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Lee Carsley’s reputation suffered a blow eight months ago when his team’s disastrous defeat by Greece hampered his chances of becoming the senior men’s coach.

After German Thomas Tuchel was appointed, he returned to his job with the under-21s, concentrating on the European Championship this summer.

After guiding the Young Lions to their second consecutive European Championship Under-21 title, Carsley is now receiving praise once more.

In their final game defeat against Greece, England’s senior team won five of Carsley’s six games. However, some daring deeds did not materialize.

He chose his team’s tactics and tactics, which led to “an unseemly mess” and a humiliating defeat at Wembley.

Carsley said he had a lot to learn from the experience prior to Sunday’s U21 Euros final, which he had to watch in Slovakia, where England started by defeating the Czech Republic, before drawing with Slovenia, and losing to Germany.

Former England defender Stephen Warnock described them as “poor in the group stage, they struggled, and then found their feet” on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Lee Carsley improvised and came up with the idea. He and his staff were the ones who spearheaded this, and they were able to put the team together at the right moment.

England faced Germany once more in the final, where they were superb in the first half, leading 2-0. Spain and the Netherlands were defeated.

Germany fought back and almost won it at the death, but Carsley’s team regrouped to score in extra time as he countered by becoming too defensive.

He asserted that there is definitely a little feeling during the game. You sense that you are out of your depth, or that the players are perhaps allowing too much territory or going too deep.

England won the game, and Carsley’s man-management abilities and tactical acumen helped them succeed. He even made a positive impression while playing for the senior squad.

Another incredible accomplishment, said Manchester City forward Jack Grealish on Instagram. What kind of manager is this guy? deserves it.

Charlie Cresswell and Harvey Elliott, two of Carsley’s current squad members, were the only ones who survived their 2023 triumph, but he moulded them into European champions, emulating the England Under-21s’ back-to-back victories in 1982 and 1984.

Former England Under-21 captain Nigel Reo-Coker remarked on BBC Radio 5 Live that Lee Carsley is “fearless.”

He backed the team he assembled, hoping to give the players with less experience a chance to succeed. And they resisted the challenge.

With six substitutions in place for Alex Scott due to injury and Sunday’s final coming in extra time, Carsley had to rely on his team.

Tyler Morton and Jonathan Rowe combined for the winning goal in the tournament while defender CJ Egan-Riley was used for the first time.

The lazy thing as coaches would be to try to replicate what we did the first time, but this time it was a completely different, Carsley said.

We had a “outside the box” approach to our training, tactics, and how we wanted to play our squad.

England manager Tuchel must have been impressed as he considered his options for the 2026 World Cup as he watched on from the Bratislava stadium.

How many of Carsley’s 2023 squad’s members will make their debut against his new European champions? Ten have already made their senior team appearances.

The Football Association’s CEO, Mark Bullingham, said, “I’m sure Lee will be humble about what he and the group have accomplished, but he deserves praise for this extraordinary accomplishment.”

We hadn’t won this trophy in 39 years before Lee took over [in 2021]. He has won it twice in two tournaments.

He has also overseen player development, with many U21s making their senior team debuts, in addition to this exceptional tournament success.

Carsley will continue to lead the Young Lions into the upcoming tournament after agreeing a new contract until the 2027 U21 Euros.

His Slovakian team had yet to win the trophy, and he was already considering a European hat-trick.

“I suppose the challenge is to do it once more in two years,” Carsley said.

Funnily enough, I received the new squad of players that might be able to play in the upcoming campaign on Saturday, so I’m not thinking about moving too quickly.

When asked if he would represent Switzerland at the 2026 World Cup alongside Tuchel, Carsley replied, “I’m not sure. I’m very proud of what I do, and I enjoy working with the players.

Phil McNulty, the chief football writer:

The Football Association holds him in such high regard because of his second successive victory at the European Championship with England U21s.

His tenure as interim manager of the senior team, which included Sir Gareth Southgate’s departure and Tuchel’s appointment, was generally successful, with five victories out of six games.

“Carsley’s ultra-attacking selection backfired spectacularly and, at times, he looked uncomfortable in the unforgiving spotlight that shines on England’s manager, and that was the low point,” he said of the 2-1 home defeat to Greece. At Wembley, the selection and outcome raised doubts about his qualifications for the position of the highest priority.

He resisted doing what he had always done best: coaching and shaping the younger generations into the cohesive, prosperous unit they have become.

“Players praise Carsley’s coaching and methods, and his most recent success only strengthens his reputation.

