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      I’m a rising Premier League star and been tipped for England – but I’m training to be an AIRLINE PILOT when I retire

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      THE SKY’S the limit for Leif Davis, who has propelled Ipswich from League One to the Prem.Attacking left-back Davis has even been tipped as an England international after his stunning rise with the Tractor Boys.Ipswich Town star Leif Davis is training to become an airline pilotDavis has been tipped to become an England star after a bright start in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyAnd he will still be aiming high once he hangs up his boots — in a new career as an airline pilot.Aviation-mad Davis, 24, spends his down-time on the controls of a flight simulator.He said: “A private pilot licence would be the start and I can decide what I want to do after what is hopefully a successful career.“I taught myself to do it. The software is called FlightSim, which is where other people in the world are also on it.Read More on Football“There will be someone, say, on a computer in London and he will be doing air traffic control.“So if I’m flying I have got to speak to him while doing that as well. It is like real life but on the computer.“It’s a thing I’ve always done. You don’t have to look at your phone, you don’t have to think about football, it just switches you off from everything.”Ipswich travel to Brentford on Saturday — just five miles from Heathrow Airport — still searching for that elusive first Premier League win in over 24 years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKieran McKenna’s side, who jumped from League One to the top flight in successive seasons, have drawn four games and lost four so far.It has been a steep learning curve for the Town players, few of whom have played at the top level before.Football icons’ strange hobbiesDavis already has big plans for his retirementCredit: GettyDavis couldn’t believe he was lining up against Mo Salah at the start of the seasonCredit: GettyBut Davis insists his hobby of coaxing virtual Boeings and Airbuses into the air has helped him improve on the pitch.He said: “You have got to focus on that one thing — or your plane is going down!“You have to focus on it all the time but that focus helps me take it into training.“You know what you have got to do when you are focused — how good you can be.“It’s when you switch off for a second that’s when disasters can happen.”Former Leeds man Davis revealed he has spent time in the wide blue yonder in the cockpit of a light aircraft.Impressing experienced pilotsAnd he surprised an airline pilot with his knowledge of how to land a jet.He said: “I have been up there a few times in a little Cessna but not flying a big plane.“I actually got the chance when we went to Austria for pre-season to go in the cockpit and do the landing with the pilot, which was my highlight of the year.You have got to focus on that one thing — or your plane is going down!Leif Davis“It was the best thing I have ever done in my life, just seeing in person how they do it.“The captain was talking us through it and I’d say, ‘Oh, you are not doing that’ and he would say, ‘I’m just about to!’“I actually knew a lot of what he was doing and he was shocked.Surprise Prem pilot ace“He kept looking at me as though, ‘How do you know this?’ but I just kept my mouth shut.“It was mad how I knew what he was doing.”Davis, who has just penned a new four-year deal at Town, would not be the first celebrity pilot should he get his wings eventually.Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson has flown Liverpool and Rangers to European matches in the past.And Davis revealed that he is not the only current Prem star who likes to get airborne.When we got promoted it didn’t sink in properly until that first day when we were in the tunnel. You look to your left and there is Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.Leif DavisHe said: “I think Chris Wood at Nottingham Forest has got his pilot licence as well.“I don’t think it’s just me that would love to do it, there are other players who have their licence already.“It’s a different hobby to everyone else. Look at Ben White, he doesn’t even watch football.“When I was at Leeds with him he hated watching it. Well, probably not hated it but his hobby was something else.”’Welcome back to the Prem’Davis is the only Portman Road promotion hero to play every minute of league action so far, starting with a narrow 2-1 defeat at home to Liverpool on the opening day.The defender, who made two top-flight appearances off the bench at Leeds, said: “It was welcome back to the Prem!READ MORE SUN STORIES“When we got promoted it didn’t sink in properly until that first day when we were in the tunnel. You look to your left and there is Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.“I’ve loved every minute of it even though we have not yet got the win we wanted.” More

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      Karren Brady: Football isn’t broken and Keir Starmer’s plan to fix it will create many more problems than it solves

