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      in Soccer

      Why is Thomas Tuchel not managing England yet?

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      ENGLAND take on Greece and the Republic of Ireland in a blockbuster Nations League double-header this month.The Three Lions begin with a trip to Athens on Thursday night, seeking revenge against Ivan Jovanovic’s side.Thomas Tuchel was appointed as England manager on Tuesday, October 8Credit: GettyEngland were on the end of a shock 2-1 defeat to Greece when the two teams met at Wembley back in October.A 94th-minute winner from Vagelis Pavlidis secured all three points for the Greeks and continued his side’s perfect record in the competition. The Three Lions will finish their November international break by hosting rivals Republic of Ireland in their Nations League group finale on Sunday evening.But why is new England boss Thomas Tuchel not in the dugout for the huge double-header?READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhy is Thomas Tuchel not managing England yet?Thomas Tuchel will not be in the dugout for England’s Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland as he doesn’t start his new post until next year.The German officially begins his tenure as Three Lions gaffer on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.Tuchel penned an 18-month contract, which expires after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.FA CEO Mark Bullingham was asked about the delayed start to the Tuchel-era during the German’s unveiling, he said: “When we first spoke to him, we had our timescale, Thomas had his timescale and it just fitted really well. What was so impressive was his singular focus on us and the World Cup and that project.Most read in Football”It made sense for it to start on January 1 and made sense for Lee to finish the campaign in the Nations League. So we’re very comfortable where we are and that’s what we’ll be doing.”Since the former Chelsea boss doesn’t start until the new year, interim manager Lee Carsley will take charge of the Nations League matches against Greece and Republic of Ireland.The 50-year-old will return to his former post as under-21s head coach after November’s double-header.Tuchel’s first game in charge of England will come during the March international break, but it is not yet known who the opposition will be. More

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      in Soccer

      Former Man Utd star who knocked out Wayne Rooney ready to become second ex-Red Devil to join Misfits Boxing

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      A SECOND former Manchester United player is ready to join Misfits Boxing.Phil Bardsley famously showed his boxing skills when he knocked out Wayne Rooney in the kitchen. Phil Bardsley is keen to join Misfits BoxingCredit: SplashDanny Simpson made his boxing debut in the summerCredit: SportsfileAnd he hopes to take inspiration from Danny Simpson by stepping into the ring for a proper bout. Simpson put his Premier League winner’s medal from the 5,000-1 Leicester City success on the line when he drew with Danny Aarons at Misfits 17 in August.Now former Red Devils team-mate Bardsley is keen to follow in his footsteps, by lacing up the gloves and joining the KSI-founded promotion. The ex-defender, 39, said: “I’d certainly be interested in getting into the ring like Danny Simpson. I’ve had people ask me the question and I spoke to Simo about it recently.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”I’ve spoken to Wayne Rooney about a potential fight of his own but the issue he has is that he wants to manage and coach and it would be a bit stupid to go on Misfits or something like that and fight a YouTuber when he’s coaching.”But for me, I’m keen, Simo has spoken to someone at Misfits who spoke to some YouTubers but I don’t think there has been any takers yet which is unfortunate because I like to think I can give it a go. “If someone offered me a few quid for a fight, I certainly wouldn’t turn it down.”On the day the news broke in The Sun and the video of the dust-up went viral, Rooney responded by scoring against Tottenham and then did his knockout celebration.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd though that fight had a very limited audience in the privacy of Rooney’s Cheshire home, his close pal reckons the former England captain could light up Wembley again – in the ring rather than in the box.Bardsley – who launched his own property business after retiring – added to OLBG: “We had no idea that the boxing clip would go viral because we didn’t even know it was being filmed.Sky Sports pundits announce never-before-seen broadcast for huge Arsenal vs Man Utd clash Bardsley famously fought Wayne Rooney in the kitchenCredit: The SunThe ex-England captain ended up flat out on the floorCredit: The Sun”It then got released and sold and it was just one of those things, we’d probably had one too many drinks and then got the gloves out.”People sometimes forget that we are just normal lads from normal backgrounds and that’s just what lads do sometimes.”We had a swing and chinned each other a few times, we both like our boxing and I got the better of him on that occasion.”Wayne Rooney vs Jake Paul would definitely sell out Wembley, you can imagine the audience that would bring in, both in person and online as well.Would Wayne beat Jake Paul? It’s tricky because Jake Paul has done it for a long time now and Wayne hasn’t done it at that level in front of a huge audiencePhil Bardsley”The younger generation would be mad on all the build-up and the clips on their phones, the influencer boxing scene is huge and they’re filling their pockets now.”Would Wayne beat Jake Paul? It’s tricky because Jake Paul has done it for a long time now and Wayne hasn’t done it at that level in front of a huge audience.”He played football in front of millions before Jake Paul was on the scene but fair play to him, now he is doing it on the big stage and getting paid fortunes.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m not sure about him fighting Mike Tyson though, a 20-something lad fighting a 58-year-old, it’s bonkers. “You can understand it financially but I couldn’t fight a 60-year-old man for whatever amount of money. But that’s just me.”Rooney then did this hilarious celebrationCredit: Getty – ContributorBardsley was not part of the team that won the 2006 League Cup finalCredit: GettyHe made 18 appearances for the Red DevilsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      in Soccer

