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      Lamine Yamal update as FOURTH man is arrested over horror stabbing of Euros star’s dad who was ‘walking dog’

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      A FOURTH man has been arrested over the stabbing of Barcelona ace Lamine Yamal’s dad.Mounir Nasraoui was rushed to hospital in a serious condition on Wednesday after being attacked by a group of men just hours after he was reportedly involved in a heated row as he walked his dog.Lamine Yamal’s dad Mounir Nasraoui was stabbed several times on Wednesday with four suspects now being arrestedCredit: ReutersFootage captured the moment Yamal’s dad, far right, was yelled at and had water thrown on him by a group of menCredit: TiktokNasraoui was seen pushing away a man after the heated row just hours before he was attackedCredit: TiktokYamal with his smiling dad after the Euro 2024 finalCredit: GettyThe dad of the Euro 2024 star was ruthlessly stabbed at around 9pm in Mataró before being taken to Can Ruti hospital with severe injuries.Three suspects were arrested within hours of the stabbing and have been quizzed by cops over their potential involvement since.A fourth man was being hunted down by cops today and has finally been detained.A spokesman for the regional Mossos d’Esquadra police force in Catalonia revealed: “I can confirm a fourth person has been arrested in connection with the stabbing.read more in Lamine Yamal“He was arrested around 11am today. All four people currently in custody following yesterday’s incident are men.”Newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported that Nasraoui was unable to defend himself when he was attacked by surprise.Other Spanish outlets have now claimed Nasraoui knew his attackers and that the clash was over a “settling of scores”, say Marca.Their report points towards the proud footballing dad as having a past which “goes back a long way” with the three men now arrested.Most read in FootballHours before the stabbing, footage appeared to show Nasraoui arguing in the street with a group of men at 3.45pm.The row started after a group of shirtless men yelled and threw water at Nasraoui from a balcony while he was walking his dog in Mataró, reported Relevo.Amazing footage shows Spain star Lamine Yamal holding hands with Sergio Ramos as mascot at iconic El ClasicoPolice separated the men and took the dad away from the heated situation.Later that day Nasraoui was assaulted and admitted to an intensive care unit in Barcelona for treatment.He is said to be recovering well and is due to be transferred to a normal ward in the coming hours.It is unclear if the men in the footage are the same ones who have been arrested or if they have any relation to Nasraoui’s attackers.A spokesman for the regional police force said this morning: “The investigation is still open and officers are still trying to establish the level of implication of those detained.“More arrests may take place later today.“We’re not in a position to offer any more details at this stage about the arrested men’s ages and nationalities.“What we can say is that the stabbing occurred at 9.10pm in a car park and the arrests took place a couple of hours later and the three people arrested were in custody by 11pm.”They added that the circumstances surrounding the stabbing and the row prior is still under investigation and may form an important part of the probe.Barcelona’s president Joan Laporta was among those who visited his star winger’s dad in hospital.Nasraoui is renowned for being his son’s number one supporter and was there when the 17-year-old secured the European Championship title this year.But he has been in trouble with the law before.READ MORE SUN STORIESLast year, Nasroui was forced to pay £470 after he assaulted a group and attacked a tent belonging to the right wing party Vox during the election.Yamal is preparing for Barcelona’s first La Liga match of the season this Saturday against Mestella, with the stabbing reportedly affecting his preparation.The rise of Lamine YamalLAMINE Yamal, 17, was the breakout star of Euros after scoring a wonder goal in the semi final against France.At just 15, Yamal made his debut for Barcelona in LaLiga – coming off the bench for a lively cameo.In doing so, he became the Catalan giants’ youngest ever player this century.He is fiercely proud of his roots – donning the flags of both of those countries on his Adidas F50 boots, the same worn by his idol Lionel Messi, who he has been compared to, and told GQ that the same people who call him the ‘next Messi’ are also likely to criticise him.Incredibly, Messi and Yamal crossed paths when he was just six months old, after his parents bagged a charity calendar photoshoot with the Argentina and Barca great.A baby Yamal was lovingly held by the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, just 20 himself at the time, before being given a bath.Yamal’s mum and dad split when he was a young boy, so he divided his time between two homes – using a train pass to get around.Police were seen leading away Nasraoui after the argumentCredit: TiktokYamal is preparing for Barcelona’s first La Liga match of the season this Saturday against MestellaCredit: Rex More

