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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

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      Wales’ Nations League clash moved at 13 days’ notice with stadium unfit for purpose and huge patches of grass missing

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      WALES’ clash with Montenegro has been moved due to the stadium being unfit for purpose.The Nations League fixture was scheduled to take place at the Gradski Stadium three days after Wales face Turkey in Cardiff.Wales’ match against Montenegro has seen the venue changeCredit: GettyCraig Bellamy’s side will now play in a 5,000-capacity groundCredit: GettyHowever, Craig Bellamy’s side will now play at the 5,000-capacity City Stadium, which is home to FK Sutjeska and regularly hosts Montenegro’s U21 matches.The original venue in Podgorica has been deemed unplayable due to concerns over the playing surface.A Football Association of Wales statement read: “Following concerns over the quality of the playing surface at the Gradski Stadion in Podgorica, Uefa has confirmed that the Nations League match between Montenegro and Cymru on 9 September will be moved to Nikšić.“The FAW acknowledges the inconvenience that this announcement will have on Cymru’s travelling fans, who have already planned for Podgorica.READ MORE IN SPORT“Therefore, the FAW is currently in discussions with UEFA and the Football Association of Montenegro to limit the disruption caused by this late announcement to the Cymru national team and The Red Wall.“The FAW will provide an update when further information is confirmed.”The pitch was visited by Uefa officials on the weekend in order to be examined.They found that it was dry and cratered in spots with large patches of grass missing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe switch will affect the 700 travelling Wales fans who had booked accommodation in Podgorica, who will now have to make appropriate arrangements.Bellamy was appointed as the Wales boss in July after leaving Burnley.Players rushed off the pitch as fire breaks out in stadium as cup game suspended with pitch engulfed in cloud of smokeThe Nations League fixtures will be his first as the national team coach.The former Premier League striker has been set the target of qualifying for the World Cup in 2026.Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney said: “We want to qualify for the World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico, and we felt that Craig was the right choice there.“It’s a really exciting appointment. We do see the Nations League as a chance for Craig to input his ideas, mindful of the fact that we would like to get some results in this Nations League as well, of course.“However, ultimately, here it’s about tournament qualification. That’s what it’s about.“We want to be in America, Canada, Mexico in 2026 and when we host the Euros here in 2028, we want to have a brilliant side that goes out there and represents Wales really well.“It’s fine to get to a tournament but, once you get to the tournament, it’s how you present yourself at these tournaments and how you deliver at these tournaments.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      How former teacher Sven-Goran Eriksson became ice cool England hero and unlikely playboy – before tragic cancer battle  

