UEFA Nations League

ERLING HAALAND refused to do a post-match interview following Norway’s 5-1 defeat to Austria – before issuing an apology on social media.The Manchester City striker led the line in last night’s Nations League clash with captain and Arsenal ace Martin Odegaard still out with an ankle injury.Erling Haaland apologised after refusing to do a post-match interviewCredit: RexBut, after becoming Norway’s record goal scorer in Thursday’s 3-0 win against Slovenia, Haaland ended up on the receiving end of a rare hammering.Ex-Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s Austria fired five goals past Norway in a one-sided match, leaving the Man City star distraught.It was his biggest-ever defeat as a senior player for either club or country.And after the final whistle, Haaland was in no mood to talk.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe forward refused to answer questions from Norwegian press in the mixed zone.But later in the evening, Haaland issued a grovelling apology for his silent treatment.Posting on Instagram, he said: “Sorry everyone, this was far too bad on my part.“In November, we go for six points.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite Haaland’s refusal to answer questions, he was still defended by Norway teammate Sander Berge.The Fulham star said: “He has every right to do that.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League stars“You can feel the disappointment now. We as a team in there, we stand in ups and downs regardless.“The most important thing is that we are united, that’s how it is.”However, Haaland was criticised by compatriot Kristoffer Lokberg, who made seven appearances for Norway’s U18s.He said: “It’s a shame. If there’s anyone we want to hear from after a violent slump, it’s the captain.Sorry everyone, this was far too bad on my part.Erling Haaland“How was it communicated out here? How do you think after the 3-1 goal?“Do you gather? What do you do? When you are captain, you have been assigned a role that requires a little extra.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Then you should stand up. At the same time, I have great respect for the fact he’s in a special position when it comes to attention and requests.“I understand he has a strict regime around him in everyday life. But when you have the captain’s armband, he should stand up and say a few words.” More

ROY KEANE has urged the FA to appoint Pep Guardiola as England’s next manager.Despite returning to winning ways with a 3-1 Nations League win over Finland, the question of who will succeed Gareth Southgate as the Three Lions’ next permanent manager continues to loom.Roy Keane has insisted for the FA to ‘go for the best’ in their hunt for England’s next permanent managerKeane suggested Man City boss Pep Guardiola would be the perfect candidateInterim boss Lee Carlsey appeared to distance himself from the position in the hours and days after the humbling 2-1 defeat to Greece at Wembley on Thursday, when his tactics and team selection backfired.Carlsey then sparked more confusion last night, after appearing to rule himself out  — then back in again minutes later.Thomas Tuchel, Eddie Howe, Graham Potter and Guardiola have all been named as possible targets to take England forward into the 2026 World Cup.But former Manchester United captain Roy Keane believes Guardiola, who has won six Premier League titles with Manchester City, trumps everyone.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSKeane insisted England should “go for the best” as they hunt for a coach to go one further than Southgate and pick up some silverware.Keane, 53, told ITV: “Go after Pep Guardiola, go for the best. Pep’s contract is up the summer.”The FA have to go for the best guy, I don’t know if finances will play a part in it. “If Lee obviously rules himself, and isn’t interested, and that seems to be the noises coming out, then the FA better get busy and get the right man.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIntriguingly, when asked about whether he would be staying at Man City beyond this season, Guardiola said this month: “I’m not going to talk about this subject. What’s going to happen is going to happen.”Meanwhile, England fans were handed a boost after Guardiola refused to rule himself out of contention.England ratings: Angel Gomes is the runaway success of Lee Carsley era but Cole Palmer is anonymousHe said on Italian TV: “(Leaving City?) That’s not true, in the sense that I have to think about it.“(England?) No, that’s not true. If I had decided something, I would say so. Anything is possible.”Carsley continued to be bold in his selections, with Dean Henderson handed a first cap in four years and Trent Alexander-Arnold deployed in left-back for the first time in his career.With a more conventional setup England cruised to victory in Helsinki, with goals from Jack Grealish, and Declan Rice either side of a sublime free-kick from Alexander-Arnold.Carsley was first asked at full-time about reports that he is not interested in his role being made permanent.He said:”This job deserves a world-class coach who has won trophies and I am still on the path to that.”But when later pushed on whether the permanent role was too soon for him, he said: “Definitely not. I tried to make it as clear as I could.READ MORE SUN STORIES“My remit was for three camps. I’m not part of