^ ^ Why isn’t Jack Grealish playing for England at Euro 2024?

Grealish will have no role to play in Germany (Picture: Getty Images)

Jack Grealish is among the England stars who are not playing at Euro 2024 this summer.

The Manchester City star joined Harry Maguire, Jarrad Branthwaite and James Maddison is being cut from Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad earlier this month.

The former Aston Villa star was part of the original 33-man provisional squad – even providing an assist in the warm-up game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

But the winger did not make the final cut for the flight to Germany with the Three Lions in action in the last 16 vs Slovakia today.

Why isn’t Jack Grealish playing for England at Euro 2024?

Grealish played a key role in City’s Treble campaign during the 2022-23 season but struggled to make a significant impact as Pep Guardiola’s side defended their crown last season.

City teammate Phil Foden and Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon have moved ahead of him in the England pecking order with Cole Palmer and Eze Eberechi emerging as potent attacking options.

Grealish provided an assist in a warm-up game (Picture: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

In short, Grealish’s performances for City this season did not merit a spot in the final squad.

‘All the players took the decisions respectfully and all the players believe they should be in, that’s why they’re all top players with that mindset,’ Southgate said.

‘We have some players that have performed extremely well this season and other players have had stronger seasons.

‘In the attacking positions we’re blessed with a lot of options and Madders and Jack give us something different.

‘They were tough calls, but we back our decisions but recognise we could’ve gone a different route. It was sad to have to deliver that news to them.’

‘The fact is we’ve got some players who have been playing extremely well all season in the league and we just feel other players have had stronger seasons – particularly in the past six months or so.

‘Jack [Grealish] would have provided us with something different as well and they’ve been tough calls.

Newcastle star Gordon among those preferred (Picture: Getty)

‘They’re calls we’ve gone over and over and over as a group of staff to try to be fair and to try to use the right rationale.

‘We back our decisions but we recognise we could have gone a different route. The boys are big characters, fabulous team-mates and great boys to work with.

‘It’s sad to have to deliver that news to them.’

Has Jack Grealish said anything about his England omission?

Grealish has not yet spoken publicly on his absence from the England side this summer but his City teammate Kyle Walker admitted it was ‘not a shock’ given the level of competition within the squad.

‘Was I shocked when Jack was left out? Shocked because I know what Jack can do. Was I shocked because of the players that he [Southgate] has brought in? No, because I think they’re all at a great quality and they’ve all had fantastic seasons,” Walker said in an interview with ITV Sport.

‘I think Jack would be the first one to say he could have had a better season. I think he’s come out publicly and said he could have had a better season. So what does a manager base it on? Form or people that he knows have had good tournaments or a good season the season before?

‘You’re here on merit. And I believe it should always be like that. You’re in this team because you’ve played well for your club which then puts you into the England fold.’

^ ^ Why isn’t Marcus Rashford playing for England at Euro 2024?

Gareth Southgate opted not to pick Marcus Rashford for England’s Euro 2024 squad (AFP via Getty)

England’s star-studded squad are competing in Euro 2024 in Germany this summer, eyeing the first-ever European Championship title in their history.

But the group of 26 players, who have come in for some heavy criticism for their performances in their opening group games, does not contain Manchester United star Marcus Rashford, who has been left out of the squad by Gareth Southgate.

Rashford scored just eight goals in 42 appearances for United this term, while he was also disciplined by Erik ten Hag in January after missing a training session having attended a nightclub the previous evening.

The 26-year-old has been a key figure under Southgate having been included in England’s previous two World Cup squads in 2018 and 2022, as well as the European Championship in 2021.

Why isn’t Marcus Rashford playing for England?

Speaking about the decision to not call Rashford up for the Euros when the provisional squad was announced last month, Southgate said: ‘These are of course difficult calls, you’re talking about players who are very good players and who have been an important of what we’ve done over a number of years.

Marcus Rashford has struggled for form for Manchester United this season (Reuters)

‘With Marcus I just feel other players in that area of the pitch have had better seasons, it’s as simple as that.’

Southgate also admitted he was wary of having too many attacking players in his England squad.

‘I’d also have to say I think you can take too many forwards as well,’ said Southgate.

