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      Man Utd ‘one of three clubs who made shock transfer swoop for Tottenham’s Cristian Romero this summer’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were one of THREE clubs who moved for Tottenham defender Cristian Romero this summer, according to reports.The Red Devils, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain all asked about the World Cup winner’s availability in the most-recent window.Cristian Romero was targeted by United, PSG and Real MadridAccording to sources close to Romero’s camp, United, Madrid and PSG all showed interest in luring him away from Spurs.Romero has developed into one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, forming an impressive partnership under Micky van de Ven in North London.United approached Tottenham for Romero as early as June, according to Argentine news outlet TYC Sports.But boss Ange Postecoglou refused to part ways with his vice-captain.READ MORE ON MAN UTDTottenham informed the three clubs that he was not for sale, refusing to enter into any negotiations or even put a price on the 26-year-old.And TYC claim interest is likely to be re-ignited next summer, when Romero will have two years left on his contract.Erik ten Hag prioritised strengthening his back-line following Raphael Varane’s exit and United’s defensive injury crisis last season.No defender has scored more Premier League goals than Romero since the start of 2023-24.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 26-year-old’s header in Tottenham’s emphatic 4-0 win over Everton was his sixth goal since last September.Romero was chosen ahead of United defender Lisandro Martinez in every game of Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar 2022, including playing all 120 minutes in the final.Piers Morgan slams ‘complete idiot’ Erik ten Hag in astonishing rant against Man Utd boss about Cristiano RonaldoMartinez and Romero are now the first choice parting for Argentina, and helped their nation win the Copa America against Colombia in July.Meanwhile, United added Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to their squad this summer.The Red Devils were preparing a move for Romero in 2021 after he was named the best defender in the Serie A while on loan at Atalanta.But, that summer, they instead signed Varane from Real Madrid, along with Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus.None of those three players are still at Old Trafford.Romero joined Tottenham on loan with the move made permanent the following year for £42m during that same window. More

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      Harry Kane is England’s only option for World Cup 2026 with no real alternative as struggling captain set for 100th cap

