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    England set to play World Cup qualifier in tiny stadium smaller than FIFTEEN League Two grounds

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    ENGLAND are set to play in a tiny 8,000-seater stadium when they visit Serbia in September. Thomas Tuchel’s men had been anticipating a fearsome atmosphere in Belgrade for the crucial World Cup qualifier. England will face Serbia at the Dubocica Stadium in Leskovac – with a capacity of just 8,000Credit: GettyThe FA had assumed the notoriously noisy Rajko Mitic Stadium would host the clashCredit: ReutersRed Star’s hostile 53,000-capacity Rajko Mitic Stadium was expected to host the clash on September 9. But the Serbian Football Association appears set to host the Group K fixture away from the capital. A tiny stadium in the town of Leskovac has been earmarked for the game. The Dubocica Stadium is located around 170 miles south of Belgrade.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWith a capacity of just 8,136, it is smaller than FIFTEEN grounds in League Two. The development is understood to have surprised some at the Football Association, per PA.Belgrade’s Rajko Mitic Stadium hosted big Nations League matches against Spain and Austria over the last year. The Three Lions began qualifying with routine wins against Albania and Latvia in March. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKEngland will next be in action away to Andorra on June 7.They are then due to play Senegal in a friendly on June 10 at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.England squad plays the Traitors In a boost to the new England boss, Arsenal’s Ben White has confirmed his self-imposed international exile is over.White has not played for the Three Lions since leaving the team’s camp at the 2022 World Cup for “personal reasons.”White, 27, fit again after knee problems, said: “I’m definitely available.”I spoke to [Tuchel] a few times. He’s such a nice, nice man — very honest. I haven’t been back for too long.”So it’s just about playing now and hopefully making my way back in.” More

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      Emmanuel Kunde dead at 68: Pioneering World Cup icon who scored against England at Italia ’90 passes away

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      EMMANUEL KUNDE has tragically died at the age of 68.The former footballer is best remembered for scoring against England in the 1990 World Cup.Emmanuel Kunde has sadly diedCredit: RexHe scored against England in the 1990 World Cup quarter-finalsCredit: PAKunde jostled with Paul Gascoigne for the ballCredit: PASamuel Eto’o has paid tribute to the CameroonianCredit: APHis death was confirmed by the Cameroonian football federation.A statement read: “His death constitutes a huge loss for Cameroonian football.”His most famous career moment came when he netted the winning penalty in the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations final against Nigeria.He also won the continental cup four years earlier and came on as a late substitute in the 3-1 win over Nigeria again in the final.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe also scored a penalty against England in the 3-2 defeat in the quarter-finals of Italia ’90.Former Chelsea and Everton striker has shared an emotional tribute to Kunde on Instagram.He wrote: “I’m just learning of the demise of the Elder Emmanuel Jérôme Kundé, an iconic figure in Cameroonian football, who died at the age of 68.”Oh the sadness! It is a certain value of our heritage that is thus cruelly taken away from us.Most read in Football”I keep with him the memory of a discreet and affectionate man, a figure of moderation and consideration.”He was a fantastic footballer, the control tower in the midfield, the defensive wall the opponent crashed into but also a great playmaker when the team had possession.”Individually, it was a fine passer and an artifact with phenomenal power and goldsmith precision.”In fifteen years as a national team (127 selections), he took part in the two legendary epics of the Indomitable Lions in the World Cup (1982 and 1990), twice winner of the CAN (1984 and 1988).”His long career brought him to France (Laval, Reims) and Gabon (US Bitam) as a coach, even though it is in the Canon sportif de Yaoundé that his name and legend will remain associated forever, as a player and as a coach.”Praying for the great football family to keep him in your thoughts and my deepest condolences to his nuclear family.”Kunde started his playing career at the Mbankomo Club in Cameroon.He then played for the likes of Tempête de Nanga-Eboko and Canon Yaounde before joining French sides Laval and Reims.Read More on The SunHe retired in 1992, back in Cameroon after two years with Olympic Mvolye.In total, he played 102 times for Cameroon’s national team between 1979 and 1992 and scored 17 goals. More

