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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul’s rise from ‘world’s most hated man’ who terrorised neighbours with ‘warzone’ parties to $80m Mike Tyson rival

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      HE’S the motormouth YouTube sensation who has carved out a lucrative career in boxing – despite starting out as a star on the Disney channel. Few could have predicted Jake Paul’s meteoric rise and much of it is thanks to his infamous “problem child” persona that’s netted him a cool $80million (£63m).Jake Paul is due to fight boxing heavyweight Mike Tyson tomorrowCredit: RexThe 27-year-old is just as famous for his scandals as he is for his boxing careerCredit: GettyThe social media star’s £5.5 million LA mansion raided by FBI where guns were allegedly seizedCredit: KABC-TVNow the 27-year-old, from Ohio, US, is facing his biggest and most unexpected challenge to date – a boxing bout with legendary fighter Mike Tyson. Reaching this point has been no easy thing for Paul, who once branded himself the “world’s most hated man” due to his controversial posts online and wild partying antics. During that time he’s weathered a number of scandals from alleged cryptocurrency scams that defrauded fans out of millions and his notorious “warzone parties” that featured bonfires as tall as houses.Those notorious moments led to him being fired from the Disney programme but his outrageous misconduct didn’t stop there.READ MORE FROM FEATURESThere have been “roadmap” scams, mystery boxes with no prizes, a Tommy Fury fight ‘script leak’, as well as an FBI raid for firearms.Paul’s controversial stunts are endless have led him to be considered the ultimate scandal magnet – and it’s unlikely to stop now as he prepares to clash with Tyson. Childhood abuseThe 27-year-old opened up in Netflix’s Untold: Jake Paul The Problem Child about alleged childhood abuse by his “intense” father, Greg, in Ohio. Jake claimed his dad would “slap the s*** out of him” and would regularly tell him as a child: “Life’s not fair, get the f*** over it.” Most read in BoxingEven in the documentary, Greg, a real estate worker, was evasive when it came to shouldering any blame.He denied physical abuse, despite facing allegations from both of his sons, insisting he only ever “threw them on the couch a couple times.”Evander Holyfield’s shocking boxing return aged 58 should act as danger warning to Mike Tyson for Jake Paul fight In one section, Greg defiantly said: “That’s what the f*** dads are supposed to do. Welcome to life, get the f*** over it.”Older brother Logan weighed in, saying Jake remains “traumatised” by their father’s tough parenting style, calling it “not quite legal.”FBI firearm raidsIn August 2020, Paul’s Los Angeles mansion was raided by the FBI in a highly publicised investigation. In dramatic scenes, SWAT teams descended upon his lavish Calabasas home to allegedly collect firearms, although no federal charges were ultimately filed. This wasn’t Jake’s first run-in with the law. Brothers Logan Paul (L) and Jake Paul pictured together who described their dad as a “menace”Credit: Getty – ContributorDramatic footage captured the moment the FBI raided his luxury LA mansionCredit: KABC-TVHe faced looting charges during the Arizona riots in May 2020 following the controversial death of George Floyd, which were later dropped.He previously made headlines for hosting a massive party during COVID where revellers drank, played beer pong, and swung from construction equipment despite local health restrictions.Sex assault chargesPaul has faced significant backlash following allegations of sexual misconduct from two women.TikTok star Justine Paradise accused him of sexually assaulting her in his Los Angeles home in 2019, alleging he forced her into sexual acts without her consent. TikTok star Justine Paradise claimed she was sexually assaulted by the boxer in a 20-min video posted on YouTubeCredit: YouTube/Justine ParadiseIn a 20-minute video posted on YouTube, the 30-year-old alleged Paul grabbed her face and forced her to perform oral sex on him, and touched her inappropriately without consent.Paradise claimed she felt silenced by an NDA she had signed at his residence. Paul denied the accusations, stating they were “100% false”.Shortly after, model Railey Lollie claimed Paul groped her in 2017 when she was underage and often made inappropriate remarks calling her “jailbait” during their time filming. Paul’s legal team hit back, saying Paul “has every intention of aggressively disproving it and pursuing legal action against those responsible for the defamation of his character.”‘Warzone parties’Outside Jake Paul’s Calabasas mansion where he terrorised his neighbours with wild partiesCredit: Jake Paul/YoutubeJake setting fire to a mattress at one partyCredit: SuppliedJake’s infamous antics have turned his LA neighbourhood into what locals call a “living hell.” Posting his address online led his fans dubbed “Paulers” to swarm the area, sparking noise complaints, non-stop parties, and setting furniture on fire in his pool – flames reportedly reaching the height of his home. Paul openly laughed at his neighbours’ frustrations, even taunting them with laughing emojis online. Jake Paul embraced his “world’s worst neighbour” reputation with pride. His chaotic behaviour, including wild parties and disruptive antics, eventually led to his firing from the Disney show Bizaardvark. Meanwhile, his brother, Logan, praised their devoted fans, dubbing them “the strongest army out there.”Scam sitesPaul promoted mystery boxes saying they were packed with cash when they were actually emptyHe enjoys the high life with girlfriend Jutta LeerdamCredit: @juttaleerdamPaul has amassed his $80 million (£62 million) net worth by capitalising on his controversial “problem child” persona both online and in the boxing ring. Along the way, he’s been accused of multiple schemes, including a $7 (£5.50) “roadmap” to becoming an influencer, which allegedly left teens shortchanged because they didn’t have complete access to the site.His “MysteryBrand” campaign also stirred backlash, as users reportedly won no prizes despite paying to open digital “mystery boxes.” He was also criticised for promoting gambling to kids. Most notably, Paul was named in a crypto “pump-and-dump” case that allegedly cost fans $2.2 million (£1.7 million) in losses.The rise & falls of YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul JAKE Paul is about to have the fight of his life against legendary boxer Mike Tyson. In a career like few others, he’s risen from Disney star to YouTube sensation before carving out a path as a high-profile sportsman.Here are some of the highlights from his boxing career: Paul debuted in boxing by defeating fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib in 2020.Later that year, he scored a knockout win against ex-NBA player Nate Robinson.In 2021, he turned his focus to MMA stars, stopping Ben Askren in a single round.He narrowly beat Tyron Woodley on points, then knocked him out in a rematch that December.Paul earned a decision win over Anderson Silva before facing his first loss to Tommy Fury by split decision in February 2023.He then outpointed Nate Diaz, followed by low-key knockout wins over Andre August and Ryan Bourland.Since then, he’s scored three knockout victories in the ring. His next fight is tomorrow vs. Mike TysonLike many celebrities tied to crypto scandals, Jake Paul allegedly promoted questionable cryptocurrencies – Safemoon, Yummy Coin, Milf Token, and others – without disclosing he was being paid for the role.He reportedly promoted these tokens, transferring them to a wallet linked to him before cashing out as their values dropped. This led to accusations of a “pump-and-dump” scheme – where a cryptocurrency’s value is inflated through celebrity endorsements or false claims about its value – causing fans to lose significant sums while Paul pocketed profits.Tommy Fury leaked ‘script’Tommy Fury punches Jake Paul during the Cruiserweight Title fightCredit: GettyPaul also faced accusations of fixing his rematch fight with British boxer Tommy Fury after a “script” was leaked online. The document, posted by UFC’s Mike Perry, claimed to outline the entire bout, including a dramatic TKO victory for Paul in the eighth round.But promoters quickly dismissed the document as a fake, calling it nothing more than a rumour. Despite the claims, the supposed “script” included outlandish details such as Paul walking out in a baby costume and Fury suffering a severe eye injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe celebrity boxing rivals spent two years feuding before finally squaring up in Saudi Arabia in February 2023. Paul fought Tommy in an eight-round cruiser-weight fight. The bout resulted in a split decision victory in favour of Tommy. More