      Xabi Alonso ‘to LEAVE Bayer Leverkusen at end of season’ with ex-Liverpool star’s next club ‘clear’

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      XABI ALONSO will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season, according to reports.The Spaniard has been attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.Xabi Alonso will reportedly leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyHe led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title ever, going unbeaten in all 34 games.Alonso also reached the Europa League final, losing to Atalanta, and soon after he was linked to the vacant job at Liverpool.He ruled himself out of the running for that role but he is now set to leave Leverkusen at the end of the season, report Eurosport Spain.Alonso, 42, is under contract until 2026 but could fancy a different challenge.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother former club Real Madrid has been mooted as a potential option, but Carlo Ancelotti also has a deal until 2026.Alonso was asked why he turned down Liverpool and was cagey when discussing his future, prior to his side’s 4-0 thrashing at Anfield last month.He said: “At that time I was focused, I had a big thing with the players and we were really focused on that.”Let’s talk about the game tomorrow, it’s more interesting than my future.”Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne job that could be available in the summer is Manchester City, and the club reportedly like the look of Alonso as a successor to Pep Guardiola, whose contract expires at the end of the season.Reports have claimed Leverkusen have begun their search for a new successor with Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness and Germany assistant manager Sandro Wagner being considered.Roy Keane fumes Man Utd ‘wouldn’t have tolerated’ Xabi Alonso’s behaviour More

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      in Boxing

      I covered all 16 of Mike Tyson’s world championship battles but Jake Paul bout isn’t a fight, it’s a FARCE

