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      Harry Maguire would be bigger loss to England than Harry Kane, claims Man Utd legend Gary Neville leaving fans bemused

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      AN INJURY to Harry Maguire would be a bigger blow to England than losing captain Harry Kane.That was according to Gary Neville – who left some fans baffled by the bold claim.
      Gary Neville reckons losing Harry Maguire would be a bigger blow for England than losing Harry KaneCredit: Reuters
      🗣”I think that is his biggest problem.”@GNev2 thinks Harry Maguire would be a bigger loss in the England team than Harry Kane 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/2ZL9S0LZI9— Football Daily (@footballdaily) April 5, 2021

      The Sky Sports pundit went head to head with Jamie Carragher in a heated Three Lions debate on Monday Night Football.
      And the ex-Manchester United man left fans baffled with his claims over which Harry is more valuable to Gareth Southgate.
      Neville said: “If you lose Harry Maguire that’s a big problem for Gareth Southgate. I think it’s his biggest problem.
      “If you’re then left with John Stones as your other centre-back and you think you’ve got Stones and (Tyrone) Mings, Stones and (Conor) Coady, Stones and (Eric) Dier – I’m not having it.”
      Asked by Carragher if a Maguire injury would be more devastating than one for Kane with his 34 international goals, Neville reckoned so.
      He added: “Harry Kane’s the best player in the squad but in this particular squad if Gareth wants a back four in the squad and go for a 4-3-3 formation, the only chance of that is keeping Harry Maguire fit.
      “You always have to think if one player gets injured where do I then go to. If Harry Kane gets injured you could go with Marcus Rashford, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Raheem Sterling as a false forward or Phil Foden.
      “There are options England can still win games. But with Maguire the ability to go to a back four is lost and that’s why he’s got a three in the back of his mind.
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      “I think Declan Rice being injured could be a problem. I’d go Maguire just because of the lack of depth behind him, Kane is the most important player.
      “But the lack of depth behind Maguire as a dominant centre back is nil in my opinion. So Maguire, Kane then Rice are the key players you don’t want to get injured.
      “If Sterling gets injured that would be a blow but Rashford, Greenwood, Sancho, Foden, Grealish can play in that position.”
      Viewers on Twitter were quick to jump in with their opinions.
      One said: “Kane is a million miles clear of any other player we have – we don’t get out of the group if Kane doesn’t play.
      “Maguire is far easier replaced – hardly anyone even rates Maguire but Southgate’s job hinges on Kane.”
      Another added: “Neville – this is bonkers. Maguire is at best a mediocre defender. At best. Kane is world class. Come on.”
      But others saw the wisdom from the former right-back and agreed.

      England boast the most-valuable squad of all Euro 2020 nations

      One person replied: “Coherent argument, people just don’t want to listen. Kane is obviously our best player.
      “But we have an embarrassment of attacking riches, he isn’t as pivotal to the attack as Maguire is to the defence.”
      And a final user commented: “Kane is literally world class, best in the world in his position but our CB options behind Maguire are literally atrocious for the top level we want to get to.”
      Maguire, 28, has been virtually an ever-present player in the Manchester United defence since his 2019 transfer from Leicester.
      He has featured for 90 minutes in all 68 Premier League matches and missed just nine out of 109 games in all competitions.
      Kane, 27, is enjoying his first season since 2017-18 with no long-term major injuries.
      The Tottenham striker missed the 1-0 defeats to Brighton and Chelsea earlier this year after suffering an ankle injury against Liverpool.
      But despite initial fears, he made a rapid return to the side with a goal against West Brom ten days later.
      The pair are both guaranteed to start for the Three Lions if they are fit for the EurosCredit: Getty
      Neville recognised Kane is a better player but there is greater strength in depth in attackCredit: Getty
      Harry Kane and Son Heung-min have a telepathic understanding

      Watch Harry Maguire search for John Stones after Man Utd star spared partner’s blushes with England winner More

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      Jordan Pickford terrified injury setback could torch his Euros hopes after missing England qualifiers

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      JORDAN PICKFORD is sweating over his fitness ahead of Euro2020.The Everton keeper knows that he needs to be 100 per cent fit to be included in Gareth Southgate’s summer plans.
      Jordan Pickford is worried he may not get an England call for the EurosCredit: Rex
      England’s number one keeper is still sidelined with an abdominal injury which saw him miss the three World Cup qualifiers.
      Pickford is still not back in first-team training but hopes he could return to action later this month.
      But the former Sunderland keeper is terrified that any setbacks could seriously harm his chances of being selected for the summer tournament.
      Pickford, 27, has also suffered a number of niggling injuries throughout the season which he has played through which have affected his performances.
      He was forced off just before half-time in the 2-1 defeat to Burnley on March 13 and has not played since.
      Nick Pope deputised for England over three games but did not impress Southgate with his part in Poland’s equaliser – although the Three Lions won 2-1 – following a mistake by John Stones.
      Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that he is unsure when Pickford will return.
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      Gareth Southgate wants to take a fully fit squad into the EurosCredit: Getty

