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      Gareth Southgate ‘considering shock Euro 2024 call-up for Championship star’ after glittering performances

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE is considering picking Brighton and Swansea keeper Carl Rushworth in his Euro 2024 squad, according to reports.The England boss, 53, has a number of fitness and selection concerns behind Three Lions No1 Jordan Pickford.Swansea keeper Carl Rushworth is on loan at Swansea from BrightonCredit: AlamyGareth Southgate is considering picking Rushworth in his Euros squadCredit: GettyThe Everton man’s deputy, Aaron Ramsdale, 25, has been dislodged in the Arsenal goal by David Raya.He has started just six Premier League games this season and was an unused substitute in England’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.Newcastle keeper Nick Pope, 31, has been sidelined since December with a dislocated shoulder.Sam Johnstone, 31, is expected to be out until the end of the campaign after undergoing elbow surgery.And Burnley man James Trafford, 21, recently lost his spot in Vincent Kompany’s side as the Clarets have begun starting Arijanet Muric.Now The Mirror are reporting Swansea man Rushworth, 22, is being considered for a shock place in Southgate’s Euros squad.The young shot-stopper, on loan from Brighton, is expected to win the Championship side’s player of the season award.He has started every one of Swansea’s league matches in the 2023/24 campaign and kept nine clean sheets.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRushworth has been superb for Swansea in the Championship this seasonIt comes after impressive loan spells with both Lincoln and Walsall.Rushworth, who is under contract with Brighton until 2027, has a strong list of attributes which are said to include “quick reflexes, calmness, and an ability to pass out from the back”.Die-hard England fan cuts message into grass for Southgate and Co ahead of Euro 2024 that can be seen from SPACEHe has played just once for England’s U21s – which came in June 2023 in a 2-0 defeat to Japan.He went to last year’s U21 Euros but did not feature in England’s triumphant campaign as Trafford proved to be the hero in between the sticks. More

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      ISIS issues chilling threat to Euro 2024 as German cops bust four teen terror suspects planning molotov & knife rampage

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      GERMAN police have arrested a warped cell of four teenage terror suspects planning an ISIS rampage with knives and molotov cocktails.It comes as security officials prepare for a possible ISIS attack on the Euro games in Germany this summer.Germany is on high alert ahead of ISIS threats to this summer’s EurosCredit: AlamyArmed cops outside a stadium in GermanyCredit: GettyA twisted ISIS poster shows an armed terrorist about to exit a German trainCredit: ISISA packed stadium in Dortmund, Germany this weekCredit: GettyFour young boys and girls were arrested near Dusseldorf by police after they discovered the group’s horrific plans, Bild reports.Investigators were appalled to find the teens, aged just 15-16, were in possession of a machete and dagger and were texting on a group chat about attacking German cities.Just days ago ISIS issued a disturbing threat to the Champions League matches held in London, Madrid and Paris.It’s warped PR arm sent out a poster which read “kill them all”, sparking major security operations at each stadium.A mammoth security operation was launched across Europe with armed cops, prowling bomb dogs and elite anti-terror units.While the games went ahead without a hitch, security officials in Germany have now been placed on high alert ahead of this summer’s major championship games.ISIS magazine Voice of Khorasan released a particularly disturbing issue filled with calls to action for extremists around the world.German officials believe they were directed at the upcoming UEFA tournament, Bild reports.Most read in FootballChilling graphics inside the publication included one of a terrorist holding a gun, kitted out in camouflage gear and poised to exit a German train.Next to him are signs that read: “Welcome to Europe” and “Last call before exit”.On the seat in front of him is a box of explosives.SITE Intelligence, which monitors global terrorist activity, also reported a pro-ISIS cell calling for drone strikes on the Champions League stadiums this week.An ISIS graphic showed a drone flying over the Madrid stadium with the caption: “If they constrict and oppress you on the ground, then strike them from the sky”.Text in the terrifying magazine reads: “Run over the kuffar (non-believers) with your vehicle, stab them with knives, fill their food with poison, blow out their brains with bullets, and set their houses on fire.”German officials believe ISIS-K, who carried out Europe’s deadliest Islamic extremist attack in Moscow just weeks ago, have a significant presence in Europe.They reportedly have a network of more than 100 agents in western Europe with 50 in Germany alone.One security official told Bild: “(This propaganda piece) shows that the ISPK absolutely wants to carry out sensational attacks, no matter how and by whom. “To this end, all potential attackers, including self-radicalised individual perpetrators, so-called lone wolves, are now being called upon to carry out attacks.”Some of the recent ISIS messaging has been aimed at young people in particular – like those in Germany this week.READ MORE SUN STORIESDortmund, Dusseldorf and Cologne were all floated as possible locations for the disturbing teen attack but no ironclad plan came of it before their arrest.The current terror threat level in Germany assumes an attack is “very likely”.Armed cops in London, Madrid and Paris were placed on high alert this week for the Championship League quarter-finals More

