…comes throughIn the real world, folks in charge are always trying to control the outcome of gatekeeper social institutions like courts, Government Boards etc, by staffing them with recruits who’ll toe the desired line. Even though these institutions are supposed to be “neutral”, the practice has been very well practiced in the US, where every President tries to “pack” the courts – including the Supreme Court – with individuals who’re closer to them ideologically.Right now, Trump has picked conservative Judges who appear willing to challenge even supposedly settled liberal doctrines like women’s right to abortion! But the thing is, even the most aggressive Presidents make sure they’re riding some ideological wave – supported by wide swaths of the society – to legitimise their choices. And in fact, some Justices have surprised their sponsors when they rule in ways contrary to the expected line, when the public mood shifted.But unlike those Presidents, here in Guyana, President Granger makes no bones about his selections for heading key institutions – he openly look for persons who’ll do whatever is asked of them. Blind loyalty, not even ideology, is his criterion! For instance, rather than appointing the present, quite competent acting Chancellor permanently to the post, he’s selected a fella who has a big black mark against his name. He is, after all, a former Army squaddie, who went into law!! But his most egregious choice among the hundreds he’s made has to be ex-Justice James Patterson, to be head of GECOM. And the man “pen slipped” about being a “Chief Justice”!!Now, if there is ever a CRITICAL gatekeeper institution in Guyana – it’s got to be GECOM, which oversees the entire elections process to select the President and Government of the country. The stakes don’t get higher than this – especially with oil in the offing!! Granger defied even the constitutionally defined guidelines that demanded consensus with the Opposition Leader to get his own man. And now we see why he went to all that trouble.Blind sighted by Charrandas’ vote on the NCM, Granger couldn’t risk having elections in three months – even though the Constitution’s clear as day on the matter. So what did he do? His first feint was to go to the courts, to “interpret” what doesn’t need interpretation. But that bought him time. Time for GECOM to drag its feet on preparing for March elections, so that the voters’ list becomes obsolete!! And then – the coup de grace! – his plant Patterson uses his casting vote with his three Commissioners to “advise” the President that elections can’t be held on March 19!!Let’s see what the ABCE embassies – who’re supporting democracy in Venezuela – will say about this farce after meeting GECOM today!!…takes overWhen the Government shut down the four sugar estates of Wales, Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon, it claimed it was because of the annual subsidies it had to shell out to keep them going. Your Eyewitness predicted that unless they immediately sold off the estates on an “as is” basis, they’ll end up spending more money than the subsidies. Not to mention the 7000 persons on the breadline and dozens of communities across Guyana doomed to destitution and despair.And that’s exactly what has happened. Firstly, they borrowed $30 billion to do god-knows-what with the estates – but has since sat on it while paying $1.5 billion annually in interests!! Now this week, they finally woke up and realised the uncultivated estates have reverted to bush and the canals have become clogged with grass. They’ve put out calls for bids to lean the canals – which will cost billions annually – before the coastal villages are flooded!!We’re still waiting for the fees to clear the forested fields!! What a bunch of incompetents!!…and majorityUsing the Government’s formula for calculating “voting majorities”, half of the seven-person GECOM Commission = 3.5; rounding up makes this 4 and adding “1 more”, the majority needed is 5.So, what’s all this nonsense about a 4-3 majority?
