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      Troy Deeney: Lee Carsley is the go-to coaching guru for aspiring managers… he is the perfect man for the England job

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      WHEN I was doing my coaching badges as a player at Watford and Birmingham, I wanted to get the best possible advice.I asked friends and contacts up and down the country who I should speak to — and almost everyone pointed me in the direction of Lee Carsley.Lee Carsley has done everything right in his two games in chargeCredit: AlamyAshley Cole and Joleon Lescott gave Carsley glowing endorsementsGiven that Lee hadn’t been the full-time manager of any senior team, I didn’t really expect that but those people were right. He is a special coach and a special man.Two of those who gave me the most glowing references about Lee were Ashley Cole and Joleon Lescott, who are both now assisting him in his role as England’s interim manager.I spoke to Lee at length about how to put on coaching sessions, about how everything you do as a coach all week long should ultimately be directed towards the match on a Saturday afternoon.Lee is thorough, generous and decent. He gave me his number and insisted I called him if I ever needed anything.READ MORE TOP STORIESWe’re from the same neck of the woods and played for the same Sunday league club, Catholic Community Centre, at different times.And it feels as if Birmingham is the epicentre of English football right now with Lee in charge of the national team, Jude Bellingham the star player and Jack Grealish looking the part as a roaming No 10 in the victories over Ireland and Finland.When I was a Birmingham City player, Lee’s son Callum worked in the recruitment department and his other son, Connor — a great lad, who has Down’s syndrome — was also a frequent visitor to the training ground.If anyone is wondering whether Lee has the steeliness to do the England job, I think that dealing with the issues surrounding Connor’s condition will certainly have given him an edge and a resilience.Most read in FootballLee Carsley followed same path as De La Fuente and learned from Pep – why can’t he be England boss?By Tom BarclayBE honest. How many of you had heard of Luis de la Fuente before his glorious Euros?Don’t feel bad. Even Declan Rice admitted ahead of Sunday’s heartbreaking final that he was unaware of the smooth-headed 63-year-old a month or so ago.We all certainly know who De La Fuente is now after he masterminded La Roja’s perfect Euros campaign which ended with a deserved victory over England.That showpiece triumph in Berlin made it seven wins out of seven in the competition for his scintillating side.It rendered De La Fuente the first boss ever to win the Under-19 Euros, Under-21 Euros, the Nations League and the European Championship.And in so doing, it strengthened the case for another bold, bald tactician to take over as England boss now Gareth Southgate has stepped down.Lee Carsley has trodden a similar path as De La Fuente, successfully coaching his way up his national team’s youth ranks, culminating in last summer’s Under-21 Euro success.No doubt there would be questions about his suitability given his experience of coaching senior players is limited to brief caretaker spells at Coventry, Brentford and Birmingham.For sure, he would not bring the same star quality as a Frank Lampard. Most fans will just about remember Carsley as that ratter of a midfielder who played alongside Thomas Gravesen for Everton in the noughties.While there is also the thorny issue, at least for some, of the Brummie’s 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland, who ironically would be his first opponents if appointed.But park all that for a second, focus on his qualities and the argument to give him the big job can be a convincing one. First off, his team does not play like he used to. ‘Carsball’ is far sexier and heavily influenced by its creator watching Pep Guardiola’s free-flowing Barcelona train a decade ago, alongside 60 members of the public.That study trip to Catalonia changed his philosophy to be far more front-footed and it paved the way to some fabulous fare during last summer’s triumph in Georgia.Four of the five tournament goals boasting the most passes in the build-up belonged to his Young Lions. Fans bemoaning Southgate’s pragmatic style would be salivating if they watched back the build-up to Emile Smith Rowe’s strike against Israel in the group stage, or Cole Palmer’s in the semi against the same opposition.Carsley is a tactical innovator too.He was robbed of a centre-forward pretty much on the eve of the tournament last summer, thanks to Rhian Brewster’s injury and Flo Balogun switching to the USA.His response was to play Gordon through the middle. The Newcastle starlet won player of the tournament.Manchester United supporters likely remember Angel Gomes as a lightweight winger but Carsley played him as a shield in front of the back four to great effect.Gordon used the Under-21 Euros experience as his launchpad to make the senior squad this summer. But talking about Carsley 12 months ago, the Toon forward said: “He is the best man-manager I’ve had so far. “I feel like I can speak to him about anything on and off the pitch.“On the pitch, the way we’re playing football is a credit to him because we play the way he tells us to. “This might be the best footballing team I’ve played in, in terms of how we play and the combination play we play around the box, it’s really at an elite level. That’s down to Lee.”Those powers of motivation could be crucial to unleashing Jude Bellingham, who, like Solihull-born Carsley, is from the outskirts of Birmingham, specifically Stourbridge.Like Southgate, Carsley believes in the merits of giving them a comfortable environment to work in, particularly during tournaments.The 50-year-old is relatively quiet on the touchline, often seen on his haunches making notes in his dugout with his assistant Ashley Cole the more vocal.England’s greatest left-back Cole has learned a lot from Carsley despite having the far superior playing career. In the aftermath of the Under-21s success, which was won without conceding a goal, Cole reflected on the different attitudes players have to international duty now and in his day.The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea defender, 43, said: “We didn’t always want to go and the club manager would pull you out.