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      England ratings: Myles Lewis-Skelly in dream debut but Thomas Tuchel has same Phil Foden issue as Gareth Southgate

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      MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY made history and Harry Kane extended his own record-breaking as England sunk Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first game.Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut and top goal-getter Kane notched his 70th international strike as Tuchel began his World Cup qualifying campaign with a modest 2-0 win. Myles Lewis-Skelly broke the deadlock with a landmark goalCredit: ReutersHarry Kane confirmed victory with a smooth finish on 78 minutesCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly helped Thomas Tuchel taste victory in his opening gameCredit: GettyNew boy Dan Burn partnered Ezri Konsa in central defence at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones were also handed starts.Meanwhile, Tuchel wrestled with the same issue faced by predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate – deciding where to fit in Phil Foden. Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, slotted home on 20 minutes following a delightful turn and even better pass from Jude Bellingham.But England stuttered after the break – until skipper Kane classily took down a Declan Rice pass and curved home the clincher.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHere’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match…JORDAN PICKFORD – 6WITH Tuchel naming four goalkeepers in his first squad, you wondered if the long-serving stopper’s position in goal may be under threat. But Pickford started and looked fairly assured with what little he had to do.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWas not afraid to go long with his passes at times, compared to the obsession in the Premier League of playing out from the back no matter what.Most read in FootballHad one nervy moment when Dan Burn’s block looped up against the crossbar in the first half, before the Geordie headed it away.Myles Lewis-Skelly lost for words after finding out he has broken England recordKYLE WALKER – 6STARTED despite his underwhelming season at Manchester City and now on loan at AC Milan.His passing was OK for the most part, albeit not super crisp.But the veteran, earning his 94th cap, had an excellent moment shortly before half-time when he fired in a cross which Bellingham headed goalwards, only to be denied by an excellent Thomas Strakosha save.Vital interception in the second half when sub Armando Broja had got in behind Burn.EZRI KONSA – 7MADE double figures for England caps with this appearance.Was pretty solid alongside Burn, having plenty of the ball as all the England defensive players did.Made an excellent last-ditch tackle after the ball was played in behind his centre-back partner in the final 20 minutes.Interesting to see Konsa selected over Marc Guehi, given the Crystal Palace man was England’s best defender at the Euros.DAN BURN – 7ALMOST had another Wembley dream moment in the space of a week.The giant defender was making his England debut six days on from helping Newcastle win their first domestic trophy in 70 years.Burn’s bullet header from a corner sent the Magpies on their way to victory then – and he nearly repeated the trick here when nodding the ball against the crossbar in the first half.He put his body on the line and made a number of brave blocks, including the one that looped up against his own woodwork.Had more of a difficult time of it when the speedier Broja came off the bench in the second half, and also managed to kick Myrto Uzuni in the face with one whack clear.England debutant Dan Burn hit the bar with a headerCredit: AlamyMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – STAR MAN 8SIX months ago the 18-year-old had not even played for Arsenal.Now he has not only made his senior debut for England – but has his first goal too.The left-back raced in down the left to meet Bellingham’s inch-perfect pass, before poking it through the keeper’s legs.Looked to have tears in his eyes as he celebrated his magic moment – and was accomplished in the rest of his display.CURTIS JONES – 6THE Liverpudlian was one of many success stories of youngsters brought through by Tuchel’s interim predecessor Lee Carsley.Here he played a bit further forward at times, interchanging with Bellingham when allowed.Had plenty of the ball as England dominated possession, though did give it away with a poor early pass.Jones managed to wriggle in down the right on 14 minutes, but his decent cut-back was cleared.Curtis Jones played the first 74 minutes on FridayCredit: AFPDECLAN RICE – 7SO many touches for the Arsenal man as England patiently probed for opportunities. Southgate’s favourite system involved two pivots.But Rice here was generally alone in his deep-lying role, suggesting Tuchel will be a bit more ambitious in his attacking approach.Having said that, there were a lot of passes backwards from England, underpinning a dominant, if not overly exciting display.Though one such Rice chip over to Kane brought about the crucial second.PHIL FODEN – 5SOUTHGATE was never able to get the best out of Phil Foden, while Carsley only started him once in his six interim games.The fact that the City star was starting here suggested Tuchel is keen to find a way of unlocking his talent.But Foden struggled to make much of an impact again.He was deployed wide right, and did try to dribble forward when he could, but with little effect.JUDE BELLINGHAM – 8ENGLAND’S best moments involved the Real Madrid superstar.Albania’s low block was difficult to break down, but Bellingham’s inventive passing was Tuchel’s best method of doing so.His delicious pass for Lewis-Skelly provided the opener, while he had a neat cross that Kane nodded wide near the hour.Was denied a goal on two occasions by two top Strakosha saves, first from a toe-poke, then a close-range header.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7SEEMED to relish being back playing for England after his surprise recall by Tuchel.Was full of energy and looked to spin in behind at every opportunity, even if he did not always receive the pass from his team-mates.A beautiful diagonal pass over to Foden early on showed his technical quality.England lacked willing runners at the Euros, but here, a motivated Rashford provided one.Recalled attacker Marcus Rashford evades Ivan BalliuCredit: ReutersHARRY KANE – 7REGULARLY dropped deep in the early stages, despite his manager saying in the week that he wanted his star man to stay up top.It did allow him to display his impressive passing range though and he had a few quality balls through for Rashford.Had a goal-bound shot brilliantly blocked by Albanian captain Berat Gjimshiti in the first half.But Kane’s clinical finish into the far corner in the second half saw him reach 70 goals for his country – and his fifth in three games against this opposition.SUBSANTHONY GORDON (on for Rashford, 74) – 6Was left limping for the final few minutes after taking a whack on his hip in injury time. Concerningly, was down on the turf in pain as the final whistle went.JARROD BOWEN (for Foden, 74) – 6Mainly ensured the 2-0 scoreline stayed that way.MORGAN ROGERS (for Jones, 74) – 6Played a bit deeper than he does for Aston Villa, filling in at No8 like Jones had.READ MORE SUN STORIESJORDAN HENDERSON (for Rice, 82) – 6ON for his first England appearance since 2023, and his 82nd in total, to help see it out. Crunched Adrion Pajaziti with a poor challenge.REECE JAMES (for Lewis-Skelly, 90) – 6Main role was allowing debutant Lewis-Skelly to get a standing ovation. First international in two years, coming on at left-back. Lewis-Skelly is mobbed after his history-making openerCredit: Getty More

