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      in Soccer

      Harry Maguire phoned Gareth Southgate to ask for England recall after conviction appeal but boss sided with FA

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE was caught in a row over whether to recall Harry Maguire after he appealed against his conviction by a Greek court.
      The England boss was urged by members of his coaching staff — as well as Maguire himself — to reinstate the Manchester United captain for tomorrow’s Nations League opener in Reykjavik.

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      Harry Maguire asked to be reinstated into the England squadCredit: AFP or licensors
      Senior FA figures were equally adamant the star should be kept out of the squad to face Iceland and Denmark.

      Southgate opted not to take on his FA bosses — deciding that Maguire would be best to clear his head before the start of the domestic season.
      The England manager was left red-faced on August 25 when he named Maguire in his squad — only to axe him that evening after the centre-half was found guilty of bribery, aggravated assault and resisting arrest while on holiday in Mykonos.
      But when Maguire appealed and was officially cleared to play, he rang Southgate and asked to be recalled.

      He received support from some of Southgate’s backroom staff, who were concerned about England’s lack of defensive depth and wanted him in the team.
      Yet Southgate felt it was in the player’s best interests for him to take a break.

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      Southgate took the advice of senior FA chiefsCredit: Rex Features

      United have also allowed him to return late for pre-season training, before their Premier League campaign begins against Crystal Palace on September 19.
      Southgate assured Maguire he will be in the squad to face Wales, Belgium and Denmark at Wembley next month.

      Maguire, 27, is considered innocent after an appeal was granted against his convictions and 21-month suspended prison sentence. A retrial may not be held for up to two years.

      Harry Maguire was arrested by undercover cops drafted in from mainland Greece to target organised crime on Mykonos More

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      in Soccer

      Phil Foden can’t wait for England debut as Man City starlet finally gets chance to live up to the hype

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      PHIL FODEN has been touted for international stardom for so long that it’s hard to believe that he won’t even be among England’s 50 youngest debutants if he plays against Iceland tomorrow.
      The football world has been holding its breath over the Manchester City midfielder ever since he was named Player of the Tournament when England won the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

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      Phil Foden is in line for his England debut in the Nations LeagueCredit: Rex Features

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      Foden will not even be among England’s 50 youngest debutants if he plays against IcelandCredit: Rex Features
      Even Pep Guardiola, a man not normally given to hyperbole, declared: “It’s a long time since I saw a player like this. He is a gift for us.”
      Team-mate Kyle Walker this week called him: “The best young player I’ve ever seen,” yet the fact remains that Foden has still only started 12 Premier League games.
      Wayne Rooney had already won 29 caps by the time he reached Foden’s current age while 63 players have made their senior England debuts while still in their teens.
      But now the nation is finally about to see what all the fuss is about as Gareth Southgate prepares to let the young playmaker off the international leash.

      And the Stockport-born 20-year-old is relishing this long-awaited opportunity to make his mark as one of five new faces in the squad.
      As he prepared for today’s flight to Iceland, Foden explained: “A lot of people have been pushing for me to play in the senior team much earlier but I haven’t played a lot of games for Manchester City so I’ve had to work hard for this chance,”
      “I think Pep has been patient with me and selected me at the right times.
      “But I’ve played in some massive games this year like the League Cup final and the Champions League game against Real Madrid and now I feel I’m ready to go.

      Every kid on the estate used to pretend they were playing for England when I was growing up and it hasn’t really sunk in yet.
      Phil Foden

      “Gareth has never been scared to throw young kids in if they’re playing well enough but sometimes you just have to be patient to make the step up to the first team.
      “I still have a lot of things to improve on so to hear Kyle talking about me in that way really puts a smile on my face because that’s a big statement from him.
      “Every kid on the estate used to pretend they were playing for England when I was growing up and it hasn’t really sunk in yet that I’m now in the squad.
      “I’m just hoping that I can make my debut this week and after that I want to try to keep the shirt and play for England for many years.”
      Guardiola has never made any secret of the fact that he has been grooming Foden to be David Silva’s long-term Manchester City successor.
      And now that the Spanish maestro has finally signed off at the Etihad, Foden is aiming to become a key player in his team’s title challenge next season.
      He says: “That’s what I’m hoping for but there are a lot of quality midfielders at Manchester City so it doesn’t mean I’m automatically going to get that position.
      “So it’s down to me to make sure I’m playing well enough to get that shirt.

