More stories

  • in

    England’s oldest ever debutants revealed with Dan Burn on track to break 15-year record if Newcastle star plays

    THOMAS TUCHEL’S latest England squad included a handful of fresh faces, with 32-year-old Dan Burn set to become one of England’s oldest debutants.Up-and-comers Miles Lewis-Skelly, 18, and Jarrell Quansah, 22, will both hope to make their senior England debuts in World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Geordie defender Dan Burn is a fan favourite on TynesideCredit: PA MediaDavies made his debut at 33Credit: GettyBurn, though, is Quansah’s senior by a decade, and is set to become the oldest England debutant since Kevin Davies in October 2010.Davies made his England bow at 33 against Montenegro, replacing Peter Crouch to play 21 minutes of the goalless draw.It would prove to be the only England appearance of the Bolton Wanderers star’s career.Burn will hope to prove his worth to Tuchel ahead of the 2026 World Cup.Read more footballWhile Burn could become the oldest debutant for almost 15 years, he is far from the oldest ever.He will fail even to crack the top 20 oldest debutants.In the early days of international football, managers were far more patient with older players than they are now.Crystal Palace goalkeeper Alec Morten captained the Three Lions on debut in their second ever match – a 4-2 win over Scotland – aged 41 or 42 years old.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHis birthdate is disputed, listed by various sources as either 1831 or 1832.The oldest debutant with a confirmed birthday is Arsenal defender Leslie Compton, who also played professional cricket for Middlesex.Watch incredible tunnel bust-up as Newcastle ace Dan Burn grabs Jan Bednarek by the shirt during fiery Southampton gameHis debut came in a 4-2 win over Wales in 1950, at 38 years and 64 days old.Among the goalscorers on the day was Newcastle legend Jackie Milburn, who scored 201 goals in 399 appearances for the Magpies over a 12-year career.Should he play during the March international break, Burn will rank 21st among the oldest debutants, sandwiched between Portsmouth’s Jack Smith (32y354d) and Manchester City goalkeeper Frank Swift (32y276d).Burn will be older than more recent debutants in Leon Osman (31y181d), Rickie Lambert (31y179d), and Tom Heaton (30y42d).The human tuchENGLAND’S new boss Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad – to mixed reaction. More

  • in

    Thomas Tuchel’s masterplan to win England a second World Cup revealed by Jordan Henderson’s shock inclusion in squad

    PERHAPS Thomas Tuchel was looking for maturity and experience when he handed Jordan Henderson a shock England recall in his first squad as Three Lions boss.That’s the same Ajax captain Henderson who missed Thursday’s nights Europa League thrashing by Eintracht Frankfurt through suspension after telling a referee to “f*** off”.Thomas Tuchel has named is first England squadCredit: GettyAjax captain Jordan Henderson is a shock inclusionCredit: GettyOr perhaps it was Henderson’s dedication to the England cause which inspired Tuchel.That’s the same Henderson who appeared to give up on his country by making a shock move to Saudi club Al Ettifaq when leaving Liverpool in 2023, taking the money rather than continuing in elite football.That Saudi experiment lasted just six months before Henderson headed to Amsterdam – where he has been frequently criticised in the Dutch media for a salary which hasn’t been matched by performance levels. Henderson is 34 and will be 36 by the time of next year’s World Cup in the United States so this is hardly one for the future from Tuchel – who is only likely to be in the post as England boss until next summer.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe new boss has shown short-term thinking by selecting Henderson, as well as 34-year-old right-back Kyle Walker – on loan at AC Milan from Manchester City, where his form fell of a cliff earlier this season.Even Dan Burn, one of two uncapped players in Tuchel’s squad for the home World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, is 32.But Henderson’s inclusion in a 26-man squad is perhaps the most surprising of the lot.Henderson has won 81 caps, the last of which came against Malta in November 2023, when Gareth Southgate surprisingly included him despite that controversial move to Saudi. Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHe was not involved with England in 2024, missing last summer’s Euros, along with Marcus Rashford – another surprise inclusion from Tuchel.The former Liverpool skipper has benefitted from an injury to Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo to earn his call-up.Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches But Henderson’s inclusion is proof positive that Tuchel will rely on experience rather than youth in his short-term mission of attempting to win England a second World Cup. More

