World Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘It’s harsh’ – Roy Keane calls out Thomas Tuchel just minutes into ITV coverage of his first England game

      by

      ROY KEANE has called out Thomas Tuchel for his brutal verdict on Gareth Southgate’s England at Euro 2024.Just minutes before Tuchel took charge for the first time on Friday night, ITV pundit Keane suggested the German had gone too far.Roy Keane told Ian Wright and Co Thomas Tuchel might have been over the topCredit: RexNew England chief Tuchel bawled out instructions against AlbaniaCredit: RexThe new Three Lions’ boss brought back Marcus Rashford in the World Cup qualifier against Albania at Wembley.Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn made their debuts, with Liverpool’s Curtis Jones also starting.The intriguing new look follows Tuchel claiming Southgate’s men lacked “hunger” and “excitement” last summer – despite reaching their second Euros final in a row.Manchester United legend Keane appears to believe the ex-Chelsea chief had a point – but might have gone over the top.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former midfield hardman said: “It seems a bit harsh on Gareth – but I know where he’s coming from.”Southgate stepped down shortly after a 2-1 defeat against Spain in the Euro 2024 final and three years after losing to Italy at the same stage following a shootout.Tuchel, who officially replaced the Englishman in October, had no qualms this week in delivering a ruthless assessment on the Three Lions’ performances in Germany last summer.Questioned by ITV about what the Three Lions had lacked in the last Euros, he replied: “The identity, the clarity, the rhythm, the repetition of patterns.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEngland 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…”The freedom of player, the expression of player, the hunger.”They were more afraid to drop out of the tournament, in my observation, than having the excitement and hunger to win.”And asked what England had most needed, he said: “Excitement.”The view that people feel that the team’s to beat. That we arrive with a group to beat.”That we know already when we arrive, once we qualified, everyone knows this is the team to beat.” More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Everyone was very impressed’ – Dan Burn reveals Thomas Tuchel’s rallying cry for England to win World Cup

      by

      DAN BURN is determined to win England’s first trophy since 1966 – just like he ended Newcastle’s long wait for silverware.The 6ft 7in Toon defender earned his first international call-up two days after heading the opener in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool.Dan Burn has praised Thomas Tuchel after his maiden England call-upCredit: RexThomas Tuchel has told his player to ‘put a second star on the shirt’Credit: GettyIt was the Toon’s first domestic trophy in 70 years.  And now he wants to be part of England’s first World Cup success since 1966 – after revealing that new boss Thomas Tuchel has urged his players to ‘put a second star on the shirt’.Burn, 32, said: “I see a lot of similarities between Newcastle and England in that respect so it would be amazing for everyone associated with the whole country.“We’ve got a long way to go but I’d say from speaking to the manager, I’ve got confidence that everything possible will be done to finally bring the trophy home.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEngland kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign against Albania at Wembley on Friday night.And as Tuchel assembled his squad for the first time at St George’s Park on Monday, he left them in no doubt that his ambition is to win the tournament in the United States next year.  Burn said: “He told us that the goal is to put another star on the jersey and, speaking to the lads afterwards, everyone was very impressed with how he came across, with his vision of what he wanted to do.“You could just see that people were tuned in and really want to buy into that.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“Personally, I just want to make as much of a big impression as I can and then try and make the next camp.“Every little kid’s dream is to play in a World Cup or even just to play for your country so to know I have got that opportunity if I take it is special.”How Newcastle outsmarted Liverpool with Dan Burn and Alexander Isak’s genius tricks More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘It was clear why’ – Mikel Arteta lifts lid on why ‘brave’ Arsenal star Ben White refused to play for England

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA saluted “brave” Ben White after he told Thomas Tuchel he wants an England return.The Arsenal defender has not played for his country since leaving the 2022 Qatar World Cup early amid an alleged fallout with assistant Steve Holland.Mikel Arteta says there is no way Ben White let England downCredit: GettyEmirates ace White allegedly fell out with England coach Steve HollandCredit: GettyBut White, 27, told new England boss Tuchel he would “love” to end his exile — although was not fit enough to be in yesterday’s squad.This is despite Three Lions legend Stuart Pearce warning: “If players let you down once, they will always let you down.”But Gunners chief Arteta hit back: “What Ben did was very brave and not a lot of people would have done it.“I was very involved in [White refusing to be called up].READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I know how Ben felt and it was very clear for me the reason why he made that decision.“It wasn’t about [letting his country down]. It was about facing the situation and saying, ‘I can’t handle it now and I am not the best person to represent the country the way I feel right now’.“So it was completely the opposite. What a lot of people would do is hide in that environment.“Whatever the outcome, what I want is for Ben to be happy.Most read in FootballNew Three Lions, boss Thomas Tuchel has opened the door for WhiteCredit: ReutersWhite won four England caps under Gareth Southgate from 2021-2022Credit: GettyBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“Knowing Ben, he won’t be influenced by somebody else.“And if they found that chemistry between Thomas and him, that’s great. If he wants to come and Thomas wants him, great.Ben White set for England return as Thomas Tuchel confirms Arsenal star ‘would love to be back’ in squad “He has the level and the potential to achieve great things with the national team.”Tuchel held talks with right-back White before leaving him out of his first England squad to face Albania on Friday and Latvia three days later. White made a first start since November in Arsenal’s 2-2 Champions League draw with PSV Eindhoven after a knee op.Tuchel said: “He loves to be back in the squad. It’s a bit too early, given the injury he had.“We’ve been monitoring his training. We are on it and are speaking to Ben. I’m delighted he’s back.“It’s a question about getting more minutes and rhythm. He has every chance to be back. He’s glad to be back.”Arsenal superkid Ethan Nwaneri earned a first England Under-21s call.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe forward, 17, will be involved for friendlies with France and Portugal.Academy kid Nwaneri has enjoyed a stunning breakout season under Arteta — with eight goals in all competitions — and was even touted for a senior call-up.Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, 17, has leapt up into the England U-21s squadCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

