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      Man City’s Quadruple bid can help England win Euro 2020, says John Stones on international return after two years

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      JOHN STONES reckons quadruple-chasing Manchester City can help England win Euro 2020.Defender Stones, Kyle Walker, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden are on a mission to bag a stunning clean sweep of trophies for City before setting their sights on Euro glory this summer.
      John Stones, with the Premier League trophy in 2019, hopes winning trophies with Manchester City will lead to England glory this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Stones, here at the 2018 World Cup, returns to the England squad after a two-year absenceCredit: Getty
      The former Everton centre-back, whose team face San Marino in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday, said: “If we can bring that winning mentality into the England squad it would be invaluable.
      “It would be massive for us if we can keep pushing and keep fighting at City until the end of the season and see what happens.
      “I’d love everyone in the England squad to be coming in camp after winning something but that’s not possible.”
      Stones, who has 39 caps, has not played for England since facing Montenegro in November 2019.
      But he is certain to feature in the World Cup qualifiers which will also see the Three Lions visit Albania on Sunday and then entertain Poland on Tuesday.
      And he revealed his nerves before getting the text saying he was in the squad.
      He added: “I was at home the other day, waiting for the text to see if I was in. Time goes a bit slower when you are sat about, waiting for something to happen. It was a special moment. A really special moment.
      “It was a relief. I was very nervous. I had worked so hard and I was hearing people say “you should be in”. But I didn’t take any of that in until the text arrived. I wanted to hear from a good source! I was absolutely made up.
      Stones has a laugh with Kyle Walker at trainingCredit: GettyENGLAND RECORD SINCE STONES’ LAST GAMESINCE John Stones last played for England against Montenegro (above) the Three Lions have won six, drawn one and lost two.

      Nov 17, 2019      Kosovo (a)                           W 4-0
      Sep 5, 2020         Iceland (a)                           W 1-0
      Sep 8, 2020         Denmark (a)                       D 0-0
      Oct 8, 2020          Wales (h)                             W 3-0
      Oct 11, 2020       Belgium (h)                         W 2-1
      Oct 14, 2020       Denmark (h)                       L 1-0
      Nov 12, 2020      Rep of Ireland (h)             W 3-0
      Nov 15, 2020      Belgium (a)                         L 2-0
      Nov 18, 2020      Iceland (h)                           W 4-0

      “It was very tough watching England at home on TV and I think it would be the same for everyone.
      “You feel a bit helpless that you can’t contribute and be a part of the squad, but I used it as a motivation to strive to be better.
      “So when I got the text the other day, it was a great feeling to be back involved and see all the faces I’ve got some great memories with.
      “Me and the manager texted now and then. We’ve worked together for so many years now, from the U21s. I’m sure he’s like that with everyone else. He’s that type of character and wants to make you feel involved, which is great.”
      Boss Gareth Southgate has delivered a big speech to the squad stressing that the road to the World Cup in Qatar next year starts now.

      He urged the importance of the three qualifiers and that the players should forget any negativity about the number of games they are having to play.
      England’s players last night staged a meeting over whether to take the knee before the three games.
      The squad are now aware they will not be breaking any rules if they choose to do so.
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      Adidas release new Euro 2020 away kits including Germany’s retro black shirt and Spain’s creative white design

