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    Newly emerged footage shows Curtis Jones has scored same goal for England before after incredible flick against Greece

    LIVERPOOL ace Curtis Jones made his long-awaited senior debut with England on Thursday against Greece.Jones, 23, enjoyed a bow to remember as he also hit the back of the net during the Three Lions’ 3-0 win over the Greeks in Athens.Liverpool ace Curtis Jones scored on his England senior debut against GreeceCredit: GettyJones scored a fantastic flick to seal England’s 3-0 win over GreeceCredit: X @itvfootballJones did the exact same thing last year for England’s Under-21s against FranceCredit: X @englandAnd the midfielder did it in style as he sealed the three points and first place in their Nations League group with a stunning flick on 83 minutes.Morgan Gibbs-White played a clever pass from the right flank and found the popular Liverpudlian, who beat Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos with a slick back-heel.That was Jones’ first ever England goal at senior level, however resurfaced footage shows he has done the exact same thing before with the Under-21s.In fact, he did it only last year in an international friendly against France at the King Power Stadium.Read More on FootballAnd just like against Greece, the Liverpool ace had scored the Young Lions’ third goal to seal the win.Noni Madueke played a brilliant low ball from the left and found the incoming Jones who finished brilliantly with a scintillating flick.Lee Carsley’s Young Lions went on to win 4-0, as Emile Smith Rowe, Madueke and Jacob Ramsey also got on the scoresheet.Jones’ goal against Greece allowed England to exact revenge following last month’s embarrassing 2-1 defeat at Wembley against Ivan Jovanovic’s side.Most read in FootballThe Three Lions are also top of their group and in charge of their destiny as a victory over the Republic of Ireland on Sunday in London will see them returning to League A.Jones was among the standouts in Athens on a night that saw Carsley without nine key players who dropped out.England fans tear gassed by ‘heavy-handed’ riot cops as FA launch probeThe former England youth international made a strong case for a place in the starting line-up under incoming permanent manager Thomas Tuchel, who takes over after the match with Ireland.England ratings vs Greece as Madueke and Jones steal the show after Kane benchedIT IS difficult to remember an England starting XI which, on paper at least, looked as totally underwhelming as this one.Yet manager-in-waiting Thomas Tuchel, presumably watching the game at his home in Bavaria, will have been hugely encouraged by this performance from what appeared to be a complete mish-mash of a team – and one which was awfully short of experience.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars…Jordan Pickford – 8Back in after being dropped for Finland last month – and showed a good response. Great stop to deny Kostas Tsimikas at the near post and alive to danger throughout.Earned his first-ever booking in 72 England caps for time wasting in the first half.Kyle Walker – 7Captain in Harry Kane’s absence and passionately conveyed his side’s frustration to ref Daniel Siebert when Pickford was booked.Moved to centre-back after the break when Ezri Konsa went off.Marc Guehi – 7Another solid performance from the Crystal Palace man who you would think would be a first-choice starter for Thomas Tuchel when the German begins work.Ezri Konsa – 7One of several players targeted by a laser in the crowd, along with Pickford and Belligham.Limped off just before half-time and was replaced by Lewis Hall at the break.Rico Lewis – 7Filled in at left-back over newbie Hall, before moving to the right when the Newcastle man came on.Almost had his first England goal early in the second half but was denied by a fine stop from Hall’s club-mate Odysseas Vlachodimos.Curtis Jones – 9Sparkled on debut in the heart of midfield, not looking overawed in the slightest. Played deeper than he does for Liverpool, but in the same position where he shone for Lee Carsley in England’s triumphant Under-21 Euros last summer.Gorgeous backheel to cap his bow with the third goal.Conor Gallagher – 7Started brightly next to Jones, though gave the ball away a few times after the break. Booked for stopping a quick free-kick early on.Arrived just too late to poke in the rebound from Bellingham’s strike as it had already crossed the line for an own goal.Noni Madueke – 9A blistering first start from the Chelsea man who put real pressure on Bukayo Saka’s place with this performance.He took on his man at every opportunity, at pace, and had excellent end product too, setting up Watkins’ opener and a header for Bellingham which hit the post.Jude Bellingham – 8Some sublime touches and passes from the talisman, including a wonderful ball round the corner to release Madueke in the build-up to the opener.Seemed to thrive with pace all around him and killed off the game with his late strike which hit the post and bounced in off the keeper.Anthony Gordon – 7Provided a threat down the left with his pace and trickery, even if he was outshone by Madueke. A decent display but not one that demanded he start at left wing every game.Ollie Watkins – 7The surprise starter over Harry Kane. He took his early chance well, converting from the edge of the six-yard box.Could have had another when sent clean through but the ball got stuck under his feet.SubsLewis Hall (for Ezri Konsa half-time) – 7Came on at half-time for his debut and did not put a foot wrong.Harry Kane (for Ollie Watkins, 66) – 6Had a curling effort well stopped after exchanging passes with fellow sub Morgan Rogers.Morgan Rogers (for Anthony Gordon, 66) – 8Some exciting touches from the Villa debutant, including one to release Bellingham in the lead-up to the second goal.Jarrod Bowen (for Noni Madueke, 66) – 7Clever nutmeg to free Morgan Gibbs-White, who then teed up Jones.Morgan Gibbs-White (for Gallagher, 79) – 7Cutback for Jones was on the money. More

