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      England boost as in-form star who had to be helped off pitch just days ago passes late fitness test ahead of Greece game

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      NONI MADUEKE has been passed fit for England duty in a big boost for boss Lee Carsley.The Chelsea winger gave the national team boss and fans a scare when he had to be helped off the pitch in the dying moments of Sunday’s feisty draw with Nottingham Forest.Noni Madueke has been passed fit to face GreeceCredit: GettyHe has already scored four goals in the Premier League this seasonCredit: GettyMadueke hobbled straight down the tunnel after scoring an equaliser for his club in a pulsating match amid worries he had sustained a foot injury.But after 24 hours rest the in-form Blues star is ready to play for England in the forthcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and Finland.Madueke, 22, has been one of Chelsea’s best players this season and has cemented his place in the Premier League squad.Sunday’s second-half leveller at home to Forest was his fifth goal of the campaign so far. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe scored a hat-trick at Wolves in August as Chelsea won that match 6-2 at the Molineux Stadium.He has also become one of Carsley’s new generation of senior England players, having been called up for the first time to the main squad during the last international break in September.Madueke was a regular for Carlsey when he was Under-21 boss and has been promoted alongside his old coach.He gained an assist in the home match against the Finns when setting up England skipper Harry Kane for his second goal at Wembley.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland are at home to Greece on Thursday then travel to Finland on Sunday.Madueke has previously hailed Carsley as a manager as well as his ability to lay out tactics for matches.Chelsea fans reckon Noni Madueke is ‘better than Saka’ as winger scores screamer in England U21s’ defeat to Ukraine He told BBC 5 Live: “First of all, he’s a great person. He’s a really good guy, and he’s very personable.”He has a lot of human qualities that makes you feel good and at home.”He’s also a great tactician. He has great ideas, and he’s also able to implement the way he wants to play in your mind and make it easy for you.”I feel that the top managers all have that, and that’s a quality that he definitely has as well.”I couldn’t speak more highly of him. He won the Euros with us.”I feel like he’s a great manager – he knows the pathway, knows the system, knows the FA, he’s been working here for a long time, similar to Gareth (Southgate) in that sense.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I hope he can do extremely well. I know I’ve got all the belief in him, for sure.”Madueke will be joined in the squad by his Chelsea team-mates Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill. More

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      Arsenal confident Kai Havertz will be ready after international break despite knee issue keeping him from Germany duty

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      ARSENAL expect Kai Havertz to be fully fit and firing after the international break.The Gunners striker pulled out of Germany duty at the weekend with “knee problems” – missing Nations League clashes against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands.Kai Havertz finished the game against Southampton without any knee strappingCredit: ReutersHavertz netted Arsenal’s equaliser on the way to a 3-1 victory over SouthamptonCredit: GettyHavertz, 25, played the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 Prem win over Southampton on Saturday, scoring at the Emirates for the seventh game in a row in all competitions.But SunSport understands the German star has been managing a minor knee issue since the end of last season – something that he carried over into the Euros.Havertz has not been immune to knee knocks in his career, but they have seen him miss just two club games – one apiece at Bayer Leverkusen and Chelsea – since August 2017.In order to avoid any further damage or stress on the area, Havertz will remain at London Colney during this break for some much-needed rest and recovery before facing Bournemouth on October 19.read more arsenalYet the Arsenal are not losing sleep over the player’s fitness, in the knowledge it is simply the wear and tear of an intense few months of football.Havertz played the full 90 minutes in 11 of Arsenal’s remaining 16 Prem games last season before doing the same in three of Germany’s five Euros outings in the summer.This term, he has started and finished all but one of the club’s 12 games in all competitions, such has been his influence with six goals already – including four in his last four.As such, this 12-day break before travelling to the Cherries has come at the perfect time with Mikel Arteta’s first-choice striker playing with a slight discomfort.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal’s wage bill has risen over the past few seasonsNot that it is showing on the pitch, currently in the form of his life and one of Arteta’s most important figures in Arsenal’s title push having also netted 14 in 51 games last term.And Arteta needs Havertz at his best for a gruelling upcoming fixture slog that includes taking on title rivals Liverpool at home on October 27.After that, three tough trips on the bounce to Newcastle, Inter Milan and then Chelsea.Arsenal will be hoping to have several other big names back for that run, including skipper Martin Odegaard and defensive trio Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jurrien Timber and Ben White. More

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      Man Utd blow as Kobbie Mainoo PULLS OUT of England squad with injury as THREE stars return to clubs with knocks

