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      Wales star Joe Rodon shows off horror eye injury… but is ready to KO Leeds team-mate and reach Euros

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      JOE RODON will be sporting a black eye in Wales’ Euro 2024 play-off bid tomorrow – but the defender hopes to deliver a KO to club team-mate Glen Kamara.The Leeds centre-back, 26, picked up his shiner after clashing heads with Junior Firpo during Sunday’s 2-0 win over Millwall.Joe Rodon is coming into the game with a nasty eye injuryCredit: AlamyThe Leeds loanee showed off his shiner in the press conferenceCredit: AlamyAfter the Whites went top of the Championship, Rodon wasted little time in starting the mind games with Finland’s Kamara by giving him the silent treatment.Rodon, who plays with Wales pals Ethan Ampadu, Connor Roberts and Dan James at Elland Road, said: “I didn’t speak to Glen after Sunday’s game on purpose.”I told him beforehand, “I don’t want to speak to you after the game’. It’s just the way I am. I’m sure we will catch up after the game on Thursday.”There’s been a bit of banter because we all play for the same club team.”Read More on FootballRodon claims Leeds boss Daniel Farke will support Kamara because the midfielder is outnumbered by four to one in the semi-final showdown at the Cardiff City Stadium.The on-loan Spurs star added: “The boss has been teaming up with Glen. It’s been quite funny. “There’s four Welshmen versus one from Finland so the numbers are unfair for him. I hope we have the bragging rights when we go back.”Rodon played at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup but feels in the form of his life with Wales needing two wins to qualify for the Germany finals this summer.Most read in Euro 2024Victory over Finland would set up a final against either Poland or Estonia in Cardiff next Tuesday.And Wales boss Robert Page reckons the former Swansea ace, who will win his 43rd cap, is now a real defender after getting the bruises to prove it.Joe Rodon says he hopes he can help the team with his defence and ball skillsRodon laughed and said: “The manager said to me on Monday morning that I look like a proper centre-half now! I’ll take that.”It was a physical game but I got it from Junior. It was from a corner, I headed the ball and the back of him too. It’s not an ideal situation.”I’m just delighted I didn’t reopen it on Sunday. All I can do is put vaseline on it. Hopefully it heals up quickly for Thursday.”I’ve had a few this season, unfortunately. It’s worse than it looks. Rodon has played at a Euros and World Cup but is desperate for Wales to qualify for Germany this summerCredit: GettyWales bid to reach a major tournament for the first time without star man Gareth Bale, who retired from football last yearCredit: Getty”The one I got at Millwall away was a nasty one. It’s part of the game and it’s what I love doing. At least we came away from the game with a clean sheet.”Wales, with Ampadu and James set to both win their 50th caps, are bidding to qualify for the first time without key men Gareth Bale and Joe Allen, who retired following Qatar.Rodon added: “We’ve lost superstars with Gaz and Joe. It was always going to be difficult for us in transition for the group. I can’t speak highly enough of Gaz and Joe. “They are icons of Welsh football and the game and it’s going to have an impact on any team. If you know Gaz as well, any room he walks into everyone knows he’s there.”The players coming up to 50 caps have been around quite a bit now and have that experience in tournaments. It’s not new to us. It’s looking good.”Rodon played alongside Bale for club and country and joked he is happy Wales’ record caps holder and goalscorer with 111 and 41, no longer bullies him.Two years ago, the pair had a bizarre argument over whether aliens exist during a Tottenham Youtube video.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe quipped: “It’s quite nice he doesn’t bully me anymore! He does get on to me when I don’t speak to him. I’m sure Gaz is always watching. You all know how much he loves Wales. “I’m sure he will be watching the game. Gaz has done so much for me. I do miss him a lot. I’ll be in touch with him otherwise I’ll be in trouble!” More

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      Chelsea set to have just FOUR players at Euro 2024 – fewer than Bournemouth and Fulham – despite spending £1BILLION

