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SPORTS WEDNESDAY | MAR 26, 2025

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Work in progress What we learned from Tuchel’s first two games as England boss E NGLAND completed their first international window under new boss Thomas Tuchel with two wins from them, launching almost 60 attacks in the game. They bombarded the box with crosses, while set-pieces were also dangerous. It is very much a work in progress but the signs of how Tuchel wants to play are clear. season started with a Nations League game against the Republic of Ireland, Myles Lewis-Skelly had not even made his Premier League debut. Fast forward six months and he has now arguably made himself England’s first-choice leftback. against Latvia. While the 31-year-old will not be judged by goals in Wembley games against lower-tier opposition, he proved he will still be the man to lead England’s charge at next summer’s World Cup. Wing and a prayer Ű BY JONATHAN VEAL

Keane takes cheeky jab at Lions’ Arsenal star FORMER Manchester United star Roy Keane aimed a cheeky dig at Myles Lewis-Skelly and Arsenal during the Three Lions’ clash with Latvia yesterday to leave Ian Wright in hysterics. Thomas Tuchel’s side cruised to a 3 0 victory at Wembley Stadium, with Reece James whipping a sensational freekick into the top corner to open his account on the international stage before Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze put the game to bed in the second half from close range. James’ freekick will certainly be the main takeaway from the match given that Krisjanis Zviedris had no chance of keeping the Chelsea skipper’s effort out. After the freekick was awarded in the 38th minute, the defender urged Kane and Marcus Rashford to leave the set-piece to him, and the duo – who have both previously taken efforts from those sorts of areas – both surprisingly obliged. However, it wasn’t just the freekick taker which raised eyebrows. Questions have been raised about whether England were fortunate to have been awarded the freekick in the first place. After getting the ball caught under his feet, Lewis-Skelly slightly backed into the onrushing Latvia star Vladislavs Gutkovskis before going down. Referee Alejandro Hernandez felt there was enough contact to blow his whistle, but Keane remained unconvinced and felt the versatile Arsenal defender may have been fortunate to have been awarded the foul. Speaking on ITV , the former midfielder said: “It was touch and go. I thought they were clever winning the free kick. “If you look at it here, I think they’re (Latvia) slightly unlucky, take nothing away from the freekick. Lewis-Skelly here, he’s obviously learned that at Arsenal over the years.” The comment drew a laugh from former Gunners star Wright, who responded: “You can see what he’s trying to do, he’s trying to get his touch to go in front of him but it went behind him.” Keane then replied: “He was smart with it, wasn’t he? He was clever.” – Express Newspapers

two World Cup qualifiers after following up Friday’s 2-0 victory over Albania by beating Latvia 3-0 yesterday. Here’s a look at what we learned from Tuchel’s first camp: Premier League style Tuchel was clear that he wanted his side to play an attacking and exciting style of play that mirrors the Premier League. There were some issues against Albania, who deployed a low block, before England’s quality told, but against the weaker opposition of Latvia it became clearer how Tuchel wants to play. They pinned the minnows in their own half and regularly got in behind SCOTLAND head coach Steve Clarke hopes there is a silver lining from their heavy home defeat by Greece after appearing to learn immediate lessons. Clarke’s side were relegated from the top tier of the Nations League after losing 3-0 in their play-off second leg at Hampden. Scotland had gone into the game on a high after winning 1-0 in the away leg on Thursday but they were two down on aggregate inside 46 minutes and never looked like getting back into the game. Ryan Christie returned from suspension to replace Lewis Ferguson but Clarke otherwise kept the same team that played in Piraeus while Greece made six changes including handing a debut to 17 year-old goalscorer Konstantinos Karetsas, whose halftime introduction had inspired Greece on Thursday. “We didn’t have enough energy in the team,” Clarke said. “Greece had more energy. They were a little bit sharper. The best team won on the night.” Scotland also travel to Greece in the World Cup qualifiers on Nov 15 and Clarke hinted he would look at making more changes before their final group game at Hampden three days later. That game will be against Denmark, MANCHESTER UNITED star Rasmus Hojlund has been slammed by Danish media for his latest performance in international colours. The striker was included in the starting line-up as Denmark took on Portugal in the Nations League on Sunday but was ineffective in front of goal as his country suffered defeat. Hojlund lasted 73 minutes before being hauled off and replaced by former Arsenal striker Mika Biereth. And Danish media organisation DR slaughtered the 22-year-old for his display as they handed him a 2/10 for his efforts. SHORTS Ű BY GAVIN MCCAFFERTY Hojlund slaughtered by Danish media