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      ADIDAS have sparked further excitement for the delayed Euro 2020 by releasing a series of away shirts. Supporters have had to bide their time before the big unveil of latest kits that they hope will help create a slice of history during this summer’s tournament.
      Football purists will be big fans of Germany’s away kit designCredit: Adidas
      Germany will be back in black at Euro 2020 for the first time in 10 yearsCredit: Adidas
      Now the wait is over for fans of nations sponsored by adidas.
      For the first time in 10 years, Germany will be back in black in a throwback to the 2010 World Cup.
      A classic for football purists, adidas have given it a modern revamp with ‘the inclusion of charcoal-grey coloured branding and crest detailing for a completely blacked-out look.’
      They have also adopted the colours of Germany’s flag on the sleeves to give it a more personalised look.
      The last time Germany wore their black strip, they finished third at the 2010 World Cup, controversially knocking England out along the way.
      Adidas wanted to adopt a Spanish style that is influenced by their sleek, innovative football.
      They produced a smart white and grey design that includes Spanish flag colours on the sleeves, as well as detailing on the neck in honour of the 100th anniversary of the first usage of a lion on Spain’s jersey in 1920.
      They add ‘The RFEF away jersey centres on an eye-catching hand-painted graphic, inspired by the expressive and creative nature of the Spanish National Team.’
      Spain have adopted hand-painted graphics as their shirt designCredit: Adidas
      It was inspired by the creative nature of the Spanish sideCredit: Adidas
      Belgium’s kit design is very similar to that of SpainCredit: Adidas
      It has red trimmings on the shoulders and colours of Belgium’s flag on the sleevesCredit: Adidas
      Sweden have pulled it out the bag with their sleek designCredit: Adidas
      The yellow pinstripes offer a modern yet timeless lookCredit: Adidas
      The design, however, is very similar to that of Roberto Martinez’s Belgium.
      The two giants of international football already have similar red home shirts and there is little to separate the away kits.
      Similar colour patterns have been been used using a hand-painted graphic that covers both the front and back of the shirt.
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic will come back out of international retirement wearing Sweden’s new-look ‘minimalist’ away design.
      The dark blue design includes timeless yellow pinstripes that ‘unites class and modernity to create a bold and impactful effect.’
      Hungary’s away shirt features a block-white design with a dark green trimming under the arms and down the side.
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      Hungary’s shirt has green blocks underneath the armsCredit: Adidas
      Russia’s white design features a blue and red stripe across the chestCredit: Adidas

      England boast the most-valuable squad of all Euro 2020 nations
      And finally Russia have also adopted a dominant white colour design with a blue and red stripe across the chest.
      It appears fans of Scotland and Wales will need to wait a little while longer before adidas release images of their shirt.
      Although adidas say Wales’ golden-tone jersey is a ‘modern interpretation of a look introduced by adidas in 1980.’
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      Zinedine Zidane ‘will remain as Real Madrid boss next season and REJECT France offer to replace Deschamps after Euros’

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE will stay at Real Madrid next season, according to reports.The Frenchman has been tipped to leave the Spanish capital, with rumours persisting around the France national team job.
      Zinedine Zidane is set for talks with Florentino PerezCredit: Getty
      Didier Deschamps has been in charge of Les Bleus since 2012Credit: AFP
      Zidane, 48, has long been linked with Les Bleus position, with his old team-mate Didier Deschamps currently in the job.
      But according to Telefoot, Deschamps is determined to remain in charge for next year’s World Cup defence in Qatar.
      His contract is currently set to expire in July 2022 – four months before the finals get underway in Doha.
      But despite claims that Zidane could take over after the delayed Euros, Deschamps feels he will earn a new deal.
      Zizou’s contract at Real Madrid also expires in July 2022, and having endured a turbulent campaign, it has been suggested that he could leave the club.
      But Telefoot believe that he is set for talks with president Florentino Perez in the coming months regarding an extension.
      Even Deschamps, 52, has previously talked up the prospect of his former team-mate Zidane taking over from him one day.
      The current boss said: “He already had legitimacy, but he has credibility because of what he achieved with Real.
      “So it’s likely that at some point, it could happen.”
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      Deschamps and Zidane played together for club and countryCredit: EPA

