Sports
Tuchel lays down law to Bellingham after England star’s frustration | The Express Tribune
LONDON:
Thomas Tuchel warned Jude Bellingham to respect his decisions after the England midfielder showed frustration at being substituted during Sunday’s 2-0 win against Albania.
Tuchel’s side wrapped up a flawless World Cup qualifying campaign as Harry Kane’s late double sealed their eighth successive Group K victory.
Bellingham was back in the England starting line-up for the first time since June after Tuchel restricted him to an appearance off the bench in Thursday’s win against Serbia.
But the Real Madrid star, who had already been booked, was visibly unhappy when Tuchel replaced him six minutes from the final whistle in Tirana.
Having seen Morgan Rogers waiting to replace him on the touchline, the 22-year-old waved his arms in the air just after Kane’s second goal.
It was the latest flare-up involving Tuchel and Bellingham after the England boss was forced to apologise for revealing his mother found some of the midfielder’s on-pitch antics “repulsive”.
Bellingham’s talent is without question but he has long been a polarising figure amid reports some in the England camp believe he is too self-absorbed.
Tuchel raised eye-brows when he left Bellingham out of the October internationals while claiming the star had been desperate to be involved.
He then told Bellingham he would have to fight for his place in the team at the World Cup because Aston Villa’s Rogers had played so well as his replacement.
The German was quick to lay down the law to Bellingham after Sunday’s incident.
“That’s the decision, and he has to accept the decision,” Tuchel said. “His friend is waiting on the sideline, so you need to accept it, respect it, and keep on going.
“I don’t want to make more out of it but I stick to my words. Behaviour is key and respect towards the team-mates who come in.”
Asked if Bellingham’s reaction showed disrespect for Tuchel’s team-first ethos, the England boss said: “I’m going to have to review it. I saw that he was not happy.
“I think to a certain degree if you have players like Jude, who are so competitive, they will never like it, but, as you said, my word stands.
“It is about standards and level, and it’s a commitment to and respect to each other. We will not change our decision just because someone is waving their arms.”
Constant progression
Although he shook hands with Tuchel before taking his seat on the bench, Bellingham’s frustration will cast a cloud over England until the squad reconvene for a pair of friendlies in March.
By then, Tuchel will have seen England’s World Cup draw in December as they move closer to the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Some critics claim the paucity of opposition provided in Group K may have given a false impression of England’s quality.
But after a slow start, it has been an impressive first year for Tuchel.
England are the first European country to finish a World Cup qualifying campaign of at least six matches by winning them all without conceding a goal.
Runners-up at the last two European Championship tournaments, they will be among the World Cup favourites as they chase a first major trophy since 1966.
“I don’t dare to think about a starting eleven at the World Cup because there are so many months to play,” Tuchel said.
“I just told the guys, I think we constantly progressed throughout the three camps. This is what we wanted.
“Congratulations to them, it was a pleasure to fight with them and push them from the sidelines.”
Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar has been released from hospital after being admitted last week following an abnormal cardiac episode.
Oscar, 34, felt unwell and temporarily lost consciousness while using an exercise bicycle as part of a routine pre-season fitness test at Brazilian club São Paulo ‘s training complex on Nov. 11 and The Brazilian player was admitted to the cardiology unit of São Paulo’s Einstein Hospital and underwent extensive tests throughout the week before being discharged on Sunday.
“Extensive investigation carried out at the hospital confirmed that the player presented an episode of vasovagal syncope,” a São Paulo FC statement said.
“Stable and clinically well throughout the hospitalization period, the player will now follow a medical rest program for the next few days.”
Vasovagal syncope causes your heart rate and blood pressure to drop suddenly, which leads to reduced blood flow to your brain and to a brief loss of consciousness.
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Sources told ESPN that initial tests came back positive and everything suggests Oscar’s heart is “intact”, adding that “of all the bad things that could have happened, this was the least bad”.
Oscar returned to his boyhood club São Paulo in December 2024 after spending eight years playing in China. His contract expires at the end of 2027.
Sports
PM Shehbaz, PCB chief Naqvi hail Pakistan as they complete dominant ODI sweep over Sri Lanka – SUCH TV
Chasing 212, Pakistan crossed the finish line in 44.4 overs with six wickets in hand, completing a 3-0 series sweep over Sri Lanka. Tributes poured in on Sunday as national leaders and cricket officials lauded Pakistan’s dominant ODI performance and the competitive spirit displayed throughout the series.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to X to congratulate the team, praising their “wonderful display of cricket’s unifying spirit.” He said, “I congratulate our national team on winning the ODI series against Sri Lanka,” also commending Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and his team “for their tireless efforts.”
Sharif further extended gratitude to the Sri Lankan players and management, highlighting that “they once again reflected the enduring friendship between our two nations.”
PCB Chairman Naqvi also celebrated Pakistan’s achievement, stating, “Well done boys! Congratulations to all the players on a brilliant clean sweep in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, following our T20I series win as well. Back-to-back dominant performances make us proud of our players, coaches, and management for their dedication and spirit.”
Naqvi urged fans to continue backing the team, adding, “Trust and believe in these boys—they are giving their all for the country.”
He also singled out Haris Rauf for special praise, noting, “Congratulations to Haris Rauf on being named Man of the Series for his outstanding bowling throughout.”
The PCB chief concluded by calling the sweep a “great moment for Pakistan cricket and our fans.”
Key contributions in the third ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium came from Fakhar Zaman and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, both scoring crucial fifties, while Pakistan’s disciplined bowling ensured a comprehensive victory over Sri Lanka to complete the series sweep.
Chasing 212, Pakistan crossed the finish line in 44.4 overs with six wickets in hand, winning the series 3-0.
The experienced duo of Babar Azam and Fakhar then steadied the innings, forging a 74-run second-wicket partnership that helped Pakistan reach 82-2 in 15.2 overs.
Fakhar continued his fine form, scoring 55 off 45 balls, including eight boundaries, to record his 19th ODI fifty before being dismissed by Jeffrey Vandersay.
Mohammad Rizwan joined Babar Azam to accelerate the scoring, guiding Pakistan past 100 in the 20th over with 112 runs still needed from 30 overs.
However, the 21st over proved costly as Vandersay dismissed Babar for 34 off 52 deliveries, leaving the team at 101-3. Vandersay struck again to remove Salman Ali Agha for six, putting Pakistan under pressure at 101-4.
Rizwan and Hussain Talat then combined to rebuild the innings, steadily scoring and taking Pakistan past the 150-run mark.
Their crucial 50-run partnership for the fifth wicket eased the pressure, pushing the team to 167-4 after 37 overs.
Plus, Sam Darnold confirmed critics’ worst fears, the Falcons’ season is a disaster, and Shedeur Sanders made his uninspiring NFL debut.
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