  • in

    Walking into England dressing room after Euros final defeat was so hard – but we CAN win World Cup, says Prince William

    PRINCE William revealed one of his toughest tasks as FA ­President was consoling England’s crushed players shortly after the gut-wrenching defeat in the final of Euro 2024.The royal joined the deflated stars following the shattering 2-1 loss to Spain in Berlin and admitted: “That was the hardest changing room atmosphere I’ve ever had to walk into.After the whistle blew at the Olympic Stadium, the future king consoled the stars including captain Harry KaneCredit: EPAWilliam and George collapsing back into their seats, hands over their faces, as Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal bagged the late winnerCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)Prince William and England manager Thomas TuchelCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace“They were really down. They realised they’d given it their all and they’d been on such a journey.“It felt like the culmination should have been a successful ­victory for them.”However, footie-mad Wills is still quietly hopeful for the future and feels the Three Lions will be “as close as we’ve ever been” to winning a World Cup in two years.The Prince had taken on the FA presidency 18 years before the shattering defeat against Spain which he shared with son Prince George, then ten, who sat by his side.READ MORE ON PRINCE WILLIAMHe famously marked his appointment by turning up at England training and asking beanpole striker Peter Crouch to perform his robot goal celebration for him. The foundations are very strong, and we’ve got good leadership with Thomas having arrived.Prince WilliamEngland sadly failed to get past the quarter-finals that summer and, ever since, William has been as frustrated as any other England supporter at their continuing inability to lift a trophy.His hopes had been high in the Euro 2020 decider at Wembley, but Italy won that on penalties.“Do you know, I thought it was our time at the first final,” he said.Most read in FootballThat result made last year’s further disappointment doubly difficult to take, he said — as was evident from the images of him and George collapsing back into their seats, hands over their faces, as Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal bagged the late winner and shattered English dreams.William said: “To go and see it again and be so close when the guys had really given it their all was very difficult.”Prince William picks Messi vs Ronaldo winner and gives David Beckham a huge boost | Big Shot BattleAfter the whistle blew at the Olympic Stadium, the future king consoled the stars including captain Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham as well as long-term manager Gareth Southgate.Like Southgate, he too stepped down after that final, but he has since taken on the role of FA patron instead of president and is as big an England fan as ever.The appointment of the German Thomas Tuchel as manager attracted criticism from those who felt the job should have gone to an Englishman.And William himself was involved in the development of the FA’s national training centre at St George’s Park, which was supposed to provide a pathway for English coaches.In fact, he opened the facility, which is just outside Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, back in 2012.He well understands that concern about an English coach being denied the top job this time round but is enthusiastic about what former Chelsea boss Tuchel can bring to the table.And he is optimistic that England have a real chance of getting their hands on the 2026 World Cup.He said: “I’m still linked to the FA but as a patron rather than president now. However, I loved my time as president.Prince William with former England manager Gareth SouthgateCredit: GettyWilliam is optimistic that England have a real chance of getting their hands on the 2026 World CupCredit: Dan Charity“I learned an awful lot about the football world and the England set-up. I was trying to do my bit to work out how to bring the best minds in so that England could win a World Cup.“We’re now as close as we’ve ever been, I really do feel that. The foundations are very strong, and we’ve got good leadership with Thomas having arrived. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us.”He went on: “The FA is in quite a stable place which it hasn’t always been in the past when I was involved when I was younger.“It’s all coming together nicely. We just need the results on the pitch to go our way. We are going to see how Thomas sets up and who he picks.”He’s only got two years so it’s a short turnaround but I am quietly confident we are in a good position.”’Right person for job’Tuchel is due to announce his first England squad today. William was informed about the decision to hire him before it became public knowledge and he has had no reason to doubt it was the right move.The dad of three went on: “Having met him, I’m definitely happy about that decision.“I think he will bring serious detail and experience and wisdom to the role. Gareth Southgate was an incredible manager who did brilliantly and really laid the foundations for success.“He was very unlucky that he just didn’t quite manage to get us over the line. He gave it his all.“Of course I was sad to see him leave. He’s a lovely guy who did an incredible job.“He was the manager for nearly nine years, which is a long time.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But, as regards finding his successor, I’m excited by what Thomas might bring.“I think he is exactly the right person for the job.”WILLING ENGLAND ONPRINCE William’s tenure as FA President has been marked by a huge upturn in form.May 2006: He takes over from uncle Prince Andrew.June 2006: He cheers on England and meets fans at the World Cup in Germany.2010: He and Prince Harry visit the England camp in South Africa.2012-2014: The future King stays home for the disappointing Euro 2012 and the dismal 2014 World Cup in Brazil.2016: Wills says the FA’s governance structure needs reform, at a lunch commemorating his ten-year anniversary as president.2018: The Prince does not attend the World Cup in Russia but he tweeted after the 2-0 win over Sweden in the quarter finals: “You wanted to make history England and you are doing just that.”2021: The president continues his hands-on approach to the Three Lions during the Covid-delayed Euro 2020.He gave a dressing room speech after England’s final defeat to Italy, which he watched alongside wife Kate and son George at Wembley.2022: Wills and Kate cheer the Lionesses on to England’s first trophy since 1966 at the Euro 2022 final at Wembley.2024: He roars England to victory over Switzerland at Euro 2024 — months after the double cancer diagnosis shock of Kate and dad Charles. He steps down after loss in final. More

