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      Chelsea 4 Southampton 0: Blues make light work of relegation fodder Saints… but Cole Palmer’s nightmare run continues

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      WHEN all else fails there is always Southampton.And so Chelsea, decimated and dishevelled in early 2025, were granted 90 minutes in the company of the Premier League equivalent of The Samaritans.Christopher Nkunku ended his goal drought as Chelsea thrashed SouthamptonCredit: GettyThe 27-year-old opened the floodgates at Stamford BridgeCredit: PASaints keeper Aaron Ramsdale made a number of key savesCredit: PALevi Colwill powered in a header just before the break to make it 3-0Credit: ReutersJust one hour and a half session and Enzo Maresca and his players emerged rejuvenated and believing life is good again.Pre-match protests aimed at the board’s management of the club and a stuttering season gave way to a resounding win and climbing back into the top four and the prospect of Champions League football next term.It may only be temporary with a batch of games on Wednesday but after the run of results Chelsea have endured of late they will seize on any crumb of self-confidence.And one thing that hopeless Southampton are good at is  making even the most uncertain opponents feel like world champions.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGoals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Levi Colwill had three points wrapped up by half time.And following a run of just two wins in the previous ten Premier League games, shocking defeats against Brighton and chucking away the lead at Aston Villa last weekend, this felt like a change in the air – much like the subtle approach of Spring time at this time of year.It wasn’t text book. It came against a backdrop of angry fans outside the ground, nervous ones inside and even resentment of the way Chelsea are playing.The players dilly-dallied when the crowd wanted to see some old-fashioned boot through the ball and they let them know it. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThere remains a sense that more hardcore supporters are not buying into the project of buying young players at vast expense and sitting around to wait for success to come.A knot of them gathered at the stadium gates to voice their discontent before kick off.Enzo Maresca hopes to change Chelsea’s over-reliance on Cole Palmer While not large in number, the blue smoke bombs and chanting made a point.They were calling for their Chelsea back, where just before Christmas they were singing about having their Chelsea back.When they beat Brentford on December 15 to move second in the table it was all Christmas festivity and winter sparkle. Just a couple of months later and the world seems wonky as they scramble to keep pace with the top teams.Yet Chelsea remain favourites to win a European trophy this season – albeit the third-rate Conference League. That’s something even if it’s taken a billion quid spent on the squad to get there.Try being one of the 3,000 Southampton supporters who must have trooped past that gaggle of mardiness wondering what all the fuss is about.Chelsea ratings vs Southampton as Cole Palmer STILL can’t score or assist… and gets a horror gradePedro Neto fired in a brilliant team goal as Saints wilted under the lightsCredit: GettyChelsea fans protested against owner Todd Boehly before the gameCredit: EPAThe bottom team are plummeting headlong back to the Championship a season after coming up to the top flight via the Play Offs. And that was a year after they finished bottom of the Premier League in 2023. Not even Hamley’s make yoyos as big as Southampton Football Club.Yet the gallows humour of the visiting fans was in stark contrast to Chelsea’s demo brigade parading banners digging out co-chairman Todd Boehly over his involvement in the Vivid Seats ticket resale website. Fair dos.But they also sang for former managers Thomas Tuchel, long departed Jose Mourinho and even sanctioned former chairman Roman Abramovich.These are confusing times at Chelsea on and off the pitch.Team selection is also a guessing game. Fragile skipper Reece James on the bench having played 90 minutes at the weekend. Neto up front in the absence of a fit striker eventually giving way to rookie Tyrique George.Cole Palmer’s goal drought extended to seven games despite a hatful of chancesCredit: GettyThe fans would argue there is little they recognise about their Chelsea at the moment. And it looked that way when Southampton bagged the first meaningful chance of the game when Paul Onuachu belted a powerful shot over the bar from inside the box on 14 minutes.It didn’t seriously test keeper Filip Jorgensen but it was closer than anything the home side had produced in the opening spell as they struggled to find a pattern of play.The lack of confidence was picked up by the crowd who groaned as their team dithered in front of its own goal, with Jorgensen and his defenders determined to build from the back when the fans called for more route one stuff.When Chelsea got their breakthrough against the worst team in the division it was a characteristically muddled moment.A 24th minute corner was headed on by Tosin and Nkunku battled shoulder to shoulder with Will Smallbone at the far post. It’s still debatable who actually got the last touch before the ball was bundled over the line. Marc Cucurella sealed an emphatic win with a second half strikeCredit: AFPNumber two which arrived 12 minutes later was far more slick and underlined how Chelsea were finally growing in confidence despite Cole Palmer and Fernandez having missed glaring chances.It was handed to them on a plate when Saints’ midfielder Flynn Downes passed directly to Marc Cucurella with the Chelsea defender then feeding Nkunku through the middle.Neto drifted to his left, picked up the pass and was ruthless in his finish through the gloves of Aaron Ramsdale.Centre half Colwill made it 3-0 a minute before the break with a powerful downward header onto Neto’s curling free kick from deep.Cucurella made it 4-0 with 12 minutes to go – with teenager George claiming the assist.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut there was no goal for Palmer, with the England star’s drought now extended to seven matches. And the visibly frustrated ex-City maestro has not even registered an assist since December 1. More

