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The New York Giants offense may surprise people this season

Eddie Nketiah hailed the “magnificent” Thierry Henry for helping him become an Arsenal striker worthy of earning a senior England call-up. The 24-year-old, who is England’s most prolific Under-21 goalscorer, was included in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the first time for the upcoming games against Ukraine and Scotland. Nketiah made his Arsenal debut six years ago and last turned out for England Under-21s in 2021. He has scored 34 goals in 136 games for the Gunners, starting with a memorable home debut off the bench against Norwich – scoring a brace to secure victory in an EFL Cup tie. Despite bursting onto the scene, Nketiah’s options were limited to the lesser cup competitions and a disappointing loan spell at Leeds in the Sky Bet Championship was seen as another setback. But, during his younger years at Arsenal – whom he joined having been released by Chelsea at the age of 14 – he was able to pick the brains of the club’s all-time record goalscorer and former captain. “Thierry has been magnificent for me,” he revealed. “I was able to be coached by him as a first-year scholar at 16, it was amazing, one of my best and most enjoyable seasons, being able to bounce ideas off him and he gave me a lot of confidence and still to this day when I see him he is still supportive and still really helpful.” Asked for the best piece of advice he received from the France World Cup winner, whose old number 14 shirt he now wears, Nketiah replied: “Probably just to believe in yourself. “He came in and saw the quality I had when I was 16 or 17 and said that I just needed to believe in myself, whatever anyone else said. That is what is going to drive you, to motivate you. That’s probably one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received. “I think he knows what he’s talking about, so it’s not a bad feeling!” As he fought for a starting place under Unai Emery – and now Mikel Arteta – Nketiah saw Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe emerge as the next precocious academy talent off the Hale End production line – the former now a firm favourite of Southgate. “I’m still young,” Nketiah said when asked if he was concerned he may have missed out on his own international opportunity. “Everyone’s journey is different. In this day and age everyone needs to focus on their own story and their own journey, not look at anyone else’s. Our career paths have been totally different. We’ve had different opportunities at different times. “I think I am a much better player now than I was two or three years ago. It is really nice and I am coming in at a good time and a good moment. “I feel confident and I feel ready to continue to improve – that is the thing, I’m still young and humble enough to know I am not the finished article. Nketiah could have opted to switch allegiances after Ghana – the birthplace of his parents – put feelers out to attract him to play for the Black Stars. But, once the call came, he knew he had made the right decision to stick with his guns. “I think obviously both sides were always an option,” he added. “I think naturally coming through the academy at England obviously you have the aspiration to play here and like I said, once the call-up was there and the offer was on the table it was really hard to turn down and something which I felt was a natural progression for myself at this stage. “I felt now was a good time to make that step so obviously I’m really happy to be here and proud to be here like I said, hopefully I can go on and help the team this week and get some caps.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live World Cup squad ‘open for debate’ as England coach gives hope to Harry Brook I feel good – Ethan Ampadu loving life at Leeds and ready to thrive with Wales England could still use ‘magician’ Marcus Smith at full-back – Kevin Sinfield

Coco Gauff said learning how to smile more often is behind her dazzling run at the US Open after she stormed into the semi-finals with a straight sets...

Ethan Ampadu believes Wales will feel the benefit of his settled life at Leeds and the end of his wanderlust. Ampadu holds no regrets over leaving Chelsea this summer and heading to Elland Road after loan spells at RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia – at the last three clubs he suffered relegation. The 22-year-old joined Chelsea at the age of 16 in 2017 and was their longest serving player until his July departure, despite making just 12 senior appearances there in six years. “It comes down to you as an individual,” Ampadu said about his Stamford Bridge exit. “If you want to stay then you voice that opinion, but I felt it was the right time to leave.” Ampadu has become a popular figure with Leeds fans in the early weeks of the Sky Bet Championship campaign, despite an indifferent start under Daniel Farke, and is the only man to play every minute for the Yorkshire club this term. Utilised during his 44-cap Wales career either in central defence or midfield, Ampadu is relishing the opportunity to play in the middle of the park at Leeds. I've enjoyed the step I've taken and I'm excited to see what comes from it Ethan Ampadu on his Leeds move A rich history is associated with that role over the years with Billy Bremner, David Batty, Gary McAllister and Kalvin Phillips among his central-midfield predecessors at Elland Road. Ampadu said: “It’s not just the position I play but the history of the club in general, where the club belongs. “We know on the outside where everyone wants us to be and within ourselves what we need to do to get where we want to be. “You obviously feel the pressure in the club, but it’s more of an exciting pressure of knowing what you can achieve. “I feel good and I’m enjoying being settled. I gave my all in each of the loans and I was focused on developing and becoming a better player. “But maybe in the back of your mind when you know you are settled somewhere and you’re not on loan, there are little things you can improve on. “If you are playing in one position, you can work on the finer little details within that position to take you to the next level. “The results have not really gone our way so far. But our performances have given us the belief for the games coming up after the international break that we can do really well.” Wales host South Korea in a Cardiff friendly on Thursday before meeting Latvia in a crunch Euro 2024 qualifier in Riga next Monday. Rob Page’s side are in desperate need for points to book a top-two automatic qualifying spot after defeats by Armenia and Turkey in June. “We’ve had time to reflect,” said Ampadu. “Everyone knows when you see a Wales team and how we performed in those games, well, that’s not us. “Put that aside, we have to learn from it. It’s about reminding ourselves of those standards and what has got us success in the past. “I’m sure that’s the baseline for us in these games coming up.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live England could still use ‘magician’ Marcus Smith at full-back – Kevin Sinfield Jonny May confronted Steve Borthwick after initial omission from England squad Novak Djokovic thrives in New York heat to beat Taylor Fritz in straight sets

Former Atlanta Braves left-hander Tom Glavine is bullish on the Atlanta Braves, both in the short- and long-term, because of Alex Anthopoulos' job to draft and develop homegrown talent.

Jerry Jones authored the Dallas Cowboys' trade for Trey Lance without consulting his front office executives.

Deion Sanders wants his players reading all about how good they are because the Colorado coach isn’t one to keep his players grounded

Novak Djokovic charged into his 13th US Open semi-final on Tuesday with a straight-sets win over Taylor Fritz, while home favourite Coco Gauff stayed on track...

In today's Steelers rumors, Mike Tomlin prepares for Nick Bosa in Week 1, Kenny Pickett gets picked on, and an ex-Steelers tight end joins the dark side.

All-Star right-hander Nathan Eovaldi has been activated from the injured list to start for the Texas Rangers in the middle game of their pivotal AL West series against the Houston Astros

The Baltimore Orioles have promoted top prospect Jackson Holliday to Triple-A Norfolk

Connor Bedard took another step in his path from top pick in the NHL draft to his pro debut with the Chicago Blackhawks