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      Euro 2024 pitch labelled ‘a disgrace’ two months before tournament as star says ‘I was slipping with every move’

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      A PITCH set to be used for this summer’s European Championships has been branded “dangerous” and “a disgrace” just months before the tournament start date.Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank Park played host to Germany’s international friendly against Netherlands on Tuesday.Jamal Musiala was one of several players affected by the pitchCredit: RexJamal Musiala branded the pitch as ‘dangerous’Credit: GettyDeutsche Bank Park is set to host five Euro 2024 gamesCredit: ReutersSeveral players complained about the surface, arguing it was far too slippery.German internationals Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz were among those who slipped several times as Julian Nagelsmann’s side clinched a 2-1 win.Musiala was heavily critical of the pitch at full-time, saying: “I felt like I was slipping with every move. I do a lot of turns, so it has to be a bit stable. It can be a bit slippery, but it’s dangerous as it is.”Germany boss Nagelsmann went one step further by branding it “a catastrophe”.READ MORE ON EURO 2024According to BILD, Frankfurt were forced to change the turf at Deutsche Bank Park in November due to irreversible damage caused by two successive NFL games.The club neglected the chance to put down a new hybrid surface and instead opted for a completely natural turf.However, the winter weather had a terrible effect on it.The pitch has been deemed far too slippery and dangerous by several players, managers and physios.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReferee Felix Brych suffered an ACL tear while officiating a match between Frankfurt and Stuttgart at the stadium after the new turf was installed.There is now a feeling among fans that the pitch could be a cause for concern with Euro 2024 fast approaching.Gareth Southgate looks ahead to his provisional Euro 2024 squad after suffering England injury blowDeutsche Bank Park is set to host five European Championship games this summer.But stadium manager Patrik Meyer insists there is nothing to worry about.He told BILD: “Our grass will be great in May and June.”Germany kick off the tournament on June 14 against Scotland at the Allianz Arena. More

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      ‘Very grumpy’ James Maddison sends message to Gareth Southgate after inspiring England’s late comeback against Belgium

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      JAMES MADDISON has told Gareth Southgate: Play me more often and I’ll give you  game-changing moments.The Tottenham midfielder came on as a late sub and teed up Jude Bellingham for England’s last-gasp equaliser in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Belgium.Maddison has called on Gareth Southgate to give him more game timeCredit: GettyAnd Maddison is adamant he can have the same impact at Euro 2024 — if Three Lions manager Southgate lets him have the opportunity.Maddison was frustrated not to play in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against Brazil and said: “I know the quality that I have — and that can help this team, most definitely.“You’ve got to show it and you’ve also got to have the opportunity  to show it.“I didn’t feature in the first game, which was disappointing because I wanted to play in a big game at Wembley.READ MORE ON ENGLAND“Against Belgium, I came on and made an impact. I’m showing him what I’m capable of and I just want to show more of that.”Maddison is able to cope better at being left on the bench now he is older.But he admitted growing impatient as he saw gaps open up during the Belgium game before his introduction with 16 minutes to go.The playmaker said: “I’m very, very, very grumpy but once you accept the fact you’re on the bench . . . Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I’m experienced now, I’m 27. On the odd occasion when I was younger, I’d be sulking, I’d be moody, probably not go about it the right way as a teenage James Maddison.“Now I’m older, I just assess the game and see where I can have an impact.James Maddison had to look up new Tottenham signing on YouTube before he became ‘best in his position in league’“Watching on the side, I could see there was quite a lot of space between the lines, where I like to play, so I was thinking, ‘Come on, Gareth . . . there’s a lot  of space’.“I knew I’d be able to have an impact.”Maddison is even hungrier to make his mark at Euro 2024 after going to the World Cup in Qatar but not playing a single minute.He said: “That was a very difficult time, what people don’t see behind the curtain.“I had an injury that I just couldn’t shake off. I got myself back training after the group stages but I wasn’t really right.“I was so disappointed, because going to a major tournament with your country is the pinnacle and you want to impact.“I’m hungry to get there now.”As for England’s chances in Germany this summer, Maddison knows they will have to show more than they did in this month’s two Wembley friendlies.But he is taking comfort from how he and Southgate’s makeshift team kept going on Tuesday to prevent the Three Lions  suffering back-to-back defeats at Wembley for the first time since 2013.Maddison has recently recovered from injury for SpursCredit: GettyMaddison said: “It’s a lot better than two defeats — but still not probably quite good enough.“Two home games at Wembley, coming away with what would be one point, that is not enough for us.“I think we are ranked third in the world. We need a bit more.“It’s always difficult with friendlies. We’ve had a lot of injuries as well, the team is very mix and match, a lot of players and partnerships who haven’t played together. It’s not an excuse.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The positive coming out of it is the character we showed to keep going until the very last minute and score right at the end.“That is going to be massive in tournament football.” More

