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      ‘I can’t believe that…’ – Chelsea star Ben Chilwell in awe of Arsenal ace after sensational week with England

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      CHELSEA ace Ben Chilwell “can’t believe” England team-mate and Arsenal star Bukayo Saka started out as a left-back.Saka led the Three Lions to a routine 2-0 victory over Ukraine in their Euro 2024 qualifier at Wembley on Sunday as he set up record goalscorer Harry Kane’s opener and then netted a wondergoal.
      Chelsea star Ben Chilwell praised England team-mate and Arsenal star Bukayo SakaCredit: Rex
      Saka started out as a full-back and turned into a lethal goalscorerCredit: PA
      The winger was named Man of the Match amid a stunning season that has also seen him register a total of 13 goals and 10 assists in 38 matches across all competitions for Arsenal.
      Chilwell has been left in awe of the 21-year-old’s incredible development as he went from a full-back to one of the Premier League’s most lethal goalscorers.
      The 26-year-old Chelsea ace, who also plays as a left-back, sang Saka’s praises as he revealed how important he is to the team both on and off the pitch.
      Chilwell said: “I can’t believe he played at left-back when he can do that.
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      “Bukayo is such a great talent. I think everyone can see what he gives on the pitch but he’s one of the best people I have met in football as well.
      “We see him on a daily basis around the camp and he just brings happiness to everyone.
      “He is always smiling and a good guy to be around, and then he comes out on the pitch and delivers like that for us.
      “An assist and a goal and it ultimately wins us the game. I am delighted for him.”
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      Saka has played a key role in England’s qualifying campaign getting off on the right foot as Gareth Southgate’s side have won both of their first two matches.
      The Three Lions also got a little payback for their loss in the Euro 2020 final against Italy.
      Southgate’s men defeated the reigning European champions 2-1 in Naples.
      Fellow Group C outfits North Macedonia and Malta are next for in-form England. More

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      Leeds key man Wilfried Gnonto emotionally hobbles off with ankle injury for Italy in huge relegation blow

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      LEEDS will be sweating over the fitness of star man Wilfried Gnonto.That’s after the forward went off injured in Italy’s Euro qualifier against Malta.
      Leeds star Wilfried Gnonto went off injured in Italy’s game against MaltaCredit: Getty
      Gnonto twisted his ankle after running past a defenderCredit: AP
      Gnonto, 19, has developed into a key player for Leeds since his move from Zurich in September.
      The former Inter Milan academy star has chipped in with four goals this season.
      And his Lionel Messi-esque style has made Gnonto a smash hit with the Elland Road faithful.
      However, Leeds risk being without their talismanic teen for Saturday’s trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
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      Gnonto lined up for Italy in their Euro 2024 qualifier against Malta on Sunday, winning his 10th cap in the process.
      Roberto Mancini’s men stormed into a 20th minute lead through Mateo Retegui, and went on to win 2-0.
      But moments later Retegui’s goal, Gnonto was forced off the field after appearing to twist his ankle while dribbling past a defender.
      The wing wizard looked to be in some pain as he bravely tried to hobble on.
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      And Gnonto soon signalled to the bench that he could no longer continue.
      The Leeds star limped off the pitch as Mancini watched on with concern.
      But it will be club boss Javi Gracia who could be dealt the bigger blow.
      Leeds are languishing in 14th place after just six wins this term.
      They are only ONE points above the dreaded drop zone.
      And to make matters worse, 18th-place West Ham still have a game in hand on them.
      Gnonto will now be hoping he can spring back into action for next weekend’s crunch game at the Emirates.
      But it remains to be seen how long he remains in Yorkshire for, with Serie A giants Juventus reportedly plotting to bring him back to Italy this summer.
      Gnonto may have options in England too, with Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea all admirers. More

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      Two Man Utd and England stars hold talks to switch international allegiance after being left in the cold

