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    Five top players England beat other countries to including Jack Grealish and Declan Rice

    INTERNATIONAL football has evolved its own competitive marketplace for talented stars in recent years.
    The modern world means players often have a number of different countries that they are eligible for.

    Jack Grealish and Declan Rice could have been lining up together for Republic of IrelandCredit: Reuters

    Fifa’s rules allow footballers to switch allegiance up until the moment they appear in a competitive match, leading to several examples of double debuts and awkward encounters.
    England are no stranger to this facet of the game, with stars both leaving and joining the national setup in this way.
    The latest hot talent considered up for grabs is Yunus Musah, the teenager who has played for the Three Lions’ youth teams but is also eligible for Ghana, Italy and the United States.
    His recent appearances for the US in friendly action mean he can still decide to play for Gareth Southgate – something the manager is very keen on.

    That would mean following in the footsteps of Declan Rice, who played three times for Republic of Ireland before finally accepting England’s call.
    Here, SunSport details the stories of five top stars who chose the Three Lions over other countries desperate for their services.

    England still hope to persuade USMNT starlet Yunus Musah to switch allegianceCredit: PA:Press Association
    Jack Grealish – Republic of Ireland
    Few international sagas have drawn as much attention as Jack Grealish’s, a player who began his career in the Ireland youth teams.
    The Aston Villa winger’s heritage led to him playing gaelic football as a lad, even appearing at Croke Park, before he signed up for the Boys in Green.

    Several youth appearances pushed Grealish towards the Irish senior side but he took a break from international football in 2014.
    Fellow Ireland youth star Aiden O’Brien told SunSport earlier this year that the winger needed time to make his mind up, stating: “When you get approached at that age you don’t really know what to do. You lean on those closest to you, and he spoke with his family a lot.”

    Grealish recently played for England against the Boys in GreenCredit: AP:Associated Press
    John Barnes – Jamaica
    Watford and Liverpool legend Barnes did not arrive in England until his teenage years and was eligible to play for Jamaica.
    Yet he chose England to play in the biggest tournaments – with Fifa rules at the time allowing the switch despite his lack of a British passport.
    He would later recall: “I wanna play in the World Cup, but I’m 18, a little black boy from Jamaica. So I can play for England or I can play for Jamaica.
    “But also, as it turned out, I could play for England, Ireland, Scotland or Wales. I never signed anything, but I could play for any of the British teams. So as stupid as it seems, the only reason I played for England was because they were the first to ask.”

    John Barnes would play for England at two World CupsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Declan Rice – Republic of Ireland
    Like Grealish, Kingston-born Rice was another to choose England having started out in the Irish fold.
    But the midfielder even went as far as playing three games for the senior team before pausing his international career, with Ireland manager Martin O’Neill saying he was ‘giving him a little bit of time’.
    England were interested in the West Ham star but new Ireland boss Mick McCarthy pledged to make Rice the centre of his team.
    Alas, he chose the Three Lions – leading to an uncovered IRA-themed social media post making for a controversial switch.

    Declan Rice was allowed to switch from the Republic having only appeared in friendliesCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
    Owen Hargreaves – Canada/Wales
    In the 2000s, a foreign-born player who starred for Bayern Munich being eligible for England was quite unusual.
    Yet the Three Lions saw Hargreaves’ potential and called him up to the Under-21s in 2000.
    Before that, the midfielder had already appeared at youth level for Wales, with his parents making him eligible for both.
    The decision to snub Canada led to Hargreaves becoming quite unpopular in the land of his birth.