      Zidane first succeeded Rafael Benitez at Real Madrid back in 2016, winning three consecutive Champions Leagues and a league title before stepping down in 2018.
      Following Julen Lopetegui’s disastrous reign he then returned, guiding them to another LaLiga crown last term.
      This season has been more difficult, however.
      Los Blancos sit six points behind leaders Atletico Madrid in the LaLiga table, and were shockingly knocked out of the Copa del Rey by minnows Alcoyano.
      They are still in Champions League contention, however, where they will play Liverpool for a place in the semi-finals.
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      Jordan Pickford in race to play again this season as England sweat on Everton keeper’s fitness before Euros

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      JORDAN PICKFORD faces six weeks out in a Euros scare for England.The Everton keeper could be sidelined until May and may only make a couple of appearances before going off with the Three Lions.
      Jordan Pickford’s side strain is making Gareth Southgate sweat ahead of the EurosCredit: PA
      Pickford, 27, needs to rest a muscle injury in his side, having not taken enough of a break when he first did the damage earlier this season.
      Everton’s medical team have found out the problem was aggravated when Pickford made a save last weekend against Burnley.
      Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti is stunned by the setback, that could hurt his team as they chase a European place.
      The Italian is frustrated that Pickford has broken down a second time after Goodison staff thought he was clear of the problem.
      But the bigger concern will be for Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
      He is without his first-choice keeper for three World Cup qualifiers this month, starting with San Marino on Thursday.
      And he will hope Pickford is 100 per cent fit for the summer.
      Southgate called up West Brom shot-stopper Sam Johnstone for the first time in the absence of Pickford.
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      Burnley’s Nick Pope and Manchester United’s Dean Henderson are the other keepers in the mix to deputise for the England No1.
      Everton were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester City on Saturday.
      The Toffees made the Citizens sweat but two late goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne, past stand-in goalie Joao Virginia, kept Pep Guardiola’s quadruple hopes alive.
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      Eden Hazard ‘wants surgery’ a year after Real Madrid star’s ankle op in bid to get fit again but could MISS Euro 2020

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      EDEN HAZARD reportedly wants to undergo ankle surgery AGAIN just a year after his last op.The Belgian has struggled with injuries since leave Chelsea for Real Madrid and this latest setback could see him miss this summer’s Euros.
      Eden Hazard reportedly wants to have another ankle operation
      The procedure could see the Belgian miss the EurosCredit: Rex
      Hazard, 30, has a persistent problem with his left ankle.
      And he is said to have been in pain – which has got worse recently – since his procedure on it last March.
      The winger has also picked up several muscle injuries since he has been at Real and they are linked to the underlying ankle issue, according to Spanish outlet Marca.
      Hazard’s running and movement style are said to have been affected by the issue which could have led to the increase in muscle injuries.
      And as a result, the former Lille man is said to be resigned to another surgery and sees it as his only option even though it was almost certainly see him miss Belgian’s Euros campaign.
      Hazard joined Real in June 2019 from Chelsea for an initial fee of £89million, although that sum could end up rising to £150m.
      But he has played just 36 of Real’s 88 games since he arrived at the Bernabeu.
      His latest injury came in training as he was forced out with a psoas muscle problem which affects the lifting of the upper leg.
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      Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard and Sergio Ramos are Real Madrid’s top earners

      Hazard was absent from the open portion of Real’s training session last Monday afternoon, sparking fears he’d suffered yet another setback.
      Real confirmed his injury a few hours later, with reports claiming he could be sidelined for up to six weeks.
      Hazard recently told Premier Sports: “When it comes to the end of my career I can look back at my achievements, but my priority now is playing well and enjoying my football.
      ‘I don’t think about where I will be in the next few years, I try to focus on the next match and the next training session.
      “I’ve only just turned 30 so as long as my body feels good, hopefully I can keep playing for at least another five or six years.”
      Belgium are in a group with Russia, Denmark and Finland this summer.
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      England boast the most-valuable squad of all Euro 2020 nations
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      Luke Shaw and John Stones’ sparkling form means Southgate MUST take them to Euro 2021 – both start in my England XI

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      LUKE SHAW has played just 60 minutes of football for England during Gareth Southgate’s four-and-a-half year reign.
      John Stones has featured in just one of his country’s last 15 matches since suffering a personal meltdown during the Nations League semi-final defeat by Holland in 2019.

