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      Gus Poyet reveals Greece STILL haven’t offered new deal before Euro 2024 despite play-offs success – ‘It’s not normal’

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      GREECE could go to Germany for Euro 2024 in the summer without a manager.That is because Chelsea and Tottenham legend Gus Poyet’s deal runs out on March 31 and the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) still haven’t offered him a new deal.
      Greece manager Gus Poyet hasn’t been offered a new deal before Euro 2024Credit: AFP
      Ethniki have dramatically improved under the Uruguayan tactician, who led them to Nations League success as they got promoted to League B.
      The Greek national team are now very close to qualifying for their first Euros since 2012 as they will face Kazakhstan in the semi-finals at OPAP Arena on March 21.
      If the Euro 2004 champions get through Magomed Adiyev’s side then they will set a final showdown against either Luxembourg or Georgia away on March 26.
      But despite winning 11 out of his 19 games in charge – of which he lost six – and taking France to the limit with a narrow 1-0 loss away and a 2-2 draw at home, that could be Poyet’s last game with Greece.
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      The 56-year-old wishes to stay but this “strange” situation is “out of his hands” and has even affected the players.
      The Uruguayan also fears that he will be deemed responsible as to why Greece were left without a manager only three months before the tournament.
      Especially now that the list of potential replacements has drastically decreased following former manager Fernando Santos’ move to Besiktas.
      Nevertheless, the ex-Brighton and Sunderland boss insists he will give it his all for Greece until the very last day of his contract, even though EPO are in “not much hurry”.
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      Poyet told SunSport on behalf of William Hill when asked if his contract runs out in March: “Yes, that’s exactly the length of my contract. My contract finishes on the 31st of March.
      “There have been too many rumors about the possibility of renewing, but right now 16th of January, 12:06pm UK time [the time of the interview] there is no offer. So I’m staying in the same position. We’ll see.
      “Yes, that’s true [Greece may qualify for Euro 2024 and go to Germany without a manager]. The problem is I know because of my past in AEK [Athens] how it works. I asked not to get to the 31st of March without a contract.
      “Maybe they want to wait, fair enough. I’m happy to wait in terms of that I sign a contract and I carry my responsibilities to the last minute.
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      Poyet contract with Greece runs out on March 31Credit: Sportsfile
      “But you know when people play with the situation, ‘If you qualify, he will go to the Euros because it doesn’t matter the money because he’s not gonna miss it’. Or the other way around, ‘If he doesn’t, he will renew cheaper or whatever’.
      “I don’t like that. I want me to be considered for the manager that I’m now and I’m gonna be exactly the same manager and the same person on the 31st of March.
      “The issue is out of my hands obviously. I’m just waiting. I would really like to renew before [the deadline] to close that situation where even for the players it’s a little bit strange knowing that they’re gonna be playing and they don’t know what is going to happen.
      “Especially because I know that if I don’t renew after the 31st, knowing how it works in Greece, I’m going to be blamed. I don’t’ know for what, but I’m gonna be blamed, it is going to be my responsibility.
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      “Normally, when you want a player, you don’t wait until the last six months or three months or two months to renew the contract. So do they want a manager? Me, I’m sorry, but the timing shows that there is not much hurry from the federation.
      “So I’m just going to the end, be myself. I finished two contracts in Zaragoza. I played to the last game of the last minute and gave everything. I’m not going to change now so I’m the same, but it is a little bit uncomfortable this situation. It’s not normal. It’s not” More

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      I hope I’ll live to see England win Euros, says dying Sven-Goran Eriksson as he reveals reason why they lose on pens

