Watch as Phil Foden's second-half equaliser for England is ruled out for offside in the Euro 2024 last-16 match against Slovakia.
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Sunday, June 30, 2024
England player ratings as Jude Bellingham rescues Three Lions to keep Euro 2024 dream alive
Jude Bellingham rescued England with a last-minute equaliser before the Three Lions beat Slovakia in extra-time to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate’s side were just minutes away from an embarrassing exit in Germany as they trailed Slovakia through Ivan Schranz’s first-half goal.
England, who were dismal for most of the game, looked out of ideas but Bellingham produced a stunning overhead kick to equalise in the dying seconds.
Harry Kane was anonymous for much of the match but then headed the Three Lions in front in the first minute of extra-time, the last-16 tie completely turned on its head in the space of a few minutes.
Despite some Slovakia pressure, England held on to keep their Euros hopes alive and set up a quarter-final meeting with Switzerland.
Jordan Pickford – 5
Overcame a briefly worrying warm-up injury but was oddly stuck on his line as Slovakia’s Ivan Schranz ran through to break the deadlock. Had very little else to do but claimed some potentially dangerous crosses late on.
Kieran Trippier – 3
Sold Marc Guehi short with one of his first passes that led to a booking before ballooning over an early chance. Offered very little going forward, as has been the case throughout the Euros, and his passing was sloppy. An injury fastened his exit but he was due a subbing anyway.
Marc Guehi – 6
Received a yellow card inside three minutes after a hospital pass from Kieran Trippier – meaning he will miss the quarter-final – but made a crucial block shortly after. Also played a crucial role in England’s equaliser, flicking on a header that found its way to Bellingham.
John Stones – 4
Could have been more adventurous with his distribution and almost got caught out twice in normal time. Kept things tight in extra-time.
Kyle Walker – 4
Also got caught out early, epitomising another lacklustre start to an England match, before moving across to the left as Southgate finally went on the attack. His pace was helpful as Slovakia chased the game and he rose well to make a crucial clearance as Slovakia chased a late equaliser.
Declan Rice – 4
England’s midfield lacked control yet again and Arsenal’s record signing must shoulder some of the blame. Has looked a shadow of the player who almost helped the Gunners win the Premier League last season, though he did come close with a long-range striker that hit the post.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
England’s best player in a dismal first half, but that’s not saying much. Showed his class with a couple of silky runs and neat passes in the first half but he drifted as the game went on and made way with ten minutes remaining.
Phil Foden – 3
Didn’t once try to dribble past his 37-year-old opponent in the first half. Thought he had scored an equaliser after the break but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside. The Premier League player of the season continues to flatter to deceive at the Euros.
Jude Bellingham – 6
Just as England fans were giving up hope, Jude Bellingham came to the rescue. Was cutting a frustrated figure once again, especially after going into the book after just 15 minutes. His aimless chasing and pressing proved ineffective. It was baffling to see a Champions League winner produce so little, and then he did that. A stunning overhead kick drew England level in the dying seconds.
Bukayo Saka – 5
Caused Slovakia’s left-back a few problems without making a real impact and was replaced by Cole Palmer on the right flank in the second half, surely an admission from Southgate that we should have seen more from the Chelsea playmaker.
Harry Kane – 5
Nine first-half touches told a bleak story and essentially summed up his anonymous performance. That is until he found himself in the right place at the right time to head England ahead in extra-time. Missed a huge chance with 15 minutes remaining too but fortunately it didn’t prove costly.
Subs:
Cole Palmer – 5
Eberechi Eze – 5
Ivan Toney – 6
Conor Gallagher – 5
Ezri Konsa – 5
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Saturday, June 29, 2024
How Switzerland 'totally dominated' Italy and why Xhaka was key to win
Watch as BBC Sport pundits Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand discuss Switzerland's dominant display as they beat holders Italy in last 16 match at the Olympiastadion Berlin.
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Southgate on England's next 'test'
Gareth Southgate talks to Kelly Somers about England's group-stage performance, Kobbie Mainoo's impact and looks ahead to their last-16 meeting with Slovakia.
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Friday, June 28, 2024
Slovakia captain explains how they can beat England in Euro 2024 last 16
Slovakia captain Milan Skriniar believes his side can pull off a massive shock at Euro 2024 and beat England in the last 16.
The knockout stage of the Euros begins this weekend, with the Three Lions taking on the Falcons on Sunday evening in Gelsenkirchen.
On paper, tournament favourites England should breeze past the side ranked 45th in the world but Gareth Southgate’s team have been a woeful form, winning just one of three group games, scoring only two goals.
Slovakia meanwhile have performed better than expected, stunning Belgium in their opening game before bouncing back from defeat to Ukraine to earn a draw with Romania and qualify for the last 16.
At major tournaments, anything can happen and Skriniar, 29, thinks his side have two key advantages over their rivals which can help them cause one of the biggest upsets in Euros history.
