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      Jadon Sancho: Lee Carsley opens door for Man Utd flop’s England return as he reveals reason for Harry Maguire axe

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      LEE CARSLEY has opened the door to a shock international comeback for Jadon Sancho. The interim Three Lions boss – who worked with the winger as a youth coach at Manchester City – says Sancho is ‘feeling loved’ again at Chelsea after a miserable spell under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. Chelsea’s loanee winger Jadon Sancho, left, has been given hope of joining club-mate Cole Palmer in the England squadCredit: PALee Carsley says dropped Harry Maguire still has a big Three Lions’ futureCredit: ReutersCarsley has called up Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke to his squad to face Greece on Thursday and Finland the following Sunday, seven years after his only international cap.And he could soon offer a similar recall to Sancho, who has not played for England since 2021.   Carsley said: “Jadon is a player that I really like. Jadon has huge potential and has hopefully found a home where he feels rated, he feels loved. “He put in a really good performance the other day (against Brighton) and I think he just needs time now to play. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I don’t ever feel in a rush, that when a player is doing well for three or four games he should be in an England squad. “Dom has his call-up and earned the right to be called up for England with what he’s done this season and the body of work behind. “When he’s got that call I think he’s thinking he probably deserves this.”Sancho, who last played for England in October 2021, was frozen out by Ten Hag last season but played in a Champions League Final while on loan at Borussia Dortmund, before switching to Chelsea this summer, with a view to a permanent Stamford Bridge move.  Most read in FootballHours after his England recall, Dominic Solanke came on as a late sub in Tottenham’s 2-1 Europa League win at FerencvarosCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKyle Walker is back in the England squad after missing last month’s Nations League matches because of a lack of game time but Harry Maguire has been axed, having not started a Premier League match since August.Carsley said: “At the point when we picked the first squad, Kyle had not played a minute at City, so justifying bringing in a player who had not played a minute, I found really difficult. Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Phil Foden situation after fans’ conspiracy theory over England star’s absence “The conversation we had last month was that if he gets his minutes with City, there would be no reason why he can’t be an important part of the squad.”Walker, 34, is likely to play second fiddle to Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back under Carsley, although either man could be asked to fill in at left-back, with no specialist named in the squad in that position.  As for Maguire, Carsley added: “It was a case of ‘we’ve got four centre backs that I wouldn’t mind seeing play’.  “Harry has been so important and will be in the future – but I wouldn’t want to bring a really experienced player away and not play any minutes. I don’t think it’s right.“Harry’s still got a big part to play – if we’re going to be successful, we’re definitely going to need him.” More

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      Next England manager: Lee Carsley drops huge hint who will be in charge of Three Lions long term

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      INTERIM Three Lions boss Lee Carsley has appeared to hint at his long-term plans for the role. The 50-year-old named his England squad on Thursday for the upcoming international break. Lee Carsley has named his squad for the upcoming Nations League games with Greece and FinlandCredit: PAThe interim England boss appeared to hint he was taking on a long-term outlookCredit: ReutersCarsley was appointed as caretaker boss following the departure of Gareth Southgate after Euro 2024. The former Everton midfielder has taken charge of England’s under-21 squad for the last three years.In August, the FA confirmed he was placed in charge “with a view to remaining in the position throughout autumn.”But England’s strategy beyond that currently remains unclear, with Carsley the firm bookies favourite. READ MORE ON ENGLANDCarsley faced the press on Thursday after naming his 25-man squad for games against Greece and Finland.He claimed he didn’t want the group to be a “copy and paste” from August, instead taking the chance to “look at other players.”Carsley said: “I want the to feel like they’ve earned their place in the squad. “I’ve spoken to all the players that aren’t involved and have had good conversations with them.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAppearing to hint at being involved going forward, he added: “People want to know where they stand long term.”And I’ve made it clear that this is a short-term decision by myself.”Lee Carsley nailed on to land England manager job with bookies with Pep Guardiola second favourite at massive 10-1 Later in the presser, Carsley opened up on the Three Lions managerial situation.He continued: “It’s really clear what my remit is.”To take these three camps in the Nations League, which is something I’m really comfortable doing. I’m totally happy with that.”My situation hasn’t changed and I’m really looking forward to this camp now. “It was a real challenge, picking the squad, the players that we’ve had to leave out. That’s a big enough challenge without worrying about [managerial] candidates and the rest of it.”Man Utd’s Harry Maguire was one of the players to miss out in Carsley’s squad.Again appearing to hint at a longer-term outlook, Carsley continued: “[Harry] was very positive in the conversation we had. “We’ve got some really good centre-backs that I’m keen to see play and I’m wary about bringing players away that are really experienced and potentially aren’t going to play much. “Harry’s still got a really important part to play in the upcoming campaign.”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.Elsewhere in the squad, Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke has been called-up for the first time in seven years.READ MORE SUN STORIESLevi Colwill, Angel Gomes, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Noni Madueke are all included after working with Carsley in the under-21 setup.But Spurs midfielder James Maddison, Crystal Palace ace Eberechi Eze and West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen all miss out. More

