ALTHOUGH this was the night when England’s embarrassment of riches in attack was put on full show, here was a stark reminder that the nation remains unbelievably thin in quality at the back.
Central defenders, full-backs and even the goalkeeper. Right across the board, England have some major issues.
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England had a defensive nightmare against GreeceCredit: Alamy
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It saw an experimental Lee Carsley team fall to a shock 2-1 defeat at WembleyCredit: Reuters
John Stones captained England for the first time in the absence of Harry Kane and this is not a night he will look back at with any fondness.
Along with Levi Colwill, he was also lucky that Pavlidis’ strike towards the end was ruled offside as both players were at fault.
Yet right at the end, when Pavlidis struck again for the winner, Stones – along with Rico Lewis – could have done much better.
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The options for Lee Carsley – and whoever takes this team forward over the next two years – are not exactly mind-blowing when it comes to strength in depth across the back.
Over the last couple of years, we should have seen this issue coming. But there has been too much focus on what we could do at the other end of the pitch.
This was Stones’ 82nd cap, meaning he has now overtaken former defender Rio Ferdinand in England appearances. He is now joint 17th on the all-time list with Raheem Sterling.
Yet Stones’ lack of games for Manchester City is a huge worry and this could harm England over the next two seasons.
England and Greece stars in emotional minute’s silence to pay tribute to George Baldock after tragic death at 31
He enjoyed a decent Euros in Germany even though this followed the most difficult season of his club career when form and injuries limited him to just 12 starts in the Premier League.
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And this season, despite playing a part in other competitions for Pep Guardiola, Stones has only started one top-flight match this term.
There were times against the Greeks when Stones found himself exposed as England did their Harlem Globetrotters impression.
It was a mix-up between Stones and Jordan Pickford which presented a chance to Tasos Bakasetas yet Colwill dashed back to deliver a heroic goal-line clearance.
But as for the goals – along with the disallowed ones – Wembley witnessed some Car-crash.
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Here was the proof, not that we needed it, that left-back is also a huge problem.
England player ratings vs Greece
By Tom Barclay
LEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.
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Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.
But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.
The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.
Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.
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But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.
Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.
Jordan Pickford: 4
Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6
Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.
John Stones: 5
Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.
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Levi Colwill: 7
Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.
Rico Lewis: 6
Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.
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Declan Rice: 6
Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.
Phil Foden: 4
Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective.
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Cole Palmer: 6
Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season.
Bukayo Saka: 5
Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.
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Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MAN
Played in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.
Anthony Gordon: 5
Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.
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SUBS:
Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6
Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7
Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7
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Manager Lee Carsley: 4
Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again.
Although happy to play there, Lewis considers himself as a midfielder. Colwill can also play in that spot but he is more comfortable in central defence.
Even at right-back, where we seemed to be spoilt for choice, there are concerns.
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Carsley clearly considers Alexander-Arnold as the team’s first-choice right-back even though Gareth Southgate listed him as a midfielder.
Alexander-Arnold, though, was guilty of allowing Pavlidis to brush past him too easily for the opening goal and it was not the only time he was caught out.
Kyle Walker, who did not make the England squad last month, will probably start against Finland but he will be 36 at the next World Cup.
While Pickford has been England’s best keeper by some distance over the years, he was properly dodgy in this Greek humiliation.
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Yet the alternatives are Dean Henderson and Nick Pope, along with Aaron Ramsdale. All are decent keepers but neither are going to challenge the Everton keeper.
Now, there is a real chance England might have to go into a Nations League play-off in March as they might not win the group.
Wales full-back Liam Williams has confirmed he will be available for the autumn internationals in November.
The 33-year-old was absent for Wales’ 2024 Six Nations campaign because of his Japan club commitments but was recalled for summer Tests against South Africa and Australia.
Williams is preparing for his second season with Kubota Spears but told the Sportin Wales podcast that the club will allow him to stay in Wales until mid December.