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

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside three-horse race to host World Cup final with world’s largest stadium aiming to beat Bernabeu and Camp Nou

      by

      REAL MADRID’S Santiago Bernabeu and Barcelona’s Camp Nou could be snubbed as hosts of the 2030 World Cup final.Spain will be co-hosting the competition along with Portugal and Morocco in five years’ time.The Stade Hassan II may host the 2030 World Cup finalCredit: PopulousThe Moroccan ground will have a capacity of 115,000 and will be the largest in the worldCredit: PopulousEach end of the stadium will hold 29,500 general admission spectatorsCredit: SPAThe ground has a provisional budget of 5billion dirhams (£381million)Credit: PopulousIt has long been assumed that the tournament’s showpiece game would be played at either the Bernabeu or the Camp Nou.However, Real and Barca’s stunning homes could incredibly MISS OUT on the final to a very unlikely competitor.The 78,000-seater Bernabeu was fully renovated before reopening last season, at the staggering cost of £1.5billion.While Barca hope to return their iconic stadium before the end of the season after it’s own incredible £1bn-plus facelift, with an increased capacity of 105,000.Read More on FootballHowever, even that will be dwarfed in size by the stunning Stade Hassan II in Morocco – which could beat both to the final.The 115,000-capacity ground is projected to be the largest football stadium in the world.The stadium has been designed by Populous in collaboration with Paris-based architects Oualalou + Choi.The ground, which has a provisional budget of 5billion dirhams (£381million), will serve as the home of Morocco’s national football team and two local clubs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEach end of the stadium will hold 29,500 general admission spectators.Five levels of hospitality along each of the main stands at the side of the pitch will welcome 12,000 VVIP, VIP, Hospitality and Box users, in addition to the Royal box.Inside 30,000 capacity European stadium visited by Chelsea where you can enjoy game in a hot tub eating fondueConstruction is expected to be completed in 2028 and the stadium will be built on a surface of 100 hectares in the province of Benslimane, which is some 38km north of Casablanca.Design Principal and founding partner at Oualalou + Choi Tarik Oualalou insists the “state-of-the art” stadium “has occupied space and is giving up space around it”, unlike other candidates like the Bernabeu, which is located within the city.Oualalou, who is also the lead architect, told EFE: “Morocco’s proposal is to build the largest stadium in the world for the World Cup final in Morocco. “So it is not only calibrated, but it is designed for this, it is imagined for this.”Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu may miss out on the 2030 World Cup finalCredit: GettyBarcelona’s Camp Nou may not host the World Cup final More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      World Cup stadium which hosted infamous clash involving Cristiano Ronaldo to be destroyed for SMALLER ground

      by

      AN ICONIC World Cup stadium is set to be demolished and replaced by a smaller ground.The plans to improve the venue, which can hold 50,000 fans, has been hit by financial challenges. The Max-Morlock-Stadion is set to be destroyedCredit: AlamyThe ground is the home of Bundesliga 2 club NurembergCredit: GettyThe stadium played host to the infamous Portugal vs Holland game in the 2006 World CupCredit: AP:Associated PressReports from German outlet Bild claim there is an £83million black hole in funding.Nuremberg’s Max-Morlock-Stadion is now set to be knocked down and a new ground built.Plans to increase the capacity of the arena have been ditched and features like an underground car park are off the table.A capacity of between 35,000 to 45,000 is expected at the new ground.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe stadium is owned by Nuremberg council and parliamentary chief Andreas Krieglstein insists they can only construct a venue “viable for the city budget”.Treasurer Thorsten Brehm earlier this week called the initial figures “overambitious” and they are now “planning conservatively”.The Max-Morlock-Stadion is the home of Bundesliga 2 club Nuremberg.It also hosted five 2006 World Cup matches, including England’s 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago, and the infamous round of 16 clash between Portugal and Holland.Most read in FootballDubbed the “Battle of Nuremberg”, the referee sent off two players from each team and dished out a record-breaking 16 yellow cards.Cristiano Ronaldo was subbed off injured in the first-half after a horror tackle from Khalid Boulahrouz.Saudi Arabia release new pictures of 92,000-capacity ‘germinating seed’ King Salman Stadium ahead of 2034 World CupThe Max-Morlock-Stadion also played host to six matches at the 1972 Olympics and the European Cup Winners’ Cup final in 1967 as Bayern Munich beat Rangers.The ref sent off two players from each two in a crazy game More