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      Taylor Harwood-Bellis childhood incident practising DIVING that convinced dad Roy Keane’s son-in-law could be footballer

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      TAYLOR HARWOOD-BELLIS has had a taste of life at the top.Now England’s latest new-boy must turn his attention to taking on the best in the Premier League right now — and help shift Southampton off the bottom.Taylor Harwood-Bellis scored on his England debut last weekCredit: GettyHe is now prepared to face Liverpool with SouthamptonCredit: PAThe 22-year-old became the EIGHTH player to be handed a Three Lions debut during Lee Carsley’s interim spell in charge when coming on against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday in the Nations League.And he followed up Liverpool’s Curtis Jones’ feat versus Greece by also marking his bow with a goal to cap a blistering 5-0 win.Returning to the reality of Saints’ relegation battle must have been some comedown after such a high, particularly with imperious league-leaders the Reds up next.But while Harwood-Bellis is still buzzing to have proved he can mix it with the elite in this country, it is already just a memory ahead of Arne Slot’s winning machine — complete with a bang-in-form Mo Salah — rocking up at St Mary’s on Sunday.Read More on EnglandThe centre-back told BBC Radio Solent this week: “England is the pinnacle. The best English players, the best in the world are all there in one dressing room.“I’ve just got to focus on Liverpool. I’m not too bad at changing focus. Me scoring for England has not hidden the fact that we’re bottom of the league and we’ve got a big game on Sunday. That’s all my focus.”Brighton-born Southampton boss Russell Martin joked that Harwood-Bellis has barely stopped talking about it since his returning to training this week.Martin, who won 29 Scotland caps, said: “We have to make sure he keeps his feet on the ground but everyone’s so happy for him.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“If I’d played for England for ten minutes, I wouldn’t have shut up about it either.“I’d get hammered in Scotland for saying that, wouldn’t I? I was really proud to play for Scotland, so make sure that goes in there.Roy Keane reduces Ian Wright and Gary Neville to tears with crude comments about Premier League icon “I did celebrate his goal. We were all immensely proud of him at the club.“I see his mum and dad at games so when I see them next, I’m sure I’ll give them a hug and say congratulations.“I know they’ll be extremely proud and they know he’s in good hands here  with the amount of care and love he gets.”Harwood-Bellis’ headed goal at Wembley has been the talk of Saints’ training base this week, with team-mate Flynn Downes leading the banter.Midfielder Downes, 25, went to Wembley with Harwood-Bellis’ friends and family on Sunday as ex-Manchester City starlet Taylor made his first appearance.It was lucky he had not made it against Greece in Athens three days earlier, else his dad Martin and mum Tina would have missed it, having already booked a holiday to Cape Verde.Harwood-Bellis is another success story to come out of Stockport, along with fellow England internationals Phil Foden and Kobbie Mainoo.Dad Martin, who used to be Stockport County’s mascot Vernon Bear sensed his son might have a future in the game as a toddler.He revealed to BBC Radio Manchester: “The very, very early signs were when he was 18 months old and he was pretending to dive like a Premiership footballer.“He dived and broke his leg. A slight fracture. He had a plaster on his leg, I’ve still got the plaster, it’s only so big. He was still kicking a ball with a plaster on and he was kicking it straight to me. In fact he was kicking it better than I was kicking it to him and I had two good legs!”Harwood-Bellis’ old man also revealed how his son used to study football shows like Match of the Day, as well as what he saw from watching Stockport live, and implement what he had learnt at local side Spurley Hey.The youngster’s talent was quickly spotted and by six he had joined City.He was playing for England by Under-15 level, in an age group that included Tino Livramento, Morgan Rogers, Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer and also had Jude Bellingham playing a year up.Harwood-Bellis’ leadership qualities — attributes his future father-in-law Roy Keane would appreciate — saw him regularly named skipper  for club and country.He was known for his dedication, setting of standards in training and how vocal he was on the pitch as well as discipline off it.Harwood-Bellis is engaged to Roy Keane’s daughter, LeahCredit: officialkeane16 / InstagramThat sees him still today inspect the