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      Gareth Southgate takes dig at Foden over preferred position and says ‘speak to Pep’ as he’s set to snub tactical switch

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      ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate has brutally claimed Phil Foden cannot play in midfield and told anybody who disagrees to “speak to Pep” about it. The Three Lions manager insisted he has not seen any evidence to play the Manchester City star anywhere other than from a wide position.
      Gareth Southgate has claimed Phil Foden cannot play in midfieldCredit: Getty
      Foden currently plays as a left winger for City and EnglandCredit: Getty
      The 23-year-old is set to start against Scotland tonight at Hampden Park and has said many times his dream position would be in the heart of midfield.
      Southgate has confirmed he’s discussed the issue with Foden’s Man City boss Pep Guardiola.
      He said: “He doesn’t play in the middle for his club. So presumably there is a reason for that. It depends on the level of the game, really.
      “You’d have to speak to Pep, who is the best coach in the world, who plays him from wide.
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      “He’s always got the freedom to drift if we play him wide and that’s important.”
      When the 53-year-old heard Foden’s claim to be positioned in the middle he fired back with: “But he doesn’t play there!”

      And on whether he has discussed it with Guardiola, he answered: “Yes, yes.”
      Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne’s injury has given Foden a chance to fill in the middle spot for the Belgian.
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      He played impressively against Newcastle but this still did not change Southgate’s mind.
      Southgate continued: “Newcastle, he played wide right and he drifted – Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez as nine and 10, Phil defended right-wing in a 4-4-2.
      “He drifted in off the touchline with Kyle Walker going round him in possession.
      “He definitely picked the ball up in those areas a lot, but his start position was wide on the right.
      “I know it was a really eye-catching game and we were really pleased to see it but tactically and positionally it was him coming in from the right.”
      Despite crushing Foden’s hopes of playing centrally for England, Southgate stressed how highly he still rates the 23-year-old and believes he can have a big impact on his team.
      He added: “He’s played in the Euros, came on in the semi-final of the Euros and had a big impact, he’s played in World Cups for us, he’s only 23 years old, he’s got amazing experiences.
      “He is still progressing and learning but he is a super player for us to have.” More

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      Man Utd fans can’t wait for stars to return after tearing up Euro 2024 qualifying as Bruno bags hat-trick of assists

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has led the charge with a host of Manchester United players in red-hot form during this international break – and fans can’t wait to have them all back.The Red Devils skipper has played the full 90 minutes in both of Portugal’s Euro 2024 qualifiers in recent days.
      Bruno Fernandes has been in red-hot form for PortugalCredit: Getty
      The Man Utd skipper bagged two goals and three assists during the international breakCredit: AP

      Fernandes, 29, netted his country’s winner as they beat Slovakia 1-0 on Friday night.
      He then put in a sublime display on Monday – scoring once and laying on a hat-trick of assists as Portugal dismantled Luxembourg 9-0.
      Diogo Dalot also played the full 90 in both games as Portugal took a huge stride towards qualifying for next summer’s tournament in Germany.
      Man Utd’s Danish duo have also enjoyed a fruitful international break.
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      Christian Eriksen scored and grabbed two assists as Denmark routed San Marino 4-0.
      The midfielder then played the full 90 minutes on Monday night as the Danes beat Finland 1-0 courtesy of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s goal.
      Rasmus Hojlund came off the bench in both games as he continues his careful return from injury – and was not able to add to his impressive tally of six goals in qualifying thus far.
      But he did delight fans with a passionate speech to fans using a megaphone.
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      One player that did continue his sensational goalscoring form for his country was Scott McTominay.
      The midfielder put Scotland 1-0 against Cyprus on Friday night, setting Steve Clarke’s men on their way to a comfortable 3-0 triumph.
      McTominay, 26, will hope to be in action again on Tuesday night as Scotland face England at Hampden Park.
      Victor Lindelof enjoyed international success, captaining Sweden to a 5-0 win over Estonia on Saturday.
      Fellow cenrte-back Harry Maguire played the full 90 minutes and Marcus Rashford was introduced as a 65th minute substitute as England drew 1-1 with Ukraine.
      Jonny Evans had an eventful game against Slovenia last Thursday, scoring at both ends in a 4-2 defeat.
      He was then in action again as his country lost 1-0 to Kazakhstan on Sunday.
      United’s new deputy goalkeeper Altay Bayindir was an unused sub as Turkey drew 1-1 with Armenia – and he’ll be hoping to feature as his country take on Japan on Tuesday afternoon in a friendly.
      Scott McTominay has been in amazing form for ScotlandCredit: Getty
      Rasmus Hojlund celebrates Denmark’s latest winCredit: Getty
      Red Devils stars’ performances in Euro 2024 qualifying, particularly those of Fernandes, have seen fans excited for the Premier League to return at the weekend.
      One tweeted: “We’re here to take over.”
      While a second wrote: “Simply the best.”
      A third gushed of Fernandes: “My midfielder.”
      And another added: “There is only one Bruno Fernandes.”
      Hojlund and McTominay are the joint top-scorers in Euro 2024 qualifying, alongside former Red Devil Romelu Lukaku, with six apiece.
      Fernandes has four, with a further five assists – the joint-highest total alongside Denzel Dumfries.
      Some of United’s non-European stars have also been in international action.
      Casemiro captained Brazil to a 5-1 thumping of Bolivia.
      Wonderkid Facundo Pellistri played 71 minutes in Uruguay’s 3-1 triumph over Chile.
      Hannibal Mejbri started as Tunisia beat Botswana 3-0.
      However, Lisandro Martinez was not in action for Argentina due to his recent injury scare.
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      Andre Onana could make his Cameroon comeback on Tuesday night, having accepted a recall to the squad despite retiring from international duty after leaving last year’s World Cup after just one game.
      Cameroon take on Burundi this evening.
      Casemiro skippered Brazil against BoliviaCredit: AP
      Facundo Pellistri was in action for UruguayCredit: AFP More

