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    Iran become seventh team to qualify for World Cup 2026 – but may not be allowed to play in it

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    IRAN have become the latest team to qualify for next year’s World Cup.However, the Asian nation may not even be allowed to play in it.Iran have become the latest team to reach the 2026 World CupCredit: AFPThe Asian nation may not be able to play in it next yearCredit: GettyTwo goals from Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi saw Iran draw 2-2 against Uzbekistan on Monday.The result sealed Iran’s place at the 2026 World Cup, their fourth finals in a row and their seventh in total.But questions surround Iran’s appearance at next year’s tournament.The competition takes place in Mexico, Canada and the USA.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe three host countries are automatically through to the group stage.While Japan, New Zealand and Argentina have also booked their spots.Yet Iran may be blocked from playing due to a potential travel ban issued by the USA.Donald Trump’s government has proposed a list of 41 countries that could fall under the umbrella.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt would mean citizens of those nations would have extreme trouble entering the USA.And Iran is high on that list along with the likes of North Korea, Yemen and Syria.Argentina players celebrate humiliating rivals Brazil in World Cup qualifier President Trump previously banned travel from Iran during his first termCredit: The Mega AgencyThere are other countries that could end up qualifying for the World Cup who also feature on the list.Cameroon, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, DR Congo and Venezuela are all still in with a shout of reaching the finals.A travel ban is yet to be confirmed by the current administration.But during his first term, President Trump barred the arrival of people from several countries including Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.While on January 20, President Trump signed an executive order designed to “protect the USA and its citizens” from “aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes.” More

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      Goalkeeper completely forgets where he is as Estonia score World Cup qualifying’s strangest goal

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      MOLDOVA goalkeeper Andriy Kozhukhar may have committed the biggest blunder of the season during the international break.The Moldovan national team hosted Estonia in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday at the Zimbru Stadium.Moldova goalkeeper Andriy Kozhukhar committed a massive blunder against EstoniaEstonia scored from a corner-kick after a header by Rauno SappinenThe ball went straight into Moldova keeper Kozhukhar’s arms, but there was a problemKozhukhar was standing behind his goal line and caused Estonia’s second goalThe hosts trailed 1-0 following Rasmus Peetson’s opener after just 19 minutes.That was after Moldova lost Maxim Cojocaru to a straight red card just five minutes into the match.And things got even worse for Serghei Clescenco’s side on the half-hour mark.Estonia got a corner-kick down the right and Kevor Palumets delivered a pinpoint cross into the box.Read More on FootballPalumets found Rauno Sappinen, whose header caught a tiny deflection off Oleg Reabciuk.The ball went straight into Kozhukhar’s arms, but there was a serious problem.The keeper apparently forgot where he was as he was standing BEHIND his goal line.The linesman quickly noticed the Veres Rivne ace’s unbelievable error and raised his flag.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThe referee also spotted that gaffe and immediately awarded Estonia their second goal of the night.Moldova went on to put up a fight but couldn’t save Kozhukhar’s blushes.Roy Keane leaves Ian Wright laughing after ITV pundit’s joke about Thomas Tuchel following England’s win over Latvia Estonia won the match 3-2 but also lost Palumets to a second yellow card on 48 minutes. More

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      Argentina HUMILIATE Brazil 4-1 with Emi Martinez even doing keepy ups in his own box in fiery World Cup qualifier