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      Fenerbahce accuse Galatasaray of ‘pathetic slander’ as huge war erupts accusing Jose Mourinho of ‘racist statements’

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      FENERBAHCE accused Galatasaray of “pathetic slander” over claims Jose Mourinho made “racist statements”.Ex-Chelsea and Manchester United boss Mourinho, now in charge of Fenerbahce, claimed the Galatasaray bench “jumped around like monkeys” in a bid to get a rival booked during Monday’s 0-0 draw.Galatasaray accused Jose Mourinho of making ‘racist statements’Credit: GettyThe Portuguese was alleged to have said the match was made better by the fact it was NOT officiated by a Turkish ref, with Slovenian Slavko Vincic in charge.Galatasaray announced they intended to “initiate criminal proceedings concerning the racist statements made by Jose Mourinho”, and would submit official complaints to Uefa and Fifa.Fenerbahce responded: “A statement made by Jose Mourinho after the match was taken completely out of context and deliberately distorted.“These expressions, used by Jose Mourinho to describe the extreme reaction of the opposing team’s technical staff to the referee’s decisions during the match, can in no way be associated with racism.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Trying to portray this discourse as racist is a completely malevolent approach. “We would like to inform the public that we will exercise our legal rights regarding this pathetic slander that aims to take the competition out of the field, change the agenda and manipulate it.”Fenerbahce vice-president Acun Ilicali said: “As a club I can clearly say that we are behind our coach, we are supporting him 100 per cent.”Galatasaray’s statement after the game said: “Since the commencement of his managerial duties in Turkey, Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has persistently issued derogatory statements directed towards the Turkish people.Most read in Football“We formally declare our intention to initiate criminal proceedings concerning the racist statements made by Jose Mourinho, and shall accordingly submit official complaints to UEFA and FIFA.”Jose Mourinho launches new side hustle alongside Fenerbahce job as John Terry vows to be first customer Mourinho praised Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, who was drafted in to take charge amid contorversies surrounding Turkish officials, for remaining resolute.The Portuguse, 62 – who was criticised for visiting the referee’s dressing room after the game – said: “The reason this was a good match was because of the referee’s performance.”He had enough honesty to manage this match well. They tried to get a yellow card for our 18-year-old player from the first minute, but the referee managed the game well.” More

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      Brighton 2 Bournemouth 1: Seagulls take huge leap towards European football with huge win over South Coast rivals