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      THE scoreline still makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end: Germany 1, England 5.In the dugout, masterminding the demolition of the old sporting enemy that day, was a thoughtful Swede who stayed ice cool amid the pandemonium around him.Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has died aged 76Credit: ReutersSven with Italian former girlfriend Nancy Dell’OlioCredit: Rex FeaturesEngland’s first foreign manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson, seemed like nothing would ruffle him.Few would have guessed — from his owlish exterior at least — that away from the football pitch he led such a tumultuous personal life.That crazy night in Munich in 2001, now part of English footballing folklore, proved something of a high watermark for Sven and his Golden Generation of players.His three international tournaments with England all ended at the quarter-finals.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBroken metatarsals, bodged penalties and a Ronaldinho free kick that looked to be a mis-hit denied him sporting immortality.And his time as Three Lions coach will be remembered as much for his shenanigans off the pitch as his successes on it.With receding grey hair, rimless specs and a demeanour seemingly as chilly as a Scandinavian fjord, he didn’t seem like a ladies’ man.Yet appearances were very deceptive.Most read in FootballHis glam Italian former girlfriend Nancy Dell’Olio wrote breathlessly of their first meeting: “The attraction was electric before we touched — but one touch was all it took.”And there were affairs with Britain’s other famous Swede Ulrika Jonsson and FA secretary Faria Alam — both while he was still dating Nancy.Elk huntingSven, who has died of pancreatic cancer aged 76, landed the Three Lions job after Kevin Keegan quit the post after England lost 1-0 to Germany in October 2000. David Beckham shares heartbreaking tribute video after tragic death of former England manager Sven-Goran ErikssonTerry Venables — who had guided England to the Euro 96 semi-final — was overlooked. Instead, the FA chose Sven, who had won Italy’s Serie A with Lazio but was largely unknown in Britain.The elevation of a foreigner to the top job in the motherland of football was not welcomed by all.One leading sports writer complained that England had “sold our birthright” to a “nation of seven million skiers and hammer throwers who spend half their lives in darkness”.When Eriksson’s name was announced, I was dispatched by The Sun to his remote home village of Torsby, set in thick pine forest not far from Sweden’s border with Norway.Many of the 4,000-odd inhabitants of the village, where temperatures can drop to -30C, were as well versed in elk hunting as they were in football.Some said that, away from footie, Sven enjoyed Tibetan poetry and tennis — quite a departure from the usual lifestyle of the English game.Known as Svennis in Torsby, the truck driver’s son had worked as a sports teacher before a short-lived career as a pro footballer.A solid, right-footed defender for teams in Sweden’s lower leagues, Sven was forced to retire in 1975 after an injury, aged just 27.After the appointment of Tord Grip — one of his old managers and later his No2 at England — at part-timers Degerfors in Sweden’s third division, he asked Sven to be his assistant.The pair aped the English game, playing 4-4-2 formations.When Grip took over as boss of the Swedish national team, Sven was given the Degerfors top job.A boyhood Liverpool fan, he later said: “I was always drawn to the physical strength and commitment of the English game. It was my model in the early days in Sweden.”In March this year he achieved a life-long dream when he was invited to Liverpool’s Anfield ground to manage the club’s Legends veterans for a day, and led the side to a 4-2 win against Ajax Legends.At Degerfors he brought in a sports psychologist and the side won promotion.He was on his way.In 1979, when he was just 30, Swedish giants Gothenburg gave him the manager’s job, and three years later they won the Uefa Cup.In 1982 he left his homeland for successful stints at Benfica in Portugal — twice — plus Italian sides Roma, Fiorentina and Lazio, before securing the England job.In 1977 he had married Ann-Christine Pettersson, daughter of the principal of a teacher-training college where he had been a student.They had two children, Lina, now a charity worker, and Johan, a football agent.The couple divorced in 1994, then in 1998, while at Lazio, Sven was introduced to a raven-haired Italian with a taste in plunging necklines.The Swede was a boyhood Liverpool fanCredit: Sunday TimesA young Sven Goran Eriksson in uniformCredit: Nina PerssonMarried lawyer Nancy Dell’Olio later recalled her first impression when she met Sven at a Tuscan spa resort was that he appeared “quite distinguished but nothing special”.She added: “Later he told me that he was completely transfixed from the first moment he saw me.”Sven invited her to lunch and Nancy later said she had “hated” deceiving her husband Gianfranco, also a lawyer and a friend of Sven’s.Eventually Sven asked her to leave her husband, and they broke the news to Gianfranco together.At Christmas 1999 Sven produced “a beautiful diamond engagement ring” and they seemed set for a happy marriage.Yet Nancy later wrote in her life story My Beautiful Game: “Little did I know that even stormier waters were lying just ahead.”England had come calling for Sven in October 2000.He was one of world football’s sharpest and most decorated managers, with the BBC calling him “the man with the Midas touch”.Sven said of what has been called an impossible job: “All England managers have been declared idiots at some times in their career, even Sir Alf Ramsey.England’s ‘first lady’“I knew what to expect. I didn’t take the job for the money or the weather. I took it because it’s England.”He and Nancy moved into a luxury home overlooking London’s Regent’s Park and she later described herself as “the first lady of English football”.His first game in charge — a friendly against Spain at Villa Park in