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      Greece hero Nikos Dabizas reveals banter he had with David Beckham after Man Utd legend’s iconic England free-kick

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      GREECE hero Nikos Dabizas revealed a funny conversation he had with England legend David Beckham after his iconic free-kick in 2001.Beckham led the Three Lions to the 2002 World Cup with a stunning last-gasp strike which sealed a 2-2 draw against the Greeks in the 93rd minute.Nikos Dabizas had a funny chat with David Beckham after his iconic free-kick for EnglandCredit: Allsport – GettyDabizas issued a tongue-in-cheek statement to BeckhamCredit: GettyDabizas tackles Emile Heskey in the 2001 qualifierBeckham led England to the 2002 World Cup with his legendary strikeCredit: Bongarts – GettyGreece were 2-1 up at Old Trafford thanks to goals by Angelos Charisteas and Demis Nikolaidis, either side of a Teddy Sheringham equaliser, which were set to condemn Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side to a tricky play-off with Ukraine.But up stepped Becks for a final set-piece, 25 yards out of Antonis Nikopolidis’ goal.He curled an impossible effort that caught the goalkeeper by surprise and sent England straight to the finals in Japan and South Korea.Dabizas, 51, started that match and never forgot the Manchester United legend’s stunner that denied his team their first ever win over the English.Read More on FootballThe Newcastle hero caught up with Beckham soon after in the Premier League for some belated post-match banter.Dabizas told SunSport: “Yes, after the game – if I remember correctly – possibly later in a match against Manchester United. Relatively very soon. I messed with him, [I told him] ‘You got yourselves out of jail’.”And he smiled. “[He laughed] It wasn’t a specific answer. [He’s] An absolutely normal guy.”But Dabizas always knew how special that “unimaginably good” free-kick was for both England and Beckham’s career.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd the ex-Leicester ace has fond memories of that match in Manchester as it marked the beginning of Greece’s journey to their historic Euro 2004 triumph under Otto Rehhagel.Dabizas added: “I think he had an excellent performance in the game against us in 2001. It was a landmark match for his career and it was the first strong sign we gave as a team with Mr Rehhagel for what was to follow as we were very competitive in the qualifiers.Premier League icon Nikos Dabizas names surprise EFL star who could be key to shutting down Jude Bellingham in England vs Greece”We convinced ourselves that we can stand in front of very high-level teams because that England national team had a lot of talent. And the team that went to Portugal in 2004 had a lot of talent despite having some issues then in English football.”Especially when they couldn’t capitalise on the characteristics they had as a team. They didn’t do that. They didn’t have the success they were capable of.”Beckham was certainly a footballer who had tremendous appeal in set-pieces. His hits were unimaginably good. One of the best in the world [in terms of] the way he hit the ball and the trajectory the ball took.”I believe it was a very special motion process. If anyone looks how he hit the ball will be able to understand that specialty that we mentioned.”It was the last stages of the match, there was a lot of pressure, we were ahead, we were playing if I remember correctly with three central defenders. That’s when that whole story started with Mr Rehhagel trusting the system of three central defenders more.”But I believe it was unavoidable with that part the game was on, when you have such an elite level footballer being able to get the ball either over the wall or the goalkeeper’s tight corner then I believe the difficulty level is very big.”And it had that result that it had in the last stages of the match. And England qualified with that draw to the World Cup.”READ MORE SUN STORIESGreece finally got their first ever win over England last month at their tenth time of asking after seven losses.Dabizas watched Ivan Jovanovic’s men win 2-1 as a pundit at Wembley and will hope for a repeat tonight in Athens. More

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      ‘I don’t really like it’ – Harry Kane blasts England’s NINE Nations League dropouts for ‘taking advantage’

