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    Finland 0-0 England LIVE SCORE: Nations League clash on NOW as Kane STARTS while Henderson replaces Pickford – updates

    ENGLAND are taking on Finland in a huge Nations League clash RIGHT NOW.The Three Lions will be aiming to bounce back after a woeful 2-1 loss to Greece on Thursday night.Interim boss Lee Carsley has made six changes from the midweek defeat at Wembley, with captain Harry Kane returning to the starting line-up.And Jordan Pickford has been replaced by Crystal Palace shot-stopper Dean Henderson.TV channel: ITV1FREE live stream: ITVXFinland team: Hradecky, Alho, Hoskonen, Ivanov, Uronen, Kamara, Schuller, Peltola, Jensen, Kallman, KeskinenEngland team: Henderson, Walker, Stones, Guehi, Alexander-Arnold, Angel Gomes, Rice, Bellingham, Palmer, Grealish, KaneFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Finland 0-0 England2. Finland have lined up in a back five, with a flat midfield four in front.The hosts are happy for England to have the ball, with Bellingham and Grealish already linking up down the left.Copy linkCopiedKO: Finland 0-0 England1. England get the match underway in Helsinki.Copy linkCopiedPlayers in the tunnelWe are now just moments away from kick-off, with the players in the tunnel.A lights show is ongoing at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki to welcome the teams onto the pitch.Copy linkCopiedLine-up twistA potential change to the expected England line-up in Helsinki.The official team-sheet has the Three Lions lining up in a 4-2-1-3 formation.Meanwhile, it is Kyle Walker at left-back instead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.Copy linkCopiedCarsley’s pre-match thoughtsSpeaking to ITV ahead of the match, Lee Carlsey explains: “We are looking for a reaction, we fell below the levels we expect.”There was a case of getting a look at a few other players and we were always going to look at Dean Henderson in one of these games.”Trent Alexander-Arnold is multi versatile and his role will be slightly different to a conventional left back.”We haven’t won anything since 1966 and so we have to try something different.”Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEngland under CarsleyTonight’s clash with Finland will be England’s fourth during Lee Carsley’s interim reign.Here is how they have fared so far under the under-21 boss:September 7 – Republic of Ireland 0-2 EnglandSeptember 10 – England 2-0 FinlandOctober 10 – England 1-2 GreeceCopy linkCopiedEngland substitutesFollowing the withdrawals of Bukayo Saka and Curtis Jones, Lee Carsley is only able to name 11 substitutes this afternoon.His options on the bench are:England subtitutesJordan PickfordNick PopeRico LewisPhil FodenAnthony GordonConor GallagherLevi ColwillTino LivramentoOllie WatkinsDominic SolankeNoni MaduekeCopy linkCopiedFinland starting line-upGoalkeeper Lukas Hradecky captains Finland in Helsinki after frustrating England for much of the reverse fixture.Former Leeds and Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara also starts for the hosts.Here is how they line-up this afternoon.Starting XI: Hradecky; Alho, Hoskonen, Ivanov, Uronen; Kamara, Schuller, Peltola; Jensen, Kallman, KeskinenSubs: Joronen, Sinisalo, Galvez, Antman, Lod, Pukki, Stahl, Pikkarainen, Tenho, Nissila, Pohjanpalo, WaltaCopy linkCopiedEngland starting line-upLee Carsley makes six changes from the loss to Greece as Harry Kane returns from injury.Jack Grealish, Angel Gomes, Marc Guehi and Kyle Walker also come into the side.There is a change in goal as well, with Dean Henderson replacing Jordan Pickford for just his second England cap.Copy linkCopiedNew role for Trent?Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to start at left-back for England today.The Liverpool man started in his natural right-back position against Greece in midweek.Alexander-Arnold was regularly used in midfield during Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions tenure.Copy linkCopiedNations League standingsEngland trail Greece by three points following their defeat on Thursday.Here are the standings in Nations League Group B2 ahead of today’s matches.Credit: Uefa.comCopy linkCopiedEngland record vs FinlandEngland have never lost to tonight’s opponents, with the Three Lions failing to win just two of their 12 meetings with Finland.Lee Carsley oversaw a 2-0 win at Wembley back in September in the Nations League.England record vs FinlandMeetings: 12Wins: 10Draws: 2Losses: 0Last five meetings:May 1985 – Finland 1-1 EnglandJune 1992 – Finland 1-2 EnglandOctober 2000 – Finland 0-0 EnglandMarch 2001 – England 2-1 FinlandSeptember 2024 – England 2-0 FinlandCopy linkCopiedEngland team newsHarry Kane is fit to return for England in Finland this evening.The Bayern Munich striker missed the defeat to Greece through injury.Jack Grealish is also available, but Bukayo Saka and Curtis Jones have both withdrawn from the squad.Copy linkCopiedWelcomeWelcome to SunSport’s live blog for Finland vs England.The Three Lions travel to Helsinki in the Nations League this afternoon looking to bounce back from their loss to Greece.Copy linkCopied More

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    Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol LIVE RESULTS: Beterbiev WINS controversial thriller, Whittaker in hospital, Clarke KO’d

    ARTUR BETERBIEV has beaten Dmitry Bivol on points after a thrilling main event in Riyadh!On the undercard, Fabio Wardley has destroyed Frazer Clarke inside ONE round in their long-awaited rematch.While Chris Eubank Jr finally made his return to the ring with a stoppage victory over Kamil Szeremeta, which included a fierce confrontation with rival Conor Benn afterwards.Though Ben Whittaker’s fight against Liam Cameron has ended controversially with both fighters falling over the top rope in never-before-seen circumstances.Whittaker was taken out of the arena in a wheelchair and the fight w was ruled a technical decision split draw.Main event ring-walks: 10.50pm BSTTV channel: DAZN / Sky Sports Box Office / TNT Sports Box OfficeLive stream: DAZN app / NOW / discovery+BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollow ALL the action with our live blog below…”I did not good today”Artur Beterbiev speaking to DAZN after beating Dmitry Bivol: “I feel not bad. I did not good today. I wanted to box with more quality. I’ll be better one day. It was a little bit uncomfortable. Of course, it was a tough fight because Dmitry is a tough champion and he has tough skills, better than me.”During the fight, we always try to change something. I didn’t deliver more punches, I don’t know. Today I am lucky too.”Copy linkCopied”Utterly robbed”The thoughts of our reporter Wally Downes Jr in RiyadhDmitry Bivol was utterly robbed of undisputed light-heavyweight glory by a Saudi Arabia scandal against Artur Beterbiev.The 33-year-old Russian WBA champ dared to take on the compatriot and silent assassin who held the WBC, IBF and WBO crowns.And he controlled the bearded menace until the judges should have cemented his place in the pantheons of boxing’s best.But one terrible judge called it a: 114-114 draw and the other two managed to be even bigger jokes by scoring it: 116-112 and 115-113.Credit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedInstant classicWhatCredit: GETTYACredit: GETTYFightCredit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedTough oneThat’s a very tough one to take for Dmitry Bivol, who genuinely though he’d done enough to clinch it. He boxed beautifully and he can be proud of himself.Dmitrii Bivol reacts following defeat to Artur BeterbievCredit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedHistoryArtur Beterbiev is now the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the four-belt era. He is the first undisputed champion of the division since Roy Jones Jr in 2002.Copy linkCopiedArtur Beterbiev beats Dmitry Bivol by majority decisionArtur Beterbiev gets a razor thin decision from the judges!One judged scored it 114-114, while the other two went 115-113 and 116-12 in Beterbiev’s favour. As I mentioned, the judges clearly preferred his aggression.UndisputedCredit: GETTYCopy linkCopied”That was epic”Former world middleweight champion Darren Barker on DAZN: “What a fantastic contest that was. We saw a bit of everything there for all the marbles in the division. That was epic!”He’s not wrong.Copy linkCopiedArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry BivolEddie Hearn is jumping around in the crowd, he thinks his man Dmitry Bivol has done enough. It’s so subjective – do you prefer the accuracy and precision of Bivol or the relentless busy pressure of Artur Beterbiev.The judges will decide.”I still think the draw is on the table here,” says the DAZN commentator.Copy linkCopiedArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – Round 12These three minutes could define either one of these man’s careers.Artur Beterbiev doesn’t waste any time in searching for a knockout, but he’s yet to land anything of substance. Remember, Beterbiev has never gone the distance in his professional career.60 seconds left on the clock and Beterbiev is throwing the kitchen sink at Bivol, who wisely clinches to slow things down.The pair have a messy final seconds as the bell goes and Bivol runs to hug his corner. He thinks he’s done enough as Beterbiev looks pensive in his corner.Copy linkCopiedArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – Round 11It’s the championship rounds here, folks and Bivol has the advantage. Even Artur Beterbiev’s corner accepts that and have told his man that he requires a knockout.He comes out with bad