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    England’s path to World Cup 2026 becomes clear with qualifying pots confirmed and chance of tricky meeting with rivals

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    ENGLAND are set to be among the top seeds for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after securing their return to Nations League A.But new boss Thomas Tuchel could potentially face a nightmare encounter with a Home Nations rival as he prepares to guide the Three Lions to the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.Thomas Tuchel will guide England through the World Cup qualifiersThe Three Lions have been placed into Pot 1 for the World Cup qualifying drawEngland could be grouped against rivals Scotland next monthAfter a successful Nations League campaign under interim boss Lee Carsley, England have since been placed into qualifying Pot 1.Each of the Nations League quarter-finalists have also earned an automatic spot in Pot 1. That means Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal and Euro winners Spain will be among the highest-seeded teams.They have been joined by the four next highest ranking sides in the Fifa Men’s world list: England, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria.READ MORE ON ENGLANDSo, for now, England will avoid being grouped with all of the top-listed sides in Pot 1, as no two teams from the same pot can end up in the same group.However, Tuchel faces being placed in the same qualifying group as some of England’s closest rivals.Wales will be in Pot 2 after topping their Nations League group to earn promotion to League A.And England could also be grouped with one of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland in Pot 3.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Three Lions will be among those drawn into 12 groups of four or five teams on December 13.As group winners – and having avoided Nations League play-offs – they are likely to be in a five-team group that starts in March.Lee Carsley hailed for ‘best football England have ever played’ as fans say ‘can we rip up Tuchel’s contract-‘England face a 25 per cent chance of being in a four-team group, which means they are more likely to be placed in a five-team group.The latter is the worse of the two scenarios for Tuchel because it means starting qualifying in March.The German wouldn’t be able to ease into the job with a couple of friendlies during that March international break as his first two games would count towards qualifying for the World Cup.Carsley successfully led them back into the Nations League’s top tier with two convincing victories, over Greece and Ireland, in his final games in charge.By finishing top of Group B2, England are extremely likely to have a World Cup play-off spot banked, with the same situation facing Group B4 winners Wales.Following England’s 5-0 win over Ireland, Tuchel has avoided a Nations League promotion play-off as his first assignment.This means he will embark on a fresh Qualifying campaign for the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States in 2026.What are the World Cup European Qualifying pots?Pot 1SpainGermanyPortugalFranceItalyNetherlandsDenmarkCroatiaEnglandBelgiumSwitzerlandAustriaPot 2UkraineSwedenTurkeyWalesHungarySerbiaPolandGreeceRomaniaSlovakiaCzech RepublicNorwayPot 3ScotlandSloveniaRepublic of IrelandAlbaniaNorth MacedoniaGeorgiaFinlandIcelandNorthern IrelandMontenegroBosnia and HerzegovinaIsraelPot 4BulgariaLuxembourgKosovoBelarusArmeniaKazakhstanAzerbaijanEstoniaCyprusFaroe IslandsLatviaLithuaniaPot 5MoldovaMaltaAndorraGibraltarLiechtensteinSan MarinoBest-case scenario for England’s qualifying group of fiveAs per the current world rankings and pot positions, England could face Pot 2 side Serbia in their qualifying group when it’s drawn in 23 days time.Another best-case scenario grouping would come against Pot 3 outfit Iceland.But that hasn’t been an entirely easy fixture in English football as Gareth Southgate’s side found out when they lost 1-0 to Iceland in their final warm-up game before Euro 2024 in June.England were also memorably, and embarrassingly, dumped out of Euro 2016 in a 2-1 defeat to Iceland in the Round of 16.The Three Lions will be hoping they were freak results, as they did beat their bogeyteam from the volcanic island in their two games in-between.Meanwhile, another best-case match-up would be against the Faroe Islands, who are in Pot 4 and have never qualified for the World Cup.England suffered their worst humiliation when they lost to Iceland in 2016Worst-case scenario for England’s qualifying group of fiveOut of all the teams in Pot 2, England will want to avoid being grouped with regional rivals Wales.While England beat Wales in their World Cup group in Qatar, Tuchel will want to avoid any embarrassing defeats to the Welsh, who under the new