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      Finland 0-0 England LIVE SCORE: Nations League clash on NOW as Kane STARTS while Henderson replaces Pickford – updates

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      ENGLAND are taking on Finland in a huge Nations League clash RIGHT NOW.The Three Lions will be aiming to bounce back after a woeful 2-1 loss to Greece on Thursday night.Interim boss Lee Carsley has made six changes from the midweek defeat at Wembley, with captain Harry Kane returning to the starting line-up.And Jordan Pickford has been replaced by Crystal Palace shot-stopper Dean Henderson.TV channel: ITV1FREE live stream: ITVXFinland team: Hradecky, Alho, Hoskonen, Ivanov, Uronen, Kamara, Schuller, Peltola, Jensen, Kallman, KeskinenEngland team: Henderson, Walker, Stones, Guehi, Alexander-Arnold, Angel Gomes, Rice, Bellingham, Palmer, Grealish, KaneFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Finland 0-0 England2. Finland have lined up in a back five, with a flat midfield four in front.The hosts are happy for England to have the ball, with Bellingham and Grealish already linking up down the left.Copy linkCopiedKO: Finland 0-0 England1. England get the match underway in Helsinki.Copy linkCopiedPlayers in the tunnelWe are now just moments away from kick-off, with the players in the tunnel.A lights show is ongoing at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki to welcome the teams onto the pitch.Copy linkCopiedLine-up twistA potential change to the expected England line-up in Helsinki.The official team-sheet has the Three Lions lining up in a 4-2-1-3 formation.Meanwhile, it is Kyle Walker at left-back instead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.Copy linkCopiedCarsley’s pre-match thoughtsSpeaking to ITV ahead of the match, Lee Carlsey explains: “We are looking for a reaction, we fell below the levels we expect.”There was a case of getting a look at a few other players and we were always going to look at Dean Henderson in one of these games.”Trent Alexander-Arnold is multi versatile and his role will be slightly different to a conventional left back.”We haven’t won anything since 1966 and so we have to try something different.”Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEngland under CarsleyTonight’s clash with Finland will be England’s fourth during Lee Carsley’s interim reign.Here is how they have fared so far under the under-21 boss:September 7 – Republic of Ireland 0-2 EnglandSeptember 10 – England 2-0 FinlandOctober 10 – England 1-2 GreeceCopy linkCopiedEngland substitutesFollowing the withdrawals of Bukayo Saka and Curtis Jones, Lee Carsley is only able to name 11 substitutes this afternoon.His options on the bench are:England subtitutesJordan PickfordNick PopeRico LewisPhil FodenAnthony GordonConor GallagherLevi ColwillTino LivramentoOllie WatkinsDominic SolankeNoni MaduekeCopy linkCopiedFinland starting line-upGoalkeeper Lukas Hradecky captains Finland in Helsinki after frustrating England for much of the reverse fixture.Former Leeds and Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara also starts for the hosts.Here is how they line-up this afternoon.Starting XI: Hradecky; Alho, Hoskonen, Ivanov, Uronen; Kamara, Schuller, Peltola; Jensen, Kallman, KeskinenSubs: Joronen, Sinisalo, Galvez, Antman, Lod, Pukki, Stahl, Pikkarainen, Tenho, Nissila, Pohjanpalo, WaltaCopy linkCopiedEngland starting line-upLee Carsley makes six changes from the loss to Greece as Harry Kane returns from injury.Jack Grealish, Angel Gomes, Marc Guehi and Kyle Walker also come into the side.There is a change in goal as well, with Dean Henderson replacing Jordan Pickford for just his second England cap.Copy linkCopiedNew role for Trent?Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to start at left-back for England today.The Liverpool man started in his natural right-back position against Greece in midweek.Alexander-Arnold was regularly used in midfield during Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions tenure.Copy linkCopiedNations League standingsEngland trail Greece by three points following their defeat on Thursday.Here are the standings in Nations League Group B2 ahead of today’s matches.Credit: Uefa.comCopy linkCopiedEngland record vs FinlandEngland have never lost to tonight’s opponents, with the Three Lions failing to win just two of their 12 meetings with Finland.Lee Carsley oversaw a 2-0 win at Wembley back in September in the Nations League.England record vs FinlandMeetings: 12Wins: 10Draws: 2Losses: 0Last five meetings:May 1985 – Finland 1-1 EnglandJune 1992 – Finland 1-2 EnglandOctober 2000 – Finland 0-0 EnglandMarch 2001 – England 2-1 FinlandSeptember 2024 – England 2-0 FinlandCopy linkCopiedEngland team newsHarry Kane is fit to return for England in Finland this evening.The Bayern Munich striker missed the defeat to Greece through injury.Jack Grealish is also available, but Bukayo Saka and Curtis Jones have both withdrawn from the squad.Copy linkCopiedWelcomeWelcome to SunSport’s live blog for Finland vs England.The Three Lions travel to Helsinki in the Nations League this afternoon looking to bounce back from their loss to Greece.Copy linkCopied More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo branded ‘ultimate selfie enabler’ after incredible reaction to pitch invader at Portugal game