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      TO change, and to change for the better, are two different things.And the Government’s plan to change football is more likely to create many more problems than it solves.Keir Starmer’s Government will introduce the Football Governance Bill this weekCredit: GettySunSport columnist, and West Ham vice chairman, Karren Brady thinks the bill will only cause more problemsCredit: PAI remain wholly unconvinced about the role of regulators, both in and out of football.Just look at some of our leading industries and the way regulators have worked. Or not.Water is the obvious one as our beaches and rivers have been transformed into a toxic dumping ground while the companies rake in millions in wages, bonuses and shareholder dividends — almost always of little or no benefit to the UK.And don’t get me started on the trains. We have the most expensive railway network in the Western world, and best-paid train drivers, yet actually getting trains to run on time has been well-nigh impossible.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSo, please, when politicians preach about how the Football Governance Bill introduced in the House of Lords this week will make everything rosy in football’s garden, don’t believe the hype.There is no need for another layer of administration and regulation. And I’ll tell you why…The Premier League has been one of this country’s major success stories of the past three decades.It has taken a game which was crumbling and collapsing around our feet to the best and most-watched football league in the world. It is the global Big One.Most read in FootballThere are critics who say the Premier League just looks after the hotshots, the Manchester Uniteds and Arsenals. Rubbish.In the last three years the Premier League has given a world-leading £1.6billion to the EFL, National Leagues, grass-roots football and the women’s game. Nowhere else in the world can even get close to matching that.Jose Mourinho makes cheeky dig at the referee after being sent off against old club Manchester UnitedThe PL give nearly £8m on average to every EFL Championship club, £1.4m to each League One club and £900,000 to each League Two club.Politicians tell you the regulator will make clubs more fan-friendly but it is already being done.The Premier League instigated a Fan Engagement Standard, meaning there has to be a Fan Advisory Board at every single club.An away ticket price cap was introduced years ago, which ensures supporters pay a maximum of £30 when they travel.At the rate we’re going you’ll get about half a bathtub for that from our regulated water companies.What happened to Bury and others like them was terribly sad but you cannot blame the Premier League for their financial mess.Karren BradyI’ll give you some other numbers. The Premier League annually hands over £4.2bn in tax to the Treasury and directly employs 90,000 people, a third of whom are in the North West, an area which sadly has pockets of high deprivation.A total of 51 clubs have reached the Premier League, which surely underlines the fact that the financial distributions do broadly work.And while going into administration is a worrying time for fans, the likes of Crystal Palace, Luton, Bournemouth, Southampton and Leeds all reset and got to the Premier League — with three of them still in it.What happened to Bury and others like them was terribly sad but you cannot blame the Premier League for their financial mess.I’ve heard it said, mainly by ill-informed politicians, that parachute payments are fundamentally wrong. Not so. They allow clubs to remain financially sustainable should they suffer relegation from the top flight.The regulator will have to consider INCREASING parachute payments as that is the only way established relegated clubs can be more sustainable.There are critics who say the Premier League just looks after the hotshots, the Manchester Uniteds and Arsenals. Rubbish.Karren BradyThey give clubs the security to be able to invest in competitive squads, sign players and coaches on multi-year contracts and invest in world-class stadia and fan experience, with the knowledge that there will be some financial protection in the event of relegation.When you are relegated you still have to pay all the staff, including the players, and have all the same overheads, so if you don’t have the parachute payment you are effectively bust.The numbers are what makes the Premier League the world’s leading domestic club competition.Over 15million fans go to games every year and internationally OUR Premier League is watched annually by 1.5bn supporters from 189 countries.In every sense of the word it is a success, with not a regulator in sight.The Bill will change the way football operates, impacting supporters and clubs.READ MORE SUN STORIESA regulator that delivers stronger oversight of fan engagement and club heritage — and prevents breakaway leagues — is welcome.But one that significantly impacts the competitive balance of the league is not. More

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      ‘What happened?’, asks Nicolas Jackson as Chelsea ace and Mo Salah SNUBBED from African Player of the Year shortlist