leadership of Craig Bellamy, will be hell-bent on causing an upsetBut the difficulties in Pot 2 doesn’t stop there. England will also face difficult fixtures against Erling Haaland’s Norway and Sweden.The worst case scenario from Pot 3 would be Georgia, who shocked everybody with strong performances at Euro 2024.The Georgian’s boast Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia among their ranks, with England facing a 2,000 mile trip to the edge of Europe.Wales are in Pot 2 after topping their Nations League group to earn promotion to League AThe worst-case scenario from Pot 4 would be a long journey to the border of West Asia against Azerbaijan, while Moldova are the best ranked Pot 5 side.Being in a five team group could mean games in March and June.This could cause added headaches for Tuchel as several high profile stars are set to play in the Fifa Club World Cup that starts on June 15.England stars who play for Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich will be expected to play for their club teams.Clubs wouldn’t be able to block players from playing for England, that’s against the rules, but players could drop out themselves.Just last week, nine England stars withdrew from Carsley’s final camp citing fitness issues.How do the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers work?A total of 16 Uefa nations will compete at the tournament – an increase of three from the previous edition in 2022.The European Qualifiers are scheduled to begin in March 2025 and end with the play-offs precisely a year later.Teams will play each other home and away. Nations drawn in groups of five will start Qualifying in March and sides drawn in groups of four start their campaigns in September. All groups conclude in November 2025.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 12 group winners qualify directly, with the four remaining berths determined by play-offs involving the 12 group runners-up.Due to the Nations League play-offs in March, it means only four groups will be complete as of December 13.Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. 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      Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez spotted celebrating in ex-Everton star’s face after 101st minute Uruguay winner

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      LIVERPOOL star Darwin Nunez celebrated in ex-Everton defender Yerry Mina’s face after Uruguay scored a dramatic last-gasp winner.The striker was in action for his country as they beat Colombia 3-2 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier last night.Darwin Nunez celebrated in front of Yerry Mina after Uruguay’s late winnerThe Liverpool star shouted in his face as they made it 3-2Credit: GettyYerry Mina was jumping for joy just seconds before when Colombia scoredCredit: GettyUruguay were leading 2-1 deep into stoppage time when chaos erupted.Colombia netted a dramatic 96th minute equaliser via Andres Gomez to spark mass celebrations from the visitors.The crazy scenes saw the game not get back underway for four minutes and when it eventually did, Uruguay restored their lead in stunning fashion straight from kick-off.Manchester United star Manuel Ugarte fired home the winner in the 101st minute – just 30 seconds after the restart.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAll of the Uruguay team charged after him, with Nunez going via taunting Mina.He ran up to his old Merseyside rival and celebrated by shouting in his face.Nunez’s emotions were clearly running high as at full-time he was seen seemingly complaining about something to Colombia skipper and his Liverpool team-mate Luis Diaz.The pair then exchanged a hug as the striker finally calmed down.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNunez has history with Colombia after jumping into the crowd and throwing a chair at fans as violence marred a Copa America clash between the two countries in the summer.Uruguay’s win yesterday was huge in the battle to secure a spot at the World Cup in two year as it took them above Colombia on goal difference.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup gamesThey are now second behind Argentina in the table, meanwhile, Brazil are in fourth.The top six nations from qualifying in South America all make the World Cup.Mina played 99 times for Everton in his five-year stay and he is now with Serie A side Cagliari. More

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      Ten-man Venezuela accused of ‘world class s***housery’ as SPRINKLERS go off in stoppage time of Brazil draw