February 2001 — saw England win 3-0.Victories against Finland, Albania, Mexico and Greece followed, with Sven the first England manager to win his first five games.Then, on September 1, 2001, came a far greater challenge — the might of Germany in a World Cup qualifier at the Olympic Stadium in Munich.The Germans had only ever lost one World Cup qualifier at home.Since losing to England in the 1966 final, they had beaten the Three Lions at tournaments in 1970, 1990 and 1996.Yet Sven’s England destroyed them, with the fifth goal scored by Liverpool’s Emile Heskey, who had a reputation for being goal shy.To this day England fans still chant to the tune of the Village People’s Go West: “5-1 — even Heskey scored.”Then automatic qualification for the 2002 World Cup was secured ahead of Germany with a 2-2 draw with Greece at Old Trafford.Yet in April 2002, with the World Cup just weeks away, came news that left many flabbergasted.Sven had been having an affair behind Nancy’s back with Ulrika Jonsson, who was 19 years his junior.But the TV presenter later said: “This was no great passionate affair.“It was devoid of passion. He had all this power and money, yet he was the weakest man I have ever met.”The pair had met when she had asked for his autograph at a party thrown by Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell.It was devoid of passion. He had all this power and money, yet he was the weakest man I have ever metUlrika on SvenUlrika added: “When news of our affair broke he didn’t confirm what went on between us.“This meant I was left high and dry, even to the point that people believed I had made it up to get Press attention. That really angered me.”Yet Nancy stayed with Sven, despite the affair.Ulrika added: “I sensed he feared her. He admitted to me that she loved the attention she was getting from the media, so it’s little wonder if she didn’t want to give that up.”In the group stage of the 2002 World Cup England beat Argentina — in one of international football’s biggest grudge matches.In the quarter final against Brazil England scored first, then Brazil equalised in injury time.SGE played for Swedish division III team SK SifhallaCredit: Pressens BildWhen Sven was just 30, Swedish giants Gothenburg offered him the manager’s jobCredit: EmpicsGareth Southgate — then a player — allegedly said of Sven’s half-time talk: “We needed Winston Churchill but got Iain Duncan Smith [referring to the “quiet man” former Tory leader].As Sven stood on impassively in the second half, Brazil won it with a fluke free kick from Ronaldinho that wrong-footed goalie David Seaman.It was best summed up with what became a Sven catchphrase: “First half good, second half not so good.”Perhaps the most glorious missed chance for Sven and English football was Euro 2004 in Portugal, when teen sensation Wayne Rooney limped off with a cracked metatarsal in the quarter-final with the host nation.England went on to lose on penalties.That year Sven had a fling with another far younger woman — ex-model Faria Alam, an FA secretary.She later said: “After he’d filled the dishwasher, he led me upstairs to his bedroom. He didn’t have the mindset of a super-rich man.“He was saying how he did yoga and things like that. And I just fell in love with him, I guess.”Sven with ex wife Ann-Christine and son Johan in 1980Credit: Pressens BildMatters were complicated by the fact that Faria had also had a fling with FA chief executive Mark Palios.Yet again, Nancy stayed with Sven, who later admitted there were other lovers, including a singer, a Romanian ex-gymnast and a Swedish employee of Scandinavian Airlines.In January 2006 it was announced he would leave his £4.5million-a-year job after that summer’s World Cup.The tournament again ended in failure at the quarter-finals and will largely be remembered for Sven perhaps wisely allowing the Wags to grab centre stage.But his record of 40 wins and 17 draws in 67 fixtures was not matched by his successors until Gareth Southgate’s reign.Don’t be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything – coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live itSven’s farewellLater management roles included stints with Manchester City, Notts County and Leicester City, as well as the Mexican, Ivory Coast and Philippines national teams.His turbulent relationship with Nancy also ended.Sven saw out his days back in Sweden with long-term partner Yaniseth Bravo Mendoza, a Panamanian former nightclub dancer 21 years his junior who he met outside a bar in Mexico City.In January he revealed he had terminal cancer.In a poignant Amazon documentary, he said of his impen-ding death: “Don’t be sorry, smile.“Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it.”A maxim he certainly abided by.Sven posing at the front of a motorbikeCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe coach had an affair with fellow Swede Ulrika JonssonCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe Swedish football manager with partner Yaniseth Alcides during the Sports Gala 2024Credit: RexThe footie icon had an affair with FA secretary Faria Alam while he was still dating NancyCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSven led England to a 5-1 win against Germany in 2001Credit: Getty Images – GettyMichael Owen scored a hattrick during Sven’s demolition of Germany in MunichShrewd Swede’s greatest gamesBy Thomas GodfreySVEN’S Three Lions teams left fans with some spine-tingling memories.5-1 vs Germany, 2001Boss recalled out-of-form Michael Owen who scored a hat-trick. Skipper Steven Gerrard and Liverpool’s Emile Heskey also netted to stun 60,000 home fans in Munich.Becks free kick, 2001Sven kept David Beckham on against Greece and was rewarded when he lashed home a 93rd-minute free kick for a 2-2 draw and 2002 World Cup qualification.Argentina KO’d, 2002Four years on from being sent off against our bitter rivals, Beckham’s penalty secured a 1-0 win and eliminated them.Argies encore, 2005Michael Owen scored two late goals in 3-2 friendly win in GenevaRooney rescue, 2004Wayne Rooney, then 18, scored twice in a comeback 4-2 Euros group stage win over Croatia. More