      Yet the resurgence of both players, re-established as two of the best defenders in the Premier League, is a major boost to Southgate as he emerges from hibernation to name his first squad of the year on Thursday.
      It’s a funny old business being an international manager in the winter, especially during lockdown.
      Southgate is effectively furloughed between mid-November and late March, pottering around his house in North Yorkshire, walking the dogs, sorting out the recycling because it’s only two days until bin day.
      But between now and the end of next year he faces two major international tournaments, in charge of a team which sits fourth in Fifa’s world rankings, despite barely having utilised some of England’s brightest talents.

      The Euros are just 87 days away but first there are three qualifiers for next year’s Qatar World Cup, against San Marino, Albania and Poland.
      During these four-and-a-half months between fixtures, England’s manager waits nervously, hoping his players stay fit and play well, especially given the logjam of fixtures.
      But Southgate has been fortunate, with only Jordan Henderson suffering a long-term injury since November.
      Meanwhile Stones, 26, has overcome a lengthy crisis to consistently touch world-class standards, forming an outstanding partnership with Ruben Dias, whose arrival might easily have spelled the end of his Manchester City career.

      Luke Shaw has been a standout star for Manchester United this seasonCredit: Getty

      John Stones is also worthy of an England recallCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
      Stones has rediscovered that ‘Barnsley Beckenbauer’ strut, striding out of defence, and has even scored more goals than Marcus Rashford since the turn of the year.
      Shaw, 25, has enjoyed a similar renaissance, convincingly seeing off the challenge of Brazilian Alex Telles as Manchester United’s left-back.
      He has been man of the match against City and West Ham on the last two Sundays and, despite having never been fully trusted by Southgate before, could now usurp Ben Chilwell as England’s first-choice this summer.
      The renaissance of Shaw and, in particular, of Stones, is not just excellent news for England’s defensive capabilities but for their offensive options too.
      With such a wealth of attacking talent, England have not been as much fun to watch as they ought to have been.
      The feeling in the Three Lions camp is Southgate has become wedded to a three-man central defence because of the old adage ‘if you ain’t got two good ones, pick three’.
      The midfield duo of Declan Rice and Henderson is already pencilled in for the summer’s biggest fixtures.
      So play five defenders and, with Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling nailed on to start, there would only be one place free in England’s line-up.
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      This means Southgate could start just one of Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Mason Mount, without even mentioning Rashford, Jadon Sancho or the exciting Leicester duo of James Maddison and Harvey Barnes.
      Southgate, rightly, loves Mount. The public will demand Grealish and if England are good enough to overlook Foden, then they really haven’t shown it.
      Tyrone Mings, Conor Coady and Kyle Walker have put in decent shifts in a back three.
      But Stones and Maguire is now a central defensive pairing Southgate should feel comfortable fielding in a flat back four, even against the most elite opposition.
      This frees up another spot for an attacking player.
      And that gives us a possible starting XI of Pickford, Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Rice, Henderson, Mount, Foden (or Grealish), Sterling and Kane.

      Gareth Southgate has a huge array of talent to manage at the EurosCredit: PA
      That looks a well-balanced team, boasting experience and youth, attacking creativity without a legs-open defence.
      If England top a Euros group including Croatia, Scotland and the Czech Republic, they would face the runners-up from a proper Group of Death which features France, Germany and Portugal, in Dublin in the last-16.
      Given that England have never beaten a team as good as those three in a knockout tie at any tournament away from Wembley, this would be a stiff ask.
      England were largely turgid during an eight-match autumn campaign, most memorable for indiscipline.
      Foden and Mason Greenwood were sent home from Iceland in disgrace while Maguire was arrested.
      Maguire, Walker and Reece James were all sent off and Sancho, Chilwell and Tammy Abraham guilty of silly lockdown breaches.

