‘A funny feeling' – Sky Sports pundit ‘could play on British and Irish Lions Tour' after stepping back from TV duty
FARR FROM OVER 'A funny feeling' – Sky Sports pundit 'could play on British and Irish Lions Tour' after stepping back from TV duty
OWEN FARRELL could still play for the British and Irish Lions this summer despite starting the tour as a pundit on Sky Sports.
That's according to former England teammate Danny Care, who has warned not to rule the 33-year-old out of contention.
5
Owen Farrell worked as a pundit for Sky Sports during the Lions' summer series opener against Argentina
Credit: Sportsfile
5
Farrell's former England teammate Danny Care reckons the fly-half could still play for the Lions this summer
Credit: PA
Farrell, who was not selected in the Lions' initial 38-man travelling squad for Australia, worked as a pundit for Sky Sports during the Lions' summer series opener against Argentina last week.
But the 112 time England cap has now stepped down from punditry for the remainder of the tour in a pre-planned move that keeps him available for selection in Australia should an slot open up.
Farrell was snubbed by his father and Lions head coach Andy Farrell when the initial squad announcement was released last month, but there is still optimism that he could be called upon as a first reserve.
Former teammate Care told the Mail Online that he has a "funny feeling" that Farrell might find a way to return to the Lions fold this summer.
READ MORE SPORTS NEWS
Balls up Hurdler suffers wardrobe malfunction as privates exposed - but he still wins
He said: "It's quite a young and youthful Lions squad, especially in that backline.
"There's not many lads, barring Finn Russell and a couple of others, who have played for the Lions before and experienced it.
"I know Owen is the ultimate competitor and its brilliant to have him back in the Premiership, I just have a funny feeling that we might see him in a red shirt at some point this summer."
Farrell represented the Lions on the 2013. 2017 and 2021 tours, racking up six test appearances.
5
Farrell has represented the Lions on three seperate tours
Credit: Reuters
5
Farrell was snubbed for a place on the 2025 tour by head coach Andy Farrell, who is also his dad
Credit: Alamy
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS
While he has worked his way back into the spotlight, and England contention, after announcing his return to English rugby with Saracens.
The fly-half had spent the last year in France with Racing 92, but struggled with injuries during his foray to the continent - playing just 17 times for the Top 14 outfit.
Watch as Ireland coach Andy Farrell comes off injured with son Owen replacing him during their time as teammates
During his period of ineligibility in France, Farrell was replaced as England fly-half by Fin Smith - with Marcus Smith and George Ford also battling for the position for the Red Rose.
Both Marcus and Fin Smith have been selected in the Lions squad.
Dad and head coach Andy hasn't ruled out a call-up for Owen either, keeping the door open for the experience number 10.
He said last month: "There's 38 picked, which leaves a couple of slots open for us during the track if and when needed, and Owen, like a few other guys as well, would be in that type of bracket.
"He was in the conversation, obviously, an experienced player like that who is going for his fourth tour.
"You cover all bases, that's for sure, with the leadership qualities and all of that.
"But we got to a point where, like a few other players as well, we feel that Owen's still trying to find his way a little bit back to fitness, like others.'
Andy Farrell's team will continue their tour with a match against Western Force on Saturday, hoping to return a better result than their 28-24 defeat to Argentina in Dublin last week.
The Lions' first test match with Australia is scheduled to take place on July 19.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Tyson Fury savages brother Tommy over Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul prediction
Tyson Fury has taken to social media to mock his brother Tommy over his prediction of a potential showdown between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul Tyson Fury has dismissed his brother Tommy's prediction about a potential fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul. Eddie Hearn, the boxing promoter, recently disclosed that the YouTuber-turned-boxer is leading the pack to challenge Joshua next. The American has stated that a bout between them will occur next year and could potentially be staged at Wembley Stadium in London. This revelation has sparked comments from numerous fighters in the world of boxing. When asked about the prospective Joshua vs Paul match, Tommy Fury did not mince his words. He suggested that the British boxer could defeat the social media star single-handedly. "Obviously, money is a very powerful thing in today's world," Fury shared with the Stomping Ground, reports All Out Fighting. "But, if it goes past two minutes of the opening round, I will take that in AJ has been paid off. I think it is going to take a lot of money for that to happen. And, if it does, I think it will be very, very upsetting for everybody. But, you cannot rule it out because that is where boxing is at today. But, if I can beat Jake Paul, then what the f*** is Anthony Joshua going to do to Jake Paul? "I think my dad said that AJ can beat him with his p****. And I will completely back that up. Even if AJ had a broken arm in there, it still would not go past a minute. To be quite honest with you, as a safety aspect, there is no way that fight can go ahead... if one of them is not paid off. It is going to take a lot of money, but AJ could be paid off to not throw a punch for eight rounds. I would not know!". Fury's remarks rapidly spread across social media and it was not long before his elder sibling weighed in. In a comment shared on Instagram, the former