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      FORMER England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson said yesterday one of his dying wishes is to see the Three Lions win this year’s Euros — and he is confident they can.The Swede, 75, who has been given “a year at best” to live by cancer doctors, said he would be thrilled to be around to watch the team lift their first trophy since 1966.
      Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, pictured during his spell at Notts County said yesterday one of his dying wishes is to see the Three Lions win this year’s EurosCredit: The Times
      Sven said he would forever savour the crucial 5-1 thrashing of Germany in 2001, when David Beckham, above, was one of the scorersCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Sven, who never took England past a quarter-final during his time in charge, was full of admiration for captain Harry Kane, with current boss Gareth SouthgateCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Famed footie schemer and ladies’ man Sven has been charting the progress of Gareth Southgate’s men from his stunning waterside home in Sweden during the months he has kept his terminal illness secret.
      He opened up on their chances in this summer’s tournament in Germany during a wide-ranging interview with The Sun shortly after he revealed his pancreatic cancer diagnosis on radio in his homeland.
      Sven, who learned of his fate in February last year, said: “England play very good football and Sweden have not qualified so I’ll be supporting them. It would be great for me to be around to see them win.
      “They have a very good team and it is not only 11 players or even 12 or 13 — they have many, many extremely good footballers so I think England, this time, can do it.
      READ MORE ON SVEN
      “Gareth Southgate and the players have a very good chance. They know that. And with a little luck with injuries and more luck during the tournament they can go all the way.
      “They’re extremely good and I’m very impressed.”
      Sven, who never took England past a quarter-final during his time in charge from 2001 to 2006, was full of admiration for captain Harry Kane but reserved special praise for Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.
      He said: “Harry Kane is a born goalscorer and important for England.
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      “But what about the kid from Real Madrid! He’s a big star in Spain and is going to be a big star on the world stage. He is young and extremely good — attacking, defending and scoring goals.
      “I wish he had been at my disposal. I would have found a place for him, for sure.”
      As he watches from his home at Sunne on Lake Fryken, ailing Sven says he will be hoping England are not undone once more by their lingering penalties hoodoo.
      He said: “Last time, against Italy, England came very close to winning but lost on penalties again.
      “I still believe that the bigger the star you are and the bigger the team you play in the more difficult it is for you to take a penalty.
      “It’s nothing to do with technique — it’s all about how you cope with the mental pressure because England haven’t won since ’66, so it’s huge.
      “When he walks from the midline to the penalty spot there are some thoughts in the head of the player, for sure. But let’s hope if it comes down to another penalty shoot-out England can win it this summer.
      “We should have done better when I was in charge at the World Cups in 2002 and especially in 2006 when we should have reached the semi or the final. But in 2002 we were beaten by Brazil, who were the better team on the day and went on to win it.
      “In 2006, I could not see any team better than us but that’s history. We had chances to win but lost on penalties yet again. We have to hope history does not repeat itself.”
       Brave footie favourite Sven said he was “taking each day as it comes” as his colourful life begins to draw to a close — and is relishing his fond memories of his time with England.
      He said he would forever savour the 5-1 thrashing of Germany in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Munich in September 2001, when Michael Owen bagged a hat-trick and David Beckham and Steven Gerrard starred. Sven sighed: “It was incredible, remarkable, because you don’t beat Germany away in a competitive game by 5-1. You can win 1-0, or perhaps 2-0, but 5-1 was very special.
      “A lot of England football fans remember that day and the result was the most amazing ever for me. It’s still very close to my heart.
      “I’m not thinking about what I have done in my life here now but talking to you about my past I know I had a very good life.
      “I’m very lucky to have been in football for a long time at a very high level and that I have seen the world. But when you get a diagnosis like this, every day you wake and you are not full of pain is a great thing.
      “I’m not really in pain right now and I’m being treated very well so far. I take one day at a time.
      “I know what I have. I know it can’t be operated on and everything I take is to try to slow it down — and so far, so good.”
      Sven, who also managed Man City and Leicester City and was director of football at Notts County, went on: “I’m seeing specialists and hopefully I’ll have one year and hopefully more but it will possibly be less as well.
      “I’m still going to the gym regularly because it makes me feel better — physically and even more mentally. I don’t see any reason to stop now.”
      Pictured at his home in Sweden, Sven is staying positiveCredit: The Times
      Sven, who also managed top sides in Sweden, Italy and Portugal, added that he is pleased his favourite team, Liverpool, top the Premier League.
      He said: “I hope Liverpool will win it this year because I have always been a Liverpool fan — right from when I was a young boy.”
      Sven, who dated Italian-American lawyer Nancy Dell’Olio and fellow Swede and TV host Ulrika Jonsson, went on to speak warmly about what could have been his last Christmas and New Year with his family. He said: “We had 13 or 14 over for a family get-together. It was very quiet and very good to see everyone.
      “No one even mentioned that it might be my last Christmas. It might be or it might not be. Who knows?
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “There were no tearful or emotional moments because I don’t want that.
      “I wanted us to live as normal and I didn’t want to make a drama. My plan now is to enjoy a normal life for as long as possible and to wake up feeling good — that’s a great thing. Life is beautiful — and it is still beautiful.”
      NANCY’S ‘HURT’NANCY Dell’Olio has spoken of her pain at former partner Sven Goran-Eriksson’s cancer diagnosis — but he says that he has no plans to get back in touch with her.
      Nancy, 62, who dated the Swede for more than a decade, said: “I didn’t think 2024 would open with more bad news.
      “I knew that Sven was ill, but it hurts so much to hear this. Sven’s announcement was devastating. I knew he wasn’t well, but hearing his words really hurt. Life can be cruel,”
      Sven, who has a new partner who he declined to identify yesterday, said of Nancy: “I have not reached out to her and she has not reached out to me – not at all. I didn’t know that she had spoken about me.” More

