More stories

  • in

    Lee Carsley sticking to pre-match ritual and will NOT sing God Save the King before England vs Ireland in Nations League

    LEE CARSLEY admits he will not sing God Save the King before his England side face the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.The Three Lions’ interim boss, who played 40 times for the Republic, says he has never sung national anthems as a player with the Irish or as the England Under-21 manager.Carsley, right, alongside his coach Ashley Cole, won’t sing God Save the King before England’s clash with the Republic of IrelandCredit: PACarsley was capped for Ireland during a stellar playing career and insists he didn’t sing the anthem then eitherCredit: PABirmingham-born Carsley takes charge of England’s senior team for the first of a six-match Nations League campaign, which will serve as an audition for the full-time job.But asked whether he would belt out the national anthem, Carsley said: “This is something I always struggled with when I was playing for Ireland.“The gap between your warm-up, your coming on to the pitch and the delay with the anthems . . . it’s something that I have never done.“I was always really focused on the game and my first actions.Read More on Football“I found that in that period I was wary about my mind wandering off.”Former boss Gareth Southgate always roared the anthem and asked his players to do the same.But Carsley, 50, added: “I was really focused on the football and I have taken that into coaching.“We had the national anthem with the Under-21s also and I am in a zone at that point.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I am thinking about how the opposition are going to set up and our first actions within the game.“I fully respect both anthems and understand how much they mean to both countries.Kyle Walker shows his true colours as he reveals conversation with Lee Carsley after being dropped from England squad “It’s something I am really respectful of.”Carsley’s insistence on not singing God Save the King — hugely unpopular with many Irish people — will prove controversial to some England fans.A hostile reception has been promised for Carsley — as well as Declan Rice, who played three times for Ireland’s senior team as a teenager, and ex-Ireland Under-21 player Jack Grealish.Both England stars are set to face Ireland in an away match for the first time.Lee Carsley’s first senior England squad More

  • in

    Arsenal injury scare as new signing Calafiori hobbles off for Italy after freak collision with France ace Dembele

    ARSENAL star Riccardo Calafiori appeared to have picked up an injury after a freak collision during a Nations League clash.Calafiori, 22, linked up with Italy for Friday’s crunch clash against France at Parc des Princes.Arsenal suffered an injury scare as Riccardo Calafiori hobbled offCredit: ReutersCalafiori linked up with Italy for the Nations League clash against FranceCredit: APFrance’s Ousmane Dembele went flying after a clash with Italy’s Alessandro BastoniDemebele caught Calafiori on the back of the knee as he landedThe centre-back returned to international duty following some impressive performances at Euro 2024, which led to his £42million move to the Emirates from Bologna this summer.However, the North Londoners will be biting their nails after the Italy international hobbled off the pitch on 71 minutes.It all started after a clash between Calafiori’s team-mate Alessandro Bastoni and France star Ousmane Dembele in the 66th minute.Inter Milan ace Bastoni tackled PSG’s Dembele and sent him flying in the air.Read More on ArsenalAnd as he landed, the forward’s left foot made contact with Calafiori’s left leg as he caught him in the back of the knee, studs first.The Arsenal star may have turned his ankle slightly but still tried to power through, however he was substituted by Alessandro Buongiorno five minutes later.Calafiori needed time to get match ready after joining Mikel Arteta’s side in July.The defender was on the bench for the Premier League opener against Wolves last month.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, the ex-Roma ace made his debut as a sub at Aston Villa a week later.Calafiori also came on for last week’s draw against Brighton, where he made his Emirates bow.Verdict on Riccardo Calafiori debut as Arsenal end pre-season with win over LyonItaly scored twice in the second half to come from behind and beat France in the first game of the Nations League in Group A.It did not take long for France to take the lead when Bradley Barcola smashed home inside 13 seconds.But Italy pulled level after Federico Dimarco played a neat one-two with Sandro Tonali and aimed a ruthless volley into the top corner.Italy turned the game on its head in the 51st minute courtesy of Davide Frattesi.And the visitors sealed a stunning turnaround victory when Destiny Udogie played in Giacomo Raspadori, who stabbed beyond Mike Maignan to register three points.Calafiori came off the bench for Arsenal against BrightonCredit: AFP More

