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    England pay touching tribute to Sven Goran-Eriksson with minute’s applause at Wembley and emotional video

    ENGLAND paid a touching tribute to Sven-Goran Eriksson ahead of their win over Finland.The former Three Lions manager passed away in August after being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.Sven-Goran Eriksson was remembered before England’s clash with FinlandCredit: ITVKevin Campbell, Tommy Banks and Craig Shakespeare were also honouredCredit: ITVLee Carsley was one of many to applaud the SwedeCredit: ITVThe Swede was remembered by the national team with an emotional video.The social media video showed Eriksson’s best moments from his five years in charge of England.This included the iconic 5-1 win over Germany in Munich back in 2001 in which Michael Owen netted a hat-trick.Eriksson spoke in the video as he outlined how “proud” he was to have been the England manager.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “I felt at home at once and that helps the relationship with the players and the country.”Inside Wembley Stadium, Eriksson’s picture was shown on the big screens for fans to pay tribute.And emotional fans took part in a minute’s round of applause.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis included the current England interim manager, Lee Carsley, and players.Most read in FootballFrank Lampard, who handed Harry Kane his golden cap, also visibly applauded his former coach.Sven-Goran Eriksson filmed his heartbreaking final goodbye alone – and his emotional message left film crew in tearsSVEN’S AMAZING CAREER1977 – Having played football professionally in Sweden, Sven-Goran Eriksson kicked off his managerial career with Swedish side Degerfors.2000 – He guided Lazio to the Serie A title to become one of the hottest coaches in the world.2001 – Following the resignation of Kevin Keegan, he was appointed England’s next permanent manager in February 2001. He oversaw 66 games with the Three Lions, winning 39 and losing just 12.2002 – Eriksson led England to the 2002 World Cup with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes and David Beckham in his squad. The Three Lions were knocked out in the quarter-finals.2004 – The legendary manager also led the Three Lions to Euro 2004, but they were knocked out of the quarter-finals to Portugal.2006 – Eriksson led England to another World Cup, his final tournament in charge, before resigning.2007 – The Swede took charge of Manchester City a year after leaving the England job and oversaw 45 games.2010 – Having coached Mexico, Ivory Coast and Notts County after parting ways with Man City, Erikson took charge of Leicester and saved them from relegation. Following his time with the Foxes he went on to manage China and Philippines.2024 – In January 2024, Eriksson announced he had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Three months later, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of managing Liverpool in a legends match at Anfield, before passing away in August.The matchday programme was also dedicated to the former Manchester City and Lazio manager.Eriksson managed England between 2001 and 2006, having taken over the job from Kevin Keegan.He took charge of England for three major tournaments, each time ending at the quarter-final stage.Euro 2004 and the World Cup in 2006 both ended with a penalty shootout heartbreak to Portugal.England followed up the tributes with a brilliant display to dispatch Finland 2-0.Kane bagged himself a brace on his 100th appearance for his nation to take his tally to 68 goals.SVEN’S ENGLAND RECORD – 2001-2006Matches 67Wins 40Draws 17Losses 10Win percentage 59.7World Cup 2002Lost 2-1 to Brazil in quarter-finalEuros 2004Lost on penalties to Portugal in quarter-finalWorld Cup 2006Lost on penalties to Portugal in quarter-final More

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    Austria star apologises to Martin Odegaard in 34-word message after leaving Arsenal ace in tears with ankle injury

