily Mail: “I will tell you something I’ve never told anyone. “The year Jose went and Ole came, it was my best season at United but after the last game I told Ole and Ed Woodward that I thought it was my last year and that I wanted to leave.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I was 27 back then, it didn’t work out the way I wanted. I gave my best but I didn’t see the club going upwards.”Manchester City and Liverpool were better than us and they were improving. Ole said yes (to me leaving) and that he would talk to Ed.”My head was already that I wanted to go but I came back for pre-season because I wanted to be professional.”I spoke to Ed to try to make a move but he blocked it. I didn’t want to play for United anymore but I had to be professional.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Mentally I wasn’t there and then I got the injuries.” Pogba initially left United in 2012 for Juventus, but after four years in Italy he returned to Manchester in an £89m deal. Paul Pogba ban reducedBack in England he won the Europa League and League Cup but did finally get his move back to Juventus in 2022. His career hit a crisis in February when he was hit with a FOUR-YEAR football ban for failing a drug test for a banned substance. But the 2018 World Cup winner protested his innocence with the suspension slashed to just 18 months. It paves the way for Pogba to continue his career in January with his contract at Juve set to be terminated. He said: “I have goals and dreams — my dream was always to play for the national team and it is still in my head. “But today the future of Paul is to get back on the pitch and show I still have the level.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Football hasn’t stopped because I can’t play; players are playing, that’s life — that’s the circle. “All the players will say, ‘Pogba is back, I don’t want him to take my position’. That’s normal. But I have to be ready.”Pogba is set to resume his career in JanuaryCredit: Sky Sports News More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Thomas Tuchel signals major shift from Southgate era as new England manager promises ‘physical and attacking’ football

      by

      THOMAS TUCHEL vowed he will toughen up England to win the World Cup.The nation’s first German coach swept into Wembley yesterday claiming English physicality is crucial to ending the painful 60-year wait to be world champions again.Thomas Tuchel believes he can lead England to World Cup gloryCredit: GettyGareth Southgate was a nearly-ran in his eight years in charge of the Three LionsCredit: EPAFormer Chelsea boss Tuchel made his Blues side horrible to play against as they won the Champions League, Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup within 18 months.Tuchel, 51, said: “We should play an attacking style of football and try to emphasise a physical side of the game — because this is what English football is all about.“This is what excites our supporters and what suits the players, who are from the best league in the world.“We have a group of young, hungry players and are desperate to win a title, so we have all the ingredients.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We should try to implement this into our style of play.“It’s important to have clear messages and not overcomplicate. And to find a clear structure where we can demand certain things from the players and where we can also show their full potential.“This is then my job to find this structure and then demand it from the players.”Tuchel, out of work since leaving Bayern Munich in the summer, has signed a £7.5million, 18-month contract.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSouthgate 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, 2024And the FA hope the German, who does not start work until January 1, can lead the Three Lions to 2026 World Cup glory in the USA.Tuchel, for his part, is ready to stake his reputation on ending 60 years of hurt.Thomas Tuchel England Press ConferenceInside 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.He said: “We can spell it out very clearly why we are here and what we want to achieve. We are not shy of it.“It’s not a gamble so let’s judge it when we have done it. If we decide it was a failure, we will not continue.“If we decide it was not a failure then we will continue. Let’s see.“I am already excited. It suits my passion to push this group of players and to be part of this federation, which has such a strong record in recent tournaments and to push it over the line and put a second star on the shirt.”Tuchel’s energetic style took Chelsea to the summit of club football, with players like defensive hardman Antonio Rudiger at the heart of his team.He now wants to embrace the physicality of the Premier League and turn it on our rivals.ANDY 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 jobUnder Gareth Southgate, England reached the semi-finals at least in three of the last four major tournaments but are still waiting to add to the 1966 World Cup triumph.And Tuchel, going into his first job as an international coach, added: “We cannot only focus on the results, we cannot hide behind a certain style of play which does not give us results. It has to go hand in hand.“They have to be balanced and our style of play has to bring results.”Tuchel spent last season at Bayern Munich alongside Harry Kane.The pair enjoy a close relationship. But Tuchel did not talk to England’s 68-goal record scorer before taking the plunge with the Three Lions.He said: “I did not speak to Harry. I didn’t speak to Gareth.“Normally, I never do this. I get my own feeling, I get my own point of view and let it sink in and reflect on it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You know how highly I think of Harry and how much I fought to bring him to Bayern Munich.“He is already on his way to being a legend in English football.” More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish’s girlfriend shares new snap of their daughter Mila with striking similarity to Man City ace

