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

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

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

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

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    ITV ‘do England stars dirty’ as live TV footage of national anthem singing leaves fans covering their ears

    ENGLAND football fans were left in hysterics after ITV “did the players dirty” during the national anthem.The Three Lions were led out for the must-win Nations League clash in Greece by stand-in captain Kyle Walker. England sang God Save The King before kick-off in GreeceCredit: ReutersThe starting players struggled to hit the right notes while singing the national anthemCredit: ITVAhead of kick-off, they lined up together for the customary God Save The King rendition.However, the singing voices of the 11 England footballers left plenty of fans watching on at home cringing behind their sofas – and covering their ears.Some of the players’ vocals were not loud enough to be picked up by the TV microphones. But for those whose tones did, most were not exactly hitting the right notes – a far cry from the Welsh rugby team’s angelic voices.And that prompted a flood of comments on social media in response to the “dreadful” sing-song. One fan joked: “That was the best thing ever hearing the lads singing the national anthem. ITV have done them dirty there.”Another said: “That England national anthem sung by the players was the worst and most awkward thing I’ve ever heard.”A third added: “Other than Euro 96, I don’t think I’ve ever heard an England team sing the national anthem in tune or in time.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA fourth quipped: “If team chances were based on anthem singing, England are about to throw themselves on the ground in despair, a lot and have accepted defeat before kick-off.”While one added: “Wow! Let’s hope the England squad are better players than they are singers! That national anthem was just shocking!” ‘I don’t really like it’ – Harry Kane breaks silence after eight England players pull out of Nations League squadA sixth commented: “Absolutely hysterical watching them players sing the national anthem! What an embarrassment.”And a final user tweeted: “You know when footballers get criticised for not singing the national anthem? Well, after listening to the out-of-tune drone noise from these England players, perhaps a dignified silence might be the better option.”Ollie Watkins was one of the few to belt out the anthem – and did earn a few compliments for his singing abilities in fairness.The Aston Villa striker hit the right note inside seven minutes once the game got underway.England ratings vs Greece as Madueke and Jones steal the show after Kane benchedIT IS difficult to remember an England starting XI which, on paper at least, looked as totally underwhelming as this one.Yet manager-in-waiting Thomas Tuchel, presumably watching the game at his home in Bavaria, will have been hugely encouraged by this performance from what appeared to be a complete mish-mash of a team – and one which was awfully short of experience.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars…Jordan Pickford – 8Back in after being dropped for Finland last month – and showed a good response. Great stop to deny Kostas Tsimikas at the near post and alive to danger throughout.Earned his first-ever booking in 72 England caps for time wasting in the first half.Kyle Walker – 7Captain in Harry Kane’s absence and passionately conveyed his side’s frustration to ref Daniel Siebert when Pickford was booked.Moved to centre-back after the break when Ezri Konsa went off.Marc Guehi – 7Another solid performance from the Crystal Palace man who you would think would be a first-choice starter for Thomas Tuchel when the German begins work.Ezri Konsa – 7One of several players targeted by a laser in the crowd, along with Pickford and Belligham.Limped off just before half-time and was replaced by Lewis Hall at the break.Rico Lewis – 7Filled in at left-back over newbie Hall, before moving to the right when the Newcastle man came on.Almost had his first England goal early in the second half but was denied by a fine stop from Hall’s club-mate Odysseas Vlachodimos.Curtis Jones – 9Sparkled on debut in the heart of midfield, not looking overawed in the slightest. Played deeper than he does for Liverpool, but in the same position where he shone for Lee Carsley in England’s triumphant Under-21 Euros last summer.Gorgeous backheel to cap his bow with the third goal.Conor Gallagher – 7Started brightly next to Jones, though gave the ball away a few times after the break. Booked for stopping a quick free-kick early on.Arrived just too late to poke in the rebound from Bellingham’s strike as it had already crossed the line for an own goal.Noni Madueke – 9A blistering first start from the Chelsea man who put real pressure on Bukayo Saka’s place with this performance.He took on his man at every opportunity, at pace, and had excellent end product too, setting up Watkins’ opener and a header for Bellingham which hit the post.Jude Bellingham – 8Some sublime touches and passes from the talisman, including a wonderful ball round the corner to release Madueke in the build-up to the opener.Seemed to thrive with pace all around him and killed off the game with his late strike which hit the post and bounced in off the keeper.Anthony Gordon – 7Provided a threat down the left with his pace and trickery, even if he was outshone by Madueke. A decent display but not one that demanded he start at left wing every game.Ollie Watkins – 7The surprise starter over Harry Kane. He took his early chance well, converting from the edge of the six-yard box.Could have had another when sent clean through but the ball got stuck under his feet.SubsLewis Hall (for Ezri Konsa half-time) – 7Came on at half-time for his debut and did not put a foot wrong.Harry Kane (for Ollie Watkins, 66) – 6Had a curling effort well stopped after exchanging passes with fellow sub Morgan Rogers.Morgan Rogers (for Anthony Gordon, 66) – 8Some exciting touches from the Villa debutant, including one to release Bellingham in the lead-up to the second goal.Jarrod Bowen (for Noni Madueke, 66) – 7Clever nutmeg to free Morgan Gibbs-White, who then teed up Jones.Morgan Gibbs-White (for Gallagher, 79) – 7Cutback for Jones was on the money.Watkins, surprisingly given the nod up top ahead of Harry Kane, repaid Lee Carsley’s faith in him by turning home from Noni Madueke’s electric run to give England the perfect start.An own goal from keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, followed by Curtis Jones’ stunning backheel flick, in the second half saw the Three Lions win 3-0.The result sees England take control of their Nations League group, meaning a win over Ireland on Sunday will see them promoted for Group A.Ollie Watkins gave England the perfect start by turning home inside seven minutesCredit: GettyHarry Kane joined his fellow substitutes singing from the sidelinesCredit: Reuters More