After Tuchel’s indifferent debut as England coach, Carsley’s brief tenure has started to reflect more positively on the history of the country. However, leading the U21s still seems much more comfortable than the senior side, and it was the right decision to step up.

The FA may find it more difficult to handle the FA’s final victory over Germany.

Clubs looking for a progressive manager will undoubtedly find Carsley’s work interesting, but the FA will be at ease with it because he signed a new contract with the FA in 2027 and has consistently stated that he is happy where he is.

Wimbledon 2025

Venue: All England Club, June 30 – 13 .

It might need to be a multi-screen experience if you want to follow all the British players at Wimbledon this year.

The All England Club has hosted 23 Britons, the most since 1984, in both men’s and women’s singles.

When added to juniors, wheelchair events, and doubles, the home ranks reach 50.

Players in the top 100 are guaranteed a spot because seven of the British contingent’s have already qualified through their world rankings.

This has only happened twice since 2016 and is the second time.

Oliver Tarvet, a college student from the United States, won the qualifying competition, while 15 other players received wildcards.

When deciding winners, Wimbledon’s wildcard committee takes into account a number of factors, including ranking, form, and previous grass-court successes.

British women’s team captain Anne Keothavong, who sits on the wildcard committee, told BBC Radio 5 Live, “We discuss what is best for the players and the event.”

“Everyone’s interests is to support British players wherever they can because we have a British Grand Slam.”

We would like to do this where we can give British players opportunities and give them opportunities to play tennis at the highest level.

This improvement is a result of a number of factors.

These include players developing in the US college system before becoming professionals, a national tennis center in Roehampton offering state-of-the-art training facilities, and Andy Murray’s success inspiring the young players.

Sonay Kartal, the third-ranked British woman, claims it’s also beneficial to observe success from friends and other women.

There is not a single reason for the higher number of top-200 players, Kartal said.

Following a stunning rise over the past 12 months, the 23-year-old Englishman has advanced to the title position.

Since Andy Murray, the reigning champion and world number one, in 2017, no British player has been seeded as high as Draper.

Draper is one of 13 Britons competing in men’s singles, with Fearnley, Norrie, and Billy Harris also receiving direct entry.

The former world number 21 briefly dropped out of the top 200 this year, but he has since justified his wildcard with impressive victories over top-20 players Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe.

The tougher part of it is when you feel like you’ve let people down, Evans said. “It’s not the matches. It’s when you feel like you’ve let people down.”

Jay Clarke, Oliver Crawford, George Loffhagen, Johannus Monday, Jack Pinnington Jones, Henry Searle, and Arthur Fery were the other wildcards.

The British women’s number one has now been replaced by Raducanu, 22, who is now the 22-year-old.

The 2021 US Open champion, who has reached two WTA quarter-finals and is now in the world’s top 40, generally appears happier and more at ease at Wimbledon, but she does not anticipate much from the event after a difficult build-up.

Katie Boulter’s position in the rankings has dropped to 43rd.

I’m very, very excited, Bulter said. I believe this year will be a completely different experience for me.

“I like that feeling, kind of like a dark horse.” I like that I have nothing to lose and can swing freely.”

Kartal, who made her Wimbledon debut last year, is the third British woman with direct entry and has almost 250 ranking points.

The men’s side of the British doubles scene is still in poor shape.

The third-best British pairing in the world this year is Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash, who have emerged as the standout pair.

In their first full season together, Cash and Glasspool have captured three ATP titles, including back-to-back victories at Queen’s and Eastbourne.

Neal Skupski, who only has a major-winning CV and won his first Slam at the All England Club in 2023, is hoping to win another one with fellow Brit Joe Salisbury.

Olivia Nicholls, who has a successful season with Tereza Mihalikova, is the lone British female champion.

Ben Bartram and Dahnon Ward are the wildcard recipients, along with Gordon Reid, who won the 2016 title.

Henry Pollock should start for the British and Irish Lions in their first Test against Australia in the morning after the night before, which is a simple “take.”

The 20-year-old Northampton Saints star’s 54-7 victory over Western Force was undoubtedly an eye-catching performance that the Australian media was watching.

Pollock “produced a series of tackle-busting runs” according to the state broadcaster, ABC News.

Lions wonder kid, playmaker put Wallabies on notice, the Australian’s headline read.

In the candy store, Pollock looked like a kid as he began his first Lions game.

He occasionally gorged on Western Force while smiling on his face. Tomos Williams scored a first-half try thanks to his pace and lung-busting break, which was then matched by a sublime offload to the Welsh scrum-half.

