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    ‘That was incredibly kind of him’ says Harry Kane as he reveals what Wayne Rooney told him that would ‘change his life’

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    HARRY KANE has opened up on Wayne Rooney’s efforts to include him in the England set-up.The former Tottenham Hotspur hitman was called up to the Three Lions senior team in March 2015 by Roy Hodgson.Harry Kane was called up to the England squad in March 2015Credit: TIMES NEWSPAPERS LTDWayne Rooney gave the then 21-year-old some words of encouragement ahead of his debutCredit: TIMES NEWSPAPERS LTDKane is still grateful for Rooney’s welcomingCredit: PAKane was a million miles away from being the lethal striker he now is when he was called up for the Euro 2016 qualifiers against Lithuania and Italy.The then 21-year-old was incredibly nervous ahead of his debut, although some words of wisdom from Rooney helped quell those nerves.The Bayern Munich ace said: “I remember, when Wayne Rooney received an award for the greatest number of goals scored for England, he said he expected me to be the next.””I found that incredibly kind of him. It’s Wayne Rooney, one of the greatest strikers in history, he didn’t have to have a word for me.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL NEWS”You know, Wayne was the captain when I started in 2015, and he welcomed me personally.”He explained a lot of things to me about what it meant to represent England, how it would change my life forever.”It obviously helped me to understand this stage and I use it in turn today to integrate the new talents who arrive here.”Rooney’s chat with Kane had the desired effect as the former Spurs star opened his account for his country in a 4-0 romp over the Lithuanians.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHarry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.”Kane hasn’t looked back since that memorable night at Wembley, scoring a further 68 goals to surpass Rooney as the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer.And his sights are firmly set on bagging 100 goals for his country.’It felt like the beginning of the end for Harry Kane’ says Man Utd legend as he admits fears for England captain In March 2023, he said: “Getting 100 will be tough for sure, but I never count out anything.”I am still young – I am 29, I am still fit and strong. I want to play for England for as long as I can.”He added: “A hundred is not out of the question.”It will be extremely tough but we will have to see how the next few years go.”Kane and his England team-mates will be back in action in March, welcoming Albania to Wembley for their first 2026 World Cup qualifier. More

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      World Cup 2026 qualifying draw in full as Thomas Tuchel’s England are placed in group full of controversy