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      Gareth Southgate to break England regulars’ hearts with Euro 2024 squad as Mainoo, Toney, Rashford and Co lie in wait

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      HE has plunged the knife into an England regular on more than one occasion and is ready to do so again.As he prepares for Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate faces a number of selection issues, regardless of whether Uefa allows him to select a 23 or 26-man squad.Gareth Soutgate could break hearts with his England squad for Euro 2024Credit: GettyKobbie Mainoo staked his claim for selection in Tuesday’s draw with BelgiumCredit: GettyEither way, it is a tournament the England manager has to win. This is the new Golden Generation and this one must deliver.  Southgate possesses a reputation for sticking with his favourites while refusing to pick players on form. Yet the dramatic elevation of Kobbie Mainoo — and Ivan Toney’s selection after his betting ban — is proof that there is recognition and reward for those who tear it up in the top flight.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSIn contrast, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Jack Wilshere, Chris Smalling and Dele Alli will testify that Southgate can be a smiling assassin with little regard for big reputations and often there is NO way back.There is sometimes a chance of salvation. John Stones (16 months) and Kyle Walker (15 months) were both bombed out of the England squad for long periods and had to fight incredibly hard to get back into the reckoning.Even so, Raheem Sterling looks stuffed for the Euros, even though he was England’s best player at the same tournament three years ago and has a wealth of experience with 82 caps.And this is a warning as to why both Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish need to sort themselves out and end the seasons with a flourish.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEven with a squad of 26, there is absolutely no guarantee both players will be on that plane to Germany on Monday June 10.Rashford has to seriously raise his game. He has scored 17 goals in 60 games for England but remains infuriatingly inconsistent and previously irked Southgate by the number of times he has pulled out of squads.England 2 Belgium 2: Jude Bellingham’s last-gasp leveller saves Gareth Southgate’s blushes after lacklustre displayAlthough he suffered a poor start to the season with Manchester United, Rashford played well in the 3-1 win at Scotland in September and scored against Italy in the 3-1 triumph in October.Since then, Rashford continued to struggle for United and let himself down with an unauthorised trip to Belfast in January which included a 12-hour Tequila bender. Southgate would have been both concerned and hugely unimpressed.Rashford was a 75th-minute substitute in the 1-0 loss to Brazil, missed an easy header and remained on the bench for Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Belgium.Afterwards, when quizzed about Rashford, Southgate did his trick of switching the conversation to other players. It is something he has done in the past when looking to avoid speaking about a certain individual.Asked whether this was a missed camp for Rashford, Southgate said: “Well, I wanted to see Anthony Gordon. I think he’s been excellent for his club. And Marcus got on in the first game.“But I wanted to see Gordon again. I thought James Maddison coming on would be able to have an impact and, of course, Jarrod Bowen has also had a really good camp.“So there’s competition for places. And it’s a bit of a shame that Cole Palmer missed so much training that we weren’t able to put him into the game against Belgium. I wouldn’t rule Cole out of that equation, either.”Grealish, who has not been great for Manchester City, missed the two friendlies following a groin problem.Jordan Henderson’s experience should be enough to get him on the planeCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford’s place in the squad is far from guaranteedCredit: GettySouthgate, though, spoke about the former Aston Villa hero with enthusiasm.He said: “He’s definitely not out of the picture.“I spoke to him before I named the squad.“I didn’t think he was physically ready. He was back into training but I didn’t think for these games he was going to be at a physical level to be able to compete.“But as I said when I named this squad, Gordon and Bowen are pushing those guys. And Palmer.”If Southgate has a squad of 23, he could just pick strikers Harry Kane and Toney while knowing Jude Bellingham could also play as a No 9.A 26-man squad would improve the chances of Rashford or Ollie Watkins.Although Watkins was poor against Brazil, if he breaks the 30-goal barrier for Aston Villa and Rashford continues to look lost, Southgate could end up axing the United star.Ivan Toney scored his first England goal against BelgiumCredit: GettyRashford was not alone in suffering a poor international window as Lewis Dunk, Conor Gallagher and Ben Chilwell did themselves no favours. Despite not being selected due to his awful form for West Ham, Southgate is still desperate for Kalvin Phillips to improve enough to be selected.Ajax new boy Jordan Henderson, due to his experience, is still likely to be part of a squad. So, will some big names definitely miss out?Southgate said: “Yes. But you know some of that we’ve been conscious of for a little while. One or two have come through big tests really, really strongly.“We were thinking whether we were doing the right thing playing two big games because it made it a lot more challenging.“But we know so much more about the players for having done that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“And we either prepare properly for a tournament — and give it everything we’ve got to take the best level of  fixtures — or we play a weaker opponent and just try and muddle through it. A lower-risk strategy maybe.“But we don’t have the players for very long. And we need to push and we need to improve as a team and expose the areas that we are short in.” More