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      TWO Manchester United stars have reportedly held talks about switching their allegiance from England in a bid to get international football. The Three Lions have begun attempts to qualify for Euro 2024, with victory over Italy giving Gareth Southgate’s side the best possible start.
      There is no shortage of English talent for Gareth Southgate to pick fromCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      But competition to get into the squad let alone the starting line-up remains incredibly fierce with well-known Premier League names left out.
      And Red Devils stars Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe have reportedly been approached about jumping ship.
      Congolese publication Leopard Leader Football report that Wan-Bissaka’s family have spoken “at length” to DR Congo manager Sebastien Desabre about the full-back making the switch.
      The 25-year-old has made one appearance for DR Congo’s U20s in an 8-0 friendly loss to England’s underage group in 2015.
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      He would then switch to the Three Lions after being called up to the U20 and then U21 squad, making 5 appearances in all.
      Meanwhile Tuanzebe, who is also of Congolese descent, was reportedly contacted by Congo officials as well and had “positive” talks.
      Like Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe has never player a senior international for either country and is still free to pick.
      The 25-year-old, currently on loan at Stoke City, has also made a handful of appearances at youth level for England.
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      Competition for places has rarely been tougher in the English set-up with Wan-Bissaka particularly in a fight at right-back.
      Kyle Walker, Reece James, Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold all appear to be ahead of the Man United man, with the latter also left out of the most recent squad.
      There has also been speculation over Wan-Bissaka’s future at club level with reports earlier this year linking the star with a return to Crystal Palace.
      The defender initially appeared to not be on Erik ten Hag’s radar but he has been seeing much more football since the turn of the year.
      Wan-Bissaka faces incredible competition at right-back for EnglandCredit: Alamy
      Tuanzebe’s career has been held back after a back injury kept him out for several monthsCredit: Getty More

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      Jubilant England stars return to training following famous Italy win as Kane unwinds after breaking scoring record

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      MAN went into space for the first time the last year England won away to Italy – until Thursday night.And after taking a giant leap forward in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, the Three Lions took another big stretch – to ease away the tension the morning after in training.
      Harry Kane reflects on his record-breaking night in Naples
      Jack Grealish and Declan Rice couldn’t be happier after England opened their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory in Italy
      It’s been a long stretch since the tTree Lions triumphed in Italy, and Jordan Pickford, Luke Shaw and Declan Rice relieve their aching muscles
      Jimmy Greaves sealed England’s late 3-2 victory in Rome back in May 1961 – a month after Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin journeyed into history and outer space.
      Greaves was then the Three Lions’ highest-ever scorer, eventually finishing with 44 goals.
      And this time around Kane marked the gravity of the occasion on a notable night in Naples by setting a new record of 54 as a penalty took him past Wayne Rooney’s mark.
      So it was understandable the England skipper basked on a gym matt at Spurs Lodge on Friday with a reflective smile on his face.
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      Declan Rice and Jack Grealish went one better as they strode into training with a grin double, the West Ham midfielder draping his arm around the Manchester City winger.
      In fact, it’s rare you’ll see a more buoyant training camp.
      Yet Gareth Southgate’s men have less than 72 hours between Thursday’s success and Sunday’s second qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley.
      So it was vital they erased the strains.
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      Keeper Jordan Pickford, red-card victim Luke Shaw and impressive anchorman were seen extending their limbs in tension-sapping exercises.
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      Shaw, though, will be suspended for this weekend’s game – following his remarkable dismissal for two bookings in 54 seconds.
      In contrast, Kane is sure to lead the team again.
      And after almighty celebrations greeted his record-busting spot-kick on Thursday, the Tottenham striker admitted it’s still tough to take in.
      He posted on Instagram: “Madness, madness. Not even a dream, I didn’t even dream of doing something like this so just hugely proud.
      “Big thanks to the team, the staff, the fans, everyone involved. My family back home.
      “It’s a special moment and one I’ll never forget, and to win the game, first win in Italy for God knows how long… Just a real special night for me and the team.”
      Even Azzurri manager Roberto Mancini joined in the praise for Kane.
      And Italy midfielder Marco Verratti was just as generous with his comments on a player who could go on to succeed Kane as England skipper.
      The PSG star said of much-wanted Rice: “He’s got a wonderful attitude, and he’s still very young so he’s got a huge room for improvement.”
      “He provides great balance and shape to the team, and he’s got wonderful physical attributes.
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      “He’s a number six, a defensive midfielder that England really need.
      “I’m sure that he will end up at a top side because I’ve played against him many times, he never gives up.”
      Grealish, Rice and Kane stroll to work at Spurs Lodge as they digest England’s historic victory in Italy on Thursday night More