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      England games set to clash with over 7,000 weddings this summer – with most popular date landing on a major Euro match

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      ENGLAND games this summer are set to clash with over 7,000 weddings.The most popular date to tie a knot is predicted to fall on a major match between England and Denmark.7,000 couples could be tying a know on the day of a crucial England gameCredit: GettyFootball fans admit they would sneak away from a wedding to watch a matchCredit: PAEnglish team is expected to face Denmark on June 20 for the group stage of the European competition.But this June will not only kick off the start of UEFA Euro championship but also the most popular wedding season.June has always been known among brides as the best time to say “I do.”Statistician Ed Jefferson compiled data of which days had the highest wedding frequencies and set it side by side with England match dates in the previous years.read more on footballBased on his findings, he has revealed that more than 7,000 weddings might take place on the same day as an England game.Dream weddings could turn into a nightmare with guests enthralled by the football instead of the couple.About 80 per cent of future spouses are already anxious about their big day coinciding with an England match, according to a poll of 2,000 fans, commissioned by Snickers.Footy fans have even admitted that they would secretly watch a game during a wedding or constantly peak at their phone to check the score.Most read in FootballOne in ten would go as far as sneaking out to a pub during the nuptials as to not miss a minute of the match.Other fans (13 per cent) would encourage the couple to screen the game at the venue.UEFA Euro 2024: The glamorous life of WAGsSnickers could make that suggestion a reality as they offer a football screening room to one lucky couple if their wedding day lands on a key England game.Kerry Cavanaugh, from Snickers, said: “We all know that feeling of scoring an own goal, that moment of realisation when you’ve turned up at the wrong grounds or when you hear crowds cheering at a goal just as you’ve nipped to get a hot dog.“That’s why, this summer we are helping the out the nation’s fans by offering brides and grooms, whose wedding falls on an England game day, to win the ultimate screening room and avoid scoring an own goal on their big day.”Booking a wedding on a crucial matchday has been named one of the biggest “own goals” along with forgetting your tickets at home when you get to the stadium.Other “own goals” included missing a goal to get food and leaving early because they believe their team has lost only for them to tie.TOP-10 FOOTBALL OWN GOALS
      1. Leaving the tickets at home when arriving at the stadium2. Leaving early because they think the team as lost, only for them to equalise3. Missing a goal to get food/drink4. Missing a game altogether because they got the kick off time wrong5. Sleeping through a game6. Arriving late for a game7. Accidently wearing the same colours of the opposing team8. Booking a wedding on an important game day9. Accidentally planning a date on the same day as a key football match10. Sitting next to the fans playing drums More

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      England fans at Euros told by Uefa to book hotels on street with zombie drug addicts in ‘Germany’s biggest slum’

