UEFA Nations League

FOOTBALL fans hoping to watch every single slice of Nations League action are set for disappointment after a major broadcaster vanished from UK screens.Scotland face Poland at Hampden Park tomorrow hoping to kickstart their Nations League campaign with a win.Scotland’s Nations League matches currently do not have a UK broadcasterCredit: APTalks between rights holders Viaplay and suitors have stalledCredit: GettyHowever, lovers of the beautiful game in the UK are unlikely to be able to watch it due to issues at broadcaster Viaplay.The Scandinavian subscription channel had previously agreed a deal with Uefa to show all of Scotland’s international qualifiers until 2028.They then announced their intention to quit the UK last summer before entering talks with former Scotland broadcaster Premier Sports and the BBC to sub-let TV rights for the national team.But negotiations have stalled over prices, reports the Mail.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it means there is currently no broadcaster for Thursday’s game as Steve Clarke’s men look to get over their Euros heartache.As well as the Poland match, Scotland’s upcoming Nations League games with Portugal and Croatia — as well as the second fixtures against all three sides — are off the screen for now too.Premier Sports has already bought the rights to 20 games for the SPFL, as well as the League Cup.While BBC are taking care of Scottish Cup coverage.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd fans will hoping either one can step in at the last minute to sweep up Scotland’s national side too.England and Wales fans can breathe a sigh of relief though, with their matches being shown on ITV and BBC respectively.Aston Villa star John McGinn opens up on facing his boyhood heroes Celtic in the Champions LeagueTartan Army supporters will be desperate to return to old form after putting the Euros behind them.Scotland went into the tournament in Germany with high hopes after an impressive qualifying campaign.But they started awfully with a 5-1 defeat to the hosts in the first game of the tournament.They then drew 1-1 with Switzerland before finishing bottom of their group with a 1-0 loss to Hungary.The likes of Che Adams, James Forrest and Greg Taylor have pulled out of the squad against Poland and Portugal.While new faces including Connor Barron, Josh Doig and Jon McCracken will be out to impress. More

LEE CARSLEY and fellow former Ireland internationals Declan Rice and Jack Grealish can expect a fiery reception on their return to Dublin.That is according to Shay Given, who jokingly told old Aston Villa pal Grealish as much via text, to which the Manchester City star replied with laughing emojis.Birmingham-born Lee Carsley won 40 Ireland caps from 1997-2008Credit: GettyEngland ace Jack Grealish played for Ireland U-17s, U-18s and U-21sCredit: SportsfileThree Lions star Declan Rice won three Ireland caps in 2018Credit: SportsfileCarsley, 50, makes his bow as interim England boss on Saturday against the nation for whom he won 40 caps as a player.Londoner Rice made three appearances for the Republic of Ireland before switching back to England while Three Lions team-mate Grealish played up through the Irish youth ranks.Irish stalwart Given appeared with Birmingham-born Carsley many times at international level, including at the 2002 World Cup.The former Newcastle keeper, 48, told SunSport: “Lee won’t be expecting anything else other than a volatile reception with his team because it’s our biggest rival.READ MORE TOP STORIES“It’s going to be a fiery atmosphere, that’s for sure. It’s crazy how the stars have aligned that his first game is Ireland away.“I don’t imagine Lee will be doing a lap of honour after the game! He knows what he’s walking into. “Rice and Grealish are two brilliant players who were both wearing the green of Ireland at one point.“I’m sure they’ll be in for a bit of a reception as well.Most read in FootballGrealish and Rice are now firmly established England internationalsCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Jack’s back in the squad. I texted him jokingly the other day that I hope he’s ready for a nice reception when he gets back to Dublin and I got a few laughing faces back.”Another factor that could add to an already spicy  Nations League tie at the Aviva Stadium is the fact the Football Association of Ireland wanted Carsley as boss.England appoint Lee Carsley interim bossShay Given says it’s ‘crazy’ Carsley’s first game in charge is vs IrelandCredit: SuppliedBut the mastermind behind England’s Under-21 Euros triumph last summer decided to stay put, with Ireland eventually turning to ex-Iceland and Jamaica chief Heimir Hallgrimsson.Given said: “It does add a lot to it. Lee was strongly linked to it.“I’m sure most Irish fans would love him to be on our bench at the weekend because they’ve got huge respect for him. But that’s not happened. We’ve got a new manager.“It’s straight into the melting pot for his first game against your  biggest rivals in Dublin, it doesn’t get any bigger than that.”Given played with numerous team-mates across his 23-year career but Carsley is one of the few he remains in touch with.The Toon stalwart reckons comparisons can be drawn to Luis de la Fuente, who managed Spain’s youth teams before beating Gareth Southgate’s England to win the Euros at senior level earlier this summer.While Carsley’s assistant Joleon Lescott is a neighbour and a former team-mate at Man City.The Toon stalwart added: “I asked Joleon after the Euros what Lee brings. He said his leadership qualities are brilliant but the players just love him and want to win for him.“It’s about man-management as much as systems or tactical things.“Lee seems a really perfect fit for England and I don’t say that lightly.”I know he’s been part of the system and you only have to look at Spain with regards their manager.Lee Carsley’s first senior England squad“He knows the players inside out because he’s been there a longer number of years with the FA.”Given believes Carsley will give attacking players “more freedom” than predecessor Southgate, which will be “refreshing” to many fans.He is also backing Tino Livramento to justify his maiden call-up and believes Magpies team-mate Nick Pope will give Carsley something to consider in goal.Given added: “Livramento is ready all right. He is the real deal.“The easiest choice in goal would be to stick with Jordan Pickford.“But Nick Pope is good enough to play at international level.”Meanwhile, Given has urged Hallgrimsson to do what England did with Rice and Grealish and persuade Liam Delap to switch  allegiances to Ireland.The Ipswich striker, who has five England Under-21 caps, is the son of Rory Delap, who played with Given for the Republic.Given said: “If I was the Ireland  manager, I would be going, ‘Liam, you could play for us every game’.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I would leave no stone unturned to get players on board.”Shay Given is a brand ambassador for sports betting platform CopyBet. Visit CopyBet.comNew England interim chief Carsley had been linked with the Ireland jobCredit: Getty More

