The Sun Newspaper

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere were Arsenal and England team-mates but are now staring into the abyss before age of 30

      by

      INSIDE 12 hours, two of England’s brightest talents of their generation suddenly found themselves staring into the abyss.
      Jack Wilshere, 28, spent the final hours of deadline day insisting he was fit after West Ham decided to pay up the best part of £4million to get him off their wage bill.

      4

      Former Arsenal team-mates Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck are both free agentsCredit: Getty – Contributor

      4

      Wilshere and Welbeck are both on the lookout for new clubsCredit: AFP or licensors

      And come Tuesday morning, Danny Welbeck — one of his team-mates in the World Cup squad just six years ago — was dumped by his club.
      The Watford striker, like Wilshere, still had a year left on his contract.
      But with his body betraying him and on £100,000-a-week wages, the Hornets decided to cut their losses and get the 29-year-old out.
      Welbeck’s departure was confirmed with a terse, 39-word statement on the Watford website, after an ill-fated one-year stint at Vicarage Road which led to three goals in 20 appearances.

      Midfielder Wilshere fared little better, with the Hammers delivering 57 words on their own announcement.
      Though after just 19 appearances in two seasons at the London Stadium, some may have forgotten he was even still there.
      As if to highlight the indignity of it all, Wilshere received an offer on Twitter from non-league Hitchin Town to train with them.
      A similar invitation duly arrived for Welbeck, this time from Matlock Town.

      4

      The one-time Arsenal stars now face the prospect of trying to find any top club prepared to give them a contract — and even then, it would surely only be on a pay-as-you-play basis.
      To make matters worse, they are on the market at just the wrong time — as football teeters on the brink of ruin because of the Covid-19 crisis.
      No clubs have money to gamble with.
      West Ham and Watford took a punt pre-Covid and paid for it, laying out big money for two talented players saddled with the misfortune of failing bodies.
      Arsene Wenger saw Wilshere as one of his brightest hopes, throwing him into his midfield while still a teenager and backing him to flourish in the Premier League and Europe.
      The Frenchman also thought he had pulled off a major coup in nabbing Welbeck from Manchester United for £16million in 2014.
      But what Wenger did not bargain for in either case was sheer bad luck.
      When Wilshere fractured an ankle in a friendly against New York Red Bulls nine years ago, it was seen as a minor hitch.

      4

      Welbeck and Wilshere both had a year left on their contracts before being let goCredit: EPA

      Instead, he missed the whole season and the long list of injury lay-offs — from numerous ankle surgeries and two broken legs — began.
      By the time he was fully fit earlier this year, Wilshere had lost the confidence of Hammers boss David Moyes in their relegation scrap.
      Welbeck’s is a similar tale, with a string of knee injuries stopping him in his tracks every time he was finding his form.
      Like West Ham, Watford thought it was worth the risk in taking him off Arsenal’s hands.
      And like the Hammers, they guaranteed a high weekly wage, only to get their fingers badly burned as the player spent as much time on the treatment table as on the pitch.
      The will and desire is there in both to continue playing. What is missing now may be the opportunity to do so.

      Transfer Deadline Day – catch up on all the biggest transfers from the summer More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate urge England stars not to bring shame on their country

      by

      HARRY KANE and Gareth Southgate told England players: Don’t bring shame on your country.
      Boss Southgate held a team meeting at St George’s Park to warn the squad about their responsibilities.

      3

      Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate have reminded England stars of their reponsibilitiesCredit: Reuters

      Star Dominic Calvert-Lewin revealed that Southgate ‘reminded us what it means, the expectations of playing for England.’
      He added: “You have got to be extra, extra careful and follow all the rules now.”
      Southgate was planning the meeting even before Covidiots Ben Chilwell, Jadon Sancho and Tammy Abraham were told they are out of the friendly with Wales after attending Abraham’s birthday party on Saturday.
      Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden were banned from the current squad for flouting coronavirus rules in Iceland.

