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Lee Carsley all but rules himself out of England manager’s job – then appears to change his mind minutes later

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Lee Carsley all but rules himself out of England manager's job - then appears to change his mind minutes later

LEE CARSLEY sparked fresh confusion over the England manager’s job by appearing to rule himself out  — then back in again minutes later.

The interim boss last night claimed the Three Lions deserve a “world-class coach who has won trophies” and that he is “still on the path to that” after England’s 3-1 Nations League win over Finland.

Lee Carsley oversaw a 3-1 win over Finland in Helsinki

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Lee Carsley oversaw a 3-1 win over Finland in HelsinkiCredit: Reuters
Trent Alexander-Arnold was among the scorers for the Three Lions

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Trent Alexander-Arnold was among the scorers for the Three LionsCredit: Getty

But the 50-year-old Brummie then insisted it was “definitely” wrong to assume he does not want the job permanently.

It left fans none the wiser as to whether the former Under-21 boss — who has three wins in four games of a six-match caretaker spell — truly wants the gig full-time.

Carsley was first asked at full-time about reports on Saturday that he is not interested in his role being made permanent.

He said: “People are always going to try and put their chips on one side.

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“I’m in the middle. My bosses have made it clear what they need from me. This job deserves a world-class coach who has won trophies and I am still on the path to that.”

But when later pushed on whether the permanent role was too soon for him, he said: “Definitely not. I tried to make it as clear as I could.

“My remit was for three camps. I’m not part of the process but it deserves a top coach.

“The players we have available, we’ve got a real chance of winning.

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“That was the point I was making.”

Carsley’s latest cryptic answers came after Thursday’s claim he would “hopefully be going back to the Under-21s” in the wake of the shock 2-1 defeat to Greece.

Thomas Tuchel Eyes England Manager Role Amid Man Utd Speculation

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England player ratings vs Finland

ENGLAND secured a commanding 3-1 win over Finland following their horror show at home to Greece

Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay assessed the Three Lions’ stars performances.

Dean Henderson – 6

Only his second cap after long-time No1 Jordan Pickford was dropped. Not a lot to do, but pretty assured when he was called into action, including a smart, first-half stop to repel a Benjamin Kallman strike – even if the Finn was later flagged offside. Could do little to prevent Finland’s goal.

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Kyle Walker – 6

After the calamity against Greece, it was no surprise to see Lee Carsley turn to his most experienced defender. Now just nine caps shy of a century, Walker was solid. Could have had an assist late on but his cushioned down header was poor.

John Stones – 6

England’s more conventional system meant the defence was far less exposed – though Carsley’s attacking approach did still see the Finns create chances. Stones made a good early block to deny Kallman after Angel Gomes gave the ball away.

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Marc Guehi – 6

Our best defender in the Euros group stages, Guehi was back in here with Levi Colwill dropping out. Pretty assured for a player who by his own admission has not started the season particularly well for his club.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7

We saw him in midfield at the Euros, and here the Liverpool right-back was shunted to left-back. Looked vulnerable defensively at times but who cares when he produces such quality on the ball – epitomised by his terrific free-kick to kill off this game.

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Angel Gomes – 8

The big success story of the Carsley era, however long it lasts, has been bringing Gomes into the fold. He created Jack Grealish’s opener with a beautiful, flicked-pass round the corner and was excellent in possession – barring one sloppy early pass.

Declan Rice – 7

Looked far more comfortable with Gomes playing in behind him, as opposed to the one-man defensive operation he was forced to put up against the Greeks. Looked proud as punch after stroking home England’s third from Watkins’ cross.

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Cole Palmer – 5

Played in a more familiar wide right position compared to his central-midfield experiment against Greece. Yet it reduced him to a peripheral figure, adding more questions than answers as to where best to deploy him, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.

Jude Bellingham – 6

The Real Madrid superstar played off Harry Kane and had the occasional, exciting link-up with Grealish, but this was not one of his more memorable games overall.

