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      Newcastle fire hands-off warning to England over Eddie Howe – but even Toon legend Shearer says he’s the man for the job

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      NEWCASTLE UNITED have issued a hands-off warning to England over Eddie Howe – but even Toon legend Alan Shearer reckons he’s the right man for the job.Gareth Southgate’s resignation triggered the race to become the new Three Lions manager.Newcastle are not keen to let manager Eddie Howe leave for EnglandCredit: GettyGareth Southgate resigned as England manager after Euro 2024Credit: RexNewcastle legend Alan Shearer has claimed Howe is the right man to succeed SouthgateCredit: GettyHowe is a leading contender along with free agent Graham Potter — while another former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel also wants the job.A move for the St James’ Park chief could cost England more than they bargained in compensation after he signed a fresh Toon contract last summer.But Shearer admits Howe would be a good fit for the role.Speaking to Betfair, Newcastle’s record scorer said: “I would imagine the outstanding candidate would be Eddie Howe.Read More on Football”I think Eddie has a big decision to make because I’m certain the FA will ask him and then whatever happens after that, we don’t know.”I’m fairly sure that a conversation will have been had or will be ongoing now within the FA where Eddie Howe’s name will get a mention. “Whether Eddie wants the job or not will be the key. The fact we’re talking about Eddie and England again means he’s done a really, really good job at Newcastle.”He’s been fantastic and it’d be a big blow if he leaves because the fans love him, he’s done a remarkable job and he understands the club, but I get it and I understand it.Most read in Football”Whatever he chooses, if he is tempted by the England job, which I suspect he may be, I don’t think many people could or would stand in his way – albeit Newcastle would lose a very talented manager.”But even if England are interested and Howe fancies the switch to international management, Newcastle won’t make it easy for their gaffer to walk away.’Get him in’ – England fans reveal who they would like to replace Gareth Southgate after Euro defeatThis felt like our time… but keep Gareth’s culture and we can win it in 2026 instead, writes Jack WilshereIT will take a while for me and every England fan to get over this, writes Jack Wilshere.To come so close to winning that trophy, only to be beaten in a second Euros final in a row, is a huge disappointment.Especially when it really felt like this was our time.It seemed that everything was coming together for us to end the long wait for a major title.But Spain deserved it. They were the better team in the final and the best team of the tournament.We will all — supporters, players, coaches, the FA — have to move on and go again.Because English football is still in a good position.Gareth Southgate has taken us to two finals, a semi-final and a quarter-final in four tournaments. We have never produced a run like that before.The challenge now is to maintain this level of competitiveness and make England even better.Southgate and his staff have done a fantastic job in changing the whole environment and narrative around the national team.Now Gareth is gone, the wider culture he has put in place must be preserved.This tournament was the biggest test of that culture the team had to go through.They overcame the problems and went all the way, only to fall at the final hurdle.But there is every reason to believe we can challenge at the World Cup in 2026 and beyond.We’ve got a really good group of players, many of them young, who can go on playing and performing for England for years.Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer — to name just five — have plenty more tournaments in them.This tournament will also be an inspiration for the next generations of players. Unfortunately there isn’t the trophy lift to take that to a completely different level.But England have delivered moments in Germany that will be replayed forever.The Bellingham overhead kick and Ollie Watkins’ semi-final winner will be recreated in playgrounds and cages up and down the country.What I would like to see now is England continuing to develop, to become a team that can consistently dominate opponents and can give a real identity to English football.We now have players who are comfortable on the ball and technically very good.The biggest disappointment of the tournament was that we didn’t see that as often as we would have liked. That leaves us with a ‘what if?’ feeling.England must not lose that old-school mentality of finding a way to win even when you’re not playing well — that never-say-die spirit which got us through this Euros more than once.But the next step is to allow other qualities to shine through, to give the players that our system is creating the platform to show  everything they can do.The job for me and for other coaches is to keep producing players that are comfortable on the ball and understand how to perform under pressure