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      THE Venezuelan national team have been accused of using the dark arts to get over the line in their World Cup qualifier against Brazil.Venezuela had managed to keep the scores level against Brazil despite the five-time World Cup champions strong favourites in the match and dominating the ball.Venezuela vs Brazil was interrupted by a sprinkler mishapCredit: APThe sprinklers turned on while Brazil delivered in a cornerCredit: xThe referee stopped play as Brazil tried to start a new attackCredit: xBrazil players were fuming that the game had been delayedCredit: xThe frustrated players waited until the issue was resolvedCredit: AFPRaphinha’s first-half strike was cancelled out by an early goal in the second spell by Telasco Segovia.While Vinicius Junior missed a chance to put to the visitors ahead when he failed to score a 62nd minute penalty.But as Venezuela held on to what was a valuable point against one of the Conmebol’s strongest outfits, their chances of keeping it all level were handed a blow.Referee Andrés José Rojas Noguera sent off Venezuela winger Alexander Gonzalez in the 89th minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe dismissal left Venzuela with 10 men and another six minutes to play including added time.But before Brazil were able to take full advantage of their extra man, the sprinklers went off on the Estadio Monumental de Maturin pitch.The unbelievable moment killed Brazil’s momentum as they pinned Venezuela in their own box and delayed the game until the issue was resolved.And football fans have suggested that Venezuela could have even set the sprinklers off ON PURPOSE to help them grind out a point.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOn social media, one fan wrote: “Venezuela brought out the sprinklers to make the referee end the game against Brazil”.While another added: “93rd minute, 1-1 in a WC Qualifier. Brazil about to attack again and Venezuela set off the water sprinklers. South American s***housery of the highest order…”ITV ‘do England stars dirty’ as live footage of national anthem singing leaves fans in hystericsA third joked that the incident was: “World class s***housery”.And a fourth commented: “Bruh, this dark arts stuff is out of hand”.There is no evidence or suggestion that Venezuela did in fact set off the sprinklers on purpose.The game ended 1-1 with the result meaning Brazil now sit third in the Conmebol World Cup qualifying standings and Venezuela are down in seventh.Brazil’s Vinicius Junior missed a crucial penalty in the second halfCredit: APVenezuela celebrated a hard-earned pointCredit: Getty More

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      Serial burglar who forced Raheem Sterling to quit World Cup after robbing his mansion is jailed for 13 years

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      A BURGLAR who broke into Raheem Sterling’s mansion forcing him to fly home from the World Cup has been jailed.Emiliano Krosi, 24, carried out 33 burglaries, including the raid on the England star’s home on December 3, 2022.Emiliano Krosi who carried out 33 burglaries has been jailedCredit: Hyde News & PicturesKrosi broke into Raheem Sterling’s mansion forcing him to fly home from the World CupCredit: GettyHe was part of a gang that used a ladder in the rear garden to climb through Arsenal ace Sterling’s bedroom window and steal ten of his Rolex watches.An estimated £300,000 of designer gear was taken from the footballer’s £7million home in Oxshott, Surrey.Albanian Krosi, who travelled illegally to the UK in the back of a lorry, previously admitted to being involved in 15 of the burglaries. But yesterday at Guilford crown court Judge Catherine Hartley ruled he was involved in the remaining 18 break-ins.read more on footballShe sentenced him to a total of 12 years and ten months in prison.She said: “You are a dishonest and greedy man who willingly and enthusiastically took part in what was a familial, criminal gang.“Your greed and your criminality has resulted in a huge toll of human misery.”His offending took place while on bail after being caught with cocaine and cannabis on a train from London Euston to Coventry.Most read in FootballKrosi, from Southend, Essex, was sentenced to 19 months for possession with intent to supply which will run consecutively to the ­sentence for burglary.Surrey Police continue to hunt for his dad Alfred Isufi, 48, uncle Henri Osman, 44, and 22-year-old cousin ­Gerard Kalaja, who are all believed to have fled the UK.Newcastle’s £100m striker Alexander Isak’s mansion hit by gang of robbers in latest raid on Prem aces’ homesThey are suspected of being part of the gang which raided houses across the Home Counties from November 2022 to March 2023.Other victims included ex-Crystal Palace player Scott Dann and Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, whose home was targeted days before his then team-mate Sterling’s.PC Katherine Stevens, from Surrey Police, said: “Krosi was extremely methodical and organised in his targeting of homes, with the sole aim to make as much money as possible off the back of other people.”Ex-Crystal Palace player Scott Dann was also targetedCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Greece boss Gus Poyet pinpoints exactly what went wrong for England in shock loss… and warns it could happen again

