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      Man Utd divide fans with new ‘school playground’ free-kick routine days after Ruben Amorim announcement

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      MANCHESTER UNITED infuriated supporters with a brand-new “school playground” free-kick routine.Ruben Amorim arrived at Old Trafford to take over from Erik ten Hag as the men’s team boss last Monday.Manchester United’s women caused controversy in the WSLCredit: X @StringerSportTwo players used a naughty tactic to try and disrupt the Leicester goalkeeperCredit: X @StringerSportHowever, with the Red Devils on international duty and the Premier League on pause, it was United’s women’s team who took centre stage on Sunday.And they did so with an outrageous tactic during their Women’s Super League clash away at Leicester.United had an attacking free-kick just outside the penalty area.And while the taker prepared to try and find the top net to break the deadlock, the Leicester goalkeeper Janina Leitzig attempted to set up her wall.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHowever, her plans were thwarted by a novel approach to gamesmanship. That is because two Manchester United players – Millie Turner and Elisabeth Terland – walked right up to the goal.They deliberately and obnoxiously blocked Leitzig’s view, even putting their arms up to cause further disruption and annoyance.Once it was spotted, the referee went over to urge the pair away – likely citing unsportsmanlike conduct as the explanation for forcing them to move.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey protested, probably claiming they were not touching the goalkeeper.But they did head back, sprinting back into an onside position before the free-kick was taken, suggesting the move was purely to cause chaos for the goalkeeper setting up the wall. Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsJournalist Ian Stringer posted a video of the incident from the King Power Stadium and asked: “What do we think to this? I haven’t seen it in football before. Fair? Unsporting?”And it prompted a wave of responses piling in on the underhand, cheeky tactics – with most slamming the United players’ “terrible” and “dreadful” behaviour.One fan fumed: “Embarrassing really, no respecting coach would allow this at a professional level surely? School playground tactics.”Another replied: “Embarrassing, unprofessional and unsporting.”A third said: “If it had been my team doing it I think I’d have cringed quite a lot.”A fourth wrote: “What kind of shamelessness is that.”A fifth added: “Nice idea but mmmmm.”Man Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want?A sixth cheekily quipped: “Manchester United have been poor recently so resorting to these sorts of tactics against a mid-table rival is hilarious! It would be worth it if they hit the target with a free-kick…”And a final user tweeted: “Unsporting. Ref should’ve told them to pack it in the first time they did it,” implying this was a repeated antic in the WSL clash. United, in the end, did not need to resort to the questionable and controversial moves as they ran out 2-0 winners.Terland cleverly headed in the opener just before half-time, redirecting the ball back across goal expertly.Then Celin Bizet wrapped up the points nine minutes from time when she capitalised on an underhit backpass. And that ensured the Red Devils inflicted more misery on Leicester as they made it three wins over the Foxes inside three weeks. READ MORE SUN STORIESRuud van Nistelrooy led the men to two wins over Steve Cooper’s side in his brief interim spell in charge, starting with the 5-2 Carabao Cup victory and then bowing out with a 3-0 scoreline last Sunday. But it seems very unlikely new boss Amorim will adopt the women’s naughty free-kick tactics any time soon. Millie Turner and Elisabeth Terland deliberately blocked the view of Janina LeitzigCredit: GettyThe pair’s antics was described as ‘school playground’ behaviourCredit: Rex More

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      England 5 Ireland 0: Three Lions run riot in perfect Lee Carsley send-off as FOUR stars bag first international goal

