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      Nick Pope says Jordan Pickford is England’s No1 despite NEVER conceding for Three Lions and rival being axed by Everton

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      NICK POPE admits he is some distance behind England number one Jordan Pickford.
      The Burnley keeper will make his fourth senior appearance tonight against Ireland and has yet to concede a goal.

      Nick Pope says Jordan Pickford is England’s No1 despite never conceding for Three LionsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Boss Gareth Southgate has already claimed that no other keeper is ‘seriously’ challenging Pickford even though he was dropped for one game by Everton.
      Pope, 28, said: “I think it’s fair to say Jordan is number one at the minute.
      “If you look at the last 25, 30 fixtures, he’d have played probably 28 of them.
      “So, a person with that sort of record in the national team, I think, deserves to be called number one, he has earned it. It’s not happened overnight.

      “I think I’ve done quite well for England in those three games. No goals is always a massive bonus for a goalkeeper and you can’t ask for much more in terms of goals against.
      “But I don’t think I’ve been overly tested in all the games either so I don’t think I’m walking round thinking I’m the best goalkeeper in the world.”
      Pope also admitted that keepers have to accept stick when it is flying around.
      Asked about the criticism handed out by England keeper Martyn Margetson, Pope smiled.

      He said: “I’ve not seen it to be honest. I’ll have to have a look later.
      “Generally, you know when you’ve made a mistake and can feel or know if you’re in a good run of form or a bad run. I think that’s just part of being a goalkeeper.
      “You’ve got to have thick skin, be brave and have a big character to get through those moments, come through the other side and ride mistakes, put performances together and start the cycle again of being in good form.
      “I think it’s just part and parcel of being a goalkeeper. Your goalkeeping coach is there and if you want criticism from anyone, or advice or pointers, it’s your goalkeeping coach.
      “They’ve been underneath a crossbar, they’ve been in that position themselves and want only the best for you.”

      Sam Allardyce feels Jordan Pickford should’ve been sent off in Everton v Liverpool match More

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      Mourinho’s fears over Bale being ‘destroyed’ by Wales allayed as stand-in boss reassures Tottenham star is in safe hands

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      JOSE MOURINHO’S fears Gareth Bale will be ‘destroyed’ by Wales have been allayed.
      The Tottenham boss stated he was uncomfortable with Bale going away with his country because Dragons No2 Albert Stuivenberg also works for rivals Arsenal.

      Jose Mourinho’s fears over Gareth Bale has been eased by WalesCredit: Getty

      Bale, on a season-long loan from Real Madrid, has been building up his fitness with Spurs following a knee injury sustained in September.
      But Wales caretaker Robert Page says Bale, who is set to be rested for tonight’s friendly with the USA, is in safe hands so there has been no need to call Mourinho.
      Page, in charge following Ryan Giggs’ arrest, said: “I totally sympathise and understand what he’s saying. I’ve been a club manager myself, albeit I didn’t have too many players leave for international duty. We’re borrowing his players to come and play for Wales so of course we’re going to look after them.
      “We’ve got one of the best medical teams in the country and we trust in what they do is in the best interest of the players to get them fit.

      “They’re not going to undo any work that’s been done at club level, and that’s irrespective if you’re Gareth Bale or whoever. It’s elite sport and elite preparation for games.
      “There’s a plan we have for Gareth, no different to any other player. If a player comes in having played on a Saturday, we do a second day of recovery on the Monday.
      “We’ve a medical team that’s second to none in my opinion. If we have players coming in having played on Sunday, they stay off the grass on Monday and have a second day of recovery on the Tuesday. We have a template in place for any player coming in.
      “If they’ve got individual plans, of course we’ll adhere to that as well.

