Euro 2024

GARETH SOUTHGATE has given his thoughts on the angry reaction from the Wembley faithful after defeat to Iceland under the arch.England were looking for the perfect send off before heading out to Germany for the Euros, but instead were booed off the pitch by their own fans after a lacklustre effort saw them lose 1-0.Gareth Southgate has spoken out after England were booed at WembleyCredit: AlamyThe Three Lions lost 1-0 to Iceland under the archCredit: AlamyPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
The friendly was supposed to be a breezy confidence builder against a team some 68 places below England in the Fifa world rankings, with a population the size of Bournemouth.Instead it knocked players’ confidence as they trudged off the pitch to the disappointed boos of Three Lions fans – a noise Southgate can only hope doesn’t ring in their ears through until next weekend’s opener.But the England boss isn’t hiding from what was a shocking performance as he sympathised with the opinions of the boo boys inside Wembley.When asked what his message was to the booing supporters, he said: “I completely understand [the boos]. We didn’t play well enough to keep them excited within the game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We had some very, very good chances which normally would be finished which could have given a different complexion to the game and of course would have affected the confidence of the opponent.”But that would have masked some flaws that were apparent tonight. From my perspective, I’ve learned a lot from the game.”It does focus the mind that any sort of complacency that talent is going to get us this trophy and that we only have to stroll in…football is not like that. “You’ve got to be spot on in every aspect of the game to win any game at this level and we were a long way short of that tonight and Iceland deserved their win.”Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHe went on to reiterate that he understood why the fans would hit out at their own team after such a performance.Adding: “I have no qualms with the supporters’ reaction.England make their official Euros 2024 squad announcement “To have the fans with you here obviously makes a massive difference, but you have to give them enough goalmouth action.”You have to play well enough, press and win the ball with intensity to keep them with you during the game.”It’s not the night we wanted, the performance was not on the level it needed to be.”It’s far from an ideal night, I’m not going to dress up the disappointment but we have to stay calm because we know what needs to be put right.”England can put it right next Sunday when they take on Serbia in their first game of Euro 2024.Southgate must take tactical gamble to save Euros dreamGARETH SOUTHGATE needs to go back to the future in Germany, writes SunSport’s Charlie Wyett.
It certainly worked in Russia at the 2018 World Cup. And due to various issues with the defence – as illustrated in this dismal and embarrassing performance at Wembley – Southgate needs to look at playing with five at the back.
We can talk all night about England’s power-packed attack and how they should definitely be getting out the cigars in Berlin on July 14.
Yet there is now a genuine cause for panic as we are now just eight days away from the first game against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen and the defence is a total mess.
England have kept just two clean sheets in the last seven games. If Southgate’s team are to play seven games at Germany – and that would mean an appearance in the final – there must be a bloody great improvement.
The Three Lions will get out of their group because it is virtually impossible not to. But if England do not improve, they will end up getting knocked out in the last 16, like they did against Iceland in Euro 2016.
Speaking at Middlesbrough’s training ground on Sunday, Southgate was asked about whether he has thought about a back five which in Russia, saw his team reach the semi-finals.
He said: “We haven’t as yet. Clearly we could. We know all the strengths and weaknesses of doing that. It’s interesting to read about it being proposed, because I think we were pretty much killed for doing it for quite a long period. 
“But given our tactical flexibility, we’d look at everything and it would be silly to rule something out. You can play a three in different ways.
“You build with a three now anyway, so some aspects of our game could have a three involved.
“But for me, it’s less about shoehorning players into the team, it’s about having the best team and players to come into it, because you need that at tournaments.”
It was only after the World Cup in 2018 that Southgate revealed the reason why he played with three central defenders. This was because he was worried about the inexperience of Harry Maguire who had played just five times before going to Russia.
Due to Maguire’s omission from the squad due to his fitness, Marc Guehi will take his position and this was only his 11th cap.
Guehi was England’s best defender but against better opposition in a more pressured environment, he will be tested more. Against Bosnia and Herzegovina, he did not play particularly well.
