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      Mainoo gives Southgate a serious headache but Dunk might have fluffed his chances of Euros spot

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      A LATE Jude Bellingham goal ensured Gareth Southgate won’t have to pick his Euro 2024 squad off the back of consecutive Wembley defeats.The Real Madrid man scored with virtually the last kick of the game to ensure England came away with a 2-2 draw against Belgium.Mainoo shone on his full debutCredit: GettyBut Pickford made a costly mistakeCredit: GettyDunk struggled up against LukakuCredit: RexKobbie Mainoo shone on his full England debut but costly mistakes from Jordan Pickford and Lewis Dunk will give Southgate some pause for thought when it comes to his defence.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions…JORDAN PICKFORD: 5Horrendous kick-out straight to Everton team-mate Amadou Onana led to Youri Tielemans netting his first on 11 minutes. Pickford held up his hands in apology instantly, and went a little way to making up for it with a solid stop to deny Jeremy Doku’s blast soon after.READ MORE ON ENGLANDEZRI KONSA: 6One of three England players making their first start along with Kobbie Mainoo and Ivan Toney. Started out at right-back but moved to the centre when John Stones came off injured. Did OK.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLEWIS DUNK: 4The Brighton captain will be seriously sweating on his Euros spot after this performance. Gareth Southgate presents Kobbie Mainoo, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa with England caps after their debuts v BrazilIt was a wet surface but his slip allowed Romelu Lukaku to produce an exquisite cross for Tielemans’ second. Looked shaky on his fifth cap.Most read in FootballJOHN STONES: 5Came off injured with just ten minutes played after what looked like a jarring of the knee when in possession. A hammer blow for his club Manchester City, who saw fellow defender Kyle Walker limp off in the early stages of Saturday’s defeat to Brazil.Stones’ injury will leave Pep Guardiola sweatingCredit: GettyBEN CHILWELL: 6Looked determined to put in a better showing after a poor display against Brazil and did improve. Though if a fit Luke Shaw were available, Chilwell would not be troubling him for a starting berth.Declan Rice was outstanding in possession against BelgiumDECLAN RICE: 6Played the holding role on his 50th cap and tried to organise in his captain role. Interestingly, it was Mainoo rather than Rice who pushed further forward.KOBBIE MAINOO: 8What a performance from the 18-year-old, full of clever movement, dribbling skills and incisive passing. Did well in the build-up to Toney winning a penalty. Based on this performance, and how composed he was on the big stage, it would be a surprise now if Gareth Southgate did NOT take him to the Euros.Mainoo had a wonderful audition for a midfield roleCredit: The SunJARROD BOWEN: 7Played well under considerable pressure. Bowen knew that if he underwhelmed here that could well be his Euros dream up in smoke. But he stepped up to the plate, offering a threat down the right-hand side. Thought he had his first England goal but VAR ruled it out.JUDE BELLINGHAM: 7Finally found the net deep into stoppage time to earn England a draw, but had he had on his shooting boots earlier they would have won. Missed two sitters in each half, one when firing over after Mainoo had picked Onana’s pocket and the other a header from close range.Bellingham stepped up in Kane’s absence with a goalCredit: PAJude Bellingham covered a huge amount of the pitchPHIL FODEN: 6Had a quiet first half out on the left but came alive after the break when moved more centrally, as Southgate opted to play without a left-winger. Some neat touches and movement from the playmaker – without hitting the heights of his Manchester City form. Failed to hit the target when teed up by Bowen late on with the goal gaping.Foden thrived in a more central roleCredit: The SunIVAN TONEY: 7Won and scored a penalty for his first England goal in a fairly impressive display. One moment in the first half summed up why he is perhaps a better fit for this England side than Ollie Watkins, as he controlled a high ball and neatly played it onto Foden – his link-up play is a huge asset and closer to the profile of first-choice Harry Kane.SUBS:JOE GOMEZ (on for Stones, 10): 6The versatile Liverpool defender played right-back and should have had an assist in the second half but Bellingham somehow headed wide his pinpoint cross. Booked for cynically dragging back the excellent Doku.JAMES MADDISON (on for Mainoo, 74): 7Teed up Bellingham for his late strike with a clever flick back into the area.READ MORE SUN STORIESANTHONY GORDON (on for Bowen, 80): 6Barely saw the ball after coming on. OLLIE WATKINS (on for Toney, 80): 6Same as Gordon, too late to make an impact. More

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      Why are England wearing purple away kit against Belgium and why won’t they wear it at Euro 2024?

