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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.
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      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.
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      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

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      Stephen Kenny SACKED as Republic of Ireland boss after FAI confirm no contract extension following Euro 2024 disaster

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      STEPHEN Kenny has been sacked as Republic of Ireland boss after FAI brass confirmed they won’t be offering him a contract extension.The news comes after a horrific EURO 2024 qualifying campaign in which his side won just two games.
      Stephen Kenny has been sacked
      FAI brass confirmed they won’t be offering him a contract extension
      The move comes after a horrific EURO 2024 qualifying campaign
      Kenny’s dismissal comes after Ireland finished fourth in Group B EURO 2024 qualifying from five teams.
      FAI confirmed his departure in a lengthy statement this evening after last night 1-1 draw at home against New Zealand.
      The statement read: “Following a meeting this evening and a presentation to the Board by CEO Jonathan Hill and Director of Football Marc Canham.
      “The FAI Board has decided that Stephen Kenny’s contract as Manager of the Ireland senior men’s national team will not be renewed following the conclusion of the UEFA EURO 2024 qualification process.

      “Having reviewed the EURO 2024 qualification campaign in its entirety, and recognising how difficult the Group was, the results needed to realise our goal of qualification for the Tournament were not achieved.
      “The Board agrees that now is the right time for change ahead of the friendly matches in March and June 2024 and the next Nations League campaign starting in September 2024.
      “FAI CEO Jonathan Hill commented, “Over the period of his tenure, Stephen and his staff have worked tirelessly to create the right environment to support the development of our senior men’s team, and we are hugely grateful for that considerable contribution.
      “Stephen has also overseen an important period of transition for our senior men’s national team and has given debuts to a significant number of new and younger players and this will serve as a solid platform for whoever now takes this group of players forward.”
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      FAI President Gerry McAnaney added: “The Board and all at the FAI would like to sincerely thank Stephen and his staff for their hard work, professionalism and unwavering dedication to the team, the fans, and to Irish football.
      “We wish Stephen every success for the future.”
      The recruitment process for a new Head Coach is now underway.
      Kenny was close to tears when he discussing he run as Ireland manager following Ireland’s 1-1 draw against New Zealand earlier this week.
      ‘NOTHING WILL COMPARE’
      And he said nothing would ever compare to managing Ireland as his reign drew to an end.
      Speaking after what was his final game in charge, Kenny said: “It may well be my last match, that has been well documented and if it is, so be it. I’ve had the privilege of managing my country.”
      He added: “Of course it would be a dream to carry on but my instinct is that is not going to happen and the evidence would suggest it’s not going to happen.”
      “And so do I, so does everyone. We will have to see. I’ve had amazing support from my staff and it’s been an amazing journey with the 21s and the last three years with the senior team.”
      Asked if any other job could rival this in terms of what it meant to him, he said: “No, nothing could ever. Irish supporters gave been great home and away.
      “No matter what I do in life, it would be a step down.”
      KENNY CRITICS
      Kenny came in for fierce criticism during his tenure – including from former Ireland legends.
      Richard Dunne said he believes the Ireland job remains a ‘very attractive’ one despite Stephen Kenny leading the side to rock bottom.
      The Virgin Media pundit has been a consistent critic of Kenny’s – long before the wider tide of public opinion turned against him.
      Dunne told Betway: “We’re almost at rock bottom and the only way is up.
      “I think he’s had three-and-a-half years to get his philosophy across but it’s just not transferred into results.
      “It’s not made us competitive in the qualifying groups.
      “He’s given a lot of debuts but the final judgement comes down to results and they just haven’t been there.
      “There may be other people out there. It’s still a very attractive job and there’s still some good players in this squad.
      “It’s an opportunity to build, and there’s surely someone who sees this as a good challenge for them.
      “Hopefully we can look forward to the future with a little more optimism.”
      The recruitment process for a new manager to replace Kenny is underway More

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      Minnows ranked 118th in world land Euro 2024 playoff place despite ZERO qualifying wins and fewer goals than San Marino

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      ESTONIA are one step away from qualifying for Euro 2024 despite winning ZERO games.The Minnows have lost seven of their eight matches in qualification – but have landed a play-off place on a technicality.
      Estonia have made the play-offs due to bizarre ruleCredit: Getty
      Estonia goalkeeper Karl Hein is Arsenal’s third choice goalkeeperCredit: Getty
      Estonia conceded 22 goals during those eight games, scoring just twice and suffering back-to-back 5-0 defeats to Sweden and Belgium.
      That dismal goal return is lower than San Marino, who scored in three consecutive games during qualifying.
      Estonia’s rotten record places them bottom of the group and, in normal circumstances, would see them eliminated from Euro 2024.
      But not this time – after a technicality means the 118th ranked Minnows have sensationally landed a play-off space.
      READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWS
      While they suffered a humiliating Euro group campaign, Estonia prospered in the Nations League.
      They topped Group D – the lowest ranked group – ahead of Malta and the aforementioned San Marino.
      In order to make the Euro play-offs, 12 teams are selected from Leagues A, B and C, who are then replaced by the next highest-ranked team in their league if they’ve already qualified for Germany.
      But if fewer than four teams from the same league enter the play-offs, the highest-ranked team in League D are given the spot instead.
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      And after Czech Republic beat Moldova 3-0 on Monday, Estonia’s spot was confirmed.
      But they face Robert Lewandowski and Poland in the play-off round – meaning they have a significantly uphill task.
      If Estonia beat Poland, they will play the winner of the other Path A semifinal- Wales, Finland, Ukraine or Iceland- for a spot at Euro 2024.
      Meanwhile, the draw for the final tournament will be made at a ceremony in Hamburg, Germany, on December 2. More

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      As England qualify for Euro 2024 who’s joining Harry Kane on the plane to Germany & who’ll be forced to watch from sofa?

