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New job pending

Dan Ashworth is set to make a surprise return to the FA after leaving Manchester United.

The former Red Devils sporting director departed Old Trafford in December after just five months at the club.

Ashworth had previously held the same role at Newcastle before agreeing to join Man United.

However, he could now land a new role with the FA just three months on from his United exit.

As first reported by The Telegraph, Ashworth is in discussions for a major role at St. George's Park.

The 54-year-old has been holding talks for some time regarding a return to the England set-up and negotiations are said to predate Thomas Tuchel's first two matches as Three Lions manager.

As part of the role, Ashworth would oversee the FA's 'St. George's Park 2.0' project.

You can read more below...

Dan Ashworth set to land new job as part of '£105m evolution' after Man United exit

Verton-gone

Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen is to call time on his football career at the end of the season.

The 37-year-old will end his playing days at Anderlecht after making over 300 appearances for Spurs over the years.

This news follows his ex-teammate in the Premier League, Toby Alderweireld, also announcing that he will retire this summer.

Vertonghen has posted a video on Instagram, saying: "During the past weeks, months, I have been thinking a lot about how I want to continue or end my career.

"This past time has made it clear that it will be my last games not only at Anderlecht but in my career.

"I've realised that it's becoming harder and harder not only in games, but also in training to get ready physically to show what I want, to be the player I want to be. Not only towards the fans, to my team-mates, but mostly to myself as well.

"I've had the chance when I was sitting in the stands to reflect a lot and I'm so proud of what I have achieved with everyone."

"For the next 11 games, these eight to 10 weeks, I'll try to give it my all and hopefully experience some beautiful moments together," Vertonghen added.

"But then the journey ends and that hasn't been an easy decision, but it's a decision I have to take and I feel it's the right time.

"We'll do everything we can to make it a fantastic ending."

'Deluded'

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has hit back at some of the criticism aimed at Trent Alexander-Arnold.

talkSPORT brought you the news earlier today that the England international had agreed a deal with Real Madrid.

Alexander-Arnold will leave Anfield this summer for nothing and head to Spain, where he will pen a five-year deal worth £220,000 per week.

Since the news was revealed, the Scouser has been the subject of intense criticism online from Liverpool supporters.

But Warnock has staunchly defended Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave his boyhood club for Los Blancos, where he will join Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.

Writing on X, he said: "Can’t believe the negativity directed towards Trent Alexander-Arnold and his potential move away from LFC. I’ve seen comments like “he should be ashamed” and he’s “not loyal to the club” are deluded.

"He’s entitled to make his own choices and challenge himself in a different league and different country.

"He’s won everything with LFC, been an incredible servant to the club and should be given a great send off by the fans."

Rogers X Rooney

Former England manager and Spurs legend Glenn Hoddle has compared Morgan Rogers to Wayne Rooney.

Rogers made his first senior Three Lions start last night and impressed, after being rewarded for his incredible season with a call-up.

The Aston Villa forward has had a breakout year and Hoddle sees a similarity to English football icon Rooney.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "I think he's one when you want to find out about somebody on the pitch, all the hype, you've had a look at him in training, can he reproduce it?

"He went out there and his first bit of skill that he made when he went out towards the corner flag and he did what I call a Rivellino.

"It was back in the day, he used to hit the top of the ball and he spun round the guy and I don't think anyone saw actually what he did, but he got on the back of him on the byline and cut it back.

"I think it went for a corner and I thought, my word, if that's your first thing you're gonna do as a as a player coming on...he was wonderful."

Hoddle continued: "I thought he was excellent, he's just got that little bit of guile about him, that little bit of turn of pace.

"And my word for his age, he's got that body strength that possibly like a Rooney when he was really young.

"He won't get knocked off the ball and he's a confident lad and he believes in his own ability.

"I mean, when you think about that type of player coming through who's only gonna get better, he's got talent coming out of his ears."

Spence's struggles

Tottenham defender Djed Spence has opened up on the negative impact Antonio Conte had on his career.

Spence joined Spurs in 2022 when Conte was in charge, but the Italian refused to play him, labelling him as an 'investment of the club'.

He's now in fine form back at the club this season after multiple loan spells, and he's looked back on that tough time.

"It wasn’t a nice feeling," Spence told the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast. "Especially as I was coming to the club on a high, I was confident, I was buzzing, had just won promotion.

"Then it was like running into a brick wall. It shattered my confidence a bit, obviously I’m young. It’s not nice to hear.

"I knew it was rubbish at the time. It wasn’t a nice feeling. I was even going into the club like ‘What am I doing?’”

He continued: “I feel like whatever I did, that man [Conte] wasn’t happy about anything.

"Even if you did the right things, you were like, ‘Did I do the right thing?’ Cos he’s not really a complimenting guy.