      The percentage of answers have been round up or down from their decimal points

      From our point of view there has been no communication but we’ve got a plan to get the players fit and ready for the games in a sensible manner. It’s been no different over the years and we’ll continue to do the same.
      “We now have a fully fit Gareth Bale. I’ve had a conversation with him and he’s raring to go. He’s fighting fit. The team selection will be decided but we’ll also have one eye on the two qualifiers, which are really important for us.”
      Page also played down Mourinho’s jibe on the involvement of Mikel Arteta’s assistant Stuivenberg.
      He added: “Albert’s been part of our set-up for a couple of years. We’ve got Joe Rodon and Ben Davies, so we’ve had Tottenham players involved in the squad now for a couple of years. Of course he is going to show an interest but there’s never been any issues there at all.”

      Tottenham boss Mourinho admits he feels ‘uncomfortable’ about Bale playing for Wales because assistant manager works for Arsenal More

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      Scotland fight for return to world stage as Jackie McNamara recalls rubbing shoulders with Tony Blair and Rod Stewart

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      JACKIE McNAMARA will never forget the Blair years – when Scotland regularly used to rub shoulders with Prime Ministers and the great and the good on a global stage.
      Sadly for the football-mad nation those heady days were followed by the blur years as the Scots failed to qualify for a staggering 10 major tournaments over 22 painful years.

      The Tartan Army have suffered a painful 22 years since World Cup 1998Credit: Getty

      Former Scotland star Jackie McNamara was part of that squad and remembers rubbing shoulders with the likes of Tony Blair and Rod StewartCredit: Allsport

      Tonight the former Celtic and Wolves defender hopes things can only get better and Steve Clarke’s side extend their unbeaten run to nine games with a crucial play-off win over Serbia in Belgrade tonight, to book their place in this summer’s European Championships. 
      McNamara played in Scotland’s last match in a major finals – a crushing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Morocco in Saint Etienne on June 23, 1998 – which ended in disaster as Craig Burley was sent off and the 10-man Scots wave Au Revoir to France – and football’s biggest stages.
      Now, after an agonising wait of 8,177 days, the former Scotland defender desperately wants the Tartan Army to celebrate a return to the big time – and an end to the Blair Hitch Project!
      “I’m not sure the current players realise what a massive deal it is to play at a World Cup or European Championship,” said McNamara, who was 24 and assumed his first World Cup would be the first of many – not the last.

      “I remember the Prime Minister Tony Blair dropped in to wish us all the best on the eve of our opening game against Brazil in Paris.
      “He stopped by the team hotel for a bit of lunch and a blether with the lads.
      “He jokingly suggested he fancied a game in midfield but Craig Brown told him he’d have to fight Craig Burley for it.
      “The standing joke in our squad was that Burley believed his best position was in midfield but Craig Brown preferred him at right-back and kept playing him there!

      “Ironically it was only when I went on at right back against Norway in our second match that Craig moved Burley into midfield and he promptly scored our equaliser in a 1-1 draw.
      “There were other memorable highlights, like the day Rod Stewart turned up at the team hotel to wish us all the best.
      “Unfortunately Rod had obviously had a drink or two with the Tartan Army and was a little the worse for wear!
      “Any chance of a song with one of our most famous fans disappeared as a couple of security men ushered Rod into a waiting lift and whisked him off to another floor, away from the media!
      “But these big tournaments are not just special for the players, the fans are left with memories which last a lifetime too. 
      “The Tartan Army are famous for their ability to party with all nations and they have been sorely missed, for the colour they add to the occasion, for far too long now.
      “My dad and the rest of my family spent the whole world cup in France and had a great time.
      “He went to the Eiffel Tower to do a bit of sight-seeing and witnessed a massive football match – involving hundreds – taking place between the Tartan Army and the Rest of the World under the famous landmark!
      “Ally McCoist was in Paris doing some broadcast work and ended up on stage in a bar full of Scotland fans belting out Bruce Springsteen songs on the karaoke.
      “He says he had one of the best backing bands ever assembled – Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Kenny Dalglish and JAMES BOND himself … Sean Connery!” 
      Sadly, since those heady days with 007 and Rod Stewart, nothing has been plain ‘Sailing,’ for Scotland but McNamara is hopeful all that could change tonight.
      “I just hope we can get over the line in Belgrade because it’s been a long and frustrating wait for the whole nation,” he said.