Williams will be free to face Fiji, Australia and South Africa at Principality Stadium next month as Wales look to end a losing nine-match international sequence.
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He had been linked with a move to the Dragons in September, but head coach Dai Flanagan played down the prospect of him joining during the 2024-25 campaign.
GEORGE Baldock’s heartbroken fiancee has paid a touching tribute to the footballer describing him as her “soulmate” and the “perfect dad”.
The Greece international, 31, was found dead at home in Athens on Wednesday evening after drowning in his swimmingpool – leaving behind a devastated Annabel Dignam and their son Brody.
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George Baldock’s cause of death has been revealed as drowningCredit: Rex
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Baldock’s heartbroken fiancee Annabel Dignam has paid a touching tribute to the footballer describing him as her ‘soulmate’ and the ‘perfect dad’Credit: Facebook/ Annabel Dignam
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Baldock with his son Brody saying farewell to Sheffield United fans last seasonCredit: Getty
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Tributes have been laid for the ex-Sheffield United player outside Bramall LaneCredit: Getty
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Greece players holding up a shirt in memory of George Baldock at Wembley tonightCredit: PA
Annabel broke her silence with an Instagram post dedicated to Baldock just hours after his cause of death was confirmed.
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She wrote: “George, the love of my life, my soulmate. The perfect dad to our beautiful boy.
“You completed me. You were my world and I know we were yours.
“You are here with me in Brody’s smile, giggle and infectious personality.
read more in George Baldock
“My world will never be the same but I will find a way for Brody. I promise.
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“I love you forever and always G. Your Neen. X”
You completed me. You were my world and I know we were yours.You are here with me in Brody’s smile, giggle and infectious personality
Annabel DignamGeorge Baldock’s fiancee
The post was followed by a loving snap of the couple together smiling.
His family also revealed the football star, who moved to Greece to play for Panathinaikos FC, was due to return to the UK on Thursday to celebrate his birthday.
A separate tribute hours earlier by his family described Baldock as the “most special person”.
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It continued: “You were the most special father, fiancee, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person.
“Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands.
“We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son.
“You were due to fly home today for us to celebrate his first birthday together, but instead we mourn your loss.”
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George Baldock one minute silence
The family also confirmed his cause of death as drowning in his swimming pool at his Greek home.
Investigations into Baldock’s shock death revealed the ex-Sheffield United player died in the water.
Annabel first raised the alarm after not hearing from her soon-to-be husband.
After failing to track him down, she told the owner of the house in Glyfada to check the property.
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The full-back, who joined Athens side Panathinaikos from Sheffield United this summer, was found at the bottom of the pool by his landlord who jumped over the fence to get into the home.
The Greece international, who was born in Buckingham but qualifies for the team via his grandmother, was found wearing swimming trunks and was pulled out of the water by emergency services.
They tried to resuscitate him but sadly could not revive him.
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Baldock’s body was pulled from the bottom of his pool on WednesdayCredit: LNP
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Baldock was known to English fans as one of Sheffield United’s key men as they bounced between the Premier League and ChampionshipCredit: Getty
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England and Greece paid tribute to Baldock during tonight’s Nations League clash
Forensic scientists who conducted the autopsy on Baldock at Athens’ University Hospital on Thursday say he was dead for five hours before he was discovered.
The family’s touching statement ended with them saying: “As a family it has been incredibly touching, but equally so very difficult to read the huge number of tributes written by those that knew George and from those whose life he touched.
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“It was impossible not to love him. We ask that you please continue to respect our privacy at this devastating time as we begin to process our grief.”
Cops said it would be ” several weeks, if not months” before the full autopsy and toxicology results were released.
A half-empty bottle of vodka and two glasses were found next to the pool – with police initially investigating whether another person was present at the time.
Officials have since ruled out any criminality was at play in his death.
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TRIBUTES POUR IN
Other heartfelt tributes have continued to be made for Baldock after his death was confirmed.
Panathinaikos said: “We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George.