      The Goodison boss, whose team faces Crystal Palace on Monday, said: “Not sure how long it will be.
      “He is improving day by day but he still hasn’t worked on the pitch.
      “Maybe he will start next week to work on the pitch with the goalkeeping coach.”
      England coach Southgate has a strong rule that he will not take half fit players to The Euros.
      That is why Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson could also miss out if he does not return to action soon.
      Previously, England have had a history of taking injured players to major summer tournaments.
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      Gareth Southgate says England should have scored more after their victory against Albania More

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      Kalvin Phillips has to start for England at Euros after impressing for club and country

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      KALVIN PHILLIPS has to start at the Euros.Back in November 2019, I tipped him to break into Gareth Southgate’s side but now I believe he is a nailed-on starter.
      Leeds star Kalvin Philips has made the defensive-midfield role his own for EnglandCredit: Getty
      Declan Rice has formed a fine partnership with Kalvin PhillipsCredit: Getty
      For me, a defensive midfielder is the MOST important role in a side in this modern era.
      They might not be pleasing on the eye but all successful teams over the years have had that pillar in midfield.
      And with Marcelo Bielsa’s caution-to-the-wind approach to football at Leeds, Phillips plays a massive role.

      Because of the flying full-backs and the high press, he effectively does the job of two midfielders.
      Without him, Leeds have lost six of the eight Premier League games he has missed — conceding 15 goals.
      But from the nine clean sheets Leeds have managed this season, he has played in seven of them.
      And while his positioning is second to none, he is not just an out and out defensive midfielder — he is versatile.
      Phillips is capable of getting on the ball and picking out that forward pass, whether it is long or short.
      So I imagine when he plays for England, it is easier for him because he has Declan Rice alongside him.
      He has shown he is capable of imposing himself on a game further up midfield due to his superb range of passing.
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      And that is something we definitely need against the top sides we may encounter in the knockout stages.
      From the six England games he has started, the team have only conceded two goals.
      So for me it is not the question of whether he starts, it is who starts alongside him — he is that good.
      Watch Harry Maguire search for John Stones after Man Utd star spared partner’s blushes with England winner
      — More

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      Liverpool star Jordan Henderson gives England injury boost ahead of Euros as Klopp reveals return to training

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      JORDAN HENDERSON has been offered a glimmer of hope that he could still make England’s bid for Euro glory.Gareth Southgate’s side kick off their campaign ten weeks tomorrow against Croatia and the Anfield skipper is in a desperate race against time to be fit.
      Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson has to prove his match fitness in the next two months if he hopes to play for England in the Euros this summerCredit: Alamy
      Midfield battler Jordan Henderson was hurt against Everton on February 26Credit: PA
      He underwent groin surgery at the end of February and Three Lions boss Southgate has admitted it is going to be a close call for him.
      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insists he still has “no idea” of whether Henderson will be ready but he revealed: “At the moment he cannot train but he will train in the next days and weeks for sure.
      “It is just about time. If the time will be enough? I hope so.”
      Meanwhile, centre-back Virgil van Dijk is also fighting to join the Dutch squad as he continues his recovery from cruciate knee ligament damage that has kept him out for the past six months.
      Klopp added: “Nothing has changed. They are all in the place they should be at the moment and that is it.
      “Time will show.
      “I do not want to take a player away from England or Holland.
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      “If they are ready then they are ready. If they are not ready, I cannot change that.
      “It is not about me to make the decision. I only deliver the news when I have it, and I do not have it at the moment.
      “No bad news, no brilliant news.”