“But I feel they truly, truly love coming here now. I think that is testament to what Lee has done here. He is kind, loving, someone that thinks about the players more than himself.”Other names will be in the frame but the FA will have seen how De La Fuente has taken Spain to new heights, despite his relative obscurity to the wider footballing world.The promotion of Carsley, who spent these Euros scouting England’s opponents, would take guts and faith in the much-feted ‘pathway’.He would have to brace himself for unprecedented levels of scrutiny – but he is ambitious.With his 50th birthday fast approaching, Carsley said in June last year: “Energy-wise, and I’m not saying the clock’s ticking, but if I don’t have a go at it then the boat is going to pass.”Few Spaniards were bowled over when De La Fuente was appointed in 2022 but he put them on course to sensational success.Who is to say putting Carsley at the helm could not have a similar effect?FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt cannot fail to have given him a deeper understanding of real life than many in professional football possess.I can’t now envisage a scenario in which Lee won’t get the England job full-time. The victories over Ireland and Finland were jobs well done.England fans SLAM Lee Carsley for not singing the national anthem at Wembley England played particularly well in the first half in Dublin, players were operating with freedom, not least Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold.I don’t want to be too negative about Gareth Southgate as he made huge progress as England boss, reaching two Euros finals, but the football was more attacking and Lee has so far shown greater common sense, with players operating in their natural positions.English football can be arrogant. We think we must have a proven, world-class, trophy-winning manager in charge of the national team — but we’ve had that with Fabio Capello and the late Sven-Goran Eriksson, without winning anything.It’s not all about having a glittering CV, it’s about knowing the players and understanding the job.I asked friends and contacts up and down the country who I should speak to — and almost everyone pointed me in the direction of Lee Carsley.Troy DeeneyLee was a successful boss of the England Under-21s, winning the European Championship last year, so he knows the emerging talent.And he is already bringing it through with the likes of Angel Gomes, Noni Madueke and Morgan Gibbs-White getting their full international debuts.The FA know him and trust him but I don’t agree with the idea I keep hearing that Lee is “just an FA man”.He is anything but “just an FA man”. He is his own man who knows his own mind and he will never try to be anything he is not.Lee was offered the Republic of Ireland job last year and many people in his position would have jumped at the chance. But he had the courage of his convictions to stay put and wait for this opportunity.There will be no fake airs and graces with Lee. He is a hands-on coach, first and foremost.Noni Madueke and Angel Gomes took full advantage of their call-upsCredit: GettyTrent Alexander-Arnold is playing with more freedom, while Morgan Gibbs-White is one of the youngsters thriving after being called upCredit: GettyYou will have seen him on the pitch setting out cones in the warm-ups of his first two matches in charge of England — and the players will like that.There have been many coaches who are extremely highly rated and successful as a No 2 but far less adept at being the main man. In England terms, Steve McClaren fits into that category.But I believe Lee does have the man- management ability, as well as the tactical expertise, to be the No 1 on a permanent basis.These six Nations League matches, which feature Greece as well as the Irish and the Finns, will not tell us how Lee will fare managing England against elite opposition.That is the final step for England, having reached the latter stages of four consecutive tournaments under Gareth.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere will be huge issues to deal with going forward — not least that England have a whole host of No 10s but no obvious successor to Harry Kane as our No 9.But I don’t think the FA will go scouring the globe for a more illustrious name to be Southgate’s full-time successor when the best man for the job is probably right beneath their noses.England ratings vs Finland: Kane bags double on his big day… but he’s not the Three Lions’ star manTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…Jordan Pickford – 6Had nothing to do.Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.Ezri Konsa – 6Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.John Stones – 6Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.Rico Lewis – 7In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.Declan Rice – 5Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.Angel Gomes – 7Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.Bukayo Saka – 7Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.Jack Grealish – 7Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.Anthony Gordon – 7Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.Harry Kane – 8Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 68 goals in 100 caps.Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.SUBSLevi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6As with Colwill, little to do.Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham. More