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      in Soccer

      Ten-man Venezuela accused of ‘world class s***housery’ as SPRINKLERS go off in stoppage time of Brazil draw

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      THE Venezuelan national team have been accused of using the dark arts to get over the line in their World Cup qualifier against Brazil.Venezuela had managed to keep the scores level against Brazil despite the five-time World Cup champions strong favourites in the match and dominating the ball.Venezuela vs Brazil was interrupted by a sprinkler mishapCredit: APThe sprinklers turned on while Brazil delivered in a cornerCredit: xThe referee stopped play as Brazil tried to start a new attackCredit: xBrazil players were fuming that the game had been delayedCredit: xThe frustrated players waited until the issue was resolvedCredit: AFPRaphinha’s first-half strike was cancelled out by an early goal in the second spell by Telasco Segovia.While Vinicius Junior missed a chance to put to the visitors ahead when he failed to score a 62nd minute penalty.But as Venezuela held on to what was a valuable point against one of the Conmebol’s strongest outfits, their chances of keeping it all level were handed a blow.Referee Andrés José Rojas Noguera sent off Venezuela winger Alexander Gonzalez in the 89th minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe dismissal left Venzuela with 10 men and another six minutes to play including added time.But before Brazil were able to take full advantage of their extra man, the sprinklers went off on the Estadio Monumental de Maturin pitch.The unbelievable moment killed Brazil’s momentum as they pinned Venezuela in their own box and delayed the game until the issue was resolved.And football fans have suggested that Venezuela could have even set the sprinklers off ON PURPOSE to help them grind out a point.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOn social media, one fan wrote: “Venezuela brought out the sprinklers to make the referee end the game against Brazil”.While another added: “93rd minute, 1-1 in a WC Qualifier. Brazil about to attack again and Venezuela set off the water sprinklers. South American s***housery of the highest order…”ITV ‘do England stars dirty’ as live footage of national anthem singing leaves fans in hystericsA third joked that the incident was: “World class s***housery”.And a fourth commented: “Bruh, this dark arts stuff is out of hand”.There is no evidence or suggestion that Venezuela did in fact set off the sprinklers on purpose.The game ended 1-1 with the result meaning Brazil now sit third in the Conmebol World Cup qualifying standings and Venezuela are down in seventh.Brazil’s Vinicius Junior missed a crucial penalty in the second halfCredit: APVenezuela celebrated a hard-earned pointCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      England fans tear gassed & shoved against fences by ‘heavy handed’ riot cops before Greece clash as FA launch probe

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      ENGLAND fans were tear gassed and shoved against fences by riot cops before last night’s clash with Greece.The FA is now launching a probe into the Nations League match in Athens with officers accused of being heavy handed with Three Lions supporters.The Football Supporters Association accused Greek police of creating a ‘dangerous’ situationCredit: PARiot cops met England fans outside Athens Olympic Stadium on Thursday nightCredit: PAEngland fans eventually made it inside to watch the team win 3-0Credit: GettyAround 3,000 supporters had tickets for the game, but some were not inside Olympic Stadium by kickoff. The travelling crowd were held up by the officers wearing helmets, gas masks, and holding shields.England fan Jack Loftus said: “They [police] went to adjust the queue at the front to make it narrower and longer, and just did it with force.”They were pushing the crowd amongst the fence.”Read more on footballThe FA said: “We are aware that some of our fans had a difficult experience outside the ground and are obtaining more information on exactly what happened.”The Football Supporters’ Association accused Greek officers of of creating an “unjustifiably dangerous” situation.They said: “Unfortunately, once again, we are having to ask England supporters to send in their witness accounts to ourselves regarding the situation outside of the Athens Olympic Stadium.”To see the treatment of our fans by local police using shields and tear gas to do something as simple as rearrange a queue, is so incredibly frustrating.Most read in Football”On a night where we had a great result on the pitch, there is still clearly so much needed to do off it to