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      Gareth Southgate SHELVES England contract talks until after ‘Trafalgar Square victory party’ as Euro 2024 closes in

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE is dreaming of a Euro 2024 victory party at Trafalgar Square — after shelving talks on a new England deal.The Three Lions manager’s contract runs out at the end of the year but FA chiefs want him to stay on for the 2026 World Cup.Gareth Southgate has shelved England contract talks until after Euro 2024Credit: GettyThe Three Lions boss is dreaming of celebratory scenes in Trafalgar Square this summerCredit: Dan CharityAnd Southgate revealed talks are now on hold until after this summer’s Euros in Germany.But he is open to agreeing fresh terms, should England lift the trophy for the first time.Southgate, 53, said: “We would have to sit and think about that at the end of the tournament.“I’m happy to talk about it briefly now but I’m not going to talk about what’s next for the whole summer.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS“We have consciously shelved any discussions internally about what might be next.“That’s because I think if we had sat and signed a new contract and done that before the tournament, everybody would say, ‘Well, you did this with [Fabio] Capello and you should be proving yourself before you sign’.“I’m relaxed about that and I have no idea where we’ll be in the middle of July, other than I hope it’s Trafalgar Square and let’s get the party on.”Despite the FA wanting him to continue in the role he started in 2016, Southgate believes signing a deal before the Euros would hinder the side.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVALHe added: “I think that has the potential to negatively affect the reaction to the team.“The team need the clearest run possible at this tournament, so my job is to remove pressure where possible.Gareth Southgate drops Kobbie Mainoo Euro 2024 hint as England boss names four players on cusp of breaking into squad “We’ve got to accept some pressure because we’re one of the favourites.“But, equally, I don’t want to put anything additional on to the team.“We could stink the place out and everybody wants shot of me.“So there’s no point in speculating about what might happen — I don’t think we will stink the place out, though.”Southgate’s contract is set to expire at the end of 2024Credit: PA More

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      Two-cap Premier League star switches allegiance to Syria as midfielder gives up on Euro 2024 place

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      FORMER Brighton star Mahmoud Dahoud has switched his national team allegiances to Syria after giving up hope of a Euro 2024 spot for Germany.Dahoud, 28, has made two appearances for the German national team in friendlies, the maximum a player can have and still switch under FIFA rules.Mahmoud Dahoud has elected to play for SyriaCredit: RexBoth caps came under former Germany coach Joachim Lowe in 2020 as he was gearing up for Euro 2020.Dahoud did not make the cut for the squad and has not been called up for Germany since 2021.The defensive midfielder joined Brighton from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023 but never really settled on the South Coast.He made just nine Premier League appearances for the Seagulls before leaving the club in the January transfer window.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNow back in the Bundesliga at VFB Stuttgart, he’s made six appearances and scored one goal.Dahoud has already informed the Syrian Football Association of his decision.He told Sky Germany: “I was very quickly impressed by the idea of ​​​​playing for Syria. I grew up in Germany, spent my whole life here and was proud to play in the youth national teams and the senior national team. Germany is my home.”Syria is my family’s country of origin and ultimately also my birth country. And I learned early on from my family how privileged we are to live in Germany and how important it is at the same time to bring joy to the people in Syria. Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL”I would like to do that and am really looking forward to this project that is close to my heart.”Dahoud is in line to make his debut for Syria at the next international break, with The Red Eagles set to play two friendlies against Myanmar.Inside Harry Kane’s life in MunichThe team are currently ranked 89th in the FIFA rankings, while Germany are 16th. More

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      Gareth Southgate drops Kobbie Mainoo Euro 2024 hint as England boss names FOUR players on cusp of breaking into squad

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE hinted Kobbie Mainoo could be in line for a call-up for Euro 2024.That is despite the Manchester United youngster missing out on the England squad for the upcoming friendlies.Kobbie Mainoo missed out on the England squad for the March friendliesCredit: GettyGareth Southgate explained his reasoningCredit: PASouthgate, 53, opted instead for Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Conor Gallagher, Jude Bellingham and James Maddison in midfield – as Kalvin Phillips also got snubbed.However, the Three Lions boss was asked about Mainoo’s exclusion amid his superb form for the Red Devils.And Southgate revealed why the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium came slightly too early for the teenager.But he also revealed Mainoo, 18, and three others – Liverpool, Manchester City and Leeds stars – were considered and therefore a strong end to the season could see them given a seat on the plane to Germany in the summer.READ MORE ON ENGLANDSouthgate said: “There are some players who are doing exceptionally well, the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Harvey Elliott, Rico Lewis. Archie Gray is doing really well at Leeds.“I think [Mainoo] is doing brilliantly for a young player.“We’re never slow to put a young player into the seniors but he’s only had a handful of games, so you have to be very careful.“We feel we should give him the space to develop at his own speed. Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “We don’t feel he’s at the same number of games where Jude [Bellingham] and Bukayo [Saka] were at that stage.“But he’s having some wonderful experiences at Manchester United and seems a very good character.”Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024England squad for March friendlies