    Owen Hargreaves won 42 caps and England’s 2006 Player of the Year honourCredit: PA:Press Association
    Patrick Bamford – Republic of Ireland
    Robbie Keane famously said of Leeds striker Bamford: “He should be chasing us. He should want to come here. If he doesn’t want to, no problem.
    “We shouldn’t be chasing people, by the way. That’s what f***ing winds me up. We shouldn’t be chasing people.”
    The Tottenham legend was one of many exasperated when last year Bamford contemplated switching back to Ireland, who he had played for at U18 level before committing to England.
    Bamford, 27, has represented England at U18, U19 and U21 levels but had not had a full cap.
    He recently told The Athletic: “At the start of the season I wouldn’t have said anything about England, or even thought about it, but the fact that I’ve started quite well, I need to just keep pushing and make sure that my name is in the frame for the summer.”

    Patrick Bamford is once again hoping for an England call-upCredit: AFP or licensors

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    Man Utd winger Daniel James vows to fight for place after hitting top form with Wales

    DANIEL JAMES has vowed to fight for his Manchester United place after less than three hours of league action this season.
    The winger produced a top display for Wales in Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Finland, recording a superb goal and an assist.

    Daniel James scored a superb goal against Finland in Wales’ 3-1 Nations League win on Wednesday

    James has featured in just three Premier League games for Manchester United this season

    But despite falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford and being linked to a move to Leeds, James will not give up on his United dream.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
    The 23-year-old said: “Man United is my club and I love it there — whether I’m playing or not.
    “There were times I played a lot last season and I may not have played as much this time.

    “But I’m sticking in there and I’ll always be in and around it. I’ll never think differently to that.”
    James, who cost an initial £15million from Swansea in June 2019, returns to United for Saturday’s clash with West Brom buzzing after his 25-yard sizzler in Cardiff.
    His screaming, air-punching celebration signalled huge relief.
    He added: “You could see I was very happy to see it hit the back of the net. It helped I had less time and I instinctively hit the shot.

    “I feel really good at the moment. When I do play, I give my all.

    “And I’m as proud to play for Wales as I am for Man United.”
    James, who also set up Kieffer Moore’s header to seal Wales’ promotion to Europe’s elite, added: “The future is bright for Wales, definitely.
    “We all look confident here. It’s a great bunch of lads.
    “We all bond so well and you see that on the pitch.”

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    Watch Phil Foden’s outrageous half-volley Cruyff turn reminiscent of Zinedine Zidane during England win over Iceland

    PHIL FODEN drew comparisons with a number of football legends with an outrageous piece of skill as England romped past Iceland at Wembley.
    The Manchester City starlet was handed just his second Three Lions start, both against Iceland, by boss Gareth Southgate for the Nations League clash.

    Phil Foden wowed fans with his audacious skill

    Seeya later! 👋𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 touch from Phil Foden! 🤤What a couple of attacking talents England have at their disposal now… 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/mrviLopg5U
    — Sky Sports (@SkySports) November 19, 2020

    But while the first will be remembered for the hotel room shenanigans that followed, the second is memorable for the all the right reasons.
    Foden, 20, got off to a great start, delivering a perfect set piece for Declan Rice to head England in front.
    And he then had fans online purring with a majestic piece of trickery.
    The attacking midfielder raced away from the helpless Ari Freyr Skulason by taking the ball on the bounce with a glorious Cruyff turn, leaving the Icelandic veteran trailing in his wake.

    Social media users were in awe of the Zidane-esque piece of skill, while SunSport compared Foden’s performance to those of Three Lions legend Paul Gascoigne.
    One Twitter user wrote: “Need to see that Foden touch again, was sublime”.
    While another gushed: “That touch is just pure class….best young talent around Foden”.
    And the man himself quoted a tweet reading ‘He’s at it again @PhilFoden’, writing: “Official sources state that is true.”

    Zinedine Zidane could execute the amazing trick

    Iceland’s task was made even more difficult when Birkir Mar Sævarsson was shown a red card in the 54th minute.
    And Foden made them pay with two excellent late finishes.
    His first strike came in the 80th minute, when he swept the ball home following a nice Jadon Sancho dummy and cut-back.
    And he doubled his tally just four minutes later, fizzing a low shot past Hannes Halldorsson from outside the box.
    Foden’s piece of skill was the second to go viral from England’s camp, with Jack Grealish’s wonderful control against Belgium also drawing admiring glances aplenty.