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      Alexander-Arnold, Dier and Abraham could be big-name casualties of Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad but Pickford set for No1

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      IT sounds as if Gareth Southgate actually enjoys the mental torture of picking a 23-man squad for a major tournament.The tough decisions, the horrible rejection phone calls, trying to ensure a perfect balance for every conceivable eventuality.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold looks set to miss out on an England spot for the EurosCredit: PA
      Tammy Abraham is another at risk of being left out by Gareth SouthgateCredit: Getty
      The England boss looks certain to leave out regular squad members such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eric Dier and Tammy Abraham.
      Then he must choose one of Reece James and Kieran Trippier.
      If Jordan Henderson is fit then there is a likely choice between Jude Bellingham and James Ward-Prowse.
      And probably another call to make between Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho.
      But when he was asked about suggestions that Uefa may allow bosses to name larger squads for the Euros, due to Covid concerns, Southgate said he was against the idea.
      Wednesday’s 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Poland was England’s last match before Southgate names his Euros squad.
      And the likelihood is he will only be naming a 23-man party with another group of players on standby in case of positive Covid tests.
      Judging by Southgate’s words and actions, as well as conversations with those close to the England boss, there are plenty of significant pointers towards his Euro plans…
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      Eric Dier is another regular who will struggle to make the 23-man squadCredit: Rex

      Jordan Pickford, not Nick Pope, will be England’s No 1 at the tournament.

      Southgate’s Plan A is a 4-2-3-1 with two holding midfielders — Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson or Kalvin Phillips, depending on the Liverpool skipper’s fitness.

      He will pick only eight defenders in his squad, with Kyle Walker and Luke Shaw certain to be included, as they can both operate in a back three if and when England shift to a 3-4-3.

      Southgate had decided before these three qualifiers that a flat back four would be his go-to formation for the summer.
      He said: “We’ve normally got so many good attacking options — ideally you want to get attacking players on the pitch and that’s harder with a back three.
      “But there is that balance of making sure that we are not open at the back.
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      “Heading into the World Cup in Russia we were very clear we were going to be 3-5-2 and were very clear we were going to pick the players to fit that system.
      “We’re more fluid and adaptable now. We have some exciting wide players and players who can come in off the line and play as an attacking No 8 or No 10.
      “Some of them are still learning how to win, needing experiences like the Poland game. But we’ve got to find a way of getting them into the squad.”
      Southgate was heartened by the return to form of John Stones at Manchester City and felt that pairing him with Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, behind two defensive midfielders, would give England the right balance.
      It does not seem that Stones’ horrible error, which gifted Poland an equaliser, has spooked him in returning to a back three and wing-backs for England’s tournament opener against Croatia.
      Southgate partially blamed the pass from keeper Nick Pope for Stones’ error, indicating that Pickford’s superior distribution will earn him the nod over the Burnley player.
      And Southgate says he will pick only eight defenders in his squad — a further suggestion that a flat back four is his preference.
      England boast the most-valuable squad of all Euro 2020 nations
      Asked whether he needed to name more than eight defenders, he said: “I don’t actually think we do.
      For example, in Russia we played Kyle Walker in a back three. Luke Shaw has played in a back three for Man United. Ben Chilwell has as well.
      “It’s not essential to have more than eight and the more defenders we take, the less we have in other areas.
      “We’ve got to have enough to cover ourselves in case of problems during the tournament but we also have to get that balance right.”
      Southgate was glowing about West Ham man Rice and Leeds defender Phillips — two men who have never played Champions League football but who are firmly in his plans.
      Rice, man of the match against Poland and Albania, is a nailed-on starter at the Euros, while Phillips could well feature if Henderson — England’s one current injury doubt for the tournament — fails to recover from groin surgery.
      Southgate said: “Declan has been a very important player since game one. We’re really pleased that we’ve found Kalvin as well in that area of the pitch.

      “The top teams have those players who can break the game up but can use the ball well and those two are in that category.
      “Very often when we’ve been without Henderson, we’ve looked short of that type of player.
      “Declan’s tactical maturity has been outstanding. His reading of danger, the number of times where he’s come across at the right moment, intercepted play, come away with the ball and then used it well.
      “We know  he’s not had those big matches, those latter stages of big cups, European ties, so a lot of his development has been with us.”
      Of course, Henderson may not be fit and there could be more  injuries, which end up making Southgate’s squad selection easier.
      But as far as the England  manager is concerned, where would be the fun in that?
      Watch Harry Maguire search for John Stones after Man Utd star spared partner’s blushes with England winner More

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      Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish face missing out on England’s Euro 2020 squad with Jesse Lingard impressing Southgate