at a high level.English football is in a good place but we need to keep going. Then we will finally get over the line.Real all of SunSport columnist Jack Wilshere’s Euro 2024 columns…The Magpies’ Saudi owners are ready to back Howe big in the transfer market to help get them back into the Champions League.And a hush-hush deal penned 12 months ago has not only tied him down long-term to St James’ Park, it has also ensured that the FA would need to cough up even more compensation to get the ex-Bournemouth manager.FA bigwigs will consider putting England Under-21s chief Lee Carsley in interim charge for the next game against Ireland if the deal drags on.Newcastle CEO Darren Eales revealed the secret extension from the German pre-season training HQ: “It is speculation on Eddie.“He has been an amazing manager at the club and he is committed to Newcastle with the work that he has done.“We’re on an exciting journey and Eddie is the man to lead us on that.“He’s on a multi-year deal which was extended last summer. He’s our employee and we’re not looking to release Eddie.“He loves the day-to-day of club football and we have an exciting project here.“We are really excited about this season ahead.“Eddie is a great developer of players. He gets the psyche of the club, Newcastle and the fans.“He is exactly the right man for the project we are on at Newcastle United and that is why we are committed to a long-term deal with him. We love him.”After being forced to offload Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest to ease Premier League spending rules issues last month, Howe can now look forward to strengthening his squad.And Eales declared that there is money now they have entered a new PSR window.Southgate’s highs and lows as England bossGARETH Southgate took charge of 102 games for England before quitting in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.But what were the best – and worst matches – from the popular gaffer’s eight-year reign before that devastating Sunday night in Berlin? Here we take a look.THE HIGHS:Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 on pens,) 2018 World CupThis was the night that long-suffering supporters finally started to believe that it was coming home.Despite conceding a late equaliser, England held their nerve to advance to the quarter final of the World Cup 2018 on penalties.It was our first shootout victory for 22 years.Spain 2-3 England, 2018 Nations LeagueFollowing on from the World Cup, England won in Spain for the first time in 31 years with a brilliant Uefa Nations League victory.Southgate’s boys stunned the Seville crowd into silence with a thrilling performance that saw them lead 3-0 at the break thanks to a Raheem Sterling brace and Marcus Rashford.Although the hosts scored two after the break, the way the Three Lions tore La Roja apart excited every fan.England 2-1 Denmark, Euro 2020 semi-finalSouthgate led England to their first major final in 55 years as they beat Denmark after extra-time in the Euro 2020 semi-final.Having fallen behind after half an hour, the Three Lions battled back to send it to extra-time courtesy of an own goal.Then it was captain Kane who converted a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel originally saved his penalty in extra-time to win it.England 3-0 Sengal, 2022 World Cup last 16England had already blown Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, away in the World Cup 2022 group stages before they breezed past Senegal.The free-scoring Three Lions recorded another big win to set-up a mouthwatering quarter-final against France – what could go wrong?Italy 1-2 England, Euro qualifiers, 2023On a night when Harry Kane became England’s all-time top scorer, the Three Lions recorded a first away win over Italy since 1961.It was the first game since their 2022 World Cup exit, and it ensured a perfect start to their Euro 2022 qualifying campaign.England 2-1 Holland, Euro 2024 sem-finalThe nation doubted Southgate’s men in the semis of Euro 2024, but they responded with a barnstorming display.Xavi Simons opened the scoring for the Dutch but Harry Kane’s penalty drew us level.And Ollie Watkins slotted in a brilliant winner in injury time to see the Three Lions into their second successive Euros final.AND THE LOWS….Croatia 2-1 England, World Cup semi-final, 2018Having led England to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, Southgate men made a dream start as Kieran Trippier put them ahead in the early exchanges.But Ivan Perisic equalised as the Croats began to take control.Some of Southgate’s substitutions were then questioned after his team were beaten in extra-time, although many gave him the benefit of the doubt as he returned a hero.Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pens) Euro 2020 finalWill probably never get a better chance to have secured a trophy for the Three Lions than this final of the last European Championship.Luke Shaw gave us the lead after just seconds, but just like against Croatia three years earlier, we sat back and let our rivals back into it.Leonardo Bonucci duly equalised in the second half and the game eventually went to penalties.The unfortunate Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all brought on to take a spot-kick, but the brave trio all missed as the Azzurri broke our hearts to take the prize.England 0-4 Hungary, Nations League 2023A year on from the Euros and it was utter embarrassment for Southgate in this Nations League game at Molineux.It was our biggest home defeat since 1928 and the result led to England being relegated from the top group of the Nations League and back to one that contained the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece.England 1-2 France, World Cup 2022 quarter-finalsAnother case of what could have been.Having been free-scoring throughout Qatar 2022, many fancied us to go all the way at the World Cup despite taking on the holders in the quarters.We fought back from going behind to level through Kane and many believe that France were then there for the taking had Southgate deployed a more attacking approach.Instead, they seemed content with what they had until Olivier Giroud pounced 12 minutes from time to win it.But there was still one more twist of the knife for England as the usually-reliable Kane skied a late penalty over the bar uncharacteristically as we crashed out.PSR boostAs quoted in The Chronicle, he added: “We’re into a new PSR cycle and we are having those discussions.“Paul Mitchell has come onboard and it is for him and Eddie to discuss what sort of targets they want and the areas they want to strengthen.“It’s then important to have those meetings to decide where we are going to allocate those resources to strengthen our squad. That is what we are looking to do, but these situations are very fluid.“On all of these things, we are compliant. We did what we needed to do.“Going forward we are into a new cycle and we do not want to be leaving ourselves in that situation again in such tight circumstances.“With all of these things, that deadline is needed for the whole market to focus minds and get those deals done.Southgate’s gone – now it’s time to go foreignBy Dave KiddThere is a natural preference to appoint an English successor.And in an ideal world, the England manager should always be English. But this is not an ideal scenario.So the FA must be ambitious in sounding out the best man for the job, regardless of nationality.Because England need a manager who would gain instant respect with players, who would be tactically bold enough to take on Spain and a strong enough character to deal with Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid Galactico status, which threatens to cause future issues within the England squad. Yes, when the FA have gone foreign in the past, it hasn’t worked out well.Yet the problem with Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello was that neither had any previous involvement in English football.They lacked knowledge and understanding of the football culture — indeed, Capello barely spoke the language.Now there is a wealth of overseas managerial talent with significant Premier League experience, including Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel.Read more from Dave Kidd on who England should turn to.Howe has all his stars“But coming out of it, from my perspective, PSR needs to be looked at because incentivising the selling of homegrown players is not a good protocol to have.“We did not want to lose those players but again we had to do the deals we had to do to leave the squad in the best place possible for Eddie moving forward.”And after keeping star names Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and with last summer’s big-money arrival Sandro Tonali due to return from his betting ban, Eales is confident that Howe and new sporting director Mitchell can enhance the squad even further.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “With Bruno, Isak, Gordon, Joelinton and Tonali to come back, we’ve got Lloyd Kelly coming in as an addition already, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento, we’ve got the squad to kick on.“But we are always looking to add to that and that is the challenge now, that is what we need to do, we need to find ways to improve and that is what we are doing with Eddie and Paul.”Southgate deserved to win a trophy with England… he made us all proud of our team again, writes Shaun CustisGARETH SOUTHGATE deserved to win a trophy as England manager, write Shaun Custis.Unfortunately, you don’t always get what you deserve in life.No man could have worked harder to give the country the silverware it craved and no man cared more about our national team.As a player he went through agonies after missing that fateful penalty against Germany at Euro 96 — and victory as a manager in the Euro 2024 final against Spain on Sunday would have been a wonderful redemption.Southgate himself said he didn’t believe in fairytales — and there was to be no happy ending as ultimately England came up short again when it mattered.But his legacy should be one of great achievement, not of failure.This is an England boss who transformed our feelings towards the Three Lions.Hardened fans, who claimed they only cared about their club, fell back