WELSEY FOFANA has pulled out of the France squad for the upcoming international break.The Chelsea star will not feature in matches against Italy or Belgium after an exchange with boss Didier Deschamps.Wesley Fofana has pulled out of the France squadCredit: GettyFofana, 23, has featured in all three of Chelsea’s Premier League fixtures this season.He has been a part of the backline that has picked up four points from a possible nine before the international break.The defender will now get a rest during the international fixtures and not play for Les Blues.This is down to a treatment protocol which has been linked to his previous injuries.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSThe French FA confirmed that this was the case and revealed that Loic Bade would take his spot.A statement read: “After an exchange with Didier Deschamps, Wesley Fofana will finally remain at Chelsea’s disposal and take advantage of the international break to follow a treatment protocol, linked to the injuries which kept him away from the pitch for a long time last season.”Loic Badé (FC Seville) is called up for the first time to replace him.”Fofana has struggled with persistent injury problems since his big-money arrival at Chelsea from Leicester City.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Frenchman was signed by the Blues in an £70million deal back in the summer of 2022.However, since joining Chelsea, he has missed 77 club and international games with injuries.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyFrance’s national squadHere is the full France squad for their upcoming matches against Italy and Belgium…GoalkeepersAlphonse AreolaMike MaignanBrice SambaDefendersJonathan ClaussWesley Fofana (replaced by Loic Bade)Theo HernandezJules KoundeFerland MendyWilliam SalibaDayot UpamecanoMidfieldersYoussouf FofanaN’Golo KanteManu KoneWarren Zaire-EmeryForwardsBradley BarcolaOusmane DembeleAntonie GreizmannKylian MbappeMichael OliseMarcus ThuramThis means that he has been limited to just 23 games at the West London club.The once highly-rated defender has only earned one cap for France.This came in a 3-0 Euro 2024 qualifying phase victory over Gibraltar in June 2022.Following Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday, Fofana insisted he is enjoying his football now he is back fit.He said: “I am enjoying it. I enjoy every moment.”After a long period without football, I enjoy everything and I am very happy.”We now go on international break and we come back and play and win games.” More