intentions but Bivol manages to land a good series of punches of his own. Will he regret that flurry of punches? He slows down as Beterbiev connects with some mean body shots.Bivol showing real signs of fatigue here. Can he survive one round and clinch this undisputed title?Copy linkCopiedArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – Round 10Still incredibly tight but a few of the pundits have the scorecards in favour of Dmitry Bivol. And he continues to rise to the occasion with a one-two to the body and head.As we’ve seen throughout the night, Beterbiev returns with pressure and some decent late shots but Bivol’s defence has been amazing tonight.Copy linkCopiedArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – Round 9Four rounds remaining, folks. This fight is still well up for grabs with both fighters priced at 10/11 with the bookies.Dmitry Bivol is somehow keeping his composure with some great ‘upstairs, downstairs’ attacks that give Artur Beterbiev something to think about. Another round for Bivol, who’s paced himself wonderfully tonight.Copy linkCopiedArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – Round 8Beterbiev has thrown nearly double the number of punches tonight, but Bivol has landed more. It was a fairly quiet round until the final 20 seconds where the pair of them start slugging like a WWE fight – Bivol probably got the better of that exchange.Copy linkCopiedArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – Round 7″You’re not tired. Nobody can beat you,” scream Artur Beterbiev’s corner. I wonder what he communicated to them…Is Beterbiev tired? He’s certainly started to mark up a bit and has definitely dropped off in this round. Bivol seizes his opportunity with a terrific combination and some eye-catching shots that the judges will like.Beterbiev comes roaring back in the final 30 seconds, but Bivol seemed to block most of it.Copy linkCopiedArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – Round 6This is just mesmerising stuff. It’s the most dangerous chess match ever played.Dmitry Bivol forgot his jab in the last two rounds but he’s found it again and that’s brought him some joy to slow Beterbiev’s relentless pressure. Tough round to score, perhaps Beterbiev because of punch output.Copy linkCopiedArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – Round 5Bivol is keeping his hands nice and high when moving around the ring but even the shots he’s blocking make a huge thud.Beterbiev is looking relentless here now. He’s throwing punch after punch and the crowd erupts when Bivol looks briefly unbalanced. Don’t think there was too much damage done, but the pressure is ramping up.Copy linkCopiedArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – Round 4Artur Beterbiev is asserting himself a little more at the start of this round, but that doesn’t stop Dmitry Bivol from firing off a fiery one-two before slipping away.That doesn’t deter the 39-year-old, who comes back swinging with some spiteful punches that look real, real nasty. Think that round goes Beterbiev’s way as he grows into the contest.Copy linkCopiedArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – Round 3Artur Beterbiev is moving through the gears now. He came out with real intent, throwing two or three heavy rights but Bivol’s movement is preventing him from connecting properly.Dmitry Bivol, as you would expect, remains calm and delivers a cracking one-two to the temple of his opponent.Big hits! Bivol fires off a strong right but Beterbiev returns the favour just seconds later. Neither man is backing down here. It’s exactly what we wanted it to be, folks.Copy linkCopiedArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – Round 2I will tell you that this easily the loudest crowd I’ve heard for a fight in Saudi.Artur Beterbiev is known as a slow starter, so Dmitry Bivol will need to make these earlier rounds count. Bivol connects with a nice left hook but Beterbiev just absorbs it, moves forward and attacks with a stiff jab just before the bell. Bivol has probably landed more scoring punches in the opening two rounds.Bivol landed nine jabs in that opening round, which is the most a Beterbiev opponent has ever landed against him.Copy linkCopiedArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – Round 1″This is boxing’s version of Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo,” says the DAZN commentator. Quite like that. I’d pay more than £19.99 for that.Anyway, Artur Beterbiev starts on the front foot as the aggressor. He’s taking control of the centre of the ring with Dmitry Bivol dancing around him.No significant damage done or taken from either of these fighters in the opening round – although Bivol enjoyed some good scoring jabs and combinations.But seconds before the bell, both landed and both reacted to those punches.Copy linkCopiedArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – Round 1Ding Ding! It’s show time! Who’s ‘O’ is going to go?Copy linkCopiedLet’s get this party started!Michael Buffer has uttered those five magic words, and that can only mean one thing – the fighters are on their way out now.Now we’ve seen a few stylish and elaborate outfits for the ring walks tonight — but Artur Beterbiev has just entered the ring wearing a sweaty white Fred Perry t-shirt. Love it.He also got from the entrance to the ring in about 30 seconds flat. Dmitry Bivol was no slouch either. We’re moments away.Copy linkCopiedBloody good repMissy Elliott has now finished her performance, and DAZN are showing the preview trailer for this fight.I’ve actually grown to love these trailers ahead of fights — but I’m fairly certain the Voice Over is done by Chris Finch from The Office, right?Chris Finch, IQ of 142, one of the cleverest blokes I know, certainly the cleverest bloke you know.Anyway, I’ve posted the trailer here if you want to get those juices flowing. Warning… it’s over four minutes.Copy linkCopiedUpdateThe show was nice.I won’t lie to you, folks. I popped to the kitchen to grab a KitKat and a brew somewhere between Ciara and Busta Rhymes’ performances. I’m sure it was good.It was a KitKat Chunky if you’re wondering.Copy linkCopiedThe BuffStill looking good, still sounding good – Michael Buffer introduces the musical acts.We’ve got Ciara, Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott performing soon after Turki Alalshikh delivers a quick speech and a fireworks display. I would take a screenshot but c’mon, you can imagine what fireworks look like.Copy linkCopied More

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    Fabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke 2 LIVE RESULT: Latest updates as Wardley BEATS Clarke after brutal first-round KO

    FABIO WARDLEY has knocked out Frazer Clarke in round one of their blockbuster rematch.The champ came out of the traps in rapid fashion and caught the challenger with some huge blows.Wardley landed a devastating right to floor Clarke – forcing the referee to wave the bout off after just two minutes and 28 seconds.All the action from this stacked Saudi card, which sees Artur Beterbiev fight Dmitry Bivol at the top of the bill, can be caught on our independent LIVE BLOGTV channel: DAZN / Sky Sports Box Office / TNT Sports Box OfficeLive stream: DAZN app / NOW TV / discovery+CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollow ALL the action from Wardley vs Clarke 2 below…Bivol grateful for opportunity, why not a rematch?Bivol expressed his gratitude for having the opportunity and said he “doesn’t have any explanations” because it would sound like excuses, having suffered a first professional defeat tonight.”Congrats to Artur and his team, he deserves it. I don’t know, just did my job and felt I could do better – always feel that way – I didn’t see the fight, he won so what can I say?”Bivol says Beterbiev’s very powerful – no kidding – and cites a bruise on his hand from all the rough-housing, while you can see cuts around his eyes. A rematch? “Why not, of course if I have the chance then yes, this is my dream.Copy linkCopiedBeterbiev: It was uncomfortableHow do you feel, Artur? “I feel… not bad! It wasn’t tough, it was uncomfortable… of course it was a tough fight but [out of us two], Allah chose me.On in-fight changes and confidence in the result: “I always try to change something but I wanted to punch him [more], maybe that’s why I didn’t deliver more punches today. I felt uncomfortable because usually I’m not waiting [for the scorecards].”On the instruction from his corner before R10, telling him he needed a knockout to prevail: “They always say that!”He’s happy to have finally gone the full 12-round, 36-minute distance and pointed to prior experience as a key factor on this occasion in a bout of very fine margins indeed. Rematch feels inevitable next year.Copy linkCopiedBeterbiev wins via majority decision!The bout went to the scorecards for the first time in Artur Beterbiev’s professional career and, given his pressure as well as the impact of his work down the stretch… he gets the nod! 114-114, 115-113, 116-112 the scores as Beterbiev inflicts Bivol’s first career defeat to clinch undisputed status at 175lbs, with a performance that he could’ve done even more in! Wow.Post-fight comments coming.Copy linkCopiedBeterbiev vs. Bivol R12Into the decder they go, Beterbiev the aggressor and Bivol lands three combos to push him back – very briefly – that relentless pressure persists before Bivol is again warned for pulling the head down when clinching. He won’t mind, he’s trying to avoid a late avalanche of pressure and it’s working as they head into the final minute. Beterbiev throws more power punches but Bivol evades, they’ll