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      in Soccer

      Bayern Munich wonderkid Jamal Musiala set for first England Under-21s call after quitting Chelsea academy in 2019

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      BAYERN MUNICH whizkid Jamal Musiala looks set to receive his maiden call-up to the England Under-21s.
      The midfielder, 17, has made eight appearances for the Bundesliga giants this season, scoring twice.

      Jamal Musiala is set for a call-up to the England Under-21sCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Musiala burst onto the scene at Bayern Munich in JuneCredit: EPA

      Musiala has played for both England and Germany at youth level

      Musiala was born in Stuttgart but moved to England aged seven – and has represented both nations at youth level.
      He was educated at prestigious private school Whitgift in Croydon.
      Their famous sporting alumni also include Callum Hudson-Odoi, Victor Moses and rugby star Danny Cipriani.
      Whitgift’s director of football and former Crystal Palace striker Andrew Martin told DW Sports: “He would score 50+ goals for us a season, and he wasn’t far off that mark at Chelsea.”

      Musiala was part of the Chelsea academy from the age of eight but left to join Bayern in July 2019.
      His exciting form for the reigning Champions League holders is expected to be rewarded.
      Musiala is now expected to be handed a first call-up to Aidy Boothroyd’s Young Lions squad.
      He should be part of the group for their two Euro qualifiers against Andorra and Albania at Molineux later this month.

      Musiala left Chelsea to join Bayern Munich in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Musiala has played eight times for Bayern Munich this seasonCredit: AFP or licensors

      Musiala has previously represented Germany’s Under-16sCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Musiala only made his first-team debut in June, coming on as a sub for Bayern Munich in their 3-1 win over SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga.
      In September, he became Bayern’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the Bundesliga – scoring in the 8-0 rout over Schalke.
      The former Chelsea academy ace was just 17 years and 205 days old when he came off the bench and made history against the side from Gelsenkirchen.

      Watch ex-Chelsea wonderkid Jamal Musiala become second youngest goalscorer in Germany’s third tier with brace for Bayern Munich II vs FSV Zwickau More

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      in Soccer

      Gareth Southgate reveals nobody is ‘seriously’ challenging Jordan Pickford as England No1 despite derby row

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE revealed his concerns over Jordan Pickford and the nasty fall-out from the Merseyside derby.
      The England boss, who has named his squad for the forthcoming triple header, reckons the Everton keeper remains his No1 and no-one is ‘seriously’ threatening his place.

      Pickford is still comfortably England’s No1, according to SouthgateCredit: PA:Press Association

      Southgate revealed he held talks with Pickford over his horror tackle on Van DijkCredit: PA:Press Association

      But Southgate held talks with Pickford after his poor challenge left Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk seriously injured and needing knee surgery.
      Pickford received some major online abuse and although he was rested for the 2-1 loss at Newcastle, Carlo Ancelotti will pick him for tomorrow’s home game with Manchester United.
      Southgate, whose first game of the international window is at home to Ireland on Thursday, said: “We spoke after the Liverpool game.
      “I was just checking in. I recognised that it had been a very high-profile situation and there had been a lot of collateral fallout in a very public way.

      “I just felt it would be an appropriate call to see how he was and if I could help in any way.
      “Of course, any abuse to anybody – we are seeing a lot of examples of this on social media – is a concern for everybody really.
      “This has been a very difficult period for Jordan in terms of the spotlight on that particular challenge.
      “And because of the profile of the player involved – it is disappointing to see a player like that miss football.

      Pickford has competition in the England squad from Dean HendersonCredit: Rex Features

      “But we all know whenever we step over the line as a player, injuries can happen.
      “It’s an unfortunate situation but there is nothing Jordan can do about that now. He has to get on with playing.
      “I don’t know if he needed a breather or not. Carlo is working with him every day and would be more aware of what he is seeing on the training pitch.
      “Maybe that Newcastle game was the right one to make that decision.
      “One thing is for certain – you couldn’t find a more experienced person to make that call.
      “And I think Jordan will appreciate the fact that Carlo immediately explained publicly that he was going to be playing again this weekend.
      “That is key in terms of Jordan feeling supported and feeling that it would have been handled well.”

