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      Bellingham hailed by fans on Real Madrid’s Champions League parade as Southgate tells England star to rest up for Euros

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has ordered Jude Bellingham to save his strength so he is “psychologically fresh” to spearhead England’s Euros bid.Three Lions boss Southgate has given the Real Madrid superstar six days off before he joins up with his squad on Saturday.Jude Bellingham has lit up Real Madrid this season and got the same treatment himself back in Spain after Champions League glory at WembleyCredit: ReutersReal took the plaudits for a record 15th Champions League crownCredit: Splash NewsBellingham topped off his joy by popping the trophy on his headCredit: GettySo he will miss Monday’s Euros warm-up against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Newcastle and Friday’s Wembley clash with Iceland.Bellingham, 20, helped Real win their 15th European Cup with victory over his former team Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on Saturday.It was the midfielder’s 47th match this season for club and country, and he was back in Madrid for Champions League celebrations on Sunday night.Asked about Bellingham’s absence, Southgate said: “The most important thing is rest and recovery and we will benefit from that.READ MORE TOP STORIES“That is the constraint of international football. You have to work out the most important thing and, for Jude and therefore the team, it is about psychologically switching off and recovering. It’s all about psychological freshness.“He’s had a fantastic season. To join the biggest club in the world and perform the way he has throughout the season has been incredible for him.”Bellingham himself hailed the “best night” of his life after teeing up Vinicius Junior for Real’s second goal to clinch by far the greatest achievement of his career to date.The 29-cap star was briefly calm afterwards – until becoming emotional when spotting his family in the crowd.Most read in FootballBellingham was overcome when he greeted mum Denise after victoryCredit: GettyHe dressed up for Real’s Champions League-winning celebrations back in Madrid at the Plaza de Cibeles on SundayCredit: SplashBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe told TNT Sports: “I was alright until I was up in my mum’s and dad’s face… and my little brother who I’m trying to be a role model for.”The amount of nights where they [his parents] could be at home at 7pm but instead they’re doing trips at 11, 12 at night to take me to football. Inside the Real Madrid and Jude Bellingham love affairBellingham, right, almost rejoices early after setting up Vinicius Junior for Real’s killer second goal against the England star’s old club DortmundCredit: ReutersBellingham outshines Sancho on the night of his dreams at Wembley
      THE very moment Vinicius Junior struck the second goal, Jude Bellingham sank to his knees, stretched out his arms and looked up at the sky, writes Charlie Wyett.
      It was the moment that Bellingham had always dreamed of, to win the Champions League. The fact it came at Wembley, on home soil, made it that little sweeter.
      Bellingham delivered the pass to Vinicius who scored to ensure that Real Madrid, remarkably, have now been the kings of Europe on 15 occasions.
      It was the final kick of the biggest game in Bellingham’s life as he was immediately replaced by Joselu in a tactical switch by Carlo Ancelotti.
      With no Premier League teams involved, this was an English duel between Bellingham and Jadon Sancho. The west midlands v south London. Stourbridge versus Kennington.
      It is obvious which of the two former team-mates won this scrap, although Sancho’s team should have put Real out of sight by half-time.
      Ultimately, neither Englishmen had particularly dazzling games.
      Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, started brightly and gave Real left-back Ferland Mendy a few uneasy moments.
      Yet this was nothing like the performances he delivered against PSG to help his team to the final.
      Instead, with three minutes remaining of normal time, Sancho was replaced by another Englishman, teenager Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
      There was to be no drama. Bellingham added this Euro title to his La Liga winner’s medal. Not forgetting he has also been voted as the La Liga player of the year.
      Bellingham, featuring in his 42nd game of the season for Real, was unable to make much of an impact in his role wide left.
      On the hour mark, he had touched the ball 35 times but had done little with it.
      With the scores at 0-0, he somehow failed to score with a header when he was unable to make contact with a cross from Vinicius. Any touch and it would have been a goal.
      By then, the keyboard warriors were out in force on social media, dishing out some laughable criticism of England’s greatest talent. Potentially, our greatest ever player.
      Yet the inevitable happened and Dortmund were left to curse those missed chances.
      A mistake by Sancho led to a Madrid corner and Dani Carvajal leapt highest to head them into the lead.
      Bellingham had another chance but it was deflected wide by Nico Schlotterbeck.
      But, with seven minutes left, he helped stick the knife in to help Vinicius score and ensure this is an evening he will never forget.
      In the crowd were his dad Mark, mum Denise and brother Jobe, who got into the stadium five hours early
      Bellingham’s mum was in tears as her son stepped up to get his medal. And let’s all hope Bellingham will be lifting another trophy in Berlin on July 14.