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Jack Grealish – 8

No doubt will be hoping Carsley does get the job full-time as his fellow Brummie seems to appreciate his talents. His composed finish was his second goal in three games under Carsley – doubling his overall haul from 39 caps.

Harry Kane – 6

Cap 101 for the captain but not one he will remember particularly fondly. He offered the presence the team lacked against Greece when they played with no striker, but did not get much of a sniff in front of goal.

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Subs

Noni Madueke (for Palmer, 69) – 7
This game was made for him to make an impact off the bench and he almost teed up Watkins after one fine run but the Finns cleared.

Ollie Watkins (for Kane, 69) – 7

Low cross for Rice’s third was right on the money.

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Rico Lewis (for Gomes, 80) – 6

Slotted in at centre midfield when coming on and looked busy.

Phil Foden (for Bellingham, 80) – 5

Embraced the post ruefully after Madueke opted to shoot instead of crossing to him for a tap-in seconds after Finland’s goal. Was marking Arttu Hoskonen when the Finn headed home a consolatio.

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Conor Gallagher (for Rice, 89) – 6

His first appearance under Carsley but too late to make an impact.

Lee Carsley – 7

His tactical gamble backfired against Greece but he held his hands up and went more conventional here. It paid off as England were relatively comfortable – although his teams have looked defensively vulnerable at times in all four of his games and this was no different.

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But the three best players, Gomes, Grealish and Alexander-Arnold, were all given starring roles by Carsley when used sparingly or not at all by predecessor Gareth Southgate – and for that, the interim boss should take credit.

Last night he pointed to previous caretaker roles at Coventry, Brentford and Birmingham for his reluctance to commit.

He said: “In the past when I’ve done this caretaker-interim role, I’ve gone so far down the ‘I don’t want the job’ [road], that I’ve not done the job.

“It’s important that I keep an open mind because in that case I’m not being reckless with my decisions, I’m thinking thoroughly about the squad I should pick.

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“Selection is very difficult, the amount of players I have to leave out.”

Carsley, who led the Under-21s to Euros glory last year, said the Greece defeat was “really disappointing” as he is so used to winning with England.

He also understood why his enigmatic answers would frustrate fans.

The former Everton midfielder said: “I can definitely understand why you would be frustrated by it.

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“Clarity is what everyone is looking for.

Carsley is hoping for clarity on his future as Three Lions boss

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Carsley is hoping for clarity on his future as Three Lions bossCredit: Rex
The interim manager has three wins from four matches in charge

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The interim manager has three wins from four matches in chargeCredit: PA

“I’m constantly saying to John McDermott [FA technical director], ‘Can I have an update? Can I have an update?’

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“The job is difficult enough as it is.”

Angel Gomes revealed that even the players do not know what their interim manager wants.

The Lille midfielder, 24, who teed-up Jack Grealish for the opener, said: “It’s difficult to gauge.

“He’s very happy and comfortable in coaching for England, whether it’s the first-team or U21s.

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“But ultimately, we don’t know for the foreseeable.”

Thomas Tuchel has been linked with the England job

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Thomas Tuchel has been linked with the England jobCredit: Getty

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Craig Bellamy: Why are new coach’s Wales tailing off in games?

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Craig Bellamy: Why are new coach's Wales tailing off in games?

Bellamy’s mantra when he first walked through the door as Wales head coach was all about forging an identity. A natural-born winner, results were always important – but the pressing priority was about Wales finding themselves as a team.

Meetings, analysis and Bellamy not swaying from what he wants his team to look like have all been geared to a new way of playing.

And, ultimately, players are still getting used to new demands and new instructions.

All during the limited time on camp with their new coach.

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So perhaps expecting it to be nailed down for 90 minutes just three games in is just not realistic.

“It’s consistency in the game, that’s what you’re pushing for, to consistently be good with the ball and without the ball,” said Bellamy, who added it is not only about players getting used to the game plan, but also adapting within matches.

He cited players still coming to terms with what he is asking of them and maybe reverting to a default setting when up against it in difficult moments.

“But I see these things as quite normal,” he added.