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      Euro 2024 & Barcelona star Lamine Yamal’s dad had ‘history’ with thugs who stabbed him as cops hunt FOURTH man

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      EURO 2024 star Lamine Yamal’s dad had history with the three men who stabbed him in a car park after a heated argument, claim reports. Mounir Nasraoui was taken to hospital in a serious condition on Wednesday with the suspected trio of attackers now being arrested for attempted murder with a fourth thug still on the run, say cops.Footage captured the moment Lamine Yamal’s father, far right, was yelled at and had water thrown on him by a group of menCredit: TiktokNasraoui was seen pushing away a man after the heated row just hours before he was attackedCredit: TiktokYamal with his dad Mounir Nasraoui after a Euro 2024 matchCredit: Instagram/hustle_hard_304Nasraoui was stabbed several times on WednesdayCredit: ReutersThe dad of the teenage Barcelona ace was stabbed in the back multiple times at around 9pm in Mataró and then taken to Can Ruti hospital with severe injuries.Newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported that Nasraoui was attacked by surprise and was unable to defend himself.Other Spanish outlets have claimed Nasraoui knew his attackers and that the clash was over a “settling of scores”, say Marca.Their report points towards the proud footballing dad as having a past which “goes back a long way” with the three men now arrested.read more in BarcelonaHours before the stabbing, footage appeared to show Nasraoui arguing in the street with a group of men at 3.45pm.The row started after a group of shirtless men yelled and threw water at Nasraoui from a balcony while he was walking his dog in Mataró, reported Relevo.Police separated the arguing groups before everyone went their own way until later that day when Nasraoui was attacked. It is unclear if the men in the footage are the same ones who have been arrested or if they have any relation to Nasraoui’s attackers. Most read in FootballThree suspects have been arrested so far and are being quizzed by cops over their potential involvement.A fourth man is still being hunted by police, according to local reports.Amazing footage shows Spain star Lamine Yamal holding hands with Sergio Ramos as mascot at iconic El ClasicoA spokesman for the regional Mossos d’Esquadra police force said this morning: “I can confirm three people have been arrested following the stabbing of a man in the neighbourhood of Rocafonda in Mataro.“The investigation is still open and officers are still trying to establish the level of implication of those detained.“More arrests may take place later today.“We’re not in a position to offer any more details at this stage about the arrested men’s ages and nationalities.“What we can say is that the stabbing occurred at 9.10pm in a car park and the arrests took place a couple of hours later and the three people arrested were in custody by 11pm.”They added that the circumstances surrounding the stabbing and the row prior is still under investigation and may form an important part of the probe.Nasraoui was admitted to an intensive care unit in Barcelona but is said to be recovering well. He is expected to be transferred to a normal ward later today.Barcelona’s president Joan Laporta was among those who visited his star winger’s dad in hospital.Nasraoui is renowned for being his son’s number one supporter and was there when the 17-year-old secured the European Championship title this year.But he has been in trouble with the law before.READ MORE SUN STORIESLast year, Nasroui was forced to pay £470 after he assaulted a group and attacked a tent belonging to the right wing party Vox during the election.Yamal is preparing for Barcelona’s first La Liga match of the season this Saturday against Mestella, with the stabbing reportedly affecting his preparation.The rise of Lamine YamalLAMINE Yamal, 17, was the breakout star of Euros after scoring a wonder goal in the semi final against France.At just 15, Yamal made his debut for Barcelona in LaLiga – coming off the bench for a lively cameo.In doing so, he became the Catalan giants’ youngest ever player this century.He is fiercely proud of his roots – donning the flags of both of those countries on his Adidas F50 boots, the same worn by his idol Lionel Messi, who he has been compared to, and told GQ that the same people who call him the ‘next Messi’ are also likely to criticise him.Incredibly, Messi and Yamal crossed paths when he was just six months old, after his parents bagged a charity calendar photoshoot with the Argentina and Barca great.A baby Yamal was lovingly held by the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, just 20 himself at the time, before being given a bath.Yamal’s mum and dad split when he was a young boy, so he divided his time between two homes – using a train pass to get around.Police were seen leading away Nasraoui after the argumentCredit: TiktokYamal is preparing for Barcalona’s first La Liga match of the season this Saturday against MestellaCredit: AP More

