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      in Soccer

      Football could be hit by most radical change to offside law in 30 YEARS as Wenger presses ahead with ‘daylight’ rule

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      ARSENE WENGER is set to press ahead with the most radical rule change football has seen in more than 30 years as he looks to implement his “daylight” offside law. The former Arsenal boss is Fifa’s chief of global football development.Arsene Wenger is set to press ahead with his radical offside proposalCredit: GettyThe player above would NOT be offside using the new ruleCredit: DirectTVSportsHe has been a major advocate for a huge change to the offside rule that will effectively mean there has to be “daylight” between attacker and defender for an offside offence.The new rule dictates if any part of an attacker’s body that can score — head, torso or legs — is still in line with the defender then they should be judged onside.Wenger, 74, has viewed results from trials for the new rule – performed in Sweden, Italy and the Netherlands – as positive, according to The Times.And he is now set to propose this new offside law to football lawmakers at the International FA Board (Ifab).READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe most recent big change to the offside law came in 1990, when Scotland successfully proposed that attackers could be onside if they are level with defenders instead of behind them.Ex-Arsenal vice chairman David Dein backed the proposal when attending the Fifa congress in Bangkok last week, calling it “refreshingly innovative”.However, ex-Portugal star Luis Figo, who is now head of Uefa’s Football Board, is understood to be among those with reservations to the idea.Speaking in 2020, Wenger said: “There is room to change the rule and not say that a part of a player’s nose is offside, so you are offside because you can score with that. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Instead, you will be not offside if any part of the body that can score a goal is in line with the last defender, even if other parts of the attacker’s body are in front.”That will sort it out and you will no longer have decisions about millimetres and a fraction of the attacker being in front of the defensive line.”Rules of football under review after unknown Swedish club find loophole in offside lawWenger also wants to introduce kick-ins in the defensive half if they are taken within five seconds to help speed up play. More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk referee Mark Nelson BARELY FLINCHES as he takes brutal right hook to chin

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      TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk’s upcoming dream match promises to be one for the ages.And that is why tonight’s bout in Saudi Arabia needs a referee that can take everything thrown his way – literally and figuratively.Referee Mark Nelson went viral in 2016 when he took a literal punch to the faceCredit: X/SkySportsBoxingNelson officiated a boxing match between Maciej Sulecki and Hugo Centeno JrCredit: X/SkySportsBoxingNelson will officiate the dream match between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson FuryCredit: EPAFury and Usyk promise to be a handful for Nelson in Saudi ArabiaCredit: EPAIt seems that the powers that be have taken that on board and hired experienced official Mark Nelson for the job to keep the two undefeated heavyweights in line.Nelson has officiated over 100 world titles throughout his long career and has also proven capable of dealing with all sorts of unpleasantness in the ring.Such was the case back in 2016 during a match that saw the American taking a devastating punch to the face and barely flinching.Nelson refereed a grudge match between Maciej Sulecki and Hugo Centeno Jr eight years ago.Read More on BoxingAnd it was during the seventh round when Centeno accidentally caught the ref square on the chin with a right hook after Sulecki pushed him to the canvas.But Nelson was completely unmoved and continued with his job that saw him ultimately raising Sulecki’s hand in victory.The infamous highlight has resurfaced ahead of the highly-anticipated clash between Fury and Usyk, and boxing fans are certain he is the right man to call this fight right down the middle.Some of them even claimed Nelson has a stronger chin than famous British boxer Amir Khan.Most read in BoxingOne fan tweeted: “Blimey he took that well.”Another commented: “Took it well tbh.”Tyson Fury REFUSES to look at Oleksandr Usyk during Press Conference stare downA third said: “Got a better chin than Amir Khan.”This fan wrote: “Ooof, he took it like a champ! I’d be out cold for a week.”And that one stated: “Stayed on his feet. Fairs.”Colin Hart on Fury vs Usyk
      This Little and Large affair is likely to be messy and more mundane than memorable with lots of clinches and Usyk using mind over matter as his most potent weapon.
      Logically there is no way the Gypsy King should lose — that old adage about a good big-un always beating a good little-un was coined for good reason.
      If it was the Fury of three years ago when he KO’d Deontay Wilder in the last of their unforgettable trilogy then I believe Usyk — despite his masterful skills and boxing brain — would be facing a painful defeat.
      But there was evidence seven  months ago  when Fury was lucky to get a debateable points win after crude MMA novice Francis Ngannou had floored him, that his powers may be in decline.
      The young Fury would never have been caught by Ngannou’s left hook that sent him to the canvas.
      It will be no surprise if Fury uses his height and weight advantage to physically wear Usyk  out.
      But my gut feeling is Usyk is clever enough to keep out the way of Fury’s big punches and earn a close but decisive points victory.
      Talking to boxing people and fans this week I have the impression Fury is losing popularity — not helped by his father John’s headbutting antics — and not too many tears will be shed if he should lose.
      Read the full Colin Hart column here More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Maybe it’s time to give it the boot’ – West Ham CEO joins VAR criticism ahead of landmark Premier League vote

