More stories

  • in

    Harry Maguire spotted limping after England’s Nations League draw with Germany in injury blow to Man Utd

    HARRY MAGUIRE was spotted limping out of Wembley Stadium last night in a potential injury blow for Manchester United.The defender endured another evening to forget, his mistakes leading to Germany’s first two goals during England’s epic 3-3 draw.
    🚩Maguire se marcha cojeando de Wembley… (Southgate ha dicho que era un problema de isquiotibiales)Maguire limps off from Wembley… (Southgate has said he had a hamstring problem)@diarioas pic.twitter.com/7jSPymuMVE— Guillermo Rai (@GuillerRai) September 26, 2022

    Harry Maguire endured a night to forget for the Three LionsCredit: Reuters
    Maguire, 29, has received huge criticism for his latest performance, and may have added injury to insult along the way.
    In footage shot by reporter Guillermo Rai, the Man United skipper could be seen walking with a clear limp as he made his way through the mixed zone with an apparent hamstring issue.
    On his team-mate, England captain Harry Kane said: “Individual mistake, you’re going to be gutted.
    “But we’re a team, we get behind each other. They learn from it, they move on, they’ve been great for us every time they’ve put an England shirt on.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    “H had a pretty decent injury there at the end and he played another five or ten minutes on almost one leg, great character from him, really proud of him for that.”
    He has been out of the Red Devils side of late, but an injury would still present boss Erik ten Hag with an unwanted headache amid such a busy run of fixtures to come.
    United will play NINE matches in October, and Ten Hag will surely have to lean on his squad.
    Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are currently the Red Devils’ first choice duo, while Victor Lindelof also remains in the mix.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
    After last night’s match, Maguire took to Instagram to apologise for his gaffes.
    He wrote: “Mistakes are part of the game, I apologise.
    “Great fight back and spirit to get us back into the game by the lads.
    “Take the positives and look forward to Qatar. The tough times will make us stronger.”
    Despite Maguire’s difficult evening, Gareth Southgate again vowed to keep faith with his defender.
    The 52-year-old said: “I know everybody will focus on Harry Maguire. That is always going to raise debate.
    “In these moments, we have to back our best and most experienced players unless we are in a situation where it is almost untenable and impossible to pick them.
    “I have to accept there will be huge amounts of noise around individual selections but if I am going to be wishy-washy and change my mind, then it is pointless of me doing it.”
    Maguire’s Man United team-mate Luke Shaw, who got on the scoresheet last night, added: “I will be honest, it is a tough period at the moment.
    “Of course Harry is an amazing player, an amazing character. He has taken a lot of stick, probably more than I have ever seen before in football but he never hides away, he is always there.
    Read More on The Sun
    “You can have people that can hide away and not want to be in the spotlight but he keeps putting himself in the spotlight and it shows the strength and character he has got because, come on, everyone knows that he is an unbelievable player.”
    Shaw then continued: “At the moment the confidence might not be there because it might feel like the whole world is against him, it is tough for him but us as players, staff we are all behind him because he is a very important player and it shows Gareth’s trust that he has played in both games.” More

  • in

    Fuming Joshua Kimmich slams Germany’s ‘inexplicable’ collapse against England who ‘didn’t want to play’

    JOSHUA KIMMICH has slammed Germany’s “inexplicable” collapse against England – before laying into the Three Lions’ style of play.The Bayern Munich star was in action as England and Germany played out an epic 3-3 draw at Wembley Stadium last night.
    Joshua Kimmich played the full 90 minutes as Germany drew 3-3 with EnglandCredit: Getty
    Both sides went into the match having endured disappointing Uefa Nations League campaigns.
    Germany raced into a two-goal lead in the second-half via Ilkay Gundogan’s penalty and a brilliant curling strike by Kai Havertz.
    But Hansi Flick’s men conceded three times in a bonkers 12-minute period to surrender their lead and inject new life into the Wembley crowd.
    Havertz profited on a Nick Pope mistake to salvage a draw for Germany, but that scarcely improved the mood of Bayern stalwart Kimmich.
    READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
    The 27-year-old, who played the full 90 minutes of the match, didn’t hold back after.
    He said: “We had the game under control and were 2-0 up.
    “England just played on the counter-attack. After the 2-0 we become too passive and weren’t brave enough against the ball.
    “It’s actually inexplicable because England didn’t really want to play.”
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    He then added: “That shouldn’t happen in the second half, because we completely gave the game away.
    “Each of us players now has six weeks to get a good feeling. And then we will go all-out for the World Cup.”
    Germany have been drawn in Group E in Qatar, and will take on Japan, Spain and Costa Rica when they travel to the Middle East in November.
    Prior to last night’s match, England boss Gareth Southgate cast an envious eye at Kimmich.
    He said: “Joshua Kimmich is fundamental to the team and the way they play. He organises the game for them and he reads it so well.
    “We don’t have that sort of player in this country, I don’t think we develop that sort of player well through youth football and through academies. Other countries probably have a little bit more focus on that.
    Read More on The Sun
    “We have talked about the passing of Trent [Alexander-Arnold] – that’s why we gave him a go in midfield. That got completely lambasted.
    “If you are not doing that every day for your club in certain positions, it is very difficult to transfer that on to an international stage.” More