labels of all food at his parents’ house for fat content before eating it. City rated him highly but given the competition in Pep Guardiola’s first team, a series of loans began before one which ended in a permanent move to Saints.At Anderlecht and Burnley, the defender learned about detail and a relentless drive to win from working with Vincent Kompany.Phil Jagielka taught him about the dark arts of defending at Stoke.It was surprising to see no Premier League side sign him two summers ago, after he had captained England to Under-21 Euros glory.More physical defenders with a quicker top speed over the first ten-15 metres were favoured.But that overlooked Harwood-Bellis impressive reading of the game, with one of his  former coaches telling SunSport: “Taylor always has an extra yard in his head.”Southampton, then a Championship side, did not initially think they would be able to attract Harwood-Bellis.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat was until a season-long loan deal, with a £20million permanent option on  promotion, was proposed via TransferRoom, the digital football marketplace that more than 700 clubs worldwide use.Sam Stanton, Saints’ head of scouting  operations, said at the time: “We never thought he’d be available to us. So when he was pitched to us, we were really excited straight away.”The defender spent the 2022-23 season on loan at BurnleyCredit: GettyHe also enjoyed a short stay with StokeCredit: Getty More

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      Jack Grealish slammed Gareth Southgate and annoyed Pep Guardiola – now he must do his talking on the pitch for Man City

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      JACK GREALISH vowed to “prove some people wrong” as he returned to training early following his Euro 2024 snub — but we are still waiting.No doubt the main one was Gareth Southgate – the man who axed him from the squad – and he took aim at the former Three Lions  boss again this week.Jack Grealish is back with England but needs to step up for Man CityCredit: GettyGrealish helped usher in Lee Carsley’s interim reign with the Three Lions by rounding off a 2-0 win away to Ireland in SeptemberCredit: GettyThe Man City ace will hope his recall under Carsley continues with England’s incoming permanent boss Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyThe Manchester City winger is clearly still hurting from what he described as the “hardest moment of his career” back in June.He vowed to use his heartache as motivation, and prove that he should have been on the  plane to Germany despite an indifferent previous 12 months at the Etihad.Yet, despite a couple of goals in the autumn internationals, the £100million man’s season is yet to really take off.And with no more international football for four months, the time has come for him to do some talking on the pitch for City.READ MORE TOP STORIESJust four Prem starts so far, with two cup games,  is not what his employers were hoping for after almost a third of the campaign.What is more, he managed to test the patience of Pep Guardiola yet again by telling him he wanted to join up with the England squad earlier this month.The Etihad chief made it clear Grealish should be staying back at the City Football Academy to work on his fitness after a hamstring issue.But the former Aston Villa skipper insisted he wanted to go — although in the end he was  sent back almost as soon as he put his bags down at St George’s Park.Most read in FootballGrealish will have to wait four months to see if Tuchel picks himCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGrealish could probably see why his club manager was so miffed.He was back in training a couple of days before City’s defeat at Brighton ten days ago,  but has not played any competitive football  since October 20.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotThat was as a second-half sub at Wolves, while his last start came two weeks before that as the champions edged past Fulham.Guardiola said Grealish has had “two or three setbacks” with injuries and has not been able to find any rhythm. This was not what anyone had in mind when he was one of the first to report back for pre-season training in July.Speaking in Orlando on City’s pre-season tour in late July, he opened up on his Euro heartache, saying: “It was the hardest moment for me as a footballer. And I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my career.“I felt like I should have been in the squad. “But I want to try and use it as motivation now, going forward into this season, and hopefully prove some people wrong.