qoxbkrov
Cart has clearly been put before the horse
Dear Editor,The head of the Sugar Special Purpose Unit (SPU), through a press statement, advised that the body was seeking to engage a reputable firm to value the sugar industry’s assets. That valuation, he went on to say, would form the basis of a prospectus that would allow investors to know what’s available and what it is valued at. But what is amiss about this whole convolution is that expressions of interest have already been invited. In fact, the SPU head in the press statement said that the request for proposals has been extended by about three weeks. So then how is it that a valuation is yet to be done, but interested parties are asked to show their desire to acquire assets? From a layman’s perspective, the cart has clearly been put before the horse.But the hiring of a reputable firm to value sugar’s assets is a faux pas. The GuySuCo top leadership has irresponsibly allowed the running down of its assets. Thus, whenever the valuators are identified and would have completed their task, they will naturally come up with a value that is really not reflective of the realistic value of the asset. We cannot fail to miss that it is these valuations which will determine the final prices and strengthen suspicions that the people’s assets will be sold cheaply.And, too, the SPU head made a telling admission. We are told that the sugar company has foregone profits as it provides several services which benefit the country. The SPU may want to say how is it that these services will be provided in the circumstances of changed ownership? It seems to me that the Treasury will have to pick up the tab meaning further pressures will be placed on the backs of the working people.The SPU mandate, in my view, is gravely misplaced. Rather than looking at the prospect of selling, quite possibly at dirt cheap prices, the sugar industry’s assets, GuySuCo should convince the Government to have the Unit adopt another course that is to package projects to diversify and sustain the sugar industry and to seek private capital to realise those initiatives. Sugar, I believe like many other Guyanese, has a future but political spite, as many believe too, rather than economic prudence has been the sad approach adopted towards the industry.Yours faithfully,Patricia Persaud
Tim Cone to decide on SEA Games coaching after Ginebra debut in Govs’ Cup
‘People evacuated on their own’ Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next No need to wear face masks in Metro Manila, says scientist LOOK: Taal Volcano island 2 days after eruption On Thursday, SBP chair emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan said that Cone headed the shortlist of names the national basketball federation wanted to head the SEA Games campaign.READ: Tab Baldwin out as next Gilas head coach, eyed as program director for national teamCone has already served as national coach during the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok, where he steered the Philippine five, then known as the Centennial Team, to the bronze medal.After the clinching bronze medal, Cone held an emotional post-game chat with Filipino journalists, where he said, among others, “I’d like to have a shot. I really love that and I love coaching the international game.”ADVERTISEMENT Trending Articles PLAY LIST 00:50Trending Articles02:11SEA GAMES 2019: PH’s Nesthy Petecio boxing featherweight final (HIGHLIGHTS)08:07Athletes treated to a spectacle as SEA Games 2019 officially ends06:27SEA Games 2019: No surprises as Gilas Pilipinas cruises to basketball gold05:02SEA Games 2019: Philippines clinches historic gold in women’s basketball05:21Drama in karate: Tsukii ‘very sad’ over coach’s bullying, cold shoulder03:24PH’s James Palicte boxing light welterweight final (HIGHLIGHTS) Olympic judo champion Rafaela Silva tests positive for doping Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. MOST READ Taal Volcano eruption: House to develop rehab plan for Batangas, Cavite, Laguna
LATEST STORIES Taal Volcano’s lava fountain weakens, but Phivolcs says it’s not sign of slowing down LOOK: Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Part 3 takes you straight to hell with a Music Video and First Look-Images Negros Occidental gov’t, church call for prayers for safety of Taal evacuees Francis Kong, Jason Magbanua headline ‘The School for the Passionate, New Bold U 2020’ View comments Cone, in a statement, said he has heard out SBP president Al Panlilio reveal that the SBP is also in talks with San Miguel Corp sports director Alfrancis Chua regarding the position.READ: Tim Cone on top of SBP wish list for SEA Games coachFEATURED STORIESSPORTSAndray Blatche has high praise for teammate Kai SottoSPORTSBig differenceSPORTSAlmazan status stays uncertain ahead of Game 4“At this time, however, my total focus is on our Ginebra game vs Alaska [on Sunday] to open the Governors’ Cup,” Cone said.“On Monday, and after talking to my family, Mr. Panlilio and I will continue our conversation regarding the appointment, at which time we will come to a resolution. Coach Tim Cone thanks the fans. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netMANILA, Philippines–The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has offered Barangay Ginebra tactician Tim Cone the head coaching position of the national team that will shoot for the gold medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games that the country will host.And although Cone, the two-time Grand Slam coach and owner of the most titles in the PBA, hasn’t made any commitment yet, he isn’t turning down the job and will continue talks with the SBP after Ginebra’s debut in the ongoing Governors’ Cup.ADVERTISEMENT
Reggie must stay in town
160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! LOS Angeles’ four-legged star was finally nabbed by authorities Thursday at Machado Lake. And it’s a bit of a relief to know that after two years, a hungry rogue alligator won’t be cruising a city park this summer. But Reggie must remain in Los Angeles. There’s some question about his future. The L.A. Zoo will hold him for a while but hasn’t committed to a permanent home. So it’s up to the mayor and the City Council (led by Reggie’s council rep, Janice Hahn) to insist that the zoo keep him for good. This is not just for the alligator’s benefit, but for L.A.’s. Reggie already has a huge fan base and would surely be a draw to the zoo. Revenue from Reggie T-shirts and stuffed animals would offset the cost of housing another alligator. It’s also just the right thing to do. Reggie’s an L.A star – this is where he belongs. 