      “I can’t have dreamed it much better than this. I just can’t believe it.”Fans then thronged the streets back in Madrid on Sunday – saluting their heroes, notably Bellingham for his staggering first season with the Spanish giants. The ex-Birmingham ace has scored 25 goals this campaign.Southgate added: “I am absolutely delighted for him to win.“His parents have to take enormous credit because the way he comes across in his interviews is the way he is. He is authentic. That is how he is — every day.”England team-mate Kieran Trippier, who will captain England on Monday because Harry Kane will not be starting, said: “He doesn’t seem like a 20-year-old. He is so mature for his age.“Jude has pressure playing for Real Madrid and he has taken it in his stride and all the boys are absolutely delighted for him.“We’re looking forward to meeting up with him and hopefully he can bring that form with him to England.”People say I need to show more for my country. I don’t mind pressure. I feel like I can definitely be a lot better for the national team.Phil FodenPhil Foden knows the spotlight will also be on him at Euro 2024 after an outstanding club season at Manchester City.And he is determined to prove he can replicate that form for England.Foden, 24, was named Premier League player of the season after thriving in a more central role.Speaking after his first session as a McDonald’s Fun Football ambassador, he said: “There’s a lot of pressure on my shoulders.“A lot of people are saying I need to show more for my country.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I don’t mind the pressure. I feel like I can definitely be a lot better for the national team.“I’m so determined now to put on the shirt and prove everyone wrong and try to continue my form.”Phil Foden, right, agrees he could step up to the plate more for England, like midfielders Declan Rice and Bellingham have doneCredit: AFP More

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      Gareth Southgate hints Jack Grealish could be CUT from England Euro 2024 squad despite cutting short holiday to impress