“I just need to regain my form and fitness and after that I know what I can do on the pitch.”He has shown glimpses of what he can do since then — for his country at least — with goals in the away wins over Republic of Ireland and Finland. But he has just one assist in seven Prem appearances for City so far this term. And not many of the Etihad faithful will be surprised either, given the way last season ended for him.He appeared in just one of their last five matches as City swept to a fourth straight Prem title and that was a brief cameo off the bench.City chief Pep Guardiola was unhappy Grealish went with EnglandCredit: ReutersGareth Southgate omitting him for Euro 2024 hurt GrealishCredit: GettyOver the course of last season, he started only ten Premier League matches.Then, when City desperately searched for  a goal in their FA Cup final defeat to United, the most expensive signing in the club’s history stayed on the bench.Guardiola admitted after that game that Grealish had “struggled” for much of the campaign.The signs were promising as Grealish impressed during City’s four-match summer tour of the US.His manager said in August: “From what I’ve seen so far from Jack,  I’ve loved it. It’s his commitment in every session.“Hopefully he can sustain it until  the end of the season and compete for a place, but it depends on him.”Fast forward three months and Pep had a face like thunder when he  discussed Lee Carsley’s call-up of Grealish for this month’s internationals — and the player’s decision to accept it.The pair might have to patch things up a bit when training resumes ahead of Saturday’s visit of Tottenham.And Grealish, who turned 29 in September, will know he needs to get that form and fitness back quickly.It does not matter if Southgate, Carsley or Thomas Tuchel is boss,  if you are not performing well for your club, you cannot expect to play for your country.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd after his summer heartache, Grealish knows that only too well. More

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      England’s path to World Cup 2026 becomes clear with qualifying pots confirmed and chance of tricky meeting with rivals

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      ENGLAND are set to be among the top seeds for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after securing their return to Nations League A.But new boss Thomas Tuchel could potentially face a nightmare encounter with a Home Nations rival as he prepares to guide the Three Lions to the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.Thomas Tuchel will guide England through the World Cup qualifiersThe Three Lions have been placed into Pot 1 for the World Cup qualifying drawEngland could be grouped against rivals Scotland next monthAfter a successful Nations League campaign under interim boss Lee Carsley, England have since been placed into qualifying Pot 1.Each of the Nations League quarter-finalists have also earned an automatic spot in Pot 1. That means Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal and Euro winners Spain will be among the highest-seeded teams.They have been joined by the four next highest ranking sides in the Fifa Men’s world list: England, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria.READ MORE ON ENGLANDSo, for now, England will avoid being grouped with all of the top-listed sides in Pot 1, as no two teams from the same pot can end up in the same group.However, Tuchel faces being placed in the same qualifying group as some of England’s closest rivals.Wales will be in Pot 2 after topping their Nations League group to earn promotion to League A.And England could also be grouped with one of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland in Pot 3.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Three Lions will be among those drawn into 12 groups of four or five teams on December 13.As group winners – and having avoided Nations League play-offs – they are likely to be in a five-team group that starts in March.Lee Carsley hailed for ‘best football England have ever played’ as fans say ‘can we rip up Tuchel’s contract-‘England face a 25 per cent chance of being in a four-team group, which means they are more likely to be placed in a five-team group.The latter is the worse of the two scenarios for Tuchel because it means starting qualifying in March.The German wouldn’t be able to ease into the job with a couple of friendlies during that March international break as his first two games would count towards qualifying for the World Cup.Carsley successfully led them back into the Nations League’s top tier with two convincing victories, over Greece and Ireland, in his final games in charge.By finishing top of Group B2, England are extremely likely to have a World Cup play-off spot banked, with the same situation facing Group B4 