in love with England during Gareth’s eight years in charge.As The Sun’s chief football writer, I followed England through the Sven Göran Eriksson era, on to Steve McClaren, then Fabio Capello and Roy Hodgson.None of them could hold a candle to Southgate.Southgate took it on reluctantly and, when the FA then wanted to make his position permanent, he made it clear he had to have free rein to do the job on his terms.This was to be a new England with no club cliques, no wars with the media and an openness and honesty from coaches and players.He never believed it was the impossible job as many claimed before him.Yes, the Euros was a let-down and England were probably lucky to make the final.But Southgate, by some distance, turned his England team into the most successful since Sir Alf Ramsey’s World Cup winners of 1966.He gave us plenty of entertainment and fun along the way and a reason to feel proud.We were even starting to crack it at penalty shoot-outs.Most importantly, Southgate was a thoroughly decent human being throughout it all, treating everyone with respect — whether you were a player, a fan or part of the media.Read Sun Head of Sport Shaun Custis’ full opinion on Gareth Southgate’s England exit… More

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      Arsenal and Chelsea want Spain Euro 2024 hero Nico Williams transfer.. but agent Lamine Yamal could give Barcelona edge

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      ARSENAL and Chelsea are set to fight it out for Spain star Nico Williams this summer – but Barcelona already have an edge over the Premier League sides.Athletic Bilbao forward Williams, 22, scored two and assisted one for Luis de la Fuente’s men at Euro 2024.Nico Williams, right, shone for Spain at the Euros and is now being chased by Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: GettyWilliams was one of the best players at this summer’s EurosThat included the opening goal in Sunday’s final against England as Spain triumphed 2-1 to clinch a record-breaking fourth European Championship.Williams’ stellar Euros comes off the back of a superb campaign for Bilbao which saw him contribute eight goals and 19 assists in 37 appearances.According to The Athletic, signing the winger would require paying the LaLiga club his £49million release clause up front.Williams is at the front of Arsenal’s list of priorities, but it is understood Mikel Arteta would need to sell players to finance the deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Gunners are linked with selling the likes of Kieran Tierney, Aaron Ramsdale, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah.Chelsea also remain keen on Williams having monitored him for some time.However, they do already possess a number of options on the flanks – Mykhaylo Mudryk, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Raheem Sterling to name a few.And they are also aware Barcelona appear to be the front-runners to sign Williams.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLamine Yamal, who occupied the other flank for Spain at the Euros and assisted Williams’ goal in the final, is keen for the Bilbao man to join him at the Nou Camp.Barcelona president Joan Laporta has also made it clear they could pursue Williams.Lamine Yamal accidentally shows world his naked Spain team-mates in live social media blunder after England win He told radio station Catalunya Radio: “Today Barca could cope financially with a signing like Nico Williams.”But it remains unclear whether Laporta’s claims are legitimate as it is widely known Barcelona remain in a difficult financial position.Inside the baffling, brilliant story of Lamine Yamal – from being bathed by Messi to doing homework while taking Euros by stormLAMINE YAMAL has confirmed his status as football’s next superstar at Euro 2024 – but has only been playing 11-a-side games for four years, write Jack Rosser.Spain’s incredible 16-year-old bent home the goal of the tournament so far against France as La Roja sealed the spot in the final.But his first five years in Barcelona’s academy were spent playing seven-a-side football, up until the age of 12 in 2020 when he finally got a crack at 11-a-side games.Yamal’s story is baffling, brilliant and barely believable in equal measure.He is a boy born to a Moroccan father and a mother from Equatorial Guinea, who turned 17 the day before the Euros final, and was cradled by footballing royalty at just six months old.Staggering pictures of Yamal as a baby being held and bathed by Messi, taken for a Barcelona charity calendar 16 years ago, resurfaced this week.He did not restrict his brushes with greatness to Barcelona either, with footage of Yamal as an academy player walking as a mascot with Spain and Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos at an El Clasico in 2016.There is a touch of fate about this gem, Spain’s “little MVP”, as team-mate Nico Williams has dubbed him.Yamal has been doing homework in his spare time and received exam results during the tournament. He passed, obviously.Now he’s the youngest ever goalscorer at the Euros, also becoming the youngest player to ever start