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      Gareth Southgate wants Uefa to make major Euro 2024 rule change after suffering England injury blow

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE could be allowed to select an extra THREE players at Euro2024.The England boss has revealed that the squads for Germany could be increased to 26 stars from the planned 23.Gareth Southgate is desperate for Uefa to increase the Euro 2024 squad size to 26Credit: GettyAll 24 national bosses competing at Euro2024 will be at a Uefa workshop in Dusseldorf on April 8 and 9.Top of the agenda is the potential increase in squads due to the huge number of players suffering injuries across Europe.Southgate lost Harry Maguire, John Stones, Kyle Walker and Sam Johnstone to injuries during the international window which saw England suffer a 1-0 defeat to Brazil and then draw 2-2 with Belgium.A bigger squad could be a huge boost for the likes of Anthony Gordon, Ollie Watkins and James Maddison who are all on the fringes while teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo looks certain to make the squad.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSSouthgate said: “There is one more Uefa meeting where there’s been a little bit of talk amongst some of the coaches about possibly increasing the number.”Asked if he would favour a 26-man squad, Southgate smiled and said: “Well, given where we are now. .. “We’ve got to make the best decisions with what we know and some of those currently are going to be medical decisions. “And we’ve been able to get those right in the previous tournaments. We’ve been able to give people time, but with 23 that’s definitely more difficult.”Most read in FootballNormally, major tournaments feature 23 players but due to Covid, Euro2020 and the World Cup in 2022 featured squads of 26 although Uefa decided to reduce the number for this summer’s tournament.However, even if all the managers wanted to increase the squads, they would still have to persuade Uefa to deliver the u-turn.How Jude Bellingham is key to England winning Euro 2024Southgate, who has previously claimed he preferred squads of 23 for major finals, is set to name a ‘training’ squad of up to 30 players on May 21.Although players will be given a one-week break after the Premier League season ends on May 19, some stars will be involved in European finals. The Champions League final at Wembley is on June 1.England face Bosnia and Herzegovina at Newcastle on June 3 and then play Iceland in the final warm-up game at Wembley on June 7.On June 8, the FA must confirm the official squad and the first Euro clash against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen is on June 16. More

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      ‘This is England’s time’ says Roberto Mancini as Three Lions tipped to finally break trophy hoodoo at Euro 2024

