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      ‘I’m not playing for you’ – Wayne Rooney could’ve played for different country before breaking England goal record

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      WAYNE ROONEY says he was close to playing for the Republic of Ireland.But the England icon – second on the all-time caps and goals for the Three Lions – snubbed Ireland boss Mick McCarthy because he was called up by the U21s and not the seniors.Wayne Rooney appeared on the latest episode of The OverlapCredit: YouTube @The OverlapRooney, 39, sat alongside Gary NevilleCredit: YouTube @The OverlapRooney, then at Everton, was approached by team-mate Lee Carsley through McCarthy as he qualified through his paternal grandparents.Asked which other country he would have played for, ex-Manchester United striker Rooney, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, said: “Mine would be Ireland. Mick called me up.”I spoke to Lee Carsley, and he spoke to Mick and I was close to doing it.”Then they called me up for the 21s. I was like, ‘I’m not playing for Ireland U21s’. I can play for England 21s.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It obviously never happened, and I went to play for England.”I would have probably went [if they put me in the first team].”Ex-United team-mate Roy Keane quipped: “That was another one of your big mistakes.”You could have played for Ireland. You live to regret it!”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsRooney went on to be an England legend, winning 120 caps and scoring 53 goals in a 15-year international career where he was captain for three years.He made history as the youngest player to play for his country when he won his first cap in a friendly defeat to Australia at the age of just 17-years and 111 days.I get the same text from Sir Alex Ferguson every time I get sacked from a job, admits Wayne Rooney Rooney also went on to become to the youngest player to score for England when he netted against Macedonia at the age of 17.He also made history as the youngest scorer in European Championship history when he netted a brace against Switzerland at Euro 2004, however the record was broken just four days later by Swiss midfielder Johan Vonlanthen.Rooney is one of England’s greatest ever playersCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace opens up on their relationship for the first time in new documentary

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      CHELSEA star Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace has lifted the lid on their relationship for the first time.Palmer, 22, and Connie, 22, met when they were 17 years old but only went public together in November at the GQ Men of the Year Awards.Chelsea star Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace lifted the lid on their relationshipCredit: Amazon PrimePalmer and Connie took part in a special documentaryCredit: Amazon PrimeThe pair have known each other since they were 17 but went public with their relationship in NovemberCredit: SplashConnie met Palmer when they were both teenagersCredit: instagram @conniegrace_The couple are taking part in England’s Lions: A New Generation documentary, which will be out on Amazon Prime from Saturday, and were filmed dining in a swanky London restaurant.The Three Lions star’s partner, who is a nail technician and Instagram influencer with 34,000 followers, opened up about their special bond.Connie said: “We met when we were 17. I think he knew me through mutual friends so I think he probably had his eye on me.Read More on Chelsea”Oh, he’s warm and cuddly. Well, with me, hopefully with no one else.”When you know how much someone wants something and you know that’s someone’s dream, you just feel so proud.”Palmer is known for his ice-cold demeanour but he let his guard down while filming the documentary as he tried his luck with some new food.The Blues winger experimented by dunking some bread in oil and balsamic vinegar for the first time.Most read in FootballConnie warned her boyfriend he wouldn’t like the taste and she was proven right as he recoiled and cried “ew!”Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsAnd Connie couldn’t help but laugh as she explained how Palmer hasn’t changed at all since his humble beginnings at Wythenshawe.That is despite going on to play for Manchester City, where he won the treble, before his £42.5milion move to Chelsea in 2023 since when he has turned into one of the Premier League’s biggest stars.Cole Palmer branded ‘gift that keeps on giving’ after Chelsea star reveals his meal deal sandwich Connie added: “Cole now is still the same Cole that I met when I was 17. “Obviously, he’s changed, he’s grown up, and his life now is completely different, but he’s still the same boy, he’s still laid-back Cole.”Cole will adapt to whatever situation he’s in. He’s not bothered that he’s that far from home because all he wants to do is play football and if it means leaving home and being in a place which is completely different to where he’s from, he’ll do it.”He’s not bothered about the whole fame side of it and he’s not bothered what people think of him. “He is only just bothered about scoring goals and doing well for his team, doing well for his country, and you’ve got to love him for that.”Connie is a nail technician with thousands of followers on InstagramCredit: instagram @conniegrace_Connie spoke about her relationship with Palmer for the first timeCredit: InstagramConnie insists Palmer hasn’t changed at all despite his immense fameCredit: instagram @conniegrace_ More