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      England 2 Albania 0: Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane get Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions reign off to flying start

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      IT wasn’t exactly the thrilling white-knuckle ride we’d been promised by Thomas Tuchel. But England set off on their journey to the United States with one goal from debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly and one from their all-time record goalscorer Harry Kane to see off a limited Albania.   Thomas Tuchel got off to winning ways as England bossCredit: ReutersMyles Lewis-Skelly opened the scoring for EnglandCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly became England’s youngest debut scorerCredit: GettyArsenal’s 18-year-old left-back got the Tuchel era under way with a bang by becoming the youngest England player ever to score on his debut – rewarding a ballsy selection from the new German manager.Lewis-Skelly is a modern full-back, frequently popping up in attacking midfield positions and showing excellent industry and footwork. But in the hour of football between their two goals, England toiled and showed some familiar problems. Phil Foden was anonymous on the right, and still doesn’t look as though he can fit convincingly into the same team as Jude Bellingham, whose brilliant assist teed up Lewis-Skelly’s dreamy start. READ MORE IN football Marcus Rashford, selected after just one Premier League start on loan at Aston Villa, was a willing runner with little end product. While Dan Burn, Tuchel’s other debutant, was unconvincing in defence despite crashing a header against the bar shortly before half-time. Had Gareth Southgate still been in charge the nation would have yawned at it all. But then that is the problem with tournament qualifying campaigns.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEngland will be up against a succession of teams who will pack their defence and play with little ambition and none of it will mean very much by the time Tuchel’s men get to the World Cup in America. With the only two friendlies this year having been scheduled against Senegal and Wales, England are not going to face any truly elite opposition for at least 12 months.  Roy Keane says Thomas Tuchel’s criticism of Gareth Southgate’s England was ‘harsh’This was, Tuchel and his team hoped, the first step on a glorious journey towards a World Cup Final in New Jersey next July. And the new boss wants all of us cheerleading on his bandwagon. Good luck with that. But having talked a good game about boldness and positivity, Tuchel selected a bold and positive line-up – giving debuts to Lewis-Skelly and man-of-the moment Burn, as well as recalling Rashford. With a back four and a positive-looking midfield selection, it felt that the much-mentioned Southgate ‘handbrake’ had been consigned to the breakers’ yard. Still, England had humped Albania 5-0 here under Southgate four years ago. The most successful Three Lions boss in half a century wasn’t as negative as history is now rewriting him. England started quietly, dominating the ball but doing little with it until the 19th minute when Lewis-Skelly’s moment arrived.It was a moment of instinctive brilliance from Bellingham which created it, the Real Madrid dropping deep, spinning his man and taking out five defenders with one slicing pass which located Lewis-Skelly on the overlap. England ratings vs Albania as Lewis-Skelly enjoys dream debut but Tuchel fails to solve Foden issue By Tom BarclayMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY made history and Harry Kane extended his own record-breaking as England sunk Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first game.Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut and top goal-getter Kane notched his 70th international strike as Tuchel began his World Cup qualifying campaign with a modest 2-0 win.New boy Dan Burn partnered Ezri Konsa in central defence at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones were also handed starts.Meanwhile, Tuchel wrestled with the same issue faced by predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate – deciding where to fit in Phil Foden.Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, slotted home on 20 minutes following a delightful turn and even better pass from Jude Bellingham.But England stuttered after the break – until skipper Kane classily took down a Declan Rice pass and curved home the clincher.