"It gets to a point where you don’t really need validation from a coach. You just go, ‘Oh’.

"I probably had one conversation with him."

Anger or respect?

There will be plenty of Liverpool fans this morning who will be frustrated that Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving.

The defender has been at the club for his whole career and he's Liverpool born-and-bred.

However, some will be content with Alexander-Arnold moving on to join one of the greatest clubs in the world, Real Madrid.

Former Crystal Palace owner and talkSPORT host Simon Jordan has been speaking about the fan reaction.

He said: "I'm never one that aligns with players, in fact, I'm the polar opposite. So the fact I'm aligning with Trent Alexander-Arnold isn't me being a contrarian.

"Everyone that criticises a choice, they very rarely have that choice themselves.

"In this instance, Trent Alexander-Arnold has made a choice, has he performed admirably for Liverpool during the time he's been there? Has he ever let this club down?

"Is he entitled to live his life? Or does he have to do precisely what a Liverpool fan thinks he should - until Liverpool want him no more and discard him when they're finished with him?

"He's performed admirably for Liverpool and the only challenge is, should he have gone for a fee?

"Well, okay, how much did Liverpool pay for him?"

After Sam Matterface stated that Reds fans could be hurt by the departure, Jordan continued: "Well, they should grow up.

"He gave them significant performances. I don't think he's hoodwinked Liverpool.

"I don't think he's done the Sol Campbell trick of indicating to the club that he's going to sign and then run across town to join the biggest rivals."

'I think he's quite fortunate'

Simon Jordan believes that Trent Alexander-Arnold is 'fortunate' to have got the move to Real Madrid.

However, he doesn't believe that the defender has lacked loyalty to Liverpool where he has spent his entire career.

Speaking on White and Jordan, he said: “There are some people that believe that you should actually tie yourself to one football club for the rest of your natural-born life if you happen to have come through their development and through their youth.

“In an ideal world, in a sentimental world, where those sorts of people live, that's a very interesting dynamic.

“In the real world, what players' responsibility is to be as loyal as their contract dictates and to do their jobs all the way through their contract.

“Trent Alexander-Arnold has done that. Do I think he's as good as people make him out to be? I don't think so. I think he's quite fortunate to be getting a move to Real Madrid.

“I think he's a very good player, but I don't think he features regularly in the England side.

"I don't think he's an international player that the England set-up felt was the most reliable player to have in their set-up at times. And I think he's got a great move to Real Madrid.

“In terms of loyalty, people lose their minds over this nonsense. They lose their minds over what loyalty looks like.

“Your loyalty in football is to do your job under the auspices of your contract, not engineer outcomes that disadvantage your football club and not go on strike when you don't like something. Other than that, that's the length and breadth of it.”

'He's earned the right'

Troy Deeney believes Trent Alexander-Arnold has earned the right to move on from his boyhood club Liverpool.

Alexander-Arnold has won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup while playing for the Reds.

And now he's going to make the jump to Real Madrid.

Former Watford striker Deeney said on talkSPORT Breakfast: “I feel that he is in a position where he’s done everything at Liverpool. He’s won everything. He’s given them a lot.

“I would have liked for them to get some money for him, personally. For PSR and things like that but it’s been a wonderful exchange.

“It’s somebody who’s come through the youth system. He’s been captain of his boyhood club, he’s won everything with his boyhood club.

“Now, he’s not leaving to go to any other team, he’s going to Real Madrid, the biggest team in world football.

“So, I think it’s perfect for him and fair play to him, he’s earned that right in my opinion.”

Surprising stunner

Reece James has admitted that his muted celebration last night was due to his surprise that his free-kick resulted in a goal.

The Chelsea star found the back of the net in England's 3-0 win over Latvia with a glorious set-piece late in the first half.

Stepping up from all of 30 yards, James curled his effort around the Latvia goal and into the top corner of the Wembley net.

While his teammates swarmed him to celebrate his effort, James kept a straight face - a reaction that was unusual given the quality of his strike and the fact it was his first goal for his country.

But reflecting on his celebration in his first Three Lions appearance since 2022, James insisted there was nothing to worry about.

Asked about his relaxed celebration on ITV, he smiled: "I was surprised it hit the back of the net.

"I thought the keeper could have maybe got there but looking at the replay, it was probably tough."

He added: "I saw the wall and I thought I could bend it round and thankfully I managed to hit the back of the net."

Reece James reveals surprise reason why he didn't celebrate stunning England goal

'Unbelievable'

Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri has made a great first impression in the England U21 camp after making his debut.

Nwaneri came off the bench for his first Young Lions appearance on Friday night before starting on Sunday.

And on his first start, the teenager scored.

Manager Lee Carsley piled praise onto the Gunners forward and said post-match: "It's definitely a finish he's got.

