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    Iconic Estadio Azteca stadium where Diego Maradona scored The Hand of God goal to be renamed as part of £80MILLION deal

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    THE iconic Estadio Azteca is set to be renamed the Estadio Banorte as part of an £80million sponsorship deal.Mexico’s national stadium – where Diego Maradona scored his Hand of God goal against England in 1986 – has undergone several renovations since it opened in 1966.Estadio Azteca has been renamedCredit: AFPThe iconic stadium is currently being renovatedCredit: AFPThe stadium is set to host the opening game of 2026 World CupCredit: AlamyIt is undergoing changes in order to be fully modernised in time for next year’s World Cup.To help finance the redevelopments, a sponsorship deal has been reached with Mexican bank Banorte that will see the 81,000-capacity ground’s name change.A statement read: “Banorte and Grupo Ollamani proudly announce a partnership that includes financing, advertising, and sponsorship elements to modernize and transform this historic stadium, a symbol of Mexican football and culture.”From today, the Cathedral of World Football will be known as Estadio Banorte.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe arrangement will see the stadium receive £80million in financing.Strict Fifa sponsorship rules, however, will dictate that the stadium will still be referred to as Estadio Azteca throughout next year’s World Cup.Renovations will see improved LED screens introduced, new interior spaces built, moved media seats and improved changing rooms – in addition to an increased capacity of 90,000.Mexican side Club America also play their home games at the Estadio Azteca.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLast year they temporarily moved to Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, however, due to the Azteca’s revelopment works.It’s hoped that the Azteca will be ready for Club America to return by December.Saudi Arabia release new pictures of 92,000-capacity ‘germinating seed’ King Salman Stadium ahead of 2034 World CupThe Azteca will be the biggest stadium used for the 2026 World Cup and is scheduled to host two of Mexico’s three group matches, including the tournament’s opening game on June 11 next year.This will make the Azteca the first stadium to ever host three World Cup openers, having also done so in 1970 and 1986.Despite the stadium’s prestige, only five of the tournament’s 104 matches will take place in Mexico City.Its last will be a round of 16 clash on July 5.In comparison, the Estadio Azteca hosted ten games at the 1970 World Cup and nine in 1986.One of the matches it hosted during the latter was England’s quarter-final exit to Argentina.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe match remains legendary for Diego Maradona’s double – one a sensational weaving run and finish, the other the infamous Hand of God.With the Azteca still possessing terracing in those days, the match was watched by 114,580 people.Diego Maradona’s Hand of God goal took place at Mexico City’s iconic stadiumCredit: Getty – ContributorPele won the 1970 World Cup at the Estadio AztecaCredit: Getty More

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      World Cup scandal as major La Liga stadium is left out of hosting tournament after report ‘manipulated’

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      THE Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has been embroiled in a bizarre scandal over its stadiums for the 2030 World Cup. Spain, Morocco and Portugal have been selected as hosts for the tournament in five years time. The Estadio Balaidos has reportedly been overlooked for the 2030 World CupCredit: GettyReal Sociedad’s Anoeta Stadium has instead been chosenCredit: AlamyEleven venues were announced last week by the RFEF, including Real Madrid’s Bernabeu and Barcelona’s Nou Camp.In the original list, Celta Vigo’s Balaidos Stadium was ranked No. 11 ahead of Anoeta Stadium, home to Real Sociedad.But Spanish outlet El Mundo alleges “the RFEF manipulated the scores to exclude Vigo and include San Sebastian.”According to the report, a team “evaluated the Spanish stadiums in a meeting held on June 25, 2024.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe stadiums were selected using a ranking system, which scored the “technical project, operational capacity, financial structure and facilities of the host cities.” The outlet claims “just 48 hours later, the evaluation team tweaked the Excel spreadsheet.”In the revised document, Sociedad’s San Sebastian stadium was given a score of 10.6026, up from 10.1226.That moved it past Vigo on the list, leaving the Balaidos Stadium eliminated from World Cup hosting contention. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA Spanish Football Federation source told Footboom the adjustment was made “in accordance with Fifa’s directives.”But Abel Caballero, the Mayor of Vigo, has publicly urged the RFEF to disclose the criteria used to exclude their stadium.Barcelona forced into major stadium decision as Nou Camp reopening delayed AGAINHe said: “All I am asking for is transparency. “Let the public know what data was used to remove Vigo from the running.”He added, directly addressing RFEF president Rafael Louzan: “I demand that Louzan explain all of this immediately.”[He must] explain who made the decisions, how they were made, why they were made, with electronically signed minutes. “I don’t trust anything. This is extremely serious. “The fact that selection criteria have been changed is of the utmost seriousness.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 2030 World Cup will be the first with three countries from two continents hosting the competition. Spain last hosted the tournament way back in 1982. More

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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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      How Myles Lewis-Skelly could be Tuchel’s secret weapon as Harry Kane shows he’s England’s best finisher AND passer

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      THOMAS TUCHEL got his reign as England boss underway with two wins and two clean sheets. Victories over Albania and Latvia at Wembley ensured the Three Lions made the perfect start to their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign. Myles Lewis-Skelly became the youngest senior England debutant to scoreCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel made the perfect start to life as England managerCredit: GettyHarry Kane found the net in both wins while Reece James’ free-kick and an Eberechi Eze finish was enough to see of Latvia.Against Albania, meanwhile, Myles Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his senior England debut aged just 18 years and 176 days. But what else did we learn from the German boss’ opening fixtures in charge?SunSport’s tactical guru Dean Scoggins gives the breakdown in the latest episode of Tactics Exposed…READ MORE ON FOOTBALL1. COVERING THE MYLESIt was a brave call but I expected Lewis-Skelly to start at left-back. He has been fantastic for Arsenal.He played two different roles in the two matches. In the first, he played as a conventional left-back, much more up the outside.That allowed the wingers to come off the wing and that’s where he got his goal, overlapping and latching on to Jude Bellingham’ magical pass.Against Latvia, Lewis-Skelly played a bit more like he does for Arsenal as an inverted left-back, getting on the ball more in midfield positions.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLewis-Skelly played two different full-back rolesCredit: SunSportAgainst Albania he stayed wide – which is how he got his goalCredit: SunSportHe played inverted against LatviaCredit: SunSportThat saw him pick the ball up in midfieldCredit: SunSportReece James can do both on the other sideCredit: SunSportTuchel trusted an 18-year-old to do that – he is confident in Lewis-Skelly.On the other side, Tuchel loves Reece James and he is a player comfortable coming inside or around the outside. ‘I don’t expect anything’ Roy Keane savages England star after below-par display in Thomas Tuchel’s first gameI love his dynamism, physicality and he can be as good as Trent Alexander-Arnold from a dead-ball situation. 2. RICE… NAUGHTY AND NICEDeclan Rice is a fabulous football and one of the first names on the team sheet but it was a bit of a conundrum in these games. He became almost a bit of a problem where the midfield gets so congested and the two No10s are in the areas where he likes to run forward into.He becomes the bonafide No6 but the best parts of his game are not his quick one-touch passes through the lines.Declan Rice played as the solo No6Credit: SunSportHe struggled to have the impact he would have wantedCredit: SunSportRice often found himself in the wayCredit: SunSportThe Arsenal man could not play to his strengthsCredit: SunSportThe spaces he usually runs into were already occupiedCredit: SunSportHis underlapping run teed up Harry Kane’s goalCredit: SunSportIt felt like Rice was playing a bit-part role, sitting there in case England lost possession. He was wasted and I was shouting, ‘Get out of the way!’In the second match, though, he makes the driving underlap run for that brilliant assist for Kane. Tuchel is thinking about his team at the World Cup and obviously Rice plays – but they need to figure out how to use him against lesser opposition. 