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      EMI MARTINEZ did keepy ups in his own box as Argentina thrashed Brazil 4-1 last night.The fierce rivals met in a World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires with bragging rights very much up for grabs.Emi Martinez performs keepy ups in his own box during the matchCredit: GettyArgentina stars celebrate their dominant victoryCredit: GettyTempers flared during and after the feisty matchCredit: GettyBrazil star Raphinha stoked tensions before the game by saying “f*** them” of his side’s rivals before adding: “We will beat them, no doubt.”The home side took the lead within five minutes, however, with Julian Alvarez squirming through two defenders before prodding the ball home.Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez made it 2-0 on 12 minutes, sneaking in at the back post to score following a neat move.Brazil got back into the contest in the 26th minute when Matheus Cunha caught Tottenham defender Cristian Romero dawdling on the ball, the Wolves forward pickpocketing his opponent before slotting beyond Martinez.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlexis Mac Allister restored Argentina’s two-goal advantage before the break, the Liverpool star beating Brazil goalkeeper Bento to the ball to score.Tempers flared just moments later, with Nicolas Otamendi telling Raphinha to “talk less” as players shoved each other – and Vinicius Jr seemingly gesturing that he’s won two Champions Leagues.Fans also made X-rated chants directed at Barcelona winger Raphinha.Twenty minutes from time, Diego Simeone’s son Giuliano got in on the act by rifling the ball in from a tight angle.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKEnzo Fernandez celebrates his goalCredit: APMartinez, 32, had Argentine colours dyed in his hairCredit: GettyWith Brazil consigned to defeat late on Martinez, who had the Argentine colours dyed into his hair, playfully performed keepy ups in his own box.As Raphinha left the pitch at the end of the game he was bumped by Martinez, with Romero playing peacekeeper as his opponent looked to confront the goalkeeper.Argentina players celebrate humiliating rivals Brazil in World Cup qualifier The reigning world champions trounced Brazil without talisman Lionel Messi.And after the match, Alvarez cheekily claimed: “Maybe with Leo Messi on the pitch we might have scored two or three more goals.”Brazil defender Marquinhos admitted that the match had been “embarrassing”.The PSG stalwart told Brazilian TV: “What we did here today can’t happen again.”It’s hard to talk about it in the heat of the moment… It’s embarrassing.”We started the game very badly, far below what we could do and they’re on a great run of confidence. They knew how to play smart … I’m sorry for our fans.”Brazil have won just seven out of 16 matches under boss Dorival Jr.But Marquinhos refused to blame his under-fire coach.’WE HAVE TO SHARE THE BLAME’The 30-year-old added: “It’s not just the coach’s fault… It’s the players’ fault too.”There’s no secret formula in football where you make a choice and it works out. We can all do better. We have to share the blame.”It’s about understanding the moment and being humble.”READ MORE SUN STORIESArgentina have already qualified for next year’s World Cup with four matches to spare.Brazil, meanwhile, still have work to do – sitting six points above seventh-placed Venezuela with 12 left to play for.Raphinha found himself in the thick of the actionCredit: APThe Barcelona winger’s pre-match comments did not go unnoticedCredit: AP More

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      England regulars left fearing they may need summer transfer to win place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad

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      SIX England hopefuls fear they may need to make a summer transfer to book their spot in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.The former Chelsea boss started life in the Three Lions dug-out with successive Wembley wins in the past week.Six England stars are considering their future to become regulars under Thomas TuchelCredit: AlamyThe aces are all desperate to be on the plane for next year’s World CupCredit: ReutersEngland first beat Albania 2-0 on Thursday.And Tuchel’s men then cruised past Latvia 3-0 on Monday to begin their World Cup qualifying campaign with six points.The German manager made a series of big calls when deciding his squad, giving nods to the likes of exiled Ajax veteran Jordan Henderson and Arsenal teen sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly.But four stars who were not initially called up now reckon they may need to join new clubs to catch Tuchel’s eye.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLElsewhere, two players who did make the cut are also reportedly considering fresh starts to seal their World Cup spots.The Telegraph claims Manchester City misfit Jack Grealish is considering his options after a dismal season at the Etihad.The winger has started just six league games after being axed by Gareth Southgate for last summer’s Euros.And he has been “warned” by Tuchel to “take responsibility off the pitch” to get his career back on track.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSElsewhere, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is another mulling his options.The centre-back has been in fine form recently but still missed out on a spot to Newcastle’s uncapped 32-year-old Dan Burn.Roy Keane leaves Ian Wright laughing after ITV pundit’s joke about Thomas Tuchel following England’s win over Latvia Jack Grealish has started just six league matches for Man CityCredit: GettyEverton’s Jarrad Branthwaite missed out on a spot to 32-year-old Dan BurnCredit: GettyAston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey could be on the move after almost making the cut.He is yet to nail down a regular spot under Unai Emery, and could opt for first-team football elsewhere despite being a fan favourite.Finally, Morgan Gibbs-White is flying high with Nottingham Forest but was still left out of England’s squad.Jacob Ramsey is yet to nail down a starting spot at Aston VillaCredit: AlamyNottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was initially left out of the squadCredit: AlamyHe was eventually called up when Cole Palmer withdrew through injury.But the playmaker still failed to make it onto the pitch against Latvia – having been axed completely from the Albania matchday squad.And he would reportedly consider joining a more established side to help make the plane next summer.Finally, the two stars who did make the squad but are still considering permanent transfers are Marcus Rashford and Aaron Ramsdale.Marcus Rashford hopes to get a permanent move away from Man UtdCredit: GettyAaron Ramsdale will push to leave all-but-relegated SouthamptonCredit: GettyManchester United winger Rashford is on loan at Aston Villla and has no future at the Theatre of Dreams.But despite a decent showing in the Midlands, his future at his loan side is not guaranteed.And Rashford is open to another club where he would be guaranteed minutes as a regular starter.Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ramsdale will push to leave Southampton with their relegation to the Championship all-but-confirmed.READ MORE SUN STORIESRamsdale will likely have to be playing in the Premier League to be considered as one of England’s three stoppers.But like the players above, he too craves nothing more than a solid spot in a club’s starting XI. More