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      ‘Gets in places where water can’t’ – Steve McClaren lookalike who went viral at World Cup spotted at England vs Italy

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      STEVE MCCLAREN’S viral lookalike was spotted at last night’s clash between Italy and England. The super fan likes to follow the Three Lions around whenever he can and gained popularity when he was spotted in the crowd during the World Cup.
      Steve McClaren’s double was in the crowd last night as Harry Kane made England historyCredit: Alamy
      His striking similarity to former England manager and current Manchester United coach McClaren helped him become an overnight celebrity among England fans.
      And one Twitter account picked him out in the away end in Naples last night as England bid to secure their first win it Italy since 1961.
      McClaren’s double could be seen with a wide smile as he watched the game with two mates.
      And fans online were delighted to see a man who they are now becoming very familiar with.
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      One said on Twitter: “Haha this guy pops up everywhere!!!”
      Another said: “What a legend. Club and country home and away, always with a smile. Love it”
      While another added: “Living the dream! Just cruises round the world watching football!”
      And another England fan said: “Gets in places where water can’t that man.”
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      McClaren’s lookalike was in the crowd for some England history as Harry Kane scored from the penalty spot.
      It was the 29-year-old’s 54th international goal which took him one clear of Wayne Rooney and made him England’s all-time record goalscorer.
      Declan Rice got the other goal to give England a 2-1 victory. More

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      Channel 4 host Jules Breach brutally taunts Gerrard and Cole in opening line to coverage of England’s win over Italy

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      ENGLAND heroes Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole were savagely taunted by Channel 4 host Jules Breach on live TV.Gerrard and Cole teamed up with Breach as well as legendary Lioness Jill Scott to cover the Three Lions’ 2-1 victory over Italy in Naples.
      Jules Breach trolled Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole before England vs ItalyCredit: Rex
      Jules Breach was joined by Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole and Jill ScottCredit: Rex
      The Liverpool legend and the ex-Chelsea star found themselves subjected to some brutal banter when the presenter introduced all three pundits before the Euro 2024 qualifier.
      The journalist presented the two golden generation stars and then pointed out how Scott is the only member of the panel that actually won something for England after last year’s women’s Euros triumph.
      Breach said: “I’m here alongside two members of the England golden generation…
      “And someone who has actually won something in an England shirt, Jill Scott!”
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      But Gerrard and Cole took it on the chin as they started laughing at Breach’s quip.
      The former Aston Villa boss hit back by explaining how the reference was not in relation to Scott’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here win last year.
      The former Everton and Manchester City star in turn quipped: “That’s fine, I’ll just take the Euros. That’s fine.”
      That interaction left fans in stitches as they took to social media to join in on all the fun.
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      One supporter tweeted: “I thought Steven Gerrard was going to headbutt Jules Breach when she said ‘we’re joined by two players of the golden generation, and a player that’s actually won something for England’.”
      Another commented: “Class! That made me chuckle.”
      A third posted: “Introduction they wasn’t expecting.” More

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      I spent almost £3,000 to sing God Save The King before England vs Italy but it all went wrong – here’s why