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      HARRY KANE hit out at the NINE England players who have pulled out of the Nations League squad.Lee Carsley’s final camp as interim Three Lions boss has turned into a farce with so many withdrawals through “injury”.Harry Kane hit out at the nine England players to withdraw from the current campCredit: PAHe made his feelings clear in an interview with ITV SportThe FA decided to allow new gaffer Thomas Tuchel to take over as Gareth Southgate’s successor in the New Year.That has meant Carsley remains at the helm for two more matches – against Greece and Ireland – before stepping aside for Tuchel.However, it appears some players have seen this as an opportunity to skip international duty and make the most of a rare break in the hectic fixture list.Captain Kane, though, accused them of “taking advantage” of the unusual predicament of there being no full-time manager in post. READ MORE ON ENGLANDThe 101-cap striker, 31, told ITV Sport: “I think England comes before anything. It comes before club and it is the most important thing you play as a professional footballer.“Gareth was hot on that and he wasn’t afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players. “It’s a shame this week obviously. I think it’s a tough period of the season and maybe that’s been taken advantage of a little bit.“I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest. I think England comes before anything, any club situation. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“The joy to play for England. I think Gareth brought that back. Every camp, people were excited to come, every camp people wanted to play for England.”In his last camp in charge, Carsley had an embarrassment of riches to choose from – and experimented by squeezing as many stars as possible into the starting XI against Greece.England’s international break is a mess before a ball’s been kicked This time he is scraping the barrel after the mass exodus of Premier League stars. Chelsea duo Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill both played 90 minutes of their side’s 1-1 with Arsenal on Sunday, while Phil Foden also completed Manchester City’s weekend defeat at Brighton.Yet all three pulled out of Carsley’s squad for this week’s two Nations League fixtures.Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice also withdrew on Monday after were both substituted against Chelsea – although Rice played for the Gunners despite having a broken toe.  I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest. I think England comes before anything, any club situation. Harry KaneTrent Alexander-Arnold limped out of Liverpool’s win over Aston Villa with a hamstring injury.Jack Grealish has missed City’s last six games while goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has a broken finger.  All three passed up the opportunity to meet up with their England team-mates and represent their country.Jarrad Branthwaite was drafted in as late cover following the mass exodus.But he then left the camp again to return to Everton for treatment on a “minor groin issue” and had his spot filled by Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah for what has turned out to be an important double header as Carsley bows out.READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland must defeat Greece in Athens by at least two goals tomorrow and then beat Ireland at Wembley on Sunday if they are to stand a realistic chance of winning their Nations League group and earning promotion back to the top tier. With nearly an entire potential starting XI absent through injury, the interim manager is expected to name a midfield three of Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher and Angel Gomes – who all play abroad – behind Bayern Munich’s Kane, while English-based players drop like flies.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. More

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      Israeli football team forced to train in SECRET ahead of France clash amid fears of anti-Semitic bloodshed in Paris