    Foden bagged his first two England goalsCredit: PA:Press Association

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    Watch Thibaut Courtois’ howler for Belgium as Real Madrid star lets ball roll under foot for goal in Denmark win

    THIBAUT COURTOIS was left red-faced when letting a backpass slip under his foot against Denmark.
    In a battle for top spot of Nations League Group 1B, the Danes were given late hope by the Real Madrid goalkeeper’s late howler.

    🚖 | Taxi for Thibaut!An absolute howler from Belgium ‘keeper Courtois in tonight’s clash with Denmark, luckily it didn’t have an impact on the result! 😅 pic.twitter.com/DyFU1vR9Zi
    — Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) November 18, 2020

    Nacer Chadli whipped the ball back to Courtois while under pressure inside his own half.
    The shot-stopper had plenty of time to gauge the pass and no one within five yards of him when he completely failed to control it.
    The ball grazed his studs and rolled agonisingly over the line.
    Former Tottenham star Chadli, who now plies his trade at Istanbul Basaksehir, was even lumped with the own goal under his name.

    Courtois, 28, is undoubtedly among the world’s best keepers but has had his fair share of howlers over the years.
    In February, he bizarrely withdrew his hands when facing a shot against Levante, allowing the LaLiga side a 1-0 win over Madrid.

    Thibaut Courtois set up to control a backpass from Nacer ChadliCredit: Sky Sports

    But the goalkeeper let the ball slip under his footCredit: Sky Sports
    And last night’s error was not the first time the ex-Chelsea man fluffed his lines in possession for Belgium, with a howler against Russia in Euro 2020 qualifying.
    Fortunately for Courtois, on both occasions the Red Devils won regardless.

    Following his long-range strike against England, Youri Tielemans bagged a fresh stunner from distance to open the scoring on Wednesday night.
    Romelu Lukaku scored twice to put Belgium 3-1 up at the time of Chadli’s own goal.
    With five minutes to go, Denmark needed two more goals to complete an unlikely turnaround and win the group.
    But Kevin De Bruyne popped up with a superb finish on 87 minutes to seal the 4-2 win.

    Courtois was left ruing his error but Belgium quickly scored to seal the winCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Belgium boss Roberto Martinez gave his approval of the Nations League after his side qualified for the final-four.
    He said: “It’s a tournament with quality of opponents that you want to be facing, with a semi-final and final against these sort of teams.
    “For us, these are games that we need. You only get these kind of knockout games in big tournaments, so I’m a big fan of this competition.”

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    England star Jack Grealish admits he must thrive on ‘biggest stage’ at Euro 2021 to earn Paul Gascoigne comparisons

    JACK GREALISH says he thrives off comparisons to Paul Gascoigne – but maintains they are premature as he has not even featured at a major tournament yet.
    England’s new hero has reminded many of Gazza for his maverick style of play.

    Jack Grealish reckons the comparisons between him and Paul Gascoigne are still too earlyCredit: Guardian News & Media / Free to use by all titles in perpetuity under NMC agreement

    Grealish has studied the legendary Geordie religiously and idolised the way he had fans off their seats.
    The Aston Villa star, who shone again against Iceland, said: “I thrive off those kinds of comparisons.
    “I love Gazza, I’ve watched his documentary off Netflix about a million times.
    “I love his character on the pitch and off it. I love the way he played football with such a freedom and such a joy.

    “You hear people talk about him and say he was a joy to watch. I think that’s the biggest compliment you can have.
    “When people say it’s a joy to watch you, it makes me happy, because I just want to entertain people.
    “But I also want to be effective on the pitch, just like Gazza was.
    “Those comparisons are obviously far, far away because I haven’t even played a tournament like he did. He thrived on the biggest stage.