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO made a fan’s day as Portugal took on Poland yesterday.The former Manchester United star, 39, earned his 212th international cap as his country won 3-1 in Warsaw.Cristiano Ronaldo was approached for a selfie by a fanCredit: ReutersRonaldo waved off securityCredit: RexThe fan was able to take the selfie of a lifetimeCredit: ReutersThe supporter was then eventually led awayCredit: AFPShortly after putting his side 2-0 in front on 37 minutes, Ronaldo was approached on the pitch by a smartphone wielding mega-fan.The desperate supporter ran on to the field in a bid to get a picture with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.Security chased after the fan, only for Ronaldo to wave them off.He then took the snap with the supporter, as the unimpressed-looking match referee watched on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter securing the picture of a lifetime, the fan was then finally escorted off the pitch.As pictures circulated of the incident on social media, plenty of fans rushed to have their say.One wrote on X: “Ronaldo proving he’s not just a GOAT but also the ultimate selfie enabler. Next up, he’ll be charging for autographs.”While a second gushed: “Humility always from the king of football.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRonaldo put his country 2-0 up against PolandCredit: RexA third swooned: “This is awesome.”And another added: “Ronaldo stopping security for a fan to take a selfie is pure class!” Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Cheshire home on sale for £5m with seven bedrooms, padel courts, pool and guest barnPortugal’s 3-1 victory saw them move to the brink of the Nations League quarter-finals.They will book a place in the last eight on Tuesday night, should they beat Scotland at Hampden Park. More

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      Bruno Fernandes poses with ex-Man Utd starlet after Portugal win and reveals no one can believe club chose to sell him

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has admitted he was shocked to see Manchester United sell wonderkid Maxi Oyedele in the summer.The duo went head-to-head last night in Portugal’s 3-1 win over Poland in the Nations League.Maxi Oyedele posed with Bruno Fernandes after the gameIt was the ex-Man Utd star’s first international capCredit: EPAOyedele starred for Man Utd in pre-seasonCredit: GettyFernandes and Oyedele battled it out in midfield as the 19-year-old won his first international cap.And after the game, they swapped shirts and posed for a photo together.Fernandes, who was named man of the match, uploaded the snap on Instagram and said: “Happy to see you doing great things. You deserve all the best kid.”The Man Utd captain also spoke about him in his post-match interview, saying: “I think he was always one of the players that everyone at the club thought he would be coming from the academy into the first-team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He has great qualities, he is a great kid and really humble.”Oyedele joined the Red Devils at the age of eight and climbed the youth ranks, winning the FA Youth Cup two years ago.He was involved in United pre-season games this summer after a loan spell at Forest Green Rovers last term.But the Salford-born star, who has a Polish mum and Nigerian dad, was surprisingly sold by his boyhood club to Legia Warsaw back in August.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSince moving to the 15-times Ekstraklasa champions, Oyedele has featured four times.On his shock departure from Old Trafford and talent, Legia boss Goncalo Feio said: “Oyedele’s quality on the ball, his character in retaining possession and his tactical awareness when to dribble or play simply are significant attributes.Man Utd’s best XI of academy graduates”Bruno even remarked he was stunned regarding United’s decision to sell him – given Oyedele’s showing during pre-season.”His physical readiness, agility and ability to use his body effectively are top-notch.”While fans love to see what he can do with the ball, Maxi brings physicality to our midfield.”It’s our responsibility to foster his development. Polish football stands to gain immensely from his talent.”Oyedele won the Youth Cup alongside Kobbie MainooCredit: Getty More

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      England’s Marc Guehi admits he’s still suffering from Euro 2024 hangover after Crystal Palace’s dismal start to season