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      AT half-time, debate was raging over the future of England captain Harry Kane.Within six minutes of the restart, Kane had effectively won this match – and this Nations League group – with one masterful pass and a penalty kick.Anthony Gordon scored his first England goalCredit: PAHarry Kane put the Three Lions ahead from the penalty spotCredit: ReutersConor Gallagher tapped in at close range for his first England goalCredit: PAJarrod Bowen broke his England drought with a smart finish from a free-kickCredit: GettyDebutant Taylor Harwood-Bellis even got in on the actionCredit: ReutersAt 31 and with plenty of miles on the clock, Kane isn’t as mobile as he used to be – and during a frustrating opening 45 minutes, he had struggled for a touch of the ball and been driven to distraction.Yet class is permanent and Kane proved as much with one gorgeous pass which teed up Jude Bellingham to win a penalty, reduced Ireland to ten men and handed the England skipper his 69th international goal.Five minutes later, England were 3-0 up and cruising after Anthony Gordon and Conor Gallagher both netted their first goals for the Three Lions with Ireland’s attempt at parking the bus met with Eval Knievel treatment from Lee Carsley’s men.Jarrod Bowen also broke his international duck and Taylor Harwood-Bellis nodded in soon after arriving for his debut as a sub.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCarsley’s six-match stint as interim boss must now be considered an overall success as England achieved promotion to the top tier of the Nations League with five wins out of six – and two comprehensive victories this week.The idea that incoming England boss Thomas Tuchel might not want Kane as his first-choice starting centre-forward always felt far-fetched.Last year, the German made it his personal mission to sign Kane for Bayern Munich, for whom he has now scored 61 goals in as many appearances.In Athens on Thursday, Kane was dropped for a meaningful match for the first time in living memory as Carsley handed a start to Ollie Watkins, who netted the opener as England scored an impressive 3-0 win.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat was a decent glimpse of a useful Plan B for Tuchel – the pace of Watkins an entirely different proposition to Kane’s many attributes.But for now, Kane as the No9 is still the obvious Plan A. England need his experience, his nous and his sheer weight of goals.Lee Carsley proud of England’s control in crucial Nations League win over Greece Jude Bellingham was instrumental and produced two brilliant assistsCredit: GettyAs well as a recall for Kane, there was a debut here for Newcastle’s Tino Livramento at right-back but Carsley stayed largely loyal to the side who won so convincingly in Athens on Thursday.There was mutual booing of the national anthems and the usual mass deployment of British soldiers on the Wembley pitch, which must have thrilled the away supporters.At least they wouldn’t have to endure former Ireland players scoring against them this time, after early goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish condemned them to a 2-0 defeat in Dublin in September.The boys in green were in fine voice with plenty of ironic cheers for any English mishap – but it was the hosts who were making the running.Noni Madueke was bamboozling his full-back with some early trickery, cutting back for Curtis Jones to have a shot deflected over.And from the resulting corner, Kyle Walker – operating at centre-half – got to the near post and glanced a header onto the roof of the net.Bellingham was producing some eye-pleasing moments but England were labouring to break down the massed Irish defence.On one occasion, Madueke wriggled free only to be confronted by seven Irishmen sardined into the six-yard box.Ireland unravelled after Liam Scales was sent offCredit: GettyGallagher was delighted to open his England accountCredit: GettyThere were occasional Irish counter-attacks – Sammie Szmodics appealing for a penalty after a clumsy Walker challenge.Kane was struggling to get involved and was cleaned out by one heavy challenge from Liam Scales.Madueke then made a wild challenge on Callum O’Dowda, earning himself a booking as well as one from Bellingham for a pointless protest.Kane’s frustrations were exemplified in first-half injury-time, first by him retreating close to his central defenders to collect a pass from Jordan Pickford simply to get involved.But then the England captain got into a tangle with Jayson Molumby, whom he dragged to the floor – with both players cautioned by Belgian ref Erik Lambrechts.Yet in the 51st minute, Kane settled this match with one glorious pass from the left wing which picked out Bellingham, who was upended by Scales.The Celtic defender was handed his second yellow card and Kane despatched the penalty coolly after a deliberate stutter in his run-up.Kane celebrated exuberantly as if remembering Thursday night’s rare snub.Ireland’s reduction in manpower was immediately obvious as Livramento charged down the right and produced a cross which cannoned off two Irish defenders before Gordon steered a volley home for a goal made and finished in Newcastle.The quick-fire third came from a Madueke corner, Marc Guehi soaring at the near post to win a header which was despatched by Gallagher at the back stick, nipping ahead of Bellingham to get the vital touch.Bowen – who has apparently been the subject of a sustained campaign from gobby West Ham fans towards Carsley – then arrived as a sub and scored a beauty with his first touch.A free-kick was played short and Bellingham cut back for Bowen to wallop it home, first-time, from the edge of the area.READ MORE SUN STORIESHarwood-Bellis – whose prospective father-in-law is Roy Keane – then arrived for his debut and promptly added the fifth with a downward header from a glorious Bellingham centre.Bellingham, by the way, had been magnificent again. He is England’s first-choice No10 as surely as Kane is the starting No9.England ratings vs IrelandEngland’s newbies put on a five-star second half performance to hammer ten-man Ireland.No fewer than four young Lions bagged their first international goal during the 5-0 win.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the England stars at Wembley.Jordan Pickford: 6Matched the great Gordon Banks by reaching 73 caps. But the Everton stopper was pretty much a spectator as Ireland showed little ambition in attack.Tino Livramento: 7Became the seventh player across Carsley’s three England camps to be handed a debut. It was his cross which caused panic in the Irish defence, allowing Gordon to volley home his first England goal. Kyle Walker: 6Played at centre-back in back four for his 93rd cap. Headed an early chance over, had a couple of scares before the break before being withdrawn just after the hour when the game was up for the visitors.Marc Guehi: 7Was a little clumsy with a challenge on Evan Ferguson inside the box before the break, but nothing was given. Set up a first England goal for his best mate Gallagher with a flick-on from a corner during the goal blitz at the start of the second half.Lewis Hall: 7Admitted to nerves before his debut on Thursday but did not seem to have any here on his first start, playing alongside his Newcastle colleagues Livramento and Gordon. Could this be the start of a long England career for one of our few natural left-backs?Conor Gallagher: 8Was given the nod ahead of Angel Gomes for the second successive game and capped it with his first England goal by poking home Guehi’s flick just before the hour. England’s confidence at that point was summed up by Gallagher attempting a rabona.Curtis Jones: 7Tidy, if not hitting the heights of his magnificent debut three days earlier. But overall, another success story of the brief Carsley era which has given Thomas Tuchel plenty more options to consider.Noni Madueke: 7His final ball was not quite there compared to his man-of-the-match performance in Athens. But the Chelsea man still caused Ireland all manner of problems with the explosive way he runs at opponents.Jude Bellingham: 9 STAR MANEffectively had three assists as he won the penalty for Harry Kane’s opener – which led to Scales being sent off – and teed up goals for subs Bowen and Harwood-Bellis. A brilliant display from the Real Madrid superstar. How lucky we are to have him. Anthony Gordon: 7Lovely volley for his first England goal and you could see how much it meant to him with his celebration. Caused Ireland issues with his direct running in a promising display.Harry Kane: 7A ponderous first half led to genuine questions over his suitability to this team… but then he showed why he is still the man with a stunning ball to Bellingham in the build-up to the opener.Stuck away the resulting penalty when Bellingham was tripped for his 69th England goal.SUBS:Taylor Harwood-Bellis (on for Walker, 62): 8Followed up Jones’ feat in Greece of netting on his England debut as he brilliantly headed home Bellingham’s fine cross to make it five.Morgan Rogers (on for Gordon, 74): 7Looked confident when coming on and ready to cause more misery against the tired ten men of Ireland. Would have had an assist had Jarrod Bowen put away his cutback.Dominic Solanke (on for Gallagher, 74): 6Almost diverted in his first England goal from fellow sub Bowen’s cross but was beaten to it, just, by the defender.Jarrod Bowen (on for Madueke, 74): 8Crashed home his first England goal with his first touch, seconds after coming on, to make it 4-0.Angel Gomes (on for Jones, 79): 6Tidied up and looked comfortable again in possession. Booked. More

