UEFA Nations League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Southgate was close to Man Utd job but now England’s most successful manager in decades looks done with football

      by

      HE was England’s most successful manager in half a century and was only a couple of penalty kicks away from being regarded as the greatest of all time.He has represented the Three Lions, as a player and manager, more often than any other man.Sir Gareth Southgate appears unlikely to return as a manager, nor become a consultant, despite the wishes of the FACredit: GettySouthgate has major interests, such as the challenges facing young men in the social media age, which he addressed in his Dimbleby lectureCredit: BBCHe is a knight of the realm, who is respected in wider society to such a degree that he delivered the prestigious Dimbleby Lecture at the BBC last week.Yet, at the age of 54, Sir Gareth Southgate may be finished with football.The former defender was closer than many would believe to becoming Erik ten Hag’s successor at Manchester United.Dan Ashworth, United’s short-lived sporting director, pushed his candidacy strongly and left the club soon after he failed to persuade United’s ownership.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, Southgate’s advisor Jimmy Worrall also has close links to Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe.But the United job was an outlier.If Southgate did look to return to club management, he would be unlikely to land a job at a higher level than his previous club role at Middlesbrough almost two decades ago.Despite leading England to successive Euros finals, as well as a World Cup semi and quarter-final — and despite transforming the once-rotten culture around the national team — Southgate’s stock as a manager has not risen  significantly.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile the FA are keen to employ Southgate as a consultant, that doesn’t appeal to the former manager, who believes his presence on the payroll would not be beneficial to Thomas Tuchel nor any future Three Lions boss.The idea of returning to media punditry is regarded similarly.Sir Gareth Southgate fears boys are watching too much porn instead of ‘expressing their emotions’ New England chief Tuchel may have criticised the performance of Southgate’s team at last summer’s Euros — although he only really echoed Southgate’s own public comments during that tournament.But Sir Gareth will not be responding in kind. He is too classy and decent to give it back to Tuchel.There is also a feeling that international management, rather than the club game, suited Southgate perfectly.Most great club managers are single-minded football obsessives.Southgate has a more curious mind and the England role allowed him a wider remit, which he relished. The themes he expressed in his Dimbleby Lecture — on the challenges facing young men in the social media age — are dear to him.He helped many England players greatly, as people as well as footballers.And if Southgate headed back into football management any time soon, he would do so without his hugely-trusted No 2 Steve Holland — who is keen to make it as a manager in his own right and is currently the boss of Japanese club Yokohama F Marinos.Southgate always regarded his England role as a partnership with Holland, believing the pair counteracted each other’s strengths and weaknesses. He may feel isolated in management without Holland’s presence.Southgate’s old sidekick Steve Holland now bosses Yokohama F MarinosCredit: GettyA boardroom job in football isn’t on the agenda either.He may have looked good in a  waistcoat during the 2018 World Cup but, professionally speaking, a tracksuit is more Southgate’s style.So what next, if there is no return  to football?The Dimbleby Lecture — given on  the personal request of BBC director-general Tim Davie — wasn’t his first weighty speech since his exit.Southgate showed during his England reign he is a more effective politician than most politicians. His ‘Dear England’ letter before the Euros in 2021 spoke to the nation better than anyone in the House of Commons could.But there is apparently no chance of a bid for Parliament.Despite being branded as ‘woke’ — an insult which shouldn’t even be an insult — Southgate isn’t party political. He’d probably have more in common with Sir John Major than Jeremy Corbyn.That Dimbleby Lecture championed traditional family values as well as Southgate’s deep respect for the military.He is a quiet patriot, not a raving lefty and not even close friends could tell you which way he votes.As for a  job in business, Southgate is said to be equally uninterested.Unlike many in football he isn’t  an obsessive chaser of the next five-pound note.He doesn’t need to work but equally recognises that even a senior job in industry would only pay a fraction of that on offer in managing a lowly Premier League club. And anyway Southgate is patriotic and old-school enough to have regarded the England job as the pinnacle of his profession.Should his journey of self-discovery lead him away from the game which made him, he would be a great loss to football.Fighting relegation, as he did unsuccessfully at Middlesbrough in 2009, isn’t currently on his wish-list either.Had Southgate landed the United job he wouldn’t have been a popular appointment among supporters — despite doing the kind of transformative job with England that they are crying out for at Old Trafford.And the sad truth is he wouldn’t be welcomed with widespread jubilation at any top-flight club.His image as an overly-cautious manager is overstated but not entirely untrue.He never played for nor managed clubs which expected to win  silverware and never quite shook off that mindset as expectations rose with England.So what next for a man who is significantly younger than most who have just departed England’s ‘impossible job’?Having succeeded the likes of Bill Clinton, Bill Gates and King Charles in giving that Dimbleby Lecture, Sir Gareth is yet to find his calling, post-England.But should his journey of self-discovery lead him away from the game which made him, he would be a great loss to football.Flair’s fair for AngeTHERE was much online merriment when a Tottenham legends team — featuring Dimitar Berbatov, Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and Aaron Lennon — hammered  AC Milan’s old boys 6-2.The obvious joke, that the veterans could still beat Ange Postecoglou’s first team, was barely even funny because it is possibly true.Robbie Keane bagged a hat-trick as Spurs legends beat Milan 6-2Credit: GettyYet the flair of some of those Spurs players of the not-too-distant past also showed that Postecoglou’s devil-may-care style was more in tune with the club’s ethos than most of his recent predecessors.The expectation is that Spurs will wilt in a hostile atmosphere against Eintracht Frankfurt in next month’s Europa League quarter-final and that will spell the end for Big Ange.If so, that would be a shame. Spurs might not be very good under Postecoglou but at least they are recognisably Spurs.IT was so sad  to see Scotland relegated from the top tier of the Nations League by virtue of a 3-0 loss at home to Greece.And the poor old  Tartan Army couldn’t even get a drink at Hampden Park.Despite their great national thirst, booze is still banned inside grounds north of the border, as it has been since 1981 — just about the last time the Scots were any good at football.Lennox all HartTHE warm tributes to The Sun’s legendary ‘Voice of Boxing’ Colin Hart — who died on Saturday aged 89 — were rich, poignant and greatly appreciated by his family.Lennox Lewis says he was inspired by Colin Hart’s viewsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdIt was especially interesting to read the words of Lennox Lewis and  how he felt driven to win over a sceptical Harty on his journey to becoming heavyweight champion of the world.The media landscape has changed hugely since Lewis and Colin enjoyed their verbal sparring en route to an immense mutual respect.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere are now often too many obstructive PR people between elite  athletes and journalists.As Lewis agrees, that is to the detriment of sportsmen and women, as well as to the media and the public. More