      Goalkeepers – Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Sam Johnstone
      Defenders – Kyle Walker, John Stones, Lewis Dunk, Jarrad Branthwaite, Joe Gomez, Ezri Konsa, Harry Maguire, Ben Chilwell
      Midfielders – Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Conor Gallagher, Jude Bellingham, James Maddison
      Forwards – Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jarrod Bowen, Ollie Watkins, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Ivan Toney, Anthony Gordon

      Mainoo has been a regular in the United midfield under Erik ten Hag this season, cementing his spot by starting the last 12 Premier League matches.The holding midfielder’s impressive stats include two goals this term – in the win at Newport and the thrilling last-gasp winner at Wolves.SunSport revealed that strong form means Mainoo is in line for a treble-your-money pay rise less than a year after his latest contract extension.That would see him put pen to paper on £60,000 per week. And ex-United star Wes Brown even compared the academy graduate to Champions League icon Clarence Seedorf.However, with the youngster yet to represent the senior England team in a competitive fixture, he could still switch allegiance to Ghana. More

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      ‘What does Jordan Henderson have on Gareth Southgate?’, ask fans as England’s final squad before Euro 2024 named

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      ENGLAND fans have been left baffled after Jordan Henderson was called up to the Three Lions squad again.The midfielder has been ever-present under Gareth Southgate – even when he was playing in Saudi Arabia for Al-Ettifaq.Gareth Southgate has come under fire for his squad selectionCredit: PAFans have criticised Jordan Henderson’s inclusionCredit: GettyHe moved to Ajax in January where he was made captain but some fans are still questioning his inclusion in the squad.One fan reacted saying: “What does Jordan Henderson have on Gareth Southgate?”Another added: “Jordon Henderson somehow getting in the squad, Southgate isn’t the one.”A third wrote: “Jordan Henderson in 2024 when there is at least 5 more deserving midfielders is what annoys me the most.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd another commented: “Ain’t no way he picked Henderson 💀”Henderson has kept his place in the side amid growing calls for Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo to be selected.Southgate praised Mainoo’s recent performances but has gone for experience in his final squad before the Euros.However he has dropped Kalvin Phillips after the Manchester City star failed to rediscover his form on loan at West Ham.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Instead Southgate picked familiar faces Declan Rice, Conor Gallagher and Jude Bellingham.James Maddison also returns after an injury, with Southgate calling up two new faces – Jarrad Branthwaite and Anthony Gordon.Does Gareth Southgate have to win EURO 2024 to be a GREAT England manager? More

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      Aaron Ramsey named in Wales squad for crunch Euro 2024 play-off

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      AARON RAMSEY will be given every chance to make Wales’ Euro 2024 play-off semi-final next week as he recovers from a calf injury.The Dragons captain, 33, has been named in Robert Page’s squad for the Finland clash in Cardiff next Thursday.Ramsey is bidding to lead Wales to their third successive Euros finalsCredit: REUTERSThe 84-cap midfielder was a star at Euro 2016 and was named in the Team of the tournamentCredit: PA:Press AssociationCardiff boss Erol Bulut last month ruled the ex-Arsenal and Juventus star out for between four and six weeks.But Bluebirds midfielder Ramsey stepped up his fitness from the calf injury this week and was included in Page’s 28-man squad named in the Welsh capital on Wednesday morning.SunSport revealed Ramsey had not given up on his Euro dream and Page says 84-cap Ramsey is not a risk even if he plays no part in Saturday’s South Wales derby against Swansea.The Dragons manager believes his team have more strength in depth so the ex-Arsenal and Juventus star, who has played just twice following five months out with a knee injury, is not relied upon.READ MORE SPORT STORIESPage said: “It’s not been ideal for Aaron but sometimes injuries change from the first instance. “They can change overnight, there can be a difference in diagnosis.“If there’s a chance of having him involved in the squad I’m going to take it and name him.“The last two camps we’ve had him in and around the squad, even though he’s not been able to play a part. To have someone of his stature around the players is beneficial for us.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “Irrespective of what happens at the weekend, he’s on the grass this week. “His rehab back to full fitness has gone to plan and we’ll have eyes on him every day. I don’t see it as a risk. There’s nothing to lose. I am a time traveller from 2034 – I know who wins Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup and here are the scores”I’m happy to take him on the back of no minutes. If he has the potential to give us some minutes off the bench we will use him. He still has a lot to offer.”Gareth Bale had fitness issues at the 2022 World Cup and struggled to make an impact. But Page claims Ramsey’s inclusion is not a gamble as Wales meet up on Sunday in pursuit of a third successive Euros finals.Page added: “When you have somebody of Aaron’s quality, we’ll get him on camp and assess him. “We’ve already had conversations with him and he knows his body. “Our medical team are based in Hensol where Cardiff train, that’s the luxury we’ve had of being in the same vicinity.“Times have changed. We’re not where we were two or three years ago.  “We don’t have to rely on Aaron as much as we did a couple of years back along with the Gareth Bales of this world. “Back then it would have been devastating not to have him in the squad.  “You look at the quality of players we’ve got. The strength in depth we’ve got – there’s a good selection headache for me to have.”Page’s Wales are just two wins away from joining England and Scotland at the finals in Germany.If Wales beat the Finns then they will face a final showdown against either Poland or Estonia in the Welsh capital on March 26.Leeds duo Ethan Ampadu, 23, and Dan James, 26, are in line to win their 50th caps against Finland at the Cardiff City Stadium.Wales squad Goalkeepers: Hennessey, Ward, Davies, KingDefenders: Davies, Rodon, Mepham, Cabango, Low, Williams, Roberts, DaSilvaREAD MORE SUN STORIESMidfielders: Ramsey, Ampadu, J James, Wilson, Sheehan, Levitt, Savage, BurnsForwards: Johnson, Moore, D James, Brooks, Broadhead, Matondo, Cullen, Colwill More