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      BRIGHTON’S Danny Welbeck claimed the South Coast Champions League bragging rights against Bournemouth.The super-sub beat-up the Cherries with a stylish second-half winner which had the Seagulls flying level on points with their coastal rivals.Brighton secured a 2-1 win over Bournemouth in their south coast derbyCredit: ReutersThe result saw the Seagulls move level on points with the CherriesCredit: ReutersJoao Pedro had given the hosts the lead from the penalty spot but that was wiped out by a fabulous Justin Kluivert equaliser.But former Manchester United and Arsenal star Welbeck won the neighbourly contest with the winner 15 minutes from time.Both seaside towns have been in splashing form in their bid to claim their place at the top European table next season.But it was the side from Sussex who came out on top again with their fourth successive home win against the boys from Dorset.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBournemouth were forced to rearrange their back line when defender Illia Zabarnyi lost his appeal against Saturday’s sending off against Wolves.James Hill took his place alongside teenage centre-back sensation Dean Huijsen.It was a big blow for the Cherries as the Ukraine star had played every minute of the season until he was red carded against Wanderers.Brighton gave their January signing, former Inter-Miami star Diego Gomez his full debut-and the Paraguayan didn’t let his team down.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe was a constant threat and did indeed provide the pass that led to Pedro’s first half penalty.The visitors started well with Ryan Christie forcing Albion goalkeeper to Bart Verbruggen to dive full length to his left to claw his shot away.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersBrighton responded well and had the Cherries new look defence in disarray.Georginio Rutter sent a powerful header wide just before Kaoru Mitoma ran through and sent a side-effort rolling past the far post.But Gomez made his mark when he sent Joao Pedro into the box hounded by defender Dean Huijsen.The striker kept his feet until Cherries stopper Kepa raced out of goal and bundled him over.Joao Pedro gave Brighton an early leadCredit: GettyPedro hit the target from the penalty spotCredit: GettyReferee Michael Oliver immediately pointed to the spot which didn’t go down with the Chelsea loanee claiming he didn’t touch the player.But VAR confirmed the 12th minute spot-kick and Pedro sent Kepa the wrong way for his seventh goal of the campaign.The visitors got their game back on track but were dealt a blow when a hobbling Christie had to be replaced by Alex Scott on 26 minutes.Bournemouth were being pinned back by a vibrant Albion side but were always threatening with a quick counter-attack.Justin Kluivert fired in a rocket to equaliseCredit: ReutersThe Dutchman has been in top form this seasonCredit: ReutersThe Seagulls were unlucky not to double their lead on 37 minutes when Mitoma volleyed Tariq Lamptey cross against the post.At the other end Antoine Semenyo showed three home players a clean pair of heels before he thumped his shot straight at Verbruggen.   Brighton looked dangerous whenever they attacked no doubt fired up by the fact they had just beaten Chelsea 3-0 and Southampton 4-0 in their last league fixtures.Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert, who had scored nine times on the road in the Premier League, had a quiet first half.Danny Welbeck came off the bench to net Brighton’s winnerCredit: ReutersThe veteran striker was delighted with his late impactCredit: ReutersBut straight after the break the Dutchman came alive seeing his cross glide just wide of the home goal.Kluivert wasn’t looking glum for long because he was soon celebrating his 13th goal of the campaign on 61 minutes.The winger took Milos Kerkez’s pass in his stride, moved inside before thumping a rocket into the far corner of the net from 18 yards.READ MORE SUN STORIESBournemouth had their tails up but Welbeck brought them down to earth soon after entering the field.He controlled Rutter’s pass with his right foot before gently placing it with his left past Kepa into the net. More

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      Crystal Palace 4 Aston Villa 1: Adam Wharton runs the show on return to starting XI in front of England boss Tuchel

