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      Chelsea star Wesley Fofana pulls out of France squad after ‘exchange’ with manager Didier Deschamps

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      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

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      England interim boss Lee Carsley faces Phil Foden battle with Man City wanting star RELEASED from international duty

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      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

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      New Wales boss Craig Bellamy dealt selection blow with Dan James ruled out through injury

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      CRAIG BELLAMY has been dealt a selection blow after Dan James was ruled out of Wales’ Nations League double-header with Turkey and Montenegro next month.Leeds boss Daniel Farke revealed winger James has a hamstring injury and is out of Saturday’s Championship clash with Hull at Elland Road.Dan James attended a McDonald’s event on Thursday afternoonJames will miss Wales’ Nations League clashes with Turkey and Montenegro next monthNew Wales chief Bellamy had named James in his 24-man squad for the September internationals on Wednesday morning.But the fitness setback means the winger will now not meet up with his country.James, 26, said: “I’m gutted to miss out. It’s a shame but I hope the injury won’t keep me out for too long. “The injury isn’t not too bad. I only found out on Wednesday afternoon.read more in football”It’s a new environment for all the players with the new manager and I was looking forward to going in and experiencing that.”James was speaking at a McDonald’s Fun Football Day which saw over 500 children attend Bollington United to take part in a Fun Football session alongside their footballing heroes.James added: “This is the biggest football session I’ve ever been involved in! What McDonald’s is doing is incredible and something that should be applauded. “Football is all about fun and these sessions allow children to play football without any expectations or pressures on them,”Most read in FootballFarke announced the injury blow at his weekly press conference yesterday lunchtime but hopes James will be fit when Leeds take on Burnley on September 14.Farke said: “We are without Dan, who has a hamstring problem. It’s a minor injury. He also won’t travel to the Welsh squad so he can’t be involved.How superstar Mikel Merino is the final piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw – City should watch out”I hope to have him back for the Burnley game but he will definitely miss out on this game and also the international game.”Bellamy is already without Bournemouth attacker David Brooks, who is recovering from a dislocated shoulder sustained in last May’s Championship play-off final while on loan at Southampton.Ipswich pair Wes Burns and Nathan Broadhead are also sidelined with hamstring injuries.All four attackers – James, Brooks, Burns and Broadhead – will sit out Bellamy’s first matches in charge since he replaced Robert Page as manager in July.Wales host Turkey in Cardiff on September 6 followed by a trip to Montenegro three days later.McDonald’s Fun Football ambassador Dan 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: https://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/football.html More

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      Fans say ‘give Lee Carsley the job permanently’ after spotting Trent Alexander-Arnold detail in first England squad

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      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

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      Lee Carsley’s first England squad revealed as he hands surprise call-ups to four young Lions and Jack Grealish returns

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      LEE CARSLEY made some surprise selections as he named his first England squad for next month’s Nations League fixtures.The 50-year-old was appointed interim manager by the FA earlier this month following Gareth Southgate’s departure.Lee Carsley has named his first England squadCredit: ReutersMorgan Gibbs-White is one of four players to earn his first senior call-upCredit: PAFormer Man Utd star Angel Gomes has also been called upCredit: PAAnd he will kick off England’s new era with a new-look squad.Four players have earned a maiden Three Lions senior call-up – Tino Livramento, Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes and Noni Madueke.Manchester City youngster Rico Lewis – who has one cap – has secured a place following a strong start to the Premier League season.Jack Grealish returns to the fold after being cut from Southgate’s Euro 2024 line-up.Read More on EnglandHarry Maguire is also back in the squad following his calf injury.As expected, the likes of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and captain Harry Kane have all been included.Ben White remains unavailable having ruled himself out of contention for Euro 2024 earlier this year.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLee Carsley’s first senior England squadNewcastle full-back Kieran Trippier is also absent.Most read in FootballThe 33-year-old announced his retirement from international football earlier today – just hours before Carsley revealed his squad.Inside Gareth Southgates love life with wife Alison.Aaron Ramsdale, Kyle Walker, Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, Adam Wharton and Ivan Toney – who all travelled to Germany for Euro 2024 – have been left out.Jarrell Quansah, Marcus Rashford and James Maddison are absent, with Luke Shaw, Jude Bellingham, Jarrad Branthwaite and Curtis Jones out due to injury.Interim manager Carsley has been in charge of England’s U21s since 2021.He led the Young Lions to European Championship glory last year in Georgia.Three of the four uncapped players – Gibbs-White, Gomes and Madueke featured for England at that tournament.Gomes, 23, who currently stars for Lille in Ligue 1 after leaving Manchester United in 2020, has not played since he suffered a horrific head injury against Reims two weeks ago.For Madueke, the call-up continues his amazing start to the season that has seen him score a hat-trick for Chelsea at Wolves last weekend.The blues ace, 22, has 20 caps for the Under 21 team.Lee Carsley’s England omissionsSNUBSAaron RamsdaleKyle WalkerLewis DunkJarrell QuansahJoe GomezAdam WhartonMarcus RashfordJames MaddisonIvan ToneyINJURIESLuke ShawJude BellinghamCurtis JonesJarrad BranthwaiteCarsley 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.Discussing his new role, Carsley said: “It is a real proud moment for my family and myself. It has been a hectic few weeks to get my head around the job and to see as many players as I can.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I understand I am in a really privileged position. Getting the squad out today was important. “It was important we put some fresh faces in.” More

