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      Dominic Solanke handed first England call-up in SEVEN YEARS as Lee Carsley leaves Jarrod Bowen and Harry Maguire out

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      TOTTENHAM striker Dominic Solanke is set to be handed his first England call-up in seven years.The 27-year-old has impressed since joining Spurs in a club-record £65million transfer from Bournemouth in August.Dominic Solanke has been handed an England call-upCredit: GettySolanke was last called up in 2017Credit: PA:Press AssociationIn six appearances for his new club, Solanke has managed four goal involvements – despite missing some time at the start of the campaign due to injury.The striker has now been rewarded with a Three Lions call-up by interim boss Lee Carsley, according to The Athletic.Solanke made his first – and only – England appearance back in November 2017.He came off the bench in a friendly against Brazil at Wembley Stadium.But he could be in line for his first start against Greece or Finland next week.Among those left out of the squad are Harry Maguire, James Maddison and Jarrod Bowen.Maguire has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford following the arrival of Matthijs de Ligt.He was absent from the United squad entirely at the weekend due to a calf issue but is expected to be available for the club’s Europa League clash with Porto this evening.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHarry Maguire misses out on a spot in the squadCredit: GettyJames Maddison has also been ommittedCredit: GettyMaddison has not been called-up since June, when he was cut from Gareth Southgate’s preliminary Euro 2024 squad.And Bowen’s absence could be linked with West Ham’s run of poor form in the Premier League.Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Phil Foden situation after fans’ conspiracy theory over England star’s absence Morgan Rogers is another player who has been omitted from Carsley’s 26-man squad.Instead, the forward has been selected for England’s U21s.England will face Greece at Wembley next Thursday before taking on Finland.Carsley’s side currently sit second in Group B2 on goal difference with six points from two games.England’s starting XI when Solanke made his first England appearance More

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      Kyle Walker sweating on England place but one-cap star hoping for long-awaited recall for Greece and Finland clashes

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      DOMINIC SOLANKE is hoping for a long-awaited England recall on Thursday.Interim manager Lee Carsley names his squad at 2pm on Thursday afternoon for the forthcoming Uefa Nations League games against Greece and Finland.Kyle Walker is waiting to know if he will be recalled to the England squadCredit: GettyTottenham striker Dominic Solanke is hoping to add to his one Three Lions capCredit: ReutersAnd Solanke hopes his recent form for Spurs will be enough to get him into the England squad for only the second time.Tottenham’s £65million summer buy from Bournemouth has played just once for the Three Lions and that was for 15 minutes as a substitute in a goalless draw with Brazil in 2017.Yet in-form Solanke, 27, has scored three times in as many games for Spurs – including the third goals in Sunday’s 3-0 win at Manchester United – looks set to link up with fellow strikers Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins when the players meet up at St George’s Park on Monday.Now playing in Saudi Arabia, Ivan Toney looks unlikely to feature in the squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEngland face Greece at Wembley next Thursday then play Finland in Helsinki three days later.Manchester City’s Kyle Walker, left out by Carsley when naming his first England squad, will once again be sweating on his place.For the wins over both Ireland and Finland, Carsley was without the injured trio of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer but they will all be back.England are desperately hoping to finish top of their group in League B.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLee Carsley will announce his second England squad on ThursdayCredit: AlamyIf they ended up second, the Three Lions would have to play a promotion play-off with a League A side in March.Instead, England should be involved in World Cup qualifiers.Frank Lampard hints at next job after Chelsea sacking he’d be ‘crazy’ to turn downIf England win all six of their Nations League games – the final two are next month – Carsley looks likely to be offered the job full-time.This means he would be at the World Cup draw in Zurich which is on December 13. More

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      Leeds star Dan James dreaming of winning Olympic gold with Team GB at Los Angeles 2028

