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    Bastian Schweinsteiger went from zero to hero while getting jeered by own fans after Trent Alexander-Arnold-style saga

    BAYERN MUNICH legend Bastian Schweinsteiger faced a saga similar to that of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2011.Alexander-Arnold, 26, has reportedly agreed to join Real Madrid in June when his Anfield contract expires and is expected to sign a five-year deal worth in excess of £220,000 per week.Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly agreed to join Real MadridCredit: PABayern Munich legend Bastian Schweinsteiger faced a similar predicament as Alexander-ArnoldSchweinsteiger was linked with an exit but he ultimately signed a new contract with BayernThis comes after months of intense speculation regarding the full-back’s future that even led to a section of the Reds’ faithful booing him at times, claiming his mind was focused on Real.Schweinsteiger, 40, faced the same problem 14 years ago when his Bayern contract was coming to an end.Just like Alexander-Arnold, he also came out of his esteemed club’s academy and was adored by fans as one of their own.The likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and – funnily enough – Real all tried to take advantage of the situation and lure the then Germany international.Read More on FootballAnd after a 3-0 victory over St Pauli on January 2, 2011, the German took the microphone from the stadium announcer to speak to the live crowd at the Allianz Arena.Schweinsteiger was met with a chorus of boos from the Bayern faithful, who thought he was about to announce his imminent departure.However, the crowd was swerved as the fan favourite instead confirmed he had signed a new contract.Schweinsteiger said: “I’ve been playing here at FC Bayern Munich for 12 years now.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”And I wanted to tell you, I have extended my contract and will stay at FC Bayern until 2016. Long live Bayern!”Schweinsteiger spent another four years with Bayern where he amassed a total of 500 appearances and won every title available until his departure for Man Utd.Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports It’s not too late for Alexander-Arnold – who could become the seventh Englishman to play at the Bernabeu – to deliver a similar swerve to Liverpool fans as nothing has been finalised yet.However, the latest reports indicate that the Enland international is closer to an exit than he is to a new contract with Arne Slot’s side.Liverpool are also at risk of losing Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk at the end of the season as their deals also run out in three months. More

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    Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi deal ‘faces being hijacked by Real Madrid with £50m transfer plotted’

    ARSENAL’S bid for Martin Zubimendi is at risk of being hijacked by Real Madrid.The Gunners have been keeping tabs on Real Sociedad star Zubimendi, 26, ever since last year when they tried to lure him away from Spain.Arsenal’s bid for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi could be hijacked by Real MadridCredit: GettySociedad star Zubimendi has also been linked with LiverpoolCredit: RexThe North Londoners are going toe to toe with Premier League rivals Liverpool for the midfielder’s signature – with the midfielder having dramatically snubbed the champions-elect last summer.Now, according to El Partidazo de COPE, Arsenal – and the Reds for that matter – are now facing serious competition from Real who are pushing hard for the Spain international’s signature.As per the same source, Zubimendi’s agent is listening to offers ahead of the summer transfer window.And Real president Florentino Perez is making his move as he understands his team’s advantage.Read More on ArsenalThe reigning European champions can guarantee the talented Spaniard Champions League football next season as well as silverware in the near future.Sociedad, on the other hand, are 12th in Laliga with 17 points separating them from the top four.This comes after Imanol Alguacil’s side were eliminated from the Europa League in the Last 16 by Manchester United.Real are more than willing to meet Zubimendi’s €60million (£50m) release clause and the potential arrival of Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso in the dugout will have no affect regarding their plans.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe same report claims the final decision now lies on the defensive midfielder.Zubimendi is highly rated and has been compared to Chelsea and Real legend Claude Makelele, Barcelona hero Sergio Busquets and Manchester City star Rodri.Myles Lewis-Skelly lost for words after finding out he has broken England recordArsenal and Liverpool were very keen to sign him last summer but he was persuaded to remain at his beloved Sociedad by manager Alguacil and sporting director Roberto Olabe.The pair prepared a presentation and pulled on the player’s San Sebastian heartstrings with pictures of his favourite local tapas restaurants and mountain hikes he enjoys in the Basque Country.The talented No6 has amassed a total of two goals and two assists in 38 appearances this season. More

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    From Arsenal & Man City to Leicester & Leeds Utd – do you fit into AI’s idea of how a stereotypical football fan looks?

