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    Man Utd star Matthijs de Ligt makes ANOTHER howler leading to goal before being subbed off at half-time by Holland

    MATTHIJS DE LIGT made it THREE howlers in the space of a week after another blunder handed Germany a goal.De Ligt had a nightmare on Saturday when he was at fault for both Bosnia and Herzegovina strikes in Holland’s 5-2 Nations League win.Matthijs de Ligt’s horror international break continued with another errorCredit: YouTubeThe Dutch defender needlessly gifted away possession to allow Germany to scoreCredit: YouTubeThe new Manchester United man admitted “it’s f***ed up” in an X-rated assessment of his horror performance.But his woes struck again just three days later when the Dutch took on Germany in Amsterdam. De Ligt collected the ball just outside his own penalty area seven minutes before the break, with his side in front thanks to Tijjani Reijnders’ early strike.However, the bungling ex-Bayern Munich defender inexplicably misplaced his pass into midfield and saw it intercepted.READ MORE ON MAN UTDGermany pounced and within two passes had a deflected shot on goal.Bart Verbruggen made the initial save but the ball fell kindly for Denis Undav who fired home emphatically to level the match. The TV cameras soon cut to a dejected De Ligt who had his hands on his hips in disbelief at another glaring fumble. Captain, and Liverpool star, Virgil van Dijk was clearly furious with his team-mate, slamming his hand into the ground repeatedly before appearing to vent his anger towards him.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesAnd fans watching the action wasted no time laying into the struggling star.Although some optimistic United fans desperately hoped De Ligt was simply getting his errors out of the way before returning to his top form at Old Trafford.Nathan Ake looks on brink of tears as he’s stretchered off with horror injury before being replaced by Arsenal starOne said: “Everything under control and then such a mistake by Matthijs de Ligt, this is simply unacceptable. I love him but he simply can’t get rid of these mistakes in his career, and it looks like he never will.”Another wrote: “Do you think it’s fair to call Matthijs de Ligt finished after this mistake?”A third added: “Man Utd have got both Harry Maguire and Dutch Harry Maguire in De Ligt.”A fourth commented: “I don’t know why I’m having the former Harry Maguire vibes. Any cause to be worried #MUFC fans?”A fifth joked: “De Ligt getting all his mistakes out for Netherlands so he can drop top performances for United.”And a final user said: “Man Utd DNA in this De Ligt performance for Netherlands, another mistake.”Just moments after the De Ligt error leading to Germany’s equaliser, his fellow defender Nathan Ake seemingly pulled his hamstring.The Manchester City ace had to be carried off on a stretcher and was on the brink of tears.And the Oranje’s shocking few minutes went for bad to worse when Joshua Kimmich drifted past Van Dijk and scored in the third minute of first-half injury time to put the 2014 world champions in front. De Ligt then got hauled off at half-time in a brutal snub, replaced by Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke for the second half. READ MORE SUN STORIESDenzel Dumfries made it 2-2 five minutes after the break, though, to secure a point for Ronald Koeman’s side.De Ligt looks set to return to action for the Red Devils away at Southampton on Saturday lunchtime. De Ligt picked up the ball with no dangerCredit: YouTubeDenis Undav’s sweet strike flew into the back of the netCredit: RexVirgil van Dijk let out his frustration by slamming the turfCredit: YouTubeDe Ligt was subbed off at half-timeCredit: EPA More

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    England ratings: Trent is Three Lions star man and could have had hatful of assists but Rice gifts Finland huge chance