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match…The Arsenal kid needed just one touch to nutmeg keeper Thomas Strakosha and ignite the Tuchel era. Kane was soon dropping deep and pinging a sweet pass on to the chest of the on-rushing Rashford but he failed to control when he ought to have troubled the keeper. Soon there was panic in the England defence when Dan Burn sliced an attempted clearance from Qasim Laci’s cross and the ball looped up onto the top of the bar before the big Newcastle defender challenged Pickford for the same ball. Tuchel had been talking up the importance of England’s players talking to each other all week. And here wasn’t an example of that. It took 34 minutes for the first paper plane to reach the Wembley turf but Bellingham soon livened things up again, racing on to Rashford’s through-ball but having his shot blocked by Strakosha. England were largely unconvincing but Kane was everywhere, winning several tackles and Bellingham was generally the creative spark. Foden was anonymous on the right wing, while Curtis Jones was eager with little end product. Harry Kane wrapped up the winCredit: ReutersKane proved why he is still England’s No9Credit: ReutersFive minutes before the break, Kyle Walker darted down the right and cut back for Bellingham, whose diving header was blocked by Straoksha, Kane’s follow-up effort deflected over.Then from a Declan Rice corner, Burn leapt to a height of approximately 12 feet and nutted against the crossbar – so close to a second Wembley goal in the space of five days during this ridiculous week of his.Early in the second half, the great Geordie giraffe was lucky to escape at least a yellow card for booting Myrto Azuni in the head on the follow-through.   Lewis-Skelly popped up in central to start a decent England attack, Rashford haring forward but losing his footing before Kane headed wide from a Bellingham cross. Albania boss Sylvinho sent on Armando Broja and the Everton loanee soon toasted Burn for pace twice without managing to threaten Pickford. And Ezri Konsa – arguably England’s best player – soon had to make an excellent interception to deny Jasir Asani a clear sight of goal., Tuchel responded with his first three subs – Jarrod Bowen, Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers on for Rashford, Foden and Jones, none of whom had set the world ablaze. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd soon Rice was curling a cross to Kane, who plucked the ball out of the air with his right foot, then took a second to compose himself before he slotted home the second on 78 minutes.It was Kane’s 70th goal for England and if they are to rule the world in the States next summer, he and Bellingham will have to run the show. Dan Burn’s a great story but we may not see much more of him in an England shirt By Charlie Wyett ALTHOUGH it was the teenage new boy who got the Thomas Tuchel show on the road, the night was just as memorable for the 32-year-old who took the long route to an England cap.Dan Burn, raised 285 miles away in Blyth and who never looked like he would be a regular visitor to Wembley at any stage during his career, has just completed a truly extraordinary week.To lift a trophy with Newcastle on your 487th professional appearance is one thing. But then being unable to celebrate properly on the Sunday evening because you are reporting for England the following morning at St George’s Park is just extraordinary.But there is no doubt that Burn’s inclusion in Tuchel’s first squad was arguably the most popular.Before the game, Burn looked like the proudest man in this country as he belted out the national anthem with three lions on his shirt. Remarkably, he hit the woodwork at both ends on a night so scoring for both teams is not something he would have wanted to be remembered for.For the games in June against Andorra and Senegal, both John Stones and Harry Maguire will be back.So whether the Toon defender to next year’s World Cup remains up for debate but right now, he really will not give two hoots. He will just be savouring every minute with the national team before he eventually comes back down to earth.Tuchel is clearly one of those managers who believes you don’t win anything with kids. And that is why he has recalled Jordan Henderson who returned for England as a late sub.Surprisingly, it looks as though Tuchel has reservations over Marc Guehi which is why he chose not to partner him with Ezri Konsa. But rather than start Levi Colwill, Tuchel decided to give Burn his surprise start .Understandably, there were nerves and an early pass towards Phil Foden which drifted out for a throw.There was one bit of confusion at the back when Burn blocked a cross from Qazim Laci. The  ball looped into the air and Burn headed the ball out for the corner with Pickford not calling for the ball and seeming unsure whether to try and collect it.Just before half-time, Burn hammered a header against the bar from Declan Rice’s corner and for two defenders to score on their debuts would have been a record breaker.Burn started the second half by booting Myrto Uzini in the head and then slipped badly to allow Albania space to attack but they failed to make the most of it.Standing at 6 ft 7ins, Burn towers over most people and this was certainly the case with 5 ft 10 ins Lewis-Skelly next to him in Tuchel’s back four.The pair stood next to each other at  a SGP photo shoot during the week and, looking at Burn, Lewis-Skelly said: “Nah, this is too much! Oh my goodness. This is a joke.”Lewis-Skelly, born a couple of months after Italy won the 2006 World Cup in Germany, is not known for his goalscoring and had only managed six for Arsenal, and that also includes under-18s and Premier League Two.But he took his goal superbly and played with confidence throughout even though he did seem under orders not to wander too deep into enemy territory unless it was totally necessary.On this evidence, we might not see too much more of Burn but that is certainly not the case for MLS. More