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      ROBERTO MANCINI says now MUST be the time for England to finally break their trophy hoodoo.The former Italy boss  masterminded their Euro 2020 final win over the Three Lions at Wembley as the visitors recovered from going behind to Luke Shaw’s early goal to win a penalty shootout.Roberto Mancini is confident England can win Euro 2024Credit: GettyEngland boss Gareth Southgate lost to Mancini’s Italy at Euro 2020Credit: RexBut Mancini, now in charge of Saudi Arabia, believes England are running out of excuses for not ending their 58-year major trophy drought.He said: “In England at this moment, there are many very good players.“I don’t know if there’s a comparison with the time that [David] Beckham, [Wayne] Rooney and [Paul] Scholes were around but they have very good players, great talent.“It’s very good for them [Jude] Bellingham plays for Real Madrid as I really think he can improve more there as a player. He is one of the very good players England have developed in the past five years and they have a lot of really good attacking playersRead More on Football“But now is the time when they have to show that and win, whether that’s in the European Championships next summer or the World Cup.“This is the time for them, the moment for them to show that they are a team that can win these major trophies.”Mancini also recognises the critical importance of Bayern Munich superstar Harry Kane to England.He added: “I like Kane, very much. Some  people ask if Kane is a No 9 or a No 10 — and he’s both. He can play everywhere.Most read in Football“There are not many who can do what he does as well, he’s a real talent.“Yes, I beat England in that final and it was a fantastic game of football.Ian Wright slams Gareth Southgate over England decision that ‘doesn’t make sense’ after Brazil and Belgium clashes“We played very well but I think England have developed since then, they are a better team now.” More

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      Watkins, Toney, Mainoo, Grealish… which England stars make the cut and who doesn’t in our expert’s 23-man Euros squad?