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      ENGLAND have discovered who they will face in order to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.The Three Lions, who will be led into the tournament by new German boss Thomas Tuchel, were among the top seeds alongside France and Spain.England and Thomas Tuchel have learned who they will face in World Cup qualifyingCredit: AFPTuchel was in attendance in Zurich to discover England’s fateFormer Arsenal star Robert Pires drew England into Group KWith Tuchel watching on at the draw in Zurich, England discovered they were in Group K and their first opponent was Serbia from pot two.Pot three saw them draw Albania, while the teams out of pot four and five were Latvia and Andorra respectively.Serbia and Albania have controversial history behind them, with Uefa slapping Albanian forward Mirlind Daku with a two-game ban for anti-Serbian chants earlier this year.Uefa also fined Serbia for trying to burn an Albanian flag.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSerbia even threatened to QUIT Euro 2024 over chants directed at them by Albania and Croatia.Having pitted them against each other in Group K, there will be fears of fireworks in England’s group.Elsewhere, Wales landed in Group J with Belgium, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein.Scotland were put in Group C against the Uefa Nations League losing quarter-finalist between Portugal and Denmark, as well as Greece and Belarus.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNorthern Ireland were pit against the winner of Germany vs Italy, as well as Slovakia and Luxembourg in Group A.England’s first games during this campaign will come over the spring international break on March 21-25.Among England’s opponents, Serbia will serve as the toughest test for Tuchel.Thomas Tuchel England Press ConferenceThe Three Lions last faced the team led by Alexander Mitrovic at the Euros during the summer. England prevailed 1-0 in a dour match, with Jude Bellingham scoring the only goal after 13 minutes.Albania and Andorra were in England’s most recent World Cup qualification group and proved easy opponents.Gareth Southgate’s side beat Albania 5-0 at Wembley and 2-0 away, whil Andorra put up even less opposition, with England winning 4-0 at home and 5-0 away.The Three Lions have never played Latvia.World Cup qualifying draw in fullGroup A: Winner GER/ITA, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, LuxembourgGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, KosovoGroup C: Loser POR/DEN, Greece, Scotland, BelarusGroup D: Winner FRA/CRO, Ukraine, Iceland, AzerbaijanGroup E: Winner SPA/NED, Turkey, Georgia, BulgariaGroup F: Winner POR/DEN, Hungary, Ireland, ArmeniaGroup G: Loser SPA/NED, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, MaltaGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San MarinoGroup I: Loser GER/ITA, Norway, Israel, Estonia, MoldovaGroup J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, LiechensteinGroup K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, AndorraGroup L: Loser FRA/CRO, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, GibraltarFans were over the moon at the draw, judging by reactions on X.One wrote: “Tuchel could literally play himself and three lions and still win the group.”Another said: “Serbia is the only challenging opponent, the rest should be easy.”And another wrote: “With Tuchel’s tactics and style of football we should smash all these.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe actual World Cup will start on June 11 2026 with Mexico City hosting the opener, while New Jersey will host the final on July 19 following a record 39 day tournament.The World Cup’s new format will see 12 four-team groups and will also feature a last-32 knockout round for the first time to accommodate the expansion to 48 teams.Thomas Tuchel on a missionFrom Charlie Wyett in ZurichTHOMAS TUCHEL is on a mission to prove himself as England manager after accepting his appointment has not been universally popular.The Three Lions were today given an easy World Cup 2026 qualifying group as they were pitted against Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra.Tuchel, aware that many fans believe an Englishman should have been appointed to succeed Gareth Southgate, said: “There’s no hard feelings for that. Of course, it will always be mixed.“So now I have to prove myself to the people who are maybe a bit concerned. I must prove to them how much it means to me and that it’s a dream job for me that I will give my everything – I’m the man for the job.”England, whose qualifiers start in March, will face Serbia for only the second time with the only other match coming at Euro 2024 when Jude Bellingham scored the winner. Serbia were fined £25,000 for racist abuse during that game and other matches at the tournament so there will be genuine concerns over potential problems when the team heads to Belgrade. England’s Under-21s also suffered horrific racial abuse when they played in the country in 2012 with Danny Rose attacked.England have never played 140-ranked Latvia before while they faced Albania and Andorra in the last set of World Cup qualifiers.Tuchel, who officially starts work on January 1, added: “A difficult group is my first impression. Serbia and Albania, for me, are always known for good individual players and emotional groups, emotional fans, so they are difficult opponents.“It is the first time England play Latvia, so it is a new experience for all of us and, of course, we are favourites against Andorra, but we need to prove it. We have now eight matches to play, whatever comes we want to be ready for it.”The draw was incredibly complicated and England could have been put in a group of four which would have meant no qualifiers until September.Tuchel added: “It was very likely that we got a group five. I want to adapt to everything that is coming, not complain, not look for excuses and not expect or wish for something.“The most important thing is we focus fully on the qualification and we take it seriously and give it our respect and prove a point that we want to go to the USA.”How will the 2026 World Cup work?By Martin LiptonThe 2026 World Cup will be something of a logistical nightmare.Three countries, not one city. In 16 venues, split across four time zones and thousands of miles — rather than the distance between Selhurst Park and Kenilworth Road.With 48 teams, as opposed to the 32 that has been the norm since 1998. More from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Even, for the first time, a guaranteed slot for Oceania.And, almost certainly, a record 104 MATCHES and 33 days as well.It will be 12 groups of four but the real issues are over the next stage.The easiest way would be the top two in each group, plus the eight best third-place teams, reaching the final 32 and eight games, instead of seven, required to win.Read all about it here. More

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      World Cup 2026 qualifying draw simulated with England pitted against familiar foe in tough test for Tuchel