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      Thomas Tuchel keeps promise and doesn’t sing national anthem before his first England game vs Albania

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      THOMAS TUCHEL stuck to his promise of not singing the England national anthem – after vowing to first earn the right.The German takes charge of his first game in charge of the Three Lions against Albania at Wembley.Thomas Tuchel stuck to his promise of not signing the England national anthemAnd Tuchel stayed silent during the national anthem before the match. But it should come as no surprise after the former Chelsea manager – who won the Champions League with the Blues – warned of his intentions. Speaking before the game, he said: “I feel that it is not just a given. You cannot just sing it. That’s why I decided that I will not sing it in my first matches.”I think, first of all, you have a very powerful, emotional and meaningful national anthem and I could not be more proud to be on the sidelines and be in charge of the English national team.READ MORE IN football “It means everything. It means a lot to me, I can assure you, but I can feel because it is that meaningful and it is that emotional and it is so powerful, the national anthem, that I have to earn my right to sing it.”Maybe I have to dive more into the culture and earn my right from you, from the players, from the supporters, so everyone feels like ‘he should sing it now, he’s one of our own, he’s the English manager, he should sing it’.”Tuchel returned to the dugout for the first time since leaving his role as Bayern Munich boss in the summer of 2024. And he admitted before England’s World Cup qualifier: “It’s a big occasion. I’m a bit nervous, but more excited and happy we get the journey going.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEngland ratings vs Albania as Lewis-Skelly enjoys dream debut but Tuchel fails to solve Foden issue By Tom BarclayMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY made history and Harry Kane extended his own record-breaking as England sunk Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first game.Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut and top goal-getter Kane notched his 70th international strike as Tuchel began his World Cup qualifying campaign with a modest 2-0 win.New boy Dan Burn partnered Ezri Konsa in central defence at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones were also handed starts.Meanwhile, Tuchel wrestled with the same issue faced by predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate – deciding where to fit in Phil Foden.Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, slotted home on 20 minutes following a delightful turn and even better pass from Jude Bellingham.But England stuttered after the break – until skipper Kane classily took down a Declan Rice pass and curved home the clincher.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match…Tuchel’s first starting 11 included nine Premier League players with only Kyle Walker and Jude Bellingham playing abroad.And Tuchel told his side: “Bring the energy that we can have and that the Premier League has.Emotional moment Myles Lewis-Skelly’s family spotted going wild in Wembley crowd”Play on the front foot, try play aggressive and attacking football. We need to be aware defensively as they have good footballers.”Tuchel watched on as Myles Lewis-Skelly became England youngest-ever debut scorer while Harry Kane wrapped up a 2-0 win. Thomas Tuchel during his first game in chargeCredit: Getty More