ensure our supporters aren’t put in unjustifiably dangerous situations.”England trounced Greece 3-0 moving the Three Lions to the top of group B2 and avenging the shock 2-1 loss to the side back in October.ITV ‘do England stars dirty’ as live footage of national anthem singing leaves fans in hystericsBut the players faced a hostile atmosphere on the pitch with lasers shone in their face during the clash.Jude Bellingham and Jordan Pickford were hit in the face by the green lights, which plagued England throughout the first half.Despite Greek fans’ crooked efforts, England were able to keep their focus and earn an important win in Athens.An own goal from keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, followed by Curtis Jones’ stunning backheel flick, in the second half saw the Three Lions win 3-0.England ratings vs Greece as Madueke and Jones steal the show after Kane benchedIT IS difficult to remember an England starting XI which, on paper at least, looked as totally underwhelming as this one.Yet manager-in-waiting Thomas Tuchel, presumably watching the game at his home in Bavaria, will have been hugely encouraged by this performance from what appeared to be a complete mish-mash of a team – and one which was awfully short of experience.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars…Jordan Pickford – 8Back in after being dropped for Finland last month – and showed a good response. Great stop to deny Kostas Tsimikas at the near post and alive to danger throughout.Earned his first-ever booking in 72 England caps for time wasting in the first half.Kyle Walker – 7Captain in Harry Kane’s absence and passionately conveyed his side’s frustration to ref Daniel Siebert when Pickford was booked.Moved to centre-back after the break when Ezri Konsa went off.Marc Guehi – 7Another solid performance from the Crystal Palace man who you would think would be a first-choice starter for Thomas Tuchel when the German begins work.Ezri Konsa – 7One of several players targeted by a laser in the crowd, along with Pickford and Belligham.Limped off just before half-time and was replaced by Lewis Hall at the break.Rico Lewis – 7Filled in at left-back over newbie Hall, before moving to the right when the Newcastle man came on.Almost had his first England goal early in the second half but was denied by a fine stop from Hall’s club-mate Odysseas Vlachodimos.Curtis Jones – 9Sparkled on debut in the heart of midfield, not looking overawed in the slightest. Played deeper than he does for Liverpool, but in the same position where he shone for Lee Carsley in England’s triumphant Under-21 Euros last summer.Gorgeous backheel to cap his bow with the third goal.Conor Gallagher – 7Started brightly next to Jones, though gave the ball away a few times after the break. Booked for stopping a quick free-kick early on.Arrived just too late to poke in the rebound from Bellingham’s strike as it had already crossed the line for an own goal.Noni Madueke – 9A blistering first start from the Chelsea man who put real pressure on Bukayo Saka’s place with this performance.He took on his man at every opportunity, at pace, and had excellent end product too, setting up Watkins’ opener and a header for Bellingham which hit the post.Jude Bellingham – 8Some sublime touches and passes from the talisman, including a wonderful ball round the corner to release Madueke in the build-up to the opener.Seemed to thrive with pace all around him and killed off the game with his late strike which hit the post and bounced in off the keeper.Anthony Gordon – 7Provided a threat down the left with his pace and trickery, even if he was outshone by Madueke. A decent display but not one that demanded he start at left wing every game.Ollie Watkins – 7The surprise starter over Harry Kane. He took his early chance well, converting from the edge of the six-yard box.Could have had another when sent clean through but the ball got stuck under his feet.SubsLewis Hall (for Ezri Konsa half-time) – 7Came on at half-time for his debut and did not put a foot wrong.Harry Kane (for Ollie Watkins, 66) – 6Had a curling effort well stopped after exchanging passes with fellow sub Morgan Rogers.Morgan Rogers (for Anthony Gordon, 66) – 8Some exciting touches from the Villa debutant, including one to release Bellingham in the lead-up to the second goal.Jarrod Bowen (for Noni Madueke, 66) – 7Clever nutmeg to free Morgan Gibbs-White, who then teed up Jones.Morgan Gibbs-White (for Gallagher, 79) – 7Cutback for Jones was on the money.One fan said a queue was forcibly shoved to the sideCredit: PAEngland players like Jude Bellingham were hit with lasers during the matchCredit: RexMore 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. More