  • in

    England set to start new look XI against Ireland as star makes competitive debut with Maguire and Jack Grealish returns

    ENGLAND interim boss Lee Carsley looks set to field a new look starting line-up in his first match in charge.The Three Lions visit the Republic of Ireland on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium in their first match since Gareth Southgate’s resignation as manager.Manchester United ace Harry Maguire is set to return to England’s starting line-upCredit: GettyManchester City ace Jack Grealish is also expected to start for EnglandCredit: GettyChelsea ace Levi Colwill could pick up his first competitive England startCredit: GettyCarsley, 50, is expected to reinstate Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish in the starting XI after the two Premier League stars missed out on Euro 2024.Manchester United ace Maguire didn’t get to travel to Germany in the summer due to an injury.While Manchester City ace Grealish, who represented Ireland at youth level, didn’t make the final cut after failing to convince Southgate who included him in the preliminary squad.Levi Colwill also looks set for his first competitive England cap after his debut in 2023 in an international friendly against Australia.Read More on EnglandChelsea ace Colwill was a mainstay in Carsley’s England team that won the European Under-21 Championship last year.Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to return at right-back having been deployed as a midfielder during the Euros.That means Maguire and Marc Guehi may team up at centre-back with Colwill at left-back.And Grealish could start in the wing up front searching for the first goal under former Ireland international Carsley’s reign.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland’s returning stars, though, won’t be joined by Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins.The Premier League trio withdrew from international duty earlier this week.Jude Bellingham follows Cristiano Ronaldo in launching YouTube channel with behind-the-scenes footage of England starHowever, Noni Madueke, Angel Gomes, Morgan Gibbs-White and Tino Livramento will all be hoping for a debut against Ireland.Otherwise they may have to wait until Tuesday when when England host Finland in their other Nations League match at Wembley. More

  • in

    Ireland vs England: Get £30 in free bets and £10 casino bonus, plus 25% boost on Bet Builder winnings at BoyleSports

    ENGLAND make the short trip to Ireland for what should be a fiery Nations League clash at the Aviva Stadium.And bookmakers BoyleSports are celebrating the big clash with a fantastic offer for brand new customers with £30 in free bets plus an extra £10 casino bonus up for grabs!Not only that, but BoyleSports punters can get a 25% bonus on Bet Builder winnings on the showdown too!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereIreland vs England: Get £30 in free bets and £10 casino bonus plus 25% bet bonusBet £10 to get £30 in free bets and £10 casino bonus – CLAIM HERE*How to claim..BoyleSports offerVisit the BoyleSports website via your mobile HERE*Register a new account — no Promo Code requiredDeposit a minimum of £10 using CardsPlace a bet of £10 or more at odds of 1/1 or greaterOnce that’s settled, BoyleSports will credit your account with £30 in free bets plus an extra £10 casino bonusBoyleSports – Claim £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus HERE*Not got a BoyleSports account? No problem!Brand new BoyleSports customers who register an account will receive £30 in free bets and a £10 bonus to spend in the casino!It’s very easy to sign-up. Simply visit the BoyleSports website, register and deposit at least a tenner.Stake a tenner or more at odds of 1/1 or greater and once that’s settled — you’ll have your account credited with a £40 welcome bonus.Bet £10 to get £30 in free bets and £10 casino bonus – CLAIM HERE**New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. £40 in FREE Bets (FB) as £30 in sports bets & a £10 casino bonus (CB). Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. FB applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. FB 7-day expiry. 1 FB offer per customer, household & IP address only. Account & Payment restrictions. 14 days to accept £10 CB, then active for 3 days. CB 5x wagering & max redeemable £100. Game restrictions apply. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. 30 days to qualify. 18+. T&Cs apply. 18+. Prices subject to fluctuation & availability. Bet responsibly. 90 mins only. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