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      If the World Cup started today Marcus Rashford wouldn’t be in the XI – latest England performance sums up his struggles

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      MARCUS RASHFORD was given another chance by Thomas Tuchel — but again failed to shine.If you were to scribble down your starting XI for next year’s World Cup, Rashford would not be included.Marcus Rashford must do better to stay in the England pictureCredit: GettyRashford only had one attempt on goal against LatviaCredit: RexNearly all his touches were out wide in the attacking thirdThe Aston Villa loanee created six chances but lacked a killer passCredit: RexAnd the 27-year-old’s frustrating performance in the 3-0 victory over Latvia summed up his struggles at club level over the past couple of seasons.He created six chances according to the stats — but it did not feel like it.The Manchester United forward, currently on loan at Aston Villa, played with bags of positivity in the first half.He had too much pace for the ­Latvian right-back Roberts Savalnieks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he also supported his defenders on the rare occasions the visitors attacked.Rashford was certainly acting on the criticism dished out by boss Thomas Tuchel for not being direct enough in the 2-0 win over Albania.Equally, the killer pass was not there. And after switching to the right in the second half, he barely had a kick before being replaced by Curtis Jones.Rashford is not the only player to fail to cause havoc in the final third during two lacklustre England performances.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut the competition down that left position is nowhere as strong as it has been in the past.Jack Grealish’s career has gone backwards while Phil Foden has under-performed for England and moaned about being played out on the left during Euro 2024.Here’s what has happened to England’s lost football groundsAnthony Gordon, injured for this game, would be your man in that spot if the World Cup started tomorrow.Eberechi Eze also looked decent on the left when he came on and scored a deflected third.But Rashford still has a chance — purely because his international boss seems desperate for him to succeed.Tuchel has started him in back-to-back games, a luxury he has barely been afforded for club or country over the last 18 months, and an indication of just how far Rashford’s star has fallen.He lasted 74 minutes before being replaced against Albania on Friday and was afforded just five more minutes than that at Wembley last night.Tuchel has only signed a short-term contract and although he has thrown Myles Lewis-Skelly into the mix, looks determined to stick with experience.Rashford — who won his 62nd cap — comes into that bracket.And when the German announced his squad for these two games, Tuchel praised Rashford’s workrate for Villa —  something he was often criticised for at United.It is still early days for him under Villa boss Unai Emery. His nine appearances have included just two starts and he is yet to score.The last time Rashford found the net was his brace in United’s 4-0 win over Everton on December 1.When Rashford did find his way past Savalnieks in the first half last night, his final pass was not good enough.After swapping flanks with Jarrod Bowen following the break, he played a small role in the build-up to the second goal scored by Harry Kane — but otherwise was still not involved enough.Maybe fatigue due to his lack of games was a cause.But you would still expect Rashford to remain in the squad for England’s next two games in June — a World Cup qualifier in Andorra and a friendly with Senegal at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen you consider the rotten time Rashford has endured of late — much of it self-inflicted — he is lucky to be back in the England team.The jury remains out on whether he can make the most of that good fortune.Rashford struggled to create clear-cut opportunities on Monday nightCredit: Rex More

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      ‘This is rock bottom’ – Mauricio Pochettino accused of ‘gaslighting’ US football fans as they slump to terrible new low