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      FORMER Greece manager Gus Poyet claims England’s shock loss at Wembley was down to interim boss Lee Carsley’s baffling line-up and all the managerial drama.The Greeks upset the Three Lions with a 2-1 win last month in the Nations League after a brace by Benfica star Vangelis Pavlidis, despite an brief equaliser by Jude Bellingham, and dedicated the win to team-mate George Baldock just 24 hours after his sudden death.Ex-Greece boss Gus Poyet warns England could lose again at Athens due to their opponents’ unityCredit: SportsfileEngland lost to Greece at Wembley amid managerial dramaCredit: AlamyPoyet believes England interim boss Lee Carsley’s baffling line-up contributed to the lossCredit: AlamyThe two teams meet again on Thursday in the return fixture at Athens’ Olympic Stadium – also known as OAKA – in the first match after Thomas Tuchel was named England’s new full-time manager.Poyet, 56, suggests it’s a good thing the national team finally know who Gareth Southgate’s successor is as he believes the uncertainty took a toll on the player’s mentality.The Chelsea and Tottenham legend also expects Carsley, who will oversee the matches against Greece and Finland before Tuchel takes over in the new year, to name a much more balanced line-up at OAKA.The ex-Brighton boss suggested Carsley simply tried to accommodate all of his best players, which is almost impossible for any manager to do at international level.Read More on FootballThe 50-year-old coach tried out a controversial, ultra-attacking formation that saw Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon having to start in deeper roles, while Bellingham was placed up front instead of in-form strikers Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke.Poyet told SunSport on behalf of Freebets.com: “The mental side is very, very important. I think there were too many things going around publicly about England and the coaches and which one [will be in charge] and how it’s going to be. “Everybody saw after that game the FA decided to name Tuchel, which means it [the info] was inside the camp, that feeling. And nobody knew the future of the national team. “And it’s true that on the pitch, normally, it doesn’t affect the players when you are playing because you are not thinking about anything else. But the previous days, the previous hours and the after hours, it does. Greece put up a magnificent plan from the coach and the players. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”They understood exactly what they needed to do, and then in key moments of the game they took advantage. And that’s always important. You know, there are little things that need to go for you in certain moments, and they totally served well.”I think that for whatever reason, the coach in place tried something that most people in football were saying, that it was not possible to play everybody. Going back to my time, when they used to say Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and [Paul] Scholes, they can play together. England’s international break is a mess before a ball’s been kicked “Whatever it was here was the same. Everybody wanted to see everyone in somehow. Apparently that was the correct game to do it, and at the end it was clear that it was not. “So maybe, you know, sometimes we make decisions as coaches. We believe that playing all your best players, it makes a team. And sometimes it doesn’t, almost all of the time.”That was one of the biggest mistakes I made in one of my clubs, to try to accommodate all the very good players somehow into the pitch and put in there like a puzzle and it doesn’t work like that. “You know, a team needs to have some shape, some characteristics, some people who are going to be good at the ball, and some that are going to be good without the ball. And I think that somehow didn’t work for England.”Poyet believes the loss at Wembley absolutely proves England can lose again in Athens, which would see them missing out on first place in Group 2 and being dealt a severe blow to their 2026 World Cup plans.The former Sunderland boss knows Greece very well as he managed them for two years and transformed them as he promoted them to League B, only just missing out on Euro 2024 qualification in the play-off final at Georgia, which led to his exit.’England know they can lose’And he is adamant his successor at the helm Ivan Jovanovic has put together a smooth transition that sees his team being much more clinical on the pitch.Poyet added: “Now they know that they can lose and that’s enough. It’s gonna be a