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      ISRAEL have been forced to train in a secret location ahead of their controversial Nations League clash with France this week.Some 4,000 police, many of them armed, have been drafted in to provide security for a Stade de France crowd of barely 20,000 in Paris.The Israel national team has been forced to train in a secret hotel in France due to safety concernsCredit: RexFrench police stand outside the Stade de France stadium prior to Israel’s behind closed doors training sessionCredit: EPASAS-style special force RAID officers and up to 6,000 other cops are all scheduled to be on duty for the high-risk game – representing one officer for every three fans inside the ground.The high-alert security approach was already planned even before last week’s shocking scenes in Amsterdam around Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Europa League game at Ajax.Disturbing footage showed Israeli football fans being chased through the streets of the Dutch capital by an anti-Semitic mob last Thursday. This has prompted international concerns over the safety of Jewish fans particularly those watching Israeli-based teams.read more in footballAnd events in the Netherlands have only ramped up the need for special measures further in wake of rising anti-Semitic bloodshed in Europe. One of these precautions saw the Israel team being confined to their undisclosed hotel in the Val d’Oise region to the north of the capital.Constant armed guards were at the base and accompanied the players and staff to their training site on Tuesday.Authorities demanded the location be kept under wraps and all media activities were cancelled.Most read in FootballParis police chief Laurent Nuñez said security around the game was of extreme concern for the authorities.He said: “There’s a context, tensions that make that match a high-risk event for us.”There will be an anti-terrorist security perimeter around the stadium.”Inside Paris’ ‘patchwork of steel’ security op with AI surveillance, 45,000 cops & drones for most guarded Olympics everIsraeli security forces, including agents from the Mossad intelligence agency, will also be inside the stadium on Thursday.Many fans have stayed away with the Israeli government telling supporters to “categorically avoid attending” the match.Addressing the anticipated low attendance, Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano said: “I can understand why people do not want to come. It’s their choice. “We will fight on the pitch and aim to win this match. “This week we saw November 11. I love peace and hope that someday we will achieve it in every country. “Regardless of our religion or where we come from, we all want peace.”French President Emmanuel Macron and his prime minister, Michel Barnier, will also attend the match.Specialist RAID officers will join 6,000 cops to help protect Paris after the police chief labelled the game as a ‘high-risk eventOfficials have announced there will be at least one cop per three football fans in the capitalCredit: GettyRioters run through the streets amid disturbing clashes in Amsterdam between Israelis and an anti-Semitic mobCredit: REXMany people have called for the game to be moved to a neutral venue but Bruno Retailleau, France’s Interior Minister, said it was hugely important that the game went ahead in Paris.He said: “I think that for a symbolic reason we must not yield, we must not give up.”The RAID has been active since the Israeli team set foot on French soil, and they will be in the stadium.”The French government say they are determined to push ahead with the match as it will mark the two year anniversary of the 2015 terror attacks.ISIS thugs killed 130 people on a single night with chilling eruptions even being heard from the Stade de France on the harrowing evening. French FA chief Philippe Diallo insisted it would have been “unthinkable” for the match to be cancelled.Israel’s manager Ran Ben Shimon has told the press he and the team feel safe.France has already answered calls for tightened security around Israeli athletes after the 2024 Paris Olympics earlier this year.They deployed a widely successful “ring of steel” around the Games to ensure safety after several declarations of violence from terror group ISIS and anti-Israel parties.It became the most guarded Games ever with over 60,000 cops and soldiers, drones, helicopters and a huge increase in AI surveillance all deployed.Israel’s sporting calendar has been thrown into chaos since the war kicked off last October.Many of their games have been played at neutral venues due to fears over public safety.SAS-style RAID special forces are being deployed across Paris ahead of the France vs Israel matchCredit: AFPFrench cops surrounded the stadium ahead of Thursday’s clashCredit: EPAIsrael fans have been targeted at sporting events such as in the Paris OlympicsCredit: GettyBelgium, who are scheduled to play Israel on Sunday following the France clash, have already made the match be moved to Hungary.Israeli FA chief Shino Moshe Zuares added: “This is a very complex period for us. But we know what we represent, and we are proud to represent our country. “The events in Amsterdam only strengthen us, and we will not let hate and ignorance defeat us. “I am concerned and worried but we will face the situation and emerge stronger.”Away from the football, another Israeli-linked security fear comes in the form of a pro-Palestinian march.Thousands are expected to take to the streets of Paris on Wednesday – a day before the football clash – to demonstrate against a controversial pro-Israel gala.The “Israel is Forever” gala was originally set to be attended by Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich but he has since pulled out.Several controversial figures linked to Israel’s far-Right are expected to show – making life difficult for cops.Police chief Nuñez spoke on the gala and said: “A gala in a closed place is not a demonstration on the public road, so it is more complicated for a prefect to ban it.”I considered that there was no risk of disturbing public order but we will be attentive to the comments made and I can potentially take legal action.”An open letter by seven civil rights groups to the French media reads: “Holding this gala in the French capital constitutes an insult to international law and contempt for the United Nations and for the orders issued by the highest international court.”A counter-demonstration has also been announced and is expected to attract up to 8,000 people.Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, antisemitic violence has surged globally.It has been fuelled by heightened geopolitical tensions and polarising public discourse around the war.This escalation is marked by an alarming rise in physical attacks, threats, and hate speech targeting Jewish communities.In Europe, reports of antisemitism have spiked, with attacks on synagogues, Jewish schools, and individuals intensifying.Countries like Germany and France have seen notable incidents of physical violence and vandalism.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn Germany, synagogues were firebombed, and Jewish youth sports teams have reported attacks, reflecting a growing climate of fear.Public spaces associated with Jewish identity, including schools and cemeteries, have also required heightened police protection.Members of the RAID deescalating a situation in FranceCredit: AFPA match between Mali and Israel at the Parc des Princes in July 24 saw brawls up in the standsCredit: The Mega Agency More

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      ‘Chaos’ as Premier League stars forced to abandon Marbella training camp amid red weather warnings and flooding fears

