UEFA Nations League

KYLIAN MBAPPE has been dropped from the France squad after a difficult start to life at Real Madrid.The French captain, 25, missed last month’s internationals through injury but manager Didier Deschamps revealed his “one off” decision was nothing to do with fitness.Kylian Mbappe has been left out of France’s squad for their upcoming internationalsCredit: GettyDidier Deschamps has played down talk of any issue with the Real Madrid superstarCredit: GettyMbappe has struggled to settle in Madrid following his dream free transfer in the summer.The former Paris Saint-Germain man has eight goals in all competitions for the Spanish giants but has gone missing in big games, including in the 4-0 loss to rivals Barcelona and in their midweek defeat to AC Milan.Deschamps held talks with Mbappe who told the manager he wanted to be included in the squad for games against Israel and Italy.But the France boss said: “I’ve had discussions with him, it is a decision that I took for this block of matches only.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s my responsibility to make decisions. I think it’s better that way.”I’m not going to argue.”What I can tell you are these two things. One, that Kylian wanted to come.”And two, it’s not the extra sporting problems that come into play since the presumption of innocence exists and must exist. It’s a one-off choice for this gathering.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMbappe last month dismissed reports in Swedish media linking him to a rape inquiry in the country as “fake news”.His lawyers said he was “stunned” by the reports and they were preparing to hit back with a claim for defamation, according to the BBC.Mbappe is expected to play for Real Madrid when they host Osasuna in LaLiga on Saturday.Carlo Ancelotti’s side will return from the international break with a trip to Leganes, before they jet off to England to take on Liverpool in the Champions League.Fans ask ‘why was Mbappe shocked to see the referee?’ as hilarious video emerges during Real Madrid clashThey are nine points adrift of Barcelona in LaLiga with one game in hand.In Europe, they have won two and lost two, leaving them 18th out of 36 teams in the league phase of the Champions League with four games remaining. More

A TRIO of uncapped players are in Lee Carsley’s final England squad before Thomas Tuchel takes over.The Three Lions face Greece away next Thursday before the Republic of Ireland travel to Wembley on Sunday 17 November in the Nations League.Lee Carsley takes charge of his final two games as England boss next weekCredit: GettySouthampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis has earned his first senior call-upCredit: ReutersNewcastle star Lewis Hall has been named in the England squad for the first timeCredit: GettyLiverpool ace Curtis Jones has another chance to win his first capCredit: GettyEngland are in the midst of an injury crisis, with John Stones, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo unavailable. Declan Rice, Cole Palmer and Jack Grealish have all recently missed club games due to injury but are in the side.Three uncapped players have been called-up in Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Lewis Hall and Curtis Jones.Southampton defender Harwood-Bellis, 22, worked with Carsley at Under-21 level and has featured in all ten of the Saints’ Premier League matches this season. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe manager also knows Newcastle star Hall, 20, who comes in amid a shortage of left-backs.Liverpool midfielder Jones, 23, is another with previous ties to Carsley.He was called-up to the last squad but withdrew due to personal reasons.On Harwood-Bellis and Hall joining the team, Carsley said: “They are both players who have played a lot of minutes this season and players I both know really well.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Taylor is a player I know, an outstanding Under-21s captain. “Lewis is high quality. We have lots of competition at right-back but not the same challenges at left-back.”Lee Carsley announces November England squad selection England will be out for revenge against the Greeks after suffering a 2-1 defeat to them last month.Greece have won all four of their Nations League matches this season and are top on 12 points.England have nine points and this means Carsley’s side must win by two or more goals in Athens to boost their chances of topping Group B2 to avoid a play-off.If teams finish level on points then head-to-head is the first criteria Uefa use to decide who is ahead.The games against Greece and Ireland will be Carsley’s final two matches in charge before Tuchel starts his job on January 1.Tuchel has had no say on this squad selection but will be watching both games with an eagle-eye. Ahead of stepping aside, Carsley said: “I have really enjoyed it. It has been a massive honour to be given this opportunity. READ MORE SUN STORIES”My focus was always on the games. People know how tough the job is without worrying about outside influences.”On welcoming Tuchel, he added: “I have only messaged him on text and congratulated him.”Jack Grealish is in the squad despite missing recent Man City gamesCredit: EPAANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job More