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      CHELSEA’S less than stellar season may end up being summarised best by the lack of stars who go to the Euro 2024 this summer. Despite splashing out £1billion on new talent the Blues find themselves 11th in the Premier League table, 14 points behind 5th place Tottenham. Some Chelsea stars are shoe-ins for a Euro 2024 spotCredit: GettyHowever, many are unsure whether they will make it to the tournamentCredit: RexThis includes a host of talent from Europe – though some of the most pricey purchases such as Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez hail from South America. Despite the huge outlay, Chelsea may have just four players heading to Germany for the Euros this summer, potentially fewer than Bournemouth and Fulham.The likes of Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher and Ben Chilwell are all expected to be named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, while goalkeeper Djorde Petrovic has been involved in the last couple Serbia squads. But that might be it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn comparison, Marco Silva’s Cottagers and Andoni Iraola’s Cherries both have five players who are expected to make the cut for their national teams at the Euros, including stars such as Joao Palhinha and Philip Billing.However, there is a chance more Chelsea players will be on the plane to Germany this summer.Raheem Sterling has now not been called up to an England team since the 2022 World Cup, but the former Southgate favourite could still be in the frame.Also in with a shout are Levi Colwill, who is currently sidelined with a return date unclear, while Reece James faces a race against time to be fit before the end of the season.Most read in FootballChelsea’s French contingent led by Christopher Nkunku have also been struggling with injury this term.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERA squad as competitive as France can afford to lose the considerable talents of Nkunku without being too heavily impacted. Fringe players such as Axel Disasi missed out on the lastest squad, while the likes of Benoit Badiashile, Lesley Ugochukwu and Wesley Fofana have all struggled with injury.Conor Gallagher’s life as a footballer from loan moves to potential Chelsea exitEven in the Belgium camp, Roméo Lavia has missed out through injury.Ukraine star Mykhailo Mudryk has been in and out of Chelsea’s team this season, and while he is a mainstay when fit for his nation, they face a challenge to qualify.Mudryk and Co face Bosnia Herzegovina in the playoff semi-final and before a final against the winner of Israel and Iceland.The number of players from each club who could be at the Euros this summerManchester City are expected to have as many as 14 players going to the tournament, six more than the next highest teams in Arsenal and Manchester United, according to research from BetFootball.com.Beaten FA Cup quarter-finalists Liverpool are set to have six along with Tottenham.READ MORE SUN STORIESAt the other end Crystal Palace, Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest and Burnley are all expected to have one.Euro 2024 playersTHE Premier League players expected to be going to Euro 2024…

      Manchester City: 14. Kevin De Bruyne Belgium, Mateo Kovacic Croatia, Bernardo Silva Portugal, Kyle Walker England, John Stones England, Manuel Akanji Switzerland, Rúben Dias Portugal, Rodri Spain, Nathan Aké Netherlands, Jack Grealish England, Phil Foden England, Josko Gvardiol Croatia, Jérémy Doku Belgium, Matheus Nunes Portugal.
      Arsenal: 8. Jorginho Italy, Declan Rice England, Kai Havertz Germany, Bukayo Saka England, Leandro Trossard Belgium, William Saliba France, David Raya Spain, Aaron Ramsdale England.
      Manchester United: 8. Bruno Fernandes Portugal, Harry Maguire England, Marcus Rashford England, Scott Mctominay Scotland, Luke Shaw England, Diogo Dalot Portugal, Rasmus Højlund Denmark, Altay Bayındır Turkey.
      Liverpool: 6. Virgil van Dijk Netherlands, Andrew Robertson Scotland, Dominik Szoboszlai. Hungary, Trent Alexander-Arnold England, Cody Gakpo Netherlands, Ibrahima Konaté France.
      Tottenham: 6. James Maddison, England Pierre-Emile Højbjerg Denmark, Timo Werner Germany, Radu Drăgușin România, Micky van de Ven, Netherlands, Guglielmo Vicario, Italy.
      Bournemouth: 5. Ryan Christie Scotland, Enes Ünal Turkey Milos Kerkez Hungary, Philip Billing Denmark, Andrei Radu, Romania.
      Fulham: 5. Saša Lukić, Serbia, Timothy Castagne, Belgium, João Palhinha, Portugal, Marek Rodák, Slovakia, Bernd Leno, Germany
      Aston Villa: 4. Youri Tielemans, Belgium, John McGinn, Scotland, Pau Torres, Spain, Ollie Watkins, England.
      Chelsea: 4. Ben Chilwell England, Conor Gallagher England, Cole Palmer England, Djordje Petrovic, Serbia.
      Brentford: 3. Mathias Jensen, Denmark, Thomas Strakosha, Albania, Mark Flekken, Netherlands
      Brighton: 3. Billy Gilmour, Scotland, Bart Verbruggen, Netherlands, Pascal Groß, Germany
      West Ham: 3. Tomas Soucek Czech Republic, Vladimir Coufa, Czech Republic, Kalvin Phillips England.
      Wolves: 3. Nélson Semedo, Portugal, Pedro Neto, Portugal, José Sá, Portugal
      Newcastle: 3. Fabian Schär Switzerland, Martin Dúbravka Slovakia, Sven Botman, Netherlands
      Luton Town: 2. Jacob Brown, Scotland, Thomas Kaminski, Belgium
      Everton: 2. Jordan Pickford, England, Nathan Patterson, Scotland.
      Sheffield United : 1. Ivo Grbic, Croatia
      Nottingham Forest: 1. Matz Sels, Belgium
      Crystal Palace: 1. Joachim Andersen, Denmark
      Burnley: 1. Zeki Amdouni, Switzerland. More