  • in

    ‘There should be no way back’ – Ben White should be BLOCKED from ever playing for England again, slams Man Utd legend

    BEN WHITE should never be picked for England again according to ex-Three Lions star Nicky Butt.New England boss Thomas Tuchel is tipped to name White tomorrow in the first squad of his reign after the Arsenal defender spent two years in self-imposed exile.Ben White could be set to return to the England setup after more than two years in exileCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel is preparing to name his first Three Lions squadCredit: GettyEx-Man Utd star Nicky Butt has urged Tuchel not to select WhiteCredit: GettyBut Butt says White’s decision not to make himself available since a bust-up at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar should end his international career.The former Manchester United midfielder said: “He is good enough to go in the squad, he’s a top player.“But he’s not that good to beg him to come back.“He’s not a Shearer in his day, he’s not a  Gascoigne in his day.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“There’s been a few over the years who have said, ‘I don’t want to play’ or ‘I want to get ready for next season’,”In other words, ‘I don’t want to play’ or ‘I don’t want to be sub’.”Once you break that, I don’t think there should be any way back.”White, 27, flew home before the World Cup began in December 2022 amid reports that he was unhappy with a “barbed comment” made by boss Gareth Southgate’s assistant, Steve Holland.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsButt is also against the FA’s “sad” decision to appoint a German manager.Butt, 50, told talkSPORT: “He’s obviously an amazing coach. Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches “But I’m an Englishman who played for my country and is passionate about my country.“It doesn’t sit well with me. We’ve got enough good coaches in England to  give them a chance.”Tuchel is working off a massive 55-man list ahead of naming his first England squad.The new Three Lions manager will name his first squad next week for the home World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024The 51-year-old succeeds Southgate and has signed an 18-month contract which will end after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.Tuchel’s first game against Albania on March 21 is already a Wembley sell-out.The game against Latvia three days later is expected to attract a crowd of at least 70,000. More

  • in

    Zirkzee slammed by Koeman as ‘not good enough’ as he snubs Man Utd flop for Holland despite being ‘limited up front’

    NETHERLANDS manager Ronald Koeman has claimed that Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee is not good enough to play for the national team.Zirkzee has struggled to find his feet since joining the Red Devils in a £36.5million transfer from Bologna in July.Joshua Zirkzee is not good enough for the Dutch national team, according to Ronald KoemanCredit: GettyKoeman decided against calling up Zirkzee to the Netherlands squad despite ‘limited’ options in attackCredit: GettyIn 42 club appearances this season the 23-year-old has scored just six goals and provided two assists.His form has left many United fans and pundits disappointed – and it appears Koeman isn’t best pleased either.The Netherlands boss has decided against handing Zirkzee a call-up for the next international break later this month.He insists the striker must “earn” his place in the squad.READ MORE ON MAN UTDKoeman said: “He wasn’t in the preliminary selection because I don’t think he’s good enough at the moment.”Especially scanning when turning or passing often goes wrong.”Yes, in principle form and fitness are always leading, but that is not always possible.”We have a lot of central defenders and midfielders, but we are somewhat limited up front.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”But even then, I still think that you have to earn your selection, and I think he doesn’t deserve that now, but that could be the case again in another period.”Zirkzee has represented the Dutch national team in the last three international breaks.Harry Maguire reveals he sent private message to Joshua Zirkzee after Man Utd star was cheered off vs NewcastleHowever, Memphis Depay is expected to get the call-up this time instead.Netherlands face Spain in both Nations League fixtures this month.Should they win across two legs, they will reach the semi-finals of the competition.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Man Utd signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances. More

