England progressed to the last-32 of the World Cup with a 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday night thanks to Jude Bellingham’s heroics at the New York/New Jersey Stadium

Thomas Tuchel’s nationality found itself in the spotlight just minutes after England secured its place in the World Cup knockout stages.

The Three Lions beat Panama 2-0 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium thanks to a spectacular performance from Jude Bellingham. The 22-year-old Real Madrid midfielder scored before setting up Harry Kane to ensure England finished top of Group L.

It was a much-welcomed two goals after three goalless halves of football in the World Cup. But like England, Germany has also progressed to the last-32 of the tournament.

With wins over Curacao and Ivory Coast, Germany had already qualified for the knockout stages. But a defeat against Ecuador in its final game would have ended things on a slightly sour note.

In his post-match press conference, Tuchel was asked about his loyalties to home country, Germany.

“I follow the German team, of course, but my focus and my heart beats for the England national team in this World Cup, so that’s where my focus is.

“They have a top coach and a top team. They find solutions for themselves.”

Naturally, Tuchel’s nationality was grilled when he first got the job. But the 52-year-old played down that it had any real impact.

“The biggest con is I don’t have an English passport but that’s maybe it,” Tuchel said. “That was clear from the beginning, I love to be the England coach and I was never shy about that.

“I have huge affection for the country and for the people in the country and the way they approach football and sports in general.”

Tuchel previously managed in England, guiding Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021. When taking the England job he said reuniting with English players was a huge factor.

“I fell in love with the country and the Premier League,” he explained.

“That was a dream, to work there.

“Now to have the chance to work with these kind of players is an amazing opportunity and I am very grateful for it. “No one wants it more than me.”

Tuchel also disussed his team’s opponent, Panama, sharing similarities in how their low block frustrated his England side like Ghana.

“Not bad,” he said when assessing his own team’s peformance. “We saw a team who didn’t allow any chances in the first two matches. They conceded a 95th-minute counter attack against Ghana.

“They conceded from a half chance against Croatia with two shots on target. There is no problem if these matches feel tight and tough, it will help us in the next match.”

Residents living close to Prospect House say the issue has gone on for years, with concerns ranging from blocked sunlight to large branches falling into gardens.

The comments come after a resident submitted a high hedge complaint to Bolton Council over trees at the Prospect Avenue property earlier this month.

The application was made under legislation allowing councils to investigate evergreen hedges which are more than two metres high and are alleged to unreasonably affect neighbouring properties.

One resident said: “It doesn’t actually bother us, I do appreciate it bothers everyone else. We’re on the other end but this is a mess.

“I think it’s been going on for a long time.

“It’s not bothering his property, it’s bothering everyone else’s. It’s not good.”

The neighbour said they had heard similar concerns from other residents living nearby.

They added that the trees “take all the light off the gardens” and described them as “a bit humungous”, claiming one neighbour had developed “bald patches” on their lawn because of the overhanging trees.

Another resident said branches regularly ended up in their garden during winter.

He said: “Branches in my garden at winter time.

“We had one at 10 foot long.”

The Bolton News previously reported that the complaint was submitted on June 9 by a resident of Prospect Avenue against Prospect House.

Under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, a high hedge is defined as a barrier formed mainly by two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs that is more than two metres high and may adversely affect a neighbour’s reasonable enjoyment of their property.

Jude Bellingham’s place in England’s World Cup starting line-up was a point of debate before the tournament, under pressure from the outstanding form of his boyhood friend, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.

Tuchel, correctly, decided he could not do without Bellingham’s class and big tournament experience.

He has been rewarded with a crucial goal in their opening World Cup win against Croatia then here, even more significantly, with a game-changing performance in New York New Jersey Stadium in the face of Panamanian defiance.

Bellingham worked in tandem with Rogers as Tuchel rested Declan Rice, who has been struggling with a hamstring injury and was on a yellow card.

The pair’s attacking instincts occasionally left Elliot Anderson over-run and overworked as a single pivot, but Bellingham’s brilliance made it work.

Despite fairly obvious attempts by Panama to play on his combustible temperament, Bellingham was the inspiration by forcing home the first goal, then crossing for Harry Kane to head the second, making England’s captain the country’s leading World Cup finals scorer with 11, one ahead of Gary Lineker.

Bellingham and Kane have now made decisive contributions to victories against Croatia and Panama. How England needed them here.

Marcus Rashford, deservedly given his chance after two disappointing displays from Barcelona new boy Anthony Gordon, was England’s brightest spark in the first half as he forced a save from Panama keeper Orlando Mosquera, headed narrowly over, then sent a free-kick just wide.

But frustration was mounting until Bellingham’s quality and industry paid off with England’s opener, capping a man-of-the-match performance further embellished with his assist for Kane.

