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    Wales Euro 2024 dream handed huge boost with Aaron Ramsey given hope of being fit for play-off semi-final vs Finland

    AARON RAMSEY is refusing to give up on his Euro 2024 dream.The Wales skipper is out with a calf injury and his Cardiff boss Erol Bulut last week ruled out for between four and six weeks.
    Ramsey’s injury is not as bad as first fearedCredit: Getty
    That looked set to rule the ex-Arsenal and Juventus star, 33, out of the Dragons’ Euros play-off semi-final with Finland in Cardiff on March 21.
    But midfielder Ramsey will keep fighting in a bid to be fit for the Cardiff City Stadium showdown next month with Wales just two possible wins away from the Germany finals.
    SunSport understands the injury, sustained in training with the Championship outfit less than two weeks ago, is not as bad as first thought.
    And that has given Ramsey a glimmer of hope.
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    But, despite the boost, Ramsey still faces a real race against time to be available for the semi-final with a potential final against either Poland or Estonia in the Welsh capital five days later.
    Ramsey is giving everything in a bid to be ready and will work alongside physio Sean Connelly, who is based at the Vale of Glamorgan HQ where Cardiff and Wales both share a base.
    He could be available for that play-off camp but is unlikely to have had any match action before the international break.
    And, considering he had only returned with two appearances since a knee injury which kept him out for five months, Ramsey’s lack of game time would be a major risk.
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    But the possibility of Ramsey, who has played at two Euros finals and the World Cup, being available would be a major boost for boss Robert Page.
    His experience, leadership, big game mentality and composure are all viewed as assets for a young Welsh squad including the likes of Brennan Johnson, 22, Ethan Ampadu, 23, and Jordan James, 19 as Wales bid to qualify for a third straight Euros finals.
    I played alongside Gareth Bale and against world superstars but now bidding to lead League Two Gillingham to FA Cup glory More

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    England dealt major blow with star defender in race against time to be fit for Euro 2024 as he undergoes surgery

    MARC GUEHI is set to miss six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery on a knee injury.The Crystal Palace star has not played since hyper-extending his knee against Brighton earlier this month.
    Marc Guehi suffered an injury against Brighton earlier this monthCredit: Getty
    Guehi’s injury has caused him to miss the Eagles’ last three games, including the 3-0 win over Burnley in Oliver Glasner’s first game in charge.
    According to the Mail, the England ace has suffered “complications” since initially sustaining his injury.
    They add that after seeing a specialist in London, Guehi has undergone an operation.
    Palace hope that their key man will return before the end of the season.
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    But he is certain to miss England’s clashes with Brazil and Belgium next month.
    Guehi has so far earned nine senior international caps.
    He started the Three Lions’ last two qualifiers, and has featured in six of England’s last eight games.
    The 23-year-old is pushing for a place in Southgate’s Euro 2024 side, and is set to be competing with the likes of Harry Maguire.
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    Centre-backs Fikayo Tomori and Ezri Konsa joined Guehi and Maguire in England’s last camp.
    While John Stones, Eric Dier, Levi Colwill and Lewis Dunk have also featured in recent squads.
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    Guehi has played 22 times for Palace in the Premier League this season, captaining them in seven of those games.
    He is contracted to the Eagles until 2026, but has attracted plenty of interest.
    Liverpool and Manchester United are said to be tracking the Three Lions hopeful.
    While Tottenham and Newcastle were showing an interest ahead of the recent January window.
    Guehi, 23, has earned nine England capsCredit: Getty More

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    Why Bowen must start ahead of Saka in England’s next match as Gareth Southgate assesses options for Euro 2024