      Nick Pope is the other option in Southgate’s latest England squadCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Southgate made it clear Pickford remains his top pick ahead of both Nick Pope and Dean Henderson.
      The England boss must decide whether he features in all three games, which also includes Nations League matches against Belgium and Iceland.
      The Three Lions boss added: “When people say I have been loyal to him he has deserved that.
      “His performances have been excellent for us and so that has not been a difficult decision for me.
      “We have some competition for places but I’d have to say there is nobody challenging seriously at the moment to push him out of position.”

      Gareth Southgate announces England squad for Ireland, Belgium and Iceland clashes More

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      in Soccer

      Solskjaer aiming to avoid same fate as Man Utd predecessors Moyes, LVG and Mourinho on Merseyside date with destiny

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      THE omens for a trip to Merseyside have not been good for Manchester United managers of late.
      David Moyes literally had the Grim Reaper on his shoulder at Goodison Park when he took charge of his last game on Sunday, April 20, 2014.

      ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Solskjaer will hope to avoid becoming the latest Man Utd boss to be sacked on MerseysideCredit: PA:Press Association

      David Moyes was given the boot after losing on his old stomping ground, Goodison ParkCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun

      Moyes was haunted by a Grim Reaper at Goodison before he was sacked by Man UtdCredit: Rex Features
      Paddy Power’s fancy-dress figure by the away dugout was the picture that went with the following day’s reports of the 2-0 defeat at his old stomping ground – and the official news on Tuesday morning that he was gone after ten months.
      Next up Louis van Gaal and across Stanley Park at Anfield, a 2-0 Europa League defeat by Liverpool on March 10, 2016, convinced the United board a change had to be made at the end of the season.
      Yes, they won the FA Cup and even if they had attained a top-four finish as well, LVG’s fate was already decided on the back of that result.

      Jose Mourinho’s final act as United boss was to oversee a 3-1 defeat, again at Anfield, on December 16, 2018, just seven months after the club had finished second and reached another FA Cup final.
      Now Ole Gunnar Solskjaer heads to Goodison tomorrow with his future on the line.
      In a week when the world has been obsessed with polling, it is not the results from Pennsylvania and Florida that will concern the Norwegian.
      It is the ones from Red Issue and United We Stand, the club’s two main online fanzines.

      The first showed 66 per cent wanted Solskjaer to go, the latter, 56 per cent.

      Now, while the votes where in hundreds rather than thousands, it was still not good.
      Yesterday the Manchester Evening News announced that Mauricio Pochettino had been approached to replace Old Trafford legend Ole.
      Not so, claimed the club.
      However, United also told the same paper Mourinho was safe, a story they duly printed on the day he was sacked.
      The truth has always been that Pochettino remains the best alternative if Solskjaer fails – and the Argentine would love the job.
      The question is whether 47-year-old Solskjaer is failing?
      Based on the last two games against Istanbul Basaksehir and Arsenal, yes.
      But based on the previous two in the Champions League, a 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain and 5-0 destruction of RB Leipzig, he is not.
      And based on last season, when they finished third in the Premier League and reached three semi-finals, he is going in the right direction.
      Based on their four home league games this season, he is not.

      Louis van Gaal lost at Liverpool… and then lost his jobCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Before the 2-1 defeat on Wednesday to Istanbul, United had won ten straight away games for the first time in their history.
      They were unbeaten in 18 away from home going back to a 2-0 defeat at Liverpool in January – their best run since 1999.
      So if the board are judging him over a decent length of time and thinking long-term, which is what United still claim they want to do, then he is safe.
      But for a club that holds so much store by social-media numbers, another bad performance and the pressure could be enormous to make a change with an international break to sort things out.
      So you start all over again – another new manager, another change of staff, more money spent on the players he wants, rather than the ones he has inherited.
      Another bright, new dawn, before it proves a false one, another corner turned before ending up back at square one.
      But former Tottenham boss Poch is the answer, apparently.
      He has never won a trophy as a manager and won just seven of his last 26 games in charge at Spurs before being replaced by Mourinho – the bloke United sacked before appointing Solskjaer.
      The 48-year-old Argie has not had a job for two weeks short of a year now. Then he pops up on Sky this week and says he is ready to go.
      United still back Ole but clubs always have contingency plans when things start to wobble.