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    Incredible throwback picture shows Chelsea star posing for photo with now team-mate Jadon Sancho when he was just 11

    JADON SANCHO still feels like a relatively young talent in English football.The Chelsea loanee, 24, came through the Manchester City academy before he joined Borussia Dortmund in 2017.Jadon Sancho did not know back in 2017 that he would one day be team-mates with this boyCredit: ChelseaHe thrived in Germany, racking up 120 goal contributions in 158 matches.That consistency earned him a £73million return to England where he signed for Manchester United. And after a difficult three years at Old Trafford, he is now on loan at Chelsea.Yet Sancho will be made to feel old if he sees a picture of him from seven years ago alongside a little boy… who is now his TEAM-MATE.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWinger Tyrique George, 18, met Sancho as an 11-year-old and smiled for the camera next to the talented prospect.The pair met at a goals centre in South London around the time Sancho joined Dortmund.Fast-forward to 2024 and George made his first-team debut for Chelsea back in August in a 2-1 defeat to Servette in the Europa Conference League.He has made four appearances in the Conference League and one in the Carabao Cup as he begins to make a name for himself at Stamford Bridge.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGeorge made his Chelsea debut in the Europa Conference League this seasonCredit: AlamyAnd George, who has been with the Blues since he was eight, now looks back on that picture from seven years ago in astonishment.He told the Chelsea website: “I think most Chelsea fans have seen that picture as it’s somehow resurfaced again! That picture was taken years ago and I had no idea I would be playing with him back then.Rio Ferdinand tells Chelsea to fine Noni Madueke two weeks’ wages for ‘disrespectful’ act moments after Arsenal clash “I was with my dad and brother on our way to training when we saw Jadon with his friends.”My dad suggested we ask for a picture and I was nervous but excited to do it. I’ve always admired Jadon as he is such a great player.”It’s crazy and surreal to think I am now playing with someone I’ve always looked up to – not just Jadon, but the rest of the Chelsea squad. It makes me speechless.”Sometimes when I look around in the changing room with the team, I still can’t believe this is my life right now.”Seeing the picture is a nice reminder of how far I have come and how my hard work has paid off. I have given everything since joining Chelsea and it’s a good feeling to see the outcome.” More

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    Ruud van Nistelrooy sends emotional message to Man Utd fans after being brutally axed by Ruben Amorim

    RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has penned an emotional farewell message to his beloved Manchester United fans.The interim boss, 48, was let go following the arrival of Ruben Amorim, after failing to make the cut on the new manager’s coaching staff.Ruud van Nistelrooy has sent a touching message to Man Utd fans after he was released by new manager Ruben AmorimAmorim decided to let Van Nistelrooy go in his first decision as bossVan Nistelrooy had been holding out hope to go sink back into his assistant role at Carrington following Amorim’s arrival on Monday.But the incoming Portuguese manager decided to axe him in a bid to start afresh.Van Nistelrooy’s touching statement read: “To everyone at Manchester United Football Club.”In particular the backroom staff, the players and the fans. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”It has been a privilege and honour to represent the club as a player, coach and manager, and I will always cherish the memories we have shared together. “Man United will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope there are many more glory days at Old Trafford very soon – not only because I want the club to do well, but because you all deserve it! “All the best and take care, Ruud.”The legendary striker returned to Old Trafford in the summer to work under Erik ten Hag and was installed as interim gaffer following his compatriot’s sacking on October 28.Most read in FootballVan Nistelrooy posted his tribute on social mediaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVan Nistelrooy was keen to stay on in a role following Sunday’s 3-0 Premier League win against Leicester, which capped an unbeaten four-match stint in charge.But that proved to be his final game with United with Amorim deciding to let him go in his first decision as boss.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourVan Nistelrooy reportedly took the news well and urged players to get behind their new gaffer in his final chat with them.A source said: “Ruud made clear to the bosses he wanted to stay at United because he loves the club.”But he was also pragmatic and expected that Amorim would want total control of things, including his backroom staff.“He made all that clear to the players and demanded that they give their all to the new manager.”Van Nistelrooy said goodbye to the Stretford End for the final time on SundayThe club legend was given a standing ovation from fans inside Old Trafford after Sunday’s trouncing of Leicester.The makeup of Amorim’s coaching staff is yet to be confirmed but the Dutchman will not be part of it.Meanwhile, Amorim gave his new United players some much needed TLC this week.The Red Devils chief was snapped greeting Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount and Toby Collyer at Carrington.Meanwhile, Darren Fletcher and Stalwart Fletcher survived Amorim’s cull and will remain on in a coaching capacity.Carlos Fernandes, Adelio Candido, Paulo Barreira, Emanuel Ferro and Jorge Vital all travelled with Amorim to Manchester — but have not been confirmed yet.The third youngest current Prem manager has stepped up to take on the league’s biggest job.He shocked fans by gatecrashing a stadium tour of Old Trafford this week.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club shared a video in which Amorim joined the crowd in the dressing room and made sure to give each fan a handshake.The 39-year-old will take charge of his first United game away at Ipswich Town on November 24.He shook the hands of each fan as he introduced himself during a stadium tourAmorim was all smiles at Carrington while meeting his new squad More

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    Man Utd star Tyrell Malacia opens up on injury hell that sparked wild conspiracy theories

    TYRELL MALACIA has responded to wild conspiracy theories that emerged online during his lengthy injury lay-off.The Manchester United left-back, 25, has not featured for the Red Devils since the final Premier League game of the 2022/23 season in May last year.Tyrell Malacia’s last Manchester United game came in May 2023Credit: RexHe has been plagued by a recurring knee problem, but returned to the pitch earlier this week in an U21s game against Huddersfield in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.Dutchman Malacia posted very little on social media during his 17-month absence, leading fans to speculate about his whereabouts.Outlandish theories were dreamt up by conspiracy theorists on social media, including that he’d entered witness protection.But Malacia has now quashed any of those suggestions.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking to The Athletic, he said: “No, nothing was true. No, no. I’ve just been doing my rehab.”Especially when I was in Holland, I was close to my family — so just training, family, sleeping; training, family, sleeping. The only thing I’ve done.”He continued: “First of all, I’m not really a guy who’s on social media a lot.”If it wasn’t my cousin or my mum sending me this, I wouldn’t even know. Most of the time, a week after I’d find out they were saying this or that.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”As long as my family and I know I’m good, it’s enough. The most important thing is that I know I’m good.”During his time on the sideline, Malacia’s dad fell ill and his grandmother – who he describes as “my second mum” – passed away.Forgotten Man Utd star slapped on the head by team-mates as he returns ‘like a new signing’ after 15 MONTHS outAmid this difficult time, he kept a low profile and remained very private.On his dad, he said: “It’s a bit difficult, because I’m not like a guy who talks about these types of things, but my dad got sick.”He wasn’t able to walk anymore. For my family, it was a big, big impact. It’s still difficult sometimes.”But social media discussions about where he was still got back to him through friends when he was in Holland.He said: “People were saying ‘are you not worried or don’t want to say anything’, especially friends around me, because other people were asking them because they couldn’t get through to me.”They were asking me, ‘Don’t you want to say something publicly about it?'”I was like, ‘No, because I’m not on the internet a lot, I don’t get all this information. If you guys didn’t tell me, I wouldn’t even know. I’m fine’.”Malacia’s imminent return is an early boost to new manager Ruben Amorim as he looks towards his first game in charge away at Ipswich on November 24.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe played 39 games during his first season but did not feature at all in the 2023/24 campaign.He has revealed Casemiro gave him his FA Cup winner’s medal after they triumphed at Wembley last season. More