    Grealish’s hero Gazza remains an inspiration for the Aston Villa captain who loves to entertain on the pitchCredit: PA:Press Association

    “Until I do that, I can’t really be compared to him at the moment.”
    Grealish had a terrific international break, starting and starring in all three internationals against Ireland, Belgium and Iceland.
    He looks a shoo-in now for England’s Euros squad barring injury – and is confident he can handle high-pressure matches.
    The 25-year-old added: “I’ve got to stay level-headed and know now there’s going to be a bit of pressure on myself. A lot of eyes are going to be on what I’m doing on and off the pitch.
    “I’m old enough and wise enough now to control myself. But with the pressure on the pitch, that’s what I love.
    “All these big games, there are certain people it can affect, but I just thrive off it.
    “I absolutely love the big games and I love the pressure that comes with it.”

    Gascoigne played for the Three Lions at the 1990 World Cup and Euro 96Credit: Getty – Contributor

    Grealish is hoping to emulate the Geordie legend and certainly has similar characteristicsCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail

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    Israel 1 Scotland 0: Euro heroes suffer Nations League hangover as Scots miss promotion

    SCOTLAND looked like they had the Euros on their mind as they blew their Nations League bid.
    Subs Scott McKenna and Leigh Griffiths came close with a couple of last-gasp attempts after Manor Solomon drilled Israel’s winner on 44 minutes – while home defender Eli Dasa rode his luck when he handled inside his penalty area in stoppage time.

    Kieran Tierney reflects on Scotland’s misfortune as defeat in Israel denied them promotion in the Nations LeagueCredit: SNS Group

    Israel striker Manor Solomon celebrates his winner against ScotlandCredit: AFP or licensors

    But it was too little, too late as the Czech Republic beat Slovakia to win the group.
    Boss Steve Clarke will put a brave face on it, but he will be secretly seething at squandering the chance to step up to the top table of Nations League football.
    More importantly, it would have left a clear route to a World Cup play-off place.
    But with a date with destiny against England safely booked for next summer, they will soon dust off their disappointment.

    There may be 36 more sleeps until Christmas.
    But every Scotland fan will know there are 154 more sleeps until Wembley, where they will face the Auld Enemy on June 18.
    And that is plenty of time to convince themselves that this young, developing Scotland team will be  capable of putting the Three Lions to the Claymore.
    If Clarke wanted to lull Gareth Southgate into a false sense of security, then he  did it with this lacklustre performance.

    Steve Clarke saw his Scotland side waste last chances to avoid defeatCredit: AFP or licensors

    Scotland midfielder Callum McGregor gets to grips with home defender Eli Dasa Credit: AFP or licensors
    Scotland’s play-off heroics in Belgrade seemed a distant memory, despite the manager sending out the same starting team that ended 22 years of hurt by holding their nerve to beat Serbia on penalties last week.
    Despite Clarke giving the vast majority of his first choice team the day off in Slovakia at the weekend, too many  still appeared  hungover in Netanya.
    Aston Villa’s John McGinn came closest to breaking the first-half deadlock with a flashing header.
    But his former Hibernian team-mate Ofir Marciano denied him with a brilliant fingertip save.
    There was no cutting edge and elsewhere trouble was brewing in Pilsen, where the Czechs had taken the lead against Slovakia to leapfrog Scotland at the top of  the group.
    If that came as a blow, worse was to follow when Israel took the lead a minute before half-time.
    Solomon had already served warning of his threat with a long range effort which zipped narrowly past David Marshall’s post.
    But the Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder was not to be denied his first goal for his country.

    McTominay is a work in progress at centre-back.. The prospect of Grealish and Kane running at him will torment the Tartan Army.