SACKED! Brentford axe head coach Marinus Dijkhuizen just eight games into the Championship season
1 Marinus Dijkhuizen has been sacked as head coach of Brentford, with Lee Carsley placed in charge for the rest of the season.The Dutchman was only appointed the summer, replacing Mark Warburton in a controversial restructuring of the club.Warburton had enjoyed a highly successful period at Griffin Park, leading the Bees to promotion from League One and into the Championship play-offs last season.But he departed at the end of campaign after being involved in a disagreement with owner Matthew Benham over the future direction of the club.With Benham keen on the use of mathematical modelling and statistics, Dijkhuizen was seen as the ideal ‘innovative’ coach to succeed Warburton.But after a difficult start to the season, Benham has already lost faith in the 43-year-old.Brentford have won just two of their eight league games this season – and been dumped out of the League Cup by Oxford – and Saturday’s defeat at home to Sheffield Wednesday left them 19th in the Championship table.That proved the end for Dijkhuizen and his assistant Roy Hendriksen, who were told of their departures at a meeting on Monday morning.Development coach Carsley was immediately placed in temporary charge of first-team affairs for the remainder of the season.The former Everton midfielder will lead the team for the first time for Tuesday’s Championship visit of Birmingham.A Brentford statement read: “Brentford Football Club can confirm that the Club, Head Coach Marinus Dijkhuizen and his assistant, Roy Hendriksen, have parted company.“The Club would like to put on record its thanks to Marinus and Roy for all their efforts during their time at Griffin Park.“Lee Carsley has been promoted to Head Coach until the end of the season when the position will be reviewed.“Lee has vast experience of the English game and has hugely impressed with his work with the Club’s Development Squad. He will be assisted by Paul Williams.”
A `grand’ win for Brown’s Knicks .
Larry Brown became the fourth coach in league history to win 1,000 games as the New York Knicks beat the visiting Atlanta Hawks 105-94 Friday night for their sixth consecutive victory. Brown, who is 1,000-762 in 23 seasons as an NBA coach, joined Lenny Wilkens, Don Nelson and Pat Riley as the only coaches to reach 1,000 victories. All four coached the Knicks at some point in their careers. The Knicks have won six straight for the first time since a seven-game winning streak from Dec. 22, 2000-Jan. 7, 2001. Jamal Crawford led New York (13-21) with 23 points. Stephon Marbury continued his strong play during the winning streak with 19 points and nine assists. Nate Robinson added 17 points, including 11 in the first half. Joe Johnson had 19 points for Atlanta (9-25), which has lost eight of its last 11 games. Al Harrington and Zaza Pachulia each had 18 for the Hawks. AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREGift Box shows no rust in San Antonio Stakes win at Santa Anita 76ers 125, Celtics 124 (3 OT): Chris Webber had 31 points and 13 rebounds, and Allen Iverson scored 33 points to give Philadelphia a triple-overtime victory over visiting Boston. Ricky Davis scored 33 points and Mark Blount had 27 for the Celtics. Samuel Dalembert had 20 points and 11 rebounds and Kyle Korver added 12 points including his biggest 3-pointer of the season as the Sixers avoided dropping two games under .500 for the first time since Dec. 9. With the Sixers ahead 125-124 and only seconds left in the third overtime, Blount grabbed a defensive rebound and looked down the court for an open man, only to have Webber reach around and strip the ball. Trail Blazers 113, Magic 108: Juan Dixon scored 25 points, reserve Sebastian Telfair added 21, and Portland beat visiting Orlando. 