  • in

    Major broadcast change as BBC makes huge football event previously shown on Sky Sports free-to-air

    THE BBC has agreed a new deal that will see Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland matches shown on free-to-air television from the upcoming international break.All three teams are set to battle it out for a place at next summer’s World Cup over the coming months.The BBC has announced a new deal that will see Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland games broadcast on free-to-air TVCredit: ReutersScotland games have been behind a paywall for over 15 yearsCredit: PAThe Irish FA praised the ‘new chapter’Credit: PacemakerAnd for the first time in over two decades, every fixture will be shown on free-to-air TV across the United Kingdom.The BBC has reached an agreement with Uefa allowing 41 matches to be shown live across its channels.The deal also includes at least two international friendlies and Scotland’s Nations League play-off with Greece later this month.It is the first time the BBC has secured full live rights for all three nations.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRhodri Talfan Davies, director of BBC Nations, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that fans across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will now be able to enjoy live, free-to-air coverage of all the big international football matches.”Nothing fires the imagination more than live international sport and the race to qualify for the world’s biggest tournament.”It’s going to be quite a ride and I’m thrilled the BBC will be there every step of the way.”This month will mark the first time a Wales qualifier is broadcast on free-to-air TV since 2004.Most read in FootballFAW CEO Noel Mooney revealed: “As we approach an exciting World Cup qualification campaign with Craig Bellamy at the helm, the Football Association of Wales is looking forward to working with BBC Cymru Wales, on their free-to-air coverage of the Cymru men’s national team.”It’s fantastic that every Welsh fan will be able to watch our matches for free via the BBC’s fantastic coverage.”England manager Thomas Tuchel reacts to Three Lions’ World Cup 2026 qualifying drawMeanwhile, Scotland fixtures have largely been placed behind a paywall for over 15 years – aside from a few shown on YouTube recently.And as for Northern Ireland, the team’s last two fixtures in November were not televised at all.On the new deal, Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson said: “We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with BBC NI to promote our domestic game across radio, TV and online.”This is a new chapter which builds on this foundation, and we hope to share more success following the journey of this exciting senior men’s team.”With Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales fixtures to be shown live on the BBC, England’s fixtures will remain on ITV.The broadcaster took over the rights from Channel 4 in September.That means the new BBC deal will not impact coverage of the Three Lions.READ MORE SUN STORIESPreviously, some international games have been broadcast on Sky Sports.And in recent years the rights have been held by Premier Sports.Live matches shown on the BBC in MarchThursday, 20 March – Greece v Scotland (Nations League)Friday, 21 March – Northern Ireland v Switzerland (friendly)Saturday, 22 March – Wales v Kazakhstan (World Cup qualifier)Sunday, 23 March – Scotland v Greece (Nations League)Tuesday, 25 March – Sweden v Northern Ireland (friendly), North Macedonia v Wales (World Cup qualifier) More

  • in

    Mason Greenwood asks to switch international allegiance with ex-Man Utd star set to be blocked from England duty

    MASON GREENWOOD has officially asked to switch allegiances from England to Jamaica.Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham has confirmed that the former Manchester United striker, now playing for Marseille, has asked to represent the Reggae Boyz.Mason Greenwood has switched his allegiance away from EnglandCredit: RexHe has enjoyed his football in FranceCredit: AFPBullingham said: “My understanding is that he’s asked to switch.“That’s happened formally, so he wouldn’t be able to (play for England again) because you can only switch once.“It’s a personal decision by him.”The 23-year-old has qualified to represent Jamaica through his father, who was born in the Caribbean nation.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGreenwood’s only appearance for the Three Lions came when he was still under the age of 21 in 2020, which allows him to switch allegiances as per Fifa rules.That game was against Iceland but his international career has been in limbo since he was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault in January 2022.He was later charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, but all charges were dropped in February 2023.Jamaica, now managed by former England boss Steve McClaren, are all set to play two matches next month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, Marseille won’t let Greenwood leave as the matches will be friendlies.He is expected to make his debut for Jamaica during their World Cup qualifiers in June.Ex Man Utd star Mason Greenwood welcomes 2nd child with partner Harriet Robson after starting new life in FranceSteve McLaren would be coaching GreenwoodCredit: GettyGreenwood will be hoping to continue his club form as he returns to international football.During his debut campaign in France, he has scored 15 goals in just 24 league appearances.Manager Roberto de Zerbi has claimed that the former Red Devil can improve in one area, his corner technique.He said: “Greenwood is not a specialist on corners.”He could become one, but he is focused on the goal.”When he goes to take a corner, he goes a bit like….. And that annoys me.” More