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      JACK GREALISH’S place in England’s Euro 2024 squad appears to be in major doubt.Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions kick off their summer with a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday.Jack Grealish could miss out on England’s Euro squad this summerCredit: RexThe winger has cut short his holiday to join Gareth Southgate’s training campCredit: GettyGrealish endured a dismal personal end to Man City’s seasonCredit: GettyGrealish, 28, could feature in the St James’ Park clash after cutting short his summer holiday to join up with the 33-man provisional squad.But boss Southgate is giving no assurances to £100million Manchester City star Grealish, who played just ten minutes of their last five matches of the season and did not feature in the FA Cup final.England are also sweating on the fitness of Harry Maguire who has a calf injury and may not be fit for the opening Euros match against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on June 16.Asked if Grealish could be axed from the final tournament squad, Southgate said: “I don’t think we’re defining that just yet.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It’s hard to be quite so specific because we keep sitting down and saying: ‘Okay, if it’s this or this’.“We have a lot of good players in that area and they are all competing.“We think we know who the best have been across the season, what we don’t know is how many we need to take or can allow ourselves to take because of the cover we might need in other positions.“I haven’t talked to him specifically about the cup final. But he has been really bright and he loves being here.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSApart from Maguire, England will also be without Luke Shaw (thigh), Anthony Gordon (ankle) and Bukayo Saka (groin) on Monday.Harry Kane is training after a back injury but will not start.Jack Grealish lined up for sensational Bayern Munich transferOn Maguire’s fitness for the first game of the Euros, Southgate said: “We don’t know that at the moment.”He also admitted he will be listening to his medical staff — not the players themselves — over whether they are fit.Southgate added: “They are lying buggers! If you’re in a relegation battle, the treatment room is absolutely full. If you’re in a cup final it’s empty.”Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is set to be given his first England cap. Marc Guehi will start in defence.Jack Grealish’s Euro 2024 place in jeopardyBy Martin Blackburn and Charlie Wyett
      JACK GREALISH is sweating on a Euro 2024 place after a nightmare end to the season.
      The £100million star celebrated Manchester City’s four-in-a-row title success on a bus parade yesterday.
      But now he is battling with Tottenham’s James Maddison to secure a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
      Cole Palmer, Jarrod Bowen and Anthony Gordon all look certain to go after excellent seasons with their clubs — while Bukayo Saka is guaranteed a spot.
      But Grealish, 28, has struggled  and his lack of match action for his club will be a big concern for the Three Lions boss.
      The former Aston Villa captain has featured in only one of City’s final five matches.
      That was a ten-minute run out in the 5-1 win over Wolves  this month.
      He was not thrown on at Wembley as the below-par champs desperately searched for a way back in to Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup Final defeat to rivals Manchester United.
      City boss Pep Guardiola explained his decision afterwards by admitting the attacker has “struggled” this season.
      He has challenged him to recapture the form from the back end of the 2022-23 season when he helped the club secure an historic Treble.
      Guardiola said: “He will be back. He’s struggled this season — Jeremy Doku has made an incredible step forward as everyone has seen in the last games.
      “But Jack will be back at the level of last season — I’m pretty sure.”
      READ THE FULL STORY HERE More

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      Best XI of stars who could return from Euro 2024 to new clubs with transfers on cards for likes of Fernandes & Gallagher