    AUSTRIA star Christoph Baumgartner has apologised to Martin Odegaard after leaving the Arsenal skipper in tears and then on crutches.Odegaard was in agony after spraining his ankle in a challenge with Baumgartner in Norway’s 2-1 Nations League win in Oslo on Monday night.Odegaard cried with pain after a challenge from BaumgartnerCredit: RexOdegaard went back to London early on crutches following the injuryCredit: SplashThe Gunners’ main playmaker cut short his international break to fly back to London for scans.Baumgartner has now posted a 34-message on social media to stress the clash was an accident – and to praise his opponent’s talent.The RB Leipzig midfielder wrote: “Hi guys! I would like to sincerely apologize to Martin Odegaard. “It was never my intention to hurt this fantastic player. READ MORE TOP STORIES”I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery! Come back stronger.”Meanwhile, Norway manager Stale Solbakken confirmed Odegaard was forced to return to his club early.Solbakken told TV2 on Tuesday: “I only spoke to him late last night, but not today. He is having an MRI in London.”Odegaard’s problem increases Arsenal’s selection dilemma for Sunday’s huge Premier League derby at Tottenham.Most read in FootballAustria midfielder Baumgartner said sorry on social mediaCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDeclan Rice is out through suspension and new midfield colleague Mikel Merino is injured.At the back £43million summer recruit Riccardo Calafiori is a doubt.Premier League panel reveal why referee was right to send off Arsenal star Declan Rice against BrightonThe former main man for Bologna was hurt during Italy’s 3-1 Nations League win against France in Paris last Friday.But it’s Odegaard who will cause the biggest headache for the Gunners – because his injury could be the most serious.A minor ankle sprain can mean just a fortnight out, but four to six weeks is common.And if the issue is severe, Odegaard might even face an absence of three months or so. More

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    Watch highlights of Lewis Hall’s MOTM-display for England U21s as fans call him ‘left-back we’ve been crying out for’

    NEWCASTLE ace Lewis Hall put together a man-of-the-match performance for England Under-21s and hinted he could be the one to solve Lee Carsley’s left-back problem.The Three Lions have been crying out for a left-back since Euro 2024 when former manager Gareth Southgate only had Luke Shaw to call upon at a time when the Manchester United ace was still injured.Newcastle ace Lewis Hall put together a man-of-the-match performance for England Under-21Credit: GettyHall produced two assists for England Under-21 against AustriaCredit: X @EnglandEngland fans believe Hall is the answer to the seniors’ left-back problemsCredit: X @EnglandInterim boss Carsley used centre-back Levi Colwill in the position in his first match in charge against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday with Rico Lewis the only other alternative on the bench.That means the seniors still need a natural full-back to cover the left flank.Hall, 20, made a strong case on Monday when he helped the Young Lions beat Austria 4-1 in a friendly at Kenilworth Road.The Newcastle ace produced two assists with a dominant display at the left wing.Read More on FootballThe defender set up James McAtee in the 59th minute and Tom Fellows nine minutes before full-time with low crosses from the left.England fans were left absolutely stunned as they insist they found the solution to the seniors’ biggest problem.Some even went as far as to compare Hall to the legendary Ashley Cole.One fan tweeted: “Baller. The best young left-back in the country.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother commented: “The left-back @England have been crying out for since Ashley Cole.”A third wrote: “He’s such an exciting young full-back.”Harry Kane’s favourite England goalsThis fan said: “Class.”And that one stated: “Hall will be one of the best left-backs in the world no question.” More

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    Moment footballer ARRESTED during match & hauled off pitch in handcuffs by cops – just minutes after scoring a goal