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      DAN JAMES admits he would like to follow Wales boss Craig Bellamy and play in a possible Team GB Olympic side.British Olympic Association chiefs want a men’s football team at the 2028 Olympics staged in Los Angeles.Bellamy was joined by Welshman Ryan Giggs, Joe Allen, Aaron Ramsey and Neil Taylor in the Team GB side which took part at London 2012Credit: GettyDan James attended a McDonald’s Fun Football Day at Bollington United in Cheshire recentlyBellamy was one of five Welshman who played in London 2012 – the only time since 1960 a GB men’s side has taken part.Leeds winger James said: “If the opportunity arised then I’d definitely be interested. “Not many people can say they have been to an Olympics so if it did arise I’d be more than interested.”New Wales boss Bellamy became the first British to score in Team GB colours in 52 years when he netted against Senegal at Old Trafford 12 years ago.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBellamy was a big supporter of the Olympic movement and described the opportunity as a “great honour”.He was joined by fellow countryman Ryan Giggs, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen and Neil Taylor in Stuart Pearce’s squad.The FA are believed to be keen to embrace the opportunity.But other Home Nations are concerned a joint GB side with players from the four countries would threaten their independent status with Fifa.Most read in FootballFootball Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney claimed the possibility of GB entering a men’s side has “never been discussed” among Dragons bosses.That is despite the BOA promoting the idea after the Paris Games this summer where Spain beat France 5-3 after extra-time to win the gold medal.James took part in the largest ever Fun Football session to celebrate the milestone of 500,000 children benefitting from the programme across the UKWhether James, 26, plays in LA remains to be seen but Wales aim to qualify for the 2026 World Cup hosted in the US as well as Canada and Mexico.Bellamy names his squad today for Wales’ Nations League games away to Iceland and Montenegro in Cardiff this month with James set to miss out due to a hamstring injury.But James is excited about linking up with the new Dragons chief soon as they map out their journey to emulating Wales’ 2022 World Cup qualification in Qatar.James, who was speaking at a McDonald’s Fun Football Day at Bollington United in Cheshire, added: “The 2026 World Cup is our big aim. “These Nations League fixtures are very important to put us in a good position going into the qualifiers for the World Cup and we want to get to Group A in the Nations League.”We have had the experience of the World Cup and it wasn’t quite what we wanted. “We were delighted to get there but we were disappointed in the way it finished.”All the players are desperate to get there again. The fans will want to experience it too.”It’s going to be a great one in the US so it’s one we don’t want to miss out on. America is great. “They are producing top footballers and the sport is becoming bigger and bigger over there.  “You see how they put on big spectacles in other sports and that World Cup will be watched all across the globe. It will be brilliant. We don’t want to miss out on that.”James is looking forward to working with ex-Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle wideman Bellamy.The new Wales chief kicked off his tenure with a positive goalless home draw with Turkey and a 2-1 win in Montenegro last month.James said: “It’s a great appointment. I’m gutted to miss out. “The manager is an ex-player who played in my position and had a great career like Ryan Giggs.”Ryan brought me through and I’ll always thank him for that. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But having two ex-players who were great in the Premier League will be nice for me because I can get their experiences as footballers.”TaglineMcDonald’s Fun Football ambassador Daniel James took part in the largest ever Fun Football session to celebrate the milestone of 500,000 children benefitting from the programme across the UK. Sign up to a free session near you at www.mcdonalds.co.uk/football More

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      France boss stunned as World Cup winner and 137-cap legend shockingly RETIRES from international duty

