PlayStation

Subterms

    Latest story

    238 Shares93 Views

    Moment Tyson Fury tells Oleksandr Usyk ‘you look like a sexy beast’ as heavyweight boxer shows off new look

    by

    TYSON FURY dubbed Oleksandr Usyk a “sexy beast” after getting a closer peek at his new look.The former undisputed heavyweight champion stunned boxing fans in October when he turned up to a pre-fight press conference dressed as Agent 47 from the ‘Hitman’ video game series.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will renew their rivalry later this monthCredit: GETTYUnified heavyweight champ Usyk showcased a bold new look at a pre-fight press conference in OctoberCredit: REUTERSFury claimed Uysk looks like a ‘sexy beast’ with his bald headCredit: YOUTUBE@DAZNUsyk couldn’t help but chuckle at Fury’s bizarre complimentCredit: YOUTUBE@DAZNUsyk, 37, even shaved off all his hair in homage to the beloved video game character.And Fury said of Usyk’s new look with a smile on his face: “He looks like a sexy beast.””It suits him. The shaved him suits him. He looks sexy.”Explaining his new barnet, or lack of one, undefeated Ukrainian Usyk said: “Hair has a memory.READ MORE ON FURY VS USYK 2″Because my first fight [with Tyson] is in the past. And now, it’s the present and my focus is the 21st of December.”Fury and Usyk will run back their classic May melee in Saudi Arabia, although not all the heavyweight marbles will be on the line.Slick southpaw Usyk became the first undisputed king of the heavyweights in nearly 25 years courtesy of a split decision victory.Fury fumed in the aftermath of his first professional defeat, claiming Usyk was gifted the decision as his country is “at war” with Russia.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd the Wythenshawe warrior WON’T walk back on his comments, saying: “No, I don’t regret anything.”Why would I regret that? Listen it was a close fight. Usyk got the [hand] raised like he just said and he won the fight. Fair play to him.’Horror movie’ trailer for Tyson Fury vs Usyk II released ahead of fight as fans hail ‘best one yet'”[I] don’t make excuses. The man beat me on the night – fair play. I believe I won the fight and that’s my opinion.”Just like if you had an opinion, he had an opinion and everybody had an opinion.”But he got his hand raised and I congratulated him. It’s on TV to see.”I kissed his cross and said thank you very much and happy New Year When we go again, we go again.”Fury insists he bears no ill will to Usyk, adding: “There’s no animosity, I don’t hate Usyk. He’s a good God-fearing Christian family man.”Why would I hate him? And he’s made me millions of dollars. I love him. I’ve got no hate.Tyson Fury has vowed to exact his revenge on Oleksandr Usyk later this monthCredit: GETTY”You can’t make hate between these two. He’s a boxer, I’m a boxer; it was a great fight.”Regardless of the decision. I’ve said this a million times, that’s fantastic for him and his family. Well done, congratulations.”Like you said, God gave him the result. Fantastic. But regardless of that, even from my point of view, it was a great fight to watch for the fans.”I’m sure that they were entertained. It had everything.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It had me doing great things, him doing great things and it was a great fight.”And that’s why we get to do it again on December 21.” More

    More stories

    • 263 Shares98 Views

      in Soccer

      Ruben Amorim hints at part of Man Utd job he already hates in tense statement at end of Sky Sports interview