    TRENT 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.Trent Alexander-Arnold impressed against FinlandCredit: ReutersHarry Kane bagged a brace on his 100 England appearanceCredit: GettyKane was the main focus of the match as he completed his century of appearances for the Three Lions.After a few attempts, the captain finally got his name on the scoresheet to mark his milestone outing for England.The striker was a constant thorn in the Finland defence and was unlucky not to score more as he saw a spectacular overhead kick and free-kick well saved.But it was Trent Alexander-Arnold who impressed the most with a classy performance.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDeclan Rice however was far from his best and he was lucky not have given up a goal with a sloppy mistake.SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…Jordan Pickford – 6Had nothing to doTrent 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.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe 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.England pay touching tribute to Sven Goran-Eriksson with minute’s applause at Wembley and emotional videoEngland players with 100 capsHere is a list all the players to reach 100 caps for England…Peter Shilton – 125Wayne Rooney – 120David Beckham – 115Steven Gerrard – 114Bobby Moore – 108Ashley Cole – 107Bobby Charlton – 106Frank Lampard – 106Billy Wright – 105Harry Kane – 100Twisted 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. 6.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 – 5Declan Rice was not at his best against FinlandCredit: GettyLost 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 – 7Jack Grealish looked goodCredit: GettyEnjoyed 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 Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return. 7Anthony 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 – 8Kane’s goals were the differenceCredit: GettyTwo 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.Subs: Levi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61): Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on. 6Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66): Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper. 6Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66): Looked 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. 7Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80): As with Colwill, little to do. 6Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81): Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham. 6READ MORE SUN STORIESLee Carsley: Two games down, two 2-0 wins. In truth, the first half was quite dull fare against the Finland’s ten men behind the ball. But the quality shone through, as well it should have given the gulf in class and mainly thanks to Kane’s shooting prowess.Alexander-Arnold shone as he was given licence and trust by Carsley at right-back and Angel Gomes looked unfazed on debut. Not a victory to write home about but nothing wrong either. 6Harry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.” More

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    England 2-0 Finland LIVE RESULT: Harry Kane marks his 100th cap with a double as hosts win crunch Nations League match

    ENGLAND captain Harry Kane has marked his 100th cap by scoring a delightful double to fire the Three Lions to another Nations League win.Kane became the 10th player to make 100 England appearances where he received a golden cap.And his two strikes fired Lee Carsley’s Three Lions to a second successive win.Also before kick-off this evening, England paid tribute to the late Sven-Goran Eriksson after the former Three Lions manager passed away aged 76 last month.RESULT: England 2-0 FinlandTV channel: ITV1FREE live stream: ITVXEngland team: Pickford, Alexander-Arnold, Lewis, Stones, Konsa, Rice, Gomes, Saka, Grealish, Gordon, KaneFinland team: Hradecky, Peltola, Ivanov, Hoskonen, Kamara, Jensen, Uronen, Keskinen, Stahl, Schuller, PukkiFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Tributes for SvenEngland paid tribute to former manager Sven-Goran Eriksson last night.Tributes were also paid to Kevin Campbell, Craig Shakespeare and Tommy Banks.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedHow things standEngland now sit second in Group B2 on goal difference.Greece cruised to a 2-0 win over Ireland on Tuesday evening and remain top of the group, with Finland down in fourth.Credit: UEFACopy linkCopiedEngland get off to flying start in Nations LeagueEngland made it two wins from two in the Nations League with a 2-0 victory over Finland at Wembley.Recap all the action with our match report:Copy linkCopied’We are not talking’England interim boss Lee Carsley has revealed Ben White does NOT want to be contacted about a Three Lions call-up.In his post-match press conference, he said: “I’ve not planned to talk to Ben White.”He has asked to be NOT contacted. We’re not talking, it’s his decision.