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      FRANCE star Antoine Griezmann has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 33.The Atletico Madrid player made 137 appearances for his country, scoring 44 goals in that time.Antoine Griezmann has revealed his retirement from international footballManager Didier Deschamps revealed that the pair had a long discussion about itGriezmann and Deschamps have a close relationshipGriezmann has been a key member of the France squad under manager Didier Deschamps since making his debut under him in 2014.The LaLiga winger’s social media statement read: “It is with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life. “Thank you for this magnificent tricolour adventure and see you soon.”After 10 incredible years marked by challenges, successes and unforgettable moments, it is time for me to turn a page and make way for the new generation.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Wearing this jersey was an honour and a privilege.”Deschamps said: “We’ve had a long discussion about his retirement recently.”Since his debut in the France team 10 years ago we’ve had a relationship based on trust and frankness.”Even if his club career is not over, Antoine will remain a monument of French football, one of the greatest players in its history.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”It was often said that he was my favourite. We indeed had built a very strong relationship, that will remain intact.”From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything, Grizou.”Retired rugby legend and Six Nations icon takes up gruelling new sport at 47 Griezmann helped his nation win the 2018 World Cup.His Man-of-the-match performance put France 2-1 ahead with a penalty before a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Russia six years ago.The end of his World Cup adventure was marked by another final at Qatar 2022, playing 71 minutes of France’s eventual shootout defeat to Argentina.He was announced as the nation’s new vice-captain following the retirement of Hugo Lloris, with Kylian Mbappe named skipper in March 2023.He featured in all six games of Euro 2024, before crashing out in the semi-finals to winners Spain.He started for France in a 3-1 Nations League defeat by Italy in September, before his last appearance came as a sub in a 2-0 win against Belgium three days later.Griezmann has revealed his decision prior to the next international break in October when France play Israel and Belgium in the Nations League.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also won the 2021 Nations League with his country.The forward was top scorer at Euro 2016 with six goals as hosts France finished runners-up, losing to Portugal in the final.Griezmann was instrumental in France winning the 2018 World CupGriezmann also won the Nations League in 2021 More

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      Lille braced for Angel Gomes transfer offers as Premier League clubs circle after impressive England debut

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      ANGEL GOMES has sparked transfer interest from clubs in the Premier League and Europe, according to reports.Gomes, 24, made his England debut last month after being called up by Lee Carsley.Lille are set for transfer offers for Angel GomesCredit: GettyGomes’ impressive England debut has sparked transfer interest from Champions League clubsCredit: GettyThe Lille star impressed in a deep-lying playmaker role in matches against Ireland and Finland in the Uefa Nations League.He dictated play as he starred for the full 90 minutes of the Three Lions game against Finland which ended in a 2-0 win.And the former Manchester United star could find himself on the move within the next two transfer windows with his contract with his Ligue 1 club expiring at the end of the season.According to The Telegraph, Champions League clubs have been alerted to his contract situation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe will be free to discuss a pre-contract with clubs for the 2025/26 season if no new deal with Lille is agreed in the next three months.Clubs in England are also willing to bring the diminutive 5ft 6ins midfielder back to England for a crack at the Premier League.Gomes, who has an estimated transfer value of £21million, has played four Ligue 1 games this season and chipped in with one assist.He also starred in two of Lille’s Champions League qualifiers before featuring in their Champions League opener against Sporting Lisbon.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, Gomes was sent off after picking up two yellow cards after just 40 minutes of play, with the French side going on to lose 2-0.Speaking on Gomes after handing him his England bow, Carsley – who won the Under-21 European Championship’s with Gomes at the heart of his team – said: “He absolutely loves football. Inside Angel Gomes’ rise from Man Utd wonderkid to England star”He watches football, he’s interested in tactics, he knows all the player in any league.”If you ask him for any feedback you need to be prepared that he is going to give you some feedback on the session or how we’re going to build up, or the positions.”He’ll help in terms of he will often say about some build-ups that he’s done at other clubs or what he’s played against, because obviously he’s playing in France so he sees different things.”He fully deserves it (his call-up).”England ratings vs Finland: Kane bags double on his big day… but he’s not the Three Lions’ star manTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…Jordan Pickford – 6Had nothing to do.Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.Ezri Konsa – 6Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.John Stones – 6Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.Rico Lewis – 7In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.Declan Rice – 5Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.Angel Gomes – 7Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.Bukayo Saka – 7Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.Jack Grealish – 7Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.Anthony Gordon – 7Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.Harry Kane – 8Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 68 goals in 100 caps.Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.SUBSLevi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6As with Colwill, little to do.Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham. More