winners Wales.Following England’s 5-0 win over Ireland, Tuchel has avoided a Nations League promotion play-off as his first assignment.This means he will embark on a fresh Qualifying campaign for the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States in 2026.What are the World Cup European Qualifying pots?Pot 1SpainGermanyPortugalFranceItalyNetherlandsDenmarkCroatiaEnglandBelgiumSwitzerlandAustriaPot 2UkraineSwedenTurkeyWalesHungarySerbiaPolandGreeceRomaniaSlovakiaCzech RepublicNorwayPot 3ScotlandSloveniaRepublic of IrelandAlbaniaNorth MacedoniaGeorgiaFinlandIcelandNorthern IrelandMontenegroBosnia and HerzegovinaIsraelPot 4BulgariaLuxembourgKosovoBelarusArmeniaKazakhstanAzerbaijanEstoniaCyprusFaroe IslandsLatviaLithuaniaPot 5MoldovaMaltaAndorraGibraltarLiechtensteinSan MarinoBest-case scenario for England’s qualifying group of fiveAs per the current world rankings and pot positions, England could face Pot 2 side Serbia in their qualifying group when it’s drawn in 23 days time.Another best-case scenario grouping would come against Pot 3 outfit Iceland.But that hasn’t been an entirely easy fixture in English football as Gareth Southgate’s side found out when they lost 1-0 to Iceland in their final warm-up game before Euro 2024 in June.England were also memorably, and embarrassingly, dumped out of Euro 2016 in a 2-1 defeat to Iceland in the Round of 16.The Three Lions will be hoping they were freak results, as they did beat their bogeyteam from the volcanic island in their two games in-between.Meanwhile, another best-case match-up would be against the Faroe Islands, who are in Pot 4 and have never qualified for the World Cup.England suffered their worst humiliation when they lost to Iceland in 2016Worst-case scenario for England’s qualifying group of fiveOut of all the teams in Pot 2, England will want to avoid being grouped with regional rivals Wales.While England beat Wales in their World Cup group in Qatar, Tuchel will want to avoid any embarrassing defeats to the Welsh, who under the new leadership of Craig Bellamy, will be hell-bent on causing an upsetBut the difficulties in Pot 2 doesn’t stop there. England will also face difficult fixtures against Erling Haaland’s Norway and Sweden.The worst case scenario from Pot 3 would be Georgia, who shocked everybody with strong performances at Euro 2024.The Georgian’s boast Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia among their ranks, with England facing a 2,000 mile trip to the edge of Europe.Wales are in Pot 2 after topping their Nations League group to earn promotion to League AThe worst-case scenario from Pot 4 would be a long journey to the border of West Asia against Azerbaijan, while Moldova are the best ranked Pot 5 side.Being in a five team group could mean games in March and June.This could cause added headaches for Tuchel as several high profile stars are set to play in the Fifa Club World Cup that starts on June 15.England stars who play for Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich will be expected to play for their club teams.Clubs wouldn’t be able to block players from playing for England, that’s against the rules, but players could drop out themselves.Just last week, nine England stars withdrew from Carsley’s final camp citing fitness issues.How do the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers work?A total of 16 Uefa nations will compete at the tournament – an increase of three from the previous edition in 2022.The European Qualifiers are scheduled to begin in March 2025 and end with the play-offs precisely a year later.Teams will play each other home and away. Nations drawn in groups of five will start Qualifying in March and sides drawn in groups of four start their campaigns in September. All groups conclude in November 2025.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 12 group winners qualify directly, with the four remaining berths determined by play-offs involving the 12 group runners-up.Due to the Nations League play-offs in March, it means only four groups will be complete as of December 13.Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. 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      Denmark coach walks out of awkward press conference after just 20 SECONDS