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedAlexander-Arnold named Player of the MatchTrent Alexander-Arnold was named England’s Player of the Match this evening.Copy linkCopiedKane receives gold capHarry Kane received a gold cap this evening for reaching 100 senior England appearances.Credit: GettyCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedMatch reportRead SunSport’s match report from this evening’s game here:Copy linkCopiedLee Carsley reactsInterim England boss Lee Carsley tells ITV Sport: “Harry took his goals really well, a big occasion for him. Kids being here, an emotional night, but really happy for Harry. He fully deserves all the plaudits.”What I have noticed this week is he is highly motivated to play for England and score goals and to have a centre forward like that, hopefully it continues.”We played Trent in a different position, along with Rico, you have seen with Trent an array of passing, an ability to control the game. Not a surprise as we have seen him do it for Liverpool.”I definitely don’t feel comfortable still, I have been out of my comfort zone. Enjoyable but we have to had make sure every single day we are producing high standards. Fortunate to get two good results and about building on that.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied’I am really proud’Following his England debut, Noni Madueke told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It was great to make my first appearance for the national team and I am really proud of myself. It has been a great week, the boys are great and the staff and players have made me feel welcome.”It tried to go out there and be direct and cause problems. I got an assist for Harry on his 100th appearance – it can’t get much better than that. It is fitting that Harry got both goals – it is his night.”It is fun to work with Harry because if you give him the ball in the box he is going to get you an assist – Stonesy [John Stones] has been great with me and Dec [Rice], Jack [Grealish] – it is a great group of lads.”I cannot wait to get back to Chelsea and to keep performing.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedHow things standEngland now sit second in Group B2 on goal difference.Greece cruised to a 2-0 win over Ireland this evening and remain top of the group, with Finland down in fourth.Credit: UEFACopy linkCopiedHarry Kane reactsEngland’s all-time top goalscorer tells ITV Sport: “It was a big night for me, really proud. I want to score goals and help the team.”Whenever you are doubted, it makes you more hungry to prove people wrong. I always back myself to score goals and I am excited for the future.”Trent backed up with another great performance. We always looked like the team who would break the deadlock. We spoke about being ruthless but in these games you have to keep knocking on the door and you will get your reward.”The manager has come in with a great energy, talks a lot of about freedom and attacking and hurting the teams. Of course there is a room for improvement, but a great start for him.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPlayer ratingsClick here to read SunSport’s player ratings from Wembley…Copy linkCopiedMatch statsA well-deserved victory for the Three Lions.Copy linkCopiedFull-time: England 2-0 FinlandEngland take all three points thanks to a brace from Harry Kane on his 100th appearance.Credit: PACopy linkCopied90+3. England 2-0 FinlandWe’re halfway through this period of added time and the stands are already starting to empty. Three points in the bag for England.Copy linkCopied90+1. England 2-0 FinlandFive minutes have been added on here at Wembley.Copy linkCopied88. England 2-0 FinlandEngland are basically playing a game of keep ball right now. Hardly exciting.More and more paper planes are landing on the pitch as I type this.Copy linkCopied84. England 2-0 FinlandAnother change. This time for Finland.Walta is on for Schuller.Copy linkCopied79. England 2-0 FinlandEngland make another two changes, with centurion Kane making way for Bowen.Guehi is also on for Stones.Copy linkCopied77. England 2-0 FinlandMadueke plays a one-two with Alexander-Arnold on the right before sending a first-time pass to Kane in the box.The striker goes for goal with his first touch, firing his shot into the top-left corner!Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGOOOAAAAALLLLLLLL ENGLAND!!!Kane strikes again!Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied75. England 1-0 FinlandRice wins the ball in midfield and passes it to Grealish. The Man City star then sends it through to Eze in the box, but the winger is tackled before he gets his shot away.Copy linkCopied73. England 1-0 FinlandFinland are next to make a change as Antman replaces Keskinen.Copy linkCopied67. England 1-0 FinlandAnother two changes for England.Madueke replaces Saka and Gordon makes way for Eze.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied66. England 1-0 FinlandSchuller receives the first yellow card of the match for a challenge on Gordon.Copy linkCopied More