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      MARC GUEHI admits he is suffering from a hangover after a summer of ‘oh so nears’.The Crystal Palace defender was a mainstay of Gareth Southgate’s England team who were defeated by Spain in the Euros final before a proposed mega-money move to Newcastle failed to materialise.Marc Guehi believes England can go on to win the World CupCredit: EPAThe Palace star has struggled this season domesticallyCredit: RexNow Palace, who finished last season on a massive high with six wins and a draw from their final seven Premier League games, are without a victory in seven matches and stuck in the relegation zone.And Guehi has struggled through not having had a proper summer break or a pre-season.Here in the Finnish capital tonight, he will attempt to lift his battered national side after Thursday’s shock home defeat by Greece.Guehi is set to reprise his central-defensive partnership with John Stones, 30, for the first time since the Euros.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSHe said: “I’d have to say it’s been quite tough not having a pre-season, not having much of a break and going straight back into it. I’ve handled it as best as I can.“The Euros was such an amazing experience.“Since then, I just tried to get my head down and get to work.“It’s been a tough start for us at Palace but everyone’s pulling in the right direction to try to get ourselves back to where we want to be.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“And then for myself to be called up again. England’s amazing. It’s always a privilege to play for my country.”Despite the Wembley debacle, when interim boss Lee Carsley suffered a tactical brain freeze, Guehi, 24, claims England have the talent and winning mentality required to lift a first major trophy since 1966.Lee Carsley appears to admit staggeringly short amount of time England practised bold new tactic before Greece shockerAsked about the Three Lions’ wealth of attacking players, Guehi added: “It’s really tough to play against these boys.“We’re talking about world-class players. For myself and the rest of the defenders I can proudly say that it is a really tough ask to come up against them.“Their quality shines through, their intelligence of the game.“Our goal is to win a trophy. So when you do come that close in the summer, it’s important you find ways to improve.“The manager coming in has definitely seen something and we, as players, want to be as receptive as possible.“We want to  close the gap, to have that final push to get a trophy.”Like many of England’s emerging players, Guehi has enjoyed international success at age-group level — lifting the Under-17s World Cup seven years ago.And he said: “I think that sort of experience is massive. It’s a really big thing for so many of the players on the team.“It’s such a valuable experience to have won something with your country and try to bring that into senior football.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Even the players here that haven’t done it at international level at the younger ages but have in the Premier League, in the Champions League.“It’s massive to have a group that have won things before and can continue to win.”England player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

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      Lee Carsley reveals how England can win World Cup as he warns ‘we can’t just do the same and expect something different’

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      LEE CARSLEY believes England can win the 2026 World Cup — but only if the Three Lions embrace change.Interim boss Carsley saw his gamble to play without a recognised No 9 backfire in the shock 2-1 defeat to Greece at Wembley on Thursday.England interim boss Lee Carsley claims the national team can win the 2026 World CupCredit: GettyEngland can only end their trophy drought if they embrace change, claims CarsleyCredit: AlamyEngland’s men have not won a major tournament since 1966. But after two Euro final defeats, Carsley is on a mission to find the magic formula that will see Harry Kane and Co finally end 60 years of hurt.Carsley said: “I’m really wary of the fact that the last time we won something was 1966, so we have to have that ability to try something different. We’re not that far away. We have been close twice.“It was important that I put my own stamp on the team and the squad and tried something different because the understanding is that, unless it changes, it won’t change.”Predecessor Gareth Southgate took England to the last two Euros finals, losing to Italy on penalties in 2021 and 2-1 against Spain in the summer.Read More on FootballHe also oversaw World Cup campaigns that ended at the semi-final stage in 2018 and last eight two years ago.But Southgate was often criticised for being too cautious tactically.Now Carsley, who takes charge for the fourth time as caretaker on Sunday’s Nations League clash with Finland, added: “Your human instinct is to be safe, to go with things that you’re comfortable with.“But I felt it was important to be out of my comfort zone.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I have to try something because we’ve got to put ourselves in a position where we can win.“To think that we can just do the same again and expect something different is naive.Lee Carsley appears to admit staggeringly short amount of time England practised bold new tactic before Greece shocker“I don’t want to sit back in a month’s time with regrets that I was safe. This is a great opportunity, not only for myself but for the rest of the staff and players to try something different.“We’re also looking bigger picture in terms of World Cup qualification and then hopefully the World Cup — that we’ve got a good understanding of the player capabilities.”Some reports claim Carsley has doubts over taking the job long-term but he refuses to rule himself out completely.He said: “I don’t see this as an audition. I don’t see it as the biggest chance I have ever had.“I see it as a privilege. I see it as an unbelievable responsibility.“I have got three more games left and I want to try to make sure that the squad are in a really good position.The youth paves the way“That we have seen players play in different positions and we are in a healthy position.”Carsley, 50, wants to adopt a more attacking brand of football, having triumphed at last year’s Under-21 Euros playing that way.It was the latest in a number of youth competitions won by England in the last decade.And Carsley believes it will pave the way to senior success — just like it has for Germany and Spain in recent decades.Asked if he really felt England can win the next World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico, the former Everton midfielder replied: “Yeah.“The past is a good indicator of the future and we’ve got quite a few players now that have won a lot with England. They’ve felt that before.England stars ‘used to winning’“They come to St George’s, they come on England camps, and they’re used to winning.“They’re used to being in the latter stages of competitions and being successful. That can only be a good thing for us.“If you think back to that Germany team, and the Spain team, that were really successful at the younger age groups that came through.“I think potentially we could be coming into a period of that ilk.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’ve been so close in the past and with a bit more luck, or belief, on our side it could have been different.“But as we stand at the minute it’s not, so I believe that we could be coming into a phase of that kind of success.” More

