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      Argentina lined up to play controversial friendly in RUSSIA this year despite Fifa ban

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      ARGENTINA are set to play Russia in an international friendly this November, according to reports.The Russian national team has largely been shunned since the country’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.Lionel Messi is currently on international duty with ArgentinaCredit: GettyRussia were kicked out of the 2022 World Cup, and have been banned by Fifa ever since.Argentine football reporter Gaston Edul claimed last month that a meeting could be on the cards.And further reports from Telegram in Russia suggest that a game is in the works for the November international break.Such a deal would see the world champions travel to Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium for a match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA preliminary agreement has reportedly been agreed, with the Luzhniki having been reserved for dates between November 10 and 18.Should the match go ahead, it is unlikely that big stars such as Lionel Messi will participate.That’s because Western sponsors would likely be uncomfortable with their partners playing in Russia.Russia’s ban has seen them not play in Fifa or Uefa competitions since 2021.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKRussia played Grenada in a friendly back in MarchCredit: GettyRussia’s last competitive game came against Croatia nearly four years agoCredit: GettyTheir last competitive match was a 1-0 defeat at Croatia on November 14, 2021.They have since participated in 16 friendlies, primarily played in Moscow.Donald Trump claims letting Russia qualify for World Cup 2026 could be ‘incentive’ to end Ukraine warRussia’s opponents have included Qatar, Iraq, Cameroon and Serbia.US president Donald Trump recently claimed that participation in the 2026 World Cup could be an incentive for Russia to end their invasion of Ukraine.During a chat with Fifa president Gianni Infantino, Trump, 78, was at first not even aware that Russia were banned.He asked: “I didn’t know that. Is that right?”To which Infantino replied: “That is right.”They are banned for the time being from playing but we hope that something happens and peace will happen so that Russia can be readmitted.”Read More on The SunTrump then said: “That’s possible. Hey, that could be a good incentive, right? We want to get them to stop. We want them to stop.”Five thousand young people a week are being killed – it’s not even believable.”Donald Trump met with Gianni Infantino last monthCredit: Reuters More

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      in Boxing

      ‘He’s miles off’ – Brit heavyweight ace tipped for stardom ‘shouldn’t be in conversation’ for world titles, says rival

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      RISING British boxing star Moses Itauma has been warned against taking on world titles fights at this stage of his career.Heavyweight rival Dave Allen reckons the 20-year-old has the talent, but lacks the necessary experience to challenge a world champion.Moses Itauma has been tipped for stardomCredit: PAItauma won the WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight bout against Mike Balogun in MayCredit: PAItauma’s professional record stands at 12-0 with his most recent win against Mike Balogun in the WBO Inter-Continental bout in Glasgow. The Slovak-born Brit dropped his American opponent Bologun, 41, three times in two rounds, before ending it with a TKO.And WBA Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion Dave Allen has given his opinion on the breakthrough star.Allen told talkSPORT: “I think he’s the real deal, but to go from the opposition he is facing to a Joseph Parker would be irresponsible matchmaking.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“People are talking about Itauma boxing for a world title soon, he is miles off it right now.”“He can beat anyone in two or three rounds at the moment. But we haven’t seen him go past that yet. “I think he’s an incredible prospect, but that’s all he is still.” The rising heavyweight star turned professional two years ago and already has 10 KOs on his record.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAllen recognised Itauma’s talent, but believes he should take a more calculated root to a shot at a world title.He added: “We haven’t even seen him box for a British title yet. Demsey McKean is British title level, he shouldn’t be in that conversation for Joseph Parker yet.’Back to the grind in a few days’ – Anthony Joshua shows off results of elbow surgery as boxing star closes in on return“Not for talent, offensively he is already one of the best heavyweights in the world. But he hasn’t been hit back and hasn’t been hit under pressure.”Allen named Anthony Joshua’s rival Jermaine Franklin as the perfect opponent to take him past the first rounds.The 33-year-old said: “We need to see him in with someone who gives him a fight, I think someone like Jermaine Franklin.“I think he can become world champion, but talk of titles right now is just too much, he’s miles off.”Itauma, who is Frank Warren’s fighter, was initially tipped as the teenager to break Mike Tyson’s youngest world champion record at the age of 20 years and four months.He will likely return on July 19 on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk’s rematch with Daniel Dubois.Dave Allen said Itauma isn’t ready for a chance at a world titleCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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      in Soccer