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      Ruben Amorim breaking one of football’s unwritten rules to turn around Man Utd’s fortunes and stats show it could work

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      RUBEN AMORIM is breaking rank by going against one of football’s most respected underwritten rules, and it’s working.Manchester United have had a pretty torrid time this season, lying 14th in the Premier League table.Ruben Amorim is gambling on breaking a football rule to change Man Utd fortunesCredit: PAThe tactic came up trumps against Arsenal as they led at home in the first half for the first time in over three monthsCredit: GettyMan Utd also drastically increased their goal tally using the tactic against IpswichCredit: AlamyNowhere has this lack of form been more evident than at Old Trafford, where the Red Devils have lost seven times at home in the league.The ignominy of the run saw United equal an unwanted 132-year-old record, while it also placed a bad relegation omen over them; being their worst record since the club last went down in 1974.One of the most damning stats has been their slow starts at home, with only Bournemouth scoring fewer than United’s 18 goals in the first half since the start of the 2023/24 season.Many clubs prefer to shoot towards their most vocal fans in the second half of games, with United traditionally attacking the Stretford End.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, in an effort to address United’s current shortcomings, Amorim has reversed the usual trend and has turned his own team around in the last three home games.According to The Athletic, Amorim believes shooting towards the Stretford End in the first half – or right-to-left for TV viewers – can help improve their slow starts.While this superstition is based purely on psychology, United have previously found success with the change even before Amorim’s arrival.Since the 2016/17 season, United have shot towards the Stretford End in the first half 30 times, winning 21 games and losing just twice, while scoring 2.2 goals per game and conceding just 0.8.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe sample size is naturally far lower than the 137 times they have not been turned around, with that resulting in 72 wins and 30 defeats with 1.7 goals scored per game and 1.1 conceded.Crucially, United register 0.5 MORE points when shooting at the Stretford End in the first half.Roy Keane fears Man Utd will get WORSE and reveals biggest red flag that could spell the end for Ruben AmorimThe curious benefits of this usually disruptive change have been seen in recent weeks under Amorim.Heading into their clash with Ipswich two weeks ago, United’s two first-half goals were as many as they had managed in the previous 19 games combined.Even last weekend’s match against Arsenal yielded results, as Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick on the stroke of half-time saw United go into half-time with the lead at home for the first time in over three months.The Red Devils could have counted themselves unfortunate to draw that game considering the chances they had.But ultimately they preserved their historic record of being unbeaten at home when winning at the interval.On the tactic, Amorim said: “We score near the half-time, that helped us a lot in the end.”In the second half, we had more space and more energy also because of the result and our fans, to score another goal.”However, the tactic is not fool-proof, with United coming unstuck when they were eliminated in the FA Cup against Fulham following an end switch.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited next face Real Sociedad at home in the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie.They took a 1-1 draw away from the first leg, but they have never beaten the Spanish side in England.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Red Devils signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances.CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025 LIVE: LATEST TIPS AND RESULTS FROM THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURF More

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      Birmingham’s League One clash postponed at just nine days’ notice and fans have NO idea when they can play it