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      ENGLAND have been handed a familiar foe in our 2026 World Cup qualifying draw simulation.With England winning their group in the Nations League it meant the Three Lions were likely to be drawn in a five-team group.Thomas Tuchel has been handed a familiar foe in our simulated World Cup drawCredit: SplashAnd that is exactly what has happened to England in SunSport’s simulated qualifying draw for the Uefa nations.The games will be Thomas Tuchel’s first in charge of the Three Lions.In our draw, England came out of pot one into Group I.Follow the draw LIVE as it happens with SunSport’s blogREAD MORE IN FOOTBALLPot two included Wales, with pot three containing Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.And England have been booked into playing Wales after the Dragons were taken out of pot two.However, Tuchel and co managed to avoid any other home nation sides, with both Scotland and the Republic of Ireland being put in four-team groups.Instead, pot three drew out Montenegro for Group I, while pots four and five drew Estonia and Andorra respectively.Most read in FootballA maximum of 16 Uefa teams will qualify for the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup being held across the United States, Canada and Mexico.These groups have been divided into six groups of four and six groups of five, with the top from each automatically qualifying for the tournament.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, the runner-ups will go into the play-offs with four Nations League teams.Five-team groups will start their campaigns in March while the four-team groups containing the winning Nations League quarter-finalists will start in September.Thomas Tuchel England Press ConferenceThe winning teams in the Nations League quarter-finals must go into one of the four-team groups, but due to the draw taking place before the games are played they are put into the draw as placeholders.A maximum of one losing quarter-finalist or one Nations League promotion-relegation play-off team can go in one group.The real draw for the World Cup qualifying pots begins at 11am TODAY.You will be able to keep up with the draw live with SunSport’s live blog.World Cup qualifying draw simulatedGroup A: Spain or Netherlands* (Pot 1), Sweden (Pot 2), SCOTLAND (Pot 3), Belarus (Pot 4)Group B: Italy or Germany* (Pot 1), Ukraine (Pot 2), Slovenia (Pot 3), Luxembourg (Pot 4)Group C: Denmark or Portugal* (Pot 1), Turkey (Pot 2), Republic of Ireland (Pot 3), Kosovo (Pot 4)Group D: Croatia or France* (Pot 1), Czech Republic (Pot 2), Albania (Pot 3), Bulgaria (Pot 4) Group E: Italy or Germany* (Pot 1), Hungary (Pot 2), North Macedonia (Pot 3), Armenia (Pot 4)Group F: Spain or Netherlands* (Pot 1), Serbia (Pot 2), Georgia (Pot 3), Kazakhstan (Pot 4)Group G: Denmark or Portugal* (Pot 1), Poland (Pot 2), Finland (Pot 3), Azerbaijan (Pot 4), Moldova (Pot 5)Group H: Croatia or France* (Pot 1), Greece (Pot 2), Iceland (Pot 3), Cyprus (Pot 4), Malta (Pot 5)Group I: ENGLAND (Pot 1), WALES (Pot 2), Montenegro (Pot 3), Estonia (Pot 4), Andorra (Pot 5)Group J: Belgium (Pot 1) , Slovakia (Pot 2), Northern Ireland (Pot 3), Faroe Islands (Pot 4), Gibraltar (Pot 5)Group K: Switzerland (Pot 1), Romania (Pot 2), Bosnia-Herzegovina (Pot 3), Latvia (Pot 4), Liechtenstein (Pot 5)Group L: Austria (Pot 1), Norway (Pot 2), Israel (Pot 3), Lithuania (Pot 4), San Marino (Pot 5)*Nations League quarter-finalists More

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      Wales hoping World Cup 2026 draw will open up chance to face old rivals England in Wembley clash

