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    Thiago Silva gets hero’s welcome by Chelsea staff as he returns to Cobham months after leaving on free transfer

    THIAGO SILVA was given a hero’s welcome when he paid a visit to Chelsea’s Cobham training ground this week.The veteran Brazilian emotionally left Stamford Bridge when his contract ended at the end of last season.Thiago Silva returned to Cobham this weekThe former Chelsea defender was given a hero’s welcome from staffHe posted the pictures on his InstagramAnd promised to see them again ‘soon’Silva emotionally left Stamford Bridge on a free transfer in MayHe is believed to have been visiting his family in LondonAnd Chelsea’s staff were thrilled to see the classy centre-back when popped in for a cheeky visit on Tuesday.Silva wrote on Instagram: “It’s always a pleasure to return to this special place. Thank you for your continuous affection. “The feeling is mutual. See you soon! 💙”The 39-year-old signed a two-year deal with Fluminense in his native Brazil, with supportive wife Belle staying in London for the time being.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe couple’s sons Isago, 15, and Iago, 13, are both on the books at Chelsea’s academy.Silva wrote to his family in another social media post: “It was an amazing few days with you guys here. “Soon we’ll be together again. Best of me, love you guys ❤️”Chelsea fans were delighted to see their cult hero back in Surrey, with one writing: “There’s only one Thiago Silva! So glad to see him return.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFrank Lampard also commented on his post with: “💙💪”, while another supporter added: “Our legend is back home.”Silva cleared out his private box at Stamford Bridge in August after calling time on his four-year spell in West London.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyThe 39-year-old’s emotional wife Belle recorded herself getting one last look at the now empty room in SW6.She wrote on Instagram last month: “Four years at Chelsea with @thiagosilva have been an incredible journey filled with unforgettable moments.”I can only feel gratitude and love for all that we have experienced together. Chelsea, you have been more than a team for us, you have been a family, a home away from home.”Belle became the Premier League’s most outspoken Wag after a number of controversial social media posts last season.Silva is also eyeing a stunning return to Chelsea once he hangs up his boots.But the Blues’ co-controlling owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly are at loggerheads and want to buy each other out.Their professional relationship has deteriorated to a point where they can no longer work together as their decisions are split on a power-sharing committee.READ MORE SUN STORIESSilva joined Chelsea in 2020 from French giants Paris Saint-Germain, having also previously spent three years at AC Milan.During his time with in the Premier League, Silva won the Champions League, the Club World Cup and the Super Cup. More

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    Italy World Cup star Toto Schillaci has sparked fears for his wellbeing after being admitted to hospital

    ITALY World Cup star Toto Schillaci has sparked fears for his wellbeing after being admitted to hospital.The former Juventus striker hit six goals at Italia 90. He denied England a bronze-medal finish by scoring the Azzurri’s winner in the third-place match.Italy World Cup star Toto Schillaci has been admitted to hospitalCredit: GettySchillaci was taken to hospital after reportedly suffering from pneumoniaCredit: GettySchillaci denied England a bronze medal at the 1990 World CupCredit: AFPSchillaci, 59, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022. He has since undergone two operations.And the 16-cap international was taken to the Civico hospital in his home city Palermo after reportedly suffering from pneumonia.His first wife Barbara, who he has remarried, has been the only person allowed to visit him.She told reporters: “There’s no fresh news, either negative or positive, about Toto. His situation is stationary.Read More on Football”I know how much he is in people’s hearts. I understand all the concern for him.”But I ask you to respect our private moment.”Schillaci, whose official name is Salvatore, won UEFA Cups with both Juve and Inter Milan.His family issued a statement on social media.Most read in FootballThey wrote: “Given the innumerable calls from media and the confused reports doing the rounds, we confirm that our beloved Toto is in a stable condition.”He is being continually looked after by a team of doctors, day and night. Stay strong, Toto.”Schillaci was little known outside Italy before the country staged the 1990 World Cup finals.But he went on to score against Austria, Czechoslovakia, Uruguay, the Republic of Ireland and Argentina before denying England in the third-place game in Bari. More

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    Watch as Marcus Rashford has medicine ball whacked off his abs as Man Utd star takes up boxing in international break