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      JESSE LINGARD is emerging as a wildcard selection for Gareth Southgate’s 23-man Euros squad.The midfielder, a stalwart of England’s run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, has come from nowhere to be a serious contender again.
      Jesse Lingard is a popular, gregarious figure within the England campCredit: Getty
      Sancho and Grealish could be in danger of losing their placesCredit: Marc Aspland – The Times
      His outstanding form on loan at West Ham had earned the Manchester United outcast a shock call-up to Southgate’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers — and Lingard played in all three.
      When naming that party, Southgate admitted Lingard, 28, had been ‘lucky’ to be included, because of injuries to Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho, James Maddison and Harvey Barnes.
      But it is believed that Southgate has been so impressed by Lingard’s form, as well as his huge popularity within the squad, that he is trying to figure out who to omit to find room for him.
      That could mean the axe for Sancho or Grealish — both would be huge calls.
      Three Lions boss Southgate revealed he is already telling his players whether or not they are likely to make his Euros squad — two months before the final decisions are confirmed.
      He said: “I’ve spoken to quite a few so that they know exactly where they sit.
      “You’ve got to manage expectations about what they might need to do between now and the end of the season.
      “And, of course, everybody is so close. It’s not something anybody sees outside the camp, but when you’ve got players training at the right level every day, encouraging each other through those sessions, socially getting on well.
      Lingard, 28 was a Southgate favourite during the 2018 World CupCredit: EPA
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      “It’s not all about that social part, but the part where you accept being on the bench, accept playing your part and not playing the number of minutes.
      “That is critical and was important to us getting nine points.”
      Southgate claimed England’s 2-1 win over Poland was a boost for team spirit.
      He said: “We often talk about team spirit and going out for meals, or nights out. But spirit is grown by winning important matches together.”

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      Martin Keown says that Phil Foden should be ahead of Jesse Lingard for England More

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      How England should line up at Euro 2020 as SunSport reporters pick their XIs and squads

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      ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate has some big decisions ahead as he picks his 23-man squad for the European Championships.And the decisions won’t get any easier as the 50-year-old then has to pick a starting XI and favoured formation for the tournament opener against Croatia on June 13.
      Gareth Southgate is set to make, and break, player’s dreams for the EurosCredit: AFP
      Here, four of SunSport’s esteemed reporters give their squads and starting XI for the Euros.
      DAVE KIDD

      THERE are some tough decisions to make – especially at right-back and in wide areas, where England have a wealth of talent.
      Reece James, Jadon Sancho and Jesse Lingard may all make Southgate’s squad and Kalvin Phillips certainly will, but they all miss out on my 23.
      And Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence has certainly caused ire on Merseyside but he is now relying on injuries to make the squad.
      The starting line-up is slightly easier, going with Southgate’s preferred 4-2-3-1 – although Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish will be pressing hard for starts.
      SQUAD: Pickford, Pope, D Henderson, Walker, Trippier, Maguire, Stones, Mings, Coady, Chilwell, Shaw, Rice, J Henderson, Bellingham, Ward-Prowse, Mount, Foden, Grealish, Saka, Sterling, Rashford, Kane, Greenwood.
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      CHARLIE WYETT

      SOUTHGATE should revert to a back three with wing-backs for Euro2020. And I would still start Trent Alexander-Arnold.
      My formation would be different if Jordan Henderson was definitely going to be fit and ready but this seems unlikely.
      But the current central midfield is not experienced enough to give protection to the defence so I would have three at the back and use Alexander-Arnold’s attacking ability along with Ben Chilwell’s.
      We keep talking about playing to our attacking strengths. But like Portugal in 2016, we have to concentrate on not conceding first and the rest should follow.
      Up front, Phil Foden gets in ahead of Marcus Rashford.
      Jude Bellingham should scrape into Southgate’s squad of 23 as he offers something different.
      I don’t think Jordan Henderson will be 100 per cent fit and on too many occasions – although not the last World Cup – England have taken injured players.
      Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho and Eric Dier, because of his versatility, all squeeze in. No place for James Maddison, Bukayo Saka, Kieran Trippier or Reece James.
      SQUAD: Pickford, Pope, Henderson, Alexander-Arnold, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Dier, Mings, Chilwell, Shaw, Mount, Rice, Ward-Prowse, Bellingham, Sancho, Foden, Grealish, Kane, Sterling, Rashford, Calvert-Lewin, Ings.
      MARTIN LIPTON

      IF England are going to win, they need to utilise their best assets – attacking.
      The more forward options, the better. No places for Walker, Coady, Phillips or Shaw in my squad, with Trippier the cover full-back allowing me to go with the youth and exciting potential of Saka and Bellingham.
      Toughest cut is Shaw – ironic as he went to the 2014 World Cup as a teenager instead of Ashley Cole. But Saka is too good to omit.
      I need to get Grealish’s creativity into the side and am backing Mount and Foden to work back alongside Rice when required. 
      SQUAD: Pickford, Pope, Henderson; Alexander-Arnold, James, Stones, Maguire, Mings, Chilwell, Trippier, Rice, Henderson, Mount, Bellingham, Foden, Saka, Ward-Prowse, Kane, Rashford, Sterling, Sancho, Calvert-Lewin, Grealish.
      MARK IRWIN

