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      England set for Euro 2024 boost with Southgate expected to have rule change request granted despite rivals’ objections

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      GARETH Southgate is set to be able to pick a 26-man squad for Euro 2024.But Uefa chiefs remain split on changing tournament rules at virtually the last minute.Gareth Southgate has been handed a major boost ahead of the EurosCredit: GettyAnd now a final decision will be made by the ruling executive committee in the next few days.Euro chiefs had planned on reverting to 23 man parties for the tournament which kicks off in Munich in June.But pressure from a number of national team coaches saw the matter put back on the agenda earlier this month.And now Uefa’s national competitions committee has “narrowly” backed the proposal to revert to the extended squads that were allowed at both the delayed Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe extended squads were introduced as a response to the Covid pandemic, with national coaches fearful that an outbreak of the virus could leave them short of numbers for matches.Uefa had decided to return the traditional smaller squads for this summer’s event.But a number of national coaches had urged a rethink, citing the sheer number of injuries sustained by players this season.Opposition to the move has been by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann and France’s Didier Deschamps.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDespite that, Uefa chiefs agreed a u-turn on the initial ruling although the lack of unanimity means it is not certain to be adopted by the executive committee – who will make the final call in video conference in the next few days.If they agree, it means Southgate and the other Euro 2024 coaches will have more options in their squad selection. England football fans put up in zombie townsWhile Southgate has long been a proponent of smaller squads, he was without skipper Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and other players for last month’s friendlies with Brazil and Belgium.The England boss was not leading the call for larger squads but is understood to feel that it was not a problem if he was allowed to select 26 instead of 23.Southgate will want the confirmation that all 15 players not selected in his starting side will be able to sit on the bench, as happened in Qatar.During Euro 2020, by contrast, three players had to be omitted from the match-day squad.Southgate has been planning to select a larger provisional squad next month before whittling down to 23 on the June 7 deadline.But the change in regulations, if confirmed, may see the England boss instead name a 26 with some standby players, giving everybody more certainty.If the extension is approved , it is likely that the larger squads will now become the norm for Uefa national competitions – although Fifa may revert to 23 for the 2026 World Cup. More

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      Former England boss Fabio Capello says ‘fear’ will end Euro 2024 dream as he identifies player as the weakest link

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      FABIO Capello claims “fear” could end England’s Euro 2024 dream – as he identified Jordan Pickford as the weakest link.Former Three Lions chief Capello has not forgiven the FA for forcing him out over the John Terry racism row in 2012.Fabio Capello claims ‘fear’ could impact England’s Euro 2024 campaignCredit: GettyCapello spent five years as England bossCredit: AP:Associated PressAnd while the Italian believes Gareth Southgate has “the best midfielders and forwards” of any squad in Germany this summer, he expects England to “freeze” under pressure once again.Capello, speaking at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, said: “I like England. Their midfielders and forwards are the best – Bellingham, Kane, Saka.“The problem is defending and the keeper.“At centre-back they are weak, not at the same level as the rest of the team.Read More on Football“So I have my doubts about the central defenders and Pickford, the goalkeeper.“Sometimes he can be good. But for a defence to be good it needs to have confidence in the keeper.“I have watched him in games, like the Euro 2020 Final, and after 20 minutes he just kept on kicking it long.“It was as if he didn’t want the ball to be near him and just wanted it as far away as possible.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCapello has identified Jordan Pickford as a weaknessCredit: AlamyCapello, a Laureus ambassador, added: “The problem for England is that when they arrive at the moment to win they play with fear.“It’s the fear. It’s the fear.Premier League icon, 39, will ‘never forget’ Carragher’s behaviour on England duty – leaving Richards stunned“When you get to the very important trophies you miss something. That is the fear that freezes the team and it happens very often with England.“It is this history of not winning. It is a monkey on their backs.“My team was really good in the qualifying campaign and won many games but when we arrived in South Africa for the 2010 World Cup they were another team.“They were tired because it was the end of a long season and the players had had too many games.“Every game in England you have to be strong and fight, it is so physical. The teams have to run and run  so when they arrive at a tournament they are not the same players“They are tired and then they play without confidence.” More

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      Tottenham suffer huge blow to top-four hopes with Udogie ‘out for three months after surgery and will miss Euro 2024’