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      HE is England’s all-time record goalscorer and Tottenham’s most prolific marksman, too.He is a Golden Boot winner in the World Cup, Premier League and Bundesliga — and tomorrow night brings another personal accolade for Harry Kane, as he joins England’s 100 club.Harry Kane was arguably England’s least-effective performer in IrelandCredit: GettyIvan Toney may struggle to force his way back into contention for England while Ollie Watkins, currently injured, is a different type of player to KaneCredit: GettyWhether Kane is knackered, struggling for full fitness or simply feeling the effects of footballing old age, there still is every chance he will break Peter Shilton’s long-standing record of 125 appearances to become his nation’s most-capped footballer.At 31, the captain is here to stay — due to lack of any obvious rival to be England’s first-choice No 9, as well as his own uncanny ability to defy ­public opinion.Interim boss Lee Carsley insists Kane continues to be essential to England as he prepares to become only the tenth player to win a century of caps for the Three Lions in the Nations League clash with Finland at Wembley. Kane is the only specialist centre-forward in the current England squad and there is no genuine long-term rival for his shirt.READ MORE TOP STORIESDespite a disappointing Euros — in which he never looked fully match sharp — the greatest footballer never to win a trophy is on course to surpass goalkeeper Shilton at some point in 2026.If you’re supremely optimistic, then there’s a chance he could even do it in a World Cup Final in New Jersey the summer after next.Kane netted after just 79 seconds of his England debut having just replaced Wayne Rooney during a 4-0 victory over Lithuania.When Kane scored that header at Wembley, with only his third touch as a full international, Gary Lineker tweeted: “Fifty more touches and Harry Kane will beat Sir Bobby Charlton’s goalscoring record.”Most read in FootballInterim chief Lee Carsley says Kane remains integral on and off the pitchCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn fact, Rooney would   break Charlton’s 49-goal mark before Kane swiftly replaced the Scouser as England’s leading scorer with his 54th strike for his country in a 2-1 victory over Italy in Naples last year.Nine-and-a-half years after his debut, Kane stands on 66 goals from 99 matches. Roy Keane slams ‘arrogant’ England as ‘awful’ despite interim boss Lee Carsley winning on debut against IrelandAnd yet there was little in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Ireland in Dublin to suggest that Kane is over the summer malaise which saw him operating well below his best in Germany and being hauled off after an hour of the final defeat by Spain.The striker failed to convert a free header from an early Trent Alexander-Arnold cross.And while he looked slightly more mobile than in the Euros, he remained way short of his sharpest — arguably the least convincing player in an impressive team performance.The Bayern Munich star is adamant no physical issues were holding him back during the tournament, despite a back problem at the tail of the Bundesliga season.Few people believe him.But Carsley insists Kane will continue to be a crucial member of the England side way beyond his own six-match autumn audition to become Gareth Southgate’s full-time successor.Carsley said: “On and off the pitch he’s a really good example.“Every single day, he is highly motivated to do well and you can see that from how he conducts himself.“He will be invaluable in my short space of time but also moving ­forward.” And where would Carsley — or whoever else might manage England in next year’s World Cup qualifiers — look to replace Kane?Had Ivan Toney made a summer transfer to a leading Premier League club, he may have become a genuine alternative.But his move from Brentford to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League removes any serious chance of that.There is no young gunslinger looking to bring down Kane and so there look certain to be many more caps after he wins his 100th.Ollie Watkins — currently injured — provided England’s moment of the summer with a stunning 90th-minute winner in the Euros semi-final against Holland.But the Aston Villa striker turns 29 this year and is a very different sort of player to Kane. It is difficult to imagine him usurping the skipper.While Carsley is introducing the next ­generation of England talent, based around the Under-21 team he led to the European Championship crown last year, there is no authentic centre-forward among that crop. In the final victory over Spain, Carsley employed Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon as a pair of ‘false nines’.There is no young gunslinger looking to bring down Kane and so there look certain