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      David Moyes gives update on Jesse Lingard future after confirming ex-Man Utd star is training with West Ham

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      DAVID MOYES says he will give Jesse Lingard “every opportunity” to get fit and earn a contract at West Ham.The former Manchester United star is currently a free agent after his contract with Nottingham Forest expired at the end of last season.
      Jesse Lingard has been training with the Hammers recentlyCredit: Alamy
      David Moyes has given an update on West Ham potentially signing himCredit: Getty
      The 30-year-old has been training with The Hammers and is said to have impressed during his time with the club so far.
      Lingard spent time on loan at the London Stadium during the 2020-21 campaign – scoring nine goals in 16 appearances.
      The midfielder returned to parent club Manchester United that summer before joining Nottingham Forest in 2022 – despite interest from West Ham.
      But last season’s exploits with Forest didn’t see the former England International reach the heights of his West Ham loan spell.
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      Lingard struggled to stay fit and when he did he was rarely picked by Tricky Trees boss Steve Cooper.
      He featured just 17 times in the league all season and failed to put up any numbers when it came to goals and assists.
      Speaking on TalkSPORT, West Ham boss Moyes hinted at the prospect of Lingard earning a contract.
      He said: “Jesse has trained with us for three weeks and he’s improved greatly from when he first came in.
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      “He’s in really good condition – much better condition than he was when he first came in.”
      Lingard’s short spell for the Irons assisted the East London side to finish sixth making the cut for the Europa League.
      Moyes continued: “I have to say, when Jesse joined us two years ago I think he scored nine goals in 15 games and was probably the difference between us getting into Europe for the first time.
      “I want to give him every opportunity to get himself back in condition and see how he does.
      “So there’s no real update on it at the moment, just to say that he’s back and getting much closer to the levels of fitness where you’d hope he would be.”
      The Scotsman will be hoping that a spell in East London can help Lingard return to his imperious form of 2021.
      The Europa Conference champs are unbeaten in four Premier League games this season with their next game against last season’s treble winners Man City this Saturday. More

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      Erling Haaland shows off dramatic new look as he’s urged to boycott major award forever if he’s snubbed

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      ERLING HAALAND has been urged to snub the Ballon d’Or ceremony if Lionel Messi poaches the title from under his nose.The Manchester City superstar, 23, has turned heads with his new braided locks while away on international duty with Norway.
      Erling Haaland has been urged to snub the Balloon D’or ceremonyCredit: Alamy

      On Wednesday the Ballon d’Or released its 30-man shortlist for the annual award.
      For the first time in two decades, five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo is absent from the list.
      However, long-time rival and seven-time winner Messi is already the people’s favourite to claim the prize.
      The 36-year-old moved to MLS this summer – linking up with David Beckham at Inter Miami – following a disappointing two-year spell at Paris Saint Germain.
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      But the Argentine led his country to World Cup glory last December.
      Haaland is Messi’s closest competitor having scored a remarkable 52 goals in his debut season for City and winning the treble.