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      A NUMBER of Europe’s finest stars are going into the Euros with their futures yet to be decided.For some, they will be hoping to use a European Championship triumph as a springboard for a multi-million pound glamour move.Kylian Mbappe will be hoping to join Real Madrid fresh off the back of winning the Euros with FranceCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes has also thrown his Manchester United future into doubtCredit: GettyFor others, the Euros could be a chance to put them in the shop window for a transfer that would see them play week-in-week-out for a new club.Here’s a look at 11 stars that could move once the tournament in Germany is wrapped up.Jordan PickfordPickford, 30, has been Gareth Southgate’s first-choice England goalkeeper since the beginning of the manager’s tenure.With 60 Three Lions caps to his name, Southgate has stuck with the keeper through some tough periods, but he has been consistent for Everton over the past two seasons.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Toffees are again facing PSR constraints and could be forced into a summer firesale – Chelsea are reportedly leading the race for the keeper.Pickford could leave Everton after the EurosCredit: GettyJeremie FrimpongFrimpong, 23, was one of the jewels in the crown as Bayer Leverkusen waltzed to an unbeaten Bundesliga title.The Dutchman has emerged as one of the most in-demand attacking full-backs in the world and has a release clause of £34million.Manchester United are at the front of the queue for his signature.Most read in FootballJeremie Frimpong could be on the move to Manchester UnitedCredit: Kenny RamsayCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHarry MaguireMaguire was humiliatingly stripped of the United captaincy last summer but the defender bounced back admirably this season.How to do Germany on a budget for Euro 2024The centre-back played 22 times for United, but only has a year remaining on his contract – West Ham have been credited with having an interest.Jarrad BranthwaiteAnother player that Everton could be forced to sell if they are to meet the Premier League’s PSR constraints – Branthwaite is the club’s most sellable asset.The 21-year-old has made Southgate’s long-list for the England squad and should make the cut based on his club form.He’s valued at £80million by Everton with both Manchester United and Chelsea interested.Both Branthwaite and Pickford could leave EvertonCredit: GettyOleksandr ZinchenkoZinchenko was a breath of fresh air when he arrived at Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022.Playing as an inverted full-back, the Ukrainian allowed the Gunners to overload their midfield and overwhelm opponents.But defensive lapses have seen him lose his place in the side and Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich are said to see him as a potential replacement for Alphonso Davies.Joshua KimmichGermany star Joshua Kimmich is said to have rejected Bayern Munich’s latest offer of a contract extension.He has fallen out with the club following tensions with Thomas Tuchel last season and could be set to link up with former Bayern and Germany manager Hansi Flick at Barcelona.Conor GallagherGallagher has just a year left on his Chelsea contract and despite captaining the Blues on numerous occasions this season, is said to be on the transfer list.Tottenham lead the way in pursuing the midfielder but Aston Villa are also hoping to land the England man.Gallagher is a target for Tottenham and Aston VillaCredit: PABruno FernandesFernandes threw his Manchester United future into doubt before captaining his side to FA Cup victory this month.When speaking to DAZN Portugal before the final, he said: “If you want me to be very honest, if I have to think about not continuing in the Premier League, it won’t be until after the Euros because nothing will be able to take my focus away from the FA Cup final and the Euros, as there’s nothing more important than that at the moment.”Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Saudi clubs are all thought to hold an interest in the Portuguese star.Rafael LeaoAnother Portugal star, Rafael Leao, has been one of Europe’s most exciting wingers over the last two years.He bagged nine goals and 10 assists in 34 appearances for Milan last season and has attracted interest from Newcastle and clubs in the Saudi League.Leao could be on the move this summerCredit: RexBenjamin SeskoSlovenia star Benjamin Sesko could become a familiar face to England fans, with Slovenia drawn in the same group as the Three Lions.The RB Leipzig star is attracting interest from Arsenal in a £56million deal and has reportedly already “said yes” to a move to the Gunners.Sesko is a top target for ArsenalCredit: GettyKylian MbappeMbappe to Real Madrid has been a saga years in the making… It looks to finally be reaching a close this summer though.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Frenchman is said to have already agreed a contract with Los Blancos which will see him bag £85.5m as a signing on fee alone.He’ll be hoping to be unveiled at the club fresh off the back of leading France to Euros glory.Mbappe will hope to join Real Madrid off the back of leading France to Euros gloryCredit: AP More

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      England vs Bosnia & Herzegovina: Three Lions face Dzeko and Co in Euro 2024 warm-up match – stream FREE, TV, team news

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      EXCITEMENT is building among football fans as we are just weeks away from Euro 2024 – and England continue their preparations for the iconic tournament against Bosnia & Herzegovina TOMORROW!The Three Lions are expected to sail through Group C which includes Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia.England will be expected to cruise through Group CCredit: GettyBut Gareth Southgate has an important job ahead of the competition as he needs to whittle his current 33-man squad list down to 26.And there won’t be a better chance for players to prove themselves to the England boss considering the opposition has never beaten England and failed to qualify for the Euros.Furthermore, Southgate made some controversial decisions such as leaving the likes of Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling out of the provisional squad.So this gives some of England’s fringe players the chance to shine and potentially get on that plane to Germany this summer.Read more on EnglandWhen is England vs Bosnia & Herzegovina?
      England are all set to face Bosnia & Herzegovina TOMORROW – Monday, June 3.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm BST.
      St James’ Park is the allocated arena for this match and it can host approximately 52,000 passionate fans.
      The Three Lions have never played Bosnia at senior level England’s U21 side Humiliated Bosnia’s 5-1 back in 2016.
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
      England vs Bosnia & Herzegovina will be broadcast LIVE on Channel 4 in the UK.
      Coverage is expected to commence from 7pm BST – 45 minutes before kick-off.
      Fans can stream the entire action via All 4 through any compatible mobile device or tablet.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the whole game through our live blog.
      How can I watch it for FREE?YES!England vs Bosnia & Herzegovina can be watched for FREE in the UK as long as you have a valid TV license.Most read in FootballWhat is the team news?Jude Bellingham is unlikely to feature following his recent Champions League triumph with Real Madrid on Saturday.And the same for Luke Shaw who Gareth Southgate has admitted is a ‘long shot’ from participating at the Euros due to his leg injury.England’s 33-man provisional squad:Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), James Trafford (Burnley).Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).Forwards: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), James Maddison (Tottenham), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).Elsewhere, new Bosnia boss Sergej Barbarez is expected to give captain Edin Dzeko a run out against England.However, former Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac will not feature after picking an injury in Atalanta’s shock Europa League win against Bayer Leverkusen.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhat are the odds?
      England to win 1/9
      Draw 13/2
      Bosnia & Herzegovina to win 14/1
      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication  More

