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    ‘What should I tell you?’ – Thomas Tuchel claims he is not feeling the pressure after abject England win over Andorra

    THOMAS TUCHEL claims he is not feeling the heat as England boss — despite failing to fire up the nation’s World Cup hopes since taking over.The German slammed his players’ poor attitude and body language after they limped to a 1-0 win away against Andorra.Thomas Tuchel responded to criticism after another boring winCredit: GettyEngland scraped past Andorra 1-0 in World Cup qualifyingCredit: GettyTheir World Cup qualifier in Barcelona followed uninspiring performances in Tuchel’s first two games against Albania and Latvia in March.And despite his Three Lions boasting maximum points from three qualifiers, the team have shown little sign of being in any shape to win the trophy.But ahead of tomorrow night’s friendly against Senegal in Nottingham, Tuchel said: “I always feel pressure as I am not happy with myself.“The biggest pressure comes from myself. We have three wins and three clean sheets and have a friendly match on Tuesday. I have felt more pressure than that.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTuchel pulled no punches after Saturday’s win.Asked if it was a risk attacking his stars so early in his reign, he said: “What risk? You were in the stadium. What should I tell you? “That we played a good match and are happy. The risk is only that you exaggerate it and make something of it that was not there.“Everything I said, I said already to the team. There is no harm done.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“We were not happy and no single player will be happy with what we showed against Andorra.“Why would the coach be? And why would we be shy of saying so? If we want to get better, we first need to address that we were not happy with the end of both halves.’They looked bored’ – Roy Keane slams England’s ‘poor attitude’ as Thomas Tuchel admits ‘I didn’t like’ Andorra effort“I didn’t name a single name. We do this as a team. It’s always a ‘we’ — and I just didn’t like how we ended the match and the way that we ended the first half.“I didn’t like the attitude or the energy level and how that dropped. I liked the beginning of the team.“It always includes me. Everything I say, I tell the players.“I didn’t like the attitude in the end. We lacked the urgency at the end.“We played with fire. We didn’t play like we have to play in a World Cup qualifier when we were only 1-0 up.“What did I do wrong? Yes, I am included. But I don’t know. We still won a match. We still won a World Cup qualifier and I am the first one to ask if we could do better.”Senegal will provide Tuchel’s team with much stronger opposition compared to his first three matches.The ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich chief said: “It would have been a good test anyway. No matter how well or not well we played against Andorra.Read More on The Sun“We don’t have lots of matches. We worship every training and match.”Tuchel is set to ring the changes at a sold-out City Ground, with Conor Gallagher, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Declan Rice likely to feature.Harry Kane grabbed the only goal in BarcelonaCredit: ReutersEngland were back in training at St George’s Park on SundayCredit: Getty More

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    Andorra 0 England 1: Kane goal sees feeble Three Lions sneak win vs minnows to maintain 100% World Cup qualifying record

