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      ‘Never like that’ – Jack Wilshere reveals secret to Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri’s meteoric rise at Arsenal

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      JACK WILSHERE knows all about being an Arsenal prodigy and making an England debut at 18.And he reckons Myles Lewis-Skelly will follow in his footsteps — then potentially become a World Cup star.Jack Wilshere knows all about coming through the ranks at ArsenalCredit: RexMyles Lewis-Skelly with Arsenal team-mate and close pal Ethan NwaneriCredit: GettyThe Gunners’ left-back sensation will still be a teenager at next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.Yet Wilshere believes Lewis-Skelly has the ability and mental toughness to immediately become a key player for Thomas Tuchel.England’s new boss staged his first training session at St George’s Park yesterday ahead of Friday’s World Cup qualifier at home to Albania.With the Three Lions struggling with left-backs, Lewis-Skelly has an excellent chance to make his debut then, or against Latvia on Monday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe youngster played for Wilshere when Arsenal Under-18s reached the FA Youth Cup final two years ago — alongside Ethan Nwaneri, 17.And Wilshere, 33, reckons it is not a problem if a rising star leapfrogs the England Under-21s set-up to go straight into the senior team.He said: “With Myles, it is not a case of, ‘Is he too young?’.“He just wants to be in a team, wants to lead and has an incredible family around him — and that’s important as well. He’d be able to handle playing at the World Cup.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I remember my journey coming through and I was in the first team at Arsenal, then I was called into the U19s at England.“Don’t get me wrong, at that point I was just happy to represent my country and wasn’t thinking, ‘Oh, now I’m ready for the first team’.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interview“But I was going from training with the first team, playing in the Champions League, playing in the Premier League, to then playing U19s.“But we can be braver as a nation and Jude Bellingham has shown that as he went quickly into the senior team.”Wilshere — who made his Lions debut against Hungary in 2010 — admitted Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri stood out when he was working with Arsenal’s youth team.He only left in October to become Norwich’s first-team coach.And Wilshere, taking his Uefa Pro Licence at St George’s Park with the FA, said: “In U15s, U16s and U18s football, those two could always make something happen but they are very different people.“Myles is more of a natural leader and wants to bring everyone with him.“Ethan is just really driven and asks, ‘What do I need to do?’ He would come and seek advice and feedback from coaches. “In the world we live in, with social media, there are other distractions for players.“It’s harder and you see players get distracted by that — but Ethan and Myles were never like that.”He just wants to be in a team, wants to lead and has an incredible family around him — and that’s important as well. He’d be able to handle playing at the World Cup.Jack Wilsher on Myles Lewis-SkellyWilshere played 34 times for England but would have had many more caps if not for injury issues.Yet now he is loving life as a coach after being inspired by former Arsenal team-mate Mikel Arteta when he became Gunners manager.Wilshere, now working under Johannes Hoff Thorup at Norwich, said: “I was nervous when I started my coaching journey.“Then I saw Mikel coach and I’d never seen someone coach that way. Watching him inspired me to do it. I want to be a head coach.”I’m in a good environment at Norwich with a head coach who sees the game in a really similar way to me.”Yet Wilshere feels football is now too rigid — with players not being encouraged to express themselves.He said: “I was taught to play in a certain way. “Arsene Wenger gave a lot of responsibility and the academy played the same as the first team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But it wasn’t, ‘This is how we play, this is what you need to do’. It was like, ‘Your own understanding of the game, your own insight, will create moments for you’.“Now everyone plays the same way. Let’s see if the game changes where players have to take more responsibility and get more freedom as it’s very structural now.”Wilshere made his England debut in 2010Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Premier League chief and former Man Utd target quits club ‘with immediate effect’ to take over second-tier Saudi side