    • 263 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      If the World Cup started today Marcus Rashford wouldn’t be in the XI – latest England performance sums up his struggles

      by

      MARCUS RASHFORD was given another chance by Thomas Tuchel — but again failed to shine.If you were to scribble down your starting XI for next year’s World Cup, Rashford would not be included.Marcus Rashford must do better to stay in the England pictureCredit: GettyRashford only had one attempt on goal against LatviaCredit: RexNearly all his touches were out wide in the attacking thirdThe Aston Villa loanee created six chances but lacked a killer passCredit: RexAnd the 27-year-old’s frustrating performance in the 3-0 victory over Latvia summed up his struggles at club level over the past couple of seasons.He created six chances according to the stats — but it did not feel like it.The Manchester United forward, currently on loan at Aston Villa, played with bags of positivity in the first half.He had too much pace for the ­Latvian right-back Roberts Savalnieks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he also supported his defenders on the rare occasions the visitors attacked.Rashford was certainly acting on the criticism dished out by boss Thomas Tuchel for not being direct enough in the 2-0 win over Albania.Equally, the killer pass was not there. And after switching to the right in the second half, he barely had a kick before being replaced by Curtis Jones.Rashford is not the only player to fail to cause havoc in the final third during two lacklustre England performances.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut the competition down that left position is nowhere as strong as it has been in the past.Jack Grealish’s career has gone backwards while Phil Foden has under-performed for England and moaned about being played out on the left during Euro 2024.Here’s what has happened to England’s lost football groundsAnthony Gordon, injured for this game, would be your man in that spot if the World Cup started tomorrow.Eberechi Eze also looked decent on the left when he came on and scored a deflected third.But Rashford still has a chance — purely because his international boss seems desperate for him to succeed.Tuchel has started him in back-to-back games, a luxury he has barely been afforded for club or country over the last 18 months, and an indication of just how far Rashford’s star has fallen.He lasted 74 minutes before being replaced against Albania on Friday and was afforded just five more minutes than that at Wembley last night.Tuchel has only signed a short-term contract and although he has thrown Myles Lewis-Skelly into the mix, looks determined to stick with experience.Rashford — who won his 62nd cap — comes into that bracket.And when the German announced his squad for these two games, Tuchel praised Rashford’s workrate for Villa —  something he was often criticised for at United.It is still early days for him under Villa boss Unai Emery. His nine appearances have included just two starts and he is yet to score.The last time Rashford found the net was his brace in United’s 4-0 win over Everton on December 1.When Rashford did find his way past Savalnieks in the first half last night, his final pass was not good enough.After swapping flanks with Jarrod Bowen following the break, he played a small role in the build-up to the second goal scored by Harry Kane — but otherwise was still not involved enough.Maybe fatigue due to his lack of games was a cause.But you would still expect Rashford to remain in the squad for England’s next two games in June — a World Cup qualifier in Andorra and a friendly with Senegal at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen you consider the rotten time Rashford has endured of late — much of it self-inflicted — he is lucky to be back in the England team.The jury remains out on whether he can make the most of that good fortune.Rashford struggled to create clear-cut opportunities on Monday nightCredit: Rex More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri, 18, takes just 10 minutes to score in first start for England U21s with stunning goal