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      England Lionesses fans slam ‘fix’ after missing out on Team GB Olympics spot as they spot bizarre moment in Holland win

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      ENGLAND fans are convinced that the Lionesses were cheated out of their Olympic dream – and have branded the Dutch’s 4-0 victory over Belgium a FIX. England were three goals behind the Dutch on goal difference heading into last night’s games and had to make that up against Scotland to progress to the Nations League Finals.
      England players Lauren James, Alessia Russo, Georgia Stanway and Lucy Bronze huddled to await news from HollandCredit: Rex
      But six goals were not enough for the Lionesses’ to top the groupCredit: Rex
      Devastated players, including Kiera Walsh and Esme Morgan, thanked fans for their supportCredit: Rex
      And despite thumping Scotland 6-0 in their final group match, it was not enough to top the table.
      Holland were playing Belgium and leading 3-0 when Belgium replaced their goalkeeper in the 93rd minute.
      The Netherlands then scored their crucial fourth goal to take them ahead of England again – raising a lot of eyebrows among Lionesses fans.
      England led Scotland 5-0 when Damaris Eggurola put the Dutch 3-0 up in 91st minute, and back top of the group. 
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      With just seconds remaining in Hampden Park, Lucy Bronze headed in a sixth goal that saw the countries switch places again.
      But in the final kick of the game, Egurrola’s well-placed header sent the Dutch back to the top.
      And some observers were quick to pour cold water on Holland’s triumph.
      In the third minute of stoppage time, Belgium replaced keeper Nicky Evrard for Diede Lemey, who plays for Dutch league side Fortuna Sittard.
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      It was euphoria for the Netherlands in the final momentsCredit: Getty
      Belgium’s goalkeeper Diede Lemey was brought on in stoppage timeCredit: Rex
      England fans then showered social media with a mixture of conspiracy theories.
      One fan wrote: “Unbelievable fixing. Belgium substitute their goalkeeper and Netherlands score the winner.”
      Another person commented: “I wonder why Belgium changed goalkeeper.”
      A third wrote: “Heartbreaking for England. The other game was a complete fix.”
      A fourth said: “Tell me this wasn’t Belgium just letting them have a fourth by subbing their keeper.”
      Team GB’s women’s team could only reach Paris 2024 if nominated country England made it to the Nations League final.
      But even more bizarrely, Scotland themselves were accused of lying down to England.
      That’s because the Home Nations would have joined together to play for Team GB had they made the Olympics. More

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      Lionesses close to tears as Olympic dreams dashed by Holland on see-saw night despite thumping Scotland 6-0