    ARTIFICIAL intelligence is ­everywhere – even taking on the ­terraces of our top football clubs.  That’s because these images are all computer-generated ­likenesses of terrace stereotypes – based on the fans of a string of top clubs. It’s all the work of social media site Reimagine UK.  Do you and your club’s fans match up to how AI sees you? Find out hereCredit: GettyTheir tech wizards get ’bots to scour thousands of fan pictures and descriptions of supporters to analyse the defining traits of each. Then the site, which has tens of thousands of followers online, uploads the results, and no, they’re not real people – before you think you recognise that bloke from down the pub.  The Newcastle entry is a nod to Toon legend Paul Gascoigne’s pal Jimmy “Five Bellies” Gardner, the Brighton bloke gets a seagull, and the West Ham man has an, er, food-stained shirt.  Here, Mike Ridley reveals the full line-up so you can compare them to your footie-loving pals.  READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWest Ham  With spilt gravy and beer belly, AI gives West Ham fans a hammeringCredit: ReimagineUKHAMMERS fans eat all the pies and spill gravy down their shirts, the bots would have you believe – and this gent looks like he’s had his fill of steak-and-kidneys.  This Blades fan is all smiles as Sheffield United eye Premier League promotionCredit: ReimagineUKTHIS Blades bloke comes across as a cheerful chappie – and maybe rightly so, as they are looking like contenders for promotion to the Premier League.  Tottenham fan keeps snapping selfies to distract from his team’s tough season, perhaps?Credit: ReimagineUKWHAT’S with the constant selfies, lad? Maybe it’s to take his mind off the latest disappointing results, as his side languish downtable in the top flight.  This Chelsea fan loves the bling, but can he really afford it with those ticket prices at the Bridge?Credit: ReimagineUKLOVING the bling as much as the Blues’ megabucks players, is this fella. Most read in FootballBut you have to wonder how he can afford it, given the price of tickets nowadays.  This trendy Arsenal fan’s too cool for a red and white scarf, according to AICredit: ReimagineUKTHIS one’s been to a hipster North London hair salon – and maybe that’s why AI reckons he’s too trendy to team his shirt with a red and white scarf.  Five bellies and two chins in tribute to Gazza’s pal – but he’s still smiling. Could Europe be calling next season for this Toon fan?Credit: ReimagineUKNewcastle fans take over Covent Garden ahead of Carabao Cup final against Liverpool and bid to end 70-year trophy waitOF course, it had to be – five bellies and two chins, in tribute to Gazza’s portly pal. But he looks pretty pleased. Maybe he fancies boozing in Europe next season?  The topknot hunk with shades and a hipster beard is a Seagulls fan – and he’s got the bird to prove itCredit: ReimagineUKTHE topknot hunk with the shades and hipster beard is a big fan of the Seagulls and can often be seen with one perched on his shoulder. Like you do.  This surfer dude really Leeds the way as his team pushes for promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: ReimagineUKA SURFER dude beard, headband and neckerchief suggests someone feels like the cock of the north, merrily eyeing up promotion to the Prem.  After analysing thousands of Reds fans, AI couldn’t find a smile – no surprise after this season’s disastersCredit: TikTok/@reimagineukAFTER crunching thousands of pictures of Reds fans, AI couldn’t come up with anything more upbeat than this – little surprise given this season’s calamities.  They may be struggling at the bottom of the Premier League, but the bling and thoughtful look show they’ll always remember their 2016 gloryCredit: ReimagineUKTHEY may be at the wrong end of the Premier League but the proud bling, and philosophical face, suggest topping it way back in 2016 will never be forgotten.  Sporting a bit of a 1970s Paul McCartney lookCredit: ReimagineUKKOP a load of this! There’s maybe a bit of a 1970s Paul McCartney hair thing going on here, in tribute to the Beatles legend. Love, love yourself, fella.  Man City may not be on top right now, but AI says their fans are still smiling from years of successCredit: ReimagineUKCITY are, for once, not bossing things – but AI has seen so many of their happy fans in recent years it reckons they are still smiling from ear to ear.  More