“The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock.”
Baldock played for his club side on Sunday during a 0-0 draw with fierce rivals Olympiacos.
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He played 75 minutes before being subbed off.
The club have confirmed he last trained with them on Wednesday before driving home to his €15,000-a-month apartment.
They will be shocked. I remember him at Sheffield United. He had huge energy and was always up for a battle.
Roy Keaneex-footballer and ITV pundit
Former side Sheffield United also paid tribute saying: “Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.
“The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a red and white shirt alongside him.
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“The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends.”
Pundits on ITV paid tribute Baldock ahead of the game on live TV.
Ian Wright said: “Terrible news, shocking news. You cannot help but think about his friends and family, I spoke to Karl Robinson [former MK Dons manager] last night who was devastated.
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“He was hard-working and strong minded, You always thought, the way he applied himself, he was always going to get to where he wanted to go in the Premier League.
“I’m very sorry and all my condolences go to his family.”
The Arsenal and England legend worked alongside Baldock during a coaching stint MK Dons, where the British-born Greece international graduated through the academy.
“The players will react, be professional and go and put on a performance for him.”
Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George Baldock
By Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports Reporter
IT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.
A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.
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But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…
That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.
And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.
Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.
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The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.
However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.
Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.
It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.
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Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.
I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.
Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.
A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?’
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“At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.
“You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.
“Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.
“And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”
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It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.
The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.
The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.
Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.
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“Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”
Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.
He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.
He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.
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But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to.
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Baldock was loved by Greece fans after he played a key role in shutting out Kylian Mbappe and France last yearCredit: Getty
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Baldock had moved to Panathinaikos FC at the start of this seasonCredit: Rex
Farrell’s father Andy took over as Ireland head coach from Schmidt in 2020. Sexton admits he was initially disappointed by the change.
“Joe was the biggest influence on my career until then and I thought no-one would get close to him,” Sexton said.
“Then Andy kind of came in and kind of changed that in many ways. He does it all – he coaches attack and defence brilliantly, like the best of the best.”
It was not just the technical side that impressed Sexton. Farrell tapped into his Irish heritage, along with his own experiences from playing for England, to motivate his team.
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Sexton said: “Before we played Scotland at the 2019 World Cup, Joe got Andy to present us our jerseys and Andy told the story about what it was like being an Englishman playing at Croke Park in 2007.
That was when England played at the home of the Gaelic Athletic Association for the first time.
“He talked about how, for their anthem, it was dead silence and then what happened when the Irish anthem played,” Sexton added.
“He remembers looking across and thinking ‘how are we gonna win this game today?’ and he said he hadn’t really had that thought before in his career- but that is the unique power of the Irish jersey.”
Scotland will take on Croatia in Zagreb on Saturday
Scotland fans will only be able watch upcoming Nations League football matches against Croatia and Portugal on YouTube.
Norwegian broadcaster Viaplay holds the rights to all of the Scotland mens team’s competitive matches until 2028 – but last year decided to scale back its UK football operation.
The Nations League qualifying matches will now only be available on the ViaPlay YouTube channel.
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Steve Clarke’s side faces Croatia in Zagreb on Saturday at 17:00 before taking on Portugal at Hampden on Tuesday at 19:45.
As well as the Scotland men’s matches, Viaplay held the rights to show the Scottish League Cup and URC rugby when it announced it would end all coverage of UK sports.
The Nordic media group then sold its UK sporting division back to Premier Sports earlier this year.
The transaction included its share of the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup, but did not include the rights to Uefa’s international competitions.
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Getty Images
Scotland’s last match against Portugal was shown on ITVX
Viaplay sold the rights to Scotland’s last double header against Portugal and Poland to ITVX but has decided not to sell to another broadcaster for this round of fixtures.
BBC Scotland had been close to agreeing a deal on the last round of fixtures before a deal was struck with ITVX.