‘You can have too many options in certain areas of the pitch. Of course, with forwards you’ve got to give them loved and make them feel special.

‘If you’ve got too many that can also be complicated. There’s a lot to think about over the next couple of weeks.’

Rashford has not spoken publicly since the decision to leave him out of the Euro 2024 squad was announced.

The forward played six times for England in Euro 2024 qualifying, scoring two goals in the process.

Rashford has played 60 times for England since making his debut back in 2016, finding the back of the net 17 times in total.

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^ ^ England’s best penalty takers revealed as Three Lions get Euro 2024 knockout campaign underway

England will be hoping to avoid penalties (Picture: Getty)

England return to action at Euro 2024 with a round of 16 clash against Slovakia this evening.

The Three Lions have endured a hugely underwhelming campaign to date but will start the game as favourites.

However, it would surprise no one if England once again fail to click into gear in front of goal, and if that is indeed the case against the Slovaks, then the game could go all the way to extra-time or even dreaded penalties.

It’s fair to say England don’t have the best record in penalty shootouts, having tasted defeat from 12 yards seven times of out of ten in their major tournament history.

Follow Metro.co.uk’s live blog for full coverage of England’s Euro 2024 clash vs Slovakia

On paper at least, it would seem like the current crop of England stars are well-stocked with penalty prowess, with the squad containing the likes of Harry Kane, Cole Palmer and Ivan Toney.

But how do their numbers, as well as England’s other main candidates likely to step up to take one for their country, actually stack up in reality? Let’s crunch the numbers and take a look at the penalty record of certain members of Gareth Southgate’s side at U18 level and above.

Minimum of five penalties and data courtesy of www.topoffshoresportsbooks.com.

1. Cole Palmer (15/15, 100% success rate)

Palmer is yet to miss a single penalty in his career and scored all nine attempts in the Premier League last season.

Palmer got off the mark for England in the Euro 2024 warm-up win over Bosnia at the start of June.

Cole Palmer is faultless from 12 yards (Picture: Getty)

2. Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/7, 100% success rate)

Alexander-Arnold is another member of the 100% club with a perfect seven from seven.

The Liverpool man has never taken one at senior level in normal time or extra-time but was 4/4 for England’s U19s and has scored for the Reds in shootouts in the FA Cup, League Cup and European Super Cup.

3. Conor Gallagher (6/6, 100% success rate)

Five of these have come for Chelsea’s U18s.

Gallagher’s one senior penalty was in the League Cup while on loan at West Brom to protect his perfect record.

4. Ivan Toney (37/40, 93% success rate)

Toney netted against Belgium in the March international break to nudge his tally to 37. 

Toney has taken part in more shootouts than anyone in the England squad, with an impressive seven successes from eight attempts.

Toney is an excellent option to have from the bench if England go to penalties (Picture: Getty)

5. Eberechi Eze (8/9, 89% success rate)

Eze missed his first ever penalty for QPR in 2019 but has scored 8/8 ever since.

These include two successful attempts in the Premier League, one for England’s U21s and another in the League Cup.

6. Harry Kane (79/90, 88% success rate)

Kane has scored twice as many penalties in his career than any other member of the England squad.

Since his agonising miss in the World Cup 2022 quarter-final defeat to France, Kane has been faultless, finding the back of the net 15 times in a row and boasts a perfect 5/5 record in shootouts in his career.

7. Bukayo Saka (16/19, 84% success rate)

Saka infamously missed the decisive kick against Italy in the Euro 2020 final but has since established himself as Arsenal’s first-choice taker.

The Gunners fan favourite has scored all but one of his 13 attempts since that fateful night at Wembley, including 3/3 in shootouts.

Saka has put his Euro 2020 miss behind him (Picture: Getty)

8. Anthony Gordon (8/10, 80% success rate)

Having the likes of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson as teammates means Gordon has only taken one senior penalty in normal time, which he duly scored.

Gordon, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, is 2/2 in domestic shoot-outs and 8/10 overall.

9. Jarrod Bowen (7/10, 70% success rate)

Bowen has a slightly patchy record of 6/9 at club level and hasn’t taken once since missing for the Hammers against Liverpool in October 2022.

The flying forward did score in his one and only shoot-out against Manchester City in the League Cup, however.