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      Meet England’s oldest surviving international who worked down the pit, snubbed Man Utd and paved way for millionaires

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      IF ENGLAND go to the Euros this summer and flop, the players won’t get off as lightly as Tommy Banks did in 1958.The Bolton full back was leaving Moses Gate station after the final leg of his journey home from Sweden, where Walter Winterbottom’s team had failed to make it out of the group stage.Tommy Banks, pictured in 2017, is now England’s oldest surviving internationalCredit: Matthew Pover – The SunBanks with the England cap he won against Brazil in the 1958 World CupCredit: Matthew Pover – The SunThe England 1958 World Cup squad – Banks is right of the front rowCredit: Matthew Pover – The SunBanks let SunSport’s Dan King into his home for an interview in 2017Credit: Matthew Pover – The SunA woman who had known “Banky” since he was a child saw him in his smart England blazer, suitcase in hand, and asked: “Have you been to Blackpool for your holidays?”Banks, 94, is now England’s oldest surviving international.He explained: “It weren’t the same as now.“In Bolton all they worried about was Bolton, not England.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn 2017, Banks put down his book of crosswords to welcome SunSport into the front room of his house, which stands just 200 yards or so from his birthplace in the district of Farnworth.In his playing career, his 5ft 7 ½ in frame carried 12 stone of winger-worrying muscle.Much has changed since Banks represented his country.But The Times’ description of the 1-0 defeat by the USSR in a play-off to reach the quarter finals will sound familiar to England fans: “…morale and stamina in full measure; skill only in a modicum; and of luck, none at all.” Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBanks admits: “We should have done better than what we did.”But there was a tragic reason, of course, for the Three Lions not roaring.Kobbie Mainoo called up to England squad for first time as Man Utd wonderkid is late addition to Gareth Southgate’s campJust four months before the World Cup, on February 6 1958, the Munich Air Disaster had claimed 23 lives, including those of Manchester United and England trio Roger Byrne, Tommy Taylor and Duncan Edwards.Banks says: “It were terrible. I went into the paper shop and that’s where I got to know it.“It were a shock. They were a good team, all young lads.“Duncan Edwards, he could defend and play. Tommy Docherty said he was the best player he had ever seen. Tommy Taylor was the best in his position.“Never mind what’s-he-called, Pele, never mind him. He wouldn’t have shone like he did.“They would have won Cup. And I would have been nowhere near going.”It was the death at Munich of England left back Byrne, the United captain, which opened the door for Banks to play for his country.But Banks himself could have been a United player.As a teenager, he had worked in Mosley Common Pit, near Tyldesley in Greater Manchester.While he was still on shift one afternoon, a man with a Scottish accent turned up at his widowed mother’s door and asked her to ask her son to come down to Manchester United for a trial.It was former miner and new United boss Matt Busby. Tommy explained to his mother that it would mean him taking a bus to Salford Cathedral, as she often did, and then walking to Old Trafford.Banks remembers: “She said: ‘It’s a long way that, Thomas.’’ So I didn’t go.”’Garrincha didn’t play. I must have come into that. They didn’t want him to get injured. But I could play football, too, honest.Tommy Banks on Brazil legend avoiding him at the 1958 World CupInstead, he signed amateur forms with Bolton in November 1946, where brother Ralph already played.After completing his National Service, during which he captained his regimental team, Tommy signed professional terms in 1953.He missed out on playing with Ralph in the Matthews FA Cup Final of the same year.But it was his performance in Bolton’s FA Cup triumph over United in May 1958 which sealed his England call-up.  