  • in

    Astonishing XI of England stars who could have played for Ireland including Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney and Jack Grealish

    LEE CARSLEY will be hoping to get one over his former side the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League on Saturday.Interim England boss Carsley has wasted no time stamping his mark on the senior squad after including four stars from his European Championship-winning U21 side.Jack Grealish was allowed to switch allegiance from Ireland to EnglandCredit: GettyEngland icon Wayne Rooney was eligible to play for IrelandAs was Harry Kane through his paternal grandparentsDeclan Rice might be the subject of boos on Saturday after he switched allegiance in 2019Ireland have often played second-fiddle to players who are eligible for both the Boys in Greens and the Three Lions.Carsley himself was born in Birmingham but after failed attempts to break into the England, he was called up to Ireland, earning 40 caps.But who else from England could have played for Ireland?Let’s start with a current Three Lions superstar who actually represented Ireland’s senior side – Declan Rice.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSThe London-born midfielder qualified for Ireland through his Irish-born parental grandparents and his three appearances came in friendlies, but if Rice had played in ONE more game he wouldn’t have been able to switch allegiance.He then elected to play for England to the dismay of Irish fans, earning 35 caps and becoming a midfield staple for Gareth Southgate.Jack Grealish is another player who was in the Irish system and had represented the underage teams for several years.The Birmingham-native qualified for Ireland as three of his grandparents were Irish and he was named the U21 Player of the Year.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGrealish would switch also allegiance and initially play for England’s U21 team before making his senior debut in September 2020.Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane and Paul Scholes all have strong Irish roots through their paternal grandparents.Kyle Walker shows his true colours as he reveals conversation with Lee Carsley after being dropped from England squad The Bayern Munich star surpassed Rooney’s scoring record with 53 goals for England in March 2023.Meanwhile, Real Madrid midfield star and Ballon d’Or nominee Jude Bellingham is eligible to play for Ireland through his father, Mark.Jude Bellingham wearing an Ireland top as a toddlerAaron Lennon was entitled to play for Ireland through his mother, but a some glittering early-career performances earned him a call-up to England’s 2006 World Cup squad while still a teenager.Chelsea legend Gary Cahill could have starred for the Green Army through his Irish grandmother, but the Derby-born legend only had eyes for England.The Champions League winning centre-back went on to earn 60 caps for England between 2009-2018.While 81-capped Rio Ferdinand turned down the opportunity to play for Ireland through his Irish grandmother.Harry Maguire, who missed out on Euro 2024 through injury but broke back into Carsley’s squad last week, could have worn the green jersey through both sets of grandparents.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy’s one England cap in 2018 prevented him from playing for those across the Irish Sea.Rio Ferdinand said was always going to choose EnglandGary Cahill could have played for IrelandPaul Scholes perhaps did not have the England career he wanted, but earned 66 caps More

  • in

    Portugal vs Scotland preview: Free betting tips, odds and predictions for Nations League clash

    SCOTLAND need to bounce back from Thursday’s hammer blow when they head to heavyweights Portugal on Sunday.SunSport betting experts have previewed the Group 1 contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesPortugal vs Scotland previewIt was a case of same old Scotland at Hampden on Thursday night.Needing a response after a horror European Championships, Steve Clarke’s side found themselves 2-0 down at half time – one being a terrible mistake for a penalty – having conceded just two shots on target.But the performance was actually OK and they managed to battle back with two goals to level the game and were the side most likely to go on and win it.However, Grant Hanley’s inexcusable challenge six minutes into added time handed Poland another chance from the spot and they snatched all three points.It’s left Scotland with a mountain to climb already ahead of their trip to Portugal on Sunday.Cristiano Ronaldo bagged his 900th league goal as the Portuguese beat Croatia 2-1 on Thursday. There was a Manchester United connection in the other goal, too with Diogo Dalot scoring from a Bruno Fernandes assist.The depth of squad at Roberto Martinez’s disposal is extraordinary and even changing the full side on Sunday, it’d be a huge test for Scotland.Portugal vs Scotland latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.William Hill new customer offerWilliam Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Portugal vs Scotland betting tips and predictionsHaving a RafScotland are without their first and second choice right backs, with Celtic’s second-choice right back Anthony Ralston currently filling that position.He had a terrible Euros and was at fault for the first penalty the other night but did actually go on to have a very decent game on the whole.Portugal might well rotate their wingers but this is definitely a chance for Rafael Leao will be a massive test for Ralston if he’s selected and he can add to the goal he scored against Lazio last week with another here.Rafael Leao to score anytime at 5/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