      Ahead of Thursday’s Wembley clash, Three Lions captain Kane also addressed the team.
      Everton star Calvert- Lewin — one of four new call-ups — added: “We always have to be extra attentive to these rules.
      “That’s the way it is when you’re representing your country.
      “There have been a few lapses in concentration.”

      3

      Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood were both banned after their Iceland antics last monthCredit: Reuters

      3

      Dominic Calvert-Lewin has spoken after receiving his first senior England call-upCredit: PA:Press Association

      Leicester ace Harvey Barnes said: “It was a general meeting with the squad, not just Gareth.
      “As players we spoke as well — and made sure that we are all on the same page with it.
      “It wasn’t a telling-off, it was more reminding ourselves of what is acceptable and what’s not.
      “We are all very clear on that.”
      England are due to field an experimental team against Wales.
      Burnley’s Nick Pope is pushing to start in goal.

      England vs Wales – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick off time More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Jordan Pickford can prove critics wrong despite England and Everton place being under threat, says Toffes icon Southall

      by

      JORDAN PICKFORD has been tipped to bounce back from a run of blunders — by Everton legend Neville Southall.
      Under-fire Toffees keeper Pickford joined up with the England squad on the back of three recent mistakes.

      3

      Jordan Pickford has failed to impress between the sticks for Everton Credit: Rex Features

      He was at fault for both of Fleetwood’s goals in his side’s 5-2 Carabao Cup victory last month, before dropping a straightforward catch for Neal Maupay to score in last Saturday’s 4-2 Premier League win over Brighton.
      Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate is now under pressure to start either Manchester United’s Dean Henderson or Burnley stopper Nick Pope in goal for tomorrow’s friendly against Wales.
      And Everton chief Carlo Ancelotti has also increased the heat on Pickford by signing Roma goalkeeper Robin Olsen on a season-long loan on deadline day.
      But ex-Wales keeper Southall believes Pickford will prove his critics wrong and return to the impressive form he showed in England’s run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.

      The 62-year-old — who played 751 times for the Toffees, winning five trophies — said: “I think he’s had probably three bad minutes in six months — if that.
      “His mistakes aren’t killing us and once he finds his form, we’ll be flying.
      “There’ll be a time when we have that little bump in the road and maybe we’ll have to rely on him.
      “Maybe people will have to change their opinions.

      3

      Neville Southall has backed Jordan Pickford to get back to his bestCredit: PA:Press Association

      “But I do think if Mr Ancelotti wants to play you, you must be half-decent. If his job was on the line there’d be a taxi outside Goodison tomorrow.”
      Pickford, 26, got further support from another former Everton keeper in Tim Howard, who said Olsen’s arrival would benefit him.
      The former USA World Cup star, 41, told Sky Sports: “Every good goalkeeper needs competition.
      “Jordan is a top goalkeeper. There have been a few wobbles in his game recently but no one is exempt, at the highest level, from having a mistake or two.

      3

      Gareth Southgate could now start Dean Henderson or Nick Pope against WalesCredit: Reuters
      “Jordan just needs to get back to basics and put a ten-game run together where there are no errors.
      “But that happens at the highest level.
      “I think bringing in another goalkeeper always helps to create competition and urgency.”

      Jordan Pickford facing uncertain Everton future with Carlo Ancelotti not convinced he has future at club after huge mistakes More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Calvert-Lewin is Europe’s top scorer ahead of Ronaldo, Messi and Lewandowski after lessons learned at Stalybridge Celtic

      by

      DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN still has the scar under his left eye as a permanent reminder of his introduction to the brutal world of men’s football.
      The Everton striker, now 23, was just 20 minutes into his National League North debut for Stalybridge Celtic on Boxing Day 2014 when he was nutted in the face by a Hyde defender.