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      Who is John Stones’ fiancee Olivia Naylor? Meet the Man City and England defender’s other half

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      ENGLAND star John Stones has been supported through thick and thin in various tournaments by Olivia Naylor.Here is all you need to know about the Man City star’s fiancee. Olivia Naylor revealed that she was engaged in August 2024Credit: Instagram Olivia can often be seen supporting Stones at his matchesCredit: PAWho is John Stones’ fiancee Olivia Naylor?Olivia Naylor is the fiancee of England star John Stones. She is a former beautician and entrepreneur from Manchester.Olivia and John announced their engagement on August 13 2024.The Manchester City centre-back, 30, popped the question during a getaway after the Euros final defeat to Spain.Olivia captioned an Instagram post “Mrs Stones to be” alongside a wedding ring emoji.She beamed as she posed next to champagne, cake and flowers as she stood next to a sign reading “engaged af”.The pair tend to keep their family life out of the spotlight but after the birth of their boy last year, a source told The Sun: ‘They’re absolutely thrilled. “They couldn’t have asked for a better way to begin the year than with the birth of their son.THE TIME IS NOWENGLAND face their destiny against Spain TONIGHT – hoping to end 58 years of hurt in the Euro 2024 final.”He’s absolutely gorgeous and they’re so thankful. They take nothing for granted. “They both work extremely hard but it’s been lovely to spend some time together at home with the kids.” Before welcoming their child together, Olivia was spotted at the World Cup in Qatar to support John in 2022.How long have John Stones and Olivia Naylor been dating?Stones hit it off with Olivia after meeting her during a night out, The Sun exclusively revealed in March 2019.Man City and England star John Stones has walked out on his sweetheart Millie Savage – mum to his young daughterA source told The Sun at the time: “Olivia is very pretty and is well known on the Manchester social scene. “They met during a night out after John was single. There was an instant rapport. Olivia was pregnant at the time and they discovered they had mutual friends. They make a nice couple and seem happy.” Fast forward a few years later, the happy couple live in a stunning Chesire mansion, purchased for £3.4m in 2016. As Stones earns £250,000 weekly, he is the second-highest-paid defender in the Premier League after Raphael Varane.Footballers are treated as gods and John bought into it wholeheartedly after the World CupMillie SavageOlivia is also successful in her own right, having donated £20K to support a young boy’s experimental leukaemia treatment.When did John Stones split with ex Millie Savage?Millie and Stones met at school in South Yorkshire. They started dating when they were just 12 years old and Millie was a devoted presence to Stones as he moved from Barnsley to Everton before joining City for £47million in 2016. But in 2018, Stones broke the relationship off just days after Christmas. He reportedly told Millie: “It’s over. I want more freedom.” The football star then moved out of their £6,000-a-month apartment in Manchester which he lived in with Millie and their daughter. Weeks after their break up, his heartbroken ex got an Instagram message revealing that the Man City defender had started secretly dating Olivia Naylor. Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Millie said: “You see these girls in the nightclubs who throw themselves at footballers. “John has moved on with one of those girls and I feel bullied ever since by his wealth and power. “Footballers are treated as gods and John bought into it wholeheartedly after the World Cup. He let fame get into his head. “For footballers the rules of normal life become blurred.“We are just mortals to them, but in reality it is like looking after a child who has no concept of how the real world works. “I put my hopes to one side and supported him throughout his career. I kept him grounded.” John and his ex MillieCredit: The SunMeet England’s Euro 2024 WagsEngland Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories. Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife) The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich. Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend) The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star. Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend) Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games. Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend) England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer. Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend) Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law. Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife) Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son. Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend) The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son. Read more about the Wags supporting England at Euro 2024 here More

