Arsenal star Ainsley Maitland-Niles was filmed surveying the wreck of his £105,000 car after flipping it on the M25.

The 23-year-old had a lucky escape after his Mercedes G-Wagon tipped onto its side following a smash with another car on the busy motorway on Wednesday morning.

An Arsenal spokesperson said: “We’re aware of a car accident involving Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Ainsley is unhurt and at home.”

The Gunners starlet was spotted sat on his phone at the side of the road in the moments after the shocking crash which led to rush hour tailbacks between junctions 23 and 25.

Footage from a passing car showed Maitland-Niles looking glum – adding to the misery of missing out on Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad after his England first-team call-up last year.

A source said: “It was a shocking accident and looked like complete carnage at the scene.

“As we were passing by we were amazed to seen Maitland-Niles at the side of the road. It looked like he was OK – he was sat there on his phone but his car was a mess.

“I think he’s had a lucky escape that’s for sure. I’d imagine he was petrified thinking about what it could have meant for his career.”

Police, paramedics and firefighters all attended the smash at about 7.30am.

The elderly driver of the other car was also seen out of her vehicle and being supported by firefighters in the moments after the smash.

Rumours that the England international had been at the wheel had been circulating on WhatsApp and social media all day.

Arsenal’s club doctor is reported to have called Maitland-Niles after the incident to check on his welfare, with the Londoner unhurt.

Maitland-Niles has been hailed for his versatility and is able to play left and right back and in a central midfield position.

Mohamed Salah is set to skip the Tokyo Olympics after Liverpool won the Club v Country row.

Egypt wanted their star striker to take part in the Games and play in the opening group match against Spain on July 22 in Sapporo.

However SunSport understands Salah will remain with his club for pre-season rather than travel to Japan for the three-week event.

Pharaohs’ chiefs are understandably unhappy with the decision by the Anfield club.

But given the Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled for next January and February in Cameroon this is at least a compromise on his international playing availability as Jurgen Klopp’s men look to mount a title challenge.

Salah, 29, scored 22 Premier League last season as Liverpool qualified for next season’s Champions League on the last day of the Covid-hit campaign.

Antonio Conte explains how Italy can beat Belgium and insists the Red Devils’ performance against Portugal was ‘not convincing.’

Conte was in charge of the Azzurri five years ago, when Italy beat Belgium in their debut game of Euro 2016.

“Italy are on par with Belgium, we can create trouble for them, win and qualify for the next stage,” Conte wrote in a letter published on La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“The victories in the group stage games showed a quality that gave us many expectations. The match against solid Austria was challenging,” the former Inter coach continued.

The Azzurri needed extra time to beat Austria in the last 16 stage last week and will meet Belgium in the quarter-finals at Munich’s Allianz Arena on Friday.

“Sometimes narrow wins can be even more useful than easy victories because they make you understand what the group already knows: there is no room for mistakes,” said Conte.

“Every movement, every pass, every tackle is decisive, and the same goes for the psychological aspect of the game. Details are often crucial in these games, and every player must offer his qualities to the group.”

Conte is an admirer of Romerlu Lukaku and pushed Inter to sign him three years ago, when he completed an €84m switch from Manchester United.

The Italian tactician warns the Belgian star could be decisive, although he won’t be the only factor that will shift the balance.

“Our national team has proved to have an identity that some teams still don’t have. Belgium are a strong team, singularly and collectively. Lukaku is a force of nature, but I do not reinvent the wheel when I say that the presence or absence of [Kevin] De Bruyne and [Eden] Hazard could make the difference.

“I respect Roberto Martinez for what he’s done during the last few years, but Belgium’s performance against Portugal was not convincing, both defensively and in terms of aggression.

“We can create trouble for them on the wings and Jorginho’s tempo will be crucial in the middle of the park.

“Mancini needs no advice, Italian tacticians are very prepared tactically and Roberto will pick a team that will be able to manage every situation.”

Antonio Rudiger is reportedly looking to take advantage of his uncertain Chelsea position by asking for an upgrade on his weekly wages.

According to Eurosport, Rudiger and his representatives think they can add another £60,000 onto his current £140,000-per-week package.

This idea comes from the fact Chelsea have yet to offer the defender a new contract, which runs out next June.

Talks had started to get under way in March, where the 28-year-old was asking for a £20,000 weekly pay rise.

However, with negotiations now delayed, Rudiger’s contingent want more money as a way of making him feel appreciated.

Rudiger became a key figure within Thomas Tuchel’s team after being frozen out by Frank Lampard and was vital to their Champions League triumph.

The German international has reportedly already told Chelsea’s manager he is committed to the cause.

But only if the feeling is reciprocated from the powers that be, who have yet to take appropriate action.

Marina Granovskaia has plenty on her plate already in terms of signing off extensions.

Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta’s agreements end at the same time as Rudiger’s.