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      LAUREN JAMES bagged a deadly double as England hammered Scotland 6-0.But it was not enough to seal the result they needed to top their Women’s Nations League group and keep hopes of Great Britain battling for Paris Olympics football medals alive. 
      Lauren James bagged twice for the LionessesCredit: Getty
      England’s big win wasn’t enough to qualify for the Olympics – with the players left close to tearsCredit: Reuters
      Lucy Bronze and Co were left gutted by the outcomeCredit: Reuters
      Just as the team thought it was mission accomplished as the Lionesses roared to a hefty win, Damaris Egurrola netted the goal that saw them leap back to pole position in group A1 and claim their place in the Women’s Nations League semis.
      It was see-saw night for the visitors. And one that ended with their Olympic hopes crushed.
      Coming into the game England no longer had their bid to top their group and reach the contest semis in their hands, despite beating Holland 3-2 last Friday. 
      At a bitterly cold Hampden Park, Sarina Wiegman’s side had two objectives. 
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      The first was to win their game and the second – to wipe out Holland’s three-goal advantage in the goal difference standings in group A1. 
      The match was a make or break moment in terms of whether they could move closer to clinching an Olympics spot for a Great Britain women’s football team. 
      That or seeing hopes of a British women’s football side battling for medals at the Paris games go up in smoke. 
      And in the dying seconds their hopes were dashed. 
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      The Lionesses and Scotland found themselves in the bizarre predicament of facing each other in a fixture that England needed to win in order to ensure players from both nations (as well Wales) are in with a chance of potentially playing at the Games next summer.
      Wiegman wanted her side to go wild in attack but not erratic. 
      They heeded her call taking a 12th-minute lead with Mead’s perfectly delivered corner-kick headed home by Alex Greenwood. 
      Moments later boos rang out from home fans with Lisa Evans looking to ref for a penalty after colliding with Lucy Bronze in the box but having no joy. 
      Lauren Hemp hit the woodwork at the half hour mark before Claire Emslie flashed the ball across goal in reply 
      And with Holland taking a lead against Belgium at that point the Lionesses now needed three more goals to top their group. 
      James answered their prayers with a 38th minute finish from the edge of the box before curling in a stylish for her second. 
      And Mead made it 4-0 close to half time following James’ cross into the box. 
      The second half saw Fran Kirby get in on the act pouncing on a drag back from Georgia Stanway. 
      Read More on The Sun
      While Holland went 3-0 up through danger woman Lineth Beerensteyn and Egurrola, England came perilously close to conceding with Martha Thomas striking the post. An injury time Lucy Bronze header initially looked to have put the result beyond doubt 
      But then up stepped Egurrola whose finish in Holland saw Team GB’s football  qualifying hopes dashed. 
      Vivianne Miedema and her Dutch team-mates pipped the Lionesses to qualifyCredit: Getty More

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      Scotland 0-6 England LIVE RESULT: Lionesses dealt late heartbreak as Team GB are denied Olympic spot on goal difference

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      THE Lionesses have been dealt late heartbreak in their pursuit of qualifying for the Paris Olympics on behalf of Team GB.England did everything they could against their rivals at Hampton Park, but two late goals for the Netherlands in their game against Belgium has secured top spot for the Dutch in Group A1 on goal difference and their place in France as a result.
      Team GB will not be heading to the Olympics next year – but what a year 2023 has been for the Lionesses.

      Match result: Scotland 0-6 England
      Scotland team: Gibson, Docherty, Mukandi, Corsie, Kerr, Hanson, Evans, McLauchlan, Clark, Emslie, Cuthbert
      England team: Earps, Bronze, Charles, Greenwood, Morgan, Walsh, Stanway, Mead, Kirby, James, Hemp

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      Follow our live blog below…
      That’s all from Hampden Park
      The Lionesses gave it absolutely everything today, but it wasn’t meant to be.
      Netherlands scored two late goals against Belgium to take the top spot in Group A1.
      Team GB will not be heading to the Olympics next year.
      But what a year 2023 has been for the Lionesses!
      Onto 2024 now…
      Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
      Credit: Getty
      The heartbeaking moment
      England found out about the other scoreline just moments after Lucy Bronze’s goal…

