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    Kyle Walker vows to win back England place after being snubbed by Lee Carsley in favour of Man City team-mate

    KYLE WALKER ruled out international retirement and vowed to fight for his England future.The Manchester City right-back, 34, was left out of Lee Carsley’s first Three Lions squad for the upcoming Nations League matches.Kyle Walker was left out Lee Carsley’s first England squadCredit: GettyCarsley called Walker to inform him he was being left out of the squadCredit: GettyInterim boss Carsley called Walker with the news.And the 90-cap veteran declared: “I’m disappointed. You accept it and just try to prove them wrong.“With a new manager, you are always expecting a few changes. I’m disappointed because to represent your country is always the highest thing.“But I haven’t played any minutes this season so you have to take it on the chin.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I’ve not performed at any level since coming back from the Euros, so I think it’s the right call from him.“I just need to make sure that I’m proving him wrong in the near future.”Walker came on as an 88th-minute sub at West Ham on Saturday — his first action since playing in England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain on July 14.Despite his disappointment, Walker praised Carsley for his handling of the situation.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpeaking on his regular BBC podcast, “You’ll Never Beat Kyle Walker”, with host Chris Hughes, the defender added: “He was really nice.“He rang a couple of hours before the squad was announced and we just had a conversation.Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner told pals Lauryn Goodman is intent on destroying her ahead of her interview on This Morning“I said to him, listen I’m on 90 caps, I want to be involved.“It’s on performances and merit, I’ve always said if you’re playing well you should be in the squad.”England face the Republic of Ireland on Saturday and Finland next Tuesday in Nations League clashes. More

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    Man City ace Rico Lewis reveals workouts with Muay Thai champion dad as he’s set to star for Lee Carsley’s England

    RICO LEWIS reckons England can turn into Manchester City.New interim manager Lee Carsley told the squad at his first team meeting that he wants the Three Lions to play attacking, expansive football.Rico Lewis has been called up to Lee Carsley’s first England squadRico learnt Muay Thai with his professional dadSunSport’s Isabelle Barker trained with dad Rick Lewis in Manchester in MayCity teenager Lewis believes England – criticised for their style of play under previous boss Gareth Southgate – have the individuals to deliver fantasy football like Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions.Lewis, 19, who faces the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, said: “I am obviously biased because I play for City.”But the way we play is the best way to play – I think it’s definitely possible to do that with England because of the quality of players we have.“Even though we are only here for a week, we are with some of the best teams in the world for the rest of the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I don’t think that the stuff that we are trying to do here is completely opposite to what we do at our club.“We want to dominate pretty much every game we play. That is the intention.”Referring to Carsley’s first team meeting, Lewis said: “He spoke to everyone and just introduced himself to people. “Most of the younger players know him from the under-21s.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He said ‘we are here to get the best out of every player’. He was emphasising that there is a lot of pressure on us but we also need to put that pressure on ourselves.“Even when I was with Carsley in the under-21s, he wanted to control the games and he wanted to win and be exciting.England interim manager Lee Carsley speaks to the media as he announces his first squad since taking over from Gareth Southgate“I don’t think it will take long for the rest of the team to get used to him. Obviously Gareth was there for such a long time so naturally, it will feel like a new beginning.”England then host Finland at Wembley next Tuesday, before the Premier League resumes on September 14.Lewis also revealed that he was delighted England reached the Euro 2024 final because it boosted his chances of starting the season for City.He has played all three of City’s Premier League games at right-back with Kyle Walker having yet to feature – while John Stones only came on as a substitute against Ipswich.Lewis also kept fit in the summer sparring with his dad, Rick, a two-time Muay Thai boxing champion.The youngster said: “I knew that England were doing really well in the Euros and that meant that the lads like John and Kyle would be coming late and that would give me opportunities on the tour and then the first few games.”As for the kickboxing, he said: “I think there’s stuff that I have done with my dad which I can implement into football. “So this pre-season, before we came back, I was doing stuff with my dad, just to get my fitness back.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Lewis revealed his grandfather Dave toured with rock legend Eric Clapton as a bass player – having previously said it was with Oasis.He said: “Yes, my granddad was with Eric Clapton. I got it wrong when I said Oasis. He didn’t like that!” More

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    ‘Is there a hidden camera?’ – Norway team baffled as drug testers ‘ask for Erling Haaland and striker who died in 1962’

    NORWAY’S manager asked his country’s Anti-Doping Agency: “Is there a hidden camera?”This came after the Norwegian anti-doping agency selected two players who have been DEAD for more than 41 years.Norway’s Anti-Doping Agency surprised the squad at training this weekMan City duo Erling Haaland and Oscar Bobb were called up for testingNorway boss Stale Solbakken had his say after the agency recalled two players who have long since passed awayNorway’s boss Stale Solbakken and his squad had a surprise visit by drug-testers before their Nations League fixtures kick-off this week.The agency selected Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Oscar Bobb for a urine sample, and to the surprise of everybody present – two players who sadly died many years ago.Testers called for Jorgen Juve and Einar Gundersen to be examined, according to The Times.But Juve, Norway’s all-time top goalscorer, died in 1983 and Gundersen, often regarded as the first Norwegian superstar, passed away in 1962.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSolbakken, 56, told reporters that he started looking around for a hidden camera, believing his team were victims of a possible prank.It turned out that an agency official had simply picked players from Norway’s all-time top goalscorers’ list with a couple more added on.Solbakken told a news conference: “We had a visit from Anti-Doping Norway yesterday.”The following players were selected for testing: Haaland, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Antonio Nusa, Bobb, Gundersen and Juve.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Then I start to wonder. These were the names that were read out, and it was serious. So we had to call Anti-Doping Norway and ask, ‘Is there a hidden camera?'”To add the ever growing list of gaffes, Man City’s Bobb could not be tested because he was not in the squad after fracturing his leg before the start of the Premier League season.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsJuve, who scored 33 goals for Norway, was born in 1906 and died aged 76 in 1983.While Gundersen, who scored 26 national goals, was born in 1896 and died in 1962 at 66 years old.The inevitable Haaland is second on the list at the moment with 31, meaning his next three goals will see him surpass Juve’s record.Anti-Doping Norway said it was working to clarify how Juve and Gundersen ended up on the list of players to be tested.Bobb, 21, will miss Norway’s Nations League games against Kazakhstan and Ralf Rangnick’s Austria. More