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      Steve Bruce reveals text from Sir Alex Ferguson with cheeky eight-word command after getting Blackpool job

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      STEVE BRUCE is on Fergie time once more as he starts back as a boss – by order of the great man himself.The former Manchester United skipper takes charge of his first game tomorrow with Blackpool after almost two years out of the game.Steve Bruce’s Blackpool tenure kicks off on SaturdayCredit: PABruce exclusively revealed details of what former boss Fergie text him this weekCredit: Getty – ContributorSince his appointment 11 days ago, the 63-year-old has been deluged with messages – some, he laughs, asking : “Are you bonkers?”But the one that meant the most to him came from Sir Alex Ferguson.He reveals: “Thursday morning the phone rang at half past six.“I didn’t know who it was, didn’t have a clue, because the screen came up showing a no-caller ID, so I thought I’d leave it.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Then all of a sudden a text message comes through from Sir Alex: ‘Congratulations, delighted for you’ etc, etc,etc.“’And by the way. You should be on the way to work’. And that’s at 6.40 am.“Typical him, some things never change. He is what he is.“At Old Trafford he was always in first for training, no matter how successful he was, just ready for another day and another challenge.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“He was incredible and still is. His work ethic was unbelievable and he’s always been such an inspiration.Sir Alex changed my life. He gave me an opportunity which I cherished.Steve BruceMan Utd’s best XI of academy graduates“He made me captain of Manchester United for five years. I’ll always be glad he had such a major influence on my life and career.”Yet Bruce admits that having been sacked by West Brom, the 11th club he had managed before those two years away, he was pining for to get that career going again.The fact that he has now picked up the reigns again, even in the EFL’s third tier at a club that hasn’t won any of its first four games has rejuvenated him.Bruce has never managed below the Championship and twice took Birmingham City as well as Hull City into the Premier League.Amongst other club he took charge of was boyhood club Newcastle United over two years which is why, he knows, some of his pals questioned his decision to step down the ladder.Fergie and Bruce share the same birthday in DecemberCredit: GettyBut he explains: “After West Brom I did a lot of travelling with my missus Janet.“We’ve been all around the world, everything that we wanted to do, seen what we wanted to see.“And yeah, I’ll miss that part. I’ll miss Barbados in January that’s for sure when the wind’s blowing hard around here.“And I’m just as sure Janet will too.“In the first year I just wanted to have a look at it from the outside although there were five or six opportunities then but I forced myself to stay away.“But the last six months the lack of that routine of managing a team, the buzz of Saturday match day, was getting to me.“Whatever it is – a bug or a drug – you need it. Retirement wasn’t for me just yet.“I need a purpose to get out of bed in the morning and all I’ve had in my life is this, really. Football.”What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.They plan to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a second venue. They will scale it down to a 30,000-seater that can then be used for the women’s team and academy matches.That would mean the history remains with statues and the Munich clock and memorial plaque all most likely staying in their current positions.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. That text from Ferguson a couple of days ago certainly found him out of bed early – even if he wasn’t quite on his way to work – and a little long in the tooth or not that buzz is back.A home clash with Exeter City marks his return and he adds : “Most of the messages I got were positive, saying : ‘Good for you. Why not? “Yes, Blackpool are League One but after speaking to the owner it was like, ‘Why not?’ too.“I haven’t got any more ego left in me and so many of my close mates understood that in the last six months I really wanted this life again.“I didn’t know I would be working back at the coal face again but we’ve got a squad that I believe can compete with anybody in the division.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The plan is to get this club back in the Championship.“If I didn’t think we could do that – then what WOULD be the point?”Steve Bruce left Newcastle in November 2021Credit: Getty More