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      BIRMINGHAM are facing a fixture congestion nightmare after their League One clash with Stevenage has been postponed.Birmingham were scheduled to take on the Boro on March 22 at the Lamex Stadium.Birmingham announced their League One clash with Stevenage has been postponedCredit: RexHowever, Blues stated the game – which was scheduled to take place in nine days – has been postponed due to international call-ups.The League One outfit haven’t announced a new date in which the game will be played but promised a confirmation will be made “in due course”.Birmingham issued the following statement: “The League One fixture was set to take place at the Lamex Stadium on Saturday, 22 March, kick-off at 3pm.”A new date for this fixture, as well as Blues’ trip to Blackpool, will be announced in due course.”Read More on FootballStevenage confirmed the postponement was at Birmingham’s request.This raises questions as to when the sides can fit their postponed match in a packed schedule.Birmingham already have to fit in the Blackpool clash, which has to be moved due to their participation in the Vertu Trophy final against Peterborough on April 13.And, with games already scheduled every midweek between the international break and Easter, there seems to be only be ONE available date to fit in a game before the end of the season.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat would be between the final two weekends of the campaign, which finishes on May 3.Birmingham appear all-but guaranteed to seal automatic promotion to the Championship, sitting 14 points clear of 3rd-placed Wrexham with 11 games to go.Wrexham clash descends into huge brawl at full-time as tempers flare after fiery League One clashAnd fans were convinced the club should have just played the game despite the international call-ups.Fans were left perplexed as they took to social media looking for answers.One fan tweeted: “We should have just played it.”I don’t know when we are going to fit it in now.”Another asked: “Are we gonna have to play one of the postponed games after the final day?”A third wondered: “Genuinely when are we playing this?”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan joked: “We’ll be playing this game in 2028 at this point.”And that one said: “Where are we fitting this in?” More

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      ‘Vinicius Jr is a player who makes me think, if you work hard, you’re going to get things’, says Man City’s Kerolin

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      BRAZIL star Kerolin Nicoli makes no bones about what fuels her big ambition with Manchester City.Becoming the best player in the world and winning a Ballon d’Or is among her targets. Kerolin believes Manchester City have enough talent within their ranks to overcome Chelsea in this year’s Women’s League Cup finalCredit: AlamyAside from helping her club add to their silverware collection the Brazil forward is eager one day win the Ballon d’OrCredit: GettyCity will take on unbeaten Chelsea four times this month in the hope of becoming the first team to defeat them this seasonCredit: ReutersAnd helping her new club to win their fifth Women’s League Cup is on her immediate to-do list.On March 15 the Paris Olympics silver medallist, 25, could play in her first cup contest final since her January transfer from US side North Carolina Courage. A first trophy win for City in three years is up for grabs when they battle Chelsea at Pride Park , with the gifted forward eager to make her mark.It is one of their strongest hopes of domestic silverware this term with title chances slim due to their foes’ 12-point lead at the WSL’s summit.  Read More Football StoriesThe 45-capped Brazil forward said: “Before I came here, when I was talking with Man City, this was one thing I was really excited [about]. “It’s a challenge but to play against Chelsea at this moment, it’s really good for us. “They are playing well but we know how we can beat them. “We can take advantage of that and try to win the game. Most read in Football”We have enough players to do that. I know we’re going to do something really special on Saturday.”Whilst chatting to reporters in Man City’s football academy Kerolin jokes about swapping North Carolina’s warmer climes for chilly England.Despite the cold weather the move was no-brainer for a driven player determined to reach the top. We can do our best to win and have the final in our handsKerolin NicoliKerolin adds: “When I was looking for the list of the Ballon d’Or (nominees), I was looking at where the players were playing.”Most of them were here or in Spain. So I was like, why not (move to City)?”I want to be at the top of the list. It’s not going to be easy, but dreams are for that, right?”Fulfilling dreams by being special on the pitch is not unusual for Kerolin, who grew up playing football barefoot against men on the streets of Sao Paulo, in southeast Brazil. Six years after a bone infection led to doctors warning her to avoid contact sports, the forward burst onto the scene at 17 with Brazilian side Ponte Preta. Last August she thrilled Brazil fans at the Paris Olympics  nutmegging goalkeeper Cata Coll before scoring in a 4-2 defeat of Spain in the Games’ football semi-finals. The year before she became the first South American to be named the Most Valuable Player in the United States’ women’s top-flightsTomorrow Kerolin could become the first Brazilian to play for Man City in a Women’s League Cup decider. And she has no fear about this prospectThe forward adds: “I don’t feel pressure to be the first one because at some point I think it’s good. “Also sometimes I don’t remember I’m the first Brazilian here.“We can do our best to win and have the final in our hands. My mind is like, ‘I want to make history’. “We want to take Chelsea (off the top). They are at the top, so why not go for them?” The duel between the WSL giants will be the first of four high-stakes battles between the sides this month. It also comes five days after the club sacked Gareth Taylor, 52, with former boss Nick Cushing, 40, replacing him in the interim. Sandwiched between a City-Chelsea Champions League quarters knockout tie is a WSL clash, with all four fixtures to be played in ten days. For a forward who counts compatriot Vinicius Junior, 24, among the players she likes to watch, these games are a chance to show the strength of Brazilian football. Kerolin said: “Football from Brazil, it’s a little different and Brazilian players have a different style of play. “They have something different. I was thinking, ‘Maybe I could bring this to Manchester and be me.”Playing on the streets is what brought some different things, because we were playing with men. Kerolin says her compatriot and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior is one of the players she likes to watchCredit: Getty”You need more power, to be faster, stronger, and that really means a lot to me. READ MORE SUN STORIES”One player now I’m really excited to keep on watching is Vinicius Jr. “He’s one player who makes me think, ‘if you work hard, you’re going to get things back to you’, because that is what he did.” More