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      CHELSEA ace Nicolas Jackson addressed the controversial African Player of the Year shortlist that includes some major omissions, such as Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah.The Confederation of African Football released the list of players who are nominated for this year’s esteemed POTY award but sparked a heated debate.Chelsea ace Nicolas Jackson fired back at the controversial African Player of the Year award shortlistCredit: RexJackson and Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah were both snubbed from the shortlistCredit: GettyThe list includes Brighton’s Simon Adingra, Rennes’ Amine Gouiri, Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, Marseille’s Chancel Mbemba, Al-Ain’s Soufiane Rahimi, Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba, Al-Kholood’s William Troost-Ekong and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Ronwen Williams.However, some big names were left out, such as West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz, Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface as well as Jackson and Salah.The Chelsea ace was left baffled and took to social media to express his surprise.Jackson posted on his Instagram story: “What happened?!”Read More on FootballSalah, 32, stood out for Liverpool once more last season as he won the Carabao Cup and amassed a staggering 25 goals and 14 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions.The Egypt international broke another record just an hour into the new season only two months ago as he recorded the most opening-day goals in Premier League history.Senegalese star Jackson, 23, has been on fire for Chelsea this season with five goals and three assists in eight Prem matches.Ghanaian ace Kudus already counts 16 goals in 55 matches for West Ham after only moving to east London a year ago.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBoniface was among the brightest African stars last season as he played a key role in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga triumph, which saw them winning their first ever title undefeated.The Nigeria international scored 21 goals and produced 10 assists in 34 matches for Xabi Alonso’s side last term.Mo Salah appears to confirm Liverpool transfer exit live on Sky Sports after ripping Man Utd to shredsAnd Moroccan star Diaz helped Real win LaLiga as well as the Champions League.But none of those exploits were enough to make the shortlist. More

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      I went from non-league to FA Cup Final with Sunderland and won promotion at Oxford… now I’m helping kids with autism

