UEFA Nations League

CRAIG BELLAMY was known as a hothead during his playing days.But the new Wales boss, 45, plans to use a little TLC in his first senior managerial gig.Craig Bellamy is drawing on all his past experiences to lead Wales to the World CupCredit: PABellamy infamously attacked John Arne Riise with a golf club… and even mocked it with a goal celebrationCredit: GettyFrom using a golf club to attack Liverpool team-mate John Arne Riise, throwing a chair and wrestling on the floor with Newcastle first-team coach John Carver or constantly berating match officials, Bellamy’s fiery temperament preceded him.Aware of his reputation, the firebrand ex-forward addressed it head on when named Wales boss — and wants to change the way people think about him.Bellamy outlined his calmer side ahead of his debut in the hot seat when Wales host Turkey in Friday’s Nations League clash in Cardiff.He said: “I have a certain level of non-negotiables but I do like feedback from players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I believe I can help players develop and have an impact on how we play.“I also believe players can help me coach and we work together. I’m not a dictator.“Without the ball, I’m non-negotiable. With the ball, I am quite caring and all about love.“I need my players to feel free. I can’t put any shackles on.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“If you give the ball away and you hear me in the background yelling, then it’s not going to help or improve the player. I will allow my players to be the best they can be.“I’ll be supportive, positive and encouraging. I like giving confidence to players, letting them know how good they are and how much I like seeing them play. It allows you to gain trust.” Maverick Monday: Craig BellamyBellamy played for seven Premier League clubs including the Reds, Toon, Manchester City and West Ham.He has an extensive list of managers to tap into as well as the coaching experiences gained as Anderlecht Under-21 manager and two years as assistant boss to Vincent Kompany at Burnley.Among those Bellamy has approached since taking the job include Leicester boss and fellow Welshman Steve Cooper.He added: “I am my own person but there’s a big range of managers I am able to take knowledge from — Martin O’Neill, Kenny Dalglish, Sir Bobby  Robson, Gordon Strachan, Roberto Mancini . . . you take little bits.“I think about what I have seen, what I liked, what I didn’t like. How I’d like to be spoken to and treated to get the best out of me.Bellamy enjoyed a fine club career starring at big clubs like LiverpoolCredit: AFP – GettyBellamy also played for the likes of Man CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty“I have a lot of respect for footballers. I really admire and care for them as well.“That was key for me as a player. If I knew you cared for me, I knew I was going to do well for you.”The goal for Bellamy is qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico.And the Nations League — with Iceland and Montenegro also in  Group B4 —  represents a bedding-in process to achieve that ambition.Bellamy, who wants to play an attacking, high-pressing game, said: “Do I want to win every game? Of course.“Over this six-game period in the Nations League, I want to create a clear identity of how we play. Are we the best team physically? I’m not sure.Bellamy cut his teeth alongside Vincent Kompany at BurnleyCredit: GettyBellamy has been seeking advice from fellow Welshman Steve CooperCredit: Getty“But tactically and the knowledge that our players are going to take on board, I believe that is going to give us an advantage where we can adapt in games.“We will always have a solution. There’s no panic. When we go into the World Cup qualifiers we’re a machine running.“It will take a lot of work on the training pitch. There will be a lot of hours in meetings. Some will get it quick, some will take longer. No problem.”Proud Welshman Bellamy won 78 caps and scored 19 goals for his country between 1998-2013.Bellamy, who lost out on the Wales job to Ryan Giggs in 2018, revealed in July he had already watched Turkey EIGHT times.And he has not stopped there. The Cardiff-born boss added: “I watched Turkey against Austria just before bed last week. I’m constantly looking for certain habits.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m very fortunate I have a patient partner. I’m ready. I have been waiting for this. It’s what I wanted.“I trust in the people I have with me, the players and the work we’ll have done in the week to allow everything to stay reasonably calm.” More

NEW England interim boss Lee Carsley is preparing for his first games in charge this month.The Three Lions are ready for a fresh start after losing the Euro 2024 final under Gareth Southgate.Lee Carsley is ready to shake things up ahead of his first England matchCredit: PANew faces including Morgan Gibbs-White and Angel Gomes are hoping to make their senior debutsCredit: GettyAnd fans will be hoping Carsley can implement the same attacking style that made his U21s side European champions.They are already excited following his first squad announcement.But are there going to be some new faces in England’s starting XI? And will some familiar names get a chance to shine in their natural positions?Here, SunSport’s TOM BARCLAY gives the rundown on what changes fans could see as Carsley prepares for the Nations League clashes with the Republic of Ireland and Finland…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNEW PLAYERSSTAND-IN Carsley quickly turned to the youngsters who helped bring him success at last summer’s Under-21 Euros when naming his first squad.Angel Gomes was the standout name, given many fans over here had probably forgotten about the 24-year-old after he left Manchester United on a free for Lille four years ago.But Gomes was instrumental in Georgia, lining up alongside the excellent Curtis Jones, who surely would have been in Carsley’s contingent were he fit.Noni Madueke started that Under-21 Euros tournament ahead of close pal Cole Palmer and has been given his first call-up, too.