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      Who is football pundit Eni Aluko?

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      ENI ALUKO has become a successful TV pundit since retiring from women’s professional football.The star hung up her boots in January 2020 after playing a whopping 102 times for England between 2004 and 2016.
      Eni Aluko is a TV pundit and former professional player

      Who is Eni Aluko?
      Eni Aluko MBE is a football broadcaster and former professional player.
      She was born on February 21, 1987, in Lagos, Nigeria and moved to Birmingham, England, with her family when she was six months old.
      Aluko played many sports as a child, including tennis, but found a love for football after playing with her brother, Sone Aluko, who also went on to become a professional footballer.
      As of 2024, Sone is signed by Ipswich Town but he has also played for Reading and Fulham in the past.
      Eni started her own football career with Leafield Athletic Ladies and went on to play for several big teams.
      Aluko has also had an impressive international career, representing England at three World Cups (2007, 2011, 2015) and two European Championships (2009 and 2013), as well as playing for Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics.
      In January 2020 Eni was named as the Sporting Director for Angel City FC, a team based in Los Angeles.
      She became the Director of Recruitment for the team in August 2022 but officially left the role in 2023.
      Who has Eni Aluko played for?
      Aluko had an illustrious career as a professional footballer before her retirement in 2020.
      The full list of teams that she represented can be seen below:

      2001-2004 – Birmingham City
      2004-2007 – Charlton Athletic
      2007-2009 – Chelsea
      2009-2010 – Saint Louis Athletica
      2010 – Atlanta Beat
      2011 – Sky Blue FC
      2012 – Birmingham City
      2012-2018 – Chelsea
      2018-2019 – Juventus

      Has she been a pundit before?

      Aluko is a successful and popular pundit, and made history when she became the first female pundit on Match of the Day in 2014.
      She continued punditry alongside her football career during the television coverage of the 2016 Euros, the women’s Euros in 2017, the 2018 World Cup and 2019 Women’s World Cup.
      Aluko was part of Amazon Prime’s pundit team for their coverage of the 2020/21 Premier League season.
      She also appeared on ITV’s coverage of the Euro 2020 tournament and is a regular face on the channel’s football coverage.
      What was the controversy surrounding her and Mark Sampson?
      In August 2017, Aluko accused the then-England manager Mark Sampson of “racist” comments
      Sampson was found by independent barrister Katherine Newton to have made “ill-judged attempts at humour, which, as a matter of law, were discriminatory on the grounds of race.”
      Newton added: “It was fundamentally important to emphasise that I have not concluded that MS is a racist.”
      It was alleged that Sampson had told Aluko to make sure her Nigerian relatives did not bring Ebola to Wembley and he also asked Drew Spence how many times she had been arrested.
      The FA was forced to issue an apology after it was found that they had known about the comments since 2016 and had cleared Sampson of any wrongdoing.
      Sampson later apologised, saying: “When players made complaints, they needed to be handled with the respect they deserved.”
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      What did Joey Barton say about Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko?
      Joey Barton came under fire after he made comments about Aluko and another pundit, Lucy Ward, as part of a sexist tirade.
      The former Manchester City and Newcastle star called the stars “the Fred and Rose West of football”, referring to two of Britain’s worst serial killers.
      Over two decades, Fred and Rose West abducted, tortured, raped and murdered numerous young women.
      Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Barton posted in January 2024: “How is she even talking about Men’s football. She can’t even kick a ball properly.
      “Your coverage of the game EFC last night, took it to a new low.
      “Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, the Fred and Rose West of football commentary.”
      Celebrities like Piers Morgan,  Laura Woods and Bianca Westwood were quick to call out the comments on social media.
      Read more on The Sun
      ITV Sport also addressed Barton, saying in a statement: “For Joey Barton, an ex-professional player with a significant social media presence, to target two of our pundits, Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, with such vindictive remarks based on gender and to involve the names of serial killers in doing so is clearly contemptible and shameful on his part.
      “Football is for everyone.” More

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      Harry Maguire singled out by defensive legend over ‘out of the norm’ attributes that make Man Utd star world class