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      PREMIER LEAGUE stars have been forced to abandon a training camp in Marbella following bad weather.Sweden flew to the Spanish coast in the hope of some warmer weather training ahead of their Nations League fixtures.Alexander Isak admitted he was ‘worried’ by the bad weatherCredit: RexBut they have been forced to return to Stockholm after weather warnings were issued in Marbella.Rain and thunder hit the popular tourist destination, weeks after Valencia was hit with tragic floods.Newcastle striker Alexander Isak was caught up in the storms and he shared his thoughts in a press conference along with Tottenham youngster Lucas Bergvall.Isak said: “I got a little worried. You’ve seen in other cities in Spain how it’s been, so it wasn’t very fun. Hopefully it won’t be too crazy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“There was a lot of rain. It was not optimal. We had to modify the training a little. It was a little shorter, but we at least managed to get a little run in us.”Bergvall echoed his sentiments, adding: “It was chaos. Rain chaos. With thunder and all that. We had to stop early.”Sweden were preparing for matches against Slovakia and Azerbaijan.They are top of their group after four matches, level on points with Slovakia so would have to avoid defeat and likely need to beat Azerbaijan to win promotion to League A.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile England’s Nations League preparation has also been far from ideal with eight players withdrawing from the squad.England visit Greece on Thursday and host the Republic of Ireland on Sunday in two Nations League clashes, with promotion back to the competition’s top tier at stake.Taylor Harwood-Bellis discusses being called up for the England squad for the first time Rice, Saka, Palmer and Colwill all started the 1-1 draw between Chelsea and Arsenal on Sunday but all have cried off international duty – Rice and Palmer after passing late fitness tests to play for their clubs.Midfield man Rice played with a broken toe on Sunday but will not be risked for England.Alexander-Arnold could face a lengthy lay-off with a hamstring problem after being substituted in the first half Liverpool’s win over Aston Villa on Saturday.Play VideoGrealish has not trained for two weeks and Carsley’s decision to include him in his squad sparked a sarcastic response from City boss Pep Guardiola.City right-back Kyle Walker has remained in the squad but is also believed to be a fitness doubt. More

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      Belgium vs Italy: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend with BetMGM

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      THE Nations League returns and throws up a corker in League A this Thursday when Italy travel to Belgium.Bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the tasty international clash.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsBelgium vs Italy: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Belgium vs Italy: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Paris braces for France v Israel with SAS-style special forces & ‘1 cop per 3 fans’ as anti-Semitic chaos sweeps Europe