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    Sir Jim Ratcliffe considers HALVING payments to disabled supporters association in latest Man Utd cost-cutting measure

    MANCHESTER UNITED will reportedly consider HALVING the budget allocated to their disabled supporters’ association.Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is in charge of football operations at Old Trafford, set about trying to slash costs immediately after arriving earlier this year.Sir Jim Ratcliffe could agree to a controversial new cost-cutting method that would affect Man Utd’s disabled supporters groupCredit: PAHe made 250 people redundant ahead of the 2024-25 campaign and axed several members of staff from United’s pre-season tour.Senior staff had their access to private cars withdrawn, while some workers had their meal plans drastically changed.In one of Ratcliffe’s most recent cost-cutting methods, legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson was let go from his ambassadorial role.But the British billionaire could now agree to a hugely controversial move in a bid to lower spending even more.Read More on Man UtdThe Daily Mail claims United could HALVE the budget they allocate to the Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association.As things stand, MUDSA is given £40,000-a-year by the club.It feels like the club has lost touch with its soul.Man Utd insidervia The MailFunds go towards a variety of areas including a yearly Christmas party which is attended by the first team squad.MUDSA also works with the Manchester United Foundation to deliver sporting events for people with mixed abilities.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSShould the Red Devils agree to go ahead with the cuts, it would likely generate a hostile response.An insider told the Mail: “This is nothing short of a disgrace. The figures they are talking about are a drop in the ocean and the optics would be horrific. It feels like the club has lost touch with its soul.Man Utd legend Paul Scholes reveals the player who sent him into retirement after Sir Alex Ferguson ‘mistake’ “The disabled supporters’ club has always been a big part of Manchester United and when you see how much money is being wasted on paying off managers and bringing in players who aren’t good enough, something like this will be very difficult to justify.”Man Utd have declined to comment.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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    Premier League club likened to comedy movie villain after releasing ‘floodlit friendly’ anniversary shirt

    WOLVES have been likened to a comedy movie villain after releasing a special edition shirt.The Premier League club are famed for their unique gold shirts – the only professional team in England to wear that colour.Wolves have unveiled a special edition gold kitCredit: Instagram / wolvesIt pays homage to a match they played against Honved 70 years agoCredit: Instagram / wolvesSome fans compared it to Austin Powers character GoldmemberBut now they have released a new shirt that is truly gold in honour of a match played 70 years ago.Wolves are commemorating their ‘floodlit friendly’ win over Honved in 1954.The 3-2 win over the Hungarian side, considered one of the best in Europe at the time, helped lead to the formation of the European Cup.The kit pays homage to the unique strip wore in 1954, which was made from fluorescent material to allow the players to reflect the floodlights, which were a rarity at the time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans can buy the limited edition shirt for £60, with a special gift box including additional memorabilia available for £125.It is fitted with a classic thick collar and every inch is a solid gold colour, including the Wolves badge.Fans have been reacting to the design with some likening it to Austin Powers baddie Goldmember.Another reacted saying: “That shirt is amazing.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “That is a pretty smart top 👏👏”And another commented: “100 times better than their regular home shirt this season.”‘Serious problems at PGMOL’ Ex-Prem ref blasts VAR after baffling decisions at Liverpool and Wolves More

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    Former Man Utd star who knocked out Wayne Rooney ready to become second ex-Red Devil to join Misfits Boxing