totally different game. I think the first game is always a surprise. This one is going to be different”For Greece, it’s going to be amazing. I think the progress that we made in two years and the intelligence of Jovanovic now taking that forward with his own style, but without changing too many players, is being proven absolutely right. “Go back two years and a half when I arrived, and there was seven or eight thousand people at OAKA . Now it’s going to be full. “It means that group of players are going places, and that shows that it was something right, and that the people got excited. So it’s going to be a great opportunity to see if it’s possible to repeat that magical moment at Wembley.”Poyet warned England, who saw Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Palmer, Levi Colwill and Aaron Ramsdale pulling out, the main ingredient that could cause another upset is the Greek players’ unity.Greece unity can cause another upsetThe likes of Cardiff’s Manolis Siopis, Newcastle’s Odysseas Vlachodimos, Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas, West Ham’s Dinos Mavropanos, captain Tasos Bakasetas and Premier League target Fotis Ioannidis have been playing together for years.And the game will be taking place in front of a sold out OAKA, filled with passionate Greeks that have fallen back in love with their national team following 10 years of hurt.Poyet said: “The unity of the group, for sure, 100 per cent, [can lead to an upset] because it’s there and continues to be there.”I think when you play against a team like England, which is one of the top teams in the world, you need to be practically perfect, no mistakes. “And you need to be on the day to bring down the difference between the two teams. So you need to be clinical. Greece was clinical at Wembley, READ MORE SUN STORIES”You need to make sure that everybody is in a high level. You just say, what a big decision for the coach you know, to play Pavlidis or to play Ioannidis [up front] – probably both will play part of the game. “So there is plenty of things that they need to be decided yet, and it will depend on what the two managers pick and decide how to play this game.” More

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      Egos, formations and selection dilemma.. Thomas Tuchel’s England to-do list in just 15 games before bid to win World Cup

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      THE ultimate mission is simple – you have 18 months to win the World Cup for England.But for Thomas Tuchel the pathway to glory resembles a minefield.Thomas Tuchel will have at most 15 games before the World CupCredit: SplashTuchel will have to find a spot for Jude Bellingham in the teamCredit: ReutersUnder Gareth Southgate, England were one step from heaven – losing two consecutive European Championship finals, as well enjoying two very decent World Cup campaigns.But the final step – that of actually winning a trophy – is the most important, and most difficult.So what are the major issues facing England’s incoming German manager, who has a maximum of just 15 matches in charge before the World Cup kicks off in the United States?The personalities and egos. The potential formations. The surplus of English talent in some areas and the glaring lack in others. The need to build on Southgate’s successes as well as learning from his failures.READ MORE ON ENGLANDAnd there will be precious little time for experimentation, given that Tuchel must first secure qualification.JUDE BELLINGHAMTHE Real Madrid Galactico is the greatest English talent of his generation – so what’s the problem?Well, how best to integrate Bellingham as a footballer and a man.For Real and England, Bellingham has played as a No 10, as a deep-lying midfielder, wide on the left and as a false nine.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd while No 10 is almost certainly his best position, the same can be said for Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, so is it possible to include all three of these major players in one effective starting line-up?Then there’s the issue of Bellingham’s star status. During the Euros there were whisperings of an oversized ego and personality clashes with other key players. If so, Tuchel needs to stamp on the problem.Thomas Tuchel gives his first message to fans as England manager HARRY KANETuchel worked with Harry Kane at Bayern MunichCredit: PATUCHEL is a huge fan of the England skipper and was proud of his significant coup in capturing Kane for Bayern.Kane will remain as captain as first-choice No 9 – but what if he is misfiring?What if Kane has an injury issue, such as the one which hampered him during the Euros, when Southgate was unwilling to drop him?Kane is more likely than most players to deny any fitness problem, and to insist on playing through pain – but Tuchel must have the balls to bench his