More stories

  • in

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

    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

  • in

    Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel reveals he’ll sing national anthem on one condition as he prepares to lead out England

    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

  • in

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

    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

  • in

    Major change to World Cup final confirmed by Fifa with UK band with TEN No1 albums to perform glitzy half-time show

    NEXT year’s World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style half-time show.The tournament is set to take place across the United States, Mexico and Canada and will include a new expanded 48-team format.Gianni Infantino has informed sponsors of a major changeCredit: PAThe World Cup final is set to take place in East Rutherford, New JerseyCredit: GettyThe final will kick off at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 19, 2026.Per Sky News’ Rob Harris, “multiple artists” will perform at half-time.He adds that Fifa president Gianni Infantino has informed sponsors of the decision.Fifa are working with Coldplay on the half-time show, with the British band set to also incorporate other artists into the act.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis will be the first time that a World Cup final has included a half-time show.The 2022 World Cup final in Qatar saw six artists perform before the final between Argentina and France.Their performances were incorporated into the tournament’s closing ceremony.In recent years, the Champions League final has often featured a pre-match musical performance.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSColdplay are set to be involved in the half-time showCredit: GettyLenny Kravitz performed three songs ahead of last year’s Wembley final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.While other recent finals have included Camila Cabello, Burna Boy and Dua Lipa.Coldplay perform Scottish football anthem The recent Super Bowl in New Orleans featured a half-time show with Kendrick Lamar and SZA.It achieved an average audience of 133.5 million – surpassing Michael Jackson’s record set in 1993 and making it the most watched Super Bowl half-time show ever.Kendrick Lamar and SZA produced a record-breaking performance in New OrleansCredit: GettyDua Lipa performs ahead of the 2018 final in KyivCredit: Getty Images – GettyCamila Cabello performed ahead of the 2022 Champions League finalCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Newcastle star Jacob Murphy, 29, approached over shock switch of international allegiance from England

    JACOB MURPHY has reportedly been approached about switching his international allegiance.The 29-year-old winger is enjoying an impressive season for Newcastle in the Premier League. Jacob Murphy has enjoyed a strong season at St James ParkCredit: GettyThe Toon winger has already registered 9 assists this seasonCredit: GettyMurphy has scored five times for the Toon so far in 2024/25.He also leads the club’s assists charts with nine, already a career-high tally with three months of the season to go. There have been suggestions England manager Thomas Tuchel should call up Murphy for his first Three Lions squad.Murphy played for England across four youth age groups, with his last involvement in the under-21 Euros in 2017. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut, according to reports in Nigeria, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has “made contact” in a bid to get Murphy to switch allegiance.The former Norwich star qualifies to play for Nigeria through his father. Nigeria have endured a tough start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles had been expected to cruise through a group that features South Africa, Rwanda, Benin, Lesotho and Zimbabwe.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut three draws and a defeat from their opening 4 games have made things tough for the African country, who have reached six of the last seven World Cups.As well as Nigeria, Murphy is eligible to represent Ireland through his mother.The Sun’s Charlie Wyett reacts to World Cup 2026 qualifying draw as Thomas Tuchel’s England are placed in group full of controversyMurphy has proved to be an unsung hero this season at St James Park.Newcastle are chasing the European places, with striker Alexander Isak stealing the plaudits thanks to a remarkable run of form.Boss Eddie Howe has come out to praise Murphy – and claims Isak’s heroics are in part down to the winger.Howe said: “He’s been very, very important and probably more than people realise.Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle reportedly wants to tempt Murphy to switch international allegianceCredit: AFP”We ask a lot of Jacob in lots of different ways, he plays an important role.”Of course, everyone plays an important role in our pressing with the ball.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s been brilliant and the assists and the goals that he’s got in the last few weeks.”Isak probably owes him the majority of his goals with his crossing ability which has always been very strong.” More

  • in

    ‘Crying with laughter.. might be worst answer ever’ – Fans baffled at totally wrong guess to Pointless football question

    FOOTBALL fans have been left “crying in laughter” after a totally wrong guess on Pointless.The BBC show hosted by Alexander Armstong gets contestants to give the most obscure answers possible to win.Fans were left baffled at a contestant’s answer to this questionCredit: BBCLyn was not correct in saying Charlton AthleticCredit: BBCOn a recent episode, one contestant, Lyn, left viewers baffled with his answer.When asked to name a national team to have appeared at multiple Fifa Men’s World Cups.Acceptable answers would have included England (19 times), Germany (20 times), Brazil (22 times) or even Wales (2 times).However, Lyn decided to take a different approach that left fans scratching their heads.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe guessed at “Charlton Athletic”.The answer was of course incorrect as was signaled on the show.This lead to fans flocking to social media to discuss the totally wrong guess.One posted: “Legend haha, that has to be one of the worst guesses ever.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA second joked: “We won the World Cup… I know you won’t believe us… … the reds are goin’ uuuuup!”A third wrote: “Not many people know we’ve been to the World Cup…”AC Milan manager walks out of Champions League press conference after just one question Charlton currently play in League One and have never featured in the World CupCredit: GettyA fourth commented: “Ahhhh yeah those good old days of cheering my team on in the World Cup.”A fifth said: “Poor Lyn has had a mare. Charlton Athletic in the World Cup!! D’oh.”Another added: “Chap on Pointless answers Charlton Athletic for countries that have appeared in the FIFA World Cup haha.” More