to be many more caps to come after he wins his 100th against the Finns at Wembley.That 100 club — with the addition of Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker, who is joint 11th on the all-time appearance list with 90 caps — works into a perfect fantasy XI in a 4-4-2 formation.Shilton would be in goal with Walker, Bobby Moore, Billy Wright and Ashley Cole making up the back four.David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Charlton would be in front of them, with Rooney and Kane making up the front two.Kane will surely break his trophy duck this season, his second at BayernCredit: GettyThat would be quite some team — even if we would still have to solve the conundrum of Gerrard and Lampard playing together.  But among such company, Kane’s lack of silverware becomes even more glaring.Moore and Charlton were World Cup winners, eight of those players have won the European Cup, eight have been champions of England and most have shed-loads of winner’s medals.Kane will surely break his duck with ­Bayern this season.Although we said that last term, when he arrived at a club which had won 11 consecutive Bundesliga crowns, yet drew a spectacular blank.A runner-up in the European Championships (twice), the Champions League, the Premier League and the League Cup (twice), Kane has walked past more major trophies than he would care to remember without ever actually lifting one.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis personal achievements, and the absence of a major team honour, make his an extremely unusual career.But a career which is set to run and run. Even if Kane is never able to run and run quite like he used to.England Player Ratings vs IrelandDECLAN RICE silenced his Irish critics with a dominant display in England’s Nations League opener.Lee Carsley’s players handed him a debut win as interim manager of the Three Lions.Rice starred in the first half as he netted the opener and then set up England’s second goal.Jack Grealish doubled up for England after being set up by Rice 15 minutes later.Anthony Gordon however faded in the match as he was not able to have as much success as Grealish.SunSport’s Charlie Wyett has rated England’s players’ performance against Ireland…JORDAN PICKFORD – 6Pushed away a half decent shot from Sammie Szmodics at the start of the game but as England took control, he had a stress-free game.After a difficult couple of weeks with Everton, he would have been grateful for this. TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 7Looked more at home at right-back compared to the disastrous midfield experiment at the Euros.Stunning pass in a move that eventually led to the first goal. He has to remain as England’s right-back. MARC GUEHI – 7Enjoyed a decent Euros and switched over to the right of central defence as John Stones was named on the bench.Looks increasingly like a top-drawer defender. HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was left devastated after failing to make the Euro 2024 squad but he has enjoyed a decent start with Manchester United and looked solid here.When he is not in the team, England do miss his aerial presence. 7LEVI COLWILL – 7Second appearance for England and was deployed at left-back.Unlike the Euros, England have much better balance in defence with a natural left footer in this position. 7DECLAN RICE – 9Enjoyed an absolute stormer in what could have been a difficult afternoon.Booed every time he touched the ball, the former Irish international quietened the boisterous home fans with a brilliant finish although refused to celebrate.He then set up the second for Grealish. KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Fits perfectly into Carsley’s style of play. Some of his passing was excellent, particularly in the final third of the pitch, and this included his part in the outstanding second goal. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Enjoying a terrific start to the season with Arsenal – he has been nominated as their player of the month – and played with plenty of confidence here.Was involved in the second goal.JACK GREALISH – 8Left out of the Euros squad, but loved every minute of this.A decent finish for 2-0 and unlike Rice, celebrated in front of the visiting fans by raising both arms in triumph.ANTHONY GORDON – 6Looked really lively early on but faded.He should have put England ahead when clean through but was lucky that seconds later, Rice hammered his shot into the corner. 6HARRY KANE – 6Missed with a header and despite working hard, did not actually have that many chances despite England having so much possession. SubsGibbs-White (for Grealish 77 mins) 6, Gomes (for Mainoo 77) 6, Eze (for Gordon 77 mins) 6, Bowen (for Kane 84 mins) 6, Stones (for Maguire 85) 6.Subs not used: Henderson, Pope, Lewis, Gallagher, Livramento, Konsa, Madueke. More

