CARLO ANCELOTTI has left Everton and taken over the vacant manager’s role at Real Madrid.
The Italian has returned for a second spell at the Bernabeu after leaving in 2015.
On the transfer front, reports suggest Harry Kane is ready to leave in an effort to win trophies – regardless of whether Mauricio Pochettino returns to Tottenham.
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Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
‘TURN IT INTO A POSITIVE’ – EXCLUSIVE
Bobby Zamora knows how those England players reeling from major-tournament heartbreak are feeling today.
Zamora was left out of the Three Lions’ 2010 World Cup squad – although it was his own decision, rather than that of manager Fabio Capello.
Zamora made the second of his two appearances for England the year after the 2010 World Cup, but that was that for the then 31-year-old when it came to playing for his country.
He does feel there is a big incentive just 12 months away for those who missed out this time, though.
The ex-Spurs and West Ham forward said: “There’s a World Cup next year, another opportunity very, very close.
“Maybe you take it as a positive. It drives you to improve and to be better, to make sure you’re in the next squad.”
HARRY’S CRY – EXCLUSIVE
Harry Maguire woke up every morning hoping his ankle pain had gone but still hopes to be fit for the Euros.
Speaking yesterday, Maguire, 28, was asked about his first thoughts as he sat on the turf waiting for medical attention at Villa Park after Anwar El Ghazi crunched him.
He said: “The fear that I had was missing everything. I knew it was quite a bad injury. When I got the results of the scan, I knew it would be unlikely I would made the Europa League final — but we also never ruled it out.
“I would jump out of bed and put weight on my ankle, which I probably should not have done, and test it to see if the pain was still there. Every morning, I woke up wishing the pain would be gone.
“Unfortunately, it was not to be. I knew for me to start the Europa League final was very unlikely but I hoped to play some part. However it was out of reach and just not possible. Ahead of the final, I could still not run on the ankle.
“But it is now improving and getting better, so I am just looking forward to the Euros.”
KEAN TO STAY
Moise Kean wants to stay at Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports.
The French giants are preparing a five-year contract and a £34.5million offer to Everton, according to transfer guru Nicola Schira.
Everton are said to want more than £40m for the Italian who has been on loan in Paris this season.
KHAL FOR KANE
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak has given Pep Guardiola the green light to go out and bid for Harry Kane.
The Premier League champions said an emotional farewell to all-time leading goalscorer Sergio Aguero at the weekend. And their Abu Dhabi owners have vowed to land a top name who can fill the boots of the deadly Argentine forward.
That will come as a blow to Tottenham’s hopes of holding onto England captain Kane – who has made it clear he wants out this summer. Khaldoon said: “We’re losing a very important legend in Sergio, they are very hard shoes to fill. I’m confident we will find the right player to fill those shoes.
“There are other areas that need investment, not too many. but it’s not about numbers – it’s about quality. It’s a phenomenal squad – you don’t win the Premier League and get to the Champions League final without an incredible squad.
“We have that but will bring quality into the squad in a couple of key positions.”
City were previously linked with Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland and Romelu Lukaku of Inter. But Kane’s wish to leave Spurs has put City on red alert and it now seems Pep will have the financial muscle for such a deal.
LOK HIM IN
Arsenal are tracking Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, according to reports.
A number of Premier League clubs are tracking the 21-year-old who is rated at £13.5million.
Arsenal have been keen since 2019 and are considering moving again this summer, according to Nieuwsblad.
Lokonga mainly plays as a defensive midfielder and could play alongside Thomas Partey.
NO MAUR SPECULATION
Maurcio Pochettino has not told Paris Saint-Germain or club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi that he wants to leave, according to reports.
The Argentine has been linked with a move back to Tottenham but the French giants have had no such communication, according to the Telegraph.
HA HA HARA
Jamie O’Hara seemed somewhat unhappy with Gareth Southgate’s confirmation that Jesse Lingard may play against Austria tomorrow.
The former Tottenham man tweeted in a bluster before his TalkSPORT colleague Max Rushden attempted to calm him down with a fairly rational, logical and sensible reply.
FLASH BACK
Nudge, nudge, Winks, Winks… Flash, Harry?
Kinsey Wolanksi marked the second anniversary of her infamous Champions League final streak with a mischievous snap – of Spurs’ Harry Winks staring at her lightly-clothed body from point-blank shooting range.
American influencer Kinsey spent five hours in jail over her antics in Liverpool’s 2-0 win, which sent her Instagram following soaring past 2million.
The model ran onto the pitch at Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in front of 63,272 fans in skimpy swimwear to promote her boyfriend’s porn website.
And two years late the prankster has given Winks and Co a reminder of her most notorious stunt with a social media post recalling her five-minute reign in Spain.
JES WATCH IT
England boss Gareth Southgate has revealed Jesse Lingard will start against Austria on Wednesday despite axing him from his Euro 2020 squad.