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      THEY say the England manager role is the impossible job.That seems accurate when you consider the difficulty of whittling down the Euros squad to just 23 players. Gareth Southgate was impressed with Kobbie Mainoo’s full debut against BelgiumCredit: GettyIt is the first time in three major tournaments that Gareth Southgate has not had 26 to play with.That was after allowances were made for Covid at Euro 2020 and the mid-season nature of the World Cup in Qatar two years later.Tricky calls will have to be made on the likes of Ollie Watkins, Kobbie Mainoo, Ezri Konsa, Jack Grealish and more.Injuries are already wreaking havoc with Southgate’s selections – and no doubt more will flare up before the squad is picked on May 21.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport’s Tom Barclay steps into the Three Lions boss’ shoes to pick his 23.GOALKEEPERSJordan Pickford did not have a great game against Belgium – but will be No1Credit: GettyJordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Nick PopeJORDAN PICKFORD is the undisputed No1 and despite having a mistake in him – as proven for Belgium’s opener on Tuesday night – the Everton stopper will start every game in Germany.Then it is just a matter of picking his back-ups who are unlikely to play anyway.Most read in Euro 2024I would argue Aaron Ramsdale is a better keeper than Pickford but it is hard to make a case for him to start when he is warming the bench at Arsenal. Gareth Southgate presents Kobbie Mainoo, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa with England caps after their debuts v BrazilIn lieu of other options though, I would still take him. Cruelly, Crystal Palace stopper Sam Johnstone has been ruled out for the tournament after elbow surgery.If Nick Pope can prove his fitness between now and the end of the season at Newcastle, he would be my third choice.Jack Butland is having a good season north of the border at Rangers but I would favour keepers playing in the Premier League as it is a higher standard.I watched James Trafford perform miracles as England won the Under-21 Euros in Georgia last summer but his form this year at Burnley has been less convincing.FULL-BACKSInjured Luke Shaw (far right) worked on his fitness with England this fortnightCredit: AFPKyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier, Luke ShawWE have a crisis at left-back with Luke Shaw a huge injury doubt and no one really pushing their case behind the Manchester United man.Ben Chilwell struggled against Brazil and was marginally better against Belgium.The Chelsea man should be picked if Shaw does not make it.But it sums up how worrying the situation is that I would still go for Shaw even if he only makes the last few games of the season for United.Kieran Trippier’s versatility offers some comfort and he is likely to be the man starting at left-back against Serbia on June 16.The Newcastle man, 33, offers cover for Kyle Walker at right-back too.Trent Alexander-Arnold must go – what a creative option to have if you are chasing a game – but his most likely route to a starting spot is probably in midfield.CENTRE-BACKSJoe Gomez (centre) and Ezri Konsa (second right) have played their way into the frameCredit: GettyHarry Maguire, John Stones, Ezri Konsa, Joe GomezBARRING injury, Harry Maguire and John Stones start this summer for Southgate, no question. And given the lack of other options – plus Maguire’s renaissance at Old Trafford this season  – fewer people would argue with that than they would have done six months ago.Lewis Dunk unfortunately looks to have played himself out of the squad with his poor displays in the last week.Joe Gomez’s versatility, being able to play centre-back, right-back, left-back and in midfield, on the back of an excellent season at Liverpool warrants his inclusion.Jarrad Branthwaite is exciting but after getting no game-time at all this international break, his chances look over.Then it is a toss-up between Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi.Konsa performed well on his first start against Belgium and has had a great season at Aston Villa.Southgate sees Guehi has his first reserve so will likely pick him provided he is well recovered from the knee problem currently sidelining him.But given the question marks over other injuries, Konsa’s form and fitness gives him the nod.CENTRAL MIDFIELDERSMainoo, still only 18, put in an all-action display against BelgiumCredit: GettyDeclan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, Jude Bellingham, James MaddisonKOBBIE MAINOO was the revelation of this international break after a fearless first start against Belgium.He not only played his way into the squad with his display, but perhaps even into the team.In contrast, Conor Gallagher’s underwhelming performance against Brazil may well have cost him.The Chelsea man was OK but given the numbers are so tight for this squad, I feel 18-year-old Mainoo takes his place.Jordan Henderson has had a hell of a 12 months but his experience, leadership and organisational skills will see him included.James Maddison’s clever pass for Jude Bellingham’s last-gasp strike underlined why he should go too – he has the ability to win tight games off the bench against any opposition.WINGERSCole Palmer has had a stellar season for Chelsea but is in a battle with Jarrod BowenCredit: GettyBukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Cole PalmerBUKAYO SAKA obviously starts wide right and Phil Foden needs to be in the team, perhaps in that central role that saw him flourish in the second half against Belgium.After that, it is wide open.Marcus Rashford surprisingly did not start either friendly this week but his performances for England have generally been good, irrespective of his Manchester United form.He can also play through the middle and offers something different with his running in behind.After that, Anthony Gordon’s work-rate, directness and confidence have done enough to win me over. You can play him on either side too.Jarrod Bowen was very good against Belgium so it is painful to leave him out, but I just think Cole Palmer is a better technical player.If England are 1-0 down with ten minutes to go, I would back the Chelsea man over Bowen to make an impact.Jack Grealish has it all to do after an injury-hit season and right now he is not making it.STRIKERSIvan Toney struck his first England with a penalty against BelgiumHarry Kane, Ivan ToneyIVAN TONEY did enough against Brazil to edge out Ollie Watkins in the battle to be Harry Kane’s back-up.The Brentford striker just looks a better fit for Southgate’s style and was far more involved than Watkins was against Brazil.READ MORE SUN STORIESToney’s ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play is closer to Kane’s style – plus he proved his penalty prowess.The question after that is do you take Watkins as well – but with only 23, he does not make the cut. More

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      Danny Ward’s penalty cheat sheet leaked in Wales dugout seconds before Euro 2024 heartbreak