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      Former England star Darren Bent branded ‘a horrible man’ after revealing his pick for WORST transfer of the summer

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      FORMER England striker Darren Bent was labelled a “horrible man” after naming Oliver Skipp the worst transfer of the summer.Midfielder Skipp, 23, joined newly-promoted Premier League side Leicester from Tottenham for £20million.Darren Bent named Oliver Skipp as the worst transfer of the summerCredit: YouTube/talkSPORTSkipp left Tottenham to join Leicester in a £20million dealCredit: GettyBut ex-Tottenham man Bent, 40, is unconvinced by the signing as he questioned what his contribution will be to Steve Cooper’s team.Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “Worst signing, Oliver Skipp, and I feel so bad saying that.”To which co-host Andy Goldstein jokingly replied: “Horrible man.”Justifying his selection, Bent added: “What am I supposed to do?READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I just think, £20million, is that what Leicester needed? Oliver Skipp and Harry Winks. Harry was good last year in the Championship.”The reason why I am not putting Dewsbury-Hall [to Chelsea] in there [is] because Chelsea have just thrown the money left, right and centre at loads of different players, so you almost get lost in it.”I am not saying he [Skipp] is a bad player. Leicester fans can tell me, when they signed Oliver Skipp, did they automatically think ‘right, yes, he gives us the best chance of staying up?’ Does he?”Skipp played 106 games for Tottenham, scoring one goal and providing two assists.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe came off the bench to make his debut in the Foxes’ 2-1 defeat to Fulham.He then made his first start for Leicester when they suffered a 2-1 loss at home to Aston Villa before the international break.PREM RULE CHANGESChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Tottenham suffer major Europa League blow with key man suspended after getting red card two seasons ago

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      TOTTENHAM’S Europa League hopes have been hit by a long-delayed ban for a key defender.Cristian Romero will miss Spurs’ group opener against Qarabag on September 26 – due to being sent off in the Champions League TWO SEASONS ago.  Cristian Romero’s absence will further weaken Spurs options in defenceCredit: RexIt’s all because Romero saw red for two bookings on Tottenham’s last European game, a Champions League draw at home to AC Milan in March 2023Credit: RexUefa have confirmed that European bans can kick in as late as two years after an offence – which adds to headaches at the back for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.Romero was sent off for two bookings in Spurs’ last European adventure, in March 2023.Having lost 1-0 away to AC Milan in the Champions League round-of-16, the Argentinian World Cup-winner’s woe then helped kill off their hopes in the second leg.Romero, now 26, earned his first yellow card after just 17 minutes of a poor Tottenham display.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd a reckless challenge on Theo Hernandez late on meant his second booking in a tame 0-0 draw.Spurs have been out of Europe since then, so it’s only now that Romero’s suspension comes into play.His absence at home to Azerbaijan Premier League side Qarabag later this month means Postecoglou could face selection problems at centre-back.Dutch centre-back  Micky van de Ven has been troubled by injury.Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, Postecoglou is confident the 23-year-old will be back by the end of September.He said: “Micky was close in training this week but with the international break he’s not quite 100 per cent.”Tottenham flop Steven Bergwijn signs for Saudi Arabian club Al-IttihadRadu Dragusin is Tottenham’s other main option in central defence.And if needed Ben Davies, usually a left-back, could switch inside.Spurs decided to leave right-back Djed Spence out of their 23-man Europa League squad. More