    JARROD BOWEN should start ahead of Bukayo Saka for England this month.Arsenal fans will be choking with fury or laughter at the suggestion that the West Ham forward could be preferred to their golden boy.
    Jarrod Bowen is gunning for an England start after hitting the goal trail againCredit: Getty
    Bukayo Saka is one of Gareth Southgate’s most important playersCredit: 2023 The FA
    But there are very good reasons why Bowen deserves the chance to show what he can do against Brazil and Belgium.
    And why Three Lions Gareth Southgate should consider giving Saka a bit of a breather ahead of a big few months for club and country.
    Bowen’s hat-trick against Brentford made him the top-scoring Englishman in the Premier League with 14, level with Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke and just one behind overall leader Erling Haaland.
    When you add the 27-year-old’s workrate, fitness and desire to that raw statistic, Bowen cannot be left out of Southgate’s squad for the last friendlies before he names his longlist for Euro 2024.
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    But why should Bowen start ahead of Saka? Because Southgate and the whole world know the Arsenal star’s qualities.
    Because only injury will prevent him starting for England in their opening game against Serbia on June 16.
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    And because the 22-year-old is more likely to get injured before the Three Lions head to Germany if he isn’t managed carefully after the amount he has played in the last three and a half years.
    Saka has featured in 133 of Arsenal’s last 140 Premier League games, starting 128 of them. 
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    No doubt Saka wants to play every minute. No doubt, either, that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta would love him to take it easy ahead of the final push for glory.
    But it also makes sense.
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    What if Saka DOES get injured? Based on form and characteristics, left-footed Bowen is the obvious choice to play on the right of the attacking three behind Harry Kane.
    “What about Phil Foden?”, Manchester City and England fans will cry.
    Bowen’s goal stats alone put him among the top players in the Prem this season
    The numbers suggest Saka is undroppable
    Well, Southgate does need to work out where Foden, who is also having an outstanding season, fits into his team.
    But could that be, should that be, on the left wing, rather than the right?
    That’s where Foden played in the World Cup in Qatar, where he claimed he gave his best performance in an England shirt against Senegal in the last 16. 
    It would be useful to see whether he could again perform well in that position against top opposition like Brazil and Belgium. 
    Neither Marcus Rashford nor Jack Grealish is making a strong case to occupy that left-sided berth in Southgate’s first 11.
    And neither of them deserves to go to Germany or play ahead of Bowen, based on the season so far.
    Bowen has 16 goal involvements in the Premier League, to Rashford’s eight and Grealish’s four.
    The West Ham man has created as many big chance as Rashford (six) and more than Grealish (three). Bowen works harder off the ball, too, with 30 tackles compared to the Manchester United man’s 13 and the City star’s 12.
    Rashford has had a poor season so far compared to the heights he hit last year
    Grealish is another England star who will be hoping for an upturn in form ahead of the Euros
    The big question is whether Bowen is an international class player.
    The honest answer is: we don’t know for sure, and nor does Southgate.
    The England boss gave Bowen his international debut in a Nations League game in Hungary in June 2022.
    It’s fair to say he didn’t grab the opportunity with both hands. But he was playing in an under-strength, experimental England team that individually and collectively deserved the 1-0 defeat they received.
    A wretched campaign unfolded, with fans turning on Southgate to such an extent that he thought about quitting before the World Cup.
    Bowen was hooked at half-time of the humiliating 4-0 home defeat by Hungary but it was hardly the best environment for a player who had never represented his country at any level before.
    He was left out of the squad for Qatar and was not picked again until last October when he played the full 90 minutes in the friendly against Australia.
    Bowen did not pull up any trees in that game. But again, it was a much-changed England team that featured arguably none of Southgate’s first-choice 11.
    Foden has been superb this year and could take the left-sided slot
    Palmer has hit the ground running in West London and is in with a shout for a starting spot in the friendlies
    If nothing else, West Ham’s main man deserves the chance to show what he can do if he lines up in a stronger Three Lions line-up.
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    West Ham boss David Moyes wouldn’t like it, but you can make the argument that Bowen should start both matches. Or at least one, maybe with Chelsea’s Cole Palmer given his head in the other.
    And if that means Saka sitting out one or both of them, so be it. More

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    Former Premier League boss names England XI that Southgate should pick in Euro 2024 opener – with debutant in defence

    TIM SHERWOOD has revealed what his England starting XI would be this summer – and it includes a debutant in defence.Gareth Southgate takes the Three Lions to Germany this summer for the European Championship.
    Tim Sherwood has named his preferred starting XI for EnglandCredit: Getty
    Gareth Southgate is aiming to lead the Three Lions to glory in GermanyCredit: PA
    He will be looking to go one better than their efforts at the Euros when they were beaten by Italy in the final on penalties at Wembley back in 2021.
    The debate over what team Southgate selects has already begun with a number of question marks already hanging over a number of his regulars.
    Now Sherwood has told Sun Sport what choice he would pick – and he is not afraid to give a fresh face an opportunity.
    The former Tottenham and Aston Villa manager, 45, opted for long-time No.1 Jordan Pickford in goal.
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    And regular full-backs Kyle Walker and Luke Shaw also made the cut for the 1995 Premier League title winner with Blackburn.
    John Stones is also in central defence, but his usual partner Harry Maguire fails to get in for Sherwood.
    Instead, he believes that Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, 21, should be picked in favour of Harry Maguire.
    The Toffees star has been linked with a host of top clubs after his impressive form this term.
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    And after helping England U21s to European Championship success last summer, Sherwood is convinced he is the man to help the seniors push and achieve glory this year.
    Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips would be another casualty under Sherwood, with the ex-midfielder opting for a much more attacking line-up instead of the two holders.
    How does Gareth Southgate solve Phil Foden dilemma, with Jack Grealish possibly missing out on Euro 2024
    Declan RIce would be sitting, but he would be joined by attacking duo Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish in the middle three.
    However, Sherwood sprung no surprises with his choice of front three.
    Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Man City’s Phil Foden would be starting either side of captain and England’s all-time top scorer Harry Kane.
    The Three Lions begin their Euro 2024 campaign on June 16 against Serbia.
    They then take on Denmark four days later before finishing their group fixtures with a clash against Slovenia on June 25. More