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    Tommy Fury in talks for KSI rematch as boxer stuns ITV bosses by pulling out of I’m A Celebrity at two weeks notice

    TOMMY FURY is in line for a rematch with KSI after pulling out of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!The 25-year-old boxer had been in talks with ITV producers for months about the jungle reality show which is just weeks away.Tommy Fury and KSI are in talks for a rematchCredit: ReutersBut it is thought Fury — younger half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson — has been handed a more lucrative project to fight YouTuber KSI, who he beat in the pair’s first bout last year.It was hoped the ex-Love Islander might have spilled the beans in the jungle camp about his relationship with Molly Mae-Hague, 25, which ended dramatically in August.A TV insider exclusively told the Sun: “Bosses are surprised Tommy has pulled out of I’m A Celebrity at this late stage as it would have been a great opportunity for him.“Thankfully, execs already had some great names waiting in the wings so they’ll be looking at which ones fit best into the line-up already booked so they can deliver a truly great series.READ MORE IN BOXING“With only weeks to go, bosses have lined up one of the most exciting casts in the show’s history.”Fury would have been joining a line-up expected to include WAG Coleen Rooney, Dancing on Ice judge Oti Mabuse and N-Dubz singer Tulisa.The stars usually fly Down Under in mid November — a week before the series kicks off on November 17.It came as hosts Ant and Dec yesterday released the show’s trailer, appearing as mad scientists.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Sun exclusively revealed at the start of September that Fury was in talks with jungle execs.He had been accused of cheating on Molly — which he has denied — but he was expected to give his side of the story in the Australian jungle. Watch as Tommy Fury reignites bitter feud with KSI by slamming his Britain’s Got Talent job – and swerves I’m A Celeb questionJungle bosses were hoping he’d tell all about his split with Molly-Mae HagueCredit: PAInstead he could now be stepping back in to the ring with KSI – who he defeated in controversial circumstances last October.After their 2023 fight, YouTuber KSI said: “That is robbery.”How many jabs did you land? Look at your face. I’m the YouTuber, you are the boxer so you have to win?“He is the man who is supposed to be the pro boxer. He hit me on the back of the head over and over. It is outrageous. I want to appeal. I felt like I won that.”A spokesman for I’m A Celebrity declined to comment.Fury and KSI, 31, both suffered hand injuries after their pay-per-view Misfits Boxing bout.And Mams Taylor – KSI’s manager and co-founder of Misfits – admitted talks with Fury’s camp were due to take place.READ MORE SUN STORIESTaylor told us: “I think Tommy would do really well on the Misfits roster. And I know our teams are in touch with their team.”So watch this space. Let’s see what happens.”KSI fumed after his loss to Tommy FuryCredit: GettyTommy Fury is unbeaten in the ringCredit: Splash More

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    From legendary strongman to avid budgie breeder – the unforgettable life of beloved Olympian Geoff Capes

