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      Bungling England promote Germany clash using two players AXED from squad leaving fans confused

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      ENGLAND have endured yet another embarrassing performance, but this time it’s not even on a football pitch. Ahead of tonight’s final Nations League game, England’s social media team released a seemingly regular post asking fans who made their starting XI to face Germany.
      England posted this to their social media ahead of tonight’s game, but two of the players pictured are not even in the matchday squad.Credit: Twitter

      The England squad pictured in training last weekCredit: PA
      The starting XI could see some changes to the last game against ItalyCredit: AFP
      The picture which accompanied the post showed a graphic with three players: Phil Foden, Fikayo Tomori and James Ward-Prowse.
      However, Tomori and Ward-Prowse are not even available for selection after being among five players omitted from Gareth Southgate’s squad.
      This means the promotion campaign for tonight’s game has two players who are not even being considered for selection.
      And England fans were quick to catch on to the blunder.
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      One fan said: “Two players in the pic aren’t even in the match day squad.”
      Others were far more scathing in their assessment, with another commenting: “Showing Tomori and Ward-Prowse when they aren’t even in the squad have some shame.”
      A disgruntled user said: “Tomori and JWP are dropped from the squad and admin is so mad he puts both in the pic.”
      Along with Tomori and Ward-Prowse, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarrod Bowen and Jack Grealish (suspension) are all unavailable but Ivan Toney has been included ahead of his potential debut.
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      And another fan took a dig at these omissions as he revealed who he would want to see starting.
      They quipped: “Trent at right back, Tomori CB, Ward-Prowse in the middle and probably Bowen on the right.”
      England have been less than stellar in their build-up to the World Cup finals in November, having now lost three games in a row and having the ignominy of being relegated to the second tier of the Nations League following the 1-0 defeat to Italy on Friday.
      In fact, England are now on their worst run of form in eight years, having failed to win any of their last five games while simultaneously failing to score from open play from any of these.
      This damning form is further compounded by the revelation that San Marino are the only other country to have not scored from open play in the 2022/23 Nations League.
      Read More on The Sun
      Southgate needs to find a winning formula again quickly, but he has been slammed for his continued omission of “England’s most creative midfielder James Maddison.”
      Many fans believe the former Middlesbrough manager’s time at the helm of the Three Lions is up, with a staggering 83 per cent wanting him ousted BEFORE the Qatar World Cup.
      Gareth Southgate has admitted he could be sacked if England flop at the World CupCredit: Getty More

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      Tyrell Malacia thrives in shock new position for Holland but asks Man Utd NOT to move him from left-back

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Tyrell Malacia impressed at centre-back while on international duty with the Netherlands.The Oranje beat Belgium 1-0 at Amsterdam ArenA on Sunday to seal first place in their Nations League top-tier group thanks to Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk’s winner.
      Manchester United ace Tyrell Malacia played in an unfamiliar position for the NetherlandsCredit: Getty
      Malacia stood out at centre-back against BelgiumCredit: Getty
      But left-back Malacia managed to shine bright as he played in an unfamiliar position in a back three alongside Van Dijk and United transfer target Jurrien Timber.
      The full-back came on as a half-time substitute when he replaced Manchester City ace Nathan Ake.
      And the 23-year-old showed exactly how much depth Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has in defence ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
      Van Gaal has the likes of Ake, Van Dijk, Timber, Matthijs de Ligt and Stefan de Vrij at his disposal.
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      But the ex-United boss lost former Stoke ace Bruno Martins Indi to an injury that won’t allow him to compete in Qatar and thus Malacia’s impressive performance could turn him into a valuable replacement.
      Van Gaal told ESPN NL: “Martins Indi won’t make it [to the World Cup].
      “I also wanted to see Malacia in that place, so Ake was substituted for Belgium.
      “Because Martins Indi is not going to make it, I have to look at other players who can play there.”
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      Malacia’s display also works as a boost for United manager Erik ten Hag who now knows he has even more options at centre-back.
      Ten Hag seems to prefer the pair of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane at the back.
      Martinez has stood out despite earlier concerns regarding his short stature.
      However, Malacia also proved those critics wrong against Belgium as he also shone bright in that position even though he is even shorter than his Argentine team-mate.
      The defender, though, has urged United to keep him at left-back and not try to pair him up with Martinez.
      Malacia told De Telegraaf: “I’m comfortable with #mufc at the moment. The national coach thinks that I should also be able to play in the centre of the defence. But I feel best on the left.” More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo trains with black eye and cut face after Man Utd star suffered horror injury playing for Portugal