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      ENGLAND take on Belgium at Wembley in their final match before Euro 2024.But the Three Lions will have a different look about them thanks to their choice of kit.England are sporting their away kit at Wembley against BelgiumCredit: REXENGLAND VS BELGIUM LIVEInstead of traditional white, England will line up in their brand new purple away kit.The new kits were released by Nike last week to much furore, as both home and away kits feature an amended St. George’s flag feature shades of blue and purple instead of red.England wore their new home kit in the 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Sunday.And now the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Ivan Toney will get a chance to impress in an unfamiliar purple top, which will also feature no names on the back for the second half as the match has been dedicated to the Alzheimer’s Society.Why are England wearing their away kit against Belgium?Manufacturer Nike are keen to promote the new strip ahead of the Euros this summer.England showed off their new white jersey against Brazil and so this is the last remaining chance they can give fans to see the away top.Belgium have a choice of red and light blue kits, so there is no chance of a clash with the Red Devils.Most read in FootballWill it feature at Euro 2024?England rarely wear their away kit at major tournaments – the last time they did was at the 2018 World Cup.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd with Serbia and Denmark coming up in the group stage, England will likely wear white as both teams wear red for their home shirts.England’s final group fixture is against Slovenia, who wear white, but since England are the designated ‘home’ team for the clash, they get preference and will likely pick their home top.That means England are only likely to wear their purple strip if they reach the knock-out rounds, but with Austria, Italy and France potential opponents, we might not see the away kit at the Euros at all.Die-hard England fan cuts message into grass for Southgate and Co ahead of Euro 2024 that can be seen from SPACE More

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      Former England star names Three Lions starting XI that should start Euro 2024 opener… with no room for Marcus Rashford

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has been left out of Matthew Upson’s England starting XI for their Euro 2024 opener.The Three Lions will begin their campaign against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on June 16.Matthew Upson has named his starting XI for England’s Euro 2024 openerCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThere is no room for Marcus Rashford in Upson’s line-upCredit: GettyFormer defender Upson, who won 21 caps for England, has chosen his team for that first match.Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Belgium, he listed Jordan Pickford as his starting goalkeeper behind a back four of Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire and Ben Chilwell.In midfielder, he considered both Jordan Henderson and Conor Gallagher to partner Declan Rice.However, he ultimately opted for Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJustifying his decision, Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I really like the look of Kobbie Mainoo. I think he’ll be a great addition in the midfield.”Real energy, real understanding. He’s got character and I think he’s got the mentality to deal with that level.”He finished by naming an attacking trio of Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Ben Foden behind striker Harry Kane.Upson added that Saka deserves his spot for his “devastating form”, whilst the centre forward position “picks itself” after Kane’s performances for England and Bayern Munich.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAs for Rashford, the 26-year-old has scored 17 goals in 60 caps for England.He has also featured at each of the last four major international tournaments.Gareth Southgate presents Kobbie Mainoo, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa with England caps after their debuts v BrazilThe United forward was only a second half sub against Brazil on Saturday, though, and was again named on the bench on Tuesday.Belgium’s midweek visit to Wembley Stadium is England’s final match before Gareth Southgate names his squad for Euro 2024.As well as Serbia, his side will also face Denmark and Slovenia during the group stage in Germany this summer. More

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      Euro 2024 play-off clash descends into chaos as huge brawl breaks out with manager and substitute shown red cards

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      GEORGIA’S 2024 play-off final with Greece exploded into mayhem – peaking with two red cards.A head-to-head flare-up between two players turned into a mass scuffle as team-mates and coaching staff joined in.”A Final with an edge – it has been furious, it has been frantic!” 🗣️ Tensions boil over at the half-time whistle in this heated #EURO2024 Play-Off Final between Georgia and Greece 😡 pic.twitter.com/gIsbFojPlk— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 26, 2024