a major semi-final – claiming that title from Pele.But it’s Yamal’s humble approach on and off the pitch that most impresses everyone he meets.And France star Adrien Rabiot probably felt quite embarrassed as he boarded his plane back home from Germany.He had tried to intimidate Yamal ahead of their semi-final clash – telling Yamal he “needs to do more.”Was this good enough, then? Yamal responded with a goal for the ages and a man of the match performance.A season which started with a pre-season game against Tottenham where Yamal excelled but was overshadowed by Oliver Skipp scoring a brace will end on the biggest stage European football has to offer on Sunday.From being outshone by Skipp to eclipsing Pele’s records is not a bad year’s work – just imagine what he will do when he grows up.Read all about the incredible rise of Lamine Yamal in full… More

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      Man Utd fans pleasantly surprised and say ‘this is so unlike us’ as they find out Joshua Zirkzee’s wages

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were delighted to discover just how much new signing Joshua Zirkzee is on.The Netherlands forward, 23, completed a £36.5million move to Old Trafford from Bologna on Sunday.Netherlands star Joshua Zirkzee is Man Utd’s first summer signingCredit: GettyThe forward’s wages have been revealed on his five-year contractCredit: GettyZirkzee inked a five-year contract to become the first signing of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era at the Theatre of Dreams.A fresh report has now claimed that he will receive a weekly salary of £56,000.And after years of spending fortunes on both player transfer fees and wages, some supporters were pleasantly surprised to see the relative small amount.“Wow this is so unlike us,” posted one in response to the news on X.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnother said: “Good, INEOS are out here not to overpay wages to anyone coming in now.”A third said: “Great to see better financial management from a salaries perspective!“Another commented: “Only £56k a week. Look at my club acting grown up”A fifth said: “That’s great. Manchester United is a serious club now.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile a sixth added: “Ed Woodward would have placed him on £100k+ p/w already. I don’t recognize my club no more.”Zirkzee caught United boss Erik Ten Hag’s eye with 12 goals in 37 appearances last season.New Man Utd star Joshua Zirkzee reveals what Kobbie Mainoo said to him after England’s win over SwitzerlandAnd that impressive final season in Serie A also earned him a spot in the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 squad.He made his debut for them in their quarter-final victory over Turkey before Zirkzee then picked up his second cap in the Dutch’s last-gasp semi-final defeat to England.Zirkzee and his new team-mate Kobbie Mainoo were spotted deep in conversation after that game.And now the ex-Bayern Munich academy graduate is delighted to have moved to the Red Devils.He said: “Having had discussions with the manager and the leaders of the club I know how exciting the future is going to be here and I cannot wait to play my part in achieving success for Manchester United.“I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning; I’m ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies.“It is a privilege to join such an iconic club.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away.”United supporters now hope that Zirkzee’s arrival will be the first of a busy transfer window. More

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      Wolves star Hwang Hee-chan agrees to join Marseille but French giants miles off Premier League club’s transfer fee

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      WOLVES star Hwang Hee-chan has reached an agreement in principle to join Marseille.L’OM have been keeping tabs on Hwang, 28, during the summer transfer window and had an opening offer worth £20million turned down by the Molineux outfit.Wolves star Hwang Hee-chan has agreed personal terms to join MarseilleCredit: GettyTalks are ongoing between Wolves and Marseille for HwangCredit: GettySunSport understand that the striker has agreed personal terms with the French giants and is keen on a move to the Velodrome.Talks are ongoing between Wolves and Marseille in a bid to iron out a deal for the South Korea international.The Premier League side are demanding £30m to let Hwang go this summer and Marseille have yet to meet those requirements.The centre-forward has a contract with Wolves until 2028.Read More on FootballHwang enjoyed an impressive campaign with Gary O’Neil’s side this past term.The South Korean amassed a total of 13 goals and three assists in 31 appearances.SunSport have also learned that Marseille could shelve their bid for Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood because talks are taking too long.Greenwood is taking too long to decide and Roberto De Zerbi’s side have set their sights elsewhere.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTherefore, Marseille are now looking to sign Brighton ace Simon Adingra.Adingra played under De Zerbi at the Amex Stadium last season.Wolves boss Gary O’Neil issues summer transfer warning to fans and says -certain managers would not want to work under these circumstancesThe Italian tactician rates the winger highly and is keen on a reunion at the Velodrome this summer.SunSport also understand that Marseille have held talks with the Ivory Coast international’s camp. More