3. IMPERFECT TENSTuchel has to shape the team around the talisman Bellingham – he is the best English player in Europe. Bellingham showed his quality to unlock Albania with that amazing pass. He grew up playing football with Morgan Rogers but that chemistry between them at international level needs a bit of work. They were getting in each others’ way and there was a lot of pointing – it was like a traffic jam. Albeit that was against teams that parked the bus. The No10s lacked fluency with lots of players taking up similar positionsCredit: SunSportThey were often in each others’ wayCredit: SunSportJarrod Bowen tends to drift infieldCredit: SunSportThe central areas got overoccupied – even without Cole Palmer in the teamCredit: SunSportPhil Foden came out of the congested area for the Eze goal which was very clever.Plus you have to throw Cole Palmer in there when he is fit and Bukayo Saka will be on the right.Tuchel knows he cannot take them all but it’s not a bad problem to have as a manager choosing between Bellingham, Foden, Palmer and Rogers. 4. GIVE PACE A CHANCEObviously Saka will come back in. He is England’s best winger and he was really missed.I was a bit disappointed by Marcus Rashford’s ambition and that may be to do with confidence.He had a lot of tactical instructions to deal with and he did them. The interchange with Bellingham and Lewis-Skelly was really good. The enormous frustration with Rashford is that he doesn’t beat his man – he is one-v-one against a Latvian full-back with a massive space in behind.Either play a one-two and go or beat him with his first touch. Tuchel gave him two opportunities by starting him in both matches – he needed the wingers to keep their width against Latvia to allow space for the inverted full-backs to come inside. His darting run stretches the defence which allows Rice to set up the Kane goal. Marcus Rashford, Jude Bellingham and Lewis-Skelly rotated down the leftCredit: SunSportThe on-loan Aston Villa refused to take on his full-backCredit: SunSportHe stretched the Latvia defence before the Kane goalCredit: SunSportIt was half good and half not quite so positive from Rashford. Bowen and Rashford naturally come inside with their first touch but I was impressed by Eze, he ran at his full-back and we saw what happened. 5. KEEP CALM AND HARRY ONKane is my favourite ever footballer and I marvel at him. Anyone who has the nerve to suggest he shouldn’t play for England doesn’t watch enough football.Yes, he scores lots of goals against Albanians and Latvians. But away from his ability to finish – who else is scoring those goals? – it is his movement that is why he scores all those goals. The finish against Latvia is easy but it’s the movement before anybody else that makes it – it is top level. Kane appeared to have a simple tap-inCredit: GettyIt was his movement that made the goal look easyCredit: SunSportHe drifted out at the back post to create spaceCredit: SunSportKane produced a stunning finish against AlbaniaCredit: AlamyHe knows where the ball will end up and is the only one around the back post to tap it in.The goal against Albania was utter genius.Most people take the shot early and it hits the defender. Not Harry Kane.He pauses for a split second and he side-foots it into the corner. If we are going to win a major tournament, it will be with Kane in the team.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe played more as an out-and-out No9 in these games but his natural instinct is still to link the play. He is the best passer in the team. He is the best finisher in the team. 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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      Reece James marks first England start after two and a half years out with injury with Beckham-like goal and MOTM award

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      REECE JAMES played it cool as he barely celebrated scoring his first ever England goal.James was given his first start for the national team in two-and-a-half years – or 910 days – against Latvia by the new England boss Thomas Tuchel.Reece James barely celebrated scoring his first-ever England goalCredit: PAJames, making his first Three Lions start for 2.5 years, scored a sublime free-kick against LatviaCredit: GettyThe free kick from 25 yards out curled above the wallCredit: RexThe ball’s trajectory went very high into the airCredit: ReutersJames was then mobbed by team-mates but he did not cast a smileCredit: ReutersAnd James repaid the faith of his old Chelsea boss by scoring a sensational free-kick from 25 yards out to break the deadlock, becoming the first defender to score at Wembley from a direct free-kick since Stuart Pearce against Turkey in 1992.James made no mistake with his effort as he curled the ball over the wall and into the top right corner of the goal, leaving the goalkeeper gawping in disbelief as it hit the back of the net.However, while many stars may have wheeled off in jubilant celebration, the Chelsea defender simply walked off to the side and did not even threaten to cast a smile.James was mobbed by team-mates with Declan Rice holding a beaming smile with his hand over his shoulder.