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      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker reveals why he’s leaving Match of the Day and says it’s ‘right time’ as BBC plans changes

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      GARY Lineker has revealed why he’s leaving Match of the Day and says it’s the “right time” – as the BBC is planning changes to the show.Lineker said hosting Match Of The Day for more than two decades has been “an absolute joy and privilege”.But he said it is “the right time” for him to exit and “someone else to take the helm” as the BBC look to make changes to the programme.The star will step down as host of the BBC’s flagship football show at the end of the season.He will continue to present coverage of the FA Cup in 2025/26 and the World Cup in 2026, the BBC said.Speaking on The Rest is Football, Lineker said: “It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC, but all things have to come to an end.Read More Football”It came at a point where really the BBC and Match Of The Day, they’ve got the rights for another three years.”The cycle starts from next season so it felt like if I just do one more year it would be a bit weird. I feel this is now the right time.”I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match Of The Day slightly differently.”Lineker added: “So I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”Most read in FootballBut the 63-year-old refused to speculate who would be taking his place.He said: “Obviously I don’t know who it’ll be, and I would never tell publicly my preference.”I don’t think that’d be the right thing to do – but whoever it is, I would say be yourself.”I had to fill the ginormous shoes of certain Des Lynam. I would say just be yourself and enjoy it.”It’s a wonderful programme to be a part of. It was brilliant before I took over, and it will be brilliant after I leave.”Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day since taking over from Lynam in 1999.Gary Lineker is quitting Match of the DayCredit: PA More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Jake Paul’s THREE STONE heavyweight body transformation from eating 4,000 calories to training three times a day