The audacious chip over the top was followed by a chase and gather before he was forced to leave the ball at the ground. Joe McCarthy scored a try as a result of the move.

Lions captain Dan Sheehan praised him for being brilliant today.

He acts on his own, he says. He plays his own game. He’s probably unique compared to many of the backers.

Off the cuff, see what’s in front of you, and make it happen, I enjoy that rugby. And he can certainly make it happen with his speed and skills.

It’s just about making sure he always does what the team needs to do.

He will continue to advance. He and everyone else will benefit greatly from all these big games because of the experience. From here, he will only get better and better.

Pollock received praise from his peers as well.

Only 30 minutes of Premiership rugby was played by Pollock at the start of the season.

He is now in danger of losing the Lions’ Test.

Perhaps the Lions’ youngest visitor’s lack of fear makes him successful because he plays with it without fear, but that should not be confused with his unparalleled rugby awareness and ability to play rugby.

How then could Lions coach Andy Farrell choose him to play in Brisbane’s first Test?

Pollock’s consistent performance may still cause concern.

He was well-known after watching his impressive performance against Leinster in the Champions Cup semi-final.

However, he was not as influential as he was when Bordeaux, in the final, were able to exploit some of his weaknesses.

Then there is maintaining his discipline, which Australians might be able to exploit.

After Elliot Daly’s first try, Pollock, who enjoys a flamboyant celebration, sparked a melee between the two teams.

Although you could argue bonus points to Pollock for eliciting that reaction, it is not just Australian cricketers who are renowned for their “sledging.” Force flanker Nick Champion de Crespigny took exception.

If Pollock were to play in the Tests in the biggest arena, Pollock would need to stay composed.

After Lions infractions, referee Ben O’Keeffe became indignant for reaching over a ruck.

You saw Henry’s point of difference, Farrell said, “You also saw his point of difference because of repeated infringements, which was fair enough, but you also saw his point of difference.”

Farrell appears to have no issues with Pollock, but does he trust him enough to maintain his discipline in a Test match’s cauldron?

It will continue to make headlines over the next three weeks because it is a contentious subject.

Spain midfielder Bonmati, Aitana has been discharged from hospital after being treated for viral meningitis days before the start of Euro 2025.

The 27-year-old, who has won the Ballon d’Or twice in the past two years, was unable to make Friday’s 3-1 friendly match against Japan in Leganes, Spain.

She was taken to a hospital in Madrid on Friday but did not train on Thursday.

Spain play Portugal in their opening Group B game on Thursday in Bern, and Euro 2025 in Switzerland kicks off on Wednesday.

Two-time Fifa women’s player of the year Bonmati wrote on Instagram, “Thanks to everyone for the messages I’ve received and for those who have helped me these past few days.

“Fortunately, everything is going well,” she said. I’m hoping to return soon.

Bonmati was a key player in the Spain team that won the 2023 World Cup and the Nations League last year and has 30 goals in 78 games.

Coach Montse Tome of Spain said: “She is a very important player for us. We’ll be able to wait as long as we can.

Meningitis affects the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, and if not treated quickly, it can be serious.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a striker for Everton, claims to have made the “incredibly difficult decision” to leave.

The England international’s 28-year contract expires on Monday.

Calvert-Lewin signed for Everton from Sheffield United for £1.5 million in 2016 and has since scored 71 goals in 273 games.

After nine remarkable years, I and my family have to make the difficult decision to launch a new career chapter, Calvert-Lewin wrote on Instagram.

“I didn’t take it lightly,” I said. Since I was 19 years old, my home has been in Eden. It was the place where I realized potential, challenged me to develop, and transformed both my character and football.

Calvert-Lewin made the England squad that reached the Euros final that summer, scoring 16 goals in 33 Premier League games during his best season in 2020-2020.

He struggled with injuries and form the following year, and only started 26 of his matches last season.

Since 2021, he has only added four goals and 11 caps for England.

Calvert-Lewin continued, “We spent a long time considering the decision to move on; it was not just about me. It was about my family.”

We think it’s appropriate to seek out new challenges and grow, but that doesn’t diminish the friendship I’ll always have with Everton.

I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve shared, fighting for this club when it matters most, scoring goals in crucial situations, and displaying pride and commitment on the shirt.

“I’m hoping I leave with your respect knowing how much I have always fought to uphold the standards of this great club.”

He claimed that Everton’s final three seasons had been the “most difficult” in Premier League history but that he had “led the line” through it in an interview with BBC Sport last month.