need the scorecards…Copy linkCopiedBeterbiev vs. Bivol R11Bivol unloads a flurry, then Beterbiev does the same and starts throwing uppercuts in the pocket as Bivol teeters away and tries to halt the surge of momentum, tying up momentarily. Bivol shelling up isn’t a good look as Beterbiev advances with another successful pummelling attack, of which there have been many! Final round coming up and it’s still all to play for, hangs in the balance…Copy linkCopiedBeterbiev vs. Bivol R10Beterbiev with a better stanza as far as punch connects are concerned, Bivol picking his moments though as Artur finishes it strong. Bivol in control, though these spirited bursts can often change the perception of a swing round…Copy linkCopiedBeterbiev vs. Bivol R9Bivol lands body-head-body, his left hand has found the mark and unsurprisingly that confidence continues to soar as he probably banks another hard-fought round, where Beterbiev’s pressure is patchy and he’s unable to keep this fight at short or mid-distance.Copy linkCopiedBeterbiev vs. Bivol R8Again, another partially blocked right still pushes Bivol back a few paces midway through another tense round without much noteworthy action to speak of. Bivol’s narrowly missed with a few power hooks, while Beterbiev does the same before they exchange furiously to finish a stanza Bivol kept at his own speed. That suits him far more, can he maintain this?Copy linkCopiedBeterbiev vs. Bivol R7You can see Beterbiev thinking a lot but throwing less as Bivol pounces, using time against him to throw more flurries and combos in the spaces where he’s not committing forward. Right on cue then, Bivol unloads a bit more than you’d expect and is immediately punished – the final minute sees evasive action needed as Beterbiev builds up scoring punches.Copy linkCopiedBeterbiev vs. Bivol R6Into the sixth and Beterbiev’s leaning on his earlier body punching, as subtle as it may have seemed. He’s got the crowd going again, Bivol lands a series of punches before Artur answers back with a flurry of his own and Bivol’s screw left jab stops him in his tracks momentarily.Beterbiev needs to be more active, Bivol’s tight defence and movement is stifling that though. When he lands… it’s a worry.Copy linkCopiedBeterbiev vs. Bivol R5Bivol bobs and weaves out of trouble, armed with the high guard, to keep Beterbiev hitting his gloves and not piercing the defences. They exchange cuffing right hands, Beterbiev gets the crowd going after landing a powerful jab and pressing… the bell comes to Bivol’s aid after trading a little too much for comfort there late!Copy linkCopiedBeterbiev vs. Bivol R4Into the fourth and Beterbiev, known as a slow-starter, absorbs another slick Bivol flurry before landing a disguised body shot. Still stalking his prey, Beterbiev lands a few rights and Bivol shells up momentarily while retreating before firing back off the ropes as the lateral movement is being stress-tested, though that jab continues to make the unified champion think twice before entering.Copy linkCopiedBeterbiev vs. Bivol R3Beterbiev gets a face full of jabs early to start the stanza, Bivol emboldended to open up more again and connects flush on a combo but again, needs to be careful… even the partially blocked punches are having an impact and this continues to heat up, evidenced by them trading – briefly – at the end of another competitive round.Copy linkCopiedBeterbiev vs. Bivol R2Bivol lands a partially blocked left hand to start the stanza, then opens up with a combo as Beterbiev walks forward unbothered, almost welcoming the punches as they fly towards him at speed.Bivol’s boxing well off the back foot but can’t afford to keep going backwards, even if Beterbiev is noticeably more measured with his output than normal. Copy linkCopiedBeterbiev vs. Bivol R1 Rapid ringwalks to grand acclaim, introductions out of the way and the two unbeaten world champions standing opposite one another. Moments away now from the first bell as referee Thomas Taylor reminds them about beltlines… we’re off! Tense start and naturally so, Bivol jabbing to the body and Beterbiev looks purposeful with his subtle moments, waiting to land a fight-altering punch. Jabs to the body are his mode of attack, Bivol fires with a jab combo as they exchange at short-range in centre ring, Bivol looking to open up and take centre, the patience will need to be at another level tonight from *that* Canelo performance if he’s to keep Artur away. Beterbiev lands a sneaky right hand, the round’s best punch, in the final seconds. Ooooh, this is gonna be good!Copy linkCopiedMain event moments away…Artur Beterbiev’s blockbuster light-heavyweight clash against Dmitry Bivol is moments away with the main event reportedly brought forward this evening.Due to the rapid undercard and Fabio Wardley needing just two minutes and 28 seconds to knockout Frazer Clarke in the Co-main event, Beterbiev vs Bivol will take place earlier than expected.For round-by-round updates of the huge undisputed clash, follow SunSport’s independent LIVE BLOG.Copy linkCopiedThen there was one…Stay tuned for the main event, when unified champion Artur Beterbiev faces WBA titleholder Dmitry Bivol in a long-awaited showdown for all the marbles at light-heavyweight. It’ll be the first time since the four-belt era that a new king reigns at 175lbs. I’ve been told we have just under an hour to wait, by virtue of quick stoppage victories for Chris Eubank Jr and (pressingly!) Fabio Wardley’s first-round destruction job at Frazer Clarke’s expense.I’ll still be here but James Anderson is poised to take you through the action, so click and follow that live blog commentary here. Ready?Copy linkCopiedWarren stays winning!After Raven Chapman sadly fell well short in her WBC world featherweight title shot against Skye Nicolson earlier tonight, Frank Warren will be delighted that his new signee Fabio Wardley has done exactly as he outlined in Thursday’s presser: make a statement! Heavyweight boxing is so unpredictable that you never really know when a new contender emerges to become a mainstay within the world-level landscape, much like Agit Kabayel and Martin Bakole have done – powered by Riyadh Season cards – over the past year or so.Wardley, trained by highly-rated coach Ben Davison, shares him with former unified champion Anthony Joshua and rising teen star Moses Itauma among others, and it’ll be interesting to see how Warren manoevures him in next given those highly-ranked contenders now. As for Clarke, who made his 10th professional appearance tonight and turned 33 in August, one can only wonder how he rebuilds after such a stunning stoppage defeat. Unlike their March meeting, what positives can he possibly take from a conclusive first career defeat?Copy linkCopiedAND STILL! Wardley speaks…R1, 2:28 is the official time of the stoppage, in what was a tentative round for 90 seconds or so… Round 13 indeed, true to his word!Wardley on his fast finish: “Always know once I’ve hurt someone, I get rid of them. Went into the first fight with a lot of background stuff, my team said maybe we should pull out, had a couple of issues but we fixed them and got the gameplan right, executed on the night.””Sometimes it takes a little bit of brains, I took enough from the first fight where I had success but needed to be a bit cuter, set things up and disguise them. I can’t help it! War by name and nature.”He concluded the interview saying while his series of titles look great, he wants to become a world champion and doubled down on a desire to return to Saudi shores after two stoppages in Riyadh a year apart.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWardley with concussive R1 finish!There are several concerned people in the ring around Clarke’s corner, Wardley passionately celebrating and shoving team members off him to get his point across, we’ll see what he’s unhappy about shortly. Eventually Clarke rises to his feet and the pair share a nice moment, while replays show the sequence of events which led to the finish.Clarke looked like he’d been snake-bitten, Wardley pounced to body-and-head. Having spun him around off the ropes while still unsteady, a three-punch combo was all she wrote – an overhand right to end it.Copy linkCopiedWardley vs. Clarke R1We’re off! A promotional showdown between Frank Warren and Ben Shalom too, which adds another interesting layer if you’re so inclined. Clarke feinting plenty in the early going, looking to flick out that jab and see what sort of reactions the champion gives him in response.Wardley throws an overhand right that wobbles Clarke, he looks hurt and certainly is! Just like that, pinned in the corner, he’s crumbled to a knee and ref Victor Loughlin wisely waves it off after a five-count.Clarke looks worse for wear, his face tells the story and it’s all over!Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedRingwalk and introduction time!Clarke savours the moment on stage with two songs, the second lyrically modified to prop him up at Wardley’s expense – think Zhilei Zhang against Joseph Parker (didn’t go very well for him but hey…)Wardley walks out to Can’t Be Touched and the lyrics for that are fitting for the must-watch fighting style he possesses too. Round 13 anyone? We’re about to see whether Fabio is true to his word.Copy linkCopiedWardley-Clarke 2 up next…It’s almost time for the evening’s chief support bout and without wanting to jinx it, I must say, things are flying by – refreshing. Opetaia’s doing his post-fight interviews ringside and taking pictures with local fans after a destructive performance that will only whet the appetite for him to face the CBS-Zurdo winner in early 2025.Alalshikh told ESPN in early May that he originally planned to match the Beterbiev-Bivol loser with Opetaia, who could very well move up to join the cruiserweight ranks in 12-18 months’ time. Who knows?Copy linkCopiedOpetaia speaks…WBA president Gilberto Mendoza Jr watched ringside and that title will be on the line come November 16 when Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez boxes WBO champion Chris Billam-Smith in a Riyadh unification duel.On what was a near flawless title defence: “I felt good, nothing but respect to Jack and his family, big thanks to my family too… we jumped through some hurdles to get here, so many ups and downs but we stayed strong and together… the ins and outs of boxing.” R6, 2:00 was the official time of the TKO (corner retirement), as the 29-year-old – who won his $1.6m legal case against former promoter Dean Lonergan on Thursday – has even more reason to celebrate.Copy linkCopiedOpetaia stops Massey in the sixth!In round five, I can hear more of Massey’s support team further back in the crowd barking insutrctions, urging their man to throw with Opetaia and match his pace. If you could ever show a novice an example of levels in this sport, it’d be this fight unfolding right here. Massey’s a bloodied mess through five rounds and Jai is jogging on the spot between rounds unbothered, almost as if he’s sparring.”Don’t let him back you up,” is the cry from Jonas, but it’s falling on deaf ears as Massey is being picked apart further… Joe Gallagher wisely throws the towel in and no-one can have any complaints really.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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    Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta LIVE RESULT: Eubank Jr secures belt after dominant showing as Conor Benn storms ring

    CHRIS EUBANK JR was victorious on his return to the ring after beating Kamil Szeremeta by TKO.’Next Gen’ floored the Polish fighter twice before the referee called off the fight in the seventh round.Eubank Jr claimed the vacant IBO Middleweight title for a third time on the night.Conor Benn stormed the ring at the end of the bout, prompting further anticipation for the blockbuster all-Brit clash with Next Gen.TV: DAZN / Sky Sports Box Office / TNT Sports Box OfficeLive stream: DAZN app / NOW TV / discovery+CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollow our live blog below…Ouch!Going back to that Wardley fight, Frazer Clarke’s head was a mess.Check out the dent in Frazer’s head.Copy linkCopiedThe KOThis was the moment the ref called time on Kamil.Eubank scored the KO in round 7. It was a brutal display by the Brighton bruiser.Copy linkCopiedFull reportSunSport’s boxing man Wally Downes has the lowdown on the Eubank fight.Read his brilliant report below.Copy linkCopiedMeanwhile…FABIO WARDLEY has destroyed Frazer Clarke in one, single brilliant round that left the battered challenger with a dent in his temple.After the fight, he said: “I know that once I hurt someone, I can get rid of them.“I had a few issues for the first fight but I got rid of them, had a gameplan and executed it.“I learned enough from the first fight to know I had enough to beat him properly. “I can’t help it, it’s my name; War by name War by nature.“I want belts and titles next, these domestic ones are great but I want the ones that have ‘world’ written on them.”Copy linkCopiedFighting talk from BennConor Benn has made a chilling promise to Chris Eubank Jr.He took to X to reveal what he plans to do.Benn wrote: “I promise you I will chin this idiot in Inside 3 rounds”Copy linkCopiedEubank Jr reactsChris Eubank Jr has already shared his thoughts about his ring bust-up with Conor Benn.Brilliantly, he took to X and challenged Benn to a fight.Copy linkCopiedTwo blockbuster fights remainUp next in Riyadh is the highly-anticipated rematch between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke.Seven months ago the two heavyweight stars put on one hell of a show at the O2 Arena, with many dubbing it the fight of the year.You can follow all the action from Wardley vs Clarke 2 with our independent LIVE BLOG.And last but not least, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol meet for a huge light-heavyweight clash.The two will be aiming to become undisputed light-heavyweight champion – and you can catch all the action with our independent LIVE BLOG.Copy linkCopiedAmusingly…Quite funnily, it was Brazilian footballer Neymar who was in the thick of it.He was there, breaking it all up.What a laugh.Copy linkCopiedHere’s that mad momentHow on earth Benn managed to get himself in the ring is anyone’s business.But here’s the moment the two went face-to-face in the ring.We should have had this two years ago, if only Benn didn’t fail a drugs test.Maybe we will get it in the near future in a future Riyadh season event?Copy linkCopiedMore action to follow…Still three more fights to go! Jai Opetaia defends his IBF cruiserweight world title against Jack Massey, before an exciting British heavyweight title rematch between defending champion Fabio Wardley and Olympic bronze medallist Frazer Clarke.Then we have the one we’ve all been waiting an age for: Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol for undisputed status at light-heavyweight. Copy linkCopiedBenn fires back, wants rescheduled grudge match next”You think you can beat me off the back of that?” Benn scoffs as he blasts Eubank Jr’s stoppage win.”Sign the contract and we’ll see what happens, you have to come up [weight divisions] now,” Eubank replies.Al-Hilal forward Neymar, formerly of Barcelona and PSG, was in the ring rather humorously overseeing their confrontation. He’s a friend of Eubank Jr, given their shared love of… poker and the US nightlife! They butt heads before walking off, adding more spice to a matchup which needs little now. They were scheduled to box two years ago this month, before Benn tested postive for clomifene.Copy linkCopiedEubank speaks…On how he felt his performance was? “I was having fun in there, could’ve finished it in the first-round but needed to feel the energy of the Saudi crowd, it was beautiful! Had fun and that was the main thing, to work on things… got a big fight coming up next.” His uppercut tendencies: “Kamil’s a tough guy, certain people get hurt and look for a way out, knew body shots would take him out and worked on things with my new coach Johnathon Banks.” Says the partnership between them went beautifully for their debut together, Banks most notably was previously Golovkin’s trainer.Copy linkCopiedEubank via R7 TKO, Benn in the ring!For all the security ringside, somehow welterweight Conor Benn has managed to get from his seat into the ring without fuss and angrily confronts Eubank Jr – before the result is even announced – just like he did yesterday prior to the ceremonial weigh-ins. Unsavoury scenes.The crowd stir as it appears Benn pushed, or attempted to hit Eubank Jr while they were exchanging words… now I see Hamzah Sheeraz talking to TNT Sports just outside the ring apron.1:50 of R7 is the official time, with referee John Latham mercifully stopping Szeremeta from further damage.Copy linkCopiedEubank Jr vs. Szeremeta R7Eubank Jr lands a barrage of body punches early in the stanza forcing Szeremeta to take a knee, and the end looks very near now. He’s teeing off on the Pole, who does his best to withstand punishment but is being hit far too often and it’s taking a toll.Right on cue, he’s floored a second time in the round and the referee wisely waves it off! Copy linkCopiedEubank Jr vs. Szeremeta R6I’m told the cut Eubank Jr suffered earlier on, where he is sporting some blood, was caused by an accidental head clash.Just as I’m searching for further details, Chris drops Szeremeta a second time at the end of a three-punch combination!Left uppercut, right to the body and a right to the head leaves Szeremeta having to climb back to his feet a second time. Into the second-half now though… Copy linkCopiedEubank Jr vs. Szeremeta R5Szeremeta starts better and Eubank almost gets caught clean as his lazy entry away to the ropes is met by an acknowledging nod by the Pole, holding his own here now and giving as good as he’s getting.I wouldn’t say we’ve quite hit a lull yet, but Eubank Jr’s urgency has slowed, and Szeremeta is more than happy to stifle him in the centre ring.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedEubank Jr vs. Szeremeta R4The third was a lot more scrappy, Eubank Jr down twice after losing his footing near the ropes but the pair are suddenly throwing haymakers with mean intentions to kick off this fourth stanza, wow! Chris leading the dance as expected, then the pace predictably slows a touch and allows him a chance to probe behind his jab if he so pleases.Instead he’s throwing that right hand, getting countered upon occasion for standing still too long and Szeremeta’s confidence will have grown, even if he is wearing some damage and losing this.Copy linkCopiedEubank Jr vs. Szeremeta R3The referee warns them about something, unclear what, early at the start of the third as Eubank lands some scoring shots up close.They’re separated but only briefly as he goes back to the well, an increasingly marked up face for his troubles, trying to time the fight-ending sequence that will get him a highlight reel knockout. I hear instructions ringside from one broadcaster to get European middleweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz’s view on how this fight is going – another to call Eubank out – wonder what he thinks?Copy linkCopiedEubank Jr vs. Szeremeta R2It was a nicely-executed right hand that dropped Szeremeta, as shown on the replays. Elsewhere, I can see a very animated Conor Benn ringside reacting too… he knows how much money is potentially still on the table for him in a prospective grudge match against Chris.Jr lands a succession of sneaky uppercuts on the inside against the Pole, who has no answer for that shot and instead opts to try closing distance between them. It doesn’t last though, he’s wobbled by another shot and I’d be very surprised if this bout goes beyond the middle rounds at this rate.Three more uppercuts land flush for Eubank, who has no problem finding the target tonight. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedEubank Jr vs. Szeremeta R1They’re off! Szeremeta in the red and white befitting his beloved Poland, while Eubank has black and gold – the same style you see UFC champions sporting, if that’s your thing. Eubank starts by picking his shots on the outside, then chains together a combination which drops Szeremeta barely a minute in!Szeremeta’s legs still look unsteady after beating the referee’s count but he gathers his bearings once more, whizzing wildly and landing a pair of right hands to gain Eubank’s respect again, then stinging him in the final half-minute. Fun first round! How long it’ll last, is anyone’s guess.Copy linkCopiedEubank Jr, meanwhile…Having celebrated his 35th birthday last month, the Brighton-born star attraction avenged a stunning R4 TKO defeat by Liam Smith eight months later in 2023 – though inactivity has been a familiar problem for the former IBO world super-middleweight titleholder. Smith is here tonight and has insisted he wants a trilogy bout, though Chris has bigger targets on his radar: Conor Benn, a Billy Joe Saunders rematch and other, more outlandish opponents too.Copy linkCopiedA bit on Szeremeta…Poland’s Szeremeta boxed to a 10-round draw on home soil against Abel Mina on February 24 at super-middleweight, after a pair of wins last year. The last time he faced someone at world-level was back in June 2021, where he suffered a sixth-round defeat by Jaime Munguia.Six months before that, he lasted just a round longer in a IBF and IBO world middleweight title opportunity against Kazakh legend Gennadiy Golovkin. As I can hear his music hits…Copy linkCopiedEubank Jr time! Well, not quite. Both fighters are doing an interview with TNT Sports’ Steve Bunce right now, but in a few minutes’ time, they’ll do introductions and the like for a middleweight contest no-one was expecting… but now we get it! Chris Eubank Jr makes his return after a 13-month absence, boxing seasoned veteran Kamil Szeremeta.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedNicolson retains WBC featherweight gold! All respect between the pair as they meet in centre ring and share a hug, having played their part in a historic world title fight on Saudi shores for the first time. As a neutral, you can only wish this was more entertaining though perhaps Amanda Serrano is the only woman in this division who can bring that out of the 29-year-old Australian. Comfy winner here.Scorecards: 99-91, 98-92, 98-92 Skye NicolsonCopy linkCopiedFinal round! Nicolson on the verge..After an eighth with little noteworthy action, the ninth is busier.Nicolson lands clean which briefly sees Chapman stumble backwards midway through the ninth, the champion is stung by a stray left but is smart enough to manoevure away and evade further danger. Final round coming and Raven needs a stoppage in this next stanza to win.Copy linkCopied More

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    England 1-2 Greece LIVE RESULT: Disaster for woeful Three Lions as Pavlidis seals win with last-gasp strike at Wembley

    ENGLAND have been STUNNED at Wembley after being beaten by a courageous Greece side for the first time in their entire history.Pavlidis’ delightful double fired the visitors to an incredible win over the Three Lions.Not even Jude Bellingham’s 20-yard strike could save Lee Carsley’s woeful side from such a humiliating defeat.RESULT: England 1-2 GreeceTV channel: ITV 1Live stream: ITV XEngland XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Colwill, Lewis; Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Foden, Palmer; GordonGreece XI: Vlachodimos; Rota, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Giannoulis; Koubelis, Siopis, Masouras, Bakasetas Tzolis; PavlidisFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from Wembley with our live blog below…Will to winDespite the bruising loss, Chelsea’s Levi Colwill came out of the game with plenty of plaudits after a stunning goal-line clearance.With the game locked at 0-0, the 21-year-old somehow prevented a shot from Anastasios Bakasetas going into an empty net after a Jordan Pickford error. Watch the incredible clearance here. Copy linkCopiedRemembering GeorgeIt was an emotional night at Wembley as fans and players came together to remember George Baldock. The Greek international died earlier this week after being found to have drowned in his swimming pool at his home in Athens.Following a minute’s silence before the game, Greek scorer Vangelis Pavlidis dedicated his brace to his teammate.Pavlidis said: “It was a really special game for us. Because of George.”We gave everything for him and his family. It is a great win but its a special night for him.”He has been in our thoughts. He was part of the team and was a special guy.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedSunSport’s ratingsEngland’s post-game ratings are in – and it’s not happy reading. One player impressed at the back despite a horror show defensively, while it was another poor night for Phil Foden.Click here to see SunSport’s full run-down from Wembley. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCarsley’s futureLee Carsley remains the bookies’ overwhelming favourite to take over the Three Lions job full-time.Asked about his future following the game, he said: “It doesn’t change [the situation]. “My remit is [take] the three camps, so it doesn’t change in that respect.”Copy linkCopiedSystem woesCarsley has been challenged on the False 9 system he employed during tonight’s loss.The interim boss opted for no striker in the starting XI, before bringing Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke off the bench.Incredibly, he appeared to suggest the players had spent just “20 minutes” working on the system. He told ITV: “With the quality that we’ve got, all the goals tonight were from mistakes. Even at 1-1, we were quite fortunate.”[On the formation] it’s definitely an option. We tried something tonight and we’ve got to have that ability and courage to do that.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCarsley fronts upEngland boss Lee Carsley has just spoken for the first time after tonight’s 2-1 loss.”I think we were second best for a lot of tonight.”It is disappointing. We need to respond well against Finland.”We tried something different. We tried to overload the midfield, play a bit differently.”I think it’s unrealistic to expect too much. It’s a case of just trying again.”Copy linkCopiedAngry RoyMan Utd legend Roy Keane couldn’t believe what he was seeing as the Three Lions went behind at Wembley. Four England defenders surrounded Pavlidis, but nobody could get a tackle in to prevent the shot. Keane raged on ITV: “It’s an unbelievable goal to concede.”If this happened in training, you’d stop the training and ask ‘Are you taking this seriously?'”You have got to do the basics of football. Where was the urgency?”Credit: APCopy linkCopiedStones speaksEngland’s stand-in captain John Stones is fronting up to the media first.He told ITV: “It’s hard to put into words. We prepared how we usually do, it didn’t come off.”We have to give credit to them. From the start they put us under pressure. They were very compact.”Disappointing from us. A lot was riding on tonight for me personally. We’ve got to look back on this game and move forward.”Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-2 GreeceWhat a fantastic performance from the visitors.They rode on a wave of emotion from the first whistle and had the ball in the England net FIVE times. All this without their first-choice striker. Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedFULL TIME: ENGLAND 1-2 GREECEThe Three Lions are beaten at Wembley. Players sink to their knees.Not even Bellingham could rescue England this time. Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-2 Greece90+7. We’re still playing at Wembley.VAR did check that penalty, but nothing given. Pavlidis is down with a head injury. Lee Carsley has a very different kind of headache. This has been a tough watch. Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-2 Greece90+5. Desperate calls for a penalty as Solanke goes down in the box!Nothing given…. Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-2 Greece90+4. A defensive horror show as England fail to clear their lines. Pavlidis has been a thorn in their side all night.And there he is, at the right place at the right time. He smashes it into the bottom corner past a stricken Pickford.Carsley sinks to his knees on the touchline. Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Greece – Vangelis PavlidisFootball, eh? And this is fully deserved. Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-1 Greece90+2. Calls for a back pass as Koulierakis awkwardly plays it back to his keeper. The ref having none of it.England attempt to get things going again, but Greece slow it down with niggly fouls. Pelkas the latest in the book. Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-1 Greece90. Neither team are finished here.What a crazy last few minutes. Greece looked to have sealed a famous win, only to be denied by the linesman’s flag. Seconds later, Bellingham has leveled it up. We will have 5 minutes of added time.