      Jose Mourinho also lost his job at Man Utd following a defeat in LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Red Devils did with Van Gaal, long before Moyes went.
      They did with Mourinho before Van Gaal went and likewise Solskjaer before Mourinho was axed.
      The only thing that stops that contingency plan being put into operation is results.
      Solskjaer needs some and quick, starting on Saturday.
      Win at Everton and he can breathe a sigh of relief and hope United come out the next international break as they did the last one with three impressive wins from four.
      Merseyside did not think it would have to wait 30 years for a top-flight title to return there.
      United were adamant they would never follow suit. But it has been seven years now, it will stretch to eight and there is every chance it will go beyond that.
      Every team they beat to their last title under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013 is better than them.
      Still, their lean years have brought an FA Cup, EFL Cup, Europa League and a second-placed Premier League finish.
      Pochettino would have taken any one of those.
      He did get to a Champions League final, though, and Spurs were awful in it.But he is the answer, it appears, just as Van Gaal was, then Mourinho and Solskjaer himself.
      Ole is still at the wheel, as it stands. But United keep going round and round in circles.

      Everton vs Man Utd – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off More

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      in Boxing

      Dogged Martin Murray an inspiration to any young fighter as he aims to make it FIFTH time lucky in world title bout

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      ANY young fighter seeking inspiration need look no further than Martin Murray.
      His tenacity and persistence is an object lesson to those feeling sorry for themselves.

      Martin Murray is an inspiration to any young fighter, writes SunSport columnist Colin HartCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      American writer Dale Carnegie once said: “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed no hope at all.”
      Murray, the former British and Commonwealth middleweight champion, has lived up to every word of those sentiments despite constant disappointments.
      In an 11-year career — after his crime-ridden teenage years on Merseyside — Murray has failed no less than four times to become champion of the world, which is enough to have broken the spirit of most men.
      But undaunted at 38, he is going to try for an unprecedented FIFTH time when he challenges Billy Joe Saunders for his WBO super-middleweight title at Wembley Arena on December 4.

      Murray, who has never done anything the easy way, set out on his world championship adventure nine years ago when he went to Mannheim to meet local idol Felix Sturm, who held the WBA super-middleweight crown.
      He ended up getting a draw. Fight folk know if a visitor gets a draw in Germany, it means they won the fight.
      I watched it on TV and there’s no doubt Murray was on the receiving end of a good old- fashioned home-town decision.
      Undaunted, a couple of years later — knowing he was likely to face extreme crowd hostility and no favours — Murray flew to Buenos Aires to clash with national hero Sergio Martinez for his WBC middleweight belt.

      Martinez was so popular he even beat Lionel Messi to win Argentina’s 2012 Sportsman of the Year award.
      Not surprisingly Murray, who floored Martinez, was again the victim of a blatant robbery, losing a unanimous points decision in front of 50,000 fanatical fans.
      For his third attempt he went to Monte Carlo to take on Gennady Golovkin, who was at his ferocious best.
      Murray gave Golovkin plenty of trouble before being stopped in the 11th round.
      Attempt No 4 was back in Germany when he moved up to super-middleweight only to lose a split decision to WBO champ Arthur Abraham in Hanover. It was close but this time there were no arguments.
      Murray had to overcome a frightening background full of drugs, booze and street violence in and around Liverpool.
      He was just ten when he was first arrested, had seven convictions before he was 20 and served four jail sentences prior to turning pro at 25.
      Today, he is a dedicated family man who is a role model and mentor to the deprived youngsters where he grew up.

      The Merseysider pushed Gennady Golovkin hard but eventually lost in the 11th round in 2015Credit: Action Images – Reuters

      Billy Joe Saunders twice pulled out with battles against Martin due to injury but is now the 1-20 favouriteCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He said: “It was jail, dying or boxing — and I chose boxing.”
      Murray was supposed to have fought Saunders on two occasions a couple of years ago — but Billy Joe called it off both times because of injury.
      An angry Murray called him a hypocrite and an imposter.
      After getting this shot at Saunders, he said: “There was no bad blood between me and Billy Joe — just a lot of frustration after he pulled out twice.”
      It would be every bit as romantic as Rocky if Murray manages to beat Saunders next month.
      But the stark reality is unbeaten Billy Joe is one of the cleverest boxers on the planet and a massive 1-20 favourite.
      Oh well, Martin, there could be a sixth time.

      Billy Joe Saunders blasted by Martin Murray after pulling out of world title fight More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton urged to speak out over ‘abysmal’ human rights record as Saudi Arabia lands F1 GP

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is being urged to speak out over Saudi Arabia’s ‘abysmal’ human rights record.
      Formula One has confirmed it will stage a first Grand Prix in the Middle East country next year.