If England are to win the World Cup, they will need Bellingham at his brilliant best. This display suggests he is in the mood to deliver.

Clarke has walked away after seven years in charge of the national team

Steve Clarke has announced his shock resignation as Scotland manager in the wake of our exit at the World Cup.

We were officially knocked out of the tournament on Saturday night after finishing third in Group C behind Brazil and Morocco.

Clarke‘s team claimed three points in the opening game against Haiti but crashed out after Croatia’s 2-1 victory over Ghana saw the Scots fail to finish among the top eight teams who progress to the last 32 with a third place finish.

The former Killie and West Brom boss had penned a new four year deal that would have taken him through to the European Championships in 2030 before the World Cup, which would have entered his 11th year in the job.

But in a bombshell statement on Sunday morning, the 62-year-old has penned a heartfelt farewell to his players, staff and the Tartan Army.

He said: “When I was first approached by the Scottish FA about the position of Head Coach I was advised by many people to leave well alone as the job had become a poisoned chalice. In my head I was just the wee boy from Saltcoats who had done well in his chosen profession and my country wanted me to be their leader, at least in a football sense. I couldn’t find a reason to turn the approach down. My job remit was simple: qualify for a major tournament.

“As I reflect on my seven years in the job my overriding emotion is pride, closely followed by satisfaction. To be the first coach since Craig Brown, in 1998, to lead the country to the finals of a major tournament was the stuff of dreams. That night in Belgrade with no supporters in the stadium due to Covid was an experience of pure, raw emotion from start to finish. It gave the nation some welcome cheer from the restrictions of the pandemic.

“Although the tournament was, for us at least, a bit of a damp squib, there was an unforgettable night at Wembley when we more than matched the eventual beaten finalists England and held them to a 0-0 win! The biggest disappointment of that tournament was the absence of the Tartan Army in their tens of thousands.

“Roll on three years and we did it again, this time overseas in a great footballing country, Germany. With no Covid restrictions this time the Tartan Army made sure they were there in even greater numbers than ever before – after all, it was a 26-year wait for the older members of the battalion.

“Again we came up short in the matches but a marker had been set and a new generation of Scotland supporters took my squad to their hearts. Qualify and they will come in their thousands. While emotions are raw following our elimination, I genuinely believe that if we continue to qualify regularly for these tournaments, we will inevitably break the glass ceiling of reaching the knockout phase.

“Winning our group from a position as third seeds is a truly remarkable achievement from a remarkable bunch of players that I have been lucky enough to lead. The campaign was difficult against quality opposition but time and time again we found a way to get the required points culminating in the most incredible Scotland game ever seen at Hampden Park in a 4-2 win versus Denmark.

“In time I will be able to reflect on a tumultuous seven years but one element that has given me the greatest satisfaction is witnessing the reconnection of our national team and our fans. From my opening game against Cyprus in front a half-empty Hampden Park – and a largely apathetic crowd-to the frenzy of such unforgettable matches as our 2-0 defeat to Spain and that memorable night against Denmark.

“The were magical occasions; nights that will endure in Scottish football folklore. This reconnection was never more evident than during the past few weeks. From Miami to Boston and New Jersey our fans won the hearts and minds of the American public and football fans across the world.

“Let us not forget that the players won a World Cup finals match for only the fifth time in Scottish football history, and the first for 36 years. The team were responsible for giving everyone the chance to create memories that will last a lifetime and I am proud to have played a part in that.

“As I conclude my reflection on a wonderful seven years I really need to thank my ever-changing coaching staff who have all helped me immensely: Alex Dyer, Steven Reid and Stevie Woods initially; followed by John Carver, Steven Naismith and Chris Woods as the key men by my side. Austin MacPhee and James Morrison joined us to help the push to Euro 2024, then Alan Irvine, who brought great experience to our group, and Andrew Hughes joined the team to help clinch our World Cup 2026 qualification. All good coaches but even better people.

“The auxiliary staff [too many to mention but they know who they are] who did the match analysis, medical, sports science,

kit, logistics and media. When I started the Head of Performance, Graeme Jones, was my go-to with any problem or issue and we worked well together in implementing our off-field progress with facilities and structure. When Graeme departed for pastures new, Mark Leslie stepped-up seamlessly to continue that push for higher standards off the pitch, reflected in our preparation for World Cup 2026.

“Thank you to both my administrative support staff for looking after me so attentively: firstly Frank Reilly who, after a long wait, represented his country when we qualified for Euro 2020 before retiring a happy man. Ashley Phillip replaced Frank and continued to support me on top of her other duties with the Scottish FA.

“Thank you to my two Presidents, the sadly departed Rod Petrie, and Mike Mulraney both of whom supported me in their own particular way. Two good men with the best interests of Scottish football at heart.