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      Wales boss Craig Bellamy makes big changes to his backroom team and raids Brighton for his No2

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      CRAIG BELLAMY will tap into Brighton’s blueprint of pressing when he manages Wales.The new Dragons manager kicks off his tenure as national boss against Turkey in the Nations League on September 6.Bellamy won 78 Wales caps and scored 19 goals including a classic against Italy but now replaces Robert Page as his national managerThe 45-year-old was assistant manager to Vincent Kompany at Burnley before the Belgian quit for Bayern Munich in the summerCredit: GettyBellamy appointed his backroom staff on Friday with Seagulls first-team coach Andrew Crofts named as one of his assistants.Ex-Wales midfielder Crofts has impressed with Premier League leaders Brighton under ex-bosses Graham Potter, Roberto De Zerbi and now Fabian Hurzeler.Progressive Brighton thumped Everton 3-0 on the opening day of the new Prem season.And Hurzeler’s men face Manchester United at the Amex on Saturday lunchtime.read more footballBellamy said: “I’ve spoken a lot with Crofty. He works at Brighton and that’s very important to him. “I know his ideas and I’m really looking forward to being able to pick his brains again.”Everyone talks about playing and pressing. “But they don’t understand the triggers and the detail. They don’t coach the details or they miss it.Most read in Football”I’m not allowing myself to miss it. It’s too important. It always is with me. “To have a background in Brighton that Crofty has been exposed to is going to be incredible to have with me.”Crofts won 29 Wales caps as a player and will combine his roles with club and country. The 40-year-old retired in 2019 and has been with Brighton as a coach since then.He said: “I’m very proud. As soon as I knew there was an opportunity to be Craig’s assistant it grabbed me straight away. “To represent Wales as a player was incredible for me and my family, and to now represent my country as an assistant coach is an indescribable feeling. “I’m obsessed with coaching, studying various trends in the game and bringing a team’s methodology to life, something which I can’t wait to do with this group of players and staff.”Crofts will be joined by James Rowberry, Piet Cremers, who has worked with Bellamy at Manchester City and Burnley before, and Ryland Morgans. All four coaches have been educated through the Football Association of Wales coaching pathway led by David Adams.Bellamy names his first squad next Wednesday for the Cardiff clash with the Turks before a trip to Montenegro on September 9.Bellamy, 45, added: “I’m very happy with the group of staff that we’ve been able to bring in. “I’ve worked with all of them previously, either as a coach or as a player. “As a collective I believe the balance and various expertise between us is the best we could have asked for.”Bellamy, appointed Wales boss in July, is also set to bring in goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson following his departure from England after Gareth Southgate resigned. Margetson, like Morgans, was part of Chris Coleman’s Euro 2016 backroom staff which saw Wales reach the semi-finals.READ MORE SUN STORIESEx-manager Robert Page’s backroom staff of Alan Knill, Jack Lester, Tony Roberts and Nick Davies have all departed. Chris Gunter, who won 109 caps for Wales and was a coach under Page, will move to a new role within the FAW setup. More

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      Jude Bellingham ruled out for a month and set to miss Lee Carsley’s first England matches after suffering foot injury

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM is set to miss the start of England’s Uefa Nations League campaign after being ruled out for a month with injury.The Real Madrid star, 21, was a star of the Three Lions run to the final at the Euros this summer.Jude Bellingham has been ruled out for a month after suffering a right leg injuryCredit: RexBellingham suffered the blow in training with the Spanish giantsCredit: AlamyHowever, he is now set to miss Lee Carsley’s first squad after picking up a plantar fasciitis injury in his right leg in training with the Spanish giants.A club statement said: “Following tests carried out today on our player Jude Bellingham, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the plantar thin muscle of his right leg.”Manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed the news after he was asked whether Bellingham would be available for Sunday’s LaLiga clash against Real Valladolid.The former Chelsea and Everton boss said: “Bellingham had a blow, he is being assessed,” but it has now confirmed that the midfielder would miss the next month of action.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBellingham was a key part of the Whites winning the Champions League and Spanish league title last season.The former Birmingham and Borussia Dortmund star scored 19 goals in a stunning debut season at the Bernabeu.Despite Bellingham’s absence, Ancelotti still has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal, with new boy Kylian Mbappe eager to get on the scoresheet after failing to do so in week one.On the performance last week – a drab 1-1 draw at Mallorca – Ancelotti said the team “lacked balance” and said the attacking players needed to work a bit harder.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “It was a pretty clear game to evaluate, we lacked balance, it’s not very complicated. There is a clear solution.”With such an attacking team, the forwards have to work a bit harder. We have tried to fix it with a lot of work this week.”Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid drawBellingham did however, tee up Mbappe to score in the Uefa Super Cup against Atalanta, with Federico Valverde also on target.England embark on a new era following the departure of Gareth Southgate with their first matches coming on September 7 against Ireland and September 10 against Finland.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