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      TOTTENHAM have suffered a huge blow to their Champions League aspirations as Destiny Udogie is out for the rest of the season.The Italian is also set to miss this summer’s Euros.Destiny Udogie has undergone surgeryCredit: Instagram / @udogiethreeHe is expected to miss the rest of the season and the EurosCredit: Instagram / @udogiethreeUdogie’s injury is a huge blow for SpursCredit: AlamyUdogie revealed on Instagram that he has undergone surgery on an injury.He did not specify what the problem was.Udogie posted snaps from his hospital bed with friends and family by his side.The left-back wrote: “An injury brings my season to an early end. It doesn’t take away from how grateful I am to every person that has supported me this year.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUdogie is set to be sidelined for three months, according to reports from Fabrizio Romano.It is devastating news for Spurs and could damage their fight for a top-four spot.Ange Postecoglou’s side are fifth in the table – three points behind fourth placed Aston Villa.Udogie joined Tottenham in the summer of 2022 and was immediately loaned back to Udinese for the rest of the season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut finally getting his chance in the Premier League this term, he has impressed and featured 30 times in all competitions.Udogie’s form saw him earn his first call-up to the Italy squad back in October.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersHe has since earned three international caps – but Luciano Spalletti’s side are set to be without him at the Euros as they face Albania, Spain and Croatia in the group stage. More

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      ‘Not gonna happen’ – Gus Poyet rules out Republic of Ireland job after heartbreaking end to Greece stint

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      GUS POYET confirmed he will not be taking over as Republic of Ireland manager and stated he is now a free agent as there is “absolutely nothing” going on between him and Greece.Poyet took over as the Greek national team’s manager in February 2022 and went on to win his Nations League group, which earned his team promotion to League B and a place in the Euro 2024 play offs.Gus Poyet confirmed he will not be taking over as Republic of Ireland managerCredit: EPAPoyet also confirmed there is ‘absolutely nothing’ going on with Greece after his contract endedCredit: SportsfileThe Tottenham legend then went on to beat Ireland twice in the European championships’ qualifying stage but finished third in Group B behind France and the Netherlands.The Uruguayan tactician then led Ethniki to a stunning 5-0 win over Kazakhstan in the Euros’ play-off semi-finals but lost the final to Georgia on penalties.The Chelsea legend is now officially a free agent as his contract with Greece ran out on March 31 and no efforts were made to extend his stay.Reports suggest the Republic have been wanting the 56-year-old to take over the top job since Stephen Kenny’s departure in November after his impressive work against them in the group stage.Read More on FootballIt was also reported that the ex-Brighton boss had been courted for a long time with the Football Association of Ireland looking to take advantage of his bizarre contract length that ran out before Euro 2024.However, the former Sunderland manager insists a deal between him and Ireland is “not gonna happen” and the links were baseless, just like they were with other big names.Poyet told SunSport on behalf of Dailybase: “There is nothing, it’s not gonna happen. So there is really no comments to make. “I will compare to [something] similar. I remember last November or December so many people from England were contacting me [asking me if] I was going to Plymouth.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Because when betting [sites] put it [my name] at the top up there… I don’t know how many coaches were already practically [a] done [deal] with Republic of Ireland. “Apart from me, it was Roy Keane, it was a [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer, it was Paul Clement, it was John O’Shea. They were all done. And nobody’s done.Gus Poyet explains why Arsenal are not out of Prem title hunt after Aston Villa heartbreak”So that will happen with the betting [sites]. Okay, we have to be honest, sometimes they’re right. But no, there is no possibility.”Reports in Greece suggested there is still a chance Poyet would sign a new deal with the national team despite missing out on a place in Germany.However, the former midfielder is adamant there has been no communication with the Greek football federation.Poyet added: “Simple, there is nothing at the moment. There’s nothing, I finished my contract last month and that’s it, there is nothing else. “So right now I’m free meeting people, analysing football, keep learning. Waiting. Always talking to different possibilities. “No offers, possibilities. But with Greece right now there is absolutely nothing.” More

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      Euro 2028 stadium lies in ruins just four years before UK and Ireland host with weed-covered ground ‘£230m over-budget’