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      Meet Tottenham wonderkid Will Lankshear, 19, who has been compared with Harry Kane and released by bitter rivals Arsenal

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      JAMES MADDISON summed up just how much excitement there is at Tottenham over the club’s clutch of teenage talents right now.The England midfielder told assistant boss Matt Wells he “could not believe” how good they were earlier this summer.Will Lankshear scored for Tottenham against Bristol Rovers in the EFL Trophy in AugustCredit: RexLankshear was Premier League 2 player of the season last termCredit: RexLankshear chilling out on a night offCredit: https://www.instagram.com/will.lankshear/Striker Will Lankshear leads that group – which also includes 17-year-old wonderkid Mikey Moore.The centre-forward, 19, won the Premier League 2 player of the year last season and has impressed Ange Postecoglou so much in pre-season, there is a chance he could be in the first-team picture this term.HOW DO THEY PLAY AND WHO DO THEY REMIND YOU OF?AN exciting, young English striker released by Arsenal and picked up by Tottenham – where have we heard that one before?Comparisons between Harry Kane and current Spurs starlet Lankshear are not hard to draw, and not just because of their similar path across North London at academy level.Read more football newsLankshear, 19, has echoes of Kane in his physique, his willingness to improve and his predatory instincts inside the penalty box.He has even celebrated scoring goals in a similar manner to the England captain, with that little jump and fist pump, although their all-round playing style differs.It goes without saying that no one in N17 is expecting Lankshear to emulate Kane’s historic feats – that would be ridiculous and unfair pressure to put on any young player.TELL US ABOUT HIS RISELankshear began his footballing journey in the Arsenal academy along with older brother Alex Lankshear, 21 and now of Blackpool.Most read in FootballYet the Gunners made the questionable decision to let Will go in the summer of 2021 – perhaps because of a change in academy manager at the time, with Per Mertesacker arriving – just as they did all those years ago with a nine-year-old Kane.Inside Angel Gomes’ rise from Man Utd wonderkid to England starLankshear quickly shook off the disappointment and moved north to join Sheffield United.The Blades scouts had been tipped off that Arsenal were not going to offer a deal and invited Lankshear in on a trial, where he impressed with his attitude and work-rate.They agreed a scholarship contract in February 2021, with Lankshear valuing how the Yorkshire side had a track record of successfully moulding other physical centre-forwards such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin.Lankshear struck up a strong relationship with academy boss and former EFL striker Jack Lester, who regularly coached the forwards, including Daniel Jebbison and William Osula, now of Premier League pair Bournemouth and Newcastle respectively.Lankshear, 19, has echoes of Kane in his physique, his willingness to improve and his predatory instincts inside the penalty box.It was not long until he was training up with Paul Heckingbottom’s first team and it was in the Steel City where he honed his physical prowess, speed and agility.Lankshear hit a hat-trick on his Blades’ Under-18s debut in a 4-1 win over Coventry and ended up with more than 30 goals at that level.But when United encountered financial problems in the summer of 2022, they saw selling Lankshear as a chance to earn a quick return on a player that had cost them nothing.Tottenham got him in a deal that could rise to £2.5million if all clauses are met was the first time Spurs had spent big on a teenager from the EFL since prising Dele Alli from MK Dons in 2015.Lankshear was attracted to the world-class facilities at Spurs’ training ground and loved the idea of learning from record-scorer Kane, with whom he spent a season before the England captain’s move to Bayern Munich last August.Lankshear impressed for Tottenham in pre-seasonCredit: ReutersYet his first six months in N17 were spent on the sidelines after an operation on his knee.It meant that going into last season, all Lankshear was hoping for was an injury-free campaign – but he got so much more: ending up the Premier League 2 player of the season after his 21 goals and two assists in 22 games helped Spurs to the title.Tellingly about his character, Lankshear showed his team-mates with praise when interviewed in May about his gong.The youngster told Spurs’ website: “I’m proud of the goals I’ve scored but it’s all come from the team.“The quality we’ve got in this team has definitely helped me and definitely I wouldn’t have got my top goalscorer without my team-mates.”Lankshear could get more first-team opportunities this season given that there will be more fixtures – and scored in the EFL Trophy against Bristol Rovers last month.He damaged his hamstring in that match but is expected to be fit by the end of the international break.WHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING?Paul Heckingbottom coached Lankshear at Sheffield United.The 47-year-old told SunSport: “He was hungry. He was just what we were all about.“Jack Lester quickly picked up on his movement in and around the box and thinking like a goalscorer which I think is his biggest attribute.The way that Ange plays, having a No9 occupying centre-backs and trying to play on the shoulder and being good in the box is a big, big thing… Will can do thatPaul Heckingbottom“When we were coaching him and putting on a session for the centre-backs, him and his movement could destroy a session. His instincts constantly caused problems as a coach and as a defender.“The way that Ange plays, having a No9 occupying centre-backs and trying to play on the shoulder and being good in the box is a big, big thing. Will can do that.“He makes good runs off the shoulder and he’s all about being alert and alive in the box and finishing chances.“I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes out on loan and see him scoring goals in the EFL.”Can you name the famous fathers?WHAT DOES THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HOLD?Dane Scarlett and Alejo Veliz were ahead in the pecking when the players returned in July but Lankshear’s energy and cameo displays off the bench saw him supersede those two, who have since been loaned respectively to Oxford and Espanyol.Lankshear, who netted six goals in pre-season, could have been farmed out too, with Birmingham boss Chris Davies – Postecoglou’s No2 last season – keen to borrow him..But with Richarlison’s continuous injury problems – and the recent setback to £65million new-boy Dominic Solanke – Spurs have decided to keep him close for the first half of the season at least. Like whizkid team-mate Moore, Lankshear will be hoping for cameos here and there when back fit. His best chance of minutes will come in the cups and in the Europa League.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 19-year-old’s ability to find space in the box and finish, which he showed in pre-season goals against Hearts and Team K League, seems a good fit for Postecoglou’s attacking approach which carves out plenty of close-range opportunities for the central striker.He would likely have the support of his team-mates too, with Lankshear understood to have felt like he’s been accepted by the senior pros in the dressing room. More