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      Watch Thomas Muller leave message for Harry Kane as Germany team leave England’s luxury Euro 2024 camp

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      THOMAS MULLER hilariously left a message for Bayern Munich team-mate Harry Kane as the Germany squad vacated the hotel England will be staying in during the Euros.The FA have reportedly paid £800,000 for the luxury 94-room Weimarer Land Golf Resort and Spa south-east of Leipzig.Harry Kane will be handed a message in an envelope when he arrives at England’s Euros hotelCredit: GettyThomas Muller wrote ‘All the best’ on the back of a Polyroid of himselfCredit: Instagram / DFB-TeamHe gave a thumbs up to the camera after writing the messageCredit: Instagram / DFB-TeamHe showed that the envelope was for Bayern Munich team-mate Harry KaneCredit: Instagram / DFB-TeamMuller also showed that the Polyroid was of him winking and giving a thumbs upCredit: Instagram / DFB-TeamBut before Gareth Southgate’s men get settled into the accommodation, Julian Nagelsmann’s squad have spent five days there as they begin preparations for their home tournament.And Bayern legend Muller, 34, decided to have some fun with Three Lions captain Kane, 30, ahead of England’s arrival.Germany’s official Instagram account shared a video of Muller writing “All the best” and his signature on the back of a Polaroid of him winking and giving a thumbs up.He then popped the image in an envelope and put “Harry” on the front, before delivering it to reception.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlongside the clip, Germany added the caption: “Hey @england 👋 What‘s up @harrykane? ✌️”We just finished our 5 days in your future team basecamp here in Thuringia.”Great conditions, very friendly people, and sometimes it‘s even raining 🌧️ Sounds perfect, right? 😉”Have a good time here in Germany! See you at the Euros! 😎”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIf both Germany and England win their respective groups they cannot meet until the final.However, if Germany win their group and England finish runners-up then they will face off in a huge last-16 tie.Watch Harry Kane speak German for first time in Audi advert with Muller as fans say ‘does a Bafta count as a trophy?’The FA are pulling out all the stops with England’s accommodation in a bid to give them the best chance at this summer’s Euros.The resort includes a spa, gym, swimming pools, timber-lined rooms and suites, digital pads linked to phones to contact hotel staff, Michelin star chefs, and a bar.The England players’ partners are understood to be looking into staying at a five-star hotel 40 minutes away by car. More

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      Jack Grealish shows off famous calves after cutting short his and girlfriend Sasha’s holiday to join England training