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      HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Ismaila Sarr – what a wonderful way to celebrate your big day.The Senegal striker marked his 27th birthday with two brilliant goals – scored against different goalkeepers – as clinical Crystal Palace returned to winning ways at Selhurst Park.Ismaila Sarr scored twice to sink Aston VillaCredit: GettyJean-Philippe continued his good goalscoring formCredit: ReutersAdam Wharton ran the match on his first start after three months out injuredCredit: GettyThe ex-Watford star became just the third Palace player to score a Premier League goal on his birthday after Christian Benteke (against Bournemouth in 2016) and Luka Milivojevic (against Southampton in 2018).As Sarr blew out the candles on his cake, the result was a huge blow to Unai Emery’s hopes of Aston Villa keeping pace with the top-four spots as they slipped two places down to tenth.After meeting the future King, new England boss Thomas Tuchel went from Windsor Palace to the (Crystal) Palace for the evening’s entertainment.And the decision to visit atmospheric SE25 was a wise one given there were TEN Englishmen involved across the two starting line-ups.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere were six for Palace and four for Villa but Manchester United’s on-loan ace Marcus Rashford, the winner of 60 England caps, had to wait until being introduced on 68 minutes – and when he did appear, he did not offer much as Villa really struggled.There has been considerable criticism for Tuchel’s apparent work-from-home policy – he has spent more time with his family in Germany rather than sit in the cold at English football grounds – but there was plenty to ponder as he watched the homegrown contingent.For Adam Wharton, making his first Premier League start since October, this was a timely moment to show off his abilities to England’s third overseas manager in history.The 21-year-old midfielder – an unused member of Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad at the 2024 European Championships – has had his minutes managed by boss Oliver Glasner.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis is because he had surgery last autumn for a persistent groin problem and was absent for four months in the middle of the campaign.Pain-free and fully recovered, his return to the picture after three sub appearances was at the expense of Colombian Jefferson Lerma, who had started in the superb 2-0 win at Fulham last Saturday.Crystal Palace and Lyon chief John Textor wears cowboy hat in sarcastic response to rivalAnd on 29 minutes, the Lancastrian showed Tuchel that he possesses a wand of a left foot because it was his delivery that gave the home side the opener.The former Blackburn Rovers man switched the ball right to left and then whipped in the cross, which survived a VAR check because while Tyrick Mitchell was offside, he was not interfering with play.And though Emiliano Martinez stopped the initial header from Chris Richards, the Argentine World Cup-winning goalkeeper could not prevent Sarr from scoring at the back post.Several minutes before that opener, Villa had had a goal disallowed for offside as Ollie Watkins brilliantly fed in Jacob Ramsey – a lovely England 1-2 combination – but the finish was all in vain.On that occasion, it was the right call by VAR, a clear and obvious error from the on-field team.The Stockley Park officials were drawing their lines on the screen three minutes before half-time and my goodness, how infuriatingly close for Villa it was.Rogers played in Watkins – who, in turn, provided the return pass – but the latter’s knee was adjudged to have been offside.Emery, whose side could have gone fifth with a win, celebrated like a maniac on the touchline but that joy quickly disappeared and he could only look on with bemusement as it was scrubbed out.Now, Martinez might be trademarked these days as the world’s best goalkeeper but he simply cannot keep any clean sheets.It is 16 out of 17 games in a row where he has had to retrieve the ball from his net at least once.Though he did redeem himself with one decent save from Sarr, Martinez was replaced at half-time for fitness reasons by sub Robin Olsen.the-sun-22-23-heat-map-af243e58-a164-483b-ab95-9a423dbb4314In true pantomime fashion, the giant Swedish stopper was booed loudly by the Holmesdale Fanatics behind him.That is because during the half-time break he stopped some small kids from having some fun shots as it was disrupting his warm-up routines.Olsen was the one laughing on 52 minutes when he launched the ball ‘route one’ like Wimbledon used to do when they ground-shared here decades ago.Watkins won the header, outjumping defender Marc Guehi, and then Rogers demonstrated tremendous trickery to win possession of the bouncing ball with his head, twist past Chris Richards and then fire past Dean Henderson.Parity only lasted for seven minutes becauseMateta is a man in form and playing with supreme confidence and he fired past Olsen after being played in by Eze and Wharton.It was his 12th Prem goal this season and eight of those have come this calendar year, a tally matched by Liverpool’s Mo Salah in 2025.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn 71 minutes, Sarr made his special day even better as he hooked in a Daniel Munoz cut-back and though party-pooping VAR tried to spoil everything with a check, this was an evening for him and his family to remember.And there was one final English combination for Tuchel to enjoy as Mitchell crossed for Eddie Nketiah to score on an excellent night for the Eagles. 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      Wolves 1 Fulham 2: Visitors score right at the start of both halves to throw European race wide open again