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM jokingly admitted that he’s struggling to come to terms with one key aspect of being the manager of Manchester United.The Portuguese tactician bemoaned the intense media spotlight that comes with being the Red Devils gaffer.Ruben Amorim already hates one aspect of the PremThe 39-year-old said he’s already done more interviews at United than he did during four years at SportingAmorim’s first game in charge was a largely underwhelming affair with United sharing the points with dominant Ipswich at Portman Road.Marcus Rashford got his new boss off to a perfect start when he opened the scoring inside 81 seconds.But Man of the Match Omari Hutchinson’s brilliant strike levelled the scores with the scrappy encounter going on to finish 1-1.Amorim joined pundits after the match and discussed the differences between managing United and his former club Sporting.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “This week I spoke more to the media than I did in four years at Sporting. I just want to work with my players. Nothing more.”It came after host Kelly Cates said: “One of the things you are going to learn as Manchester United manager is the number of media commitments that you have after a game.”Amorim shook his head and said: “This is the last time. When you speak too much and don’t win it’s really hard for everybody.”It’s one week. And only one week. I just want to work with my players and nothing more but I understand it’s a different game here.”Most read in FootballThe Amorim era got off to the perfect start when Marcus Rashford scored inside two minutesBefore Omari Hutchinson’s stunner pegged Amorim’s side backUnited were dominated by Ipswich in large parts of their 1-1 drawFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the 39-year-old was the picture of respect as his comments came after the interview was over.Amorim had no complaints with regards to the effort of his new group of players but accepted it will take time to improve. Ruben Amorim gives instant verdict on Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho and Zirkzee in revealing Sky Sports interviewHe added: “It is hard to expect anything now. It is not a surprise but you have to see it in the game. “That is why I was a little bit anxious, because you cannot understand what will happen in the game. I felt that.”What I understood today is that they are trying, they are really trying. “They stay in the positions, they receive information and they try to use it in the game. That is very important.”Even in the difficult moments, I felt they were doing the things we said for them to do.Amorim needs A LOT of time on training pitch to fix Man Utd… unfortunately he won’t get it, writes Charlie WyettIN theory at least, the only way is up for Manchester United, writes Charlie Wyett.We are nearly a third of the way through this Premier League season and it is still staggering to see United lurking in 12th place.They have managed just four wins with a goal difference of 0. Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored less.It is certainly not a false position and a point at Ipswich illustrated the massive job that Ruben Amorim faces.United’s fans sang the name of their new manager throughout the game.They also gave the players rapturous applause on the final whistle and although this was an improvement on some of the performances this season, the bar has been set pretty low.The club’s optimistic supporters will see that their team is only six points off the top four.  Ultimately, though, it is difficult to see United even reaching last season’s final position of eighth as they look worse.United’s patched-up defence will improve – and a three-man formation at the back will help them – but you have to wonder where the goals are going to come from. Marcus Rashford struck after 81 seconds and then went missing for the rest of his 68 minutes on the pitch.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were also introduced in that double change midway inside the second half but added absolutely nothing. What a terrible couple of signings they have proved to be and United’s fans would swap both of them for Ipswich’s Liam Delap.Amorim did not celebrate the Rashford goal and paced around his technical area throughout looking uneasy.Each time there was a break in play, he called over players for instructions.Alejandro Garnacho headed over to the touchline on a couple of occasions while there were also words for Diogo Dalot, Casemiro and Jonny Evans.Amorim, a manager with infectious enthusiasm, will be hopeful he can get his message across to all of the players in the next few weeks.But the problem for the Portuguese coach is that this was the first of 10 games in the space of 33 days.What he really needs are spells on the training ground without a midweek game but he does not have that luxury.”I know it is frustrating for the fans, but we are changing so much in this moment with a lot of games. “We are going to suffer for a long period and we will try to win games. This will take time, but I know we have to win games.”United – who sit 12th in the Prem – face Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday before hosting Everton on Sunday.Former United captain Roy Keane expressed his concerns about the lack of quality at Old Trafford.He told Sky: “We saw the shape of the team but it is the same players and the same problems.”We talk about leopards and spots. Lack of goals and a lack of quality in the second half. Ipswich looked the better team.”It’s his first game. A lot to take in and it has been a mental week for him but ultimately he will be disappointed.”Keane also got into a furious bust-up with Ipswich fan after the game.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Irishman, who previously spent time as Ipswich manager, could be seen exchanging words with a group of home supporters.He appeared to tell one individual that he would “wait for him in the car park”.Man Utd ratings vs Ipswich as Onana saves Amorim from embarrassment in first game as bossMANCHESTER UNITED began the Ruben Amorim era with a 1-1 draw away at Ipswich.Marcus Rashford needed just 81 seconds to put the Red Devils in front at Portman Road, tapping home an Amad Diallo cross.But Ipswich hit back when Omari Hutchinson’s strike flew in via a deflection off Noussair Mazraoui.And it was the newly-promoted side who looked likelier to get a winner in the second half.Here is how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett saw the performances of the Man Utd players…ANDRE ONANA – 7/10United’s best player. Two key stops to deny Liam Delap but no chance for the deflected Omari Hutchinson goal.Then delivered an 87th minute save to keep out an effort from Conor Chaplin.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 5Slotted in on the right of the three-man defence but unfortunate with the deflection for the goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5Has been suspect this season and will probably be better suited to a back three although still given a tough time by Delap.JONNY EVANS – 5The 36-year-old was targeted by Ipswich for his lack of pace and no surprise he was replaced.AMAD DIALLO – 6Did incredibly well to bomb past Jens Cajuste and deliver the cross for Rashford’s early goal but offered little else.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 5Some nice touches going forward but too lightweight in this position in front of the back three.CASEMIRO – 4Lucky to start ahead of Manuel Ugarte and was really poor.Struggled throughout before being subbed and could maybe have got a block to the Hutchinson shot.DIOGO DALOT – 5Not suited to left wing-back although stayed there when Luke Shaw arrived because the English international replaced Evans in the back three.BRUNO FERNANDES – 5Some of his link-up play was fine but United need a captain who can inspire this team and Fernandes is not the man.Sent a free-kick flashing past the post with 12 minutes left.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5Twice called over by Ruben Amorim in the first half for instructions.Denied by a decent save from Aro Muric 50 seconds into the second half.MARCUS RASHFORD – 6Criticised for his basketball trip to New York so to score after 80 seconds was two fingers up at his critics – but did not offer much after that.SubsUgarte (for Casemiro 56 mins) – 6Shaw (for Evans 56 mins) – 6Hojlund (for Rashford 67 mins) – 5Zirkzee ( for Eriksen 67 mins) – 5Mount (for Garnacho 87 mins) – 5 More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Raging Richarlison slams ‘f***ing s***’ card as Tottenham star’s EA FC 25 rating is revealed