      by

      ARSENAL superstar Ethan Nwaneri scored just 10 minutes into his full debut for England U21s on Monday.The young forward, who turned 18 just last week, earned his first international call-up to the U21s earlier this month.Ethan Nwaneri scored 10 minutes into his England U21s debutCredit: GettyHe came off the bench for the Young Lions in their 5-3 defeat to France on Friday.And having impressed manager Lee Carsley in training, he earned his first start ahead of Monday’s clash with Portugal.England took an early lead in the friendly, with midfielder Hayden Hackney breaking the deadlock.But the advantage was extended in the 10th minute thanks to Nwaneri.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Arsenal ace received the ball around 40 yards out from goal before turning, cutting into the middle and curling a shot into the bottom-left corner.Gunners fans were quick to react to his strike on social media, with one person writing: “This boy is special.”Another commented: “That signature goal, you just know it’s HIM.”A third said: “How do you already have a trademark finish at 18??! Its insane.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesA fourth wrote: “Special talent.”While a fifth added: “This finish is just too easy for him, such a good player.”Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaps praise on ‘calm and composed’ youngster Ethan Nwaneri for Champions League victory Fabio Silva got a goal back for Portugal at the 22nd minute mark.However, Ipswich star Omari Hutchinson restored England’s two-goal advantage late in the match.Additional strikes from Carlos Forbs and Jaden Philogene saw the Three Lions to a 4-2 win.On Nwaneri’s strike, Carsley said: “It’s definitely a finish that he’s got. Everyone knows exactly what’s going to happen but you just cannot stop it. He took his goal so well. But what we have to keep remembering is that he’s 18. Unbelievable, innit?“We just have to encourage these guys. It’s important the rest of the team support him as well, because I’m not sure it’s always going to be as progressive as it is. So it’s important that we’re there when things aren’t so well. But, God, what an impression he’s made.”Carsley, who is desperate to have the 18-year-old in his ranks when they head to Slovakia, added: “It’s important that we look after him and make sure that going to the tournament in the summer, is that the right thing?“Obviously, we’ll speak with Arsenal and make sure that they’re on the same page in terms of that decision making.” More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      England ratings: Frustrated Jude Bellingham very fortunate not to see red as Reece James has return to remember