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      Premier League ref Anthony Taylor in firing line AGAIN after Uefa bosses admit he made monumental error during Euro 2024

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      PREM ref Anthony Taylor has been hit by another blow – after Uefa bosses said he wrongly denied Germany a penalty during Euro 2024.Taylor was relegated to fourth official duties last weekend after booking a record 14 players in Chelsea’s 1-0 win at Bournemouth.Uefa have confirmed that Anthony Taylor made a monumental mistake at Euro 2024Credit: PAHe did not award a penalty for a handball by Marc CucurellaCredit: ReutersThe Wythenshawe whistler is due to be back in the middle this weekend after being appointed to take charge of Liverpool’s visit to Wolves on Saturday.But a report by Uefa’s referees’ committee, leaked in Spain, castigated Taylor for not awarding Germany a spot kick during extra-time of their last eight defeat by the subsequent champions.And that led to former Germany midfielder Toni Kroos lambasting Taylor for his decision and mockingly asking: “Can I now say that I am a European champion?”Taylor played on after Jamal Musiala’s shot was blocked by the arm of Chelsea defender Marc Cucarella, with his decision not to award a spot kick backed by VAR Stuart Attwell.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLArsenal summer recruit Mikel Merino scored the winning goal for Spain soon afterwards, with the incident leading to Cucarella being jeered mercilessly by German fans in both the semi-final win over France and the Final against England.But the official report of the Uefa body makes clear that Taylor got it wrong.It said: “Following the latest UEFA guidelines, hand-to-ball contact that stops a shot on goal should be punished more strictly, and in most cases a penalty kick should be awarded, unless the defender’s arm is very close to the body or on the body.“In this case, the defender stops the shot on goal with his arm, which is not very close to the body, making itself bigger, so a penalty kick should have been awarded.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTaylor, one of Uefa’s most senior refs,  was surprisingly not appointed to any matches when the new-look expanded Champions League kicked off last week.And the report sparked a backlash from Germany, led by Kroos – who was playing what became the final match of his career.Football analyst bizarrely blames ref Anthony Taylor for ‘hindering Man Utd’s play’ in humiliating loss to LiverpoolToni Kroos led the backlash against the decisionCredit: GettyHe said: “It took them three months to realise that there was a handball, something that almost everyone could see in a second.“That reassures me a lot.”Can I say that I am now European champion because it has been officially confirmed? I don’t think so.”After the game, Cucurella admitted that the ball hit his arm but Taylor “immediately” told him it was not a foul.He said: “The ball hit my hand, but the referee immediately said no, no, no, and that made me feel better.”If the refereeing experts say it’s not a handball, then it’s not a handball”Taylor was also criticised for his role during Nottingham Forest’s defeat to Everton last season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe official denied the East Midlands outfit of three penalty decision.He was also involved as the fourth official as three red cards were handed out in Forest’s 2-2 draw against Brighton on Sunday.Official stanceBy Mark HalseyWHEN Morgan Gibbs-White went to ground on Joao Pedro already on a yellow card, I thought he could be in big  trouble.Rob Jones clearly signalled for a throw in to Brighton and then made a gesture that Gibbs-White had clearly won the ball.Therefore, fourth official Anthony Taylor should simply not have got involved.Taylor has refereed that second-half incident. Had he not made the signal for a throw and that he won the ball, then Taylor could have helped Jones.And that incident sparked the managers and saw things boil over on the touchline.Ultimately, the officials caused Fabian Hurzeler and Nuno Espirito Santo to be sent off for their reactions to the decision. More

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      Watch Ivan Toney score first goals since Saudi Arabia transfer as £400,000-a-week striker sends reminder to Lee Carsley