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      ‘It’s harsh’ – Roy Keane calls out Thomas Tuchel just minutes into ITV coverage of his first England game

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      ROY KEANE has called out Thomas Tuchel for his brutal verdict on Gareth Southgate’s England at Euro 2024.Just minutes before Tuchel took charge for the first time on Friday night, ITV pundit Keane suggested the German had gone too far.Roy Keane told Ian Wright and Co Thomas Tuchel might have been over the topCredit: RexNew England chief Tuchel bawled out instructions against AlbaniaCredit: RexThe new Three Lions’ boss brought back Marcus Rashford in the World Cup qualifier against Albania at Wembley.Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn made their debuts, with Liverpool’s Curtis Jones also starting.The intriguing new look follows Tuchel claiming Southgate’s men lacked “hunger” and “excitement” last summer – despite reaching their second Euros final in a row.Manchester United legend Keane appears to believe the ex-Chelsea chief had a point – but might have gone over the top.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former midfield hardman said: “It seems a bit harsh on Gareth – but I know where he’s coming from.”Southgate stepped down shortly after a 2-1 defeat against Spain in the Euro 2024 final and three years after losing to Italy at the same stage following a shootout.Tuchel, who officially replaced the Englishman in October, had no qualms this week in delivering a ruthless assessment on the Three Lions’ performances in Germany last summer.Questioned by ITV about what the Three Lions had lacked in the last Euros, he replied: “The identity, the clarity, the rhythm, the repetition of patterns.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEngland ratings vs Albania as Lewis-Skelly enjoys dream debut but Tuchel fails to solve Foden issue By Tom BarclayMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY made history and Harry Kane extended his own record-breaking as England sunk Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first game.Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut and top goal-getter Kane notched his 70th international strike as Tuchel began his World Cup qualifying campaign with a modest 2-0 win.New boy Dan Burn partnered Ezri Konsa in central defence at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones were also handed starts.Meanwhile, Tuchel wrestled with the same issue faced by predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate – deciding where to fit in Phil Foden.Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, slotted home on 20 minutes following a delightful turn and even better pass from Jude Bellingham.But England stuttered after the break – until skipper Kane classily took down a Declan Rice pass and curved home the clincher.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match…”The freedom of player, the expression of player, the hunger.”They were more afraid to drop out of the tournament, in my observation, than having the excitement and hunger to win.”And asked what England had most needed, he said: “Excitement.”The view that people feel that the team’s to beat. That we arrive with a group to beat.”That we know already when we arrive, once we qualified, everyone knows this is the team to beat.” More

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      Liverpool star Andy Robertson gives own team-mate death stare before X-rated rant in feisty clash