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      CLUELESS football bosses are advising England fans at the Euros in Germany to stay in an area plagued by violent drug addicts dubbed “zombies”.Uefa have earmarked hotels in Frankfurt’s railway station area, or Bahnhofsviertel, as the base for tens of thousands of Three Lions supporters.England fans have been urged to stay in areas of Frankfurt plagued by ‘zombie’ addictsCredit: Dan CharityAddicts make no attempt to disguise their drug use on the streetCredit: Dan CharityThe area has been branded ‘the most dangerous slum in Germany’Credit: Dan CharityThe area is so bad that road sweepers are given police protectionCredit: Dan CharityBut it has been branded “the most dangerous slum in Germany” — with its streets packed with 5,000 shuffling junkies and 300 dealers.Heroin and cocaine had been the traditional drugs of choice, but crystal meth and a new crack cocaine mixture has hit the streets.A drug aid worker said: “It’s mixed together differently. It makes them angrier.”Günter Tauber, former head of the command and situation service of the city police, said: “Aggression is increasing sharply. This new mixture causes users to lose control and they become more aggressive than ever.”READ MORE ON EUROSThe area is so bad that road sweepers are given police protection, two schools have begged for a dedicated security force and US firms have told employees to take taxis even for short trips.Peter Postleb, adviser to the mayor when Frankfurt was a World Cup city in 2006, said pimps and dealers were indiscriminate and would attack even in broad daylight next to packed cafes.The security consultant told The Sun: “I don’t think it’s OK of Uefa to make a recommendation for fans to stay in this area.“Passers-by walking through the Bahnhofsviertel have been robbed and threatened.Most read in Euro 2024“Crack users who take it for a long time, they all have some kind of damage in their psyche and are very aggressive.He added: “Situations can quickly escalate. As a passer-by, you ­unfortunately quickly come into conflict with the scene, which has become very aggressive. You are harassed and pushed.”UEFA Euro 2024: The glamorous life of WAGsMr Postleb said the area went downhill during the pandemic when businesses and bars closed, allowing more space for junkies and dealers to move in.He added: “Police are very aware of the problem. They have been carrying out raids recently, big raids, and the whole of Bahnhofsviertel has been cordoned off.“I have no doubt they will step it up before the tournament.”But they face a race against time — with Harry Kane and his teammates facing Denmark in a crucial group tie on June 20.Uefa advice tells fans: “You’ll discover a variety of accommodation in close proximity to the Central Station or throughout the entire Bahnhofsviertel area.The streets are packed with 5,000 shuffling junkies and 300 dealersCredit: Dan CharityThe area went downhill during the pandemic when businesses and bars closedCredit: Dan Charity“From here, you can easily and conveniently access other key transportation hubs within the city.“This makes Bahnhofsviertel an especially appealing choice if you’re considering trips to explore the city or its surroundings.”DAYTIME GUN FIGHTYet half of all the crimes in Frankfurt are committed on just three streets in the area, with four violent attacks every day.One video shows a man being shot during a daytime gun fight. In another, a pedestrian is knocked out with a single punch, then robbed of his wallet and possessions while he is sprawled on the ground.James Monks, organiser of the England Supporters Club’s West Midlands branch, has followed the official advice and booked a room in the area.The Wolves fan, 31, fumed: “It seems an odd decision from Uefa to recommend fans stay in such a dangerous area. I do wonder if Uefa executives will base themselves in Bahnhofsviertel!“Hopefully the authorities will clean up the area in time but it doesn’t sound good.“I just hope the thousands of England fans travelling to Germany remain safe.”It seems an odd decision from Uefa to recommend fans stay in such a dangerous area.Newcastle United fan David Airey, 39, a member of the England Supporters Travel Club, said: “Uefa must rectify their guidance immediately. As someone travelling to the Euros with my young son, it is worrying that Uefa are offering guidance without fully doing their research first.“Their naivety in this situation could put unsuspecting fans and families in danger. The first they realise there may be problems could be when they arrive.“By this time, it will almost certainly be too late to book somewhere else that is either available or not extortionately priced.”Politicians have described the area as “the open wound of Frankfurt”.Half of all the crimes in Frankfurt are committed on just three streets in the areaCredit: Dan CharityHeroin and cocaine had been the traditional drugs of choiceCredit: Dan CharityCornelia Bensinger, from the Pro Altstadt association, said: “The gateway to the city looks like ­Harlem in the 1970s.”A spokesman for the city said they would need until the end of the week to respond.But Frankfurt Chief Supt Björn Thies insisted: “The Frankfurt police are on duty around the clock in the Frankfurt railway station area with numerous police officers from various departments, both in uniform and in civilian clothes.“In addition to the daily presence, large-scale checks are carried out at regular intervals.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUefa said: “Accommodation options indicated on the event guide are aligned with the host ­cities and reflect the offers provided on all major accommodation booking platforms.“For any updates and further information, we also refer fans who plan to travel to Germany to the respective tourism pages of the respective cities or regions.”Uefa earmarked hotels in Frankfurt’s railway station area as the base for tens of thousands of Three Lions supportersCredit: GettyHarry Kane and his teammates face Denmark in a crucial group tie on June 20Credit: Getty More