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has been pictured in training with a black eye and a cut to the face after sustaining an injury in his previous game.The Manchester United star was left dripping in blood after colliding with Czech Republic goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik.
      Cristiano Ronaldo trained with a nasty facial injuryCredit: AFP
      Tomas Vaclik accidentally clattered into Cristiano RonaldoCredit: EPA
      The Man Utd striker was left covered in blood
      Cristiano Ronaldo carried on for the full 90 minutes despite the injuryCredit: EPA
      Both went for an aerial ball and the Olympiakos stopper’s arms smashed CR7 in the face leaving him on the floor needing medial attention.
      He did eventually get back up and played the rest of the game with a plaster on his nose.
      Portugal went on to win the game 0-4 but the Ronaldo did not score and gave away a penalty that was missed by Patrik Schick.
      Next up they face Spain in the Nations League.
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      Despite his injury, Ronaldo still trained with the squad and is expected to lead the line in his nation’s last match before the World Cup.
      Portugal need to avoid defeat to confirm top spot and make it through to the Nations League finals.
      They won the inaugural tournament back in 2019 and are in a promising position to do so again.
      Of course, Ronaldo’s sights will remain firmly on the World Cup – which could be his last.
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      But the ever motivated legend still has his eyes set on playing in Euro 2024.
      Fernando Santos’ men are in a group with Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea at the World Cup.
      Ronaldo, 37, has been charged with breaching FA rules after he smashed an autistic boy’s phone to the ground.
      The Man United forward appeared to slap young Jacob Harding’s hand after his side were defeated by Everton at Goodison Park in April. More

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      England vs Germany: TV channel, live stream FREE, kick-off time and team news for tonight’s final match before World Cup

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      ENGLAND will be determined to put their Nations League nightmare to rest when they take on Germany TONIGHT.The Three Lions hit an all-time low having suffered a dreadful defeat to Italy in their most recent outing – a result which relegated England from their Nations League group.
      England’s loss to Italy means they have gone five games without a winCredit: Rex
      Jamal Musiala could feature for Germany against England – who he played for at youth international levelCredit: Getty
      And it meant that Gareth Southgate’s side will now face a tough Euro 2024 draw.
      English fans were left fuming having seen their side go winless for five matches and it lead to the manager being booed as he left the field.
      But there is still one final chance for the Euro 2020 finalists to lift their spirits before the World Cup and Southgate will name his squad 30 days before the tournament starts.
      However, the Germans will be eager to finish off on a high as they were stunned by Hungary on Friday night.
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      What time does England vs Germany kick off?

      England entertain Germany on Monday, September 26.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm UK time.
      Wembley Stadium in London will be the allocated arena for this intriguing match and it can host a staggering 90,000 fans.
      Harry Kane’s last-gasp penalty rescued a point for the Three Lions when the sides last met.
      England will wear a red kit, despite being the home side.

      Read More on England
      What TV channel is England vs Germany on and can I live stream it?

      England vs Germany will be broadcasted LIVE on Channel 4 in the UK.
      Pre-match build up is set to commence at 7pm UK time – one hour before kick-off.
      Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action live via the Channel 4 website or All 4 app.

      Can I watch England vs Germany for FREE?
      Yes you can! England’s final League A fixture against Germany is available to watch for FREE in the UK so long as you have a valid TV license.
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      Team news
      Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarrod Bowen, Fikayo Tomori and James Ward-Prowse have all been left out of the England squad.
      Jack Grealish is suspended after picking up a yellow card in Milan.
      It means Ivan Toney could get an outing and make his Three Lions debut.
      Elsewhere, Germany head coach Hansi Flick is likely to rotate his side.
      Flick has the option to throw Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz and Thilo Kehrer in from the start.
      Latest odds

      England to win 29/20
      Draw 9/4
      Germany to win 19/10

      *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication More

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      How England could line up against Germany with five players AXED from squad in final warm-up for World Cup 2022