There was confusion when the train carrying the team home the Monday after the final made an unscheduled stop at Rugby.The stationmaster told Banks the FA had sent a telegram asking him to turn round and head back to London to join the squad for the friendly against Portugal.He did not feature in that game or the 5-0 tour defeat by Yugoslavia in Belgrade, but made his debut against the USSR in a warm-up for their later meetings at the World Cup.Tom Finney played a bit too well in the 1-1 draw in Moscow and paid the price when the sides met again in Gothenburg a few weeks later.Banks says: “Tom Finney was our Messi. They kicked him to death, the Russians. They were dirty buggers.”Finney scored a late equaliser from the penalty spot in a 2-2 draw but was unable to play again in the tournament.In their wisdom, the FA had taken only 20 players to Sweden instead of a full 22-man party and, in any case, had left Stanley Matthews and Stan Mortensen, the best potential replacements for Finney, out of the squad.But one good decision was to take Bill Nicholson as Winterbottom’s assistant. Nicholson, who would take over as Tottenham boss later in the year and lead them to the Double in 1961, came up with the tactical masterplan which enabled England to hold eventual winners Brazil to a goalless draw in their next group game.Banks and fellow full back Don Howe played key roles and Banks reckons his tough-tackling reputation went before him.He recalls: “We were ready for ‘em.“Garrincha didn’t play. I must have come into that. They didn’t want him to get injured. But I could play football, too, honest.“We could have won that game. We should have beaten Austria as well.”But they didn’t, drawing 2-2, and so had to play the USSR yet again for place in the last eight. They lost by a single goal and home they came.Banks was to play just one more time for England, his sixth cap coming just 139 days after his first.He says: “I got injured against Northern Ireland, my hamstring.“Nothing you can do about it. Today they have ways of training that build it up, but not then.“We may have played too often.”Banks continued to represent Bolton until 1961 when he played a small but vital part in abolishing the maximum wage and so paving the way for the multimillionaire footballers of today.The Professional Footballers’ Association was threatening to strike over the £20 per week limit but at a regional meeting at The Grand Hotel in Manchester, the Bury delegate said it would be wrong to earn more than his dad did down the pit.Former miner Tommy was having none of it. According to his biography “Ah’m Tellin’ Thee”, written by former Bolton player Ian Seddon, his response, in local dialect, amounted to: “There won’t be thirty thousand watching him dig out coal on Monday morning, there will be thirty thousand paying good money on Saturday at Burnden Park to see me try to stop Brother Matthews here.”Banks’ little speech, which ended with him pointing to Stanley “Brother” Matthews, is said to have swung the mood in favour of the proposed strike.Weeks later the Football League caved in and almost overnight Fulham made Tommy’s former England team-mate Johnny Haynes the first £100-per-week player.Banks admits: “I had a lot to say. I’d worked down the mine.  “I could get that money down pit and more. But they couldn’t run around and play like we did.“All that money on the gate – none was coming back to us. It wasn’t right.”But Banks could not escape another of football’s old-fashioned employment practices. Later in 1961, fourth division Oldham came in for him but Bolton demanded too high a transfer fee.Under the retain and transfer system, even if clubs chose not to renew a player’s annual contract, they could refuse to release his registration to another professional side if they were not offered enough money.Am I ‘eck jealous! I enjoyed every kick of the game while I were playing. It were wonderful.Banks on players of todayBanks had served Bolton as a supporter and player for most of his life. He had even been at Burnden Park on March 9 1946 when, unbeknown to him and many others in the 85,000 crowd, 33 Wanderers fans were crushed to death during the FA Cup tie against Stoke in the worst football ground disaster in England until the 1980s.After 233 league appearances for Bolton, Banks combined playing for non-League Altrincham with grafting as a hod carrier, proudly wearing his 1958 cup final shirt at work until he started to wear away the shoulder.He finishing his playing days at Bangor City, then had his own construction businesses.Banks’ football career had enough tales on its own.His smile convinced Gillette to pay him to be the first sportsman to advertise on television in Britain, in 1960.So modern stars can thank him for blazing that trail as well as paving the way for their eye-watering salaries.Banks, who particularly enjoys watching fellow full back Kyle Walker, has sympathy for England players who are crucified for every failure at a major tournament.Banks was a hard full-back for Bolton, his hometown clubCredit: Matthew Pover – The SunBanks shows off his 1958 FA Cup winners’ medal to SunSport in 2017Credit: Matthew Pover – The SunBut he would only be human if he envied their wealth, wouldn’t he?READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “Am I ‘eck jealous! I enjoyed every kick of the game while I were playing.​”It were wonderful.”​ More