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      The FIFTY stars in with a chance of being in England’s Euro 2024 squad as Southgate faces biggest selection dilemma ever

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has never faced a more complex dilemma in seven and a half years as England manager than his choice of a squad for this summer’s Euros.There are as many as FIFTY players with realistic ambitions of making the plane for Germany.Gareth Southgate must whittle down a massive range of optionsCredit: GettyEric Dier and Raheem Sterling could miss outCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunMan Utd’s Kobbie Mainoo, 18, has burst into contentionCredit: GettyBut the picture will become clearer on Thursday as the Three Lions boss names a squad to face Brazil and Belgium – the final party he will announce before his Euros 23 is finalised in late May.Quite simply, any player who is fit and not named in today’s squad can start booking their summer holidays because they will not be off to Germany unless something freakish happens.Today’s squad is likely to be larger than the 23 players Southgate can name for the tournament.But some former Southgate favourites are likely to be cut from the picture, including Raheem Sterling, Kalvin Phillips and Eric Dier, while the West Ham pair of Jarrod Bowen and James Ward-Prowse could be heading for their sun-loungers too.Uncapped hopefuls such as the Newcastle pair of Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento, as well as Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Everton centre-half Jarrad Branthwaite will discover whether they are in Southgate’s thoughts.Versatile Liverpool defender Joe Gomez will re-enter the picture with inclusion in the squad and Ross Barkley may also be back after a resurgence at Luton, five years after his last England cap.Likewise, Rangers keeper Jack Butland could be back in the frame, with Southgate admitting that the goalkeeping area is a ‘problem’ as Nick Pope is injured, while Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson are out of favour at their clubs.Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is sure to make today’s squad as the leading English scorer in the Premier League but Ivan Toney and Dominic Solanke are also still in the running to be Harry Kane’s understudy.Most read in FootballSeveral players who will miss out through injury today could still make the final squad.These include Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw, Jack Grealish, Pope, Reece James and Marc Guehi.Micah Richards leaves Kate Abdo stunned after challenging Premier League cult hero to press-up challenge on live TV In-form Chelsea star Cole Palmer will make Thursday’s squad but still faces huge competition to make the final 23.Either Grealish or James Maddison would likely have to make way for him.Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, linked with Man Utd, is in the runningCredit: Getty More

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      When is England’s squad announcement? Date and time CONFIRMED