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      RYAN SESSEGNON produced a reminder of the form that made him hot property not so long ago.He scored his first Premier League goal in over two and a half years to provide the platform for Fulham’s victory at Molineux.Fulham defeated Wolves to keep their European hopes aliveCredit: RexRyan Sessegnon opened the scoring for Fulham less than a minute after kick-offCredit: RexWolves ace Joao Gomes equalised shortly after Fulham’s openerCredit: AlamyFulham star Rodrigo Muniz scored the winner against WolvesCredit: GettyRodrigo Muniz’s sweet second-half lob kept the Cottagers on course for their first European campaign in 13 years.But the game was also a milestone for injury-hit Sessegnon who struck after just one minute to stun Wolves.This was his first top-flight start since playing for Tottenham in the North London derby just over two years ago.And he grabbed the opportunity with both hands.Read More on FootballFrom the start, Muniz found Andreas Pereira who fed the ball out left to Sessegnon, who fired his shot past keeper Jose Sa.That was his first Premier League goal since netting for Spurs against Bournemouth in October 2022.The left wing-back began his career at Fulham before returning on a free last summer.But he started just 26 league games in five years at Tottenham – after being plagued by hamstring problems over the past 18 months.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTravelling Fulham fans sang “He’s one of our own” about a player who left for Spurs in 2019.But Sessegnon was at fault for Wolves’ 18th-minute leveller.Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey slams decision not to overturn Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card in Arsenal’s win over WolvesHe failed to deal with a Jean-Ricner Bellegarde cross and Joao Gomes netted from 15 yards with a powerful finish.But Wolves fell asleep again at the start of the second half – just as they had done an hour earlier.Boss Vitor Pereira must have been furious to see his players looking sluggish once more.Ex-Molineux forward Adama Traore threaded a pinpont through ball for Muniz who lifted the ball superbly over Sa and into the net.Fulham boss Marco Silva made five changes from the side that lost to Crystal Palace on Saturday – presumably with Sunday’s FA Cup tie at Manchester United in mind.Silva clearly wants some retribution for the cup clash at Old Trafford two years ago when he and two players were sent off.Fulham eyeing EuropeBut was this a weakened line-up? Not a bit of it.Fulham took the game to Wolves and made the most of the hosts’ slow start to each half.It was a result that leaves Silva’s side in ninth place – just two points behind Manchester City.The last time Fulham made it to Europe was in the 2011-12 season – but with a fierce battle, and possibly eighth place being enough to qualify, the opportunity is there.Wolves’ relegation battle continuesWolves are still not out of the woods when it comes to being drawn back into the bottom three – but it would take a big revival from Ipswich or Leicester to plunge them into danger again.They wanted to build on Saturday’s win at Bournemouth, but Fulham killed the game off in the second half and Wolves could not find a way through again.Matheus Cunha provided Wolves’ best chance of getting back into the game – but he was off target as Pereira’s men struggled despite a bright first half.Ex-Wolves striker Jimenez was welcomed by the Molineux fans when he came on as a second-half sub.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he almost scored Fulham’s third when he brought a solid save out of Sa.Wolves fans applauded both Jimenez and Traore at the final whistle in an emotional moment for both. More

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      Erik ten Hag reveals he’s started completely new job and may NEVER go back to football management after Man Utd sacking

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      ERIK TEN HAG hinted he may NEVER return to management after his dismissal from Manchester United.Ten Hag, 55, was sacked in October following a poor start to the season that left United 14th in the Premier League table.Erik ten Hag hinted he may never return to management after his Manchester United exitCredit: PAEx-Man Utd boss Ten Hag is currently working with his familyCredit: AlamyThe Dutch tactician was replaced by Ruben Amorim a month later -but the Portuguese head coach hasn’t fared much better with the Red Devils now even lower, in 15th in the top flight.The ex-Ajax boss is currently enjoying some time off away from the spotlight of the dugout.And Ten Hag confirmed that he’s keeping his options wide open when it comes to his next move.That includes a potential early end to his managerial career, which saw him winning three Eredivisie titles and two Dutch Cups with Ajax, before lifting the FA Cup and Carabao Cup with Man Utd.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-Utrecht boss would be open to a new project that “suits him” but is currently happy working away from football with his family.The Dutchman’s father Hennie owns a successful real estate company, while his brothers Michel and Rico are running several finance firms.Ten Hag told SEG Stories: “I don’t know how my career will develop. But I’m going to try my best.”Provided something comes along that suits me. There are so many other things I could do.Most read in Football”Maybe in football, in a new position as a manager. That’s an option. And maybe something completely different.”I’ve been working with my brothers lately. We have our own company. Or rather: they have their own company.Erik ten Hag gives major update on future and reveals he ‘misses Old Trafford’ after Man Utd sacking “But we also run a company together with our father. That’s also something I love to do.”I can now give that more attention and it’s also a lot of fun.” More