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      Spain hit by explosive row hours ahead of Euro 2024 final v England over transfer questions to star Nico Williams

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      SPAIN have been hit by explosive row over Nico Williams’ club future – just hours before the Euro 2024 final against England. Williams has been one of the star’s of the tournament, causing heavy transfer speculation. Spain’s Nico Williams has been linked with a move away from Athletic BilbaoCredit: APIt caused Athletic Bilbao president Jon Uriarte to slam the Spanish FA (RFEF) in a strongly-worded statement. He said: “Nico, a player who is committed to Athletic, has been subjected to a bombardment of questions about his future in an excessive and uncontrolled manner while at the European Championships.”The RFEF have not been able to protect him. Respect between all the actors who make up football is a fundamental basis, or that’s how we view it at Athletic, which does not include subjecting players with contracts at one club to public pressure to join other clubs.”There are no limits to Athletic’s aspirations. We are demonstrating that we have an attractive project, a winning project for our players and our coach. READ MORE ON Euro 2024″The proof of that is that we have renewed the contracts of two of our internationals, Unai Simón (2029) and Dani Vivian (2032).”Nico signed a new deal last year until 2027. Various other sought-after players have also committed their future to the club. “Athletic are financially, socially and in sporting terms capable of keeping players of the caliber of those named in its structure, including Nico.” The Spanish FA responded: “RFEF has treated Nico Williams in the same way we have treated the other 25 players who travelled to Germany. Most read in Euro 2024Meet Spain’s Euro 2024 WagsSpain Wags range from teenager sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.Alice Campello (Alvaro Morata’s wife)Alice Campello is an Italian model and fashion designer and has been married to Alvaro Morata since 2017. The pair has four children together.Sara Botello (Aymeric Laporte’s wife)Sara Botello is a trained dancer, having performed ballet and contemporary dance in shows around Spain. She married Aymeric Laporte in 2023 and the pair have two children together.Tatiana Trouboul (David Raya’s girlfriend)Tatiana Trouboul is the girlfriend of David Raya. Before moving to London with him, she worked in a nightclub. Now she is working as a model.Claudia Rodriguez (Marc Cucurella’s girlfriend)Claudia and Marc met in Barcelona after he messaged her on Instagram. The pair has third children together and have been together since six years.Lola Liberal ( Mikel Merino’s wife)Lola Liberal is a blogger and loves to share loving moments with ex-Newcastle star Mikel Merino. The pair married in January 2024.Laura Cascante (Rodrigo Hernández’s girlfriend)Laura Iglesias is a medical student and is training to become a surgeon. The pair met during university.Laura Abla Schmitt (Dani Olmo’s girlfriend)Laura Abla Schmitt and Dani Olmo made their relationship public on New Year’s Day in 2024. Read more about the Wags supporting Spain at Euro 2024 hereCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The impact that any of his words might have had is totally related to his performances and the great level he’s shown, and not to RFEF treating him differently.” Williams, 22, came up through Bilbao’s youth system and he has since made 122 first-team appearances with 20 goals. Spain out to avenge controversial England defeat from 28 years ago when THREE game-changing decisions went against themHe only made his Spain debut in 2022 but has since got 19 caps, scoring three times including against Georgia in the last 16. Barcelona have been heavily linked with a move for the winger. But even Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella revealed his own attempts to get Williams to West London. Cucurella said: “He is a great player, he is bringing out all his potential.England vs Spain recordEngland have played Spain 27 times in total – here is a look at every result…May 1929, Spain 4-3 England – International Friendly (L)December 1931, England 7-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)July 1950, Spain 1-0 England – World Cup (L)May 1955, Spain 1-1 England – International Friendly (D)November 1955, England 4-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)May 1960, Spain 3-0 England – International Friendly (L)October 1960, England 4-2 Spain – International Friendly (W)December 1965, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)May 1967, England 2-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)April 