Sport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares101 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 225 Shares91 Views

      in Boxing

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

      by

      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

    • 238 Shares70 Views

      in Boxing

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

      by

      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

    • 238 Shares75 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 188 Shares101 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 225 Shares50 Views

      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois rematch ‘OFF until 2026 with IBF champion in line for two fights beforehand’

      by

      A REMATCH between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will be “out of the picture” for a while, according to Frank Warren.The two heavyweights went head-to-head at Wembley Stadium in September.A rematch between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua will almost certainly NOT happen next yearCredit: GettyDubois knocked AJ out in the fifth round when the two heavyweights met in SeptemberCredit: ReutersFrank Warren claims Dubois has his sights set on other fightsCredit: AlamyDubois stunned AJ with a fifth-round knockout to retain his IBF world title.While a rematch was initially mentioned after the fight, negotiations recently came to a halt.Dynamite is expected to return to the ring in February, but that is deemed far too soon by Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn.With AJ still nursing some minor injuries from the September bout, Dubois’ representatives have begun talking to other potential opponents.Read More in BoxingThe 27-year-old will then be expected to fight the winner of an eliminator bout between Martin Bakole and Agit Kabayel in the second half of 2025, with Joshua also likely to face a different opponent during that time.That means a rematch between AJ and Dynamite will almost certainly not happen next year.Discussing the issues during an appearance on talkSPORT this week, Dubois’ promoter Warren explained: “First of all, the fight Daniel had against AJ was his mandatory so he is allowed a period of time, which means he can fight in February and he’s allowed up until April or May [to make a voluntary defence].”And then whoever the mandatory is, that is who it will be [for the fight after].Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It won’t be AJ because he can’t get himself into a mandatory position because they have called for the next two guys to fight each other (Kabayel and Bakole).”So he’s out of the picture and he will be out of the picture for a while.”Eddie Hearn reveals real reason Anthony Joshua’s February rematch with Daniel Dubois was KO’d amid ‘major injury’ claimHearn recently hinted at when AJ could return to action.He said: “He had five fights in 18 months, he will be fine. Back in the summer.” More

    • 238 Shares82 Views

      in Soccer

      England ratings: Noni Madueke and Curtis Jones steal show after Harry Kane benched to give Thomas Tuchel a headache

      by

      NONI MADUEKE repaid Lee Carsley by inspiring England to a vital win over Greece – after the England boss left Harry Kane on the bench.The Three Lions required a victory by at least two goals to put Nations League promotion in their hands.Noni Madueke inspired England to victoryCredit: GettyCurtis Jones marked his debut with a brilliant goalCredit: GettyJordan Pickford kept England ahead with some key savesCredit: APOllie Watkins put England ahead in the seventh minuteCredit: AFPThey got off to a dream start when Ollie Watkins, deputising for captain Kane, opened the scoring in the seventh minute, after Madueke and Jude Bellingham linked brilliantly.England players were targeted by lasers throughout but they did not let it affect them as they finished the first half on top.Greece had a period of dominance after the break and Jordan Pickford kept England ahead, before Bellingham took control.The Real Madrid star is yet to hit his heights of last season but he proved class is permanent as he bore down on goal before striking the post, only for the ball to rebound off goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachomidos and into net.READ MORE IN ENGLANDCurtis Jones then added the third which was the best of the match, rounding off a brilliant move with a delightful flicked finish into the bottom corner.Here is how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the England display…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.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKyle 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.ITV ‘do England stars dirty’ as live footage of national anthem singing leaves fans in hystericsMarc 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.READ MORE SUN STORIESJarrod Bowen (for Noni Madueke, 66) – 7 Clever nutmeg to free Morgan Gibbs-White, who then teed up Jones.Morgan Gibbs-White (for Gallagher, 79) – 7Cutback for Jones was on the money. More