10. Ollie Watkins (6/11, 55% success rate)

Watkins has scored only 4 of his 9 efforts mid-game and hasn’t been entrusted with one since missing in May 2023.

He is at least 2/2 in shootouts, including one in the Europa Conference League this season.

11. Kieran Trippier (3/6, 50% success rate)

Trippier converted the crucial fourth against Colombia at the 2018 World Cup to help England record their first win on penalties in over 20 years.

His record beyond that is average, however, missing 2/2 in normal time and in a League Cup shootout defeat against Chelsea last season, with Trippier seemingly more successful from free kicks.

^ ^ Euro 2024 yellow and red card rules: How many games will players miss?

Players will have to walk a disciplinary tightrope (Picture: Getty)

Euro 2024 is seeing some of the finest players across the continent taking centre stage in Germany this summer.

But yellow card accumulation or a straight red card will result in players having to agonisingly serve a suspension during the tournament – potentially wrecking havoc with manager’s carefully-laid plans.

And with the yellow card rules in particular seemingly very harsh, players will need to be on their best behaviour to avoid entering the referee’s notebook.

Let’s take a look at the yellow and red card rules at Euro 2024 and how many games players will be forced to miss through suspension.

How many games are players banned for with a yellow card at Euro 2024?

Players will be banned for one game if they pick up two yellow cards before the end of the quarter-final stage.

A player will also be banned for one further match if they collect four yellow cards before the quarter-finals.

Yellow cards could prove costly at Euro 2024 (Picture: Getty)

This means that just two yellow cards across the group stage, round of 16 and quarter-final will result in a player being suspended for the semi-finals.

Yellow card tallies will be wiped after the end of the quarter-finals, such that no player will be forced to miss the final through yellow card accumulation.

For Euro 2024, UEFA has announced that any player surrounding the referee will be given a yellow card, with only the captain able to discuss decisions with the match officials.

Teams who have their goalkeeper as captain will be able to nominate an outfield player to approach the referee instead.

How many games are players banned for with a red card at Euro 2024?

A red card at any stage of Euro 2024 will result in an automatic one-match ban.

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However, in the event of serious offences, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body is permitted to increase the length of the suspension as it sees fit.

Should a player be sent off in the final, the ban will be carried over to the team’s next competitive match.

Can yellow cards and red cards be appealed at Euro 2024?

Yellow cards and red cards cannot be appealed by teams at Euro 2024.

However, teams are allowed to appeal against decisions made by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body, should they decide to impose a ban increase on a player.

^ ^ Chelsea willing to offer key star to Newcastle in fresh efforts to sign Alexander Isak

Chelsea are determined to sign the Newcastle star (Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Chelsea are prepared to offer striker Nicolas Jackson to Newcastle United as part of renewed efforts to sign Alexander Isak.

The Blues have explored an extortionary move for the Sweden international as they look to bring in an established centre forward this summer.

Reports this week have suggested Chelsea are prepared to break their club record transfer fee and pay in the excess of the £115million they spent on bringing Moises Caicedo to the club from Brighton last summer.

Newcastle are desperate to hold onto their prized asset with Arsenal having already cooled their interest in Isak.

But Chelsea remain determined to strike a deal with the Guardian reporting they are now discussing a deal that would see Jackson head to the north east.

Jackson only joined Chelsea from Villarreal last summer, tasked with leading Mauricio Pochettino’s attack for much of the 2023-24 season.

The Senegal international had a mixed first season in the Premier League, making headlines for being wasteful in front of goal but still ending the campaign with a  very healthy return of 17 goals and six assists in 44 appearances.

Jackson scored 17 times for Chelsea last season (Picture: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

While Jackson offered plenty of promise, particularly during the second-half of the season, Isak would represent a major upgrade.

Chelsea hope to capitalise on Newcastle’s situation regarding the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules with the Magpies ready to sell players amid concerns over complying with those regulations.

The club could leave themselves open to a possible points deduction should they fail to make sufficient sales before a deadline of 30 June.

Brighton have this evening agreed a fee of around £33million to sign Yankuba Minteh from Newcastle who have granted the teenager permission to hold contract talks with the Seagulls.

Anthony Gordon has also been offered to Liverpool in another shock move.