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    AI predicts Euro 2024 shirts with England ditching traditional colour and never before seen change to rival’s iconic kit

    AI in football is nothing new – it has transformed the game by helping to improve player and team tactics.But Artificial Intelligence has now gone and predicted what the Euro 2024 kits will look like.
    AI has gone another step further to predict the Euro 2024 shirtsCredit: mysteryfootball.com
    Footie fans will have to wait a little longer to see their countries’ Euro 2024 kits.
    However, the UK’s number one provider of obscure mystery football shirts, Mystery Football, have revealed the shirts AI predicts teams at the tournament will wear.
    Twenty-four teams will play in the international tournament, kicking off in June, with Germany as the host nation.
    Mystery Football have used AI to generate 12 shirts for the biggest and best-known teams.
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    For each design, the shirt company asked AI to include, the team’s country flag colours, a realistic take and a retro design but in a modern style.
    And the generator delivered, with some of the shirts having what many would describe as a very much-needed upgrade.
    SunSport is going to have a look at the ones that might surprise fans.
    England
    Based on the AI prediction, England have ditched the blue on the badge and gone for red.
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    The England Euros shirt in 2020 was fairly plain so for the 2024 shirt AI has given it a little razzle dazzle.
    White is the main colour with faint red stripes going down the top and a bolder red around the collar and sleeves.
    The Three Lions came second at the last Euros so will this be the lucky shirt to finally bring it home?
    The England shirt has ditched the blue around the badgeCredit: mysteryfootball.com
    AI came up with a markedly different colour scheme to England’s Euro 2020 shirt (above)Credit: AP
    Netherlands
    The Netherlands shirt can confuse fans as orange is not one of the colours on the country’s red, white and blue flag, but Dutch sports teams are normally dressed head to toe in the colour as a nod to the Royal Family – the House of Orange.
    But AI predicts the Dutch will deviate from their usual all-orange colour scheme with this effort consisting of a cream stripe, sleeve and collar.
    The top also has blue trims and shirt details to tie in with one of the national flag’s colours.
    Last time out the Netherlands crashed out in the round of 16 so will be hoping for a better performance this year.
    The Netherlands shirt has a very unexpected cream stripeCredit: mysteryfootball.com
    The Dutch wore all orange with a slight black trim at Euro 2020Credit: Getty
    Scotland
    Scotland wore their trademark navy blue with a white trim at Euro 2020.
    But AI has predicted that this time around they’ll go with something that looks more like an away kit.
    Predominantly white, the kit will see navy blue diagonal stripes with a fade in the middle. Navy will also feature at the bottom of the sleeves.
    This summer will mark Scotland’s fourth time playing in the European Championship – the previous being 2020, 1996 and 1992 – and they will hope to get out of the group for the first time.
    AI has given Scotland a twist from the blue stripsCredit: mysteryfootball.com
    Scotland normally wear navy blueCredit: PA
    Germany
    It would only be fair to mention Germany, who are the host nation for the tournament.
    AI has predicted a terrific shirt for the Germans – the diamond sign gives off an old-school vibe but the black design modernises the shirt.
    The team’s traditional white can be seen on strips down the shoulders while the gold collar is a great new edition.
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    Germany have failed to impress in the decade since winning the 2014 World Cup, but they will be hoping to deliver this summer in front of their home fans.
    Germany have an old-school diamond vibe topped with a modern black designCredit: mysteryfootball.com
    Germany wore their traditional black and white home kit at Euro 2020Credit: Reuters
    Here is how AI predicted eight more Euro 2024 kits will look
    Spain
    A relatively traditional shirt is expected from Spain, with the addition of a grey collar and sleevesCredit: MysteryFootball.com
    Portugal
    Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are tipped to wear a shirt that’ll retain the red and green diagonal split colour scheme of World Cup 2022, but with an innovative new diamond patternCredit: Mysteryfootball.com
    Croatia
    AI predicts very little change to Croatia’s iconic chequerboard designCredit: Mysteryfootball.com
    Italy
    European champions Italy are predicted to switch from blue to the white of their away kit with the green and red national flag colours on the collarCredit: Mysteryfootball.com
    Austria
    Austria have been handed one of the louder shirts of the tournament, with a very different badge and a shimmering geometric printCredit: Mysteryfootball.com
    France
    France are tipped to arrive with the kind of stylish effort the rugby team might be expected to wear. The navy blue that saw the French footballers to the 2022 World Cup final is retained with a large diagonal white pattern on the shoulder and a gold stripe intersecting the twoCredit: Mysteryfootball.com
    Belgium
    Belgium are predicted to go with the red, black and yellow colours of their flag, with a diagonal grey block taking up half the shirtCredit: Mysteryfootball.com
    Turkey
    Turkey are predicted to go with their traditional white and red with an eagle-type print and a wispier take on the Turkish flag for the team’s badge More