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMorgan Gibbs-White was a stalwart for Carsley throughout his Under-21s tenure.And, without Jude Bellingham, do not be surprised to see the Nottingham Forest man get minutes.Inside Angel Gomes’ rise from Man Utd wonderkid to England starCarsley trusts him implicitly and values the track record of winning major tournaments that Gibbs-White has — having also won the Under-17 World Cup, alongside best mate Phil Foden, to whose kids he is godfather.While Tino Livramento had a handful of games for the Under-21s under Carsley, who appreciates his attacking abilities from full-back.Anthony Gordon was a key man for Carsley with the U21sCredit: GettyNEW PHILOSOPHYIF last summer’s Under-21 Euros triumph is anything to go by, Carsley is expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation.But that is where the similarities to Gareth Southgate’s tactical approach will likely end.The inclusion of Gomes, even if he does not start, sums up how Carsley favours ball-manipulators who are comfortable in possession.Far more emphasis will be placed on dominating the ball and taking the game to the opposition.That will be music to the ears of fans who had grown tired of  Southgate’s more cautious instincts — even if they did get us  to back-to-back Euros finals.It will hopefully help unlock England’s wealth of attacking options, though Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden are not available to play. Carsley showed he could think outside the box with the Under-21s, too. He used Anthony Gordon as a makeshift striker to great effect — the Toon star won Player of the Tournament — plus right-back Max Aarons on the left and Palmer at times in deeper central midfield.But just because the focus will be on our attacking threats rather than stopping the opponents’, that does not mean the floodgates are likely to open at the back.England won the Under-21 Euros without conceding a  single goal.And for those who may dismiss that success as a case of England having the best players, they need only look at the fact that in five of the six previous tournaments, our Young Lions had gone home at the group stage with their tails between their legs.Trent Alexander-Arnold looks set to drop from midfield into right-backCredit: GettyNEW TRENTCAN Carsley be the man to solve the Trent Alexander-Arnold conundrum?Well, first off, he is down as a defender in the interim manager’s first England squad, which is a positive sign.Southgate rated the attacking abilities of Alexander-Arnold but not his defensive ones, so saw him as a midfielder.As we witnessed at the   start of the Euros, that experiment did not work.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith Kyle Walker and Reece James out of the squad because of a lack of games and Kieran Trippier retired from international football, now is the perfect chance for TAA to shine in his natural position.And in Carsley’s new-look possession-hungry  side, it could turn out as a match made in heaven.Lee Carsley followed same path as De La Fuente and learned from Pep – why can’t he be England boss?By Tom BarclayBE honest. How many of you had heard of Luis de la Fuente before his glorious Euros?Don’t feel bad. Even Declan Rice admitted ahead of Sunday’s heartbreaking final that he was unaware of the smooth-headed 63-year-old a month or so ago.We all certainly know who De La Fuente is now after he masterminded La Roja’s perfect Euros campaign which ended with a deserved victory over England.That showpiece triumph in Berlin made it seven wins out of seven in the competition for his scintillating side.It rendered De La Fuente the first boss ever to win the Under-19 Euros, Under-21 Euros, the Nations League and the European Championship.And in so doing, it strengthened the case for another bold, bald tactician to take over as England boss now Gareth Southgate has stepped down.Lee Carsley has trodden a similar path as De La Fuente, successfully coaching his way up his national team’s youth ranks, culminating in last summer’s Under-21 Euro success.No doubt there would be questions about his suitability given his experience of coaching senior players is limited to brief caretaker spells at Coventry, Brentford and Birmingham.For sure, he would not bring the same star quality as a Frank Lampard. Most fans will just about remember Carsley as that ratter of a midfielder who played alongside Thomas Gravesen for Everton in the noughties.While there is also the thorny issue, at least for some, of the Brummie’s 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland, who ironically would be his first opponents if appointed.But park all that for a second, focus on his qualities and the argument to give him the big job can be a convincing one. First off, his team does not play like he used to. ‘Carsball’ is far sexier and heavily influenced by its creator watching Pep Guardiola’s free-flowing Barcelona train a decade ago, alongside 60 members of the public.That study trip to Catalonia changed his philosophy to be far more front-footed and it paved the way to some fabulous fare during last summer’s triumph in Georgia.Four of the five tournament goals boasting the most passes in the build-up belonged to his Young Lions. Fans bemoaning Southgate’s pragmatic style would be salivating if they watched back the build-up to Emile Smith Rowe’s strike against Israel in the group stage, or Cole Palmer’s in the semi against the same opposition.Carsley is a tactical innovator too.He was robbed of a centre-forward pretty much on the eve of the tournament last summer, thanks to Rhian Brewster’s injury and Flo Balogun switching to the USA.His response was to play Gordon through the middle. The Newcastle starlet won player of the tournament.Manchester United supporters likely remember Angel Gomes as a lightweight winger but Carsley played him as a shield in front of the back four to great effect.Gordon used the Under-21 Euros experience as his launchpad to make the senior squad this summer. But talking about Carsley 12 months ago, the Toon forward said: “He is the best man-manager I’ve had so far. “I feel like I can speak to him about anything on and off the pitch.