    THOMAS Tuchel has warned England must prepare to suffer in the heat of next summer’s World Cup.And everyone is going to have to put up with the pain and boredom of watching them get there.Harry Kane’s goal was the difference maker for EnglandCredit: ReutersEngland maintained their 100 per cent record in World Cup qualifyingCredit: GettyAgainst a tiny nation ranked 173 in the world, one of the supposed favourites for the 2026 tournament were heading for one of the most embarrassing results in their history.Like England predecessors Steve McClaren and Fabio Capello in 2007 and 2008, Tuchel watched an England team reach half-time goalless in an away game against Andorra in Barcelona.As in those previous matches, the Three Lions did enough to avoid humiliation. But only just.After already scoring in qualifiers against the mighty Albania and Latvia, captain Harry Kane extended his record by poaching the 72nd goal of his international career early in the second half.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Tuchel’s team seemed content to come away with the smallest margin of victory in seven meetings with a country that has only won 14 games since being recognised by Fifa in 1996.If the 7,000 England fans who paid fortunes to come here – and those watching back home – felt short-changed, they should be under no illusions.There will be plenty more of the same in the rest of this qualification campaign and again at next year’s World Cup – because Tuchel will surely steer the team through as Group K winners.An expanded 48-nation tournament in 2026 means a greater number of lower quality teams who are likely to adopt the same (totally justified) approach as Andorra.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd not just in the group stage. With an extra knockout round, there will be more borefests of attack against defence which have to be endured by players and spectators alike.All in the suffocating heat of summer in the USA, Canada and Mexico.England star Ivan Toney hits back at Bruno Fernandes with blunt reply after Man Utd star’s Saudi transfer snubDespite Tuchel’s pre-match caution about expecting too much, the England boss cannot have been pleased with how his team performed. Not with better opponents and hotter conditions awaiting them.Tuchel lined England up in a formation that was basically 4-1-4-1, but with Liverpool’s Curtis Jones inverting from right back into midfield and Jude Bellingham sometimes finding himself alongside Kane in a 4-4-2.Jones had a goalbound effort blocked as early as the sixth minute.Andorra goalkeeper Iker Alvarez is the son of head coach Koldo, himself a former No1 who was beaten 16 times in his four games against England.Alvarez Jnr was called into action by Noni Madueke, beating away the winger’s left-footed shot, and dad could be pretty happy with how his team was acquitting itself.He would have been less pleased when Reece James found Chelsea team-mate Madueke and his cross fizzed through the Andorra box.But Jones’s heavy touch and Kane’s poor shot wide let the minnows off the hook.And that was it for decent chances as England failed to move the ball quickly enough to pull disciplined opponents out of shape.A tedious 46 minutes ended to a chorus of boos from the England fans.Thomas Tuchel’s team were booed off the pitch at half-timeCredit: ReutersThey were soon feeling a bit more chipper.A fine pass by Jones allowed Kane to get off a shot that Alvarez saved, but Madueke collected the rebound and crossed for the captain to score from close range.Would England push on and try to achieve the convincing victory that Andorra substitute Marc Vales told SunSport was the kind of result that you would expect between two such mismatched teams?At the end of a long and tiring season – or not, in the case of those who must travel to the Club World Cup – that was always unlikely.Substitute Eberechi Eze forced Alvarez into a good save with a header and Madueke, who always kept trying to make things happen, came close in stoppage time.But there was little else to cheer for the travelling fans.England remained one moment of madness away from arguably the worst result in their history. It almost arrived when Andorran sub Guillaume Lopez found space and had a shot blocked by Ezri Konsa.All credit to Andorra, though, who also kept defending doggedly.Read More on The SunVictory for them was avoiding a heavy defeat. This was arguably their best day since beating Hungary in a World Cup qualifier in 2017. Maybe it was even better..All you could say for England was that they at least managed to come away from a no-win situation with three points.Kane got his toe on the end of a Noni Madueke cross to open the scoringCredit: Reuters More

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    Andorra vs England LIVE SCORE: Three Lions look to continue winning run in World Cup qualifier – latest updates