  • in

    Fans spot something bizarre about Harry Kane’s England kit during Germany draw leaving them baffled

    EAGLE-EYED England fans were left baffled by Harry Kane’s kit in yesterday’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Germany.Skipper Kane scored from the spot to put the Three Lions 3-2 up, only for Chelsea ace Kai Havertz to equalise just minutes later.
    Harry Kane appeared to wear a regular No9 on his shorts, and an upside down No6 on the front of his shirtCredit: Getty
    Kane wore his trademark No9 on the back of his shirtCredit: EPA
    His front shirt number appeared to be an upside down version of Harry Maguire’s No6Credit: Reuters
    But it was Kane’s kit, rather than his emphatic penalty, that caught the eye of fans.
    The England captain sported his trademark No9 on the back of his shirt, as well as on his shorts.
    Yet the front of his away shirt, mysteriously worn at home, appeared to have an upside down No6 printed on it.
    His front shirt number looked suspiciously similar to an upside down version of Harry Maguire’s digit.
    READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
    And fans were quick to chime in as they watched the drama unfold in England’s last game before the World Cup.
    One wrote: “Harry Pain.”
    While another joked: “[It’s] because he’s a false nine.”
    Maguire wore two regular No6’s on the front of his shirt and shorts, suggesting Kane’s upside down No6 could have been a printing error.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Kane’s bizarre kit wasn’t the only shirt related drama last night.
    Gareth Southgate’s side sported funky fonts on the back of their shirts, with their names all in capitals, except from the letter “i”.
    And it didn’t go down particularly well with fans online.
    One wrote: “I’m quite angry about the font on the England shirts.”
    Another said: “It’s just been brought to my attention that the font on the back of England’s shirts uses all capital letters, except for a lower case ‘i’, and now I can’t see ANYTHING ELSE.”
    While a third quipped: “Petition to get rid of that awful font on the England kit and replace it with Comic Sans.”
    Read More on The Sun
    While Kane’s kit could have been an error, the eye-catching fonts were in fact purposely designed in that way.
    An England statement when the new kits were released said: “Just like the home kit, the typeface used on the name and number takes inspiration from angular, industrial fonts used by English heavy metal rock bands.” More

  • in

    Harry Maguire apologises for England ‘mistakes’ but Gareth Southgate vows to play him until it’s ‘untenable’