Liverpool are admirers of the former Everton star but refused Newcastle’s request for Jarell Quansah to be included in the deal.

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^ ^ Gareth Southgate confirms England star won’t start vs Slovakia and drops starting XI hint

Southgate under pressure to make changes (Picture: The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

England boss Gareth Southgate has hinted he will resist making major changes to his side for the Euro 2024 last 16 clash against Slovakia on Sunday night.

The Three Lions underwhelmed in the group stage of the competition with Southgate facing calls to make changes to his side with Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer impressing off the bench in Tuesday’s goalless draw with Slovenia.

Victory over Slovakia on Sunday will set up a quarter-final clash against Switzerland, who eliminated Italy on Saturday with a very impressive 2-0 win.

Luke Shaw has still not featured for England in Germany having not played any football since March when he suffered a hamstring injury.

While the Manchester United star was back in first-team training this week, Southgate confirmed at a press conference on Saturday he will not start on Sunday.

‘Luke Shaw wouldn’t be available to start but we’ll have a chat with the medical team and see whether he can play a part or if he could do with a bit more training,’ Southgate said.

Kieran Trippier meanwhile has been dealing with a calf problem during the competition with Phil Foden briefly returning to England this week for the birth of his third child, returning to Germany on Thursday night.

Shaw back in first-team training (Picture: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Southgate confirmed both Trippier and Foden are available for Sunday.

Calls for Mainoo and Palmer to feature have grown throughout the week with reports suggesting the Manchester United star is set to come into midfield alongside Declan Rice.

But the England boss suggested it would be unwise to ‘throw everything out the window’ as he mulls over his starting XI.

‘I think a team is never quite as poor as people might think and never quite as good as people might think,’ Southgate said.

Mainoo could come into the side (Picture: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

‘You’re probably about five per cent off where you’d like to be. Therefore you’ve got to be careful not to throw everything out the window and lose things you’re doing well and lose continuity and the confidence that comes with players playing together and the understanding that comes with those moments.

‘You have to ignore external advice and be assured in what you’re doing.

‘Equally, we have had some players come in and have an impact from the bench. Our subs in all the matches have had a big impact and we are mindful people are pushing for places. We need that strength in depth.

‘The squad is training well. That’s pushing the starting team that’s been in place but also the other players have to be ready, tomorrow you might need there might be five or six changes. For us, it’s important than when players come on, they perform.’

^ ^ Why Liverpool turned down chance to sign Anthony Gordon – but move is still possible

Gordon is currently with the England squad at Euro 2024 (Picture: George Wood/Getty Images)

Liverpool have rejected the chance to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United after the Magpies requested Jarell Quansah be included in the deal.

In a sensational development between the two Premier League rivals, it has been widely reported on Saturday that Newcastle offered their star winger to the Merseyside club.

Liverpool were approached by Newcastle this week with a proposal to sign former Everton star Gordon in a move that would have seen centre-half Quansah head to St James’ Park in the other direction.

But the Reds have no interest in letting their young defender leave. Quansah established himself as an important member of the first-team squad last season, earning a place in England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024 before failing to make the final cut.

Gordon, who came through Everton’s youth academy after joining the club as an 11-year-old, left Goodison Park in January 2023.

He enjoyed a superb 2023-24 season at Newcastle, scoring 12 goals and laying on 11 assists.

While he is admired by Liverpool’s recruitment team, the club are not willing to sacrifice one of their own young stars in Quansah to get the deal over the line.

Liverpool do not want to let Quansah go (Picture: CameraSport via Getty Images)

Newcastle’s willingness to sell one of their key players comes amid their efforts to stay in line with the Premier’s Profit and Sustainability Rules – with an accounting deadline looming on Sunday evening.

Liverpool remain interested in signing Gordon with The Guardian reporting there is still a chance of another offer coming this weekend.

Gordon is currently with the England squad at Euro 2024, pushing for a role in the team when the Three Lions take on Slovakia in their last 16 match on Sunday evening.

Newcastle have also been approached by Chelsea over a move for star forward Alexander Isak with the Blues also looking to capitalise on the financial situation on Tyneside.

Chelsea have considered a bid worth more than £100m for the Sweden international but that interest has reportedly cooled with Newcastle determined to hold onto the 24-year-old.