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      Foden is ready to make his England bow after only 12 Premier League starts for Man CityCredit: Rex Features

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      Foden is the heir to City’s playmaker king David SilvaCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      “My favourite position is centre of midfield but I’ve enjoyed myself playing off the left and right, and sometimes scoring goals as a false nine.
      “I feel I can be a flexible player, to be effective in different positions and do a job wherever the manager wants.
      “David Silva is probably the player I admired more than anyone else. I watched him from the day he arrived at the club and to get to train and play with him was the ultimate education for me.
      “He sees the game so differently to other players. The way he moves into space in tight areas, how he receives the ball and never loses it. All these things I’ve tried to learn from him.
      “He’s gone now but hopefully he could be back at City one day as a coach.”
      Yet if it has all seemed so easy for the youngest ever Premier League winner, that has been far from the case for Foden.

      He might have been the first player born this Millennium to play in the Champions League but he still had his work cut out in his early Etihad years.
      “I was a lot smaller than the other players in the academy so I had to use my brain more,” he explains.
      “It was such a step up to the first team. I remember my first training session with the senior squad and I was thinking ‘wow! I’ve got a long way to go here’.
      “I got used to it as the weeks went by and started to move the ball quicker but I had to adapt really quickly.
      “I would say the biggest challenge was trying to deal with the physical side, so now I try to get into the gym much more to make myself a lot bigger and stronger.”
      Foden scored two goals when England beat Spain in that FIFA final three years ago and he says: “The medal is in a cabinet in my parents’ house and I still like to look at it from time to time.

      “There are quite a few of us in this squad who have had success with England at youth and Under-21 levels and I feel that this team can go further than we have in the past.
      “Of course we need to start winning tournaments but I’m really confident with the way we are going and with the players we have.
      “We’re a young team and nothing fazes us. We just go out and play our football and that’s a good thing.
      “We have the players who will allow us to start controlling games and I’m really confident for the future.”

      Manchester City players İlkay Gündoğan and Phil Foden open up about their own mental health   More

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      in Soccer

      Premier League’s Big Six ‘let down’ by rivals as clubs again vote AGAINST five substitutions in upcoming season

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      ANGRY ‘Big Six’ clubs forced a vote over subs they knew they would LOSE — to lay the ground rules for future battles.
      Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and the Manchester giants were  frustrated last month when they were outvoted as clubs agreed to revert to three subs for the new season.

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      Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp again urged clubs to think again and keep five subsCredit: Getty – Pool

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      Eleven Premier League clubs voted against the plan, with nine backing the retention of two extra subsCredit: Rex Features
      And they tasted defeat again yesterday as their Premier League rivals ignored the  decision by Germany’s top flight  to stick with five replacements.
      The  Big Six wanted to send a message to their opponents that the decision would not be forgotten.
      They also wanted to  send out a warning signal to Premier League chiefs.
      In last month’s vote, Chelsea’s proposal to take up the option from Fifa to extend the “temporary” change for another year was defeated by 11 clubs to nine.

      KLOPP REPEATS PLEA
      Aston Villa led the backlash and opposition.
      Despite the vote having only been held four weeks ago, the Big Six demanded it go back on the agenda for yesterday’s  meeting of the 20 clubs.
      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp had repeated his plea for a change of heart after the Community Shield.
      Brighton also argued that the smaller clubs would  benefit from being able to rotate players more in a shortened season.

      Yet even though it soon became clear no opinions had changed, the Big Six demanded a full debate and vote.
      And the outcome was exactly the same, with none of the teams changing sides.
      One top club chief said: “It was very important for us to show this was a big issue.

      “We didn’t expect the other clubs to have a change of heart but we did hope they might  listen to reason. You can take it for granted we will not forget.”
      While league chiefs hinted at their support for the Big Six position, their stance was described as “tepid”.
      Another club executive said: “We were expecting more from the league. We feel let down.”

      Kai Havertz ‘had heart set on Real Madrid transfer and is only joining Chelsea after coronavirus scuppered plans’ More

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      Premier League urged to rethink plan to screen only 220 live matches on TV next season

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      MINISTERS want the Premier League to rethink its plan to screen only 220 matches live on TV next season.
      The other 160 will not be shown, despite curbs on fans attending games.