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      England star John Stones & entrepreneur girlfriend Olivia Naylor ENGAGED as couple celebrate with ‘love is sweet’ cake

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      ENGLAND hero John Stones is engaged to his stunning entrepreneur girlfriend Olivia Naylor, she revealed today.The Manchester City centre-back, 30, popped the question during a getaway after the Euros final defeat to Spain.Olivia Naylor revealed that she was engaged tonightCredit: InstagramJohn Stones and Olivia Naylor are happily engagedCredit: olivianjnaylor / InstagramOlivia and her pals celebrate the achievementCredit: olivianjnaylor / InstagramA cake reading ‘love is sweet’ was shown off by the bride-to-beCredit: olivianjnaylor / InstagramThe England and Man City star proposed during a romantic getawayCredit: InstagramThe happy couple have since made their engagement public after Olivia announced the incredible news on Instagram.She captioned the post “Mrs Stones to be” alongside a wedding ring emoji.A beaming Olivia posed next to champagne, cake and flowers as she stood next to a sign reading “engaged af”.In another snap, she posed up with her pals with a celebratory cake reading “love is sweet” and strawberries covered in icing on show.Read More in FootballOther cute pics on her story showed champagne glasses and candles set alight in celebration.Stones, who has won 79 caps for his country, started every single match for the Three Lions in Germany.But he and his Three Lions teammates were left devastated after being narrowly beaten 2-1 in last month’s final.The Prem star and Olivia, 35, then jetted away for a sunshine break abroad to relax.Most read in FootballAnd in the days that followed, Stones was able to celebrate a personal win as he proposed.A source told The Sun: “They’re over the moon.”They’re a gorgeous couple and are utterly devoted to one another.”Being together, as a couple and as a family, means more to them than anything.Three Lions’ aces dance away Euros disappointment at wild Ibiza knees-up”They’re beyond excited about the future and can’t wait to get married.”Olivia, who was among the partners in Germany to roar on the Three Lions this summer, celebrated her engagement with an “intimate” dinner party for close friends.She hired celebrity wedding and party planner Jayde Elise.Another source added: “It was a beautiful dinner setting with a black and white theme running through it.”There were bespoke themed desserts and treats to celebrate the engagement.”Everyone’s thrilled for them.”John and Olivia, founder of the children’s clothing brand, Moosh, began dating in early 2019.She gave birth to their first child together in January last year – shortly after the defender starred for England at the World Cup in Qatar.Stones has played in every one of England’s last four major tournaments under former gaffer Gareth Southgate.The pair tend to keep their family life out of the spotlight but after the birth of their boy last year, a source told The Sun: “They’re absolutely thrilled. “They couldn’t have asked for a better way to begin the year than with the birth of their son.”He’s absolutely gorgeous and they’re so thankful. They take nothing for granted. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They both work extremely hard but it’s been lovely to spend some time together at home with the kids.” Before welcoming their child together, Olivia was spotted at the World Cup in Qatar to support John in 2022.Other pics showed champagne glassesCredit: InstagramStrawberries covered in icing were also seen in the celebrationsCredit: olivianjnaylor / InstagramOlivia runs her own children’s clothing brandCredit: Instagram @olivianaylor More

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      Bruno Fernandes strikes new deal to make him best paid player at Man Utd after dropping major quit hint before Euro 2024