      Beth Mead reacts
      Speaking to BBC One, the England winger said: “Devastated. We did everything we possibly could on the pitch tonight. I thought the team were incredible.
      “Unfortunately it wasn’t in our hands, the Netherlands got the four goals, so fair play to them but obviously devastated to miss out on such small margins.”
      “It’s a tough one, maybe give us the rest of the night at least. The girls have worked so hard and we were incredible in this camp. We’ve done ourselves proud in both games.
      “Unfortunately it was out of our hands, maybe we let ourselves down earlier on in the competition. But we will keep working hard, come back stronger and I am excited to see what this team is about.”
      Credit: PA
      Netherlands 4-0 Belgium
      Netherlands scored two goals in added time to seal their spot at the top of Group A1 just when England thought they had done enough.
      Credit: Getty
      Team GB’s Olympics hopes crushed
      With England finishing second in the group, Team GB will now not compete at next year’s Olympics in Paris.
      Credit: Reuters
      England OUT of Nations League
      Netherlands have won 4-0 after scoring two late goals.
      Heartbreak for the Lionesses.
      Team GB won’t be at the Olympics next year.
      Full Time – Scotland 0-6 England
      What a result! Now we wait…
      90+3. GOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLL ENGLAND!!!
      Bronze with the header at the back post!
      That might just be enough to cement England’s spot at the top of Group A1!
      Credit: Reuters
      90+1. Scotland 0-5 England
      What a save! Mary Earps!
      The England keeper is forced into action after Thomas goes for goal from close range.
      She makes an incredible stop to keep that five-goal margin!
      90+1. Scotland 0-5 England
      Three minutes have been added on…
      88. Scotland 0-5 England
      England have a free kick on the right and it is taken by Greenwood.
      The defender sends a menacing cross into the box as Docerty attempts to head it clear, but her header deflects into the path of Gibson, who can make the save.
      86. Scotland 0-5 England
      The Lionesses go on the hunt for a sixth as Stanway is given the time and space to make another run.
      However, the final attempt on goal is saved by Gibson.
      England are still top of the group, but they might need another goal here to seal the deal.
      83. Scotland 0-5 England
      Scotland go on the attack again as Thomas makes a run down the left before crossing the ball to Harrison.
      Harrison then tries to sneak the ball past Earps at the front post with a clever flick, but her effort runs wide.
      79. Scotland 0-5 England
      Another change for Scotland.
      Hanson is replaced by Harrison.
      76. Scotland 0-5 England
      Hemp, who moved onto the right following Russo’s introduction, makes a run down the wing before sending a cross into the box.
      Russo goes for goal with a header, but her effort is saved.
      Toone then goes for the rebound, but Brown intercepts to make the clearance.
      71. Scotland 0-5 England
      Huge chance for Scotland!
      Hanson runs through on goal one-on-one with Earps, but the England keeper times her run well and gets a hand to the ball, sending the Scotland star wide.
      Hanson then goes for goal, but her effort is off-target.
      67. Scotland 0-5 England
      Earps is forced into one of her first saves of the game as Scotland go for goal.
      After some confusion in the box, Napier’s shot is parried away by the England keeper.
      65. Scotland 0-5 England
      England make two changes now.
      Russo replaces Mead.
      Toone replaces Kirby.
      Beth Mead scored her first England goal in 15 months tonightCredit: Getty
      64. Scotland 0-5 England
      Another chance for Scotland.
      Thomas is on to replace Emslie.
      60. Scotland 0-5 England
      England have a free kick in a dangerous area following a foul on James from Cuthbert.
      Greenwood goes for goal, but it is saved by Gibson!
      59. Scotland 0-5 England
      Huge chance for England to get a sixth!
      After Scotland fail to clear their lines in defence, the ball falls to Kirby who rattles the bar with her shot!
      Scotland eventually clear the danger…
      SCORE UPDATE: Netherlands 2-0 Belgium
      Netherlands have got another.
      They now just need one more goal to return to the top of the group…
      50. Scotland 0-5 England
      Stanway makes her way down the right with the ball before squaring it across goal and into the box.
      Kirby, who is left completely unmarked, manages to run into the space before slotting the ball past Gibson.
      Without hesitation the midfielder then picks up the ball before running back to the halfway line to put it on the spot. England are hungry for more.
      Credit: Getty
      49. GOOOOAAAAALLLLLL ENGLAND!!!!!
      It’s five!
      Kirby with the goal!
      Kick Off – Scotland 0-4 England
      We’re back underway!
      Scotland made three chances at the break.
      Brown has replaced Mitchell.
      Napier has replaced McLauchlan.
      Howard has replaced Clark. More

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      How Scotland Women will have to LOSE to England to qualify Team GB for Olympics 2024

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      SCOTLAND face England in the Women’s Nations League on Tuesday night in a match of extraordinary consequences.For the Scots, a DEFEAT – not a win – will keep alive hopes of playing at the Olympics in Paris next year.
      Olympics hopes at stake when Scotland face EnglandCredit: Getty
      Scotland vs England permutations
      Scotland face England on Tuesday night in the Nations League knowing a LOSS will keep alive players’ hopes of featuring in the Olympics next year.
      This is because Team GB can only reach the Olympics if the nominated nation England make it to the Nations League finals and reach the final.
      And after beating the Netherlands 3-2 with a last-gasp goal, the Lionesses now have to beat Scotland to stand a chance of advancing to the Nations League finals.
      England are level on points with the Netherlands on top of the Nations League Group A, but sit behind Dutch on goal difference.
      England boss Sarina Wiegman – who will also manage Team GB at the Olympics next year if they qualify – said: “We need to win in Scotland, we really need to win.
      “We are dependent on the other game but if we want to progress we need a really good win by four goals I would say.
      “What we can control is playing well and winning that game. That is what we need to do first. We can’t control what the others do.”
      Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert, Aston Villa’s Rachel Corsie and Tottenham’s Martha Thomas are among the Scottish stars that Wiegman could look to include in her Team GB squad.
      Most read in Football
      Sarina Wiegman’s England are the nominated nation to qualify on behalf of Team GB for the OlympicsCredit: Getty
      When is Scotland vs England?
      Scotland vs England in the Nations League takes place on Tuesday, December 5.
      The match kicks off at 7.45pm.
      And will be broadcast live on BBC One. More

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      Alisha Lehmann sticks her tongue out in cheeky pic on international return as fans ask ‘why are you so beautiful?’