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      HARRY KANE is doing some proper damage in Germany and let’s hope he is still delivering in his adopted country on July 14, the day of the Euro 2024 final.Because whatever he achieves with Bayern Munich this season, nothing would get remotely close to the achievement of lifting that trophy in Berlin.
      Gareth Southgate will be deciding who to take in his squad for Euro 2024Credit: The Times
      Harry Kane is certainly guaranteed a spot in the Euros squadCredit: Getty
      Which players are under consideration for England’s Euro 2024 team?
      England are the hot tip to win the competition next summer — although, if favourites always won, the bookies would be out of business.
      Yet Kane, Jude Bellingham & Co firmly believe this, finally, is their time.
      A lame 2-0 win over Malta and a laboured 1-1 draw with North Macedonia hardly got the pulses racing.
      And those performances did nothing to dissuade critics of Gareth Southgate — of which there are many — who feel that England will not win a major title while he is in charge.
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      But regardless of the Three Lions’ potential goal threat, the key to winning Euro 2024 will be at the back.
      In these last two qualifiers, England looked suspect defensively without the injured John Stones. His importance to the team is completely underestimated.
      Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, 30, struggled on Monday in North Macedonia but, due to his previous tournament performances and the general lack of experience of those coming through, he is certain to play alongside Stones.
      But if the 29-year-old Manchester City defender suffers any more injury issues going into the summer, then Southgate has one hell of a problem.
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      Do not be fooled, this team is not perfect. The squad does not have the strength in depth that some fans and pundits would have you believe.
      There is also a huge issue at left-back. England need Luke Shaw, 28, fit again.
      Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell, 26, is injury-jinxed and we do not have any other oven-ready players in this position.
      Rico Lewis, 19, did well in Skopje and was unlucky to concede a penalty but he is one for the World Cup in 2026.

      Rico Lewis made his England debut against North MacedoniaCredit: Getty
      As Southgate knows, stability is the key. We keep hearing about the calls to ‘take the handbrake off’.
      That attitude, however, did not get the Golden Generation very far.
      Southgate is influenced by Germany at Brazil 2014 where boss Joachim Low insisted on a pragmatic approach even though he was getting panned by his critics — who, in the end, were proved wrong.
      Equally, Portugal, despite having  Cristiano Ronaldo, were quite functional for much of Euro 2016 and did not even win a group match.
      Jude Bellingham will be an important member of the teamCredit: Getty
      They were simply horrible to play against and difficult to beat.Southgate’s hope of his team becoming the  world No 1 may have felt premature but those Fifa rankings are a pretty decent guide of where a team stands
      With England currently at No 4, the only European team above them are France.
      Last year’s World Cup quarter-final, which Les Bleus edged 2-1, showed that there is not much between those two.
      Portugal remain a strong bet and could hurt the Three Lions but, elsewhere, this is a weak period in European football.
      Reece James could make the plane to GermanyCredit: Getty
      Hosts Germany, along with Spain and Italy — who scraped through qualifying — are not in particularly good places.
      Southgate knows with some fine-tuning, a bit of luck with injuries and rock-solid performance from his big guns, England will take some stopping.
      Captain Kane’s influence is obviously massive on and off the pitch. His absence during the match in Skopje was obvious and it was no coincidence he forced a mistake from an opponent for the equaliser 40 seconds after coming on.
      Bellingham’s extraordinary rise under Carlo Ancelotti with Real Madrid will clearly continue over the next six months.
      Mason Mount is not expected to make the squad after a poor start to life at Man UnitedCredit: Rex
      He enjoyed a decent World Cup but this precocious talent will believe that Euro 2024 will be HIS tournament. Looking at how the 20-year-old’s career has blasted off into orbit, no one should doubt him.
      Elsewhere in midfield and wide areas, England have Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford, James Maddison, Jarrod Bowen, Bukayo Saka, plus Raheem Sterling, who has not played since the World Cup and made a silly mistake by making himself unavailable for the June qualifiers.
      Grealish, 28, said: “There is obviously Harry up front and then behind him there is talent there. It is ridiculous.”
      However, with the exception of Saka — while the impressive Cole Palmer has just come into the squad — all of those players have been inconsistent for Southgate.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold could be an option in midfieldCredit: PA
      In central midfield, Southgate will play with another defensive-minded player next to Declan Rice, 24, but we do not have a clue who that will be.
      Jordan Henderson committed professional suicide by moving to Saudi Arabia, is 33 and looked off the pace. Kalvin Phillips is not playing for Manchester City and the 27-year-old needs to move clubs.
      The Trent Alexander-Arnold experiment continued against North Macedonia and he must be given another chance against Brazil in March but it is not ideal that he will return into defence with Liverpool.
      Southgate knows anything other than victory at Euro 2024 will be considered a failure. It is extremely harsh but that is the reality of managing this country, particularly with a couple of genuine world stars in the ranks.
      As for England going one better than Euro 2020 and winning it in Germany, realistically, right now, it looks 50-50. More