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      WALES believe they are front runners for a lucrative friendly with England at Wembley if the stars align at today’s 2026 World Cup draw.The Dragons have not played at the 90,000-capacity home of English football in front of a crowd since September 2011.Wales last played arch rivals England at the 2022 World Cup in QatarCredit: APCraig Bellamy has had a super start to his Wales managerial career with a record of six games unbeatenCredit: AlamyBut SunSport understands that if the two Home Nations avoid each other in the qualifying draw in Zurich then Welsh chiefs are keen to line up a fixture against their old rivals.Craig Bellamy’s men won promotion to the top tier of the Nations League last month and, as a result, they will not be involved in any March play-off just like England.League B winners Wales, who thrashed Iceland 4-1 in Cardiff, could be drawn in a four or five team group for the qualifiers leading to the 2026 finals in USA, Canada and Mexico.In a five team group, qualifiers would be played in March and June.Read More on FootballBut a group of four would see the Dragons have four friendly dates before the qualifying process starts in September.Bellamy has started his managerial tenure with an impressive six-match unbeaten run.And a stern test against England would be ideal in their development. Wales last played the Three Lions at the 2022 World Cup where ex-boss Robert Page saw his men lose 3-0 in Qatar.Most read in FootballThe teams also competed against each other in the Euro 2016 group stages with Daniel Sturridge scoring a last-gasp winner to beat Chris Coleman’s semi-finalists 2-1 in Lens.Former Wales manager Ryan Giggs took a side for a friendly against England at Wembley in October 2020.Moment Tottenham fans troll Scotland with familiar taunt as police escort them to Euro showdown with RangersBut that was during Covid so restrictions meant there were no supporters present for the Three Lions’ 3-0 victory.The last time the sides played a competitive Wembley clash with a full house came 13 years ago when Ashley Young’s winner handed England a Euro 2012 qualifying victory.Gary Speed’s young side including Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey showed big signs of promise on the night.And the visitors would have secured a draw only for Robert Earnshaw to miss an open goal late on. More

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      Bizarre reason England star was BANNED from coming on to the pitch despite being stripped off and ready for substitution

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      SARINA WIEGMAN has revealed why England were BANNED from bringing on Lucy Bronze in their friendly win over Switzerland.The Lionesses treated fans to a 1-0 victory courtesy of an early Grace Clinton goal to follow up their 0-0 draw with the USA.Bronze was dressed and ready to come on to earn her 128th capBut the Chelsea star was sent back to the bench in the 83rd minuteIt came after a baffling administrative errorBronze was geared up to enter the contest, for what would’ve been her 128th cap, in the final 10 minutes of the contest at Bramall Lane.The Chelsea star, 33, was dressed and ready on the touchline before being asked to return to her seat.Wiegman was instead forced to bring on NJ/NY Gotham defender Jess Carter on Tuesday.It was later revealed that England had failed to include Bronze on their official team list.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWiegman explained: “That was the moment where she was not on the list. There had been a mistake, unfortunately, a human mistake.”We found out there and we still wanted to bring her on the pitch but unfortunately she couldn’t go so that was really frustrating, of course the most for herself but, we couldn’t change it anymore.”According to the International Football Association Board’s (IFAB) laws of the game, “only the players and substitutes named on the team list may take part in the match upon their arrival”.For those who are not named on the team list as a player, substitute or a team official, they are classified as “an outside agent”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWiegman made ten changes from England’s stalemate with the US, managed by Emma Hayes.And Clinton, 21, repaid her faith with her third international goal in five appearances.My cousin is Man Utd FA Cup hero – now he’s helping me through my injury hell so I can shine for women’s teamThe Manchester United star had England in front within ten minutes, firing home from close range.She was on hand to smash home the rebound after Millie Turner headed the ball on to the post from a free-kick.The Lionesses return to action on February 21 when they take on Portugal in their first match of the Women’s Nations League.Grace Clinton scored the only goal of the evening More

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      The FA have disappeared down a rabbit hole again with absurd double standards over Morsy and Guehi rainbow armband row