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      Bullish Lee Carsley happy to take the flak for England meltdown so players don’t suffer

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      DEFIANT and selfless, Lee Carsley finally went on the front foot yesterday.The England interim boss saw his team, without a recognised striker, crash to Greece at Wembley — before delivering his own muddled performance in front of the media after the embarrassing 2-1 defeat.Lee Carsley is prepared to make changes so he doesn’t have ‘regrets’Credit: EPAEngland stars like Cole Palmer, centre, failed to gel against GreeceCredit: SplashYet here in Finland, Carsley spoke positively and insisted he was happy for the s**t to be flying in his direction rather than at the players.It is clear he will put the team before himself and that’s why nobody should rule him out of replacing Gareth Southgate on a permanent basis.Carsley was upset by the shock result and a dreadful defensive show against the  Greeks.But the Brummie  is able to put it  in perspective.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSThe 50-year-old’s son Connor has Down’s syndrome and, while he is happy to take criticism on board, he is not going to let it  turn him off.Carsley, who takes charge of England for the fourth time in ­Helsinki on Sunday, said: “I definitely have to accept the criticism.“I am glad it was directed towards me, not the players, and we move on.“The last thing that is  important to me in this whole process is me.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“The reason I believe I have done so well in coaching is because people know that it’s not about me.“It’s about the players, it’s about the environment, it’s about the culture.Lee Carsley’s slip of the tongue after Greece nightmare hints he wants England U21s job back and not replace Southgate“It is something that I’m totally accepting of in terms of the changes I made the other night and trying something different. I’m not put off by that.“I understand the interest and the criticism, which is fine.“I wouldn’t describe it as a setback . . . Connor made a big difference to our lives in terms of having a child born with Down’s Syndrome, so that puts things into perspective.“After the other night, I felt bad for a couple of days — of course I did.“But it’s a game of football, I’m realistic about the understanding that it is a game. I have tried my best, it didn’t come off, I am here to fight again.“Having watched the game back two or three times, as you can imagine, it’s never as bad or as good as you think.“I would change the result. But it’s not put me off. “I don’t want to sit back in a month’s time with regrets that I was safe. This is a great opportunity, not only for myself . . . for the rest of the staff and the players to try something different.”Dominic Solanke and Ollie Watkins only came on as subs vs GreeceCredit: RexCarsley did not help himself after the defeat by claiming he would “hopefully” be back with the Under-21s.What he meant, as he said when being unveiled as interim manager, was he would look to get his old job back if he did not get this one permanently.When pressed on his comment again, he said last night: “Hopefully is a word and a phrase I use quite a bit. There are no guarantees in life.“It’s a job, the Under-21s, that I’m really proud of and massively invested in.“The plan is to give this job for three camps the best I can do along with the rest of the staff and, hopefully, we can be in a good position.”He must make sure he does not get flustered quite so quickly in future. Equally, we should not forget that even in the caretaker days of Southgate, not everything went to plan.In his second game, England scraped a 0-0 with Slovenia — Joe Hart making a brilliant late save to prevent a defeat.Southgate suffered fierce criticism afterwards and was always prepared to take the flak.Carsley left Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke out of his starting line-up even though star striker Harry Kane was injured and fielded a glut of attacking midfielders with Jude Bellingham as a false nine.I have tried to remove myself from the emotion of, ‘It’s my job to lose or get’.Lee CarsleyCarsley added: “I spoke with Ollie after I had named the team. I didn’t speak to Dom but I have spoken to Dom. I have got a good relationship with Dom. He can understand we were trying something different.“They all could see that. With the personalities they have got, they are very much team orientated, as opposed to selfish.“If I try something different, they can see I’m trying to get the best out of the team or the individual rather than myself.”On whether he feared defeats to average opposition could impact his chances of the job, Carsley replied: “I wouldn’t say that. That would be reckless.“There’s probably a reason why I have not got into senior football, managing at club level, because I enjoy the player development and the journey they go on.“I have tried to remove myself from the emotion of, ‘It’s my job to lose or get’. It was totally clear when I came in, the remit.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That’s what I have tried to do to the best of my ability, with the understanding I want to try something different at times.“It is good I have the trust of the staff we have got.”England player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