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      ANDY ROBERTSON clashed with Liverpool team-mate Kostas Tsimikas when the pair faced off in a Nations League tie between Greece and Scotland on Thursday night.The Reds left-backs showed that they have no club loyalties when they don their national shirts as they locked horns in a feisty exchange on the pitch in Greece.Andy Robertson shot a death stare at a Liverpool teammate during Scotland’s clash with Greece on Thursday nightRobertson clashed with fellow Red left-back Kostas TsimikasTempers seemed to flare in the second half when VAR overturned a Greece penalty that would have levelled the scores in the 86th minute of the Nations League play-off tie.During the lengthy wait for VAR to make their decision, Robertson was seen discussing the incident with referee Tobias Stieler – something that Tsimikas appeared to take issue with.Seemingly saying something to Robertson off camera, the Scot appeared to snap back in what fans think was an X-rated rant. Robertson, who was wearing the captain’s armband for Scotland, shot a death stare at his counterpart before launching the fierce words.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans online reckon he was referring to his role as captain during the rant.With one writing: “No love lost between Robertson and fellow Liverpool left-back Tsimikas. ‘Because I’m the f*****g captain, Kostas, outside.’”And another adding: “I canny be sure exactly what Robertson is shouting at Tsimikas, but it includes “…because am the f*****g captain'”.It was Robertson’s Scotland that wound up victorious in the first leg, taking a 1-0 advantage into the second leg at Hampden Park on Sunday afternoon.Most read in FootballTsimikas and Robertson have only played together five timesCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt appears there will be no grudges between Robertson and Tsimikas back in Liverpool after the international break either, as the pair shared a hug at full-time.Despite both being on the books at Liverpool together for almost five years, the pair have actually only shared the pitch as teammates five times.’Reminded me of Gerrard at Liverpool’ – Cole Palmer told he needs to LEAVE Chelsea and has outgrown the club alreadySharing the same position means they often spend more time jostling for a place in the lineup than they do playing alongside one and other.And their time at Anfield together could be coming to an end too, with Liverpool reportedly keen to sign a new left-back in the summer.Even Robertson has opened up on a potential replacement at the end of the season.He said recently: “I think we’ve been linked with pretty much every left-back in the world.“That comes with playing for one of the greatest clubs in the world. I look back on these eight years I’ve had as the starting left-back at that club and I feel a lot of pride.“Your time comes and I don’t think it’s my time yet but even if we do bring someone in, then so be it. I’ll always back myself.”Sure, this season there have been a couple of moments when I haven’t covered myself in glory but some things have been taken way out of proportion.“I think the performance levels have been there for me. I think I’ve had a relatively good season but one thing people will say about me is that’s I’ve been pretty consistent, so when you make a couple of mistakes, then people can talk.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That’s the world we live in, that’s the Premier League. Everyone has eyes on you, everyone has an opinion. “It is what it is but I’m always confident in my ability. I’ve shown that right throughout my career but especially during my time at Liverpool.”Robertson has opened up about his future with LiverpoolCredit: Reuters More

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      Harry Kane: People have got bored with my goals as they did with Ronaldo and Messi – I can win Ballon d’Or this year

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      HARRY KANE claims he is under-appreciated as fans have become “bored” with his stunning scoring stats.The England skipper faces Albania tonight with an incredible international record of 69 goals in 103 appearances, while he has also struck 76 times in just 82 matches for Bayern Munich.Harry Kane says fans got bored of his goalsCredit: GettyCristiano Ronaldo, pictured in 2018, was a goal machine at Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – GettySo too was Lionel Messi, pictured here in 2019, during his Barcelona daysCredit: Getty Images – GettyKane, 31, said: “It’s like when Ronaldo and Messi were throwing these crazy numbers out there.“The next season, they’d score 40 goals instead of 50 and it was like they were having a bad season.“People take it for granted and maybe it’s a little bit for me with England as well.“I’ve scored 69 goals and when you score against Albania or Latvia, people just expect it, so it’s not spoken about so much.READ MORE IN football “If I was 25 now and doing what I’m doing, the excitement around me would be a bit different.“Again, that’s part of where we are with football and I’ve seen it with some other players as they get into their 30s.“Maybe people just get a little bit bored of what you do but I’m certainly not bored. I’m excited for the games ahead.”The striker, back at former club Tottenham’s training ground yesterday, was asked whether he can win the Ballon d’Or this year. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “One hundred per cent.“I felt that last season as well, I scored over 40 goals but I was never going to win the Ballon d’Or because we didn’t win the team trophies.How Tuchel will excite England fans by unleashing high press footballHarry 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.”“I finished tenth in the Ballon d’Or while at Spurs and that was as high as I could have finished.”Thomas Tuchel takes charge of his first game as England manager in what is the start of a new era following the reign of Sir Gareth Southgate.It was Tuchel who persuaded Kane to leave Spurs for Bayern in 2023.The German’s assistant in Munich was Englishman Anthony Barry and he is now the Three Lions’ No 2.Kane, set to win his first major title this season with Bundesliga leaders Bayern, said: “We had conversations before the transfer happened.“Gareth and Thomas are different characters. In terms of coaching, Thomas takes a bit more on the pitch.”I finished tenth in the Ballon d’Or while at Spurs and that was as high as I could have finished.Harry Kane Kane is also delighted that Jordan Henderson is back in the England squad after 16 months out.There is no doubt the Three Lions missed the influence of Hendo, 34, during Euro 2024 with skipper Kane not the loudest of characters.Kane added: “Whenever you go to tournaments, I don’t think it’s just about having the best players.“It’s about creating an environment where you allow other people to thrive. I would say we were a little bit light on leadership in the summer.“Especially when things are not going well, that’s when you need me and Jordan — experienced players to take that responsibility on.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Hendo brings that experience as good as anyone I’ve played with.“Thomas has been clear on trying to build that environment. And it starts from this camp.”Tuchel persuaded Kane to leave Spurs for Bayern in 2023Credit: AP More