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      MARTIN GRAY went from naughty schoolboy to a promotion winner at both Sunderland and Oxford – now he is helping other youngsters in need.The 53-year-old was a self-confessed bad boy as a kid and he never dreamed that he would make it as a footballer when he was released by Middlesbrough aged 15.Martin Gray is now making a big impact off the pitch by helping kids in the North EastCredit: GettyThe former midfielder went from non-league to being a Sunderland heroCredit: PAThree years later he was handed a lifeline by Denis Smith and Malcolm Crosby at Sunderland, and that led to him working under the pair for the best part of ten years.“I remember leaving the Northern League, where I was playing for Ferryhill, and Denis Smith signed me for Sunderland,” Gray told Sun Sport. “Seven years later he and Malcolm Crosby signed me for Oxford United. I probably had ten years playing under them.“Malcolm was an inspiration and like a father figure to me if I’m honest. I was a late developer and wasn’t at the level of the other players when I first went to Sunderland but I don’t think they signed me based just on my skills.“I think they got me for my work ethic, hunger and toughness etc. I found it really difficult at first as I knew I didn’t have the qualities of the lads that were there but Dennis and Malcolm, mainly, what they did to try and help me as a person and player was amazing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Malcolm was the best person that I worked with in football and had the biggest impact. He’s a great person.”Smith was sacked by Sunderland in December 1991 with assistant Crosby taking over, and Gray would go on to make his debut and was even part of the travelling squad that went to Wembley in the 1992 FA Cup Final where they lost 2-0 to Liverpool.He said: “That was special. I played against Blackburn the week before as he had rested Paul Bracewell and a few others. I was involved in the last couple of matches leading up to the final and managed to get in the travelling squad.“I never, and didn’t deserve to, make the bench but that whole occasion of wearing the suits and being part of it was unbelievable.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGray was part of Peter Reid’s squad that won promotion to the Premier League – and that was a campaign he enjoyed double joy after departing the North East for a reunion with his mentors at Oxford.He said: “I signed on deadline day and we were celebrating promotion a few weeks later. That was amazing.Sunderland fans in hysterics as captain Luke O’Nien ‘auditions for WWE’ in post-match brawl at Luton “I played the last ten or 12 games of that season and it was good to contribute to help get over the line and reach the Championship.“I was eventually made club captain down there and I had an amazing time there. I had four special years at Oxford.“We were the small club in the big league going up against the likes of Birmingham, Middlesbrough, Man City, Sunderland, many thought that we would just be the whipping boys.“We had Joey Beauchamp and some other really good players that went on to become Premier League regulars like Matty Elliott, Phil Gilchrist, Darren Purse and Dean Windass, who I still speak with almost every day.“Dennis created a great working ethic within the club and we were a very close team with no superstars and if anybody got above themselves then they were soon brought back into line.”Oxford, whose draws with West Brom and Derby over the past week have left them 11th, are now back in the Championship and travel to the Stadium of Light to face table-topping Sunderland tomorrow.Gray, who moved to Darlington in 1999 before hanging up his boots, said: “It’s great to see them back after coming close a few times.Martin Gray pictured in action for Oxford United against Man CityCredit: PA“They are still a small fish in a big pond but they are holding their own. It goes to show that by putting trust in young managers and allowing people to develop can really pay off.“They are in the top half and got a good result last weekend against a tough opponent. “They’ve done great and then you look at Sunderland and wonder where all this has come from.“I didn’t know much about Regis Le Bris but I heard after pre-season some really good feedback about what he was doing. And what he is doing is working and they’ve got off to a start that most of us never expected.“I’ve been to the Derby and Leeds matches recently and from where they were two or three years ago to now is something I didn’t foresee to be honest.”Gray is set to attend the clash between his two former teams, but unlike his tigerish displays on the pitch, he is holding back when it comes to making a prediction.“I’m sitting on the fence and going for a draw aren’t I,” he says with a huge grin when pressed for a prediction.“Both clubs have had a great start to the season and I want them to each do well. So I’ll be supporting both teams massively as they both played a massive part in my career.”The midfielder enjoyed promotion with Oxford in 1996Credit: PAAway from the pro game and his coaching career, including leading Darlington to numerous promotions, Gray has also made a huge impact in the North East with his work in education – especially in providing alternative provision for children and young people.In 2018 Future Pathways began in Darlington, a provision which set out to offer support and education to young people. The young people accessing the service have a range of complex needs, and felt mainstream schooling was unable to meet them, but are now thriving in the small bespoke environment.Gray added: “Whether you are dealing with a young child that has difficulties due to trauma that they have unfortunately come across to a footballer that is not getting a new contract or being released, then you have to deal with people in a caring way.“It’s amazing. It used to be kids just getting kicked out of school and being labelled as naughty, and I’ll be honest, that was me.“But there was no alternative education around then, you were just labelled and got excluded.“Our provision is based around a sporting theme from boxing, biking, football… They do their education around the sport and the education is built around that and developing life skills, it feels so rewarding and it’s just great to help the kids we have.”Still keen to stick to his sporting roots, Gray still runs a sporting academy in partnership with a local college, where he hopes to inspire the next generation of players and offer high quality coaching. Staff from Gray’s Future Pathways Alternative Provision company are about to embark on a sponsored 30-mile walk from Sunderland Royal Hospital to Darlington Memorial Hospital.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe money earned from this fundraiser will go towards delivering Christmas Presents to children in both of these hospitals in December.If you would like to sponsor them please visit: Fundraiser for Anthony Verity by Tyler Hutchinson : Future Pathways Staff Walk from Sunderland to DarlingtonWho are these famous footballers? 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      England 3-4 Germany LIVE RESULT: Lionesses beaten by Germans in frantic seven-goal thriller at Wembley – latest updates