Viaplay declined to confirm if future matches would be sub-contracted to other broadcasters,
A spokesperson said: “The games will be made available on YouTube. As you might understand we cannot comment any further on any potential negotiations.”
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The last time a Scotland match wasn’t available on linear television was a friendly match against Poland in 2014.
Passionate time
Scotland’s housing minister Paul McLennan MSP, a member of the Tartan Army, said he was “concerned” about the matches not being shown on TV.
He said: “One of the big issues is making sure that the fans can watch Scotland on terrestrial TV as much as they possibly can.
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“I get to as many home games as I can, get to some away games but actually watching Scotland is a really passionate time.”
Scotland are set to welcome Croatia to Hampden to 15 November before playing in Poland on 18 November.
THE BBC has turned down the chance to show what could be a historic sailing competition this week.
That is despite the fact that the Beeb were reportedly offered the chance to show footage of the America’s Cup match between Great Britain and New Zealand for FREE.
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The BBC have reportedly turned down the chance to show an America’s Cup match for freeCredit: Getty
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Britain’s Ineos Britannia beat Italy for a place in the America’s Cup
The national broadcaster could yet strike a deal for the latter part of the series if Ineos Britannia are doing well.
The action is due to start on Saturday with two races, but the BBC has declined to commit to live coverage or highlights this weekend.
The Telegraph reports that the broadcaster failed to reach an agreement with the America’s Cup organisers.
And there were allegedly issues with branding on the world feed.
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The racing will be shown live on TNT Sports, as well as on YouTube and on the America’s Cup website, as it has been throughout the challenger series.
Ainsile’s team defeated Italians Luna Rossa to become the first British team for 60 years to qualify for the final of sport’s oldest international competition.
They now face defenders Emirates Team New Zealand in another first-to-seven series for the chance to lift the “Auld Mug”, which begins on October 12.
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Sir Ben Ainslie and his team celebrate with the Louis Vuitton Cup after beating ItalyCredit: Getty
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The British sailing team joined forces with INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe in 2018
LAS VEGAS – Islam Dulatov had an easy career posing for high fashion magazines, but the modeling life didn’t bring him the same joy as fighting inside a cage.
From modeling for Versace, Hugo Boss, and many others, Dulatov has now fully traded in his fancy clothes for a Venum fight kit, and it’s precisely where he wants to be.
“(I worked for) every brand which is like a big name,” Dulatov said at a post-fight news conference when asked about his modeling career. “I did a lot of fashion weeks and all that stuff, but to be honest, I prefer fighting more than modeling.”
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Even as an up-and-comer on the regional scene, Dulatov passed up bigger paychecks to be in front of the camera to fight, which he admits was not the best financial decision at the time.
“I canceled a lot of shootings when I was younger,” Dulatov said. “We had some problems with money and everything. This time, modeling was really helping me with my situation. I remember when I canceled a shooting for $5,000. At this time, that was a lot of money for me.
“The fight, which was the same day, was for like 200 euros or something like that. … At the end of the moment, the fight was canceled too because my opponent had an injury. I had these situations like 10 times, with even more money and everything. But to be honest, I love to be a fighter and that’s what I do.”
Being a fighter and a model comes with the obvious risk of messing up the money-maker. Dulatov, 26, is a fast finisher who has ended 10 of his 11 pro fights in the first round. He only recalled one particular instance where he showed up to a shoot after a fight with a bruised eye.
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“I had a shooting for GQ, and when I go to the shoot casting, they go, ‘What is this? Blue eye?’” Dulatov said. “I go, ‘Yeah.’ They say, ‘Oh, it’s cool. It’s more authentic. It shows what you really are.’ Because in the model business, the people already all know me, they know that I do fighting.
“My agency, at the beginning, they was hating it, but with time they saw, ‘OK, this guy will never stop fighting, so we have to accept it.’”
The Chechnya-born fighter has put modeling on the back burner for now. He will still perform in front of the camera, but as a new UFC welterweight with vicious finishing skills.
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