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      Arsenal star Jorginho, 32, reveals shock retirement plan and admits ‘I’m in trouble’ after getting taste for new job

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      ARSENAL ace Jorginho revealed he is planning to transition to coaching after his retirement.The 32-year-old has become a key figure in the Gunners’ dressing room ever since his arrival from rivals Chelsea in January 2023.Arsenal ace Jorginho is planning to pursue coaching after his retirementCredit: GettyJorginho was initially against becoming a manager but Arsenal changed his mindCredit: GettyAnd the new surroundings at the Emirates changed his mind on something he was adamantly against for many years.The midfielder insisted that he doesn’t want to become a manager once he rolls credits on his career.Arsenal chiefs asked him if he wanted to pursue coaching badges upon his arrival and he initially declined as he stayed true to his previous assertions. The Italy international, however, ultimately caved in and started gaining his credentials.Read More on ArsenalAnd the ex-Napoli star soon found himself “in trouble” as he ended up enjoying the experience and now looks set to follow in the footsteps of his current boss Mikel Arteta.Jorginho told the Seaman Says podcast: “Because of how I am and how much I love the game, my friends back home, my family, since I was 18 or 19, they were always like, ‘You’re going to be a coach’.”And I was like, ‘No way, I want to be involved in football, but no hope or chance I’ll be a coach’.”Then I came to Arsenal and they asked me if you wanted to do badges and I said, ‘No, I don’t want to be a coach’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”After some encouragement I did them and in the first session I was saying, ‘Oh no why did I do this, now I’m in trouble’. And I think I I’ll go for it [a coaching career] now.”To be on the pitch, with the players, I fell in love with it. It was so satisfying, when you see things coming up and working out how you expected, it was so good.Former Chelsea team-mates Mason Mount and Jorginho embrace after Man Utd’s pre-season defeat to Arsenal “Being on the pitch, seeing the stuff there is different, but it’s really good.”Jorginho has amassed a total of one goal and three assists in 52 appearances at Arsenal.The Italian is likely to start on Sunday’s North London Derby at Tottenham as Declan Rice is suspended, Mikel Merino is injured and captain Martin Odegaard poses as a major doubt. More

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      Former Premier League star names manager who could solve Man Utd’s problems but warns Zidane would reject club