    HARRY MAGUIRE has apologised for England “mistakes” after his latest gaffes last night.But Gareth Southgate has vowed to stick with the error-prone defender until his position in the team becomes “untenable”.
    Gareth Southgate backed Harry Maguire once againCredit: Reuters
    After the chaotic 3-3 draw, in which Maguire was at fault for Germany’s first two goals, the Manchester United ace took to Instagram to own up to his mistakes.
    He wrote: “Mistakes are part of the game, I apologise.
    “Great fight back and spirit to get us back into the game by the lads .
    “Take the positives and look forward to Qatar. The tough times will make us stronger.”
    READ MORE ON ENGLAND
    Southgate, 52, revealed players had clear-the-air talks behind closed doors before their rousing Nations League comeback against Germany at Wembley.
    Three goals in 12 minutes from Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Harry Kane put the Three Lions 3-2 up, before a late howler by Nick Pope cost them victory.
    Defender Maguire made mistakes for the visitors’ first two strikes, including bringing down Jamal Musiala for a penalty after the break.
    England now head to the winter World Cup in Qatar on a competitive six-game winless run — the worst in their history.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Southgate said: “I know everybody will focus on Harry Maguire. That is always going to raise debate.
    “In these moments, we have to back our best and most experienced players unless we are in a situation where it is almost untenable and impossible to pick them.
    “I have to accept there will be huge amounts of noise around individual selections but if I am going to be wishy-washy and change my mind, then it is pointless of me doing it.”
    Defender Reece James backed Maguire and Pope. He said: “When you are playing and make a mistake you are experienced enough to know you made a mistake, so you don’t need to be told.
    “Harry has not been playing too much this season. He has been finding his rhythm, we know the quality he has.
    This is just a bump in the road and going into the World Cup when we arrive we will be ready to playReece James
    “It is a little slip-up and I am sure they will bounce back and be stronger.
    “This is just a bump in the road and going into the World Cup when we arrive we will be ready to play.”
    Maguire was also backed by his United team-mate Luke Shaw, who said: “I will be honest, it is a tough period at the moment.
    “Of course Harry is an amazing player, an amazing character. He has taken a lot of stick, probably more than I have ever seen before in football but he never hides away, he is always there.
    “You can have people that can hide away and not want to be in the spotlight but he keeps putting himself in the spotlight and it shows the strength and character he has got because, come on, everyone knows that he is an unbelievable player.”
    Shaw then added: “At the moment the confidence might not be there because it might feel like the whole world is against him, it is tough for him but us as players, staff we are all behind him because he is a very important player and it shows Gareth’s trust that he has played in both games.”
    Goals from Ilkay Gundogan from the spot and Kai Havertz’s curler put Germany ahead before Shaw — England’s first in open play for 521 minutes —  and sub Mount replied.
    Kane converted from the spot in the 83rd minute thanks to a VAR check after Nico Schlotterbeck’s foul on Jude Bellingham.
    Skipper Kane is now two goals off Wayne Rooney’s England goalscoring record of 53.
    The striker, who admitted the errors cost the Three Lions dear, said: “The fight and mentality in the team was shown out there.
    “The boys have been under pressure. We all have with the recent results and we all came out here today with a point to prove. This will put us in a positive mindset.”
    Kane was part of the senior group who approached Southgate to organise a heart-to-heart talk with the players after losing to Italy 1-0 in Milan on Friday.
    ‘WE BELIEVE IN WHAT WE’RE DOING’
    Southgate explained: “Some of the more senior players have been outstanding.
    “They asked for a meeting on their own to talk things through. For me that was such a positive sign. The best football teams have a real core of players that drive things.
    “To have the right sort of messages filtering through to the group to keep people on track is crucial. We need to stay calm.
    “We have been through times like this before but they are all learning together. The message is we must stick to what we do.
    “You will have pressure in a World Cup. It may be in a group game or in a quarter-final. It is better we feel it and learn how to feel about it.
    Read More on The Sun
    “We have to improve but we weren’t going to rip things up overnight. We believe in what we are doing, whether people agree or not. The players took that on board.
    “You can talk about spirit when things  are going well but the true test is through adversity.”
    Maguire, 29, endured another frustrating nightCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    Harry Kane says fans finally saw the ‘real England’ as skipper insists Three Lions in ‘good place’ ahead of World Cup

    HARRY KANE believes fans got to see the “real England” after their fightback against Germany.The out-of-form Three Lions went into their final Nations League game on a miserable run of form.
    Harry Kane says fans saw the ‘real England’ against GermanyCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    And even though they now head into the World Cup on a six-match winless run, the skipper is adamant that England showed they were on the rise again after the rollercoaster 3-3 draw with Germany.
    Goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Kai Havertz silenced Wembley at the start of the second half as the visitors took a two-goal lead.
    However, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount got England back on level terms before Kane scored a penalty to put his country ahead.
    But there was late agony in store after Nick Pope fumbled a shot in the 87th-minute which allowed Havertz to slot home an equaliser.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL
    Afterwards, Kane told BBC Radio 5 Live: “First and foremost, I’m proud of the boys for the way we dug in. 
    “We felt so unfortunate to go two goals behind. Obviously, a mistake [for the first goal] and a great shot from the edge of the box. But you saw the determination, passion and desire to wear this England shirt after that.
    “We dug deep and the boys who came on made a really good impact and did really well to get back into the game.
    “They were clinical which we haven’t been and to be honest, in the whole game we could have scored more if we were better in the first half. But there’s no time to celebrate.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL

    “I thought we showed good signs today and we can have positive feelings going into the World Cup.”
    Kane added: “It shows the character of the squad and in the summer, we had a similar situation and ended up going the other way.
    “It was a terrible night for us as players and obviously the England national team.
    “Going from 2-0 down against Germany and showing what we did, we can be proud of. The fans were electric as soon as we got the first goal and you can just feel them at the edge of their seats and the eruption when the penalty went in was a great feeling.
    “We are not getting carried away and know we have stuff to improve. The boys keep their heads up, tried to play out and Pope saves it nine times out of ten.
    Read More on The Sun
    “He’s been fantastic for us every time he’s wore the England shirt – he can keep his head up.
    “I think you saw the real England in the last half hour.” More

  • in

    ‘It’s coming home!’ – England fans can’t wait for World Cup as Three Lions FINALLY score from open play after NINE HOURS

    BUOYANT England fans are finally looking forward to the World Cup and declared “it’s coming home” – after their side ended their NINE-HOUR wait for a goal from open play.Supporters were growing frustrated and pressure was mounting on Gareth Southgate as the Three Lions faced Germany in their final Nations League match.
    Luke Shaw ended England’s long goal drought by firing home against GermanyCredit: AFP
    Mason Mount whipped in a superb finish to equalise three minutes laterCredit: Getty
    And the last game before the World Cup looked to be going horribly wrong as the away side took a 2-0 lead at Wembley.
    But at long last, England eventually got the ball over the line from open play for the first time since March 29 – a 3-0 win over Ivory Coast.
    Their only goal in the five matches since was Harry Kane’s penalty away in Germany in June.
    However, the all-important finish came from an unlikely source as Luke Shaw bundled in.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    The ball did not even hit the net as it was cleared just after rolling over the line – not that the home fans cared as the game spun on its head.
    Three minutes later, sub Mason Mount struck beautifully into the corner to make it 2-2 and send Wembley into ecstasy.
    And after 72 shots bringing up just one penalty goal heading into tonight’s game, England then scored a third in a row as Kane converted a penalty awarded after a VAR check.
    Even Nick Pope’s blunder allowing Kai Havertz a late equaliser could not dampen supporters’ spirits as they lauded England finding their shooting boots again ahead of their opener in Qatar against Iran on November 21.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Despite England failing to win any of their last six matches, one said: “It’s coming home, we’re going to win the World Cup.”
    Another wrote: “Bring on Iran, USA and Wales – it’s coming home.”
    A third added: “Glad to see England scoring from open play after such a long time. Right time to click in indeed!”
    And a fourth said: “England is ready for the World Cup. It’s okay.” More

  • in

    England ratings: Brilliant Bukayo Saka shines from the bench after Harry Maguire’s nightmare blunders

