More stories

  • in

    Sarina Wiegman ‘sad and disappointed’ by Mary Earps England retirement while Leah Williamson says keeper will be missed

    SARINA WIEGMAN admitted to being “disappointed and sad” by Mary Earps calling time on her England career. And Leah Williamson revealed she was devastated, describing the former Lioness’s retirement as a huge loss for the team.England skipper Leah Williamson and head coach Sarina Wiegman expressed their sadness concerning Mary Earps’ international retirementCredit: PAWiegman is disappointed that Earps had called time on her England career and says she still wished the former Lionesses goalkeeper was part of her teamCredit: ReutersWilliamson, who together with Earps helped England win the 2022 Euros, described the goalkeeper as her “best friend in football”Credit: AlamyYesterday Wiegman and her captain publicly shared their thoughts in their first press conference in the wake of Earps’ bombshell announcement. Four days ago (May 26) the FA stated the Euros-winning shot stopper had decided to end run as an England player. And the Paris Saint-Germain ace, 32, also shared her career update via her Instagram account. Earps standing down from international duty five weeks before this year’s Euros, means the tournament’s reigning champions will defend their title without their most experienced goalkeeper.Read More Football StoriesHead coach Wiegman is due announce which players have made it into her squad for this year’s Euros in Switzerland on June 5. The Lioness boss, who still wants Earps as part of her squad, said: “I’m really disappointed and sad that she’s not part of the team because I want her in my team. “That (retirement decision) must have been a really hard decision for her and so it is for us. “There have been a couple of conversations which I don’t want to share publicly because that’s between us and it’s hard for her at the same time.”Most read in FootballEarps, who has 53 senior international caps, started in all six games during England’s run to becoming European Champions three years ago. In Australia in 2023, she played a significant role in England reaching the Women’s World Cup final for the first time in their history, Her performance in all seven games would see her win the tournament’s Golden Glove before later being voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year. During the contest’s final Earps produced a dramatic penalty save against Spain keeping out Jenni Hermoso’s spot-kick before her team fell to a 1-0 loss. However since last October the former Man United player has faced a battle to start with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton. The Blues stopper started in five of England’s last eight international games. Williamson, 26, who skippered the team during the 2022 Euros, said: “I’m devastated (by her England retirement) because I love her and love being her teammate.”Mary is one of my closest friends in football. “We have an extra pair of shoes to fill and also in a number of different areas. “I’m sure the team will be ready for all those eventualities.”Earlier this week The Athletic reported that Sarina Wiegman had told Earps that she would not be her No1 keeper for this year’s Euros. And The Guardian reports Earps, had in April, informed the England boss that she was thinking of retiring. However Wiegman remained tight-lipped on the exact details of her conversation with Earps. The Lioness chief said: “I am in conversations with players all the time. “I don’t give any information about these private conversations we have.  “Hannah Hampton is now the number one. “Before that she was a little bit ahead but at moments you can’t look too far forward because you don’t know what things will happen. “Things in football can change very quickly.”England, who face Portugal at Wembley tomorrow and Spain away in the Nations League next Tuesday, have been hit by fitness issues. Aside from Ella Morris, 22, rupturing a knee ligament, Alessia Russo, 26, and Ella Toone, 25, will both miss tomorrow’s 7:45pm clash due to calf concerns.  And vice-captain Millie Bright, 31, withdrew from England’s camp earlier this week with Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy called up in her absence. On the Daly Brightness podcast she hosts with ex-Lioness team-mate Rachel Daly, the 88-capped centre-back explained she was at her limit “physically and mentally”. This term the Chelsea skipper led the Blues on a treble-winning trophy charge, lifting the FA and Women’s League Cups and claiming an eighth WSL title. Of her withdrawal from this month’s England camp Bright said: “That is a really hard decision. “But I think you know better than anyone as well – sometimes you just have to take that time for yourself.”You need to value yourself and your mental health and body, and just say that no, right now is not the time for you.”England will face Portugal and Spain in the Nations League without the services of Millie Bright with the Lioness vice-keeper withdrawing from their May campCredit: GettyBright’s England team-mate Williamson added: “That decision for Millie herself to say, ‘I need to take a break’ and to speak out about mental health is a brave thing to do.Read More on The Sun”She’s leading by example and I’ve personally given Millie a bit of space. “Naturally any support that she needs and anything that she needs from the team, we’ll be there to give it to her.” More