    He piled pressure on the Scots when he exposed Scott McTominay’s defensive deficiencies again.
    The Manchester United midfielder is a work in progress at centre-back and it showed as Solomon turned him inside out before drilling a low shot beyond Marshall.
    The prospect of Jack Grealish and Harry Kane running at McTominay will torment the Tartan Army.
    But there is still time for the rookie defender to cram in some swotting during three World Cup qualifiers in March before his biggest test.
    Clarke sent on fresh firepower in the shape of Griffiths, Oli McBurnie and Oli Burke.
    But after five recent meetings between the two sides, Israel seemed to know their opponents inside out.

    They dealt with everything Scotland could throw at them as Marciano defied Stephen O’Donnell and Kieran Tierney with a couple of routine saves.
    In fact it took a late stop from Marshall to prevent Eyal Golasa adding a second for Israel.
    And if Scotland repeat this showing at Wembley next year, Marshall will surely need to dig out his super-hero cape once again!

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    Wales 3 Finland 1: Dan James stars with goal and assist as Dragons promoted into Nations League A  

    GARETH to Harry could have a familiar ring to it in the coming weeks and months.
    But that’s enough of Bale and Kane at Tottenham as the Wales captain added another vital contribution to fire his country towards Nations League promotion glory.

    Dan James celebrates scoring the second goal against FinlandCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    This time it was Cardiff attacker Harry Wilson who capitalised on Bale’s classy first-half assist to set the Dragons on their way in this winner-takes-all clash.
    Dan James – with a superb drive – and Kieffer Moore sealed victory for Wales and ended ten-man Finland’s promotion hopes despite Teemu Pukki making it 2-1.
    Bale might be more of a creator than finisher for Wales these days but his pin-point through ball came just four days after the Spurs forward teed up David Brooks to sink Ireland here in the Welsh capital.
    The 31-year-old confessed pre-match he’s getting fitter, sharper and better following his loan move from Real Madrid back to Tottenham.

    And Bale loves playing for Wales in Cardiff as he’s had 14 goal involvement in 14 games – with nine goals and five assists.
    The victory means the Dragons win Group B4 and move into the top tier where they will now face Europe’s elite on a more consistent basis.
    Throw in a possible World Cup 2022 play-off spot, and this was another special night in a Dragons short for Bale and co following back-to-back Euro qualification successes.
    The likes of giants England, France and Spain lie in wait for the Welsh in the next round of Nations League group games, worth almost £3million to the Welsh FA.

    Manchester United’s James fires home for Wales Credit: EPA

    With Bale leading by example, credit must also go to caretaker boss Robert Page, who has led Wales impressively following manager Ryan Giggs’ arrest on November 1.
    Giggs’ remains on bail with his future uncertain but next up for the Dragons is the World Cup draw in December followed by the first qualifiers in March.
    Wales are on a roll, now unbeaten in a record 11 matches, but, although the hosts only needed a draw to seal top spot, their task was made much easier when Jere Uronen was sent off on 12 minutes.
    Quick thinking from a goal kick by keeper Danny Ward caught Finland cold.
    Wilson was clear until Uronen hauled him down and Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano produced a red card for a denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity.
    Bizarrely, the ten-men should have been ahead when Daniel O’Shaughnessy failed to connect from a corner.
    Finland keeper Lukas Hradecky made fine saves from Rhys Norrington-Davies and Bale but he could do little when Wilson calmly slotted home from Bale’s clever pass.

    Harry Wilson opens the scoring for Wales in the Nations League Credit: PA:Press Association
    Bale earned a stroke of fortune as his touch from Ethan Ampadu’s forward ball came back off defender Joona Toivio but his radar was in with the second chance and Wilson showed composure to finish from eight yards.
    Wales were in total control, Chris Mepham saw a deflected shot fly wide before Norrington-Davies fired over the bar.
    Manchester United winger James has been struggling for form at Old Trafford but his rasping shot beat the dive of Hradecky in the first minute of the second period.
    And that will only do the 23-year-old the world of good at club level.
    A 2-0 lead felt like a job well done for Wales and Bale’s substitution for Tom Lawrence at the hour mark would have got a nod of approval from Spurs boss Jose Mourinho.
    Pukki halved the deficit almost immediately but Moore nodded home James’ cross to spark another Cardiff celebration – with tomorrow marking the first anniversary of Wales sealing Euros qualification. More

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    England ratings: Mason Mount and Phil Foden star in midfield but Harry Kane’s barren run continues

    ENGLAND’S Nations League campaign finished on a positive note with a 4-0 hammering of Iceland.
    Boss Gareth Southgate will have been delighted as youngsters Declan Rice, Phil Foden and Mason Mount all got their names on the scoresheet.