      Hilarious moment hotdog and beer go flying as Tartan Army Scot slips at Wembley More

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      American stars are earning their stripes in the Champions League with Pulisic leading a new wave of US youngsters

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      UNCLE SAM has never had so many stars earning their stripes in the Champions League.
      Over the years, only a handful of American players have ever cut the mustard on this side of the Atlantic.

      Christian Pulisic is leading a new wave of European-based US youngstersCredit: Getty

      But now, Chelsea ace Christian Pulisic is leading a new wave of European-based US youngsters who are giving fresh hope to national team boss Gregg Berhalter.
      Nine Champions League players are in his squad to take on Wales in tonight’s Cardiff friendly.
      Alongside 22-year-old Pulisic, Barcelona’s Sergino Dest (20), Bayern Munich’s Chris Richards (23), RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams (21) Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie (22) and Borussia Dortmund’s Giovanni Reyna – the 17-year-old son of former Sunderland midfielder Claudio – are all thrilling Berhalter.
      With the MLS heading into the play-offs, Berhalter’s team is made up entirely of those playing outside the US.

      And he spends a lot of his time channel-hopping on his TV to watch his kids of America sparkling on Euro nights.
       Berhalter declared: “I am a firm believer that the measure of talent in any given country is  based on the number of players that you have playing in the Champions  League.
      “It is exciting when you have  five guys on a matchday  that you can watch by flipping back and forth.
      “It is now  that you watch just one game every couple of weeks. Now they are coming fast and furious.”

      Former USA boss Jurgen Klinsmann was blasted by some fans after suggesting Americans may be better off heading to Europe for their football  education.
      But Berhalter’s crop may be about to prove Tottenham’s former German striker right.
      Berhalter also has high hopes for Manchester City keeper Zack Steffen (25), Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah (17) – who has played for England’s youth teams but was born in the USA – Leicester’s Chituru Odunze (18), Wolves’ Owen Otasowie (19), PSV’s Richie Ledezma (20) and Barcelona winger Konrad de la Fuente (19).
      Ex-US defender Alexi Lalas has seen enough false dawns to last a  lifetime.

      But he told SunSport: “I am hard pressed to find a moment over the  last 25 years when there has been more optimism, not just specific to the  amount of talent available, but where they are all playing.
      “We have to remember this is all theoretical at the moment, it’s all on  paper so there is cautious optimism.
      “Just because you have good players it  doesn’t always translate to the national team.
      “But don’t forget there were dark, negative times after the epic failure  of missing out on the Russia World Cup.
      “We are in a good place right now. It’s going to be fun watching these players.”

      Frank Lampard predicts Christian Pulisic will ‘get even better’ as USA International continues to impress for Chelsea after Premier League restart More

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      Palace star Ebere Eze developing into England prospect thanks to flop Three Lions’ bosses Steve McClaren and Roy Hodgson

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      EBERE EZE is developing into a future England prospect – thanks to the influence of two Three Lions’ bosses.
      Steve McClaren gave a teenage Eze the chance to be the chief creator in QPR’s attack.

      Ebere Eze is preparing to face Andorra with England U21s on FridayCredit: Getty

      While Roy Hodgson has been schooling the 22-year-old on the defensive side of the game since he joined Crystal Palace for £16million this summer.
      Eze is aiming to become the complete package using both managers’ advice and has aspirations to make his country’s senior side one day.
      But for now his goal is to become a key player for Aidy Boothroyd’s Young Lions, who take on Andorra tomorrow at Molineux.
      Recalling his time working under McClaren, who coached England for a year in 2006, Eze said: “Steve was great for me.