      by

      RICHARLISON was left raging after his rating on EA FC 25 was revealed.The game was released last week and is EA’s second instalment of their annual football game since the split from Fifa.Richarlison was left raging after seeing his EA FC 25 cardCredit: PAHe was rated 81 overall on the video gameCredit: Instagram / richarlisonMany footballers spend their free time relaxing and play the video game and they also make sure to keep an eye on their ratings.The new copy saw Lionel Messi given his lowest rating in 16 years and Erling Haaland tied with Rodri and Kylian Mbappe as the best in the game.Richarlison, 27, however, was left unimpressed with his stats in the newest version.The Brazilian has been given an overall rating of 81, which is the same as the previous game.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Tottenham star posted a video on his Instagram account in which he complained.He said: “Hey Fifa, what is this f***ing s*** card?”F***ing s***.”His reaction to the card has been shared and gone viral on social media.Most read in FootballOne fan posted: “What does Richalison want? FIFA were very generous rating him 81.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second wrote: “Coming from a player who hasn’t scored 15 goals in a season in his career.”A third commented: “Bro’s literally lucky to even get one in the 1st place.”The 25 top-rated footballers in EA FC25A fourth said: “The fact that they send this to all players is funny.”Another added: “Well, if these ratings motivate you, get fit and get going and next years number will look better.”Richarlison’s rating was unlikely to have been increased following his underwhelming 2023/24 campaign, in which he scored just 12 times.The former Watford striker’s form was inconsistent enough to see manager Ange Postecoglou sign a new attacker in the summer.Dominic Solanke arrived in a record-breaking transfer from Bournemouth.Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Verstappen ordered to stop playing video games as Red Bull chief says it’s ‘no wonder’ he was slammed for Hungarian GP

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN has been told to end his late-night video game sessions after struggling at the Hungarian Grand Prix.The three-time world champion, 26 was up until the early hours on race day and ultimately finished fifth.Max Verstappen takes virtual racing very seriouslyCredit: GettyThe Dutchman is on a poor run of formCredit: APHe has not won since Barcelona three GPs ago – his worst run since 2021.Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko told Speedweek: “It didn’t take long for criticism of Max to arise this weekend. “It’s no wonder, given that he spends half the night playing sim racing. “We have agreed that he won’t do simulations so late any more.”READ MORE IN F1Verstappen, who crashed into Lewis Hamilton in Hungry, still leads the drivers’ standings with 265 points but Brit Lando Norris is closing the gap after moving to 189.The Dutchman will be hit with a 10-place grid penalty at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix after exceeding his engine allowance.Verstappen blasted race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase over the radio in Hungary.He said: “No mate, don’t give me that s*** now.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”You guys gave me this s*** strategy, OK? I’m trying to rescue what’s left.”Nico Rosberg questioned his rival’s professionalism after news of his gaming session broke.Verstappen walks in on Hamilton napping in press conference and listening to Bob Marley”They can all f*** off,” was Vertappen’s blunt response to his critics.Virtual racing is becoming a huge business with high-tech set-ups trying to emulate the feeling of driving a real car.Verstappen’s Team Redline co-drivers make a decent living with six-figure sums on offer in the top events.Defending his involvement, he said: “I think I’m professional enough that I know what can and can’t be done.”If you don’t go to bed and you don’t sleep, it won’t be good for your race on Sunday. “But I think with so many years of experience I do know what to do.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham in intense video session after passing to each other just TWICE in last two England games