      Yet rather than shrinking into his shell, Calvert-Lewin relished the physical battle he found himself pitched into.
      And as the in-form star prepares to make his full England debut this week, he still thinks back to that brief spell in non-league on loan from Sheffield United.
      He said: “I remember I’ve gone to flick on a throw-in and this defender has just gone ‘bang!’ and headbutted me in the face.
      “I played the rest of that game with one eye closed up and I pretty much knew from that moment what was going to be required.

      “But that experience was the most I’d ever enjoyed my football up to that point.
      “I’ve always relished a physical battle and I actually enjoyed getting beat up because I went on to score two goals that day and it was such a good experience for me.
      “It gave me a sense of what it was to play proper men’s football in front of fans and at 17 years old that was definitely what I needed to propel me forward.
      “When you’re a scholar at the academy of a professional club everything is quite nice and easy.

      4

      Dominic Calvert-Lewin is relishing his first call-up to the England senior sideCredit: PA:Press Association

      4

      The striker is loving life at Goodison Park right now and is scoring goals for funCredit: Reuters

      “Then suddenly you’re up against opponents who are playing to put food on the table and you realise it means that much more.
      “It was a real eye-opener for me at a young age and a humbling experience.
      “I’m glad I went through that because it means I don’t take anything for granted.”
      Now the forward is putting those early lessons to good use, helping propel Everton to the top of the Premier League and himself to the top of the goalscoring charts.
      He became the first Toffees player since Dixie Dean to score back-to-back hat-tricks — against West Brom and West Ham — and on Saturday the first since Tommy Lawton to score in the first four league games of the season.
      But it is a more recent Goodison great who is his current inspiration —assistant manager Duncan Ferguson.
      Calvert-Lewin said: “People have Duncan down as this big angry man but he’s a nice guy when you actually get up close with him.
      “In terms of on the pitch, he told me to back myself more, to believe in my strength and stature and maybe be a bit nastier.

      Heading is a good weapon to have in my armoury and I enjoy being a presence in the box.
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin

      “It’s a confidence thing. When I signed for Everton four years ago I was still learning and when you go under the lights of the Premier League you’re under a lot more scrutiny.
      “But once you realise you can do it, you start to do it more consistently and it becomes part of your game, which I think is what has happened with me.”
      Another attribute he is working on with Ferguson is his heading ability, as Saturday’s opening goal in the 4-2 win against Brighton showed.
      He said: “You could say heading is a dying art in football because a lot of games are now played tiki-taka on the grass.
      “But it’s a good weapon to have in my armoury and I enjoy being a presence in the box.
      “If you get the cross in there’s always a chance I can head it into the back of the net. We’re always quick to pigeon-hole players and say ‘he’s a targetman’ or a ‘spin-in behind man’.
      “But I think I can bring different aspects of the game and heading is one of my strengths.
      “If you hang the ball up, there’s a strong chance I’ll win it and that can bring a different outlet to the team and a different way of scoring.”

      4

      Calvert-Lewin has learnt a lot from another former Toffees No9 in the shape of Duncan FergusonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      4

      The front man knows his heading ability is a major strength in his gameCredit: AP:Associated Press

      A big turning point in Calvert-Lewin’s Goodison career came at the start of last season when he was given the No 9 shirt, vacated by Spanish flop Sandro Ramirez.
      He admitted: “That was a statement of intent for me.
      “There have been some exceptional players that have worn the No 9 shirt for Everton and I knew what it meant and what was required of me.
      “People were uncertain whether it was the right decision at the time but I’d like to think I’ve proved them wrong and now I wear that shirt with pride.”

      Gareth Southgate announces England squad with Foden and Greenwood out but Saka, Calvert-Lewin and Barnes in More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Chris Hughton appointed new Nottingham Forest manager after Sabri Lamouchi’s ‘cruel’ and ‘classless’ sacking

      by

      CHRIS HUGHTON took over as Nottingham Forest’s new boss after Sabri Lamouchi was brutally axed by controversial owner Evangelos Marinakis.
      And the former Brighton and Newcastle manager was given an early warning that failure will not be tolerated as he was rushed in with indecent haste.