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      JAKE PAUL has been on a diet of 4,000 calories and three training sessions a day to get himself up to heavyweight.The YouTuber-turned-boxer faces the legendary Mike Tyson on Friday in Texas in a clash that has come under criticism amid the age gap. Jake Paul showed off his heavyweight frameCredit: SportsfileHe hit the scales at 227.2lb (16st 2lb)Credit: SportsfileJake Paul as fought as low as 185lbCredit: GettyHe has put on over three stone from his lowest weight till nowCredit: @jakepaulNot only does it mark Netflix’s first move into streaming live boxing but also Paul’s first fight at heavyweight. Helping him pile on the pounds outside of the kitchen has been esteemed strength and conditioning coach Larry Wade. And Wade told SunSport: “I wish I could sit here and say I did it by myself. I didn’t. “Jake has nutritionist and he has other guys here that help us as well.READ MORE IN BOXING”And so we put our hands together and came up with a nutritional plan along with a strength conditioning plan, along with a boxing plan of what it would take – not only to get the weight – but to also be able to carry the power up and distribute it through the weight.”And I think all those guys did a really good job of doing that.”Paul has enjoyed a diet of pizza, pasta and steaks in camp to fight Tyson – fuelling his exhausting training schedule. Wade said on the calorie count: “It can’t be any less than 3,500 and 4,000 because it’s a lot of work.Most read in BoxingJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I mean, he has two or three sessions a day from lifting to boxing and then to running to riding bikes. “He has a long day ahead of him. So he had to get that many in.”Meet Jake Paul’s secret weapon in training to fight Mike Tyson with sparring so good he is paying DOUBLE Wade joined Paul’s camp following his first and so far only loss, to Tommy Fury, 25, in February 2023 which was set at 185lb (13st 2lb). He stayed at the weight to beat ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, 39, scoring a knockdown but going the ten round distance. Paul’s three victories since have been at the 200lb cruiserweight limit of 14st 4lb and all finishing inside the distance. Now he is up at heavyweight weighing 227.2lb (16st 2lb) – THREE STONE heavier than when Wade first started working with Paul.And the American fitness guru warned Paul will never fight any lower than cruiserweight again.Counting down to Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson…READ MORE on all the build-up to the massive clash in Texas on Netflix…All the info:Latest news and features: He said: “Absolutely not, no reason to. At 185, he’s still strong, but he has so much more power at 200.”And you can see that when he fought Nate Diaz at 185 he put Nate Diaz down but he didn’t put them out of here.”After that point he went back to 200, he knocked everybody else’s out.”Paul does plan to drop back down to cruiserweight – but Wade reckons he does have the makings of a heavyweight. He said: “If he wanted to, he could. It’s just a matter of what’s best for him. It it much harder to go to heavyweight? Absolutely it is. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But he’s 27, when you’re 32 it might be easier to go to heavyweight and it not be a problem to hold the weight. “Right now, we’re having to work a little bit to make it stick.” Mike Tyson facing off with Jake PaulCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul weighs career-HEAVIEST for Mike Tyson fight as boxing legend, 58, shows off shredded physique in Versace pants

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      JAKE PAUL hit a career-HEAVIEST weight for his fight against the still shredded heavyweight icon Mike Tyson. Tyson returns to the ring for a controversial comeback bout against YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul in Texas. Jake Paul was a career-heaviest 227.2lbCredit: ReutersTyson hit the scales at 228.4lbCredit: AFPAnd Tyson looked in sensational shape as he hit the scales at 228.4lb (16st 3lb) while wearing a pair of Versace briefs. That was just before Paul came in a career-biggest 227.2lb (16st 2lb) nearly TWO STONE above his usual 14st 14lb cruiserweight frame. The two squared off for the final time but Tyson landed a SLAP on Paul – before the prankster-gone-prizefighter could get close. It sparked a near-brawl on the stage as the two camps and security intervened to pull the hyped-up pair apart.READ MORE IN BOXINGPaul, 27, walked off with an unconvincing roar while Tyson, 58, was calmed down by his entourage before sending out one final warning. He said: “The talking’s over.” The last time Tyson was in a ring was in 2020 for an exhibition bout with Roy Jones Jr, which proved to be nothing more than a glorified spar. His career officially came to a depressing close in 2005 when he quit on his stool and threw the towel in on his boxing career. Most read in BoxingJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut he is back to face Paul – over 30 years younger – in what will be Netflix’s first move into live boxing. The fight is scheduled for eight rounds of two-minutes – opposed to the usual three – with bigger 14oz gloves opposed to 10oz. But the gloves were off on Thursday’s weigh in only 24 hours from fight night – as Paul laughed off Iron Mike’s power. He told broadcaster Ariel Helwani: “I didn’t even feel it. He’s angry, he’s an angry little elf.”Mike Tyson, I thought that was a cute slap buddy but tomorrow you’re getting knocked the f*** out.”I’m f***ing him up, Ariel. I’m f***ing him up. He hits like a b***h! It’s personal now, it’s personal now. He must die.” Tyson slapped Jake Paul at their weigh inCredit: SportsfileThe pair were quick to be separatedCredit: APThey had to be pulled apartCredit: GettyJake Paul laughed it offCredit: AP More

