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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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

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      Former Championship star, 39, working TWO international manager jobs at once ahead of World Cup qualifiers

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      SCOTT WISEMAN has seen his workload double after landing a SECOND international management job.The former Championship star was already the boss of Gibraltar’s women’s team.Scott Wiseman has two head coach roles in GibraltarCredit: YoutubeHe enjoyed a solid career in the EFLCredit: PA:Press AssociationWiseman (back row second from left) earned 38 caps for GibraltarCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowNow the 39-year-old has taken charge of the men’s team too.Wiseman retired from playing back in May 2023, having played in England’s second tier with Hull and Barnsley.He hung up his boots following a three-year spell at Lincoln Red Imps in Gibraltar.He was a full international for the British territory as he collected 38 caps.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWiseman took up a job with the national set-up as he started coaching the Under-16s.Not long after retiring, he was made the head coach of the Gibraltar women’s team as well as the U19 women’s team.He now has an even bigger workload as he has landed the top job in the men’s team.The Gibraltar FA confirmed his appointment with a brief statement and confirmed that his role with the women remains “unaffected.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt read: “The Gibraltar Football Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Wiseman as Interim Head Coach of the Gibraltar Men’s National Team for the upcoming Fifa World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers against Montenegro and Czechia later this month.”Scott’s current role with the Women’s National Team remains unaffected.”Football Fixers | Cutting it with Premier League Football StarsWiseman’s playing careerHere is a look at Scott Wiseman’s playing career before he went into coaching…Club career:Hull City, 2003–2007Appearances: 17Goals: 0Assists: 0Boston United, 2005 loanAppearances: 2Goals: 0Assists: 0Rotherham United, 2006–2007 loanAppearances: 21Goals: 1Assists: 0Darlington, 2007–2008Appearances: 20Goals: 0Assists: 0Rochdale, 2008–2011 and 2018 loanAppearances: 127Goals: 1Assists: 8Barnsley, 2011–2014Appearances: 111Goals: 1Assists: 4Preston North End, 2014-2015Appearances: 48Goals: 2Assists: 2Scunthorpe United, 2015-2017Appearances: 5Goals: 2Assists: 4Chesterfield, 2017-2018Appearances: 29Goals: 0Assists: 1Salford City, 2018-2020Appearances: 81Goals: 4Assists: 7Lincoln Red Imps, 2020-2023Appearances: 75Goals: 3Assists: 8International career:Gilbraltar, 2013–2023Caps: 38Goals: 0Assists: 1He will be trusted straight into the deep end with two World Cup qualifiers around the corner.Wiseman will be in the dugout for Gibraltar’s matches against Montenegro and the Czech Republic on March 22 and 25.Following those fixtures, he will have to switch his focus back to his duties with the women’s team.He has already led them into the first Nations League clashes and will have the second round of fixtures in April.The first game ended in a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Moldova, which was then followed by another close loss to the Faroe Islands.Speaking after the Moldova match, Wiseman hailed how far the team had come.He said: “When they realized how far they’ve come, they had their own personal win and their own team win despite the result.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It was a tough end to the match in Moldova in our opening group game, but a great team performance.”I think there were only positives; the disappointment of conceding so late subsided pretty quickly after the game.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      England manager Thomas Tuchel parties with ex-Chelsea stars including Mason Mount, Jorginho and Reece James in reunion

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      THOMAS TUCHEL reunited with his Chelsea Champions League winning squad including Mason Mount and Jorginho. The German famously led the Blues to their second European cup in 2021 before leaving the club just a year later. England manager Thomas Tuchel reuniting with JorginhoCredit: InstagramMason Mount and ex-Chelsea team-mate JorginhoCredit: InstagramMount, Trevoh Chalobah, Jorginho, Reece James and Ben Chilwell reuniteCredit: InstagramJorginho with fiancee Catherine HardingCredit: InstagramJorginho lets out a big grinCredit: InstagramThe couple pose with some friendsCredit: InstagramCatherine shared the snaps onlineCredit: InstagramBut now he is back in England as Three Lions boss where he prepares to work under some of the same stars again. And Tuchel was pictured linking up with his former players in a social media post shared by Jorginho’s fiancee Catherine Harding. In one snap, Jorginho has his arms around former manager Tuchel, who is posing in a navy outfit and a cap on. Other photos show Jorginho with James, Ben Chilwell, Mount and Trevoh Chalobah in a reunion picture that sent Chelsea fans wild. READ MORE ON CHELSEA One said: “Tears in my eyes man.”Another added: “I miss this squad!”One beamed: “This is a beautiful sight.”Another said: “We miss them.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTuchel has visited several stadiums in England ahead of his first set of official games in charge – against Albania and Latvia in March.And as revealed by SunSport, he held talks with exiled Arsenal defender Ben White over a return to international football. ‘I’m getting emotional’ – England manager Thomas Tuchel’s comments on Cole Palmer leave Chelsea fans close to tearsChelsea skipper James is currently fit after lengthy spells on the sidelines this season amid a hamstring injury. And Chilwell could now fight for a place in Tuchel’s squad after securing a loan from Stamford Bridge to Crystal Palace.Chalobah is also back at Chelsea after his loan to Palace was cut short – but the centre-back is only now returning from a slight back problem. Mount meanwhile has been out since December after suffering a thigh injury with his England hopes taking a huge blow. Tuchel is preparing for life as England managerCredit: Getty More

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      England women’s clash suspended as lights GO OUT at Wembley with pitch plunged into darkness