    MARCUS RASHFORD has stunned fans after sharing a breathless training video.The Manchester United star is yet to score this season but has been busy in the gym and training pitch over the summer and current international break.Marcus Rashford swapped football for boxing glovesCredit: Instagram @marcusrashfordThe Man Utd ace shared training videos to InstagramCredit: Instagram @marcusrashfordHe was seen wearing a club training kit and white gloves while hitting a punching bagCredit: Instagram @marcusrashfordHe also trained by hitting punching padsCredit: Instagram @marcusrashfordRashford also kept limber by hopping side to side over a beamCredit: Instagram @marcusrashfordIn a bid to find his scoring boots and get back to his best form, the 26-year-old has been getting to grips with a new training regime.Rashford shared a video of his new gruelling workout to his Instagram page, which has 17 million followers. Captioning his post: “Mix it up,” Rashford ditched a football to show off his skill with a pair of boxing gloves.The forward was seen wearing a club training kit while in the ring with a pair of white boxing gloves and hitting both punching pads and a punching bag.READ MORE ON MARCUS RASHFORDRashford was then seen stepping in and out of a hoop and jumping side to side over a beam.The United academy graduate also shared a video to his story of his training. In the video, he can be seen without a top on and tensing his abs while getting punched in the stomach before he is later seen having a medicine ball bounced on there.The next exercise shows Rashford grabbing the heels of a trainer and lifting his legs up before being jabbed in the stomach as he drops them down.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArm curls, battle rope and weight pushing activities are all also seen in the video, with Rashford visibly panting with his arms on his knees at the end of the workout.Reacting to the clip, one fan said: “Scary hours, but not for us.”I rebuilt Rashford’s wrecked Rolls-RoyceA second said: “He’s about to be a nightmare for all the opposing players.”A third said: “You are gonna have another great season.”Another said: “Almost time to show the world again.”A fifth added: “Marcus on the beat.”Rashford will be hoping to get back on the scoresheet when United travel to Southampton this weekend.While he is yet to score or assist, he leads the Red Devils squad in terms of big chances created with three.Rashford also trained his core by being hit in the ribsCredit: Instagram @marcusrashfordRashford has 17 millions followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @marcusrashfordHe was also seen using a medicine ball while laying on the floorCredit: Instagram @marcusrashfordHe trained his core by lifting his legsCredit: Instagram @marcusrashfordHe was then punched in the abs by his trainerCredit: Instagram @marcusrashfordHe also trained using ball weightsCredit: Instagram @marcusrashfordHe was also seen using arm curlsCredit: Instagram @marcusrashfordRashford also used battle rope and was seen stepping in and out of the tyreCredit: Instagram @marcusrashfordHe pushed weight around the gymCredit: Instagram @marcusrashfordHe was visibly knackered by the end of the workoutCredit: Instagram @marcusrashfordMan Utd player ratings vs LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?Andre Onana – 5Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error. Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.Lisandro Martinez – 3Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.Diogo Dalot – 4Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.Casemiro – 2A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.Bruno Fernandes – 5Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.Marcus Rashford – 3Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.SubsToby Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/ANot on long enough to make an impact. More

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    Meet Jenny ‘The Tennessee Gangster’ Savage – the glam bare-knuckle star named after Macho Man who fights Elle Brooke