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      CAST your mind back two years to the World Cup in Qatar.There, the FA and Harry Kane insisted that the England skipper would wear a rainbow armband in support of the LGBTQ+ community, after FIFA had awarded hosting rights to a nation which criminalises homosexuality.Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi wrote ‘I love Jesus’ on his rainbow armbandCredit: RexGuehi was then warned for writing ‘Jesus loves you’ on the armbandCredit: GettyIpswich captain Sam Morsy didn’t wear a rainbow armbandCredit: GettySix other western European nations were going to take the same stand.Until the point when FIFA insisted that those captains making this “political” gesture would be booked.Until the point where that gesture might have some sporting consequence – and therefore a more substantial meaning. At that point, the FA and their six allies all performed a late U-turn. They bottled it.Read More on FootballThat’s the thing with English football and its “support” for the LGBTQ+ community.They are happy to show them support by virtue signalling with meaningless gestures. Meaningful gestures, not so much.Two years later, the FA have disappeared down a rabbit hole again with their absurd double standards in allowing Ipswich captain Sam Morsy – a practising Muslim – not to wear a rainbow armband, while reprimanding Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi – a devout Christian – for daubing his armband with the words “I love Jesus” and then “Jesus Loves You”.This is patent nonsense. It is discrimination wrapped up in the excuse of a “rules is rules” technicality. Most read in FootballEnglish football wanted to make a stand against the staging of the World Cup in Qatar.But when it comes to allowing Newcastle to be funded by the Saudi regime – which subjugates women and criminalises homosexuality – or for the Abu Dhabi government to bankroll Manchester City, it turns a blind eye.England star Marc Guéhi’s talks about his father’s faith and missing church on Sundays When England defender Guehi – the son of a Christian minister – made his first stand in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Newcastle, visiting captain Bruno Guimaraes dutifully wore his rainbow armband.Yet the regime which is allowed to pay his wages clearly doesn’t share the values this armband supposedly represents.On Tuesday, by quirk of the fixture list, Guehi and Morsy – a British-born Egypt international – were pitted against one another, further highlighting the absurdity of one man being allowed not to wear an armband and another man being warned for writing on that armband.Then there is the case of Manchester United’s Muslim defender Noussair Mazraoui refusing to wear a specially-designed pre-match warm-up jacket to mark the club’s Rainbow Laces match against Everton.As a result, United decided none of their players would wear the jackets so as not to disrupt team unity.So United wanted to show support for LGBTQ+ rights – but only until the point that it became difficult for them.Lot of work to be donePersonally, I feel grateful not to have been brought up with any religion in my life and believe that any organised religion causes more harm than good.But I also recognise Guehi, Morsy, Mazraoui and anyone else with religious faith has every right to practice their beliefs.I also consider the principle behind the rainbow campaign to be a sound one.That people should be free to love whomever they want to love, and not have to hide their sexuality.In an increasingly secular society, most people agree with that basic statement.Inclusivity shouldn’t be a dirty word. Gay people have, with good reason, felt excluded from participating in football and attending matches.Sometimes it’s meaninglessThe fact that there still aren’t any openly “out” gay footballers in the Premier League suggests there remains a lot of work to be done.But when campaigns are besmirched by such absurdities as the FA’s capitulation in Qatar and the double standards shown to Guehi and Morsy, they simply stoke the beliefs of intolerant people and are self-defeating. They give credence to the idea that the FA are a fanatically “woke” organisation, when that isn’t the case.The FA, and English football in general, are simply desperate to recognise everyone and everything all the time.It is rare to attend an England match without a minute’s silence. Which usually turns into applause.Often with a recently-deceased former England player or manager being offered a silence in association with the victims of some terrible war or natural disaster overseas. Rendering it all pretty meaningless.Opposite of ‘wokeness’It also feels weird that before every England game, there are around 100 serving military personnel on the pitch.Even weirder when, last month, the opposition was the Republic of Ireland, whose population are understandably not keen on the sight of uniformed British squaddies.This is actually the opposite of “wokeness” – whatever that means – and it is jarring just the same.Then there’s Remembrance Day. I happen to wear a poppy – or, more often, I buy several and lose them all – as a personal mark of respect to relatives who fought and died, and a recognition of my own good fortune in not having had to suffer the same horrors as my grandfather and great-grandfather.But football has taken Remembrance Day to extreme degrees – with The Last Post being played and silences observed as early as October.And it also allows James McClean, an open supporter of IRA terrorism, to make his own views known. Views which are abhorrent to most of us.READ MORE SUN STORIESGesture politics in football have become an ugly moral maze – underlined by the idiocy surrounding the treatment of Guehi and Morsy.In an angry and divided nation, the only intelligent conclusion is that football should be a safe space – away from politics, religion, the military or any other cause. More