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      Barcelona’s Dest sent off for two yellows in 30 secs for ‘inexcusable lack of respect’ and slammed by own USA team-mates

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      BARCELONA’S Serginio Dest saw red for the USA last night after two yellow cards in the space of 30 seconds.The defender completely lost his head in the 2-1 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago during the team’s CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final.
      Dest completely lost his rag with the refereeCredit: X
      He was shouted at by Tim Ream as he trudged off the pitchCredit: X
      Matt Turner also had a goCredit: Getty
      The incident happened in the 39th minute with the USA leading 1-0.
      Dest believed he had kept the ball in play but the referee awarded a throw to Trinidad and Tobago.
      The right-back booted the ball away in a fit of rage before presumably swearing at the ref as he shouted at him while covering his mouth.
      The commentator repeatedly said: “He needs to calm down” as it became clear Dest was heading for a red card.
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      US team-mate and Borussia Dortmund winger Gio Reyna attempted to hold Dest back while he berated the ref but the defender was an unstoppable force.
      After the ref showed Dest his second yellow, he sarcastically blew him a kiss with both hands.
      Dest’s team-mates then lost their rag with the youngster, with Tim Ream coming over to shout at the right-back.
      Dest’s goalkeeper, Matt Turner also came over to have a go at while he trudged off the pitch.
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      Dest and Turner exchanged wordsCredit: Getty
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      Dest and Nottingham Forest’s Turner’s argument continued as the defender took the long way round as he left the pitch, with Turner shoving him over the sideline.
      A perplexed co-commentator said: “What on earth was he thinking?”
      He continued: “Dest shows an incredible momentary lapse of reason right there. It’s inexplicable!”
      Dest’s moment of madness cost the USA the game as they went on to lose 2-1.
      They till advance to the Nations League semi-final, however, due to the US winning the first leg 3-0.
      After the game, Fulham’s Ream said there were “choice words” for Dest at half-time.
      Ream revealed there were: “Not too many things I can say here publicly that we said privately.
      “It’s a complete lack of respect for the guys that are playing, for the guys that are on the bench. It´s a lack of respect for the game itself, for the referees.”

      Dest will be suspended for the Nations League semi-final in March. He missed this year’s Nations League final after getting a red card and a three-game ban for scuffling in the semi-final against Mexico. 
      Meanwhile USA coach Gregg Berhalter called the red card “inexcusable” and “surreal”.
      He said: “It is concerning because that’s not what we represent, that’s not who we are as a group.”
      Berhalter also confirmed that Dest apologised to his team-mates after the game.
      Dest also took to Instagram to apologise to fans of Team USA.
      He captioned his post with: “I want to apologise to my Teammates, Staff, Fans and whole nation for my behaviour it was unacceptable, Selfish and immature I let my team down!’
      “It’s something I have to learn from and it won’t happen again!”
      Fulham’s Antonee Robinson also put the boot in on Dest in his post-game interview, saying it was a “moment of unprofessionalism”. More

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      Fans in stitches at ‘most pointless pitch inspection EVER’ as Jamaica vs Canada is rained off

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      JAMAICA’S Nations League clash with Canada was called off last night due to a torrential downpour in Kingston.The Reggae Boyz had been due to host the Canadians in a Concacaf Nations League clash at 7pm local time on Friday.
      A pitch inspection was carried out in Kingston, JamaicaCredit: X
      Parts of the pitch were fully underwaterCredit: X
      It was labelled the ‘most pointless pitch inspection EVER’Credit: X
      Officials initially delayed kick-off by an hour, citing “on-field issues”.
      Fans were left in stitches by the explanation as a video began to circulate online.
      In the clip, an inspection could be seen being completed on the completely sodden turf.
      Such was the level of downpour, that some areas were even completely flooded – making any prospect of the game actually going ahead feel ludicrous.
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      Responding to the video, one fan asked: “Why they inspecting the field like there’s a chance it’s playable?”
      While a second quizzed: “I’m sorry, what exactly did he go out there to see that he couldn’t see from the stands? Lol.”
      A third sarcastically wrote: “may just be me but I don’t think there’s gonna be a game tonight.”
      And a fourth mocked: ““Not before 8pm” so what they think 9pm it will be good to go???”
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      A fifth joked: “They could switch to playing water polo instead!”
      And another called it: “The most pointless pitch inspection ever.”
      A further update delayed kick-off further, somewhat optimistically pushing the kick-off time back to 9pm.
      And eventually it was postponed to 10:30am on Saturday morning, local time. More