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      WHOEVER wrote the advertising blurb promoting the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul boxing buffoonery that’s taking place in Texas on Friday would make George Washington blush with shame.The description of this ridiculous, universally condemned freak show between 58-year-old Tyson and novice YouTuber Paul, is a masterpiece of deception.Mike Tyson ends his near two-decade absence from the ring on FridayCredit: GettyFormer YouTuber Jake Paul will be the 58-year-old’s opponentCredit: GettyTyson suffered a medical emergency just four months ago, resulting in the fight being postponedCredit: ReutersIt thunders: “One of the most highly anticipated fights in boxing history. “It’s legendary power against relentless ambition promising an unforgettable clash in the ring.”Has there ever been anything more derisory or misleading? Because this isn’t a fight – IT’S A FARCE!It must be appalling to the good folk who run the Age Concern charity that looks after the welfare of the elderly.READ MORE ON MIKE TYSONBecause Tyson – one of the all-time great world heavyweight champions – is not only being allowed to climb through the ropes at his time of life after 19 years in retirement but encouraged to combat a man 31 years younger.At least he is only being asked to box eight two-minute rounds and he’ll be wearing 14oz gloves instead of the usual 10oz – as if that is going to lessen the danger to Tyson’s health.We keep hearing what incredible shape Mike’s in considering he’s well passed middle age – yet four months ago he was said to be seriously ill suffering from a bleeding stomach ulcer which he admitted caused him to vomit blood.This sorry spectacle has been approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOnly in America would this kind of punching parody be sanctioned – it certainly wouldn’t be tolerated here.Stranger things have happened across the pond and it reminds me of the Aaron Pryor horror story.Jake Paul threatens to ‘bet the purse’ ahead of his fight with Mike TysonJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTPryor was found to be blind in his left eye after losing his world junior welterweight title in 1988. Eighteen months later he decided to make a comeback – understandably he found great difficulty in getting licenced to fight in most cities in the States.Eventually, he applied to the licensing authorities in Madison, Wisconsin and it was granted. Marlene Cummings – who made the decision – in her infinite wisdom said solemnly: “Handicapped people should not be penalised for their handicap.”You couldn’t make it up.Pryor went ahead with the fight and KO’d his opponent in the third.Has there ever been anything more derisory or misleading? Because this isn’t a fight – IT’S A FARCE!Colin HartIf the Texan authorities had done the sensible thing and refused to give their blessing to this unjustifiable Tyson-Paul spectacle no doubt another State would have been found willing to cash in and stage it.At least 60,000 are expected in the 80,000-capacity AT&T stadium to see Tyson and Paul square off – probably most of them the kind of people who slow down on motorways to ogle at a car crash.It’s being shown worldwide on Netflix which has 200 million subscribers – which is why Tyson and Paul are each supposed to be getting anything between £20-£30million.Hand on heart, who who can blame the one-time Baddest Man on the Planet for grabbing such a massive fortune for a maximum of 16 minutes work?Obviously Mike believes it’s worth gambling on not getting seriously hurt.The Baddest Man on the Planet hasn’t fought professionally since 2005Credit: GettyJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTHaving covered 30 of Tyson’s 58 fights over a period of 17 years – including every one of his 16 world championship battles – I spent many hours with him talking about his troubled life inside and outside the ring.Always a tormented soul, it was in the cards he would grow old disgracefully – but he always professed his undying love for boxing and respected its history and traditions.That’s why I find it so dispiriting Mike has allowed himself to get involved in something he would have regarded in his prime as degrading – but we all know money always talks loudest.It must be appalling to the good folk who run the Age Concern charity that looks after the welfare of the elderly.Colin HartThe Tyson I want to remember was the terrifying fighting machine who sent shivers of fear up and down the spine of his opponents – and many in the press seats as well – before he ruthlessly blasted them insensible with the dynamite he carried in both fists.I’m so glad I’m going to be nearly 5000 miles from Arlington and won’t have to watch the charade that is going to be enacted in cowboy country.What two long-dead American authors had to say many moons ago perfectly sums up what the majority feel and brings home what the unedifying Tyson-Paul match-up is really all about.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCharles Bukowski pointed out: “Bad taste creates many more millionaires than good taste.”And H. L. Mencken wrote: “Nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIf there is a ring walk Iron Mike Tyson should come in to Any Old Iron – an old Cockney music hall song the rag-and-bone men used to sing as they toured the East London streets when I was a kid.They were collecting damaged goods. More

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      in Soccer

      Former Premier League winners risk going bust as director confirms ‘material uncertainty exists’ over club’s future

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      BLACKBURN have admitted there are major doubts over the club’s future as a result of the Venky’s legal battle with the Indian government.In club accounts submitted this week Blackburn director Jitendra Desai writes that “a material uncertainty exists” over the club’s ability to continue operating.Blackburn have admitted there is some concern about the club’s financesCredit: GettyBlackburn made a profit of £1.8m last year, but that was down to the sales of Adam Wharton, Thomas Kaminski and Ash Philips to Crystal Palace, Luton and Tottenham respectively raising almost £23m.Without continued player sales the club need funding from the Venkys to stay in business, but the Indian government have blocked them from transferring money overseas.The Venkys’ parent company are involved in a long-running legal case with the Directorate of Enforcement in India in an attempt to get the ban overturned, with a hearing due to take place in Delhi this month.The Directorate of Enforcement are the branch of the Indian finance ministry in charge of investigating money laundering and breaches of foreign exchange laws.Read More in FootballThe Directorate allowed Venkys to make payments of £3.5m and £11m to Blackburn in June and October 2023 respectively after they pleaded for an exception to help keep the club afloat.No transfers have been since however, leaving Blackburn at risk of running out of money next year.Blackburn’s accounts were audited by a firm of independent accounts, PM+M, who issued a similar warning.They wrote: “Until such time as the legal matter is concluded satisfactorily, a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on this group and the company’s ability to continue as a going concern.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBlackburn currently sit ninth in the Championship table, three points adrift of the play-off spots.They next face newly-promoted Portsmouth next weekend.’I was a zebra, Shane Duffy was Goldilocks’ – Norwich City star Kellen Fisher on wild Xmas partys, dinner with Delia and team-mates getting egged More