      How Chelsea’s £30million transfer signing Liam Delap can reinvigorate ex-Man City pal Cole Palmer in Blues masterplan

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      CHELSEA are ready to rock and roll thanks to Liam and Cole.Blues ‘brothers’ Liam Delap and Cole Palmer were made in Manchester, at City’s academy, but have been reunited at Stamford Bridge.Liam Delap (left) and Cole Palmer celebrate a goal for Manchester City’s academy sideCredit: AlamyDelap has joined Palmer at Chelsea for £30millionCredit: GettyAnd £30million Delap, who netted 12 Premier League goals last season for relegated Ipswich, is the perfect striker for Enzo Maresca’s Masterplan.He can reinvigorate Palmer – and if this pair start firing, opposition defences will have to build a Wonderwall to stop them.They will even be side by side with shirt numbers – Delap has taken No9 and Palmer is now No10.Palmer is delighted Delap has opted to join the Blues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “I’m excited to play with him. I was messaging him asking If he was coming and that.“I played with him at Under 18s, 21s. We went to the first team together.“‘He’s a great striker, one of the best in the Premier League. You can see from last season.“So I think he’ll help us a lot and hopefully score lots of goals.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhen the Blues signed Palmer, 23, for £42.5m, in what now looks like a cut-price deal, not many knew the talent that they had on their hands – but anyone who had watched City’s youth sides knew, including the club’s former academy coach Maresca.Delap, 22, can play a vital role for the Blues – he’s electric with his pace, direct running and movement. ‘To do what-‘ – Cole Palmer left confused as he’s asked to name his Premier League Mount RushmoreHe starred alongside ‘secret agent’ Romeo Lavia and Palmer in the youth team under Maresca, his understanding with the latter potentially being what will make him such a potent threat next season.But it will also improve Palmer, who tailed off last season despite netting 15 Prem goals.It might seem like it’s half the world away, but in one City Under-21 game against Spurs, they ran out 6-1 winners with Delap hitting a hat-trick, Palmer scoring twice and Lavia netting the other.Delap and Palmer wasn’t always a Harry Kane and Son Heung-min partnership where both would rack up huge goal contribution numbers – though that did happen enough.It was more about Delap’s movement and interplay allowing Palmer to be even more dangerous and get into the box with more ease.We’ve seen in games this season that because Palmer has been a lone threat at times, he can be doubled up on and nullified – but with Delap in the side that becomes much more difficult.In City’s youth team, Palmer, Felix Nmecha and Samuel Edozie benefited from Delap’s movement, as he would occupy the centre backs and allow Nmecha and Palmer to get shots off inside the box.In Manchester, Maresca knew how to get the best out of Delap by giving him the same kind of freedom Nicolas Jackson has been given up front, as he could drift wide or drop deep on the premise that when needed he would be in the right place at the right time to get the finishing touch.When you add the incoming Estevao Willian to that mix, as well as the ever-improving Noni Madueke and Enzo Fernandez – some might say they will be unstoppable.Read More on The SunIt will be interesting to see how the Blues go at the Club World Cup in America, which will hardly be an Oasis of calm.They will hope Liam and Cole have more success in the USA than Liam and Noel.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

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      in Boxing

      Adam Azim vs Eliot Chavez: Start time, live stream, TV channel, tickets and full card for super lightweight bout