    ENGLAND’S World Cup qualifier against Andorra is now UNDERWAY as Tuchel’s side look to build on their winning run.The Three Lions sit top of Group K after beating Albania and Latvia 2-0 and 3-0 respectively, back in March.Thomas Tuchel will take charge of England for the first time on foreign soil, but the clash won’t take place in Andorra.The World Cup qualifier will be staged at Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, as Andorra’s national stadium is unavailable after the Games of the Small States of Europe.Tuchel’s men are looking to keep up their 100 per cent record as they face the lowest-ranked side in their group.TV channel: ITV1FREE live stream: ITVXAndorra team: Alvarez, Borra, San Nicolas, Llovera, Olivera, Garcia, Rodrigo, Guillen, Babot, Cervos, Fernandez.England team: Pickford, James, Konsa, Burn, Henderson, Bellingham, Jones, Rogers, Madueke, Palmer, Kane.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Andorra vs England4 – From midfield, Bellingham advances and attempts a pass to Madueke, but it is intercepted at the cost of a corner.First of the game. Copy linkCopiedAndorra vs England2 – After England kicked off, the whole Andorra team fell back to the outside of their own box. The defensive approach presented Bellingham the chance to have the game’s first chance, which he obliged, 20 yards out, straight at the home keeper. Copy linkCopiedKICKOFF – Andorra vs EnglandAnd we’re underway. England kicks us off from right to left in their traditional white kit. Copy linkCopiedAndorra vs EnglandThe teams are out of the tunnel, and the substitutes are on the bench. National anthems are all done. Scattered supporters across the Barcelona stadium join in for both team’s formalities. It’s almost time for kickoff! Copy linkCopiedWhy are England playing Andorra in Spain?Following the recent Games of the Small States of Europe, Andorra’s national stadium is not accessible.Rather, the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, Spain will host England’s World Cup qualifying match versus Andorra on Saturday, June 7.The European regulatory body of football, Uefa, stated that there were no available stadiums in Andorra.Although the Andorran Football Federation constructed a new stadium in the Encamp neighbourhood, it was not ready to host this game before the Uefa deadline.More England supporters can go since Espanyol’s home stadium, the RCDE Stadium, can accommodate 40,000 spectators, more than ten times the 3,306 that can attend games at Andorra’s national stadium. Copy linkCopiedPre-match reading Includes Dave Kidd’s column on the state of international football for England and everyone else involvedCopy linkCopiedHow to watch the game for FREEOf course, we recommend you stay with SunSport’s coverage of the game tonight.But the clash will be available for free in the UK.The game will be shown live on ITV1, with a stream available on ITVX.Copy linkCopiedFast approachingThanks for the early take-off, Josh; I’ll drive us into our main spate of action now! England, two for two under Thomas Tuchel, will play minnows Andorra at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona tonight as they return to World Cup 2026 qualifying.The Three Lions have already taken the lead in Group K, while their “hosts,” who have lost both of their first games, are at the bottom of the standings.A portion of the offensive duty will go to Fernandez, given five-goal striker Albert Rosas Ubach’s absence. Given the significance of the three points, Tuchel’s team selection sparks question ahead of the friendly against Senegal on Tuesday. Ollie Watkins withdrew on Friday afternoon, hence his lack of involvement. For many of the England players, it is their last match of the season, and they hope to end it on a high note.Copy linkCopiedWhat the boss had to sayThomas Tuchel spoke on the importance of this game, saying: “It is a World Cup qualifier and we will not devalue it to an exhibition game.“It will be a very serious approach. It will be an offensive line-up and an attacking line-up.“We anticipate a match where we have the majority of the ball.“We are huge favourites. “We want to be fully committed to a World Cup qualifier.”Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedAbsentees We have already shared the team news but there were a few names who had previously withdrawn from the squad ahead of the clash.Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka and Conor Gallagher will all be absent.Tuchel has already confirmed he is not replacing Watkins in the squad, instead deciding to stick with Ivan Toney and Harry Kane as striker options.The German manager also said he will pick an “attacking line-up” and take a “very serious approach.”Credit: GettyCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedA double away dayTonight marks England’s first away trip under Thomas Tuchel… But it will also be an away day for Andorra with the match taking place at Espanyol’s home ground across the border in Barcelona, Spain.Tuchel is two from two at Wembley and will be confident of maintainig his perfect record tonight.Copy linkCopiedHow the group looksEngland currently top their qualifying group, while Andorra sit bottom with two losses from two games.Serbia are yet to play with zero points, so Andorra’s -4 goal difference sees them bottom of thegroup.England…6ptsAlbania…3ptsLatvia…3ptsSerbia…0ptsAndorra…0ptsCopy linkCopiedEngland’s road to the World CupIt has been so far so good for Thomas Tuchel and the Three Lions in regard to their World Cup qualifiers.The Tuchel era kicked off at Wembley with a qualification clash, a 2-0 victory over Albania thanks to Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane goals.The Three Lions then followed that up with another comfortable evening at Wembley.Reece James, Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze were the scorers as England won 3-0 against Latvia.After two games, they top the group with six points, and are the only side to have won all their matches in the group, although Serbia are yet to play any qualifiers.Copy linkCopiedEngland team confirmedAnd there we have it.The Engand starting XI is in… with starts for Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn and Morgan Rogers.England: Pickford, Jones, Konsa, Burn, James, Henderson, Jones, Rogers, Bellingham, Palmer, Kane, MaduekeCredit: X @EnglandCopy linkCopiedHendo for starters?Jordan Henderson could be handed his first England start since November 2023 against Andorra.The former Liverpool captain, now at Ajax, is set to be named in the starting XI for the World Cup qualifier at Espanyol’s stadium.Henderson,  34, has 83 caps, could start while Declan Rice is expected to be rested.Reece James could play out of position at left-back with midfielder Curtis Jones at right-back.Chelsea’s Noni Madueke may well start up front with Harry Kane and Cole Palmer.Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher has been left out of the matchday squad but could face Senegal in Nottingham on Tuesday. Ollie Watkins is injured and has returned home. Bukayo Saka has a thigh problem but could also face Senegal.Credit: GettyCredit: PACredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedHello and welcomeThe club season may be over… or about to start again, who knows.But one thing we do know if that it is international week.And England have two fixtures.The first of those is a World Cup qualifier against Andorra, with kick-off in Barcelona at 5pm.Copy linkCopied More