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      DOUGIE FREEDMAN has left his role as Crystal Palace sporting director to join a second-tier side in Saudi Arabia. Palace announced that Freedman would be leaving with immediate effect “to take up a role overseas”. Dougie Freedman has left his role as Crystal Palace sporting directorCredit: RexIt is understood that he is poised to become sporting director of Al-Diriyah – who have just become champions of Saudi’s second division.Freedman almost left last year for Newcastle – who are part-owned by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund.But he was persuaded to stay at Selhurst Park by the club’s chairman Steve Parish. Freedman was also a target for Manchester United as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looked to add the Scot as his head of recruitment. READ MORE IN football The former forward spent eight years as a player at Palace after signing from Nottingham Forest in 2000. He made 320 appearances for the Eagles and returned to the club as manager for a season in 2011. Freedman also had managerial stints with Bolton and former club Forest before moving into boardroom roles. He returned to Palace as sporting director in 2017 and was credited for the signings of Conor Gallagher, Marc Guehi and Michael Olise. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFreedman was also heavily involved in the appointment of manager Oliver Glasner last year. But the 50-year-old is believed to have been frustrated with having a limited budget to work with during the January transfer window. How Newcastle outsmarted Liverpool with Dan Burn and Alexander Isak’s genius tricksPalace sit 12th in the Premier League – above United – and confirmed Freedman’s exit in a statement online. Parish said: “Dougie has been instrumental in everything we have done over the past eight years and indeed had a huge impact before that as manager and, of course, as a player. “I have enjoyed working with him immensely and wish him every success for the future. “Dougie leaves behind an excellent and well-structured sporting department that I’m sure will continue to go from strength to strength.”Freedman said: “I would like to extend my thanks to Steve Parish, the other owners and to all the staff, managers and players who have been at the club during my time here. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning from and working alongside you all.”It’s been an honour to represent the club and I am incredibly proud of the work that’s been done, with the Chairman’s support, in growing the football club into its current position.”To be leaving the club with a squad full of exciting talent led by an excellent manager, I truly believe the foundations are in place to be built upon.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Finally, a huge thank you to all the fans for your continued support and passion – especially with how you’ve helped new signings and Academy products settle into life at Selhurst Park by supporting and getting behind the team.”Crystal Palace is and will always remain in my heart, and I will continue to look for results and follow the club’s progress closely.”Palace chairman Steve Parish with FreedmanCredit: RexFreedman spent eight years as a player at PalaceCredit: Getty More

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      Newcastle icon Papiss Cisse, 39, lured out of retirement after two years by former team-mate to join fourth-tier minnows

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      FORMER Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse is set to pull on his boots again – as he approaches his 40th birthday.Cisse set the Premier League alight when he joined the Toon and linked up with Senegalese countryman Demba Ba in 2012.Papiss Cisse has been signed by Dubai side Al QabilaCredit: GettyCisse formed a deadly duo with Demba BaCredit: AP:Associated PressThe 39-year-old left St James’ Park in the wake of the club’s relegation in 2016 – and he has since had spells playing in China, Turkey and France.Cisse has now landed in the Middle East, where he has signed for newly-formed Dubai side Al Qabila, who play in the fourth tier of football in the United Arab Emirates.Al Qabila, coached by Cisse’s old Toon team-mate Steven Taylor, are pushing for promotion this season.Taylor has been coaching in Dubai for the past three years, having hung up his boots in 2021.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCisse was offered a deal until the end of the season after proving his fitness in training.The Dakar-born player – who turns 40 in June – scored 37 top-flight goals in 117 games for Newcastle.Cisse was without a club when he was signed up by The Player Agency, who want to recruit more high-profile players and help them look for clubs overseas after injuries or to prolong their careers.The Toon hero said: “I’m thankful to The Player for the opportunity to enter the market in the UAE.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCisse has been without a team since the summer of 2023, when he left French side Amiens.The former Senegal international trained with Robbie Savage’s Macclesfield in late 2023 but did not join the club.Fans think the Wealdstone Raider is a time traveller after his incredible Newcastle Carabao Cup prediction goes viral Carabao Cup final ratingsNEWCASTLE ended their 70-year trophy drought in style by beating Premier League champions-elect Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.The 2-1 scoreline flattered the Reds in truth, with Eddie Howe’s Toon having produced a sensational performance to flatten runaway league leaders.Local lad Dan Burn, fresh off his first England call-up, rose highest to head his boyhood club into the lead on the stroke of half-time.Alexander Isak then deservedly doubled Newcastle’s lead shortly after the break.The Toon could have further increased their advantage, only for forgotten man Federico Chiesa to hand Liverpool a late lifeline on 94 minutes.But that goal was unable to spur a further comeback as Newcastle saw out the remaining added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Liverpool players and Gary Stonehouse rated the Newcastle players. More