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      ENGLAND lost a seven-goal thriller against Germany as they were beaten 4-3 at Wembley. The Lionesses went 3-0 down in 27 minutes but pulled two back before the break, including one from the spot. After half-time, however, Germany restored their two-goal lead before Lucy Bronze pulled one back again a few minutes from time. Kick off time: 7.30pmTV/Stream: ITV 1 / ITVXEngland XI: To follow…Germany XI : To follow…FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…England looking for repeat performanceWhen it comes to the Euros, it brings fond memories for all fans of the Lionesses.Next summer’s tournament will be held in Switzerland, something which will be seen as a positive for England.Sarina Wiegman will be looking to ensure that her squad is in fine form by then to look to get their hands on the trophy once again.Copy linkCopiedLionesses needing to bounce backAs they look to build towards next summer’s Euros, England go into another friendly next Tuesday.They welcome South Africa to the Coventry Building Society Arena.Sarina Wiegman will hoping to see a more rounded performance for her team than against Germany tonight.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGermans offer real firework displayIt is difficult for any side to stamp their authority away from home in internatonal football.Germany proved to be the exception to the rule this evening.Finding themselves 3-0 up after 29 minutes, it all started to look a little to easy for the visitors.The Lionesses fought back but the damage was done and Germany held on for the victory.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedReality check for LionessesThe coach seemed to take a lot from tonight’s defeat against the Germans:We wanted to press high but we lost the ball in too many moments when we should not lose the ball. Unforced errors were too high. There were moments that challenged us tactically. That is why we play these games, we have been challenged. We wanted to see where we are right now.Sarina WiegmanEnglandCopy linkCopiedLionesses pay the penaltyEngland struggled with to control their temperament this evening.Gifting the visitors two goals by giving away blatant penalties.Defensively, the Lionesses struggled to cope with the visitors although they still looked dangerous on the attack.Copy linkCopiedEngland ship most goals under bossSince Sarina Wiegman took over the Lionesses, tonight is the most goals they have conceded.The visitors stunned the home crowd into silence by steaming into a three goal lead at Wembley.Despite the comeback from England, a second half goal from the Germans secured victory.Copy linkCopiedFT: England 3-4 GermanyThe referee brings the game to a close at Wembley.Germany have come out on top in this one.It is a big wake-up call for the Lionesses.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-4 Germany90+3. Naz does brilliantly to take the ball in her stride and use her pace down the wing.She is brought down and the referee awards a free kick and produces a yellow card.The resulting free kick is cleared and the visitors look to hit England on the counter-attack.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-4 Germany90. Germany have put down a real marker tonight.Unless England can find at least an equaliser, this defeat will hurt despite it being a friendly.The Lionesses have six added minutes to try and rectify that.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-4 Germany86. This has been some game for a friendly.It shows just what a terrible tournnament the Nations League is in the men’s format.Germany almost add a fifth as the cross comes in and Cerci almost pokes it past Hampton.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedEngland 3-4 Germany82. England have been offered a lifeline in this game.A seemingly harmless corner comes into the box and Berger comes out to make a regulation catch.She drops the ball and allows Bronze to slot home with a goal from nothing.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Lucy Bronze (England)Copy linkCopiedEngland 2-4 Germany77. Dejection for the English camp. Walsh plays the ball through to Hemp, who slams the ball into the far corner of the goal.As she wheels away to celebrate, the assistant’s flag goes up.VAR confirms that she was offside.Copy linkCopiedEngland 2-4 Germany72. Carnage at Wembley in the penalty area.England struggle to clear their lines and then Wolter kicks the bottom of Russo’s boot without getting any contact on the ball.The referee points to the spot and VAR does not change the decision.Dabritz drills the ball home to make this even more of an uphill challenge for the Lionesses.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Sara Dabritz (Germany)Copy linkCopiedPenalty to GermanyCopy linkCopiedEngland 2-3 Germany68. As both sides ring the changes, England force a corner.The Lionesses need to show their attacking roar a bit more here.Berger comes to punch the corner clear and the visitors manage to clear their lines.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedEngland 2-3 Germany64. It would be quite ironic if this half ends goalless.Germany are starting to turn the screw more and more.This time it is Rauch who drills a shot at goal but Hampton tips it over the bar.Copy linkCopiedEngland 2-3 Germany60. Big chance for Germany to extend their lead.Some brilliant play by Brand on the right, checking inside with the goal at her mercy.Hampton gets down well to save at the near post to deny her.Copy linkCopiedEngland 2-3 Germany56. This is certainly not a game for defensive coaches to brag about.However, it sure is entertaining.It is almost like Man Utd have offered to coach both teams in the preparation for this game.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedEngland 2-3 Germany52. Germany almost doubled their lead.As England struggled to clear their linesm the ball broke to Brand at the back post.She drilled the ball into the back of the net but fortunately for the hosts the assistant immediately raised her flag for offside.Copy linkCopiedEngland 2-3 Germany48. Toone has been replaced by Park at the interval.For the visitors, Rauch has replaced Linder and Cerci comes on for Hoffmann.It has been a cagey start to the second half so far, neither side able to get a grip on the game.Copy linkCopiedKick-off: England 2-3 GermanyWe are back underway at Wembley.It has been a goal-fest so far.England get the second half started.Copy linkCopiedHT: England 2-3 GermanyThe fans will be hoping for more of the same in the second half.Most of Wembley was stunned to see the Lionesses 3-0 down at home but they have clawed their way back into this one.What a second half we have in store from what we have seen so far.Copy linkCopiedHT: England 2-3 GermanyThe referee brings an entertaining half to a close.Germany have a slender lead after making a jaw-dropping start to this game.Both managers will have a lot to say in the interval.Copy linkCopied More