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    Liverpool set to rake in millions from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid transfer despite star being out of contract

    REAL MADRID are ready to land Trent Alexander-Arnold in time for the Club World Cup.The Liverpool right-back, 26, has agreed a £240,000-a-week five-year deal to join on a free transfer this summer.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid this summerCredit: GettyReal Madrid could pay the Reds £5m to sign the full-back in time for the Club World CupCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold’s Anfield contract runs until June 30 — but the Club World Cup kicks off on June 15.Real are now willing to stump up a fee, understood to be around £5million, to sign him on June 1 so he can join England team-mate Jude Bellingham on the plane for the US-hosted tournament.They are willing to pay out now having had an approach over a transfer knocked back by Liverpool on New Year’s Eve.The Reds refused as they were determined their vice-captain stayed to help boss Arne Slot end his first season in charge with the Prem title.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDutchman Slot was also wary over releasing the player due to a shortage of defenders in his squad.But with Anfield owners the Fenway Sports Group now resigned to losing the England international, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, they could decide to grab some money from his departure.They would not only get a fee but also save a month’s wages on the Scouser, who is on £140,000-a-week at Anfield.Last September, Alexander-Arnold insisted that discussion on his future “would not be played out in public”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut it is now common knowledge that he is leaving the club he joined as a six-year-old.His last appearance is likely to be in the home clash with Crystal Palace on May 25 — the final day of the Prem season.Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training Liverpool are still sweating on the decisions by Mo Salah and skipper Virgil van Dijk, who both have their contracts ending on June 30.But FSG and boss Slot are understood to be confident Dutch centre-back Van Dijk and Egyptian striker Salah will sign new deals. More

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    What happened to the six Englishmen who played for Real Madrid with Trent Alexander-Arnold set to join exclusive club

    TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD is set to become just the seventh Englishman to play for Real Madrid in the professional era.The Liverpool full-back, 26, has agreed terms with the Spanish giants.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to seal his Liverpool exitCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold has reportedly sealed a five-year contract worth £240,000 a week.The England star will link up with international team-mate Jude Bellingham in the Spanish capitalOver the last four years playing for the Three Lions together, the duo have forged a strong friendship.So they will be thrilled to team up at club level for arguably the biggest team in the world.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPrior to the professional era, Englishmen Charles Wallace, Guillermo Linney and Arthur Johnson played for Los Blancos.While a further trio – Lindsey, Stampher and Vickerstaff – also played for Real Madrid in the club’s early years, although their first names are not known.The six England stars to have played for Real Madrid in the modern era have had mixed fortunes.Ahead of Alexander-Arnold’s blockbuster free transfer, SunSport takes a look at how each of his English Real Madrid predecessors have fared.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from West Brom in 1979.As one of the “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.’He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘school boy’ defending vs Man UtdThe left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.Having played for Leicester, Charleroi and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.The following year he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.Laurie Cunningham signed for Real Madrid in 1979Credit: PA:Empics SportCunningham had achieved legend status at West BromCredit: GettySTEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 Champions League final.He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with Manchester City.After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, BT Sport and ESPN.Now 53, he can regularly be seen on TNT Sports’ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.Steve McManaman was popular with Real Madrid’s fansCredit: AFPMcManaman, 53, is now a TNT Sports regularCredit: GettyDAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)In 2003, Real Madrid made Manchester United superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before leaving for LA Galaxy.Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013 he has continued to have several endorsement deals; including the likes of Adidas, Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Beckham, 49, also owns MLS side Inter Miami, and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for Lionel Messi in 2023.David Beckham spent four years as a GalacticoCredit: AFPBeckham brought Lionel Messi to Inter MiamiCredit: APMICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.But the former Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul.Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to Newcastle.Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on The Masked Singer.Michael Owen scored 16 goals for Real MadridCredit: AP:Associated PressOwen, 45, appeared on The Masked SingerJONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Real Madrid career.After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to Tottenham in January 2008. He won the League Cup barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and Bournemouth.Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick.Jonathan Woodgate signed for Real Madrid in 2004Credit: EPAWoodgate now works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick at MiddlesbroughCredit: AlamyJUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)England superstar Bellingham sealed a blockbuster £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched has quickly become an iconic one.READ MORE SUN STORIESBirmingham’s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.And with Alexander-Arnold soon to be alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally.Jude Bellingham’s celebration is already iconicCredit: GettyBellingham is close friends with Alexander-ArnoldCredit: AP More