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      MANCHESTER UNITED need to bring in Thomas Tuchel as their new manager as he is the “solution” to their problems.That is according to Premier League hero William Gallas, who suggested Tuchel, 51, could succeed at United just like he did at Chelsea.Zinedine Zidane won’t join Manchester United, insists William GallasCredit: GettyGallas claims Thomas Tuchel would be the ‘solution’ at Man UtdCredit: GettyMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag is already under fire after a poor startCredit: GettyGallas believes Tuchel would succeed at Man Utd like he did at ChelseaCredit: GettyThe Red Devils are off to a slow start, losing two of their three opening Premier League games and manager Erik ten Hag is already under fire.Ten Hag barely managed to hold on to the top job last season thanks to his FA Cup triumph over rivals Manchester City, but he revealed club chiefs informed him they looked for a replacement.The Dutchman even admitted that Tuchel was among his bosses’ top candidates.Gallas believes the German tactician would be able to turn things around at Old Trafford if he got at least two years in charge.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-Bayern Munich boss, who is now a free agent, won the Champions League in his first season with the Blues in 2021 as well as the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.Gallas told Gambling Zone: “Thomas Tuchel could be the solution to Manchester United’s problems.”If he came into the club and was given time, given two years to create his team, the club would be in a completely different position to the one it is in now.”At Chelsea Tuchel was very organised, the players respected him and he won the Champions League as well as a couple of other trophies, you can see why he was a success and maybe he wasn’t given enough time to Chelsea to turn things around.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGallas, though, is adamant that United should completely forget Zinedine Zidane as a potential successor to Ten Hag.The ex-Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham ace insists Zidane won’t be keen on the job because he can’t speak English and has his eyes fixed on France’s national team.’Will you let me finish’ snaps Gary Neville live on Sky Sports as Man Utd legend refuses to answer Carragher’s questionGallas added: “Manchester United fans should forget about Zinedine Zidane, he won’t take the job and the main reason is that he doesn’t speak English.”He won’t want to put himself in that situation where he would need to learn the language and I think that’s fair. “He needs the players to understand what he expects from them and to have that relationship where he can have fun and joke around. “He won’t accept the job if an offer came in and I don’t think we will see him in the Premier League any time soon.”I think he is still waiting for the France national team job. He won everything there is to win with Real Madrid and he only has one job on his mind now.”Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Lee Carsley nailed on to land England manager job with bookies with Pep Guardiola second favourite at massive 10/1

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      LEE CARSLEY is the nailed-on favourite to land the England job on a full-time basis.The bookies are backing the interim head coach to be offered the role by the FA.Lee Carsley is the favourite to land the England jobCredit: GettyPep Guardiola is rated at 10/1 to be the next full=time England bossCredit: GettyCarsley, 50, has stepped in to lead the Three Lions after Gareth Southgate stepped down after Euro 2024.Bookmaker Coral has placed Carsley as the massive favourite for the job full-time.He is rated at 1-20 to get the role, which is ahead of the likes of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Newcastle’s Eddie Howe.Coral’s John Hill said: “We now make Lee Carsley long odds-on to land the England job permanently following back-to-back victories in the Uefa Nations League.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”England are next in action in October against Greece and it looks very likely that Carsley will be charge of the Three Lions for that game at Wembley where he will be bidding to keep up his 100 per cent record.”Guardiola is the second favourite at 10/1 and 12/1 for Howe.While the likes of Graham Potter, Jurgen Klopp and Frank Lampard are seen as much less likely.Carsley has enjoyed a perfect start to his reign in charge of England.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis Three Lions have won both Nations League fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.Both games finished 2-0, with the side joint top of League B Group 2 along with Greece.England’s player ratings against FinlandNext England manager oddsHere are the latest odds on who will be the next England manager…Lee Carsley – 1/20Pep Guardiola – 1/10Eddie Howe – 1/12Graham Potter – 1/16Jurgen Klopp – 1/25Frank Lampard – 1/33Kieran McKenna – 1/33*Odds from CoralDeclan Rice and Jack Grealish were the goalscorers against Ireland as they silenced the boo-boys in the crowd.While against Finland, Harry Kane stepped up to fire in a brace on his 100th appearance for the national side.Speaking after the win over Finland, Carsley admitted he does not yet feel comfortable in his position.He told ITV: “I definitely don’t feel comfortable still, I have been out of my comfort zone.”Enjoyable but we have to had make sure every single day we are producing high standards.”[We were] fortunate to get two good results and about building on that.”England ratings vs Finland: Kane bags double on his big day… but he’s not the Three Lions’ star manTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…Jordan Pickford – 6Had nothing to do.Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.Ezri Konsa – 6Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.John Stones – 6Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.Rico Lewis – 7In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.Declan Rice – 5Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.Angel Gomes – 7Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.Bukayo Saka – 7Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.Jack Grealish – 7Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.Anthony Gordon – 7Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.Harry Kane – 8Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 68 goals in 100 caps.Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.SUBSLevi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6As with Colwill, little to do.Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:READ MORE SUN STORIESEstablishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.  More