      Tuesday’s Euro play-off final in Tbilisi veered out of controlCredit: AFPThe skirmish was sparked when Georgia’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia reacted angrily to the close attentions of Greek rival Petros MantalosCredit: ReutersReferee Szymon Marciniak eventually sent off Georgia’s sub keeper Giorgi Loria and another man – reportedly a member of Greece’s backroom team.Trouble had long been brewing as home winger Kvicha Kvaratskhelia became increasingly agitated by some fierce treatment.And on the stroke of the interval Kvaratskhelia raged when Greece midfielder Petros Mantalos appeared to manhandle him by the touchline.Other players rushed in as the pair squared up.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd the result was the half-time whistle sounding with a large group of players and staff still skirmishing.Marciniak got out his red card to pursue two people off the pitch – brandishing it to both Loria and another tracksuited man.The match itself remained on a knife-edge – Greece clinging on amid a goalless 90 minutes and extra time before penalties were needed.One fan posted: “Full of passion and life, but very little quality.”Most read in Euro 2024The clashes on the touchline spilled of the pitchCredit: ReutersIt was the first of Tuesday night’s three play-off final for a place at this summer’s Euros in Germany.Wales vs Poland and Ukraine vs Iceland were to follow.Greece midfielder Tasos Bakasetas continued the argumentBiggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirt More

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      Police fire warning to footie fans ahead of crucial Euro 2024 play-off final with crowd trouble fears

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      WALES and Poland fans have been given a fresh warning over the dangers of flares ahead of tonight’s Euro 2024 play-off final in Cardiff.Seven Polish supporters were arrested following a fiery Nations League clash at the 33,000-capacity Cardiff City Stadium back in September 2022, including four for the possession of a pyrotechnic device.Poland won 1-0 in the last clash between the sides back in September 2022 at the Cardiff City StadiumCredit: RexPolice clashed with Polish fans before Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League tie with Legia WarsawCredit: RexFlares were lit by the Poles during the national anthems before kick-off and then throughout the match.While a firework was also set off from the away section seconds after Karol Swiderski’s 57th minute winner.Now the Football Association of Wales and South Wales Police have joined forces in a bid to clamp down on crowd trouble.The sell-out Euro tie is a huge clash with a spot at the finals in Germany this summer up for grabs.Read More FootballThe FAW said: “There is no safe use of pyrotechnics in spectator areas at football events with their use having many health risks and dangers such as loss of sight, limb or digit removal due to their explosive power.“Any person committing such an offence faces an FA Wales ban, probable arrest and a minimum 3-year Football Banning Order.“Additionally, should persons be identified using pyrotechnics in places of public assembly away from and en route to the stadium, they can be issued with section 34 notices and be instructed to leave the area with details passed to the FAW, Cardiff City Stadium and the authorities. “This may result in entry to the stadium being denied.”  Most read in FootballSouth Wales Police added their voice to the security issue with supporters repeatedly warned that the use of pyrotechnics in stadiums are banned and will incur sanctions.Superintendent Steve Rees added: “South Wales Police has vast experience in the policing of major international sporting events which have been held successfully in South Wales over many years and a policing plan is in place for this important fixture for Wales.Wales 4-1 Finland: Rob Page press conference“Being in possession of a pyrotechnic device at a football match, or attempting to bring one into a football stadium, is a criminal offence, and anyone found guilty of committing such an offence faces arrest and a Football Banning Order.“We work closely with Cardiff City Stadium whose staff are responsible for ensuring that supporters abide by stadium regulations.“As always we would encourage those attending the match to follow the supporter advice published by the Football Association of Wales.”Victory will book a spot against the Netherlands, France and Austria in Group D of Euro 2024 this summer.Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League showdown with Legia Warsaw in November was marred by crowd trouble, with 46 Polish fans charged after violent clashes with police.The FAW were fined more than £14,500 by FIFA after home fans let off flares during 2022 World Cup play-off victories over Austria and Ukraine in Cardiff.  READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 1993, John Hill died after being hit by a flare at the old National Stadium in Cardiff at Wales’ World Cup qualifier against Romania.At the final whistle, two men on the opposite side of the stadium let off a marine distress flare that travelled over the pitch and struck the 67-year-old. More

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      How many Ireland caps does Declan Rice have?