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      To VAR or not to VAR, that is the question.Well, it will be next month when all 20 Premier League clubs will decide what to do about the most controversial new plaything in football since they invented the ref’s whistle. Not quite, but you get my point.Referees like Michael Salisbury must wait to see if the plug will be pulled on VAR next season by a vote from Prem clubs next monthCredit: RexThe use of video replays has divided opinion amongst pundits and fansYou don’t need a PhD in human behaviour, or even more baffling, the handball laws, to realise VAR has not been a universal success.It was supposed to iron out the mistakes, make the game fairer for all and improve the overall experience for fans. To put it plainly, it has done none of that.At West Ham, any decision on which way to vote has not yet been decided but in many ways VAR has been a disaster, especially for the lifeblood of the game, the supporters.I have lost count of the number of times fans have said to me, ‘please get rid of it’ — and I can sympathise.READ MORE TOP STORIESSupporters pay good money to be entertained and sitting there waiting for interminable minutes for a  decision from Stockley Park has been driving many bonkers.My real problem with VAR is this — it was intended to eliminate mistakes and yet week in, week out, it does no such thing.Errors are being made all over the Prem and against every club.Fans can deal with the human error of the ref because they understand that we all make mistakes and they accept refs make honest mistakes.Most read in FootballLong delays for decisions as well as bad errors have irked critics of VARCredit: AFPBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhat they find hard to understand is how a so-called expert, in a room many miles away, with countless TV angles, can get it wrong, so often.That is my principal beef with VAR and over the five years it has been with us, it has not got much better or quicker, despite the fact that every season there have been assurances it will improve.Man United defender Harry Maguire wants VAR SCRAPPED…except in ONE way and gives Fury vs Usyk predictionAlso, VAR was introduced to avoid ‘clear and obvious errors’. We would all agree it has not been used for that.We have had instances where errors have not been corrected which a blind man could have spotted.Added to that, VAR has also punished clubs when their players have done nothing wrong. Those who back VAR say it works on offside ‘line’ decisions. But can they honestly say the Coventry FA Cup semi-final ‘winner’ wasn’t a goal because their player was a gnat’s whisker offside. Surely it is impossible to accurately record EXACTLY when a ball left the passer’s boot.Wolves have asked for the vote and, as a league shareholder, they have every right to do so.And I don’t think it is just a Wanderers whinge following a succession of decisions that went against them — most of us feel like that.I think they genuinely want to see a return to the days when refs got it right almost all the time and we could live with that.Wolves’ VAR complaintsWolves have listed nine negative repercussions from the introduction of VAR in their complaint.

      Impact on goal celebrations and the spontaneous passion that makes football special
      Frustration and confusion inside stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communication
      A more hostile atmosphere with protests, booing of the Premier League anthem and chants against VAR
      Overreach of VAR’s original purpose to correct clear and obvious mistakes, now overanalysing subjective decisions and compromising the game’s fluidity and integrity
      Diminished accountability of on-field officials, due to the safety net of VAR, leading to an erosion of authority on the pitch
      Continued errors despite VAR, with supporters unable to accept human error after multiple views and replays, damaging confidence in officiating standards
      Disruption of the Premier League’s fast pace with lengthy VAR checks and more added time, causing matches to run excessively long
      Constant discourse about VAR decisions often overshadowing the match itself, and tarnishing the reputation of the league
      Erosion of trust and reputation, with VAR fuelling completely nonsensical allegations of corruption

      If we cannot improve VAR then I don’t see why we shouldn’t get rid because so many fans say it is  spoiling the game they love.Your team scores now and what do you do? You sit on your hands hoping the VAR chappie in Stockley Park hasn’t spotted anything.Beforehand, there was an instant decision from either the ref or his assistant. They got it wrong sometimes — but very rarely — and you could celebrate  like a raving banshee.The stakes are high and every place in the Premier League is worth millions.So yes, I can see the argument that we want to get as many decisions right as possible. But if VAR is not doing that then we should  seriously consider its future.Refs make mistakes and so does VAR. Maybe if VAR was adjudged by ex-players who know the game inside out, there may be an improvement.READ MORE SUN STORIESWho knows better than an ex-player if a handball is deliberate or not? I watched Sky Sports’ coverage in midweek and three ex-players, Wayne Rooney, Roy Keane and Andy Cole, all said, “it’s killing the game”.Fans don’t want it, players past and present don’t want it, so maybe it is time to give VAR the boot. More