Firstly, the PSG centre-back says the external pressure on England could cause them to crumble: ‘Even in the first match [the 1-0 win over Serbia], they went in with the fact that they are England, and they have to manage things in terms of results.
‘The media and fans [have been critical] after their matches, so they will be under much more pressure than us. It can work in our favour.’
Secondly, the Three Lions have shown a worryingly lack of chemistry on the pitch, with players like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Declan Rice struggling to replicate their club form and adjust to a change in tactics and positioning.
‘In my opinion, they rely on individual quality and they know that they have players who can decide matches for them,’ Skriniar added.
‘That’s why I think we can handle them through teamwork. I hope and I believe we can beat them.
‘The defensive phase will definitely be important, we have to start defending from the attackers. But the key is to play football.
‘We have to show them that we can play. Let them know that they are up against a team that knows what it wants.’
Slovakia have never beaten England (five losses, one draw), with Skriniar stating that victory on Sunday would be ‘the best result in Slovakian history’.
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Ipswich set to sign £20m Chelsea winger Hutchinson
Ipswich are set to sign Chelsea winger Omari Hutchinson in a club record deal, subject to a medical.
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Thursday, June 27, 2024
Mason Greenwood’s preferred move revealed as club open talks with Man Utd
Mason Greenwood is believed to favour a move to Marseille this summer with the French club opening early transfer talks with Manchester United.
The 22-year-old striker has not played for United since January 2022 when he was arrested for attempted rape, controlling behaviour and assault.
All charges against Greenwood were dropped in February 2023, with the player joining Getafe on a season-long loan last summer after United opted against reintegrating him back into the team.
The United academy product has attracted strong interest from Italy. Juventus are keen to sign him with Lazio reportedly making an offer of £30million to bring him to the Italian capital.
The Athletic report Marseille have now joined the race for his signature. The Ligue 1 side, who have appointed former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach, have opened talks with United – although finances are yet to be discussed.
The report claims there has been ‘positive dialogue’ between the club and player with Greenwood believed to favour a move to Stade Velodrome.
United are believed to be holding out for a fee of £40m for the player once regarded as one of their most promising talents.
Their preference is a permanent sale this summer to help finance incoming transfer business at Old Trafford but another loan could also be considered.
United have also not ruled out the possibility of Greenwood returning to the club for pre-season.
Players not involved in Euro 2024 or the Copa America are expected to return to Carrington on 8 July.
If no move is finalised before then, Greenwood will be expected to report for training on that date.
The same applies to Jadon Sancho, another player United are looking to cash in on this summer. The winger has not trained with United since being exiled from the squad by Erik ten Hag last September, joining Borussia Dortmund on loan for the second-half of the season.
United are also looking for a fee of around £40m for Sancho.
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Gareth Southgate warned only one England star can get the best out of Harry Kane
Anthony Gordon is the key to bringing the best back out of Harry Kane at Euro 2024, according to former England star Darren Anderton.
Gareth Southgate’s side have reached the knockout stages of the competition having qualified as Group C winners, setting up a last 16 showdown with Slovakia on Sunday night.
But the performances in Germany have been alarming. Passive displays devoid of intensity or any real invention have marred their first three games and among the biggest concerns is the form of captain Kane.
The Bayern Munich star, who scored 45 times in 48 appearances in his first season in Germany last season, has struggled to replicate his usual fearsome form with Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker, two of his predecessors in leading the England attack, vocal in their criticism.
Former Tottenham star Anderton, who won 50 caps for England, believes it is now time for Southgate to make some ‘big decisions’ with his starting XI, with Gordon’s inclusion a vital one.
Gordon made a late cameo off the bench against Slovenia in what were his first minutes of the competition, offering an immediate threat.
With England struggling to get players in behind the opposition, Anderton believes the Newcastle United star can offer what Son Heung-min used to do working in tandem with Kane at Tottenham.
‘For me, we need to stretch the pitch now, the movement is not good enough and everybody is coming to the ball and we end up playing in such a small area,’ Anderton told Metro.co.uk courtesy of whatbonuscode.co.uk.
‘You want to make the pitch big when you’ve got the ball, so you need people to run in behind. Harry used to do that at Spurs but doesn’t do that anymore, so you need someone like Son would do at Spurs.
EURO 2024 LAST-16 FIXTURES
June 29
Switzerland vs Italy (Berlin, 5pm)
Germany vs Denmark (Dortmund, 8pm)
June 30
England vs Slovakia (Gelsenkirchen, 5pm)
Spain vs Georgia (Cologne, 8pm)
July 1
France vs Belgium (Dusseldorf, 5pm)
Portugal vs Slovenia (Frankfurt, 8pm)
July 2
Romania vs Netherlands (Munich, 5pm)
Austria vs Turkey (Leipzig, 8pm)
‘What I took away from that game [against Slovenia] was that Gordon has to play in that team in order to create the right balance. It probably means that Gareth has to make some big decisions.’