two-time heavyweight champion wrote: "Come on guys, @jakepaul beat the legend @miketyson he would destroy AJ. Wake up ffs. Don't hate the player, hate the game! Come on, AJ got KOd by Dubois and he ent no Mike Tyson. Nuff said." This isn't the first occasion Fury has publicly supported Paul to defeat Joshua. Last month, the 'Gypsy King' disclosed that he believed Paul would knock 'AJ' out during discussions of a possible clash between the duo. "I think Jake Paul knocks him out," Fury told The Ring. "I just think Jake Paul would knock AJ out." In a recent chat with BBC Sport, Hearn issued a stark warning to Paul, declaring: "At first I thought it was a publicity stunt from Jake and now the more I speak to them the more I actually understand - Jake Paul thinks he can beat Anthony Joshua. This is a step too far. So be careful what you wish for, because this isn't a game. This isn't YouTube. This isn't Disney. This is the danger zone." The boxing promoter added: "Probably right up there [as his biggest fight purse]. [Usually] the more dangerous the fight, the bigger you expect the purse to be, or to reflect that. This is actually the opposite. It might be AJ's easiest ever fight and potentially his biggest payday." When is Tommy Fury's next fight? Fury made his comeback in May for the first time in almost two years, beating Kenan Hanjalic on points. Following that bout, he has exchanged heated words with Paul repeatedly regarding a possible rematch. Fury secured victory in their original clash in 2023, but the American has been demanding a second encounter ever since. The Brit has recently delivered an ultimatum to the 'Problem Child,' telling Boxing Social. "If I were to fight him, which I think will 100 per cent happen, then he has got to stop talking b****** like he is every single day on Twitter. He is offering stupid numbers that are not realistic. He thinks because he has got a few followers on Instagram and YouTube that he can call the shots, but if you want to come into a sport where we fight, then none of that matters. You lost, I won. So let's talk some realistic numbers." He added: "At the end of the day, I am not unreasonable. He's going on about earning X amount; okay, then let's be fair and go down the middle. And if you don't want to go right down the middle, then give me what I am asking for because at the end of the day, you lost and I won."
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Marcus Rashford's new nickname at Barcelona emerges after Man Utd move
Marcus Rashford is adjusting to life in Spain after his loan move from Manchester United to Barcelona this summer, and he has opened up on the strange nickname given to him by his new team-mates Marcus Rashford has been dubbed "sweetie" by his new Barcelona team-mates following his summer loan switch from Manchester United. The England forward made the move to the Catalan giants after falling out of favour under Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim and spending the latter part of last season on loan at Aston Villa. The 27-year-old has now lifted the lid on settling into life in Spain, revealing the amusing nickname his new colleagues have given him in an interview with Spanish publication SPORT. "When they're having fun with each other, they call me 'sweetie'," Rashford said. "I don't know what it means, but it's funny when they talk to you like that [laughs]. Yeah, yeah, they know I'm trying to learn Spanish. I think it's important for me to learn as soon as possible. So it's stimulating. You're always learning, and that's good." When quizzed about whether he'd tried picking up any Catalan – the main language spoken in Barcelona's changing room – he said: "Catalan is difficult. I suppose that while I'm here, I'll learn a little and hope it will help me understand more about Catalan culture, which I also want to do." Rashford made his competitive bow for Barca on Saturday against Mallorca. The striker came on for ex-Manchester City ace Ferran Torres during the second period as Hansi Flick's men secured a 3-0 win. Rashford then showed off his Spanish skills on social media afterwards as he posted a snap of himself celebrating with Lamine Yamal, who netted after teeing up the opener, along with several other pictures, reports the Manchester Evening News. "Best way to start," Rashford wrote, before adding, "Vamos equipo" – which translates from Spanish into English as "Let's go team". Whilst speaking to Gary Lineker on The Rest Is Football podcast recently, Rashford was asked about settling into his new environment and how he's been keen to pick up the language. "It's still Spanish, a lot of the lads speak Catalan, but the easy thing for me is that a lot of the lads understand English," he said. "So I've just been picking up on the basics on the pitch, which I think I've done quite quickly." Rashford also revealed how his teammates have helped him adjust, particularly regarding the language barrier. He continued: "There are good people who are like a bridge. "Frenkie [de Jong] speaks really good English, Jules [Kounde] speaks very good English, but they also have good Spanish because they've been here a few years. But on the pitch, honestly it's easier than what I thought it would be. "Also football overall, I know a lot of people say it, but it's a language in itself and it's easy to communicate through the general vibe on the pitch." Rashford also shared his enthusiasm about playing with some of Europe's top talents. "It's so refreshing to be playing with them, every day they're full of energy and it keeps you having energy as well," he said. "They're all really talented but the thing that surprised me is how mature they are on the pitch. They play the game at their own tempo, it's the way they've developed it's different." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Ashvir Singh Johal, 30, is student of Arsenal icons who got license LAST MONTH and replaces brutally axed Morecambe boss