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    England 2 Finland 0: Harry Kane back to his best with brilliant double on 100th cap as Lee Carsley wins in Wembley bow

    AFTER being cast as a summer scapegoat in Germany, Harry Kane is back to being simply the GOAT.England’s greatest goalscorer marked his 100th international appearance with an emphatic second-half double – two of the very best strikes he has ever conjured for his country.Harry Kane did what he does best on his 100th appearance for EnglandCredit: GettyThe star bagged twice to see England win 2-0Credit: PAIt was a golden night for Kane who made his 100th appearance for the Three LionsCredit: GettyAs a keen cricket fan, Kane knows the importance of marking a century and at Wembley tonight he raised his bat in style, leaving to a standing ovation from all four corners of Wembley ten minutes from time.That double took the Bayern Munich striker’s tally to 68. Kane claims he is aiming for three figures and you wouldn’t bet against the 31-year-old on this showing.Kane has been bristling at taking much of the blame for England’s faltering performances en route to the Euros Final.But after clearly struggling for full fitness during that campaign this was a welcome return to full sharpness, with two sweet finishes after a much busier all-round display.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was a second successive impressive performance for England under interim boss Lee Carsley. They were patient against a stubborn Finnish defence and an excellent keeper – lively, inventive and ultimately clinical.And while Kane stole the show, Trent Alexander-Arnold was magnificent, playing a major role in both goals. Carsley’s decision to employ him in his Liverpool role as a right-back/midfield playmaker proving a masterstroke.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKane rifled his first goal into the roof of the netCredit: ReutersHe swept his second past Finland goalkeeper Lukas HradeckyCredit: GettyThe star had been searching for a goal to mark the historic occasionCredit: GettyKane helped Lee Carsley keep a perfect record as England bossCredit: APThe Anfield man looks liberated under Carsley’s interim regime and will surely be an automatic England starter from now on.Sure, this was still only a home win against a Finnish side ranked 63rd world but England lost to Iceland the last time they played at Wembley so should not be sniffed at.Harry Kane’s favourite England goalsEngland 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 69 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.We will be hearing a lot of the expression ‘you can only beat what’s in front of you’ during Carsley’s six-match autumn audition against the Finns, Ireland and Greece – but England have at least done their job with a touch of flourish this week.And just two games into the campaign we can safely say that top-tier Nations League football is coming home.Carsley’s maiden outing in charge – especially the first half – had been a triumph in Dublin, with England free-flowing and thrilling in a 2-0 win.But it initially looked an inauspicious first Wembley date for the interim boss – piddling rain, thousands of empty seats and low-rent opposition which included former Norwich striker Teemu Pukki and a bloke who plays for Aberdeen with a tattoo of Wayne Rooney fishing on his arm.Kane was handed a golden cap by fellow 100 Club members Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole as well as a bunch of flowers from Finnish keeper Lukas Hradecky.After a big-screen shot of Carsley not singing God Save The King – and that’s surely enough of that now – and applause for the late Sven Goran Eriksson, we were off.And it all seemed to be about trying to tee up Kane for a goal on his landmark night.First, Anthony ‘Flash’ Gordon centred but Kane headed back across goal when he might have scored, then he skied a deflected effort from a Bukayo Saka cross.As in Dublin, England were zipping it around nicely. Angel Gomes, on his first England start, was neat and tiny, looking even shorter than his 5ft 6in frame in comically big shorts and short socks.The little Lille midfielder produced a peach of a pass for Kane, who swivelled and had a shot pushed away by his pre-match Interflora man.Next, Alexander-Arnold played a sweet reverse pass and Saka’s deflected cross-shot forced a decent improv save from Hradecky.When Kane first found the net, heading home a curling Saka centre midway through the first half, the linesman correctly spotted a toenail offside.England hogged the ball, possessive as jealous lovers and forced a succession of corners.But the Finns, preparing for months without sunlight, were pulling down the blackout blinds, defending in a low block which resembled a sandbagged roadblock.Alexander-Arnold, England’s most creative player, fizzed one just wide and it felt a little churlish that paper planes were already descending onto the turf when Carsley’s men were playing pretty damned well.Trent Alexander-Arnold looks a man rejuvenated under Lee CarsleyCredit: RexAngel Gomes looked comfortable in the middle of the parkCredit: GettyGomes was chopped down by Glen Kamara on the edge of the box but Alexander-Arnold thudded his free-kick wide.The second half began with Ezri Konsa surviving an injury scare when he went over on his ankle.Then we were back to Hradecky versus England.In the space of five minutes, the Finnish keeper saved from an angled Rice shot, a Kane free-kick, a Gordon effort and a Kane overhead kick.Then finally the resistance was broken thanks to that piece of world-class quality from Kane.Alexander-Arnold made the pass, Kane slipped inside Robert Ivanov and thumped his shot in off the underside of the crossbar.He raced towards the corner flag, leapt in joy and was mobbed by his team-mates.Soon, left-back Rico Lewis dragged one wide when he ought to have doubled England’s lead and Konsa was replaced by Levi Colwill.Carsley soon sent on Ebere Eze and handed a debut to Chelsea’s Noni Madueke.READ MORE SUN STORIESEze should have scored from one of those first-time laser passes from Alexander-Arnold.The second arrived 15 minutes from time, another gorgeous first-time pass from Alexander-Arnold locating Madueke, who squared with the outside of his boot for Kane to rifle into the far corner.England players with 100 capsHere’s a list of all the players to have earned 100 caps for England…Peter Shilton – 125Wayne Rooney – 120David Beckham – 115Steven Gerrard – 114Bobby Moore – 108Ashley Cole – 107Bobby Charlton – 106Frank Lampard – 106Billy Wright – 105Harry Kane – 100 More

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    Nathan Ake looks on brink of tears as he’s stretchered off with nasty injury before being replaced by Arsenal star