captain if it is necessary.FORMATIONThe manager has used multiple formations during his careerCredit: APTUCHEL is tactically flexible, having played with a 4-3-3, a 4-2-3-1 as well as with a 3-4-3 wing-back system at Chelsea, where he won the Champions League.With so few matches in which to settle on his best England formation – and with Tuchel bafflingly not taking charge of next month’s two Nations League fixtures – he must be clear in a tactical vision which best suits his players and then stick to his guns.This issue is connected to the ‘Bellingham-Palmer-Foden’ conundrum as well as England’s lack of left-backs.Could Bukayo Saka be employed as a left wing-back to counteract that problem?And if you haven’t got two world-class centre-backs, is it better to go with a back three, including the pace of Kyle Walker, a man Tuchel tried hard to sign for Bayern?Then there’s the issue of Southgate’s reputation for over-caution. Tuchel is no free-wheeling entertainer. Is he bothered if the nation yawns while England win games?OLD FAVOURITESTuchel worked with Reece James while at ChelseaCredit: APTHERE are at least three English players currently out of the England set-up who have been favourites of Tuchel at club level – Reece James, Mason Mount and Eric Dier. Does the German bring them back into the fold?James and Mount have both been seriously affected by injury in recent years but if fit and firing, could James challenge Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker at right-back and would Mount enter the argument in the crowded attacking midfield positions?Dier was frozen out by Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou as well as Southgate but Tuchel revived his career at Bayern. Is he worth another England chance?FIND A LEFT-BACKTuchel will have to find a replacement for injury-prone Luke ShawCredit: GettyTHIS is England’s most glaring problem area given that Luke Shaw is rarely fit, while Ben Chilwell has been frozen out at Chelsea – where he was never a Tuchel favourite anyway.England have been employing specialist right-backs on the left in recent times, which has affected the balance of the team.Tuchel cannot stick with that plan so does he opt for a wing-back system with Saka on the left or find a new specialist in a back four?Brentford’s Rico Henry will soon return from a long-term injury, while Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell or Leif Davis are also worthy of Tuchel’s consideration.CLUB v COUNTRYGareth Southgate built a great team atmosphereCredit: GettyFOR decades before Southgate came along, England were often hampered by club-versus-country rows – resulting in plenty of dodgy sicknotes.Southgate virtually eradicated these issues, having worked hard to forge excellent relationships with individual managers, as well as between the FA and Premier League clubs, before and during his own reign as England’s senior manager.Firebrand Tuchel is a less clubbable personality so can he avoid burning the bridges his predecessor did so well in building?MASON GREENWOODMason Greenwood has been in good form since joining MarseilleCredit: ReutersA LEFT-FIELD issue this – but what if Tuchel wants to bring back Greenwood, a great English talent, who brings a vast amount of off-field baggage?In pure footballing terms, Greenwood is outstanding. A direct wide forward and an excellent finisher who has been tearing it up in France since joining Marseille, after a successful spell at Getafe in La Liga last term.READ MORE SUN STORIESGreenwood is expected to switch international allegiance to Jamaica but might Tuchel be tempted to keep him in the England system?If so he would be stepping into a moral maze. Charges of domestic violence against Greenwood have been dropped and he has not been convicted of any crime but many, including the FA top brass, would baulk at the idea of seeing him in an England shirt again.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel. 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      Thomas Tuchel: England manager BLOCKED from attending World Cup 2026 qualifying draw

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      THOMAS TUCHEL will be blocked from going to December’s 2026 World Cup qualifying draw.England’s new boss does not officially start work until January 1.Thomas Tuchel has been blocked from going to December’s World Cup qualifying drawCredit: GettySo he will not manage the team in next month’s Nations League matches against Greece and Ireland.Nor will he represent England for the draw in Zurich on December 13.Tuchel’s £10million-a-year contract with Bayern Munich was due to run out next June.His new Three Lions gig means he will lose £5m of that.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “Thomas had his timescale and it just fitted really well.“What was impressive was his singular focus on us, the World Cup and that project.