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      England boss Lee Carsley tears up Gareth Southgate’s backroom team with two key men out and two Premier League icons in

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      LEE CARSLEY has beckoned in the new era of England coaching after cutting two members of Gareth Southgate’s backroom staff.Carsley, 50, has taken on the role of interim England manager for the Three Lions’ Uefa Nations League games next month.Lee Carsley has made changes to the England backroom teamCredit: APKey men from the Gareth Southgate era have been cutCredit: RexCarsley has promoted coaches including Ashley Cole and Joleon Lescott to join him from the Under-21sCredit: GettyAnd ahead of his first squad announcement, Carsley has already gotten to work making changes at St George’s Park.According to The Telegraph, Mike Baker and Stephen O’Brien – the senior team’s lead performance analysts – will not be part of the next camp.The pair are full-time FA staff who worked in Southgate’s inner circle over the last eight years at the FA.In their place, Carsley has promoted ex-England internationals Ashley Cole and Joleon Lescott to assist him with the senior stars.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCole – capped 107 times by England – and Lescott – capped 26 times – were both on Carsley’s staff when the England Under-21 side won the Under-21 European Championship in Georgia last summer.More changes have also come from the changeover, with Carsley also being permitted to promote Under-21 analyst James Ryder and goalkeeper coach Tim Dittmer to work on the senior team.Meanwhile, the freelance coaches of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Paul Nevin are not expected to be renewed.The Nations League matches take place on September 7 and 10, with England taking on Ireland and Finland respectively.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSouthgate was initially given the England job on an interim basis, but was then appointed into the role full-time to replace Sam Allardyce.After eight years on the job that saw him lead England to two European Championship finals, Southgate stepped down this summer.Pep Guardiola refuses to rule out England manager job after Wayne Rooney tips him to succeed Gareth Southgate A farewell party was held for Southgate at the Belfry Hotel in Sutton Coldfield, adjoining the famous championship golf course, on Saturday.The former England manager’s staff were in attendance, as well as FA technical director John McDermott.McDermott is leading the search for Southgate’s successor along with FA chief executive Mark Bullingham.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

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      Who is Lee Carsley’s wife Louisa?