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      ADAM AZIM puts his unbeaten streak on the line once again as he takes on Eliot Chavez in a thrilling super lightweight fight.The British-Pakistani star was last in action earlier this year when he stopped Sergey Lipinets to land the vacant IBF 140-pound belt.Adam Azim has been knocking people out left, right and centreCredit: PAAnd it was a victory that extended Azim’s record to a staggering 13 wins from 13 fights, and ten of those victories came by a knockout.However, he could be in for a tricky test as Chavez bounced back from three straight defeats before landing a fifth-round KO on Hector Manuel Vargas last month.Furthermore, Azim should approach Chavez with caution as the Mexican is famously known for stopping world champion Mauricio Lara.Not to mention, Chavez was once disqualified in a bad-tempered battle with Harlem Eubank in 2022.Read more on Adam AzimThis mouthwatering bout is a late addition to the undercard of Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco.When is Azim vs Chavez?Adam Azim vs Eliot Chavez will take place on Saturday, June 7.The ring-walks have not been confirmed but it will get underway before Simpson vs Zucco which starts at approximately 10:15pm BST.Oakwell Stadium – home of Barnsley FC is the chosen venue for this mega title fight and it can host around 15,000 spectators.Tickets for this event are still available on TicketmasterPlease note that StubHub and similar secondary ticket resale sites may list tickets above face valueWhat TV channel is Simpson vs Zucco on and can it be live streamed?Adam Azim vs Eliot Chavez will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Action.Fans can also stream the entire action through NOW TV via any compatible mobile device or tablet.Alternatively, SunSport will have round-by-round coverage through our live blog.Most read in BoxingWhat is the full card?Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco – for European super-middleweight titleMark Jeffers vs Sean HemphillRyhs Edwards vs Thomas EssombaFrankie Stringer vs Kane BakerEllis Price vs Jake PriceRed Johnson vs Harley CollisonSam Hickey vs Harley HodgettsMauro Silva vs Omir RodriguezAdam Azim vs Eliot ChavezWhat has been said?Adam Azim revealed that he was ready to seize upon the opportunity to fight on this big card.Azim said: “I’m already training hard for a big fight, so when the opportunity came up to get on this card, I jumped at it.“I discussed it with my team and [promoter] Ben Shalom, and we felt it was the right time to get in some solid competitive rounds against a tough opponent.“I’m also excited to go up there to fight in front of a capacity-crowd stadium in Barnsley. Callum’s told me all about the incredible noise from the stands and I plan to put on a show for them. “It’s going to be a huge night in front of a packed crowd at Oakwell and I can’t wait to be part of it.“There’s a big British Asian community in South Yorkshire too, and I hope they take the chance to grab the remaining tickets and get behind me. Let’s make it a night to remember.” More

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      in Boxing

      ‘I thought I was going to die’ – Hollywood star dropped FOUR STONE to play boxer leaving superstar fiancee horrified