Speaking at a press conference following the team announcement, the 50-year-old said: “Jesse did really well to get himself back in the race because back in January he was a millions miles away from being considered for an England squad.
“I said in March that he’d had a fabulous few weeks but he was slightly fortunate because we were without three or four wide players at that time.
“He was excellent for West Ham and he plays so well for us – we have total trust in the way he plays.
“He’s reliable, he’s a great member of the group. He will play tomorrow because we’ve got [Jadon] Sancho ill, we’ve obviously got a lot of players not available and he’ll start to help the balance of the team.
“He deserves that opportunity to go and show me that I’m wrong straight away. The lads that are with us are the standby list and we need to keep them match ready.”
MEET THE THREE LIONS!
This is England’s final 26-man squad for this summer’s Euros.
HURT PRIDE
Gareth Southgate has named his final 26-man Euro 2020 squad with some big names being left out.
From the provisional 33-man squad, the likes of Jesse Lingard, Ben White, James Ward-Prowse and Ollie Watkins have been omitted.
Meanwhile Manchester United youngster Mason Greenwood was forced to withdraw from the squad due to an underlying injury.
A number of England stars were unlucky to not have even been named in the provisional squad, with Dele Alli, Eric Dier and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all missing out.
And SunSport has produced a best XI of players who have been snubbed, with the starting team boasting 118 caps between them.
UNLUCKY LIN
Gareth Southgate says Jesse Lingard done incredibly well to get back in contention for an England spot and he wants the West Ham loanee match ready in case he gets called back into the sqaud.
The Three Lions boss said: “Jesse has done incredibly well to get back in the race. Back in January he was a million miles from being selectable for an England squad.
“I said in March he’d had a fabulous few weeks but you’d have to say he was a little fortunate because we were without around four wide players at that time.
“He had a good spell with West Ham and he’s played so well for us with England, we have total trust in the way he plays, he’s reliable, he’s a great member of the group.
“He will play tomorrow because we’ve got Jadon Sancho ill and we’ve obviously got a lot of players not available and for the balance of the team he’ll start.
“So he deserves that opportunity to go and show me that I’m wrong. But also the lads that are with us, they’re the standby players and we’ve got to keep them match ready in case they come back into that squad.”
ALL HAIL THE BACKUPS
Gareth Southgate has heaped praise on the players he had to leave out his final 26-man squad and assured the public they are his backup group and will be ready if called upon.
Southgate axed Aaron Ramsdale (Sheff Utd), Ben Godfrey (Everton), Jesse Lingard (West Ham on loan from Man Utd), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Ben White (Brighton), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton) and Mason Greenwood (Man Utd – injured).
And asked how the rejected stars reacted, Southgate said: “James was brilliant. As was Jesse, as was Ollie. Totally professional which is the character of the players.
“All of the players that are here will be on the standby list. We can only change now on the basis of injuries so those guys will be training with us. And they’ll be involved in the matches as well. Not only because if we have an issue they need to be ready.
“But they deserve it. Their commitment to stay with the group and their respect to their teammates to want to be here shows what playing for England means to this group of players.
“And I think it’s important the public know that as sometimes people dismiss the importance of England caps and what it means to players.”
CARLO CONFIRMED!
Real Madrid have confirmed they have re-appointed Carlo Ancelotti as manager.
A Los Blancos statement read: “Real Madrid C. F. announces that Carlo Ancelotti will be the club’s first-team coach for the next three seasons.
“The ceremonial signing of the contract will take place tomorrow with club president Florentino Pérez at Real Madrid City, after which Ancelotti will address the media from 6pm (CET) in an online press conference.”
Everton said: “Everton can confirm that Carlo Ancelotti has left his position as manager to take up the role of Head Coach at Real Madrid.
“Everton would like to place on record its thanks to Carlo for his service to the Club over the past 18 months. The Club will begin the process of appointing a new manager immediately and will provide updates in due course.”
Ancelotti, who joined Everton on a four-and-a-half-year contract in December 2019, said: “I would like to thank the Board of Directors, the players, and the Evertonians for the tremendous support they have all given me during my time at the Club.
“I have complete respect for everyone associated with Everton and hope they can achieve the exciting opportunities they have in front of them.
“While I have enjoyed being at Everton I have been presented with an unexpected opportunity which I believe is the right move for me and my family at this time.”
ADIOS CARLO – BREAKING!
Carlo Ancelotti has left Everton and will take over as manager of Real Madrid, according to Sky Sports News.
An official announcement is expected from Everton imminently.
LONDON’S FALLING – EXCLUSIVE
William Gallas believes Mikel Arteta should leave Arsenal.
Gallas is confident Arteta will develop into an elite manager one day – but reckons it was a ‘mistake’ to appoint the Spaniard as the Gunners missed out on European football for the first time since 1995-96.
The Frenchman, 43, told SunSport: “Mikel Arteta was not ready yet to manage a club like Arsenal. OK, he was assistant coach at Manchester City. But he had never managed a team. It is completely different.