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ASHVIR SINGH JOHAL has become the youngest manager in the top five tiers of English football after being appointed as Morecambe boss - and his journey has been nothing short of incredible. Singh Johal, 30, has been tasked with guiding the Shrimps into a new era after their nightmare period of uncertainty finally came to an end on Sunday. 7 Ashvir Singh Johal has been named manager of National League side Morecambe Credit: Instagram @ashvirjohal 7 Derek Adams was sacked just 73 minutes after the club announced they had formalised their takeover Credit: Getty National League Morecambe were in financial ruin and on the brink of collapse before the Panjab Warriors consortium finally got their takeover across the line on Sunday. But their club-saving takeover has come with an unexpected start, the dismissal of a loyal manager and the appointment of highly-rated prospect with no prior professional managerial experience. Popular figure Derek Adams was sacked by the new owners on Monday, just 73 minutes after the takeover was confirmed. Morecambe cited "a strategic transition in leadership" in their statement announcing his dismissal, sparking outrage from Shrimps supporters who hold the manager in high regard. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL HE'S A KEEPER Man Utd have obvious solution to goalkeeper crisis, and it's not Donnarumma Now the club will put its faith in Singh Johal, a student of two Arsenal icons who only earned his Uefa Pro License last month. GETTING HIS START Singh Johal began his journey into football coaching when he was just 16 years old, completing his FA Level 1 course at the same age that most people are completing their GCSEs. A teenager with a dream of one day being a manager, Singh Johal spent his time teaching PE lessons and laying out cones to earn his stripes. From there he began volunteering at Leicester City, starting with coaching in schools and community centres before entering the academy pathway with the U7s and building up to the U18s. Singh Johal balanced that role with his A-Levels, going to school from 9am to 4pm, before starting his coaching at 6pm and heading home to revise afterwards. Balancing his A-Levels became balancing his university work as Singh Johal spent eight years with the Foxes, taking his voluntary role to a part-time role and then finally a permanent position. 7 Singh Johal earned a full-time role at Leicester City Credit: Getty LEARNING FROM THE BEST After grinding with Leicester, Singh Johal earned himself a position as Assistant Coach to Kolo Toure at Wigan Athletic - his first role as a first team coach in the Championship at just 27 years old. Although Toure's time in charge of the Latics was short-lived and unsuccessful, Singh Johal has claimed he learnt plenty from the Arsenal Invincible. He previously said: "Kolo taught me a lot — about leadership, professionalism, and valuing people. "He led with calm, clarity, and humility, and created an environment where people felt seen and supported. I learned a great deal — not just about the game, but about how to lead with purpose and consistency." After leaving Wigan, Singh Johal landed himself another job working under a different Arsenal icon. This time he joined Cesc Fabergas in Italy at Como, earning the role of assistant manager of Como's Primavera team. On working so close to Fabregas, Singh Johal said: "Cesc showed incredible clarity, hunger and conviction in how he wanted his team to play — every day was so detailed. "His belief in his leadership style and methodology, win, lose or draw, taught me so much about consistency and identity. "I'm grateful to both Kolo and Cesc for their trust and guidance during such a key stage in their coaching journeys. To be part of both of their first steps into management was a real privilege." 7 Singh Johal worked alongside Kolo Toure at Wigan Athletic Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 7 He later learned from Cesc Fabregas at Como Credit: MAKING HISTORY Singh Johal returned to the UK last year after work permit issues caused by Brexit meant he could no longer continue his journey in Italy. Upon returning to English football he became the manager of Notts County's B-team, a side that develops talent between the academy and the first team. The up and comer has claimed his time with the club has been a "key step" in his journey. Earlier this summer he became one of the youngest coaches in the history of English football to complete his Uefa Pro Licence qualification - graduating as part of the same cohort as ex England and Arsenal star Jack Wilshere. That was just over a month ago, and now he embarks on his first job in professional management after landing his National League gig with Morecambe. As well as being the youngest boss in all of England's top five leagues, Singh Johal becomes the first Sikh to take charge of a professional club in the UK. Speaking on his journey and finally reaching his ambition of becoming a professional manager, Singh Johal said: "All in all, I've had a lot of good experiences that have made me ready for this opportunity. "I've been working hard for the last five or six years. I've known I wanted to be a manager. "How do I learn from the right people? How do I be around the right environments? So that when I get the opportunity to be a manager, I'm successful from the start. "For me that is the priority. Okay, this is about Morecambe Football Club, it's about building a team that can perform on the pitch. That's our priority this season." Adding: "It's what I've wanted to do, it's been my dream since I was 14 or 15 years old. Every single day that has been the target I have worked towards. "But for me now, there's a new target. The target is to make sure Morecambe are successful as a club." 7 Singh Johal is the first Sikh to ever take charge of a professional football club in the UK Credit: Instagram @ashvirjohal
