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      England vs Latvia LIVE SCORE: Thomas Tuchel makes it two wins in two as Three Lions cruise in qualifier – latest updates

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      THOMAS TUCHEL records back-to-back wins as the Three Lions continue World Cup qualifying winning form.The Wembley clash opening exchanges were tupsy-turvy as the visitors missed a golden chance from a defensive mix-up. However, on the 38th minute James would provide the decisive touch from 25 yards out. Following the interval, an unmarked Kane would met Declan Rice’s fizzing low cross to tap in from yards out with no more than 20 minutes to go. Seven minutes later, substitute Eze would dance into the box before unleashing a strike past the goalkeeper to secure all three points and sit top of group. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Tougher tests need to lay aheadOne of the worrying things for England is their qualifying group, there is nobody in it to test them at all.That could mean them going into the next World Cup having not faced any opposition that will truly ask any questions of this side.Tuchel and the FA will need to address this with many other nations playing competitive matches against quality opponents.Copy linkCopiedThomas the frank engineOne thing you will always get with Thomas Tuchel is honesty.In his media duties after the match, he pulled no punches in the fact he was not completely happy with what he saw out on the pitch against Latvia.It could be a refreshing era to be an England fan with a manager who will always tell you what he is truly thinking.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedNew coach still finding his feetIt is hard to see anything different from this England team with Thomas Tuchel so new to the job.The pain of defeat in the Euros is still raw but fans know something needs to change if they are going to win trophies.As the manager outlined in his post-match media duties, he felt he has learnt a lot about his players over the course of these two matches.Ensuring they qualify will be the main target for his tenure but it remains to be seen if he can get this generation to blossom.Copy linkCopiedEze does it for Three LionsEberechi Eze made the difference for England against Latvia at Wembley this evening.His pace and skill was a constant threat to the visitors, something they struggled to cope with.The Crystal Palace winger has a hunger for beating players whenever he gets the ball, which in a game like this one was a joy to watch.Providing he can stay fit, he has made a big claim for a starting spot in this Thomas Tuchel era.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGoals send fans home happyEveryone expected an England win against lowly Latvia.What nobody wanted to see was a mundane performance with few goals and little penetration.Having scored three times, dominated the game and barely had anything to do in a defensive capacity this was job done at Wembley this evening.Copy linkCopiedGunner puts in big shiftDeclan Rice was an integral cog in the England machine tonight.His runs into the channels helped try and break down a dogged Latvian defence at Wembley.Add to that his assist for Kane’s goal, it was an impressive performance from the Arsenal midfielder.Copy linkCopiedJames grabs first Three Lions goalReece James put in a solid performance for Thomas Tuchel’s side against Latvia this evening.It was his stunning free-kick that opened the scoring, despite not really celebrating the moment.The keeper had no chance as his curling effort went into the top corner of the goal.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedBoss gives overview of performanceSpeaking with ITV Sport after the game, the England manager gave his thoughts on tonight’s match.I guess so. It was not an easy match, we had to unlock it. We created a lot of chances from set-pieces. In general I am happy with the attitude, we will get there. Especially in the second-half, we started a little too slow. We encourage everyone to have these accelerations and when they did this everything seemed a little easier. It is interesting as I learn about the players and learn about the game, which is good.Thomas TuchelEnglandCopy linkCopiedMissed opportunity for Villa manMarcus Rashford came into this match full of confidence as he looks to rebuild his career during his loan spell at Villa Park.Despite being so involved in the game and seeing so much of the ball, his performance really failed to deliver.Something is missing still, it may take a little bit more than a short holiday in Birmingham to fix.Fortunately Rashford is not walking home tonight, roads could have proved a dilemma, after this showing it is evident he cannot cross anything.