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      Notting Hill star fires up Wales ahead of crunch Euro 2024 tie

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      RHYS IFANS fired up Wales ahead of their crunch Euro 2024 play-off with a motivational rallying cry.The Welsh actor joined the squad on Monday night at the Vale of Glamorgan HQ on the outskirts of Cardiff as Robert Page’s men prepare for Thursday’s semi-final with Finland.Ifans delivers his stirring message to the squadCredit: https://twitter.com/CymruWelsh actor Ifans staring in the 1999 film Notting HillCredit: Notting HillThe Hollywood star tucks in with the teamCredit: https://twitter.com/CymruIfans poses with Ramsey ahead of the Finland gameCredit: https://twitter.com/CymruIfans, best known for his roles in Notting Hill, Twin Town and The Amazing Spider-Man, was pictured eating soup with Ben Davies and Connor Roberts.He also posed for pictures with Page’s squad including Wales skipper Aaron Ramsey, Wayne Hennessey and Harry Wilson.Ramsey posted his pic with Ifans on Instagram: “What a way to start the week. Rhys, thank you very much for your time tonight.”Wales previously invited actor Michael Sheen into their camp in September 2022 ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHollywood actor Sheen’s rallying World Cup cry on TV programme ‘A League of Their Own’ went viral with more than 13 million views.Ramsey returned from a calf injury in Cardiff’s 2-0 South Wales derby defeat to Swansea on Saturday and underwent his own programme on Monday.Page will give an update on his fitness at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon.Leeds’ Dan James arrived to join the squad late on Monday night after being given extra time to be with his family by boss Page. Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFive celebs that could have been professional athletes including mega movie star and a member of the royal familyHis partner gave birth to their second child last Thursday. More

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      England can WIN Euro 2024 thanks to boasting world’s ‘best bunch of youngsters’ led by Jude Bellingham, says Geoff Hurst

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      SIR GEOFF HURST backs Gareth Southgate to lead England to Euro 2024 glory — thanks to Jude Bellingham and his fellow young guns.The 1966 World Cup hat-trick legend reckons there is a “great chance” Three Lions boss Southgate will end 58 years of hurt this summer.England boasts young lions like Anthony Gordon, Jarrad Branthwaite and Kobbie Mainoo in their squadCredit: GettySir Geoff Hurst scored a hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup finalCredit: PAAnd he is tipping Real Madrid midfield ace Bellingham to inspire England to success.The Euro 2020 final was the closest England have come to winning a major tournament since Hurst’s heroics.Southgate also guided England to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018.Hurst, 82, said: “Our chances of winning the European Championship this summer are very good.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“The leadership under Gareth has been really terrific and to have reached the semi-finals of the World Cup and the final of the Euros is good going.“There was a spell a few years ago where players felt it was more important to play European football with a club than represent their country. That’s all changed now under Southgate, although I recognise there’s still a section of people who will moan about how he gets England playing.“But you look at what he’s done and how he works. There’s been a gigantic step forward, so we’ve got a great chance.”The former England and West Ham striker sang Southgate’s praises at the Redgrave Theatre in Bristol during An Evening with Sir Geoff Hurst: The Farewell Tour – but he was less complimentary about some of England’s past efforts on the biggest stages.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHurst explained: “Some of the performances going way back have been very poor, especially in the World Cup in Brazil (2014). We had three qualifying games and before we knew it we were out and back home.“Some of the foreign managers haven’t done very well and some of our performances in tournaments have been shocking. But it will not be a shock to me if we win this summer.Shaun Custis and Jack Rosser discuss Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher’s England hopes as Southgate ponders Euro 2024 squad“I say that because I think we’ve got THE best bunch of young players, although it will be hard.”With Bellingham going from strength to strength in Spain, Hurst is optimistic England fans can finally celebrate as he continued: “Jude Bellingham is an unbelievable talent — what he’s done with his career so far is incredible.“He’s gone to Real Madrid and it seems he can’t stop scoring. That shows what a fantastic player he is.“But Jude is also one of a great bunch of young players, which is magnificent. He’s still only 20 which is astonishing and he is brilliant.“Plus he seems to be a nice lad and doesn’t seem to be getting carried away with anything.“I cannot speak highly enough about him. But he’s just one of a good number of young England players who will only get better, so we have a very good chance.”Hurst scored one of the sport’s most controversial goals in the 1966 final. But while he agrees VAR would have shown his shot was a yard over the line at Wembley, he is far from impressed with the new system.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “Decisions should be made quickly. It’s c**p. Fans can’t celebrate properly, players can’t celebrate and the referee goes off the pitch to look at the screen for ten minutes.“And they somehow still make as many poor decisions, which is astonishing. It’s simply awful.”Jude Bellingham can secure Euro glory for England, insists HurstCredit: Getty More