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      England WAGs rich list reveals the stunning influencers raking it in as models & fashion moguls…including star worth £4m

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      THE England football stars are pocketing thousands a week but it seems their wives and girlfriends aren’t short of a bob or two in their own right.England’s WAGS are planning to splash £100k on private bodyguards for the Euros in Germany this summer, we revealed last week.Dani wins the influencer race and is worth £4m in her own rightCredit: InstagramThe star has a successful career on the small screenCredit: InstagramLed by Harry Maguire’s wife Fern and Megan Pickford, wife of goal-keeper Jordan, the group intend to share the cost of their own personal security team.Their decision comes after the Sun on Sunday revealed the threat of terror attacks at the Euros is feared by the German Government to be high.We’re sure they’re not going to have to look far to find some cash to pay their own hand-picked heavies, but how much are the WAGs worth in their own right?Some have amassed huge followings of their own on social media, with the possibility to earn thousands on a single post.READ MORE IN FEATURESThe amount they can earn – estimated by Influencer Marketing Hub – is dictated by how many followers they have, average likes and the reach of their account.With her celebrity upbringing, Dani Dyer, wife of West Ham ace Jarrod Bowen, is the overwhelming front runner on the Instagram front.But who else is raking it in on social media or with other personal projects?Dani Dyer, wife of Jarrod BowenOne of the most popular Love Island stars of all time, Dani Dyer, 27, is estimated to be worth more than £4m in her own right.Most read in Euro 2024Since her triumphant time in the villa in 2018, Dani has emerged an influencer, amassing a whopping 3.7 million followers on Instagram.TV personality Dani, the daughter of film and TV star Danny Dyer, married West Ham footballer Jarrod Bowen in 2021. Fans love Dani’s bubbly personality, down-to-earth attitude and humour.With her Instagram posts averaging 221.7k likes, Dani is allegedly able to demand a cool £5750 per paid post.UEFA Euro 2024: The glamorous life of WAGsThe mum-of-three will also be making a fair wedge with her recent collaboration with comfy clothing brand Lovall and also after being unveiled as an agony aunt for Netmums.Essex girl Dani has also written a book, appeared in an advert for washing powder Surf and made a podcast series with her famous dad.Records for her company, I Want It, I Got It, showed she earned £247,000 in the year to 2023.Katie Kane, wife of Harry KaneKatie is a qualified fitness instructorCredit: InstagramSports science graduate Katie has a successful career as a fitness instructor and also works closely with the Harry Kane Foundation, recently working on a children’s mental health school campaign with Bounce Forward.Katie and family are currently living in Germany as ex Tottenham star Harry is currently enjoying his first season with Bayern Munich.But it’s not known if Kate is currently working as a fitness instructor after the move abroad and recent birth of fourth child Henry.Katie has a large reach on Instagram with 294k followers and could potentially command an estimated £850 per paid Instagram if she wanted to.She and Harry were childhood sweethearts, with the emotional striker telling fans he had finally married his best friend in the summer of 2019.Sasha Attwood, girlfriend of Jack GrealishSasha is a model and had worked with many fashion brandsCredit: InstagramShe and Jack have been together since their teensCredit: Tim StewartStunning Sasha has been modelling since she was a teenager, with big-money contracts for clothing firms Boohoo, Lipsy and hair giant GHD already under her belt.The 28-year-old partner of Manchester City heartthrob Jack Grealish is also a popular influencer, regularly sharing skincare and make-up tutorial videos on Instagram with her 264k followers. It’s estimated Sasha can earn upwards of £700 for each sponsored Instagram post.The couple appear together at high profile events and have been muted as the new Posh and Becks after Jack was named an ambassador for Gucci.Sasha has been by Jack’s side throughout his career after meeting at school in Solihull when they were 15.Fern Maguire, wife of Harry MaguireFern is reported to have led the call for securityCredit: InstagramFern and Harry got married in 2022Credit: InstagramQualified physio Fern was awarded a first class honours degree in      Science and  Physiotherapy in 2017.Since then she’s also picked up 114k followers and emerged as an influencer due to her high-profile relationship with the England and Manchester United footballer.While also carving out her own physio career, Fern has been a rock to Harry as she’s helped support him through some tough moments.The 