      Formula One has been criticised for agreeing a ten-year deal to race in Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFP or licensors

      The races will be held of a street track in Jeddah until the mega new track at Qiddiya is builtCredit: Qiddiya

      The GP, the penultimate race of a record 23-round calendar, will be a night event on the streets of Jeddah as part of a ten-year, £500million deal.
      But human rights organisation Amnesty International slammed the decision and wants Britain’s six-time world champ Hamilton, his fellow drivers and the teams to express ‘solidarity with jailed human rights defenders’.
      F1 follows golf, tennis and boxing by hosting a major event in Saudi Arabia, while the all-electric Formula E series has already staged two races there.
      But Amnesty’s head of campaigns, Felix Jakens, said: “It would be incredibly important if Lewis could speak out.

      “The onus isn’t just on star drivers but the whole industry to be aware of what is happening in Saudi Arabia.
      “If the sport’s most high-profile driver is willing to speak out and say, ‘Actually, this is a country that has an appalling human rights record’, that takes the sheen off Saudi Arabia’s ability to sportswash its image.
      “F1 talks about diversification, inclusivity and appealing to LGBT people, so it needs to make a sustained effort on human rights.”
      Hamilton has actively campaigned for the Black Lives Matter movement and is demanding more diversity within F1.

      Lewis Hamilton has been urged to speak out against F1’s decision to stage races in Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFP

      And an Amnesty International statement read: “Formula One should realise a Saudi Grand Prix in 2021 would be part of efforts to sportswash the country’s abysmal human rights record.”
      Jakens added: “With critics of the government either jailed, exiled or hounded into silence, the Saudi authorities have pursued a twin approach of crushing human rights while throwing huge amounts of money at glittering sporting events.
      “It isn’t just motor racing — it’s golf, boxing, tennis, horse racing and the attempt to buy Newcastle United Football Club.”
      The Saudi state has come under severe criticism over the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018.
      But F1 defended its decision to hold a race in Saudi Arabia.
      A spokesperson said: “For decades Formula One has worked hard to be a positive force everywhere it races, including economic, social and cultural benefits.

      We take our responsibilities very seriously and have made our position on human rights and other issues clear to all our partners.
      F1 Spokesperson

      “Sports like Formula One are uniquely positioned to cross borders and cultures to bring countries and communities together, to share the passion and excitement of incredible competition.
      “We take our responsibilities very seriously and have made our position on human rights and other issues clear to all our partners.”
      In 2023, the Saudi GP is set to move to capital Riyadh, where a track is being built at the Qiddiya tourism project.
      Next year’s bumper schedule is due to begin in Melbourne on March 21, ending in Abu Dhabi on December 5.

      Trial opens in Turkey of 20 Saudi Arabian nationals over murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd boss Solskjaer refuses to comment on future after ‘unforgivable’ defending in Istanbul humbling

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER refused to say if he feared for his job after a defensive horror show in Turkey saw Manchester United go down 2-1 to Istanbul Basaksehir.
      That is their second consecutive defeat after losing a third home league game on Sunday to Arsenal, which left them 15th in the Premier League.

      ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rued Manchester United’s defending on Wednesday nightCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Demba Ba popped up to strike a surprise opener in IstanbulCredit: Reuters
      When asked about his position, Solskjaer said: “I decline to comment.
      “It is early and opinions are out there all the time.
      “I have got to stay strong. I am employed by the club to do a job and will do it to the best of my ability.”

      Solskjaer described his team’s defending as ‘unforgiveable’ as they went behind to Demba Ba’s 12th minute opener having left the veteran striker completely free on the break.
      Edin Visca added a second on 40 minutes before Anthony Martial got one back three minutes later – but United had only one more effort on target.
      Manager Solskjaer said: “The performance was not good enough against a team that worked and ran.

      “The first goal when you play a short corner and forget about the man up top, that is unforgivable.

      “We have not done our duties there and it is my responsibility. We have played a short corner but forgot our defensive duties.
      “For the second one we were not very organised to counter press.
      “They were two soft goals we gave away and then there was not enough to come back in the second-half.”
      Solskjaer now has to pick his team up for a lunchtime kick-off away to Everton on Saturday.
      He said: “Of course the last two results have been a punch in the stomach.