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      FRANCE are set to take on Israel in a huge Nations League clash this week with Paris bracing for dangerous anti-Semitic chaos. SAS-style special forces are being deployed across the city ahead of Thursday’s game with officials announcing there will be at least one cop per three football fans in the capital.SAS-style RAID special forces are being deployed across Paris ahead of the France vs Israel matchCredit: AFPOfficials have announced there will be at least one cop per three football fans in the capitalCredit: GettySecurity concerns ahead of the match are already mounting with Paris’ police chief labelling it as a “high-risk event”.The fears have drastically ramped up in recent days after disturbing footage showed Israeli football fans being chased through the streets of Amsterdam by an anti-Semitic mob.Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were ambushed by masked rioters in the Dutch city as they left the Johan Cruyff stadium last Thursday.This has prompted international concerns over the safety of Jewish fans particularly those watching Israeli-based teams.read more in football fearsWith the international break now underway, Israel’s national side are due to play France away in Paris before travelling to play against Belgium on Sunday.The match against Belgium has already faced intense scrutiny with it being moved to a neutral venue in Hungary due to safety fears.Despite France agreeing to host the 81st ranked international side in their capital a number of security measures have been put in place.SAS-style special forces and up to 6,000 other officers are all scheduled to be on duty for the high-risk game at the Stade de France.Most read in FootballOrganisers have told The Sun that they are struggling to sell tickets due to issues around Israel with the Middle Eastern conflict – with less than 15,000 seats reserved so far.France’s elite RAID tactical unit are believed to be the first line of defence at the game and have been deployed following the violence in Amsterdam.Inside Paris’ ‘patchwork of steel’ security op with AI surveillance, 45,000 cops & drones for most guarded Olympics everParis police chief Laurent Nuñez said security at the game was of extreme concern for the authorities. He said: “There’s a context, tensions that make that match a high-risk event for us.”There will be an anti-terrorist security perimeter around the stadium.”RAID – which stands for Search, Assistance, Intervenion, Deterrence – will be in the stadium, he confirmed.The RAID was one of the first special forces units rushed to the scene when ISIS suicide bombers attacked Paris in November 2015.Terrorist thugs killed 130 people on a single night with chilling eruptions even being heard from the Stade de France on the harrowing night.Israeli security forces, including agents from the Mossad intelligence agency, will also be inside the stadium.French President Emmanuel Macron and his prime minister, Michel Barnier, will also attend the match.Many people have called for the game to be moved to a neutral venue but Bruno Retailleau, France’s Interior Minister, said it was hugely important that the game went ahead in Paris.Rioters run through the streets amid disturbing clashes in Amsterdam between Israelis and an anti-Semitic mobCredit: RexRAID officers will join 6,000 cops to help protect Paris after the police chief labelled the game as a ‘high-risk event’Credit: AFPIsrael fans have been targeted at sporting events such as in the Paris OlympicsCredit: GettyHe said: “I think that for a symbolic reason we must not yield, we must not give up.”The RAID has been active since the Israeli team set foot on French soil, and they will be in the stadium.”The Israel team arrived in France on Wednesday but have been forced to train and stay at secret locations on the outskirts of Paris.Manager Ran Ben Shimon has told the press he and the team feel safe.France has already answered calls for tightened security around Israeli athletes after the 2024 Paris Olympics earlier this year.They deployed a widely successful “ring of steel” around the Games to ensure safety after several declarations of violence from terror group ISIS and anti-Israel parties.It became the most guarded Games ever with over 60,000 cops and soldiers, drones, helicopters and a huge increase in AI surveillance all deployed.Just this week, a Jewish football team was placed under police protection after it was “attacked” by a knife-wielding pro-Palestinian mob in Berlin.Teens from Makkabi Berlin’s youth team claim they were “hunted down” by a group of Arab youngsters after a game against local rivals.One player’s dad claimed that his son was “deeply shaken” when he came back home from the game.The boy was allegedly spat at and later harassed by a mob of kids and adults who followed the squad off the pitch with sticks and knives. There’s a context, tensions that make that match a high-risk event for usLaurent NuñezParis police chief Away from the football, another Israeli-linked security fear comes in the form of a pro-Palestinian march.Thousands are expected to take to the streets of Paris on Wednesday – a day before the football clash – to demonstrate against a controversial pro-Israel gala.The “Israel is Forever” gala was originally set to be attended by Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich but he has since pulled out.Several controversial figures linked to Israel’s far-Right are expected to show – making life difficult for cops.Police chief Nuñez spoke on the gala and said: “A gala in a closed place is not a demonstration on the public road, so it is more complicated for a prefect to ban it.”I considered that there was no risk of disturbing public order but we will be attentive to the comments made and I can potentially take legal action.”An open letter by seven civil rights groups to the French media reads: “Holding this gala in the French capital constitutes an insult to international law and contempt for the United Nations and for the orders issued by the highest international court.”A counter-demonstration has also been announced and is expected to attract up to 8,000 people.Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, antisemitic violence has surged globally.It has been fuelled by heightened geopolitical tensions and polarising public discourse around the war.This escalation is marked by an alarming rise in physical attacks, threats, and hate speech targeting Jewish communities.In Europe, reports of antisemitism have spiked, with attacks on synagogues, Jewish schools, and individuals intensifying.Countries like Germany and France have seen notable incidents of physical violence and vandalism.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn Germany, synagogues were firebombed, and Jewish youth sports teams have reported attacks, reflecting a growing climate of fear.Public spaces associated with Jewish identity, including schools and cemeteries, have also required heightened police protection.A match between Mali and Israel at the Parc des Princes in July 24 saw brawls up in the standsCredit: The Mega AgencySoldiers patrolling the River Seine at the OlympicsCredit: APMembers of the RAID deescalating a situation in FranceCredit: AFP More

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      Ex-Greece boss Gus Poyet pinpoints exactly what went wrong for England in shock loss… and warns it could happen again