    • 263 Shares98 Views

      in Soccer

      Greece 0-3 England LIVE RESULT: Jones’ sublime flick makes it three as visitors close in on top spot – latest updates

      by

      ENGLAND are now top of their Nations League group after thrashing Greece 3-0 in Athens.Noni Madueke assisted Ollie Watkins for the opener before the Greece keeper’s unfortunate own goal made it two.And then Curtis Jones’ sublime flick competed the romp, sending Lee Carsley’s men to the top of the group.RESULT: Greece 0-3 EnglandTV channel: ITV1FREE live stream: ITVXGreece starting team: Vlachodimos, Rota, Koulierakis, Mavropanos, Tsimikas, Siopis, Zafeiris, Bakasetas, Masouras, Tzolis, PavlidisEngland starting team: Pickford; Walker, Konsa, Guehi, Lewis; Jones, Gallagher; Gordon, Bellingham, Madueke; WatkinsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow all the action from Athens Olympic Stadium with our live blog below…Fans using laserA section of the home crowd kept using lasers during England’s 3-0 win over Greece at OAKA.Photos show the likes of Jude Bellingham, Jordan Pickford and Noni Madueke being targeted.This comes after last month’s Conference League clash between Panathinaikos and Chelsea in the same ground.The Blues’ stars were also being pointed at by the lasers from the crowd.Copy linkCopiedJude Bellingham speaksEngland superstar Jude Bellingham hailed his team-mates after all the drama that saw nine team-mates dropping out.Good win, important win. A lot made of the lads not here but the lads who are here showed up.Really proud of the boys tonight.The lads did their business crucially.Jude BellinghamITVCredit: PACopy linkCopiedLee Carsley reactsEngland interim boss Lee Carsley praised his players but is now only looking forward to his last match in charge on Sunday against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley before Thomas Tuchel takes over.We are moving in the right direction. Big game on Sunday at Wembley. Important we now recover and get ready for that.It was important that the players played to their strength. It was about players getting an opportunity and we saw that tonight.Curtis [Jones] is an outstanding player and I am delighted for him. These players play week in and week out in the Premier League.[Morgan] Rogers has been really good for [Aston] Villa and maybe could have been in the senior squad sooner.Lee CarsleyITVCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedDave Kidd from AthensNo permanent manager, no captain in the starting line-up and precious few senior players bothering to turn up.And yet it was no sweat for England to regain control of their Nations League group and gain revenge for last month’s Wembley embarrassment.It was a night when interim boss Lee Carsley placed his trust in several of his own Under-21 European champions – and gave Thomas Tuchel plenty of food for thought.Why Tuchel wasn’t in the dugout, heaven alone knows, and why he wasn’t in the Greek capital to watch is also a mystery.But while the German enjoys his sabbatical, Carsley enjoyed the best night of his brief reign – just when the cards all seemed stacked against him.He made a major call in starting skipper Harry Kane on the bench, then watched his replacement Ollie Watkins bag an early opener before an own goal from keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos and a sweet strike from debutant Curtis Jones earned a convincing victory.And all this after a dozen members of his squad were ruled out through injuries, genuine or otherwise.That third goal created by Morgan Gibbs-White and finished by Liverpool midfielder Jones had Carsley’s signature stamped all over it.And another member of Carsley’s triumphant Under-21s from last year – Noni Madueke – was the best player on the pitch, creating Watkins’s opener with pace and intelligence.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEngland player ratingsHere’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rates each England star after their 3-0 win over Greece.Jordan Pickford: 8Kyle Walker: 7Marc Guehi: 7Ezri Konsa: 7Rico Lewis: 7Curtis Jones: 9Conor Gallagher: 7Noni Madueke: 9 Jude Bellingham: 8Anthony Gordon: 7Ollie Watkins: 7SUBSLewis Hall: 7Harry Kane: 6Morgan Rogers: 8Jarrod Bowen: 7Morgan Gibbs-White: 7Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedCharlie Wyett from AthensIt 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.Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker and Jude Bellingham were the only established players who started last night with their combined number of caps totalling 200.Incredibly, the other eight players had managed just 78 senior appearances between them.Undoubtedly, the moment of the night came from the heel of Curtis Jones who capped a fine debut performance with a brilliantly cheeky effort for 3-0.Yet the performance of the evening in the Greek capital came from Noni Madueke who celebrated his fourth cap – and first start – with a menacing display down the right and it was a surprise he was substituted in the 66th minute by interim boss Lee Carsley.