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      Wales boss Robert Page has sympathy for No1 keeper being left out in the cold at club side

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      ROBERT PAGE has been torn by Danny Ward’s Leicester exile.The Foxes goalkeeper, who is also Wales’ No1, has not played a single minute at club level this season in contrast to five matches for his country.Danny Ward has remained Wales No1 despite zero minutes for Leicester this seasonCredit: AlamyDragons keeper Ward denies England’s Marcus Rashford at the 2022 World CupCredit: GettyWales boss Page asked for his out-of-favour stars to get January moves but Ward, who cost £12.5million from Liverpool in 2018, failed to leave the King Power.Page said: “I’ve spoken to Danny. It wasn’t a case of him not listening to my advice. I had a couple of conversations with him. “When you put your player head on, you get it, I understand it.“When politics are involved and you’ve got a length of time left on your contract, it is not as easy as just getting out and playing games of football. There are many aspects to that.read more football news“We’ve dealt with players not playing for clubs in the past. “I’m just going to focus on the positives and the positives are that the majority of our squad are out playing football and playing well.“When I put my player head on, I have sympathy for Danny, when I put my manager head on, no, but with my player head on, of course I understand.“It’s hard sometimes and not easy to just get out when there are wages, fees and all-sorts involved, it is out of your control.”Most read in FootballGary Lineker calls for huge FA Cup rule change after Chelsea knock out his beloved Leicester in thrilling clashWard, 30, was on the bench for Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final tie at Chelsea.But his preparation is hardly ideal for Thursday’s crunch Euro 2024 play-off semi-final against Finland in Cardiff.Page added: “He has played in a couple of under-23 games, he said he was going to do that and he has done, I think he’s played three or four.“It’s not the level, we know that, but at least he’s made some effort to go and play games.“In all positions it is important to have that rhythm of playing games. “We’ve managed it in the past before, we’ve never had the luxury of the amount of players playing that we do at the moment. We will have them up to speed and ready for the game.”Ipswich’s Wes Burns is unlikely to be fit after limping off with a hamstring injury in Saturday’s 6-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.Wycombe’s Joe Low has pulled out through a minor hamstring injury. More

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      Ethan Ampadu takes leadership tips from John Terry and Didier Drogba in pursuit of Euro 2024 dream