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      LEE Carsley has been named as the Three Lions’ interim manager following Gareth Southgate’s exit after Euro 2024.Here we get to know the former England U21 boss’ wife Louisa.Lee Carsley has been appointed interim head coach of EnglandWho is Lee Carsley’s wife Louisa?Lee Carsley is married to Louisa, although when the couple tied the knot hasn’t been reported.They live in Kenilworth, Warwickshire with their three children.Lee prefers to keep his family’s personal information out of the public domain.Who is Lee Carsley?During his playing career, Lee made his name as a talented midfielder during a six-season spell with Everton.read more on lee carsleyHe also played for Derby, Blackburn, Coventry and Birmingham. On the international stage, Lee won 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland before retiring in 2011.He joined the England youth setup as a specialist coach in 2015, before being appointed England U20 head coach in 2020.Lee was later promoted to England U21 in 2021 and led them to victory in the European Championship in 2023, their first title in the competition since 1984.Most read in FootballThe former Under-21s boss has been revealed as the replacement for Gareth Southgate.He will be in charge of England’s matches against the Republic of Ireland on September 7, and Finland at Wembley three days later.Gareth Southgate quits as England manager after Euro 2024 exitEx-England left-back Ashley Cole will be part of his coaching staff.A statement from the FA confirmed the news.It read: “Lee Carsley has been appointed interim head coach of England senior men ahead of the start of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaign.”Carsley will step up from his role in charge of the Men’s U21s, initially for September’s fixtures away to Republic of Ireland and at home to Finland.”But with a view to remaining in the position throughout autumn while the FA’s recruitment process for a new permanent head coach continues.”Carsley said: “It’s an honour to step up and lead this England squad on an interim basis.Lee Carsley led England to victory in the 2023 U21 Euros”As I am very familiar with the players and the cycle of international football, it makes sense for me to guide the team while the FA continues the process to recruit a new manager.”My main priority is to ensure continuity and our goal is to secure promotion in the UEFA Nations League.”Does Lee Carsley have any children?According to reports Lee and Louisa have three children together.Their eldest child is a boy named Callum.The couple’s second son, Connor, lives with Down’s Syndrome.In 2007, Lee told the Independent: “Until we had Connor we basically lived up in a bubble where everything was rosy.”We get paid a lot of money, you don’t worry about bills, you are not worried about anything, and then all of a sudden you have something that totally rocks you and it’s, ‘Bloody hell’.”Suddenly you realise that no one’s untouchable, it could happen to anyone, and you become a lot more aware of other people’s problems and what really goes on.”We’ve been sat in waiting rooms with people from all walks of life. It doesn’t matter how much money you have, everyone is sat there hoping for the same thing and it does bring you back down to earth.”Now my lifestyle and my attitude is a lot different to some other players, but I would never knock them for that because they haven’t been through or experienced what I have.”I know I didn’t think about these problems before Connor arrived, but then why would I have done? That’s why, if I’m fundraising, I’ll never push it with the lads here and I’ll never go around preaching that this is what they should all be doing in their spare time.”Following his U21 Euro 2023 triumph, Lee brought the trophy for his son’s side, Solihull Moors Down’s Syndrome Team, to look at.He told ITV: “When I’m away for this amount of time I don’t normally bring a trophy back. It was good that we could win it.”After lifting the trophy himself, his son Connor said: “It’s good and I’m proud of my dad. My dad is a great manager and coach.”Lee Carsley with former Everton teammate and doppelganger Thomas GravesenLee was part of the of Mick McCarthy’s Republic of Ireland squad for the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.But due a number of factors, England’s new interim manager didn’t have the best of times, as he told the Irish Examiner in January 2024.He explained: “I was at the World Cup but I felt out of it. I was playing well for Everton, I felt like I could contribute to the team.”Then, to only get a couple of minutes – especially after Roy Keane going home — was really frustrating.”I don’t look back on the World Cup as a great experience. The fact that I played two minutes at a World Cup isn’t something that I’d talk about.”At that point, we had Connor. He was two years old then. I’m not saying that I had any mental health issues or anything like that, but my wife was pregnant with our third.“We were dealing with Connor and all the challenges that come with that.”Being away with Ireland for long spells, there were a lot of times when I was thinking ‘is this actually worth being away from home?’”Your club form starts to struggle then because you’ve been sitting in a hotel for 10 days, not getting a lot of game-time and find yourself out of the team when you go back to your club.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s like a negative circle. That’s why I pulled out of squads with Ireland or decided not to play for a while.” Their third child is a daughter named Lois. More

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      Who is Lee Carsley? New England interim manager and former Everton star