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      MPs want the Premier League to rethink its plan to screen only 220 matches live on TV next season, given curbs on fans attending stadiaCredit: AFP or licensors
      All 92 matches after last season re­started in June went out live on TV.
      The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said: “Our focus is to get fans back in stadia as quickly as possible.
      “It is for the Premier League and its broadcast partners to come to an agreement on screening matches.
      “However, we urge them to follow the spirit of Project Restart, listen to fans and consider what can be achieved.”

      Watch Mourinho tell Sky Sports reporter to ‘f*** off’ after he says Tottenham boss is ‘past his best’ in All or Nothing
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      in Boxing

      Frank Bruno admits losing FOUR pals to coronavirus pushed him ‘to the brink’ in fight with bipolar and depression

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      IT was the greatest moment in his life — and one that thrilled millions of Brits.
      Standing in the middle of the ring at Wembley Stadium, Frank Bruno raised his clenched fists to the sky as fireworks exploded.

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      Frank Bruno is facing another heavyweight challengeCredit: Louis Wood – The Sun
      Finally, at the fourth attempt, he had risen from pantomime dame, famous for his ‘Know What I Mean’ catchphrase’, to the world heavyweight champion.
      Yet 25 years on from that iconic night, yesterday’s anniversary was bittersweet for Frank.
      That’s because the 58-year-old, who has been suffering mental health problems for two decades, is trying to cope with a relapse in his battle with bipolar disorder.
      In an emotional interview dad-of-four Frank says lockdown has brought about his new torment. 

      The ordeal has been brought on by the heartbreaking loss of four friends from suspected Covid-19.
      They have been crushing blows which, Frank says, have been tougher than any punches he felt in the ring.
      Among those he has lost are Rupert Doaries, a former member of Frank’s coaching team, Milton Marks, his former accountant, and lifelong pal Mickey Crow.
      In an exclusive interview Frank said: “Today I will be taking some time to think about all of them.

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      It was 25 years ago this week since the legend became heavyweight champion at WembleyCredit: Getty Images

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      The anniversary of his win over Oliver McCall has been bittersweet for Frank BrunoCredit: Getty Images
      “The hardest thing about losing so many friends during lockdown was not being able to go to the funerals and say goodbye properly.
      “The friends I have lost are guys who have been friends for most of my life — and long before I became famous.
      “It’s made me realise just how precious life is and how horrendous this virus has been for many.
      “I can’t lie mentally, the last few months have been really, really tough.
      “There have been some really dark days which have pushed me right to the brink. But I am still here and still fighting and that’s what I will always try to do.”
      Frank remains one of the country’s most loved sporting icons, and he agreed to speak out because he fears many, like him, have struggled with the fallout of the pandemic.
      The ex-WBC king, who has been  previously sectioned, battled through by getting medical advice, leaning on friends . . . and exercising.

      You’re Not Alone

      EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.

      It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
      It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
      And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
      Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
      That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
      The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
      Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
      CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
      Heads Together,www.headstogether.org.uk
      Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
      Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
      Samaritans,www.samaritans.org, 116 123
      Movember,www.uk.movember.com

      Frank added: “I have learned to live with my illness a lot better now.
      “It will always be there. It’s not like boxing. At the end of the fight you and your opponent shake hands and go your separate ways.
      “But bipolar and depression is there all the time. It’s like the devil on your shoulder. And it can creep up on you — sometimes when you least expect it.
      “I think that’s what has happened in the last few months.
      “I had pneumonia last year which meant I was at high risk when lockdown kicked in so I knew I needed to keep my head down and stay indoors.
      “A few years ago I’d have been too afraid to tell anyone how I was feeling because I’d worry what they’d think.
      “There was such a stigma attached to mental health. But talking openly is something that really helps me and it has been so important during lockdown.”

      Fifty eight year old Frank Bruno shares his daily workout tips to stay happy and healthy during lockdown

      I have learned to live with my illness a lot better now… But bipolar and depression is there all the time. It’s like the devil on your shoulder. And it can creep up on you — sometimes when you least expect it.
      Frank Bruno

      Frank, who has spent years lobbying for mental health reform, warned: “So many people have lost loved ones, people have lost their jobs, so many people have seen their lives completely changed.
      “There was already a big problem before Covid but it is going to be ten times as bad now.
      “Anyone can be affected. It doesn’t matter if you are a dustman or a billionaire. Everyone has mental health.
      “And all too often someone who is stressed, depressed or worse is packed off with a load of pills and not given the right support.
      “It’s important that people know there is another way.
      “I am not very good sitting indoors all day watching Phil and Holly on TV if you know what I mean . . . 
      “I have really missed being able to go out, attending events and just being around people. Being indoors all the time started to have a knock on with my bipolar big time.
      “So I did what I have always done best. I spent a lot of time getting my head down and training really hard.