“Thanks also to Chief Executive lan Maxwell for putting his head on the chopping block and making me his first Head Coach appointment and to the board who always listened to me when I made my requests for help in trying to improve facilities and matters concerning the team and players.

“The most emotional part of this goodbye is for my players, without whom we wouldn’t have had any of the memories that we’ve accumulated from 2019 until now. From our captain Andy Robertson with 97 caps to those at the start of their journey with the national team, almost every player that has been called upon in my time as Head Coach has turned up and given everything for their country, hence a period of sustained improvement for our national team.

I quite quickly realised that continuity and familiarity would help these players to bond with each other and my staff, leading them to understand what is needed to be more successful at international level. They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their Gaffer.

“Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor.”

SFA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell added: “From starting as a pot four team in 2019 to topping our World Cup qualifying group, he has more than delivered on the remit to take Scotland back to a major tournament.

“We thank Steve for his record-breaking contribution and know that when the disappointment of World Cup elimination subsides, the Scotland supporters will be thankful for the memories of marching with pride at major tournaments once again.

“Finally, on behalf of the board of the Scottish FA I would like to make special mention to our incredible supporters.

“The many thousands who have travelled to the United States to celebrate the return to a World Cup – making a significant financial commitment to do so – have once again shown themselves to be exceptional ambassadors for our country and our national game.”

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The teenager tragically died in a two-car crash near Eastbourne, that saw three others seriously injured, as police are appealing for witnesses of the collision

A 17-year-old has died in a horror two-car crash near Eastbourne, with three others seriously injured.

The boy died after the collision took place on Friday evening, police say.

The car, in which the teenager was a passenger, crashed with another car car near Shooters Bottom car park, by Beachy Head, at around 9.30pm on June 26.

The collision involved a blue VW Golf and a white VW Polo.

Two other men in the car, a 19-year-old from Polegate and a 21-year-old from Hellingly, were also seriously injured.

The 21-year-old driver of the second car was also seriously injured.

The police are appealing for witnesses.

Detective Sergeant Ian Foxton, from Sussex Police’s serious collision investigation unit, said: “This is a tragic incident and are thoughts are with those involved and their families.

“We are aware there were a number of people in the area at the time of the collision and we would ask anyone who hasn’t spoken to us or has any video or dashcam footage to get in touch. Please email collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk, quoting Operation Nashville.”

Rylan Clark, presenter on Radio 2, has issued a cheeky response as to why he was not on his weekly radio show and it includes him blaming ‘everyone but himself’

Rylan Clark missed his Radio 2 show yesterday but in a cheeky post he explained why.

Rylan, 37, has been presenting the radio station’s Saturday afternoon slot since 2019 but yesterday Rylan On Saturday, which airs weekly on BBC Radio 2 from 3pm to 6pm, was presented by Mark Goodier who had to step in last minute to cover for Rylan.

Taking to his Instagram story Rylan said: “Soz about today’s show. I blame everyone but myself. Genuinely had it all sussed out and then flights all cancelled. Thanks Mark for stepping in you legend. Gonna have a rosé and think of you all.”

It comes after the presenter complained about the fact that his weekend show still hasn’t received any awards back in May.

Rylan aimed a cheeky swipe at The ARIAS (The Audio and Radio Industry Awards) for failing to nominate him, saying: “Always snubbed at The ARIAS even though I host the thing. It kills me, I’m the host of it and I can’t even get a nomination!”

Last week Rylan was asked if he regretted telling his husband he had cheated on him as he addressed it for the first time in a new interview. Rylan revealed his infidelity to his husband, Dan Neal, which caused the downfall of his six-year marriage back in 2021.

And now on The Assembly one audience member asked him: “When you told your husband you cheated on him, he divorced you. Is honesty always the best policy?”

Stunned, he replied: “Yeah, I think it is. I’m okay admitting I’m in the wrong, because actually I don’t deal well with guilt, and I don’t deal well with secrets. It made me so ill, like so ill. It sounds a terrible thing to say, but I’m glad it happened.”

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The Scots, backed in the USA by tens of thousands of Tartan Army, then suffered a 1-0 defeat by AFCON champions Morocco at the same venue after losing a goal in 70 seconds before a sobering and, in parts, self-inflicted loss to five-times winners of the competition, Brazil, in Miami.

A dozen officers have been investigated over their conduct arising from a ‘toxic’ culture created by Paul Street

Cambridgeshire’s most senior police officer has slammed a group of cops over “truly disgraceful” conduct that involved a toxic WhatsApp culture. Ex-police sergeant Paul Street, 41, encouraged his team to bully a teenage detainee and asked a colleague to send him a sex video of a female suspect.