      “He instilled that first confidence in me to be like, ‘OK, you’re going to be the creator, the one to help the team to create and score goals’.
      “Giving me the number 10 shirt at QPR was a big thing for not just me, but the club. 
      “The faith that he put into me was unbelievable, and I can’t thank him enough for it.”
      Eze scored his first Premier League goal with a brilliant free-kick in Saturday’s 4-1 demolition of Leeds at Selhurst Park.

      How the PL’s best transfer XI for this summer line up

      He also grabbed an assist but it is his work without the ball that he is learning most under Hodgson, in charge of his nation between 2012-2016.
      The Greenwich lad, who is eligible to play for Nigeria through his parents, explained: “The way Roy speaks to me and the advice he gives me are only going to give me confidence and help me improve.
      “I’m still learning the attacking front as well, but I feel my biggest steps forward are coming on the defensive side, because I have to be so alert and so concentrated.
      “I’m doing things that I wasn’t necessarily having to do at QPR. 
      “I feel like I’m learning so much and I feel like, if I continue to do that, then I’ll be in a good position.”
      Tomorrow’s clash with Andorra gives Boothroyd’s side the chance to make up for the embarrassing 3-3 draw they suffered against the minnows last month.
      One positive from that game was a stunning through-ball from Eze to set up a goal for Eddie Nketiah.
      It gave hope that playmaking Eze could be the man to pick the lock if England are struggling to break down teams at next year’s Euros, for which they have already qualified.

      Ex-England boss Steve McClaren gave a teenage Eze his chance in QPR’s attackCredit: Reuters

      Another former Three Lions manager Roy Hodgson splashed out £16m for the star this summerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Yet rewind the clock four years and the Londoner was fearing football would not work out for him after being released by Millwall.
      The Eagles starlet recalled: “It built huge resilience in me, being released.
      “It is not the best feeling and you’re not in the best space mentally. 
      “You have to get back up again, not allow your setbacks to determine where you end up in life. 
      “I feel that was something that was forced into me after being released. I had to get up and be strong.
      “Of course you have doubts, of whether you’re going to get your professional contract, whether you’re going to be what you would hope you’d be.
      “But for me, it was the support of my family and people around me that continued to instil that faith in me, and being religious as well. 
      “Having faith was huge for me that I would always believe that I would get to where I hoped to get to and thankfully, and thanks to God, it has worked out.”

      Crystal Palace complete £15m transfer for QPR ace Eberechi Eze after beating Premier League rivals to the attacker More

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      Big Six fuming with Premier League chief Richard Masters for not pushing case on five subs

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      PREM chief executive Richard Masters angered the Big Six by failing to back calls for another vote on five substitutes.
      Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola led the weekend assault on the issue. 

      Richard Masters angered the Big Six by failing to back calls for another vote on five subsCredit: Getty

       The Big Six accuse Masters of letting them down by not pushing their case ahead of September’s second lost vote.
      But in his appearance before MPs, Masters appeared to come down against the idea, with Big Six sources describing his stance as “disappointing”.
      Masters said: “There is an argument that five substitutes changes the competitive balance of a football match.
      “We’ve had two votes on it at club level and both have been conclusively supportive of returning to three subs.

      “I don’t see that changing for the foreseeable future. It’s been voted on twice.”
      CHANGES AFOOT
      PROJECT Big Picture was announced as dead and buried last month.
      But MPs were given a very different impression as Premier League chief Richard Masters admitted “change is coming” — and promised a decision by spring.

      In a victory for Liverpool and Manchester United, Masters confirmed all aspects of potential structural change will be on the table in his promised “strategic review”.
      That includes an 18-club league, scrapping the League Cup, changes in TV revenue distribution and a different voting mechanism.
      Masters said: “Change is coming. There has never been a stronger need for a clear plan for the whole of domestic football.
      “We are hoping we will complete our project by the end of March.”