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      ETHAN AMPADU is taking inspiration from Chelsea legends John Terry and Didier Drogba as he chases a ticket to the Euro 2024 finals spot with Wales.The Leeds captain is set to win his 50th cap at just the age of 23 in Thursday’s play-off semi-final against Finland in Cardiff.John Terry was back at Cobham as he trained alongside Ethan Ampadu and Karen CarneyCredit: Instagram @johnterry.26Ampadu has already played at a Euros and World Cup but wants a third tournament experience in GermanyCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunAaron Ramsey is Wales’ leader but boss Robert Page hailed Ampadu last week as a “future skipper”.Ampadu reverts back to a support act with his country rather than captain at club level and says his childhood Blues heroes of Terry and Drogba are driving him to lead by example on the pitch.Ampadu said: “Growing up as a Chelsea fan, I would look up to John Terry and Didier Drogba, “I was fortunate I was able to watch those two.Read More football news“Didier wasn’t a captain like John was. It was the way he led the team through his performance rather than wearing the armband. “Being a leader comes naturally to me. Because of the position I play, either as a midfielder or defender, you’re in the middle of the pitch. You try and help the team whichever way you can.”Ampadu, who left Stamford Bridge for Elland Road in a £7m deal last summer, is ready to reach his international half-century at the same age as England duo Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.He was introduced to the Wales squad as a 15-year-old by Chris Coleman before Euro 2016.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAmpadu then made his senior debut against France in November 2017.The versatile ace plays centre-back for Leeds but central midfield for Wales.Gareth Bale takes up brand new sport in retirement from football and former world No2 is impressedBut he would swap his personal night of celebration where he becomes the youngest Welsh player to reach 50 caps ahead of Chris Gunter for a third successive Euros final place for the Dragons.Ampadu added: “It’s nice to reach the milestone. It’s a massive achievement. “I’m still young, but I’ve experienced a lot which I’m very grateful for.”I’m hoping that even if people say I’ve been around forever that I’ve still got a long way to go in the game and I can achieve a lot more.”But if it meant I didn’t reach 50 caps and we got to the Euros, I would probably enjoy that more. It’s massive for us.”Ampadu has led Leeds to the top of the Championship above Leicester following Sunday’s 2-0 win over Millwall.But he suffered three successive relegations during loan spells at Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia – prompting cries he was cursed.Ampadu laughed at the online headlines: “I had that a lot!But what has he learnt from the low times to help Daniel Farke’s high-flying side in their promotion quest?He added: “I still have the same dedication and application in preparing for games. “I’ve taken the feeling of three relegations and how much that hurt me. I was disappointed.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I have used that as a motivation to not have that feeling again.“It’s a lot nicer and more enjoyable when you’re winning. “It’s a different pressure but the mood is better and more positive when you are trying to win something.” More

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      Scotland eyeing FIVE England stars for potential allegiance switch but Tartan Army No2 admits ‘loyalty is massive’

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      SCOTLAND will not dangle a Euro 2024 carrot to tempt any player into pledging allegiance.A number of top talents have been discussed with regard to a potential switch to represent the Tartan Army this summer.John Carver (right) has said Scotland are valuing loyalty to their players ahead of the Euros this summerCredit: Kenny RamsayNewcastle duo Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento have been linked with a switch of allegiance to Scotland from EnglandCredit: GettyToon teammate Harvey Barnes has also been eyed by ScotlandCredit: GettyNewcastle quartet Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Elliot Anderson and Tino Livramento, plus Leeds’ Archie Gray, have all been mentioned as possibles for months.Although Gordon has now been called up by England while Anderson pulled out.But Scotland No 2 John Carver insists there is little chance of any of them wearing a Dark Blue jersey at this year’s finals.On the suggestion of the Euros being used as a negotiating ploy, Carver replied bluntly: “I would be very surprised because loyalty is massive.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It is important to give these guys who have been loyal, and who have done really well for this national team, an opportunity to be in that squad of 23.“I think we are almost settled on what we are going to take away.“I’d be very surprised if somebody comes out from nowhere. Unless we find somebody who’s like, ‘Wow’ — an outstanding player.“I am not going to go down this street of Anderson and Gordon and all this lot because I’ve had enough of that. I am sick of talking about that.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“If somebody comes from nowhere I would be very surprised.“But we are looking at all the options for the future — because we have to take it further again after the Euros.”Shaun Custis and Jack Rosser discuss Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher’s England hopes as Southgate ponders Euro 2024 squadNorwich’s Grant Hanley has pulled out of Friday’s opening friendly against Holland in Amsterdam through injury, while FC Copenhagen’s loan ace Scott McKenna is a doubt.Brentford’s sidelined Aaron Hickey is sweating on his Euros place after aggravating a hamstring injury.Elliot Anderson is a fourth Newcastle star that England and Scotland are battling it out forCredit: GettyLeeds United’s Archie Gray has also been linked with a Scotland call up despite representing England at youth levelCredit: PA More