On Tuesday, Marc Guehi officially concludes his 12-month contract with Crystal Palace, and interest is growing.

A player of his standing, an England international, rarely ventures into such ambiguity.

There are, as you might expect, several teams eager to exploit the situation.

However, one club seems to be making strong front-and-center contenders.

Liverpool were one of the teams interested in signing the 24-year-old, according to a report from BBC Sport this month.

However, whether Liverpool takes steps to formalize their interest will depend on a number of factors.

The value of a player who can leave for nothing in the summer will depend on Palace.

Don’t be surprised if Liverpool doesn’t look into Guehi’s price in light of their 12-month interest-parking and free-transfer deal.

What, however, qualifies as a fair price? We should look back to last year for a hint, when Palace turned down numerous offers from Newcastle, the last of which was worth £65m.

Given the looming contract expiration, common sense predicts a lower fee for this summer. But how much lower?

What kind of offer would Palace make for their skipper, according to the palace’s press release.

They must balance all of this with the possibility of placing Guehi in charge of their defense next year, keeping them competitive in the Premier League.

However, there are indications that the south London club might be willing to accept a deal worth between £40 and £45 million.

However, whether Liverpool views things that way would be the issue.

In recent years, Liverpool has preferred a centre-back with a younger profile than the Palace defender.

Levi Colwill, who was 20 at the time, was a subject of interest in 2023. Leny Yoro, 18, who eventually joined Manchester United, was a summer signing for Liverpool. They looked into moving to Guehi this summer prior to their interest in Guehi, and they did.

Liverpool will be looking for what they believe to alter their approach in light of this.

There is reason to believe that the Merseysiders could attempt to break even in any formal bid for Guehi with the sale of centre-back Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth up to £35 million.

Perhaps they’d be more than willing to pay for Quansah with the money they get paid, but not significantly.

It strikes a delicate balance.

If Liverpool and Palace agree to pay a figure that the Londoners don’t view as “low-balling,” then a successful and friendly negotiation might emerge if Palace agree to pay Guehi at a price the Premier League champions find fair.

Guehi’s availability is a mystery even if Palace and Liverpool can agree a fee for him.

Last year, Slot’s side won the Premier League title thanks to the contributions of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, who established a formidable central defensive duo.

The interest in Guehi adds a further layer of intrigue because Konate’s future is uncertain and he is also in the final 12 months of his contract.

Guehi, if any, be interested in moving to Anfield? That is a no-brainer. One of the most exciting football projects in Europe is Liverpool. Their allure is further accentuated by their summer recruitment, which includes the £116 million purchase of Florian Wirtz.

However, the answer isn’t always a simple “yes” or “no.” The environment in which he resides must be pleasant for Guehi.

Before taking any serious thought to moving north, you can assume Guehi would want to know what his part in Slot’s plans are.

He serves as Palace’s captain on a regular basis. With Palace and the possibility of joining Liverpool or another leading European club on a free transfer next season, having his contract attracted interest from Uefa’s multi-club ownership investigation, which is pending.

As long as he plays, joining Liverpool also works.

You could say Guehi’s desire for more international opportunities will influence his final choice, especially in a World Cup year.

Guehi was establishing himself as one of England’s stars for Euro 2024 at this time last year. With less certainty about his international future, he can look forward 12 months.

Thomas Tuchel is in charge, Lee Carsley has returned to the Under-21s, and Sir Gareth Southgate has left.

Guehi’s place in Tuchel’s setup is ambiguous in some ways. You’d think a successful season at Liverpool and his debut in the Champions League would help him cement his place in England’s plans for the 2026 World Cup.

A move to Anfield has a good chance of gaining momentum if the cost is reasonable for all parties and the circumstances favorable for Guehi.

Of course, Palace will look for interest from other clubs to increase their selling power if there is no chance of keeping Guehi’s current contract.

Guehi is undoubtedly being watched by other parties. For instance, Arsenal has a strong interest in center-back.

With William Saliba and Gabriel holding the shirts in central defense, the Van Dijk-Konate conundrum would arguably be even more challenging at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal initially inquired about Guehi moving, but they now turn their attention to Valencia’s Cristin Mosquera.

In the final moments of the January transfer window, Tottenham attempted and failed to sign Guehi, keeping an interest.

Chelsea looked into the possibility of re-uniting their former academy player with them at Stamford Bridge over the winter, even though they have a 20% sell-on clause for Guehi’s new transfer.

Newcastle, on the other hand, is still eager to try to close a deal that they agonized not to close last summer.