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      KOBBIE MAINOO, Ezri Konsa and Morgan Gibbs-White have all withdrawn from England’s squad for the upcoming Uefa Nations League games.The Three Lions host Greece at Wembley on Thursday before heading to Finland on Sunday, in Lee Carsley’s second round of fixtures.Kobbie Mainoo has pulled out of England’s squad for the October international breakMorgan Gibbs-White came off injured at Chelsea on SundayCredit: GettyKonsa has also been forced to withdrawCredit: RexThe trio drop out after sustaining injuries for their respective clubs over the weekend in what is a triple injury blow for Carsley’s new-look side.Konsa, 26, suffered a hamstring injury and left the pitch just 12 minutes into Villa’s goalless draw with Manchester United.And Gibbs-White, 24, was removed after 76 minutes of Nottingham Forest’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea.But Mainoo played 85 minutes at Old Trafford on Sunday before he was replaced by Casemiro.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt comes as a further blow for under-fire boss Erik ten Hag who also lost the services of Harry Maguire, who left Villa Park in a plastic boot.Maguire was dropped from Carsley’s squad after featuring in September and Mainoo has been carrying a knock for some time.The 19-year-old midfielder was subbed off shortly before half-time during Man Utd’s 3-0 demolition at the hands of Spurs a fortnight ago.Mainoo travelled to Portugal with the Red Devils on Thursday as they drew 3-3 with Porto, but missed the game with a minor issue.Most read in FootballMainoo is out injured after playing 85 minutes of Man Utd’s 0-0 draw with VillaCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile Carsley handed Konsa a starting role when the Three Lions beat Finland 2-0 at Wembley on 10 September.Gibbs-White made his senior debut for England from the bench during their 2-0 victory against the Republic of Ireland on 7 September.Lee Carsley welcomes back Cole Palmer to the England team Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo suggested the prognosis on Gibbs-White is unclear until they further investigate this week.Mainoo started against Ireland but did not feature against Finland.All other 22 players are at St George’s Park with no further additions planned at this time.Harry Kane was a serious doubt but he has since been cleared to play after arriving to the Burton-on-Trent base earlier today.He could line up alongside new dad Jack Grealish, who announced he his baby news from St George’s Park.England currently sit second in their League B Group 2, only behind leaders Greece on goal difference.Harry Kane turned up for England duty despite carrying a knockNew dad Jack Grealish also reported to St George’s Park More

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      Bellingham and Kane share hug as beaming England stars arrive at St George’s Park ahead of Nations League double-header

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      ENGLAND stars were all smiles as they returned for international duty ahead of two crucial Nations League clashes.The Three Lions will be hoping to seal first place in their League B group when they host Greece on Thursday before travelling to Finland on Sunday.Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane exchanged a warm hug as they returned for England dutyCredit: GettyBellingham has returned to England after missing the previous international break to injuryCredit: GettyEngland captain Harry Kane showed up for duty despite a recent knockCredit: GettyTottenham star Dominic Solanke received his first England call-up in seven yearsCredit: GettySolanke greeted Marc Guehi as he reunited with the England set-upCredit: GettyJack Grealish and other England stars were all smiles ahead of the Nations LeagueCredit: GettyInterim manager Lee Carsley is hoping to win all matches of Group B to earn the top job full-time after already winning his first two games in charge against the Republic of Ireland and the Fins.And it seems that Carsley will have his captain Harry Kane available as he showed up at St George’s Park with a big smile on Monday.Kane hobbled off in the dying minutes of Bayern Munich’s 3-3 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday.But the star striker appeared to be in a great mood as he hugged fellow superstar Jude Bellingham and it was later confirmed he will be fit and ready following tests.Read More on FootballReal Madrid star Bellingham missed the previous international break due to a foot injury, which he has now fully overcome and is set to play under Carsley for the first time this week.There were also worries about Chelsea duo Noni Madueke and Levi Colwill after Sunday’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest but they were both present in Staffordshire.Tottenham star Dominic Solanke received his first England call-up in seven years and was all smiles upon returning to the international fold.Manchester City ace Jack Grealish and Arsenal star Declan Rice exchanged a warm embrace as they put their Premier League title rivalry on hold.Most read in FootballBukayo Saka was also in his usual positive mood as he walked through the doors.And the same goes for John Stones who will be hoping to start in defence against Greece and Finland.Lee Carsley welcomes back Cole Palmer to the England team England received a boost earlier today as the Greek national team will be without their top scorer in the Nations League, Fotis Ioannidis.Ioannidis fractured his adductor during Panathinaikos’ crunch derby against rivals Olympiacos on Sunday and will be out for a month.That means the striker will also miss PAO’s Conference League clash with Chelsea on October 24 at Athens’ Olympic Stadium, which will host the second leg between Greece and England on November 14.Grealish and Declan Rice had a warm embrace in StaffordshireCredit: GettyRice will play a major role in England’s games against Greece and FinlandCredit: GettyBukayo Saka was in high spirits as he showed up for England dutyCredit: GettyJohn Stones showed up at St George’s Park amid a busy season with Manchester CityCredit: GettyChelsea ace Noni Madueke appeared despite a recent knockCredit: GettyLevi Colwill also showed up despite suffering a knock of his own for ChelseaCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League star mysteriously arrives to international duty with face fully covered in bizarre fashion statement