MANCHESTER CITY want England to release Phil Foden from the Nations League games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.Foden, 24, missed City’s last two games, a 4-1 win over Ipswich and Saturday’s 3-1 victory at West Ham, with a stomach virus.Lee Carsley named Phil Foden in his England squadCredit: GettyThe star missed Man City’s win over West Ham with illnessCredit: GettyPep Guardiola expects Foden not to play for EnglandCredit: GettyYet he was named in England interim coach Lee Carsley’s squad for Ireland in Dublin on Saturday and Finland at Wembley three days later.The midfielder did not travel to London for the game at West Ham because of illness.The star’s absence did not slow down the reigning champions, as Erlign Haaland’s hat trick made sure they continued their perfect start to the season.Jarrod Bowen did force an own goal from Ruben Dias and the Hammers spurned a couple of second-half chances as they fell to their second league defeat of the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAfter the victory, City boss Pep Guardiola, asked if Foden would be available for England, said: “I don’t think so right now.“He doesn’t feel good, with his stomach and some little virus.”But people have said that, with anti-biotics, he will be fine.”Guardiola expects the 24-year-old, the newly crowned PFA Player of the Year, to be fit after the international break.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAfter the break, City take on Brentford at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League before an EFL Cup third-round tie against Watford.Guardiola was more positive over Rico Lewis’ call-up by Carsley.England interim manager Lee Carsley speaks to the media as he announces his first squad since taking over from Gareth SouthgateLee Carsley’s first senior England squadHe said: “Absolutely, he deserves it [Rico]. I am happy for him, really happy.“Rico is playing good and had a pre-season so his rhythm is better and that is why he is in the position.”The Spaniard also gave an update on Kyle Walker, who has been struggling with fitness issues.He added: “No [I have not spoken to Walker]. But when he is back, it will be soon, and he is an incredible weapon for the national team because he has special qualities.”But it was late, he arrived back with a few niggles and some problems.”There are many games for the national team as well, and with his physicality, he has a chance to come back and play well here, and the option to play for the national team remains open.”Inside humble Phil Foden’s family lifeBy Jon BoonPHIL FODEN may be flashy on the pitch, but the Premier League’s Player of the Year is a humble family man off it.The Man City superstar earns an astonishing salary believed to be £11.7million-per-year.But the Stockport kid is frugal with his cash as he enjoys his down time with childhood sweetheart Rebecca and their two kids.Foden only passed his driving test last year… and turns up for training in City’s glittering club car park in a £40k VOLKSWAGEN.And in his spare time he loves nothing more than a FISHING trip.He celebrated his first big City contract by buying his mum and dad a Cheshire mansion and lives with them until 2021.But Foden has now splashed out on a luxury £3million mansion for his own growing family.Click here for to find out all about Foden’s glamorous life… More

ENGLAND interim manager Lee Carsley has impressed fans with his squad selection ahead of next month’s Nations League fixtures.Carsley was appointed by the FA earlier this month following Gareth Southgate’s departure.Lee Carsley has named his first England squad with some key changesCredit: PATrent Alexander-Arnold has been listed as a midfielderCredit: GettyPhil Foden has been named as a midfielderCredit: AlamyHe named his first 26-man squad on Thursday afternoon, handing maiden call-ups to four players – Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes, Noni Madueke and Tino Livramento.But some eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice a change of position for some players.Liverpool favourite Trent Alexander-Arnold was listed as a defender rather than a midfielder, which is what Southgate considered him.Similarly, Manchester City’s Phil Foden was listed as a midfielder as opposed to a forward.Read More in FootballMany fans criticised Foden’s performances on the wing throughout Euro 2024 and begged Southgate to play him in the centre of midfield.But Carsley appears to have moved both back to their original positions.Discussing his choice to shift Alexander-Arnold back into defence, he said: “For me, this camp especially, he’ll be playing in defence as a right-back.”I think Trent is like a lot of modern-day full-backs. They have a lot of all-round attributes that turn them into midfielders.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLee Carsley’s first England squad in full”He’s very confident on the ball and has a great range of passing.”Fans are thrilled with Carsley’s decision, with one person taking to social media to write: “Thank god. Give him the job permanently.”Lee Carsley for EnglandAnother commented: “Lee Carsley utilise Trent correctly and I will be singing God Save the King to the top of my lungs.”A third said: “It’s beautiful to behold. So much to love about that squad.”While a fourth wrote: “I think it’s interesting he listed Foden and Palmer as midfielders and Trent in defenders.”Southgate put them as forwards and Trent as a midfielder, it’s already an improvement, he seems to understand profiles. No Walker, thank you.”Carsley has named Ashley Cole as his assistant for the foreseeable future.England have two Nations League games scheduled for next month.The Three Lions first travel to Ireland before hosting Finland at Wembley. More