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      MANCHESTER UNITED captain Bruno Fernandes has reached an agreement on a new deal.The midfielder is set to become the highest paid player at Old Trafford, at least Casemiro’s £350,000 weekly salary.Bruno Fernandes has extended his contract with Manchester UnitedCredit: PAMaking him the highest paid player at Old TraffordCredit: GettyThe new deal will be valid until June 2027 with an option to extend until 2028.The news, reported by Fabrizio Romano, ends the speculation around the Portugal international’s future – who was previously on £220,000 per week.He had been the subject of exit rumours after United failed to qualify for European football with a record-low eighth-place Prem finish last term.Fernandes had previously dropped a huge exit hint that he would consider all options moving forward after the Euros.READ MORE MAN UTDHe told DAZN Portugal in April: “A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay. At the moment, I feel there’s that on both sides.”So, if you want me to be very honest, if I have to think about not continuing in the Premier League.”But he’s now reaffirmed his commitment to United, according to transfer expert Romano, who says Fernandes’ salary will be at the “top MUFC level” and the deal will be signed before the close of the transfer window.The 29-year-old is central to Erik ten Hag’s plans, with many believing the side must be built around him.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAside from creating the most chances in the Premier League last season (114), Fernandes has notched 54 goals in 159 appearances since 2020.He has also provided a staggering 41 assists in that time, with United often struggling for an out-and-out No9.Community Shield Man Utd vs Man City: Player RatingsFernandes joined the Red Devils in January 2020 in a transfer costing an initial £47million rising to £68million.He, alongside Alejandro Garnacho, were United’s best players during the Community Shield defeat on penalties to Manchester City on Saturday.Everything came through Fernandes, and the dynamic duo linked up for the opening goal in the 80th minute, before City won 7-6 in the shootout. More

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      Rodri and Alvaro Morata slapped with BANS after singing ‘Gibraltar is Spanish’ after Spain’s Euro 2024 win

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      MANCHESTER CITY ace Rodri has been slapped with a suspension for his Gibraltar chant.The midfielder sang “Gibraltar es Espanol” – which translates to “Gibraltar is Spain” – in front of thousands of fans last month as La Roja celebrated their Euro 2024 final win.Rodri and Alvaro Morata found themselves in hot water after singing “Gibraltar is Spain” days after La Roja’s Euro 2024 triumphCredit: AFPUefa have hit the pair with one-match suspensionsCredit: RexRodri and AC Milan hitman Alvaro Morata were charged under Article 11 of Uefa’s disciplinary code for their singing of the song.And European footie’s governing body has punished the pair for their actions.Rodri, 28, and Morata, 31, have been slapped with one-match suspensions.It’s been judged that “they violated the basic rules of decent conduct, used a sporting event for a manifestation of a non-sporting nature, and brought the sport into disrepute.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThankfully for Manchester City fans, the ban won’t prohibit Rodri from playing in the Premier League opener against Chelsea.The ban is an international one, meaning he’ll miss Spain’s first outing since beating England in last month’s final.Rodri and Morata will both be ineligible for Spain’s Nations League clash with Serbia next month.Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, although it is the subject of a territorial claim from the Spanish.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRodri and Alvaro Morata will miss Spain’s Nations League clash with Serbia next monthCredit: AlamyThe Gibraltar Football Association were left irate by singing of the chant, which they claimed was “deeply offensive”.An excerpt of their statement read: “This is a totally unnecessary mixing of sporting success with discriminatory political statements that are hugely offensive to Gibraltarians.Inside Rodri’s humble lifeGibraltar’s chief minister also issued a scathing statement.Fabian Picardo wrote on X: “The Rock is OURS.”Mixing a sporting victory and the chant that glorifies the dictatorial politics of a mass murderer like [General] Franco and his fascist regime’s attempt to usurp a neighbouring territory, that is also a UEFA nation, is worse than disgusting.”This cannot stand unchallenged.” More

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      Gareth Southgate relaxes with wife Alison as he enjoys family holiday in Algarve after quitting as England manager