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO was accused of “gaslighting” US football fans after his side slumped to LAST place in the Concacaf Nations League finals.Poch’s side lost 2-1 to Canada in the third-place game in Los Angeles, with Mexico beating Panama to lift the trophy.USA manager Mauricio Pochettino was accused of ‘gaslighting’ fansCredit: GettyPochettino saw his USA side slump to last place in the Concacaf Nations League finalsCredit: GettyBut a second successive defeat in four days piled the pressure on the former Tottenham and Chelsea boss, with fans inside the So-Fi Stadium questioning the commitment of his team.Pochettino tried to downplay the significance of the loss, which followed on from a shock reverse to Panama on Thursday.He said: “It’s better to lose now because I think we have time.“Because if we will be in this situation in one year time, for sure. I will tell you, ‘Houston, we have a problem. SOS’.”Read More on FootballUS legend Landon Donovan was among the critics of a side including former Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic.Donovan said: “I’m so sick of hearing how ‘talented’ this group of players is and all the amazing clubs they play for.“If you aren’t going to show up and actually give a s*** about playing for your national team, decline the invite. Talent is great, pride is better.”Former Bolton and USA midfielder Stuart Holden added: “Pochettino is gaslighting us.Most read in Football“US Soccer created this situation by going for a big hire and nothing matters for Pochettino before the World Cup.“But this is rock bottom. Can you imagine what would have happened if Greg Berhalter was still the coach? Pochettino warned ‘there’s a lot of things that need to change’ by ex-Chelsea star after he’s named USA manager“He would have been fired in the locker room. He wouldn’t have made it out of the stadium.“It went as badly as it could have done for Pochettino and the team. There are question marks over every part of the pitch.”Argentine Poch urged agitated fans to keep calm, although he conceded too many of his players had been in “automatic pilot” mode.He said: ”This was the floor but we can rise up. I’d say to the fans, don’t be pessimistic, don’t get bad feelings.“We have time and I’d prefer this to happen now than in one year.“Of course we are all disappointed. The fans need to feel that. But I’m not going to allow us to feel pessimistic because I think we have good players.“We are going to find a way to perform and for sure we are going to compete in a different way. We need these games to affect us in a positive way.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut former US star Alexei Lalas responded: “I’m trying to stop myself from being numb and apathetic but this was not just an uninspiring performance but a boring one.“It was a complete disaster, a failure. Lots of people are asking me if these players care and displays like that do nothing to dispel those questions.“ More

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      England kitman says shirt blunder in Tuchel’s first game will be fixed for Latvia after eagle-eyed fan points out error

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      ENGLAND’S kitman admitted to making a shirt blunder in Thomas Tuchel’s first game in charge.The German’s reign got underway on Friday with a routine 2-0 win over Albania.Eagle-eyed fans noticed a mistake on England’s shirt against AlbaniaCredit: GettyThe kit numbers are meant to be in the middle as pictured but were instead under the Nike logo last time outCredit: GettyBut during the game, eagle-eyed fans spotted a subtle difference to England’s kit.Supporters noticed that the players’ squad numbers were printed on the wrong part of the shirt.In the fixture against Albania, the numbers were put just underneath the Nike logo on the left.But they are normally situated in the middle, with the sportswear brand’s iconic swoosh and England’s badge either side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans questioned on social media: “The football shirt nerd in me realised a slight difference to England’s shirt. Why have the numbers moved from the Euros?”Three Lions kitman Pat Frost replied to the query, admitting he made a mistake during printing and it will be fixed for tonight’s game against Latvia.He said: “Printed the first shirt and put them in wrong place so then had to do them in all in same place.”Back to the usual spot on Monday. But well done for noticing.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOthers thought the change was down to a new “crazy Fifa rule”.But Frost revealed it is up to England where they put the digits, saying: “You don’t legally have to have numbers on the front of the shirts as it happens, but they will be in the centre on Monday.”‘That was missing’ – Brutally blunt Thomas Tuchel reveals disappointment in Rashford and Foden’s England performancesFans also noticed how players now have a designated squad number every international window rather than the starting XI wearing No1 to No11.Frost explained: “Squad numbers are better for the kit department as we can print shirts in advance… it’s not our call though.”England ratings vs Albania as Lewis-Skelly enjoys dream debut but Tuchel fails to solve Foden issue By Tom BarclayMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY made history and Harry Kane extended his own record-breaking as England sunk Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first game.Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut and top goal-getter Kane notched his 70th international strike as Tuchel began his World Cup qualifying campaign with a modest 2-0 win.New boy Dan Burn partnered Ezri Konsa in central defence at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones were also handed starts.Meanwhile, Tuchel wrestled with the same issue faced by predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate – deciding where to fit in Phil Foden.Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, slotted home on 20 minutes following a delightful turn and even better pass from Jude Bellingham.But England stuttered after the break – until skipper Kane classily took down a Declan Rice pass and curved home the clincher.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match… More