      by

      JACK Grealish’s baby daughter has a fine head of hair — just like her football star father.Little Mila was seen with a full dark mop despite being less than a month old — albeit with no sign of her dad’s trademark Alice band.England football star Jack Grealish announced the birth of his daughter this monthCredit: GettyBaby Mila has a good head of hair, just like her dadProud mum Sasha Attwood, 28, posted a snap showing the back of her daughter’s head.She and her Manchester City star boyfriend, 29, welcomed their first child last month.In the image, baby Mila is wearing a pink baby grow with angel wings attached to the back.Sasha embellished the post with heart and angel emojis. READ MORE ON JACK GREALISHGrealish has described the birth of his daughter as the “best moment of my life”.He has been recalled to the England squad after being dropped for the Euros and scored in the 3-1 win over Finland.The couple announced they were expecting in July with Sasha showing off her big baby bump.Sasha spent a lot of her pregnancy testing out different clothing and offering tips and advice for other mums-to-be.Most read in FootballShe signed a lucrative deal with PrettyLittleThing in the summer and began plugging the brand’s maternity wear to her thousands of social media followers.Sasha has been with the midfielder throughout his professional football career – supporting him at Villa before the star’s £100million move from their hometown of Birmingham to Manchester in 2021.’Are you seriously talking about that?’ – Jack Grealish told off by England interviewer after being asked about KaneShe celebrated with the winger on the pitch as he won his second Premier League title with City earlier this year.Sasha, 28, has helped Grealish ditch his party boy persona and they now have a family, welcoming their child into their £5.6million Cheshire mansion with their beloved apricot cockapoo Skye.Jack posted this pic of his newborn to InstagramCredit: Instagram @jackgrealishSasha and Jack have been dating since they were teenagersCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebeccaSasha Attwood and Jack Grealish have become parents for the first time, but their relationship started well over a decade ago…The pair met as teens in Solihull, West Midlands at secondary school, with Sasha previously saying they have been together since she was 15.Jack was already on his way to becoming a professional footballer when he met Sasha.Despite the long-term nature of their relationship, she remained on the sidelines when his career took off.However, intense interest in Jack’s private life came to a head in 2021 when England reached the final of Euro 2020, delayed a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.Because of their romance, Sasha was cruelly targeted by trolls on TikTok and Instagram, receiving 200 death threats a day from “young girls”.The pair were spotted on holiday together following the tournament and slowly began showing more of their relationship on social media when the vile trolling died down.In 2022, they celebrated their 10-year anniversary and purchased a seven-bed mansion set in 24 acres worth £5.6 million.They moved in to the home in late 2023, but Sasha and members of Jack’s family were subject to a terrifying robbery while cheering on the Manchester City star during a televised match just after Christmas.Their latest milestone is Sasha’s pregnancy, which they announced on social media on July 7, and the birth of daughter Mila Rose on September 27. More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Thomas Tuchel to SURPASS Southgate at first attempt as supercomputer predicts how England will do at World Cup 2026

      by

      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted how England will get on at the 2026 World Cup under the management of new boss Thomas Tuchel.Tuchel has penned an 18-month contract with the Three Lions that will see him take charge of the nation for the 2026 tournament.Thomas Tuchel has been unveiled as the new England managerCredit: GettyA supercomputer has tipped Tuchel to surpass Gareth Southgate on his first attempt at a World CupCredit: GettyThe former Chelsea and Bayern Munich gaffer will have the hopes of the nation on his back as he looks to go one better than Gareth Southgate’s efforts at the Euros last summer.And he seems pretty calm about that pressure, insisting he “doesn’t feel” the weight of expectation – even in the hot-seat for the England national team.That may be because he’s confident that he will be able to build upon the foundations laid by Southgate over the past eight years.And a World Cup simulation on a supercomputer has the exact same idea, predicting that Tuchel will surpass Southgate’s best ever World Cup effort on his first attempt.READ MORE ON ENGLANDThe whizzes behind SimWorldCup have suggested that England will manage a THIRD PLACE finish at the 2026 World Cup in North America.Their simulation sees Tuchel’s men breezing through the group stages and pushing all the way to the semi-final before suffering heartbreak to a familiar foe – Spain.A 1-0 defeat to the Spaniards in the semi-final would set up a third-place play-off against Uruguay – a match which England are predicted to win 1-0 themselves.That would be one step better than Southgate managed during his first tournament in the 2018 World Cup.Most read in FootballGareth Southgate led England to a fourth-placed finish at the 2018 World CupCredit: ReutersThe Three Lions bravely bowed out to Croatia in the semi-finalCredit: AFP or licensorsANDY 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 jobFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSouthgate’s brave lions managed to reach the semi-finals in Russia, where they were knocked out by Croatia in extra-time.But the former England manager didn’t manage to get the better of Belgium in the third place play-off, ultimately taking fourth in his debut tournament.England interviewed ten candidates before appointing Thomas Tuchel, admits FA chief in German’s first press conferenceOf course, Southgate went on to reach two European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024 as well.Tuchel appears to have been brought in by the FA with the goal of securing World Cup glory in 2026 and a third place finish may not be enough to get him an extension on his 18-month deal.However, the supercomputer’s prediction did see the German pulling off some impressive victories throughout the tournament.The Three Lions topped their group with three wins from three over South Korea, Paraguay and South Africa.While their knockout efforts included wins over Panama, host nation the USA and Belgium.And Tuchel’s men are in line for some attractive football if the simulation is to be correct, as England netted 17 times and conceded just three across the supercomputer’s predictions. READ MORE SUN STORIESIn the remainder of the tournament the supercomputer predicted that Argentina would win their second World Cup on the bounce – defeating Spain 1-0 in the final.While home nations Wales and Scotland both made it out of their groups before being knocked out in the last-32 to Belgium and France respectively. Here’s how the tournament knockouts were predicted by the supercomputerEngland World Cup 2026 supercomputer predictionsHere’s a look at how every England game was predicted by the supercomputer…Group stageEngland 3 Paraguay 0England 2 South Korea 0South Africa 0 England 4Round of 32England 2 Panama 1Last 16USA 0 England 3Quarter-finalBelgium 1 England 2Semi-finalSpain 1 England 0Third place play-offUruguay 0 England 1 More