1968, England 1-0 Spain – European Championship (W)May 1968, Spain 1-2 England – European Championship (W)March 1980, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)June 1980, England 2-1 Spain – European Championship (W)March 1981, England 1-2 Spain – International Friendly (L)July 1982, Spain 0-0 England – World Cup (D)February 1987, Spain 2-4 England – International Friendly (W)September 1992, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)June 1996, England 0(4)-(2)0 Spain – European Championship (W)February 2001, England 3-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)November 2004, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)February 2007, England 0-1 Spain – International Friendly (L)February 2009, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)November 2011, England 1-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)November 2015, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)November 2016, England 2-2 Spain – International Friendly (D)September 2018, England 1-2 Spain – Nations League (L)October 2018, Spain 2-3 England – Nations League (W)Overall, England have won 14, drawn three and lost 10 matches against Spain.”It is a source of pride that he is on our team, that he is our teammate and with players like him everything is easier.”He would be a great signing [for Barcelona], but it all depends on what he wants. I’ve been telling him to sign for Chelsea.”In the end everything depends on him. He is very young, with a lot of experience. I think he will be a great player.”Williams with Spain team-mate Marc CucurellaCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd teenage star Willy Kambwala set to join Villarreal for just £8.5m as fans say ‘never saw this coming’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Willy Kambwala is set to be sold to Villarreal, according to reports.The 19-year-old had a breakout season in the 2023/24 campaign, playing nine times in the Premier League due to an injury crisis.Willy Kambwala is ready to leave Manchester United for VillarrealCredit: GettyBut the club are now ready to cash in on the centre-back amid an £8.5million bid from Villarreal.Man Utd are reportedly hoping to insert a buy-back clause in the deal.Kambwala has just one year remaining on his contact at Old Trafford.And selling him will help ease Man Utd’s PSR concerns as offloading the teenager will count as pure profit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club posted a £71.4m net loss for the third quarter of the financial year.Reports suggest that Kambwala initially wanted his long-term future to be at the Red Devils.But the Frenchman changed his mind after talks with Erik ten Hag revealed he is far down the defensive pecking order.Fans were left shocked by the news, with one saying: “Wow never saw this coming.”Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAnother added: “Good deal for us but sad to see him go as will be a very good player.”More commented: “Smart move, last year on his contract and a buy-back clause. He needs playing time to develop.”What happened to these five forgotten Manchester United wonderkidsA fourth said: “Willy Kambwala and Eric Bailly partnership at Villarreal will hit hard.”The boss remains in the market for a new centre-back after Raphael Varane departed.Jonny Evans has penned a new one-year deal and the club are keen on Bayern Munich’s Matthijs De Ligt.Ten Hag is also set to land a new striker as Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee landed at Manchester Airport ahead of his medical yesterday.SunSport’s verdict on Man Utd flopsSir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd’s squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives its verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer. Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.Victor Lindelof – GO:  Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season. More

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      Aston Villa re-sign former star on free transfer just a year after selling him for £18m fee

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      CAMERON ARCHER has returned to Aston Villa – one year after Unai Emery sold him to Sheffield United for £18million.It represents a smart bit of business by Villa who have pocketed £3million from the deal, while gaining valuable Premier League experience for Archer.Cameron Archer has rejoined Aston Villa from Sheffield UnitedCredit: GettyThe striker scored four goals in 30 Premier League appearances for the Blades last seasonCredit: GettyThe 22-year-old striker scored four goals in 30 top-flight appearances for the Blades, including a goal at Villa Park in December.However there was a clause in his contract guaranteeing Archer would return to Villa Park in the event of United being relegated.Sheffield United splashed out £18million last summer on the kid striker but only paid a £3million instalment on the fee up front, which has been retained by Villa, effectively as a loan fee.It means the Blades will not have to shell out the remaining £15million for Archer, who has become a Villa player again.READ MORE ASTON VILLA NEWSA statement from the Blades confirmed: “Sheffield United can confirm that Cameron Archer has returned to Aston Villa under terms of the initial transfer agreement. Thanks for your efforts, Cam.”The Blades failed to avoid an immediate return to the Championship last season.Chris Wilder’s side finished bottom of the table, 16 points adrift of 17th place Nottingham Forest.Archer spent three seasons in the Villa first-team prior to moving to Bramall Lane, having come through the club’s academy.