  • in

    Ireland vs England odds: Price boosts and specials offers for Three Lions’ Nations League opener

    ENGLAND’S post-Gareth Southgate era begins with a crunch game against Ireland in the Nations League on Saturday.Lee Carsley takes a new look Three Lions side across the Irish Sea in the League B2 opener B2 in this competition.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereThere’s no love lost here and a packed Aviva Stadium will almost certainly make sure the two sets of teams know it.Thankfully there’s some loving from the bookmakers ahead of this one, so we’ve carefully selected some of the best price boosts and special offers for existing customers from our betting partners.Ireland vs England: Price boosts and specials offers for Nations League showdownWilliam HillOur partners over at William Hill continually have some top price boosts across football – the international break is no different. We’ve selected our favourite couple which you can back below!Saka to score & England to win 2-0, 2-1 Or 3-1 – was 7/1, NOW 9/1 – CLAIM HEREKane over 1 shot on target & England to win by 3 or more goals – was 9/2, NOW 6/1 – CLAIM HEREAlexander-Arnold to assist a goal – was 3/1, NOW 4/1 – CLAIM HEREtalkSPORT BETtalkSPORT BET also have a selection of price boosts for the game at the Aviva! Here’s some of those on offer:England to Win, Kane & Saka to score anytime – was 13/2, NOW 8/1 – CLAIM HEREBTTS, over 3.5 Goals & Saka to score anytime – was 10/1, NOW 11 – CLAIM HERERemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

  • in

    Kyle Walker shows his true colours as he reveals conversation with Lee Carsley after being dropped from England squad

    KYLE WALKER has opened up about his omission from the England squad and insists he does not hold a grudge against interim boss Lee Carsley.The 34-year-old was left out of Carsley’s first Three Lions squad last week, having made just one substitute appearance for Manchester City so far this season.Kyle Walker says Lee Carsley made the ‘right call’ to leave him out of the squadCredit: EPACarsley will take charge of his first senior England match this weekendCredit: GettyInstead, his City team-mate Rico Lewis and Newcastle’s Tino Livramento received a call-up for upcoming fixtures against Ireland and Finland.Walker has been ever-present in the England squad over the last eight years, having appeared at five major tournaments.But he admitted Carsley made the right call by dropping him from the squad.Speaking on his ‘You’ll Never Beat Kyle Walker’ podcast, the Man City star said: “With the new manager and everything like that you’re expecting a few changes.Read More in Football”Obviously disappointed because to represent your country is always the highest thing, especially with England when we’re doing so well.”But I haven’t played any minutes this season so you have to take it on the chin.”Walker then went on to reveal that he spoke to Carsley before the squad announcement, adding: “He was really nice, he gave me a ring a couple of hours before the squad was announced and we just had a conversation.”I said to him I’m on 91 caps, I want to be involved.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”It’s on performances and merit so I think it’s the right call from him. I just need to make sure I’m proving him wrong a little bit in the near future.”Walker was the only England player to be named in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament after Euro 2024.England ace Kyle Walker reveals the meanings behind his tattoos However, the right-back has been limited to just one appearance for Man City so far this season.He was not in the squad for the Community Shield or City’s Premier League match against Ipswich last month.And he was an unused substitute against Chelsea on the opening day of the campaign.His only appearance so far has been a two-minute cameo off the bench against West Ham.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More