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      Roy Keane’s future son-in-law scores minutes into England debut as ex-Ireland and Man Utd star watches on in ITV studio

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      ROY KEANE watched on from the studio as his future son-in-law scored on his England debut.Taylor Harwood-Bellis made his first Three Lions appearance in the Nations League tie against Ireland, coming off the bench for Kyle Walker after 62 minutes.Taylor Harwood-Bellis made his England debut versus IrelandCredit: GettyAnd he scored on his first appearance for his countryCredit: GettyHe is engaged to Roy Keane’s daughter LeahCredit: InstagramAnd it took him just 17 minutes to get on the scoresheet, heading home a Jude Bellingham cross to score England’s last goal in their 5-0 win.But away from the pitch, Harwood-Bellis, 22, is engaged to Leah Keane.Her dad is former Ireland and Manchester United captain Roy Keane.Harwood-Bellis even wore the No16 shirt on debut, which was his father-in-law’s number throughout his glittering career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKeane was there to watch the moment at Wembley Stadium as he was on punditry duty with ITV.Asked about Harwood-Bellis joining his family, Roy joked: “It’s not done and dusted yet, things can change really quickly in the Keane household.”But he also gave him a glowing review, saying: “It’s nice for him, it’s good for him to make his debut.”He is a really kid good and his family have done a great job.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He has got a goal threat. Over the last few months, he has showed he has got a goal in him for Southampton.”This was Harwood-Bellis’ first call-up to the England squad after previously captaining the Under-21s to glory at the Euros last year.Taylor Harwood-Bellis discusses being called up for the England squad for the first time He was asked about his close connection to Keane prior to the match, saying: “It’s something that is good and I take a lot of advice.”Sport runs in the Harwood-Bellis family, with his uncle Steve a chief at EFL club Stockport and his twin sister Becky represented Great Britain in basketball. More