    THIS is the moment a footballer is arrested during a match and escorted off the pitch – while just moment earlier he’d scored a goal.The non-league player came on in the 52nd minute with his team, Baglan Dragons, trailing 3-1 in the JD Cymru South game against Cwmbran Celtic on September 7.The 31-year-old footballer is escorted off the pitch by two copsCredit: TwitterAfter creating two goals and scoring another, the 31-year-old carried his team to a narrow 4-3 triumph in the second-tier Welsh league game. But his afternoon ended five minutes from time when two policemen walked onto the pitch and escorted him away.In a video posted on X, spectators appeared to shout words of encouragement to the player, before clapping him off the pitch. The poster captioned the video: “Just a casual game in the Welsh leagues.Read more Sport”A lad gets subbed on, scores a goal and gets an assist. Then gets arrested in the 85th minute. Only in South Wales”.After the game, a disconsolate Cwmbran manager Simon Berry said of the incident: “Fair play to him, he came on the pitch and completely transformed the game.”He assisted in the two goals that drew them level and then banged in the winner.“He played really well for 20 minutes and then the police arrived and took him away.Most read in Football”There was a three minute stoppage in the game and Baglan were forced to substitute him before he was escorted away.“It was a mad few minutes, a bit surreal. If they’d come a bit earlier for him before he came on we might have held onto our lead.”X, formerly Twitter, users expressed their confusion after the clip was posted.One asked: “What did he do?”Another echoed: “Why did he get arrested?”Others shared memories of past intrusions in Welsh football games, with one saying: “Don’t forget last year up at caernarfon either where a knife was allegedly drawn in the stand”.Baglan Dragons were promoted to the Cymru South league in 2023 after beating Risca United in the Ardal South Promotion Play-Off final. The team finished in tenth place in the 2023/4 season, with victories against local rivals Afan Lido, Goytre United, Trefelin and Pontardawe Town.The recent win against Cwmbran Celtic seems to be the first in several fixtures, with recent losses to Penrhiwceiber Rangers, Trefelin BGC, Ammanford AFC and Carmarthen Town. A spokesperson for the South Wales Police said: “Officers arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of theft. He was later released without charge.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Sun Online has approached Baglan Dragons for comment.Two police officers are seen walking across the pitchCredit: Twitter More

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    Former Premier League and Brazil star breaks down uncontrollably in tears as he announces retirement aged 36

    FORMER Premier League star Paulinho broke down in tears as he announced his retirement from football.The Brazilian starred for Tottenham between 2013 and 2015 and played over 50 times for his national side.Paulinho has announced his retirement from footballCredit: Getty – ContributorHe was emotional in his announcement videoCredit: Instagram @paulinhop8He left Spurs in 2015 to join Chinese side Guangzhou FCCredit: AFPHe landed a shock move to Barcelona in 2017Credit: REUTERSPaulinho, 36, has now hung up his boots for the last time with an emotional video on social media.He captioned the post: “Thank you football.”Speaking in the video, in which he struggles to talk, he said: “I was privileged to have been a multi-champion and to have won important things, as well as playing in two World Cups and playing for Barcelona.”I left a great legacy.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”In my last game with Corinthians, with 45,000 Corinthians fans, I felt it would be my last game.”There would be no better way to say goodbye.”The midfielder has been swamped with tributes from fans and his former team-mates.One shared: “Congrats bro, an example of a player without a doubt!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second wrote: “Thanks for everything brother! You’re a monster. Football. Thank you.”A third commented: “Congratulations on the beautiful career, your career is written and will never be erased.”Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyPaulinho’s career by numbersHere is a look at Paulinho’s career statistics…Club career:Pao de Acucar, 2006-2010Games: 39Goals: 7Assists: 0Vilnius (Loan), 2006-2007Games: 38Goals: 5Assists: 0LKS Lodz (Loan), 2007-2008Games: 17Goals: 0Assists: 0Bragantino (Loan), 2009-2010Games: 46Goals: 14Assists: 0Corinthians, 2010-2013 and 2022-2024Games: 212Goals: 40Assists: 17Tottenham, 2013-2015Games: 67Goals: 10Assists: 7Guangzhou FC, 2015-2017 and 2018-2021Games: 176Goals: 75Assists: 29Barcelona, 2017-2018Games: 49Goals: 9Assists: 3Al-Ahli, 2021Games: 4Goals: 2Assists: 0International career:Brazil, 2011-2018Games: 56Goals: 13Assists: 9He scored 13 goals for Brazil during his careerCredit: ReutersA fourth said: “Congratulations on a wonderful career! Let’s fly even higher, you deserve it!”Another added: “His legacy is immense.”Paulinho joined Tottenham as part of the club’s attempts to replace Gareth Bale after the Welshman joined Real Madrid.The Brazilian failed to show his best form in North London and left the club for the Chinese side Guangzhou FC after two seasons.However, in 2017, he made a shock return to European football as he signed for Barcelona in a £33million deal.During his time in Spain, he won the LaLiga title and Copa del Rey in 2018.He then returned to Guangzhou on an initial loan deal, which was then made permanent for £35m in 2019.He left the club yet again in 2021 after he was released from his contract due to the Covid-19 pandemic.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter a spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, he returned to Brazilian side Corinthians, where he made his name, in 2022.But after two years with the club, he has called time on his career.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Lionel Messi’s glam Wag Antonela loving new season as ‘soccer mom’ and is joined on sidelines by special guest