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    Premier League TV fixtures released including match that could see Liverpool win title at bitter rivals

    THE Premier League have confirmed their latest round of TV fixtures.Liverpool’s trip to Chelsea is among the matches to be moved for broadcast purposes, with the potentially crucial match now set to take place on Sunday, 4 May – kicking off at 4:30pm.Chelsea’s clash with Liverpool has been moved for TVCredit: GettyThe Reds are currently 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League table.Should they remain more than nine ahead of Arsenal going into the match at Stamford Bridge, Arne Slot’s side could win the title against the Blues live on Sky Sports.This would see the Gunners likely feel obliged to give them a guard of honour when they travel to Anfield the following weekend.Five other Matchday 35 fixtures have also been moved for TV.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManchester City’s home clash with Wolves will now take place on Friday, 2 May at 8pm, being broadcast on Sky Sports.Aston Villa vs Fulham has been selected by TNT Sports, to be shown at 12:30pm on Saturday, 3 May.Arsenal, who may still be involved in the title race, will host Bournemouth live on Sky Sports at 5:30pm on May 3.Ahead of Chelsea vs Liverpool, Sky will show Brighton vs Newcastle at 2pm on Sunday, 4 May.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOn Monday, 5 May, Sky Sports will broadcast Crystal Palace vs top four-chasing Nottingham Forest at 8pm.West Ham vs Tottenham remains a Saturday, 3pm kick off for now, but will be moved to Sunday, 2pm should Ange Postecoglou’s side reach the Europa League semi-finals.Inside Newcastle’s £3BILLION new stadium plans with St James’ Park project to rival Old TraffordIf Manchester United reach the Europa League’s final four, their trip to Brentford will also take place on the Sunday at 2pm.Should Spurs and Man Utd advance in the Europa League, only Brighton vs Newcastle, Leicester vs Southampton and Everton vs Ipswich will take place at 3pm on Saturday, 3 March. More

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    Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘agrees Real Madrid personal terms on £240,000-a-week, five-year contract’