Hedo Turkoglu had 27 points for the Magic, who were missing the suspended Steve Francis. The Orlando Sentinel and Florida Today, both citing anonymous sources, said the star guard wouldn’t re-enter Wednesday night’s loss in Seattle after Turkoglu fouled out. Bucks 103, Bobcats 102: Michael Redd scored 26 points, Bobby Simmons added 20 and rookie Andrew Bogut had 18 points and a career high-tying 17 rebounds for Milwaukee. Gerald Wallace had 21 points, a career-high 15 rebounds and a team record-tying eight steals for Charlotte. Heat 117, SuperSonics 104: Dwyane Wade recorded his second triple-double in two weeks with 15 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high 14 assists, and visiting Miami beat Seattle. Rashard Lewis followed up his 45 points on Wednesday with 33 for Seattle and Luke Ridnour scored 21. Wizards 94, Pacers 85: Gilbert Arenas scored 18 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter to lead visiting Washington over Indiana. Jermaine O’Neal led the Pacers with 20 points and seven rebounds. Timberwolves 103, Nuggets 89: Kevin Garnett had a season-high 31 points, on 14-for-17 shooting, and 15 rebounds to help host Minnesota even its record. Carmelo Anthony finished with 21 for the Nuggets. Grizzlies 81, Nets 69: Mike Miller had 18 points and 16 rebounds, and Memphis used good guard play to beat visiting New Jersey. Vince Carter had 14 points for the Nets, while Jason Kidd and Marc Jackson each scored 10. Carter had scored 20 or more in 12 straight games. Hornets 90, Kings 76: David West scored 19 points and Rasual Butler added a season-high 16 to help host New Orleans avoid a fourth-quarter collapse. 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!
21 honored for honesty, community work
WESTLAKE VILLAGE – He was a community leader who brought justice to the underserved, and tonight, 21 honorees will be recognized with an award in his name. Edward L. Masry – a distinguished Southern California attorney made famous by the movie “Erin Brockovich” for his legal work on a water contamination case in Hinkley – is fondly remembered through the award created a year ago by his three grown children and the Agoura Oak Park Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. Last year, the 73-year-old watched a videotape of the first Edward L. Masry Award for Integrity in Community Service ceremony from his hospital bed. He died Dec. 5, 2005, from diabetes complications. “We’re very proud to have an award named after him,” said his son, Louis Masry, chamber president. ” … A lot of residents looked up to him as the people’s protector.” 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREThe joys and headaches of holiday travel: John PhillipsThose receiving the honor include politicians, police, educators and local business leaders. Some were friends the well-known attorney deeply respected. All are recognized for their work in the community and their honesty, Masry said. About 200 people are expected at the second annual event, which takes place at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza in Westlake Village. Proceeds support the Diabetes Foundation and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Orphans and Widows Fund. sue.doyle@dailynews.com (818) 713-3746
How the table can change this weekend – United, Chelsea and more possible movers
Southampton: Current position – 11th – Highest possible position at the end of the weekend: 6th
Lowest possible position at the end of the weekend: 16th 20 West Ham United: Current position – 18th – Highest possible position at the end of the weekend: 13th
Lowest possible position at the end of the weekend: 19th 20 20 20 Manchester United: Current position – 2nd – Highest possible position at the end of the weekend: 1st
Lowest possible position at the end of the weekend: 3rd 20 Leicester City: Current position – 17th – Highest possible position at the end of the weekend: 13th
Lowest possible position at the end of the weekend: 19th Stoke City: Current position – 16th – Highest possible position at the end of the weekend: 11th
Lowest possible position at the end of the weekend: 18th 20 20 Huddersfield Town: Current position – 8th – Highest possible position at the end of the weekend: 4th
Lowest possible position at the end of the weekend: 14th 20 20 20 Brighton and Hove Albion: Current position – 13th – Highest possible position at the end of the weekend: 7th
Lowest possible position at the end of the weekend: 17th Crystal Palace: Current position – 20th – click the right arrow to see the rest of the potential table – Highest possible position at the end of the weekend: 19th