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    Inside David Beckham’s 10 year battle to bag a knighthood after hat-trick of setbacks including tax row & leaked emails

    IT has been ten years of tears, toil and the one unfortunate tantrum, but FINALLY David Beckham has landed his knighthood.Never has a man grafted harder — or deserved the nod — more.David Beckham has landed his knighthoodCredit: GettyDavid and Victoria with his OBE in 2003Credit: Rex FeaturesA last-minute Beckham free kick sends England to the 2002 World Cup finalsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdQuite how Goldenballs has turned things around following a hat-trick of personal disasters — more on them later — is testament to both the man himself and his incredible work ethic.Last night, a friend said: “Quite simply, this is the ultimate accolade for David.“Forget the medals, the trophies, the global fame and the millions in the bank. As a genuine and devoted royalist this means more to him than anything. It is his lifetime’s work — and he’s still only 50.“People don’t seem to realise how hard David works. His determination and work ethic is second to none.Read More on BECKHAMS“Despite all the setbacks, he knew he could turn things around and prove people wrong. And he’s done it.“His family and friends are incredibly proud, and David himself is beyond happy.“After all these years, he’s still a bit of a mum’s boy and is so thrilled his mum Sandra gets to see this. It is a huge moment in the Beckham clan.”For millions of fans, the knighthood is long overdue.Most read in FootballAnd certainly, within hours of The Sun breaking the news yesterday, social media was flooded with messages of congratulations.Only a cynic, or a republican, could deny David Robert Joseph Beckham this honour.David Beckham meets with King Charles at Chelsea Flower ShowA former England captain — a player whose last-gasp free kick against Greece in 2001 sent the nation through to the World Cup finals — his career on the pitch was Roy Of The Rovers stuff.But it is off the pitch where Becks has really come into his own, single-handedly revolutionising how players regard themselves.Rather than being seen as a fledgling commodity, Becks (ably assisted by a commercially driven team who recognised his poster boy looks, talent and genuine goodness) had the foresight to market himself as a brand.In short, he has transcended the sport.With more endorsement deals than you can shake a stick at, such canniness meant that by the age of 35, David knew he need never kick a ball or work again, if he so chose.Until Becks came along, retirement for top-flight players — many of whom leave school without so much as a GCSE to their name — meant a life of lost identity and panic.Now, inspired by Becks Inc, newer stars have secured their own marketing rights, ensuring a golden future away from the pitch.A generation of footballers’ kids and grandkids will have David to thank for their homes, cars and private school education.In short, David was, and continues to be, a trailblazer.While it is his wife — the soon-to- be Lady Beckham — who is the acclaimed fashion designer, ironically it is Beckham who created the defining aesthetic of the 21st Century: The tattoo sleeve.TrailblazerHis first inking came in 1999 — a dedication to his eldest son, Brooklyn.How sad, then, that the 26-year-old influencer, who hasn’t spoken to his dad meaningfully in seven months, only found out about the knighthood after being directed to The Sun’s exclusive story by pals.David would never ever want to be uncouth and openly brag about his honour. He knows how to behaveA friendHowever, this could well be a decorum thing. After all, once the letter from the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood comes in the post, recipients are politely asked to keep schtum.“It is, as David well knows, considered terribly poor etiquette to tell all and sundry in advance of the official publication.Yesterday, however, he excitedly took to Instagram to re-post reports, published in this newspaper, about the King’s latest Birthday Honours.A friend added: “Honestly, after all the speculation over the past few weeks, until he’s on bended knee in front of the King, David won’t quite believe it. Obviously he’s shared the news with his immediate family but he won’t be doing any formal celebrations until after the ceremony.“David would never ever want to be uncouth and openly brag about his honour. He knows how to behave.Beckham with Charles last year as he is named an ambassador for the King’s FoundationCredit: PAPrince William and David visit the London Air Ambulance charity last yearCredit: GettyBeckham with Sandra and Ted at the premiere of his 2023 Netflix documentaryCredit: AP“He is still not in contact with Brooklyn and, frankly, it would have been weird for him to reach out and tell him, so he didn’t. It is up to Brooklyn now if he wishes to extend an olive branch and send on his congratulations.