    JENNY SAVAGE is the bare-knuckle star named after a WWE legend who is challenging for Elle Brooke’s Misfits Boxing throne.Savage – real name Jennifer Clausius – faces Brooke at Misfits 18 in Newcastle on Saturday night.Jenny Savage is the bare-knuckle star named after a WWE legendCredit: https://www.instagram.com/thetennesseegangster/Her nickname is based on WWE star Macho Man Randy SavageCredit: https://www.instagram.com/thetennesseegangster/Savage crossed over from MMA and bare-knuckle to boxingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/thetennesseegangster/Elle Brooke fights Savage in NewcastleCredit: @ellebrookeukThe American has also earned the nickname “The Tennessee Gangster” throughout her bare-knuckle and MMA career.But she now crosses over to boxing in a move which has been a long time coming.Savage, 31, told Fred Talks Fighting: “I’ve always wanted to be a boxer, with gloves on, not without.”This is actually a dream come true to have what I would consider my first boxing match.READ MORE IN BOXING”I’ve had two exhibitions prior. But I’ve had to find them myself at the last minute in weird circumstances and I feel like this will be my first boxing test.”I haven’t worn 8oz gloves at all. I mean, I’ve had 6oz gloves, MMA gloves but this will be my biggest fight to date and my first time wearing these kind of gloves.”It’s not like bare-knuckle boxing, I believe it’s more comparable to a collision where bare-knuckle is more superficial with the cuts and things of such, you can break your hand like I did.”But I feel like I’m battle-tested because of bare-knuckle, I’m battle-tested because of my mixed martial arts background and overall I’ve just been submerged in boxing.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Overall, I just feel like it’s going to be my night and I have no doubts.”The boxing newcomer took inspiration from WWE icon “Macho Man” Randy Savage.Elle Brooke’s 10 most liked Instagram postsBut she earned her nickname the hard way having debuted in MMA professionally in 2018. That night, she featured on UFC boss Dana White’s “Lookin’ for a Fight” series but she suffered defeat to Jamie Milanowski.After seven MMA fights and three losses, she crossed over to bare-knuckle boxing where she had six fights, winning three.Now it is time to put on the boxing gloves to fight Brooke – in what is a literal dream come true.Savage said: “I predict that I’m going to knock her out in the second round or I’m going to TKO her. I’m going to stop her.”I just have dreams about it. I have actually had dreams about getting this opportunity before.”I want to say, I was really down wondering what I was going to do next. “My first boxing fight in Nashville almost didn’t happen due to confusion in information.”I was like, ‘Dude, I really want this fight.’ I asked myself why and I went within.”And then I took a nap and had a dream that I was fighting Elle.”I’m pretty prophetic and when I commit, when I get away from fear and doubt, magical things happen.”Savage has a teenage son Cayden – whose father tragically committed suicide during the coronavirus pandemic.And she uses his sad passing as a form of inspiration to better her and son Cayden’s life.Savage opened up: “He lit a fire underneath me for my son – not spitefully because I was upset with him – but just to be the strong person that my son needs.”Because my son is just like his father; he’s bright, intelligent, misunderstood, a very beautiful human and I believe we all have our own beauty that we should embrace for ourselves.”We always anticipate the love for others but at the end of the day we’re the ones in that ring, in that cage, on that mat in the gym a lot of the times alone.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We’ve got to have that inner strength and be reminded that life is within us and we’ve got to pull it out sometimes ourselves.”It’s not easy but I believe it’s worth living and life is beautiful.”Savage says she even dreamed of fighting Elle Brooke one dayThe American has had boxing exhibitions beforeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/thetennesseegangster/ More

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    Former Premier League and Brazil star breaks down uncontrollably in tears as he announces retirement aged 36

    FORMER Premier League star Paulinho broke down in tears as he announced his retirement from football.The Brazilian starred for Tottenham between 2013 and 2015 and played over 50 times for his national side.Paulinho has announced his retirement from footballCredit: Getty – ContributorHe was emotional in his announcement videoCredit: Instagram @paulinhop8He left Spurs in 2015 to join Chinese side Guangzhou FCCredit: AFPHe landed a shock move to Barcelona in 2017Credit: REUTERSPaulinho, 36, has now hung up his boots for the last time with an emotional video on social media.He captioned the post: “Thank you football.”Speaking in the video, in which he struggles to talk, he said: “I was privileged to have been a multi-champion and to have won important things, as well as playing in two World Cups and playing for Barcelona.”I left a great legacy.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”In my last game with Corinthians, with 45,000 Corinthians fans, I felt it would be my last game.”There would be no better way to say goodbye.”The midfielder has been swamped with tributes from fans and his former team-mates.One shared: “Congrats bro, an example of a player without a doubt!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second wrote: “Thanks for everything brother! You’re a monster. Football. Thank you.”A third commented: “Congratulations on the beautiful career, your career is written and will never be erased.”Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyPaulinho’s career by numbersHere is a look at Paulinho’s career statistics…Club career:Pao de Acucar, 2006-2010Games: 39Goals: 7Assists: 0Vilnius (Loan), 2006-2007Games: 38Goals: 5Assists: 0LKS Lodz (Loan), 2007-2008Games: 17Goals: 0Assists: 0Bragantino (Loan), 2009-2010Games: 46Goals: 14Assists: 0Corinthians, 2010-2013 and 2022-2024Games: 212Goals: 40Assists: 17Tottenham, 2013-2015Games: 67Goals: 10Assists: 7Guangzhou FC, 2015-2017 and 2018-2021Games: 176Goals: 75Assists: 29Barcelona, 2017-2018Games: 49Goals: 9Assists: 3Al-Ahli, 2021Games: 4Goals: 2Assists: 0International career:Brazil, 2011-2018Games: 56Goals: 13Assists: 9He scored 13 goals for Brazil during his careerCredit: ReutersA fourth said: “Congratulations on a wonderful career! Let’s fly even higher, you deserve it!”Another added: “His legacy is immense.”Paulinho joined Tottenham as part of the club’s attempts to replace Gareth Bale after the Welshman joined Real Madrid.The Brazilian failed to show his best form in North London and left the club for the Chinese side Guangzhou FC after two seasons.However, in 2017, he made a shock return to European football as he signed for Barcelona in a £33million deal.During his time in Spain, he won the LaLiga title and Copa del Rey in 2018.He then returned to Guangzhou on an initial loan deal, which was then made permanent for £35m in 2019.He left the club yet again in 2021 after he was released from his contract due to the Covid-19 pandemic.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter a spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, he returned to Brazilian side Corinthians, where he made his name, in 2022.But after two years with the club, he has called time on his career.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Lionel Messi’s glam Wag Antonela loving new season as ‘soccer mom’ and is joined on sidelines by special guest