      by

      HARRY KANE and Jude Bellingham have been watching videos of how they are struggling to connect together at Euro 2024.England’s best two players have often combined to devastating effect.Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have been working together to work on their disconnectionCredit: GettyThe last-16 World Cup game against Senegal 18 months ago, the friendly away to Scotland and Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy last autumn are just a few examples.But in the draws against Denmark and Slovenia, Kane and Bellingham were not on the same wavelength.Incredibly, in each game they exchanged passes just once.Bellingham, in particular, was a frustrated figure against Slovenia — but he was all smiles yesterday.READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSAt their team meeting before training, the England squad and manager Gareth Southgate sang happy birthday to both the Real Madrid midfielder, who was 21, and Eberechi Eze, who turned 26.Bellingham then produced a few demon deliveries when some of the players had a quick game of cricket before the training session started.Against Slovakia let’s hope Bellingham can be just as impressive on the pitch as he was in the first half of the 1-0 win over Serbia in the opening game.Kane said: “From a captain’s point of view, I am always talking to all of the players — and with Jude we are always talking about how  we can improve.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“We watched clips of the Denmark game to see how we can play better.“We would have liked to have played better and had more of  a connection. But I still feel like the movements are there.Gary Lineker ‘shows better movement than the England team’ as MOTD host delivers scathing Harry Kane verdict“The relationship is still fairly new. Even though we have played a bit together, there’s still things we can both do better. We’re hoping that as the tournament goes on, we grow more and more.“From Jude’s point of view, he  just needs to keep doing what  he’s doing.“In the first game he was man of the match — and in the last couple of games none of us have reached the level we really wanted.“It’s two games. It isn’t the end of the world. I know things are being heightened and there will be a lot of talk but that’s part and parcel of playing for England in a major tournament.“Jude has dealt with that unbelievably well for his age. He’s dealt really well with going to Real Madrid.“So there’s no worries about Jude. He’s a great guy, he believes in himself 100 per cent.“From both of our points of view, we want to go out there and start stepping up our levels.” Kane and Bellingham are due to start against SlovakiaCredit: AlamyAlthough some would like Bellingham to drop deeper and play alongside Declan Rice, allowing the introduction of Anthony Gordon or Cole Palmer, Bellingham is likely to stick with the same role today.Kobbie Mainoo coming in for Conor Gallagher should be the  only change.England were better in the 0-0 stalemate against Slovenia than in the 1-1 draw with the Danes  but still not clinical up front.READ MORE SUN STORIESAsked whether the blend at the top of the pitch is working, Kane insisted: “I’d say it is improving. I’d say the last game was definitely our best even though it was 0-0.“In the final third, it didn’t quite click for one reason or another but I think we got into good areas and on another day it could have been a 1-0 or 2-0 result.”Talk of dropping Harry Kane is absurd, says Jurgen KlinsmannNO manager in the world will really care about how many touches their centre-forward has, writes Jurgen Klinsmann.It’s being widely flagged up that Harry Kane has not seen much of the ball in England’s first two matches but this is not, in itself, going to be a concern for Gareth Southgate.It’s a nice thing for the stats fanatics to go on about — and there are obviously more and more of them in and around football.But not all statistics are helpful and this one doesn’t mean a great deal.Harry has scored one goal, and so nearly two, in two games. It’s not as if he hasn’t been involved at all.Everybody in England needs to calm down a little about the captain.Some are even suggesting that he should be dropped or rested for tomorrow’s final group game against Slovenia — but that is totally absurd.Please stop worrying. He will come good. He always does.Read Jurgen Klinsmann thoughts on Harry Kane’s struggles in full.Or check out all of Jurgen’s Euro 2024 columns. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Jack Wilshere: Stats show England have been long-ball team in Euro 2024… Pickford and Co MUST start playing from back