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      Elle Brooke reveals weird act men want her to do to them and says ‘it’s my dream job but it’s illegal’

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      ELLE BROOKE has discovered her dream job – but too bad it’s illegal. The adult film star is inundated with bizarre requests from her fans, followers and OnlyFans subscribers. Elle Brooke is inundated with weird requests from her fansCredit: @ellebrookeukSome even ask her to punch themCredit: Instagram / @thedumbledongBrooke is a star of Misfits BoxingCredit: GettyAnd some even offer to pay the Misfits Boxing champion huge sums to beat them up. It would mean Brooke getting to dish out the punches and not have to worry about getting any back. But her biggest opponent standing in the way of the perfect job is the law. Brooke, 26, told SunSport with a laugh: “I actually have people ask me to like punch them for so much money.READ MORE ON ELLE BROOKE”And I’m like, ‘Do you know what? I’m in the wrong job, that sounds like way easier money than me getting punched.'”I can just beat up men. I’d love to do that. I actually looked into it and it’s also against the law. “You can’t consent to, like, assault and battery, so I can’t, unfortunately. I would love to, that’s my dream job.”Brooke is one of the faces of Misfits Boxing, co-founded by YouTuber-turned-fighter KSI and his manager Mams Taylor. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNames from the social media, TV, MMA and boxing world are welcomed in celebrity-style crossover bouts. Brooke has four wins, one loss and a draw in her six bouts after judges failed to split her and Paige VanZant, 30, in her last fight. Talks for a rematch broke down with Brooke now facing former bare-knuckle boxer Jenny “Savage” Clausius on Saturday in Newcastle. But it will mark her last bout till at least next year with a well-earned break on the horizon. Brooke said: “After this fight, I’m going to have a bit more time off because three fights in nine months, that is pretty active.”That is super active. So I’m not going to fight until next year now. After this fight, I’m gonna have a little bit of time off.”As much as I love the boxer lifestyle, I love having abs and being skinny and waking up feeling good, I’m not hungover, I do need a holiday and I need a break in terms of for the last three fights, I’ve always had an next opponent and a date.”I wanna have at least a couple of months where I’m not thinking about the next person.”Paige VanZant was dropped by Elle BrookeCredit: @thedumbledong More

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      Gareth Southgate drops biggest hint yet over next job amid Man Utd links after stepping down as England manager

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has no plans to jump straight back into the dugout following his England exit.The 54-year-old resigned from his role as Three Lions boss in July following the nation’s second straight Euros final defeat, a 2-1 loss to Spain.Gareth Southgate resigned from his role as England manager after their Euro 2024 final defeat to SpainCredit: PAThe 54-year-old won’t be rushing back into managementCredit: REXSouthgate has hinted that his next job might not be in footballCredit: RexSouthgate’s success at the England helm has put him on the radar of several clubs.And the former England international is understood to be on Manchester United’s shortlist of candidates to replace Erik ten Hag.But he’s revealed his next job might not even be football-related.He told Sky Sports: “I’ve got lots of opportunities, I’m very open-minded to what’s next.READ MORE ON SOUTHGATE”That might be in football, that might be outside of football. “I’m just going to take some time, refresh, recharge and go from there.”I think at the moment people know that I need to get my energy back.”The FA have yet to appoint a permanent successor for Southgate, who spent eight years in charge of the Three Lions.Most read in FootballLee Carsley will remain in interim charge of the side while FA chiefs continue their search for a new gaffer.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSouthgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. Southgate has paid little attention to the noise surrounding his departure, including criticism from pundits like Gary Lineker.He said: “There’s no point in me talking about the team now.’Get him in’ – England fans reveal who they would like to replace Gareth Southgate after Euro defeat”It’s for me to let other people take over, to give them the space to go and take the team on to the next challenges.”There’s no point in me getting involved in anything like that.”Despite ultimately failing to end the nation’s long wait for silverware, Southgate insists he’ll look back at his time in charge of the team with great pride.He said: “We raised expectations and that was important. “We needed to put English football back on the map.”He added: “I think it was probably the right time for change.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I don’t think you can have regrets. “We made decisions with the information we had at the time to try and produce a winning team.” More