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      Newcastle 2 Tottenham 1: Ange Postecoglou’s side made to rue missed chances as Alexander Isak bags late winner

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      ALEXANDER ISAK spared Nick Pope’s blushes as Newcastle continued their unbeaten start to the season.It was a rope-a-dope performance, but Eddie Howe will not care one bit as Ange Postecoglou’s decision to go for it was punished.Newcastle ace Harvey Barnes opened the scoring against TottenhamCredit: GettyTottenham equalised thanks to an own goal by Newcastle ace Dan BurnCredit: GettyBut Newcastle picked up the win thanks to a late winner by Alexander IsakCredit: AlamyTottenham were made to rue their countless missed chances against NewcastleCredit: RexThis fixture always promises goals, with the last goalless draw between these two coming in the 1970s, and it did not take long for this clash to burst into life.Two huge banners dominated the Gallowgate End prior to kick off to welcome the return of Sandro Tonali.However, the ‘Midfield maestro from Milano’ had to settle for a place on the bench for this one but that failed to put a dampener on things.Son Heung-min failed to clear a corner and was robbed by Isak, with the Swede chipping it towards the back post, only to see it clip the woodwork.Read More on FootballAnthony Gordon then cut inside Cristian Romero to find Harvey Barnes, but this time the winger’s bending effort whistled past the far post from 25 yards.But Toon’s momentum was halted after a break in play when injured referee assistant Ian Hussin was replaced by fourth official Darren Bond due to a thigh problem.That allowed Spurs to regroup, and Pape Matar Sarr forced Pope into a diving save from distance before another long-ranger went over.But Newcastle survived their spell on the backfoot to take the lead when Llyod Kelly ran down the left into the box and pulled it back into the middle for Barnes.Most read in FootballThe 26-year-old then showed superb technique as he opened up his body to place it on the volley into the far corner to send the home crowd wild.Tottenham tried to respond and put more pressure on the home defence but, much to Postecoglou’s frustration, his side could not create any clear-cut chances.Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonSo it was Newcastle who held the advantage come the break, but Howe still had several concerns.Kelly’s name had gone into the book after retaliating to being nutmegged by Son by tugging at the South Korean’s shirt.And he was joined in there by Sean Longstaff and Joelinton, leaving all three walking a tightrope going into the second period.In an attempt to try and spice up his attack, Postecoglou replaced Sarr with Brennan Johnson, giving his team licence to go forward but leaving them open at the back.And they almost got caught twice before the equaliser, but the Spurs boss had Radu Dragusin to thank for keeping his side in it.Isak beat the offside trap to get in behind the defence and race through on goal as St James’ held its collective breath seconds after the restart.The Swedish striker had support but opted to go it alone, only to be denied as he pulled the trigger by a brilliant Dragusin sliding tackle.And it proved to be a vital moment as Spurs took complete control as Postecoglou’s bold decision to go for it paid dividends with Johnson at the heart of it.Not even the ardent Geordie could deny that it had been coming, especially after Pedro Porro had rattled the bar.James Maddison got the ball out left and cut inside just in the area to curl it towards the opposite bottom corner.Pope dived but could only palm it straight into the path of Johnson, and the Welsh forward rifled it back across the goalline past the despairing keeper as Dan Burn ended up blasting it into his own net as he tried to clear on the line.The England international will know he could do better, but he made amends by stopping Maddison and Porro later.Isak with the late winnerNewcastle were struggling to get out of their half as Bruno Guimaraes went into the book as frustrations threatened to boil over.Howe responded by replacing his goalscorer with Jacob Murphy, while Tonali made his Premier League return for Longstaff and Lewis Hall took over from Kelly.Murphy almost caught Spurs out after a rare attack only for Guglielmo Vicario to deny him at the near post.But it was Johnson’s introduction down the right for Tottenham that looked to have changed everything and he almost forced another own goal, only this time Bruno’s clearance trickled wide.Postecoglou smelt blood, and he went for it as Timo Werner came on for Wilson Odobert, but it would be his men that suffered a late knockout blow as their high-line was caught out.Joelinton spotted the defence high and threaded a perfect through ball for Murphy to dart through towards Vicario.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe sub powered forward towards the goalie before correctly deciding to slip it to his left ten yards out for the onrushing Isak to poke into the empty net.Spurs huffed and puffed for a way back, but after five nervous minutes of additional time, the whistle finally went to the relief of Howe.Tottenham huffed and puffed for a way back but Newcastle held on to their lead More

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      Europa League draw in full as Man Utd face Mourinho reunion and Tottenham handed tricky away ties in new format