      by

      ENGLAND need to find the courage and confidence to start playing out from the back again.That was the approach that brought them success and they seemed to be getting better at it.SunSport’s Euro 2024 expert Jack WilshereCredit: Darren FletcherWilshere has urged Jordan Pickford to start playing out from the backCredit: AFPBut in the last two games they have tried it less and Jordan Pickford has been going long more often.Here’s a simple way of looking at it: Serbia and Denmark played with five at the back and five outfield players pressing — and Denmark did it really well.If we have three up front, we have a seven-to-five advantage — or eight-to-five if you include the keeper as part of the build-up.But to be successful in that phase, you have to have a structure.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOnce you are in that structure, you can start to move, coming low, or pulling wide, to open up a passing lane.I have been in squads with Gareth Southgate and Steve Holland. I know they will have been working on patterns.Most of the players in the squad play that way with their clubs.They get on the ball and know where the next pass is going because they work on it until it becomes a habit.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMaybe there’s too much freedom in the England structure. Maybe it’s players working their way into their positions. Probably a bit of both.John Stones and Kyle Walker play together for Manchester City but the picture ahead of them with England is very different.Play Foden & Bellingham centrally & go for it! | Jack Wilshere’s plan to win the EurosEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYStats show Pickford has played a lot of unsuccessful long ballsCredit: The SunMarc Guehi and Kieran Trippier are building a relationship but them both being right-footed changes the build-up phase, too.But mostly I think the lack of structure and playing out from the back was dictated by how the first two games went. The opponents grew in confidence and started to press a little bit higher.You are going to make mistakes and the pressure at international level, especially at tournaments, is greater.Maybe there’s too much freedom in the England structure. Maybe it’s players working their way into their positions. Probably a bit of both.Jack WilshereWith everything that has been happening around the team, they have ended up trying to eliminate risk by playing it longer.Quite often it’s come from our own open play.We’ve been looking for solutions and ended up going back to Jordan and there’s no option, we’re under a bit of pressure and he has to go long.People have highlighted moments against Denmark when that happened, even though players were offering the short pass.England have received a lot of criticism for their performances in the Euros so farCredit: GettyAnd Wilhere thinks Kobbie Mainoo should get a chanceCredit: GettyI’d say three things: Firstly, we know Jordan can play out for England because he has done it before.Secondly, Jordan is good at reading the game. Sometimes you do have to trust your goalie that it is the right moment for it, even if it can be frustrating as a midfielder to see the ball going over your head.Lastly, as a coach, there’s nothing wrong with playing the ball into your last line.I went to the Belgium-Romania game and Belgium were pressing in a man-for-man shape and being really aggressive, three v three on the last line. At the right time, it’s a good tactic.But more often than not, playing out through the thirds is the way to go. Then we can arrive in dangerous positions with stable possession.Talk of dropping Harry Kane is absurd, says Jurgen Klinsmann
      NO manager in the world will really care about how many touches their centre-forward has, writes Jurgen Klinsmann.
      It’s being widely flagged up that Harry Kane has not seen much of the ball in England’s first two matches but this is not, in itself, going to be a concern for Gareth Southgate.
      It’s a nice thing for the stats fanatics to go on about — and there are obviously more and more of them in and around football.
      But not all statistics are helpful and this one doesn’t mean a great deal.
      Harry has scored one goal, and so nearly two, in two games. It’s not as if he hasn’t been involved at all.
      Everybody in England needs to calm down a little about the captain.
      Some are even suggesting that he should be dropped or rested for tomorrow’s final group game against Slovenia — but that is totally absurd.
      Please stop worrying. He will come good. He always does.
      Read Jurgen Klinsmann thoughts on Harry Kane’s struggles in full.
      Or check out all of Jurgen’s Euro 2024 columns.

      Let’s do it, let’s go and be brave and dominate the ball. Then we can bring Kane into the game, find Phil Foden in the pocket, get Jude Bellingham running in behind.I reckon Kobbie Mainoo would be the best choice to play alongside Declan Rice.Mainoo has proved he can hold, he can play on the half-turn and he can get forward.He has also shown great personality. He was the shining light for Manchester United in a difficult season.At 19, Mainoo won’t be worrying, ‘This might be my last tournament, I don’t want to make a mistake’.I reckon Kobbie Mainoo would be the best choice to play alongside Declan Rice.Jack Wilshere But it can still be hard for players to find the confidence and courage to play the way they know they can.As Harry Kane said, some players aren’t used to this level of scrutiny and pressure.Social media makes it hard to get away from it, so there will be a little bit of performance anxiety around the camp.This is where the senior players come in and I’m sure they are doing their job. As far as the outside world is concerned, Kane and Walker had to be the guys to front up to the media.Inside the group, they have to make sure the players are calm.I played with Kyle and he’s great around camp, the younger, less experienced players should listen to him. Like Harry, he’s been there for good and bad moments at tournaments.Rice is also a leader but he is among the players who have only really seen the good side of it.The message from the manager and coaches will be to keep calm.This game, against what I think is a very beatable team in Slovenia, is a good chance to turn the corner.I genuinely believe that if we can get that momentum and confidence, we still have a chance of winning this tournament.One thing that will help is the return of left-back Luke Shaw, who is fit enough to train with the squad.It’s good news for Southgate, for the team and Foden in particular. And for Luke, of course.We’ve been mates since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.READ MORE SUN STORIESWe don’t know if he’s fit to start yet but as soon as he is, I would play him.Luke will bring the best out of Foden. He provides natural width, he can go on the outside, get crosses in and create space and time for Foden.Who is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?
      EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.
      Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.
      But who is the sexiest?
      Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.
      And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.
      In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.
      While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.
      But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story. More