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans had a mixed reaction to the muted celebration, with one fan saying: “By all standards a great free kick from Reece James And I love his (no) celebration.”A second said: “That Reece James free kick goal and celebration against Latvia, cold.”A third joked: “Reece James. Come for the goal, stay for the celebration.”Another said: “Stunning lack of celebration from Reece James there. We love to see it.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA fifth said: “Lack of celebration very weird tho…”A sixth added: “Sorry did Reece James used to play for Latvia? No time for that goal with a celebration like that.”Roy Keane was also full of praise for the goal at half-time in ITV’s studio, comparing it to David Beckham.He said: “It was like David Beckham used to do. I plucked Thomas Tuchel out of his job working in a bar in Stuttgart before he became England boss, reveals Man Utd flop”Very difficult to do, to get the angle right, very difficult.”England completed a routine 3-0 win late strikes from Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze gave the scoreline a respectable look.James was voted England’s player of the match for his all-round display, in what was just his 18th cap for his country.His stats show he made 97 passes, and 96 were completed to a team mate.His career has been undermined by a string of injuries, since his last start for England in September 2022 in a 3-3 draw with Germany.James much of last season after undergoing hamstring surgery, which was designed to help him overcome a series of injuries.He has been eased back gently into the Chelsea first team by boss Enzo Maresca since recovering from his most recent hamstring injury.The 25-year-old later explained his muted reaction to the goal.Speaking to ITV James said: “It has been a long time, I have had a frustrating two years.”I’m so happy to be called up by my country again. I saw the wall and felt I could bend it round. I was a bit surprised it hit the net.”I thought the keeper could have maybe got there but looking at the replay it was probably tough.”Thomas Tuchel’s ideas are clear. We have one objective and that starts this week right up until the World Cup.”Tuchel was delighted for James and hopes he can play a big part in his World Cup campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIESTuchel said: “I know Reecey and I know the quality that the boy has is amazing.”He has every right to be proud and happy and satisfied with his performance.” 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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      Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel reveals he’ll sing national anthem on one condition as he prepares to lead out England

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      NEW England boss Thomas Tuchel will sing the national anthem — but only after we win a few games.The new German manager revealed yesterday that he will not be belting out God Save The King when he takes charge for the first time at Wembley next week.Thomas Tuchel will sing England’s national anthem when he gets the Three Lions winningCredit: ReutersHarry Kane, Jordan Pickford and Harry Maguire sing the anthemCredit: The TimesTuchel revealed he was proud to receive the royal seal of approval from Prince WilliamCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceBut he promised he will join in with the players when they get a few wins under his leadership, and he has “earned the right”.His revelation comes after England’s then-interim manager Lee Carsley sparked controversy last year by refusing to sing the national anthem.Tuchel, 51, also revealed he was proud to receive the royal seal of approval from Prince William, who told The Sun he is the “best manager for the job” and could even win us the World Cup.As he unveiled his first England squad yesterday, Tuchel joked the heir to the throne had been “pushing hard” for him to include players from his beloved Aston Villa.Read More on SportFA patron William and Tuchel have met twice since the former Chelsea and PSG boss took on the England job, including at Windsor Castle last month.But they did not discuss the national anthem. Tuchel said yes­terday: “I didn’t tell him at this point. “It didn’t come up. Most read in Football“But I made my decision.