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      Virgil van Dijk issues fierce warning to Liverpool team-mates to avoid the ‘world sinking’ after disastrous week

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK warned Liverpool must “work our a**es” off to stop the “world sinking”.Sunday’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle ended a miserable week in which Arne Slot’s side were also dumped out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain.Virgil van Dijk sent a rallying call out to his Liverpool team-matesCredit: ReutersAlexander Isak struck for Newcastle in the finalCredit: GettyOusmane Dembele helped knock Liverpool out of the Champions LeagueCredit: GettySkipper Van Dijk wants the Reds to react with five straight wins that would likely see them secure the Prem title by beating Tottenham on April 27.He said: “We have to turn this around. If you lose twice in five days it feels like the world is sinking. Two weeks before, everything was sunshine and rainbows.“In the Champions League, we couldn’t get it done, we lost this final and we got knocked out of the FA Cup.“We have nine games to go and I don’t think there’s any motivation needed to try to get the job done. We have to work our a**es off.READ MORE IN football“But now everyone goes to their respective countries and will all play and hopefully stay fit.“We then have a couple of days to settle down and be ready for Everton at home.“If we win five games — obviously a very difficult job — we’ll be champions of England.“If you keep these things in your mind it also can benefit you to make sure you’re working hard.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I can guarantee you right now there will be so many difficult moments in all of those games.”Liverpool are 12 points clear of Arsenal. The Reds need 16 points to be sure but five wins should be enough due to their better goal difference.Ant & Dec scream with joy and Alan Shearer loses his hat as Geordies go wild after Newcastle win Carabao CupYet inconsistent Arsenal are likely to drop points in their next few games, meaning Arne Slot’s team — who last won the Premier League in 2020 — could wrap up the title even sooner.Van Dijk, whose team face rivals Everton on April 2, revealed how Slot tried to pick up his stars.Dutchman VVD added: “He said everyone should be disappointed by not winning the cup — but that there is a title to win and, when we come back, we have a big game.”The centre-back insisted that the Euro loss to PSG on penalties had nothing to do with Liverpool’s lacklustre Wembley display.He said: “No, I don’t think there was any impact from that. We gave it all, I don’t think PSG had anything to do with it.” More

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      Real Madrid to step up Dean Huijsen transfer pursuit as Bournemouth star, 19, promoted to Spain’s senior squad

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      REAL MADRID will step up their ploy to land Dean Huijsen this summer after the Bournemouth defender was promoted to Spain’s senior squad.Teenager Huijsen got his first call up because of injury to Barcelona’s Inigo Martinez.Real Madrid will step up their ploy to land Dean Huijsen this summerCredit: GettySpain face the Netherlands away on Thursday then at home in Valencia on Sunday in the Nations League quarter finals.The reigning European champions have been monitoring the Amsterdam-born centre back’s progress with Bournemouth closely this season.But scouts will use the next few days to get an even closer look at the player who has enjoyed a brilliant debut season in the Premier League.Huijsen, 19, only cost Bournemouth £15million from Italians Juventus last summer.READ MORE IN football He has played a key role in the club’s impressive results this season which has pushed the club to the fringes of European qualification from the Premier League.He scored his first Premier League goal on December 5 against Tottenham then hit the target again 17 days later against Manchester United.United are also tracking Huijsen with a view to a summer swoop. Bournemouth sit tenth in the league having lost 2-1 to Brentford on Saturday. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe player opted to play for Spain after leaving the Netherlands and relocating to Marbella when he was five.Huijsen played for Holland from Under 16-19 level and has seven U-21 appearances for Spain.He was due to play for Spain’s U-21s against the Czech Republic this Friday.How Newcastle outsmarted Liverpool with Dan Burn and Alexander Isak’s genius tricks More