Yet last night, John Stones – having started just 12 Premier League games for Manchester City in his worst season for the club –  really struggled before being replaced by Ezri Konsa at half-time.
It did not help that Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson fell on him early on but Stones did not cover himself in glory when the same Icelandic player scored the winner.
Luke Shaw, sidelined since February with a thigh injury, will not be fit until the second game at the earliest.
And with Ben Chilwell not even making the provisional 33, Southgate currently only has right-footed defenders.
Kyle Walker is arguably the best right-back in Europe but his form dipped in the last two months of the season for Manchester City.
He was caught out for the first goal as he appeared to have left his turbo boosters at Tottenham’s training ground. He then blamed Phil Foden for not covering properly.
After making his mass changes for the final quarter,  England’s back four was Trent Alexander-Arnold, Konsa, Guehi and Joe Gomez. That is not a defence you would want to see in the latter stages
So, Southgate needs to look at having a back three with Walker switching into the central three like he did in Russia, alongside Stones and Guehi.
Trent Alexander-Arnold would be more comfortable at right-wing back with Trippier on the other side before the return of Shaw.
With a five-man defence, Southgate would partner Declan Rice with Kobbie Mainoo or Adam Wharton but you would lose an offensive player.
Bukayo Saka would have to make way and you would have Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden as the offensive midfielders playing behind Harry Kane.
Southgate also played with a back five against Italy in the final of Euro 2020 although since then, has discarded it.
But regardless, if he sticks with a back four, he will want his players to do the basics better. And then, we can think about maybe winning a match in the last 16.
As for reaching the final, let’s put that one on the back-burner.

But it won’t be an easy affair against star players like Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic and former Premier League bagsman Aleksandr Mitrovic amongst the ranks for the Serbs.Southgate could have to do it without his best central defender too as more injury woes hit the England camp during the 1-0 defeat to Iceland.John Stones went down in the first half and needed lengthy treatment on the pitch before being hooked for his own good at half time.However, Southgate doesn’t seem overly concerned that the Man City star will be out of action long term.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe explained: “John we decided at half-time there was no point in taking any chances because we’re obviously so close to the tournament and he’s a very important player for us. “We think he’s probably okay.”England could be without John Stones for their opening clash next weekendCredit: Getty More

GARETH SOUTHGATE needs to go back to the future in Germany.It certainly worked in Russia at the 2018 World Cup. And due to various issues with the defence – as illustrated in this dismal and embarrassing performance at Wembley – Southgate needs to look at playing with five at the back.Gareth Southgate watched his side lose 1-0 to Iceland at WembleyCredit: RexThe Three Lions produced a meek display in their final Euro 2024 warm-upCredit: GettyWe can talk all night about England’s power-packed attack and how they should definitely be getting out the cigars in Berlin on July 14.Yet there is now a genuine cause for panic as we are now just eight days away from the first game against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen and the defence is a total mess.England have kept just two clean sheets in the last seven games. If Southgate’s team are to play seven games at Germany – and that would mean an appearance in the final – there must be a bloody great improvement.The Three Lions will get out of their group because it is virtually impossible not to. But if England do not improve, they will end up getting knocked out in the last 16, like they did against Iceland in Euro 2016.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSSpeaking at Middlesbrough’s training ground on Sunday, Southgate was asked about whether he has thought about a back five which in Russia, saw his team reach the semi-finals.He said: “We haven’t as yet. Clearly we could. We know all the strengths and weaknesses of doing that. It’s interesting to read about it being proposed, because I think we were pretty much killed for doing it for quite a long period. “But given our tactical flexibility, we’d look at everything and it would be silly to rule something out. You can play a three in different ways.”You build with a three now anyway, so some aspects of our game could have a three involved.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