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      ONE last game stands between England and Qatar.Gareth Southgate’s under-fire Three Lions are taking on rivals Germany at Wembley on Monday.
      England could keep their three-at-the-back shape
      Southgate is under pressure with his team without a win in FIVECredit: PA
      In terms of the Nations League, the game holds no weight for England as they’ve already finished bottom of their group and have been relegated to the second tier.
      However, the game is of great importance heading into the Qatar World Cup this November-December with England without a win in FIVE – their longest winless run since 2014.
      The Three Lions have lost three and drawn two, and their last win came in a friendly against Ivory Coast earlier this year.
      And they need to try and get back to winning ways in their final warm-up game with optimism for the major tournament extremely low.
      READ MORE ON ENGLAND
      Southgate recognises his job is on the line in Qatar – despite signing a new contract after England’s run to the Euro 2020 final.
      He said: “Ultimately, I will be judged on what happens at the World Cup.
      “Contracts are irrelevant as managers can have three, four or five-year deals but you accept that if results are not good enough, it is time to go your separate ways.
      “Why would I be any different? I am not arrogant enough to think my contract is going to protect me in any way.”
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      Fans will pack out Wembley, but will not be able to see Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarrod Bowen, Fikayo Tomori, James Ward-Prowse or Jack Grealish.
      The five have been omitted from the 23-man squad.
      Alexander-Arnold’s dropping comes after former Chelsea star Frank Leboeuf slammed Alexander-Arnold as “Championship level” defensively.
      He told Journal du Dimanche: “Look at Trent Alexander-Arnold. I love the guy, his offensive qualities. But defensively, he’s Championship level.”
      Alexander-Arnold is fit to play the game and has taken part in all training sessions, according to The Athletic.
      Grealish is out due to suspension while the other three were available but omitted.
      BACK THREE
      Southgate is expected to stick with a back three against the Germans.
      Nick Pope could keep his place in goal, and be protected by a returning John Stones, Conor Coady and Kyle Walker.
      Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier will provide the width at wing-back.
      Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are expected to be handed more time playing together ahead of the winter tournament.
      And Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane and Phil Foden may lead the Three Lions’ frontline.
      Alternatively, Southgate could use Monday’s game to test out a few of his fringe stars.
      Alternatively, Ramsdale, Guehi, Henderson, Chilwell and Toney could start
      With starter Jordan Pickford injured, Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale could be handed a chance to impress.
      Marc Guehi, who was preferred over Italian title-winning defender Tomori, would play in defence if called upon.
      Returning Ben Chilwell would be comfortable on the left, but has played very few minutes this season.
      Read More on The Sun
      Jordan Henderson has been preferred to Ward-Prowse and could start in the midfield alongside Rice OR Bellingham.
      And Ivan Toney would be quite the handful up front if given his debut. More

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      Holland 1 Belgium 0: Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk wins it to send Louis van Gaal’s men into Nations League finals

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK struck to slay the Red Devils — and Louis van Gaal could not have been happier.Liverpool legend Van Dijk soared above Belgium defender Zeno Debast, 18, to power home a header from Cody Gakpo’s 73rd-minute corner and kill off the visitors’ hopes of pulling off the miracle they needed to make the finals.
      Virgil van Dijk enjoys his winner to seal top group spot and a place in the Nations League finals for Holland at the expense of BelgiumCredit: AFP
      Liverpool’s Van Dijk put aside criticism of his club form with the only goal at the Johan Cruyff Arena in AmsterdamCredit: AFP
      It gave the perfect answer to his critics as the 31-year-old Anfield centre-back bounced back from some indifferent club form to grab his sixth  international goal in a 49th  appearance for his country.
      Harry Maguire, the stage is set for you against Germany tonight!
      Belgium’s miserable night was summed up with the final kick — sub Dodi Lukebakio smashed a scissor-kick against the post but he could not spoil Van Gaal’s celebrations at reaching the Nations League finals.
      The 71-year-old came out of retirement to lead his nation to Qatar following a disappointing Euro 2020 campaign, now he has more glory in his sights.
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      The Dutch had done most of the heavy lifting in June when they thrashed the Belgians 4-1 in Brussels to seize control of Group A4.
      That was always a tall order against Van Gaal’s resurgent side, who had not lost in 14 games since the ex-Manchester United manager returned for a third spell in charge a year ago.
      That sensational away win meant Roberto Martinez’s team needed to win by at least three goals in the Johan Cruyff ArenA to pull off a miraculous turnaround and leapfrog their very noisy neighbours.
      During those three stints Van Gaal has only lost four of his 57 matches in charge.
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      To put that in context, Gareth Southgate will attempt to avoid his fourth defeat since June at Wembley tonight.
      At the other end of the scale Thierry Henry took charge of Belgium for the first time in place of boss Martinez, who was banished to the stand after  copping a red card in his side’s 2-1 win over Wales on Thursday.
      How Henry must have wished his players could have finished the way he used to in his prime.
      Instead Eden Hazard blazed over from 12 yards, Axel Witsel fluffed his shot following a delightful chip from Kevin De Bruyne and Leicester’s Timothy Castagne sliced wide when they all should have scored.
      The Dutch moved up several gears after a slow-burn first half and Thibaut Courtois  produced a fingertip save to deny Denzil Dumfries before Belgium blew their best chance.
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      De Bruyne picked out  Amadou Onana six yards out but the Everton midfielder’s shot was brilliantly touched away by keeper Remko Pasveer.
      And Van Dijk put Belgium out of their misery as the Dutch romped Group A4 by six points. More