      And former Chelsea and Scotland ace Craig Burley has urged the Norwegian to snub the Ballon d’Or ceremony for the rest of his CAREER if Messi wins.
      He told ESPN: “If Erling Haaland doesn’t win this, close the shop.
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      “Lionel Messi won the World Cup and it’s a great achievement, but it’s a four-week period. His general league form was not the best. PSG were terrible.
      “Erling Haaland? Over 50 goals, a Premier League title, the FA Cup, and the Champions League.
      “Haaland should win this award. I know that a lot of people out there can’t get off the Messi bandwagon… but look at the bigger picture.
      “And if I was Haaland, I would never go back to another Ballon d’Or in my life, same as Robert Lewandowski.”
      Fans have joined the plea on the striker’s most-recent Instagram post.
      One fan said: “Flying high to get that maiden Ballon d’Or!!”
      Another added: “Man you are about to be robbed like they did to Ronaldo.”
      A third wrote: “This years Ballon d’Or winner 🔥”
      The winner of the prestigious award is set to be revealed in Paris on October 30.
      But others were more focused on his new hair do – with Haaland showing off his new braids – featuring the caption: “AIR-ling”.
      And one fan joked: “New hair – More air.”
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      Another suggested it had created a “zero gravity glitch.”
      A third simply wrote: “That hair though…” More

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      Everton vs Arsenal: Arteta’s side aiming for back-to-back Premier League wins in tasty clash – stream, TV, team news

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      ARSENAL will travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton this Saturday in a tasty Premier League clash.The Gunners will be aiming to build on their thrilling late win against Manchester United last time out.
      Declan Rice scored his first Arsenal goal in the Gunners win against Manchester UnitedCredit: GETTY
      Gabriel Jesus scored Arsenal’s third against Manchester UnitedCredit: AP
      Mikel Arteta’s new £105million pound man Declan Rice netted in the 96th minute before Gabriel Jesus made sure of the points to secure a 3-1 win for the Gunners at the Emirates.
      Meanwhile, Everton are still searching for their first Premier League win of the season.
      Before the international break, the Toffees were involved in an epic 2-2 draw against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
      When is Everton vs Arsenal?

      Everton vs Arsenal will take place on Sunday, September 17th.
      Kick off will be at 4.30pm BST.
      Goodison Park will host.

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      What TV channel is Everton vs Arsenal on and can it be live streamed?

      Everton vs Arsenal will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League/Main Event.
      Sky Sports customers can live stream all the action via the NOW app.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action from Goodison Park by following SunSport’s live blog.

      Team news
      For the hosts, Dwight McNeil will be pushing for a start after returning from a lengthy period on the sidelines against Sheffield United.
      England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to return after being spotted in training following a facial injury.
      For the Gunners, Gabriel Jesus will be pushing to start up front after bagging Arsenal’s third off the bench against Man United.
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      Long-term absentees Jurrien Timber and Mohamed Elneny will remain sidelined.
      Mikel Arteta will be hoping his star-studded side come through the midweek international fixtures unscathed.
      What are the odds?
      Match result

      Everton – 5/1
      Draw – 10/3
      Arsenal – 4/9

      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Liverpool star Tsimikas left out of Greece squad because of ‘unbelievable’ embarrassing blunder

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      LIVERPOOL ace Kostas Tsimikas and three Greece team-mates were left out of Gus Poyet’s squad after an unbelievable blunder.Tsimikas, Trabzonspor’s Dimitris Kourbelis, AEK Athens’ Petros Mantalos and Cardiff ace Manolis Siopis were all booked during Thursday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands.
      Liverpool ace Kostas Tsimikas was left out of Greece after a massive gaffeCredit: Reuters
      Tsimikas was booked in Greece’s Euro 2024 qualifier against the NetherlandsCredit: Rex
      Cardiff ace Manolis Siopis was also left out because EPO thought he was suspendedCredit: Rex
      EPO thought Petros Mantalos was suspended after two yellow cardsCredit: Rex
      But Dimitris Kourbelis and co would have been suspended after a third yellow cardCredit: Rex
      That led to an embarrassing blunder from the Greek football association [EPO] as well as the national team’s chiefs who thought those players weren’t allowed to play against Gibraltar on Sunday.
      However, that was only their second booking and UEFA rules dictate that a player or team official can only receive a one-match ban after three consecutive yellow cards.
      It is during the Euro 2024 finals that two yellow cards lead to the respective suspension.
      Article 54.02 reads: “In case of repeated cautions:
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      “A: In the qualifying competition, players and team officials are suspended for the next competition match after three cautions, as well as after the fifth and any subsequent caution.
      “B: In the final tournament, players and team officials are suspended for the next competition match after two cautions, as well as after the fourth caution.”
      EPO took full responsibility of the error and confirmed they will deal with the matter within the “coming days”.
      The governing body, which is presided by Takis Baltakos, went on to claim there was no “practical consequence” after that error as Greece went on to beat Gibraltar 5-0 at OPAP Arena.
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      EPO’s statement read: “As per recent reports referring to an error in the counting of yellow cards and by extension the punishment of international footballers, EPO announces the following:
      “This is an undeniable mistake, as admitted by Kostas Konstantinidis, technical director and head of all the National Teams, and Takis Fyssas, sporting director of the Men’s National Team, although this mistake had no practical consequence.
      “The Administration will investigate the issue, taking into account the overall contribution of each player to Greek football and their special contribution to the National Team, and will decide on the course of action in the coming days.”
      Liverpool ace Tsimikas, Siopis, Kourbelis and Mantalos are expected to be in action again in the next international break. More