    LIONEL MESSI’S wife Antonela Roccuzzo took social media by storm as she kicked off a new season as a “soccer mom”.Antonela, 36, took her son Thiago for training and posted a series of selfies with her child on Instagram.Lionel Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo took her son Thiago to training for a new season as a ‘soccer mom’Antonela was joined by an unexpected guest while sitting on the touchlineAntonela was joined by a lizard while watching her son in actionAntonela will also be supporting Messi during another season with Inter MiamiCredit: AFPMessi’s childhood sweetheart took a seat by the touchline and was joined by an unexpected visitor while watching her son in action.And that was none other than a cute lizard that just happened to be passing by.Antonela posted: “New season of soccer mom starts.”Fans went wild as the photos attracted almost 1.5million likes from her 40.2m followers.Read More on FootballOne fan commented: “The most beautiful.”Another posted: “Goddess.”A third wrote: “What a beautiful family. We love you eternally.”This fan said: “The queen.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd that one gushed: “You are the most beautiful in the whole world.”Messi, 37, is currently sidelined with an injury and watched his team Inter Miami in action from the stands alongside Antonela two weeks ago during a home match against Cincinnati at the Chase Stadium.Work out which global sporting icon lives in this waterside padBut it was the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s partner that stole the headlines as she noticed the Apple TV cameramen were keeping a close eye on her and blew a kiss directly down the lens. More

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    England fans baffled as Declan Rice refuses captain’s armband against former team Ireland

    ENGLAND fans were left confused after Declan Rice refused the captain’s armband against the Republic of Ireland.The Arsenal midfielder made three senior caps for Ireland in friendlies before switching his allegiance to England in 2019.Declan Rice refused to take the captain’s armbandDeclan Rice made Harry Kane remove the captain’s armband from his armAfter being welcomed by derogatory “snake” banners and loud boos from Irish fans, Rice scored England’s opener inside 12 minutes.The Premier League star then humbly refused to celebrate after representing Ireland in his youth through his grandparents.Rice subsequently declined the captain’s armband when skipper Harry Kane was being substituted off in the final five minutes.The 25-year-old took a step back by asking Kane to remove the black armlet and pointed towards John Stones who was coming on.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Three Lions’ top goalscorer then obliged by walking away from Rice and handing over the reigns to Stones.On the rejecting the captaincy, Rice said: “Kane tried to give me the armband but Stonesy is more senior and experienced than me. “I just said to Harry, ‘Probably John deserves it more than me. I said to give it to John.'”That was it. It doesn’t need to be made into a bigger thing. John is one of the more senior ones. Usually he is captain when Harry doesn’t play so it was the right decision.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd on not celebrating his goal, Rice added: “Obviously my grandparents are Irish and they’ve all passed away now. “So I did not want to be disrespectful to them. I really enjoyed myself playing for Ireland and did not think it was appropriate.”Lee Carsley goes to WRONG dugout before England clash with IrelandOne England fan posted on X: “Hahahaha Rice is doing too much now, he doesn’t want the armband and he didn’t celebrate after scoring.”An Ireland fan wrote: “Rice is not celebrating his goal or taking the captain’s armband from Kane.”Stop being woke man just take it, not like we give enough of a s**t to care at this stage.”While another noted: “After speaking to Rice, Kane has given the armband to John Stones instead. Weird.”Rice captained England for his 50th cap against Belgium in March this year, as the Three Lions drew 2-2 at Wembley.Jack Grealish, who doubled England’s lead, was also met with a brutally frosty reaction from home fans inside the Aviva Stadium.Both the Manchester City ace and Rice were targeted by boos and jeers with both having ‘betrayed’ Ireland in the eyes of fans.Grealish, though, did not hold back after scoring, as he fist-pumped the air in front of the travelling supporters.He also stuck his fingers in his ears in a statement to silence his critics.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, interim boss Lee Carsley passed his first test with flying colours after England stormed to a 2-0 victory.Declan Rice elected not to celebrate after his goal against IrelandJack Grealish and Declan Rice were met with a brutal reaction in DublinCredit: GettyTHIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Georgina Rodriguez dazzles on front cover of Forbes magazine as Cristiano Ronaldo Wag’s amazing rise to top continues