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTom Barclay from AthensFull-time and a great win that means England will win the group provided they beat Republic of Ireland on Sunday.Lee Carsley really showed what he is capable of here and provided they do win at the weekend, his interim reign will look, in time, a relative success under trying circumstances.Barring that one maverick formation against Greece at Wembley last month which obviously backfired!England looked full of threat with the pace in the attacking areas which freed up Jude Bellingham, while Curtis Jones excelled on debut.Jones, Madueke and Gibbs-White were all huge parts of Carsley’s Under-21 Euros triumph last summer and they made big contributions here too.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedUpdated Nations League tableEngland are now in full control of their destiny in their Nations League group.The Three Lions are top of Group 2 and just need to beat the Republic of Ireland on Sunday to return to League A.The Greeks have sealed second place and could have an ace in the hole if they can’t qualify for the 2026 World Cup via the qualifying phase.That is of course if England qualify automatically from their own qualifying phase.More below:Copy linkCopiedGreece vs England statsEngland dominated 56n per cent of possession against Greece in a sold out OAKA.The Three Lions registered nine shots, five of which were on target.The Greeks, on the other hand, produced 10 shots, half of which were on target.More below:Copy linkCopiedFT: Greece 0-3 EnglandEngland are top of their Nations League group after a dominant victory despite a raft of absences.The Three Lions visited Greece at OAKA without nine key players and captain Harry Kane on the bench.But Kane’s replacement Ollie Watkins got the visitors on the front foot after just seven minutes when Jude Bellingham released Noni Madueke with a brilliant ball and the Chelsea ace found the Aston Villa star in the penalty area.The Greeks huffed and puffed but England got their precious second on 77 minutes when Bellingham’s shot rattled the post and the incoming Conor Gallagher got the rebound that led to goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos’ own-goal.And Lee Carsley’s side sealed the three points as well as the top thanks to the debuting Curtis Jones who hit Vlachodimos’ bottom right corner after a brilliant assist by Morgan Gibbs-White seven minutes before full-time.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT: Greece 0-3 EnglandPeep!England have topped their Nations League group!!!Copy linkCopied90+2 Greece 0-3 EnglandChanceGreece vice captain Mantalos delivers a sharp shot that Pickford palms away.Copy linkCopied90 Greece 0-3 EnglandFour minutes of stoppage time to go.We’re seeing flares getting lit from the home end and the lasers haven’t stopped all night.Copy linkCopied88 Greece 0-3 EnglandI’m starting to see empty seats at a sold-out OAKA.The home crowd can’t be heard at all, but the away end is in full swing.Copy linkCopied86 Greece 0-3 EnglandChanceKane tries an awkward shot from a tight corner down the right before losing his ballance.The ball goes way over the crossbar!Copy linkCopied83 Greece 0-3 EnglandDebut goal for Jones who has been amazing tonight!Bowen finds Gibbs-White in the box, who cuts it back for the Liverpool ace who fires it past Vlachodimos’ bottom right corner.Credit: PACopy linkCopied83 Greece 0-3 EnglandGoal!Jones scores on his debut!!!Copy linkCopied80 Greece 0-2 EnglandSubstitutionGreece boss Jovanovic brings on Mantalos who replaces Siopis.Copy linkCopied78 Greece 0-2 EnglandSubstitutionEngland boss Carsley brings on Gibbs-White, who replaces Gallagher immediately after he greatly contributed to the second goal.Copy linkCopied77 Greece 0-2 EnglandThey did it! Revenge for the loss at Wembley!Rogers released Bellingham with a fantastic pass and the Real Madrid star delivered a stunning shot from the edge of the area that hit the post.The incoming Gallagher got the rebound and Vlachodimos sent the balls to his own net inadvertently.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied78 Greece 0-2 EnglandGoal!!!Gallagher! Or is it an own-goal???Copy linkCopied76 Greece 0-1 EnglandGreece are pushing very hard for an equaliser with their attackign substitutes.Giannoulis delivers a ball from the left and Tzolis gets a touch but it’s too heavy and goes out of play.Copy linkCopied73 Greece 0-1 EnglandChance!England captain Kane tried his first shot of the match but it goes straight to Vlachodimons.Beautiful pass by Rogers on his debut.Copy linkCopied73 Greece 0-1 EnglandVery thunderous ovations from the Greek crowd when Konstantelias and Ioannidis came on.The two have been revelations at their clubs PAOK and Panathinaikos respectively.Ntelias was linked with Salzburg and Benfica in the summer, while Ipswich, Leicester, Bologna and Lazio wanted Ioannidis.Copy linkCopied72 Greece 0-1 EnglandGreece are still top of the group as England need another goal.Reminding you the Three Lions need to win by a two-goal margin!Copy linkCopied More