^ ^ Alejandro Garnacho’s brother suggests some Man Utd stars ‘should take’ Saudi Arabia offers

Garnacho himself was linked with a move to Saudi (Picture: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)

The brother of Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho has laughed off suggestions the winger could move to Saudi Arabia this summer – but suggested some of his teammates should consider it.

After a superb season at Old Trafford where he scored 10 goals – including the Goal of the Season and the opener in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City, Garnacho is currently on international duty with Argentina at the Copa America.

United are hoping to offload a number of players this summer with virtually the entire squad thought to be up for sale – with the exception of Garnacho and fellow young stars Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund.

Reports from the Middle East have linked the Argentine with a move to the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli named as interested clubs.

Any move away from Old Trafford this summer would be highly unlikely with four years left on his current contract.

And to further rubbish those reporters, Garnacho’s brother Roberto addressed the rumours on social media. Replying to an aggregator news account reporting the Saudi interest, Roberto replied ‘Tf [the f**k] is this?’

One X user replied to that comment, writing ‘He should take it IMO,’ with Roberto adding: ‘Nah some others should.’

Nah some others should

— roberto garnacho (@garna1k) June 26, 2024

A number of United stars have been linked with lucrative moves to Saudi this summer – namely Casemiro.

The Brazil international enjoyed a superb first campaign in England but struggled during the 2023-24 season, losing his place in the national team squad as a result.

Casemiro wanted by Saudi sides (Picture: AMA/Getty Images)

Al-Nassr, who signed Cristiano Ronaldo after his United exit, are thought to be keen on Casemiro, with the Premier League side looking for a fee of around £30m.

Saudi clubs are also reportedly targeting club captain Bruno Fernandes, who did not rule out a move away from Old Trafford this summer at the end of the season.

Raphael Varane, who left United at the end of his contract this month, is also on the radar of Saudi clubs – although Cesc Fabregas is eager to bring him to Italian side Como.  

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^ ^ Slovakia captain explains how they can beat England in Euro 2024 last 16

Milan Skriniar has captained Slovakia to the last 16 (Photo: Getty)

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.’

Skriniar will have the task of mashalling Harry Kane (Photo: Getty)

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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^ ^ Manchester United respond to Bayern Munich asking price for Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt is on Manchester United’s centre-back shortlist (MB Media/Getty)

Manchester United have told Bayern Munich that they will not meet their asking price for Matthijs de Ligt, according to reports.

United are looking to sign a new central defender this summer following the departure of Raphael Varane and have already had a £45 million bid turned down by Everton for Jarrad Branthwaite this month.

Everton are understood to be holding out for a deal in excess of £70m for Branthwaite, who is United’s top target for the position.

However, United are also exploring alternative options and De Ligt is among the names on their shortlist.

According to Bild’s Christian Falk in his column for CaughtOffside, Bayern are holding out for a €70 million (£59.3m) deal for De Ligt this summer.

But United have indicated that they are only prepared to pay half of that figure, around €35m (£29.6m), for the 24-year-old.

Bayern Munich are open to selling Matthijs de Ligt this summer (Getty)

Meanwhile, Sky Germany reported earlier this month that Bayern would accept a fee closer to €50 million (£42m) from United, who are working with a restricted budget in the summer window.

It’s understood that Erik ten Hag remains a huge admirer of De Ligt having worked with the defender for just over one season at Ajax.

Bayern spent €77m (£65.6m) on signing De Ligt from Juventus in July 2022 but he has struggled with injuries during his time in Germany. Last season, he started just 16 games in the Bundesliga.

Asked about his future at Bayern earlier this month De Ligt, who is with the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024, said: ‘I’ve already said this is not the time for me to think about it.

‘We’re playing at the Euros now and that’s very important for me and the national team. That’s why I can’t say now what I think about this situation.

‘But what I can say is that I’ve now played my second season at Bayern – I’m very happy. For now I’m focused on the Euros and then we’ll see what happens.’

Bayern, meanwhile, are already targeting at least one new centre-back this summer and are in talks to sign Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen.

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^ ^ Leicester star wants Chelsea move with Enzo Maresca viewing him as ‘perfect fit’ for new side

Maresca looking for new recruits (Picture: Copa/Getty Images)

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.