  • in

    How Myles Lewis-Skelly handed Thomas Tuchel major England dilemma with best and worst of Arsenal wonderkid on display

    WHEN Thomas Tuchel was appointed England manager back in October, the world had barely heard of Myles Lewis-Skelly.The left-back had only just made his Arsenal debut as a late sub in a 2-2 draw with Manchester City in the Premier League.Arsenal ace Myles Lewis-Skelly offers quite the dilemma to England boss Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyTuchel is set to name his first ever England squadCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly has received two red cards already and almost had a third oneCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly’s temparatent will play a huge role for his England hopesCredit: GettyDuring a post-match fracas at the Etihad, Erling Haaland asked the young Gunner, “Who the f*** are you?” — and Tuchel might well have asked a similar question.Now, as Tuchel prepares to name his first England squad next week, Lewis-Skelly is providing the German’s most fascinating selection dilemma.As Mikel Arteta’s men ran amok in Eindhoven on Tuesday night — obliterating the Dutch champions PSV 7-1 — we saw the good and the bad side of 18-year-old MLS. First, he provided a gorgeous assist for fellow England prospect and old mate Ethan Nwaneri to provide an emphatic finish for the second goal.Read More on ArsenalBut then Lewis-Skelly narrowly avoided a third red card in less than six weeks with two clumsy tackles, which earned him one yellow before he was hooked by Arteta after only 35 minutes.Since Tuchel’s appointment, Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri are the only two kids to have burst on to the Premier League scene and into serious contention.For MLS, the prospect of a lightning-fast promotion into the senior squad is far more likely.The Three Lions have been crying out for a fully-fit left-back for years now.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWith Newcastle’s Lewis Hall – who made his international debut under Lee Carsley in November – ruled out for the season, the Arsenal star has a great chance of being called up.England’s premier left-back Luke Shaw is, sadly, almost permanently injured and there are few other options. Listen to Michael Oliver’s conversation with VAR over Lewis-Skelly red card as Howard Webb says referee got it wrongThe issue is Lewis-Skelly’s temperament.While his first red card against Wolves was rescinded, it was for a wild challenge.His second sending-off, 17 minutes after coming on as sub in the loss to West Ham, saw Lewis-Skelly undone by the positioning of keeper David Raya.It meant his foul on Mohammed Kudus was deemed to have denied a goalscoring opportunity. But in Lewis-Skelly’s first match back, in Eindhoven, the youngster was fortunate to find a lenient referee.Arteta was right to haul Lewis-Skelly off.And then there was the way he marked his first senior goal, mocking Haaland’s goal celebration in the 5-1 hammering of City at the Emirates last month.Was this refreshing self-confidence or premature arrogance?Tuchel faces riskThere is certainly no doubting Lewis-Skelly’s belief but can Tuchel trust such an inexperienced player in World Cup qualifiers?For Nwaneri, just 17 but with eight goals in his breakthrough season, the route to an England place is more crowded.Although his Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka and Chelsea’s Noni Madueke will miss Tuchel’s first squad through injury, England have plenty of wide options.Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen and Eberechi Eze are among them.Tuchel is effectively only in the England job for 16 months, with a contract that runs until next year’s World Cup, so he will have less of an eye on the long-term future than predecessor Gareth Southgate.Unless he can envisage a player capable of featuring in the World Cup final in New Jersey on July 19 next year, he is unlikely to call him up.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor all his promise, Nwaneri is likely to be on the bench once Saka is fit.So he looks destined for a place in the Under- 21 squad. But for left-back Lewis-Skelly, the World Cup could be calling. More