“It is so sad because family means everything to David and he would love his entire clan to be at the investiture. Only time will tell though, but at the moment it is looking unlikely. But for now, David wants to just focus on the positives and celebrate this incredible achievement.”One can only imagine how proud his loving parents, Sandra and Ted, must be.The whole family adores the monarchy, as David’s remarkable 12-hour vigil in line in 2022 to pay his respects to the late Queen proved.Over the past year he has also developed a touching relationship with King Charles — something a young Chingford-raised David could, surely, never have imagined.So much so that the monarch even sent over a birthday gift by courier to mark the star’s 50th last month.Human sideAgain, David has only shared with his inner circle what the gift was, although I am told it is, “Something personal to Charles and David, something special”.In return, of course, David has sent the King regular supplies of his homegrown honey.His friendship with Prince William, meanwhile, continues to flourish.The pair are on texting terms, and as William is an Aston Villa fan and Patron of the FA, much of their chat is football-related.But William also credits Becks with helping him navigate fame and the endless public scrutiny he faces each day.Despite David’s well-documented highs, the path to this coveted knighthood has not been smooth.After all these years, he’s still a bit of a mum’s boy and is so thrilled his mum Sandra gets to see this. It is a huge moment in the Beckham clanA friendHis sporting and charity endeavours — he has been a devoted Unicef ambassador for 20 years and was recently on the front cover of Time magazine in recognition of his philanthropy — should, on paper, have seen him recognised years ago.But he has had some widely publicised, erm, hiccups. These include the leaking of private emails in 2017 in which, embarrassingly, he labelled the Honours Committee “unappreciative c***s”. Not very decorous. But to his credit, David refused to kowtow to Russian hackers and pay their £1million ransom to stop the hacked emails being made public.While initially there was some outrage, his genuine passion and frustration also showed his human side.‘Thoroughly decent’It only endeared him further to many of the public, me included, who have variously questioned the committee’s track record.Alongside a raft of other celebrities, including Ant and Dec, Gary Lineker, Wayne Rooney and Bob Geldof, he was also famously caught up in the Ingenious tax avoidance scheme.HMRC won a case against the film financing tax-avoidance scheme, which then saw those involved landed with a huge backdated tax bill. However, in 2021 David was cleared by tax chiefs after proving his financial affairs were all in order, giving him the green light for a knighthood.And earlier this month he appeared on The Sunday Times Rich List, worth a combined £500million alongside his Spice Girl wife.A £100million 2022 World Cup deal with Qatar, a state where it is illegal to be gay, did not sit well with many fans — especially as he had previously graced the cover of gay lifestyle magazine Attitude and has always been a proud LGBTQ ally.But again, he was vindicated following the World Cup, with Qatar welcoming all-comers and showing willingness to be more moderate in its views.Becks’ recent Netflix documentary — one of the streamer’s most watched shows in 2023 — was also a game-changer for the former Manchester United midfield ace.David has lived an utterly extraordinary life but, through it all, he has remained a kind, patient and thoroughly decent manA friendIn it, he did not shy away from any topics and refused to make it dedicated solely to his do-gooding.Indeed, it even referenced his worst footballing moment — that 1998 sending-off against Argentina in the France World Cup that led to effigies of him being hanged across the country.Showing just how full circle he has come, the documentary featured Diego Simeone, the other player at the centre of the red card incident. The pair have long been pals. Says a friend: “David has lived an utterly extraordinary life but, through it all, he has remained a kind, patient and thoroughly decent man. ‘Utterly extraordinary life”Every single day he is approached for selfies and autographs, and he does it all with such good grace. He knows he has a responsibility and does his utmost to use his platform for good.“He also does countless work behind the scenes that doesn’t get written about or publicised.Read More on The Sun“You would be hard-pressed to find someone with a bad word to say against him. It has been a long time coming but, finally, David has what he has always dreamed of.”Arise, Sir David.Brooklyn and dad DavidCredit: GettyThe Sun’s world exclusive revealed that Becks was in line for a knighthood More