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      Inside Arsenal’s 80,000-seater new stadium plans to transform Emirates into Premier League’s biggest ground

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      ARSENAL are exploring ways to expand the Emirates’ capacity to 80,000, according to reports.The Gunners’ home stadium opened in 2006 following their departure from Highbury.Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium holds just over 60,000 fansCredit: GettyThe Gunners are reportedly considering expanding their home stadiumCredit: PAEmirates Stadium’s capacity currently stands at 60,704.According to Bloomberg, they are interested in raising this number to around 80,000.Club chiefs are said to be keen on making their home stadium even more lucrative on matchdays.And they are also wary of being left behind by other clubs.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSSince the Emirates opened its doors 18 years ago, Tottenham delivered their new stadium in 2019.Tottenham Hotspur Stadium boasts incredible hospitality facilities, and also a bigger 62,850 capacity.If Arsenal succeed in expanding the Emirates, their stadium would become the biggest in the Premier League.Old Trafford can currently hold the most at 75,653, while Tottenham are second on 62,850.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAI’s impression of how an 80,000-seat Emirates Stadium could lookWest Ham’s London Stadium is just behind Spurs’ ground on 62,500.While the much-upgraded Anfield hosts 61,276.Sky Sports pundits announce never-before-seen broadcast for huge Arsenal vs Man Utd clash Discussions over Arsenal’s potential stadium renovations are said to be at an “early stage”.No firm decision has yet been made over the project.The Gunners’ upgraded stadium would stand only behind Wembley Stadium.England’s national stadium holds 90,000 fans, having opened in 2007.The Emirates’s facilities currently lag behind those of Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: Rex More

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      England legend makes bold statement with choice of outfit for Ireland clash live on ITV

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      TONY ADAMS made a bold outfit choice as he cheered on England against Ireland in their final Nations League game.The Three Lions face the Irish in Lee Carsley’s last match as interim manager before Thomas Tuchel takes the reigns.Tony Adams’ outfit was called a ‘bold statement’ by ITVCredit: X/ ITVFOOTBALLAdams was seen pitchside ahead of kick-offCredit: GettyAdams, 58, was a VIP guest at Wembley Stadium for the game and he was seen pitchside before kick-off.His appearance was picked up by ITV cameras and viewers were stunned by his bold fashion choice.Adams wore a mustard-coloured jacket with an England scarf poking out the top.ITV tweeted an image of his look and called it a “bold statement”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan said: “Nice of Tony Adams to come to the England match dressed as Pudsey for Children in Need.”Another joked: “He has got my nan’s coat on.”Arsenal legend Adams was seen talking to ex-Tottenham and England star Aaron Lennon pitchside.And he then sat in the stands alongside another former Spurs and Three Lions player in Jermain Defoe. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPrior to the match, Adams was interviewed by the Wembley announcer and was asked about England’s 3-0 win over Greece on Thursday.But he replied: “I’ve been in China for two weeks and I’m jet-lagged so I’m not the best-placed to say.” ‘I don’t really like it’ – Harry Kane breaks silence after eight England players pull out of Nations League squadForgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. More

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      France World Cup winner reveals shock plans to retire at 34 for career in real estate