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      Uefa make subtle change to World Cup qualifying draw protocol that could lead to tougher group for England

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      UEFA have made a significant change to the World Cup qualifying draw protocols – and it could spell trouble for England.New boss Thomas Tuchel could now potentially face multiple Home Nations rivals as he prepares to guide the Three Lions to the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States in 2026.Uefa have made significant change to the protocols for the World Cup qualifying drawEngland could technically be drawn against multiple home nations after the changeThe World Cup qualifying draw takes place on December 13Previously, all Nations League quarter-finalists and play-off teams in Pots 2, 3 and 4 were to be “in priority allocated to groups of four.”As a result of being fourth in the world rankings, England were placed into Pot 1 with all of the Nations League A quarter-finalists.Those Nations League quarter-finalists, including Portugal, Germany and France to name a few, were set to placed into a group of four with the play-off teams across Pots 2 – 4.As Nations League group winners – and having avoided the play-offs – England are likely to be in a five-team group that starts in March.READ MORE ON ENGLANDThis means before the rule change, England were to be locked out of playing half of Pot 2 once they were drawn by Pot 1.But now that’s all changed – and Tuchel’s side can be drawn against more than one Home Nation rival on December 13.And while Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland aren’t ranked particularly highly, England will want to avoid any unnecessary derbies.The tension of the occasion leaves the Three Lions vulnerable to losing points. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe play-off teams, including Belgium, Scotland and Hungary, can now potentially be in a group of five.That’s said, England aren’t 100 per cent in a five team group as a matter of certainty – but in the game of chances, it looks like they will be. Jude Bellingham says he feels like a ‘scapegoat’ as he discusses England woesWhat are the World Cup European Qualifying pots?Pot 1Spain – (Nations League Quarter-finalist)Germany – (Nations League Quarter-finalist)Portugal – (Nations League Quarter-finalist)France – (Nations League Quarter-finalist)Italy – (Nations League Quarter-finalist)Netherlands – (Nations League Quarter-finalist)Denmark – (Nations League Quarter-finalist)Croatia – (Nations League Quarter-finalist)EnglandBelgium – (Nations League play-offs)Switzerland Austria – (Nations League play-offs)Pot 2Ukraine – (Nations League play-offs)Sweden – (Nations League play-offs)Turkey – (Nations League play-offs)WalesHungary – (Nations League play-offs)Serbia – (Nations League play-offs)PolandGreece – (Nations League play-offs)Romania – (Nations League play-offs)Slovakia – (Nations League play-offs)Czech RepublicNorwayPot 3Scotland – (Nations League play-offs)Slovenia – (Nations League play-offs)Republic of Ireland – (Nations League play-offs)AlbaniaNorth MacedoniaGeorgia – (Nations League play-offs)FinlandIceland – (Nations League play-offs)Northern IrelandMontenegroBosnia and HerzegovinaIsraelPot 4Bulgaria – (Nations League play-offs)Luxembourg – (Nations League play-offs)Kosovo – (Nations League play-offs)BelarusArmenia – (Nations League play-offs)KazakhstanAzerbaijanEstoniaCyprusFaroe IslandsLatvia – (Nations League play-offs)LithuaniaPot 5MoldovaMalta – (Nations League play-offs)AndorraGibraltar – (Nations League play-offs)LiechtensteinSan MarinoBut the change is potentially bigger for Wales, who won their Nations League group (B4).Under the old conditions, Wales had to be in a group of five and thought they’d avoided playing a quarter-finalist from Pot 1.But now, they can be a group of four or five and face the prospect of playing a quarter-finalist.That means a potential face-off with one of Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal and Euro winners Spain.But before, there was a higher chance of Wales drawing Austria or Switzerland from Pot 1 as both didn’t have to be in a group of four.Wales were also effectively blocked from playing the top two seeds in Pot 3, and three of the top five seeds in Pot 4, who all had to be in a group of four.Previously, Scotland and Republic Ireland had to be in a group of four as a result of their involvement in the Nations League play-offs.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis is no longer set in stone, but the chances of being in a group of five are very low.This is because after Pot 1 and 2 there might not be any five-team groups left which can contain a Nations League play-off side.England’s worst-case scenario draw after the changeWorst-case drawEnglandNorwayGeorgiaAzerbaijanMoldovaAlternative tough drawEnglandWalesScotlandKazakhstanMoldova More