Lowest possible position at the end of the weekend: 20th West Bromwich Albion: Current position – 12th – Highest possible position at the end of the weekend: 6th
Lowest possible position at the end of the weekend: 16th 20 20 20 Watford: Current position – 6th – Highest possible position at the end of the weekend: 3rd
Lowest possible position at the end of the weekend: 12th 20 20 20 Everton: Current position – 14th – Highest possible position at the end of the weekend: 8th
Lowest possible position at the end of the weekend: 17th Chelsea: Current position – 3rd – Highest possible position at the end of the weekend: 1st
Lowest possible position at the end of the weekend: 7th 20 20 Another weekend of Premier League football is almost here, and it is sure to be full of thrilling matches.Some of the highlights include Manchester City’s visit to Chelsea – undoubtedly the biggest game of the weekend – Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle hosting Liverpool, and Crystal Palace hunting for their first goals and points of the season against Manchester United at Old Trafford.But how can the Premier League table change this weekend? Click the right arrow, above, to see every club’s highest and lowest possible position at the end of matchweek seven… Burnley: Current position – 10th – Highest possible position at the end of the weekend: 4th
Lowest possible position at the end of the weekend: 14th 20 Bournemouth: Current position – 19th – Highest possible position at the end of the weekend: 15th
Lowest possible position at the end of the weekend: 20th Arsenal: Current position – 7th – Highest possible position at the end of the weekend: 3rd
Lowest possible position at the end of the weekend: 13th Newcastle United: Current position – 9th – Highest possible position at the end of the weekend: 4th
Lowest possible position at the end of the weekend: 14th Tottenham Hotspur: Current position – 4th – Highest possible position at the end of the weekend: 3rd
Lowest possible position at the end of the weekend: 12th Liverpool: Current position – 5th – Highest possible position at the end of the weekend: 3rd
Lowest possible position at the end of the weekend: 12th Swansea City: Current position – 15th – Highest possible position at the end of the weekend: 11th
Lowest possible position at the end of the weekend: 18th Manchester City: Current position – 1st – Highest possible position at the end of the weekend: 1st
Lowest possible position at the end of the weekend: 3rd 20
Council rejects arena idea, cites lack of information
Fearing more traffic and crime and a loss of property values, residents at a public hearing last week largely encouraged the council to reject the plans. sue.doyle@dailynews.com (818)713-3746160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MORESurfer attacked by shark near Channel Islands calls rescue a ‘Christmas miracle’“If they’re (the council) not willing to be educated on this issue, we’ll educate the public,” Steele said. Steele first approached Los Angeles Councilman Dennis Zine with his plans for The Oasis. But Zine said he wouldn’t support the idea without the neighborhood council at least first hearing the concept, said Sharon Sandow, Zine’s chief of staff. Martina Temchenko, 55, a Canoga Park park resident, was one of the few residents who supported the plan at Wednesday’s meeting. “Just open your minds and you’ll love it,” she told the meeting at the Woodland Hills Academy. Steele envisions the arena as a mini-Staples Center that would be open three nights a week. It would be a venue for a number of events such as the circus, ice shows, rodeos, concerts and sports. He estimated the facility would bring a much-needed focal point to the San Fernando Valley and could generate about $50 million annually. WOODLAND HILLS – The Woodland Hills-Warner Center Neighborhood Council on Wednesday narrowly rejected a proposal to build a 10,000-seat sports arena in town. In a 9-8 vote, council members opposed to the arena said they did not have enough information about the project, including where it would be built, noting it was in a conceptual stage and that no traffic and other site impact studies had been done. “It’s a concept,” said member Gordon Murley. “There’s nothing there to vote on.” But Mark Steele, president of the Valley Sports Authority and the main force behind the arena, dubbed The Oasis, said he would push on despite the vote. His next move is to find a 5-acre site and to go directly to the public for support. 