“But for me, it’s less about shoehorning players into the team, it’s about having the best team and players to come into it, because you need that at tournaments.”It was only after the World Cup in 2018 that Southgate revealed the reason why he played with three central defenders. This was because he was worried about the inexperience of Harry Maguire who had played just five times before going to Russia.The meteoric rise of England star Adam WhartonDue to Maguire’s omission from the squad due to his fitness, Marc Guehi will take his position and this was only his 11th cap.Guehi was England’s best defender but against better opposition in a more pressured environment, he will be tested more. Against Bosnia and Herzegovina, he did not play particularly well.Yet last night, John Stones – having started just 12 Premier League games for Manchester City in his worst season for the club –  really struggled before being replaced by Ezri Konsa at half-time.It did not help that Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson fell on him early on but Stones did not cover himself in glory when the same Icelandic player scored the winner.Luke Shaw, sidelined since February with a thigh injury, will not be fit until the second game at the earliest.And with Ben Chilwell not even making the provisional 33, Southgate currently only has right-footed defenders.Kyle Walker is arguably the best right-back in Europe but his form dipped in the last two months of the season for Manchester City.He was caught out for the first goal as he appeared to have left his turbo boosters at Tottenham’s training ground. He then blamed Phil Foden for not covering properly.After making his mass changes for the final quarter,  England’s back four was Trent Alexander-Arnold, Konsa, Guehi and Joe Gomez. That is not a defence you would want to see in the latter stagesSo, Southgate needs to look at having a back three with Walker switching into the central three like he did in Russia, alongside Stones and Guehi.Trent Alexander-Arnold would be more comfortable at right-wing back with Trippier on the other side before the return of Shaw.With a five-man defence, Southgate would partner Declan Rice with Kobbie Mainoo or Adam Wharton but you would lose an offensive player.Bukayo Saka would have to make way and you would have Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden as the offensive midfielders playing behind Harry Kane.Southgate also played with a back five against Italy in the final of Euro 2020 although since then, has discarded it.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut regardless, if he sticks with a back four, he will want his players to do the basics better. And then, we can think about maybe winning a match in the last 16.As for reaching the final, let’s put that one on the back-burner.How England should line up in opening game, according to SunSportJohn Stones was in action against IcelandCredit: GettyMarc Guehi lacks experience at international levelCredit: AFP More

THE Three Lions are heading to the Euros with a snore rather than a roar.Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson’s early strike gave Iceland a shock 1-0 Wembley win in England’s final warm-up game.Kobbie Mainoo was a rare bright light for the Three LionsCredit: GettyMarc Guehi could have played his way to a Euro 2024 starting spotCredit: GettyAnd on the night John Stones gave Gareth Southgate another injury scare in defence, perhaps only two men can truly be happy with their last performance ahead of the tournament in Germany.Here’s how the Lions rated as centre-back Marc Guehi and midfielder Kobbie Mainoo did their best to play their way into the line-up for the Euros opener against Serbia on June 16.Aaron Ramsdale – 5The Arsenal goalkeeper will surely have been disappointed to be beaten at his near post for the opening goal. Apart from a couple of decent saves in the second half, he had little else to do and so little opportunity to prove that he would be a reliable back-up to Jordan Pickford.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSKyle Walker – 5This was hardly the performance Gareth Southgate will have wanted or expected from the man who was supposed to be his most in-form defender. Walker was caught up field and unable to recover in time to prevent the goal. He also delivered little going forward.John Stones – 5The Manchester City man never looked totally right after twisting his ankle nastily early on and so it proved. Allowed Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson to cut inside and open the scoring. Taken off at half time in another unwelcome development for Southgate.