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      in Soccer

      England fans call for Thomas Tuchel to be SACKED before he starts job as FA accused of ‘bottling it’

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      ENGLAND fans called for Thomas Tuchel to be SACKED before he even starts his new job.And some even accused The FA of “bottling it” over the appointment.Lee Carsley inspired a 3-0 win in Greece in his penultimate match in interim chargeCredit: GettyFans reckon they do not need Thomas Tuchel to come in after allCredit: GettyTuchel, 51, accepted a £5million-a-year, 18-month contract to succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager with the objective of leading his new team to 2026 World Cup glory. But despite signing on the dotted line in October, the German will not take over until January.And that has seen a final farcical November international break with Lee Carsley in charge – and nine players dropping out for the two must-win clashes with Greece and Ireland.Carsley is set to return to his role as Under-21s boss when Tuchel comes in.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSBut after inspiring his inexperienced side to a stylish, emphatic 3-0 win in Athens, plenty of supporters piled in on The FA’s decision to let Tuchel wait until the New Year to begin his reign. And instead, they want Carsley to stay in charge of the senior team permanently after all. One said: “Send Tuchel home and give Carsley the job!”Another wrote: “Is it too late to sack off Tuchel if Carsley has them scoring goals like that?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third added: “Lee Carsley is a genius isn’t he? Who needs Thomas Tuchel?”A fourth joked: “Who needs Tuchel?”Thomas Tuchel gives his first message to fans as England manager England ratings vs Greece as Madueke and Jones steal the show after Kane benchedIT IS difficult to remember an England starting XI which, on paper at least, looked as totally underwhelming as this one.Yet manager-in-waiting Thomas Tuchel, presumably watching the game at his home in Bavaria, will have been hugely encouraged by this performance from what appeared to be a complete mish-mash of a team – and one which was awfully short of experience.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars…Jordan Pickford – 8Back in after being dropped for Finland last month – and showed a good response. Great stop to deny Kostas Tsimikas at the near post and alive to danger throughout.Earned his first-ever booking in 72 England caps for time wasting in the first half.Kyle Walker – 7Captain in Harry Kane’s absence and passionately conveyed his side’s frustration to ref Daniel Siebert when Pickford was booked.Moved to centre-back after the break when Ezri Konsa went off.Marc Guehi – 7Another solid performance from the Crystal Palace man who you would think would be a first-choice starter for Thomas Tuchel when the German begins work.Ezri Konsa – 7One of several players targeted by a laser in the crowd, along with Pickford and Belligham.Limped off just before half-time and was replaced by Lewis Hall at the break.Rico Lewis – 7Filled in at left-back over newbie Hall, before moving to the right when the Newcastle man came on.Almost had his first England goal early in the second half but was denied by a fine stop from Hall’s club-mate Odysseas Vlachodimos.Curtis Jones – 9Sparkled on debut in the heart of midfield, not looking overawed in the slightest. Played deeper than he does for Liverpool, but in the same position where he shone for Lee Carsley in England’s triumphant Under-21 Euros last summer.Gorgeous backheel to cap his bow with the third goal.Conor Gallagher – 7Started brightly next to Jones, though gave the ball away a few times after the break. Booked for stopping a quick free-kick early on.Arrived just too late to poke in the rebound from Bellingham’s strike as it had already crossed the line for an own goal.Noni Madueke – 9A blistering first start from the Chelsea man who put real pressure on Bukayo Saka’s place with this performance.He took on his man at every opportunity, at pace, and had excellent end product too, setting up Watkins’ opener and a header for Bellingham which hit the post.Jude Bellingham – 8Some sublime touches and passes from the talisman, including a wonderful ball round the corner to release Madueke in the build-up to the opener.Seemed to thrive with pace all around him and killed off the game with his late strike which hit the post and bounced in off the keeper.Anthony Gordon – 7Provided a threat down the left with his pace and trickery, even if he was outshone by Madueke. A decent display but not one that demanded he start at left wing every game.Ollie Watkins – 7The surprise starter over Harry Kane. He took his early chance well, converting from the edge of the six-yard box.Could have had another when sent clean through but the ball got stuck under his feet.SubsLewis Hall (for Ezri Konsa half-time) – 7Came on at half-time for his debut and did not put a foot wrong.Harry Kane (for Ollie Watkins, 66) – 6Had a curling effort well stopped after exchanging passes with fellow sub Morgan Rogers.Morgan Rogers (for Anthony Gordon, 66) – 8Some exciting touches from the Villa debutant, including one to release Bellingham in the lead-up to the second goal.Jarrod Bowen (for Noni Madueke, 66) – 7Clever nutmeg to free Morgan Gibbs-White, who then teed up Jones.Morgan Gibbs-White (for Gallagher, 79) – 7Cutback for Jones was on the money.A fifth quipped: “Enjoying watching England tonight. Tuchel out.”A sixth tweeted: “England with good patterns of play and attractive football. Yes defensively not well but if the football is this good who cares? Tuchel will be such a bad appointment.”A seventh blasted: “FA totally bottled it with Carsley. Taking England in the right direction.”And a final user simply typed: “Tuchel out!!”England’s starting XI featured senior heads in Jordan Pickford, Jude Bellingham and stand-in skipper Kyle Walker – with Harry Kane surprisingly benched.The remaining eight had just 78 caps between them.They got off on the wrong notes, with an awkward rendition of the national anthem leaving ITV viewers hilariously covering their ears.But the Three Lions were on song on the pitch as Noni Madueke teed up Ollie Watkins to break the deadlock inside seven minutes.England weathered the Greece storm and got the all-important second goal when Bellingham’s shot came back off the post and bounced in off the hosts’ goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.Curtis Jones rounded off his superb debut with a delicious, cheeky flick as England leapfrogged Greece at the top of their Nations League group ahead of the final fixture against the Irish at Wembley on Sunday.After his penultimate game in interim charge, Carsley said: “The most pleasing thing was the amount of control we had. We had a lot of possession and created a lot of chances.“It was brilliant for Ollie to get a goal. It’s important that if we want to put these players in a position to win the World Cup, they need to have as many experiences as they can, so it’s no slight on Harry. He’ll start the next game.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Harry understands that it’s important that other players experience that kind of experience we had tonight. He’s a great example to the rest of the players. I expect him to start on Sunday and play well.”Curtis was outstanding, played with quality and a matureness that we saw in the summer (at the Under-21 Euros). He showed he can adapt and he’s intelligent enough to know where the space is.”Curtis Jones’ sumptuous flick rounded off the 3-0 winCredit: GettyANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job More