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      ITALY legend Leonardo Bonucci has waxed lyrical about “nasty and tough” England defenders John Stones and Harry Maguire.And, let’s face it, he would know.
      Italy legend Leonardo Bonucci heaped praise on two England defendersCredit: Getty
      The Juventus icon hailed Harry Maguire for his intelligence and mental toughnessCredit: Alamy
      Bonucci and the recently-retired Giorgio Chiellini helped to deny the Three Lions glory in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.
      Chiellini famously fouled Bukayo Saka as he got away from the defender — then Bonucci scored Italy’s equaliser and taunted England fans after his side’s victory on penalties.
      But he likes the pairing of Stones and Maguire, even if they may never be as successful together as the Italian duo.
      The centre-back, 36, told SunSport: “There are moments during the game when you have to go to war and be ready to battle in the box as if a burglar was stealing in your house.
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      “But I struggle to find a deficiency in players like Stones, who have won what he did.
      “He’s a leader, reads the game well, has rhythms and is intelligent.
      “He’s a technical player and  a nasty defender. At City, Guardiola saw a perfect role for him, to be more of a ball-playing defender. He makes mistakes but who doesn’t?
      “He’s still young and has a lot of time to improve and keep winning.
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      Bonucci believes John Stones is one of the best defenders in the worldCredit: Getty
      “In the end, who decides if someone is the best in the world? The fans, but with all due respect, it’s really whether they like you or not.
      “Stones has done great things and I like him a lot. He’s one of the best in the world.”
      Maguire has come in for lots of criticism but Bonucci says he deserves credit for his reluctance to let the b*****ds grind him down.
      And the legendary defender even praised ‘Slabhead’ for his football intelligence.
      Bonucci, who joined Union Berlin in the summer after 12 years over two spells at Juventus, said: “For me, Harry is an example. After all the stick and attacks he’s received, he still plays at Manchester United and is a regular for England. That’s indicative of his mental strength.
      “Maguire is a rocky and tough defender.
      “His problem is that he was paid an infinite amount of money when he joined Man United. But just because of that, can’t he occasionally drop a clanger?
      “He has shown that he’s mentally tough, has leadership skills, personality and intelligence out of the norm.
      “Just like all of us, he may have some limits but he’ll be aware of them and iron them out to improve.”
      Bonucci reckons Luke Shaw’s early opener in the Euro 2020 final actually helped Italy as it made England sit back.
      That meant the Italians could keep the ball and wait for their opportunity to equalise, which eventually was scored by Bonucci.
      Stones and Maguire both played for England at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World CupCredit: Getty
      He added: “Taking the lead so early backfired on England because they stopped playing and asking questions.
      “They were content with what they had done. Maybe they were also scared of Italy’s quality?
      “We were aggressive, monopolised possession and created a flurry of chances.
      “England thought that by conceding us spaces, we’d run riot.
      “In the first half we were frightened by what was happening around us but then we had a pep talk at half-time and raced out of the traps.
      “We were ourselves again, had a different energy and I scored.
      “We deserved to win the final a lot more than England based on what we produced.”
      Bonucci trolled England fans by  screaming ‘It’s coming to Rome’ and urging them to “eat more pasta” after collecting his winner’s medal.
      This was in reaction to feeling ‘belittled’ by criticism.
      He said: “Many people attacked us during the Euros, saying we were not good enough to win and that we ‘only’ faced Turkey, Switzerland and Austria.
      “My reaction was a response to those who belittled our achievements.
      “Also, some of the things English players said touched our pride and motivated us to get revenge and win.”
      Bonucci is no stranger to being accused of arrogance and that apparent lack of sportsmanship at Wembley just added fuel to the fire.
      But the veteran said: “I have always been very confident in my ability and direct. Some people see it as having personality, for others it’s arrogance.
      “People can think and say whatever they want.
      “My ‘It’s coming to Rome’ and ‘You need to eat more pasta’ were triggered by adrenaline.”
      The Three Lions’ future is bright according to Bonucci — as long as Jude Bellingham stays fit.
      Having faced the Real Madrid star in the Champions League this season, he knows England have some player on their hands.
      Read more on The Sun
      Bonucci said: “Jude’s adaptation period at Real Madrid shows that he’s out of this world.
      “He is something else and will give Haaland and Mbappe a run for their money for future Ballons d’Or.”
      Jude Bellingham has been outstanding for club and country this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Scotland ‘ready to poach four Premier League stars’ from under England chiefs’ noses in dilemma for Gareth Southgate