  • in

    Ex-England striker breaks FISHING record with huge carp that hadn’t been caught for over a year

    BOBBY ZAMORA has caught a record-breaking carp while filming his new TV show.The former England striker, 44, has turned to angling post-retirement.Bobby Zamora has caught a huge carpCredit: Instagram @bobby.zamora25The former forward starred for England during his playing daysCredit: Dave Pinegar – The SunZamora has proven to be pretty handy at his new profession, linking up with Ali Hamidi for the show Underwater Grand Fishing Adventure on ITV.Posting on his Instagram account, Hamidi revealed a picture of Zamora with his latest huge catch.The TV star wrote: “BREAKING NEWS – BOBBY ZAMORA has just MADE UK CARP FISHING & UNDERWATER CARP FISHING HISTORY (AGAIN) at UK legendary water Grenville.”A carp that hasn’t been caught for 18 MONTHS – and just got iSCREAMED & PAELLA-FIED on OMC Boilies, LOCK HOOK and of course the MAGIC WAND – all IN FRONT of the UNDERWATER CAMERA’S! Data don’t lie baby!READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We are personally overwhelmed by what has just happened on the carp fishing front here!”It was written in the (star emoji) & (moon emoji). ZAMO you f***ing beauty!”Zamora and Hamidi have been filming at the Grenville Syndicate in Cambridgeshire.The former footballer’s catch will be all the more satisfying, given that he and Hamidi endured a poor session at Grenville during the last season of their TV show.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKZamora, 44, has a fishing programme on ITVCredit: Instagram @bobby.zamora25The former footballer has developed a new passion away from the pitchCredit: Instagram @bobby.zamora25The weight of Zamora’s catch has not yet been revealed.But it has surpassed his previous 52lb 6oz best.Shocking moment fishermen dad and his topless son scrap with officials after they were caught angling without licenceIn addition to fishing, Zamora has also worked as a coach.Last October the former Tottenham and West Ham star took on a new role as striker coach at Brighton. Upon taking the job, Zamora said: “I’m pleased to be back to help the strikers to achieve their goals, working on all elements of football on and off the pitch.”Hopefully I can play a part in helping the club achieve further success.” More

  • in

    Hong Kong vs Man Utd: Start time, TV channel, live stream and team news for post-season friendly

    MANCHESTER UNITED face Hong Kong just two days after suffering a shock defeat in Malaysia.The Red Devils kicked off their post-season tour with what was expected to be a nailed-on win against ASEAN All-Stars – a side who had only played once in their entire history.Manchester United were humiliated in Malaysia on WednesdayCredit: ReutersBut Myanmar forward Muang Muang Lwin had other ideas as his second-half strike saw United suffer a humiliating defeat on Wednesday afternoon.And although Ruben Amorim eventually rotated his side, the Red Devils manager started with a relatively strong team which will worry the fan base.However, United have the chance to immediately bounce back in their second and final post-season tour match.SunSport has everything Red Devils fans need to know ahead of their clash against Hong Kong.Read more on Man UtdWhen is Hong Kong vs Man Utd?Manchester United take on Hong Kong on Friday, May 30.It is scheduled to get underway at 1pm BST.Hong Kong Stadium is the chosen venue for this post-season friendly and it can host approximately 40,000.United suffered a shock 1-0 defeat in their opening post-season match.What TV channel is Hong Kong vs Man Utd on and can it be live streamed?Hong Kong vs Man Utd will be shown exclusively on MUTV.MUTV is available via Sky TV for £7 a month or £60 for 12 months access.Alternatively, fans can tune into SunSport’s live blog for the enitre action.Who is in the Man Utd squad for their post-season tour?Ruben Amorim has opted to travel with a strong squad for Manchester United’s post-season tour.Goalkeepers: Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir, Tom HeatonMost read in FootballDefenders: Harry Amass, Dan Armer, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu, Jonny Evans, Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven, Jaydan Kamason, Godwill Kukonki, Harry Maguire, Reece Munro, Luke ShawMidfielders: Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Bruno Fernandes, Tyler Fletcher, Sekou Kone, Kobbie Mainoo, Jack Moorhouse, Mason Mount, Jim Thwaites, Manuel UgarteForwards: Alejandro Garnacho, Amad, Rasmus Hojlund, Shea Lacey, Chido Obi, Joshua Zirkzee More

  • in

    ‘I will get back in the ring’ – Chris Eubank Sr, 58, reveals what would see him make shock boxing return

    CHRIS EUBANK SR has tried to talk his son out of a rematch with Conor Benn by threatening to return to the ring himself.Eubank Jr, 35, is on course to run back last month’s incredible Tottenham tussle in a rematch SunSport understands is being eyed for September 27.Chris Eubank Jr went to war with Conor Benn last month at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: GETTYA second straight Spurs slugfest is on the cardsCredit: GETTYSenior wants his namesake to retire and has threatened to return to the ring aged 58 if he fights againCredit: REUTERSSenior, who made an 11th-hour decision to attend the controversial catchweight clash, has begged his namesake to sail off into the sunset while he still has all his faculties.And he hopes the threat of him lacing up the gloves at the ripe old age of 58 will scare his son stiff and prompt him to walk away from the sport.During the latest episode of his Call Chris Eubank podcast, he said: “What suits Junior, in my view? He doesn’t need to do anything else.”He’ll never better than [that] performance. There’s two of us now, there’s nothing we can’t do.READ MORE IN BOXING“If you don’t get back into the ring Jr, then neither will I. “But if you get back in the ring, I will get back in the ring in some exhibition match.”I’m going to pressure you. You want to fight again? OK, then I will fight too. Cause I’m with you.”Senior, a former world champion at middle and super-middleweight, called time on his legendary career in 1998 following losses to Carl Thompson and Joe Calzaghe.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEubank Jr vs Benn: SunSport’s verdictTHIRTY-FIVE YEARS of the Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr rivalry was settled with 36 minutes of violence.Yet with all the tremendous heart shown by both boxers, there wasn’t much technique, skill or finesse on display here.After tons of trash talking, egg throwing and mind games that have been played out to the world over the last three years, SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr gives his verdict on what should be the final chapter in one of British boxing’s biggest beefs.Read here to find out why the 12-round slugfest should not be repeated – and why the rivalry should now be put to bed.But he hasn’t been tempted to come out of retirement for one last payday like former heavyweight champs Evander Holyfield and Mike TysonAnd other than Junior, who was hospitalised with severe dehydration after his decision win over Benn, fighting again, there’s nothing that could tempt ‘Simply the Best’ to make the lonely walk to the ring again.How Eubank Sr’s stunning return helped secure son’s victory | Split Decision | Knockout AnalysisIn an exclusive interview with Sunsport, the Brit boxing icon said: “I wouldn’t sell my peace of mind for the world. “No, I’m not taking aim again as I already hit the bullseye.”If I take aim again, I know I’m not going to be able to hit the bullseye. “You only can do that in your 20s. I’ve aimed, fired and I’m grateful for my score. “All the gold in Buckingham Palace could not make this king go back in there and put it on the line.”He added: “I’m happy. You show me a man that would jeopardise his happiness and I’ll show you a fool.” More

  • in

    The horror Champions League draw each Premier League club faces with Barcelona statistically easiest pot 1 side

    SIX Premier League clubs face a Champions League horror draw with each team guaranteed TWO European giantsThis season three out of four English clubs automatically qualified for the Round of 16 stage – Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa.Real Madrid will be the team to avoid for Premier League clubsCredit: GettySerie A champions Napoli are in Pot 3Credit: GettyTottenham and Newcastle are in Pot 3 and Pot 4 respectivelyCredit: GettyChelsea will be back in the Champions League next seasonCredit: GettyBut Prem clubs may find things more difficult next season, depending on the draw.Three English teams are in Pot 1, which is based on their Uefa coefficient score – Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea.They will each have to play two fellow Pot 1 teams, and cannot face a club from the same country.The toughest league phase opponents from Pot 1 would perhaps be Real Madrid and Barcelona, though Paris Saint-Germain made this year’s final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to the coefficient rankings, the two best non-English teams in Pot 1 are Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.Every team in the league phase must face TWO teams from each pot – so any one of Liverpool, City, Arsenal, Newcastle, Chelsea or Spurs could face a trip to the Bernabeu and to Munich.Pot 2 also throws up some potentially tricky opponents for Prem teams; clubs with European pedigree such as Juventus and Atletico Madrid could be drawn or those with more recent success, such as Bayer Leverkusen and Atalanta.While Pot 3 includes recently crowned Serie A champions Napoli, along with Sporting and PSV Eindhoven.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSPot 4, which Newcastle belong to as the sole English club, could throw up Turkish champions Galatasary and the kings of Scots, Celtic, although they will need to progress through the qualifying stages.Non-English clubs could face an even tougher draw however, playing two Prem teams each because of the rules preventing sides playing their fellow compatriots.Inside Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after Champions League spot secured More

  • in

    Watch as Ruben Amorim bursts out laughing after he is asked about touchy subject on Man Utd post-season tour

    RUBEN AMORIM burst out laughing after being asked about a touchy subject.The Manchester United boss appeared unsure of how to respond to a question he was asked after his side were beaten 1-0 by ASEAN All-Stars in their post-season tour.Ruben Amorim burst out laughing in the press conferenceAlejandro Garnacho is expected to leave Old Trafford this summerCredit: PAAmorim, 40, stared down towards his hands when a reporter posed a question about Alejandro Garnacho’s future.When the reporter used the word “hopeful” in regards to Amorim’s feelings about Garnacho staying, the Portuguese boss burst out laughing.He was giggling to himself and appeared amused by the question, which was answered by someone else.One fan thought it was a telltale sign that Garnacho is leaving, with some supporting Amorim’s approach.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA supporter reacted saying: “I love Amorim what a guy 😂”Another added: “He doesn’t hide it. That’s the best part. No diplomacy. Its high time the divas of the club are thrown out.”A third wrote: “Ruben is just full of vibes 😂😂”And another commented: “Because Garnacho is history.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordGarnacho is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer.Amorim reportedly told the 20-year-old to find a new club after last week’s Europa League final defeat to Spurs in Bilbao.Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho show middle finger to fans during Man Utd’s post-season tour in MalaysiaHis brother then added fuel to the fire by suggesting the winger had been “thrown under the bus” by Amorim.It later emerged that Garnacho and the head coach’s relationship had completely broken down.United are believed to want £60million for the winger, but club officials are willing to negotiate if a suitable offer arrives. More

  • in

    From embarrassing Chelsea pal to interview with dad – Five times Cole Palmer stole show AFTER Conference League final

    COLE PALMER was the star of the show on the pitch as Chelsea were crowned Conference League champions.After a slow start, which saw Real Betis take a first-half 1-0 lead, Palmer inspired a huge comeback in the second half to see Chelsea win 4-1.Cole Palmer had a box office display on and off the pitch in Wroclaw as Chelsea won the Conference LeagueCredit: GettyHe managed to embarrass team-mate Tosin AdarabioyoCredit: X @SkyFootballHe had a unique way of holding his Man of the Match awardCredit: CBS SportsPalmer picked up two assists for the equaliser and the goal, which put them ahead in Wroclaw, Poland, as Chelsea made history by completing the Uefa trophy collection.However, the 23-year-old was also box office after the final whistle.From funny answers in interviews to a stunning gesture with the trophy.SunSport has looked at five ways in which Palmer was the star of the show even after the final:READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSideways passing commentEver Chelsea’s talisman and creative guru, Palmer’s two assists typified the sort of player he is, a maverick on the ball.Speaking to reporters after the match, Palmer admitted he was “sick” of playing the ball safe before he popped up with his two assists.He said: “Yeah I was sick of getting the ball and going backwards and sideways.”So I thought when I next get the ball I’m just going to go. And it worked.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKParty ‘no comment’This time, Palmer was speaking to American broadcaster CBS Sports. CBS is known for its more relaxed style of questioning players compared to British broadcasters TNT Sports.’Like father, like son’ – Fans stunned by how similar Cole Palmer’s dad is to Chelsea star in viral interviewAnd that came across as the panel asked Palmer how he planned to celebrate the win, with the Chelsea star giving a typically hilarious response.Palmer wasn’t giving anything away, as he quickly said: “No comment.” Cue a burst of laughter from the studio team, and a cheeky smirk from Palmer.Interview with dadPalmer appeared in an interview with his dad, Scott, after winning the Conference League.We have already touched on Palmer’s nonchalant style of answering questions after the final.Unfortunately for the beIN SPORTS interviewer, Scott was not much better either.Scott was asked his thoughts on Palmer’s performance after he was named man of the match.Palmer’s nonchalant style comes from his dad after his father was interviewed alongside himCredit: X @beINSPORTS_ENHe replied saying: “Yeah he did well. Turned the match, got us the win.”Palmer then joked it was his dad’s fault he always gave short answers in interviews, with Scott adding: “Short and sweet.”Fans found the interaction amusing as they realised the apple does not fall far from the tree in the Palmer family.One supporter reacted saying: “Like father like son.”Talking up TosinBack in the press conference room, Palmer also voiced his opinion on the Player of the Tournament award.Just as the presser was winding down, Palmer interjected to ask who gives out the Player of the Tournament award for the competition.He was told it was the Uefa technical observer panel.Palmer then sniggered to himself before saying: “Can someone tell him that Tosin [Adarabioyo] wants it.”The comment sparked laughter from the room.’Got no pockets’Palmer left fans stunned with the peculiar way he decided to hold his Man of the Match award from the final.CBS reporter Anita Jones noticed that Palmer has stuffed his personal trophy in his waistband to come over to chat to her.She commented: “Cole, interesting way to carry your trophy there.”And Palmer simply replied: “I’ve got no pockets, so I put it there.”Fans were loving his response, with Palmer regularly going viral for his cool responses and hilarious demeanor in interviews.Read More on The SunOn social media, one fan wrote: “Effortlessly funny.”While another added: “I hope this man never changes.”Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

  • in

    Tragedy as groundsman dies aged 55 after falling in pond while mowing grass at iconic F1 Grand Prix track

    A GROUNDSMAN at the Red Bull Ring has tragically died after falling into a pond.The 55-year-old fell into a water retainer at the Spielberg Circuit in Austria on Wednesday morning after losing his footing while operating a motor scythe.A 55-year-old groundsman at Red Bull’s racing circuit has sadly passed awayCredit: GETTYThe man tragically passed away after falling into a pond at the Red Bull ringCredit: GETTYThe groundsman fell 23 FEET into the basin, which he desperately tried to make his way out of.A co-worker and a police officer jumped into the basin to try to save him.But they were unable to pull him out and he sadly ended up drowning.Attempts to save the man were initially hindered by the murky water in the basin.READ MORE IN SPORTAnd it wasn’t until the volunteer fire department arrived on the scene that he was able to be located.First responders tried to resuscitate the man after retrieving him from the basin.But they were unsuccessful with their attempts to bring him back around and he was pronounced dead at the scene.Several of the man’s co-workers looked on in horror as he fell and sadly lost his life.Most read in MotorsportSeveral of the man’s co-workers saw the tragedy unfoldCredit: GettyA Red Cross crisis intervention team were deployed to give support to the victim’s colleagues.Red Bull have yet to issue a statement on the tragic incident.Max Verstappen snaps at Sky Sports broadcaster as he addresses Red Bull futureThe Red Bull Ring, of course, is the venue for the annual Austrian Grand Prix, which will next take place on June 29. More