“On the pitch, the way we’re playing football is a credit to him because we play the way he tells us to. “This might be the best footballing team I’ve played in, in terms of how we play and the combination play we play around the box, it’s really at an elite level. That’s down to Lee.”Those powers of motivation could be crucial to unleashing Jude Bellingham, who, like Solihull-born Carsley, is from the outskirts of Birmingham, specifically Stourbridge.Like Southgate, Carsley believes in the merits of giving them a comfortable environment to work in, particularly during tournaments.The 50-year-old is relatively quiet on the touchline, often seen on his haunches making notes in his dugout with his assistant Ashley Cole the more vocal.England’s greatest left-back Cole has learned a lot from Carsley despite having the far superior playing career. In the aftermath of the Under-21s success, which was won without conceding a goal, Cole reflected on the different attitudes players have to international duty now and in his day.The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea defender, 43, said: “We didn’t always want to go and the club manager would pull you out.“But I feel they truly, truly love coming here now. I think that is testament to what Lee has done here. He is kind, loving, someone that thinks about the players more than himself.”Other names will be in the frame but the FA will have seen how De La Fuente has taken Spain to new heights, despite his relative obscurity to the wider footballing world.The promotion of Carsley, who spent these Euros scouting England’s opponents, would take guts and faith in the much-feted ‘pathway’.He would have to brace himself for unprecedented levels of scrutiny – but he is ambitious.With his 50th birthday fast approaching, Carsley said in June last year: “Energy-wise, and I’m not saying the clock’s ticking, but if I don’t have a go at it then the boat is going to pass.”Few Spaniards were bowled over when De La Fuente was appointed in 2022 but he put them on course to sensational success.Who is to say putting Carsley at the helm could not have a similar effect? More

LEE Carsley is going global as he ushers in a new approach for England’s squad selection.Interim Three Lions boss Carsley has wasted no time stamping his mark on the senior squad after including four stars from his European Championship-winning Under-21 side.Many England stars are playing their football overseasCredit: AlamyConor Gallagher is one of the latest to head abroadCredit: GettyThe likes of Fikayo Tomori have won titles in EuropeCredit: GettyHowever, England has seen a significant number of talented players head overseas for more regular football.Three players in Carsley’s squad for the games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland ply their trade overseas.Captain Harry Kane plays his football for Bayern Munich, Conor Gallagher swapped Chelsea for Atletico Madrid this summer, while debutant Angel Gomes plays in France with Lille.Jude Bellingham would have almost certainly been included in the side as well but was omitted after picking up a month-long injury in Real Madrid training.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIvan Toney, who was involved in at Euro 2024 but missed the most recent squad, completed a £40million transfer to Al-Ahli – where he will earn £403,000-a-week – from Brentford on deadline day.And there are a number of other stars also knocking on the door, such as AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori.Indeed, there is an incredible potential starting XI of English talent overseas at the England manager’s disposal, which may be dipped into for the October international break.The goalkeeping department could see Copenhagen’s Nathan Trott selected, while Kane’s Bayern team-mate Eric Dier also makes an England national team return.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEx-Everton star Ben Godfrey now lines up for Europa League champions Atalanta, with former Arsenal star Ainsley Maitland-Niles playing his football in France with Lyon.Chelsea academy graduate star Ruben Loftus-Cheek could join the pair in returning in a midfield with former team-mate Gallagher and both Bellingham and Gomes.Pep Guardiola refuses to rule out England manager job after Wayne Rooney tips him to succeed Gareth Southgate Kane and Toney proved to be an effective pairing in their brief time together at the Euros, though there is also the consideration of who else is in contention.Stars such as Tammy Abraham, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Chris Smalling – who recently completed a move to Saudi Arabia – could make comebacks if needed. Possible overseas England squadStarting XI: Nathan Trott (FC Copenhagen), Ben Godfrey (Atalanta), Eric Dier (Bayern Munich), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan), Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Lyon), Angel Gomes (Lille), Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid); Ruben Loftus-Cheek (AC Milan), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)Bench: Jack Butland (Rangers), Samuel Iling-Junior (Juventus), Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (Borussia Dortmund), Charlie Cresswell (Toulouse), Charlie Patino (Deportivo La Coruña), Chuba Akpom (Ajax), Bobby Clark (RB Salzburg), Shola Shoretire (PAOK), Marcus Edwards (Sporting Lisbon), Reece Oxford (Augsburg), Ryan Kent (Fenerbahce), John Lundstrum (Trabzonspor), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), Tammy Abraham (AC Milan)Up-and-coming starlets such as Samuel Iling-Junior, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Charlie Cresswell – all of whom made the latest England Under-21 squad – or Charlie Patino may also be in the reckoning.Other options include Chuba Akpom, Bobby Clark, Shola Shoretire, Marcus Edwards, Jonathan Panzo, Reece Oxford, Ryan Kent, John Lundstrum or Sam Surridge.There are even some stars who may be considered from Scotland, such as James Tavernier or Jack Butland.Lee Carsley’s first senior England squad More

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