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      Thomas Tuchel takes swipe at Arsenal boss Arteta as he risks club vs country row by vowing not to rest England stars

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      THOMAS TUCHEL will show no mercy to Prem bosses by refusing to rest England stars.And that is because the Three Lions chief says his club counterparts do not care about international managers.Thomas Tuchel has a strong retort for any worried Prem bossesCredit: GettyTuchel spoke out on Mikel Arteta’s use of Declan Rice for ArsenalCredit: GettyTuchel will resist the temptation to make sweeping changes for tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia at Wembley.He insists his coaches will not ‘break our heads’ worrying about rotation — pointing out Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta did not rest Declan Rice for a Champions League tie with PSV Eindhoven.The German said: “Given the fact Declan Rice played in the second leg with Arsenal after a 7-1 first-leg lead, I didn’t have the feeling they think so much about us.“So I don’t think we have to break our heads about this.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS“I take care of the players. We take care about the schedule.  But it would be the wrong signal to tell players now ‘you have tough (club) matches coming up, so I rest you now’.“We have a qualifier to play, we do what’s good for us. We are in contact with the clubs, we are in high-level monitoring where the fitness statuses are known and we won’t take any unprofessional risks.”Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola had ‘never been so angry’ as when John Stones returned injured after Tuchel’s predecessor Gareth Southgate started the defender in two England friendlies in four days last year.But Tuchel claims he never asked players to skip internationals while manager of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, where he managed Harry Kane.Most read in FootballPep Guardiola was angry over England’s use of John StonesCredit: The TimesBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe said: “This window is at a time where clubs play a crucial part of the season.“They play for championships and  quarter-finals in the Champions League. We’re well aware of it but we also have our own goals and targets. The players are keen to play and it has to be like this.’I don’t expect anything’ Roy Keane savages England star after below-par display in Thomas Tuchel’s first game“I never pushed any national coach because I hoped my players did get picked, I was also hoping they are proud to play.“You’re never happy if something happens. No one can predict there is no accident, but  we’ll take responsible decisions.“I feel responsible for the players. I want the players to play in the quarter-finals of the Champions League — all of them — because I want to watch it.”A hip injury has forced Anthony Gordon to return to Newcastle for treatment. The winger, 24, limped off down the tunnel after Friday’s 2-0 win over Albania. More

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      Thomas Tuchel’s first away game as England manager faces being moved to completely different country over stadium issue

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      THOMAS TUCHEL could be heading to BARCELONA – for his first away game as England manager.England will play away to Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on June 7.Thomas Tuchel is first preparing for Latvia on Monday eveningCredit: GettyTuchel’s third game in charge is likely to be at Espanyol’s RCDE StadiumCredit: GettyIt will be the first time for Tuchel to play at a venue outside of Wembley, as England face Latvia on Monday night after beating Albania 2-0 on Friday.The Andorran Football Federation are considering switching the game to Espanyol’s 40,000-capacity RCDE Stadium, which means many more England fans would be able to travel.Andorra were hoping England would open their new stadium in the town of Encamp but it is unlikely to be ready.The last time England played in Andorra was under Gareth Southgate in October 2021 and the match was staged at the Estadi Nacional in the capital, Andorra la Vella, but the ground only holds 3,000.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo the Andorrans are considering going to Espanyol’s stadium to make more money and are in talks with the Spanish giants although a deal has yet to be agreed.England played Andorra in Barcelona in both 2007 and 2008, with both games at the Olympic Stadium.For now, Tuchel is focused on making it two wins in two qualifiers on Monday. And he’s still on a high from launching his reign, albeit with a modest performance against Albania.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe German said: “It still feels great. I love the group of players. “Now we’ll try to squeeze the best out of them.”’I don’t expect anything’ Roy Keane savages England star after below-par display in Thomas Tuchel’s first gameBut Tuchel has already shown he is willing to give frank verdicts on individual displays.He admitted wingers Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden “were not as impactful as they normally can be”.The ex-Chelsea boss added: “I’m not too sure why we struggled to bring the ball to them quicker and to bring the ball in more open positions to them.”I think we lacked a little bit runs off the ball. So it was a bit too much passing and not enough dribbling.”But Tuchel was gushing about Jude Bellingham, who was England’s creator in chief.He said: “He is always ready to give everything.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Jude is and will be a key player for us. And he is happy to take the responsibility.“He’s always able to make the difference so we need to find the structure to make the most of it.” More