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      Why Man Utd building a new 100,000-seat stadium is more important than rebuilding the team

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      MANCHESTER UNITED took another step towards their aim of moving to a new 100,000 capacity ‘Wembley of the North’ this week.And new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants an answer by the end of this year on whether the plan to build a new £2billion home in the shadow of Old Trafford is to go ahead.Ageing Old Trafford needs replacing but at a huge financial outlayCredit: GettyManuel Ugarte was Man Utd’s £50m last recruit of the transfer windowCredit: GettyThe Red Devils desperately need a new homeCredit: AlamyThat eye-watering sum is around double the cost outlined to redevelop the outdated ‘Theatre of Dreams’ – leaving some fans scratching their heads.After all, other clubs who have moved into shiny new homes recently have hardly been inundated with trophies for their new cabinets.The financial burden it puts on the club inevitably impacts the amount of money spent on the team in most cases.And the start to the season for Erik ten Hag’s team has led some to wonder if all that cash would be better spent elsewhere.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWhile some fans are desperate to see shiny new additions to Ten Hag’s starting XI, a state-of-the-art stadium is far more important.Ratcliffe is convinced a move away from their historic home is the right option – and the club are backing his vision.The belief is that it would help cement their place as the top club in the country and beyond – and ultimately help to attract the world’s best players.And the ambitious scheme would be something to benefit the whole community as well as United and their supporters.Most read in FootballNoussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt were among other recruitsCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe latest news over recent days has seen the Red Devils enter into a partnership with Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to work on how he area can be regenerated.They will assess the ways a new stadium could act as the catalyst for residential sports, business, leisure and entertainment around the Trafford Wharfside area.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsThat would help to fund the project because raising £2bn will be no mean feat – even when you have the kind of money that Ratcliffe and the Glazer family have in their pockets.United insist they are not looking for hand-outs but believe the new complex would provide opportunities for public-private partnerships.They would also look into investment or sponsorship from the private sector – which could include selling the naming rights, although not before the fans have been consulted.United have looked at similar projects around the world – notably the SoFI stadium in Los Angeles where they played against Arsenal in pre-season.An area known as Hollywood Park has been built around the stadium – which houses the 6000 seater YouTube Theater and American Airlines Plaza.Meanwhile the Kia Forum and the Intuit Dome sit on the outskirts and all those brought in cash to help fund the project.In addition, United have kept a close eye on the Chicago Bears’ plan for a new home on the city’s waterfront.They have studied arenas on tour in Australia, travelled to the Bernabeu in Madrid and visited Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.More than ever, they feel a new Old Trafford would be unique.The club own around 100 acres of under-used land in the area around their current home which would be used for the new stadium.That could be used for housing, leisure, business and education under the new project – while a ‘Stadium District’ could be linked to Media City – on the other side of Salford Quays – to create an economic and social hub.Meanwhile they would continue to play in their current stadium while the work is carried out – with the aim of completing it by 2030.Eventually the historic venue – which has been their home for 114 years – would be downsized and continue to be used for hosting academy and women’s games.The alternative, of course, is to patch up Old Trafford, which has been allowed to slowly deteriorate under the Glazer ownership.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat would involve finding around £1 billion – with much of that coming out of the pockets of Ratcliffe, the Glazers and the supporters.Some would say that is throwing good money after bad – and the feeling at the club is it is time for something new.Ugarte & Co must shine but a new stadium is the main issueCredit: PAWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.They plan to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a second venue. They will scale it down to a 30,000-seater that can then be used for the women’s team and academy matches.That would mean the history remains with statues and the Munich clock and memorial plaque all most likely staying in their current positions.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More