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      JACK GREALISH showed off his bulging calves after cutting short his holiday with girlfriend Sasha Attwood to link up with the England squad.Grealish, 28, was having some down time following Manchester City’s FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United.Jack Grealish showed off his calves after reporting for England trainingCredit: Instagram @jackgrealishGrealish is keen to impress before Gareth Southgate trims his squadCredit: Instagram @jackgrealishGrealish has endured a difficult season with Manchester CityCredit: Instagram @jackgrealishSeven of England’s 33-man squad will be axed before the EurosCredit: Instagram @jackgrealishBoth the Man City and Man Utd players were not expected to report for international duty until next week.However, Grealish is keen to ensure he makes the cut when Gareth Southgate reduces the squad from 33 to 26 following the upcoming friendlies against Bosnia and Iceland.Grealish, who has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich, has endured a poor season with the Premier League champions as injury and inconsistent form have seen him rack up just three goals and three assists.But he appeared in buoyant mood after joining the England squad ahead of schedule as he smiled while sitting on the floor in a picture posted to social media on Friday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ex-Aston Villa ace gave fans a look at his huge calves in two pictures as he was also seen training alongside Tottenham playmaker James Maddison.Other snaps included him chatting with England team-mates Maddison and Declan Rice, while he was also pictured dribbling up against Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones.Grealish, who is being joined by John Stones, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw in reporting for England training early, faces stiff competition to make Southgate’s final squad – which will be submitted by midnight on June 7 and announced on June 8.Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer are expected to be certainties in the squad.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGrealish cut short his holiday with girlfriend Sasha AttwoodCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebeccaMeanwhile, forwards Grealish, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, Maddison, Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins are fighting to avoid the axe.Jeremy Doku has often been preferred to Grealish on the left-hand side of Man City’s attack this season.Watch scary moment Jack Grealish nearly FALLS OFF Man City title parade bus TWICE as he’s caught by team-mateBut last month Pep Guardiola defiantly insisted Grealish will re-discover his form.The Man City boss said: “He will be back.”He’s struggled this season and Jeremy has made an incredible step forward as everyone has seen in the last games.”But Jack will be back at the level of last season, I’m pretty sure.”Jack Grealish’s Euro 2024 place in jeopardyBy Martin Blackburn and Charlie Wyett
      JACK GREALISH is sweating on a Euro 2024 place after a nightmare end to the season.
      The £100million star celebrated Manchester City’s four-in-a-row title success on a bus parade yesterday.
      But now he is battling with Tottenham’s James Maddison to secure a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
      Cole Palmer, Jarrod Bowen and Anthony Gordon all look certain to go after excellent seasons with their clubs — while Bukayo Saka is guaranteed a spot.
      But Grealish, 28, has struggled  and his lack of match action for his club will be a big concern for the Three Lions boss.
      The former Aston Villa captain has featured in only one of City’s final five matches.
      That was a ten-minute run out in the 5-1 win over Wolves  this month.
      He was not thrown on at Wembley as the below-par champs desperately searched for a way back in to Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup Final defeat to rivals Manchester United.
      City boss Pep Guardiola explained his decision afterwards by admitting the attacker has “struggled” this season.
      He has challenged him to recapture the form from the back end of the 2022-23 season when he helped the club secure an historic Treble.
      Guardiola said: “He will be back. He’s struggled this season — Jeremy Doku has made an incredible step forward as everyone has seen in the last games.
      “But Jack will be back at the level of last season — I’m pretty sure.”
      READ THE FULL STORY HERE More

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      Jude Bellingham tipped to play in shock position for England at Euro 2024 by former Three Lions manager