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      Portugal star takes swipe at Cristiano Ronaldo after captain revealed he was ‘disappointed’ in team-mates

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      NUNO MENDES hit back at Cristiano Ronaldo’s moan about Portugal stars crying off international duty.Roberto Martinez’s side lead group A1 by three points going into Nations League finales against Poland and Croatia.Portugal defender Nuno Mendes hit back at Cristiano Ronaldo’s commentsCredit: EPARonaldo said he was disappointed in his team-mates dropping outCredit: AFPLike England, Portugal have had a number of drop-outs and Ronaldo, 39,  raged: “There’s nothing better than representing your country, your culture, your children.“That’s why I’m disappointed by some players.”Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha is the latest to withdraw, heading back to his club for treatment on a muscle injury.But Paris Saint-Germain defender Mendes, 22, is expected to play alongside Ronaldo against Poland.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “I’m very proud to represent Portugal.“I think it shows, I give my all on the pitch and in training. Ronaldo has his opinion. I have mine.”England captain Harry Kane shared Ronaldo’s view, arguing Three Lions duty should come before anything.He said: “I think England comes before anything. It comes before club and it is the most important thing you play as a professional footballer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Gareth was hot on that and he wasn’t afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players.“It’s a shame this week obviously. I think it’s a tough period of the season and maybe that’s been taken advantage of a little bit.England ratings vs Greece (1)“I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest. I think England comes before anything, any club situation.“The joy to play for England. I think Gareth brought that back. Every camp, people were excited to come, every camp people wanted to play for England.” More