    LIVERPOOL star Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly agreed to join Real Madrid on a five-year contract worth £240,000 per week.The right-back has long been on Real’s shortlist after becoming one of the world’s best ball-playing defenders.Trent Alexander-Arnold has struck personal terms to join Real Madrid this summerCredit: GettyHow Trent could look at the Bernabeu next seasonThe 26-year-old has won every trophy available for boyhood club Liverpool.And he looks set to add another Premier League title to his collection by the season’s end.But it will mark Alexander-Arnold’s final bit of business at Anfield.His Liverpool contract expires this summer, making him a free agent.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Sky Sports claims that he has now agreed personal terms with suitors Real on a bumper five-year contract.It’s reckoned Alexander-Arnold will pocket an annual salary worth £13million.That breaks down to around £240k a week – a tasty rise on his weekly £180k at Liverpool.However, he is also set to take home a lucrative signing-on fee.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWhile the star can boost his pay packet with a series of performance-related bonuses.The move will see Alexander-Arnold link up with pal Jude Bellingham, who fuelled rumours of Real Madrid’s free transfer approach earlier this season.Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training While the Spaniards could yet target more Premier League signings in Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.Alexander-Arnold’s impending move means he is finally set to call time on his Liverpool career after 21 years.He joined the Reds’ academy in 2004 aged just six years old.Alexander-Arnold worked his way through the youth ranks before making his senior debut in 2016.He quickly became a key figure and has since gone on to score 22 goals in 349 outings.The right-back has also won a host of trophies at Anfield, starting with the Champions League in 2019.That same year saw him add the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup to his collection.While in 2020, Alexander-Arnold got his hands on a Premier League title.The FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Community Shield followed in 2022.Last season saw him collect another Carabao gold medal.READ MORE SUN STORIESFortunately for Liverpool, they already have a ready-made replacement in fellow Anfield academy star Conor Bradley.While the likes of Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah can also fill in there.Trent is set to link up with his close England pal BellinghamCredit: Getty More

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    England manage feat not seen for 33 years after Thomas Tuchel’s line-up decision against Latvia

    ENGLAND boss Thomas Tuchel broke rank against Latvia by naming a team 33 years in the making.The Three Lions won 3-0 led by a stunning Reece James free-kick before the break, with captain Harry Kane and super sub Eberechi Eze getting on the scoresheet in the second half.Thomas Tuchel broke a 33-year-old England record with his starting XI todayCredit: GettyIt was the first England team since 1992 to not feature a Man Utd, Man City or Liverpool player in the starting XICredit: EPABut history was made before the game had even begun thanks to the new England boss.Tuchel, 51, made four changes to the team which beat Albania 2-0 on Friday, bringing in James for his first start for two-and-a-half years, Marc Guehi, Morgan Rogers and Jarrod Bowen into the team.Those changes, along with the other seven stars on the pitch, meant Tuchel named a side without a single Manchester United, Manchester City or Liverpool player in it.It was the first time an England player from one of the three clubs – who have all have dominated English football at various points in history – was missing from the team since Euro 1992.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe match in question was a group game against Sweden.England, then managed by Graham Taylor, lost the game 2-1 and were subsequently sent home from the tournament.Coincidentally, it was also the first time in 33 years that an England defender had scored from a direct free-kick at Wembley, with Chelsea star James emulating Stuart Pearce against Turkey.Marcus Rashford, who had a markedly improved if still underwhelming game today compared to Friday, represents a slight loophole in that he is on loan at Aston Villa from Man Utd.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, his presence as a Villa player represented its own record for the Villans.It was the first time three Aston Villa players – Rashford, Ezri Konsa and Rogers – were named in the starting XI of an England team since 2009 when Gabby Agbonlahor, Emile Heskey and Gareth Barry played in a friendly against Spain.England star Miles Lewis-Skelly hilariously reveals he mistook Uber Eats driver for Thomas Tuchel in awkward phone call In a night were records came tumbling down, Eze’s goal saw him become the first Crystal Palace player since Peter Taylor in 1976 to score for the national team.Asked if he saw an improvement from his first game in charge, Tuchel said: “I guess so. It was not an easy match, we had to unlock it.“There are a lot of good things; it’s a good result, another clean sheet, we created a lot of chances from set pieces.“Okay, we needed a free kick to unlock (the game) but, in general, I’m happy with the attitude, the energy and the desire to do the stuff that we want. We will get there.”Kane, who scored his 71st Three Lions goal with a far-post tap in from Declan Rice’s cross, agreed that the team had improved from Friday.He told ITV: “I think so. There were more patterns of play, more chances and more creative opportunities.“But, again, it was tough. You’re playing against 11 men behind the ball, they try to make it difficult. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We had to use the wide players and then the guys coming off the bench made a good impact.“Overall, we can be pleased with the two wins and the two clean sheets.” More