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      DENMARK’S head coach walked out of his awkward post-match press conference after just 20 seconds.Manager Brian Riemer oversaw a 0-0 draw with Serbia in the Nations League in Leskovac, Serbia.Brian Riemer was involved in an awkward post-match press conferenceHe walked out after just 20 secondsCredit: Sky SportsAnd after the game he was treated to a big surprise in his press conference, which lasted a matter of seconds.That is because not a single question was asked by the reporters who had gathered at the end of the match.Riemer, 46, had a surprised look on his face and left smiling without saying a single word.Fans were equally as bemused with one reacting: “Awkward! 😂”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “That’s a Guinness world record.”A third wrote: “Goalless draw, question-less conference. Consistency!”And another commented: “That was quick! 😅”Denmark secured a Nations League quarter-final spot while Serbia were knocked out, but the media chose not to question Riemer about the achievement.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFormer Brentford assistant boss Riemer was appointed Denmark manager last month following Kasper Hjulmand’s resignation after the Euros.He has managed just two games, losing to Spain before the goalless draw with Serbia.Uefa Nations League clash SUSPENDED after fight breaks out and one of teams walks off pitch in protest More

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      Wales promoted to Nations League A and could face ENGLAND after rivals fall to shock loss to previously winless minnows

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      NO wonder Swansea fans call Liam Cullen the ‘Kilgetty Messi’.The 25-year-old turned in the performance of his life – one the Argentina maestro himself would have been proud of.Wales have beaten Iceland to seal promotion to the Nations League ACredit: ReutersLiam Cullen stole the show with a braceCredit: GettyHe scored his first two international goals, created another for Brennan Johnson and even had a hand in Harry Wilson’s late strike.It all meant that – against all odds – Wales topped their Nations League group on another night to remember in the capital.Turkey’s shock defeat in Montenegro means the Dragons are promoted to Group A.This could see Wales drawn against England in the next edition of the tournament which kicks off in September 2026.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMore importantly though, they will almost certainly have a World Cup play-off to fall back on if they fail to make it through their group.And the way Craig Bellamy’s reign has started, you wouldn’t bet against them finding a way to the USA in summer 2026.They showed some character here to come storming back after falling behind early on.Former Burnley man Johann Gudmundsson’s cross was headed goalwards by Orri Oskarsson and Danny Ward pushed it out.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt fell nicely for Andri Gudjohnsen – son of ex-Chelsea forward Eidur – who despatched it back through the keeper’s legs.It was the first goal Wales have conceded at home in over five hours of football – since Finland scored in the Euro 2024 play off in March.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersAnd it was also the first time Bellamy had found his team behind since he took charge at the start of the autumn.So this was a new kind of test for him and his team were second best for the first half hour.Yet they finally got going and Premier League pair Neco Williams and Johnson worked the ball down the left.The Spurs man floated over a cross that was glanced home by Cullen for his first goal for his country.Cullen has not scored for his club since September 21 so it was just the tonic he needed.Wales were now on top and on the stroke of half-time they were ahead as Mark Harris played another ball out to Dan James.His shot was only half-stopped by Iceland keeper Hakon Valdimarsson, but Cullen was there to bundle in the rebound.The 25-year-old hails from the small town of Kilgetty in Pembrokeshire – hence the nickname back with his club.Things had really turned on their head – particularly as news came through that group leaders Turkey were behind in Podgorica.Iceland had not given up though and sub Mikael Ellertsson brought a smart save out of Ward soon after the restart.Harry Wilson was put clean through but unusually for him he lacked composure and gave the keeper an easy save.But midway through the second half the Dragons had breathing space as Cullen turned provider, winning the ball and sending Johnson clear.This time he kept his cool and thumped a low shot home home to score his fifth goal for his country.Cullen wasn’t finished there though as Cullen won his dual with his marker as they both went for a high ball.Wilson picked up the loose ball and steered a shot beyond the visiting keeper from the edge of the box.The Fulham man has been the stand-out performer in this Nations League campaign for the Dragons – and deserved his goal.What a night for Cullen though – he could barely get a look in under former boss Rob Page and now he gets a night like this.READ MORE SUN STORIESNews filtered through that Montenegro had extended their lead over the Turks – and the celebrations could really start among the home fans.Their World Cup qualifying campaign will start in March rather than June now – but their hopes of a ticket to America in 20 months’ time have increased significantly.Brennan Johnson made it 3-1 with a clinical finishCredit: GettyHarry Wilson wrapped up the result with Wales’ fourthCredit: GettyCraig Bellamy will be eying up a World Cup spot in 2026Credit: Getty More