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      LIVERPOOL star Ibrahima Konate has turned heads after mysteriously hiding his identity with an eccentric fashion statement.Konate arrived at France’s Clairefontaine base to join up with his team-mates ahead of their upcoming Nations League matches.Ibrahima Konate wore a green mask while reporting for France dutyCredit: AFPKonate left the photographers guessing with his bizarre fashion statementCredit: AFPThe Liverpool ace looked happy as he unzipped his long mask for the pressCredit: GettyHe struck a pose before heading into France’s Clairefontaine training baseCredit: GettyThe 25-year-old, known for his solid defensive partnership in the Premier League with Virgil van Dijk, has showcased his personality off the pitch.Konate has received attention on social media after rocking up to training in a green hood zipped up to conceal his face.The centre-back had the waiting photographers guessing as they couldn’t identify who had proudly stepped out of the car.Konate took a few steps towards the photographers before he laughed and said: “You don’t know who I am? Try to guess.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe wore a checked black flannel suit over the top of the green underlay with chunky black shoes as he posed for pictures.Konate then unzipped the bold face mask before he headed up the stairs and turned to pose again while sticking a “peace” V-sign up along the way.He then escaped into the France HQ reception area with a camera man following him.Unlike England stars, who all wear team tracksuits with the odd flash bag to St George’s Park, France players often show off their eccentric fashion tastes while reporting for international duty.Most read in FootballFrance forward Bradley Barcola also reported for international duty in styleCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBarcelona star Jules Kounde again wore an extravagant outfit in the pouring rain after rocking up to Euro 2024 duty in heels earlier this year.While Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola joined them with his more toned down statement of a French beret shortly after.Dominic Solanke handed first England call-up in seven years as Lee Carsley leaves Jarrod Bowen and Harry Maguire out France face Israel in Hungary due to the security situation in the Middle East before travelling to Belgium next Monday.Kylian Mbappe has been left out of the squad after spending time on the Real Madrid sidelines with a hamstring issue.Liverpool are looking to get Konate tied down to a new contract, with initial talks having taken place with his representatives. The France international’s current deal runs until the summer of 2026.Konate has made 99 appearances since arriving from RB Leipzig for £36m in 2021, and scored his first Prem goal at Wolves a fortnight ago. More

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      England handed major boost for Nations League clash with Greece as star striker hobbles off in ‘eternal enemies’ derby

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      GREECE star Fotis Ioannidis could miss the Nations League clash with England after hobbling off with an injury during a crunch derby.The Three Lions return to action on Thursday when they host the Greek national team at Wembley after winning their first two matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.Greece star Fotis Ioannidis may miss the Nations League clash with EnglandCredit: AFPPanathinaikos star Ioannidis is Greece’s top goalscorer in the Nations LeagueCredit: SportsfileHowever, Greece manager Ivan Jovanovic may be without his top scorer Ioannidisi, 24, who netted three goals in his country’s first two matches against Finland and Ireland.The striker started for Panathinaikos against Olympiacos on Sunday’s derby of the “eternal enemies” at Athens’ Olympic Stadium.The centre-forward, though, sustained an injury one minute before half-time and hobbled off the pitch.Panathinaikos manager Diego Alonso immediately replaced him with Andraz Sporar.Read More on FootballInitial reports suggest the Greece international suffered an adductor injury.Further reports claim Panathinaikos physios diagnosed Ioannidis with a fracture.The ex-Levadiakos star is expected to get an MRI as early as Monday.If Ioannidis’ injury is as currently reported then he will be sidelined for the next few weeks.Most read in FootballThus, the forward may miss the crucial Nations League clashes against England in London and Ireland in Athens on October 13.This comes after the Three Lions’ captain Harry Kane also limped off during Bayern Munich’s 3-3 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt.Lee Carsley welcomes back Cole Palmer to the England team England interim manager Lee Carsley will have to wait on updates regarding Kane’s fitness.This comes after Carsley received two injury scares with Aston Villa ace Ezri Konsa and Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbas-White also hobbling off against Manchester United and Chelsea respectively. More

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      Lee Carsley suggests Cole Palmer could play LEFT-BACK for England as fans blast ‘What in the Fifa career mode is this?’