    A SECOND former Manchester United player is ready to join Misfits Boxing.Phil Bardsley famously showed his boxing skills when he knocked out Wayne Rooney in the kitchen. Phil Bardsley is keen to join Misfits BoxingCredit: SplashDanny Simpson made his boxing debut in the summerCredit: SportsfileAnd he hopes to take inspiration from Danny Simpson by stepping into the ring for a proper bout. Simpson put his Premier League winner’s medal from the 5,000-1 Leicester City success on the line when he drew with Danny Aarons at Misfits 17 in August.Now former Red Devils team-mate Bardsley is keen to follow in his footsteps, by lacing up the gloves and joining the KSI-founded promotion. The ex-defender, 39, said: “I’d certainly be interested in getting into the ring like Danny Simpson. I’ve had people ask me the question and I spoke to Simo about it recently.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”I’ve spoken to Wayne Rooney about a potential fight of his own but the issue he has is that he wants to manage and coach and it would be a bit stupid to go on Misfits or something like that and fight a YouTuber when he’s coaching.”But for me, I’m keen, Simo has spoken to someone at Misfits who spoke to some YouTubers but I don’t think there has been any takers yet which is unfortunate because I like to think I can give it a go. “If someone offered me a few quid for a fight, I certainly wouldn’t turn it down.”On the day the news broke in The Sun and the video of the dust-up went viral, Rooney responded by scoring against Tottenham and then did his knockout celebration.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd though that fight had a very limited audience in the privacy of Rooney’s Cheshire home, his close pal reckons the former England captain could light up Wembley again – in the ring rather than in the box.Bardsley – who launched his own property business after retiring – added to OLBG: “We had no idea that the boxing clip would go viral because we didn’t even know it was being filmed.Sky Sports pundits announce never-before-seen broadcast for huge Arsenal vs Man Utd clash Bardsley famously fought Wayne Rooney in the kitchenCredit: The SunThe ex-England captain ended up flat out on the floorCredit: The Sun”It then got released and sold and it was just one of those things, we’d probably had one too many drinks and then got the gloves out.”People sometimes forget that we are just normal lads from normal backgrounds and that’s just what lads do sometimes.”We had a swing and chinned each other a few times, we both like our boxing and I got the better of him on that occasion.”Wayne Rooney vs Jake Paul would definitely sell out Wembley, you can imagine the audience that would bring in, both in person and online as well.Would Wayne beat Jake Paul? It’s tricky because Jake Paul has done it for a long time now and Wayne hasn’t done it at that level in front of a huge audiencePhil Bardsley”The younger generation would be mad on all the build-up and the clips on their phones, the influencer boxing scene is huge and they’re filling their pockets now.”Would Wayne beat Jake Paul? It’s tricky because Jake Paul has done it for a long time now and Wayne hasn’t done it at that level in front of a huge audience.”He played football in front of millions before Jake Paul was on the scene but fair play to him, now he is doing it on the big stage and getting paid fortunes.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m not sure about him fighting Mike Tyson though, a 20-something lad fighting a 58-year-old, it’s bonkers. “You can understand it financially but I couldn’t fight a 60-year-old man for whatever amount of money. But that’s just me.”Rooney then did this hilarious celebrationCredit: Getty – ContributorBardsley was not part of the team that won the 2006 League Cup finalCredit: GettyHe made 18 appearances for the Red DevilsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    Premier League’s biggest overachievers revealed with Man Utd, Arsenal and Man City all suffering huge drop-offs

    BRIGHTON are this season’s biggest over-achievers.And Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United are all suffering a significant drop-off from last term.Brighton have exceeded expectations this seasonCredit: AFPChelsea have also impressedCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Man Utd have experienced a drop-offCredit: GettySunSport experts have analysed the like-for-like performances of every top flight team compared to the same period in 2023-24.To ensure a full comparison, the three promoted teams – Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton – are awarded the results that relegated Burnley,  Luton and Sheffield United respectively got in their matches.And Brighton’s stunning comeback win over champions City on Saturday mean the Seagulls are a superb nine points and 11 goals better off than after the same 11 matches last term.It is a sign of the impact of new Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler on his squad, which fell away under predecessor Roberto de Zerbi last term.Read More in FootballBut there is ammunition for Enzo Maresca and Andoni Iraola to point to about their positive impacts this term.Chelsea – seven points better off – and Bournemouth, who have earned an extra six points from the matches are second and third in the comparison table.And while Liverpool’s brilliant start to the campaign – and the recent wobbles for City and Arsenal – have put Arne Slot’s men five points clear at the top, they have actually slightly under-achieved last term’s efforts under Jurgen Klopp, with the same points tally and a goal difference worse by three.At the bottom end, even Wolves’ first win of the season over Southampton cannot hide the fact that Gary O’Neil’s side had earned 12 points more after the corresponding matches last season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBrighton top the tableCrystal Palace, on minus seven, and Everton with six points fewer, fill the “relegation zone”.But the next three sides up from the bottom are United, who have earned five points less, Arsenal picked up four more in the same games last term and City, who are three points down as a result of that defeat at the Amex.Pep Guardiola says Man City is not ‘in a dark place’ despite Sporting Lisbon loss More