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      WALES goalkeeper Danny Ward had his penalty cheat sheet leaked moments before their shoot-out defeat to Poland.Rob Page’s side were a game away from Euro 2024 after thrashing Finland 4-1 last week.Goalkeeper Danny Ward looked over a cheat sheet before the penalty shoot-outHe was told which way to dive for certain playersWard failed to save a single spot-kick as Wales lost the shoot-out 5-4Fans questioned Ward after the shoot-out horrorCredit: PAThey only needed to overcome Poland at home to book their place in Germany, but came undone in a penalty shoot-out after a 0-0 draw.It was a heartbreaking way for Wales to miss out as Leeds star Dan James missed the decisive penalty in a 5-4 shoot-out defeat.But Ward will also feel bitterly disappointed after failing to save a single spot-kick.He was even given a cheat sheet to peruse before the shoot-out began – with the keeper being told which way to dive depending on the taker.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne instruction advised the keeper to “go late” – likely for an opponent who likes to delay the moment he kicks the ball.While the sheet also included a graph showing where Poland players had placed previous penalties they had taken.But Wales’ homework did not pay off as Poland scored every penalty, with one fan suggesting Ward “never looked like saving any of those penalties”.Another reacted saying: “I totally understand it’s a bonus if goalkeepers save penalties but Danny Ward would have still been there up until Easter Sunday trying to get a hand on one 🤦‍♂️”Most read in FootballWard did not have a shot to save during the matchCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERA third said: “Danny ward looks like a year 7 in his first season in the big goals.”And another commented: “Danny Ward was absolutely woeful at pens.”Poland fans light up flares despite police warning over bringing them to Wales clash More

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      Dan James suffered ‘cruel’ penalty shootout heartbreak as Wales miss out on Euro 2024

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      DAN JAMES suffered “cruel” penalty shootout heartbreak as Wales’ Euro 2024 qualification dreams are over.The Dragons winger saw his deciding spot-kick saved by Wojciech Szczesny with Poland booking a spot in Germany.Dejected James had his spot-kick saved as Poland celebrate going to Germany this summerCredit: PALeeds winger James is consoled by Wales coach Chris Gunter after penalty heartbreakCredit: GettyA goalless draw after 120 minutes of stalemate at the Cardiff City Stadium, ten-man Wales faced pens for the first time in their history.But Leeds’ James was denied by former Arsenal keeper Szczesny from 12 yards.Devastated Wales boss Robert Page said: “It’s a cruel game, that’s what I’ve said to the players, one kick away from qualifying. “It hurts and it’s a bitter pill to swallow.READ MORE SPORT STORIES”We will rally around DJ, he had the bravery to take that penalty. I have nothing but respect for the five penalty takers. “We win and lose together.”I’m absolutely gutted for them. It’s a horrible way to go out. I am so proud of that group.”Ben Davies, Kieffer Moore, Harry Wilson and Neco Williams all scored for Wales – who had Chris Mepham sent off for a second yellow card in extra-time – in the shootout.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut the Poles netted all five of their kicks past Danny Ward which meant James had to score to take the pens into sudden death.Szczesny, who brilliantly saved from Moore’s looping header in normal time, dived the right way from James’ right-footed effort.Poland fans light up flares despite police warning over bringing them to Wales clashNow Poland face the Netherlands, France and Austria in Group D at the finals this summer.The gut-wrenching loss will raise questions over Wales boss Page’s future after chief executive Noel Mooney publicly said his position would be under review if an automatic Euros spot did not happen.When asked if Page wants to lead the Dragons and see out the final two years of his contract, he added: “Absolutely. we’re a team in transition. “We have games in June, the Nations League in the autumn and then the World Cup qualifiers next year. That’s my full focus – building on what I’ve started.”This team is going somewhere. They’re so disappointed that they haven’t qualified. “I thought we were the better team, my message to the players at half-time was we are the better team, we will win this game.”We will learn from the horrible experience. It’s so disappointing but look how far we’ve come, there’s something good happening with this group. “They’re hungry for it, there’s a lot more to come and plenty more good times ahead.”Connor Roberts suffered a thigh injury and substitute David Brooks was ill and had to be replaced by Nathan Broadhead in extra-time. READ MORE SUN STORIESRegular skipper Aaron Ramsey was not brought on for pens but Page insisted he made changes to try and win the game.Wales captain Ben Davies, who had a first-half header ruled out for offside, said: “It’s a difficult one to take. Penalties, it’s cruel. It’s an emotional one right now.” More