Euro 2024

HARRY MAGUIRE says England’s stars want Gareth Southgate to stay beyond the Euros.Southgate is expected to quit after his fourth major tournament in Germany this summer — with the Three Lions favourites to win their first trophy since 1966.Harry Maguire has called on Gareth Southgate to stay on as England managerCredit: GettySouthgate is expected to quit the Three Lions in the summerCredit: GettyBut despite Southgate, 53, being touted as a successor to Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Maguire claims he would prefer him as his international rather than club manager.Ahead of hosting Brazil tomorrow, defender Maguire said: “We want to be successful in the Euros. We are not looking at the World Cup — the Euros are our main focus.“And if Gareth’s the man to make us be successful then we want him to stay as long as possible.“He has the respect of the players and everyone who has worked under him.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS“Being England boss is so tough. It’s one of the world’s most scrutinised jobs.“All you can look at is where we were before he took over and where we are now. Everyone will say, ‘Yeah, but we’ve got better players now’.“But in previous years we had great players and haven’t been successful.“He does deserve a lot of credit — he has taken us a long way.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMaguire could benefit from Southgate’s potential arrival at Man Utd“If you speak to anyone they will speak highly of Gareth’s management tactically but also his man-management.”Southgate is out of contract in December and will not discuss a fresh deal until after the Euros.  Four England stars training away from rest of squad in blow to Gareth Southgate before Brazil clashBut it is believed he would prefer a move back into club management.Maguire was a cornerstone of England’s defence when they reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the Euros in 2021, before a 2022 quarter-final exit in Qatar.But the United man added: “I’m sure Gareth will say the same thing now — ‘it’s all about winning a trophy’.”Maguire, who has won 62 caps under Southgate, was backed by the Lions boss even when struggling for game-time at United.He added: “The faith and trust he has shown in me has been brilliant.”Keeper Jordan Pickford claims the players will not be affected by speculation about Southgate’s future.He said: “Our goal is winning the Euros. All the noise around anything else will come after that.”Southgate handed a maiden call up to Maguire’s Man Utd team-mate Kobbie MainooCredit: Getty More

ROB EARNSHAW reckons Harry Wilson is undroppable for Wales.The Fulham star, 26, has been a key man for Robert Page’s Dragons ahead of tonight’s Euro 2024 play-off semi-final with Finland.Wilson struck a double to pull off a famous win for Wales over Croatia last yearCredit: RexThe Fulham midfielder is enjoying a good season in the Premier LeagueWilson scored twice on his 50th cap to down Croatia last October.And, with Page having a selection headache over his front line with Kieffer Moore, Dan James, Brennan Johnson and David Brooks all in contention, ex-Wales striker Earnshaw is adamant Wilson must start.Earnshaw, who won 59 caps for his country, said: “Harry has to play.”Over the last year and a half he has been the one key player. Never mind the Croatia game. READ MORE IN FOOT”He brings creativity in terms of assists and little passes.”That performance against Croatia showed exactly what he is capable of. The stage is set for him. I’d play Harry over Dan James.”Earnshaw, 42, reckons ex-Liverpool ace Wilson should start alongside Ipswich hitman Moore and Tottenham’s Johnson in attack as Wales bid to reach next Tuesday’s final.The ex-Nottingham Forest and Cardiff forward added: “It’s a tough but nice decision for Rob. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”He has quality and whoever he leaves out will be class off the bench.”Kieffer has to play. He’s in good form. He’s playing well for Ipswich and he’s done well for Wales.”Victory for Wales tonight would set up a final against either Poland or Estonia in Cardiff.He said: “I’m confident. It’s a  must win and a cup final mentality for Wales.”They are capable of doing it. I like the fact two games are in Cardiff. “It’s a big thing for Wales. The Welsh crowd and noise gives so much to the team.” More