    ENGLAND produced a rousing Wembley comeback in their final match before heading to Qatar… only for the Germans to find a way not to lose.For 70 minutes, Gareth Southgate’s side meandered towards a drab, uninspiring defeat in their final match before jetting out to the Middle East in under two months.
    Mason Mount helped inspire England to a rousing comebackCredit: Reuters
    Kai Havertz equalises late onCredit: AFP
    But then things got a little bonkers.
    Over the next 20 minutes, Southgate’s men produced a stunning fight back to wake Wembley out of its slumber and inject some much needed belief into their upcoming campaign.
    But a pin was then put in England’s enthusiasm, when Nick Pope’s flap allowed Kai Havertz to equalise in the 87th minute.
    On a frenetic night at Wembley Stadium, Etienne Fermie rates each Three Lions performer.
    NICK POPE – 4
    Horribly caught out on the ball ten minutes in after a poor touch, but was bailed out by a subsequent wayward Ilkay Gundogan shot.
    Awkwardness in possession persisted all night, and was particularly shown up by his opposite number Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s comparative comfort. His flap for Havertz’s second cost England victory and could cost him a place on the plane to Qatar.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    REECE JAMES – 6
    Chelsea ace was unable to produce his absolute best down the right flank.
    James hustled and bustled, but will have better games for his country.
    JOHN STONES – 7
    Looked one of England’s better players with his usual bright, positive distribution before unfortunately suffering a hamstring injury while bursting forward on 36 minutes.
    Looked gutted as he came off, with his World Cup participation now potentially in doubt. Replaced by his Manchester City team-mate Kyle Walker.
    John Stones suffered a hamstring injury on 36 minutesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    ERIC DIER – 5
    Slipped at an inopportune moment to allow Timo Werner through on goal, only for the former Chelsea flop to botch a square pass.
    Not a great home England return for the Tottenham ace, who has played much better than that for his club this term.
    HARRY MAGUIRE – 4
    Gave the ball away with a loose pass before clumsily booting Jamal Musiala to the ground to gift Germany a penalty, tucked away by Gundogan.
    Havertz then scored a beauty following a swift counter attack that was started by a lumbering Maguire losing possession in Germany’s half.
    Harry Maguire received a mixed Wembley receptionCredit: EPA
    LUKE SHAW – 7
    Played Sterling through with a sensational pass in the 25th minute.
    Squirmed the ball just about beyond Ter Stegen to begin England’s comeback. Encouraging display from the out of favour Manchester United full-back.
    DECLAN RICE – 6
    A mixed outing for the West Ham star.
    Rice produced a few superb passes and interceptions, but also found himself flummoxed by Jamal Musiala more than once.
    JUDE BELLINGHAM – 6
    Blazed a great chance over the bar in the 56th minute. Fouled by Nico Schlotterbeck for England’s late penalty.
    Wasn’t able to put his usual stamp on the match as he does for Dortmund, but wasn’t without his positive moments.
    Jude Bellingham was clattered for England’s penaltyCredit: Reuters
    PHIL FODEN – 5
    Anonymous performance from the Man City starlet.
    Didn’t do anything to strengthen his case in Jack Grealish’s absence and was replaced by the far superior Mason Mount on the night.
    RAHEEM STERLING – 7
    Denied England’s first open play goal of this Nations League campaign by a brilliant Ter Stegen stop after being played through one-on-one by Shaw – and later found the Barcelona star’s palms with another effort shortly before half-time.
    Was the Three Lions’ most threatening player before being replaced by Saka shortly after the hour mark.
    Raheem Sterling is denied by Marc-Andre ter StegenCredit: AP
    HARRY KANE – 7
    Nearly found the net with an audacious volley on 26 minutes. Teed up a decent chance for Sterling on the stroke of half-time.
    Fantastically fired England into a late lead from the penalty spot.
    Harry Kane celebrates his late penaltyCredit: AFP
    SUBSTITUTES:
    Kyle Walker (for Stones, 36) – 6
    Despite the chaos around him, this was a relatively uneventful outing for the City ace.
    Mason Mount (for Sterling, 66) – 8
    Excellently swept past Ter Stegen to fire England level.
    Bukayo Saka (for Foden, 66) – 8
    Arsenal star produced a brilliant, bamboozling run before setting up Mount to score, having also played a part in the build-up to England’s first. Nearly found a late winner after a lung-busting run, only to be denied by Ter Stegen.
    Jordan Henderson (for Bellingham, 90+1) – N/A
    Not enough time to make a huge impact.
    Subs not used: Ramsdale, D. Henderson, Trippier, Coady, Guehi, Toney, Chilwell, Abraham More

  • in

    England fan fury as Channel 4 website and app goes DOWN during Germany clash with supporters unable to watch

    ENGLAND fans were left fuming with Channel 4 as coverage of tonight’s clash with Germany went down.The Three Lions were looking to end their miserable run of results, which has seen them relegated in the Nations League, against their old foes.
    Channel 4’s coverage of England’s clash with Germany went down on MondayCredit: Getty
    Those trying to tune in were met with this playback error messageCredit: Channel 4
    A jam-packed crowd was in attendance at Wembley to see Gareth Southgate’s team in action.
    However, the rest of England’s supporters unable to get to the national stadium were tuning into Channel 4.
    But just minutes into the first half of the game those that were watching via the Channel 4 website and app were no longer able to watch as both went down.
    Viewers online and on the All4 app were greeted with an unwelcome error message.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    The broadcaster replaced ITV for coverage of Three Lions matches this year.
    But frustrated viewers took to Twitter to vent their anger at being unable to watch Southgate’s men in action. 
    One fan moaned: “Fancy sorting your app out so we can watch the game?”
    Another wrote: “Let’s just hope Channel 4 hasn’t got the rights to any of the World Cup games. All4 can’t handle it.”
    Most read in Football
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    And a third complained: “Dear Channel 4 why have you got the England game if your app doesn’t work? Please give it back to a proper channel.”
    As a fellow frustrated viewer tweeted: “One thing this international break has shown us is that @Channel4 should be nowhere near showing the football. Class app team!”
    And another joked: “Channel 4 certainly made a difference with English football. Now nobody can watch it!”
    A C4 spokesman said: “We apologise for the temporary technical issue that affected some viewers this evening.
    “The issue was resolved just after 9pm. 
    “The England vs Germany match is available to watch on catch-up.” More