    CRISTIANO RONALDO’S partner Georgina Rodriguez has made it to a special front cover.Georgina, 30, burst onto the scene in 2016 when she started dating Ronaldo, 39, and quickly became the most followed WAG on social media with 62.6million fans on Instagram alone.Cristiano Ronaldo’s WAG Georgina Rodriguez posed on Forbes’ 30 Under 30Georgina is the most followed WAG on social mediaCredit: Instagram / georginagioGeorgina and Ronaldo have been dating since 2016Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C9r-X6SNFff/?hl=en-gb&img_index=1Georgina shares a series of glam snaps on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C9r-X6SNFff/?hl=en-gb&img_index=1Georgina has also launched a series of ad campaignsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C9r-X6SNFff/?hl=en-gb&img_index=1The couple met at a Gucci store, where she was a sales assistant during a time when she was living in a cramped, shared house and made £250 per week.But the model quickly built a £9million net worth and that ultimately led her to the cover of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 edition.Georgina posed in a brown figure-hugging top with a pair of black tights.The publication’s special issue celebrates 30 notable people under 30 years old in various industries.Read More on FootballGeorgina’s wealth is bumped up by the Netflix documentary I Am Georgina, as well as ad campaigns for Prada, Gucci and Chanel.The Argentine’s social media accounts keep growing as she shares pics from a series of glam photoshoots.She also posts regular content from her everyday life with Ronaldo and their family.The pair have two children together and formed a family with CR7’s three kids born to two surrogate mothers.Most read in FootballShe also shares snaps from various high-profile events she attends, such as the recent Venice Film Festival.Georgina wowed on the red carpet as she posed in an eye-catching white dress.Cristiano Ronaldo squeezes Georgina Rodriguez’s bum on holidayMeanwhile, Ronaldo continues to compete despite his advanced age as the captain of Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.Inside the glamorous world of Georgina Rodriguez…Georgina lives a life to be enviedCredit: InstagramThe stunning partner of Ronaldo offers insights into her world using her social channelsCredit: instagram @georginagioShe has over 50 million followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramShe met Ronaldo whilst working as a shop girl at DiorCredit: The Mega AgencyShe is now the mother to his five children, two of which Georgina is the maternal motherCredit: EPAGeorgina now resides in Saudi Arabia follower her partner’s move to the countryCredit: Georgina Rodriguez/instagramGeorgina loves luxury holidays and can often be seen on mega yachtsCredit: Instagram @georginagioBoats are a big love of hersCredit: Refer to CaptionShe travels almost exclusively by private jetCredit: Georgina RodríguezThe Argentine beauty is a regularly at the Venice film festival where she can be seen turning headsCredit: GettyGeorgina is loved by fashion magazines for her sense of styleCredit: AlamyShe models for a range of companiesCredit: georginagio/InstagramRodríguez has modelled for PrettyLittleThing lingerieCredit: InstagramGeorgina’s love of travel is something she regularly shares on her social channels, including this trip to IbizaCredit: Instagram, @georginagio More