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      Mario Balotelli, 34, closes in on shock Serie A return after four months unemployed

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      MARIO BALOTELLI is closing in on a major Serie A return after spending the last four months as a free agent.Balotelli, 34, has been without a club since his departure from Adana Demirspor in June, after seven goals and one assist in 16 appearances last season.Mario Balotelli is closing in on a return to Serie A with GenoaCredit: GettyBalotelli has been a free agent for four months after leaving Adana DemirsporCredit: GettyBut the striker now looks set for a return to elite football after three years out in the wilderness playing for Demirspor in Turkey and Sion in Switzerland.According to transfer insider Nicolo Schira, the ex-Italy international has been training in his bid to regain match fitness.And it looks like the Manchester City cult hero has impressed Genoa club chiefs, who are keeping a close eye.Read More on FootballSchira claims the former Liverpool star is now awaiting the “final green light” to put pen to paper with Alberto Gilardino’s side.And the Italian is “very excited” about a possible return to the Serie A.Balotelli has experienced tremendous success in Italy as he burst onto the scene with Inter Milan in 2007 at the age of 17.The centre-forward went on to amass a total of 28 goals and 15 assists during his three-year stint at Inter.Most read in FootballThat led to a lucrative move to City where he spent three turbulent years that saw him racking up 30 goals in 80 appearances as well as numerous on and off-field run-ins.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat included setting his own house on fire by letting off fireworks in his bathroom and the infamous ‘Why always me’ shirt celebration against Manchester United.But will remain in City folklore for setting up Sergio Aguero for his famous league-winning strike against QPR in 2012.Former Premier League bad boy Mario Balotelli takes up new sport as he ‘calls out former UFC champion’Balotelli moved to his beloved AC Milan in 2013 where he spent one year and registered 18 goals as well as eight assists in 41 appearances.A Premier League return soon followed to Liverpool but he couldn’t meet expectations and was loaned back to Milan in 2015 after only four goals in 28 games at Anfield.Stints at Nice, Marseille, Brescia and Monza soon followed as his star status started to dwindle.Balotelli also amassed 14 goals in 36 caps with Italy and shone bright during Euro 2012 as he helped his national team reach the final. More

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      England Womens’ team backroom staff: Lionesses’ goalkeeping coach, head of medical & sports psychologist revealed