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThe England squad are all set to check into their fabulous Euros baseMarc Guehi – 7The Crystal Palace centre half gave the most reassuring performance of all the starting defenders. He was good in the air, showed good anticipation and was composed on the ball. Guehi looked comfortable until he was smashed in the side of the head by the ball.Most read in Euro 2024 Kieran Trippier – 6England’s first-choice left back by default was pretty good defensively but showed again how not having a left-footed player in the position restricts the team’s attacking impact. His understanding with Newcastle team-mate Gordon was good, however.Kobbie Mainoo – 7The Manchester United wonderkid looked anything but an inexperienced teenager, particularly in the first half. Mainoo was quietly impressive, doing the simple things well and remaining disciplined in his positioning. His attacking output was a little disappointing.Declan Rice – 6The Arsenal midfielder was as whole-hearted as ever, yet lacked the level of dynamism required to lift the team all on his own. Rice did his defensive work soundly but had less impact at the other end, apart from one lovely pass to Cole Palmer and looked frustrated at times.Cole Palmer – 6The 22 year old showed why he scored and created so many goals for Chelsea but was let down by team-mates and by his own delivery and finishing. Kane should have converted his lovely cross and he should have made more of two good chances early in the second half.Phil Foden – 6Everyone clamouring for the City star to be given a more central role got their wish. Foden clearly enjoyed being the centre of attention in the No 10 position but for all his energy, he too often lacked an end product, including an off-target shot early in the second half. Anthony Gordon – 6The Newcastle winger was thrilling and frustrating in almost equal measure. He did some great approach work and was a regular outlet down the left. But all too often he wasted decent opportunities to find a final ball or test the Iceland goalkeeper. Cole Palmer was let down by team-mates in his bid to impressCredit: APAnthony Gordon turned in an enigmatic performanceCredit: RexHarry Kane is not yet back to his sharpestCredit: AFPHarry Kane – 5The England captain’s horrible shinned volley summed up England’s lack of killer instinct in the final third. Kane’s movement looked a bit laboured at times, which makes rumours of a back problem more worrying. It was his least effective game for some time.SUBSTITUTESEzri Konsa (for Stones, half time) – 5The Aston Villa defender looked solid until he and Guehi held a high line and Iceland almost scored a second goal. That seemed to unnerve him for a while and it wasn’t the last time it happened.Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Walker, 64) – 6The Liverpool star recovered well when yet another ball over the top caught out the England defence. He showed his potency with the dead ball and almost grabbed a stoppage-time leveller.Joe Gomez (for Trippier, 64) – 6The Liverpool man is yet another right-footed defender but did little wrong in his time on the pitch and actually crossed with his left foot once.Ivan Toney (for Kane, 64) – 6The striker was unfortunate to come on when Iceland were the better team, but he did some useful defending in his own box as well as sending a header over the bar at the other endBukayo Saka (for Gordon, 64) – 5The Arsenal winger won a free kick in a dangerous position and had one tame shot, but otherwise made little impact, raising questions again about his level of fitness after a groin injury.Eberechi Eze (for Palmer, 77) – 5READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Crystal Palace star was not given long to try to turn the game and was unable to do so as a worrying night at Wembley petered out into disappointing defeat.NOT USED: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, James Trafford, Jarell Quansah, Conor Gallagher, Ollie Watkins, Jarrod Bowen, Adam Wharton.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

JOHN STONES handed England another big injury scare in defence.The centre-back went off at half-time in Friday’s 1-0 Wembley defeat against Iceland ahead of Euro 2024.John Stones only lasted 45 minutes in the Wembley friendlyCredit: ReutersFans reacted with despair and disbelief after the Manchester City hero was replaced by Ezri Konsa.Three Lions’ chief Gareth Southgate attempted to quell fears afterwards.He said: “We think he’s probably OK but we didn’t want to takechances given what’s coming up.”But fellow central defender Harry Maguire missed the cut for Southgate’s 26-man squad 24 hours earlier due to his calf problem.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSAnd Lewis Dunk was forced to sit out Friday’s friendly as the Brighton skipper is still a week off full fitness.Meanwhile, left-back Luke Shaw will also be sidelined from main action for several more days.England open their Euros bid against Serbia a week on Sunday.And one supporter posted: “If John Stones is injured as well, we may as well not even go.”Most read in Euro 2024PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.