"Everyone knows exactly what's going to happen but you cannot stop it. He took his goal so well.

"But we have to keep remembering he's 18, unbelievable isn't it?

"But what an impression he has made, it's important we look after him."

Winning start

England manager Thomas Tuchel has been left pleased with his winning start in his new role.

Tuchel's Three Lions beat Latvia last night to follow up a win over Albania on Friday evening.

Speaking on his time in the camp after his second win in charge, he said: "[I'm] Very happy because of the players mainly.

"The staff were amazing, the organisation of the camp was absolute top but the players made the difference.

"Of course, like always, they reminded me instantly why I was excited about the job - because of these players, top characters, very good group.

"I think we had some excellent days on the pitch, but also off the pitch. Good energy and a very positive atmosphere from the start.

"Everyone wants to give his best. Everyone is proud to play for England, to be in the starting 11, wants to come on. It was a good atmosphere, good start.

"There is still room to improve but overall we have two wins, two clean sheets. We did not allow any big chances in two matches.

"So there's a lot of positives to take away and still room to improve. It's good stuff."

Guler bites back

Turkey and Real Madrid's Arda Guler has hit back at Domink Szoboszlai's very specific criticism.

The pair clashed on Sunday night as Turkey beat Hungary 3-0 in the Nations League for a 6-1 aggregate win that saw Szoboszlai's side relegated to League B.

During the match, Guler, who scored, shushed the Liverpool midfielder during an on-pitch clash.

The Hungary captain responded to a picture of the moment with the numbers 1088, referring to Guler's very few minutes for Madrid this season.

Now the 20-year-old has replied, with a brutal Instagram story which read: "This guy is a joke. Isn't six goals enough to shut you up?"

Ball boy honour

A ball boy who played his part in one of Germany's Nations League semi-final goals against Italy has revealed a fitting tribute from the team's captain.

Fifteen-year-old Noel Urbaniak quickly passed a ball to Joshua Kimmich during a corner and he then set up Jamal Musiala for a tap-in while Gigi Donnarumma was remonstrating with the referee.

The goal proved to be crucial in the 3-3 draw in Dortmund as Germany made it past Italy by just a single goal after a 2-1 first-leg draw.

Speaking to Sky the morning after the event, Urbaniak said: "I had the ball and threw it to Kimmich.

"He later thanked me again for the assist and signed the match ball for me. It's mine now.

"I find it simply unbelievable, it's a truly amazing feeling. If you like, I was the twelfth man for the German national team today. I would have loved to have celebrated with the team."

Musiala said at the time: "That's his assist."

Hui and dry

Dean Huijsen won't be at Bournemouth next season, according to teammate Justin Kluivert.

Spanish outlet MARCA managed to speak to the former Valencia wideman after Spain beat his Netherlands side in the Nations League.

Asked about his Cherries teammate, Kluivert said: “I know that next year he won’t be with us.”

Huijsen, who played with the Netherlands youth teams, had just played his first senior international matches, but for Spain.

The 19-year-old centre back opted to represent the country where he grew up instead of his Dutch birthplace.

He impressed in both games for Spain as they overcame the Dutch on penalties in an enthralling Nations League semi-final.

Strongly linked with Real Madrid, talkSPORT understands that Liverpool are also interested in the teen defender.

Signed from Juventus for a miserly £12.6million, it's understood that he has a £50m release clause this summer.

Jordan on Bruce vs Gayle

Simon Jordan has given his thoughts on former employee Steve Bruce going after Dwight Gayle.

Gayle criticised the ex-Newcastle manager's lack of tactics on a podcast interview, and Bruce surprisingly hit back.

Speaking after a win with his League One Blackpool side, Bruce made headlines as he sarcastically called Gayle 'legendary' before mentioning a big miss in the FA Cup against Manchester City.

talkSPORT host Jordan, who hired Bruce at Crystal Palace, wasn't a fan of the response, saying: "I think Steve should've risen above it.

"I think that was a laddy environment with two young lads guffawing at what he [Gayle] said.

"Bruce managed for me a long time ago and the one thing he did was get himself on the training pitch.

"Gayle is an average player who played at Palace and I doubt there is anything seeded in accuracy [in what he said] but it will play to the gallery to the people at Newcastle that didn't appreciate Steve Bruce and his brand of football."

MLS boss confirms De Bruyne talks

MLS side San Diego FC failed in their attempts to sign Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne, the club's sporting director has revealled.

Tyler Heaps told The Sun: "He is a fantastic footballer and loves this area. Kevin comes here every year on holiday.

"I have had talks with him, but that salary does not fit our budget at the moment."

De Bruyne is among those rumoured to be making an Etihad departure this summer after a poor season from Pep Guardiola's side.

The Belgium captain has also been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League and was asked about his future after his side's 3-0 win over Ukraine.