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT: England 3-0 LatviaThis result will be seen as job done looking at the scoreline.For long periods of the match, Tuchel’s side struggled to break down a side that had everyone behind the ball.James’ superb free-kick broke the deadlock before two second-half goals added more of a gloss to the performance.Copy linkCopiedFT: England 3-0 LatviaThe referee brings the game to a close.Another win for Thomas Tuchel’s England side.Latvia offered little resistance here this evening.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at WembleyAt times, the crowd were more excited about paper planes and Mexican waves. But as the Latvians tired, England provided some more entertainment. As well as Kane and Eberechi Eze’s goals, Morgan Rogers should have scored once and had another effort very well saved. Rashford tried ever so, ever so hard, but nothing quite came off for him. Tuchel was frustrated his team didn’t turn their chances into more goals. But job done.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia90+2. Sits is penalised for a shove on Konsa.He has seen more grass than Snoop Dogg in this second-half.Ironically, Wembley looks like the fire alarm has gone off with more empty seats than filled ones now.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia90. Foden has the chance to put a late corner into the box.The delivery is woeful as it barely gets more than an inch off the floor and is easily cleared by the visitors at the near post.We are going to have three added minutes.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia88. That was a dreadful miss from the Palace defender.One stand out player in this game, despite only coming on as a substitute, is Eberechi Eze.Latvia have not been able to cope with his pace, trickery and hunger to make something happen.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia86. England have a free-kick which is worked short.The ball is played out to Eze, who puts in an inch-perfect cross into the middle of the goal.Guehi has a completely free-header but, somehow, sends it wide of the target.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia84. Someone seems to have put ten pence in the bugle player now.Always seems a bizarre thing to bring to a football game.Leaving the house, checking you have all the important things.Wallet, mobile phone, brass band instruments……check.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia82. You could be forgiven for thinking football is no longer a contact sport.The reaction from Konsa when Gutkovskis made life difficult for him on the ball was nothing short of pathetic.It is almost like the modern footballer loses their mind when somebody actually looks to get physical with them.As Roy Keane would say……..babies!!Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia80. There are some tired Latvian legs out there now.England could really rub salt into the wound in the remainder of this game.The visitors had done well to keep the score respectable for such a long period of this match.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia78. Tuchel looks ready to make some more changes.Henderson, Jones and Walker are all ready to come on.They replace Rice, Rashford and Lewis-Skelly.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia76. Eze has looked like a breath of fresh air in this game.He picks up the ball, wide in the box, twisting and turning his man.The Palace winger cuts inside onto his right foot and gets a shot away which beats the Latvian keeper.It took a deflection on the way through but it would be harsh if that one if taken away from him.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Eberechi Eze (England)Copy linkCopiedEngland 2-0 Latvia74. England almost catch out Latvia on the counter.Rashford could not sort out his feet quick enough to play the first-time pass needed to find Foden in acres of space.He ended up backheeling it into the path of Kane but his attempted cross was cut out.Copy linkCopiedEngland 2-0 Latvia72. Latvia force their second corner of the game.As the ball is whipped in, Konsa heads it clear.The visitors try a long range effort but it is well blocked.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at WembleyQuite a few paper planes in this second half, which is never a good sign. Thomas Tuchel does not look a happy man, sitting in the dugout scowling like a Dickensian villain. How on earth has Jude Bellingham not been sent off? Already booked for an orange-card-worthy foul in the first half, he’s just done a needless scissor challenge on Raivis Jurkovskis. It’s not what Tuchel meant when he said he wanted Bellingham to channel his emotions. A bit of a surprise that he wasn’t taken off sooner. Although he did tee up Kane for a chance he would usually bury. Phil Foden now on for Bellingham, with the chance to make up for Friday. Kane scores immediately.Copy linkCopied More