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      Lee Carsley ready to reject club management offers in hope of getting full-time England job after Thomas Tuchel

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      LEE CARSLEY is happy to sit and wait for Thomas Tuchel to move on as England coach.Carsley is back with the under-21s after his caretaker spell with the Three Lions in the Nations League.Lee Carsley is ready to reject club jobs in the hopes of getting the full-time England jobCredit: RexThomas Tuchel will have a run at the 2026 World Cup before his contract expiresCredit: PAHowever, the long-serving FA coach is willing to sit it out back with the next generation of talent where he made his name.But the shrewd Carsley could then be the automatic candidate once Tuchel has had a go at winning the World Cup in 2026.Carsley, 50, will be a target for other jobs and a first full crack at club football.But it would take an unbelievable offer to attract him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPals of Carsley say he is happy in the international environment and would be better placed if England come back for him in summer 2026.Carsley won five of his six games in charge of the Three Lions, all of which were Uefa Nations League matches.He also handed England debuts to eight stars.These were Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes, Noni Madueke, Curtis Jones, Lewis Hall, Morgan Rogers, Tino Livramento and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDespite his links to the job, Carsley claimed he did not apply for the job this time around.Speaking about the England job, Carsley said: “It makes me laugh that everyone’s got an opinion on the team.Lee Carsley reveals classy message to Thomas Tuchel and says new England manager has no influence on his squad “I’m on the road a lot, so service stations is where I seem to get the most advice.“Some of it is good, some of it is not so good. I seem to meet a lot of West Ham fans, very Jarrod-heavy.“It’s mainly team selection . . . I was in a queue in a Starbucks and a fella was talking about the false nine and the tactics, after the Greece game. I just wanted a soy latte!”Carsley will finally sit down with Tuchel, who starts work in January, after he completes his six-game Nations League assignment on Sunday against the Republic of Ireland.He said: “I am not sure I will give Thomas a lot of advice.“He is in a better position than I am in terms of the experience he has had and the staff he has.“It will probably be more about the players, the personalities and the stuff you won’t see on the TV.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m putting together a lot of thoughts, as are the rest of the staff.“I fully expect to catch up with him after the camp, and hopefully we can hand the team over in a good position.” More

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      Taylor Harwood-Bellis childhood incident practising DIVING that convinced dad Roy Keane’s son-in-law could be footballer