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    World Cup stadium looks totally unrecognisable with cranes on pitch and seats ripped out

    THE iconic Estadio Banorte looks unrecognisable as work on it’s epic World Cup revamp continues.Mexico’s national stadium – where Diego Maradona scored his Hand of God goal against England in 1986 – will host the opening game of the 2026 World Cup.The iconic Estadio Banorte looks unrecognisableCredit: AFPAll near-81,000 seats have been ripped out of the arenaCredit: AFPThe ground is undergoing an £80million renovation before the 2026 World CupCredit: AFPThe previously named the Estadio Azteca is undergoing changes in order to be fully modernised for next summer’s tournament. The venue for the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, the stadium will become the first to host three World Cups when it puts on the 2026 competition, which will be played across Mexico, the United States and Canada.With a record 48 teams, a whopping 16 venues, three countries and 16 cities are needed for the next World Cup.The stadium was renamed the Estadio Banorte as part of an £80million sponsorship deal in March.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOwner group Ollamani received an £80million loan from Banorte, a major Mexican bank that will be repaid over 12 years.One of the development project’s main goals is to maintain the historic identity of the ground, as capacity jumps from 81,000 to 90,000.New pictures show the turf completely torn up , with several cranes and trucks working to relay the dirt and mend the stands.The iconic exterior columns will be refurbished and enhanced with special lighting to highlight the architecture during night matches.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the biggest changes are happening inside the walls, with the stands currently grey after almost every seat was ripped up.The previous VIP area has been completely demolished and rebuilt, while new stands will tower over the old ones.Birmingham give update on new £3billion stadium as they announce major developmentThe stadium closed in 2024 to begin remodelling workCredit: AFPThe Banorte Stadium (formerly known as Azteca) is hoping to open up in early 2026Credit: AFPThe changes will also see new locker rooms, referee zones, hospitality suites, a press room, and other facilities designed to meet Fifa’s highest standards.Strict Fifa sponsorship rules, however, dictates that the stadium will still be referred to as Estadio Azteca throughout next year’s World Cup.Closed since 2024 due to remodeling work, the Estadio Banorte is expected to finish construction later this year or in early 2026.The name change will mark the second in the stadium’s 58-year existence after briefly being called Estadio Guillermo Canedo in 1997.It 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.Despite the stadium’s prestige, only five of the tournament’s 104 matches will take place in Mexico City.Mexican side Club America usually play their home games there.It will be the biggest stadium used for the 2026 World Cup, and the first to host three World CupsDiego Maradona’s Hand of God goal took place at Mexico City’s iconic stadiumPele won the 1970 World Cup at the Estadio Azteca More

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    England squad revealed with shock recall for Toney, first cap for Chelsea star and Bellingham in despite needing surgery