      “The only way I know to respond, and I hope the players do as well, is to get your act together together for the Everton game.
      “I am glad we have got a game already on Saturday.”
      It was United’s first defeat in Group H after victories over Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig.

      Man Utd legends van Persie and Scholes tears into the defence during Istanbul Basaksehir Champions League tie More

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      in Soccer

      Premier League clubs set for PPV U-turn as country enters second coronavirus lockdown

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are poised to make a pay-per-view U-turn — because of lockdown.
      They have been under pressure to make a decision on what to do with the games not being shown on Sky or BT after the international break.

      Premier League games could be broadcast for free again this monthCredit: AFP and licensors

      The top flight had been veering towards cutting the controversial £14.95-a-game charge to either £9.95 or £7.50.
      But with the country now under lockdown until December 2, Prem bosses are set to suggest the best option would be a short-term return to the Project Restart situation, where all matches were available to fans.
      Leicester were the only side to vote against PPV last month but other clubs have now changed their minds following a fan-led backlash.
      Under league rules, any decision must be agreed by at least 14 clubs.

      But there remain a number of teams, including some of the Big Six, who argue that £14.95 is more than reasonable for a “premium product”.
      A final decision is not expected today, as any agreement must be squared with broadcasters.

      During the end to the 2019-20 season in June and July, matches were shown on Sky, BT, the BBC and Amazon Prime.
      Sky and BT in particular felt that diminished the value of their current deal, which is worth more than £1.7billon per season.

      A similar scenario could see clubs hit with a demand for a further repayment on top of the £340million cost of last term’s Covid-19 chaos.

      Premier League matches will cost £14.95 on PPV Box Office channels with Man Utd and Chelsea games among first clashes More

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      in Soccer

      Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden set for England recall after being axed over Iceland hotel shame

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      DANNY INGS will have a knee operation today – opening the door for Mason Greenwood to return to the England squad.
      Boss Gareth Southgate names his squad today for the latest international triple-header, which starts with a home friendly against Ireland next Thursday.

      Mason Greenwood is set for an England recall after Danny Ings’ injuryCredit: Rex Features

      Phil Foden will also return to the squad after he and Greenwood broke lockdown rules in Iceland in SeptemberCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Southampton striker Ings is out for at least a month after picking up the injury against Aston Villa.
      This means Manchester United forward Greenwood, dropped for the last England squad after breaking lockdown rules in Iceland, is set to find a way back into the reckoning.
      Greenwood and Phil Foden were hauled over the coals after inviting two women into the team hotel in Reykjavik in September.
      Furious Southgate axed them both for last month’s matches against Wales, Belgium and Denmark and admitted they had to earn their way back into his thoughts.

      Manchester City midfielder Foden, who has made seven starts for Pep Guardiola at City this season, has always looked certain to be back for the Ireland match.
      This friendly is followed by a Nations League trip to Belgium on November 15 and hosting Iceland three days later.
      Greenwood’s replacement in the last England squad, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, scored in the 3-0 win over Wales and has been in good form for Everton.
      There is no way he will be dropped by Southgate.

      Danny Ings’ injury has opened the door for Greenwood to returnCredit: Andy Hooper/NMC Pool

      But Ings’ absence has freed up a space, even though Southgate plans to name an enlarged squad.
      Southgate’s biggest dilemma is whether to include Reece James.
      The Chelsea full-back will miss the two Nations League games after being sent off for dissent at the end of the 1-0 loss to Denmark.
      That means he will only be available to face Ireland.
      Instead, Southgate could decide to call up Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey or Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
      The latter’s United team-mate Luke Shaw is also in the frame.

      Tariq Lamptey could be set for a call-up with Reece James suspended for the two Nations League gamesCredit: AFP
      As for Ings, Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl admitted he was worried.
      He said: “At the moment it looks like he is out for four to six weeks.
      “It could be worse but he’s out and it’s sure not good news for us.
      “The scan was not too bad, it showed a little issue with his meniscus. It could be an older injury or a new one.
      “We started running yesterday, a little bit of jogging on the pitch and the knee was then a little bit swollen afterwards and he had pain.
      “It was definitely a situation where we immediately stopped so that it doesn’t get worse.
      “We decided to go for surgery because it’s the safest way to have a four to six-week break only.”

      Fuming Gareth Southgate ‘barged into Icelandic beauties’ hotel room in frantic search for Foden and Greenwood’ More