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

    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

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

    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

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

    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

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

    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

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    England star, 32, to land amazing new job organising Euro 2028 while playing in Premier League

    TYRONE MINGS is set to be part of the organising team for Euro 2028.But the defender WON’T be giving up his day job of helping Aston Villa keep clean sheets.The United Kingdom won the hosting rights for Euro 2028 in October 2023Credit: GETTYEngland international and Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings is set to help organise the tournamentCredit: GETTYThe 32-year-old is set to land a role on the board of directors for the tournament – which will take place in England, Ireland, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales – thanks to FA chair Debbie Hewitt.That’s according to The Telegraph, who claim Hewitt has “earmarked” the centre-back for the position.Mings, who was in England’s squad for the 2020 Euros which was played around the continent, is on course to be one of the organising team’s “independent non-executive directors”.Should he bag the job, he’ll become the first player of note to land such an influential position.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMings is no stranger to a directorial position as he’s on interior design company KTM’s board of directors.The England international will be able to provide organisers with insight into international player’s perspectives on the tournaments.Mings has 18 England caps to his name, the last of which came against Malta nearly two years ago.He’ll likely be out of international contention when Euro 2028 rolls around as he’ll be 35 years old.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTyrone Mings has 18 England caps to his nameCredit: GETTYMings missed the duration of the 2023/24 season with a potentially career-ending knee injury, which led to muscle atrophy in his leg.He’s made 16 appearances so far this season and played a pivotal role in Villa reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League.Tyrone Mings breaks down in tears as he’s forced off again..Uefa confirmed Euro 2023 would take place in the UK in October 2023 after the home nations ran for it unopposed. More

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    ‘Pants down’ – Lamine Yamal savages former Tottenham star pundit after being called out about his shorts

    BARCELONA star Lamine Yamal clapped back at Tottenham hero Rafael van der Vaart’s swipe… about his shorts.Yamal, 17, helped Spain beat the Netherlands 5-4 on penalties after an exciting 3-3 draw in the Nations League quarter-finals on Sunday at the Mestalla.Yamal’s shorts were particularly low as he celebrated scoring against HollandCredit: RexVan der Vaart criticised Yamal for wearing his shorts ‘too low’Credit: GettyVan der Vaart at the first leg of the Spain vs Holland clashCredit: RexAlthough the winger missed his spot-kick, he still scored a goal during extra-time and played a big role in the European champions qualifying for the semi-finals.And the Barcelona wonderkid trolled Van der Vaart, 42, at full-time on social media.The Netherlands legend criticised the teenage sensation before the match with a bizarre comment.The ex-Real Madrid star complained about Yamal’s shorts being “too low”.Read More on FootballVan der Vaart said last Monday: “I noticed some things about Lamine Yamal that started to annoy me. “His shorts were too low, he didn’t try too hard, he had some superficial gestures… I didn’t like this.”And Yamal decided to hit back by lowering his shorts after the match in a clear nod to Van der Vaart’s statement.The forward then took to Instagram where he rubbed even more salt in the former playmaker’s wounds following the Netherlands’ elimination.Most read in FootballYamal posted on Instagram: “Pants down, a goal, missed penalty AND IN THE SEMIFINALS HEHEHEHE GO SPAIN!”Spain are now set to take on France in the Nations League semi-finals in June.Lamine Yamal watches WWE Smackdown in crowd after rubbing shoulders with starsThe winner will go on to face either Germany or Portugal in the final that same month. More

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    England U21 vs Portugal U21: Get £40 in free bets on Young Lions friendly with BetMGM

    ENGLAND’S Under-21s are in friendly action tonight when taking on Portugal U21s at the Hawthorns.And bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the game.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsEngland U21 vs Portugal U21: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!England U21 vs Portugal U21: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.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. More

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    Jamal Musiala shows ‘500 IQ’ to score tap-in for Germany without opponents Italy noticing

    GERMANY star Jamal Musiala scored a “genius” goal against Italy without them even noticing.The German national team played out an entertaining 3-3 draw against the Azzurri in the quarter-finals of the Nations League on Sunday at the Signal Iduna Park.Jamal Musiala scored a ‘genius’ goal for Germany against ItalyGermany star Musiala caught Italy napping and scored in front of open goalItaly didn’t know what hit them after Musiala scored Germany’s secondCredit: GettyJulian Nagelsmann’s men, who were leading 2-1 from the first leg, had opened the scoring with Joshua Kimmich’s penalty kick in the half-hour mark.And the hosts doubled their lead just six minutes later with a smart corner-kick that caught Italy napping.Paris Saint-Germain star goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had earlier denied a header by Borussia Monchengladbach ace Tim Kleindienst with a stunning save that led to a corner down the right.Donnarumma was incensed with his defence following Germany’s earlier effort and tore into his team-mates.Read More on FootballThey then got into a heated exchange inside the box while Kimmich, who’s been linked with a move to Arsenal and Liverpool, was getting ready to take on the spot-kick.Bayern Munich star Musiala, 22, noticed how distracted his opponents were and positioned himself in front of goal.Kimmich saw his Bayern team-mate and delivered a quick cross that allowed the playmaker to finish in front of open goal with Donnarumma away as he was still yelling at his defenders.Fans were left absolutely stunned with Germany’s incredible awareness and Italy’s “laziness”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne fan tweeted: “500 IQ by Musiala to stand there and actually demand the ball while everyone else just stood there and waited for Donnarumma to stop crying.”Another reminisced on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s genius corner-kick against Barcelona that completed Liverpool’s stunning Champions League comeback in 2019: “Barcelona fans having nostalgic feelings rn.”I played with Bellingham, Musiala and Palmer – England star blew me awayA third wrote: “That was a lesson for all players and trainers. Good material. Embarrassing though, very…for Italy defence.”This fan said: “That was pure genius, Kimmich really saw the moment.”And that one commented: “That’s how you punish laziness!”Kleindienst scored Germany’s third just before half-time and appeared to have completed an absolute triumph for the hosts.But Italy fought back and saved their dignity with a brace by Moise Kean and a last-gasp equaliser by Giacomo Raspadori.However, the Germans went through to the semi-finals thanks to a 5-4 win on aggregate and will face Portugal in June, with the winner taking on either Spain or France in the final. More