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      Conor Gallagher showed why he must be part of Tuchel’s England plans after upstaging Bellingham with ‘feral’ display

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      CONOR GALLAGHER had started just one game in almost two months before Wednesday’s Madrid derby.He may have, brutally, ended on the wrong side of things, as Atletico Madrid always do against Real.Conor Gallagher stole the show in a match that was expected to be all about Jude BellinghamCredit: GettyBellingham cut a frustrated figure as he was unable to take the game by the scruff of the neckCredit: ReutersBut Bellingham would end up on the winning side as Real Madrid prevailed on penaltiesCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel will name his first England squad this weekCredit: GettyBut the midfielder showed exactly why he must and will be a key part of Thomas Tuchel’s England plans ahead of his first squad announcement.Gallagher’s standout 85 minutes in the thunderous Metropolitano is worthy of praise for far more than his record breaking goal.The second leg opener, bagged after just 27 seconds, is the fastest Champions League goal ever scored by an Englishman.That was a moment to cherish, but everything which came after was equally as important.READ MORE ON JUDE BELLINGHAMAll English eyes will have been on Jude Bellingham at the start, but Gallagher grabbed the spotlight and helped Atletico’s midfield frustrate the life out of his Three Lions teammate and the rest of the Real Madrid side.While the two were on the pitch together, Gallagher was easily the more impressive.What will have been even more encouraging for Tuchel, however, was how Bellingham grew in stature as everyone else faded and was the stand-out in extra time before burying a confident penalty.Carlo Ancelotti’s men had plenty of joy down their right-hand side during the first leg, so Diego Simeone tasked Gallagher with blocking them.Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHe carried it out magnificently. With his usual feral energy Gallagher shut down Brazilian Rodrygo and made some fine challenges on Kylian Mbappe, including one which stooped a rare dangerous break.It was just his second start in the last 11 games for Atletico, but Simeone clearly trusts him with the big ones. Wednesday night showed that Tuchel can too.Jude Bellingham says ‘The Referee Made a Mistake’ giving red card Gallagher’s previous start was against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and you would not bet against him being tasked with shutting down Lamine Yamal in La Liga this weekend.Tuchel, who has been in touch with Gallagher and spoke with his former Chelsea player ahead of the first-leg, must harness his undervalued quality.The German has options galore in the attacking areas.But finding someone to do the dirty work is equally important as to whether you can fit Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer in the same team.Tuchel is in the England job for one reason – to win the World Cup. To do so will require shades of light and dark within his side.Gallagher showed his adaptability by moving out to the left of the pitch to deal with the threat posed by the likes of Bellingham and RodrygoWith Gallagher’s help, Atletico were very successful in playing on the counter-attackConor Gallagher was a safe pair of hands on the ballGallagher had just one touch in the opposition box but it resulted in the only goal of the gameThe prowess of Bellingham and the other star names is a must, but at holders Argentina proved you need some dogs in there too.There was just one start for England in the Euros, a nightmare against Slovenia which lasted just 45 minutes, but he looked a different player here.Gallagher is learning from the best when it comes to doing anything and everything for the team and has fully bought into Simeone’s ways.Even out on the left, not his favourite position, Gallagher gave everything and left the pitch to a standing ovation.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe would, it is true, rather have played terribly and been looking forward to a quarter-final with Arsenal.But given the cruel nature of Real Madrid’s latest Champions League victory over their rivals, the England midfielder can take nothing but immense pride from his performance.Bellingham was forced to play in areas outside the Atletico box where he couldn’t have his usual devastating impact on the gameWhile Real Madrid took up more attacking positions than their counterparts, it was Atletico who appeared to have greater control of the gameBellingham spent much of his time camped outside the Atletico box, but his opponents deprived him of the space to make use of the positions he took up More