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      FRANCE star Ousmane Dembele has already planned out his retirement despite being only 27 years old.Dembele has already experienced immense success at both club and especially international level, having won the 2018 World Cup with Les Bleus.Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele revealed he will retire at the age of 34Credit: GettyWorld Cup winner Dembele is planning to get in the real estate businessCredit: GettyThe forward also counts three LaLiga titles as well as two Copa del Rey trophies with Barcelona, a German Cup with Borussia Dortmund and last season’s double with current club Paris Saint-Germain.And Dembele appears to only have about seven years left in his career to win even more honours.That is because the France international revealed he has decided to hang up his football boots at the age of 34.And then the ex-Rennes star is planning to get in the real estate business in France as well as several African nations.Read More on FootballDembele told The Bridge – a YouTube show, which is co-presented by Real Madrid ace and France team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni: “I want to retire at 34. “And then I want to get into the property business. Invest in Africa, in France…”Dembele has had a strong start at PSG this season as he already counts five goals and seven assists in 13 appearances across all competitions.Ever since his arrival in Paris from Barcelona last year, the versatile attacker counts a total of 11 goals and 21 assists in 55 matches.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Frenchman has also registered a total of six goals and four assists in 53 caps with his national team.That includes four appearances in the World Cup six years ago, when France lifted the trophy.PSG return to action on Friday in Ligue 1 against Toulouse at Parc des Princes.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup games More

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      Former Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe pictured on night out with porn star Teanna Trump after cryptic relationship hints

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      FORMER Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe was pictured enjoying a night out with adult star Teanna Trump after cryptic hints linking the pair together.Pepe, who currently plays for Villarreal, posed for a picture with porn star Trump while out for dinner.Nicolas Pepe was pictured out for dinner with adult film star Teanna TrumpCredit: instagramTrump is a well-known star in the porn industryCredit: instagram @itsteannatrumpPepe used to play for Arsenal, signing for the Gunners for £72mCredit: GettyTrump, whose real name is Keanna Nichele Jones, has been rumoured to be dating the football star for five months.Neither Pepe or Trump have officially confirmed their relationship, but the restaurant selfie is the latest of a string of cryptic hints that suggest the pair are together.Trump was spotted in the VIP section at Villarreal’s Estadi de la Ceramica during their first game of the season draw with Atletico Madrid.While Indiana-born adult actress also posed for a selfie wearing a Villarreal shirt while watching one of Pepe’s games. READ MORE IN SPORTIt’s also claimed that the pair have holidayed together since getting to know each other.And The Mail have reported that Trump has been seen with Pepe’s children on her private Snapchat channel. Other hints at their potential relationship include Pepe having the 29-year-old as his phone background and photos of the pair visiting an aquarium. Trump has been in the adult film business since she was 18 and has amassed over 1.4MILLION followers on Instagram too.Most read in FootballTrump posed in a Villarreal shirt earlier this year, hinting at her potential relationship with PepePepe signed for Villarreal this summerCredit: RexBut the star now focuses on self-made content using subscription site Only Fans, claiming to have not worked with a porn website since March 2020.Pepe, 29, signed for Villarreal this summer after a brief spell playing in Turkey with Trabzonspor.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelThe 46-time Ivory Coast international failed to live up to his £72MILLION price tag during his spell in England with Arsenal.The tricky winger made 112 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 27 goals and registering 21 assists, as well as winning the FA Cup in 2020.However, Pepe struggled to nail down a starting position under Mikel Arteta and ultimately left north London on a free transfer to join Trabzonspor in 2023.Now at Villarreal, Pepe has scored once and set up two goals in 11 La Liga appearances this season.The Yellow Submarine are trailing just behind Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Barcelona in fourth spot in the Spanish top flight.Trump joined the adult industry when she was 18Credit: instagram @itsteannatrumpThe star hasn’t worked in porn since 2020Credit: instagram @itsteannatrumpShe produces her own content on Only Fans nowCredit: instagram @itsteannatrumpTrump has over 1.4million followers on InstagramCredit: instagram @itsteannatrumpWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Jude Bellingham pays tribute to ‘legend’ former Manchester City and England star ahead of Ireland clash