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      England Women’s national football team has a dedicated backroom staff that plays a crucial role in supporting the team’s success.Here’s everything you need to know about the team behind the team — the Lionesses go head-to-head with their vanquished foes Germany in a friendly on October 25, 2024.England are hoping to register a third match win against Germany under head coach Sarina WiegmanCredit: GettyThe backroom team represents a blend of experience and expertise across various aspects of football.They all work in collaboration to support the Lionesses’ success on the international stage.Arjan Veurink — Assistant CoachLionesses manager Sarina Wiegman with Arjan VeurinkCredit: GettyArjan Veurink serves as Serena Wiegman’s right-hand man.He joined the England setup alongside Wiegman, having previously worked with her at the Netherlands national team.More on the LionessesVeurink’s experience and tactical knowledge complement Wiegman’s leadership, forming a strong coaching partnership.He plays a key role in deciding tactics and was responsible for the Lionesses switching to a 3-4-1-2 formation during the Euro 2022 group stage.Geraint Twose — Assistant CoachEngland coach Geraint Twose pictured during a training session at The Lensbury Resort, Teddington on July 19, 2022Credit: PAGeraint Twose works alongside Weigman and Veurink as an assistant coach.His role involves working on specific aspects of players’ technical skills and contributing to overall tactical strategies.Most read in FootballHe worked with the England Men’s U15 side before taking the position with the Lionesses, having previously worked with the Cardiff City academy for 17 years.Darren Ward — Goalkeeping CoachDarren Ward with England’s Demi StokesCredit: GettyDarren Ward is the goalkeeping coach for the Lionesses.A former professional goalkeeper himself, Ward has an extensive background in developing goalkeeping talent.He was appointed when Wiegman took over as head coach in 2021. His experience includes working with elite players like Dean Henderson during his time at Sheffield United.Ward’s role focuses on enhancing the skills of goalkeepers including Mary Earps and Ellie Roebuck.He ensures they are match-ready and capable of performing under pressure.Ritan Mehta — Lead Team DoctorEngland Doctor Ritan Mehta looks on during a training session on October 8, 2022Credit: GettyDr Ritan Mehta serves as the lead team doctor for the Lionesses.He joined the FA in 2014 and has focused worked in football for the past 15 years altogether.His responsibilities include overseeing player health and managing injuries.Dr Metha ensures the overall medical well-being of the squad.Kate Hays — Lead PsychologistKate Hays helps the team with their stress, focus and mental resilienceCredit: X/DrKateHaysKate Hays is the lead psychologist for the England women’s team.Her role focuses on enhancing players’ mental resilience and performance under pressure.Hays employs various psychological techniques to help the team manage stress, build confidence and improve focus during matches.Anja van Ginhoven — General ManagerPrince William speaking with Sarina Wiegman and Anja Van Ginhoven (right) on June 15, 2022Credit: AFPWiegman regarded Anja Van Ginhoven as an essential addition to her staff when she moved from the Netherlands to England.Van Ginhoven previously served as a media officer for the Dutch Football Association.She played a significant role in selecting England’s base camp in Terrigal for the 2023 World Cup, ensuring that the team had access to top-notch facilities and an optimal location to compete effectively at the World Cup.Kay Cossington — Head of Women’s FootballLucy Bronze celebrating her 100th England appearance alongside Kay Cossington (left) and Sarina Wiegman on February 16, 2023Credit: GettyKay Cossington is the Head of Women’s Football at The FA and has been pivotal in shaping women’s football in England.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe joined The FA in 2005 and has been instrumental in implementing initiatives to revamp the girls’ talent pathway, making football more accessible while increasing participation rates among young female players.Cossington’s contributions have been recognised with an MBE for her services to association football in 2024, highlighting her significant impact on women’s football development in England. More

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      Serie A clash CALLED OFF at last-minute due to floods as club now face losing two key players for crunch clash

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      AC MILAN’S Serie A clash with Bologna has been postponed due to extreme weather conditions.The two teams were expected to face off on Saturday at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium.AC Milan Serie A clash with Bologna has been postponed due to extreme weather conditionsCredit: RexExtreme rain and flooding have hit Bologna in recent daysCredit: GettyHeavy rain has caused landslides, flooding, road closures and some power outagesCredit: GettySchools, parks and sports centres will remain closed in the cityCredit: GettyHowever, Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore announced that the game would not be played due to extreme rain and flooding that hit the region in recent days.Lepore added that heavy rains, which started on October 19, caused landslides, flooding, road closures and some power outages in several areas.The game between Milan and Bologna will be rescheduled, but no details are known at this point.However, it will be hard finding another time to host the Serie A clash due to the league and the Coppa Italia schedule as well as the fact both teams play in the Champions League this season.Read More on FootballThat unfortunate event will have especially serious ramifications for Milan, who will be without two key players in their upcoming crunch clash with Napoli.Those are Tijjani Reijnders and Theo Hernandez, who were due to serve a suspension at Bologna.Instead, the Rossoneri duo will now serve it on Tuesday’s crunch clash with Napoli at the San Siro.Paulo Fonseca’s side will be hosting the Serie A leaders, who are five points ahead of the fourth-placed Milan giants.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe municipality of Bologna said in a statement that the match would bring about 35,000 people near the most critical area of the city.Schools, parks and sports centres will remain closed in the city as a precaution.Napoli fans try and fail to prounce ‘Scott McTominay’_1But Milan chairman Paolo Scaroni said: “The match is postponed because with a decision that in my opinion is incomprehensible, the mayor has prohibited the match from being played even behind closed doors.”Bologna vs AC Milan will be rescheduled at a later dateCredit: APTijjani Reijnders and Theo Hernandez were suspended against Bologna and will now serve the ban against NapoliCredit: Getty More