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham have discovered their fate in the new-look Europa League with the Red Devils pitted against former boss Jose Mourinho.The draw also produced two blockbuster Battle of Britains with both Man Utd and Spurs to face Rangers in the league phase.The new-look Europa League draw took place on FridayCredit: GettyManchester United qualified for the Europa League through winning the FA CupCredit: GettyTottenham are preparing for their first European campaign under Ange PostecoglouCredit: AlamyMan Utd will face former manager Jose Mourinho and ex-midfielder Fred when they head to FenerbahceCredit: Getty – ContributorErik ten Hag’s men will host the Scottish giants while Ange Postecoglou’s side travel to Glasgow.Follow SunSport’s live blog of the Europa League drawMan Utd will head to Mourinho’s Fenerbahce where ex-Red Devils midfielder Fred also plies his trade.Manchester United’s remaining fixtures will see them travel to Porto, Viktoria Plzen and Twente, as well as hosting PAOK, Bodo/Glimtand FCSB.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpurs face some tricky European away days as they prepare to head to Turkish giants Galatasaray and German side Hoffenheim.They also go to Hungary to play Ferencvaros.Tottenham will host Roma, AZ Alkmaar, Qarabag and Elfsborg.And Postecoglou, who managed Celtic before joining Spurs, joked he is expecting a “warm reception” from the Rangers fans when his side head north of the border.Most read in Europa LeagueHe said: “Exciting. It’s good to be a part of. Some good games.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNew Europa League format explainedTHE Europa League has been given a revamp this season, with a whole new group-stage format.All 36 teams are in one big league.Each team will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.At the end of the league phase, the top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.The bottom 12 teams are eliminated from Europe entirely.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The knockout phase of the tournament remains the same as previous years.”I am sure I will get a warm reception at Ibrox and they’ll look forward to seeing me.”The competition will follow the same format as the new Champions League, with all 36 teams playing eight matches in the “league phase”.Fans in hysterics as they spot PSG president’s reaction to brutal Champions League draw on live TVThe top eight progress straight through to the last-16, with ninth to 24th going into a play-off round.The bottom eight teams are immediately eliminated.Another change means no Champions League sides will drop down into the Europa League this season.On Thursday, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa learned their Champions League fixtures.SunSport has a full breakdown of the fixture list for each of the English clubs here.Man Utd failed to earn European football through their Premier League position last season after they finished eighth.But their FA Cup triumph over Man City salvaged Europa League football for Ten Hag’s men.READ MORE SUN STORIESTottenham qualified for the Europa League by finishing fifth in the Premier League, two points adrift of the Champions League places.This year’s final will take place in Bilbao on May 21. More

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      What is Dominic Solanke’s TV-inspired goal celebration?

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      TOTTENHAM Hotspur’s latest signing Dominic Solanke is looking to bring a little culture to his goal celebrations this season.The 26-year-old professional footballer showcased his trademark stunt last season with his former team A.F.C Bournemouth. But what is the reason behind his quirky post-goal performance and why does he don a bright orange mask?Dominic Solanke is an English Premier League footballerCredit: GettyWho is Dominic Solanke?Dominic is an English Premier League footballer.Born on September 14, 1997, Dominic plays for Tottenham Hotspur.Dominic was born in Reading, Berkshire, to a Nigerian Yoruba father and an English mother.More on Dominic SolankeThe star began his football career in Chelsea’s youth academy, where he quickly stood out as a prolific goal scorer. He played a key role in helping Chelsea’s youth team win the UEFA Youth League and FA Youth Cup. After struggling to break into Chelsea’s first team, he joined Liverpool in 2017. In 2019, Dominic signed with Bournemouth, where he became a key player, helping them achieve promotion back to the Premier League.Most read in FootballIn August 2024, Tottenham Hotspur announced the signing of Dominic for £65 million on a six-year deal.What is Dominic Solanke’s goal celebration and what is the meaning behind it?Dominic’s mask celebration is a nod to the character Kakashi Hatake from the popular anime Naruto. He first performed this celebration on August 26, 2023, during Bournemouth’s 2-0 victory over Brentford. Awkward Dominic Solanke interview emerges as Tottenham close in on transfer for Bournemouth star After scoring, Dominic pulled out an orange mask, similar to the one worn in the Japanese manga series, and put it on briefly to celebrate. Unfortunately for him, the goal was later ruled out by VAR.Dominic has previously spoken about how much he loves anime.He told BBC’s Football Focus: “A lot of my friends watch it, so they were pressurising me to watch it, and at first, I wasn’t really into it.Dominic has said he’s inspired by the characters from the anime NarutoCredit: Getty”But then I watched Naruto first, and I just couldn’t stop watching it.”Dominic even acknowledged that anime has aided him in managing the mental aspects of the game.He said: “It’s so relentless. The characters just don’t give up, so it’s always nice to think back to those characters and what they’ve gone through and how hard they’ve worked.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHow many goals has Dominic Solanke scored for Tottenham?Dominic made his debut for Tottenham Hotspur on August 19, 2024Credit: GettyDominic made his debut for Tottenham Hotspur on August 19, 2024, in a Premier League match against Leicester City.He has not yet scored any goals for the North London team.The star joined Tottenham Hotspur Football Club in August 2024Credit: GettyChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More