Anderton believes Kane’s role in the England team is becoming more and more similar to the one another Tottenham great in Teddy Sheringham played. But underlining the need for more space between the lines, he believes Gordon is the only player in the squad capable of making that happen.
‘You have to have someone that will run in behind,’ Anderton continued. ‘As a centre-back, if you know the ball isn’t going in behind you, you can get as tight as you like but if they have the worry of someone running in behind them they might get a little deeper and create more space for Harry to come into the hole and play like Teddy used to.
‘Harry can do that but there’s no space for him to come into at the moment, because Foden is trying to get in there, Saka’s coming inside, Bellingham is in there.
WHEN IS ENGLAND'S NEXT GAME?
England play Slovakia in the Euro 2024 last-16 stage at 5pm on Sunday.
‘You need to stretch the play and it is a big, big decision, but Gordon is the only one I see doing that.’
England will avoid Germany, France, Portugal and Spain on their half of the draw and also avoided a last 16 clash with Netherlands, who only qualified for the knockout phase by finishing third in their group.
Slovakia, who also finished third behind Romania and Belgium in Group E, await this weekend but Anderton believes a sterner test against the Dutch may have been more beneficial for a side needing to up their game.
WHO COULD ENGLAND PLAY IN THE QUARTER FINAL AND SEMI FINAL?
If England beat Slovakia, they will play either Italy or Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter final on July 6.
Potential semi-final opponents: Romania, Netherlands, Austria or Turkey
‘You always want the easier draw, but I felt like it would have done us good to play the Netherlands and to see exactly where we are,’ Anderton said.
‘I’d say Gareth is a pretty lucky manager with the draws that we keep getting, and we have to take advantage of it finally. Three games so far and not played well, we’ve won the group and now we play Slovakia in the knockout stage – you can’t ask for anything more than that.’
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Foden to return to England camp after birth of child
England attacking midfielder Phil Foden will return to Germany on Thursday after travelling to the United Kingdom for the birth of his third child.
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Leicester star wants Chelsea move with Enzo Maresca viewing him as ‘perfect fit’ for new side
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall wants to join Chelsea this summer with the Enzo Maresca’s side making their first move to sign the midfielder.
The 25-year-old played an instrumental role in Leicester’s Championship-winning season last term, winning their Player of the Season award as the Foxes sealed their return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Maresca, the man who guided them back to the top flight, was appointed Chelsea’s new head coach in early June, replacing Mauricio Pochettino who left Stamford Bridge after just one season in charge.
The Italian coach is keen on a reunion with Dewsbury-Hall in west London with The Athletic reporting Chelsea have now contacted Leicester to express their interest.
The report adds the midfielder is only interested in joining Chelsea this summer if he is to love Leicester, his boyhood club.
Chelsea regard him as a ‘perfect fit’ for the style of football Chelsea will play next season under their new coach.
Dewsbury-Hall has also been linked with a move to Brighton this year. While he is happy at Leicester where he has spent his entire career, his future is uncertain with the club battling to comply with the Premier’s profit and sustainability regulations.
‘I have been here since I was a kid,’ he told BBC Sport.
‘I love everything about the club. I grew up and managed to play in the first team.
‘I am happy. I have never said I am actively wanting to leave. That sort of stuff is not up to me. You never know with football – the season is about to start, so we will see.’
On Maresca, he added: ‘Enzo was an unbelievable manager. I genuinely see him becoming a top manager, so it wasn’t a surprise to see he was in demand.
‘It is weird having to change a manager after being so successful, but that’s football.’
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Wednesday, June 26, 2024
PSG respond to Man Utd offer for Manuel Ugarte as asking price emerges
Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly rejected an opening offer from Manchester United for Manuel Ugarte – with the French champions looking for a fee of around £51million.
United’s interest in the Uruguay international emerged this week with the club eager to bring in a new holding midfielder with Casemiro expected to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Ugarte turned down a move to Chelsea last summer to sign for PSG in a deal worth just over £50m.
While he started the 2023-24 season as a regular under Luis Enrique, he lost his place in the side in the second half of the campaign.
PSG are now thought to be open to offers for the midfielder with United making their first move.
Sources at the French champions claim United’s opening offer has been turned down, falling ‘significantly below’ their valuation, the Daily Telegraph report.
While United claim only ‘exploratory talks’ have taken place at this time, PSG are determined to recoup the £51m fee they paid Sporting Lisbon for his services last year.
It remains to be seen whether United are willing to meet those demands. In any case, however, Ugarte is expected to leave Parc de Princes this summer.
United’s transfer budget is thought to be set at a very modest £35m this summer with the club working to raise further funds through player sales.
The club have already seen an opening offer for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite rejected. The offer, thought to be £35m plus £8m in add-ons, was swiftly rejected by the Merseyside club with Everton valuing their prized asset at £70m.
Branthwaite is said to have already agreed personal terms over a move to Old Trafford but United have so far had no luck in persuading his club to drop their huge asking price.