      by

      REECE JAMES made history in his first international start in over two years as England sunk Latvia 3-0 in their second World Cup qualifier.James became the first defender to score a direct free kick for the Three Lions at Wembley since Stuart Pearce against Turkey way back in 1992.Reece James super free-kick broke the deadlock in the 38th minuteJames barely celebrated scoring his first-ever England goalHarry Kane scored his 71st goal for EnglandCredit: GettyCrystal Palace star Eberechi Eze scored his first-ever England goal late onCredit: PABut the Chelsea star didn’t celebrate his curling strike – perhaps something to do with the mixed response from fans questioning his inclusion in the squad.England had been frustrated by a low Latvian block for much of the opening stages.Visiting forward Vladislavs Gutkovskis failed to capitalise on the error from a mix-up at the back between Marc Guehi and Jordan Pickford.Before England’s top goal-getter Harry Kane notched his 71st international strike with a tap-in from Declan Rice’s squared ball.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWith Latvia tiring and trying to push up the pitch, England carved them open before Eberechi Eze’s deflected strike saw the Crystal Palace star score his first goal for England, too.England are now sitting pretty at the top of Group K, with six points from their opening two games under Thomas Tuchel – who became the first boss since Fabio Capello to win his first back-to-back games.Here’s how SunSport’s Alex Smith rated the Three Lions in their final World Cup qualifying match before facing Andorra on June 7.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJordan Pickford –  5Only really had one thing to do and made a mess of it. Didn’t need to sprint out of his goal. Most read in FootballClearly a lack of communication with Marc Guehi and Latvia should have gone 1-0 up. Could have got his deck chair out for most of the game. In typical Pickford fashion though, still constantly barking orders to those in front of him.Reece James – 8An outstanding free-kick that brought audible gasps from the Wembley crowd when replayed on the big screens.It was a timely reminder of his quality after recent seasons were ruined by injury.Tucked into a back three at times, looking comfortable with the ball at his feet and had the recovery pace to produce a great sliding tackle in the second-half.Ezri Konsa – 7 Looking more and more settled in an England shirt.Nice dribble out from the defence when he saw the space and was physical with the Latvia centre-forward.Deserves more chances ahead of the World Cup against stronger nations to see if he can make the spot his to lose.Marc Guehi – 5Usually looks so composed at the back for the Three Lions but had a night to forget.A horror mix-up with Pickford presented the visitors with a golden chance to score, only for them to somehow miss an open goal and spare Guehi’s blushes. Thankfully, it was Gutkovskis and not Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland.Also made a rash challenge in the first-half and got pressured into running the ball out of play after failing to deal with a hopeful punt up the pitch.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7It was a dream debut for the Arsenal wonderkid on Friday night, capping his debut with a goal.It was always going to be impossible to match the heights of the last game, but he was still impressive when drifting into midfield versus Latvia.Brilliant close control, winning free-kicks and getting stuck in as usual. A top talent.Myles Lewis-Skelly operated as an inverted full-backCredit: RexDeclan Rice – 7 A simple yet effective performance in midfield.England had the ball for long periods but when Latvia regained possession he was often there to break up play.Runs from deep are important to break down low block defences and he did that to set up Kane for his simple finish with a smart ball across the goal, putting it on a plate.Declan Rice was the engine during his 79 minute spellCredit: GettyJude Bellingham – 5 Was lucky to avoid a second yellow card after a wild and unnecessary lunge.In truth, the ref saved him from an embarrassing red card against a poor opponent.The Real Madrid star was eventually subbed off early to prevent England from going down to ten-men.Needs to control his aggression or could end up costing his side in important moments.Showed his undoubted quality on the ball with some wonderful touches and he never ducks a 50/50.Jude Bellingham was subbed off after avoiding a red cardCredit: PAJarrod Bowen – 6 Worked hard but didn’t quite take his chance with Bukayo Saka out injured.Some decent moments but did not have the creativity to unlock a stubborn Latvia defence.Bowen is way more effective when he has space to run into. Suits playing against stronger sides that will go toe-to-toe with England.Morgan Rogers – 7 Making his first England start after three previous substitute appearances.A delight to watch when working in tight spaces and seemingly impossible to knock off the ball.Drifted into positive positions and always wanted to receive the ball but will be disappointed not to score or assist. Marcus Rashford – 6 Tuchel said his performance against Albania lacked “impact” and was “not aggressive enough”.He clearly took the criticism on board and was more direct tonight, looking to take defenders on with a burst of acceleration and doing so regularly. But the final ball was lacking with crosses either overcooked or hit into a Latvian defender, which started to become incredibly frustrating. Marcus Rashford created the most chances (six) against LatviaCredit: GettyHarry Kane – 6 A real passenger for much of the game despite his goal. Rarely threatened and was crowded out by the Latvian defence.Began to pick up the ball in better areas in the final 30 minutes and eventually showed why he is a natural goalscorer with nice movement for the tap-in.SUBSEberechi Eze (for Bowen ’60) – 8A real bright spark when he came on and got a deserved goal.His trickery caused havoc for Latvia and his ability to go either way helped wrap up the game.Phil Foden (for Bellingham ’67) – 6 Not on the wing this time. Hooray!Looks better in the No10 role but besides some tidy passes did not do much.His run of not scoring or assisting for England since 2023 continues. Jordan Henderson (for Rice ’79) – 6 Another cap to add to his collection. Bossed his team-mates around to help see the game out. If he continues to make Tuchel’s squads, that will be as far as his role goes.READ MORE SUN STORIESCurtis Jones (for Rashford ’79)- 6 No real time to impact the game with it all wrapped up by the time he came on for a midfield stroll.Kyle Walker (for Lewis-Skelly’ 79) – 6 Did nothing wrong but like Henderson, is an ageing player the answer given all England’s young talent? Give the ten minutes to the future. More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      England 3 Latvia 0: Reece James spares Tuchel’s blushes as Three Lions labour to win over minnows ranked 140th in world