29-year-old has not updated her Instagram since last summer so she may be working on personal projects or simply enjoying motherhood.But her faithful following means Fern could still be earning approximately £300 per paid grid post.Olivia Naylor, girlfriend of John StonesOlivia is a beauty entrepreneurCredit: Instagram @olivianaylorShe has been dating the Man City star since 2019Credit: InstagramEntrepreneur Olivia has built up her own thriving beauty business, setting up the Olivia Naylor Clinic and also the Brow and Blade Academy. She is an eyebrow specialist and also a trainer for permanent make-up.Olivia has also branched out into fashion, and is involved with Moosh, a children’s clothing firm.While Olivia’s official clinic account has 41.2k followers and her Brow and Blade Academy page has 9.4k, her personal Instagram has just 4100 and it does not appear she does any paid posts.Olivia, who started dating Man City defender John in 2019, has a child from a previous relationship.Megan Pickford, wife of JordanMegan is married to goalie JordanCredit: InstagramMegan and Jordan pictured last year, before the birth of their second childCredit: Instagram / @meganpickford_Megan has a degree of Childhood Studies from the University of Sunderland but also has worked as a fashion model.Since giving birth to son Arlo George and daughter Ostara Haze the blonde Wag seems fulfilled with her life as a wife and mother of two.She has an impressive 113k followers on Instagram where she regularly shares pictures of her life as a wife and mother, often travelling to exotic locations. Her high stats indicate her estimated wealth per grid post could be £300. Aine May, long-term partner of Conor GallagherAine is a model and trained dancerCredit: InstagramAine moved to London from CorkCredit: InstagramGlamorous Aine moved to London to pursue a dream of becoming a professional dancer however plans changed when she was signed to Pulse model agency.She’s appeared in many fashion campaigns and has built up 53.3k followers on Instagram with her antics. It’s estimated Aine could make around £200 per paid Instagram post.The blonde, from Cork, is regularly in the crowd to watch Conor in action and will no doubt be cheering the Chelsea midfielder on in Germany.Lauren Fryer, girlfriend of Declan RiceLauren is Declan’s childhood sweetheartCredit: Lauren Fryer InstagramDeclan’s childhood sweetheart Lauren Fryer is a devoted mum to the couple’s son Jude.Not much is known about Lauren’s personal life since she keeps a very low profile.She is on social media but has never posted anything on her Instagram account, disappointing the 38.7k people who currently follow her page. If she ever did decide to share a paid post, it’s estimated Lauren could earn a potential £162 per post.No doubt she’ll be cheering Declan on and was seen with England flag face-paint at the Euros in 2021.Hannah Atkins, girlfriend of Trent Alexander-ArnoldHannah is a model and has been with Trent for four yearsCredit: BackGridModel Hannah is an up-and-coming star of the fashion industry, with previous collaborations with Boohoo and PrettyLittleThings.She’s been in a committed relationship with Liverpool defender Trent since 2020 and they are regularly spotted at high profile fashion events together.However despite her label as an influencer, stylish Hannah is low key on social media so her Instagram earnings are unclear.Anouska Santos, partner of Luke ShawAnouska has been with Luke since 2017Credit: InstagramThe couple now have three children, following the birth of a daughter two weeks agoCredit: INSTAGRAM @anouskasantosNot much is known about Anouska’s professional status, but she is currently enjoying life as a mum-of-three after the very recent arrival of her baby daughter.The 33-year-old, who went public with Luke in 2017, has amassed a following of 72.4k on Instagram by photos of her travelling experience, interior désign and other lifestyle content.Anouska could earn approximately £275 per post, judging by her number of followers and average reach.Manchester United star Luke is currently injured but one of the first names on the team-sheet when fit.Fingers crossed Luke and Anouska make it!Tolami Benson, Bukayo Saka’s partnerTolami is a fashion model with 39k followersCredit: InstagramMoney seems no issue for Saka’s long-term girlfriend Tolami Benson, 23, who regularly shares photographs of herself on holiday in far flung destinations.Fun-loving Tolami works as a fashion model and Instagram influencer, with a good engagement with her 39k followers, regularly attracting an average of 6000 likes per post.READ MORE SUN STORIESHer Instagram page doesn’t feature any photographs with Saka, but there are popular posts of Tomali wearing an Arsenal shirt.It’s estimated brands could pay her upwards of £220 per paid grid post as she shares photographs of herself living it up across the globe. Fair play! More