United are in no rush to make an improved offer for the 21-year-old and are prepared to walk away from talks unless Everton are willing to negotiate.
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Highlights: Belgium through but Ukraine out after goalless draw
Belgium advance to the Euro 2024 last 16 despite being held to a goalless draw by Ukraine, who finish bottom of Group E.
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Tuesday, June 25, 2024
'Silky finish' - Gakpo equalises 75 seconds after break for Dutch
Watch as Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo levels the score against Austria in the Euro 2024 Group D match at the Olympiastadion Berlin.
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Monday, June 24, 2024
Southend told to post £1m bond by National League
Southend United are ordered to post a £1m bond by the National League over concerns about their "ability to fulfil financial obligations".
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Didier Deschamps gives fresh Kylian Mbappe injury update ahead of Poland clash at Euro 2024
Kylian Mbappe is ‘raring to go’ but there is no guarantee he will play for France against Poland at Euro 2024 on Tuesday evening.
That is according to France manager Didier Deschamps as his star player continues to recover from a broken nose sustained in the opening 1-0 win against Austria.
Mbappe, 25, collided with defender Kevin Danso toward the end of the game and was later taken to hospital but thankfully for Les Bleus fans he did not need to undergo surgery.
He will however wear a mask for the rest of the tournament and while he was on the bench for the goalless draw against the Netherlands, the forward was not risked.
With four points from two games, qualification to the knockouts is all but guaranteed but top spot in Group D is not, so they’ll need to win and win well against a Poland side already out of the tournament.
As such, Mbappe may need to be called upon but Deschamps was coy on whether or not that would happen, saying in his pre-match press conference: ‘He’s better day by day.
‘I won’t deny that he is as keen to play tomorrow as he was to play against the Netherlands. He’s raring to go.
‘Yesterday, he was in our training session, the bruise has gone down and he’s getting used to playing in a mask.
‘Maybe Kylian will help us score goals and win the game, it is a huge advantage. I hope that will reflect on the pitch tomorrow.’
In order to get used to his mask, Mbappe took part in a behind closed doors match last Saturday against German side Paderborn’s Under-21s, where he scored twice and made two assists.
Asked if the mask was hampering the Real Madrid ace, Deschamps added: ‘No problems with breathing but the way he sees yes. For those who play with a mask, it’s not a constraint but it does limit your vision.
‘Obviously, yes it’s maybe hindering but it’ll be something he’ll get used to. It’s like wearing those 3D glasses. We have as thin a masks as possible.
‘He wears it because he needs to protect his face in certain incidents that could occur. There will be contact regardless of where you play, whenever you have those one-vs-ones.’
France’s only goal at the Euros so far was an own goal, and the side spurned several huge chances against Netherland, so midfielder N’Golo Kante is certainly looking forward to Mbappe’s return.
‘With Kylian back, I think that can help us to score and win. Clearly, it’s a big plus to have Kylian back,’ the Chelsea legend said.
‘He was great, decisive and dangerous [in training]. I think he feels well and I hope this translates on the pitch tomorrow.’
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Why Michael Olise chose to reject Chelsea and join Bayern Munich
Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Olise rejected a move to Chelsea because Bayern Munich were able to offer Champions League football, according to reports.
Chelsea failed with an attempt to sign Olise last summer after activating a £35 million release clause in his deal with Palace.
Olise opted to remain at Selhurst Park for another season but Chelsea retained their interest and made a fresh move to sign him this month.
Chelsea had been granted permission by Palace to hold talks with Olise and were ready to activate his release clause, which had increased to £60m after he signed a new contract last August.
However, Olise rejected Chelsea for a second time, as well as a late approach from Manchester United, in order to join Bayern.
According to The Telegraph, Olise was persuaded to join Bayern following talks with their new head coach, Vincent Kompany, who replaced Thomas Tuchel last month.
The report adds that the prospect of playing Champions League football was also a factor behind Olise’s decision – something which both Chelsea and United are unable to immediately offer.
However, Kompany is said to have played a key role in convincing Olise with his plans to improve Bayern’s style of play.
Meanwhile, former Palace midfielder, Darren Ambrose, claims the club have already earmarked a replacement for Olise.
‘I have reached out to one of my sources at Crystal Palace,’ Ambrose told talkSPORT at the weekend.
‘They said the club has a replacement in mind who potentially can be better than Olise in the long-run.’
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Sunday, June 23, 2024
Joshua Kimmich puts Arsenal on shortlist clubs he would join after Bayern Munich
Joshua Kimmich has Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City on the shortlist of clubs he would consider joining if he left Bayern Munich, according to reports in Germany.
The 29-year-old has just a year left on his contract and Bayern could face the prospect of losing him on a free transfer next year if he does not commit to a new deal.
Kimmich is yet to hold talks with Bayern over a new contract and clubs across Europe are already positioning themselves if the versatile defender becomes available.
According to Sky Germany, the prospect of Kimmich reaching an agreement with Bayern is ‘currently very unlikely’ and the Bundesliga club are open to selling him this summer.