the process but it deserves a top coach.”Carsley’s latest cryptic answers came after Thursday’s claim that he would “hopefully be going back to the Under-21s” in the wake of the shock defeat to the Greeks.Lee Carsley simply doesn’t sound like an England managerBy Dave KiddAfter three months of uncertainty, it is now absolutely as clear as mud.Does Lee Carsley want to be England’s permanent manager or not?And why is he so reluctant to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to such a simple question?Following a team selection which brought a welcome return to common sense — and an England victory which restored a certain amount of pride — came another chaotic round of post-match interviews in which Carsley contradicted himself several times.And given that communication is such an important part of the England job, it does not help his cause when you feel as if you are disappearing down a rabbit hole every time you speak to Carsley.He is a likeable man and a gifted coach — but he simply doesn’t sound like an England manager.There simply isn’t enough authority or clarity about him.At the age of 50, Carsley has never been the full-time manager of any senior football team and it shows.That is irrespective of the tactical car crash of Thursday’s 2-1 home defeat by Greece.Read the full article here More

JACK GREALISH owes Trent Alexander-Arnold £500 after he scored a brilliant free-kick against Finland.The Liverpool star started in an unfamiliar left-back role in Helsinki despite looking shaky in the defeat to Greece.Jack Grealish owes Trent Alexander-Arnold £500 after making a bet with himCredit: PAThe defender won the bet within secondsCredit: GettyBut he repaid Lee Carsley’s faith in him by whipping a free-kick into the top corner to double England’s lead.Grealish opened the scoring following a well-worked move in the 18th minute and he revealed he made a cheeky bet with Alexander-Arnold before his free-kick.The Manchester City star told ITV: “I said to him obviously as a joke ‘if you score this I’ll give you £500’.”And then he just slapped it into top bins so I owe him now. I think he’ll be saying that to me.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGrealish, 29, celebrated his goal with a nod to the birth of his baby girl Mila.His girlfriend Sasha gave birth to their daughter at the end of last month and Grealish celebrated by sucking his thumb.The winger revealed his plan to mark Mila’s birth with a unique celebration before the match.He said: “Yeah, to be fair, do you know what I’ve half thought about it for a while, I just didn’t manage to score yet.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Well, obviously I scored for England but in the moment just so much was going on and it being against Ireland and that I just completely forgot. So, yeah, maybe next time.”Declan Rice was also on target for England to Helsinki as they bounced back from defeat to Greece with a 3-1 win over Finland.England ratings: Angel Gomes is the runaway success of Lee Carsley era but Cole Palmer is anonymous More

LEE CARSLEY sparked fresh confusion over the England manager’s job by appearing to rule himself out  — then back in again minutes later.The interim boss last night claimed the Three Lions deserve a “world-class coach who has won trophies” and that he is “still on the path to that” after England’s 3-1 Nations League win over Finland.Lee Carsley oversaw a 3-1 win over Finland in HelsinkiCredit: ReutersTrent Alexander-Arnold was among the scorers for the Three LionsCredit: GettyBut the 50-year-old Brummie then insisted it was “definitely” wrong to assume he does not want the job permanently.It left fans none the wiser as to whether the former Under-21 boss — who has three wins in four games of a six-match caretaker spell — truly wants the gig full-time.Carsley was first asked at full-time about reports on Saturday that he is not interested in his role being made permanent.He said: “People are always going to try and put their chips on one side.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS“I’m in the middle. My bosses have made it clear what they need from me. This job deserves a world-class coach who has won trophies and I am still on the path to that.”But when later pushed on whether the permanent role was too soon for him, he said: “Definitely not. I tried to make it as clear as I could.“My remit was for three camps. I’m not part of the process but it deserves a top coach.“The players we have available, we’ve got a real chance of winning.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“That was the point I was making.”Carsley’s latest cryptic answers came after Thursday’s claim he would “hopefully be going back to the Under-21s” in the wake of the shock 2-1 defeat to Greece.Thomas Tuchel Eyes England Manager Role Amid Man Utd SpeculationEngland player ratings vs FinlandENGLAND secured a commanding 3-1 win over Finland following their horror show at home to GreeceHere’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay assessed the Three Lions’ stars performances.Dean Henderson – 6Only his second cap after long-time No1 Jordan Pickford was dropped. Not a lot to do, but pretty assured when he was called into action, including a smart, first-half stop to repel a Benjamin Kallman strike – even if the Finn was later flagged offside. Could do little to prevent Finland’s goal.Kyle Walker – 6After the calamity against Greece, it was no surprise to see Lee Carsley turn to his most experienced defender. Now just nine caps shy of a century, Walker was solid. Could have had an assist late on but his cushioned down header was poor.John Stones – 6England’s more conventional system meant the defence was far less exposed – though Carsley’s attacking approach did still see the Finns create chances. Stones made a good early block to deny Kallman after Angel Gomes gave the ball away.Marc Guehi – 6Our best defender in the Euros group stages, Guehi was back in here with Levi Colwill dropping out. Pretty assured for a player who by his own admission has not started the season particularly well for his club.Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7We saw him in midfield at the Euros, and here the Liverpool right-back was shunted to left-back. Looked vulnerable defensively at times but who cares when he produces such quality on the ball – epitomised by his terrific free-kick to kill off this game.Angel Gomes – 8The big success story of the Carsley era, however long it lasts, has been bringing Gomes into the fold. He created Jack Grealish’s opener with a beautiful, flicked-pass round the corner and was excellent in possession – barring one sloppy early pass.Declan Rice – 7Looked far more comfortable with Gomes playing in behind him, as opposed to the one-man defensive operation he was forced to put up against the Greeks. Looked proud as punch after stroking home England’s third from Watkins’ cross.Cole Palmer – 5Played in a more familiar wide right position compared to his central-midfield experiment against Greece. Yet it reduced him to a peripheral figure, adding more questions than answers as to where best to deploy him, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.Jude Bellingham – 6The Real Madrid superstar played off Harry Kane and had the occasional, exciting link-up with Grealish, but this was not one of his more memorable games overall.Jack Grealish – 8No doubt will be hoping Carsley does get the job full-time as his fellow Brummie seems to appreciate his talents. His composed finish was his second goal in three games under Carsley – doubling his overall haul from 39 caps.Harry Kane – 6Cap 101 for the captain but not one he will remember particularly fondly. He offered the presence the team lacked against Greece when they played with no striker, but did not get much of a sniff in front of goal.SubsNoni Madueke (for Palmer, 69) – 7This game was made for him to make an impact off the bench and he almost teed up Watkins after one fine run but the Finns cleared.Ollie Watkins (for Kane, 69) – 7Low cross for Rice’s third was right on the money.Rico Lewis (for Gomes, 80) – 6Slotted in at centre midfield when coming on and looked busy.Phil Foden (for Bellingham, 80) – 5Embraced the post ruefully after Madueke opted to shoot instead of crossing to him for a tap-in seconds after Finland’s goal. Was marking Arttu Hoskonen when the Finn headed home a consolatio.Conor Gallagher (for Rice, 89) – 6His first appearance under Carsley but too late to make an impact.Lee Carsley – 7His tactical gamble backfired against Greece but he held his hands up and went more conventional here. It paid off as England were relatively comfortable – although his teams have looked defensively vulnerable at times in all four of his games and this was no different. But the three best players, Gomes, Grealish and Alexander-Arnold, were all given starring roles by Carsley when used sparingly or not at all by predecessor Gareth Southgate – and for that, the interim boss should take credit.Last night he pointed to previous caretaker roles at Coventry, Brentford and Birmingham for his reluctance to commit.He said: “In the past when I’ve done this caretaker-interim role, I’ve gone so far down the ‘I don’t want the job’ [road], that I’ve not done the job.“It’s important that I keep an open mind because in that case I’m not being reckless with my decisions, I’m thinking thoroughly about the squad I should pick.“Selection is very difficult, the amount of players I have to leave out.”Carsley, who led the Under-21s to Euros glory last year, said the Greece defeat was “really disappointing” as he is so used to winning with England.He also understood why his enigmatic answers would frustrate fans.The former Everton midfielder said: “I can definitely understand why you would be frustrated by it.“Clarity is what everyone is looking for.Carsley is hoping for clarity on his future as Three Lions bossCredit: RexThe interim manager has three wins from four matches in chargeCredit: PA“I’m constantly saying to John McDermott [FA technical director], ‘Can I have an update? Can I have an update?’“The job is difficult enough as it is.”Angel Gomes revealed that even the players do not know what their interim manager wants.The Lille midfielder, 24, who teed-up Jack Grealish for the opener, said: “It’s difficult to gauge.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s very happy and comfortable in coaching for England, whether it’s the first-team or U21s.“But ultimately, we don’t know for the foreseeable.”Thomas Tuchel has been linked with the England jobCredit: Getty More