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      Fans just realising Anthony Gordon stuck to wholesome promise with celebration after first England goal

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      ANTHONY GORDON kept a heartwarming promise to a young Newcastle fan after scoring his first goal for England.Gordon, 23, scored his first goal for the Three Lions on Sunday as Lee Carsley signed off as interim manager with a 5-0 thrashing of Ireland.Anthony Gordon kept a promise to a young Newcastle fan after scoring his first England goalCredit: EPAYoung Magpie Ivy showed Gordon her cartwheel celebration when the pair met last monthCredit: X @NUFCGordon agreed to copy the celebration when he next scoredCredit: X @NUFCThe England star did just that after netting against Ireland on SundayCredit: ReutersIt wasn’t just a special moment for Gordon, but a touching moment for young Magpies fan Ivy who saw her hero recreate her favourite celebration.Gordon had met Ivy, who was diagnosed with hyper IGE syndrome, last month and asked the youngster what her favourite celebration was.Young Ivy pulled off her best cartwheel and Gordon promised to do exactly the same the next time he scored.And the pacy winger kept to his word after he tucked home England’s second goal against the Irish.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGordon ran off to celebrate with the Wembley crowd, rolling into a cartwheel and blowing a kiss to the camera for Ivy.Fans loved the touching moment, labelling Gordon as “a Goat” and lauding him as a “beautiful human being”.Others gushed that Gordon is a “great player and even better person” as well as a “class act”.Gordon has now earned nine caps for England since making his debut in March.Most read in FootballHe managed just one minute of action during the summer after spending almost all of Euro 2024 sitting on the bench as England suffered major final heartbreak once again.Gordon was one of four England stars to score their first goal for the nation against Ireland, joining Jarrod Bowen, Conor Gallagher and Taylor Harwood-Bellis in scoring their first Three Lions goal.Lee Carsley hailed for ‘best football England have ever played’ as fans say ‘can we rip up Tuchel’s contract-‘While it was a big night for Newcastle with Gordon, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento all earning starts for England.Gordon’s role at club level is increasing week on week as he becomes a crucial cog in Eddie Howe’s Newcastle machine.He has already scored twice and set up another in his 10 Premier League appearances this term.But he will be hoping he can pick up the pace on his goal contributions if he’s going to better the 11 goals and 10 assists he racked up last season. More

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      San Marino get first EVER away win and secure Nations League promotion with as many wins since September as West Ham

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      SAN MARINO won their first ever away game AND clinched Nations League promotion on a historic night in Liechtenstein.The international minnows, who are the world’s bottom ranked team, came from behind to win 3-1 for their second victory of the campaign.San Marino’s bench sprinted onto the pitch at full-timeCredit: TwitterPlayers were understandably emotional after making historyCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskSan Marino manager Roberto Cevoli celebrated a second win in chargeCredit: TwitterThe players went over to their travelling fans and celebrated with themCredit: TwitterSan Marino have lost 199 of their 211 matches – and their only three victories have all come against Liechtenstein.The first of those came back in 2004, before they picked up their opening win of League D Group 1 with a 1-0 triumph back in September.But it was Monday night’s win on the road which ensured promotion to League C of the Nations League as they finish on seven points from four games, one ahead of Gibraltar.Aron Sele gave the hosts the lead before goals from Lorenzo Lazzari, Nicola Nanni and Alessandro Golinucci turned things around for San Marino.