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedEngland 1-1 Greece88. Who else?Bellingham does it again with time running out.A pull back is missed by everyone, falling to the Madrid man on the edge of the box.He hammers it towards the far corner, beating Vlachodimos. Copy linkCopiedGOAL! England – Jude BellinghamHave England just avoided their first competitive defeat at Wembley in four years?Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece85. So unlucky for Greece.They exploited England’s weakness at the back again, breaking at pace after sloppy distribution from Pickford. Pavlidis was there to turn it home, but he was just in front of Stones.That’s four times Greece have had the ball in the England net tonight. Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece84. NO GOAL!For a third time tonight, Greece have a goal ruled out.Pavlidis just strayed off before tapping past Pickford. Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Greece – Vangelis PavlidisGame over? Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece80. A crazy goalline scramble, but Greece hold on.No England player can get a good connection on the ball, with Watkins closest. Still just one shot on target for the Three Lions. They’ve created very little in this second half. Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece78. England load players in the box. Trent with the cross to the far post, but it floats harmlessly out for a goal kick. Greece still a threat on the counter, but they’re getting deeper and deeper. Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece76. Great run from Madueke, but four Greek players manage to halt his progress into the box. England camped in the Greece half and looking to force a leveller in the last 15.Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece73. Half a chance for Bellingham, but he picks the wrong option.The Madrid man tries to lob the keeper, only to see his shot land miles wide. Watkins was free in the middle. England rolling the dice again. Here comes Dominic Solanke – back for his first cap since November 2017. He replaces Phil Foden. Copy linkCopied More

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    Erik ten Hag updates: Man Utd board in crunch talks, Thomas Tuchel ‘lined up as replacement manager’ – latest

    ERIK TEN HAG’S future as Manchester United manager continues to be in serious doubt despite the Red Devil holding Aston Villa to a draw on Sunday afternoon.United have made a shocking start to the new season, winning just two of their opening seven Premier League games.The Red Devils are also winless in the Europa League after draws with FC Twente and Porto.United’s hierarchy will undergo crunch talks today amid growing uncertainty around Ten Hag’s position at the club.Should the Dutchman lose his job, the likes of Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchel, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Graham Potter have been linked with the post.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKeep up to date with the latest from Old Trafford below…Great ScottJust weeks after leaving Man Utd, Scott McTominay is already the talk of Italy.The ex-Utd midfielder has made a superb start to life with Napoli.So much so, he’s even being compared to Diego Maradona in the Italian press.Football agent Christian Bosco has now gone even further with his assessment of the Scotland international.Discussing McTominay, Bosco told Canale 8: “You can be a winner even if you have different DNA. This Napoli is a cynical Napoli.”McTominay will still have to prove himself in Italy, but he is potentially one of the best midfielders in Napoli’s history.”Copy linkCopiedDepay on the move? Ex-United star Memphis Depay is at risk of having his Corinthians contract RIPPED UP just one month after joining the club.The winger joined the Brazilian outfit in September, having left Atletico Madrid in the summer.Depay, 30, signed a two-year contract with Corinthians but could see his time at the club come to an end 23 months early.He could leave the club and become a free agent due to doubts over his salary.This is down to his pay coming from one of Corinthian’s sponsors, a betting company called Esportes da Sorte.It has been reported that the company has been denied a state license, which would make their funding uncertain.Copy linkCopiedTen Hag suffers another blowMan Utd have been hit by injury crises often during Ten Hag’s tenure, and that is no different this season.Harry Maguire is the latest to be struck down and the defender could be out for four weeks.Maguire said: “Frustrated to pick up an injury at the weekend. Will be a few weeks on the sideline for me, but I’ll come back stronger.”Copy linkCopiedSchmeichel weighs in on Ten HagPeter Schmeichel has urged Manchester United to ‘stick with’ under-fire manager Erik ten Hag but insists Thomas Tuchel ‘fits the bill’ as a possible replacement.Schmeichel said on the Seaman Says podcast with Betway: “I like Thomas Tuchel, I really I like him. “Being around the Champions League, talking to him and interviewing him, listening to him talk to his players in the technical area, he just looks like someone who would be a good manager for Manchester United.”I don’t think he got his way at Chelsea and I know for sure he didn’t get his way at Bayern Munich. I just think he’s got such a great aura around him that he fits the bill for United.”But, Erik ten Hag is still the manager and I will support him because I want the club to do well. I don’t want United to be the club that changes the manager all the time.”I hope they stick with Erik because we need consistency now. Let him have a fair go at this.”He’s been hampered by a lot of things over the last two years, now he’s got his own players, let him show us what the plan is and what he can do with the football club. If that doesn’t work then maybe then we talk about a change.”Copy linkCopiedRooney shows Ten Hag supportMan Utd legend has shared his belief in Ten Hag, praising his trophy record.He said of the under fire Red Devils boss: “Well that’s obviously down to the owners of the football club to look at that. I’m sure Erik Ten Hag is a fantastic manager.”He’s won trophies wherever he’s been and won trophies at Manchester United as well. So yes, he’s going through a difficult period and I think he’d probably say that himself.”But you hope he can turn it around because too often managers lose their jobs and then it’s another rebuild with a different manager.”Copy linkCopiedCarragher shares Ten Hag verdictSky Sports pundit believes Ten Hag could be lucky to survive until the next international break next month.He told Sky Sports: “Probably find it tough to come out to the next international break.”Maybe he still is the manager. Listen, if the results turn, of course he will.”But with Man United, it’s not just about results actually. For a long time, it’s actually been about performances. A lot of the time, when they get results, it feels a bit fortunate in some ways.”Copy linkCopiedKeane speaks highly of TuchelRoy Keane has previously described Thomas Tuchel as a ‘top-quality manager’ as Manchester United line up the former Chelsea boss as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag.He said in 2022: “There has obviously been loads of uncertainty over the club the last few months, that has been sorted out now obviously with the new ownership coming in.”I’m pretty sure again he (Tuchel) will be able to bring some players in. He is a top-quality manager, he has dealt with a lot of issues over the last few months.”Ultimately it was a disappointing end to the season for them. But he is a top-quality manager.”Copy linkCopiedOne candidate ruled outFabrizio Romano says Manchester United have no chance of replacing Erik ten Hag with Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi in the middle of the season, as the Italian tactician remains focused on his job in Serie A.He said: “We had reports on Simone Inzaghi but, guys, Inzaghi never had any concrete conversations with Man United, and there is never going to be any chance of Inzaghi leaving Inter during the season to sign for any other club, even for a top club like Manchester United.“Inzagi is not leaving Inter during the season, forget about that.“So all the stories about Inzaghi going to Man United now are completely out of context and completely impossible. Then, in the future, we will see.“But as of today, no contacts for Inzaghi to Man United now and full focus for Inzaghi on Inter.”Copy linkCopiedLatest betting oddsIf Ten Hag is sacked Man Utd have a number of candidates in mind to replace him.Here are the favourites to replace the Dutchman, according to BetMGM.Thomas Tuchel – 2/1Ruud van Nistelrooy – 2/1Gareth Southgate – 3/1Graham Potter – 8/1Michael Carrick – 10/1Kieran McKenna – 11/1Copy linkCopiedMoyes gives Ten Hag backingDavid Moyes has left Manchester United fans baffled after giving his thoughts on Erik ten Hag.That is because Moyes thinks that Ten Hag has been “brilliant” since arriving in Manchester.He told the BBC: “I think he’s doing a brilliant job.”I think he’s shown brilliant resilience in the situation that he’s in and I think he should be credited for how well he’s conducted himself.”As far as I know, I don’t see him ducking any questions or any media interviews that you people [the media] put forward to him.”I think you have to give him great credit for that, but it’s a job that is going to attract immense pressure, with people talking, so I have to say that I think he’s doing a brilliant job.”Copy linkCopiedTen Hag confident he’ll stayErik ten Hag has whisked himself off on holiday believing he will not be axed as Man Utd boss.It’s understood Ten Hag spoke with United’s top brass in the wake of the draw against Aston Villa, and has no fear they will sack him during the international break.He has now taken a holiday with the bulk of United’s players away on international duty.Copy linkCopied’Ten Hag not to blame’Erik ten Hag is not solely to blame for Manchester United’s current crisis – according to their former striker Andy Cole.Cole told Betfred: “Whatever the people in charge decide to do, it will be done with the best interests of the club in mind. “However you look at it, for an individual to win two cup competitions in their first two seasons at Manchester United, that’s not lucky. You can’t be lucky two seasons on the bounce.