      1

      Sabri Lamouchi was brutally shown the door by Nottingham ForestCredit: PA:Press Association

      Even Forest fans were stunned and embarrassed by the callous nature of the Frenchman’s sudden demise, just four months after Lamouchi signed a new two-year contract at the City Ground.
      The club’s official website broke the news that the deal had been terminated, shortly after 6:15pm in a blunt statement which amounted to just 18 words .
      “Nottingham Forest can confirm that the contract of head coach Sabri Lamouchi has been terminated with immediate effect,” it stated.
      Forest did not offer one word of thanks to the 48-year-old Frenchman – who missed out on a play-off place on the final day of last season – in a move even their own fans described as ‘cruel, classless,’ and ‘callous.’

      Within minutes of revealing Lamouchi had been axed Forest used the same forum to announce Hughton (61) as their new boss.
      That mirrored the speed with which Lamouchi arrived at the City Ground when he was appointed 18 minutes after Martin O’Neill’s sacking in June 2019.
      This time, the Frenchman was the fall-guy after a disastrous start to the season which has left Forest 22nd in the table following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Bristol City.
      The club statement said. “Nottingham Forest are delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Hughton as the club’s new manager.

      “Hughton joins the club with a wealth of managerial experience, leading both Newcastle United and Brighton to promotion from the Championship and going on to establish both teams in the Premier League.”
      The former Spurs and Republic of Ireland defender will be under no illusions he must repeat those promotion-winning campaigns with Forest or face the consequences as he becomes the club’s 13th manager in less than 10 years.

      Leeds complete £16m Raphinha transfer from Rennes as 23-year-old rapid winger signs four-year contract More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League clubs braced for £500m reduction in TV money – before effects of coronavirus pandemic are factored in

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have been warned they face a further cut in TV income — even without the cost of the pandemic.
      The 20 top-flight clubs were landed with paying a £330million rebate to broadcasters.

      2

      Norwich City hosted a trial run for hosting fans last month, since scrapped by the GovernmentCredit: PA:Press Association

      And the tender for the next three-year deal from the 2022-23 campaign goes out later this season.
      But  broadcast analyst Claire Enders suggests hopes of matching the current  deal, worth £5billion over three years, are unfeasible.
      Instead, Enders believes clubs must steel themselves for a £500m reduction.
      She said: “The last auction was post-peak, the takings were down and we expect that to continue.

      “Sky and BT overpaid for rights in the past and BT has suffered a  decline in its value.
      “Now the UK sports broadcasters are trying to think about reducing their rights costs.
      “Auctions are emotional affairs and in the past, BT has always blinked and written a  cheque. But they are now in a stronger position and both companies can afford to offer less.
      “The next auction could lead to a five-ten per cent decline in the rights values in the UK.” 

      2

      PL chief Richard Masters has pledged to get fans have in stadiums as soon as possibleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DIDIER DROGBA has the support of Fifa in his bid to become the new head of Ivory Coast football.
      The former Chelsea striker was ruled out of the race for allegedly failing  to meet the election requirements of official endorsers.
      But Fifa chiefs have stepped in to demand the  elections do not take place unless ‘The Drog’ is allowed to run.

      It comes as under-pressure Fifa president Gianni Infantino sent out a clear signal he is prepared to move the organisation from their Zurich headquarters and back to the original home of Paris.
      Infantino was in the French capital yesterday to meet President Emmanuel Macron and announce “the principle of  opening a Fifa office in Paris” next year. 
      And the message will not have been lost on the Swiss prosecutors  currently investigating Infantino’s secret  meetings with the  country’s former attorney general.

      Transfer Deadline Day – catch up on all the biggest transfers from the summer More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd in transfer deadline day panic mode… it’s either too little, or much too late

      by

      THERE IS something rather unbecoming about a deadline-day scramble for players.
      Particularly when your name is Manchester United.