      England failed to score in two Nations League ties with Denmark and were too often stifled by caution, with Southgate frequently claiming they had been better than they actually were.
      With England’s Euros group matches to be played in front of crowds at Wembley, there will be added demand for Southgate to toss away the shackles.
      After a miserable year, this promises to be another English footballing summer of love to rival — perhaps even better — Russia in 2018.Southgate just needs to believe it. Stones and Shaw should help him.
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      In-form Man City star John Stones desperate for England recall after 16-month international exile under Gareth Southgate

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      JOHN STONES admits he is desperate for an England recall when Gareth Southgate names his squad later this week.
      The Manchester City defender has not played for the Three Lions in 16 months – with his last appearance coming in November 2019.

      John Stones celebrates scoring his fifth of the seasonCredit: AFP

      And he did not even make the squad for the three lots of autumn internationals last year – despite winning his place back in his club’s starting XI.
      Stones continued his outstanding season by grabbing the crucial opener in the win at Fulham on Saturday.
      His club boss Pep Guardiola said his £47 million ace deserves to end his spell in the international wilderness and Stones says the prospect has been driving him on.
      He said: “Definitely. It is a massive honour for me and being out of the squad has been really difficult.

      “I have said it previously. I think it has been a motivation for me.
      “I have worked really hard to get back into the team here over the last year and the England call up, if it comes, is progress for what I have done at City and on the pitch.”
      Southgate will name his squad on Thursday for the triple header of World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland.
      Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Fikayo Tomori, Joe Gomez, Eric Dier, Conor Coady and Michael Keane have all been used since – while Kyle Walker has also played at centre half.

      Stones has been much-improved alongside Ruben DiasCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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      As well as being in outstanding form at the back, Stones has started to add goals to his game and this was his fifth of the season.
      He said: “It’s really satisfying, I was glad to get on the score sheet again.
      “We knew they keep such a high line from set pieces. I tried to time my run as best I could.
      “The ball was great from Joao (Cancelo), we told him to go over earlier to have an in-swinging ball and it paid off.”

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      England boss Southgate may lose attacking coach Allan Russell to Aberdeen just months ahead of Euro 2020

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      ABERDEEN could swoop for England attacking coach Allan Russell if Stephen Glass lands the Dons job.
      Former midfielder Glass is being eyed by his old club having grown his coaching credentials in MLS with Atlanta United.

      Allan Russell (left) could be offered a new job if Aberdeen hire Stephen GlassCredit: PA:Press Association

      SunSport have revealed Glass’ plans to bring in Celtic skipper Scott Brown and England coach Russell if he wins the Aberdeen job.
      It is thought that Gareth Southgate would retain his key backroom staff member for international breaks.
      But the Three Lions will fear disruption to their coaching team with Euro 2020 less than three months away.
      Russell, 40, was born in Scotland and enjoyed a playing career with the likes of Hamilton, St Mirren, Macclesfield and Carolina RailHawks.

      The Glaswegian joined the Three Lions in March 2017 and was credited with England’s stunning work from set pieces in the 2018 World Cup.
      Before the stint, he worked as a freelance striker coach and charged £1,000-a-session, working with Wilfried Zaha, Andre Gray and more.
      He even enjoyed a stint as a model and dancer – performing alongside Christina Aguilera at the 2003 MTV Awards.
      England boss Southgate has previously said of Russell: “There are very few people who actually work at this level of detail — looking at technique, where goals come from.

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      “With more senior players that tends not to happen because you are going from game-to-game. But Allan focuses specifically on technique.”
      The Aberdeen option has emerged following Derek McInnes’ shock exit from Pittodrie.
      Paul Sheerin and Barry Robson will take temporary charge of the club, which sits fourth in the SPFL.
      The club hope to identify a replacement in the coming weeks.
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      England boss Gareth Southgate explains how he’ll deal with having so many talented No.10s More