    NATHAN AKE appeared to be on the brink of tears as he was stretchered off injured.The Manchester City defender was in action for Holland against Germany in their Nations League clash in Amsterdam.Nathan Ake suffered a horror injury while in action for HollandCredit: GettyAke needed to be taken off on a stretcherCredit: AFPBut just before half-time, Ake picked up a horror problem.The ace had stayed forward from a Dutch corner and as the ball was recycled, he tried to latch on to it in the Germany penalty area.But while attempting to control the ball on his outstretched left foot under pressure from Joshua Kimmich, Ake pulled up with what seemed to be a hamstring pull.After bending over for a while, it was clear he was in serious agony.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd the stricken star had to be helped to the turf by team-mate Cody Gakpo and Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen as the referee waved on the physio team.Then after being treated on the field and comforted by Virgil van Dijk, the medical team carried him off as he covered his face with his hands.A gutted Ake was then replaced at the back by Arsenal man Jurrien Timber.The injury could prove to be a blow for City boss Pep Guardiola – even though Ake has been a bit-part player for the champions so far this season.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesHe came on for the final minutes at West Ham after being an unused sub against Chelsea and Ipswich in the Premier League – with Guardiola opting for Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias at the back.But nonetheless, Guardiola will not want to lose an important experienced defender for a prolonged chunk of the season – and a hamstring tear would mean a spell on the sidelines.Martin Odegaard leaves pitch in tears in major Arsenal injury blow ahead of North London DerbyCity host Brentford on Saturday then Inter Milan in their Champions League opener next Wednesday in a repeat of the 2023 final.They then take on Arsenal at the Etihad on September 22. But the Gunners – desperate to wrestle the Premier League trophy away from City’s grip this season – have their own injury woes.Martin Odegaard limped off after rolling his ankle for Norway against Austria last night.New defender Riccardo Calafiori also picked up a problem on international duty following a freak collision while representing Italy.And fellow summer signing Mikel Merino is also out of action.The Spanish midfielder fractured his shoulder during his very first training session at Arsenal when he bumped into Gabriel Magalhaes. The pain was clear to see on the defender’s faceCredit: AFPMarc-Andre ter Stegen and Cody Gakpo helped the stricken starCredit: AFPAke was treated on the pitch by physiosCredit: AFP More

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    England pay touching tribute to Sven Goran-Eriksson with minute’s applause at Wembley and emotional video

    ENGLAND paid a touching tribute to Sven-Goran Eriksson ahead of their win over Finland.The former Three Lions manager passed away in August after being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.Sven-Goran Eriksson was remembered before England’s clash with FinlandCredit: ITVKevin Campbell, Tommy Banks and Craig Shakespeare were also honouredCredit: ITVLee Carsley was one of many to applaud the SwedeCredit: ITVThe Swede was remembered by the national team with an emotional video.The social media video showed Eriksson’s best moments from his five years in charge of England.This included the iconic 5-1 win over Germany in Munich back in 2001 in which Michael Owen netted a hat-trick.Eriksson spoke in the video as he outlined how “proud” he was to have been the England manager.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “I felt at home at once and that helps the relationship with the players and the country.”Inside Wembley Stadium, Eriksson’s picture was shown on the big screens for fans to pay tribute.And emotional fans took part in a minute’s round of applause.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis included the current England interim manager, Lee Carsley, and players.Most read in FootballFrank Lampard, who handed Harry Kane his golden cap, also visibly applauded his former coach.Sven-Goran Eriksson filmed his heartbreaking final goodbye alone – and his emotional message left film crew in tearsSVEN’S AMAZING CAREER1977 – Having played football professionally in Sweden, Sven-Goran Eriksson kicked off his managerial career with Swedish side Degerfors.2000 – He guided Lazio to the Serie A title to become one of the hottest coaches in the world.2001 – Following the resignation of Kevin Keegan, he was appointed England’s next permanent manager in February 2001. He oversaw 66 games with the Three Lions, winning 39 and losing just 12.2002 – Eriksson led England to the 2002 World Cup with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes and David Beckham in his squad. The Three Lions were knocked out in the quarter-finals.2004 – The legendary manager also led the Three Lions to Euro 2004, but they were knocked out of the quarter-finals to Portugal.2006 – Eriksson led England to another World Cup, his final tournament in charge, before resigning.2007 – The Swede took charge of Manchester City a year after leaving the England job and oversaw 45 games.2010 – Having coached Mexico, Ivory Coast and Notts County after parting ways with Man City, Erikson took charge of Leicester and saved them from relegation. Following his time with the Foxes he went on to manage China and Philippines.2024 – In January 2024, Eriksson announced he had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Three months later, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of managing Liverpool in a legends match at Anfield, before passing away in August.The matchday programme was also dedicated to the former Manchester City and Lazio manager.Eriksson managed England between 2001 and 2006, having taken over the job from Kevin Keegan.He took charge of England for three major tournaments, each time ending at the quarter-final stage.Euro 2004 and the World Cup in 2006 both ended with a penalty shootout heartbreak to Portugal.England followed up the tributes with a brilliant display to dispatch Finland 2-0.Kane bagged himself a brace on his 100th appearance for his nation to take his tally to 68 goals.SVEN’S ENGLAND RECORD – 2001-2006Matches 67Wins 40Draws 17Losses 10Win percentage 59.7World Cup 2002Lost 2-1 to Brazil in quarter-finalEuros 2004Lost on penalties to Portugal in quarter-finalWorld Cup 2006Lost on penalties to Portugal in quarter-final More