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      in Soccer

      Walsall kit man and pitch-side announcer charged by FA for ‘acting in an improper manner’

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      WALSALL kitman Dave Joyce and pitch-side announcer Simon Hill have both been charged with misconduct by the FA.The pair allegedly acted in an “improper manner” in stoppage time during Walsall’s 1-1 draw against Crewe Alexandra in League Two on Saturday.A kitman and pitch-side announcer at Walsall have been charged by the FACredit: RexThe charges relate to an incident during the Saddlers’ League Two match against Crewe on SaturdayCredit: RexWith both sides pushing for a winner, a stoppage-time scuffle broke out when staff refused to give the ball back after it went out of play.Walsall kitman Joyce was sent off by referee Stephen Parkinson for the touchline melee.The ref then turned to book Crewe boss Lee Bell and Saddlers defender Liam Gordon.An FA statement read: “It’s alleged that David Joyce and Simon Hill acted in an improper manner around the 98th minute, and both of them have until November 18 to respond.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOmar Bogle opened the scoring for Crewe in the 66th minute when he crept in behind the Walsall defence to slot past Tommy Simkin.The home side equalised through Nathan Lowe with five minutes of normal time remaining before tempers flared in the closing stages.Tensions arose as both sides are pushing for promotion to League One, with Walsall sitting second and Crewe inside the play-off places.Mat Sadler’s side are three points adrift of league leaders Port Vale, but do have a game in hand.Most read in EFLA scuffle broke out at the end of Walsall’s 1-1 draw with CreweCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWalsall will not be in action this weekend, though, after their home clash with Gillingham was postponed due to international call-ups.Meanwhile, Crewe are back in action on Saturday as they host a huge clash against Notts County, who currently sit third.Both teams are vying for promotion to League OneCredit: RexOmar Bogle opened the scoring for the visitors inside 66 minutesCredit: RexNathan Lowe equalised for Walsall before carnage broke outCredit: Rex More

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      in Motorsport

      Stunning house Lewis Hamilton ‘will live in at Ferrari as he’s given honour only bestowed to Michael Schumacher’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON will reportedly move into a house formerly owned by Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari next year.The seven-time world champion is set to join Ferrari ahead of the 2025 Formula One season, putting an end to his 11-year spell with Mercedes.Lewis Hamilton will move into a huge new house when he officially joins FerrariCredit: GettyThe Brit has been granted permission to move into Enzo Ferrari’s old houseCredit: AlamyAnd when he swaps Brackley for Maranello, he will be granted the permission to move into a famed Italian house.Sky Sports Italy claim he is expected to move into a house previously occupied by Mr Ferrari himself.The home is located next to the team’s Fiorano circuit.F1 legend Michael Schumacher is the only other driver to have been given the privilege to live there.Read More on F1He would reside at the house on testing days.The three-storey building houses Enzo’s iconic office, which has been preserved since his death in 1988.Every door and window shutter on the outside is painted in the iconic Scuderia red.And the interior is littered with Ferrari memorabilia.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe house is littered with Ferrari memorabiliaCredit: Instagram @tony__qianIt is located next to Ferrari’s baseCredit: Instagram @tony__qianMercedes have announced initial plans for Hamilton’s final race with the team, which will be at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next month.The Brit will have the names of 150 fans printed on his car for the event.F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? Mercedes opened a competition this week to determine the lucky supporters.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner. More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Arsenal’s January transfer plans with defence hit by injuries and Gunners still without a centre-forward