“I think first of all, you have a very powerful, emotional and meaningful national anthem, and I could not be more proud to be on the sideline and be in charge of the English national team.Dan Burn’s gone from pushing trolleys at Asda to potential England glory – he fully deserves his call-up“It means everything. “It means a lot to me, I can assure you. “But I can feel because it’s that meaningful and it’s that emotional and it’s so powerful the national anthem, that I have to earn my right to sing it.“I feel that it’s not just a given. “You cannot just sing it. “That’s why I decided that I will not sing it in my first matches.”Tuchel will therefore be keeping silent when it is played at a sold-out Wembley Stadium before the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Albania on Friday night, and Latvia next Monday.But he said: “I will earn it with results, with building a group, with doing my job properly and by creating a feeling where maybe even you guys say at some point, ‘Now it’s time you sing it, it feels like you proper earn it and you’re a proper English guy now’!“Maybe I have to dive more into the culture and earn my right from you, from the players, from the supporters, so everyone feels like, ‘He should sing it now, he’s one of our own, he’s the English manager, he should sing it’.”Speaking exclusively to The Sun this week, William said the former Bayern Munich manager is the “best person for the job” and winning the World Cup next summer is “definitely possible”.Opening up about their meetings, Tuchel said yesterday he was honoured to get the prince’s backing, adding: “It makes me very proud.”Asked if William’s prediction that a German could end 60 years of hurt “adds pressure”, he said: “Yeah, of course. “The pressure comes with the job, and the pressure is a privilege to be in this role.”He went on: “I met His Royal Highness once during a match and we then had another meeting in Windsor Castle and it was just nothing but impressive the way he speaks and how emotional he supports Aston Villa and of course the national team.Tuchel said: ‘It is so powerful the national anthem that I have to earn my right to sing it’Credit: GettyJordan Henderson has been recalled to the England squadCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford has been called up for dutyCredit: Getty“It’s just so impressive. “It was so nice to speak to him about football. “He has a strong opinion.”Tuchel then joked: “He was pushing hard for the Aston Villa players, which was not needed because we admire them a lot and we admire a lot what is happening there in the club.“But it means a lot and it’s just something very, very special that comes with the role and it’s an honour and a privilege and comes with big responsibility.”Aston Villa stars Ezri Konsa and Morgan Rogers plus Marcus Rashford, currently on loan from Manchester United, all made Tuchel’s first 26-man squad.Rashford’s recall was not the only surprise — as there was also a return for Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson, who last played for England in November 2023.Newcastle defender Dan Burn got his first call-up at the age of 32 while Arsenal starlet Miles Lewis-Skelly, 18, also features for the first time. But Manchester City’s Jack Grealish has been left out.William, FA president for 19 years before stepping down after Euro 2024, recalled consoling the players immediately after their heartbreaking loss to Spain at the final in Berlin. He told The Sun it was “the hardest changing room atmosphere I’ve ever walked into”.After boss Gareth Southgate quit, he hailed his “humility, compassion and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny”.Appointing a foreign replacement sparked criticism for the FA but William told The Sun this week Tuchel was the right candidate.He said: “I understand the debate around having an English manager but, to me, it should be the best person for the job — and Thomas is exactly the right person.Tuchel’s first England match is against Albania next FridayCredit: Reuters“He’s one of the top five managers in the world. “It would be amazing if he could win the World Cup — it’s definitely possible.”The prince also described his love for Aston Villa before watching them beat Club Brugge on Wednesday to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.He also revealed he goes undercover on online fan forums. And he was praised for his admission that he found the TV blackout on 3pm games on Saturdays “irritating” as he cannot always get to Villa Park.One fan on the Reddit AVFC forum said: “Truly the people’s prince.”Another added: “Nice bit of humility there from him especially as he can’t get to Villa Park easily.