    LIONEL MESSI’S wife Antonela Roccuzzo took social media by storm as she kicked off a new season as a “soccer mom”.Antonela, 36, took her son Thiago for training and posted a series of selfies with her child on Instagram.Lionel Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo took her son Thiago to training for a new season as a ‘soccer mom’Antonela was joined by an unexpected guest while sitting on the touchlineAntonela was joined by a lizard while watching her son in actionAntonela will also be supporting Messi during another season with Inter MiamiCredit: AFPMessi’s childhood sweetheart took a seat by the touchline and was joined by an unexpected visitor while watching her son in action.And that was none other than a cute lizard that just happened to be passing by.Antonela posted: “New season of soccer mom starts.”Fans went wild as the photos attracted almost 1.5million likes from her 40.2m followers.Read More on FootballOne fan commented: “The most beautiful.”Another posted: “Goddess.”A third wrote: “What a beautiful family. We love you eternally.”This fan said: “The queen.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd that one gushed: “You are the most beautiful in the whole world.”Messi, 37, is currently sidelined with an injury and watched his team Inter Miami in action from the stands alongside Antonela two weeks ago during a home match against Cincinnati at the Chase Stadium.Work out which global sporting icon lives in this waterside padBut it was the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s partner that stole the headlines as she noticed the Apple TV cameramen were keeping a close eye on her and blew a kiss directly down the lens. More

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    Meet the glamorous Finland Wags including interior designer and influencer who will cheer on their men against England