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM hailed a former Manchester City star a “legend” after working with him for England.The midfielder seems to be enjoying working alongside former Premier League winner Joleon Lescott.Jude Bellingham reserved praise for one of his England coachesCredit: GettyThe pair appear to have been getting on well in trainingCredit: InstagramBellingham shared a photo of the pair of them in training at St. George’s Park, calling him a legend.However Lescott may not be around for much longer as he only moved up to coach the senior team when Lee Carsley was appointed interim manager, having coached the Under-21s under Carsley.Bellingham was put through his paces by Lescott ahead of England’s Nations League clash with Ireland.The Real Madrid star showed a return to form against Greece on Thursday, helping England to a 3-0 win which puts their fate in their own hands.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA win over Ireland will see them regain their place in Nations League A following relegation two years ago.Bellingham, 21, was pleased with the win and performance against Greece, and he was full of praise for his team-mates after the match.The Galactico said: “A lot was made of the lads that weren’t here but the lads that were here, who showed up, were amazing.“There would have been a million and one excuses if we hadn’t played well or not got over the line.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland ratings vs Greece as Madueke and Jones steal the show after Kane benchedIT IS difficult to remember an England starting XI which, on paper at least, looked as totally underwhelming as this one.Yet manager-in-waiting Thomas Tuchel, presumably watching the game at his home in Bavaria, will have been hugely encouraged by this performance from what appeared to be a complete mish-mash of a team – and one which was awfully short of experience.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars…Jordan Pickford – 8Back in after being dropped for Finland last month – and showed a good response. Great stop to deny Kostas Tsimikas at the near post and alive to danger throughout.Earned his first-ever booking in 72 England caps for time wasting in the first half.Kyle Walker – 7Captain in Harry Kane’s absence and passionately conveyed his side’s frustration to ref Daniel Siebert when Pickford was booked.Moved to centre-back after the break when Ezri Konsa went off.Marc Guehi – 7Another solid performance from the Crystal Palace man who you would think would be a first-choice starter for Thomas Tuchel when the German begins work.Ezri Konsa – 7One of several players targeted by a laser in the crowd, along with Pickford and Belligham.Limped off just before half-time and was replaced by Lewis Hall at the break.Rico Lewis – 7Filled in at left-back over newbie Hall, before moving to the right when the Newcastle man came on.Almost had his first England goal early in the second half but was denied by a fine stop from Hall’s club-mate Odysseas Vlachodimos.Curtis Jones – 9Sparkled on debut in the heart of midfield, not looking overawed in the slightest. Played deeper than he does for Liverpool, but in the same position where he shone for Lee Carsley in England’s triumphant Under-21 Euros last summer.Gorgeous backheel to cap his bow with the third goal.Conor Gallagher – 7Started brightly next to Jones, though gave the ball away a few times after the break. Booked for stopping a quick free-kick early on.Arrived just too late to poke in the rebound from Bellingham’s strike as it had already crossed the line for an own goal.Noni Madueke – 9A blistering first start from the Chelsea man who put real pressure on Bukayo Saka’s place with this performance.He took on his man at every opportunity, at pace, and had excellent end product too, setting up Watkins’ opener and a header for Bellingham which hit the post.Jude Bellingham – 8Some sublime touches and passes from the talisman, including a wonderful ball round the corner to release Madueke in the build-up to the opener.Seemed to thrive with pace all around him and killed off the game with his late strike which hit the post and bounced in off the keeper.Anthony Gordon – 7Provided a threat down the left with his pace and trickery, even if he was outshone by Madueke. A decent display but not one that demanded he start at left wing every game.Ollie Watkins – 7The surprise starter over Harry Kane. He took his early chance well, converting from the edge of the six-yard box.Could have had another when sent clean through but the ball got stuck under his feet.SubsLewis Hall (for Ezri Konsa half-time) – 7Came on at half-time for his debut and did not put a foot wrong.Harry Kane (for Ollie Watkins, 66) – 6Had a curling effort well stopped after exchanging passes with fellow sub Morgan Rogers.Morgan Rogers (for Anthony Gordon, 66) – 8Some exciting touches from the Villa debutant, including one to release Bellingham in the lead-up to the second goal.Jarrod Bowen (for Noni Madueke, 66) – 7Clever nutmeg to free Morgan Gibbs-White, who then teed up Jones.Morgan Gibbs-White (for Gallagher, 79) – 7Cutback for Jones was on the money.Lescott is a big admirer of Bellingham and not just for his football ability, praising his conduct off the pitch.He said: “Jude’s had a huge impact at Real Madrid and that’s incredible to think from a boy who’s come from Birmingham. As a human he’s impressive as well, not just as a footballer, he’s someone you can look up to and admire.ITV ‘do England stars dirty’ as live footage of national anthem singing leaves fans in hysterics”He’s carrying himself well and delivering on the pitch. He understands the game at a level he shouldn’t at his age. Long may it continue for himself and England because he could win the Ballon D’or and that would be a huge thing for England.” More