    • 313 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Now is the time to gee, gee up the Three Lions… I’d take the England lads racing but any fun day would do the trick

      by

      ENGLAND haven’t been at the races in their two games at Euro 2024 so far.But if I had my way, that’s exactly where Gareth Southgate and his players would be this weekend.Harry Redknapp is one of SunSport’s expert Euro 2024 punditsCredit: Darren FletcherSouthgate needs to persevere with his captain Kane, says RedknappCredit: GettyThe whole squad looks badly in need of a lift and there’s a long five days to fill between the match against Denmark and Tuesday’s game with Slovenia.So now it’s time for Gareth to start earning his money and raise spirits with some team-building.It may be a golf day, a meal out or a little day trip somewhere to break things up a bit.When I was West Ham manager I took my players to Cheltenham races for a day out to take their minds off a relegation scrap they were in.READ MORE IN footballWe got a coach for them, sorted a box at the course, probably lost a bit of money in most cases!But everyone had a great time.Then on the way back to London we stopped at an Italian restaurant for a bit of grub.It was a top day and did exactly what we hoped — because after that we went on a good run and stayed up.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt probably wasn’t possible to get the whole squad back home for a day at Ascot on Friday or Saturday — but something like that would have been ideal.Gareth has to do something to get them all pulling together again and free their minds.Poch in England frame The players will know the fans aren’t happy — in these days of social media you can’t avoid some of the things that are being said.And a lot of it has been bad. You can’t dwell on what happened against Denmark.You have to lighten things up rather than just spending it all out on the training pitch going through drills.We need the pressure off — we need to go out there and relax.Confidence is key so you’ve got to remind them how good they really are.I look at the squad and think there isn’t a team at the tournament who has a group of players like us, but now we’ve got to go out and show what we can do.When I think about the final group game against Slovenia on Tuesday, there are not many changes I’d make.There is one though — and that’s in the centre of midfield because it’s clear that the experiment with Trent Alexander-Arnold hasn’t worked out.For me it was a strange decision to pick him there — I said that before the first game had even kicked off.Don’t get me wrong, the lad is a fantastic right-back But how many games has he started in midfield?People might say he drifts in there from right-back but that’s different. Midfielders have to have a special awareness about you.They have to know what’s going on all around them and it’s a completely different game to playing right-back.I’d have to leave Trent out completely because for what we need, he’s not a better option than Kyle Walker at full-back either.So for me, Phil Foden has to come in from the left and play in behind Harry Kane — the position where he has been so good for Manchester City.Then alongside Declan Rice, I’d play Jude Bellingham.People say he should be in that No 10 role but he’s an all-round player — he can do absolutely everything.ENGLAND vs DENMARK RATINGSENGLAND stumbled to a drab 1-1 draw with Denmark.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions team.
      Jordan Pickford: 6
      Looked a little jittery early doors, though there was nothing he could do about Morten Hjulmand’s corker and he made a decent parry after the break.
      Kyle Walker: 7 
      Made England’s opener by racing round a sleeping Victor Kristiansen – he’ll be having nightmares of that forevermore – and teeing up Kane via a deflected cross.
      John Stones: 6
      OK but you have got to wonder how fit he feels having barely played for Man City in the second half of the season, plus his injury and illness issues over the last month.
      Marc Guehi: 8 and my star man
      Really encouraging again from the Crystal Palace centre-back, looking sharp with his interceptions and assured in distribution.
      Kieran Trippier: 6
      Like Stones, he was fine, but England really need Luke Shaw back ASAP because having no natural left-footer at left-back is a problem.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold: 5
      This experiment of playing Trent in midfield is far from convincing, especially when his passing was off it like it was here, barring one good ball to Saka. Subbed on 54 minutes.
      Declan Rice: 5
      Had to cover so much ground as England dropped worryingly deep in the first half and also lost it a few times in front of his back four.
      Bukayo Saka: 7
      Not quite as electric as his first half against Serbia, but another solid showing from our right winger who has been our most consistent attacker across the two games.
      Jude Bellingham: 6
      Nowhere near the majestic display he put in against Serbia and one of many who looked tired.
      Phil Foden: 7
      Was far more involved than against Serbia – although that was not hard – and had a few dangerous efforts from range, including one that smacked the post after the break.
      Harry Kane: 6
      Netted his 64th goal for his country with an opener he could not really miss, but then gave the ball away from Denmark’s leveller. Surprisingly subbed.
      SUBS:
      Conor Gallagher (on for Trent, 54): 7
      Vital clearance on the stretch when Christian Eriksen was lurking and was not afraid to put his foot in.
      Ollie Watkins (on for Kane, 70): 6
      Played in by Bellingham’s lovely ball after coming on but could not finish from an acute angle.
      Jarrod Bowen (on for Foden, 69): 6
      Copped a nasty tackle which saw Joakim Maehle booked.
      Eberechi Eze (on for Saka, 69): 6
      On for his tournament bow though he was rarely involved.