YOUNG stars have a history of bursting onto the international scene in an England shirt.While many nations rely on their experienced players to carry them through to the latter stage of tournaments – that’s different for the Three Lions.Kobbie Mainoo was a late inclusion to the England squadCredit: GettyGeoff Hurst was an inexperienced international ahead of his 1996 final heroicsCredit: PAMicheal Owen was just a teenager when he scored an incredible goal at the 1998 World CupCredit: The TimesEngland will be hoping to end their 58-year wait for a trophy at Euro 2024 this summer.It last came home in 1996 as Sir Geoff Hurst scored a World Cup final hat-trick as Sir Alf Ramsey’s legends beat West Germany 4-2.Coming into the tournament, the West Ham hero was an international rookie with just one cap to his name.Hurst earned his second in the 1-0 victory over Argentina in the quarter-final, only a week before his final heroics.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMartin Peters scored England’s other goal that day and he was an uncapped star on the eve of the 1966 tournament.At the 1998 World Cup, Michael Owen grabbed the headlines with his unforgettable solo goal against Argentina.Before heading to France for the tournament, the striker had played just once for England.Then at Euro 2004, Wayne Rooney was the breakout star as he netted four goals before getting injured as the Three Lions crashed out to Portugal on penalties.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe did have 11 caps prior to the first match but it was still a huge call by Sven Goran-Eriksson to put his faith in an 18-year-old.Most recently, England made the final of Euro 2020 as they lost on penalties to Italy.Fans praise ‘gentleman’ Kobbie Mainoo, 18, for heartwarming gesture to grief-stricken Man Utd fan’s emotional storyBukayo Saka may have missed one of the crucial spot-kicks – but he was an unexpected star of the tournament, forming a frightening front-three with Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling.Therefore, perhaps Kobbie Mainoo will be the latest wonderkid to be the hero on the biggest stage.The Manchester United ace was not even called-up to the squad by Gareth Southgate when he first announced his side for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.However, fans are now calling for the 18-year-old late inclusion to start in a midfield trio with Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice at the Euros.England have have just four games until they kick-off their campaign against Serbia, meaning Mainoo will likely be the least experienced in the squad should he make the cut.Yet boss Southgate should have no hesitancy to play him as back at Euro 1996, he was an international novice pushed into the side by Terry Venables.He had appeared in four friendlies games for his country prior to the competition – although it ended in heartbreak as he missed a penalty in shootout defeat to Germany.READ MORE SUN STORIESCould Mainoo follow in these ex-players’ footsteps and be this team’s inexperienced sensation?England always need one.Wayne Rooney was aged 18 when he was the star at Euro 2024Credit: GettyGareth Southgate was a rookie at Euro 1996Credit: Getty More

CHRIS COLEMAN has revealed his great pride at Ethan Ampadu and Dan James winning their 50th Wales cap against Finland tonight.The ex-Dragons boss handed midfielder Ampadu, 23, his debut against France in a November 2017 friendly.Ampadu made his Wales debut against France in Paris at the age of 17Credit: Alamy Live NewsJames was called up before a World Cup qualifier in Serbia back in June 2017 but scored his first international goal against Slovakia in March 2019.Credit: GettyAmpadu was invited by Coleman as a 15-year-old prior to Euro 2016 to train with the likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Ashley Williams.And Coleman, who led Wales to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, also called up winger James, 26, for the first time ahead of a World Cup qualifier in Serbia in June 2017.Coleman said: “Ethan is a lovely lad. He was very focused even at a young age.”When he was 15 playing for the youth team we could see what was about to happen. READ MORE FOOTBALL”The thing we weren’t sure about was if he’d be a central defender or midfielder.”He’s leading Leeds from the back with Joe Rodon and they both look great together. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”I included both Ethan and Dan, along with Joe and David Brooks into our training camps to see if they could cope with being around the senior players.”They have all achieved what we thought they would. Most read in Football”And it’s so pleasing to see them driving Wales forward and performing on the big stage. I wish them all the best of luck.”Coleman, 53, managed Fulham, Coventry, Larissa, Sunderland, Hebei China Fortune and Atromitos at club level.Coleman was Wales manager when Ampadu and James burst on to the sceneCredit: EPA More

ENGLAND will travel to Euro 2024 with their own SCENT to make the players feel at home.The Three Lions have been drawn in a group with Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia.England will bring their own scent to their Euro 2024 baseCredit: GettyThe Three Lions will stay at Golfresort Weimarer LandCredit: golfweimarerlandThe base is in a quiet town outside LeipzigCredit: golfweimarerlandThe smells around the resort will replicate St George’s ParkCredit: golfweimarerlandAs they head to Germany hoping to end their 58-year wait for a trophy, the England team will stay at the luxury Golfresort Weimarer Land, near to the quiet town of Blankenhain. According to the Daily Mail, the FA will pack special fragrances in their bags to spray around the hotel in order to give the players a sense of familiarity.The scents are the same ones used at England’s St George’s Park training base.A mix of bergamot, lily and jasmine will be sprayed around the main areas of the accommodation that is “fresh and distinguishable”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn the gym, a smell that aims to energise will be implemented.And in the bedrooms, a lavender aroma will be dispensed to help the players relax.England will also reportedly take their own posh bed linen and bath robes to create a home from home.Gareth Southgate is desperate for his side to secure glory this summer and will do all it takes to give his men a competitive advantage.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThere has been scientific studies that claim smells can improve performances as they help mental well-being and promote relaxation away from the pitch.England are staying at the five-star Golfresort Weimarer Land, which is in a remote location an hour-and-a-half drive from Leipzig.Kobbie Mainoo reacts to getting first senior England call-upThe facility has football pitches and 45 golf holes to play.England stars will also have access to a swimming pool, snooker, table tennis and table football.There is also a gym, wellness centre, spa, treatment rooms, multiple conference areas and seven restaurants.It costs £300-per-night to stay there.QPR and Werder Bremen have used the base for pre-season training camps in the past.The resort has 45 golf holes across three coursesCredit: golfweimarerlandThere are plenty of luxury facilities to help the players unwindCredit: golfweimarerland More