Dewsbury-Hall a key figure at Leicester (Picture: Leicester City FC via Getty Images)

‘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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^ ^ England vs Slovakia: Euro 2024 team news, TV channel, kick-off time and predicted line-up

Gareth Southgate and co. have to turn their form around. It’s now or never (Photo: Getty)

After an underwhelming start, England must get their act together when the Euro 2024 knockout stage begins this weekend.

Topping Group C has landed the Three Lions on the good side of the draw but performances will need to improve if they are to make that advantage count, with fans and pundits pleading for Gareth Southgate to change things up.

England’s journey in Germany continues on Sunday with a last 16 clash against Slovakia.

From this point on it’s all or nothing. Is football coming home or is it 58 years of hurt and counting?

England team news and injury latest

The Three lions have remained largely injury free throughout the Euros but there are two players whose involvement in Sunday’s clash is doubtful

Luke Shaw’s return to action is close, according to the left-back himself, but having been sidelined with a calf injury since February, is it too risky to play the Manchester United star in a crunch knockout game?

Meanwhile, Phil Foden left the training camp on Wednesday to fly home for the birth of his third child.

Luke Shaw is nearly back from injury (Photo: Getty)

His departure was described as ‘temporary’ but while he may return in time to play Slovakia, he may not be in the best shape to start after missing several days of training.

Southgate made only one alteration to his starting XI in the group games, but that could all change in the last-16.

That one change was to end Trent Alexander-Arnold’s midfield experiment and bring in Conor Gallagher for the Slovenia clash, but after a poor 45 minutes the Chelsea star was hauled off.

Phil Foden has ‘temporarily’ left the England camp (Photo: Getty)

His replacement Kobbie Mainoo performed far better and is now likely to start alongside Declan Rice.

Fans and pundits have been begging to see Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon, and finally got their wish against Slovenia and even in their brief cameo they lit up the pitch, providing much needed energy and attacking threat.

Both coming in might be a step too far, but given Foden’s absence, Gordon could well take his place on the left-wing.

Predicted England line-up vs Slovakia

Kobbie Mainoo seems destined to start but will Southgate turn to Anthony Gordon? (Photo: Metro.co.uk)

What channel is England vs Slovakia on?

England vs Slovakia kicks off in Gelsenkirchen at 5pm UK time on Sunday, 30 June.

The match will be broadcast live on ITV1, with a live stream available on ITVX, with coverage starting at 3:30pm. Fans will be praying that the infamous ‘ITV curse’ doesn’t plague the Three Lions again.

England vs Slovakia odds

England vs Slovakia Odds

England win – 1/3

Slovakia win – 7/1

Overall Euro 2024 winner:

England – 7/2

Spain – 4/1

Germany – 11/2

France – 11/2

Slovakia – 200/1

Odds courtesy of Betfair

England vs Slovakia head-to-head record

Remarkably there have only been six previous meetings between the two nations, five of them resulting in England wins, with a combined score of 11-3.

The other was a goalless draw at Euro 2016, the only time they’ve clashed at a major tournament – until now.

The very first game in 2002 saw England come from behind to win a Euros qualifier 2-1, with a certain Gareth Southgate starting in defence.

Their last encounter in 2017 was also a 2-1 comeback win in World Cup qualifying, with Eric Dier and Marcus Rashford on the scoresheet. Three players from that matchday squad are at Euro 2024 – Harry Kane, Kyle Walker and John Stones.

^ ^ England star left with nasty cut after falling off his bike at Euro 2024

Gordon was left with a nasty cut on his chin (Picture: Getty)

England winger Anthony Gordon was left with cuts on his chin and hands after a minor bike-riding accident ahead of the last 16 clash against Slovakia at Euro 2024.

The Newcastle United star suffered the cut when he fell off his bike while he and other members of the England squad were out riding around their training base on Thursday.

While he was seen sporting a nasty graze on his chin in England’s training session later that afternoon, it was his pride that suffered the most damage, with Gordon not considered an injury doubt for Sunday’s knockout stage clash.

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi spoke to the media this afternoon, offering a positive update on his teammate who has now become the butt of a few jokes inside the Three Lions camp.

‘He fell off his bike! The boys went out on a bike ride,’ he said.