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      ‘It’s time’ – England could host World Cup after seven decades as Fifa chief tells FA to ‘seriously think’ about it

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      ENGLAND could host the World Cup after a SEVEN-DECADE wait following a top Fifa figure’s encouragement to bid for the tournament.The nation hasn’t bid for the tournament since the controversial 2010 vote for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in Russia and Qatar, in which it was alleged that Fifa members were bribed to vote for the host countries.England hasn’t hosted the World Cup since lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1966Credit: GETTYThe FA failed to land the 2018 or 2022 World CupsCredit: GETTYFifa Vice-President Victor Montagliani believes it’s time the tournament returns to Old BlightyCredit: GETTYEngland hasn’t staged a World Cup since the historic 1966 tournament, which saw Sir Alf Ramsey’s troops win the competition on home soil.And Fifa vice-president Victor Montagliani believes it’s high time the tournament returns to these shores.During an interview with The Times, he said: “I can’t see why, not just England but the United Kingdom shouldn’t be hosting the World Cup.”I think it would be a fantastic World Cup and I think they should seriously think of putting their foot forward to host.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”We all know what the game means in the UK and I think it’s time.”The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, while the 2030 tournament set to be split across Spain, Portugal, Morocco and South America.Saudi Arabia will stage the 2034 tournament having run unopposed for the hosting rights.The Women’s World Cup will take place in the UK in 2035 and could be a potential catalyst for the men’s tournament to return to these shores in 2038 or 2042.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEngland could bid to host the 2038 or 2042 World CupsCredit: GettySpeaking on Fifa’s rotation model, Montagliani said: “I support what we have done in recent history, I think it’s the only way.”Now it shouldn’t be the Fifa president’s decision alone, he has a board, he has a council.Major change to World Cup final confirmed by Fifa chief Gianni Infantino with Coldplay to perform half-time show “But I think the old way we used to do it where people just waste their money and then all these shenanigans happen.That’s ridiculous. Let’s get away from that.“Let’s become a proper business. Let’s have an event management strategy so that we’re properly rotating it, everybody gets a crack at it.“The reality is that the World Cup generates 80 to 90 per cent of Fifa’s income, which then sends 80 per cent of that back to its members for the development of football.”And if Fifa doesn’t generate that money there is a significant number of the 211 countries that do not have the funds to develop football.”Next year’s North American World Cup will be the first tournament to include 48 teams.But South American footie chiefs have called for future tournaments to be expanded to an incredible 64 TEAMS, a total Montagliani believes would devalue the prestige which comes with qualifying for the competitionHe said: “Sixty-four teams is just too much in my opinion. We still haven’t kicked the ball for 48 teams, although I think we’ll be fine.Read More on The Sun“We’re OK where we are and I’m not comfortable with any more — scarcity is still important.”It still needs to be difficult to get to a World Cup and I think at 48 you’re still going to have some nations you may think should be at a World Cup but fail to qualify.” More

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

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

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

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

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      Wales World Cup qualifier STOPPED after 59 minutes in emotional tribute to North Macedonia nightclub fire victims