    THOMAS TUCHEL has named his second England squad – with a shock recall for Ivan Toney and first call-up for Trevoh Chalobah. The next stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers continues on June 7 against Andorra in Barcelona.Thomas Tuchel has named his second England squadCredit: GettyIvan Toney has returned to the England squad for the first time since Euro 2024Credit: GettyChelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah has been given his first senior call-upCredit: PAAnd the Three Lions will also host Senegal in a friendly at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground on June 10.The team will reportedly travel to Spain a few days early to attend the Spanish Grand Prix.Former Brentford striker Toney returns for the first time since Euro 2024 heartbreak after a shock scoring spree for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.And uncapped Chelsea defender Chalobah’s call-up is his first with the senior squad after several appearances at England youth levels. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChalobah’s inclusion comes as a shock given his tough start to the season, being loaned out to Crystal Palace before being recalled to Stamford Bridge to cover defensive injuries in January.On Chalobah, Tuchel said: “We have some injuries in defence and he has stepped up massively since returning to Chelsea.”He’s contributed to Chelsea’s run for Champions League football and he’s been on our radar for some time.”Phil Foden missed out on a place in the squad while he recovers from an ankle injury picked up in April.Most read in FootballWest Ham star Jarrod Bowen has been left outCredit: Shutterstock EditorialCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, Real Madrid ace Jude Bellingham has been included, even though he faces shoulder surgery after the Club World Cup.Jarrod Bowen has been surprisingly dropped for Noni Madueke, but the West Ham winger is heading on his stag do in Las Vegas before marrying Love Island star Dani Dyer next week. Roy Keane leaves Ian Wright laughing after ITV pundit’s joke about Thomas Tuchel following England’s win over Latvia Players from teams featuring in the relaunched Club World Cup, which begins five days after the final friendly, have been included.Fifa’s expanded Club World Cup, held in the United States, starts less than a week later, running from 15 June – 13 July.But players from Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have been selected.That means captain Harry Kane, Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher, Chelsea stars Chalobah and Cole Palmer, and Bellingham find themselves with a busy period ahead.The clubs involved in the tournament were eager for nations – not just England – to release their players from June’s international window.The FA cited the Club World Cup as a “significant challenge” for protecting player welfare which could also have “financial implications”.Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson has been named again, with Adam Wharton and Marc Guehi absent after reportedly picking up knocks in Palace’s FA Cup heroic final win over Man City. Marcus Rashford misses out on back-to-back call ups after being ruled out for the season with a hamstring issue for loan side Aston Villa.Rashford’s parent club Manchester United have ZERO representatives, with Harry Maguire also snubbed days after losing the Europa League final to Spurs.Europa League hero Dominic Solanke won’t go along either after ending Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought against Man Utd in Bilbao.Man City’s Kyle Walker, on loan at AC Milan, keeps his place along with Villa’s Morgan Rogers, Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Palace’s Eberechi Eze.Aaron Ramsdale hasn’t made the cut after being relegated with Southampton, while Burnley hero James Trafford, 22, has.It goes without saying that Bukayo Saka returns to England after missing out in Tuchel’s first squad through injury.Jack Grealish has been left out again, as has Euro 2024 star Kobbie Mainoo and Newcastle’s Tino Livramento.Rumours swirled about a possible Ben White inclusion, but the Arsenal full-back hasn’t been named since leaving the 2022 World Cup camp during Gareth Southgate’s reign.Tuchel stressed after victories over Latvia and Albania in March that he now has 384 DAYS until the 2026 World Cup begins.The German manager was brought in to replace Southgate with a remit to win the tournament.Read More on The SunTuchel has overseen two wins from two since taking charge of the Three Lions at the start of the year and England sit top of Group K in Europe’s World Cup qualifiers. They defeated Albania 2-0 and Latvia 3-0 during Tuchel’s first camp with Lewis-Skelly, Eze and Kane in particular impressing the former Chelsea boss.End of season timeline25 May: Final Premier League games28 May: Conference League final: Chelsea v Real Betis31 May: Champions League final: PSG v Inter Milan4-10 June: Six-day England camp including games on 7 June and 10 June11-28 June: U21 European Championship15 June -13 July: Club World Cup, including Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, plus others15 June: Bayern play first Club World Cup game16 June: Chelsea play first game18 June: Man City & Real Madrid play first gamesMid-July: Pre-season matches begin, including overseas tours9 August: Community Shield13 August: Uefa Super Cup: Tottenham v Champions League winners16 August: Start of 2025-26 Premier League season More

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    England fans face paying THOUSANDS per World Cup 2026 match as Fifa consider controversial Oasis-style ticketing system