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      ALISHA LEHMANN has wowed her followers with some new pictures as she jets off on international duty.The Aston Villa star was called up for the Switzerland national team ahead of their matches against Sweden and Italy in the Nations League.
      Alisha Lehmann stunned as she shared a snap to her Instagram before heading on international dutyCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      Alisha is preparing for some Nations League clashes with SwitzerlandCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      Before heading from Birmingham to Switzerland she stopped to pose for a photo with her suitcase.
      The 24-year-old was sporting some Louis Vuitton trousers, a fluffy jacket and some shades as she got ready for her flight.
      After touching down in Switzerland she updated her 16.1MILLION Instagram followers with some snaps from her training session with the national team.
      And her adoring fans were blown away by the photos and showered her with compliments in the comments section.
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      One wrote: “The princess of football!”
      While another asked: “Why are you so beautiful?”
      A third simply commented: “Dreamy.”
      And a fourth added: “Beautiful mesmerising marvel.”
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      Alongside her impressive online following Alisha has an impressive set of skills on the pitch to match.
      The former West Ham forward has featured six times for Aston Villa this season and is hoping to build on her campaign last term.
      She managed five goals in 22 appearances for the Villans in the WSL last season.
      She will be hoping to make her 61st appearances for the Switzerland national team this Friday as they try to pick up their first points in Group 4 of the Nations League.
      Scroll down to see more of Alisha’s glam life
      Alisha Lehmann plays for Aston VillaCredit: Rex
      She is one of the WSL’s top starsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7
      Alisha has amassed a huge following onlineCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      She has even created her own calendar for her fansCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      She has over 16 million followers on InstagramCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7
      Alisha has joined the Prime teamCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7
      Lehmann is the most-followed female footballer in the world.Credit: instagram
      Lehmann seems delighted to be partnering KSI and Logan PaulCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7
      She has previously shown off her ‘PRIME’ chainCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7
      She is also a Switzerland internationalCredit: Getty More

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      Scotland’s Euro 2024 draw simulated as Steve Clarke’s men handed group of death with final table revealed

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      WE won’t find out until December 2 who Steve Clarke and Scotland get for real in the Euro 2024 draw.Indeed, the identity of the final three qualifiers will be unknown until March when the play-off process is completed.
      Steve Clarke will learn Scotland’s fate for real next monthCredit: Getty
      But we’ve fast-forwarded a week or two at SunSport to simulate the draw right now – and the results won’t make great reading for the Tartan Army.
      Bizarrely, you have to go back to 1998 for the only time that a major tournament featuring two home nations DIDN’T see at least two of them paired in the same group.
      England found themselves paired with Wales at both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2016, and grouped with Scotland at Euro 2020.
      It remains to be seen whether the same will transpire at Germany next summer but that’s not who we’ve been paired with in our totally random simulation.

      Instead we land a third crack at Spain – who we split the series with in qualifying, winning one and losing one.
      You could argue that hands Clarke’s men an advantage should we meet again in Germany next summer – although you could quite equally make the opposite case.
      But with a Fifa ranking of eight – and featuring the talents of stars like Rodri, Pedri, Gavi and Alvaro Morata – they’re no easy touch.
      From the second pot of seeds, our random prediction lands us with Austria – a side who we beat on their own patch during the previous qualification campaign.
      Most read in Football
      That will stand us in good stead in a tournament were four of the third place finishers will also make it out of the group stages.
      But the really bad news for Clarke’s men – should this simulation come true at the start of next month – is the fact that we landed Italy from Pot 4.
      How our simulator turned out
      Luciano Spaletti’s men are the HOLDERS of the competition and quite frankly are the side no-one wants to see coming out of Pot 4.
      Steve Clarke’s men will fancy their chances of getting out of ANY group come the summer.
      But Swiss Football Data’s prediction algorithm at least doesn’t give them much credit.
      They predict that the Scots would finish bottom of that group – with Spain finishing first, Italy second and Austria coming third.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More