“The club will do whatever they decide to do, but if you look at the bigger picture, you can’t just blame the manager. The manager picks the players, but the players are the ones that have to go out there and win football matches. That’s the way it is.”Copy linkCopiedDoc to hit Old Trafford?Man Utd have been swamped with offers to make a behind-the-scenes documentary of the club’s planned revival under new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, writes Matt Hughes.SunSport has learned that several production companies have made approaches on behalf of streaming giants Netflix, Amazon and Disney+.United have yet to enter serious negotiations, though, with their priority is improving performances on the pitch following another difficult start to the season.Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle have all made documentaries with Amazon in recent years.Meanwhile, Liverpool are in the process of selling a series on Jurgen Klopp’s final six months at Anfield.Copy linkCopiedTV chef has his sayIcon Ainsley Harriott was asked to compare Man Utd to a food and he came up with: Scrambled eggs.Harriott explained: “I think it would be overcooked scrambled eggs.”A bit too heavy, not moving. It needs to be…remade.”Copy linkCopiedUnited bosses will be “measured”Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford will be measured in their approach to Ten Hag’s future during discussions with Omar Berrada and Dan Ashworth, according to Sky Sports.Co-chairman Joel Glazer, chief operating officer Collette Roche and chief financial officer Roger Bell will also be present at the meeting.Technical director Jason Wilcox will also be there and he could have a big say in what happens to Ten Hag as he works closest with the United boss.The United hierarchy will assess the shortcomings and the reason behind Ten Hag’s failings – whether tactical or psychological.Copy linkCopiedTen Hag situation affecting squadThe scrutiny on Ten Hag is affecting the Man Utd squad, according to defender Jonny Evans.He said: “It does affect the players. It’s on our minds too. I think the more experience I’ve got in my career I’ve made sure I do everything to be ready and give everything I can to the team.“That was the important thing to show the spirit in the team. Everyone competed as much as they could. That’s a pleasing thing to see.”Copy linkCopiedCarragher has “sympathy” for Ten HagSky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has expressed sympathy for Erik ten Hag over the way he was treated in the summer.He said: “I have sympathy for him, I think he’s been left to hang out to dry on the back of what happened over the summer with the ownership speaking to other managers.“I feel for him. No manager or anyone in employment would want his bosses publicly speaking to lots of different people within the game. It’s going to be tough for him to see out the season.”Copy linkCopiedThe cost of firing Ten HagSacking Ten Hag could cost Man Utd more than they paid out to the likes of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.It would have cost the club £10million to get rid of Ten Hag in the summer, but his compensation package would now be worth around £15m after he penned a contract extension.Copy linkCopiedSupercomputer predicts Man Utd to have worst-ever finishManchester United have been tipped for their worst-ever Premier League finish by a supercomputer.The Red Devils have endured their worst start to the season after picking up just eight points from their opening seven games.They have broken the record they set only last year, and are 14th in the table following a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.Erik ten Hag is under increasing pressure with United appearing to have got even worse after recording their worst-ever Prem finish last season.They finished eighth in the previous campaign with 60 points, yet look unlikely to even manage that this time around.A supercomputer run by Grosvenor Sport predicts United will be even worst this term and will end up ninth on just 55 points, behind the likes of Brentford.They are expected to lose an astonishing 15 games, managing just one win more to leave them a staggering 19 points off the top four.A predicted final goal difference of zero also reveals what a dire season United could be in for.Copy linkCopiedFlying DutchmanERIK TEN HAG has jetted off on holiday — as he is confident Manchester United will not sack him during the international break, writes Martin Blackburn.United are off to their worst start in 35 YEARS under the Dutchman, with just eight points from seven games to leave them 14th in the table.His future is certain to be discussed at the next meeting of United executives — including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe — in London.But it is understood Ten Hag spoke to Old Trafford’s top brass following Sunday’s goalless draw at Aston Villa and did not get the impression he was facing the chop.Copy linkCopiedICYMI – ‘Tuchel would be perfect’BetMGM ambassador and renowned TV presenter Laura Woods believes Thomas Tuchel is the ideal replacement for Erik ten Hag should Manchester United choose to sack the Dutch coach.Woods said: “I don’t like calling for a manager’s head as we really don’t know what is going on behind the scenes at Old Trafford, but, if they did decide to move on from Ten Hag, then get Thomas Tuchel back in the Premier League!“It’s been too long. I love him as a coach and a character and I think he’d be perfect for Manchester United. “He’s a bit of a maverick and, although his appointment might not last more than a couple of seasons, I bet he’d get them closer to winning something than they currently are.”Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedICYMI – Ruud on ‘standby’Ruud van Nistelrooy is “on standby” to take over from Erik ten Hag as Man Utd caretaker boss, according to reports.The Dutchman, 48, joined Ten Hag’s coaching staff in the summer.According to The Guardian, Ten Hag’s fate will be decided at a routine board meeting in London later today.They add that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox will be present at the crucial meeting.Should they decide to sack Ten Hag, it’s claimed that Van Nistelrooy would be the prime candidate to take over as caretaker.Copy linkCopiedICYMI – United chiefs at OTManchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was spotted heading into Old Trafford with chairman Joel Glazer on Monday amid speculation over the future of manager Erik ten Hag.The Red Devils played out a goalless draw at Aston Villa on Sunday in their final match before a two-week international break – with Ratcliffe and other Man Utd bosses watching on from the stands.He is set for showdown talks with club chiefs, including co-chairman Glazer, in London later today.SunSport understands their trip today is for various meetings, with Glazer attending one with the Fans’ Advisory Board.Copy linkCopiedMore on Mainoo injuryKobbie Mainoo Ezri Konsa and Morgan Gibbs-White have all withdrawn from England’s upcoming Uefa Nations League squad.The Three Lions host Greece at Wembley on Thursday, before heading to Finland on Sunday, in Lee Carsley’s second round of fixtures.The trio drop out after sustaining injuries for their respective clubs over the weekend in what is a triple injury blow for Carsley’s new-look side.Konsa, 26, suffered a hamstring injury and left the pitch just 12 minutes into Villa’s goalless draw with Manchester United.And Gibbs-White, 24, was removed after 76 minutes of Nottingham Forest’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea.But Mainoo played 85 minutes at Old Trafford on Sunday before he was replaced by Casemiro.It comes as a further blow for under-fire boss Erik ten Hag who also lost the services of Harry Maguire, who left Villa Park in a plastic boot.Maguire was dropped from Carsley’s squad after featuring in September and Mainoo has been carrying a knock for some time.Copy linkCopiedNoussair Mazraoui latestAmid the speculation surrounding Erik ten Hag’s future, there has been an update on Noussair Mazraoui’s status.The full-back, 26, was withdrawn at half-time during Man Utd’s 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on Sunday.After the game, Ten Hag admitted that’d be been forced to take the Moroccan off, and that there would be a further diagnosis on Monday.Following that diagnosis, Mazraoui has now withdrawn from the Morocco squad.He had been due to join up with his country for matches against the Central African Republic.United will now be sweating on Mazraoui’s fitness for their clash with Brentford after the international break.Copy linkCopied More

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    Erik ten Hag updates: Pressure mounts on Man Utd boss despite Aston Villa draw with ‘board set to meet on Tuesday’