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      IVAN TONEY has scored his first two goals since joining Saudi side Al-Ahli this summer.The ex-Brentford striker, who earns £400,000-per-week, is working to get back into the new England fold under interim boss Lee Carsley.Ivan Toney scored his first two goals for Al-AhliToney sent a clear message to his doubters after grabbing a brace and an assist in his third appearance for the Saudi Pro League side, as they claimed a 4-2 win over Damac.After Damac drew level from his assisted opener, Toney put his side 2-1 up immediately after half-time with his first goal for the club.The 28-year-old showed his poaching qualities as he prodded the ball home from six yards out.Damac drew the game level again, before former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino put Al-Ahli ahead in the eighth minute of injury time.READ MORE FOOTBALLToney then tapped in his second eight minutes later – and 15 minutes into added time.VAR ruled that he was not offside for his close range finish that wrapped up the win.The result means that Al Ahli now have seven points from four games, leaving them fifth and one point behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.Toney completed a £40million transfer to the Saudi Arabian side from Brentford on deadline day.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe signed a two-year contract to seal the switch, and is said to be earning more than £400,000 a week tax free – a figure that rises to nearly £500,000 with bonuses.An eye-watering upgrade from his time at the Community Stadium, where he was on less than £50,000 a week. Ivan Toney makes very generous offer to pals in leaving speech before Britain’s new highest-paid player jets to SaudiThe Northampton-born talisman has already netted a more than £1million since joining over three weeks ago.The England forward was denied the chance to open his account earlier this week when former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez took the penalty against Persepolis in the AFC Champions League.Mahrez’s strike from 12 yards was subsequently saved.Toney was left out of Carsley’s latest Uefa Nations League squad for their victories over the Republic of Ireland and Finland, raising doubts over his international future.But Carsley refused to rule out a return to the Three Lions side.The ex-England U21 boss said: “I think ultimately as an interim head coach I don’t think I can rule anyone in or out. “It would be really interesting to go out and see Ivan play and see the level and see the tempo and see the standard.”We’ve got access to the games so I’ll definitely be following his progression out there.”It would be good to go and see an actual live game to get a feel of the atmosphere and the pace of the game because sometimes you don’t quite get that on a video.”Despite Carsley’s reassurance, some will point to Jordan Henderson’s six month Saudi era as a warning about the prospects of a Three Lions return.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe six-capped England international marginally made the Euro 2024 squad amid the tough competition in forward areas.He played just 43 minutes across seven games in Germany – but assisted Harry Kane’s headed winner over Slovakia and scored a no-look penalty Switzerland. More

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      Football hooligan who left England fan with broken jaw in horrific Euros attack caught using face recognition technology

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      A FOOTBALL hooligan who attacked a fellow England supporter at the Euro 2024 was tracked down using facial recognition tech. Josh Waugh, 34, broke his victim’s nose and jaw following the Three Lions’ match against Serbia on June 16 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.Cheshire Police, the UK Football Policing Unit, and German officers collaborated to track down WaughA witness took a photo of him and gave it to policem who tracked him down using Retrospective Facial Recognition Technology (RFR) and mass messaging app SOLV, The Times reports. It is the first time the technology has been used at an overseas tournament. Cheshire Police, the UK Football Policing Unit, and German officers collaborated to track down Waugh. The picture was used in a witness appeal issued using SOLV. Read more FootballIt got more than 54,000 hits and aided the police investigation into Waugh. He appeared at Middlesbrough magistrates’ court on Wednesday and got a three-year banning order.German police have not yet taken any action against him. Chief constable for Cheshire and the head of UK Football Policing, Mark Roberts, said: “This is the first time that we have used this type of technology at overseas tournaments, but as the results demonstrate it can make a real difference. Most read in Football”Thousands of people attend football matches every week, many of them travelling long distances, so trying to identify and locate a suspect on the ground can sometimes be difficult.Sir Alex Ferguson booked me a flight home from my holiday and hauled me back to Man Utd – I hadn’t done anything wrong“However, systems such RFR and SOLV allow us to identify offenders even when they’re hundreds of miles away, so we can ensure that those who do offend are arrested and held accountable for their actions.”Josh Waugh broke his victim’s nose and jaw following the Three Lions’ match against Serbia on June 16 in Gelsenkirchen, GermanyCredit: Reuters More