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      SINGER Ellynora has explained what went wrong as she butchered the English national anthem ahead of the win over Italy.The Italian-American raised eyebrows following her botched rendition of God Save the King.
      Ellynora has explained what happened during her rendition of the national anthemCredit: Channel 4
      She said that the music in her ear was ‘out of sync’Credit: Channel 4
      Fans watching were fuming with the performance, while even some of the England players were looking a bit bemused.
      But she has insisted it was not her fault and claimed there was an error with the sound at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
      Ellynora told the Daily Mail: “I’m just so angry with what happened because I wanted it to be perfect but what happened wasn’t my fault.
      “I’m more of a pop artist but at the ground there was a sound issue.
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      “I had rehearsed the anthem twice the day before the match and then on the night three times but when it came to the actual performance, I had a problem with my earpiece.
      “I had the music in my ear and then it stopped and started again, and I was hearing it twice, so it meant I was out of sync, and it was hard for me to catch up.
      “I really tried my best to solve the problem but there was nothing I could do and I’m so angry about it.
      “I was trying to adjust my singing to catch up with the anthem in the stadium, but it was too late.”
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      The pop singer also went on to say that she was not paid for the performance and covered the cost to get herself to the game all the way from the United States.
      She added: “The whole thing was very last minute, I was in Miami on Saturday for music week when I got a call asking if I could sing the national anthem.
      “I said I could because it was such an honour and so caught a plane back to Italy and then drove from Rome to Naples – I funded the whole thing myself and didn’t get a penny for it.
      “It cost me more than 3,000 Euros and now this has happened – I’m going to get my manager to write to the organisers to explain how disappointed and angry I was with what happened.”
      The 28-year-old has now admitted that she is planning on releasing a recorded version to show fans that she can sing the anthem. More

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      ‘Trying to escape from Daniel Levy’s dungeon’ – Fans in hysterics as injured Harry Kane crawls back on to pitch vs Italy

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      FANS were left in hysterics as Harry Kane hilariously crawled back on to the pitch against Italy.It was a memorable night for England as they beat Italy away for the first time since 1961.
      Harry Kane showed genius quick-thinking against ItalyCredit: Channel 4
      He crawled back towards the pitch and bumped into a team-mateCredit: Channel 4
      His return ensured the match would not restart without him being readyCredit: Channel 4
      And Kane’s first-half penalty saw him surpass Wayne Rooney as the Three Lions’ all-time record goalscorer on 54.
      But viewers watching on will not forget one other brilliant moment involving the skipper.
      Just two minutes into the second half, Kane, 29, took a ball to the midriff as he helped defend.
      The blow appeared to knock the stuffing out of him, possibly winding him.
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      He went down but landed just behind the byline beside the England penalty area.
      But despite his pain, Kane showed his quick thinking to get back on to the field of play, ensuring the game would not restart until he had recovered.
      However, his superb army-style crawl – including crashing into a team-mate’s foot – looked more like something out of Johnny English than the England football team as he kept his head down as if he was hiding.
      And dozens of supporters took to Twitter with a host of witty reactions – including references to being stuck at Tottenham.
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      One said: “Trying to escape from Daniel Levy’s dungeon.”
      Another wrote: “Blud is trying to sneak out of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to Allianz Arena.”
      A third added: “Kane needs a revive.”
      And a final user commented: “Brilliant from Kane to crawl back onto the pitch we need that s***housery.”
      The referee was strict with any England attempts at time-wasting and booked several players.
      That included left-back Luke Shaw who was shown a second yellow just 54 seconds after his first.

      But Kane’s goal – after Declan Rice opened the scoring – proved to be the winner despite Mateo Retegui pulling one back.
      Discussing his new national record, the Spurs striker said: “It means everything.
      “It had to be a penalty, and once it hit the back of the net, huge emotion. A magical moment.
      “It is the first time England have won in Italy for a long, long time.
      “To be a part of that is amazing. I just want to say a big thanks to all my team-mates, the staff, the fans, my family back home and my wife.
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      “Just a really special night for me and a night I will never forget. I’m just really proud.
      “Thank you to everyone in here and everyone who has made this dream a reality.”
      Kane made no mistake dispatching his confident penaltyCredit: Getty
      He kissed the England badge after becoming record goalscorerCredit: Getty More