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      Former Premier League star barely recognisable as he shows off horror injuries suffered in World Cup qualifying

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      FORMER Manchester City star Edin Dzeko looked almost unrecognisable in a photo he shared online following facial injuries during the international break.Dzeko, 39, took part in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Romania on Friday, but left the stadium bruised and battered.Edin Dzeko looked unrecognisable after suffering facial injuries while on international dutyCredit: edindzeko/instagramThe Bosnia and Herzegovina star was kicked in the face during a match against RomaniaCredit: edindzeko/instagramDzeko was already wearing a wrist support from a recent injuryCredit: EPAHe shared a close up of stitches above his eye from an injury sustained with his clubCredit: edindzeko/instagramDzeko was left bleeding from his eye in a recent Fenerbahce matchCredit: edindzeko/instagramThe veteran striker shared the message that he is, “ALL IN or nothing”, on Instagram after being clattered in the face by a Romanian defender during the clash.Dzeko suffered horror injuries to his face, including two black eyes and busted nose and was forced off the pitch as a result.The Fenerbahce forward looked as though he had been through the wars as he added his international injuries to a stitched up eye and bandaged hand from his club duties in recent weeks.In fact, the Inter Milan and Roma man even shared a picture of blood pouring from his eye earlier in the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis worse for wear look left his teammates over the years teasing him in the comments section of his post.Mario Balotelli wrote: “You look nice in this”.While Radja Nainggolan added: “You look great”.Anderson Talisca chimed in with some words of support, writing: “Cheers brother! You will come back stronger”.Most read in FootballDzeko won two Premier League titles with Manchester CityCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Fenerbahce goalkeeper Ifran Can Egribayat simply wrote: “Legend”.Dzeko, who won two Premier League titles with Man City, is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s captain and all-time record appearance holder.Sol Campbell reveals he’d have never have made controversial transfer to Arsenal if it wasn’t for Lord Sugar He also holds the title of record goalscorer for the nation, scoring 67 goals in his 140 caps.Unfortunately he will be unable to extend either of those records on Monday when Bosnia and Herzegovina face Cyprus, after his fresh injury has ruled him out of contention.According to Fenerbahce, Dzeko is returning to Turkey for further tests and will miss out on the game.Bosnia and Herzegovina boss Sergej Barbarez suggested that Dzeko could have broken his nose.He said: “I think Edin Dzeko’s nose is broken. He wasn’t in the dressing room. I don’t have full information yet”. More

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      ‘We need to help him’ – England boss Thomas Tuchel reveals his masterplan to make Jude Bellingham even BETTER

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      THOMAS TUCHEL wants Jude Bellingham to save his energy for decisive moments — and channel his emotions.The Real Madrid midfielder played the defence-splitting pass that set up Myles Lewis-Skelly for the first goal of England’s 2-0 victory over Albania.Thomas Tuchel earned a 2-0 win in his first match in charge of EnglandCredit: AlamyJude Bellingham earned his 41st England capCredit: GettyBut boss Tuchel reckons there have been times, including at last summer’s Euros, where Bellingham tries to do too much.He said: “He is always ready to give everything.“But we need to help him so that within a structure, he can play more economically and still have the same impact — or maybe even more.“We need to make sure that the leaders — and he is one of the leaders — and the key players walk in the same direction, play in the same rhythm and help each other out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“And play a little more disciplined maybe, to save some energy for the decisive moments.”Tuchel loves the passion that Bellingham shows.The German said: “He loves to talk to the ref and the linesmen.“Jude’s a very emotional player on the pitch and you just see he hates to lose. You see the desire to win.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“I think he’ll keep this hunger and learn to channel the emotions a little bit.”Tuchel had his ups and downs managing superstars Neymar and Kylian Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain and can use that experience to help Bellingham flourish.Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend Ashlyn Castro releases emotional statement on relationship history He said: “Jude is and will be a key player for us. And he is happy to take the responsibility.“He’s always able to make the difference so we need to find the structure to make the most of it.”Tuchel —  whose next challenge is tomorrow’s game against Latvia — enjoyed his debut as Three Lions boss.He beamed: “It still feels great. I love the group of players. Now we’ll try to squeeze the best out of them.”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

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      Wales 3 Kazakhstan 1: James, Davies and Matondo get Craig Bellamy’s side off to dream start in World Cup qualifying

