UEFA Nations League

IT IS easy to forget, after eight serene years of Gareth Southgate, that the default mode for the England football team, and the FA, is one of utter chaos.After last week’s bewildering, headless-chicken home defeat by Greece and the endless, dizzying ramblings from Lee Carsley about whether or not he wants to be Southgate’s full-time successor, it seems like deja vu all over again.Gareth Southgate’s eight-year stint as England boss came to an end this summerCredit: ReutersLee Carsley has offered confusing answers as to whether he wants the jobCredit: GettyBecause this was what following England used to feel like.Before Southgate took over — and the Three Lions became supremely competent and professional on and off the field — it really always was stark, raving bonkers.Under Southgate it could be a little boring, a little too cautious, at times.But England rarely lost football matches, always featured at the sharp end of tournaments and were always a serious, rational set-up.READ MORE ON ENGLANDIt was never the long-running, hopes-up, trousers-down, clown show we endured for decades until one decent, intelligent man in a waistcoat arrived and decided enough was enough.Southgate banked tens of millions as England boss and we can safely assume that he hasn’t custard-gunned it all on drink, drugs and loose women.He confirmed he wants a sabbatical of at least a year before he returns to coaching.And, therefore, he wouldn’t touch the Manchester United job with a bargepole, despite having significant allies on the Old Trafford board.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSouthgate is enjoying life away from the madhouse.He’s been seeing the family, walking the dogs, watching the cricket and plans to give a talk at Harvard University.How to cure England’s Bellingham, Foden and Palmer headacheThose sort of Gareth things. And good for him.Some of us knew England would miss Southgate dearly but perhaps we didn’t realise quite how soon, and quite how deeply, we would regret his exit.The FA relied on him to a greater extent than they ever realised.As a statesman, a figurehead, a beacon of good sense and decency, as well as a very useful football manager, who was extremely popular with his players.And whatever happens next — whether more interim Carsley, or Graham Potter, or perhaps the colourful loose-cannon Thomas Tuchel arrives from Germany — history tells us that we will probably go back to bedlam.Pep Guardiola? Now that might be a different, if unlikely, prospect.Because the England manager’s role wasn’t called ‘the impossible job’ without good reason.Remember Sam Allardyce resigning after one match, having been caught out acting exactly like Sam Allardyce, boasting over a pint of wine during a covert sting?There are 60 million armchair bosses and, when it’s an international break or a summer tournament, England is the only show in townRemember the Iceland debacle and, before that, the disastrous Brazil World Cup campaign under Roy Hodgson — which had been pretty much predicted by FA chief executive Greg Dyke performing a throat-slitting gesture when the draw was made?Remember the John Terry fiascos under Fabio Capello — when the Chelsea man was stripped of the captaincy for having allegedly diddled the former girlfriend of the reserve left-back, only to be reinstated as captain.And then to be accused of racially abusing the brother of his central defensive partner and for Capello to resign rather than sack Terry as captain again?England 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.That was Capello, who claimed he only needed to know 100 words of English and who agreed to take extra money for rating his own players out of 100 in something on the internet called ‘the Capello Index’ at the 2010 World Cup.Yes, kids, all this actually happened.And before that, Steve McClaren, under an umbrella, failing to qualify for the 2008 Euros.And before him, the late Sven-Goran Eriksson and the peak era of low farce — the fake Sheikh, the Beckham circus, the WAGs table-dancing in Baden-Baden, the Faria Alam scandal which ended with FA chief executive Mark Palios resigning after he and Eriksson had both diddled the same secretary.And that was after Kevin Keegan quit in the Wembley toilets, after Glenn Hoddle had resigned for making bizarre comments about disabled people and reincarnation, having employed faith healer Eileen Drewery to lay hands on his players.And dentist chairs and turnips and gambling cultures and missed drug tests and threatened players’ strikes and so on and so, so farcical.Thirty years of hurt have turned into 60 years because Southgate — despite reaching successive Euros finals and overseeing two very decent World Cup campaigns — couldn’t quite get his hands on a trophy.And now the impossible job feels impossible again.Because this is a nation obsessed with the game.Because this is a nation which — I think we’re still allowed to say — was the birthplace of organised, competitive football.Because this is a nation which is home to the richest and most popular league on the face of the Earth.And because this is a nation which still craves the ultimate glory of a first major international title since 1966.As Southgate has frequently reminded us, the England manager’s job brings a uniquely sharp focus.There are 60 million armchair bosses and, when it’s an international break or a summer tournament, England is the only show in town.Expectations, which had dipped after all those years of nut-casery, are now limitless because Southgate came so close, so often.All of this is surely too big for Carsley. It feels too big for Potter, too.And for Tuchel, or most unsuspecting overseas candidates, all of this lunatic history feels too big to comprehend.So if Guardiola really wants a serious new challenge.And if he is really prepared to take a major pay cut, then he is one of the few men truly capable of being up to the job.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf not, it will just be back to bedlam again.If not, we might be missing Southgate for a long time to come. More