The report claims that as well as Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City, Kimmich would also consider moves to Barcelona and Real Madrid.
It’s also claimed that Barcelona are currently Kimmich’s ‘first point of contact’ if it becomes clear that he will leave Bayern this summer.
When asked about his future this week, Kimmich said: ‘The situation is absolutely clear.
‘I have a contract with Bayern until 2025, so it’s not mainly up to me to be active right now.
‘My focus is solely on the European Championship, and after that there will be a conversation.’
Speaking about Bayern’s decision to appoint Vincent Kompany as Thomas Tuchel’s replacement, Kimmich said: ‘Of course I know him from a distance as a player. I can’t judge him as a coach yet.
‘Of course, it’s important for my future, but first of all it’s important for me what the club thinks. It’s nice that we have one less thing to worry about.’
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What are the WSL transfers to look out for?
The Women's Super League summer transfer window opens on Wednesday, 26 June - but already significant business is under way.
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Saturday, June 22, 2024
Why Thibaut Courtois isn’t playing for Belgium at Euro 2024
Thibaut Courtois will be watching Belgium’s second Euro 2024 group game vs Romania at home like the rest of us today, having not been named in Belgium’s squad for the tournament.
This is despite the fact that Courtois is fit to play, having started in goal for Real Madrid for the Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund earlier this month.
Courtois has endured a hugely frustrating 2023/24 campaign, tearing the ACL in his left knee on the eve of the season, before tearing the meniscus in his other knee upon his return to training in March – restricting him to only a handful of appearances at the end of the season.
Courtois has been part of the so-called Golden Generation of Belgian players over the past decade which has frequently reached the latter stages of tournaments.
But the 32 year-old will have to wait for a couple more years at least for his next shot at helping Belgium, who lost their opening Euro 2024 game against Slovakia, win their maiden trophy on the international stage.
Why isn’t Thibaut Courtois playing for Belgium at Euro 2024?
Courtois has not been included in Belgium’s squad for Euro 2024 as a consequence of falling out with head coach Domenico Tedesco last June.
It all stemmed from Tedesco saying that Courtois had refused to travel with the squad for a Euro 2024 qualifier away to Estonia as the goalkeeper was ‘offended’ at not having been given the captaincy in a previous game against Austria.
‘Together we decided that Romelu would be captain against Austria and Thibaut tomorrow against Estonia,’ said Tedesco at the time, who was appointed to replace Roberto Martinez as manager in February 2023.
‘That was OK for everyone but after the match [Courtois] suddenly wanted to talk to me and said he was going home because he was disappointed and felt offended.’
Courtois hit back at the claims, insisting he was ‘surprised’ to hear Tedesco’s ‘partial and subjective account of a private conversation’ and that the Italian-German coach ‘wanted to launch an attack on me.’
Tedesco later hit back at Courtois’ father, dismissing claims that he had withdrawn from the squad due to a knee injury by saying ‘he can’t lie.’
Courtois poured further fuel on the fire when, earlier this year, Tedesco insisted he had tried to patch things up with the former Chelsea star, which saw him respond on Instagram by posting a ‘liar’ emoji.
His performance in the Champions League final had led to sections of the Belgian media calling for his return, but the player has seemingly resisted calls for a truce with his manager.
In Courtois’ absence, Belgium’s goalkeeping contingent is made up of Koen Casteels (Wolfsburg), Thomas Kaminski (Luton) and Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest).
Courtois has won 102 caps for Belgium since his debut in 2011 and has played in all five major tournaments since the 2014 World Cup.
His 27 saves at the 2018 World Cup, the most of any goalkeeper, saw him leave Russia with the Golden Glove award to go with his third-place medal.
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'A kick to the Turkey teeth!' - Akaydin scores incredible own goal
Watch as Samet Akaydin scores an own goal trying to pass back to the keeper that puts Portugal 2-0 ahead in Group F of Euro 2024.
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Friday, June 21, 2024
Former England star banned from driving over crash
A judge says Nicky Butt pulling across a motorbike's path was "a serious error" the star could not explain.
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Dwight Yorke urges Manchester United to sign Euro 2024 star over Joshua Zirkzee
Dwight Yorke has labelled Manchester United’s interest in Joshua Zirkzee as ‘baffling’ and urged the club to turn their attention to another Euro 2024 star.
United are looking to add firepower up front to support Rasmus Hojlund and help fill the void left by the departure of Anthony Martial.
Zirkzee has emerged as a potential target after an impressive season at Bologna last year saw him notch up 11 goals in Serie A to help the club secure a fifth-place finish and qualification for the Champions League next term.
The 23-year-old, who received a late call-up to the Dutch Euro 2024 squad, is available for €40 million (£34m) this summer due to a release clause in his deal with the Italian side.
However, Yorke believes that Zirkzee’s age and experience make him too similar to Hojlund and has urged Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS to instead look at Germany’s Niclas Fullkrug who scored in his nation’s 5-1 win against Scotland.