“How do I see next season? Playing football. Where? No idea," he said in the mixed zone.

Winger woes

England manager Thomas Tuchel has been backed in his critique of Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford.

Tuchel called out the pair in his first game as Three Lions boss, a 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Albania.

Giving his thoughts on the pair ahead of facing Latvia, he said: "I've spoken to both of them in front of the group, they know that I appreciate the effort, especially off the ball.

"Marcus had a lot of runs where we did not see him and did not use him and from time to time we oversaw him.

"Phil is maybe just not finding the momentum at the moment that he can have but both of them are very positive and have every right to be positive."

talkSPORT host and three-time England international Gabby Agbonlahor commented: "You need your wingers to go both ways.

"Now I want to see more from Jarrod Bowen, I want him to start tonight and go down the line.

"Not inspiring performances from Rashford and Bowen but I'm sure the manager will be speaking to them and wanting more, because they have more than what they showed."

Ten Hag return?

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is keen on the Juventus job, talkSPORT understands.

Ten Hag was sacked by United in October and has been out of work ever since.

Juve axed Thiago Motta on Sunday with the team currently fifth in Serie A. Igor Tudor was appointed on an initial contract until the end of the season.

Juve made the big call to go with Motta last summer in an expensive move after his heroics in taking Bologna to the Champions League.

However, the Brazilian-born former Italy midfielder endured a February from hell, getting knocked out of the Champions League by PSV, and then the Coppa Italia by Emploi in the space of a week.

Ten Hag, meanwhile, continues to be linked to top jobs away from England, including at Borussia Dortmund.

The 55-year-old moved to Old Trafford in 2022 after impressing with Ajax and won an FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Yet United's league form never picked up despite heavy investment, and it's only got worse under his replacement - Ruben Amorim.

SW6 stay for Chelsea?

Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly has suggested that the club are likely to stay on their current patch and rebuild Stamford Bridge.

The big-spending majority owner of the Blues has had stadium development near the top of his list of priorities since taking over the club in 2022.

Previously linked with a move to Battersea Power Station, Chelsea have remained at the Bridge and there has been little in the way of updates.

However, while speaking to Bloomberg, Bohely discussed the subject.

"Inside of London it's really complex, it's not as if we're building something inside a rural environment," he said.

"We have a lot of constituencies we have to care about and the Chelsea fan base is one.

"But long term I think we're going to build something new and we'll figure it out.

Wood worry

Nottingham Forest fans had an unwelcome sight with talismanic striker Chris Wood hobbling off for New Zealand this morning.

Wood was taken off in the 54th minute of a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over New Caledonia and limped to the sidelines.

The 33-year-old is the Premier League's fourth highest goalscorer this season with 18 efforts.

He's also a huge part of why Forest are currently in line to qualify for the Champions League, having scored 37 per cent of their goals.

On top of that, Fantasy Premier League players are also big fans, with a massive 48.4 per cent of participants owning the former Burnley striker.

Forest return to action on Sunday away at Brighton and will be hoping Wood is good to go by then.

More love for Henry

The Thierry Henry aura was on full display when Panama beat the US in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals, and it still lives on.

Cecilio Waterman jumped on the pitch side CBS pundit to celebrate his stoppage time winner, telling the Arsenal legend that he was his idol growing up.

Responding to the scenes, Panama City Mayor, Mayer Mizrachi, has extended an invite to Henry.

"Cecilio Waterman's 93rd - minute goal against the United States excited us, but your sincere and humble reaction won us over," he wrote in a statement.

"Your message went viral, and you are now one of us.

"On behalf of all citizens, I invite you to come visit our country. A celebration full of love and admiration awaits you."

England team news

Morgan Gibbs-White and Jarell Quansah have both been recalled to the England squad for tonight, talkSPORT understands.

Gibbs-White and Quansah were left out of Thomas Tuchel’s first matchday squad to face Albania on Friday.

talkSPORT also understands Aaron Ramsdale and Tino Livramento have been left out for Monday’s game against Latvia.

Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon has left the England camp after picking up an injury against Albania.

Myles Lewis-Skelly is hopeful of keeping his place in the 11 and Morgan Rogers is again pushing for a first senior start.

Decision to make

Chelsea will reportedly have to pay Manchester United £5million if they do not permanently sign Jadon Sancho.

Sancho joined the Blues on a season-long loan last summer, with the deal including a £25million obligation if they finish 14th or higher as per reports.

The Athletic have now said Chelsea will have to pay a fee to United should they choose not to make the winger's move permanent.

This is said to have been part of the agreement in the deal, with the relations between the west London side and the player 'strong'.

Sancho got off to a flying start for Chelsea as he assisted three goals in his first three Premier League outings.

However, the 24-year-old has scored just two goals in 28 appearances.