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      ITV in major broadcasting change as they hire legendary Sky Sports pundit for Euro 2024 coverage

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      GREAT Scot Graeme Souness will return to TV for Euro 2024.The pundit, who left Sky Sports last season, has been signed up by ITV and will start with Scotland v Germany on June 14.ITV have made a key hire for their Euros coverageCredit: PAGraeme Souness will join ITV’s punditry team this summerSouey recently returned to viewers’ screens with ITV for Liverpool’s trip to Manchester United in the quarter-final of the FA Cup last month.He appeared alongside his old sparring partner Roy Keane and Ian Wright for the channel.Souness never formally retired from punditry and declared himself “still very much open for business” after he left Sky.He did appeared for England’s clash with Scotland at Hampden Park last year, which England won 3-1.Read more football newsThe fixture was played to mark the 150th anniversary of the first international fixture.Souness also appears regularly on talkSPORT, as he vows not to give up on giving his opinions on the game.He told The Telegraph: “I will never retire.“I will be retired when the phone stops ringing. I know we have to be very careful with what words we choose now, but you must be as honest as you possibly can, consistently.Most read in Football”And just be real. That is becoming more and more difficult for the guys who are doing it now.”He disagreed with the notion that pundits should be required to have achieved it all in order to analyse the top level.Awkward moment Joe Cole’s jaw drops on Channel 4 as Graeme Souness calls current England crop the real Golden GenerationHe added: “That is like saying Arsene Wenger or Jose Mourinho shouldn’t have been great managers.“There are people I will listen to. There are people I think ‘no, you have nothing I’m going to learn from you at all’. That is only me.”Back in February, he told Simon Jordan on their podcast that his radio and charity work has kept him busier than ever. More

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      Joe Cole leaves out THREE massive names for his England Euro 2024 squad including Man Utd star and in-form striker

