Euro 2024

TOM LOCKYER has accepted Robert Page’s invite to link up with the Wales squad next week.The Luton skipper suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch against Bournemouth on December 16.Lockyer returned to the scene of his caradiac arrest last Wednesday when Bournemouth beat Luton 4-3Credit: GettyWales stars including Ben Davies, Aaron Ramsey and Kieffer Moore took part in a CPR class last SeptemberBut Lockyer, 29, will have a reunion in Cardiff with his Welsh pals, who are gearing up for a crunch Euro 2024 play-off semi-final against Finland next Thursday.Page, who named his 28-man squad on Wednesday, said: “I had a good conversation with Locks on Tuesday. He’ll be a part of it.”We don’t know what days or for how long yet. But he’s keen to come in and we’re keen to have him around the lads.”Lockyer played for Wales against Turkey in November’s Euro qualifier and the 1-1 draw set up their route via the play-offs.READ MORE SPORT STORIESVictory over Finland would tee up a final against either Poland or Estonia for a place at the finals in Germany this summer.Lockyer was technically dead for two minutes and 40 seconds before medics resuscitated him at the Vitality Stadium.He returned to Bournemouth for the rearranged Prem fixture last Wednesday and met the heroes who saved his life.The Hatters centre-back had also collapsed during Luton’s Championship play-off victory over Coventry at Wembley last May and wants more people to learn CPR.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVALAnd Page has revealed the Welsh squad including skipper Aaron Ramsey, Ben Davies and Kieffer Moore undertook a class last September to raise awareness.Page added: “Yes, the medical team came in, we did the class. Tom is championing CPR at the minute, and rightly so.”Wales have a tight-knit squad which his been strengthened by the medical case of Lockyer.When he collapsed in the second half of fixture on the south coast, Dragons team-mates Chris Mepham, David Brooks and Kieffer Moore were all in the Bournemouth squad that day.Brooks, now on loan at Southampton, has also made a full recovery from cancer and Page believes the unity in the Welsh ranks is powerful.Page said: “There’s more to life than football, and when you see them on camp, take football away from it, they’re a good group together, they are good mates.”I can only imagine how hard it was for Meps, Kieffer and Brooksy when they played that fixture and saw their mate on the floor like he was. “They had contact straight after and they’ve been in touch since, but it’ll be nice to have them all back in the group together. “Like I said, forget football, just being together as mates is powerful for them.” More

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

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

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

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