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      ENGLAND interim boss Lee Carsley has suggested that Cole Palmer could play at left-back for the Three Lions.Carsley, 50, yesterday named his squad for upcoming Nations League matches against Greece and Finand.Lee Carsley named his latest England squad yesterdayCredit: ReutersCole Palmer has been in blistering form for ChelseaCredit: AlamyUpon the announcement, Carsley was quizzed over the squad’s lack of left-back options.The Three Lions are without an out-and-out left-back – with Luke Shaw still injured.Ben Chilwell, who did not go to Euro 2024, was also left out having played just 45 minutes for Chelsea under Enzo Maresca this season.Rico Lewis and Levi Colwill have both been included, having acted as makeshift left-backs in recent England games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCarsley, however, surprisingly identified Palmer as a further potential option in the problem position – as well as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bukayo Saka.He said: “[Alexander-Arnold] can play there. Bukayo can play there, Cole can play there, so there’s quite a few.”Obviously you want to get the best out of them in their most natural positions.”We know if we play a right-footed player there, at left-back, that we’re going to have to build differently and be creative in the way we set up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I think if you’re asking a right-footed player to play high and wide and playing too high and wide, it can sometimes be a little bit predictable.”It’s important that we aren’t predictable, that we’ve got different ways of attacking.Dominic Solanke handed first England call-up in seven years as Lee Carsley leaves Jarrod Bowen and Harry Maguire out “I think with the players we’ve got we can also swap the players over the wide players so they are on their natural sides just to give the opposition something different to think about.”Palmer has enjoyed a blistering start to the Premier League season.Primarily from his favoured No10 position, the former Manchester City starlet has scored six goals and laid on four assists in six outings so far this term.In his most recent match, Palmer produced a stunning four-goal performance as Chelsea beat Brighton 4-2 at Stamford Bridge.Despite also enjoying a productive campaign last time out, Palmer did not start a single game at Euro 2024.He equalised in the final against Spain, having replaced Kobbie Mainoo in the 70th minute as the Three Lions chased the contest.As per Transfermarkt, Palmer has never played at left-back in his entire club career, even dating back to Under-18 level at City.’WHY NOT JUST PICK A LEFT-BACK?’Following Carsley’s comments, fans had plenty to say.One wrote on social media: “What in the FIFA career mode is this?…”While a second asked: “Why not just pick a left back?”A third fumed: “This would make me extremely angry and i’m no Chelsea fan. Why would you waste a talent like that at left back?”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother added: “You build the team around your best player. Thought Lee Carsley was the man for the job, but after hearing that I’m extremely uncertain.”England host Greece at Wembley next Thursday, before a trip to Helsinki to face Finland the following Sunday. More

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      Ireland assistant boss John O’Shea keeps in contact with Liam Delap as Ireland monitor potential allegiance switch

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      JOHN O’SHEA has kept in contact with Liam Delap about a possible switch to Ireland.Delap’s father Rory won eight caps for Ireland. He qualified through his Donegal father and mother from Leitrim.Liam Delap of Ipswich Town is son of former Ireland star RoryIreland assistant head coach John O’Shea has been in contact with the England aceDelap – who joined Ipswich Town from Manchester City this summer – – has played for England up to Under-21 level.Lining out for them last month, having turned 21 in February, ties him to the Three Lions but it is believed FIFA may raise the bar to 22 years of age which could open the door again for him to change allegiance.And Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson has left it to assistant O’Shea – who played alongside Rory for the Boys In Green – to keep the lines of communication open.Hallgrímsson said: I just know his qualities. In the end it’s always up to the player himself.“He knows that we are interested. He knows that. We talked about it before the last camp. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL “John has been in contact with him before. He has more connections to the player than me so no reason to have three, four guys doing the same.”England fans baffled as Declan Rice appears to refuse captain’s armband against former team Ireland More