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      ORLANDO BLOOM lost nearly FOUR STONE to play the role of a boxer – leaving his superstar fiancee Katy Perry horrified.Bloom stars as a retired fighter looking to make a comeback in the unreleased movie The Cut – which began filming in 2023.Orlando Bloom lost nearly four stone to play the role of a boxerCredit: TikTok / @menshealthukBloom lived off a crazy diet of tune and cucumber to shed the weightCredit: TikTok / @menshealthukAnd the plot centres around Bloom’s character losing a dangerous amount of weight in order to fight again. The British cinema legend revealed he lost 52lb – three and a half STONE – before filming had even started. He told People: “I literally thought I was gonna die.”Bloom was living off a diet of tuna and cucumber and had to actually film scenes from the end of the film at the start. READ MORE IN BOXINGDirector Sean Ellis said to Variety: “Your brain is starved of calories, basically. “It was going to be impossible for him to work while dieting. So, he came to us at his lightest, and then he starts to eat.”So that meant that we had to shoot the film [with] the ending first and the beginning of the movie at the end. “Over the 25 days that we were shooting, he was putting on the calories. And then it’s edited in reverse.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBloom, now 48, added: “I was more surprised about the mental aspect of [it], like the sleep deprivation, and not the depleted calories. “There’s a lot going on in your brain living in that headspace for a while was very challenging.”Sam Thompson left gobsmacked as he’s surprised by huge Hollywood A-lister during his 280-mile endurance challengeEven Bloom’s co-star Caitriona Balfe – who plays his on-screen wife in the film – was stunned by his gaunt face and body. Balfe said: “The transformation was shocking – I was like, ‘You look like a raisin.’”  Director Ellis and lead Bloom revealed movie goers at the premiere passed out and fainted due to the film’s graphic nature. And Bloom’s fiancee Perry – with whom he shares a four-year-old daughter Daisy Dove with – also found it tough viewing. Bloom revealed the singer was left in tears after watching the particularly harrowing scenes. He told Page Six: “She watched it and was like, ‘I need a stiff drink.’ She was really moved. She knew what it took.”Bloom proposed to 40-year-old Perry in 2019 and welcomed their daughter a year later but have not yet married. Read More on The SunThe Cut – with a screenplay by Justin Bull and story by Mark Lane – is yet to find a distributor or release date.Bloom in the movie The CutCredit: Instagram / @orlandobloomKaty Perry is engaged to actor BloomCredit: GettyPerry has been engaged to Bloom since 2019Credit: instagram/katyperry More

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      in Soccer

      Cole Palmer changes Chelsea number as Liam Delap’s new shirt confirmed after £30million transfer from Ipswich

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      COLE PALMER has switched to the No10 shirt at Chelsea – casting further doubt over Mykhailo Mudryk’s future.The winger has been provisionally suspended since December after failing a doping test while on international duty with Ukraine.Cole Palmer has taken the No10 shirt at ChelseaCredit: GettyThe number was previously held by the now-suspended Mykhailo MudrykCredit: GettyConfirmation of Mudryk’s B-sample results has still not been announced – with the £88.5million forward potentially facing a four-year ban.Chelsea and boss Enzo Maresca declared their support for the 24-year-old when news of his failed drugs test emerged.However, Maresca was caught off guard by Mudryk turning up and meeting fans in Wroclaw, Poland ahead of last week’s Conference League final.Asked about Mudryk being in Poland, Maresca said: “He is here? I don’t know. I am happy for Mischa to be here.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe former Shakhtar Donetsk player joined his team-mates at their party to celebrate winning the trophy and posed with a medal.But just over a week after partying with teammates, Murdyk has been replaced as the Blues’ No10 by star man Palmer.Chelsea insist it is no reflection of his personal situation and that – ahead of the new season – he will be assigned a new number.Mudryk wore the No15 shirt when he arrived at Stamford Bridge in January 2023 but was given the No10 after Christian Pulisic left the club that summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPalmer arrived from Manchester City at the same time and has worn No20 since.Chelsea’s announcement confirming the change did not mention Mudryk.The club have also confirmed that new £30m striker Liam Delap will wear the vacant No9 shirt for his new club.Delap will look to break the trend of Chelsea No9s failing to make an impact.The shirt number has been vacant for two years with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Romelu Lukaku, Gonzalo Higuain, Alvaro Morata, Radamel Falcao and Fernando Torres all having struggled in West London while wearing No9.Palmer seems certain his former City youth team-mate Delap will not suffer the same fate.He said: “I’m excited to play with him. I was messaging him asking If he was coming and that.“I played with him at Under 18s, 21s. We went to the first team together.Read More on The Sun“‘He’s a great striker, one of the best in the Premier League. You can see from last season.“So I think he’ll help us a lot and hopefully score lots of goals.”Liam Delap snatched the vacant No9 despite its ‘curse’Credit: GettyPalmer took the No20 when he arrived from Manchester CityCredit: Reuters More