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      ARSENAL are unlikely to be busy in the January transfer window – despite their injury woes so far this season.Ben White could be out for around six weeks after undergoing a minor procedure on a troublesome knee that has hampered his playing time this term.Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have been hit by a flurry of early-season injuriesCredit: ReutersBen White is facing a fitness battle over the next few weeksCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard’s return against Chelsea was a huge positive for the GunnersCredit: GettyDepending on his recovery, the right-back’s return may be sooner than hoped. But he remains in a battle to feature over the crucial festive period.Gunners defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also fighting to be back fully fit before December with knee injuries.Italian international Calafiori is targeting a comeback in the next few weeks.READ MORE ON ARSENAL NEWSWhile Japanese full-back Tomiyasu’s timeline remains up in the air after suffering several set-backs following his pre-season knock.SunSport understands Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal board are currently not targeting recruitments this winter to cope with any further potential absences.Managing Director Richard Garlick made a routine trip to the United States this week to meet with owner Stan Kroenke and co-chair Josh Kroenke.The meeting was to plan for next summer’s window – and was held without Sporting Director Edu after his resignation last week.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSYet the club’s policy remains that January is a reactive window instead of an active one.Arsenal’s last big splurge in a January window came in the 2022/23 campaign.How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problemThey splashed the cash two years ago on Brighton’s Leandro Trossard, Chelsea’s Jorginho and Spezia’s Jakub Kiwior for around £40m.Arteta’s injury worries have softened over the past few weeks with skipper Martin Odegaard returning to action. Mikel Merino [shoulder], Jurrien Timber [knee] and Gabriel [knee] have also proved their fitness.Arsenal and Edu resignation statement in fullEdu Gaspar has today resigned from his position as our Sporting Director.Edu, our former player and Invincible, re-joined us in the role of Technical Director in July 2019. He progressed through the club and was promoted to Sporting Director in November 2022, where he oversaw men’s, women’s and academy football.   We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart. Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.”Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.  “I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend. “Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”Our Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke, added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.  “Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.  “Change and evolution is a part of our club.  We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.”Arsenal made several moves in the summer, including a permanent £27m deal for keeper David Raya after his season-long loan spell from Brentford. They also signed Calafiori for £42m and spent £32.6m to bring in Merino from Real Sociedad. READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal ratings v ChelseaHere’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners:David Raya – 7Tipped a shot over the bar early on from Cole Palmer and claimed crosses well. Could do nothing about Neto’s crisp strike.Ben White – 5Poor when trying to stop a Neto cross that Malo Gusto should have then scored. Booked for a foul on the winger later on.William Saliba – 6Steady alongside Gabriel but was more in the covering role so had less to do. Struggled with his line-breaking passes today on the whole. Failed to engage Neto as he raced towards the area before narrowing a shot into the corner.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Made some vital blocks when the midfield was bypassed and was generally the busier of himself and Saliba.Jurrien Timber – 6Busy day for the defender in trying to keep Madueke quiet, a task he largely succeeded in. But he wasn’t able to heavily influence the game going forward since the ball never really got to him. Most entertaining part of the game before the goal probably came with the 57th-minute throw-in that slipped out of his hands and over his head.Thomas Partey – 6Struggled to contain Cole Palmer early on but grew into the game and got on the ball plenty, although he was somewhat wayward with his long-range passing. After a bad touch he managed to poke the ball back to Odegaard before he provided the assist.Declan Rice – 6Made some vital defensive contributions to block some Chelsea chances and displayed quick thinking at a free-kick to put Havertz through to score, but was marginally offside. Subbed off after 71 minutes.Martin Odegaard – 7Back in the starting XI for the first time since August. Has been a big miss for Arteta’s side but may take some time to get back to his best and was on the ball nowhere near enough at the Bridge. Won the ball back before providing the assist for Martinelli’s opener.Bukayo Saka – 5Showed superb defensive work rate to keep Marc Cucurella in check, though this inversely meant he was unable to contribute as much in attack. Subbed off after pulling up injured in the 79th minute.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Should have done better when given the chance to score past Sanchez in the penalty area after Saka won the ball back high. Kept at it and scored against the run of play in the second half with a nice finish to Sanchez’s near post. Hooked after 71 minutes.Kai Havertz – 6Appeared to have poked home the opening goal with a sharp bit of movement but was fractionally offside. Booked for not going off the pitch when bleeding on his head.Deadline Day loan moves for back-up keeper Neto and Raheem Sterling helped provide competition among the squad. There were also big sales of academy stars Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham and Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace, as well as keeper Aaron Ramsdale’s switch to Southampton. More