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      Lee Carsley names England squad as Dominic Solanke ends seven-year snub and Kyle Walker returns but big names left out

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      LEE CARSLEY has named his England squad for the upcoming international break and left out some huge names.The Three Lions face Greece next Thursday followed by Finland the following Sunday in the Nations League.Lee Carsley has revealed his squad for the upcoming Nations League gamesCredit: GettyDominic Solanke is in the side for the first time in seven yearsCredit: ReutersKyle Walker has earned a recallCredit: GettyHarry Maguire is not in the England squadCredit: GettyTottenham striker Dominic Solanke has been called-up for the first time in SEVEN YEARS.He currently has just one cap to his name from a friendly against Brazil in 2017.On the decision to select Solanke, Carsley said: “Dom is a player I am fully aware of and I have worked with him in the past.”He was really close to being in the last squad – but he got injured just before the selection.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He is a player that has done so well at Bournemouth and has taken that form into Spurs.”He has got a lot of really good attributes that I like and as well as being a nice person, he is extremely talented and it is good that we have got him.”The player himself was delighted, writing on Instagram: “It’s been a while. Delighted to be called up to represent my country again.”Meanwhile, Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker has earned a recall after being left out of Carsley’s first matches as boss last month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe manager continues to select players that worked with him at Under-21 level, with Levi Colwill, Angel Gomes, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Noni Madueke all chosen.Among those notably missing from the squad is Manchester United’s Harry Maguire.England fans SLAM Lee Carsley for not singing the national anthem at Wembley The centre-back has been nursing a calf injury and missed the Red Devils’ 3-0 thrashing by Tottenham on Sunday.Meanwhile, Spurs midfielder James Maddison, Crystal Palace ace Eberechi Eze and West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen are not in the squad.Ivan Toney is also not in the side following his move from Brentford to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli.Tino Livramento was selected last time but has been dropped after failing to win his first cap in the wins over Ireland and Finland last month.Aston Villa ace Morgan Rogers has been pushing for a place in the England team but will have to wait for his debut call-up.On the players who missed out, Carsley said it was “important that it wasn’t just a copy and a paste” from his previous squad and that all the players left out had a case.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “There’s a lot of players that were close to being in this squad. The talent that we’ve got available for us, it would have been quite easy to name a 40-man squad and justify having them all in. “The challenge is making sure that we pick a competitive squad that can win the two games.”England’s starting XI the last time Solanke was selectedDominic Solanke’s last cap came in 2017Credit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun More

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      Kylian Mbappe OUT of France squad after Real Madrid nightmare but five Premier League stars called up

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has been left out of Didier Deschamps’ France squad.The Real Madrid forward, 25, will not be available for Les Bleus’ matches against Israel and Belgium later this month.Kylian Mbappe was in action from the bench as Real Madrid lost 1-0 to LilleCredit: GettyMbappe suffered an injury scare during his club’s 3-2 win over Deportivo Alaves last month.He was substituted after feeling an issue in his hamstring, and following subsequent tests was expected to be missing for three weeks.The former Paris Saint-Germain star has recovered earlier than expected from his injury, and was deemed fit enough to make a 33 minute cameo from the bench against Lille last night in the Champions League.He was unable to turn the tide, however, with Real Madrid falling to a 1-0 defeat to the Ligue 1 side, who boast Mbappe’s younger brother Ethan among their ranks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite Kylian having returned to fitness, Deschamps has opted against calling him up.Mbappe has played 10 times for Real Madrid since quitting PSG for the Spanish capital in the summer.He has so far scored seven goals for his new team, and had bagged in his last four appearances prior to getting injured.Mbappe’s Real Madrid team-mates Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga will join up with France following their club’s clash with Villarreal this Saturday.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Ferland Mendy has been left out.Despite Mbappe’s absence, Deschamps will have plenty of attacking quality to call upon.Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid drawIn-form PSG winger Bradley Barcola will be involved, as will his club team-mates Ousmane Dembele and Randal Kolo Muani.Bayern Munich star Michael Olise is also in the squad, as is Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram.There is a recall for Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku, who has played just 29 minutes for his country since being ruled out of the 2022 World Cup on the eve of the tournament.In addition to Nkunku, Premier League stars William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate, Lucas Digne and Wesley Fofana have all been called up.France’s squad is jam-packed with quality More

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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