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      New Wales boss Craig Bellamy names Aaron Ramsey as captain before hailing Liverpool teen star Lewis Koumas

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      AARON RAMSEY will remain Wales captain but has been told to inspire Liverpool whizkid Lewis Koumas.New Dragons boss Craig Bellamy named his first squad on Wednesday with Ramsey leading a 24-man party into next month’s Nations League ties with Turkey and Montenegro.Craig Bellamy named his first Wales squad on the outskirts of Cardiff on Wednesday morningCredit: GettyLewis Koumas, 18, is in the squad and has scored two goals in his last two games for Stoke on loan from LiverpoolCredit: AlamyBellamy is adamant Cardiff midfield star Ramsey, 33, who has not played for Wales in almost a year, can make a positive impact on the likes of Stoke loanee Koumas, 18.Rambo has suffered a series of injuries since his last international against Latvia in September 2023.The 84-cap ace missed the summer friendlies with Gibraltar and Slovakia.But he has completed 90 minutes in each of Cardiff’s three opening Championship matches this season.read more in footballBellamy said: “He will be captain. I didn’t see any reason to change that for the time being. “I understand the role of the captaincy as I was captain for Wales through all the age groups and into the senior team.”I’m aware of what he’s doing, his training programmes. You can’t doubt his quality.  “We’re talking about one of the best players to ever play for Wales. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”A player that’s represented Arsenal, he’s won cups, played in a World Cup, gone to Juventus and his experience with Nice. “Young players are aspiring to be him and he can help them with that.The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton break down the new changes for the UEFA Champions League format for 2024/25″If you watch his attitude and the details of what he does, that’s what has allowed him to play at a top level for so long. “That’s great to have around. He’s still got football in him.”Ramsey recovered from a horrific leg break after a shocking challenge by Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross in 2010 to play at three major tournaments for Wales and the next target is the 2026 World Cup. Bellamy, who kicks off his reign against the Turks in Cardiff a week on Friday, added: “He was able to come back from that and for what he has achieved in his career tells me he is mentally strong.”He still has a lot to offer and the way we want to play will help him a lot and be perfect for him. I still see a  good footballer.”Koumas, the son of ex-Wales midfielder Jason, is on loan at Stoke from Arne Slot’s Reds. The teen striker made his international bow in the friendly double-header in June, ex-boss Robert Page’s final matches in charge.The two-cap ace scored against West Brom in the league last Saturday as well as Tuesday’s 5-0 Carabao Cup win at Middlesbrough.Bellamy added: “I’ve got young Lewis who wants to become one of the top players. He’s just unbelievable to watch. “He’s fearless and I love that type of profile and player.”His father was incredible but I hope his attitude is better and he takes himself more seriously. “Every time he gets the ball then something positive happens. They are the players you love to coach.”I’m sure he would have looked up to Aaron for a number of years.”Now he gets to see what elite really looks like and I’d like to believe that will develop him quicker. He gets to see his actions, hear him talk and get certain information. “I was lucky I had Mark Hughes, Gary Speed, senior players who I had admired from afar, I caught the end of Ian Rush, who was my hero. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was able to pick up little bits and see what a serious player was. It benefitted me.”Wales squadDanny Ward, Adam Davies, Karl DarlowBen Davies, Owen Beck, Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Ben Cabango, Neco Williams, Connor RobertsJordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Josh Sheehan, Aaron Ramsey, Ollie Cooper, Sorba ThomasKieffer Moore, Lewis Koumas, Brennan Johnson, Harry Wilson, Daniel James, Mark Harris, Liam Cullen, Rabbi Matondo More

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      Lee Carsley ready to banish host of regular England stars in first Three Lions squad – but Ben White to remain in exile