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      TAYLOR HARWOOD-BELLIS has had a taste of life at the top.Now England’s latest new-boy must turn his attention to taking on the best in the Premier League right now — and help shift Southampton off the bottom.Taylor Harwood-Bellis scored on his England debut last weekCredit: GettyHe is now prepared to face Liverpool with SouthamptonCredit: PAThe 22-year-old became the EIGHTH player to be handed a Three Lions debut during Lee Carsley’s interim spell in charge when coming on against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday in the Nations League.And he followed up Liverpool’s Curtis Jones’ feat versus Greece by also marking his bow with a goal to cap a blistering 5-0 win.Returning to the reality of Saints’ relegation battle must have been some comedown after such a high, particularly with imperious league-leaders the Reds up next.But while Harwood-Bellis is still buzzing to have proved he can mix it with the elite in this country, it is already just a memory ahead of Arne Slot’s winning machine — complete with a bang-in-form Mo Salah — rocking up at St Mary’s on Sunday.Read More on EnglandThe centre-back told BBC Radio Solent this week: “England is the pinnacle. The best English players, the best in the world are all there in one dressing room.“I’ve just got to focus on Liverpool. I’m not too bad at changing focus. Me scoring for England has not hidden the fact that we’re bottom of the league and we’ve got a big game on Sunday. That’s all my focus.”Brighton-born Southampton boss Russell Martin joked that Harwood-Bellis has barely stopped talking about it since his returning to training this week.Martin, who won 29 Scotland caps, said: “We have to make sure he keeps his feet on the ground but everyone’s so happy for him.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“If I’d played for England for ten minutes, I wouldn’t have shut up about it either.“I’d get hammered in Scotland for saying that, wouldn’t I? I was really proud to play for Scotland, so make sure that goes in there.Roy Keane reduces Ian Wright and Gary Neville to tears with crude comments about Premier League icon “I did celebrate his goal. We were all immensely proud of him at the club.“I see his mum and dad at games so when I see them next, I’m sure I’ll give them a hug and say congratulations.“I know they’ll be extremely proud and they know he’s in good hands here  with the amount of care and love he gets.”Harwood-Bellis’ headed goal at Wembley has been the talk of Saints’ training base this week, with team-mate Flynn Downes leading the banter.Midfielder Downes, 25, went to Wembley with Harwood-Bellis’ friends and family on Sunday as ex-Manchester City starlet Taylor made his first appearance.It was lucky he had not made it against Greece in Athens three days earlier, else his dad Martin and mum Tina would have missed it, having already booked a holiday to Cape Verde.Harwood-Bellis is another success story to come out of Stockport, along with fellow England internationals Phil Foden and Kobbie Mainoo.Dad Martin, who used to be Stockport County’s mascot Vernon Bear sensed his son might have a future in the game as a toddler.He revealed to BBC Radio Manchester: “The very, very early signs were when he was 18 months old and he was pretending to dive like a Premiership footballer.“He dived and broke his leg. A slight fracture. He had a plaster on his leg, I’ve still got the plaster, it’s only so big. He was still kicking a ball with a plaster on and he was kicking it straight to me. In fact he was kicking it better than I was kicking it to him and I had two good legs!”Harwood-Bellis’ old man also revealed how his son used to study football shows like Match of the Day, as well as what he saw from watching Stockport live, and implement what he had learnt at local side Spurley Hey.The youngster’s talent was quickly spotted and by six he had joined City.He was playing for England by Under-15 level, in an age group that included Tino Livramento, Morgan Rogers, Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer and also had Jude Bellingham playing a year up.Harwood-Bellis’ leadership qualities — attributes his future father-in-law Roy Keane would appreciate — saw him regularly named skipper  for club and country.He was known for his dedication, setting of standards in training and how vocal he was on the pitch as well as discipline off it.Harwood-Bellis is engaged to Roy Keane’s daughter, LeahCredit: officialkeane16 / InstagramThat sees him still today inspect the labels of all food at his parents’ house for fat content before eating it. City rated him highly but given the competition in Pep Guardiola’s first team, a series of loans began before one which ended in a permanent move to Saints.At Anderlecht and Burnley, the defender learned about detail and a relentless drive to win from working with Vincent Kompany.Phil Jagielka taught him about the dark arts of defending at Stoke.It was surprising to see no Premier League side sign him two summers ago, after he had captained England to Under-21 Euros glory.More physical defenders with a quicker top speed over the first ten-15 metres were favoured.But that overlooked Harwood-Bellis impressive reading of the game, with one of his  former coaches telling SunSport: “Taylor always has an extra yard in his head.”Southampton, then a Championship side, did not initially think they would be able to attract Harwood-Bellis.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat was until a season-long loan deal, with a £20million permanent option on  promotion, was proposed via TransferRoom, the digital football marketplace that more than 700 clubs worldwide use.Sam Stanton, Saints’ head of scouting  operations, said at the time: “We never thought he’d be available to us. So when he was pitched to us, we were really excited straight away.”The defender spent the 2022-23 season on loan at BurnleyCredit: GettyHe also enjoyed a short stay with StokeCredit: Getty More