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      FORMER Greece manager Gus Poyet claims England’s shock loss at Wembley was down to interim boss Lee Carsley’s baffling line-up and all the managerial drama.The Greeks upset the Three Lions with a 2-1 win last month in the Nations League after a brace by Benfica star Vangelis Pavlidis, despite an brief equaliser by Jude Bellingham, and dedicated the win to team-mate George Baldock just 24 hours after his sudden death.Ex-Greece boss Gus Poyet warns England could lose again at Athens due to their opponents’ unityCredit: SportsfileEngland lost to Greece at Wembley amid managerial dramaCredit: AlamyPoyet believes England interim boss Lee Carsley’s baffling line-up contributed to the lossCredit: AlamyThe two teams meet again on Thursday in the return fixture at Athens’ Olympic Stadium – also known as OAKA – in the first match after Thomas Tuchel was named England’s new full-time manager.Poyet, 56, suggests it’s a good thing the national team finally know who Gareth Southgate’s successor is as he believes the uncertainty took a toll on the player’s mentality.The Chelsea and Tottenham legend also expects Carsley, who will oversee the matches against Greece and Finland before Tuchel takes over in the new year, to name a much more balanced line-up at OAKA.The ex-Brighton boss suggested Carsley simply tried to accommodate all of his best players, which is almost impossible for any manager to do at international level.Read More on FootballThe 50-year-old coach tried out a controversial, ultra-attacking formation that saw Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon having to start in deeper roles, while Bellingham was placed up front instead of in-form strikers Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke.Poyet told SunSport on behalf of Freebets.com: “The mental side is very, very important. I think there were too many things going around publicly about England and the coaches and which one [will be in charge] and how it’s going to be. “Everybody saw after that game the FA decided to name Tuchel, which means it [the info] was inside the camp, that feeling. And nobody knew the future of the national team. “And it’s true that on the pitch, normally, it doesn’t affect the players when you are playing because you are not thinking about anything else. But the previous days, the previous hours and the after hours, it does. Greece put up a magnificent plan from the coach and the players. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”They understood exactly what they needed to do, and then in key moments of the game they took advantage. And that’s always important. You know, there are little things that need to go for you in certain moments, and they totally served well.”I think that for whatever reason, the coach in place tried something that most people in football were saying, that it was not possible to play everybody. Going back to my time, when they used to say Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and [Paul] Scholes, they can play together. England’s international break is a mess before a ball’s been kicked “Whatever it was here was the same. Everybody wanted to see everyone in somehow. Apparently that was the correct game to do it, and at the end it was clear that it was not. “So maybe, you know, sometimes we make decisions as coaches. We believe that playing all your best players, it makes a team. And sometimes it doesn’t, almost all of the time.”That was one of the biggest mistakes I made in one of my clubs, to try to accommodate all the very good players somehow into the pitch and put in there like a puzzle and it doesn’t work like that. “You know, a team needs to have some shape, some characteristics, some people who are going to be good at the ball, and some that are going to be good without the ball. And I think that somehow didn’t work for England.”Poyet believes the loss at Wembley absolutely proves England can lose again in Athens, which would see them missing out on first place in Group 2 and being dealt a severe blow to their 2026 World Cup plans.The former Sunderland boss knows Greece very well as he managed them for two years and transformed them as he promoted them to League B, only just missing out on Euro 2024 qualification in the play-off final at Georgia, which led to his exit.’England know they can lose’And he is adamant his successor at the helm Ivan Jovanovic has put together a smooth transition that sees his team being much more clinical on the pitch.Poyet added: “Now they know that they can lose and that’s enough. It’s gonna be a totally different game. I think the first game is always a surprise. This one is going to be different”For Greece, it’s going to be amazing. I think the progress that we made in two years and the intelligence of Jovanovic now taking that forward with his own style, but without changing too many players, is being proven absolutely right. “Go back two years and a half when I arrived, and there was seven or eight thousand people at OAKA . Now it’s going to be full. “It means that group of players are going places, and that shows that it was something right, and that the people got excited. So it’s going to be a great opportunity to see if it’s possible to repeat that magical moment at Wembley.”Poyet warned England, who saw Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Palmer, Levi Colwill and Aaron Ramsdale pulling out, the main ingredient that could cause another upset is the Greek players’ unity.Greece unity can cause another upsetThe likes of Cardiff’s Manolis Siopis, Newcastle’s Odysseas Vlachodimos, Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas, West Ham’s Dinos Mavropanos, captain Tasos Bakasetas and Premier League target Fotis Ioannidis have been playing together for years.And the game will be taking place in front of a sold out OAKA, filled with passionate Greeks that have fallen back in love with their national team following 10 years of hurt.Poyet said: “The unity of the group, for sure, 100 per cent, [can lead to an upset] because it’s there and continues to be there.”I think when you play against a team like England, which is one of the top teams in the world, you need to be practically perfect, no mistakes. “And you need to be on the day to bring down the difference between the two teams. So you need to be clinical. Greece was clinical at Wembley, READ MORE SUN STORIES”You need to make sure that everybody is in a high level. You just say, what a big decision for the coach you know, to play Pavlidis or to play Ioannidis [up front] – probably both will play part of the game. “So there is plenty of things that they need to be decided yet, and it will depend on what the two managers pick and decide how to play this game.” More