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      ENGLAND could see four talents poached away by rivals Scotland as they prepare for Euro 2024.Newcastle United stars Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento could all be snapped up by the Scots.
      Gareth Southgate may lose out on four top talents to rivals ScotlandCredit: Getty
      Scotland assistant John Carver (R) has revealed four stars that he and Steve Clarke (L) have got their eyes onCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      The Magpies trio all look increasingly unlikely to be called up to Gareth Soutgate’s squad for the Euros in Germany next summer.
      They join Newcastle teammate Elliot Anderson in the boat of having to decide to commit to either Scotland or England going forward with all four players eligible for both nations.
      Anderson has already had one call up to the Scotland squad, but pulled out after deciding he wan’t ready to commit his international future to the Tartan Army just yet.
      And now Steve Clarke’s assistant at Scotland, John Carver, has explained how the Scots are eyeing up the four potential England stars.
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      In an interview with Chronicle Live, the former Newcastle United interim manager said: “At Newcastle, there are four [that we have scouted] actually,
      “Elliot Anderson, Tino Livramento, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes. We are always looking to add quality to the group. But we want players that want to be part of the journey.
      “Some of the lads at Newcastle mentioned are just starting their careers at St James’ Park and really need to concentrate on that first before they talk about which country they want to play for.
      “That’s the important part. I know I have been at Newcastle for a long time.”
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      England will want to fight to keep hold of Anthony GordonCredit: Rex
      Tino Livramento could also be swooped up by Scotland if England aren’t carefulCredit: Getty
      Both Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon are yet to make a senior appearance for England, but have excelled in the Three Lions’ youth ranks.
      Gordon was part of the England U21s side that won the Euros this summer and has now been catching the eye in the Premier League for the Toon Army.
      While Elliot Anderson played his youth international football for Scotland and would have to wait for England to come in for him – although Southgate has already discussed his interest in the 21-year-old.
      Whereas Harvey Barnes is a different case altogether with the former Leicester man actually earning himself a senior international cap for England already.
      But he would still be eligible to swap his allegiance to Scotland should he grow frustrated at not finding away back in to the England set up since his debut in 2020.
      Carver acknowledged that it wouldn’t be easy to convince the four rising starts to wear the the blue of Scotland over the white of England.
      He said: “The two youngsters such as Elliot and Anthony are different to somebody like say Harvey Barnes.
      “Harvey has been called up by England and not had opportunities. Let’s see what happens when Harvey is fit again.
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      “Anthony will make his decision when he needs to. England will force the issue because they would be mad not to.
      “The four at Newcastle are just a handful. There are many others out there and we are always looking to improve and make things better.”
      Despite Harvey Barnes already earning a senior cap for England, he can still switch his allegiance to ScotlandCredit: Getty
      England and Scotland are both keen on convincing Elliot Anderson to play for themCredit: Kenny Ramsay More

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      Reece James’ surgeon predicts whether Chelsea star will be fit for England’s Euro 2024 campaign after latest setback

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      REECE JAMES will be in “top shape” for Euro 2024, according to his surgeon.The Chelsea full-back suffered a hamstring injury two weeks ago and is now set to be unavailable for at least three months.
      Reece James is set to be fit in time for Euro 2024Credit: PA
      The full-back suffered a hamstring injury earlier this monthCredit: Getty
      Dr Lempainen has revealed that James will be unavailable for three to four monthsCredit: Instagram @lasselempainen
      He underwent surgery on Thursday in Finland following several assessments.
      And his surgeon, Dr Lempainen, has assured him that he will be fully fit in time for next summer’s European Championship.
      In an interview with the Telegraph, Dr Lempainen was very optimistic about James’ road to recovery.
      He said: “I am very convinced that Reece will be in top shape before the European Championship.
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      “Chelsea will decide on how long he takes, but more likely we are talking about that kind of period [three to four months].”
      James has suffered several hamstring injuries in recent years.
      However, Dr Lempainen believes the 24-year-old’s recent operation will increase the chances of him staying fit.
      He added: “The surgery gives Reece a better chance of staying fit and not having a recurring problem.
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      “We will try to do our best during the rehab process to assess the risk factors in Reece’s left hamstring and try to help his strength, mobility and sprinting technique, so Reece can enjoy high-level football again.”
      After undergoing surgery this week, James took to Instagram to reveal that he had received more hate than support from football fans.
      He wrote: “The footballing world knew I got injured but the procedure I would go down this time took slightly longer to figure out the best solution.
      “I had surgery today to try fix my recurring hamstring issue, the recovery has started, both physically and mentally.
      “Since this injury I’ve had a good amount of support but significantly more hate and negativity.
      “Believe me I don’t wanna be injured, I’m happiest when I’m playing football.
      “Thanks to the understanding people that support me despite the highs or the lows, it goes a long way. Stay well, Reece.”
      Should his recovery go to plan, the Chelsea star could return to action in March.
      However, the chances of him being fit for England’s spring friendlies against Brazil and Belgium are slim. More

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      Premier League confirm 2024/25 start date with season to begin late after Euro 2024