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      A FOOTBALL stadium set to be used for Euro 2028 is yet to be fully funded.Casement Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is set to undergo a major redevelopment in preparation for the tournament.Casement Park is set to be redeveloped for Euro 2028Credit: PacemakerThe stadium has been unused for over 10 yearsCredit: PacemakerThe redevelopment is expected to cost around £308mCredit: PacemakerHowever, the estimated cost has increased to £308million – £230m more than the initial projection. The original cost of rebuilding the stadium 10 years ago was estimated to be around £77.5m.But at present there is not a funding package in place to pay for the works.Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris has pledged £62.5m, with the Irish government promising £42.8m and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) offering £15m.Read More on FootballHowever, that amounts to less than half of the overall estimated cost.The UK government is allegedly prepared to contribute, but it is yet to give an exact figure.Casement Park has been left unused for over 10 years and it currently lies overgrown.However, there are plans in place to turn it into a 34,500-seater stadium in time for Euro 2028.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe planned stadium will be primarily used for gaelic games with the option of playing other sports too, including football and rugby.Wembley Stadium, Hampden Park, Villa Park, the Aviva Stadium and Everton’s new ground are all among the proposed locations for Euro 2028.Inside England’s stunning Euro 2024 hotel with golf course, spa and robot More

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      ‘I’m a big fan’ – Steve Bruce picks ‘great lad’ he managed that must ‘be on the plane’ to Euro 2024

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      STEVE BRUCE insists Jack Grealish must be on the plane for England’s adventure at Euro 2024, insisting the Manchester City star is a “great lad.”Grealish, 28, was one of Pep Guardiola’s top players last season as City scooped a historic Treble.Steve Bruce insists Jack Grealish must go to the Euros with England this summerCredit: GettyThe pair worked together for two years at Aston VillaCredit: ReutersBut the winger has played a lesser role this term after being hit by injury issues.Grealish has clocked up just 17 Premier League appearances while contributing only three goals.And doubts have been cast on his spot in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for this summer’s Euros in Germany.City teammate Phil Foden, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka look nailed on to start in an attacking three behind Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMeanwhile, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon and West Ham’s Jarred Bowen have all enjoyed excellent seasons.Versatile Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is also hoping to get on the plane with Tottenham’s James Maddison, as is underperforming Manchester United star Marcus Rashford.And with just 23 places up for grabs, which includes three goalies, defence-heavy Southgate will be forced to make some tough phone calls.However, former Premier League manager Bruce reckons 35-caps Grealish is more than deserving of a spot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe pair worked together at Villa for two years from October 2016.And those seasons saw Grealish mature from precocious playmaker to one of Villa’s main leaders.Jack Grealish’s dog did ‘the biggest s***’ on Man City’s training pitch as England star reveals unusual habitsBruce reckons those qualities makes his former player a shoe-in, as being part of a tournament squad is more than just about talent.Even still, Bruce adds that Grealish still has skills other England players can only dream about, and he must get the nod from Southgate at the end of the season.Bruce told talkSPORT: “For me, yes. I’m going to (take him) because I’m a big admirer of Jack having worked with him.“Especially in a competition when you’re away for six weeks, you need someone like Jack to have him around the place.“It’s not just his football ability but his personality, the way he is and the way he is around the group.“He’s great fun and a really great lad and of course, the kid can play and offer something different which obviously others can’t, in my opinion.“For me, he’s got to be on the plane.”Steve Bruce’s managerial careerThose numbers in full:

      Sheffield United, 1998-1999: P55 W22 D15 L18

      Huddersfield Town, 1999-2000: P66 W25 D16 L25

      Wigan, 2001: P8 W3 D2 L3

      Crystal Palace, 2001: P18 W11 D2 L5

      Birmingham, 2001-2007: P269 W100 D69 L100

      Wigan, 2007-2009: P68 W23 D17 L28

      Sunderland, 2009-2011: P98 W29 D28 L41

      Hull, 2012-2016: P201 W82 D44 L75

      Aston Villa, 2016-2018: P102 W46 D25 L31

      Sheffield Wednesday, 2019: P18 W7 D8 L3

      Newcastle, 2019-2021: P97 W28 D28 L41

      West Brom, 2022: P32 W8 D12 L12 More

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      Cops raid Germany’s biggest slum ‘Zombieland’ in frantic bid to clean up hellhole ahead of England’s Euros visit