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      BEN DAVIES got Wales off to a World Cup qualifying flier in Cardiff.The Tottenham defender powered home a vital second half header just when Craig Bellamy’s Dragons feared Group J embarrassment against world No 110 Kazakhstan.Wales kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-1 win over KazakhstanCredit: PACraig Bellamy’s men have started the group in buoyant moodCredit: GettyWales play North Macedonia next on TuesdayCredit: ReutersIt was only Davies’ third Wales goal on his 93rd cap but the 31-year-old’s close-range effort could prove crucial for his country in their bid to reach the finals in USA, Canada and Mexico next year.In-form Leeds attacker Dan James got the hosts – bidding for a second successive World Cup appearance – off to a positive start.Bellamy saw his side pegged back after Askhat Tagybergen’s penalty before unlikely goalscorer Davies and substitute Rabbi Matondo – with his first Wales goal – claimed maximum points.The rookie 45-year-old manager is now unbeaten in his opening seven matches as national boss ahead of Tuesday’s tricky trip against North Macedonia in Skopje.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWithout creative pair Harry Wilson and Aaron Ramsey sidelined through injury, Wales looked for another star to step up to the plate with James stating pre-match he would thrive on the responsibility of being the Dragons’ main man.And the 27-year-old, who has netted ten times for Daniel Farke’s Championship leaders this season, stuck to his word with the opening goal inside nine minutes.After David Brooks saw his back-flick lose possession, Liam Cullen quickly pressed and regained the ball.The ball broke to Spurs’ Davies, who slipped in James, whose left-footed strike beat Kazakhstan goalkeeper Alexandr Zarutskiy via the aid of a deflection.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt was James’ eighth goal for his country and handed boss Bellamy the perfect start in front of a 32,473 crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium.Wales wasted a decent chance to double the lead when Brooks’ pass intended for Sorba Thomas was cut out after the lively James put the Bournemouth attacker clear into space.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotThe hosts suffered a sucker punch when Kazakhstan captain Tagybergen scored from the penalty spot on 32 minutes.Donatas Rumsas pointed to the spot after the Lithuanian referee deemed Connor Roberts had handled Islam Chesnokov’s cross.Tagybergen went down the middle and hit Wales keeper Karl Darlow with his spot-kick but the ball squirmed over the line.Dan James opened the scoring in the ninth minuteCredit: RexThe visitors soon pulled one back from the penalty spotCredit: ReutersKazakhstan’s equaliser was the visitors’ first competitive goal since November 2023 against Slovenia.There was a bizarre incident five minutes before half-time when ref Rumsas was sent to the pitchside monitor for a VAR red card check.Maxim Samorodov caught the back of Roberts’ calf but replays suggested the foul did not seem worthy of a sending off and Rumsas agreed as he issued a caution following a lengthy delay.Ben Davies restored Wales’ lead moments after the breakCredit: RexRabbi Matondo made sure of the result with a late strikeCredit: ReutersWales were level at the break and the opening 45 minutes left Bellamy with much to ponder in this must-win qualifier.But the Dragons chief got exactly the response he wanted as his men regained the lead just two minutes into the second half.Nantes winger Thomas, on loan from Huddersfield, forced a corner and his right-footed inswinger set up Wales’ crucial second.READ MORE SUN STORIESKeeper Zarutskiy totally missed the ball, allowing Davies to emphatically head home powerfully from close-range.Then Rangers forward Matondo, on a temporary spell at Hannover in Germany, put the gloss on the win by sweeping home Thomas’ cross in injury-time. More

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      Thomas Tuchel brutally axes THREE England players on day of first World Cup qualifier including Cole Palmer replacement

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has axed Morgan Gibbs-White, Jarell Quansah and Aaron Ramsdale from his first matchday squad as England boss.The Three Lions take on Albania this evening in a World Cup qualifier.Thomas Tuchel has run the rule over his England stars in trainingCredit: GettyMorgan Gibbs-White was a late call-upCredit: GettyJarell Quansah is yet to earn his first capCredit: GettyAaron Ramsdale has endured a difficult season at club levelCredit: GettyNew boss Tuchel, 51, last week named a 26-man squad for this international window.Due to Uefa rules, however, tonight’s matchday squad can only include 23 players; 11 starters and 12 substitutes.This means that Tuchel has been forced omit three players from contention to play.Gibbs-White, 25, missed out on the initial squad but was drafted in due to fitness concerns over Cole Palmer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOpening up on his late call-up, the Nottingham Forest star said: “It was about 4 or 5 o’clock on Sunday. The manager, Thomas, sent me a message to say ‘are you free to talk?’ And I replied within seconds ‘yeah’.“He phoned me up and said ‘are you still upset with me, or do you want to come and join us and fancy training tomorrow?’“I said ‘I’d obviously love to come and join and train with the boys’, so, yes, I found out Sunday late afternoon-ish and I was just smiling from ear to ear.”Quansah, meanwhile, was called up ahead of Everton standout Jarrad Branthwaite.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe 22-year-old has been named in two previous squads, but is yet to earn his first cap.Aaron Ramsdale is the unfortunate goalkeeper to miss out.Thomas Tuchel blasts Gareth Southgate’s England as ‘more afraid to drop out of Euro 2024 than hungry to win it’ Jordan Pickford is expected to start between the sticks, with Dean Henderson and James Trafford on the bench.Tuchel has confirmed that Harry Kane will remain his captain.While Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are likely to start in midfield.The German made some surprise decisions when naming his first squad.Veterans Kyle Walker, Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford all earned call-ups.While Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly are in contention to earn their first caps.Jordan Henderson was Tuchel’s most surprise call-upCredit: Getty More