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is the first time they have scored three goals in a game and the first time they have hit the back of the net more than once in a competitive fixture.And two wins since the start of September is as many as West Ham have managed in the same time frame.There were jubilant scenes at full-time as those on the bench sprinted onto the pitch to celebrate.The players then jumped up and down in front of the travelling San Marino fans in a heartwarming moment.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey will now play their next Nations League campaign in the third tierCredit: TwitterItalian manager Roberto Cevoli, who has led San Marino to two wins from 10 games, said: “Finishing that first half 1-0 down was an insult to football.”But the boys were brilliant and deserved what they’ve managed to achieve.” Former top flight stadium left abandoned and overgrown just two years after club last played a game thereWhile Marco Tura, president of the San Marino Football Federation, added: “These boys made history tonight.”As people, as athletes, as men, they have shown what they are worth.”I cried with the boys.”San Marino will now spend the next Nations League campaign in the third division and could be drawn in a group alongside the likes of Slovakia and Bulgaria. More

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      Poland 1 Scotland 2: Robertson marks landmark cap with stunning late winner after McGinn’s historic opener

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      POLAND skipper Piotr Zieliński could have been forgiven for asking Andy Robertson for a selfie.Robbo’s last gasp header was as good as any goal Cristiano Ronaldo ever scored.Andy Robertson powered home a header to win the match for ScotlandCredit: Kenny RamsayIt was his first Scotland goal in five years – and on his 80th capCredit: EPAOn a night of mind-boggling high drama, the Scotland skipper’s late, late winner in Warsaw a full three minutes into stoppage time saw Steve Clarke’s side avoid Nations League relegation.The second spot dream was snatched away by Croatia’s 1-1 draw with Portugal.But on his 80th cap, the Liverpool left-back gave the travelling Tartan Army the victory to go with a spirited and gutsy display now meaning third place and a March play-off to in group A1.John McGinn fired the team ahead before Poland levelled. But in the dying seconds Robertson struck with a brave, bold header into the roof of the net.It was no more than Scotland deserved.HOW THEY RATEDCraig Gordon – recovered from a bug to win 79th cap and Scotland needed him at times. Tipped over shot from Piatkowski, saved from Swiderski then blocked Buksa. No chance with Piatkowski’s drive though. 7Anthony Ralston – Celtic right-back found it tough against Croatia but put in a decent shift last night. Read the game better and less rushed. Tired in second half and subbed. 6John Souttar – shaky at times for Rangers but grown into Scotland’s best defenders over the last four fixtures. Rock solid again. Incredible second half block then great cross for winner. 9Grant Hanley – subbed at half-time in the draw with Croatia but the Norwich defender kept his place ahead of replacement McKenna. Used experience and football brain to deal with Polish frontmen. 7Andy Robertson – only Leighton and Dalglish have more caps than the 80-cap skipper now. Clumsy early tackle and got away with slack pass which Swiderski should have scored from. Brilliant header for winner. 7Billy Gilmour – little midfielder didn’t have his shooting boots on against Croatia but cracked great effort from distance off the bar. Ball to Doak to tee up opener. Kept on going in tireless display. 7Kenny McLean – now two caps short of Hall of Fame, Norwich man kept his place in deep midfield role and kept play moving well in steady performance. Booked for challenge on Szymanski. 7Ben Doak – Clarke tried to fool everyone he might not start but was always going to be there. Took three minutes to create opener. Looked threat whenever got on the ball. Surprisingly subbed. 7Scott McTominay – great touch from the Napoli man set himself up for a shot which Skorupski saved then saw goalie tip brilliant effort onto post. Blazed tougher chance over then hobbled off. 7John McGinn – returned to starting line-up after scoring 19th goal on Friday. Took three minutes to hit No20 to cap superb display. 8Lyndon Dykes – back in to lead the line from the start for 42nd cap. Has only scored once for Birmingham. Crashed shot past post then saw header brilliantly saved then replaced by Shankland. 