      “I love the gym so when they started closing them I set one up at home. And I put a punchbag in the garden and just hit my way through it.
      “Training, staying active has been my way of trying to get through all this and defending myself against my bipolar disorder.”
      But one thing Frank has missed desperately is being able to see his fans.
      Before lockdown he had been planning a series of events across the country to celebrate his iconic unanimous points victory over American Oliver McCall at Wembley on September 2, 1995.
      In a poll of most popular Brits that year he only came second to Princess Diana.

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      Now, 25 years on, Frank still gets stopped in the street and asked about that night.
      It was his fourth attempt to win a world title and he said: “It was the best night of my life. I still watch the fight and get goosebumps when I am announced as the winner.
      “I always dreamed of becoming a world champion but you never know with boxing. So to finally do it was the just most amazing feeling.”
      If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 16123. More

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      in Soccer

      Dean Henderson expects to be Man Utd No1 next season as he fights for England place

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      DEAN HENDERSON expects to be the No 1 keeper at Manchester United this season.
      The 23-year-old signed a new six-year deal last month worth £120,000-a-week.

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      Dean Henderson is on England duty ahead of a shot at the Old Trafford No1 jerseyCredit: Rex Features

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      David De Gea will have the 23-year-old for company next seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And he made it clear he should be replacing David De Gea.
      England new-boy Henderson is back at Old Trafford after two impressive seasons on loan at Sheffield United.
      And asked if he could again look to go out on loan this season if he fails to dislodge DDG, Henderson said: “Yes — but that won’t be the situation.
      “Look, 100 per cent, the aim is for me to play next season and – I don’t think I want to not be playing after last season.”

      Henderson admits his England chances also rest on playing every week at United.
      He added: “Coming off a good season with momentum, it wouldn’t be clever for me to sit around and not play football.
      “David De Gea has been a great goalkeeper for many years, he’s been phenomenal and that’s something I aspire to be and to have a career like him at the club.
      “So I’ll be going back on the first day working my socks off to get in that starting line-up, because it’s something I’ve always wanted. I’m so close, so I’m not going to give up, I’m going to put the pressure on.

      “I respect David but it’s down to me. I’m well up for the challenges ahead.”

      3

      Henderson, 23, is in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Saturday’s trip to Iceland and the game in Denmark on Tuesday.
      The Three Lions gaffer has concerns over previous No 1 Jordan Pickford and is set to play Burnley’s Nick Pope in one game.
      But Southgate has no worries over selecting Liverpool’s Joe Gomez and Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling in the same team.
      The pair have not played together since Sterling got Gomez in a headlock ahead of the previous meet-up in November. More

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      Aston Villa agree £16m Matty Cash transfer as Dean Smith plans £60m-plus splurge

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      ASTON VILLA are ready to kickstart another spending spree — after agreeing a £16million deal for Nottingham Forest full-back Matty Cash.
      And Villa’s outlay could soon pass the £60m mark if boss Dean Smith can beat Newcastle to Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson and sign Ollie Watkins from Brentford.

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      Aston Villa are on the verge of a £16m deal for Nottingham Forest right-back Matty CashCredit: Alamy Live News
      Cash’s move from the City Ground — with £14m to be paid up front — is expected to be sealed within 24 hours when he passes a medical.
      Cash, 23, was wanted by AC Milan in the January window after converting from a winger at Forest.
      Villa had made an ambitious attempt to sign Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid before beating Fulham and Sheffield United to sign Cash.

      Smith also has strike duo Wilson, 28, and Watkins, 24, in his sights.

      But Smith faces competition for Wilson from ex-Villa boss Steve Bruce who is prepared to offer Toon winger Matt Ritchie in exchange.
      Villa intend to make a straight cash offer.
      Brentford are also playing hardball over Watkins and will want around £28m for the 24-year-old unless Villa can talk the price down.
      Landing all three Englishmen would mean parting with around £60m — having splashed out £130m last summer and then survived in the Premier League by the skin of their teeth.

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      Villa are keen on raiding relegated Bournemouth for Callum WilsonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Villa replaced Jesus Garcia Pitarch as their sporting director with Danish talent spotter Johan Lange, with Smith given more influence on recruitment.
      The Villa boss is also looking for goalkeeper, midfielder and a winger before Villa’s season gets under way on September 19.
      But any interest in Manchester United stopper Sergio Romero is likely to stumble over the Argentinian’s wages.