Dominant England win Nations League third-place play-off vs Switzerland on pens
Wilson was thwarted by a late tackle in the second period, which saw Sterling whack the crossbar with a 20-yard free-kick three minutes from time.It was the last chance and the match went to penalties.Maguire and Ross Barkley took different approaches but scored their spot-kicks, as did Jadon Sancho and Sterling, despite Sommer going the right way.Pickford took off his gloves to fire a spot-kick of his own home, but he was unable to stop any of the first five Swiss efforts as the shootout went to sudden death.Eric Dier struck home the first before Drmic was denied, with Pickford diving to his right to paw away the strike and seal victory. Did Mahrez just accidentally reveal Fernandinho is leaving Man City this summer? Granit Xhaka saw a first-time strike denied by Pickford straight after but things soon slowed in a bumbling second half.Harry Maguire’s turn on the edge of his own six-yard box brought a rare moment to cheer after days of talk about playing it out from the back, before there finally seemed to be a breakthrough in the 84th minute.Alli met with a Sterling cross with a header that crashed back off the frame of the goal and Wilson reacted quickest to fire home from close range.Relief and joy soon became frustration, though, as VAR would ruled out a late England winner, with referee Ovidiu Hategan checking the monitor and seeing Wilson’s foul on Akanji.Xhaka blocked before the match entered extra time, which started with Sterling and Eric Dier having half-hearted efforts.Sommer did superbly when England threatened next, denying Alli before stopping Sterling’s follow-up. REPLY It brought a welcome buzz at the end of a drab match that saw seven Southgate made changes, with John Stones among those going out as Harry Kane returned.Less than two minutes were on the clock when the Tottenham striker tried a chipped attempt from an acute angle, with goalkeeper Yann Sommer just able to tip on to the crossbar.It proved to be a rare moment of creativity in a first half that saw England dominate without punishing the Swiss.Raheem Sterling wasted a glorious chance in the 14th minute when put through by Kane’s nifty footwork and firing straight at Sommer.Mistiming his run on to a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross soon compounded matters, while Dele Alli became the next to waste an excellent ball by the Liverpool right-back as he powered a header over.Switzerland were creating precious little at the other end as they struggled to click into gear England continued in the ascendancy after the break.Kane’s unsettling presence saw Fabian Schar stretch to prevent him reaching a Danny Rose cross as the defender’s scuffed clearance was tipped on to the post by Sommer. shining Green reveals how he confronted Sarri after Chelsea’s 6-0 defeat at Man City LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS Son ban confirmed as Tottenham fail with appeal to overturn red card whoops gameday cracker It was not Raheem Sterling’s day in front of goal Boxing Day fixtures: All nine Premier League games live on talkSPORT 3 Man United joined by three other clubs in race for Erling Haaland Man United transfer news live: Haaland ‘wants a change’, two players off in January Premier League Team of the Season so far, including Liverpool and Leicester stars LATEST no dice Berahino hits back at b******t Johnson criticism – ‘I was in a dark place at Stoke’ 3 Jordan Pickford was England’s hero Getty Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Ndidi bid, targets named, Ozil is ‘skiving little git’ deals Getty REAL DEAL 3 Getty Real Madrid ‘offer’ Isco to Chelsea in bid to ‘make room’ for Tottenham star Gareth Southgate would have been pleased by his side’s resilience Callum Wilson thought he had grabbed a late winner until the video assistant referee intervened in Guimaraes, where England dominated throughout only for the match to end 0-0 after 120 minutes.The match went to penalties and Pickford again came into his own in the shootout, denying Josip Drmic in sudden death after scoring his own spot-kick as the Three Lions won 6-5.It was a positive note at the end of a forgettable match that at least brings the team bronze medals and penalty confidence ahead of Euro 2020.England should have had the match wrapped up long before the shootout, though, with the Swiss goal frame rattled four times across the 120 minutes.Southgate’s men even thought they had snatched an 84th-minute winner through Wilson, only for VAR to spot his foul on Manuel Akanji.It meant an extra 30 minutes of the match no one wanted and eventually penalties, with Pickford emulating his last-16 heroics against Colombia at last year’s World Cup as England won another shootout. IN DEMAND tense Jordan Pickford was England’s penalty shootout hero once again as Gareth Southgate’s men eventually overcame Switzerland to bring an exciting end to a tepid third-place play-off in the Nations League.Three days on from losing their semi-final to the Netherlands due to two defensive gifts and a narrow offside call, the Three Lions returned to a far quieter Estadio D Afonso Henriques for Sunday’s battle for bronze.