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    Get £50 in free bets for Wales vs Turkey in the Nations League this Friday with Betfred

    WALES host Turkey in Cardiff this Friday as the Nations League makes its return.New customers who register a brand new Betfred account and stake £10 on the League B4 clash will be rewarded with £50 in free football bets!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereGet £50 in free bets for Wales vs Turkey in the Nations League with BetfredThe pair have recent history having met in the Euro 2024 qualification group.Wales were beaten 2-0 in Turkey before earning a 1-1 draw in the home fixture later in the group.New to Betfred? You’re in luck! YOU are eligible to claim this spectacular football offer!Simply register a brand new account with Betfred HERE* using the Promo Code: BETFRED50 and deposit a minimum of £10 using a debit card.Once that’s done and dusted, stake a tenner on any qualifying sports market at odds of Evens or greater, including the Euros.After that, you’ll receive the following free bets and bonuses;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)Betfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*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.begambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*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. More

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    Wales vs Turkey: Get £30 in free bets to spend on the Nations League with talkSPORT BET

    THE Nations League returns this week and Wales kick-off their group with a home game against Turkey.And brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim a massive £30 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the Cardiff clash.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..talkSPORT BET offerVisit the talkSPORT BET website HERE*Create your account via mobileOpt-In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any sports market at odds of Evens or greaterYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOn settlement of your qualifying bet, you will receive £30 in free bets to spend on selected marketstalkSPORT BET: Get £30 in free bets – Claim here*Not yet got yourself a talkSPORT BET account? Terrific, you can claim this offer!Simply register an account, deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater. Once that’s settled – your account will be credited with £30 in free bets!You could decide to use your free bets on Friday’s Nations League clash between Wales and Turkey, and below are some of our expert picks and top prices with talkSPORT BET.Tough openingYou don’t actually have to go back far for a recent form guide between these two, after they were paired together in Euros qualifying.Wales were beaten 2-0 out in Turkey before holding them to a 1-1 draw at home last November.Turkey would go on to win the group, finishing a point clear of Croatia and five ahead of the Welsh.Given they were leading the Netherlands until the 70th minute in the quarter finals of the Euros, they’re clearly a formidable side and Wales would need to be on top form to win this. They might just come up a touch short.Turkey to win and BTTS at 19/4 with talkSPORT BET – CLAIM HERE*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 responsiblyRemember 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

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    Scotland vs Poland: Get £30 in free bets to spend on the Nations League with talkSPORT BET

    THE international break is here and the Group A1 of the Nations League starts on Thursday when Scotland host Poland.And brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim a massive £30 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the Hampden encounter.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..talkSPORT BET offerVisit the talkSPORT BET website HERE*Create your account via mobileOpt-In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any sports market at odds of Evens or greaterYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOn settlement of your qualifying bet, you will receive £30 in free bets to spend on selected marketstalkSPORT BET: Get £30 in free bets – Claim here*No talkSPORT BET account? No Problem!Simply register an account, deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater. Once that’s settled – your account will be credited with £30 in free bets!You could decide to use your free bets on Thursday’s Nations League clash between Scotland and Poland, and below are some of our expert picks and top prices with talkSPORT BET.Scotland winSteve Clarke needs to get his country on side after Scotland let themselves down at the Euros.He’s faced questions over his future in the lead-up to this, having seemingly avoided those questions following the summer flop.But if Hampden can get behind him and his players, they can start this tough group with a victory.Scotland win and over 1.5 goals at 23/10 with talkSPORT BET – CLAIM HERE*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 responsiblyRemember 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

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    Scotland vs Poland preview: Free betting tips, odds and predictions for Nations League opener

    HIGH-FLYING Scotland kickstart their League A Nations League campaign with a home clash against Poland on Thursday.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 exclusivesScotland vs Poland previewAfter a pretty horrific European Championships, Scotland return to action on Thursday to face Poland in League A1 of the Nations League.Steve Clarke’s men were really good in League B, earning them promotion amongst the big boys which include the Poles, Portugal and Croatia.As mentioned, the Euros did not go to plan one bit and Clarke has faced criticism and pressure for the Scotland performances, which he revealed he thought were OK.There’s some new faces in this Scotland squad and he’ll have to make do without Celtic captain Callum McGregor, who recently retired from international duty.For Poland, they also only collected one point at the Euros, in a 1-1 draw with France.Prior to that, they’d gone on an eight game unbeaten run stretching back to this international break last year.Scotland vs Poland 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*Scotland vs Poland betting tips and predictionsGreat ScottScott McTominay should have a new lease of life, given the warm welcome he’s received in Italy.The new Napoli man hasn’t played an awful lot of minutes at all this season – in fact just over 50 minutes across Manchester United’s three competitive fixtures to date.But he’s a main player for Steve Clarke’s men and was hugely significant in Euros qualification for his goals. May need to step up again.Scott McTominay to score anytime vs Poland at 16/5 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

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    How Craig Bellamy went from hothead who attacked Riise with golf club to Wales boss as he insists ‘I’m not a dictator’

    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