“I imagine his entourage is huge. “You know around him are many bodyguards and there’s a reason he’s always at the back.”Another joked: “I wonder what his Reddit handle is.” On fan forum Heroes And Villains, even non-royalists were delighted he was there to see Villa. One, Rob Bridge, said: “Good. Regardless of my preference for an elected head of state it is excellent PR for the club.”And Villa Tim added: “He loves the Villa. “Great to see it and him enjoying himself.”A third — called Brazilian Villain — referred to the club’s glory days when they won the 1982 European Cup. He quipped: “He was born in June 82. “Who else could he choose but the reigning European champions?”Another, Purple Trousers, joked: “I am Prince William.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe prince is planning to travel to France for Villa’s quarter-final first leg against PSG next month.But he is set to miss Tuchel’s first England match next week due to commitments in Estonia, where he will be supporting British troops on Nato’s western frontier.Jack Grealish has been left out of the Three Lions squadCredit: The Times More

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      Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad CONFIRMED as Jordan Henderson returns and uncapped stars Burn and Lewis-Skelly in

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has named his first England squad – with returns for Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson.The German’s reign and qualifying for the 2026 World Cup kicks off on March 21 against Albania before a clash against Latvia three days later.Thomas Tuchel has named his first squad as England bossCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford has been chosen for the first time in a yearCredit: GettyJordan Henderson has earned a surprise recallCredit: GettyTuchel has revealed his squad for the Wembley Stadium double-header and there are several surprise inclusions.Rashford has earned an England recall after a year out following his loan move from Manchester United to Aston Villa.He has not scored for his new side but has started four games since his January switch.Tuchel has also made a bold move in bringing 34-year-old Jordan Henderson back into the fold.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Liverpool captain, now with Dutch side Ajax, has not played for England since November 2023.Uncapped Arsenal 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly has earned his first call-up.The wonderkid, who can play at left-back and in midfield, makes the jump from the Under-19s to the Three Lions senior squad just 13 games into his Premier League career.Tuchel could also hand debuts to shock inclusions Dan Burn and Jarell Quansah against Albania or Latvia.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsNewcastle’s 32-year-old defender was watched in person by the new boss as the Toon beat West Ham 1-0 on Monday night.As for the Liverpool centre-back, he was chosen in the Euro 2024 provisional squad but got axed when it was cut down ahead of the tournament without making an appearance.The Sun’s Charlie Wyett reacts to World Cup 2026 qualifying draw as Thomas Tuchel’s England are placed in group full of controversyReece James, who won the Champions League under Tuchel at Chelsea, is back on the international stage after two years away.Manchester City’s Kyle Walker, on loan at AC Milan, keeps his place along with Villa’s Morgan Rogers, Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen.SunSport understands that Ollie Watkins is resting his knee and Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke has been chosen as back-up to Harry Kane.Tuchel has been unable to call upon Bukayo Saka, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Lewis Hall due to fitness doubts and injuries.But the new boss has snubbed Jack Grealish, who has played just 34 minutes in City’s last 11 Prem games.  Tuchel officially took over as manager on January 1 and reportedly contacted 55 players before revealing his squad today. The ex-Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich boss has penned an 18-month contract with the FA and has been tasked with bringing home the World Cup in 2026.Tuchel steps in after Lee Carsley, who took over from Gareth Southgate, saw his interim role come to an end.Carsley guided England to five victories in six games as the Three Lions earned promotion back to the top section of the Nations League by winning League B Group 2.It was a much-needed return to form after mixed performances at Euro 2024 that ended in final heartbreak against Spain.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe match was Southgate’s last in the job, quitting after eight years at the helm.While Southgate was in charge, England finished runner-up at two Euros, as well as making a semi-final and quarter-final in his two World Cup campaigns.Myles Lewis-Skelly has been chosen for the first timeCredit: GettyDan Burn is selected after being watched in person by Tuchel on MondayCredit: GettyLiverpool’s Jarell Quansah is looking to make his debut this time aroundCredit: Reuters More