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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

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      England star RULED OUT of Euro 2024 after undergoing surgery following heartbreaking international break injury

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      SAM JOHNSTONE has been ruled out of Euro 2024 after undergoing surgery on an injured elbow.The Crystal Palace goalkeeper has become Gareth Southgate’s first confirmed casualty after picking up the problem in England training last weekend.England and Crystal Palace goalie Sam Johnstone is out of Euro 2024 after surgeryCredit: GettyJohnstone, 31, hurt his elbow while making a save on Sunday, just 24 hours after England’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil at Wembley.The Eagles stopper had been in line to start last night’s 2-2 draw with Belgium.But Johnstone was forced to withdraw from England’s squad, with Burnley’s James Trafford summoned from the U21s as his replacement.After returning to Palace, Johnstone went under the knife on Wednesday morning to fix his problem.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s reckoned the top of his forearm had become detached from his elbow.And Johnstone will now be sidelined for up for fourth months, ruling him out for both the rest of Palace’s Premier League season and the Euros.His absence will come as a huge blow to Southgate, who had the goalie down as No2 behind Everton’s Jordan Pickford.England now face a shortage of goalies for the tournament, with Newcastle’s Nick Pope also a long-term casualty.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAaron Ramsdale had previously been back-up to Pickford.But he has made just six league appearances this term and has dropped down the rankings.Huge Man City blow just five days before crunch Arsenal clash as John Stones taken off NINE minutes into England clashBurnley ace Trafford could now be ready to gate-crash Southgate’s squad.While Jack Butland has enjoyed a strong season for Scottish side Rangers.And Dean Henderson will also get a chance to impress, with the ex-Man United man set to replace Johnstone between the sticks at Palace.Who could become England’s new No2?The options for Gareth Southgate and their season stats…

      Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal, 4 caps): 11 games, 12 goals conceded, 3 clean sheets

      James Trafford (Burnley, 0 caps): 28 games, 62 goals conceded, 2 clean sheets

      Jack Butland (Rangers, 9 caps): 47 games, 36 goals conceded, 23 clean sheets

      Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace, 1 cap): 10 games, 20 goals conceded, 2 clean sheets More

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      England fans name who they want to replace Gareth Southgate and say ‘he wins the Euros with this squad’

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      ENGLAND fans have called on Jose Mourinho to replace Gareth Southgate as Three Lions boss.Mourinho, 61, has been out of work since being sacked by Roma in January.Jose Mourinho has been out of work since JanuaryCredit: GettyGareth Southgate led England to a draw with Belgium last nightCredit: GettyFollowing last night’s 2-2 draw with Belgium, some England fans expressed their disappointment, despite Jude Bellingham’s late leveller.And a collection of social media users even called for Mourinho to be parachuted in by the FA.One wrote: “Get Southgate gone. Serial winner in Mourinho is sat on a beach waiting.”While a second commented: “Crazy to say but England need to sack Southgate and bring Mourinho in on a short term contract. Similar style of play but at least he knows how to win stuff.”READ MORE ON ENGLANDA third insisted: “England need to be ruthless and sack Southgate now and bring Mourinho in. He’d win the Euros this summer.”And another added: “Is there a more obvious appointment than Mourinho to England after a disappointingly turgid Southgate early exit from the Euros this summer?”The former Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham boss recently admitted that he’d like to manage at international level.He told Fabrizio Romano: “To coach a national team is an objective for me.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Maybe right before World Cup, Euros or the Copa America, African Cup… I can, yes.”But waiting two years for that, I don’t know!Could Jose Mourinho return to Chelsea?”Maybe one day it will happen.”Following Bellingham’s stoppage time equaliser last night, Southgate told Channel 4: “Jude, of course, is the headline.”That competitive spirit, that desire not to lose, desire to win in the end, was decisive in getting the late goal.”But I thought the whole team showed that throughout the game and recovered from setbacks with a pretty inexperienced team, really, against a team that have got some very, very good players.”Very pleased with a lot of what I saw tonight.”England have two games remaining before kicking off their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on June 16.The Three Lions will host Bosnia at St James’ Park on June, 3, before facing Iceland at Wembley four days later. More

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      Chelsea flop Mykhailo Mudryk is Ukraine’s hero as late winner against Iceland books war-torn nation a place at Euro 2024

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      MYKHAILO MUDRYK was Ukraine’s hero as he sent his nation to the European Championship finals.The Chelsea winger was starring for the Blue and Yellows in their Euro 2024 playoff final against Iceland last night.Mykhailo Mudryk was Ukraine’s hero against IcelandCredit: GettyHis goal secured a spot at Euro 2024Credit: ReutersA goal on the half an hour mark from Albert Gudmundsson threatened to down send Ukraine’s qualification hopes down the drain.Ukraine thought they had earned an equaliser ten minutes later through ace Roman Yaremchuk, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside, meaning Mudryk and Co went into the interval a goal down.However, nine minutes into the second half Viktor Tsygankov came up with an equaliser. With the teams level as the full-time whistle edged closer, extra-time was looming at Tarczynski Arena Wroclaw, Poland.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat was until Mudryk, 23, came up with a delightful finish in the 84th minute.Dribbling with the ball down the right wing, goalscorer Tsygankov cut the ball back to Georgiy Sudakov. Sudakov then cut the ball back to the edge of the area where Mudryk was waiting.He then produced a first time shot which arrowed into the bottom left corner.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe sumptuous strike proved to be the difference maker as Ukraine secured their spot in the summers Euros.The winner earned a special message from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.Fans all fooled by ‘Sky Sports commentary’ during Chelsea vs Newcastle – can you spot it?He on Telegram: “Thank you boys! Thank you to the team! “For proving once again that when Ukrainians face challenges but refuse to give up and continue the fight, they invariably win.”Many fans also reserved praise for the match-winner, with one saying: “I’ve been too harsh, the aura this guy gives off is unmatched. Future superstar Mudryk.”A second said: “Invest in Mykhailo Mudryk stocks now while you can. We are going big very soon.”A third said: “Mykhailo Mudryk is a baller. I hope Poch is watching.”Another added: “Mudryk sending his country to the Euros by scoring the the goal. Put some respect on his name.”Mudryk arrived at Stamford Bridge with high hopes in a transfer which could rise to £88.5million.However, poor form and inconsistent game time means he is yet to live up to such expectations.The match was played on neutral ground due to Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.Ukraine will now face Belgium, Romania and Slovakia in Group E.Elsewhere, Georgia defied the odds by beating Greece on penalties to qualify for their first-ever major tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey will be against Turkey, Portugal and Czechia in Group F.However, there was heartbreak for Wales as they lost out on a finals spot as former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny saved Leeds star Daniel James from the penalty spot. More