    GIANT policeman Geoff Capes, who became Britain’s best-loved strongman, has died aged 75.Shot putter Capes — who stood 6ft 5½in and weighed 26st — represented Great Britain at three Olympics.Despite his strongman persona, Geoff Capes’ hobby was breeding budgerigars which he held gently in his giant handsCredit: GettyGeoff Capes of Great Britain competing in the men’s shot put event during the Summer Olympic Games in Montreal 1976.Credit: GettyGeoff won the 1983 World’s Strongest Man competitionCredit: RexHe was Commonwealth champion and European champion twice and since 1980 has been the country’s shot put record holder with a throw of 21.68metres.But the star was best known as the World’s Strongest Man, who could tear London phone directories in half and bend three-foot long, one-inch diameter steel bars.But remarkably, his hobby was breeding budgerigars which he held gently in his giant hands.And he became the president of the Budgerigar Society and was never happier than when he won the world budgie championship and travelled the globe judging bird shows.READ MORE ON GEOFF CAPESLast night fans took to social media to pay tribute to the beloved strongman.I was a hell of a fighter as well. If the next town came down on a Friday and there were only eight or nine of them I’d say, ‘Go back and get some more.Geoff on his youthOne said on X: “I watched him as a young man — my sincerest ­condolences to his family and friends, we’ll miss you Geoff.”Another added: “Sad to hear the passing of Geoff Capes. A fixture growing up on our TV and during athletics coverage.”Geoffrey Lewis Capes was born in 1949 in Holbeach, Lincs, the seventh of nine children.Most read in AthleticsAnd trouble was never far away. He remembered: “I was a hell of a fighter as well. If the next town came down on a Friday and there were only eight or nine of them I’d say, ‘Go back and get some more.’VW Polo from 3848 advert featuring Geoff Capes advert from 1983“I’d fight them on my own. I was quite quiet, but there was an inner aggression.“My headmaster, a guy called Joe Fathers, took great pleasure in trying to knock it out of me. He had a choice of canes.“On the last day I went into his office, I took the canes off the wall in the office in front of him and walked out.”Gifted sportsmanGeoff’s salvation was Holbeach Athletic Club where he was coached by BBC athletics commentator Stuart Storey.A gifted sportsman, Capes represented Lincolnshire at basketball, football and cross-country. But shot put was where he could channel the chip on his shoulder.Capes said: “I threw in bare feet in a concrete circle — and came second from last.”Capes would hitch-hike to athletics competitions and was told by Storey that he would achieve great things if he could just direct his energy.But growing up in the Lincs fens Geoff had a softer side — he was ­fascinated by the natural world and cared for injured birds and animals. After leaving school he worked as a coalman and an agricultural labourer before joining Cambridgeshire Constabulary in 1970. He served in the force for ten years.He was allowed time off to compete at athletics meetings, but on a copper’s salary he could barely afford a daily diet that included six pounds of red meat, a dozen eggs and a large tin of baked beans.He also consumed two tins of ­pilchards, one and a half pounds of cottage cheese, a packet of cereal, two large loaves of bread with a pound of butter. All washed down with a pint of orange juice and seven pints of milk.Capes went on to become the most capped British male athlete of all time, with 67 international credits, and in 1983 he was voted Britain’s best-ever field athleteCredit: GettyThe strongman appearing in the kids’ TV programme ‘Supergran’Credit: RexIn a recent interview Capes said: ‘I enjoyed my life and I went around the world. How many people can say that?’Credit: RexIn his last interview he said: “I ate like a f***ing horse! Anything I could get my hands on. But nearly all protein.”Capes, who would lift 120 tons in training each week, did sponsorship deals that helped him to bypass the Olympics’ strict amateur rules.He had advertising slogans “Butcher Brown is the best in town” and his Talbot Estate car displayed “Dewhurst: Master Butchers” on the side.Capes went on to become the most capped British male athlete of all time, with 67 international credits, and in 1983 he was voted Britain’s best-ever field athlete.Just before his last Olympics, Moscow 1980, he won Britain’s first strongest man competition and became a household name. Tests of strength such as bending steel bars, lifting a platform of bunny girls, pulling lorries, arm wrestles and tug of war gave the show cult status.And Capes was soon in demand for everything from 17 pantomime appearances and children’s TV to performances at the London Palladium with Bobby Davro and TV ads.By 1983 he was officially the world’s strongest man but the following year lost the title to Jón Páll Sigmarsson.The Icelander who was 11 years younger, taunted: “The King has lost his crown!”But Geoff swore: “I’ll be back.” The next year he took the title and roared: “The King has not lost his crown!”Once, at Scotland’s Braemar Games, he used so much resin competing that when he was congratulated by the late Queen, their hands stuck together, causing Her Majesty to roar with laughter.READ MORE SUN STORIESGeoff’s son Lewis and daughter Emma were both shot putters, while two of his grandchildren, Donovan, 19, and Lawson, 15, train at the shot put ring Capes built in his home village of Stoke Rochford, Lincs.In a recent interview he said: “I enjoyed my life and I went around the world. How many people can say that?” More

