UEFA Nations League

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

WHATEVER the future for Lee Carsley as England manager – and he is unlikely to last long – there have been some genuine positives.And here in Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium those positives were highlighted as Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Declan Rice earned England a much-needed Nations League victory. Jack Grealish celebrated becoming a dad by opening the scoringCredit: GettyThe winger slotted the ball home following a clever pass from Angel GomesCredit: RexTrent Alexander-Arnold whipped in a brilliant free-kick from 25 yardsCredit: AFPIt was his fourth England goalCredit: GettyDeclan Rice tapped home from close range to seal victoryCredit: PAAll three of those scorers have benefited from Carsley’s management and after the mayhem of Thursday’s 2-1 defeat by Greece, they restored a sense of order to the national team.Grealish, who became a father for the first time last week, netted the early opener – his second goal of Carsley’s interim reign.Then Alexander-Arnold curled home a delicious free-kick before Rice netted his second goal of this brief “Carsball” era to ensure victory before a late consolation.Carsley seems increasingly unlikely to get – or even actually want – this job on a permanent basis.READ MORE ON ENGLANDBut after his tactical brainstorm against the Greeks, here was a return to calm good sense and a routine win against limited opposition.It was England’s first journey to Helsinki’s historic Olympic Stadium since 2000 – and that journey also came on the back of a Wembley shambles.On that occasion, Kevin Keegan had quit in the toilets of the old national stadium and Howard Wilkinson took charge of a goalless draw here in the Finnish capital.After Thursday’s fiasco against the Greeks, Carsley stayed true to his promise and selected a more conventional team with Harry Kane fit enough to start up front after an ankle injury.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAngel Gomes pulled the strings in midfieldThe interim manager’s decision to drop Jordan Pickford – something Gareth Southgate barely ever did – made sense too after an extremely jittery display against Greece.Dean Henderson was handed his first England start, and his first appearance in four years, with his team-mates kitted out in a Euro 96 shade of grey.Lee Carsley all but rules himself out of England job as interim boss tells FA to hire ‘world class manager’Cole Palmer was not at his bestCarsley’s team began as if hungover from Thursday, Angel Gomes gifting possession deep in his own half and John Stones having to block a Benjamin Kallman shot.Despite that early slip, Gomes soon stepped up. The little Lille man is a neat and tidy midfield anchor who makes a team tick.After Bellingham had a shot deflected wide, Gomes provided a gorgeous assist for Grealish as part of an excellent team move which was by far and away England’s best work of a drab first half.First Grealish located Alexander-Arnold, who had drifted in from his makeshift left-back role into central midfield.The Liverpool man picked out Gomes, who turned two players and provided a sublime outside-of-the-boot pass for Grealish to slot home.It was only the Manchester City man’s fourth goal from 39 caps, but his second in three appearances under Carsley.After bossing possession with relatively little threat, England got sloppy towards the end of the first half and an Alexander-Arnold slip let in Fredrik Jensen, who ought to have punished the visitors but shot over from close range.Palmer, who had been very quiet on the right wing, cut inside and tested Finland keeper Lukas Hradecky early in the second half.But the Finns were still a threat and Jensen squandered another fine chance, with England caught out of shape by a counter-attack, the centre forward spooned one from close range after a centre from Topi KeskinenBellingham and Declan Rice both forced saves from Hradecky but England were hardly tearing up and midway through the second half, Carsley freshened it up by sending on Ollie Watkins for Kane and Noni Madueke for Palmer.Watkins was soon teeing up Madueke, who got his dancing feet to work and caused panic in the Finnish defence with a low centre which Hradecky pushed away.After England won a free-kick on the left, 22 yards out, Alexander-Arnold sized it up and curled his effort deftly into the postage stamp, Hradecky doing well even to get a hand to the ball but incapable of keeping it out.Gomes and Bellingham were withdrawn in favour of Rico Lewis and Phil Foden and the third goal soon arrived.Watkins darted down the left and centred low to the near post where Rice tapped in.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith the job done, the Arsenal man was substituted immediately.Arttu Hoskinen then headed home a consolation from a corner. More

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

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