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      ENGLAND’s World Cup final rematch with Spain was halted following a floodlight failure at Wembley. The Home of Football was plunged into darkness during the Lionnesses’ Nations League clash on Wednesday night. England’s clash with Spain was halted as the lights went out at WembleyCredit: PAThe Home of Football’s floodlights failed midway through the second halfCredit: PAFans in the stands attempted to help by using their torch lightsCredit: ReutersJessica Park gave England a deserved lead in front of a packed house in the capital.But shortly after the break, the floodlights abruptly cut out. Play was suspended for several minutes as both teams gathered on the side of the field. Sarina Wiegman used the time to hold an impromptu talk with her team, who had been under pressure since the restart.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe stadium’s advertising hoardings remained on despite the power failure.And the spectators attempted to play their part by waving thousands of phone torches in the darkness.Eventually, Wembley staff managed to get the lights turned back on to cheers from the terraces. One fan laughed on X: “Quick someone stick a quid in the meter.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd another asked: “What would have happened if someone had made a shot at goal just as the lights went out? If the ball goes in but lights are out….what happens?”England were beaten 1-0 in the 2023 World Cup final, with Olga Carmona scoring the only goal of the game. Sarina Wiegman gives ‘most honest answer from manager ever’ in post-match interview after England reach World Cup finalThe Lionesses got their own back on Wednesday, holding on after Park’s scrappy strike to go joint-top of Group 3 alongside Portugal. England are looking forward to the women’s Euros later this summer.The Sun on Sunday recently revealed pubs will be open later in July if England or Wales reach the finals.Weigman’s team are defending their crown in Switzerland after winning the Euros in 2022 with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Germany.Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said: “The Lionesses showed us in 2022 what it means to bring football home.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And now we want to make sure the whole nation can come together again to cheer on our teams. “These plans will help our pubs and bars stay open longer if England or Wales make it to the final stages, allowing friends and families to celebrate together and providing a welcome boost to our hospitality industry.”  More

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      Bournemouth star, 21, switches international allegiance to play under ex-Premier League boss after representing England

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      BOURNEMOUTH star Daniel Jebbison has switched his national allegiance away from England.The 21-year-old striker has agreed to represent Canada, according to reports.Daniel Jebbison has switched his national allegiance away from EnglandJebbison was born in Oakville, Ontario, but is eligible to represent England and Jamaica through his parents.He has been capped 13 times across three different age groups in England’s youth set up.The Prem star was part of the Three Lions side that won the 2022 Under-19 Euros, where he scored against Serbia in the group stage.But he has swapped his allegiance as Canada Soccer has landed one of the most sought-after dual-nationals in the programme’shistory. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJebbison has started the process of his Fifa one-time change of association.An official announcement from Canada Soccer is expected soon, reports The Athletic.Should that be completed in time, he would likely attend his first Canada training camp in March as part of the Concacaf Nations League finals.Canada will face Mexico in the semifinals, with the winner advancing to meet either the U.S. or Panama.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEx-Leeds boss Jesse Marsch has managed Canada since May 2024.Marsch attended Bournemouth’s 1-0 loss to Wolves at the Vitality Stadium to see Jebbison come on in the 89th minute.Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen couldn’t be happier being nominated for Premier League player of the month Marsch had several conversations with the striker and stressed the importance of Canada being one of three host nations for the 2026 World Cup.Jebbison has been a regular substitute for Bournemouth in the second half of this season, since returning from a loan to Championship side Watford.He has two goals in two FA Cup appearances this term and previously starred for Sheffield United in 2019.Jebbison last played for England’s Under-20 side in May 2023 at the Fifa U-20 World Cup.He was also partly convinced of how he could thrive with Canada thanks to a video Marsch and his staff created.Canada turned to three top stars in Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Alistair Johnston, to record video messages expressing their interest in having Jebbison join.Marsch also put a personal touch in his recruitment plan by creating a one-off Canada-themed pair of Air Jordans to gift to Jebbison.Ex-Leeds boss Jesse Marsch has managed Canada since May 2024 More

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      Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly moves closer to shock England debut after just EIGHT Premier League starts

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      ARSENAL defender Myles Lewis-Skelly is moving closer to landing a shock England debut despite having made just eight Premier League starts.New England boss Thomas Tuchel, preparing for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, has been impressed by the form of the teenage sensation who has starred at left-back for Mikel Arteta this term.New England boss Thomas Tuchel is eyeing up Myles Lewis-Skelly for a surprise call-upCredit: PAThe Arsenal teenager has only made eight Premier League startsCredit: RexEngland are desperately short in that area with both Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell having suffered numerous injury issues.Newcastle’s Lewis Hall featured twice for England under interim manager Lee Carsley in November.While Rico Lewis, Kyle Walker and Levi Colwill have also played at left-back for the Three Lions.Tottenham’s Djed Spence has also been in decent form for Tottenham at left-back even though he is right-sided.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLYet Tuchel will prefer players featuring in their natural positions and Lewis-Skelly, 18, already looks at home in that left-back spot.Incredibly, he has yet to feature for the under-21s and only made his under-19s debut in Croatia in September.Previously, Arsenal team-mate Declan Rice said: “This kid is just special, very special. He can go to the top.”For an 18-year-old to be that good, that comfortable, that strong, it was like he was built in a lab. I said that to him the other day.Most read in Football”It’s just ridiculous how good he is, but he has a long way to go. “He’s so level-headed, he’s got a great family around him.”Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches In Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Leicester on Saturday, Lewis-Skelly delivered a goal-saving intervention with the score at 0-0.Tuchel meanwhile, is also likely to hand first call-ups to other players.Ipswich’s in-form striker Liam Delap is another player in the frame.Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.The former Man City ace has netted 10 times since joining the Tractor Boys last summer. England face Albania at Wembley on March 21 and then entertain Latvia three days later. More