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      Man Utd star says he will peak four years later than everyone else and play until he’s 40

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Scott McTominay reckons he’s a footballing late bloomer and will keep playing until he’s 40 – with the best yet to come.The 26-year-old has enjoyed a spell-bounding goal streak for Scotland during the international break.
      Scott McTominay says he has not reached his peak yetCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      The Scotsman’s remarkable performances for his nation has made the headlines ahead of Tuesday night’s “friendly” against England.
      McTominay now leads the Euro 2024 qualifying scoring charts with six goals and one assist in five games – ahead of club-mate Rasmus Hojlund and ex-United striker Romelu Lukaku.
      But the academy graduate believes he still has more to give.
      During an interview with Man Utd, McTominay admitted his peak might come later than the average player thanks to how he developed in the youth teams.
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      He told Man Utd: “My dad was brilliant because he would always say: ‘Just take your time, son’.
      “You’re going to grow and you’re going to get bigger,’ because he knows, doesn’t he?
      “As a kid, you don’t know that. And you always think: I’m always the latest one.”
      The 6ft 4in midfielder was always smaller than his peers at school and struggled to make a breakthrough in the United Under-18 team because of his size.
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      He missed most of the 2014–15 season due to a staggering growth spurt – shooting up 14 inches within two years.
      It was only after that he was able to become the star player he is today.
      He added: “When I did grow when I was 17 or 18, I was sat next to dad and I was above him.
      “I was like: ‘What’s going on here? Four years ago, you were saying to me not to worry, and now look.’
      “I’d be thinking to myself: I’m bigger than my dad and he’s 6ft 2in… so it’s crazy in that respect.”
      McTominay made his senior debut in 2017 and has since made 211 appearances for the Red Devils.
      He has recently fallen down the pecking order of Erik ten Hag’s squad with the arrival of Casemiro.
      But the midfielder is not concerned and believes he will enjoy a long career at the highest level well into his late thirties.
      He continued: “The way I see it now is that I grew maybe four years after everyone else, so my peak years are going to be four years later too.
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      “So I’m 26 now and my body age is technically like a 22-year-old.
      “When I’m 30, I might feel like a 26-year-old. I might retire at 38 or 40!”
      McTominay says his body is ‘technically like a 22-year-old’ and he might ‘retire at 40’Credit: Getty More

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      Arsenal starlet who once infuriated Thomas Partey agrees Middle East transfer as fans moan ‘another talent lost’

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      ARSENAL youngster Tim Akinola has left North London to sign for Qatari side Al-Bidda.The 22-year-old leaves the Gunners having failed to make a first-team appearance for Mikel Arteta’s men.
      Tim Akinola was a regular for Arsenal’s Under-21sCredit: Getty
      Akinola did train with the first team on occasion, however, and even upset senior player Thomas Partey.
      During a session in November 2021, Akinola reportedly went flying into a 50-50 challenge with the Ghanaian.
      Partey is claimed to have initially reacted angrily towards the over-exuberant youngster.
      But the 30-year-old’s stance later softened, going on to describe Akinola as the “strongest” player he’d played with.
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      The midfielder joined Arsenal from Huddersfield in the summer of 2020.
      He became a regular for the Gunners’ Under-21s, and twice went out on loan.
      Akinola played one game for Dundee United in 2022.
      He then featured 31 times for National League side Chesterfield last term.
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      Arsenal chiefs approved a move to Qatar for Akinola.
      Al-Bidda play in the Qatari second tier and are based in Doha.
      Some Arsenal fans were upset to see Akinola go.
      One tweeted: “Another talent gone.”
      While a second wrote: “Talents are finished in England.”
      A third pointed out: “Arsenal keeps on selling their youngsters.”
      Another added: “Best of luck to Tim Akinola at his new club! He is a talented player and I am sure he will be a success.”
      Academy graduates Folarin Balogun and Ainsley Maitland-Niles left the Emirates over the summer.
      While fellow youngsters Marcelo Flores, Ryan Alebiosu, Matt Smith and Nikolaj Moller also departed.
      Folarin Balogun left Arsenal during the summer transfer windowCredit: Getty More