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    World Cup 2030 could make history for TWO reasons as chief proposes expanding tournament to 64 TEAMS

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    THE WORLD CUP could expand to 64 teams in a radical transformation, it has been revealed.An official proposal from Conmebol president, Alejandro Dominguez, for the 2030 tournament was submitted on Thursday.The 2030 World Cup could expand to 64 teams as part of a new proposalCredit: PAA 64-team tournament would mean more than a quarter of Fifa’s 211 member nations would qualify.The 2022 World Cup in Qatar played host to 32 teams, while the 2026 tournament – hosted between USA, Canada and Mexico – will have 48 teams.The 2026 expansion is already facing criticism for diluting the quality of the nations involved.A total of 12 third-place teams will be able to make the knockout round, while under a 32-team format the top two from the group reach the knockout stage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFootball’s governing body, Fifa, is aware of the 64-team proposal.President Gianni Infantino, who participated in the Conmebol Congress, noted the “exceptional milestone” of the centennial tournament.The idea was first flouted last March by a delegate from the Uruguay Football Association during an online meeting of the ruling council of world soccer’s governing body.However, Dominguez has now put the idea into motion for the 100-year anniversary of the tournament.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSpeaking at Conmebol’s 80th Ordinary Congress, he said: “This will allow all countries to have the opportunity to live the world experience and so nobody on the planet is left out of the party.”We are convinced that the centennial celebration will be unique because 100 years are celebrated only once.”UK to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as Fifa chief Gianni Infantino confirms just ‘one valid bid’ for tournamentThe 2030 World Cup will already make history to be the most widespread edition of the tournament with six host nations spread across three continents.Uruguay, the hosts of the first-ever World Cup in 1930, will host one game, while Paragauy, Argentina, Spain, Portugal and Morocco co-host.The expansion would likely most heavily benefit Conmebol, with all 10 member countries able to make the tournament proper – and therefore allowing Venezuela, who have never qualified, to play.Dominguez added: “That is why we are proposing, for the first time, to hold this anniversary with 64 teams, on three continents simultaneously.”A Fifa statement on the idea on Friday said it had a “duty to analyse any proposal from one of its Council members”.Fifa’s 75th congress will be held on May 15 in Paraguay, when the proposal could be discussed.Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has already positioned himself against the idea, calling it a “bad idea” earlier this month.He said at a news conference: “This proposal was maybe even more surprising for me than you. I think it is a bad idea.”With 48 teams, the 2026 tournament will have 104 matches.Read More on The SunBut an increased 64-nation format would see 128 matches played – a dramatic increase from the 64-games seen at World Cups between 1998 and 2022.Earlier this month it was announced the UK is set to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup after the Home Nations bid was confirmed as the “sole bidder”. More

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      Secret ‘hack’ to get guaranteed World Cup final tickets revealed if you follow unusual strategy

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      FANS have spotted a hack to guarantee they get a seat at the 2026 World Cup final.Fifa are reportedly concerned about the lack of tickets purchased for their revamped Club World Cup (CWC) this summer.Fans have the chance to guarantee their seat at the World Cup final by purchasing Club World Cup ticketsCredit: APFifa are understood to be concerned by the lack of tickets purchased for their revamped Club World CupCredit: GettyAnd in a shock incentive to encourage fans to attend matches, they are offering “ticket packs” that ensures supporters World Cup tickets, even for the final. A CWC “ticket pack” buys fans a seat at two or three of a club’s group stage matches in the US in June.As a reward, they will then receive an exclusive pre-sale code to buy a ticket for a game at next year’s World Cup held across Canada, the US and Mexico.It is currently unclear what matches these codes will be valid for and Fifa are set to choose.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe price of the “ticket pack” varies depending on which matches you go to.But there is also a “super ticket pack” on offer and it is fans’ route to the 2026 World Cup final.It includes seats at 20 CWC clashes, with the terms and conditions stating that the 20 games must include either the tournament opener or final, as well as one of the semi-finals.The rules also say that you cannot choose multiple matches on the same day and you must attend every game you have a ticket for.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut with just 22 matchdays in total and games spread across the US, it presents fans with a major travel headache.Though the tickets can be passed on to family or friends.Major change to World Cup final confirmed by Fifa chief Gianni Infantino with Coldplay to perform half-time show Buying the “super ticket pack” guarantees you the chance to be at the 2026 World Cup final when they go on sale.Depending on the category you of seats and matches you choose, the price of the package varies from £1,764 to £4,300. Fans have slammed the idea, with one saying: “Buy 20 CWC tickets for an opportunity to buy a ticket for the WC Final? This is a joke. Beyond the logistics aspect, 20 CWC tickets would be an absurdly expensive.”Another added: “Everything that is wrong with modern football.”A third wrote: “The whole competition is a joke.” More

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      Gary Lineker reveals plans for life after Match of the Day with just nine shows left until he steps down

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      GARY LINEKER outlined his plans after rolling credits on his glittering 26-year run as Match of the Day presenter.Lineker, 64, will step down from MOTD in May and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.Gary Lineker outlined his plans after leaving Match of the Day in MayCredit: YOUTUBE / The Rest Is FootballLineker wants to travel and focus on his podcasts after leaving TVCredit: AlamyThere was speculation suggesting the famous host would be switching to Sky Sports but he recently quashed those rumours.The England legend was asked again about his future plans on the latest episode of The Rest is Football pod where he teamed up with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.A viewer sent a cheeky question to the Leicester hero asking him if he was planning to cover the Championship in a MOTD-style show while his favourite Premier League team is fighting to avoid relegation.Lineker was asked: “Gary, would you do a MOTD style show for the Championship next season so you can finally enjoy Leicester again?”Read More on FootballBut the Tottenham legend proved to be a good sport once more as he laughed it off.Lineker responded: “Alright, we’re not relegated yet, thanks. Well – one – we don’t have the rights on the BBC to show the Championship. And secondly, no thanks.”Shearer and Richards, though, had a follow-up question as they asked their fellow host what he will be doing with his weekends now that he will finally have Saturdays and Sundays off.And the ex-Barcelona star revealed he is planning to enjoy his free time by travelling.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLineker replied: “I was thinking the same thing because I’ve never really had weekends off in my adult life.”So I think I’ll be alright. I will go out to eat on Saturday night, have dinner. I’ll have little weekend trips away, possibly some places. Lots of places to go to – food trips, all that sort of stuff. I think I’ll be alright.”‘I don’t like it’ – Gary Lineker has wild reaction after spotting ex-Match of the Day star at Baller League launchShearer asked if he will continue working on TV but Lineker insists he is done with that outlet as there’s nothing better than Match of the Day and echoed his plans to focus on his podcasts.Lineker joked: “No, I’ve got a podcast to do with a couple of clowns and I’m obviously a podcast magnet. It’s not just this podcast, we’ve got lots of others as well.”I’m stepping away from Match of the Day. I mean, where do you go from there? So I think, that’ll do. Thank you very much.”I mean, never say never. Who knows what might pop. But at the moment I’m thinking, ‘No, that’s it. Television’s done’.” More

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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