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      in Soccer

      Wanda Nara, 38, ‘dating PSG star and most eligible bachelor, 26,’ who was team-mates with ex-husband Mauro Icardi

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      MAURO ICARDI’s ex-wife Wanda Nara has reportedly found a new man – and he used to be team-mates with her former husband.The 38-year-old married Icardi in 2014 but endured multiple break-ups and reconciliations.Wanda Nara has reportedly found love after her split from Mauro Icardi (pictured)Credit: Instagram @mauroicardiThe super WAG was in attendance at the CL final and sent out this snap to her 17.5m followersCredit: instagram @wanda_naraWanda has been single since splitting from Icardi last yearCredit: INSTAGRAMNara and the Galatasaray striker finally split for good last summer.And after a spell of enjoying single life, Nara has been linked with a new flame. The Wag-turned-agent was in Munich last Saturday to watch the Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan.Spanish journalist Yani Latorre claims Nara is seeing PSG’s “most eligible bachelor” Achraf Hakimi, 26, – a former team-mate of Icardi.READ MORE ON SPORTLAM host Yani Latorre claimed, via the Daily Star: “I have the name of the PSG player [Nara is dating].”He’s PSG’s most eligible bachelor. She knows him from Mauricio’s time at PSG.”It seems she is with Hakimi.”Wanda stayed where the PSG players and their families are [in Munich]. She participated in the intimate celebration at the hotel. Most read in Football”[She] was recording for MTV in Italy. They sent her a plane ticket, a hotel reservation, and a ticket to the stadium – someone from PSG.”Nara took over the duties of her husband’s agent, and helped mastermind a loan move from Inter Milan to PSG in 2019. Wanda Nara risks Instagram ban as Mauro Icardi’s ex-wife poses naked to promote new singleThe couple announced they had split in 2022, only to get back together.But last summer, Nara opened up about the end of their relationship, with the pair now heading for divorce.Nara told America TV: “For personal and health reasons, I tried once more, but it didn’t work. Let everyone talk. I’ve saved my silence for the last. “I know how hard endings are and what they cost. There are things on TV and the internet that aren’t true, but I accept it as part of the bad and who I am.Nara has been linked with PSG star Achraf Hakimi – a former teammate of IcardiCredit: Getty”I decided to end it, but Mauro and I will still be a family. It wasn’t a mistake to try more when there was love. “I regret nothing. These years were the best of my life, but now I must be alone.”There is no villain or third party. Our relationship was always stronger than it seemed from the outside. “My priority has always been my children, and now more than ever. Thank you for your respect.”Hakimi began his career at Real Madrid and is the captain of Morocco.He joined PSG in 2021 and has played 168 times for the Ligue 1 giants, scoring 23 goals.The star is currently single after divorcing ex-wife Hiba Abouk in 2023. Read More on The SunHakimi was married to the Spanish actress for three years.The couple have two sons, born in 2020 and 2022. Wanda has been single since splitting from Icardi last yearCredit: InstagramThe Argentine is a model and TV presenterCredit: InstagramShe boasts almost 18 million followers on Instagram aloneCredit: Instagram @wanda_naraWanda acted as Icardi’s agent during their time togetherCredit: Instagram @wandanara More

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      in Soccer

      The absence of Earps, Kirby and Bright leaves a void – who are the England aces who can fill it?

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      IN a month’s time England begin their the defence of their European Championship crown in Switzerland. Build-up to this year’s Euros has not been plain sailing in terms of some results on the pitch and shock announcements off it. England will compete in the Euros without vice captain Millie Bright following her withdrawal from selection before the tournamentCredit: GettyFran Kirby called time on her England playing career after being informed she would not be included in Sarina Wiegman’s squad for this year’s EurosCredit: GettyMary Earps announced her international retirement five weeks before the start of the tournament in SwitzerlandCredit: APToday Sarina Wiegman will name the players included in her 23-strong England group who will battle for Euros glory. Three who will not be on her list are Mary Earps, Fran Kirby and Millie Bright. The trio were among the standout performers during England’s triumphant Euros charge three years ago. Five weeks before the start of this year’s contest Mary Earps announced her retirement from international football. Read More Football Stories Then came Fran Kirby, 31, hanging up her England boots after being informed that she would not be part of the squad for next month’s contest. And yesterday vice captain Bright withdrew herself from selection after bravely explaining her need to do so for her “health and future in the game”.  The Chelsea captain’s announcement followed a season in which she skippered her club to a domestic trophy treble, On the Daly Brightness podcast she hosts with former England ace Rachel Daly, Bright explained her decision was not taken lightly. Most read in FootballYesterday she said: “It was something that I’d spoken about with friends, family, the people around me, and I gave it a lot of thought. “But ultimately, I thought this was the best decision for the team, but also for myself and using this summer to zone into mentally, physically, getting myself back in tip-top condition.””It’s obviously hard, but I’m going to be the girls’ number one supporter and I know they’re going to go on and smash it.”Bright, Earps and Kirby have played a huge part in England’s recent success with all playing in every single game of their last Euros campaign. With all three unavailable for England, here is a look at who will fill the void at this year’s Euros. Hannah Hampton will be England’s first choice goalkeeper at this year’s Euros, her first major international tournamentCredit: GettyGoalkeeper options England’s shot stopper starter question has been answered with Hannah Hampton in place as their No1 for the Euros.The Chelsea player won her battle for a starting spot with Earps after emerging as a first team regular under Wiegman. This year Hampton has started in five of their last six Nations League games following Earps’ last start (final international appearance) on February 21. While England’s away form in the contest has been mixed, including a 2-1 loss to world champions Spain this week, Hampton kept clean sheets on three of those occasions. This includes their 1-0 win against the World Cup winners who are among their main rivals at this year’s Euros. While Hampton is set to be England’s starter in goal, it is not entirely clear who will be the next automatic choice after her.England have options in Anna Moorhouse and Man City’s Khiara Keating although both are yet to make their senior international debuts.  Last October Moorhouse won the National Women’s Soccer League shield with top-flight American club Orlando Pride A month later the former West Ham goalkeeper set a new record for the most clean sheets in a NWSL season with 13 in 26 games. A friendly clash with Jamaica as England’s final game before their Euros opener against France could be an opportunity to see Moorhouse or Keating tested. Anna Moorhouse and Khiara Keating are yet to make their senior international debutsCredit: AlamyPlaymaker and forward options Should Lauren James win her race back to fitness from a hamstring problem, she and Jess Park are likely to be England’s primary attacking midfielders as well as Ella Toone. All three have been deployed in the number 10 role under Wiegman although Toone and James have faced battles with injury in recent months. England also have Beth Mead’s creative capabilities from the wing. This week Wiegman revealed James was progressing well with her recovery from a hamstring issue. It is hoped the forward, who shone for England at the 2023 World Cup, will be fit enough to compete at the Euros. Lauren James hopes to win her race to back to fitness ahead of the Euros with England facing France in their Group D openerCredit: AlamyCentral defenceWith Bright’s withdrawal Alex Greenwood is likely to be deployed alongside Williamson in central defence. The Man City skipper’s vision and versatility have made her one of England’s most dependable figures in their backline.Her set-piece delivery skills will be a useful asset for the team. With 98 caps she is also one of England’s most experienced players on the pitch and a calming presence on the pitch. Read More on The SunAlex Greenwood is likely partner Lioness captain Leah Williamson in the centre of England’s defenceCredit: GettyAside from Greenwood, England also have the option of Jess Carter. The ex-Chelsea defender, who won the Concacaf Champions Cup with Gotham FC , is more than capable of operating centrally or as a full-back. More