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      FABIO CAPELLO has watched, managed and screamed at some of the best footballers in the world over the past 30 years.Franco Baresi, Marco van Basten, David Beckham, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Paolo Maldini, Ronaldo and Clarence Seedorf are just some of the legends who have come under his expert guidance.Jude Bellingham received the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year AwardOn Saturday night Bellingham will hope to lead Real Madrid to Champions League gloryCredit: GettyBellingham was watched at training at Wembley by parents Denise and MarkCredit: GettyThe Italian, 77, may have his detractors, particularly for his time in charge of England, but he knows a good player when he sees one.And he has been left mighty impressed by Jude Bellingham’s inaugural season with Real Madrid.The former Three Lions boss gushed: “He is really from a different world!“Because he has quality but also competitive strength. And this is a plus that he brings to the team.”Read more football newsCapello, known as a strict disciplinarian, had two successful spells at the Bernabeu – he won the La Liga title in 1997 and 2007 – and fully understands the pressure, expectation and chaos that surrounds that club.Bellingham wore a hefty price tag when he came over to Spain from Borussia Dortmund last year for £88.5million.Yet the 20-year-old wooed the home crowd by scoring 19 goals in 28 league appearances as Madrid clinched the Championship – excellent numbers for a midfielder.Three of those goals came in three clashes with rivals Barcelona, including a stoppage-time winner in a 3-2 victory last month in the Spanish capital.Most read in FootballCapello, who also managed AC Milan, Roma and Juventus, said: “Bellingham has surprised me.“Because normally the English have difficulty making an impact in the Spanish or Italian leagues when they’re away from home.England footie star Jude Bellingham’s new girlfriend is a lads’ mag pin-up in her native Netherlands“Probably because he was coming straight from Germany, Bellingham already understood a bit of the European mentality.“But he really impressed me with his will-to-win and how much he’s loved by Madrid fans.“At El Clásico, he lifted Madrid. There were two or three times when he won the ball by sliding and the whole stadium rose to applaud him.“This means true devotion to the team and being a leader. One can tell a leader by how they behave on the field.”Bellingham can announce him to a worldwide audience if he guides Madrid to Champions League glory on the Wembley turf against his former club on Saturday.Capello reckons the Stourbridge-born star could easily transform into a second striker in the coming years.And in terms of a comparison to someone he has coached in the past, a certain German World Cup-winning captain immediately springs to mind.Capello said: “Bellingham’s position is hybrid. And that’s why it’s difficult to compare him with other players.“But I think of Lothar Matthaus a long time ago, who was more or less like that.“When he’d get close to the penalty area he was good but he wasn’t as good within the penalty area.“And Bellingham – that’s the difference he makes. He’s good both in midfield, as he immediately gets where the match is headed to, and also inside the penalty area.“I think that’s the position he needs to play in. As a second forward.“He can inflict a lot of damage in that position because he has this ability to just penetrate the defence and find the right spots.“And he’s someone who also helps the team out. In my opinion, he can really inflict a lot of damage in that position. As a manager, that’s how I’d use him.”It is 30 years since Capello’s famous AC Milan team crushed Barcelona 4-0 in the Champions League Final in Athens – the pinnacle of his managerial career.His four-year tenure with England was a flop as they were humbled 4–1 by Germany in the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.Since then he has worked closely with the Laureus Foundation, a global sports-based charity that works to improve the lives of young people.He said: “The most important thing, as ambassadors and sportspeople, is we have to help.“We should do it with such great joy, because seeing children, people in need, playing sports and being involved, being united is a beautiful thing.“We are an example to children and young people. And by engaging with them, talking to them and listening to them, they can be a part of this solution.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s impactful and can make a difference, now and in the future.”Fabio Capello was speaking to the Laureus Spirit of Sport in Madrid as Jude Bellingham received the World Breakthrough of the Year AwardFabio Capello saw Bellingham on the red carpet of the Laureus Sports Awards in Madrid last monthCredit: EPA More

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      Dream Team Euros: France’s top stars, bargain options & players to avoid