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      DECLAN RICE had to be convinced to switch sides from Ireland to England – and now he will captain the Three Lions TONIGHT against Belgium.The decision was made after a series of chats with England boss Gareth Southgate. Declan Rice once we played for IrelandCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunSouthgate said: “Well, first we had to convince him that it would be a good decision.“I think that’s being borne out by the tournaments we’ve been in, and the huge matches he’s played in.“If I think back to some of the early big games which, almost every match was the biggest match of his life, now he’s won a European trophy, he’s now involved in big matches with his club.”And now on his 50th appearance, Rice will lead the Three Lions out in a thrilling Belgium friendly.READ MORE IN EURO 2024But what some fans don’t know is that Rice has represented Ireland several times before the switch.How many Ireland caps does Declan Rice have?Declan Rice has won three Ireland caps across friendlies in 2018. Ironically, Rice’s last match for Ireland came against Belgium before making the England switch three days later.Declan Rice played youth level matches for IrelandCredit: Sportsfile – SubscriptionRice is set to skipper the Three Lions in absence of Harry Kane on Tuesday night marking his 50th appearance in English colours.Most read in Euro 2024The Arsenal ace also played all of his youth-level matches for Ireland.What’s been said?Rice said: “When he (Southgate) told me last night I was going to be captain, I gave him a hug, shook his hand and said thank you very much.”50 caps, it is a pinch me moment, it will be an honour.”On my 50th cap, to walk out at Wembley in front of my family and friends, it is a great honour, I’m a bit speechless.”As for Southgate, he said: “I think that’s being borne out by the tournaments we’ve been in, and the huge matches he’s played in.“If I think back to some of the early big games which, almost every match was the biggest match of his life, now he’s won a European trophy, he’s now involved in big matches with his club.”When is England vs Belgium?
      England vs Belgium will take place on Tuesday, March 26.
      Kick off will be at 7.45pm GMT.
      Wembley Stadium will host. More

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      Who could Wales face if they qualify for Euro 2024?

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      WITH Euro 2024 around the corner – Wales will be desperate to be on the plane to Germany.The Red Dragons take on Poland in a huge Euro 2024 play-off final with a Euro spot up for grabs.Wales beat Finland to progress to the Euro 2024 Play-Off FinalCredit: APWales will be have the wind in their sails following an emphatic win against Finland in Thursday’s semi.While Poland go into this match confident after thrashing ten-man Estonia 5-1.But fans want to know what group Rob Page’s men will enter if they go through.What Euro 2024 group will Wales go in?Wales will go into Group D with Euro 2024 favourites, France should they qualify.READ MORE IN EURO 2024Group D:
      France
      Netherlands
      Austria
      When is the Euros 2024?The UEFA Euros 2024 will kick of on Friday, June 14 in Munich and ends in Berlin for the final Sunday, July 14. What are the other Euros 2024 groups in full?Group A:Most read in Football
      Germany
      Scotland
      Hungary
      Switzerland
      Group B:
      Spain
      Croatia
      Italy
      Albania
      Group C:
      Slovenia
      Denmark
      Serbia
      England
      England are expected to top their groupCredit: GettyGroup D:
      Play-off Winner Path A
      Netherlands
      Austria
      France
      Group E:
      Belgium
      Slovakia
      Romania
      Play-Off Winner Path B
      Group F:READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Turkey
      Play-Off Winner Path C
      Portugal
      Czech Republic More

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      BBC make shock change to England vs Belgium broadcast which could leave millions of fans unable to follow friendly

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      BBC have relegated England in a move that could impact the way thousands of supporters tune in to tonight’s game.The Three Lions will face Belgium at Wembley in their latest international friendly ahead of Euro 2024.England have been relegated by the BBC but it’s good news for Welsh fansCredit: GettyGareth Southgate’s men suffered a 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Saturday and he is expected to make several changes to his side later.However, there has now been a huge change for those hoping to listen in to the action.The Telegraph states that the match will no longer be broadcast live on BBC Radio 5 Live.The Beeb have instead opted to provide commentary on Wales’ crunch play-off clash with Poland.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe winner of that will join Southgate’s side in Germany at the Euros.The Three Lions have now been switched to their digital station Radio 5 Sports Extra.The match is also being broadcast live on talkSPORT.And fans can also tune in to watch it live on television courtesy of Channel 4.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe move comes after the closure of Radio 4 long wave.That will mean that people will not be able to listen to Test Match Special unless they have access to either a digital radio or the internet.Gareth Southgate presents Kobbie Mainoo, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa with England caps after their debuts v BrazilThat decision was criticised by many after being confirmed by the BBC.And it was called “dreadful” by ex-England captain Sir Geoffrey Boycott.Meanwhile, Southgate is believed to be set to start Kobbie Mainoo for the first time later.The midfielder, 18, has burst on the scene at Manchester United this term.He initially missed out on the senior squad this month, but after a number of injuries, he was called up late.Mainoo then came off the bench against Brazil to win his first cap and impressed with his cameo.READ MORE SUN STORIESNow he could start in the middle alongside Declan Rice, who will captain the team for the first time.Lewis Dunk and Ezri Konsa are both hoping to get the nod in defence while Ivan Toney is likely to lead the attack. More