      by

      REECE JAMES saved Thomas Tuchel from a seriously uncomfortable night by bending home a David Beckham-esque free-kick on his England return. And referee Orel Grinfeeld rescued Jude Bellingham from disgrace as he allowed the Real Madrid Galactico to escape a needless second yellow card. Reece James scored a stunning free-kick to break the deadlock for England against LatviaCredit: PAJames’ goal was compared to David BeckhamCredit: GettyHarry Kane scored again as he doubled the score after the breakCredit: GettyEberechi Eze put the cherry on top after scoring off the benchCredit: PAAs England laboured against the 140th best national team in the world and the Latvia penalty box resembled an extension of the London congestion zone, Chelsea full-back James ended years of injury torment with a spectacular 25-yard opener. James had been Tuchel’s man of the match with an outstanding marking job on Raheem Sterling when his side defeated Manchester City in the 2021 Champions League Final. But since then he has suffered an extraordinary run of injuries and had not started a match for England since September 2022. Yet James lit up Wembley with a dead-ball effort which out-bent Beckham and rivalled the famous ‘banana kick’ effort by Brazilian superstar Roberto Carlos back in 1997. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLate strikes from Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze gave the scoreline a respectable look. But it might have been very different had Bellingham received his just desserts for a stamp before half-time and a reckless lunge after the break. There have long been fears of Bellingham’s frustration boiling over, earning him a sending off in an England shirt – and this was as close as we’ve come. The Brummie was dismissed for swearing at a ref while playing for Real against Osasuna last month – and this was a serious let-off. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThat second ‘bookable’ offence was ludicrous as it took place just outside the Latvian and could have proved costly with England just 1-0 up at the time.  There were four changes from Friday’s routine defeat of Albania – Morgan Rogers given a full debut in place of Curtis Jones, with Jarrod Bowen replacing the underwhelming Phil Foden on the right flank.I plucked Thomas Tuchel out of his job working in a bar in Stuttgart before he became England boss, reveals Man Utd flopIn defence, Tuchel selected two of his Chelsea old boys – Marc Guehi, who he sold to Crystal Palace, as well as James.England had never previously played Latvia but our Lionesses defeated their women 20-0 and on balance of play, this was almost as one-sided.Still, this was a ‘top-of-the-table’ clash given that Latvia’s little-hopers had defeated the no-hopers of Andorra 1-0 on Friday.In case you weren’t excited enough by that prospect, there were massive orange fireworks and a rendition of a drum-and-bass tune called Thomas Tuchel’s Army, which doesn’t sound as if it is going to catch on.While Latvia is crying out for more NATO military presence in case of Russian aggression, there were dozens of British servicemen in the Wembley centre circle wobbling a giant flag.From the start, it was one of those qualifying fixtures which resembled not so much a football match as an obstacle course with Latvia largely impassive and sitting deep.Which made it all the more surprising when the first goalscoring chance went to the visitors.A speculative ball down the right caused a bizarre mix-up between Guehi and Jordan Pickford but Vladislavs Gutkovskis shot into the side-netting.Pickford was winning his 75th cap, drawing level with Gordon Banks and Joe Hart, leaving only Peter Shilton ahead of him in terms of England keepers.But, like his panicky collision with Dan Burn against Albania on Friday, this wasn’t his finest hour.Soon, though, England were peppering the Latvian goal. From a Declan Rice corner, Bellingham’s header cannoned off Marcus Rashford’s back and Ezri Konsa’s follow-up effort was pushed over by Krisjanis Zviedris.Kane headed over from a James centre when he ought to have scored and Bowen might have had a penalty when Zviedris brought him down while trying to collect a cross – but VAR said ‘no’.Rogers was lively on his first England start and Rashford was looking a little more menacing than he had against Albania, again without end product.But there was heavy traffic inside the Latvian box and, as the shots rained down, more ricochets than tin-pan alley.The answer to all these bodies in the way was to wallop one over their heads from 25 yards – and James duly did so.Myles Lewis-Skelly was fouled and James stepped up to fire home with power and what the pros like to call ‘swaz’.Just before the break, Konsa needed treatment after a spiteful barge from Gutkovskis and Rogers had a snap-shot well saved.It was unconvincing again and at the interval, Tuchel asked Rashford and Bowen to switch wings.Then came Belingham’s moment of madness. Booked for a lunge on Dmitrijs Zelenkovs before half-time, he leapt in on Raivis Jurkovskis near the corner and caught the Latvian’s leg.It looked to be a clear yellow-card offence but Israeli ref Orel Grinfeeld showed clemency.Tuchel sent on Eberechi Eze for Bowen as the paper planes began to rain down on the Wembley turf.Kane drilled one narrowly wide but it was becoming a tough watch before Kane put the result beyond doubt with England’s second, and his 71st in international football.Foden had just replaced Bellingham when Rashford and Rogers combined on the right and Rice made an artful run to square low for Kane to tap in.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen Eze jinked down the left and cut inside before his shot took a massive deflection off Antonijs Carnomordoijs.All’s well that ends well but there is little doubt that Bellingham dodged a bullet. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Maya Jama watches Ruben Dias in action for Portugal but new boyfriend will wish she wasn’t in stands after blunder