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      LEE CARSLEY is promising changes for his first England squad – but Ben White is poised to remain in exile.The interim boss wants to put his “own stamp” on the Three Lions after Gareth Southgate departed following Euro 2024 final woe against Spain.Temporary chief Lee Carsley is likely to bring in some U-21 heroesCredit: GettyKieran Trippier is one of several senior players whose future is in doubtCredit: RexBen White has not spoken to Carsley since his appointmentCredit: GettyThe start of a new chapter in English football, which could be incredibly brief or last for years, will begin at St George’s Park on Thursday afternoon.But although Carsley will usher out some of the old squad there’s no sign of a new start for White.The Arsenal defender has not spoken to the 50-year-old nor indicated that he will make himself available to play for the Three Lions.And do not expect half of the  summer squad to have a knife plunged into their backs by Carsley.READ MORE TOP STORIESHowever, he will still show some players the international exit door while welcoming new faces to the senior set-up.Carsley has stepped up from the Under-21s on a temporary basis for  Uefa Nations League games against Ireland and Finland.He insisted: “It’s important that we put our own stamp on the squad.”After eight years under Southgate, Carsley must be determined to prove he is very much his own man and will want to make some clear changes.Most read in FootballVilla’s Morgan Rogers is one of the youngsters pressing for a placeCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile he might officially be a temporary boss, Carsley will  treat this like a permanent job — and  be planning with the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and  Mexico firmly in his mind.Carsley oversaw England’s first U-21 Euros title in 39 years in Georgia last summer, so expect some of those younger players to earn call-ups.Former England and Prem star Andros Townsend admits ‘I don’t know who owns me’ as freak hold-up wrecks move to TurkeyNewcastle full-back Tino Livramento is also in contentionCredit: RexYet the big decisions will be which senior players to axe.Here is a squad with some supremely-gifted individual players — but the England team is in no way perfect.It does have weaknesses, as we saw during the summer in Germany.Kieran Trippier did not enjoy a good Euros, even though he was being played out of position at left-back, and the season has not started well for him at Newcastle. He is at risk of being dropped.Kyle Walker was talked out of quitting after Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup by Southgate and will be 36 by the time of  the next global tournament. Again, Carsley has a decision to make.Jack Grealish, who missed out on the Euros squad having featured little at the end of last season for Manchester City, has only played 19 minutes this season, against Prem new-boys Ipswich.Striker Ivan Toney, although part of the Euro 2024 squad, will also be sweating — and might not help his chances if he moves from   Brentford to Saudi Arabia.Ben Chilwell is not wanted by Chelsea so will presumably not be considered by Carsley.And Marcus Rashford also seems set to remain out of the picture, although his Manchester United team-mate Harry Maguire — who missed the Euros  through injury — looks certain to be included.As for younger players, Carsley, loves Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento, 21, who is a strong bet for inclusion. Man City’s Rico Lewis is expected to be includedCredit: AlamyMan Utd striker Marcus Rashford is likely to be left out once moreCredit: GettyRico Lewis, 19, has started well with champions City and it would be a surprise if he is not selected.Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest are also in contention.Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, who scored the winner against Spain Under-21s in July’s final, would normally have been included but is struggling with an injury — as is Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.FA chief exec Mark Bullingham says he is continuing the recruitment search for a new boss.Yet if England win in Ireland a week on Saturday and against Finland three days later – then do the same in October’s Nation League clashes with Greece and   Finland – the solution will be right under the FA’s noses.In contrast, there is still no answer in sight over the future of White.He returned home during the World Cup in 2022 due to personal reasons.And in Qatar there was tension between White and assistant boss Steve Holland.But there were also other factors which led to him deciding to return to England.READ MORE SUN STORIESCarsley, who turned down the Ireland job last year, will have Ashley Cole as his assistant. Joleon Lescott and Tim Dittmer, the FA’s head of coaching, will also be part of the temporary backroom team.Forest attacker Morgan Gibbs-White has put himself in the pictureCredit: Rex More

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      Ex-Premier League star who snubbed Wales TWICE and ‘would love’ to play for England finally gets international call-up

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      KARL DARLOW has been called up by Wales having previously rejected them twice to leave the door open for an England cap.The former Newcastle keeper, 33, joined Leeds last year after nearly a decade at St James’ Park where he made 52 Premier League appearances.Karl Darlow, right, has been included in Wales’ squad for their Nations League gamesCredit: RexCraig Bellamy named the Leeds shot-stopper in his first squadCredit: PAHe has featured just four times for the Championship side, playing second fiddle to Ilan Meslier.But that has not stopped him from being selected for the first time by Wales as new head coach Craig Bellamy named his squad for their upcoming Nations League matches against Turkey and Montenegro.Darlow is born in Northampton but his grandfather, Ken Leek, featured as a striker for Wales on 13 occasions in the 1960s and was an unused squad player at the 1958 World Cup.Darlow was previously approached by the Welsh FA in 2013 and 2018, but declined on both occasions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe first time it was confirmed he did not think it was the “right time to make any decisions” on his international future.Five years later, he then rejected Wales again in a bid to focus on regaining his position as Newcastle’s No1.This was because he had a desire to play for England.Speaking in 2020, he told The Mail: “It’s the one thing that as a child you want to do [play for England].Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDarlow played just two league games for Leeds last season”There would be no bigger achievement and I just want to leave the window open for it to happen.”I know I have ability and, if I can get a good run of games and get on some good form, then there is potential for that to happen. I would love nothing more.”SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesLeicester’s Danny Ward and Sheffield United’s Adam Davies are the other keepers in the squad.Wales host Turkey on September 6 before they travel to face Montenegro three days later.It will be Bellamy’s first set of games in charge since taking over from Rob Page.And some Wales fans are less than impressed about Darlow’s inclusion.One said: “Karl Darlow should be nowhere near the squad.”Another added: “Keeper situation is worrying, Karl Darlow?”While a third replied: “F***ing Karl Darlow…” More