“It made sense for it to start on January 1 and for Lee Carsley to finish the Nations  League  campaign.”Tuchel’s first taste of match action for England will come in March.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut it is not yet known whether that will be a Nations League play-off, a World Cup qualifier or a friendly.If England top their Nations League group B, they will avoid a play-off, but this will require Carsley to inspire the Three Lions to victory away at Greece and most likely also beat Ireland at Wembley in November.England interviewed ten candidates before appointing Thomas Tuchel, admits FA chief in German’s first press conferenceInside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.Avoiding the play-off will see them involved in either a World Cup qualifier or a friendly, depending on the how the draw in Zurich plays out.Should the Three Lions finish second in their Nations League group, they will be involved in a play-off with a side from a Nations League group A.Warm receptionFormer Chelsea gaffer Tuchel has been warmly received by most England fans following yesterday’s announcement.But the German hopes to win over any remaining doubters by proving his passion for the Three Lions on the pitch.Tuchel said: “I am sorry I have a German passport!”But I can tell the supporters I have felt my passion for the Premier League and my passion for the country and how I love to live here and work here.”Hopefully I can convince them and show them and prove to them I am proud to be the English manager.”The ex-Bayern Munich, PSG and Borussia Dortmund manager also revealed he is yet to decide whether he will sing God Save the King.Tuchel added: “I understood from Mark it is a personal decision if you sing it. Some managers did it and others did not.”I have not made my decision. Your anthem is very moving, I experienced it several times at Wembley and in cup finals.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Whatever decision I make, I will always show my respect to my new role, the country and a moving anthem.”As it is a new subject, I will take a little bit of time.”Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024 More

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      Watch Lionel Messi score incredible hat-trick and grab two assists as amazed fans ask ‘is he freaking 20 again?’

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      LIONEL MESSI will never lose it. The 37-year-old bagged a stunning hat-trick and provided TWO assists as Argentina thrashed Bolivia 6-0 in World Cup qualifying.Lionel Messi scored THREE and provided two assists against Bolivia in ArgentinaCredit: RexIt was revealed earlier this year that Messi’s goal celebration is dedicated to his late grandmotherIt was the football icon’s 10th international hat-trick.With that, Messi moved level with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most hat-tricks in men’s international football.The former Barcelona star said: “It’s really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people. It moves me how they shout my name.”This drives me – enjoying being happy where I am. Despite my age, when I’m here, I feel like a kid because I’m comfortable with this team.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”As long as I feel good and can keep performing the way I want, I’ll keep enjoying it.”The Inter Miami star’s sensational performance saw his career goal count shoot up to 846 – meaning he’s 59 behind stat rival Ronaldo.Messi has now scored 112 goals in 189 games for his country – only second to Ronaldo who has 133 in 216 appearances for Portugal.And his assists tally now sits at 377, with 57 of them coming in an Argentina shirt.Most read in FootballMessi put Argentina 1-0 up inside 19 minutes on Tuesday nightCredit: RexThe seven-time Ballon d’Or winner then scored Argentina’s fifth in the 84th minuteBefore striking again two minutes laterCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMessi, making only his second appearance for Argentina since suffering an injury at the Copa America in July, capitalised on a defensive error to put them ahead after 19 minutes.He set up Lautaro Martinez and then Julian Alvarez before substitute Thiago Almada made it 4-0.Lionel Messi launches new company as he teases shock new career and claims ‘entertainment always been a passion for me’Messi struck twice in two minutes late on, beating two defenders to fire in his second and completing his hat-trick by finding the bottom corner.And fans were in a frenzy after his hat-trick, with one writing: “Is he 20 again?”A second wrote: “He’s absolutely insane. Still the best player in the world.”A third said: “He played like he was 27 again tonight. He’s the GOAT.”One more replied: “The touch is still there, everything else still intact. Just bump up his pace a bit and you have 24-year-old Messi again 😂.”Another added: “It’s not crazy to say that Messi and this Argentina team could win the World Cup again!”The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner achieved his greatest feat when Argentina won the Qatar 2022 World Cup.Argentina are three points clear of Colombia at the top of the South American qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup, despite losing to Colombia in September and drawing with Venezuela last week.