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      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker outlines radical proposal to fix VAR that would ‘add to the drama’ as he says ‘I would vote for that’

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      GARY LINEKER has suggested a radical idea in order to fix VAR.Premier League clubs are set to vote on the future of the system following a complaint from Wolves.Premier League clubs will vote on the future of VARCredit: ReutersGary Lineker has his own idea of how to fix the systemCredit: AlamyLineker, 63, believes he has the solution to fix the video assistant referee system.The former England striker thinks that an appeal system would help “add to the drama” in football.Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: “The only way out of this mess, and I think they should keep offside and goal-line technology.”But I think you either scrap the rest of it or, more realistically, you take it to an appeal system.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”You limit the amount of times that VAR can intervene. It can not intervene unless someone appeals.”It has to be the captain and they have got to tell you what they are appealing for.”It does not mean there is a goal and you have got to find some kind of foul somewhere.”They have to stipulate what the foul is, the captain does it, and if it is a foul then it is a foul, there is no bar.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It is the decision that the VAR and the referee come to.”Maybe one appeal a half, but it stops VAR coming into every possible corner that comes in.”It stops all those things.”You can have 20 seconds to do the appeal and it would add to the drama.”You can get it on the screens and all that kind of stuff.”It won’t be where every single goal is looked at.”Lineker has a different view to the likes of Harry Maguire.The Manchester United defender wants the system to be scrapped for penalties and red cards.Wayne Rooney agrees with Maguire as he wants to see VAR “gone”.VAR: The great debate
      Martin Lipton’s pro VAR view
      FAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.
      After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.
      A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.
      And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.
      Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.
      But it’s OK. Every  one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the  Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”
      Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you.
      Dan King’s anti VAR view
      THREE cheers and a hearty slap on the back for Wolves chairman Jeff Shi.
      For mentioning the unmentionable,  for speaking commonsense to deaf ears, for proposing that VAR should be scrapped.
      Shi is doomed to failure. His suggestion is unlikely to even go to a vote at next month’s Premier League AGM.
      And if it does get that far, it has a cat in hell’s chance of receiving the two-thirds majority required to carry such a radical proposal.But in one statement on Wednesday, Shi proved that he will be the brightest man in that meeting room.
      He claimed VAR ‘has led to numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football, and undermining the value of the Premier League brand’.
      And he is absolutely spot on.
      The argument against VAR is wide-ranging and yet completely basic.
      If you believe that football is a sport, to be enjoyed in all its spontaneous, high-tempo glory, then you are against VAR.
      If you believe that football is a business, that it is far more important than a mere game, that forensic evidence must be applied, that we must reach the closest point to ultimate justice at all costs — and if you also believe that match-going supporters are irrelevant — then you are in favour of VAR. More

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      in Soccer

      Referee banned for LIFE for celebrating team’s title win after giving four red cards and 15 minutes of injury time

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      A REFEREE has received a LIFETIME BAN for celebrating a Dutch team’s title win after handing out FOUR red cards to their opponents.Official Jan Smit, 61, was in charge of a game between St. George and SV De Valken when a bizarre conclusion took place.Referee Jan Smit was seen celebrating with St. George players and holding up the trophy following their controversial drawCredit: X / @dannykorporaalSmit sent off THREE De Valken players and a member of their coaching staff, while he also added on 15 minutes to the end of the game. St. George trailed heading into stoppage time, but keeper Dave Laan eventually equalised for the title-chasing side.This proved to be enough to seal the championship, before Smit was then seen celebrating with the St. George players.One video which has emerged on social media even showed Smit getting on the podium and lifting up the trophy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is also said to have sung songs during the jubilant scenes.De Valken filed a complaint against the football referee – who was previously suspended in 2021 for “improper behaviour”.And the Dutch FA, the KNVB, have now handed him a lifetime ban.A statement from KNVB spokesperson Daan Schippers read: “We have received several complaints after Sunday’s match.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”This morning we called Mr Smit and told him that he is no longer allowed to referee matches.”We expect a neutral attitude from a referee and that both teams are treated with respect. That is of course where this attitude belongs.”SunSport expert Martin Lipton reacts to shock new Premier League financial rulesBut Smit has hit back at the decision by insisting he does not feel he was in the wrong.Speaking to NH Nieuws, he said: “I wasn’t partying with the players at all. I just sang a song and held up the bowl once. That’s the only thing.”I find it too sad for words that the KNVB is removing me for that reason. It’s laughable.”KNVB has not done any research and only watched one video.”I assume that the whistling is now over, but I will no longer get on my knees like I did two years ago.” More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Prime example to get rid of VAR’ moan Newcastle fans as Anthony Gordon shows off gruesome scar after failing to win pen