    ERIK TEN HAG’S future as Manchester United manager continues to be in serious doubt despite the Red Devil holding Aston Villa to a draw on Sunday afternoon.United have made a shocking start to the new season, winning just two of their opening seven Premier League games.The Red Devils are also winless in the Europa League after draws with FC Twente and Porto.United’s hierarchy are reportedly scheduled to meet up 48 hours after today’s match at Villa Park amid growing uncertainty around Ten Hag’s position at the club.Should the Dutchman lose his job, the likes of Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchel, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Graham Potter have been linked with the post.RESULT: Aston Villa 0-0 Man UtdTV channel/live stream: Sky Sports Main Event/NOWAston Villa team: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Pau, Digne, Philogene, Barkley, Tielemans, Bailey, Rogers, WatkinsMan Utd team: Onana, Mazraoui, Maguire, Fernandes, Hojlund, Rashford, Eriksen, Garnacho, Dalot, Evans, MainooFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from Villa Park with our live blog below…Maguire injury updateHarry Maguire was spotted leaving Villa Park wearing a protective boot.It appears the centre back has suffered a serious injury in today’s game.United have yet to confirm the severity of Maguire’s injury.He had to be taken off at half-time in the game against Aston Villa.Copy linkCopiedTen Hag reactsErik Ten Hag is confident he has the backing of the hierarchy at Old Trafford.We always speak. We speak every week.“We are all on board, together, on one page. We know what we are working to, it is a long-term project. We have to keep improving.“We proved in two very tough away games that this is a team. We showed our togetherness, our spirit, but also the belief and faith we have.”Erik Ten HagSky SportsCopy linkCopiedPrem low for Ten HagToday’s draw at Villa Park means Manchester United have just eight points to show from their opening seven Premier League games this season.It is the fewest that the Red Devils have mustered this stage of a league campaign since 1989-90 (7) when they finished 13th in the old First Division.Copy linkCopiedVery little x-citement on showThe combined expected goals total between Aston Villa and Manchester United in today’s game was just 0.94 – the lowest in a Premier League match so far this season.Indeed, the last game in the competition to see a lower combined total was Arsenal’s 1-0 home win against Manchester City in October 2023 (0.87).Copy linkCopiedGood Evans! United’s standout star speaksJonny Evans’ inclusion in the Manchester United line-up was a huge talking point before the game, but the 36-year-old put in an assured performance in defence to ensure a clean sheet – and earn himself the Man of the Match award.Speaking at full time, the veteran centre-back admitted that the display still wasn’t quite want United hoped for, but it was a major improvement on recent showings.It wasn’t perfect. We didn’t pass the ball as well as we would have liked to, but we’ve got a point against a very good side away from home. After conceding three in Europe, we were perhaps defensive-minded and hoped to catch them on the counter-attack which we nearly did at the end.Jonny EvansSky SportsCopy linkCopiedMatch stats from Villa ParkIt’s now three Premier League games in a row without a goal for Manchester United.Copy linkCopiedFull time – Aston Villa 0-0 Man UtdThank heavens for that.A really desperate game draws to a close, and it’s doubtful there would be a goal if they continued playing for another 90 minutes.Short on energy and excitement, lacking composure and creativity, there was close to zero attacking ability on show.The best it got was a Bruno Fernandes free-kick against the crossbar, while Marcus Rashford was lucky to escape a red card for two clumsy fouls in quick succession.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-0 Man Utd90+7. Blow the whistle, referee. This has been dire.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-0 Man Utd90+4. And now a huge opportunity for United!With Villa committing men upfield, the visitors break two-on-one with Garnacho in possession on the right.The Argentine just needs to weight his pass correctly to play in Fernandes, but his composure is really poor and he instead directs it straight at the single Villa defender.Awful.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-0 Man Utd90+3. That was the chance!!A big, big moment comes and goes for Jaden Philogene, who gets on the end of a low delivery across the United penalty area that evades everyone else.With a huge target to aim at, the young winger fires his shot straight at Dalot, who had actually turned his back on the ball.The Portuguese player takes the congratulations of his teammates, but I’m not sure it was the best defending.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-0 Man Utd90+2. Ironic cheers great the ref’s return to the pitch, and he comes complete with a new battery pack for his walkie-talkie.Meanwhile, Aston Villa have a free-kick wide on the left. Has either team been unsettled by the delay? Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-0 Man Utd90. The fourth official’s board goes up to state six minutes of stoppage time, but it’s going to be more because the referee is still having his equipment fiddled with.Meanwhile, the natives are getting restless.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-0 Man Utd88. Referee Rob Jones heads over to the touchline to fix an issue with his communication equipment.It’s a disaster for everyone watching as the realisation creeps in that this game is going to go on much longer than is necessary.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-0 Man Utd87. Lindelof, not content with putting two hands in the back of Duran, reacts slowly to the quickly taken free-kick by chopping down Rogers.The fifth Manchester United player to receive a caution.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-0 Man Utd86. This game makes the new Joker movie look like a five-star thriller.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-0 Man Utd85. A substitution apiece.Casemiro comes on for Kobbie Mainoo while Ian Maatsen replaces Lucas Digne.The Villa replacement gets in on the act immediately by overrunning the ball out of play for a United goalkick.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-0 Man Utd83. Jonny Evans has been the best player on the pitch today.Hopefully Sir Jim is drawing up a new four-year contract as we speak.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-0 Man Utd82. Zirkzee was only introduced in the 64th minute, but is moving about as though he took part in the Great Birmingham Run this morning.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-0 Man Utd80. Another uneventful corner comes and goes.The highlight of that one was the referee having to step in to stop some shoving between Pau Torres and Jonny Evans.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-0 Man Utd78. The excitement levels go up as soon as Duran gets on the ball.While the Villa Park crowd urge the substitute to shoot, he instead lays the ball wide into the path of Watkins.The England striker drives to the byline, and wins a corner when his low cross is turned behind by Lindelof.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-0 Man Utd76. Digne’s reputation as a dead ball specialist is diminishing by the minute.His set-piece deliveries have been woeful today, and now he’s just curled a free-kick from a promising position 15 yards over the crossbar.Still, it was a never a foul by De Ligt on Watkins in the first place so justice has probably been done.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-0 Man Utd74. There are half-hearted appeals for a handball from the Holte End as the ball thumps into the chest of Jonny Evans.Wishful thinking has very much become the order of the day.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-0 Man Utd73. Diego Carlos will continue for now, but a concerned Unai Emery is keeping a close eye on proceedings on the touchline.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-0 Man Utd72. On the stretch, Diego Carlos diverts an Alejandro Garnacho cross into the arms of Emiliano Martinez.But it’s not been a day for centre-backs, and the Brazilian – an early replacement for Ezri Konsa – lays out on the turf with a look of discomfort on his face.Will he be the latest player to limp out of action?Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-0 Man Utd70. The lack of attacking quality in this game so far is summed up by Morgan Rogers spurning an otherwise excellent move by spooning a first time cross behind for a goalkick.Can either team find a way through in the final 20 minutes?Copy linkCopied More

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    Brighton 0-1 Tottenham LIVE SCORE: Latest Premier League updates as Spurs hope to continue fine form

    BRIGHTON host Tottenham hoping to end their four-game winless run.The Seagulls had won their first two games of the season but have since drawn three successive games before last weekend’s 4-2 defeat at Chelsea.Tottenham endured a tougher start but will be hoping to make it three successive wins at the Amex.Kick off time: 4.30pm BSTTV/Stream: Sky Sports Main Event / NowTVBrighton XI: Verbruggen; Veltman, Webster, Dunk, Kadioglu; Baleba, Hinshelwood; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; WelbeckTottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, WernerFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below… More