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      Moment Scotland hero Scott McTominay has LASER pen flashed in his eyes by Greece fans before coolly opening scoring

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      SCOTT McTOMINAY was coolness personified as he ignored LASER pens being shone in his eyes to give Scotland a Nations League playoff lead in Athens. The penalty award was debatable as the Napoli midfielder appeared to stand on the ball and accidentally initiate the contact himself – but there was no arguing about the finish as he notched his 12th goal for his country.McTominay ignores the laser pen i his eyesMcTominay ignores the laser pensThat’s despite BBC footage clearly showing fans attempting to shine a green laser in the midfielder’s eye as he prepared to take the penalty.Scotland boss Steve Clarke last night hailed his talisman for holding his nerve in the cauldron. He said: “It’s something that happens but it didn’t put him off. We are delighted with the result, 1-0 coming away to a difficult place. We had to dig in throughout the second half.”We saw two sides to the team tonight.”The first half we were excellent and played the ball around really well.”We created some good chances and could maybe have been a little further in front at half-time.”In the second half, to be fair to the Greeks, they came out and got about us. They stopped us playing and we went too long.”We didn’t get a hold of the ball enough. Then we were asked to defend and we defended quite well.Most read in Football”We defended our box and coped with what felt like a lot of pressure.”But Craig Gordon didn’t have too many saves to make. It was credit to the team defensively in the second half.Steve Clarke likes Lennon Miller’s stated ambition to become one of Scotland’s top players”It’s now game on for Sunday. I don’t see the game being closed at all. I was impressed with the Greeks in the second half.”Their away record is good too. They went to Ireland and Finland and won comfortably, while also going to Wembley and winning. The game is still wide open.”BBC pundit Steven Naismith said: “The laser pens are brought out frequently there too so Scotty was probably used to it.”McTominay has been a massive hit out in Italy, where they currently sit 2nd, three points ahead of Atalanta but three behind leaders Inter Milan.But excelling in a much more attack-minded role, McTominay has struck seven times in Serie A this season – with one of them coming against Inter in a 1-1 draw back in November.And there’s been reports in Italy that the midfielder is already a target for Napoli’s title rivals Inter.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Croatia vs France: Get £50 in free bets for Nations League quarter final with Betfred

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      CROATIA and France go toe-to-toe in the first leg of their Nations League quarter final.And brand new Betfred customers can claim a fantastic £50 in free bets and bonuses when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the international encounter.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereCroatia vs France: Get £50 free bets HERE*How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Croatia vs France: Get £50 free bets HERE*New to Betfred? Then you can claim this incredible offer.Simply visit the Betfred website using this link HERE* and register a new account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Then you just need to deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater.When that first bet has settled — win or lose — Betfred will credit your account with the following free bets;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More