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      ENGLAND are back in action this month as Gareth Southgate prepares to confirm his squad for two friendly matches.As Euro 2024 creeps closer, Southgate will want to have his best XI set for the tournament and building momentum. England boss Gareth Southgate needs to pick his squad for two friendlies later this monthCredit: PAEngland reached the final of Euro 2021, losing 3-2 on penalties to Italy after a 1-1 draw, and will be hoping to go one better this time.There are now just four matches remaining – two this month and two in early June – before the group stage kicks off against Serbia on June 16.Who will England play against?Five-time World Cup winners Brazil visit Wembley on Saturday, March 23, and England will then host Belgium on Tuesday, March 26 – also at the home of the Three Lions.When is the squad announcement?Gareth Southgate will name his 23-man squad for the friendlies at 2pm GMT on Thursday, March 14.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhere can I watch?Fans who want to watch live can buy tickets to England vs Belgium, although the Brazil match is already sold out.Both games will be live on Channel 4 as well as available to be streamed on All 4, with highlights shown later in the evenings.The action of both matches can also be followed through SunSport’s live blogs.Who is unavailable to be picked?Southgate’s selection headache at right-back could be eased with Trent Alexander-Arnold being an injury doubt, Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier currently sidelined and Chelsea captain Reece James also absent through injury.Most read in FootballWhile nearing returns, Man City winger Jack Grealish and Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope are still injury doubts as the friendly matches look to be approaching too soon for the pair to be fully fit.Who is most likely to be picked?Bayern striker and England captain Harry Kane, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Ajax’s new signing Jordan Henderson look set to remain as instant inclusions in Southgate’s sqaud. Cole Palmer is likely to remain in the squad, after making his England debut against Malta on November 17 and continuing his stellar form for Chelsea since.Brentford forward Ivan Toney has an outside chance to be recalled to the England squad after serving his suspension for betting offences, scoring four goals since his return to football.A suprise inclusion could also be named in the squad, as this international break is the last opportunity for Southgate to give any fringe players an opportunity to impress.Young talent Kobbie Mainoo has been touted to receive a call up, while former international Ross Barkley has been impressive for Luton Town this season and could be under consideration.England’s record vs opponentsEngland have not beaten Brazil since February 2013 when Frank Lampad scored the winning goal at Wembley.The South Americans hold 11 wins in head-to-head fixtures as England have won on four occasions over all fixtures between the pair.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn recent history, Belgium have beaten England in three of the last five meetings between the two nations.However, the Three Lions boast more victories against Belgium overall, having 16 wins compared to four for the Red Devils. More

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      Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is latest England star to give Southgate a Euro 2024 headache as competition for places hots up

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      COLE PALMER is the latest England hopeful to make an impression on Gareth Southgate and state his case to go to the Euros.His audition featured a goal and assist in Monday night’s 3-2 win over Newcastle.Cole Palmer (right) celebrates his goal against NewcastleCredit: GettyThe in-form Chelsea star scored one and made one on Monday nightCredit: GettyIt follows on from calls for Ross Barkley, Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo, Tino Livramento, Ivan Toney and Jarrod Bowen to get a place in the 23-man squad off to Germany this summer.Jack Butland, Raheem Sterling, Rico Lewis, Eberechi Eze and James Ward-Prowse are not out of the running yet, either.Each week we are told a new player simply must be included.But, for Southgate, it is not  a case of just getting a bigger plane. He cannot take them all.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnlike the last two tournaments, where managers could pick  26-man squads following the pandemic, Euro 2024 will see that number  back to 23.Added to the fact Southgate has a settled group of senior, tournament-hardened players  and fitting in talents like Palmer becomes quite the headache.The ex-Manchester City man only made the squad in November following injuries to James Maddison and Jude Bellingham, making his debut against Malta.But his performances for Chelsea, 11 Prem goals and eight assists across a fairly miserable Stamford Bridge season, cannot be ignored.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL While many of his new teammates are struggling to settle, midfielder Palmer walked out on the Premier League champions, swaggered into the spotlight in West London and has shone.Palmer, 21, has proved a game changer as boss Mauricio Pochettino battles to steer the Blues on the right course.How does Gareth Southgate solve Phil Foden dilemma, with Jack Grealish possibly missing out on Euro 2024And that bodes well for tournament football.But does that mean that he  is a better option than Jack Grealish or Marcus Rashford for boss Southgate?Palmer has certainly had a better individual season than both, but Southgate surely will not leave those two behind.On form, Palmer is the pick, but Grealish and Rashford can both make a bigger impact on their day and have a wealth of tournament experience.This summer would be Rashford’s fifth European Championship or World Cup appearance and Grealish’s third.With England under pressure to deliver a trophy in what could be Southgate’s final flourish, he will want players he can trust.Sterling’s England exile, having not been included in a squad since the World Cup in Qatar, certainly helps Palmer — but still it is a tight squeeze.England’s next squad will be announced on Thursday at 2pm.The Three Lions have an array of attacking talent, while Southgate’s habit of  taking every right-back playing in England also reduces the number of places available.What a player he is. The confidence that he shows in every moment of the game, you can see he is so relaxed and he knows his ability. Trevoh Chalobah on PalmerIn the forward line there are already a number of dead certs to be in the squad.  Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and, arguably, Ollie Watkins as the England captain’s understudy.Does Palmer deserve to go to Germany ahead of someone like Maddison? Probably not.Lay it out in the barest terms and what initially seems like an obvious case for Palmer, starts to diminish.It would be fantastic to have a player of his quality there, though it is always a sign of strength if England can leave players like him at home.For what it is worth, Palmer’s Chelsea team-mates believe he should be on the plane.Blues centre-half Trevoh Chalobah said after the win over Newcastle: “Most definitely.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He is up there producing every week, so why not?“What a player he is. The confidence that he shows in every moment of the game, you can see he is so relaxed and he knows his ability. That is the kind of player we need.” More