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      OUTRAGED Anthony Gordon joined fans in blasting VAR after suffering a “really sore” injury in a huge penalty controversy.Gordon was left with a nasty heel graze and huge rip in his sock as Sofyan Amrabat floored him in Manchester United’s 3-2 home Premier League win.”I don’t understand what the point of VAR is then” 😳Anthony Gordon vents over VAR and it’s decision to not give Newcastle a penalty ❌ pic.twitter.com/al4CCooNds— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 15, 2024

      Amrabat was unpunished for this challenge on GordonCredit: Premier LeagueSky Sports pundit Wayne Rooney was among viewers insisting it should have been a spot-kick – hours after Prem clubs learned they will vote next month on whether to ditch video replays.And Gordon went much further afterwards – delivering a scathing verdict.The winger, who had also fired a brilliant but temporary equaliser, told Sky: “I’ve watched the incident back – it’s a clear penalty.”I don’t mind the referees getting it wrong on the pitch because it’s a difficult decision – things happen very quickly.READ MORE TOP STORIES”But I don’t understand what the point of VAR is then because it’s there to correct mistakes.”He goes down my Achilles and pushed me in the back, then Casemiro comes and gets the ball – but there’s two fouls before that.”Fans were divided on Gordon’s penalty shout – but one observer claimed the saga was a “prime example to get rid of VAR”.The English Euro 2024 hopeful snaked through the middle, with Amrabat trailing in his wake before lunging in.Most read in FootballGordon reckons Amrabat fouled him TWICECredit: Premier LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCasemiro – converted from midfield to central defence – then tidied up as Gordon slipped over.Many fans reckon Amrabat DID rake the Toon hero’s heel as he challenged.VAR is ruining football and must be ditched, says 1966 World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst – so would it have ruled out THAT goal?One posted: “Clear as day penalty. But will never happen at Old Trafford.”Another wrote: “VAR is once again the star of the show, as Newcastle were denied a penalty after replays showed Amrabat stepping on the back of Gordon.”A third added: “It was a penalty, not gonna lie.”And United legend Rooney said: “I think it’s a penalty. Casemiro does well but Amrabat catches him on his heel.”But other observers argued there was minimal contact – and not enough for a spot-kick.One posted: “Explain why its a penalty please? Casemiro perfectly tackled him and Amrabat grazed him.”Another hit back at pro-penalty protestors by saying: “Literally won the ball but you do you.”Gordon’s injury was clear to seeCredit: Premier League More

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      in Soccer

      World’s sexiest ref Claudia Romani shows off her bum in stunning bikini as fans call her ‘amazingly sexy’

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      CLAUDIA ROMANI left little to the imagination as she stunned fans with her latest bikini snaps.Romani – who is a fully certified referee – is no stranger to wowing her legion of followers with racy photos on social media.Claudia Romani is the ‘World’s Sexiest Referee’ who regularly flaunts her taut figureCredit: SPLASHThe 42-year-old recently shared more seductive snaps with her 1.3million Instagram followersCredit: INSTAGRAM@CLAUDIA_ROMANIThe Italian-American is supremely confident about her figureCredit: INSTAGRAM@CLAUDIA_ROMANIRomani treated her fans to a cheeky snap of her backsideCredit: INSTAGRAM@CLAUDIA_ROMANIBut she sent them into a real tizzy with her latest series of saucy snaps.The 42-year-old shared a string of pulse-racing photos of herself in various seductive poses on Instagram on Saturday evening.Romani flaunted her backside – which was barely covered by her thong bikini bottoms – in three of the snaps.Her bikini bra was covered by a black and white chequered top, which she perhaps wore to remind her followers of her refereeing credentials.READ MORE ON CLAUDIA ROMANIRomani’s accompanying caption for the post, which included three love-heart emojis, read: “More from last weekend.”Hordes of the Italian-American’s fans were quick to comment, with one writing: “Beautiful, spectacular.”Another said: “In splendid form.”And another said: “Amazing.”Most read in FootballClaudia Romani is no stranger to a risque oufitCredit: INSTAGRAM@CLAUDIA_ROMANIThe former ref is often found at the beachCredit: INSTAGRAM@CLAUDIA_ROMANIOne remarked: “Amazingly sexy.”Another chimed in: “I love the view.”Stunning Italian referee Claudia Romani set pulses racing yet again after she bared all for Playboy ItalyOne of Romani’s blown-away followers simply commented: “Fabulous.”Romani’s content – which she also shares on OnlyFans – has helped her amass over 1.3MILLION followers on Instagram.She’s modelled for numerous magazines over the years, including Cosmopolitan, GQ and Playboy.Romani no longer works as a ref in Italy and spends her time living in Miami.She ditched the gig after she was publicly criticised for openly supporting Serie A giants AC Milan.Claud Romani is a fully qualified refereeCredit: SPLASHShe quit refereeing after receiving criticism for her public support of AC MilanCredit: SPLASH More