Undoubtedly, Newcastle’s Lewis Hall will have something to say about that, but the Arsenal defender has taken his opportunity with both hands, starting both games and enjoying positive experiences. Kane still the man After a European Championships where people were questioning him and being dropped by Lee Carsley for a crunch Nations League game in Greece, Harry Kane has re-asserted himself as England’s main man in attack. He scored in Friday’s win over Albania, while also showing his creative passing range, and then took his tally to 71 with another goal

Building a brotherhood Tuchel has spent much of the past week talking about how he wants his squad to be a brotherhood and foster a spirit which helps connect the team with the nation. That was very much evident as spirits were high in training and everyone looked together on the pitch. The German also called for more “interactions” during the match and that was noticeable as players all celebrated goals together as well as performative high fives and applause. Myles clear at leftback When England’s international

Part of Tuchel’s masterplan is to utilise the wingers to break the lines and get balls into the box and that was evident in the two games. But, while there were flashes, none of the players that were given substantial game time claimed the shirt as theirs going forward. Marcus Rashford started both games but lacked an end product, Phil Foden was dropped after one game and Jarrod Bowen did not overwhelm either. Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer’s impending return should help matters, with plenty of options for Tuchel to ponder. – The Independent

Clarke identifies lessons from Greece defeat

whose place in Scotland’s group was confirmed on Monday when they lost 5-2 after extra-time against Portugal in a Nations League quarterfinal. When asked if he might

have freshened things up more, Clarke said: “It’s possible. With hindsight, everything’s possible. The boys assured me they were all fit and well.

Greece’s Giannis Konstantelias (right) in action with Scotland’s John McGinn during their Nations League playoffs second leg match. – REUTERSPIC

“I think the first goal gave them a lift. Their first dangerous foray forward, they scored with that. After that, it became a long night for us. I could have done with a few more legs on the team, to be honest. “It might work in our favour, actually, because we have to do a similar trip in November out to Greece. “It may be something to look at, the fact that you go out there, you put in a big shift out there, you have the long travel back. Maybe we weren’t quite recovered in time for the game. Not everybody, but some people. “It’s something that I can certainly look at and try and address.” – The Independent

The outlet said he “struggled” and took “too many bad touches”. And it was also claimed he “waited far too long to pass to an otherwise free Gustav Isaksen” at one stage. Hojlund has endured a difficult spell since joining United from Atalanta in a £72 million (RM396m) deal at the start of last season. The talented star has been in and out of the side at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim and has contributed just 24 goals in 82 appearances for the club. Chelsea signal Sancho decision THE Red Devils have landed a boost in their hopes of offloading Jadon Sancho in the July transfer window

avoided more serious injury. Mateta has now been cleared to return, though, ahead of the quarterfinal clash with Fulham on Saturday at Craven Cottage. The forward is reportedly set to sport a special mask to protect his ear and injuries as the two London clubs battle for a place in the last-four and a trip to Wembley. The 27-year-old posted a clip teasing his return on social media with the caption: “It’s time.” Speaking with Sky Sports last week, the 27-year-old said: “Hopefully, I can play (against Fulham). Hopefully, you never know. “Hopefully, they will see me. I’m in the ground every day. The doctor is the person, he will decide. I will wear a mask, I think so.”

Tyrell Malacia, ahead of next season. Mateta set for Crystal Palace return JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA is set to return to action for Crystal Palace nearly a month after suffering facial injuries in a horror challenge by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts. Mateta required 25 stitches near his ear after Roberts’s raised boot made contact with the Frenchman’s head during their FA Cup fifth-round tie on March 1. Roberts received an extended six match ban from the Football Association (FA) after his sending off in the fixture. With the Crystal Palace forward later reflecting that he was “lucky” to have

amid fears Chelsea could pull out of a permanent deal, according to reports. United included an obligation to buy Sancho for up to £25m (RM138m) as part of the loan agreement they struck with Chelsea on deadline day last summer. However, emerging reports have revealed that the Blues do, in fact, have the option to pay a £5m (RM28m) loan fee to terminate the agreement and send him back to Old Trafford. The development represents a blow for United ahead of a huge year for Ruben Amorim, during which sales will be crucial to boost the budget. The Red Devils are expected to oversee the permanent exits of other loanees, Marcus Rashford, Antony and