    ENGLAND fans heading to next summer’s World Cup could be fleeced for THOUSANDS per match under Fifa plans to use a “dynamic pricing” strategy.Average costs of around £305 per match had previously been reported.Fifa are set to use dynamic ticket pricing at the World CupCredit: APPrices could sky-rocket for the biggest games like the final at the MetLife StadiumCredit: GettyBut now Fifa chiefs are looking at the same demand-based pricing arrangements that saw this summer’s Oasis reunion concerts plunged into controversy.And that could see ticket prices for the biggest games sky-rocketing with supply not being able to keep up with demand despite stadiums having capacities of 70,000-plus.A similar system being used in this summer’s Club World Cup – which includes Chelsea and Manchester City – saw prices fall to as low as £29 for games in the group stage.But that is unlikely to be the situation at the World Cup, despite the expansion to a 48-team tournament which will see a record 104 games played.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Fifa model will NOT apply to fans supporting the three host countries – the USA, Canada and Mexico.But visiting supporters will be exposed to the system, which could see top price tickets for knockout games going for £5,000 or more.Official fan groups supplied with tickets by their home associations are also likely to pay a lower price, although allocations are unlikely to exceed 6,000 for any matches.The measure, if confirmed, is likely to see Fifa accused of exploiting supporters and seeking to maximise their own income.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSUnlike previous World Cups, which have been overseen by a Fifa-delegated local organising committee, 2026 will be run by the Zurich-based body.The greater the revenue from the estimated 6.5m tickets available, the more Fifa will make from the tournament.Fifa confirm 12 stadiums for new-look Club World Cup including TWO £1.2BILLION NFL grounds and 88,500-seat Olympic venueFifa’s argument is that dynamic pricing is a standard practice for major events in the USA – although that is not the case in the other co-host nations.The successful three-country bid, which won the right in 2018 to stage next year’s World Cup, suggested that a projected £1.35bn in ticket sales would be a “conservative” estimate.That appears to be an understatement, although a Fifa spokesman declined to confirm the plans.The spokesman said: “Ticket sales for the Fifa World Cup 2026 are expected to begin in Q3 of 2025 via the Fifa website. Further details will follow in due course.”Fifa are projected to make £1.35bn in ticket salesCredit: AFP More

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    Gary Lineker has already told BBC how to avoid fan fury in World Cup 2026 final coverage

    GARY LINEKER has already told the BBC how to avoid fan fury during coverage of the World Cup 2026 final.Lineker, 64, was due to bow out from his role as presenter for the broadcaster at the conclusion of next summer’s tournament. Gary Lineker warned the BBC how to avoid fan fury over the half-time show during the World Cup 2026 finalCredit: ReutersA Super Bowl-style half-time show will be introduced next yearCredit: GettyBut on Monday, he confirmed he is going to quit the BBC for good after Sunday’s Match of the Day episode covering the final day of the Premier League season. The ex-Leicester striker previously announced he was stepping back from weekly MOTD duties but was due to continue hosting live FA Cup matches next season before working the World Cup.However, following an anti-Semitism row, Lineker apologised and went public with his decision to step away from his £1.35million-a-year job with the Beeb. Lineker agreed to leave the BBC after meeting bosses last week – with a source saying he realised his position was untenable.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKERBut before his exit, the presenter gave his bosses a piece of advice on covering the 2026 showpiece at the end of the expanded 48-country competition.The World Cup final will be played at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. But midway through the biggest match in football, there will be a Super Bowl-style half-time show.Fifa are working with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin on the plans – which may well mean Coldplay are one of the “multiple artists” set to perform. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Lineker is aware the controversial addition will not go down with fans.And it also gives TV bosses a dilemma about what to do at half-time – show the performances on the pitch or stick to the traditional analysis from pundits.Gary Lineker apologises for antisemitic post and confirms he’s quitting BBC next weekLineker, though, reckons he has the solution.Speaking on his Rest Is Football podcast in March – part of his Goalhanger podcast empire – he said: “I don’t like this, I have to say, before we start. “I hope it’s not going completely down the road of NFL half-time shows because that’s 25 minutes, half an hour, and I’m not sure we could quite cope with that.“I’m bowing out soon anyway, but I’ve got one World Cup left in me. “It’d be interesting to see, if they did have some big, massive half-time show, how TV deals with that because the analysis has always been part of television coverage. “Does TV suddenly go, ‘No, we’re going to show the half-time show?’“For someone like BBC, I would say, ‘Stick the show on the red button’, or they might (decide to) stick the analysis on the red button.”’SORRY’Lineker’s Instagram post to confirm his BBC exit came after The Sun revealed he was planning to step down following the scandal which saw him face backlash for re-posting a video which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat.He said in a statement released at midday on Monday: “Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio.”I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. “As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic – it goes against everything I stand for.Read More on The Sun”However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. “Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”Chris Martin has been involved in the talks with FifaCredit: GettyLineker announced he will leave the BBC after Sunday’s Match of the DayCredit: iNSTAGRAMHe was spotted outside his home on the day of the major newsCredit: PA More