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has been spotted enjoying some well-earned time off with his family in the Algarve following his England departure.The former Three Lions manager was seen soaking up the sun with his wife, Alison, and kids after leaving a coffee shop.Gareth Southgate was seen enjoying some time off in the AlgarveCredit: BackGridHe was spotted leaving a coffee shop with his wife, AlisonCredit: BackGridThe couple are on holiday with their kidsCredit: BackGridSouthgate left his role as England manager last monthCredit: BackGridSouthgate made the decision to resign from his position following the Euro 2024 final last month.Two days after England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain, he released a statement that read: “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.”But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.”He also said: “I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Thank you, England – for everything.”The FA are now understood to be assessing potential candidates to replace Southgate.England Under-21s manager Lee Carsley is in pole position to take over.He is expected to lead the Three Lions into their next Nations League campaign, which starts next month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSouthgate’s highs and lows as England bossGARETH Southgate took charge of 102 games for England before quitting in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.But what were the best – and worst matches – from the popular gaffer’s eight-year reign before that devastating Sunday night in Berlin? Here we take a look.THE HIGHS:Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 on pens,) 2018 World CupThis was the night that long-suffering supporters finally started to believe that it was coming home.Despite conceding a late equaliser, England held their nerve to advance to the quarter final of the World Cup 2018 on penalties.It was our first shootout victory for 22 years.Spain 2-3 England, 2018 Nations LeagueFollowing on from the World Cup, England won in Spain for the first time in 31 years with a brilliant Uefa Nations League victory.Southgate’s boys stunned the Seville crowd into silence with a thrilling performance that saw them lead 3-0 at the break thanks to a Raheem Sterling brace and Marcus Rashford.Although the hosts scored two after the break, the way the Three Lions tore La Roja apart excited every fan.England 2-1 Denmark, Euro 2020 semi-finalSouthgate led England to their first major final in 55 years as they beat Denmark after extra-time in the Euro 2020 semi-final.Having fallen behind after half an hour, the Three Lions battled back to send it to extra-time courtesy of an own goal.Then it was captain Kane who converted a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel originally saved his penalty in extra-time to win it.England 3-0 Sengal, 2022 World Cup last 16England had already blown Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, away in the World Cup 2022 group stages before they breezed past Senegal.The free-scoring Three Lions recorded another big win to set-up a mouthwatering quarter-final against France – what could go wrong?Italy 1-2 England, Euro qualifiers, 2023On a night when Harry Kane became England’s all-time top scorer, the Three Lions recorded a first away win over Italy since 1961.It was the first game since their 2022 World Cup exit, and it ensured a perfect start to their Euro 2022 qualifying campaign.England 2-1 Holland, Euro 2024 sem-finalThe nation doubted Southgate’s men in the semis of Euro 2024, but they responded with a barnstorming display.Xavi Simons opened the scoring for the Dutch but Harry Kane’s penalty drew us level.And Ollie Watkins slotted in a brilliant winner in injury time to see the Three Lions into their second successive Euros final.AND THE LOWS….Croatia 2-1 England, World Cup semi-final, 2018Having led England to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, Southgate men made a dream start as Kieran Trippier put them ahead in the early exchanges.But Ivan Perisic equalised as the Croats began to take control.Some of Southgate’s substitutions were then questioned after his team were beaten in extra-time, although many gave him the benefit of the doubt as he returned a hero.Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pens) Euro 2020 finalWill probably never get a better chance to have secured a trophy for the Three Lions than this final of the last European Championship.Luke Shaw gave us the lead after just seconds, but just like against Croatia three years earlier, we sat back and let our rivals back into it.Leonardo Bonucci duly equalised in the second half and the game eventually went to penalties.The unfortunate Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all brought on to take a spot-kick, but the brave trio all missed as the Azzurri broke our hearts to take the prize.England 0-4 Hungary, Nations League 2023A year on from the Euros and it was utter embarrassment for Southgate in this Nations League game at Molineux.It was our biggest home defeat since 1928 and the result led to England being relegated from the top group of the Nations League and back to one that contained the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece.England 1-2 France, World Cup 2022 quarter-finalsAnother case of what could have been.Having been free-scoring throughout Qatar 2022, many fancied us to go all the way at the World Cup despite taking on the holders in the quarters.We fought back from going behind to level through Kane and many believe that France were then there for the taking had Southgate deployed a more attacking approach.Instead, they seemed content with what they had until Olivier Giroud pounced 12 minutes from time to win it.But there was still one more twist of the knife for England as the usually-reliable Kane skied a late penalty over the bar uncharacteristically as we crashed out.FA chiefs are also big fans of Newcastle manager Eddie Howe but feel Carsley is best placed to take over for the next match against the Republic of Ireland.Southgate spent eight years in charge of England and managed 102 games.Lee Carsley for EnglandDuring that time led the Three Lions to two European Championship finals, a World Cup quarter-final and a World Cup semi-final.Southgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. More