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      JOE COLE’S England squad includes Kobbie Mainoo- but NOT Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins or Jack Grealish.Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate is set to name a provisional squad on May 21.Joe Cole has pipped Ivan Toney to make the team ahead of Ollie WatkinsCredit: GettyThe ex-Chelsea defender believes Marcus Rashford could just miss out due to competition on the left wingCredit: GettyThe debate still remains whether there will be 26 or 23 players in squads for the tournament.But Southgate has a tough task on his hands in choosing the best forward players to bring to Euro 2024.And that is where Cole turned to when referencing THREE major names that he thinks should miss out on a spot on the plane to Germany.Speaking to promote the launch of the Topps official trading cards and stickers, Cole gave his squad predictions.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe ex- England defender said: “It sounds ridiculous but the character of the players comes into the thinking and what it means to them.”I’m a big fan of Rashford, he’s hit big heights in his career but for no fathomable reason he’ll go on a run where people start questioning him again. “For me, you only take Marcus if you’re going to start him. He’s at the age now that I think that’s where his mind is and I wouldn’t start him ahead of Phil Foden, Harry Kane or Bukayo Saka.”This is no defamation of his character and ability but at this time in his life and situation at United, I think he could be the one that’s left out. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERInjury ridden Jack Grealish wouldn’t make Cole’s team ahead of Bowen or GordonCredit: Getty”Also with Grealish, I love him, but how can you take him ahead of someone who is playing week in week out like a James Maddison or Jarrod Bowen who is doing it and who is match fit?”Grealish is perhaps the most surprising omission, but he has been limited to 15 Prem appearances for Manchester City this season due to injury.His groin problem caused him to miss out on the last England squad, with the likes of Bowen and Anthony Gordon pushing their cases for inclusion, while Cole Palmer remains an option.Another debate regarding the squad is who goes as back-up to Kane, with Southgate likely to take only one extra forward due to squad size restraints.Tom Barclay picks his England team for Euro 2024Watkins leads the way with 16 Prem goals this season but Toney’s physicality proved too strong for Cole.Cole said: “It’s the real tough one and I feel like one of them will be really disappointed and rightly feel hard done by.”Toney took his chance, not just with his penalty but the way he played too. Watkins had a harder task against Brazil.”I would go with Toney, he’s got the mindset and something in him that tells me he can play for England. “He’s not going to be panicking over a penalty, he’s the calmest man in the world and that comes into it too.”England will have to get past France to win 2024 More

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      Why is ‘Cristiano Ronaldo retiring’ trending now?

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      IT is no secret that Cristiano Ronaldo is nearing the end of his glittering career.The football legend – who has scored more official goals than any player in the sport’s history – is now 39 and in the twilight of his career.Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, has been in the goals for Al Nassr this season – but is nearing the end of his glittering careerCredit: ReutersWhy is ‘Cristiano Ronaldo retiring’ trending?Because of the forward’s age many fans have continued to wonder when Ronaldo will finally hang up his boots.With Euro 2024 this summer, and Ronaldo turning 40 in February 2025, many initially thought this tournament could be the perfect swansong for the Portuguese superstar.Moving to Saudi Arabia, which many see as a ‘retirement league’ despite the host of stars that have flocked to the Gulf on mega wages, has only increased talk that the end is approaching.Ronaldo throwing his support behind the campaign to bring the World Cup to Saudi Arabia also had fans questioning his future.READ MORE CRISTIANO RONALDOHowever, it does not appear likely – at this point – that Ronaldo is going anywhere any time soon.Al-Nassr are still competing at the top of the Saudi Pro League and Ronaldo has been in exceptional form this season.The Manchester United legend has scored an incredible 42 goals in 41 games in all competitions so far this season and is the top scorer in the league.His 29 goals in 24 league matches place him ahead of much younger stars such as Aleksandar Mitrovic, Talisca, Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema and Riyad Mahrez.Most read in FootballCristiano Ronaldo goal record