      4

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is without the major signing he dreamt of this autumnCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      4

      Jadon Sancho was the clear priority at Old Trafford but did not arriveCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It signals desperation. A bit like Harry Maguire trying to track Harry Kane.
      It does not look any better when the supposed ‘stellar’ arrival Edinson Cavani had his deal held up due to ‘image rights’.
      Just the image United needed when the abiding one in most of the fans’ heads is still of a pathetic 90 minutes at Old Trafford as they were hammered 6-1 by Tottenham on Sunday.
      After only three league games, the rush for reinforcements that boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer called for back in August already seems too late.

      When they arrive on deadline day the time to integrate them into the side is already lost.
      As it is, they will join a squad already in panic mode.
      Full-back Alex Telles, 27, who arrived tonight from Porto in a £15.5million deal will know what I mean when he lines up alongside Maguire and Victor Lindelof in a fortnight.
      Hopes that a pursuit of Cavani, 33, would signal ambition were quickly dismissed.

      Past his best, injury prone and hardly in demand having last played in March.
      Yes, he was a very good player — 341 goals in 556 club games tells you that.
      But just 35 games played in the last two years and only seven league starts last season for Paris Saint-Germain scoring four, suggests something else.
      It suggests they are getting more Radamel Falcao than Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
      This after a fruitless quest to land one of the brightest young stars in Europe in Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.
      A bid that floundered much like their summer pursuit of Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona back in the summer of 2013 that ultimately derailed David Moyes before a ball had been kicked.

      Either United simply have an inability to get deals over the line or clubs are genuinely being unreasonable in their demands.

      You can look at this in two ways. Either United simply have an inability to get deals over the line or clubs are genuinely being unreasonable in their demands.
      Initially Porto wanted £10m more for Telles despite the fact he has only a year left on his contract.
      The days when United clicked their fingers and clubs simply laid down and had their tummies tickled are long gone.
      Ambition spreads beyond the traditional powerhouses. Just have a look at the current Premier League table. Despite being serial sellers in the past, Dortmund have put together a side to make a serious challenge for the Bundesliga and do not need the money right now.
      Let us not forget it was only a few months ago that United were seemingly back on track with a plan for the future.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Maguire looked solid in a back-four that chalked up more clean sheets than any other club in Europe’s five main leagues last season.

      They conceded 36 league goals, Manchester City conceded 35 and Liverpool 33.
      Bruno Fernandes was being compared to Eric Cantona as the catalyst that could inspire this new young team that was being built.
      Meanwhile the famed academy had brought through another great talent in 19-year-old Mason Greenwood.
      Alongside Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, United had a dynamic front three that scored 62 goals between them last season.
      The team was the best of the rest after Liverpool and City and reached three semi-finals.
      They ended the season on a 14-game unbeaten league run. There is no doubt they ran out of steam by the time they lost to Sevilla in the Europa League semi-final but that was their 61st game.

      They had a break of just 34 days between that game and the opening day defeat to Crystal Palace.
      In that time Maguire found himself arrested by the Greek police, while in the first international break Greenwood was kicked out of the England squad for breaching strict team protocol.
      Now these are just a few facts that I am placing in United’s defence.
      What they are guilty of is standing still when they need to push on with three signings earmarked early on to be done quickly when last season closed.
      Donny van de Beek was a good acquisition at £40m, why he has not started one of the first three league games is another matter.
      The plans for the long-term ‘reboot’ are still in place as their pursuit of two 18-year-old wingers proved.

      4

      Can Alex Telles revamp United’s ailing defenceCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      4

      Edinson Cavani could end up being more Radamel Falcao than Zlatan IbrahimovicCredit: PA:Press Association

      They negotiated all day for Uruguayan Facundo Pellistri from Penarol who has been tracked by all Europe’s top clubs.
      Meanwhile they have been watching Atalanta’s Amad Traore for three years and are convinced of his potential.
      Yet after three years they only just got him signed as the clock ticked towards the deadline.
      There lies the problem.

      Man Utd complete £37m transfer for 18-year-old Amad Traore from Atalanta as Solskjaer looks to future talent More