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      Under-fire England boss Gareth Southgate admits he will be given the boot if Three Lions flop at World Cup

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE admits he will face the BOOT if England suffer a disastrous World Cup.But the under-fire boss urged the boo-boys to back his struggling Three Lions with “positive energy” in tonight’s final Nations League game against Germany at Wembley.
      Gareth Southgate has admitted he will be given the boot if he flops at the World CupCredit: Reuters
      Southgate will be looking for his captain Harry Kane to step things up
      The England gaffer is adamant his long contract will count for nothing if his charges flop in QatarCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      England have failed to win their last FIVE games and were jeered off in the last two matches.
      Southgate’s contract runs until after Euro 2024 — but he accepts that will mean nothing if his team flop in Qatar and he could get the sack.
      He said: “Ultimately, I will be judged on what happens at the World Cup.
      “Contracts are irrelevant as managers can have three, four or five-year deals but you accept that if results are not good enough, it is time to go your separate ways.
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      “Why would I be any different? I am not arrogant enough to think my contract is going to protect me in any way.”
      England’s winless run is their longest since 2014 and Friday’s dismal 1-0 loss in Italy saw them relegated from the Nations League’s top tier — just over a year after reaching the European Championship final.
      There are just 56 days to go until England’s opener with Iran.
      Southgate added: “We understand how the mood changes with results and it has changed.
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      “I will be judged on what we do in Qatar and I am perfectly happy to be judged in that way.
      “I am the manager and results haven’t been at the level we require. With the national team, that noise is going to be louder and more widespread.
      “I am not hiding from that. We aren’t enjoying not winning but have to keep doing the right things every day to keep improving the small bits of our performances that make the difference.
      “If we keep standards high, then eventually the results will turn.”
      England face a German side with just one win in six.
      But Southgate concedes the negativity surrounding his players is “not healthy”.
      It’s not healthy for the team to be having this noise around them. I would urge the supporters to get behind the teamGareth Southgate
      And he wants fans to recreate the positive atmosphere at the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020.
      He added: “Part of the reason we’ve been successful has been the feeling of togetherness. We can’t succeed with fans against us.
      “That’s been a huge strength over the last five years and it’s harder if we’re having to battle with the opposition AND with things on our own island.
      “Only we can rectify that by performances and results.
      “We’ll have 90,000 people, the stadium’s sold out — people want to come and see this team play.
      “It’s not healthy for the team to be having this noise around them. I would urge the supporters to get behind the team.
      “How they deal with me at the end is completely different.
      “But this is the fans’ last chance to see the boys before they go to the World Cup. And we’re all in it together.
      “We can only succeed if we’re all pushing in the same direction. And we’ve all got that positive energy towards doing well.
      “We wanted to bring people together, we recognised that was a failing and part of the reason we hadn’t succeeded for so long.
      Read More on The Sun
      “What happens to me is irrelevant, frankly. The most important thing is the success of the team.
      “And we don’t want the team to be in that type of environment as it is much harder to succeed.”
      The players failed to show much fight for their under-fire boss against ItalyCredit: Reuters
      England will face Germany in their final match before the World Cup
      Southgate and his players have a tough task on their hands to win over fans right now More

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      Raheem Sterling vows to lift wounded Three Lions as pressure mounts on England boss Southgate ahead of Germany clash