6SUBS: Lawrence Shankland (3) struggled for goals with Hearts and no chances last night, Ryan Christie (5) could feel hard done-by after being dropped. Booked soon after coming on in good runout, Ryan Gauld (4) in preferred central role after replacing McTominay and showed neat touches, Nicky Devlin (4) won second cap, Stuart Armstrong (2) on late.The whole Ben Doak could be dropped line from Clarke turned out to be one big ruse.A bluff.Most read in FootballA wind-up.There was no way in the world the on-form 19 year-old was going to be left out for this one.Scotland No2 John Carver on the REAL Steve Clarke, Euros disappointment, THAT Ronaldo tantrum & Souness bust-upClarke was just stringing everyone along with all that stuff about what the teenager can’t do. Right?Because if he was seriously thinking about kicking off with the wee man on the bench then he was guilty of over-thinking things like he’s done too often in the past.Doak had to play. Pure and simply. He was the outstanding man of the match against Croatia at Hampden because of the fearless way he terrorised a £77million defender.No-one in their right mind would have dropped him.The supposed argument that a super-fit kid cannot play two games three days apart is just nonsensical.Had Clarke seen it differently, it would have been an incomprehensible, unfathomable, dereliction of duty. A decision that would have been difficult to forgive and forget.But let’s play along with the idea he Doak was always going to start.The two changes Clarke did make to his starting line-up saw super McGinn and Lyndon Dykes return at the expense of Ryan Christie and young Tommy Conway.Again, there wouldn’t have been many supporters unhappy with that.McGinn has battled through a period of on-off form which has brought some criticism from certain quarters.But his goal against Croatia at Hampden on Friday was a timely reminder that he’s still got plenty to offer this Scotland team.And his strike here took his international tally to 20.Doak was at the heart of it.His run into the box saw him picked out by Billy Gilmour before his cut-back put the ball on a silver salver for McGinn.It was on his weaker right side, but the Aston Villa star calmly rolled his shot into the far corner of the net.Poland were stunned and had chances to level the game in the first-half.Craig Gordon shook off a virus to play and he made four really good stops to keep Scotland ahead.Were Clarke’s side fortunate at times? You bet they were.The home side threatened time and again and really ought to have scored at least once before the break.But was it backs to the wall from a Scotland perspective? Was it hell.Twice the Poland woodwork was rattled to go 2-0 ahead.First Gilmour unleashed a shot from outside the box which looked destined to dip over goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski  and find the net.But agonisingly the ball struck the bar.That was on 33 minutes and Scott McTominay had a decent chance four minutes later with his shot blocked.It was then that news came through from Croatia that Portugal were winning – just the update thew whole of Scotland wanted.With another goal needed, Clarke’s side did everything to get it.Three minutes before the interval McTominay drilled a low shot which was tipped onto the post by Skorupski.It was agonising.There had been other near misses too for Scotland, like Dykes smashing a shot into the side-netting from a tight angle.Poland were always dangerous, though.John Souttar was outstanding all night at centre-back and had to make an unbelievable goal-line clearance right at the start of the second-half.Scotland were giving it everything all over the pitch.There was never any sign that they were settling for the 1-0 in the hope that Portugal would score again.They kept pressing for another goal.A break forward led by McGinn almost brought it, but for a last ditch block at the near post.It was all or nothing and soon it was nothing.In 58 minutes it was Poland who hit the net with a blasted shot Gordon couldn’t get near.Kamil Piatkowski simply couldn’t have struck the ball any sweeter to find the top corner. In terms of claiming second spot, at that stage it meant nothing.Portugal were still winning and a strike for Scotland would see them finish runner’s up to Portugal by the NINTH tiebreaker, away wins.Clarke took off Doak for the closing stages with changes made to inject more energy and grab a goal.Dykes almost got it.He had a header brought with another fingertips save from the Poland No1 just when it looked he was beaten.Soon it emerged that Croatia had equalised in Split.Still Scotland didn’t give up.Substitute Christie could have scored to make it it 2-1 but his diving header was easily saved.But in the third minute if stoppage time, Robertson scored.READ MORE SUN STORIESA hopeful ball into he box was attacked in the air like never before as he won the game for Scotland.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More