      That opens up the position on the left and I’d like to see Anthony Gordon there — mainly because of his pace, as that will worry defenders.Having said that, Cole Palmer must be wondering what he has to do to get a game after the season he’s had at Chelsea so he could play there, too.We are not in a good place at the moment, that’s for sure.It isn’t just these two games because Iceland in the friendly before the tournament was a shocker, too.But I like to think things could start to look very different in the knockout stages.When those come around, the best teams often come good and start turning in real performances because the pressure is different.Everyone expects us to beat Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia — and beat them well.But you come up against the big guns in the latter stages and it can be them feeling the heat.One good performance, a couple of goals and it could all turn. There would be a very different mood around the whole nation.We need to do something quickly though because at the moment it’s all so disappointing.I’VE taken Sandra out to Dubai for a bit of sunshine so I didn’t see the BBC coverage of England against Denmark.Out here it’s beIN Sports so it’s Richard Keys and Andy Gray leading the coverage.But I heard Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer had plenty to say after the game — and good on them.I’ve done a bit of TV punditry and you have to give your honest opinions and not pull any punches.Top players get so much praise so they have to be big enough to take it on the chin when the criticism comes their way.If they’ve been poor, you have to call it out — even if they are players you have worked with or know well.Big Mus-takeJAMAL MUSIALA is the one that got away for England. There’s been wonderful talent on show at the Euros so far — but not many have been better than him.The Germany and Bayern Munich attacker played for the Three Lions right through to Under-21 level and went to school in London, so we must be kicking ourselves for letting him slip through our fingers.Let’s hope we don’t end up getting the hosts in the last 16 — which is very possible if we don’t win our group.No doubt Musiala would be keen to show us exactly what we missed.And what a talent Lamine Yamal looks for Spain, by the way. It’s hard to believe he doesn’t turn 17 until next month.Jamal Musiala is the one that got away for EnglandCredit: ReutersMusiala is lighting up the Euros for GermanyCredit: ReutersAnybody’s gameI’VE WATCHED most of the matches — and I think Euro 2024 is wide open.And despite what we’ve seen so far from England, I still believe it’s there for us to win if we can come to life.Germany have looked good and France have been OK but I have to say they haven’t blown me away.Then there’s been the disappointments — you have to include England but others too, including Croatia.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs for my favourite game so far, I did enjoy Germany’s performance on the opening night — but as I wanted Scotland to win, I can’t say that one.So I’m going for Turkey against Georgia — a match I wasn’t expecting to enjoy as much as I did but it was probably the game of the tournament so far.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