‘I actually wasn’t there. I heard about it and I was actually talking to him, but not paying attention to him. Then he turned around and I saw that massive gash on his chin.

‘But he’s okay, he’s okay, but he just fell off his bike. It’s been a bit of a joke in camp but he’s doing well.’

Gordon is not considered a doubt for Sunday’s match (Picture: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Gordon made a late cameo off the bench in the goalless draw against Slovenia on Tuesday, coming on with just minutes of the match remaining for his first appearance of the competition.

The former Everton star impressed in the brief time he was on the pitch and is among those now pushing for a starting role in the knockout phase of the competition.

England are preparing for Sunday’s game at their Blankenhain training base with Phil Foden absent from the group having returned to England on Wednesday for the birth of his third child.

Rice was not involved in team training today (Picture: UEFA via Getty Images)

Kieran Trippier and Declan Rice were also not among the squad, working on individual training programmes away from the group.

Rice has played every minute of England’s Euro campaign in Germany while Trippier has been Gareth Southgate’s first choice option at left-back with Luke Shaw still working his way back to full fitness.

The Newcastle star was managing a calf problem during the group stages of the competition and was substituted in the 84^th minute of Tuesday’s final group game against Slovenia.

Luke Shaw meanwhile has suggested he will be available to start Sunday’s game in Gelsenkirchen, having not played any football since February.

^ ^ Georgia stars in line for huge £8,400,000 payday after Euro 2024 heroics

Georgia’s players and staff are set for a huge payday (Picture: Getty)

Georgia’s players and staff are set to receive an eye-watering £8.4million bonus from a former Prime Minister after upsetting the odds to reach the knockout stages at Euro 2024.

Competing in their first European Championship, Georgia saw their knockout hopes hanging by a thread heading into the final round of group-stage fixtures.

That’s after they picked up one point from their first two games, losing 3-1 against Turkiye and drawing 1-1 with Czechia.

However, facing Portugal on Wednesday, Willy Sagnol’s side upset the odds to claim a shock 2-0 win – courtesy of goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze – and progress to the knockout stages as one of the best third-place sides.

And the players will have all the more reason to celebrate after Georgian billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili pledged to give £8.4m to the team as a reward for their achievements.

Ivanishvili, who founded the Georgian Dream political party and served as prime minister from 2012 to 2013, made his fortune his fortune in Russia in the 1990s and has an estimated worth of around £3.87bn.

Furthermore, the 68-year-old said he would give the squad another £8.4m cash prize if they produce another shock win against Spain on Sunday in Cologne.

Georgia stunned Portugal to reach the Euro 2024 knockouts (Picture: Getty)

This is the nation’s first European Championship (Picture: Getty)

Bidzina Ivanishvili said the money will come from his charitable foundation (Picture: Getty)

A statement read: ‘30million GEL (£8.4m) will be awarded to the national team

‘At the same time, on the initiative of Bidzina Ivanishvilli, in case of winning the eighth-final meeting with advancing to the next stage, the national team of Georgia will receive an additional 30m GEL as a reward.

‘The honorary chairman of ‘Georgian Dream’ thanks every player of the football team, the coaching staff and the Georgian fans for this historic and dream victory.’

Georgia were the lowest-ranked team in the tournament and have won just one of their seven previous fixtures against Spain.

Luis de la Fuente’s side were the only team to win all three games in the group stages and are yet to concede a goal in the tournament.

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^ ^ Rooney on Bellingham, Southgate & Leadership

Kelly Cates sits down with Wayne Rooney to talk all things England.

The Three Lions secured top spot in Group C after their 0-0 draw against Slovenia, but questions around performances still loom.

Wayne discusses the impact of the substitutes in the final group game, including whether the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon deserve places in Gareth Southgate’s starting XI when England play in the round of 16.

Also hear Wayne’s thoughts on England’s need for leaders, their potential route to the final, and the form of Jude Bellingham.

Timecodes: 01:50 Reaction to Slovenia game 02:55 Key players not performing 04:30 Inexperience in the squad 07:10 Jude Bellingham 10:30 Getting to the final 13:10 Criticism of Gareth Southgate 18:15 Managing expectations 20:50 Problems in attack 24:50 Knockout stages

^ ^ Arsenal transfer target Serhou Guirassy makes final decision over next club

Serhou Guirassy has decided to join Borussia Dortmund (AFP via Getty)

Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy has rejected the chance to join Arsenal and has decided to make the move to Borussia Dortmund, according to reports in Germany.