ANGEL GOMES was the star of the show as England sealed a 3-1 win over Finland.Lee Carsley’s side put in a solid performance as they bounced back from the defeat to Greece.Angel Gomes shone against FinlandCredit: APJack Grealish opened the scoring after a brilliant pass from GomesCredit: GettyCole Palmer struggled in the matchCredit: GettyGrealish made his mark on the game in the first half by slotting home after being found by a brilliant through ball by Angel Gomes.The Manchester City star marked the celebration with a touching gesture to Sasha Attwood just days after the birth of their child.Trent Alexander-Arnold also impressed as he filled in at left-back and even bagged himself his first international goal with a brilliant free-kick.Declan Rice also grabbed himself a goal as he wrapped up the result for England before Arttu Hoskonen grabbed a consolation for the hosts.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut it was Gomes who ran the show for the Three Lions with his composed performance in the midfield.Cole Palmer, however, struggled on the other flank to create much for England before he was hooked off in the second half.SunSports’ Tom Barclay has given his ratings for the Three Lions…Dean Henderson – 6Only his second cap after long-time No1 Jordan Pickford was dropped. Not a lot to do, but pretty assured when he was called into action, including a smart, first-half stop to repel a Benjamin Kallman strike – even if the Finn was later flagged offside. Could do little to prevent Finland’s goal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKyle Walker – 6After the calamity against Greece, it was no surprise to see Lee Carsley turn to his most experienced defender. Now just nine caps shy of a century, Walker was solid. Could have had an assist late on but his cushioned down header was poor.John Stones – 6England’s more conventional system meant the defence was far less exposed – though Carsley’s attacking approach did still see the Finns create chances. Stones made a good early block to deny Kallman after Angel Gomes gave the ball away.Lee Carsley’s slip of the tongue after Greece nightmare hints he wants England U21s job back and not replace SouthgateTrent Alexander-Arnold scored a stunning free-kickCredit: GettyMarc Guehi – 6Our best defender in the Euros group stages, Guehi was back in here with Levi Colwill dropping out. Pretty assured for a player who by his own admission has not started the season particularly well for his club.Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7We saw him in midfield at the Euros, and here the Liverpool right-back was shunted to left-back. Looked vulnerable defensively at times but who cares when he produces such quality on the ball – epitomised by his terrific free-kick to kill off this game.Angel Gomes – 8The big success story of the Carsley era, however long it lasts, has been bringing Gomes into the fold. He created Jack Grealish’s opener with a beautiful, flicked-pass round the corner and was excellent in possession – barring one sloppy early pass.Declan Rice – 7Declan Rice bagged England’s thirdCredit: GettyLooked far more comfortable with Gomes playing in behind him, as opposed to the one-man defensive operation he was forced to put up against the Greeks. Looked proud as punch after stroking home England’s third from Watkins’ cross.Cole Palmer – 5Played in a more familiar wide right position compared to his central-midfield experiment against Greece. Yet it reduced him to a peripheral figure, adding more questions than answers as to where best to deploy him, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.Jude Bellingham – 6The Real Madrid superstar played off Harry Kane and had the occasional, exciting link-up with Grealish, but this was not one of his more memorable games overall.Jack Grealish – 8No doubt will be hoping Carsley does get the job full-time as his fellow Brummie seems to appreciate his talents. His composed finish was his second goal in three games under Carsley – doubling his overall haul from 39 caps.Harry Kane – 6Harry Kane made his 101st appearance for EnglandCredit: GettyCap 101 for the captain but not one he will remember particularly fondly. He offered the presence the team lacked against Greece when they played with no striker, but did not get much of a sniff in front of goal.SubsNoni Madueke (for Palmer, 69): 7This game was made for him to make an impact off the bench and he almost teed up Watkins after one fine run but the Finns cleared.Ollie Watkins (for Kane, 69): 7Low cross for Rice’s third was right on the money.Rico Lewis (for Gomes, 80): 6Slotted in at centre midfield when coming on and looked busy.Phil Foden (for Bellingham, 80): 5Embraced the post ruefully after Madueke opted to shoot instead of crossing to him for a tap-in seconds after Finland’s goal. Was marking Arttu Hoskonen when the Finn headed home a consolatio.Conor Gallagher (for Rice, 89): 6His first appearance under Carsley but too late to make an impact.Lee Carsley: 7His tactical gamble backfired against Greece but he held his hands up and went more conventional here.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt paid off as England were relatively comfortable – although his teams have looked defensively vulnerable at times in all four of his games and this was no different.But the three best players, Gomes, Grealish and Alexander-Arnold, were all given starring roles by Carsley when used sparingly or not at all by predecessor Gareth Southgate – and for that, the interim boss should take credit. More