    England finished their Nations League group with a 4-0 hammering over IcelandCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail

    But skipper Harry Kane was again unable to net again as his barren 2020 in international football continued.
    Here’s how Tom Barclay rates the Three Lions’ performers.
    Jordan Pickford – 6
    Had nothing to do with Iceland failing to lay a glove on England.
    Still gave home fans jitters with some risky passing.

    Kyle Walker – 6
    Feared his England career might be over when sent off against Iceland in September, and picked up an early yellow here for diving in. Solid otherwise.

    Eric Dier was often the catalyst for the latter with his eye for a pass.Credit: AP:Associated Press
    Eric Dier – 6
    Gareth Southgate’s backline had very little to defend and spent most of the game sparking attacks. Dier was often the catalyst for the latter with his eye for a pass.
    Harry Maguire – 8 Interesting to see him bomb forward when he could in a similar manner to the centre-backs at his old side Sheffield United.
    Fed Phil Foden with an excellent ball which the Manchester City man should have converted.

    Kieran Trippier – 7
    Provided the out ball for England much of the time.
    Trent Alexander-Arnold offers more going forward but England are lucky to have such a talented alternative.

    Declan Rice celebrates scored his first goal for his countryCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Declan Rice – 7
    Scored his first goal for his country – even if the ball did go in off his shoulder.
    Was a threat at set pieces and his anchoring allowed great mate Mason Mount to roam.

    Mason Mount appeared to be playing central midfield but in reality he popped up all over the placeCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
    Mason Mount – 9
    Appeared to be playing central midfield but in reality he popped up all over the place, interchanging well with Jack Grealish and Foden.
    Was clever with his touch and finish for his goal. Not even 22 yet, he looks a real asset to England.
    Bukayo Saka – 7
    Formed an exciting link-up with Grealish down the left.
    Blew the chance to score his first international goal when miskicking from eight yards – but his pace drew a second yellow card for veteran Birkir Saevarsson.

    Manchester City’s starlet shone out on the right Credit: EPA
    Phil Foden – 9
    Only positive news for the Manchester City starlet against Iceland this time as he shone out on the right.
    Like Grealish, he offers invaluable dribbling ability and grabbed his first senior goals with two lethal finishes. From being sent home, to scoring at home.
    Harry Kane – 6
    Was desperate to end his barren run – and it showed.
    Shot at every opportunity, did come close, but ultimately is now looking at no England goals in all six games he has played in 2020.
    Weirdly, has never scored on Wednesday for his country. Does this formation suit him?
    Jack Grealish – 8
    Not as electric as he was against Belgium but still sent Iceland into a panic every time he got the ball.
    With entertainment at a premium in Southgate’s current style, it is such a relief to have him in the team. Long may it continue.

    Harry Kane is ultimately is now looking at no England goals in all six games he has played in 2020Credit: PA:Press Association
    SUBS
    Tyrone Mings (on for Walker). Nodded wide from a Trippier free-kick – though he looked offside anyway. 6.
    Harry Winks (on for Mount). Grabbed an assist as he laid the ball off to Foden for his brilliant second. 7
    Jadon Sancho (on for Grealish). The Borussia Dortmund man teed up old City pal Foden perfectly with a neat lay-off. 7
    Tammy Abraham (on for Kane). Put himself about but did not really get a sniff. 6
    Ainsley Maitland-Niles (on for Trippier). Came on in the closing stages. 6

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