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‘I’m not playing for you’ – Wayne Rooney could’ve played for different country before breaking England goal record
WAYNE ROONEY says he was close to playing for the Republic of Ireland.
But the England icon – second on the all-time caps and goals for the Three Lions – snubbed Ireland boss Mick McCarthy because he was called up by the U21s and not the seniors.
Rooney, then at Everton, was approached by team-mate Lee Carsley through McCarthy as he qualified through his paternal grandparents.
Asked which other country he would have played for, ex-Manchester United striker Rooney, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, said: “Mine would be Ireland. Mick called me up.
“I spoke to Lee Carsley, and he spoke to Mick and I was close to doing it.
“Then they called me up for the 21s. I was like, ‘I’m not playing for Ireland U21s’. I can play for England 21s.
“It obviously never happened, and I went to play for England.
“I would have probably went [if they put me in the first team].”
Ex-United team-mate Roy Keane quipped: “That was another one of your big mistakes.
“You could have played for Ireland. You live to regret it!”
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Rooney went on to be an England legend, winning 120 caps and scoring 53 goals in a 15-year international career where he was captain for three years.
He made history as the youngest player to play for his country when he won his first cap in a friendly defeat to Australia at the age of just 17-years and 111 days.
Rooney also went on to become to the youngest player to score for England when he netted against Macedonia at the age of 17.
He also made history as the youngest scorer in European Championship history when he netted a brace against Switzerland at Euro 2004, however the record was broken just four days later by Swiss midfielder Johan Vonlanthen.
Punters rage at Cheltenham shambles as race starts with Willie Mullins’ horse facing the WRONG way
PUNTERS were left absolutely fuming after yet more false start drama hit Cheltenham Festival.
Seven jockeys were banned on day two for ‘misconduct‘ at the start – resulting in several false starts which hampered horses’ chances.
But the worst of the lot hit the 11-1 Willie Mullins-trained Maughreen on the first race on Thursday, the Grade 2 Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.
After one false start the 24 mares were led back into a line for a standing start – except Maughreen, who was ridden by Willie’s son Patrick.
She was facing the wrong way and whipped round at the start just as the flag went down, giving her and punters who backed her absolutely no chance.
It is the starter’s job to realise when a horse is facing the wrong way and give it a chance to get right before setting off.
But totally detached as the race just got underway, Maughreen had already given up a good 30 lengths and had no chance of getting it back.
Punters let their anger be known on social media – while pundits at the track said it was a joke as well.
Fuming Racing TV presenter Dan Barber said: “I don’t even think it’s a blame game. The law is an ass.
“The preferred method to start a race over jumps is a walk-in start, so why then refer to an inferior option after one go?
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“Maughreen has had one run and her campaign has been building up to one day.
“She’s one of a dozen horses who have been impacted this week by standing starts.
“They really should try walk-in starts again – I think the rule is stupid.”
One punter wrote: “Maughreen facing backwards when the starter said go. Farce.”
Another said: “Maughreen facing the wrong way at the start, should be voided.”
And a fellow punter posted: “Maughreen facing wrong way. How is that right.”
Jockey Keith Donoghue, one of those banned after winning a race on Wednesday, was scathing of the starters.
He said: “Use common sense, they don’t like doing that too often.”
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- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
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- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
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Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Thousands of households have until midnight to claim £120 that will be transferred direct into bank accounts
THOUSANDS of struggling households have just hours left to claim £120 – but you must act before midnight.
The cash boost is part of the Household Support Fund (HSF), a £421million pot, which helps low-income families with food, energy bills, and essentials.
Residents in Redcar and Cleveland can apply for the support – but the deadline is 11:59pm tonight (March 13).
Who is eligible?
The scheme is open to:
- Households receiving Council Tax Support – entitled to a £70 payment (no children) or £120 (households with children).
- Low-income households struggling financially – may qualify for a £120 discretionary payment.
However, only one payment per household is allowed, and those living with friends or family cannot claim.
How will payments be made?
- Payments will be made directly into bank accounts – Redcar and Cleveland Council does not issue vouchers like some other councils.
- If you qualify, look out for HHSUP or DHSAF on your bank statement as the payment reference.
- Payments will be made on March 26, 2025, for claims submitted after December 13, 2024.
How to apply
- If you already receive Council Tax Support and got a Household Support Fund payment before, you do not need to reapply.
- If you haven’t claimed before, you must apply and provide your bank details.
- Apply now on Redcar and Cleveland Council’s website.
The Government has confirmed an extension of the Household Support Fund, running from October 2024 until March 2025, meaning more support may be available later this year.
Help for those who live outside Redcar and Cleveland
Despite councils having until March 31 to allocate their share of the latest round of Household Support Fund, some have already closed for applications.
Councils have had until last October to distribute their share to residents in need.
However, some local authorities may still be accepting applications for support from struggling households.
Whether you will be eligible for support depends on where you live as each council sets its own eligibility criteria.
However, if you on a low income, benefits or financially vulnerable, you will likely qualify for support.
The best thing to do is speak to your local council to see what help is on offer. You can find what council area you fall under by visiting www.gov.uk/find-local-council.
For more government cost of living support, visit gov.uk/cost-of-living.
Other help you can claim
If you’re not eligible for the Household Support Fund, you might qualify for other forms of help to cover energy bills or food.
Several energy firms offer grants to households who are struggling to pay their energy bills worth up to £2,000.
This includes British Gas, Octopus Energy and EDF.
New parents might also be eligible for free food worth up to £442 a year to cover the cost of healthy food and milk via the Healthy Start scheme.
Or, you can get an emergency food parcel from a Trussell Trust food bank.
You can find your nearest via www.trussell.org.uk/emergency-food/find-a-foodbank.
To get a food parcel, you need a voucher from a community organisation like Citizens Advice or your GP. You can then exchange this voucher for a food parcel at the food bank.
It’s also worth checking if you’re eligible for benefits if you haven’t already – billions of pounds worth is going unclaimed, according to Policy in Practice.
There are three free calculators you can use to see what you might be entitled to:
- Policy in Practice better off calculator
- entitledto benefits calculator
- Turn2us benefits calculator