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    FA Cup first round TV games revealed as BBC and ITV choose NOT to show MK Dons vs AFC Wimbledon

    FIVE of the FA Cup first-round fixtures have been selected for TV – but a huge derby has been omitted.The BBC and ITV have selected their picks to broadcast with the competition’s games scheduled for November.The FA cup first-round picks for TV coverage have been madeCredit: The FA – Getty ImagesThe first game to be shown on TV will be Tamworth’s clash against Championship outfit Huddersfield Town.The fixture will be shown on BBC 2 at 7.45pm on November 1.The other four ties that will be broadcast include Northampton’s match-up against Kettering Town on November 2.Sutton United will face Birmingham City on November 3, which will be on ITV 1 at 12.30pm.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHarrogate will host Wrexham on the same date but in the 3.30pm slot on ITV X.The final televised match will be Chesham’s attempt to cause an upset against League One Lincoln City on ITV 4.However, fans are fuming that the rival match between MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon has not been selected for coverage.One posted: “No MK Dons vs AFC Wimbledon.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second wrote: “How do you consistently manage to get it so wrong?”A third commented: “Can’t believe Birmingham and Wrexham are on TV!!! Plenty of better games missed… again!!!!” Non-league club’s stadium underwater as thunderstorms wreak havoc with entire pitch engulfed in flood waterFA Cup first-round drawHere is the FA Cup first round proper in full…Rotherham vs CheltenhamBarrow vs DoncasterWorthing vs MorecambeBoreham Wood vs Leyton OrientExeter vs BarnetCarlisle vs WiganTamworth vs HuddersfieldHartlepool/Brackley vs BraintreeCurzon Ashton vs MansfieldWycombe vs YorkBradford vs AldershotHednesford/Gateshead vs Gainsborough/BostonBurton vs ScarboroughTranmere vs OldhamRochdale vs BromleyWalsall vs BoltonGrimsby vs WealdstoneBristol Rovers vs Weston-super-MareMK Dons vs AFC WimbledonAltrincham/Solihull Moors vs MaidstoneStockport vs Forest GreenReading vs FleetwoodStevenage vs GuiseleyNorthampton vs KetteringRushall/Peterborough Sports vs AccringtonSwindon vs ColchesterSalford vs ShrewsburyCrewe vs Dagenham & RedbridgePort Vale vs BarnsleyChesham vs LincolnChesterfield vs HorshamSouthend vs CharltonNotts County vs AlfretonTaunton/Maidenhead vs CrawleyHarrogate vs WrexhamWoking vs CambridgeGillingham vs BlackpoolTonbridge Angels vs HarboroughSutton vs BirminghamNewport vs PeterboroughA fourth asked: “Who picks these things? Why not Bristol Rovers vs Weston-super-Mare? AFC Wimbledon vs MK Dons?”A fifth said: “Wow no Dons v Dons.”A sixth fumed: “Harrogate vs Wrexham is a real stinker.”Another added: “So the tie of the round AFC Dons v MK is being ignored.”MK Dons and Wimbledon have had bad blood since the formation of of the former in 2002.The owners of the original Wimbledon FC moved the side to Buckinghamshire and changed the name.This led furious supporters of the club to form AFC Wimbledon, which has worked itself up from non-league to the professional game.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Ian Wright and Roy Keane pay tribute to George Baldock on ITV as Arsenal legend opens up on working with tragic star