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      Harry Kane fit to face Finland after Jude Bellingham false nine plan leads to England horror show against Greece

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      HARRY KANE is fit to face the Finns as England try to get back on track.The Three Lions captain, 31, missed the 2-1 defeat to Greece with groin and ankle issues.Harry Kane is fit to return for England against Finland on SundayCredit: ReutersInterim boss Lee Carsley is hoping to bounce back from Thursday’s defeat to GreeceCredit: ReutersBut the Bayern Munich striker looks set to earn his 101st cap, while Jack Grealish, 29, is also available after suffering a knock.Interim boss Lee Carsley said: “It was important to give Harry and Jack plenty of time to recover.“They trained, so in terms of their fitness, everything’s fine.”Kane has a record 68 goals for England and Carsley added: “He leads by example, is a really good captain and is a great positive person to have around.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS“When we’ve got something really good in front of us, we’re always looking for the next big thing.“We should appreciate what we’ve got in front of us with Harry.“He’s still got a lot of games and goals in him, hopefully.”Carsley admitted it is vital Jude Bellingham, 21, gets plenty of love.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “Jude’s totally different in the way he plays to everyone else.“We have to embrace that and make sure we support him.”Lee Carsley’s slip of the tongue after Greece nightmare hints he wants England U21s job back and not replace SouthgateWinger Bukayo Saka has stayed at Arsenal for treatment on the right leg injury he picked up against Greece.Fellow 23-year-old, Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, has withdrawn due to  a personal commitment.Jack Grealish has also recovered from a knock in time for the match in HelsinkiCredit: PAEngland player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

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      Lee Carsley confirms that he did NOT apply for England manager’s job following bombshell ‘hopefully’ comments

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      LEE CARSLEY has confirmed that he did not apply for the England job.The interim coach has overseen three games for the Three Lions since Gareth Southgate stepped down after Euro 2024.Lee Carsley did not apply for the England jobCredit: EPACarsley has taken charge of England since Gareth Southgate stepped downCredit: AlamyThe FA closed applications for the role on August 2 as they searched for Southgate’s successor.Carsley, 50, was appointed as the interim coach seven days later.However, he had revealed that he did not send a formal application for the role.He said: “I didn’t apply for it.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS”Because hopefully… I have been doing the Under-21s and I am really happy with my job.”I am an employee of the FA and I was asked to take the senior team which is a privilege, it was the proudest moment of my career.”I am really honoured with the chance to manage the senior team.”I am in a really fortunate position in that I am on the inside and I can see how much potential this team’s got.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It is one of the best jobs in world football. There aren’t many jobs where you’ve got a chance of winning.”I believe the coach that comes in has got a really good chance of winning and we deserve the best one that’s out there.”Lee Carsley appears to admit staggeringly short amount of time England practised bold new tactic before Greece shockerHe will lead the team against FinlandCredit: GettyEngland’s shocking stats against GreeceHere are the shocking stats that were set in England’s defeat to Greece…- Lowest ranked side to beat England in a competitive match in 19 years.- The lowest-ranked side ever beat England on home soil.- Greece had never beaten England in their history.- Greece had never scored a goal at Wembley before.- Pavlidis’ strikes were his first since June 2022 vs Cyprus.- Bellingham’s 87th-minute equaliser was England’s first shot on target since the third minute (also Bellingham)Carsley also claimed that he is not treating his interim job as an audition with a view to taking the job full time.He added: “Definitely not. I don’t see this as an audition at all.”I see it as simple as I was asked to take the team for three camps, it wasn’t with a view to anything, it was literally do your best try as hard as you can and look after the players and that is what I am doing.”When asked if he would take the job if it was offered to him, Carsley insisted he is just trying to do his best for the team.He said: “It’s hypothetical. I think it’s important that we are in a position where, hopefully, we have had a brilliant campaign.”That will be in a good position going into World Cup qualifying and I would see that as a success.”The revelation follows his comments in which he suggested he was “hopefully” returning to his role with the Under 21s.Carsley has since clarified his statement and suggested that he and his team are aiming to be in a “good position” after their three camps with the senior team.He will be in charge of the team for the Nations League clash against Finland on Sunday.So far, he has won two of his three games, with the only defeat coming against Greece on Thursday.READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has reportedly held talks with the FA over the job.If the German was to land the job with the Three Lions, then he could hand a shock return to the team to at least one player.Thomas Tuchel is believed to have had negotiations over the England jobCredit: GettyEngland player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More