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“We’ve spent a number of meetings since then showing that discipline will allow you to have good habits. Good habits allow you to be consistent and if you’re consistent, then you can grow.

“We’re just in that period at the moment. It’s trying to create that consistency for us in how we see we would like this team to become.”

Ben Davies – captain in the injury absence of Aaron Ramsey – admitted the biggest difference under Bellamy is the style of play.

“We’re trying to dominate with the ball and we’re trying to show that we can be good without it,” said Davies.

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“It’s about maintaining those levels. You’ve seen in the games we’ve played that we have tried to start on the front foot, dominate the ball and create as many chances as we can.

“There’s a period of adaptation that’s expected. I feel that it’s gone pretty well and that as a group there’s a lot more to come from us.”

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Race Rewind: Playoff pressure peaks at the Charlotte Roval

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Luke Humphries’ incredible stats put him in same company as Phil Taylor and just one other darts star amid stunning run

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Luke Humphries' incredible stats put him in same company as Phil Taylor and just one other darts star amid stunning run

LUKE Humphries is in the final of the World Grand Prix after some incredible performances this week.

The world champion, 29, demonstrated his prowess when he defeated Ryan Joyce 5-0 in a devastating display on Saturday night.

Luke Humphries celebrates his epic win over Ryan Joyce on Saturday night

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Luke Humphries celebrates his epic win over Ryan Joyce on Saturday night
Cool Hand Luke's performance was compared to vintage Phil Taylor

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Cool Hand Luke’s performance was compared to vintage Phil Taylor
Michael Van Gerwen has been the dominant force of darts in the past decade

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Michael Van Gerwen has been the dominant force of darts in the past decade

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Cool Hand Luke averaged 100.30 during the contest, which is only the second time an average of a ton plus has been recorded at the semi-final stage – the other being Phil Taylor.

He is also in his sixth straight TV ranking final, with Michael Van Gerwen in 2016-2017 and Taylor the only people to do that.

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Afterwards, former darts star Wayne Mardle compared his numbers to the legendary Taylor and Michael van Gerwen.

But modest Humphries revealed if he is to be compared to Taylor he would have to consistently be in that kind of form.

“I don’t need to compare myself to Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen,” he said.

“Phil would do this game in game out, I have one out of five of them games so you can’t compare me to Phil, never.

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“And he’ll always have achieved more than any single player the world has ever seen. No one will ever be able to do what he’s done.”

Taylor boasts an incredible career record, including winning 14 World Championships.

He was also a World Matchplay winner 14 times, won the World Grand Prix on 11 occasions and has six Premier League titles to his name.

Luke Humphries fumes ‘I just can’t be bothered’ as he warns rowdy crowd ‘leave it at home’ after World Grand Prix

The Crafty Potter amassed a £6million fortune from the arrows, securing his status as the best player the game’s ever seen.

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Humphries, looking to retain the title he won last year against Gerwyn Price, is looking forward to his match against Mike De Decker.

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He said: “I think it’s a dream final, it really is.

“We’ve had so many battles and it’s going to be a good game. Mike’s playing well and I know I’m going to have to be at my best again.”

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Guardians vs. Yankees ALCS Game 1 Preview: Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz | MLB on FOX

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Guardians vs. Yankees ALCS Game 1 Preview: Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz




Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz previewed the Game 1 matchup in the ALCS between the Cleveland Guardians and New York Yankees.



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Motorsports

IndyCar’s Arlington circuit layout will leave drivers “exposed,” but keep things entertaining

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IndyCar’s announcement earlier this week of inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington set for 2026 has brought a high level of widespread anticipation, with the street circuit layout also getting everyone’s attention. 

A collaborative effort between Penske Entertainment, the Dallas Cowboys, and REV Entertainment, the official events partner of the Texas Rangers, the IndyCar Series will return to the Lone Star State following a two-year absence in 2024-25. North America’s premier open-wheel championship previously ran at Texas Motor Speedway, based nearby in Fort Worth, from 1997-2023. 