      by

      MAYA JAMA was in attendance for Portugal’s clash with Denmark to watch Ruben Dias in action.But the Manchester City defender will maybe wish she wasn’t following his blunder in last weekend’s Nations League match.Ruben Dias was in Nations League action for Portugal last weekend as they took on DenmarkCredit: GETTYDias was at fault for the Dane’s equaliser with a slack back passCredit: YOUTUBE/VIAPLAY INTERNATIONALHe was watched on by Maya Jama, who he’s been rumoured to have been dating for several monthsCredit: INSTAGRAM@MAYAJAMAThe 27-year-old was at fault for the Danes’ equaliser, which came in the 76th minute of the match at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.His back pass was intercepted by Mika Biereth and allowed Patrick Dorgu to tee up his Manchester United team-mate Christian Eriksen for a tap-in.Love Island host Jama had one of the best seats in the house for Dias’ blunder, which she watched from a hospitality box with a pal.His gaffe, however, mattered little as Portugal ended up running out 5-2 winners after extra time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJama’s watching of Dias in action came just a week after she was seen dancing in a hospitality box at the Etihad during City’s 2-2 draw with Brighton.The pair are rumoured to have been dating for several months after being spotted ringing in the New Year together in Ibiza.They have, however, yet to go public with their relationship.But Jama hinted they are an item at the Brit Awards earlier this month by revealing she’s learning Portuguese.Most read in FootballMaya Jama and Ruben Dias have yet to go public with their relationshipCredit: INSTAGAM@MAYAJAMAAnd she’s warned Dias she’ll be telling him “adeus” if he doesn’t meet her relationship expectations.She said: “I’m such a lover but I am a big leaver as well.Maya Jama reveals item she’s banned from the bedroom amid romance with Man City star Ruben Dias“I know what makes me happy and I know what I like.”And this is no disrespect to anyone I’ve been in a relationship with, but if it’s not that then I will leave it.“My point I always try to make is that I am really, really happy and I have curated this lovely little life for myself and my friends.“I only want you if you are going to add to that or make it better, otherwise I am not really on it.” More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘This is rock bottom’ – Mauricio Pochettino accused of ‘gaslighting’ US football fans as they slump to terrible new low