      GOALS
      Club

      Sporting (2002-03) – 31 games, 5 goals
      Manchester United (2003-09) – 292 games, 118 goals
      Real Madrid (2009-18) – 438 games, 450 goals
      Juventus (2018-22) – 134 games, 101 goals
      Manchester United (2021-23) – 54 games, 27 goals
      Al Nassr (2022-present) – 60 games, 56 goals

      International

      Portugal (2003-present) – 206 games, 128 goals

      CAREER TOTAL = 1,217 games, 885 goals
      *totals correct as of April 3, 2024

      His current contract with Al Nassr also runs until June 2025.With the Real Madrid and Juventus icon earning a reported $215million (£170m) every YEAR he is unlikely to break the contract and leave that much cash on the table.When will Cristiano Ronaldo retire?Ronaldo previously stated he will play until he is at least 40 and then see how he is feeling physically after that.But those plans may well change given how dominant he continues to be – not only in the Saudi Pro League but at international level.Cristiano Ronaldo led Manchester United to the 2008 Champions League and scored 145 goals in two spells for the clubCredit: GettyHe has scored 10 goals in his last 10 Portugal matches and, remarkably, is one of the bookies’ favourites for the Golden Boot at Euro 2024.Ronaldo already has the most international caps in the history of the game – and is the only player with more than 200 appearances for his country.He is also the all-time leading scorer in both international play and overall.Ronaldo’s total tally in all competitions stands at a staggering 885 – more than 50 ahead of closest rival Lionel Messi.The forward may think that an unprecedented 1,000 goals is in his sights.He currently has 885 goals – at the time of writing – leaving him 115 away from four figures. Having scored 47 goals for club and country so far in 23-24, it would only take another two or three seasons to reach the 1,000-goal mark.The most recent reports indicate that Ronaldo is interested in extending his Al Nassr contract until 2027.Cristiano Ronaldo trophy haul
      Manchester United

      Premier League – 2007, 2008, 2009
      Champions League – 2008
      FA Cup – 2004
      League Cup – 2006, 2009
      Club World Cup – 2008

      Real Madrid

      LaLiga – 2012, 2017
      Champions League – 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018
      Copa del Rey – 2011, 2014
      Club World Cup – 2014, 2016, 2017

      Juventus

      Serie A – 2019, 2020
      Coppa Italia – 2021

      Al Nassr

      Arab Club Champions Cup – 2023

      Portugal

      European Championships – 2016
      Nations League – 2019

      Individual (select)

      Ballon d’Or – 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017
      Fifa World Player of the Year – 2008
      La Liga Best Player – 2014
      Serie A Footballer of the Year – 2019, 2020
      Premier League Player of the Season – 2007, 2008

      That would give him at least another two seasons at club level and put him in the frame to play at the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.Ronaldo has only reached as far as the semi-final stage in five World Cup appearances – he may want one final crack at the Jules Rimet trophy, especially having spent much of the 2022 tournament on the bench.What has Ronaldo said about retirement?Ronaldo has kept pretty tight-lipped about his retirement plans, earlier this year joking that he will play on for another decade.He said: “At the moment when I finish I don’t know to be honest”Of course it will be soon. By soon I mean 10 years more. “I’m joking! I don’t know, let’s see.”Cristiano Ronaldo may want one last crack at the 2026 World Cup – the only title Lionel Messi has over him in the GOAT debateCredit: AP:Associated PressSpeaking before the last World Cup, he also didn’t think that winning a World Cup would have an impact on the GOAT debate with Messi.”Even if I win the World Cup that will continue.”Some people like me more, some less. It’s like in life, some like blondes, some like brunettes.”I have always had to show what I can do year after year. I would love to win this tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m ambitious but if you tell me I won’t win any more tournaments I would still be happy given all I have won.”In the history books all other records will be there. But obviously a World Cup on the shelf wouldn’t be bad. It would be a dream.” More