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

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      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

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      World Cup’s hottest fan sends followers wild in busty snap wearing red latex corset and covered in lipstick kisses

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      IVANA KNOLL took social media by storm once more with another raunchy snap.Ivana, 32, was crowned as the World Cup’s sexiest fan three years ago with her antics in Qatar where she donned a series of outfits that left little to imagination.Ivana Knoll took social media by storm once moreCredit: @knolldoll/instagramIvana posed in a small red latex corset on InstagramCredit: @knolldoll/instagramIvana was covered in red lipstick kisses all over her bodyCredit: @knolldoll/instagramIvana shares a series of raunchy snaps across social mediaCredit: @knolldoll/instagramThe Croatian model is still going strong as she shares a series of glam pics across social media.This time she took to Instagram where she posed in a red corset with a number of lipstick kisses all over her body.Ivana posted: “When he says he misses me but I miss the days when I didn’t know he existed.”That led to almost 50,000 likes from her 2.8million followers who were left in awe and stormed the comments’ section.Read More on FootballOne fan gushed: “Wooow!”Another commented: “Slay queen!”A third wrote: “Gorgeoussss.”This fan said: “Loveee these.”Most read in FootballAnd that one stated: “OMG.”Knoll went viral when she watched her beloved Croatia compete in the World Cup.World Cup’s sexiest fan Ivana Knoll stuns in bikini video as fans say ‘you can really move those hips’She watched Luka Modric and co making it to the semi-finals and finishing third after beating Morocco in the third-place play-off.Scroll down for more from Ivana KnollIvana made a name for herself during the 2022 World Cup in the standsCredit: GettyIvana wore some steamy outfits while supporting CroatiaCredit: GettyIvana was dubbed the 2022 World Cup’s “hottest fan”Credit: Instagram @knolldollIvana’s following continues to grow on social mediaCredit: Instagram More

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      ‘I will retire, I promise you, I’m telling you today’ – Aston Villa ace Emi Martinez makes shock revelation

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      ASTON VILLA goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has dropped a huge retirement hint, pinpointing exactly when he could hang up his boots.Martinez established himself as the world’s best keeper after helping Argentina to the World Cup final two years ago.Emiliano Martinez has hinted at when he could retireCredit: AlamyMartinez won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022Credit: GettyThe 32-year-old’s heroics both during the match and the penalty shootout saw La Albiceleste lift the iconic gold trophy in Qatar.He won the Golden Glove and was subsequently awarded the Yashin Trophy the following two years.And this week he made history by becoming the first-ever two-time winner of FIFA’s The Best Men’s Goalkeeper award.Amid all of his individual success, Martinez is now seeking more glory on the international stage.Read More in FootballHe wants to become a two-time World Cup champion with Argentina.And if he manages it in 2026, the goalkeeper insists he will hang up his boots.He told AFA Estudio: “Is there any national team that has won two World Cups in a row?”If I become a two-time world champion with the Argentine national team, I will retire.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMartinez says he will retire if he wins the World Cup again in 2026Credit: Getty”I promise you. I’m telling you today. I will retire after that World Cup.”After being called “old” by Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez during the interview, the goalkeeper went on to add: “I’ve only just turned 32, my friend, I’ll be 33 at the World Cup, a young lad. I started playing when I was 30, what do you want?!”Watch moment Argentina keeper Emi Martinez lashes out at and SLAPS camera after fiery defeat to ColombiaMartinez also admitted that he came close to retiring from international football after the 2022 World Cup final.He continued: “I get to the dressing room, and I see Cuti Romero and Marito crying.”Then I said: ‘No, that’s it, I’m retiring from the national team. That’s it, I’ve achieved everything’. It was my dream.”Then I passed Paulo Dybala crying and when I hugged him, I started crying like a child thinking about what I suffered in England.”The next World Cup will be held in 2026 across the USA, Canada and Mexico. More