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      GERMAN cops raided Frankfurt’s ‘Zombieland’ drugs slum in a frantic bid to clean up the hellhole area before England’s Euros visit.Scores of officers descended on the crime-ravaged Bahnhofsviertel district – two days after The Sun revealed how clueless UEFA recommended it as a base for thousands of travelling Three Lions fans.Cops descended on crime-ravaged Bahnhofsviertel district in FrankfurtCredit: BILD FotoserviceThe operation saw cops in bulletproof vests storm the area, arresting dozens of dealersCredit: BILD FotoserviceThe dangerous area in Frankfurt is plagued by ‘zombie’ drug addictsCredit: Dan CharityThe streets are packed with 5,000 shuffling junkies and 300 dealersCredit: Dan CharityFrankfurt’s railway station area is known as the “most dangerous slum in Germany” – with its streets packed with 5,000 junkies and 300 dealers.The no-go zone is so dangerous that kids are escorted to schools and even road sweepers receive police protection.Officials in the city are desperate to clear up the district before Euro 2024 kicks off in two months – with England playing Denmark on June 20.The major operation last Wednesday saw cops in bulletproof vests storm the station district, arresting dozens of dealers.more on Euro 2024 Pictures show suspects pinned to the ground while having their bags searched for drugs and weapons during the hours-long raid.Others were patted down against walls and were ordered to take off their shoes to check for concealed bags of crack cocaine.,Dozens were said to have been handcuffed and arrested – with local brothels also raided by cops.According to German newspaper Bild, more than 10,000 people have had their details checked by cops in the station area since February.Most read in Euro 2024Five Euros clashes will be played in Frankfurt – and most football fans will arrive at Frankfurt Central Station in the heart of the drugs slum.The Sun revealed last week how tournament organiser UEFA had used its official tournament app to suggest fans STAY in the dangerous district for the crucial group tie with Denmark.Adidas unveil Germany Euro 2024 kitHalf of all the crimes in million-strong Frankfurt are committed on just three streets in the station district – with four violent attacks taking place every day.The area is SO packed with dangerous drug addicts, US companies have banned their employees from walking along them.Politicians have described the violent area – riddled with traditional drugs like heroin and cocaine but also zombifying crystal meth – as “the open wound of Frankfurt”Cornelia Bensinger from the Pro Altstadt association said: “You almost have to be ashamed to be from Frankfurt  And now the gateway to the city looks like Harlem in the 1970s.”The crackdown by cops comes as authorities race to clean up the district, recommended by UEFA as a place for fans to stay.The footballing governing body was condemned by fans after official advice describing Behnhofsviertel as “an especially appealing choice if you’re considering trips to explore the city or its surroundings.”Addicts make no attempt to disguise their drug use on the streetCredit: Dan CharityHeroin and cocaine had been the traditional drugs of choice for addicts in the areaCredit: Dan CharityThe area has been branded ‘the most dangerous slum in Germany’Credit: Dan CharityHalf of all the crimes in Frankfurt are committed on just three streets in the areaCredit: Dan CharityIt is so bad that road sweepers are given police protectionCredit: Dan CharityThe area went downhill during the pandemic when businesses and bars closedCredit: Dan CharityUefa earmarked hotels for tens of thousands of Three Lions supporters attending games at the Deutsche Bank Park stadium, pictured, home of Eintracht Frankfurt More

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      BBC in major broadcasting change for Euro 2024 with England games affected

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      ALAN SHEARER revealed he will be co-commentating during England’s matches at Euro 2024 this summer.This marks a massive change by the BBC as Shearer wasn’t part of the channel’s commentary team during Euro 2020 and instead worked as a pundit.Alan Shearer will be co-commentating England’s Euro 2024 gamesCredit: GettyHowever, the 53-year-old, who amassed 30 goals in 63 caps with the Three Lions, appears to have jumped the gun during the latest episode of The Rest is Football podcast.The Newcastle legend joined Gary Lineker as well as Micah Richards and the trio were asked to rank their various TV roles of presenter, pundit, commentator and co-commentator from hardest to easiest.That led to yet another hilarious banter segment that seems to have set the scene for BBC’s coverage of the Euros.Each TV personality issued various different responses but Richards insisted co-commentators need to work mostly on instinct.Read More on FootballThat was when Shearer quipped: “Does that mean I will be getting hammered for doing the co-comms in the England games in the Euros?”Richards jokingly responded: “100 per cent.”And Lineker added: “I must say, you have actually been pretty good so far.”But that obviously could go wrong…”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat was when the whole panel, including Shearer, laughed their socks off.The Premier League record goalscorer mostly conducts studio punditry but has experience on commentary.Alan Shearer congratulates Ireland star Sammie Szmodics after reaching 30-goal landmark for Blackburn RoversAnd now it seems like the legendary striker will be calling the action during England’s bid of winning their first trophy since the 1966 World Cup.The BBC are yet to announce their presenter and punditry lineup for the Euros.Shearer will be covering England’s bid of winning their first trophy since 1966 More