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      Arsenal boss Arteta to make late call on Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale in Emirates Cup after Euros break

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      MIKEL ARTETA will make a late call on whether to include his England trio in Arsenal’s Emirates Cup clash with Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale – as well as Spain’s David Raya and France’s William Saliba – joined back up with the squad at London Colney for training on Sunday morning.Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice returned to Arsenal training on SundayCredit: GettyAaron Ramsdale was also pictured by at London ColneyCredit: GettyWilliam Saliba could make an appearance against LeverkusenCredit: GettyThe five North London stars enjoyed an extended break following the Euros while Arteta took the club on their 10-day tour of the United States from July 21, facing Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool.Four of them had been involved in England’s Euros final defeat to Spain in Berlin on July 14, while Saliba was a part of Les Bleus’ disappointing exit at the semi-finals.With 12 days to go until Arsenal’s Prem opener at home to Wolves, Arteta will want the spine of his team ready to go, having completed personal training regimes while on their holiday.And they were put through their paces with individual fitness tests back at Colney before being seen in good spirits as they took part in some small-sided drills.read more arsenalArteta was pictured embracing Saka upon his return, while the five were in fits of giggles as they were given the traditional ‘head-slapping’ tunnel treatment by the rest of their teammates on the training pitch.The question remains whether Arteta will risk throwing them back into a competitive match as they welcome Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten Bundesliga champions Leverkusen to the Emirates this week before playing Lyon on Sunday.It is worth noting that Germany’s Kai Havertz and Brazil pair Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli did not travel out to the States until July 26 after their own Euros and Copa America action.And 48 hours later, they were all second half substitutes in Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over United out in Los Angeles.Most read in FootballDavid Raya is gearing up for his first competitive appearance in over a monthCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSo, there is a high chance Rice, Saka and Saliba will not only be included in the squad but will play some part against Leverkusen – either as a starter or from the bench.Rice played every minute of England’s seven Euros clashes, while Saka was on the pitch for 70 minutes or more in all but one of England’s games.New video reveals Riccardo Calafiori was at Arsenal SEVEN MONTHS before Italian signed in £42m transferSaliba also started and played every minute of France’s run to the semis.Arteta could be tempted to start Ramsdale in goal, despite his links with a move away this summer, given the Three Lions keeper failed to play a single minute at the Euros.Arsenal No.1 Raya also had limited game time in Germany, featuring in just one 90-minute clash in a dead-rubber group stage clash against Albania on June 24.In comparison, current No.3 Karl Hein played every minute in the States.Arteta has a near-fully fit squad to choose from against Leverkusen, with only Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) and Kieran Tierney (hamstring) missing the summer tour – the latter likely to leave the club in the coming weeks.READ MORE SUN STORIESJurrien Timber – back after suffering an ACL rupture in last term’s Prem opener – played all but one of the U.S. matches, rested for the Liverpool clash as a precautionary measure.Riccardo Calafiori could make his full debut after his £42m move from Bologna. The versatile left-footed Italian defender joined up with the States group after signing on July 29 but was only a spectator.Arsenal have a tricky start to their 2024/25 Prem campaign More