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      Champions League superstar, 22, turns up at Wembley to support Newcastle ace Tino Livramento

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      NEWCASTLE found themselves a shock new fan at Wembley as a Champions League superstar turned up to support the club.Eddie Howe’s men ran out shock 2-1 winners over runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool to claim a first domestic trophy in 70 years.Jamal Musiala posted a picture of himself travelling to Wembley with Burnley’s CJ Egan-RileyCredit: Instagram @jamalmusiala10The Bayern Munich star revealed he was there to watch Newcastle’s Valentino LivramentoCredit: Instagram @jamalmusiala10Musiala is still in with a chance of winning a Champions League and Bundesliga double with Bayern this seasonCredit: AlamyLivramento helped Newcastle to a first domestic trophy in 70 yearsCredit: GettyAnd enjoying the Magpies’ success in the Wembley stands was Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala.The Germany international posted a picture of himself travelling to Wembley with Burnley defender CJ Egan-Riley.And he was quick not to get Newcastle fans’ hopes of a bombshell transfer up, as he made clear on Instagram that he was there to watch one player in particular.Musiala tagged full-back Tino Livramento in a second Instagram post of himself watching the final at Wembley stadium.READ MORE NEWCASTLE NEWSThe pair became close friends during eight years together in the Chelsea academy.And Blues fans may well be wondering what might have been if the club had retained the players.Musiala left Chelsea in 2019 at the age of just 16, as he joined Bayern Munich.And Livramento joined Southampton in 2021 in a £5m deal after failing to agree a new contract with the West Londoners.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBoth men also played for England U21s, though Musiala made just two appearances in 2020 before being picked for the Germany senior team.Winger Musiala was not the only player representing another club who went to support Newcastle in the huge Wembley final.Fans think the Wealdstone Raider is a time traveller after his incredible Newcastle Carabao Cup prediction goes viral Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson rocked up in a Newcastle scarf and was even applauded by the players as he watched them lift the trophy with the Toon faithful.Newcastle reluctantly allowed Whitley Bay-born Anderson to join Nuno’s Forest side in a £35m deal in order to ease spending constraints caused by PSR rules.Tino Livramento lifts the Carabao Cup trophyCredit: Getty More

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      Luis Diaz’s Liverpool future in doubt with ‘concrete possibility’ winger leaves after Barcelona join transfer race

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      LIVERPOOL star Luis Diaz could leave Anfield at the end of the season amid interest from Barcelona, according to reports.The Colombian winger was on the radar of the Catalan giants last summer.Barcelona are set to reignite their interest in Luis Diaz this summerCredit: GettyBarcelona could not strike a deal due to financial constraints while Liverpool demanded £75million.But reporter Fabrizio Romano claims it is “concrete possibility” that Diaz is shown the exit door soon.The 28-year-old’s contract does not expire until the summer of 2027, but Liverpool could cash-in to stop the player running down his deal.Romano expects Barcelona to come back in for him as he is “appreciated” by their transfer chiefs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he reports again that the club’s finances could prove a major stumbling block.Barca have competition from Saudi Arabian sides who will have few challenges finding enough cash.But they are also keen on persuading his Liverpool team-mate Darwin Nunez to the Middle East.It also alleged that there was “genuine interest” in Diaz from Manchester City a year ago.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLiverpool are set for a busy summer with Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah seeing their contracts expire.Arne Slot’s side are said to be desperate to sign Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards walk off CBS Sports set after Liverpool hero Alisson’s post-match interviewSunSport exclusively revealed that the Cherries are, meanwhile, confident of signing Caoimhin Kelleher.Liverpool chiefs have also reportedly made contact with Alexander Isak’s representatives ahead of a possible bid.But Newcastle remain adamant that their Carabao Cup final hero will remain on Tyneside and will discuss an improved contract this summer.Carabao Cup final ratingsNEWCASTLE ended their 70-year trophy drought in style by beating Premier League champions-elect Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.The 2-1 scoreline flattered the Reds in truth, with Eddie Howe’s Toon having produced a sensational performance to flatten runaway league leaders.Local lad Dan Burn, fresh off his first England call-up, rose highest to head his boyhood club into the lead on the stroke of half-time.Alexander Isak then deservedly doubled Newcastle’s lead shortly after the break.The Toon could have further increased their advantage, only for forgotten man Federico Chiesa to hand Liverpool a late lifeline on 94 minutes.But that goal was unable to spur a further comeback as Newcastle saw out the remaining added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Liverpool players and Gary Stonehouse rated the Newcastle players. More