      by

      MAURICIO POCHETTINO was accused of “gaslighting” US football fans after his side slumped to LAST place in the Concacaf Nations League finals.Poch’s side lost 2-1 to Canada in the third-place game in Los Angeles, with Mexico beating Panama to lift the trophy.USA manager Mauricio Pochettino was accused of ‘gaslighting’ fansCredit: GettyPochettino saw his USA side slump to last place in the Concacaf Nations League finalsCredit: GettyBut a second successive defeat in four days piled the pressure on the former Tottenham and Chelsea boss, with fans inside the So-Fi Stadium questioning the commitment of his team.Pochettino tried to downplay the significance of the loss, which followed on from a shock reverse to Panama on Thursday.He said: “It’s better to lose now because I think we have time.“Because if we will be in this situation in one year time, for sure. I will tell you, ‘Houston, we have a problem. SOS’.”Read More on FootballUS legend Landon Donovan was among the critics of a side including former Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic.Donovan said: “I’m so sick of hearing how ‘talented’ this group of players is and all the amazing clubs they play for.“If you aren’t going to show up and actually give a s*** about playing for your national team, decline the invite. Talent is great, pride is better.”Former Bolton and USA midfielder Stuart Holden added: “Pochettino is gaslighting us.Most read in Football“US Soccer created this situation by going for a big hire and nothing matters for Pochettino before the World Cup.“But this is rock bottom. Can you imagine what would have happened if Greg Berhalter was still the coach? Pochettino warned ‘there’s a lot of things that need to change’ by ex-Chelsea star after he’s named USA manager“He would have been fired in the locker room. He wouldn’t have made it out of the stadium.“It went as badly as it could have done for Pochettino and the team. There are question marks over every part of the pitch.”Argentine Poch urged agitated fans to keep calm, although he conceded too many of his players had been in “automatic pilot” mode.He said: ”This was the floor but we can rise up. I’d say to the fans, don’t be pessimistic, don’t get bad feelings.“We have time and I’d prefer this to happen now than in one year.“Of course we are all disappointed. The fans need to feel that. But I’m not going to allow us to feel pessimistic because I think we have good players.“We are going to find a way to perform and for sure we are going to compete in a different way. We need these games to affect us in a positive way.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut former US star Alexei Lalas responded: “I’m trying to stop myself from being numb and apathetic but this was not just an uninspiring performance but a boring one.“It was a complete disaster, a failure. Lots of people are asking me if these players care and displays like that do nothing to dispel those questions.“ More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      England vs Latvia: Get Three Lions at huge 50/1 to win tonight with Parimatch

      by

      PARIMATCH are offering new customers a colossal price boost ahead of tonight’s World Cup qualifier between England and Latvia.They are offering brand new customers the chance to back Thomas Tuchel’s men at an ENORMOUS 50/1 to leave the Wembley with three points in Group K!How to claim..Parimatch offerVisit the Parimatch website using this link HERE*Register a new account and deposit a minimum of £5Opt In to this promotion via the Offers tabPlace a maximum £1 bet at the normal price on England to beat Latvia tonightThis MUST be done before the match startsIf you’re successful, your bet will be paid at a normal priceYou will then have the extra amount credited in Free Bets, shortly after settlementEngland to beat Latvia | 50/1!*England to win at 50/1 – how to claim…Are you new to Parimatch? Good news, you can back England to beat Latvia tonight at a massive 50/1!And they couldn’t have made it any simpler to claim too.First, head over to the Parimatch website using this link HERE*.Opt In to this promotion via the Offers tab before placing your bet!You need to register a completely brand new account and deposit a minimum of £5.Place a maximum £1 bet at the normal price on England to beat Latvia in World Cup qualifying tonight.This must be done before kick-off at Wembley.If you’re successful, your bet will be paid at the normal price.You will then have the extra amount credited in Free Bets, shortly after settlement, bringing your total returns up to the enhanced price of 50/1!England to beat Latvia | 50/1!*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*18+ New Customers Only. Opt in, bet max £1 on England to win – Match Betting – 90 min v Latvia. Get enhanced odds paid in Free Bets, which expire in 7 days after accreditation. Offer valid until 19:45 UK time on 24/03/2025. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly  More