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      LEE CARSLEY has been appointed as the new interim manager of England.The former Everton midfielder replaces Gareth Southgate as the boss of the Three Lions and will begin his tenure against the Republic of Ireland – the nation he played for.Lee Carlsey has been appointed England interim boss – he won the U21 Euros in 2023Credit: GettyWho is Lee Carsley?Lee Carsley is the new England manager, having been appointed as the interim boss on August 8. Born in Birmingham on February 28, 1974, Carsley enjoyed a long career as a professional footballer, playing for five clubs between 1994 and 2011.His two longest stints were at Derby County and Everton, but he also spent time at Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City, as well as two spells at Coventry City.Carsley’s best spell as a player was under David Moyes at Everton, with a popular urban myth continuing to circulate that Real Madrid were supposed to purchase him when they instead bought midfield partner Thomas Gravesen.More on Lee CarsleyThomas Gravesen with midfield lookalike Lee Carsley, rightCredit: AFPFormer Toffees boss Moyes even perpetuated the rumour on a podcast in 2018.Moyes said: “Everybody used to get [Gravesen] mixed up with Lee Carsley, so when Real Madrid came in for him at Everton, we were saying, ‘Have they got the right one?”Is it Carsley the one or is it Tommy Gravesen? The two baldies and whatnot.”Carsley played 548 matches in his club career and won 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland – his first opponents as England boss.Most read in FootballHe qualified through his grandmother, who was from County Cork, and made one appearance during the 2002 World Cup.His international career lasted from 1997 to 2008.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?Who has Lee Carsley managed previously?Carlsey had started his coaching badges while a player at Everton and was appointed head coach of Coventry’s Under-18s in July 2011.He lead the side to second in the Premier Academy League and was then promoted to the first-team as a coach, eventually having two spells in charge of the Sky Blues.He won four of 11 matches in that time.Carsley left for Brentford in 2015, who were in the Championship at the time, as manager of the development squad.But after the sudden departure of Marinus Dijkhuizen, he become first-team boss, taking charge of ten matches. He won half of them and was named Championship manager of the month in October 2015, before stepping aside when Dean Smith took over.Harvey Elliott is a huge fan of the new manager, as is Anthony GordonCredit: GettyCarsley remained in youth and academy football for a couple of years at Birmingham City, with the role of Head Professional Development coach.He had another caretaker stint, winning one of three matches in 2017 before leaving the club at the end of that season and then joining the England set-up.Carsley was first appointed manager of the U20 side in September 2021, but only took charge of two matches before being promoted to the U21 side.He had been the manger of England U21s since July 2021, winning a stunning 79.3% of his 29 matches and leading the Young Lions to a U21 Euros win in 2023.Gareth Southgate took the same route from U21s to the senior role.What’s been said about Lee Carsley?Newcastle and England star Anthony Gordon gave a glowing review about Carsley after it emerged he may take over, describing him as the “best man-manager” he had worked under.Liverpool starlet Harvey Elliott was similarly impressed by Carsley while playing for the U21s.He said: “Lee is an unbelievable manager and an unbelievable guy. He is ready to step up. “There have been a lot of big clubs sniffing around him and that is credit to himself and his coaching.”Whenever I step on the pitch for England I just have freedom to enjoy my football. I feel like he is ready.”After his appointment Mark Bullingham, FA CEO, said: “Lee is a fantastic coach who is well known to the majority of our current senior squad having worked with most at international or club level. “He offers us a very strong interim solution and we are confident he will perform well in the Uefa Nations League games ahead. “We are grateful to Lee for stepping up to manage the team while we continue with our recruitment process.”Carsley himself said: “It’s an honour to step up and lead this England squad on an interim basis. “As I am very familiar with the players and the cycle of international football, it makes sense for me to guide the team while the FA continues the process to recruit a new manager. READ MORE SUN STORIES”My main priority is to ensure continuity and our goal is to secure promotion in the Uefa Nations League.”It’s not yet clear who will be on Lee Carsley’s staff, Chelsea legend Ashley Cole was his assistant for the U21s, with Joleon Lescott also on the coaching staff.Southgate deserved to win a trophy with England… he made us all proud of our team again, writes Shaun CustisGARETH SOUTHGATE deserved to win a trophy as England manager, write Shaun Custis.Unfortunately, you don’t always get what you deserve in life.No man could have worked harder to give the country the silverware it craved and no man cared more about our national team.As a player he went through agonies after missing that fateful penalty against Germany at Euro 96 — and victory as a manager in the Euro 2024 final against Spain on Sunday would have been a wonderful redemption.Southgate himself said he didn’t believe in fairytales — and there was to be no happy ending as ultimately England came up short again when it mattered.But his legacy should be one of great achievement, not of failure.This is an England boss who transformed our feelings towards the Three Lions.Hardened fans, who claimed they only cared about their club, fell back in love with England during Gareth’s eight years in charge.As The Sun’s chief football writer, I followed England through the Sven Göran Eriksson era, on to Steve McClaren, then Fabio Capello and Roy Hodgson.None of them could hold a candle to Southgate.Southgate took it on reluctantly and, when the FA then wanted to make his position permanent, he made it clear he had to have free rein to do the job on his terms.This was to be a new England with no club cliques, no wars with the media and an openness and honesty from coaches and players.He never believed it was the impossible job as many claimed before him.Yes, the Euros was a let-down and England were probably lucky to make the final.But Southgate, by some distance, turned his England team into the most successful since Sir Alf Ramsey’s World Cup winners of 1966.He gave us plenty of entertainment and fun along the way and a reason to feel proud.We were even starting to crack it at penalty shoot-outs.Most importantly, Southgate was a thoroughly decent human being throughout it all, treating everyone with respect — whether you were a player, a fan or part of the media.Read Sun Head of Sport Shaun Custis’ full opinion on Gareth Southgate’s England exit… More