    • 250 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Italy boss Luciano Spalletti slams his players’ late night ‘addiction’ as he fears it will derail defence of Euros title

      by

      ITALY manager Luciano Spalletti has delivered a passionate rant against an unwanted “addiction” held by his players.But the former Napoli manager wasn’t discussing excessive partying or off-field antics, instead he was talking about the PLAYSTATION.Luciano Spalletti has claimed his Italy players are ‘addicted’ to the PlaystaionCredit: EPAThe boss has called out the issue in his press conferenceCredit: GettySpalletti addressed the media ahead of Italy’s upcoming fixtures against Venuzuela and Ecuador when he made it clear he wants his players to stop playing video games late into the night.The 65-year-old coach expressed his dismay with the gaming habit that some of his players have and even suggested it has previously impacted their performance on the pitch.Spaletti hinted that a lack of sleep was one of the reasons his side only drew 0-0 with Ukraine in November when they booked their spot in this summer’s Euros on the last day of qualification.Just before the end of his press conference, he said: “We finished? Don’t you care about PlayStations? You don’t give a damn.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Even television programmes were made on it, including with former footballers. “Do you think that it’s right that professionals wearing the Italy shirt don’t sleep at night to play and don’t give their best the next day.”The level of a footballer can be seen in the 22 hours off the pitch. I don’t care what the players do, I care that at a certain time they try to sleep.”Some players stayed up at Ukraine, it doesn’t suit me. At the European Championship we create a common playroom because it is important to fill the space.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”At half past midnight, the only time, everyone is back in their room. Addictions are not good. Your profession should not be disturbed.”Anyone who wants to waste time doesn’t come to the national team, there is no contracts that binds them to us.”Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseItaly will be hoping to defend their title as European champions after their penalty success over England back in 2021.But there will be no Playstations in sight when the 23-man squad head out to Germany to battle to retain the trophy after Spaletti previously revealed he has banned them.Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport last month he revealed he has replaced Playstations with HOMEWORK for the players on an evening ahead of the international tournament.He said: “Some players must’ve believed that Spalletti barks and then doesn’t have bite, but instead they are wrong and now there are some things that must be made clear. “From now on they leave their PlayStations at home and no longer bring them.”I’ll invent a little game for them to think about to distract themselves at night.”They come to me, and I give them homework to do in the evening if the daytime homework wasn’t enough.”Italy booked their spot at this summer’s Euros against Ukraine in NovemberCredit: GettyThey will be hoping to defend their title as European championsCredit: Getty More

    • 288 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      I created an iconic video game from humble beginnings – now it makes £300MILLION a year and is played all over the world

      by

      THE iconic video game Football Manager has captured the imagination of millions of fans around the world.The popular game sold six million copies last year – meaning it has raked in a fortune for its developers.
      Football Manager is mostly played in the UK and according to them are close to generating 2 million players a yearCredit: Sports Interactive
      Football Manager allows players to take charge of their favourite football team and manage them all the way to glory.
      It has also launched players into the real world of professional football, most famously Stade de Reims coach Will Still.
      Since its release, the gaming community has expanded rapidly, with last year’s game played by six million people.
      Miles Jacobson has been the man behind Football Manager since the first game was released.
      Read more on football
      Under his leadership has managed to grow the firm Sports Interactive from five staff to over 250 – with around 1,300 researchers around the world.
      Miles told the BBC: “The way that I see it, I’m actually making the game for me – it just so happens that there are a few million other people like me out there.
      “Games aren’t cheap for people to buy, so we’re determined to make the best value for money game every year, so people are getting a lot of playtime out of their £40-50 that they’ve worked so hard to try and get.”
      Today marks the release of the 20th game in the Football Manager series and this will be the last of its kind – with next year’s game set to be reimagined and redesigned on a different engine.
      Most read in Football
      Football Manager’s graphics have improved drastically since its release in 2004.
      With better technology, it evolved from its text-based beginnings to using motion capture rendering players in 3D.
      However, Football Manager 24 is ditching motion capture for “motion matching” which uses real data from football matches and applies it to the movement of footballers in the game itself.
      This year’s game will make a debut in Japan for the first time in its history, with the addition of the J-league (Japan’s top football league) also being added to the game.
      Another new feature that is set to excite players is the ability to continue from where they left off in Football Manager 23 – As players progress from last year’s game can carry directly into Football Manager 24.
      According to Sports Interactive, this feature has already been used by 25 per cent of players who had pre-ordered the game.
      For next year’s game Miles Jacobson confirmed that women’s football will be added.
      If you are into your football have a look at why Mauricio Pochettimo refuses to rule out managing Tottenham.
      Or check out how fans managed to get on the track at the end of the F1 Brazillian Grand Prix.
      Miles Jacobson studio director of Sports Indirective grew up supporting Watford F.C.Credit: Rex
      FM24 will cost players £44.99 on PC and £39.99 on consoleCredit: Sports Interactive More