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      I get the same text from Sir Alex Ferguson every time I get sacked from a job, admits Wayne Rooney

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Wayne Rooney revealed he still keeps in touch with iconic manager Sir Alex Ferguson.However, there is a catch as they only contact each other after Rooney, 39, gets sacked from the dugout.Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney revealed he still talks with Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyRooney claims Man Utd icon Ferguson sends him a text every time he gets sackedCredit: RexThe legendary striker and Ferguson, 83, spent nine years together at Old Trafford where they won five Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League.The pair had a few heated exchanges during their spell at United but ultimately patched things up and still talk.The ex-England international is following in Fergie’s footsteps but his spells as Derby, DC United, Birmingham and Plymouth Argyle boss met a heartbreaking end.And that was when Ferguson reached out with a text that Rooney still remembers.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-Everton star joined Gary Neville, Ian Wright, Roy Keane and Jill Scott on The Overlap, via Sky Bet, and answered fan questions.Neville read out one of them for the panel, which read: “Do you ever hear from your old managers?”Wright confirmed that he still keeps in touch with his former gaffers.And that was when Rooney revealed: “Every time I get sacked Fergie gives me a text.”Most read in FootballThe former centre-forward’s fellow panelists immediately burst into laughter.Scott asked: What does it [ the text] say?”Coleen Rooney reveals being married to Wayne is ‘like being a single mum’ in one of her most brutally honest interviewsHowever, the United great opted against sharing any details of the exchange.Instead, Rooney simply said: “He gives me a text every time I get sacked” More

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      Aston Villa hero Marco Asensio WILL face parent club PSG in Champions League quarter-final thanks to little-known rule

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      ASTON VILLA star Marco Asensio WILL be able to play against his parent club Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-final.The 29-year-old joined Villa in January on a six-month loan from the French giants.Marco Asensio can face PSG in the Champions League quarter-finalCredit: GettyAsensio has made a stunning start to life in Birmingham, scoring two last night to seal last-16 victory over Club Brugge.The strikes took his goal tally to seven in eight games.Villa face PSG in the next round and the Spanish midfielder is eligible to play.Players are banned from facing their parent side in the Premier League but this rule does not apply in the Champions League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUefa regulations state teams do not have “any influence whatsoever over the players that another club may (or may not) field in a match”.Villa had the rule go against them earlier this season when on loan man Samuel Iling-Junior came on at Villa Park for Bologna in the league phase.Looking ahead to the quarter-final, it is not just Asensio who will be looking to haunt his old employers on April 9 and 15 as boss Unai Emery used to manage the Parisians from 2016 to 2018.But fans reckon it is written in the stars for the ex-Real Madrid star to score the winner, with one saying: “That would be absolutely beautiful.”Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsAnother added: “Asensio knocking out PSG in the next round of the Champions League is the sort of s***housery I’m all up for.”He already has Champions League pedigree, having lifted the trophy three times at Real Madrid.Awkward moment Aston Villa keeper refuses to move out of net and let kids take penalties at half-time of Crystal Palace clash More