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      Thomas Tuchel shares hug with Dan Burn and Lewis-Skelly as England stars arrive at St George’s Park for double-header

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      THOMAS TUCHEL shared a hug with England newbies Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly as the stars arrived at St George’s Park.Tuchel – who famously led Chelsea to the Champions League in 2021 – prepares for his first two Three Lions games in charge. Thomas Tuchel hugs Jordan Henderson as Dan Burn laughsCredit: GettyTuchel greets Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-SkellyCredit: GettyMyles Lewis-Skelly hugs Aston Villa’s Morgan RogersCredit: GettyBellingham also embraces Lewis-SkellyCredit: GettyEngland play Albania on Friday and Latvia next Monday – both at Wembley – in World Cup qualifying matches. And the players beamed as they reported to training for life under their new boss. Newcastle’s Burn – who was no doubt still on cloud nine after heading home in the historic League Cup final win over Liverpool – and Arsenal’s Lewis-Skelly were greeted with big hugs by Tuchel.The defensive pair are in line for senior debuts in what could be a new-look England backline. READ MORE IN football There was also old faces in Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford – both left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad last summer. Rashford is without a goal since joining Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United but he has four assists to his name. His last England cap came off the bench against Brazil in a March 2024 friendly – which ended in a 1-0 loss. Henderson – who has captained Ajax this season – has not played internationally since November 2023. Most read in FootballCaptain Harry Kane reports to trainingCredit: GettyBellingham flew in from Spain for international dutyCredit: GettyMorgan Gibbs-White got a late call upCredit: GettyKeeper James Trafford made the squadCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly looked stylish on his way inCredit: GettyJordan Henderson rocked an all-grey tracksuitCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe former Sunderland midfielder was seen sharing a laugh with Newcastle’s Burn. And Tuchel previously said: “I truly believe that Dan Burn and Jordan Henderson have every chance to be with us at the World Cup.Dan Burn’s gone from pushing trolleys at Asda to potential England glory – he fully deserves his call-up”Football in general and maybe even more international football is about team spirit, it is about building a team that loves to play with each other, that transports the spirit to the fans, the nation and the country.“It is about building a brotherhood so we cannot only do it with young players and we cannot only do with experienced players. “It has to be a good balance and a good mix in my opinion and that’s what we’re trying to do. “Without doubt, players like Dan Burn and Jordan Henderson bring something to a group from leadership and devotion and being humble and from setting the standards and taking care about the respect in the group. “I am surprised that Dan was never called up. He is such a tall guy but obviously it is easy to overlook him.”Eyebrows were initially raised when Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was left out by Tuchel. But Gibbs-White joined up with the squad in place of injured Chelsea star Cole Palmer – with the Forest man twice capped at senior level already. READ MORE SUN STORIESChelsea captain James – not capped by England since 2023 – reunited with ex-Blues boss Tuchel after making a return to club competition.The human tuchENGLAND’S new boss Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad – to mixed reaction.Reece James, with his old Chelsea coach Anthony Barry, was also named by old Chelsea boss TuchelCredit: GettyBurn is ready for his first England capCredit: GettyBurn and skipper KaneCredit: Getty More