    MANAGER Markku Tapio Kanerva will need his Finland team to be on top form to beat England.The two nations go face to face at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday in the Nations League.Kirsikka is married to a Premier League cult heroCredit: Instagram / kirsikkapukkiJanni Lod lives with hubby Robin in the USCredit: Instagram / jannilodTuomas Ollila’s girlfriend Isa is an influencerCredit: Instagram / isaemiliaaThe Three Lions have a near-perfect record against the Scandinavian side, having won nine out of 11 matches, drawing the other two.The last time the two nations clashed was in March 2001, with England winning the World Cup qualifier 2-1.Aki Riihilahti had put Finland ahead before Michael Owen and David Beckham scored to win the game.The visitors will be expecting plenty of travelling fans to come and show their support.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMeanwhile, the players will be cheered on by their stunning Wags.SunSport takes a look at Finland’s players’ partners that could make history should they beat Lee Carsley’s men.Henriikka KemppainenHenriikka Kemppainen is the partner of Finland international Robert Ivanov.She got engaged to the Eintracht Braunschweig star back in June.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSShe enjoys a glam lifestyle and recently jetted off to the French Riviera with Ivanov for a holiday during the off-season.Henriikka Kemppainen is one of the Finland star’s WagsCredit: Instagram / henriikkaiidaShe is engaged to Robert IvanovCredit: Instagram / henriikkaiidaIida TenhoIida Tenho is married to Finland defender Miro Tenho, who plays for Djurgården in Sweden, having tied the knot in July this year.Meet model Marta Marchena, the Prem’s newest Wag who joined on deadline day, loves exotic trips and shares bikini picsShe works at the Lumene Group, which provides sustainable beauty products.Iida is the company’s global lead for content and social media. Iida Tenho will also be cheering on the Fins against EnglandCredit: Instagram / iidatenhoShe is married to Miro TenhoCredit: Instagram / iidatenhoShe works at the Lumene GroupCredit: Instagram / iidatenhoIsa EmiliaIsa Emilia is the girlfriend of Paris FC ace Tuomas Ollila.She is a digital creator and influencer with 1.8k followers on Instagram and 2.6k on TikTok.The blonde stunner often shares make-up tips and snaps of her trips.She has recently visited the glamorous cities of Paris, Barcelona and Helsinki.Isa Emilia is a digital creatorCredit: Instagram / isaemiliaaShe is dating Tuomas OllilaCredit: Instagram / isaemiliaaLinda MelissaLinda Melissa is the partner of Finland midfielder Kaan KairinenLinda is a fashion stylist and often shares pictures of her stunning outfits on social media.She is based in Prague as Kairinen currently plays for Czech outfit Sparta Prague.Kaan Kairinen is dating Linda MelissaCredit: Instagram / lindammmelissaLinda is a fashion stylistCredit: Instagram / lindammmelissaJanni LodJanni Lod is the wife of Finland’s Robin Lod.The couple have two children together, Louisa and Leon, and live in the US with Lod starring for MLS side Minnesota United.She used to work as a marketing coordinator at an IT company.Janni Lod used to work in ITCredit: Instagram / jannilodShe is married to Robin LodCredit: Instagram / jannilodKirsikka PukkiKirsikka Pukki is married to Premier League cult hero Teemu Pukki.She is well known to English football fans due to the striker’s time with Norwich City.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe stunning brunette works as an interior designer and has her own company, Pukki Interiors Design Studio.Like Lod, Pukki, 34, is currently playing his football for Minnesota in the MLS.Kirsikka will be cheering on FinlandCredit: Instagram / kirsikkapukkiShe is married to Teemu PukkiCredit: Instagram / kirsikkapukkiShe works as an interior designerCredit: Instagram / kirsikkapukkiLee Carsley’s first senior England squad More

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    Inside hidden meaning behind Man City star John Stones’ incredible leg tattoo that he says shows his ‘dreams come true’

    MANCHESTER CITY star John Stones has inked a very meaningful tattoo on his leg that takes him back to his childhood.Stones, 30, boasts a collection of tattoos with deep personal significance from his life and professional career as a footballer.Manchester City star John Stones has a series of tattoosCredit: GettyOne of Stones’ tattoos shows the importance of following his childhood dreamsCredit: Harvey Todd – AlamyStones always wanted to play for hometown club Barnsley and EnglandCredit: GettyNot all tattoos were a success as he had to erase an image of his ex-girlfriendCredit: Instagram @vividinkstaffsAnd one of the most special ones is placed on the back of the centre-back’s left leg.It shows the England international as a little boy staring at Barnsley’s Oakwell Stadium with Wembley behind it.The Barnsley-born star always wanted to be a Premier League player and dreamed about competing for his hometown club as well as his country.The defender realised both of his childhood goals and decided to hit that tattoo to always remind him that “dreams do come true”.Read More on FootballStones told the FA Cup’s official YouTube channel a year ago: “I ended up getting kind of me looking at Barnsley Stadium with Wembley behind that, which obviously is for England.”That was kind of a dream of mine [that] I wanted to do and never thought I would.”And then obviously they both happened so I decided to get that on me and remind me that my dreams do come true and to keep striving more and more.”Stones’ love for Barnsley is also shown on his left thigh as he proudly displays a portrait of club legend Norman Rimmington.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut not all tattoos proved to be successful as he had to erase an image of his ex-girlfriend Millie Savage from his arm after they broke up in 2019.But Stones still gets to live the meaning of the childhood dream tattoo in the Premier League with City where he has won a staggering 15 major honours, including the 2023 Treble.John Stones tattoos- What are the meanings behind the England & Man City defender’s body ink-And the ex-Everton star will be in action for England, where he has played in two Euros finals, in the Nations League against Ireland and Finland.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More