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      in Soccer

      Forgotten ex-England and Premier League star, 33, unrecognisable with top knot as he’s sent off using new VAR protocol

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      A FORMER Premier League star was sent off following a VAR trial in Australia this week.The 33-year-old defender was playing for Sydney FC in an A-League match against Central Coast Mariners when a high challenge was reviewed by the referee.A former Premier League defender was sent off in a unique VAR check this weekCredit: GettyThe referee addressed the crowd and players before brandishing the red cardCredit: GettyAfter visiting the pitchside monitor, as part of a trial, the official addressed both the players AND the crowd to explain his decision and how he came to it.The whistler said: “After review, contact was above the ankle, studs to the shin, it is a red card.”Fans took to social media to react to the unique VAR protocol, with some suggesting it should be brought into the Premier League.However, others were more in disbelief after realising who the player was who’d been given their marching orders.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer Manchester City, Everton and Sunderland star Jack Rodwell saw red after making the high challenge.But some fans struggled to recognise him due to his dramatic hairstyle change.The defender is now sporting a top knot – completely different to the shaved look from his Man City and Sunderland days.Rodwell kicked off his career with Everton back in 2007 after coming through the club’s academy.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJack Rodwell was the man sent off for SydneyCredit: Paramount+The ex-Man City star is now sporting a new lookCredit: GettyRodwell formerly played for Man CityCredit: Getty Images – GettyRodwell’s career path

      Everton (2007-12)
      Rodwell came through Everton’s academy before makign 109 senior appearances for the club. He was heavily praised by then-manager David Moyes after breaking into the first team.
      Man City (2012-14)
      The defender joined City in a £12million transfer from Everton in 2012. He made his debut just a few weeks later but quickly fell down the pecking order after suffering an injury. He was then limited to just 25 appearances. He did, however, win the Premier League and a League Cup with the Cityzens.
      Sunderland (2014-18)
      Rodwell’s time at Sunderland coincided with the club’s back-to-back relegations from the Premier League, meaning he received some heavy criticism from fans. Recalling the latter stages of his time with the club, Rodwell said: “I was in the process of getting thrown under the bus for being in the building. Everyone inside the club will tell you I wasn’t a bad lad. I did everything that was asked of me and more whereas other players wouldn’t have.”
      Blackburn Rovers (2018-19)
      The former England star was limited to just 22 appearances for Blackburn. He left at the end of his contract despite being offered a new deal.
      Sheffield United (2020-21)
      A month after beginning to train with the team, Rodwell officially joined Sheffield United. However, his arrival coincided with the coronavirus pandemic meaning he made just two appearances before being released.
      Western Sydney Wanderers (2021-22)
      Speaking upon his arrival at the club, Rodwell told The Athletic: “I’m here to win trophies and play in the AFC Champions League. I’m not coming here to take it easy. I want to be the best player in the league.”
      He went on to make 14 appearances.
      Sydney FC (2022-Now)
      Rodwell joined Sydney FC on a two-year deal in 2022 and has since made 24 appearances.

      He went on to make 109 senior appearances for the Toffees, scoring eight goals.In 2007 he joined Man City and spent two years at the Etihad, making 25 appearances across all competitions.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonThe centre-back then joined Sunderland and spent four years at the club before joining Blackburn Rovers.His final season in England was spent with Sheffield United, but he was limited to just two appearances in 18 months.Rodwell then moved to Australia to join Western Sydney Wanderers for a year.He made a gradual return to first team football before then transferring to Sydney FC in 2022.Rodwell was capped three times by England earlier in his career.His senior debut for the Three Lions came in November 2011.England’s starting XI on Rodwell’s debut – the defender replaced Phil Jones More