    IAN WRIGHT and Roy Keane paid an emotional tribute to George Baldock live on ITV ahead of England’s match against Greece.Former Sheffield United star Baldock was tragically found dead aged 31 in his swimming pool at his home in Glyfada, Athens yesterday.George Baldock was yesterday found dead at his Athens homeCredit: AFPThe ITV panel paid tribute to BaldockCredit: ITVIan Wright worked with Baldock at MK DonsCredit: ITVRoy Keane also spoke about the late star’s tragic passingCredit: ITVBuckingham-born Baldock qualified to play for Greece via his grandmother, and earned 12 caps for them after debuting in 2022.Ahead of Thursday’s game between England and Greece at Wembley, Wright and Keane had words of respect for the late former full-back.Wright, 60, worked with Baldock while working as a first-team coach at MK Dons under Karl Robinson.On Baldock’s tragic death, Wright said: “Terrible news, shocking news. In this time you cannot help but think about his friends and family, family obviously.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It was devastating news. I spoke to Karl Robinson last night, he was devastated.”Asked what sort of character Baldock was, Wright said: “Hard-working, determined.”Obviously like you mentioned it was down at MK Dons and he was somebody you always thought, the way he applied himself, he was probably going to go to where he wanted to get to, the Premier League.”And he did. Like I say, I’m very sorry and all my condolences go to his family.”Most read in FootballGreece stars hold up Baldock’s No2 shirt in tributeCredit: PAWembley mourned Baldock ahead of kick-offCredit: PABaldock played for Sheffield United for seven years before joining Greek side Panathinaikos in the summer.He featured for the Athens side against Olympiakos on Sunday.George Baldock cops probe if ANOTHER person was involved in star’s death after finding pool cluesOn how hard it would be for England and Greece stars that knew Baldock, Keane added: “It will be. It’ll be a big shock to the players of course.”I remember watching a lot of him at Sheffield United, very tenacious, played with huge energy and was always up for a battle.”But the players will have to react, they’re professional. And they’ll have to go out and try to put on a good performance for him.”George Baldock career statsGeorge Baldock has tragically died aged 312009-2017 – MK Dons 125 games (2 goals)2011 – Tamworth (loan) 3 (0)2012 – IBV (loan) 18 (1)2012 – Tamworth (loan) 15 (1)2015-16 – Oxford United (loan) 47 (3)2017-2024 – Sheffield United 219 (6)2024 – Panathinaikos 4 (0)Ahead of the game, players and fans took part in a minute’s silence at Wembley.A request from Greece for both teams to wear black armbands in Baldock’s honour was granted by Uefa.The former Blades star had played for Greece as recently as March.According to Greek media, Baldock was found by the owner of his property after his wife, still based in England, had raised an alarm having being unable to contact him.He was later found dead, with an initial autopsy confirming he had drowned.Several prominent figures within football have paid tribute to Baldock, including Harry Maguire and Dele Alli, as well as his former clubs.’HEARTBROKEN’His family also released a statement, which read: “We are heartbroken with the sudden passing of our beloved George.”You were the most special father, fiance, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person.”Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son.”You were due to fly home today for us to celebrate his first birthday together, but instead we mourn your loss.”Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to. More

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    Watch moment Tommy Fury leaves Cat Deeley stunned with size of his fist live on This Morning

    TOMMY FURY left Cat Deeley stunned at the size of his fist during an interview on Good Morning Britain. The unbeaten boxer required hand surgery after his controversial win over social media sensation KSI in October. Tommy Fury left Cat Deeley stunned at the size of his fist during on GMBFury needed surgery on his left handAnd Fury is back training after recovering from the injury – but his previously battered left hand is still showing signs of swelling. The 2019 Love Islander showed off his two money-makers with his right hand looking significantly smaller than the left. And Fury, 25, said: “I’d like to get out in December, January – anywhere around that time.”My knuckle’s been out of action for a long nine months. As you can see, it’s still massive there.”READ MORE IN BOXINGPresenter Cat was shocked and laughed: “Look at the size of it though!”Fury last year beat YouTube’s biggest boxing stars in Jake Paul, 25, and KSI, 31. He took a split-decision over Paul in Saudi Arabia after years of feuding and beat KSI via disputed decision seven months later. But Fury revealed he was plagued by a hand injury to his left – but is now raring to go after having it fixed. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “The surgeon did a great job and I’m back using my hand and fighting fit so it’s just about getting back into the ring and taking more shots, getting back into the role of being a fighter. “I’ve been out for a long time so I just need to get back in the ring, get some rounds underneath the belt and we can be in more big fights.”Tommy Fury in first TV interview since Molly Mae split as he releases bombshell bookFury has recently been hit with unwanted headlines following a public split with Molly-Mae Hague, who he met in the Love Island villa. The couple – who share one-year-old baby daughter Bambi – announced their shock split in August.And Fury was forced to deny cheating allegations – and admitted training has helped him during the dark period. He said: “I never take a day off from the gym. Training’s my life, training’s one of the things that’s helped me get through this tough time.”I love training still, it’s the only thing I know how to do. So, you stick to whatever you know.”Tommy Fury is back training for a boxing returnCredit: @tommyfury More