      Greg Clarke did more than just talk himself out of a job on TuesdayCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      LEFT IT A LOAN
      GREG CLARKE’S race, sex and gay rights blunder left him damaged goods.
      But the now former Wembley chairman also revealed he was warned the FA’s existence might be on the line if one proposed Covid measure was taken on.
      Clarke told MPs the FA had considered being the guarantor for a proposed £50million EFL loan from the Government.
      He said: “We looked to raise an extra £50m to donate to the pyramid but couldn’t get the covenants in place.
      “Then we looked to see if we could  guarantee the EFL loan — but if they had defaulted there was a high chance it would have resulted in FA insolvency. We couldn’t put our funding of the entire pyramid and our ownership of Wembley at risk.”
      GLOBAL PARIAHS
      ANY players whose club joined a prospective European Super League will become global pariahs, a Select Committee was told.
      Before quitting the FA, Greg Clarke (right) explained: “Any European Super League needs approval from three bodies — Fifa, Uefa and the FA.
      “Our job is to protect football, not create some sort of global elite. If you joined an outside concept you can’t play for England and can’t play in the Champions League.”

      How the PL’s best transfer XI for this summer line up

      HUGE GAMBLE
      BANNING gambling sponsorship would have a potentially “catastrophic” effect on cash-strapped EFL clubs.
      The Government is considering a ban and also curtailing advertising by bookies but EFL chairman Rick Parry said: “It is worth somewhere north of £40million for the EFL and our clubs.
      “If a ban came in overnight, on the back of everything else, it would be potentially catastrophic.
      “If it came in quickly it would still create major difficulties, and if it were phased in over time then clubs would have to find a way of adapting but there would be major problems.”

      FA Chairman Greg Clarke apologises for ‘coloured’ comment More

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      EFL clubs set to accept Premier League bail-out after top-flight agrees to look after Championship sides as well

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      LOWER division clubs are set to finally accept the £50million Premier League bail-out this week – after the top flight agreed to look after Championship clubs as well.
      The League One and Two clubs will hold virtual divisional meetings on Thursday when it is expected the bail out will be agreed nearly a month after it was rejected.

      EFL chairman Rick Parry (above) and Prem chief executive Richard Masters signalled a deal was at handCredit: Rex Features

      Since then, intensive discussions between the Prem and EFL chiefs have taken place as the cash crisis has deepened.
      And both EFL chairman Rick Parry and Prem chief executive Richard Masters signalled a deal was at hand.
      Speaking to MPs on the DCMS Select Committee, Masters explained: “We have put a proposal for League One and League Two and we’ll be happy to do one separately and then come to a resolution on the championship.
      “But we need the EFL and the clubs to bind on for that.”

      Parry, who has been at odds with Masters for more than a month, responded: “We would very much like to come to a deal with the Premier League and we are having constructive dialogue.
      “In a gesture of solidarity, the League One and Two clubs said they did not want to abandon the Championship and wanted a deal for the league as a whole which was commendable.
      “The Premier League has now said it is willing to consider a deal for the Championship so we can now move forward on that basis.”
      Masters is aware that the EFL would prefer the whole of the £50m package to be available as a grant, rather than the initial offer with the second tranche of £30m as a loan.

      That is likely to be agreed ahead of tomorrow’s meeting, allowing clubs to start accessing Prem funds, which Masters confirmed would take the total from the top flight to £100m.
      The remaining sticking point had been a reluctance from Prem clubs to make an official offer to the Championship, many of whose owners are wealthier than those in the top flight.
      But last week’s official confirmation from the Prem that “Championship clubs who are suffering significant COVID-19-related hardship” were able to ask for help was seen as a critical move to unblock the logjam.
      Parry added: “Now we have a commitment that the Championship is going to be involved we can move forward with that.
      “We have club meetings this week and will be taking that forward.”

      How the PL’s best transfer XI for this summer line up

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