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    Austria star apologises to Martin Odegaard in 34-word message after leaving Arsenal ace in tears with ankle injury

    AUSTRIA star Christoph Baumgartner has apologised to Martin Odegaard after leaving the Arsenal skipper in tears and then on crutches.Odegaard was in agony after spraining his ankle in a challenge with Baumgartner in Norway’s 2-1 Nations League win in Oslo on Monday night.Odegaard cried with pain after a challenge from BaumgartnerCredit: RexOdegaard went back to London early on crutches following the injuryCredit: SplashThe Gunners’ main playmaker cut short his international break to fly back to London for scans.Baumgartner has now posted a 34-message on social media to stress the clash was an accident – and to praise his opponent’s talent.The RB Leipzig midfielder wrote: “Hi guys! I would like to sincerely apologize to Martin Odegaard. “It was never my intention to hurt this fantastic player. READ MORE TOP STORIES”I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery! Come back stronger.”Meanwhile, Norway manager Stale Solbakken confirmed Odegaard was forced to return to his club early.Solbakken told TV2 on Tuesday: “I only spoke to him late last night, but not today. He is having an MRI in London.”Odegaard’s problem increases Arsenal’s selection dilemma for Sunday’s huge Premier League derby at Tottenham.Most read in FootballAustria midfielder Baumgartner said sorry on social mediaCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDeclan Rice is out through suspension and new midfield colleague Mikel Merino is injured.At the back £43million summer recruit Riccardo Calafiori is a doubt.Premier League panel reveal why referee was right to send off Arsenal star Declan Rice against BrightonThe former main man for Bologna was hurt during Italy’s 3-1 Nations League win against France in Paris last Friday.But it’s Odegaard who will cause the biggest headache for the Gunners – because his injury could be the most serious.A minor ankle sprain can mean just a fortnight out, but four to six weeks is common.And if the issue is severe, Odegaard might even face an absence of three months or so. More

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    Italy World Cup star Toto Schillaci has sparked fears for his wellbeing after being admitted to hospital

    ITALY World Cup star Toto Schillaci has sparked fears for his wellbeing after being admitted to hospital.The former Juventus striker hit six goals at Italia 90. He denied England a bronze-medal finish by scoring the Azzurri’s winner in the third-place match.Italy World Cup star Toto Schillaci has been admitted to hospitalCredit: GettySchillaci was taken to hospital after reportedly suffering from pneumoniaCredit: GettySchillaci denied England a bronze medal at the 1990 World CupCredit: AFPSchillaci, 59, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022. He has since undergone two operations.And the 16-cap international was taken to the Civico hospital in his home city Palermo after reportedly suffering from pneumonia.His first wife Barbara, who he has remarried, has been the only person allowed to visit him.She told reporters: “There’s no fresh news, either negative or positive, about Toto. His situation is stationary.Read More on Football”I know how much he is in people’s hearts. I understand all the concern for him.”But I ask you to respect our private moment.”Schillaci, whose official name is Salvatore, won UEFA Cups with both Juve and Inter Milan.His family issued a statement on social media.Most read in FootballThey wrote: “Given the innumerable calls from media and the confused reports doing the rounds, we confirm that our beloved Toto is in a stable condition.”He is being continually looked after by a team of doctors, day and night. Stay strong, Toto.”Schillaci was little known outside Italy before the country staged the 1990 World Cup finals.But he went on to score against Austria, Czechoslovakia, Uruguay, the Republic of Ireland and Argentina before denying England in the third-place game in Bari. More