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      Arsenal boost as Martin Odegaard sent home from international duty barely 24 hours after arriving

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      ARSENAL midfielder Martin Odegaard has been sent home from international duty – despite returning from injury last week.The 25-year-old made his first start in three months against Chelsea on Sunday after recovering from a damaged ankle.Martin Odegaard has been sent home from international dutyCredit: ReutersHe will continue his rehabilitation with Arsenal in LondonCredit: GettyHe then joined up with the Norwegian national team ahead of upcoming Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Kazakhstan.But after being assessed by Norway’s medical staff, he returned to London.Odegaard said: “After discussions with the medical staff at the national team, we have unfortunately concluded that the situation is not good enough to play these matches.”I’ve been through a long training period and when you haven’t practised football in the last nine weeks, it’s natural not to be 100 per cent yet.Read More in Football”I need to listen to my body, complete this rehab process and get my foot back in good shape.”The hope has always been to be able to play the national matches, and if I hadn’t played on Sunday, it would have been out of the question to participate anyway.”It’s a very bad feeling to lose these games, I love playing for Norway and with this team.”Norway manager Stale Solbakken went on to say that he was not willing to risk the midfielder’s health.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe explained: “We knew that there was a risk that Martin would not be ready.”He has had a strong desire to take part in the matches, but we cannot risk his health.”Ecstatic Arsenal fans say ‘my captain is BACK’ as Martin Odegaard shares workout video in huge boost following injuryOdegaard will now continue his rehabilitation with Arsenal in London.Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice withdrew from the England squad on Monday due to injury.Saka was forced off with a knock during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.Meanwhile, Rice suffered a broken toe prior to the Premier League clash, but was fit enough to play 71 minutes.Arsenal ratings v ChelseaHere’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners:David Raya – 7Tipped a shot over the bar early on from Cole Palmer and claimed crosses well. Could do nothing about Neto’s crisp strike.Ben White – 5Poor when trying to stop a Neto cross that Malo Gusto should have then scored. Booked for a foul on the winger later on.William Saliba – 6Steady alongside Gabriel but was more in the covering role so had less to do. Struggled with his line-breaking passes today on the whole. Failed to engage Neto as he raced towards the area before narrowing a shot into the corner.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Made some vital blocks when the midfield was bypassed and was generally the busier of himself and Saliba.Jurrien Timber – 6Busy day for the defender in trying to keep Madueke quiet, a task he largely succeeded in. But he wasn’t able to heavily influence the game going forward since the ball never really got to him. Most entertaining part of the game before the goal probably came with the 57th-minute throw-in that slipped out of his hands and over his head.Thomas Partey – 6Struggled to contain Cole Palmer early on but grew into the game and got on the ball plenty, although he was somewhat wayward with his long-range passing. After a bad touch he managed to poke the ball back to Odegaard before he provided the assist.Declan Rice – 6Made some vital defensive contributions to block some Chelsea chances and displayed quick thinking at a free-kick to put Havertz through to score, but was marginally offside. Subbed off after 71 minutes.Martin Odegaard – 7Back in the starting XI for the first time since August. Has been a big miss for Arteta’s side but may take some time to get back to his best and was on the ball nowhere near enough at the Bridge. Won the ball back before providing the assist for Martinelli’s opener.Bukayo Saka – 5Showed superb defensive work rate to keep Marc Cucurella in check, though this inversely meant he was unable to contribute as much in attack. Subbed off after pulling up injured in the 79th minute.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Should have done better when given the chance to score past Sanchez in the penalty area after Saka won the ball back high. Kept at it and scored against the run of play in the second half with a nice finish to Sanchez’s near post. Hooked after 71 minutes.Kai Havertz – 6Appeared to have poked home the opening goal with a sharp bit of movement but was fractionally offside. Booked for not going off the pitch when bleeding on his head. More