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe forward scored four goals in 14 appearances alongside loan spells with Solihull Moors, Preston and Middlesbrough.Archer’s return to Villa is the latest addition in what has been a busy summer for the club.SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesEmery is currently preparing for Champions League football, appearing in Europe’s premier competition for the first time since 1983.Villa have already made five signings this summer ahead of the upcoming season.Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea both joined from Juventus following Douglas Luiz’s move to the Italian giants.Elsewhere, Ian Maatsen has signed from Chelsea, with Tyler Dobbin and Ross Barkley also coming in. More

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      Ex-Arsenal wonderkid who earned £10,000-a-night playing Fortnite signs for new club after turning down contract offer

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      A FORMER Arsenal star who earned £10,000-a-night playing Fortnite has joined a new club.Reuell Walters turned down a new deal at the Gunners in order to pursue first-team football elsewhere, and has found a new home with nearby Luton.Reuell Walters has joined Luton after turning down a new Arsenal dealCredit: Luton TownWalters, 19, is a versatile defender capable of playing in both central and wide defensive positions.The England Under-20 star joined Arsenal in 2020 from Tottenham before signing a pro deal in 2022.But, after failing to make a first-team appearance, he has now signed a four-year deal with Championship side Luton as they bid to earn promotion back to the Premier League.Speaking to club media, Walters said: “I’m really excited by the challenge ahead. I think I resonate with all the club’s beliefs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I like the style of play, I get along with Rob really well and there are a few friendly faces from the past here as well.”Zack Nelson and Axel Piesold were at Tottenham’s academy with me when I was younger. “We’ve known each other from when we were young and have kept in contact the last few years, so some things just come back around.”As well as having skills on the pitch, Walters is also handy with a controller or keyboard and mouse, in particular Fortnite.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBack in November 2019, the youngster got an email from the game’s creators to say he’d made £16 for his RJW’s BoxPVP map.Dad Raphael said: “He said ‘I just made $20 for my map. People are in my map and when they buy stuff with their V-Bucks, I get a commission, so I made $20.'”Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonIt’s estimated his map was used 250million times in one week.In a video posted by 101GreatGoals, linking to UnderArmour, Walters added: “Obviously we weren’t allowed to leave our homes so I picked up a different hobby where everyone loves the game.”I think as a teenage boy I was playing Fortnite with my friends and they were talking to me about how they just wanted to play this game mode and how it hadn’t been made before.”So I just decided, you know, I’ll make something for them to play.”The map has proven to be a popular one, with a staggering 250 million people downloading it.And all the downloads led to Walters earning a cool £10,000 a night for a week straight.So I just decided, you know, I’ll make something for them to playReuell Walters 101GreatGoalsRob Edwards also hailed the transfer as Walters became the Hatters second signing of the summer. He said: “Reuell is another person we are delighted to bring into the club. He’s a really exciting signing – a dynamic, quick, talented young player.”He’s had a brilliant upbringing at a couple of top clubs, and we are so pleased to get his move done.”Pathway is very important to him. That is one of the reasons why he is leaving Arsenal. “He had a number of inviting options, but we are so glad that he chose us and sees us as the right step to take on his journey now.”He’s got brilliant support, great family. He’s got loads of ability and high potential.”He can play in a number of positions – right-back, right centre-back, right wing-back – and he’d be able to do the middle as well. He’s got lots of strings to his bow.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s a young player, so there is no pressure. But we see him as someone who could potentially make an impact this season and I really hope he does. “We’re looking forward to getting to working with him.”Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More