A reporter for Channel 4, who broadcast the match live, suggested the 30-year-old “looked to be walking ok in the tunnel”.But the last thing Southgate needed was another injury niggle. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSStones appeared to get hurt when he was hauled to the ground in an ungainly tangle with Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson.And in fact he was one of the England defenders slightly exposed when the same Iceland winger stole inside to drill the visitors’ surprise winner on 12 minutes.A laboured Three Lions’ display only got more disjointed as the second-half replacements racked up, ending in a tame loss.Jack Wilshere, Gordon Strachan and Jurgen Klinsmann answer quickfire questions ahead of Euro 2024Southgate has put Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah on standby at the back.Quansah was one of seven players omitted on Thursday when England’s squad was pruned from 33 to its final size for the Euros.Southgate must take tactical gamble to save Euros dreamGARETH SOUTHGATE needs to go back to the future in Germany, writes SunSport’s Charlie Wyett.
It certainly worked in Russia at the 2018 World Cup. And due to various issues with the defence – as illustrated in this dismal and embarrassing performance at Wembley – Southgate needs to look at playing with five at the back.
We can talk all night about England’s power-packed attack and how they should definitely be getting out the cigars in Berlin on July 14.
Yet there is now a genuine cause for panic as we are now just eight days away from the first game against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen and the defence is a total mess.
England have kept just two clean sheets in the last seven games. If Southgate’s team are to play seven games at Germany – and that would mean an appearance in the final – there must be a bloody great improvement.
The Three Lions will get out of their group because it is virtually impossible not to. But if England do not improve, they will end up getting knocked out in the last 16, like they did against Iceland in Euro 2016.
Speaking at Middlesbrough’s training ground on Sunday, Southgate was asked about whether he has thought about a back five which in Russia, saw his team reach the semi-finals.
He said: “We haven’t as yet. Clearly we could. We know all the strengths and weaknesses of doing that. It’s interesting to read about it being proposed, because I think we were pretty much killed for doing it for quite a long period. 
“But given our tactical flexibility, we’d look at everything and it would be silly to rule something out. You can play a three in different ways.
“You build with a three now anyway, so some aspects of our game could have a three involved.
“But for me, it’s less about shoehorning players into the team, it’s about having the best team and players to come into it, because you need that at tournaments.”
It was only after the World Cup in 2018 that Southgate revealed the reason why he played with three central defenders. This was because he was worried about the inexperience of Harry Maguire who had played just five times before going to Russia.
Due to Maguire’s omission from the squad due to his fitness, Marc Guehi will take his position and this was only his 11th cap.
Guehi was England’s best defender but against better opposition in a more pressured environment, he will be tested more. Against Bosnia and Herzegovina, he did not play particularly well.
Yet last night, John Stones – having started just 12 Premier League games for Manchester City in his worst season for the club –  really struggled before being replaced by Ezri Konsa at half-time.
It did not help that Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson fell on him early on but Stones did not cover himself in glory when the same Icelandic player scored the winner.
Luke Shaw, sidelined since February with a thigh injury, will not be fit until the second game at the earliest.
And with Ben Chilwell not even making the provisional 33, Southgate currently only has right-footed defenders.
Kyle Walker is arguably the best right-back in Europe but his form dipped in the last two months of the season for Manchester City.
He was caught out for the first goal as he appeared to have left his turbo boosters at Tottenham’s training ground. He then blamed Phil Foden for not covering properly.
After making his mass changes for the final quarter,  England’s back four was Trent Alexander-Arnold, Konsa, Guehi and Joe Gomez. That is not a defence you would want to see in the latter stages
So, Southgate needs to look at having a back three with Walker switching into the central three like he did in Russia, alongside Stones and Guehi.
Trent Alexander-Arnold would be more comfortable at right-wing back with Trippier on the other side before the return of Shaw.
With a five-man defence, Southgate would partner Declan Rice with Kobbie Mainoo or Adam Wharton but you would lose an offensive player.
Bukayo Saka would have to make way and you would have Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden as the offensive midfielders playing behind Harry Kane.
Southgate also played with a back five against Italy in the final of Euro 2020 although since then, has discarded it.
But regardless, if he sticks with a back four, he will want his players to do the basics better. And then, we can think about maybe winning a match in the last 16.
As for reaching the final, let’s put that one on the back-burner. More