HARRY MAGUIRE will miss England’s Nations League deciders against Greece and Republic of Ireland.Interim manager Lee Carsley is set to name the squad for his final two games in charge before Thomas Tuchel takes over.Harry Maguire is set to miss out on England’s clashes with Greece and FinlandCredit: GettyManchester United defender Maguire, 31, has not played since October 6 due to a calf problem.He featured in Carsley’s first match against Ireland but was left out of the last squad for the games with Greece and Finland.United team-mate Kobbie Mainoo, 19, is struggling with a muscle injury.Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, 29, looks set to miss out with injury, while Etihad pal John Stones, 30, has a foot problem.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEngland were stunned by Greece at Wembley last month.Vangelis Pavlidis gave the brilliant visitors a deserved lead on 49 minutes.Jude Bellingham thought he’d rescued the Three Lions a point when he levelled three minutes from time.But Pavlidis would have the final say, netting four minutes into stoppage time to secure all three points.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJack Grealish and John Stones are set to miss outCredit: SportsfileKobbie Mainoo is struggling with a muscular injuryCredit: ReutersCarsley’s men recovered three days later to beat Finland 3-1 in Helsinki.They trail Greece by three points going into their two final matches of the group stage.’I wasn’t contacted about the England job,’ admits Eddie Howe as he gives verdict on Thomas Tuchel appointment The Wembley clash with Ireland will be Carsley’s last in caretaker charge.New boss Tuchel will officially take over on January 1.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel. More

ARSENE WENGER is the latest person to wade in on the England manager debate following the appointment of Thomas Tuchel.Despite his stellar CV as a coach at club level – including a Champions League win with Chelsea – some have questioned whether the manager of a country should be someone who is not from there. Arsene Wenger is the latest to wade into the England manager debateCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel was appointed earlier this month, though some have questioned the appointment due not being home the nationCredit: PALegendary Arsenal boss Wenger, now FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, gave his verdict while appearing on beIN Sports.The 75-year-old said: “I always thought the national team is a part-time job with 10 games per year, and I prefer to play 60.”Wenger revealed he had received offers to be the national team manager of both France and Germany, before adding: “To me on that front, I prefer that the manager is from the country.”Why should the player have to be from a country and not the manager? There is a big inference.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTo that end, Wenger said he would have felt “uncomfortable” managing Germany.He then doubled down on previous statements where he had said England should take an English manager.He continued: “I haven’t changed my mind. Now they appoint Tuchel. I think Tuchel is a perfect coach and a perfect candidate, but he’s not English.”But it’s allowed so there is nothing wrong with that. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I just feel – to make it as simple as possible – If I’m the manager of England and I play against France I cannot sing the national anthem of France.”Tuchel, 51, was appointed to the Three Lions role as the permanent successor to Gareth Southgate after he stepped down following Euro 2024, but will not take charge of his first games until next year.Thomas Tuchel’s first England XI predicted by Jamie Carragher with ultra-attacking team and one-cap international The former Blues, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund boss signed an 18-month contract worth £5million-a-year to see him lead England into the World Cup in 2026. At his first press conference, Tuchel sarcastically apologised for his German passport and received an apology from a reporter over a “flippant” comment about the chances of winning a trophy.Tuchel then gave his opinion on singing the national anthem.ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England jobHe said: “I understood from Mark [Bullingham] it is a personal decision if you sing it. Some managers did it and others did not.”I have not made my decision. Your anthem is very moving, I experienced it several times at Wembley and in cup finals.”Whatever decision I make, I will always show my respect to my new role, the country and a moving anthem. READ MORE SUN STORIES”As it is a new subject, I will take a little bit of time.”Interim boss Lee Carsley – who is a former Ireland international – has opted against singing it during his time in charge, with his final two games coming next month.Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. 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