‘Names like Joshua Zirkzee being linked to Man United is baffling,’ the former United striker told Best Payout Online Slots.
‘They need a player who can definitely score goals and knows how to play in the Premier League. Why would you need 23-year-old Zirkzee, when you have 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund already at the club?
‘Erik ten Hag needs an experienced man at striker alongside Hojlund, as he obviously struggled towards the end of last season.
‘Niclas Fullkrug is one of those experienced strikers who has been smashing in the goals lately. But, he needs to be the right character.
‘To be at Man United, you need to show resilience and not a weak mentality, that’s what Sir Alex Ferguson was good at finding.
‘That’s why I think Hojlund needs to grow up very quickly, the honeymoon period is over for him and if he doesn’t hit the ground running next season, he will come under a lot of scrutiny. You have to be a man to play at Man United.’
Reports have suggested that Zirkzee favours staying in Serie A for another season, with AC Milan another club interested in signing the Dutch striker.
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Thursday, June 20, 2024
Alan Shearer aims dig at England captain Harry Kane after shock substitution
Alan Shearer insists Gareth Southgate had no option but to substitute England captain Harry Kane during England’s dismal 1-1 draw against Denmark.
The Three Lions skipper appeared to put Gareth Southgate’s side on the road to a second successive win when stabbed home from close range to give his team the lead in the 18th minute.
As they did against Serbia in their Group C opener, however, England retreated, sat deep and were duly punished.
There appeared only limited danger when Kane surrendered possession deep in his own half, but Morten Hjulmand punished England’s reluctance to press and found the bottom corner with a thumping drive from distance 10 minutes before half-time.
England hardly created a chance of note thereafter with Kane turning in a particularly laboured display.
It was no surprise when, with 20 minutes remaining, Southgate opted to remove his skipper from the fray and replace him with Ollie Watkins.
‘It had to be done,’ said Shearer. ‘Harry wasn’t affecting the game at all, he was coming too deep and condensing the play.’
Shearer later added that Southgate needs to inject pace into the side if he is to get the best out of England’s all-time record goalscorer.
Shearer said: ‘I mentioned it but when I go into my 30s and lost half a yard of pace I needed legs around me, I needed pace around me.
‘I could still hold the ball up, I still had a good touch, I could still head it and score goals. The one thing I couldn’t constantly do was run in behind. He needs players in and around him.
‘That’s why I’d have Gordon in the team because he has the energy to run in behind and get up near him.
‘When Foden is there he want to play tight and get in the No.10 role, like Harry Kane does. He’s a brilliant goalscorer, he’ll always score goals but he lacks that yard and energy. Someone else can do it alongside him.
‘That’s why I retired I couldn’t do it for both England and Newcastle. He’s never been the quickest and that’s why I would’ve played Gordon.’
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Highlights: Jovic's late equaliser keeps Serbia's hopes alive
Watch highlights as Luka Jovic scores late to earn Serbia a 1-1 draw with Slovenia during their Group C game in Munich, and keep their Euro 2024 hope alive.
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Wednesday, June 19, 2024
St Johnstone sell Mitov as Aberdeen trigger clause
Aberdeen sign Bulgaria goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov from St Johnstone for an undisclosed fee.
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Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Nagelsmann hopes for more of the same against Hungary
Julian Nagelsmann hopes Germany will play "more or less the same" as they did in their victory over Scotland when they face Hungary on Wednesday.
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Monday, June 17, 2024
Why VAR ruled out Romelu Lukaku goal for Belgium at Euro 2024 for handball
Slovakia secured a famous victory over Belgium at Euro 2024 with Romelu Lukaku seeing two goals ruled out in a thrilling Group E clash.
In the first major shock of the competition in Germany, Slovakia sealed a 1-0 win over Domenico Tedesco’s side with Ivan Schranz scoring the only goal of the game after seven minutes following an error from Manchester City star Jeremy Doku.
After missing opportunities to level the game, Lukaku saw a would-be equaliser ruled out after tapping home from close range. Replays showed the former Manchester United star was stood in an offside position as he latched onto Amadou Onana’s knock down at the back post.
There was more drama in the 86th minute when Lukaku again found the back of the net. Lois Openda wriggled away from his man down the left to find the striker, who lashed past Martin Dubravka.
There was another VAR check however with referee Umut Meler urged to consult the pitch side monitor before judging Openda had handled the ball in the build-up.
The decision to penalise Openda looked harsh with the winger running at full-pelt under pressure from his marker as the ball bounced off his arm.
Former Premier League star Chris Sutton labelled the decision ‘scandalous’, telling BBC Sport: ‘It is ridiculous, it really is. Openda doesn’t intentionally push the ball into his path.
‘That is harsh. In the Premier League that goal would stand.’
Former referee Christina Unkel, who has been providing refereeing analysis for ITV during the competition, agreed with the VAR decision, believing the correct interpretation of the law had been applied.