“The board made a mistake picking him. I’m sure he will be a great manager but you need to have experience to manage a big club.
“To be honest, it is a great shame for the Arsenal fans after finishing eighth.
“Arsenal is not the same Arsenal we knew 18, 20 years ago. We had players who were strong with strong personalities.”
Credit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail FAVOURITES FO SHO
Austria boss Franco Foda claims England are ‘big favourites’ for this summer’s Euros.
The Three Lions take on the German’s side at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium tonight in a warm-up friendly. Former Sturm Graz boss Foda, 55, chief said: “In the last few years England have had a great development.
“They have lots of young, dynamic players, especially offensively and they are always able in situations to do very well. They are very quick.
“This is why they are one of the big favourites at the Euros.”
Ex-West Ham and Stoke striker Marko Arnautovic misses out due to a thigh muscle tear, while Austria are sweating on the fitness of captain Julian Baumgartlinger.
They will also be without former Newcastle loanee Valentino Lazaro, who would have had to quarantine had he travelled to England due to a visit to Dubai with Inter team-mate Romelu Lukaku last month.
LUKE AWAY
England boss Gareth Southgate will be sweating over Luke Shaw’s fitness ahead of Euro 2020 after the defender was spotted with a cast around his left wrist.
The Manchester United star – who has been named in the Three Lions’ squad for the tournament – is expected to be the first-choice left-back under Southgate.
But the 25-year-old looks to be a serious doubt to feature in Wednesday night’s friendly against Austria after being snapped sporting a slight injury.
Shaw was caught by cameras with a cast on his left wrist while out with his girlfriend Anouska Santos in Altrincham town centre on Tuesday afternoon.
And to add insult to injury, the former Southampton ace was greeted to a parking ticket when he returned to his Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
Ben Chilwell could now start for England against Austria, with Southgate hoping Shaw will be fit to face Romania on Sunday. It will be England’s final fixture before they compete against Croatia in their first Euro 2020 group stage clash on June 13.
THE GREAL DEAL
Jack Grealish says he had to assure Gareth Southgate he would be fit for the Euros.
The Aston Villa man has been included in the final 26-man squad but he was touch and go having picked up an injury towards the end of the season.
Grealish and Southgate was regularly pictured together at Villa Park when the midfielder was watching from the stands and the Villa man said he had to reassure the boss he would be ready for the summer.
SQUAD NUMBERS!
England’s final squad numbers have been announced for this summer’s Euros.
And it looks like Jordan Pickford will be No 1 goalie ahead of Dean Henderson while Kyle Walker looks set to be the first choice of the FOUR right-backs included.
Harry Kane has been given the iconic No 9 shirt while Jack Grealish’s starting chances seem to have been given a boost having been given David Beckham’s famous No 7.
SEVEN LIONS AXED!
Gareth Southgate was forced to cut seven players from his original 33-man group to leave him with his final 26-man squad.
And here are the stars he had to disappoint…
Aaron Ramsdale (Sheff Utd), Ben Godfrey (Everton), Jesse Lingard (West Ham on loan from Man Utd), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Ben White (Brighton), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton) and Mason Greenwood (Man Utd – injured).
ENGLAND’S EUROS SQUAD CONFIRMED!
Gareth Southgate has included FOUR right-backs in his England squad for this summer’s Euros.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, Reece James and Kieran Trippier are all IN.
But there is no room for Aaron Ramsdale, Ben Godfrey, Jesse Lingard, Ollie Watkins, Ben White, James Ward-Prowse or Mason Greenwood – who pulled out injured.
FEELING BLUE
Chelsea and Leicester have been charged with failing to control their players during last Tuesday’s game at Stamford Bridge.
The clubs have been fined £22,500 each.
A mass brawl erupted towards the end of the game with the Blues 2-1 up.
The incident erupted after Ricardo Pereira’s challenge on Ben Chilwell and players and members of staff from both sides were involved in a vicious confrontation.
STICKY SITUATION FOR TOFFEES
Everton chiefs will meet later tonight to discuss potential replacements for Carlo Ancelotti, according to Sky Sports News.
The Italian is reportedly on the verge of returning to Real Madrid and the ex-Chelsea boss is said to have told the Toffees he wants to go.
PEP SQUAWK
Pep Guardiola ‘stole’ the Champions League crown from Manchester City with his bizarre team selection, according to Lothar Matthaus.
The Etihad giants’ wait for a first European Cup continues after they slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Chelsea in Porto on Saturday night.
The City boss opted to play three attack-minded midfielders in Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden. That meant both Rodri and Fernandinho were left on the bench, despite at least one playing almost every game all season.
But Germany legend Matthaus has claimed the blame falls solely at the feet of Guardiola for his questionable pre-game tinkering.
Matthaus told Sky Germany: “With his line-up he stole the Champions League from the club and the fans. [Guardiola] has to rightly listen to the harsh criticism from all sides.
“I am sure that there will be internal discussions about whether to part with him. The players will doubt him since that final.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