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE have confirmed the start date for the 2024/25 season.Due to next summer’s Euros, the campaign is set to get underway later than usual.
      The Premier League have revealed the start date for the 2024/25 seasonCredit: PA
      The campaign will begin on August 17 2024 with the final day on May 25 2025Credit: Rex
      The league have confirmed the season will begin on August 17 2024 and run until May 25 2025.
      In a statement, the Premier League revealed: “The Premier League 2024/25 season dates have been confirmed with the season starting on 17 August 2024.
      “The final match round of the campaign will be played on 25 May 2025, when all games will kick off simultaneously as usual.
      “In keeping with previous commitments made to clubs to address the congested schedule across Christmas and New Year, arrangements will be made to allow more rest time over three of the festive match rounds, with no club playing within 60 hours of another match.”
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      The 2024/25 season will begin six days later than the current campaign, which started on August 11 this year.
      It will also conclude the same amount of time later with all matches on the final day kicking off simultaneously.
      That is in part down to Euro 2024, which will take place in Germany between June 14 and July 14 next year.
      England will be one of 24 nations competing at the finals after qualifying in October.
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      Gareth Southgate’s side have been drawn in group C alongside Slovenia, Denmark and Serbia.
      Meanwhile, Scotland are in group A alongside hosts Germany, Switzerland and Hungary.
      Wales could also be involved, but must first come through the play-offs by beating Finland and either Poland or Estonia. More

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      Italy legend Giorgio Chiellini posts emotional retirement video at 39 but it’s left England fans seething

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      ITALY legend Giorgio Chiellini has quit playing aged 39 – but a moving retirement message failed to prevent a savaging from England fans.The “master of the dark arts” remains unforgiven for a famous foul on Three Lions winger Bukayo Saka in the Azzurri’s Euro 2020 final triumph.
      Bukayo Saka was in a menacing position when Giorgio Chiellini cynically hauled him back in Italy’s Euro 2020 final success at WembleyCredit: PA
      You have been the most beautiful and intense journey of my life.You have been my everything. With you I have travelled a unique and unforgettable path.But now it is time to start new chapters, face new challenges and write further important and exciting pages of life. pic.twitter.com/IjHDDE4jMe— Giorgio Chiellini (@chiellini) December 12, 2023

      One of the Three Lions’ best hopes of victory in the Euro final disappeared when Chiellini pulled Saka over at 1-1 in the 96th minuteCredit: PA
      The all-time great defender called his career “the most beautiful and intense journey of my life” in a poetic farewell online.
      But many England followers can’t forget his “outrageous” cynicism in hauling Saka down by the neck to curb danger at Wembley in July 2021.
      The Arsenal hero was surging clear in extra time during a 1-1 draw when Chiellini dragged him over – before Italy won 3-2 on penalties.
      So the Juventus icon’s emotional announcement as he bowed out as a player didn’t go down too well with a large batch of Three Lions fans.
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      Chiellini posted a highlights video interspersed with him flicking through an album of collectors’ cards and stickers over 23 years.
      The 117-cap icon also wrote: “You have been my everything. With you I have travelled a unique and unforgettable path.
      “But now it is time to start new chapters, face new challenges and write further important and exciting pages of life.”
      But the heartfelt words of the nine-time Serie A winner, who has spent the last two seasons in the MLS with LAFC, drew a mixed response online.
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      Iconic defensive hardman Chiellini knew it was his last game as LAFC lost the MLS Cup final 2-1 to Columbus Crew last SaturdayCredit: Reuters
      One fan posted: “I would respect you for what you said, only if you didn’t pull Saka by the neck in that Euro’s final.”
      Another said, “Saka will never forget him” and a third wrote: “Happy retirement… you cost Saka his first England gold medal.”
      But some supporters mixed anger at the incident with recognition for the two-time Champions League runner-up doing the dirty things so well.
      One wrote: “Dragging Bukayo Saka down to the core of the Earth in the Euro 2020 final was one of the last great football moments. Outrageous, superb behaviour that must be respected. ”
      And this verdict was similar: “Chiellini was an old school defender. Pulling Saka down in the Euros final just embodied the dark arts. You have to respect someone this good at their craft.”
      Chiellini himself has admitted he “grabbed him good!” when discussing the Saka incident.
      He claimed the moment was a “symbol of Euro 2020” and followed “one of the only mistakes” he made at the tournament.
      Chiellini admitted he thought he could shepherd the ball out – then upended Saka when he realised he couldn’t. More

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      Inside the luxury £1,750-a-night German castle and golf resort where England Wags could stay for Euro 2024