She noted as Openda’s arm was extended ‘near or above shoulder level’, the correct decision was made.
‘The deliberate interpretation has changed recently. However, this is still going to be considered a deliberate handling offence for the fact that the arm is near or above the shoulder level,’ she said. ‘Even though he is running at momentum, because the arm is extended, that touch we saw helps him control the ball.
‘Those considerations are the ones that are going to point to it being considered unnatural from the referee’s interpretation, and the guidance and in the referee’s preferred decision, from not just Uefa but from IFAB a swell.’
Asked if the decision was harsh, she continued: ‘I think it is a very debateable decision. This is the recommended decision. But I think there are good arguments to be at in what is considered an unnatural position in this play. But this will still fall into one being punished by referees’
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'A big call' - VAR denies Lukaku for a second time after handball decision
Romelu Lukaku has a second goal ruled out after VAR spots a handball in the build up by Lois Openda, during Belgium's Group E match with Slovakia in Frankfurt. match with Slovakia in Frankfurt.
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Brighton open talks to sign £30million-rated Chelsea and Liverpool target
Brighton have reportedly opened talks to sign Leeds star Crysencio Summerville, who is also a target for Chelsea and Liverpool.
It was reported last month that the Blues and Reds were among many Premier League clubs interested in acquiring Summerville’s services.
Newcastle, Aston Villa, West Ham, Bournemouth and Fulham are also monitoring the winger’s situation.
And the likelihood of a transfer increased at the end of May when Leeds missed out on promotion to the top-flight after losing the Championship play-off final to Southampton.
Missing out on promotion and the riches that come with it could have dire financial consequences for Daniel Farke’s club who must now sell some of their most prized assets.
And it looks like Summerville will be the first to go in the fire sale, with talkSPORT reporting that Brighton have begun talks with Leeds for the 22-year-old who is valued at upwards of £30million.
The Dutchman moved to Elland Road in 2020 for around just £1m and has since blossomed into their star player, scoring 21 goals and making 10 assists in 49 games across all competitions this season.
For his efforts, Summerville was named Championship Player of the Season, and still has two years left to run on his Leeds contract.
‘He is playing an outstanding season in terms of performances, end product and also his willingness to work for the team, to be there and deliver on a daily basis even in training, otherwise you can’t deliver consistency in this league,’ Farke said of his talisman earlier in the season.
‘You have to be on it each and every day on the training pitch but also with good habits in nutrition, sleep and recovery.
‘We don’t have to speak about the potential of Cree, the sky is the limit with his potential but to show consistency this is crucial. It’s no coincidence he has delivered many end products.’
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Sunday, June 16, 2024
Man Utd consider De Ligt move - Sunday's gossip
Manchester United consider move for Matthijs de Ligt, Arsenal keen on Keira Walsh, Jack Grealish could look to leave Manchester City, plus more.
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Saturday, June 15, 2024
Chelsea respond after Bayern Munich approach for Levi Colwill
Chelsea are desperate to keep Levi Colwill this summer following an approach from Bayern Munich.
Earlier this week, reports in Germany claimed that Bayern had held initial talks over a deal for the 21-year-old defender.
Bayern are also keen to sign Bayer Leverkusen centre-back, Jonathan Tah, who could leave the Bundesliga champions on a free transfer next year.
It’s understood that Bayern are keen on signing both Germany international Tah and Colwill as the Chelsea player fits their profile for a left-sided defender.
Chelsea rebuffed interest in Colwill from both Liverpool and Manchester City last year, and according to The Guardian, the west London club have no intention of selling Colwill to Bayern this summer.
Brighton also wanted to sign Colwill on a permanent deal at the end of last season following his impressive loan spell but Chelsea rejected their £30m offer.
Colwill started 20 games in the Premier League this season and showed his versatility under Mauricio Pochettino by playing as a central defender and at left-back.
Speaking before the start of this season, Pochettino said of Colwill: ‘I think he can be one of the greatest centre-backs in England.’
Elsewhere, Chelsea have held talks with Aston Villa this week over a deal for their striker Jhon Duran.
Reports in Colombia have claimed that Chelsea have agreed a £42 million fee withVilla and are now discussing personal terms.
Chelsea have also been approached by Villa for Conor Gallagher, although those negotiations will be kept separate from the Duran deal.
Asked if he sees himself at Chelsea next season, Gallagher said at a press conference with England on Thursday: ‘Well, I am a Chelsea player right now and like I said, now I am just thinking about England and the tournament.’
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Captain Morata 'delivers' as he opens scoring for Spain
Watch as Spain forward and newly appointed captain Alvaro Morata opens their Uefa Euro 2024 tally against Croatia in Berlin.
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Friday, June 14, 2024
Graeme Souness fights back tears on Euro 2024 coverage as he ‘sends prayers’ to ‘seriously ill’ friend Alan Hansen
An emotional Graeme Souness said he was ‘sending his prayers’ to Liverpool great and Match of the Day icon Alan Hansen on ITV’s opening coverage of Euro 2024.