      SOUTHGATE will be tempted to revert to a back three after seeing this week how easily a back four can be damaged by one defensive lapse.
      But picking an extra central defender limits the team’s attacking options and sends out negative signals to the opposition.
      Pickford definitely returns in goal because of his superior distribution and Stones stays at centre-half despite his propensity to occasionally switch off.
      I was tempted to omit Jordan Henderson as there is no guarantee he will be completely match fit in June following his long lay-off.
      But there is a real lack of midfield leadership without the Liverpool captain and even if he isn’t ready to start at the Euros his big match experience will be crucial to the squad.
      Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood haven’t done enough in recent months to warrant a place in my squad although you could argue that having Foden, Grealish, Mount and Maddison ahead of Ward-Prowse or Winks is a bit too gung-ho.
      SQUAD: Pickford, Pope, Henderson, Trippier, James, Walker, Maguire, Stones, Keane, Chilwell, Shaw, Rice, Phillips, Henderson, Bellingham, Mount, Foden, Grealish, Maddison, Kane, Sterling, Rashford, Calvert-Lewin.
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      Watch Harry Maguire search for John Stones after Man Utd star spared partner’s blushes with England winner More

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      Ryan Giggs plays golf with Man Utd pal Nicky Butt as Dan James hails Robert Page’s management

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      DAN JAMES has backed Robert Page to lead Wales at Euro 2020 – if Ryan Giggs remains on special leave.The Manchester United winger got the Dragons’ 2022 World Cup bid up and running with a late winner over the Czech Republic.
      Ryan Giggs, who is on special leave as Wales manager, relaxes on a golf course while with Class of ’92 team-mate Nicky ButtCredit: https://www.instagram.com/nickybutt92/?hl=en
      Robert Page would be the right man to lead Wales at Euro 2020 should Ryan Giggs remain unavailable, according to Man Utd ace Dan JamesCredit: PA
      Next up for Wales is the Euro finals this summer but Giggs’ managerial future is still uncertain as he is on bail until May 1 following his arrest last November on suspicion of assault, an allegation he denies.
      Page has lost just one of his six matches in charge and the caretaker has the backing of James if there is no decision on Giggs from the Crown Prosecution Service by the tournament.
      Giggs was all smiles as he played golf with Class of ‘92 team-mate Nicky Butt.
      Ex-United midfielder Butt, who recently left Old Trafford as head of first-head development, posted the pic of the close pals on Instagram on Wednesday.
      And when asked if Page is the right man for the Euros if Giggs remains absent, matchwinner James said: “Yes, definitely. He’s been unbelievable as you have seen.
      “Whether he’s the manager or not, he’s been such a big part of before when the gaffer has been here. 
      “But he’s taken on the role so well. Nothing has changed really. He has just been doing the job that he was doing before. He gets the points across to us so well.
      “Him, Albert [Stuivenburg)]and all the staff behind him have been unbelievable.”
      Dan James says Robert Page has done a fine job as Ryan Giggs’ stand-in – by simply continuing the same role he was doing beforeCredit: Getty
      Wales have Euro 2020 warm-ups against Albania and possibly France before taking on Switzerland, Turkey and Italy in Group A at the finals in June.
      The Dragons finished the international break on a positive note with wins over the Czechs and Mexico following last week’s 3-1 defeat to Belgium – their only loss in eight matches.
      Wales were without key injured quartet Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen, David Brooks and Ben Davies while Page sent home Tyler Roberts, Hal Robson-Kanu and Rabbi Matondo on Monday for breaching FAW protocols.
      But James was delighted Wales overcame their off-field woes to move one point behind the second-placed Czechs with a game in hand in Group E to keep their hopes of reaching Qatar 2022 alive.
      He added: “It’s very pleasing. We have strength in depth and players who can come in and do just as well.
      “Everyone in the squad has played a part throughout the campaign and the last ten days have been unbelievable.
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      “We knew we had to get something out of the game and we fought right to the end.
      “It’s a massive win. Going home with one point or no points would have been disappointing for us all. We wanted to end this camp on a high.
      “We needed to do it to keep up with those teams. We’re only one point off them now. It’s a big win for us and we keep our heads high.”
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