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      FRANCE have made it to the final in three of the last four major international tournaments, with their World Cup triumph in 2018 being their crowning glory of recent times.With a squad rich in talent and depth, it’s generally expected that Les Bleus are serious contenders on the big stage and Euro 2024 is no different.Most bookies have Didier Deschamps’ side as close second favourites (behind England) this summer and Dream Team Euros managers will therefore be hopeful of bountiful points from their players – but who to select?Here we detail their top stars, bargain options and players to avoid.CLICK HERE TO PLAY DREAM TEAM’S EUROS FANTASY GAME NOW!Mbappe leads from the front in more ways than oneCredit: Dream TeamTOP STARSLet’s not pretend Kylian Mbappe (£7.5m) is anything other than the standout superstar in the player list.The electric forward is in the prime of his career at 25 years old and heads to Germany having plundered 44 goals from 48 games in his farewell season at PSG.He claimed the Golden Boot at the last World Cup with a dramatic hat-trick in the final and he’s scored a further ten goals in 11 appearances since then having been awarded the captain’s armband.Mbappe is the joint-most expensive player in the game but that hasn’t put gaffers off as he’s currently the only player who features in the majority of teams created (54.5% ownership).Most read in FootballNo defender costs more than Theo Hernandez (£5m) in our Euros fantasy game, which is a reflection of both France’s overall prospects and his individual quality .Only Portugal conceded fewer goals in qualifying than France and the 26-year-old played the full 90 minutes in all eight fixtures.The Milan left-back contributed five goals and 11 assists at club level in 2023/24 and many Dream Team bosses will remember his attacking contributions at the most recent World Cup – he even scored in the semi-final.Hernandez was among France’s best players in QatarCredit: GettyAntoine Griezmann (£6.5m) is arguably the player most emblematic of the Deschamps era and somebody who always seems to save his best form for major tournaments.The 33-year-old generally played as a striker for Atletico Madrid this season but he’s operated in a deeper role at international level for quite a while now, hence why we’ve categorised him as a midfielder.Naturally, he doesn’t score as many goals as he used to for France (just two in his last 26 caps) but he does pretty much everything else – it wouldn’t be a surprise if he earned more than his fair share of bonus points.BARGAIN OPTIONSSuch is France’s strength and depth, none of their players are priced below £3million and so there’s no outright bargain in the truest sense but there are some value-for-money options to mull over.Some gaffers may be surprised to learn that Adrien Rabiot (£3.5m) is now considered among Deschamps’ favourites and he is expected to get plenty of minutes in Germany.In terms of ability-to-cost ratio, Eduardo Camavinga (£3.5m) has to considered decent value in the mid range, especially with Real Madrid team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni (£3.5m) an injury doubt.The 21-year-old offers minimal attacking threat but it’s feasible he could tick over at a respectable rate through tackles and bonus points.EUROS SCORE PREDICTOR IS HERE! CLICK HERE TO PLAY FOR FREE – £5,000 PRIZE POT!Camavinga may have a big role to fulfil this summerCredit: AFPOne other thing to keep an eye on is the possibility of Marcus Thuram (£4m) usurping Olivier Giroud (£4.5m) to become first-choice striker.The 26-year-old contributed 29 goal involvements to Inter’s successful campaign and he’s featured in each of France’s last eight games in some capacity.Both Griezmann and Mbappe like to play with Giroud but the experienced target man is 37 years old and the last time he played 90 minutes at international level was against England in the World Cup quarter-final.It’s not unthinkable Thuram might jump up the pecking order, in which case his price tag of £4m would suddenly look very affordable.PLAYERS TO AVOIDAs we’ve made clear, France boast a strong squad and so there aren’t any perilous trapdoors that need signposting.However, Ousmane Dembele’s (£4.5m) ownership of 10.2% feels rather high.Dembele has bags of talent but his end product remains a concernCredit: GettyThe two-footed winger is capable of delivering massive returns if everything clicks but he can be frustrating player to watch at times – a return of three league goals this season for a player in his position at PSG is underwhelming.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe’s not assured of substantial minutes either as Kingsley Coman (£4.5m) and Randal Kolo Muani (£4m) are competitive options on the right wing.Elsewhere, 8.8% of Dream Team bosses have picked Benjamin Pavard (£3.5m) at the time of writing but the defender isn’t the lock he once was under Deschamps – he started just two of the qualifiers.Dream Team’s Nick Elliott previews this summer’s Euros fantasy game More