Hansen’s former club Liverpool said on Sunday that the legendary defender, who turned 69 yesterday, was ‘seriously ill’ in hospital.
During an illustrious 14-year spell at Anfield, Hansen made over 600 appearances and helped Liverpool win eight league titles, three European Cups, two FA Cups and three League Cups.
After hanging up his boots, Hansen – who earned 26 caps for Scotland – established himself as a high-profile and respected pundit, working on the BBC’s Match of the Day show for 22 years.
Prior to the Euro 2024 opener between Germany and Scotland in Munich, Souness was asked if he wanted to say anything about his friend and former team-mate.
‘I had the pleasure of playing with him, he was an absolute dream for a midfielder,’ Souness said on ITV. ‘He passed the ball at the right weight, at the right angle, at the right time.
‘Just a super footballer. I believe the best footballing centre-half ever. I know that’s some statement but I really believe it. I saw it close-up, he was a real quality performer.
‘And as a human being, when people are ill people say they were great guys. But I’m telling you, he was a great guy.
‘You’d have to search a long, long way to find anyone who’s got a bad word to say about him and that takes some doing. His chat and banter was top-class, he was a pleasure to be around.
‘He’s in the fight of his life right now and we should all say a little prayer for him.’
Souness also spoke highly of Hansen on talkSPORT, saying: ‘He wasn’t a colleague, he was a mate, a good friend, a proper friend. He’s a proper human being, it will be hard to find anyone say a bad word about him.
‘He is one of life’s good guys and we’re all saying a prayer for him. I spoke to his wife, Janet, a few days ago and you can imagine the state she’s in.
‘But I’m telling you, he’s one of the best guys you could meet, a proper human being.’
Scotland face the unenviable task of taking on tournament hosts and European giants Germany in their opening Euro 2024 fixture.
The Scots have never made it out of the group stage at the Euros but Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann is nevertheless wary of the threat of Steve Clarke’s side.
‘Scotland are a team that doesn’t have world-class stars but that makes them very dangerous,’ he said this week.
‘They work very hard and have a classic Scottish mentality. They’ve had an incredible development. They’re not a kick-and-rush team.
‘When you watched Scotland a few years ago it was balls in the air and fighting for the seconds, now they are capable in every department.
‘They can counterattack and have a good build-up game, they have effective pressing moments but can defend compactly. They are in a good way and it’s because of the brilliant job of my colleague.’
Scotland will turn their attentions to Group A rivals Hungary and Switzerland after facing Germany at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
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Lallana back at Southampton after Brighton deal ends
Former England midfielder Adam Lallana returns to his old club Southampton on a one-year deal.
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Thursday, June 13, 2024
Game faces on for Scotland as fans take over Munich
Rallying words from head coach and captain as Scotland supporters make their presence felt on the eve of Euro 2024.
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'Guehi has everything to be a world-class defender'
Marc Guehi's England team-mates say he has "all the attributes to be world class" as he looks set to start against Serbia on Sunday.
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Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Chelsea ‘considering’ new deal for Conor Gallagher after Aston Villa swap talks
Chelsea are ‘considering’ a new contract for Conor Gallagher after holding talks with Aston Villa over a possible swap deal, according to reports.
Gallagher’s future has long been up in the air and it was thought that the Blues were looking to offload the midfielder, much to the anger and confusion of fans.
The England star was one of Chelsea’s best players last term but is out of contract at the end of next season with Tottenham and Aston Villa strongly linked to him.
Chelsea’s hierarchy – BlueCo – have made somewhat of a U-turn, though, and are actively considering a shift over their position, the Guardian have reported.
That comes after the Blues held informal talks with Villa over a swap deal for Gallagher, which would see Jhon Duran move in the other direction.
Following those discussions, Chelsea are now ‘open’ to securing Gallagher’s future if there is a resumption in talks with the player over a contract extension.
Gallagher was said to be ‘lukewarm’ over the idea of being involved in a swap deal for Chelsea to sign Villa star Duran.
Meanwhile, there have been suggestions that Gallagher will not be suited to the style of play used by Chelsea’s new head coach Enzo Maresca.
That is one of the reasons why Gallagher’s situation remains highly unpredictable and it’s important to note he could still be sold this summer for the right price.
Chelsea, who are desperate to avoid Gallagher leaving on a free transfer next summer, are also under financial pressure and need to find a ‘secret magic sum’ to comply with profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
Clubs who are under PSR pressure may look to prioritise selling academy graduates – such as Gallagher – as they represent pure profit on the balance sheet.
Wayne Bridge feels that would be a massive mistake, though, and the former Chelsea star has urged his old club to keep Gallagher at Stamford Bridge.
‘It’s been a bit of a shambles down there [at Chelsea],’ Bridge said. ‘The fact Conor Gallagher is in the mix just goes to show that when I say ‘shambles’, it is a shambles, because he’s probably their second-best player after Cole Palmer.’
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