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      Brentford ace Ollie Watkins is also wanted by Smith this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Man Utd could use Sergio Romero to seal Jack Grealish transfer as Aston Villa line up move for £10m keeper More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd stopper Dean Henderson feels ‘tougher’ after five years on loan as he targets David De Gea’s No1 jersey

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      DEAN HENDERSON feels like a new signing for Manchester United.
      And it is hardly surprising when you consider that since his last trip to their Carrington HQ, the keeper has been on loan at Stockport, Grimsby, Shrewsbury and Sheffield United.

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      Dean Henderson admits he feels like a new signing at Manchester UnitedCredit: Rex Features
      But when he returns from international duty with England, this remarkably confident individual is hunting down United No 1 David De Gea for his place when Crystal Palace come to town a fortnight on Saturday.
      Henderson, 23, impressed in his two years under Chris Wilder at Bramall Lane and accepts it will be strange when he finally returns to their training complex.
      He said: “I haven’t been in the building for five years. I’ve had a lot of time away. So I’m not too sure what the atmosphere is like — I feel like a new signing at Man United.
      “You can get many things from training and obviously can learn off someone like David and the other goalkeepers, the coaches. But I don’t think there’s any substitute for game time.

      “I went out from Man United five years ago and started at Stockport, Grimsby, Shrewsbury and then Sheffield United. It shows how much I’ve learned, out on my own, picking up experiences that happen in games because they’re situations you don’t really get in training.
      “I’m not going to improve sat on the bench. I need that game time. For any young goalkeeper, it’s 80 per cent mental.
      “I know it sounds weird but by going out and having to prove yourself, going the long way round and going up through the leagues, you’ve got to have a bit of an edge.
      “I believe I’ve got that edge. It sets me in good stead and works for me.

      “It doesn’t work for everyone but I’m happy with who I am and I’ve got to keep going.”

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      The star is hoping to dislodge David De Gea in goal for the Red DevilsCredit: AFP
      Henderson made his senior football debut aged 18 for Stockport in January 2016 and will never forget the 1-1 draw with Nuneaton — but for the wrong reasons.
      He said: “Stockport was the hardest loan spell of my life. I remember there was a big guy, in the first  minute of my debut, and he said ‘Put it on the keeper, he’s pooing himself’ and I thought ‘Oh God!’.
      “I’ve gone for the cross, I’ve completely missed it and it went in. I wanted to be swallowed up but I had to dust myself down and get on with it. But I came back and then I just kept learning from there.
      “I am thankful I had that at a very young age and, hopefully, I’ve got them out of my system.
      “I had a fantastic two years with Chris Wilder. He was a great  manager — rough and ready and just what I needed.
      “He put me in line when I needed to be put into line but really strongly believed in me, which is something I loved about him.
      “Chris made me feel 10ft tall. I can’t thank Chris enough for what he’s done for me. And you have to stand up for yourself.
      “There were many times in the changing rooms after games it got heated between the boys but it’s just because we have a passionate group of lads and everyone wanted to win.
      “So I’ve been there, I feel like I can deal with it. I’m ready for any challenge thrown my way.”
      Henderson’s emergence is also good news for England manager Gareth Southgate, who is preparing for  Saturday’s trip to Iceland in the Nations League and the visit to Denmark three days later.

      With Jordan Pickford having been unconvincing for Everton, Southgate now has competition for places with Burnley’s Nick Pope and Henderson ready to take the spot.
      Henderson added: “I know what I’ve got to do. I’ve got two very good goalkeepers here with me and we’re all challenging for the No 1 shirt. I’m working hard every day to do what I can to be Gareth’s No 1.
      “I’m just here to do my job.  Obviously I want to play for England and I want to play for Manchester United.
      “I’m just going to keep working hard, overcoming my little challenges, my little goals and I’m sure one day I’ll get to where I want to be.
      “You’ve just got to come in and be the best goalkeeper in training — that’s all you can do really.
      “I haven’t had any caps for the national team, I’m still fighting for my first, so people have got advantages in many ways as they played.
      “For me it’s just come in, hold my head high, going there confident as ever, train as hard as ever and then one day it’s going to pay off.”
      If Henderson falls short, it certainly will not be through a lack of belief. More