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      RAHEEM STERLING knows all too well the feeling of being booed by England supporters and ‘dreading’ going on international duty.But after transforming his own reputation — from public enemy No 1 to England’s best player at the Euros — the Chelsea forward is determined to lift the Three Lions out of crisis and revive Gareth Southgate’s popularity at the World Cup.
      Chelsea stars Reece James and Raheem Sterling aim to send England off to the World Cup with a much-improved display against GermanyCredit: Getty
      Raheem Sterling aims to give under-fire boss Gareth Southgate a boostCredit: PA
      The last time the Three Lions faced Germany at Wembley,  Sterling scored the opener in a historic 2-0 win which ignited last summer’s tournament.
      At Wembley tonight, in England’s final match before Qatar, he is hoping for a similar uplift in national morale, after a five-match winless run which has seen fans turn on boss Southgate.
      Sterling was jeered by England supporters and widely criticised during a 27-match run in which he failed to score between 2015 and 2018.
      But then he enjoyed an outstanding period, starting with two goals in a 3-2 Nations League victory over Spain in Seville.
      READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS
      And Sterling said: “There was a period where I  actually dreaded coming on England duty.
      “But after I scored in Spain, my mentality was, ‘OK, no matter good or bad, I need to focus on myself and not listen to what the outside world is saying’.
      “That’s  put me in good stead.  Keep level-headed and don’t  listen to the noise.
      “That’s a message that can  definitely go with the squad in the next couple of months. We know there will be noise and we need to block it out if we are  to do well in this tournament.”
      Frontman Raheem Sterling admits he used to ‘dread’ playing for EnglandCredit: PA
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      Sterling was reminded that his goal against the Germans was only 15 months ago, yet the mood surrounding Southgate’s team has since plummeted.
      He said: “Football is brutal at times. That’s why we love it. We’re not here to complain.
      “Yes, it was a great tournament last summer but once you  produce like that, people want more — they expect more.
      “So, after recent results,  they’re going to be asking questions.
      “For me, of course they are  right to ask these questions but it’s for us as a team to make people realise that we are the real deal.”
      Sterling, a veteran of four previous tournaments, says players must shoulder the blame for England’s dismal Nations League campaign.It  has seen them relegated after failing to score from open play in five matches.
      He said: “After the summer matches, we had a look at ourselves and none of us were proud — myself personally, too.
      “It is not for Gareth to shoulder the blame. We have players that can take responsibility. We are not there to partake, we want to win things.
      “From the moment Gareth came in, the mentality shifted massively. It is enjoyable. It doesn’t feel like you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere. The boys are really close.
      “It’s been  tough  but none of  the boys are thinking we don’t have a good chance in the winter.
      We need a good performance against Germany and one of our big players stepping  up — that’s more than likely what will happen.Raheem Sterling
      “The results don’t show that now — but I have belief that we will have a good one.
      “There has been a lot of focus on Gareth and what he’s been doing — formations and what-not — but the performances haven’t been right. As a collective we need to put that right.”
      Sterling let it slip Southgate will again employ his unpopular — but often successful — back five tonight.
      And the four-time former Manchester City title winner suggested it might not be his favourite formation.
      Asked why England can’t refine a 4-3-3  system,  Sterling answered sharply: “Because the manager wants to play a back five.”
      And he admitted that with this system, which demands  he plays in a narrower role inside wing-backs, “the difficulty is  you have always got your back to goal”.
      After firing another blank in Friday’s 1-0 loss in Italy, Sterling revealed England had been working on the training ground to counteract the attacking limitations of Southgate’s favoured system.
      He said: “Today we had to go over things to try to find where we can find that extra man  with this five at the back — do we put a midfielder higher up  in the build-up?
      “The manager is working  on things to get us that space in the attacking third but it’s not a time to panic.
      Raheem Sterling and Co struggled as England lost 1-0 in Italy on FridayCredit: Rex
      “We need a good performance against Germany and one of our big players stepping  up—  that’s more than likely what will happen.”
      Sterling says England’s players have been brutally honest with each other, challenging their team-mates to lift them out of their current slump.
      He said: “During half-time, after the game, on the coach — there are things we speak about.
      “The manager can play whatever he wants to play but when we go on to the pitch, we have to have that winning mentality.
      “That’s the message over the last couple of days when the boys have been speaking. It’s ‘Get more out of each other, push each other, take criticism’.
      “If someone is not doing  something right, we have to push each other.
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      “It’s not about fighting or anything silly.
      “But, on the field, if there is something not right, we have a lot of vocal players.” More