 

While the collective group of partners will play a significant part in raising the event to heights the sport is striving for, the main attraction still remains on track with the 14-turn, 2.73-mile street circuit. For reference, the longest street circuit the series raced on this past season was the 1.968-mile layout in Long Beach. 

The full unveiling of the track layout took place on Tuesday at Texas Live!, an entertainment center located between AT&T Stadium, home of the Cowboys, and Globe Life Field, home of the Rangers. 

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The circuit, which was designed by IndyCar’s longtime street track architect Tony Cotman, certainly raised plenty of eyebrows with a modern flow that rivals that of Formula 1’s Miami Grand Prix, which wraps around the stadium of the Miami Dolphins. 

Arlington Grand Prix track map

Arlington Grand Prix track map

Photo by: Penske Entertainment

The Arlington street course features a straightaway that extends .9-mile, which is likely to see drivers push over 180 mph before being challenged with an enticing braking before a hard-braking point of a right-hander in Turn 10. There are other obvious passing zones in Turn 1, Turn 12 and Turn 14, while also presenting a unique “horseshoe” carousel that makes up Turn 6. A double-sided pit lane, similar to what is currently used for the Detroit street race, will also be highlighted. Additionally, the track will go underneath hospitality and suites in two different areas. 

Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden was among those in attendance at the unveiling in Arlington, along with Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou and AJ Foyt Racing’s Santino Ferrucci. 

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Arlington Grand Prix track map

Arlington Grand Prix track map

Photo by: Penske Entertainment

Newgarden, the two-time defending winner of the Indianapolis 500 and a two-time IndyCar Series champion, shared his thoughts on the track and what kind of racing could be expected.

“Yeah, it’s kind of got everything,” Newgarden told Motorsport.com. “It’s got the typical low-speed sections that you would find on a street course, but then it has some complex double apex corners that kind of wrap around the stadium seating, so that will be really unique for fans. It’s got one pretty high-speed corner that leads onto the longest straight. And then the straightaways are very long, so I think understanding efficiency with downforce is going to be a topic here that’s not necessarily a topic on other street circuits. So, that could be an interesting element.

“How are you going to stay out front if you’re leading this thing? I think you’re going to be exposed around a track like this. So, it could be very entertaining to watch. It could be a draft fest on that long straightaway. So yeah, that’s what you’re going to be dealing with and we’ll figure it out as we do.”

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Open de France: England’s Daniel Bradbury wins DP World Tour title

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Open de France: England's Daniel Bradbury wins DP World Tour title

England’s Dan Bradbury fired three consecutive birdies on the back nine to emerge from a pack of title contenders and win the Open de France at Le Golf National.

Bradbury carded a 66 in the final round to finish on 16 under par and take his second title on the DP World Tour.

The 25-year-old made par at the 18th before watching his closest rivals, including compatriot Sam Bairstow, finish one shot behind.

Germany’s Yannik Paul and the Danish pair of Jeff Winther and Thorbjorn Olesen tied with Bairstow for second place.

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Bradbury, who began the day two shots behind overnight leader Jesper Svensson from Sweden, said he was due some good fortune as his tee shot on the 15th stopped short of water.

“Obviously got lucky off the tee, but I feel like I’ve had a few bad breaks this week so quite nice to get a good one there,” Bradbury, who won the Joburg Open in November 2022, told Sky Sports.

“And then I just pushed it [the second shot], straight up pushed it, and luckily it stayed on [the green]. Hit a horrendous putt that went in and sometimes you just need that.

“Once I’d done that, I was like ‘it doesn’t feel like my day, but there’s definitely something going for me’.”

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He made birdies at 14, 15 and 16 as he came through to win.

Victory for Bradbury, who earns £420,000 and climbs to 25th in the Race to Dubai, also ensured his qualification for the season-ending play-off events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

“The goal this week was to make the cut so I don’t have to go to Korea and try to keep my card, to be honest with you, so to hear that sounds pretty good,” he said.

“I guess I’ll be looking at flights to Dubai then.”

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