The 28-year-old had attracted widespread interest ahead of the summer transfer window after scoring 28 goals in the Bundesliga last season.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United were among the Premier League clubs who had registered their interest in Guirassy, although Chelsea dropped out of the running earlier this week.

AC Milan had also Guirassy on their summer shortlist alongside Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku.

Guirassy had already indicated that he wanted to leave Stuttgart this summer and is available due to a relatively modest release clause of just under €20 million (£16.9m).

Reports this week had claimed that Dortmund were concerned over the threat of Arsenal in the race to sign Guirassy.

Serhou Guirassy scored 28 goals in the Bundesliga last season (Getty)

However, Stuttgarter Nachrichten reports that Guirassy has chosen to join Dortmund and has reached an agreement with last season’s Champions League finalists.

The report adds that Dortmund have nearly tripled Guirassy salary, which was worth £65,000 a week at Stuttgart.

Dortmund are also understood to have offered a signing-on fee in excess of €10m (£8.4m), which rival clubs were not prepared to match.

In total, Dortmund’s package including transfer fee, wages and signing-on bonusis worth just over €60m (£50.7m).

Earlier this month, Arsenal were dealt another blow in their search for a new striker as Benjamin Sesko opted to remain at RB Leipzig.

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^ ^ Rio Ferdinand urges England star and Gareth Southgate to help ‘inexperienced’ Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham started well but has struggled at Euro 2024 (Photo: Getty)

Gareth Southgate and England’s senior players have a responsibility to help Jude Bellingham after his ‘inexperienced’ displays at Euro 2024.

That is the opinion of Rio Ferdinand, who was reacting to the Three Lions’ latest underwhelming performance in the goalless draw with Slovenia.

Many of England’s stars have been criticised for their efforts at the tournament so far, with star player and golden boy Bellingham starting to feel the heat despite an impressive start.

He scored the winner and was named player of the match in the 1-0 victory over Serbia but was completely ineffective in the draws with Denmark and Slovenia.

Last season, Bellingham won numerous accolades as he scored 23 goals and made 13 assists in his debut season for Real Madrid, winning La Liga and the Champions League – all the more remarkable given he’ll only turn 21 later this week.

For his club he plays as a No.10 and Southgate has looked to replicate this for England, but so far it’s hardly worked and his lack of chemistry with his attacking teammates is painfully obvious.

Many have suggested dropping him deeper into midfield, but Ferdinand also believes the young star needs advice from his manager and teammates, especially Declan Rice.

Can Declan Rice form an unstoppable midfield with Bellingham? (Photo: Getty)

‘Jude Bellingham has been given an unbelievable last year in terms of press, PR,  hype and he has deserved every single ounce of it,’ the former Manchester United and England defender said on FIVE.

‘He’s been phenomenal. He’s done stuff that we haven’t seen before, he’s won the lot.

‘But in this tournament, I’m seeing a 20-year-old playing at times. He scored a goal, looked magnificent in the first 45 minutes but there’s traits of a 20-year-old, inexperienced player that needs a bit of guidance.

Gareth Southgate needs to get Bellingham back to his best (Photo: Getty)

‘This is the responsibility of the manager and the other senior players in the team and I think responsibility in his performance and reliability is what we need now.

‘You’ve got Declan Rice in there now. I think he’s doing a good job, played well again yesterday, but you need Jude to be your number eight and you need him to be a reliable, responsible number eight.

‘In this team there’s other players that can do that [No.10 role] and playing with a bit more freedom like [Phil] Foden or Cole Palmer when he comes in.

‘I want to see Jude being the number 8, solid box-to-box, reliable player that forms a partnership and a bond with his other midfield partners that we go, “that is f***ing hard to play against”.

‘That is a solid area and they’ve got feet, they’ve got guile when they need to. They can play with their heads up and play forward and play quick, one-twos. Reliable in and out of position.’

England play their last-16 game on Sunday, and Bellingham, who will be 21 by then, will be aiming to put in a much improved performance.

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