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Ronaldo threw a tantrum during Portugal’s 0-0 draw with Scotland at Hampden Park.His huff at Hampden was prompted by the officials’ decision to blow for full-time rather than a corner at the end of the match.He took home the match ball after scoring his 10th international hat-trickA flag of Diego Maradona and Messi was displayed during the match More

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      England facing fixtures nightmare as shock Greece loss could have knock on effect for World Cup 2026 qualifiers

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      ENGLAND could be forced to feature in a Nations League play-off in March.And that would mean the Three Lions’ World Cup qualifiers wouldn’t start until June.England will face fixture congestion if they fail to win their Nations League groupInterim boss Lee Carsley and assistant Ashley Cole had a night to forget at WembleyThe draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers will be staged in Zurich in December.If England finish top of the League B group, they are set to begin their campaign for the World Cup in March.But if England fail to automatically qualify, they’ll be forced to play a Nations League play-off in March instead.If Lee Carsley’s men finish second in the Nations League — and the 2-1 loss to Greece means this is possible — they will have a promotion play-off against a third-placed League A side.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSGreece sit three points above England at the top of the group.The Three Lions are set to be in a five-team World Cup group so their eight qualifying games could be pushed back.Interim head boss Carsley was given one main challenge when accepting his current role with England – to help the Three Lions earn promotion back to the top tier of the Nations League.But after the Greece defeat, Carsley all but confirmed that he doesn’t want the permanent job anyway.Most read in FootballThe damning stats that underline England horror showGreece were the lowest ranked side to beat England in a competitive match in 19 years (since Northern Ireland ranked 116th in September 2005.The away side were the lowest ranked side to ever beat England on home soil.It was the first time Greece had never beaten England in their history (10 attempts).Greece had never scored a goal at Wembley before tonight (the famous 2-2 with Becks free kick was at Old Trafford)Vangelis Pavlidis’ strikes were his first since June 2022 vs Cyprus.Jude Bellingham’s 87th-minute equaliser was England’s first shot on  target since the third minute (also Bellingham).FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCountries that win their Nations League group could earn a place in the qualifying play-offs for the 2026 World Cup, should they fail to qualify for the competition by normal means.But Carsley might have failed his audition after fielding an England team with NO recognised No.9 for the first time in the modern era.’Freedom is the new garlic bread,’ fumes Roy Keane as he blasts Lee Carsley’s England for forgetting the basicsWhat’s more, he admitted that they’d only worked on his rogue striker-less formation for 20 MINUTES in training.And the defeat could’ve been by four or five more – with the Greeks having THREE goals disallowed in their first ever win at Wembley.England can’t really afford more failed experiments like Carsley’s against Greece with a Pot 1 World Cup 2026 qualifying spot almost certain.England’s 12 shots only added up to 0.86 expected goals (xG), with Bellingham’s 87th-minute equaliser their only shot on target in the second half.Should Carsley win all three of his remaining group matches, taking place on Sunday and in another double header next month, England would be guaranteed promotion, should Greece drop points against either the Republic of Ireland or Finland.Next up for the Three Lions is a meeting with Finland, who sit bottom of Group B2 after three games.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut England swallowed plenty of chances against Finland last month -before Harry Kane’s late double saw them win 2-0 at Wembley.Reports in Germany on Friday evening suggested the England are in talks with Thomas Tuchel over a permanent job as Three Lions boss.England player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More