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      Wrexham star facing battle to play again this year after devastating ACL injury and being carried off on stretcher

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      WREXHAM ace Andy Cannon could be facing a battle to play again this season after suffering a “bad” knee injury.Cannon, 28, was given oxygen and stretchered off during the Red Dragons’ 2-1 victory at Mansfield Town on Sunday in League One.Wrexham ace Andy Cannon could be facing a battle to play again this seasonCredit: RexWrexham ace Cannon required oxygen after suffering a ‘bad’ knee injuryCredit: PAThe midfielder appeared to have seriously injured his leg after being tackled by Mansfield’s Louis Reed on 36 minutes at Field Mill.The ex-Hull ace looked in real discomfort after falling to the ground awkwardly as opposing players checked on him.Wrexham medics immediately rushed onto the pitch to come to Cannon’s aid and team-mates soon formed a protective huddle around him.The central midfielder subsequently received lengthy medical treatment and was given oxygen.Read More on FootballThe ex-Portsmouth ace helped doctors hold the oxygen mask to his face before he was eventually stretchered off.Wrexham confirmed their player suffered a ruptured ACL and will undergo surgery.The club, which is owned by Hollwyood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, also announced Cannon faces a “significant period of rehabilitation time”.Wrexham issued the following statement: “Wrexham AFC can confirm midfielder Andy Cannon suffered a ruptured ACL in the match against Mansfield Town on Sunday (February 23).Most read in EFL”The midfielder was stretchered off in the first half, and following a scan the serious extent of his injury is now known.”The 28-year-old has met with a specialist this evening and will undergo surgery next week, and faces a significant period of rehabilitation time post-surgery.”Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson confirmed at full-time that it doesn’t look good.Parkinson said: “Andy looks like a bad injury. His knee. But we don’t know the extent.”It’s not easy when a great lad like Andy is stretchered off. I said to the lads at half-time, ‘C’mon, let’s do this for Andy’ and they did that.” More

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      Prince William meets new England boss Thomas Tuchel at Windsor Castle ahead of German’s first match in charge

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      FOOTY fan Prince William gave the new England boss a winning start at Windsor Castle – as he gave a warm handshake to Thomas Tuchel.William, 42, spent an hour chatting about football and, of course, his favourite football team Aston Villa’s Champions League form.Prince William shakes hands with new England boss Thomas Tuchel at Windsor CastleCredit: InstagramTuchel’s first game in charge is against Albania at Wembley on March 21Credit: GettyWills with England ace Harry Kane at the Euros last summerCredit: EPAThe Prince of Wales cheered Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions from the stands in Germany as they went all the way to final at Euro 2024 only to agonisingly lose against Spain.And he took Prince George to games at Wembley during their run to the final in Euro 2021.Tuchel, 51, who won the Champions League with Chelsea, officially took on the ‘Impossible Job’ in January.Wills and Tuchel first met in the stands when Villa beat Celtic 4-2 last month.Read More on SportSources close to William, who is Patron of the FA, said yesterday’s royal welcome was an opportunity for the German boss to share his views on the team since taking over and his hopes for the future.While William was highly likely to speak about Villa’s European campaign and last 16 clash with Club Brugge next week, they said.Tuchel’s first game in charge is against Albania at Wembley on March 21 and his contract runs out after the 2026 World Cup.Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches More