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      ‘I’m still playing for him’ – Premier League star reveals he owes career to grandad as he targets Champions League spot

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      NECO WILLIAMS has a special ring sitting next to his Premier League winner’s medal at home.The engraved jewellery serves as a poignant reminder to his grandad, Kelvin Jones, who died a day before Wales’ World Cup opener versus the USA in November 2022.Williams pointed to the sky in honour of his grandad following Wales’ 1-1 World Cup draw with the USACredit: GettyThe Nottingham Forest full-back has had an excellent season for Nuno Espirito Santo’s surprise package in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFPThe commemorative ring has Kelvin’s name with the years 1948 and 2022 engraved on it while the 23-year-old also has a tattoo with the word “blessed” to honour his loved one.Williams is preparing for Wales’ latest bid to qualify for a World Cup which starts with tomorrow’s opening match against Kazakhstan in Cardiff.But the Nottingham Forest ace says he continues to play in Kelvin’s memory.Williams, who won the Prem with Liverpool in 2020 before moving to Forest two years later, said: “I had a ring made with his name on it. It is sat in the house now next to the medals I have won over my career.READ MORE SPORT STORIES”It’s always a little reminder to myself when I go home to see the achievements that I have done in my career with my medals and trophies.”The ring is there as well because he helped me get those things. He played a big part in my football career.”He wasn’t just my grandad, he played a huge part. He used to take turns with my mum and dad to take me to training four times a week.”It wasn’t just down the road either – it was to Liverpool so it was an hour there and another back. He was really close to me and gave me lots of advice.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”They all made the sacrifices and I wouldn’t be sitting here without them. I’m really grateful for what they have all done for me.”I’m still playing for him. He was where I got my football ability from.Nottingham Forest star serenades team-mates after being bizarrely gifted guitar by Ed Sheeran following Ipswich win “Hearing from my mum and dad’s mates, none of them were any good at football.”But they always used to say my grandad was good. He was definitely the footballer in the family.”Williams admits his heartfelt personal story is also a reminder that when you pull an international shirt on, you are playing not just for yourself but friends and family.When that point was put to the 44-cap defender, he replied: “100 per cent. I’m not just playing for my grandad but it’s for my family as well.”They have made so many sacrifices to achieve my dream. Essentially, everything I do is for them.”As a young lad, I moved away, went into digs and had limited time seeing my friends back at home. But it goes unnoticed how much the players’ families have had to sacrifice too.”Wales exited Qatar at the group stage with just one goal and a point thanks to Gareth Bale’s penalty against the USA.But the Dragons, humbled by Iran and thrashed 3-0 to arch rivals England, felt they did not do themselves justice on the world stage after a 58-year wait.Williams has had an excellent season at third placed Forest.But he believes Craig Bellamy’s side can not only qualify for USA, Canada and Mexico but also make an impact at the finals next summer.He said: “It definitely still feels like a tournament where we could have done better. That feeling is not good enough.”We have gained experience from players who were there and we know how tough the tournament is.”We know how tough international teams can be, but from then to now it’s been a case of learning and gaining from that experience.”Hopefully, we can use it to qualify for this World Cup and what happened in Qatar can be useful.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Next time we qualify it won’t be just about being there. Last time – we were just there, but this time we really want to make an impact.”We want to showcase what we can do to the rest of the world.” More

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      ‘Ban the ref’ – Chris Wood booked for signing autographs for kids after being subbed off following hat-trick

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      CHRIS WOOD was booked after being subbed off following a hat-trick for New Zealand… due to signing autographs for kids.The Nottingham Forest star, 33, continued his superb season form with a treble in the Kiwis’ 7-0 World Cup qualifier win over Fiji.Chris Wood signed autographs for kids in the stands after netting a hat-trick for New ZealandCredit: GettyThe Nottingham Forest ace was booked as the game was still being playedCredit: GettyWood already has 18 Premier League goals for Forest, helping them go third in the table.And his stunning stats made him an obvious target for young fans hunting for autographs.Wood was subbed off during the second half after bagging his third strike on the hour mark.As kids scrambled to get his coveted signature, the hitman duly obliged by leaving the bench and climbing into the stands.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWood signed several autographs and even posed for some pictures.But the referee was not having it and duly dished out a yellow card to the forward.Wood attempted to protest his innocence, but Fifa regulations prohibit players from going into the stands without permission.Wood defended himself afterwards, saying: “I was just trying to do something nice and sign for the fans.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd he received plenty of backing on social media from other supporters who were left outraged by the booking.One said: “Game has gone, ban the ref.”Nottingham Forest star serenades team-mates after being bizarrely gifted guitar by Ed Sheeran following Ipswich win Another declared: “Ref’s trying to be the main character.”One noted: “Football is for the fans, people forget that.”Another added: “Utter woke nonsense.”Despite the yellow card, Wood is now focused on beating New Caledonia as New Zealand look to seal their spot at next year’s World Cup.He said: “We know how good New Caledonia are and we’re going to have to be ready for them.“We know they’re going to cause us problems. We need to focus on doing recovery well now and be ready to go.” More

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      Liverpool star Alisson crumples to the floor after horror head injury in sickening clash with ex-Premier League hardman

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      LIVERPOOL star Alisson was forced off with concussion following a sickening clash while in action for Brazil.The goalkeeper suffered a serious knock during an aerial duel.Alisson suffered a horrible head clash with Davinson SanchezCredit: APThe keeper was concussed and had to be taken offCredit: APAlisson jumped to punch the ball clear before colliding with former Tottenham star Davinson Sanchez, who was featuring for Colombia.Both players hit the deck following the brutal coming together and received medical treatment.Alisson was taken off with a suspected concussion according to Brazil’s doctor Rodrigo Lasmar after feeling dizzy and experiencing ear pain.Lasmar offered an update, saying: “[Alisson] Becker suffered a trauma to the head region, he was replaced by a suspected concussion. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Now we will do all the CBF protocol, it will undergo recommended imaging tests, a computed tomography, then a resonance with diffusion.“If all the tests are normal, we’ll follow up and do a cognitive test. And then we will evaluate the player. “In the possibility that everything is normal, we will make a sequence of observations in the coming days. Today, we will do the tests, all the necessary evaluations.“Alisson is normal, with no complaints. He reported no fainting and no memory loss. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“He thought it was a little slower. In this complaint, the recommended is the replacement of the player.”Alisson, 32, will likely sit out Brazil’s next match against Argentina and the keeper now faces a race to be fit in time for Liverpool’s next clash – the Merseyside derby on April 2.Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training More

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      Heartwarming reason Man Utd star Rasmus Hojlund copied Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration after scoring for Denmark

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      RASMUS HOJLUND has revealed the reason behind him copying Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration after he scored the winner for Denmark against Portugal.The Manchester United ace netted a 78th minute winner in the Uefa Nations League against Ronaldo’s Portugal.Rasmus Hojlund scored the winner for Denmark against PortugalCredit: GettyHe celebrated by copying Cristiano Ronaldo’s Siuuu celebrationCredit: GettyFans believed he was mocking RonaldoCredit: RexBut Hojlund has explained the reason behind the moveCredit: ReutersThe 22-year-old then copied the football legend by doing his trademark Siuuu celebration.Fans believed Hojlund was mocking the 40-year-old.But Hojlund, who joined Man Utd the summer after Ronaldo saw his contract terminated following his bombshell Piers Morgan interview, explained he was paying tribute to his icon.Speaking to Danish outlet DR, he said: “Now, I’m not going to exaggerate, but Cristiano is everything to me. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I fell in love with football because of Cristiano, I became a Manchester United fan because of Cristiano.”I started self-training because of Cristiano, I started doing push-ups and sit-ups every day before I went to bed because of Cristiano, because I wanted to be Cristiano.”The striker, who now has two goals in as many games after going on a 21-game scoring drought for his club, added: “My father introduced me when I was not so young. “He introduced me to Cristiano Ronaldo, and wanted me to idolise him because he has a good mentality. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”That’s the reason he achieved so much in his career and for me is the best player ever. He had the talent but it’s how hard he worked.”I’ve seen a few interviews with ex-Manchester United players and they all said he wasn’t a complete footballer when he came. Prince William on recreating Ronaldo’s goal celebration in his garden as he builds ‘Perfect Footballer'”He was skilful, but he developed.”Hojlund took to Instagram later on, captioning a post with pictures from the game: “The seven-year-old fan in me might’ve gotten the overhand after I scored.” More

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      Frank Bruno breaks silence after falling ‘seriously ill’ on flight in mid-air emergency

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      BOXING legend Frank Bruno has revealed his story after he fell “seriously ill” on a flight in a mid-air emergency.The former world heavyweight champ has told of how “tough” the past three weeks had been due to his illness.Boxing legend Frank Bruno has spoken out about his recent health issuesCredit: XHe had been previously left “in a really bad way” as he headed off on a speaking tour and was whisked to hospital after landing in Doha, Qatar, earlier this month.In a post on X today, Bruno said: “The last 3 weeks have been tough especially not knowing what was wrong with me and a Viral infection can mean loads of things between Dave in the office and me we’ll keep you informed. “At the moment I am told I cannot go to work so for the jobs last week and this weekend please accept my apology however the office is telling me most bookers want to transfer the booked dates.”The office tells me already this morning hundreds of messages from well wishers so thank you.”He added: “[I] can’t wait to get back to work.”The dad-of-four had fallen seriously ill on a long-haul flight earlier this month.Bruno, who was feverish, was treated by airport medical staff in Qatar before receiving urgent tests at a hospital in the city.Doctors eventually diagnosed him with a viral infection — and kept him in for nearly two weeks, taking his passport so he could not try to leave.Most read in BoxingHis manager had previously said he was recovering and looking to return to work “as soon as possible”.Bruno had been due to talk at four events in Thailand so took a connecting Qatar Airways flight on March 3 from Heathrow to Doha.He posted a picture of himself in his seat, smiling with sunglasses perched on his head.He wrote: “Morning so the Frank Bruno World tour continues. Up early for a plane, I don’t sleep well on planes but trying to catch up on some zzzzzzzzzzzs.”But Bruno, travelling with his PA Paul Hunter, became ill soon after take-off, with crew alerted to his plight.A source said: “Frank was fine when he boarded the plane — but quickly went downhill during the flight. “He was in a really bad way and they were unsure what the problem was.“It was extremely worrying as it was mid-flight so he was stuck on the plane.”The source added: “Paul and Frank thought it might be food poisoning, but it turned out to be worse than that.“Frank was in a bad way and was sweating profusely and had fever-like symptoms.“Paul was worried but was doing his best to keep him calm.”They said Frank was treated on the flight to Doha as well as in the airport and eventually at the hospital.“Doctors were really worried and carried out all sorts of tests, including for meningitis,” the source added.”They then diagnosed him with a viral infection, which at least meant they could start treating him.”Bruno — who recently starred in Amazon Prime documentary Four Kings alongside fellow Brit fighters Lennox Lewis, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank — was due to start his Thailand tour on March 6.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he was forced to cancel as medics kept him at the Al Wakra Hospital until he improved.His PA — UB40’s former tour manager — stayed with him and kept loved ones informed.More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun OnlineThesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.The former world heavyweight champion has said he ‘can’t wait to get back to work’Credit: PA More

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      Liverpool ace Alexis Mac Allister and girlfriend have loved ones in tears as they announce pregnancy in emotional video

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      LIVERPOOL star Alexis Mac Allister and his partner have announced they are expecting their first child together in an emotional video.The Anfield midfielder shared a touching clip his girlfriend Ailen Cova posted on her Instagram revealing their happy news.Alexis Mac Allister and partner Ailen Cova have announced they are expectingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/ailencova/?hl=enThe Liverpool star surprised his girlfriend in an amazing videoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/ailencova/?hl=enIt showed the footballer’s 26-year-old partner of nearly two years wrapping her arms round him as he showed her the positive pregnancy test and her ultrasound scan as well the reaction of friends and family as they told them Ailen was pregnant.At the end of the emotional video the pretty brunette, whose friendship with Mac Allister’s former influencer partner Camila Mayan ended when she began dating him, turned her phone to the camera and revealed the unborn child was a girl.Ailen wrote in a message alongside the footage she posted to her 138,000 followers which the Liverpool player shared with his 7.8 million fans: “We want you and love you with all our hearts. We’ll see you very soon” followed by a heart emoticon.Mac Allister’s teammate Luis Diaz’s wife Gera Ponce was among the first to respond with heart emoticons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe footballer’s DJ cousin Pam Mac Allister wrote: “Congratulations. Happy and anxious to meet the new member of the family. I love you.”Last year it emerged Mac Allister, 26, was being sued by his former girlfriend.The model and influencer is demanding financial compensation from him for the years they lived abroad together.She has also accused him of keeping her belongings and being unfaithful with his current partner and childhood friend.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe World Cup winner, who signed for Liverpool in June 2023 for £35 million from Brighton and Hove Albion, broke his silence on the lawsuit last November, saying: “There was no more relationship.“She took her path, I took mine, and that’s it.Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training The pair have been together for nearly two yearsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alemacallister/?hl=enAilen has reportedly been expecting for three monthsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/ailencova/?hl=en“As for the lawsuit, everything is in court, where it should be, and we are awaiting.”In relation to the accusations of infidelity, he added: “I think it’s normal in a relationship; she made the decision to come out and make public things that she felt or that she believes happened, but I know how things went and that’s why I’m very calm.”Speaking on Argentinian TV channel America TV after news Mac Allister was going to become a father for the first time with his new partner came out, Camila confirmed the court case was still ongoing.She said: “There is nothing new. Hopefully things will speed up a bit.”Although Ailen hasn’t said when her due date is, Argentinian TV commentators have said she is in the third month of her pregnancy.Camila Mayan was with Mac Allister for the World Cup in Qatar in December 2022.But he reportedly ended their five-year-long relationship just six days after Argentina beat France in a penalty shoot-out.Journalist Marcela Taura went on to claim Camila had been ditched so he could start a formal relationship with their mutual friend Ailen.READ MORE SUN STORIESCamila has described what happened as a “betrayal”, telling an Argentine TV show soon afterwards: “Everything that happened, I could have never imagined even in my worst nightmare.“I would never have imagined so many negative things about such a close person as Cova.” More

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      How Thomas Tuchel will excite England fans by unleashing new style of play in bid for World Cup glory

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      THOMAS TUCHEL will take charge of his first England match tonight as the Three Lions kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign.The former Chelsea boss, who was confirmed as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor back in October, has already raised some eyebrows with his squad selection.Thomas Tuchel will take charge of his first England match tonightCredit: GettyJordan Henderson was granted a return to the fold, while 32-year-old Dan Burn earned his first call-up.Tuchel is determined to transform England into “the team to beat” ahead of the 2026 World Cup and is therefore set to make some major tactical changes.In the latest episode of SunSport’s Tactics Exposed, our expert DEAN SCOGGINS looks at what the German head coach might choose to do differently.How will England set up?Tuchel is NOT just a three-at-the-back man. It’s not just down to a formation with him.Read More in FootballTuchel favoured a four-at-the-back formation at Borussia DortmundAt PSG it was a three-at-the-back with wing-backsIt was a 3-4-2-1 at ChelseaHe reverted to four-at-the-back for BayernIt’s about the players he has available.At Dortmund, he used four at the back and an adaptive set-up in attack.At PSG, he started with a three-at-the-back, moved to a four-at-the-back and then went to a three-at-the-back again.He tried to evolve a team around Neymar, so he could attempt to do something similar with the England team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThen at Chelsea he used wing-backs with three at the back – he even won the Champions League with it.But, do England have the wing backs to do that?Thomas Tuchel blasts Gareth Southgate’s England as ‘more afraid to drop out of Euro 2024 than hungry to win it’ And then at Bayern Munich, he went back to four at the back again.It’s going to be difficult to predict what Tuchel might do, so, we’ve looked at some potential options…Set-upDefensively, there are some big question marks.There is no John Stones in this squad, no Harry Maguire, no real, natural left-back.Myles Lewis-Skelly could be used as an inverted full-back, pushing into midfield alongside Declan RiceCredit: GettyDan Burn may also get some game timeCredit: ReutersMyles Lewis-Skelly has been outstanding for Arsenal, so we could see Kyle Walker play in the right-back position and the teenager in the left-back position,Lewis-Skelly would then likely act as an inverted full-back – a role that has become common in the Premier League.It would see the Arsenal star shift into midfield, forming a back-three with potentially Walker, Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi.Dan Burn could even be given a chance at centre-back.Alternatively, Burn could play as a left-back with Reece James at right-back.James might then be the man to move into midfield, leaving the Newcastle star in the back three.However, the key for Tuchel is getting the best out of his attacking players.Throughout the team there are some other big question marks.Does Jude Bellingham play as the 10? Or does Phil Foden play as a 10 with Bellingham dropping back as an eight with Declan Rice?England will also be without Bukayo Saka for the next two games.Jarrod Bowen could be given a start out on the right, with either Marcus Rashford or Anthony Gordon on the left.Tuchel is into the rotation of players and getting the best out of those who are available to him.Therefore, we could see a three-at-the-back on Friday and a four-a-the-back on Monday.Tuchel will be looking for the two wingers to provide width, which will allow the No.10 to push forward along with another midfielder.That will allow for a 3-2-5 formation going forward. With five players in the attacking third, more options become available.Wingers will therefore be able to interchange and come inside to play off Harry Kane, which is important for Tuchel.Exciting footballWith England, there is no excuse. The players are there to score loads of goals.The best goal-scoring number nine in Europe, the best number eight in Europe in Bellingham. Tuchel might also be able to get more out of Foden in an England squad.When he is fully fit, Cole Palmer will be in there as well.England fans should expect a much higher pressing game than we saw under Southgate.Who will be No10?The 10 position is what Tuchel looks at in his squad and how he’s going to get the best out of his No.10.At Dortmund, he had Ilkay Gundogan in that side – Tuchel got the best out of him.At Bayern, it was Jamal Musiala. At PSG, it was Neymar.With England, it’s Jude Bellingham.Tuchel has to get the best out of Bellingham. He is the talisman.Bellingham is expected to be Tuchel’s chosen No10England are going to get goals from Kane if they give him the ball, there are also loads of options in the wide areas.But how do they get the best out of the No10 playing off Kane?Before, under Southgate, that area of the pitch was too congested because the wingers were not wide enough and the defensive players were pushing too high.Tuchel will want to keep the wingers wide to give the central attacking players – including two potential No10s – more space.The head coach needs to get the best out of the first names on the team sheet, especially Bellingham.Aside from Kane, who will be in attack?Bowen, Gordon and Rashford all like to come inside from their wings.Tuchel had plenty of success with those type of players at Borussia Dortmund, such as Henrikh Mkhitaryan on the wing alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang up front.Jarrod Bowen could start on the right in the absence of SakaCredit: AlamyThose players – along with the likes of Gundogan and Shinji Kagawa in midfield – regularly rotated, which benefited the team as a whole.Tuchel wants his attacking stars to move in between positions, which could help to get the best out of the likes of Kane and Bellingham.Which future stars could shine under Tuchel?There’s a feeling around the camp that the Under-21s are as good as the first team at the moment.Ethan Nwaneri has been a revelation at Arsenal in the absence of Saka, who is also not in the team due to injury.Lewis-Skelly is in the squad, but Adam Wharton missed out – even though Tuchel likes to rely on a ball-playing midfielder who links play, which isn’t necessarily Rice’s game.READ MORE SUN STORIESLewis Hall would also be a good option at left-back for future fixtures.The Newcastle ace has been ruled out for the rest of this season with a foot injury.The human tuchENGLAND’S new boss Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad – to mixed reaction. More

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      England star Myles Lewis-Skelly hilariously reveals he mistook Uber Eats driver for Thomas Tuchel in awkward phone call

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      MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY revealed he mistook an Uber Eats driver for Thomas Tuchel before his first England call-up.The Arsenal star is in the Three Lions squad for the first time after impressing in his breakthrough season.Myles Lewis-Skelly revealed his awkward phone call before his England call upBut he faced a nervous wait to find out if he had been included and that resulted in an awkward phone call.Lewis-Skelly answered a call from a number he did not recognise, and he prepared himself in anticipation of hearing Tuchel’s voice.However instead of the England boss on the other end of the line, it was an Uber Eats driver.The defender revealed: “I put on my good voice. I’m getting ready and then the person that speaks says ‘we have your food, it’s outside’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It was Uber Eats for my mum.”Fans found the story hilarious and heaped praise on Lewis-Skelly.One reacted saying: “How can you not love this guy.”Another added: “This kid is very good vibes.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA third wrote: “Love the fella.”And another commented: “Simply refuse to believe England isn’t going to absolutely fall in love with this kid.Sol Campbell reveals he’d have never have made controversial transfer to Arsenal if it wasn’t for Lord Sugar Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”Incredible on the pitch, loads of character, a lot of fun. Exactly what you want from a modern footballer.” More