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      ENGLAND’S Wags are looking to beat their rivals to a prime holiday spot during next year’s Euros.While Gareth Southgate will be looking to whip his squad into shape before the tournament, the players’ partners are planning on making the most of their freedom after Qatar’s more lowkey atmosphere.
      The Schlosshotel hotel in Germany is being eyed for England’s Wags
      The castle’s construction was completed in 1893 under commission of Empress Victoria Friedrich
      The hotel is located in Kronberg near Frankfurt
      The hotel’s land features a golf resort
      Germany are the hosts for next summers tournament, and some suitably luxurious accommodation is being eyed up.
      As revealed by SunSport, the five-star hotel and castle Schlosshotel has already been scouted out following the hiring of a personal travel planner.
      Located in Kronberg near Frankfurt, it rooms which can cost up to £1,750 a night, combining a luxury golf resort and castle hotel.
      The resort’s construction was completed in 1893 under commission from Empress Victoria Friedrich and has operated as a luxury hotel since 1954.
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      Owned by the Landgrave and Princes von Hessen, the hotel offers a variety of services for guests, including a Porsche rental service, a limousine service for guests and on-call masseuses and butlers.
      It also offers wedding services and Christmas party’s which no doubt pair well with its huge banqueting halls that can accommodate for as many as 300 guests.
      There is even a cocktail reception at the hotel’s cave or Rose Garden in the park of the Castle Hotel Kronberg.
      On the England Wags search, a source told The Sun: “They have hired a personal travel planner.
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      “They’re actually toying with the idea of a German castle.
      “They’re keen to let their hair down after being restricted in Qatar but still want their own privacy.
      “The ones they’ve picked out so far are deep within the countryside, surrounded by woodland and protected from prying eyes.”
      However, Schlosshotel is not the only location which has been earmarked for next summer.
      It faces competition from Schloss Auel Boutique Hotel in Lohmar, near Cologne.
      It offers cocktail bars, Michelin star chefs and a team of personal assistants to assist with any requests.
      When the tournament rolls around next summer the group of England Wags who head there are already said to be “excited” for the trip following the restrictions in Qatar.
      The source added: “The Wags are extremely excited for the tournament.
      “Qatar was far too restrictive. This time around they can properly enjoy themselves without worrying.”
      Guests can be charged up to £1,750 a night to stay in the hotelCredit: “Simon Brown”
      Schlosshotel is a five-star hotel
      England’s Wags are looking to spend the Euro’s in luxury
      The hotel resort can play host to stunning events including wedding
      The hotel can host parties for as many as 300 guests
      The hotel was earmarked by a travel planner
      The hotel also features a stunning swimming pool and spa
      There is even a cocktail reception by its Rose Garden on the castle grounds
      England’s Wags are eyeing up luxury German castles for next year’s Euros (L-R: Kieran Trippiers wife Charlotte, Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan Davison , Harry Maguire’s wife Fern Hawkins, Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner, and Luke Shaw’s partner Anoushka Santos)Credit: Instagram More

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      Fans loving Ross Barkley’s ‘redemption arc’ as ex-Chelsea ace tipped to replace City flop in England squad for Euro 2024

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      HE starred against Arsenal, and Ross Barkley has now stole the show against the European champions.The Luton Town midfielder, 30, was in irresistible form against Man City on Sunday.
      Ross Barkley played a starring role for Luton Town against Man CityCredit: PA
      Barkley’s all-action display had fans calling for an England recall for the ex-Chelsea aceCredit: AP
      The former Blues man played a significant role for the Hatters’ opener scored by Elijah Adebayo.
      Although he couldn’t halt his side’s narrow 2-1 defeat, his performance had fans on X purring.
      Some even suggested he should return to the England fold and replace Kalvin Phillips in the squad.
      One fan wrote: “Hear me out…… This version of Ross Barkley with Rice and Bellingham in a midfield for England.”
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      A second posted: “Ross Barkley has really been class in the more holding role the last few weeks. If he keeps this up, deserves to be in contention for England over Kalvin Phillips surely.”
      A third shared: “If Ross Barkley keeps playing the way he is, could he be the answer to an England problem position at the Euros? Rice, Barkley and Bellingham could work very well.”
      A fourth added: “Ross Barkley redemption arc. He’s taking England to Euro 2024 glory.”
      While a fifth said: “Call me crazy, but Ross Barkley needs to play for England again.”
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      Barkley’s recent displays could give England boss Gareth Southgate a selection headache.
      The Chelsea flop, who also played for Nice, has 33 caps for the Three Lions.
      His last appearance for his country came in the 6-0 defeat of Bulgaria in 2019, when he scored twice and provided an assist.
      But, in recent times he has been well down the pecking order after struggling for form. More