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      THE World Cup qualifier between North Macedonia and Wales was briefly paused in the 59th minute while both teams and fans paid tribute to the victims of a nightclub fire.Earlier this month, 59 people were killed in a blaze that ripped through Club Pulse in Kocani.North Macedonia vs Wales was paused while players and fans paid tribute to the Club Pulse fire victimsCredit: BBC IplayerFans stopped for a minute of applause, with some shining their phone lightsCredit: BBC IPlayer59 people died in a devastating fire at Club Pulse in KocaniCredit: ReutersThe fire, sparked by on-stage pyrotechnics, also injured 155 others.Citizens of North Macedonia were deeply affected by the tragedy so a tribute was prepared for the nation’s first home match of the year.During the World Cup qualifier against Wales, referee Jerome Brisard temporarily stopped play on the 59-minute mark in honour of the 59 victims of the nightclub disaster.Players joined fans at the Tose Proeski Arena in stopping for a minute of applause.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSome fans also turned their phone lights on to illuminate the stands.The match continued with a drop-ball for Wales after the tribute.Discussing the impact of the tragedy before the match, Wales head coach Craig Bellamy said: “We haven’t spoke about it but the players are aware of it.”I’d like to send my condolences to the families and also the people of North Macedonia.Most read in Football”It’s difficult to talk about football when moments like this happens, but we’re here for it and I completely respect the situation.”We’ve had our own tragedies and we know as a country what they’re going through. I’d like them to know that everyone in Wales is fully behind them.”I hope for just 90 minutes that we and North Macedonia are able, maybe just a tiny bit, to take one or two minds off what’s happened.”Only for a tiny bit. I want that because life is the most important. We just get to play football.”North Macedonia were moments away from winning the match thanks to a 91st-minute strike from Bojan Miovski.However, David Brooks levelled things up with just a few seconds left on the clock to steal a point. More

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      BBC coverage of World Cup qualifier is interrupted by temporary fault as Wales fans are left fuming

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      THE BBC’s coverage of Wales vs North Macedonia was interrupted by a technical error on Tuesday.Just over two minutes into the World Cup qualifier, coverage of the match was stopped.Coverage of North Macedonia vs Wales was interrupted by a faultCoverage continued shortly afterCredit: APInstead, a screen which read: “Temporary fault,” flashed up while the broadcaster scrambled to get the live feed going again.Coverage of the match eventually continued around a minute-and-a-half later.Fans were left baffled by the early issue, with one person taking to X to write: “Good start to the North Macedonia v Wales game on BBC.”Someone in the commentary box also had their microphone on and was just having a general chat in the background as well 😂 #Cymru.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAhead of the match, Wales head coach Craig Bellamy said: “North Macedonia is a different game to Kazakhstan.”We knew that beforehand so it hasn’t changed anything to what we’re looking to do.”We’ve had to review the game quickly and there were some really positive bits.”There were some things we need to improve on, but overall I’m very happy and it’s another game that allows us to progress.”Most read in FootballAsked if Wales were the underdogs going into the match, he continued: “I never see us an underdog. I’m not an underdog, I never have been. I will not accept that.”Favourites? I hope so. It doesn’t mean you take it for granted. I always look at it as a game of football. Can we have fun? Can we enjoy it?”How Lewis-Skelly could be Tuchel’s secret weapon for England More

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      England’s next home World Cup qualifier set to be moved to 42,785-seater Premier League stadium due to Coldplay clash

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      ENGLAND are set to play their next home World Cup qualifier at Villa Park in September.Thomas Tuchel’s side host Andorra on the sixth of that month but are not due to play at Wembley.Villa Park will host an England match in SeptemberCredit: RexThomas Tuchel will take his side to the MidlandsCredit: AlamyThat is because world-famous band Coldplay are due to play ten gigs between August 22 and September 8 at the Home of Football.That has led Aston Villa’s ground to be prepped as their alternative venue for the Group K qualifier.The last time Villa Park hosted the national senior men’s team was for a 2005 friendly against the Netherlands.Tuchel has six points out of six so far from England’s qualifying campaign, having beaten Albania and Latvia in his first two games in charge over the last week.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEngland play Senegal in a friendly on June 10 at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.Tuchel, 51, has gotten off to a perfect start as Three Lions boss.England defeated Albania 2-0 on Friday night courtesy of goals by Harry Kane and Myles Lewis-Skelly.They then dispatched of Latvia 3-0 last night via Reece James, Kane and Eberechi Eze strikes.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollowing the Latvia win, boss Tuchel said: “It is good, because I learn about my team and my team learn about me.”We will get there.”Roy Keane leaves Ian Wright laughing after ITV pundit’s joke about Thomas Tuchel following England’s win over Latvia England will next be in action away to Andorra on June 7.They will then play Senegal three days later. 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