DEAN HENDERSON has revealed the joy, pain and frustration of his long journey that led him back into the England team.The Crystal Palace keeper made his second appearance for the Three Lions in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Finland  —  four years after his debut against Ireland.Dean Henderson made his first start for England against FinlandCredit: GettyThe goalkeeper’s friend George Baldock passed away last week – the pair together here in their Sheffield United daysCredit: GettyHenderson, 27, was only told by interim manager Lee Carsley on Saturday he was being handed a long-awaited return, leaving his family in a race to dash out to Helsinki for the big occasion.Yet the delight was mixed with sadness.The one person Henderson would have dearly loved to be in the stands at the Olympic Stadium was his dad, Dougie, who passed away in the summer.And he is still coming to terms with the tragic loss of pal George Baldock, 31, who died in Greece last week. The pair played together while Henderson was on loan at Sheffield United from Manchester United.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo while Henderson spoke with pride about a first ever start for England, it was understandable that on a couple of occasions his voice cracked and he was close to tears.He said: “It has been four years since I played my last game for England.“It just shows you can never give up and you’ve got to bounce back and be resilient.“And I’m proud to have done that because it’s been really difficult at times.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I found out on Saturday during training that I was playing so it was a bit of a mad one. I wanted my mum, Yvonne, and my missus, Millie, to come out. So we were trying to do last-minute flights to get them here.“I had to go all out and get them on a charter plane. But I did it because I knew that it was such a big thing for the family. My brother also came and my missus’ father, so it was nice.”Roy Keane reveals his pick for next England manager as Man Utd legend says ‘the FA better get busy’ Asked who helped him through the dark times over the last few years, Henderson added: “My old man. Unfortunately, we lost him in the summer. It’d have been great for him to be here to watch me, so it’s been emotional.“He didn’t miss any game. The journey that we went on was  phenomenal. And I’ve just got to make sure it continues.”Ahead of Thursday’s shock 2-1 Nations League loss to Greece at Wembley, there was a minute’s silence for Panathinaikos defender Baldock, who was found dead in a swimming pool at his villa in Athens.Henderson, whose wife is also close friends with Baldock’s fiancee, Annabel Dignam, said: “I cannot believe it. I’m still numb from that.“He was part of the group of lads we had at Sheffield United and he was a big character. So to lose him just out of the blue was such a shock.“I am thinking about Annabel, his poor missus, and his young boy, Brodie. It’s such a shame. I don’t even know what to say. I’m lost for words.”Henderson’s first start for England was tinged with sadness that his dad Dougie was not there to see itThose two personal losses for Henderson obviously put football into perspective.Yet on the pitch, it had been a turbulent week for the England team and the uncertainty over Carsley, who cannot seem to make his mind up whether he wants the job full-time.But Henderson insisted: “He’s fantastic. He wants us to play football, he wants us to play with confidence. He wants to control games of football.“The boys are buying into that. Obviously, we weren’t at our best the other night — and even in some cases against Finland.“But we have got to take responsibility and we’ve got to puff our chests out and show the confidence to get on the ball.“He wants us to play out from the back, which is not something I do massively at club level.“But you have got to flick  the switch and obviously do well for him.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHenderson also believes Carsley was right to be brave at Wembley and experiment by playing without a No 9 in a bid to cram in all his attacking midfielders  — even though it was a disaster.He said: “At the Euros, people were asking for that team. You’ve got to be ballsy and you’ve got to just give it a shot.”England 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. More

NORTHERN IRELAND’s Nations League clash with Belarus could be subjected to a short-notice location change.The Green and White Army are set to host the Belarussians – who they drew 0-0 with last Saturday – at Windsor Park in Belfast on Tuesday night.Northern Ireland’s Nations League clash with Belarus is in danger of being moved on short noticeCredit: REUTERSBelarus have yet to be granted visas for the match by the UK GovernmentCredit: AFPBut the Belarusians have yet to be granted visas for the match as they’ve been included in the UK Government’s ongoing sanctions against Russia.Belarus have been included in the sanctions for allowing Russia to use their territory in their illegal invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022.And tomorrow’s match will likely have to be played in mainland Europe if the Government don’t permit the Belarusians entry to the UK.The Irish Football Association have revealed they’re “in contact with appropriate Uefa and government officials” over the matter.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSManager Michael O’Neill said: “It’s not in our control, the situation in November. “We’ll just address that when it comes.”He continued: “We’ll fulfil the game, it’s just whether we can play here in Belfast or not. “The decision is not in our hands.Most read in Football”Your home form is everything, and it’s important to build that relationship between the supporters and team as well.”You never want to play in a game like we did on Saturday with an empty stadium.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNorthern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill admits the situation is “out of his hands”Credit: ALAMYSaturday’s goalless draw took place in western Hungary due to Uefa’s own restrictions on Belarus. And the ZTE Arena in Zalaegerszeg could be called upon again to host the return leg.Cult hero ex-Premier League boss who’s now managing in non-league says he’d SACK HIMSELF if he was chairmanSpeaking after the behind-closed-doors match, O’Neill said: “These games are always difficult.“Logistically it was difficult, preparation was difficult, the stadium and everything.”And we might have to deal with Belarus in the ‘home’ game in a similar fashion, but hopefully not.” More

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