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    Ex-Man Utd star Andreas Pereira reveals giants begged him to switch international allegiance ahead of Euro 2024

    ANDREAS PEREIRA has rejected the chance to play in Euro 2024 this summer.The Fulham star, born in Belgium, wants to make sure his future lies with his Brazilian heritage and not his birth country.
    Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira has revealed the Belgian national team are trying to snap him upCredit: Getty
    Pereira has had one call up to the Brazilian national team making a 20 minute cameo in a 5-0 victory over El Salvador back in 2018.
    But he is still eligible to play for Belgium under Fifa rules despite donning the Selecao shirt with his sole cap coming in a friendly match and taking place over three years ago.
    And it seems that The Red Devils are keen to convince the 28-year-old to switch allegiance.
    Domenico Todesco’s side have been calling the Cottager in an attempt to get him aboard their plane heading to Germany for the Euros this summer.
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    Pereira, however, isn’t interested in playing for Belgium and instead wants to keep pushing to achieve his dream of becoming a regular fixture of the Brazilian national team.
    Speaking to Brazilian outlet Globo, he said: “They approached me at the beginning of the season and asked if I was willing to be called up by Belgium,
    “They spoke to my agent too, and I always made it clear that my dream is Brazil.
    “My dream is to play for the Brazilian team, nothing has changed and it won’t change. 
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    “He told me to think about it, see how it goes, but to put aside a childhood dream just to play for a national team does not feel good.”
    The midfielder went on to explain that his heart is with Brazil and his family roots mean playing for Belgium wouldn’t “make sense”.
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    He said: “I’m Brazilian, my family is Brazilian, and playing for a national team just to say that I played for the national team doesn’t make any sense.”
    Pereira did represent Belgium at youth level from U15s to U17s, but later switched to his preferred Brazil where he made eight appearances for the U20s and U23s.
    The former Manchester United man has been impressing in the Premier League since he made his move to Craven Cottage in 2022.
    He has five assists and one goal in his 26 league appearances this term and has been an integral cog in Marco Silva’s team.
    Pereira made one appearance for the Brazilian national team in 2018Credit: Getty More

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    Lineker picks three England youngsters he would take to Euro 2024 including star who is doing something ‘remarkable’

    GARY LINEKER has urged England boss Gareth Southgate to pick three exciting youngsters for the Euros.On the recent episode of his The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker was asked which three uncapped players he would take to Euro 2024.
    Cole Palmer scored a sensational third goal in Chelsea’s 3-2 win at LutonCredit: Getty
    Branthwaite is looking to stake claim to get into Gareth Southgate’s squadCredit: Getty
    The TV presenter wants Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, and Chelsea forward Cole Palmer on the plane.
    The trio are in good form in the Premier League and first-choice for their respective bosses.
    Palmer is the only one of the three to have featured under Gareth Southgate.
    Ex_man City star Palmer has been on fire this season following his shock £40m move in the summer.
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    The 21-year-old is the team’s top scorer with 12 goals in all competitions and has been one of the bright lights in Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
    Lineker said: “I know Cole Palmer’s already been in the England squad and played, so it doesn’t quite count, but I think he’s got a real chance of making the squad.”
    Branthwaite was another player mentioned on the podcast and he played alongside Palmer for the England U21s last summer who won the European Championship.
    The 21-year-old centre-back has since kicked on to become a key player for Everton this season despite the team’s struggles.
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    Lineker added: “Blimey, I’ve been put on the spot there.
    “I think maybe Branthwaite from Everton, I think he’s got a chance.
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    “It’s just an area of the team that Gareth might get to give someone a chance.”
    The last player mentioned was Mainoo, who has been an absolute revelation in midfield at Old Trafford.
    The 18-year-old, also eligible for Ghana, scored a last-minute winning goal away at Wolves earlier this month and his performances have certainly caught the eye of Lineker.
    The Spurs legend added: “I mean, he’s so young, I think he’s just 18.
    “So to do what he’s doing is quite remarkable at a club like Manchester United. So I think he might sneak in.”
    Academy graduate Mainoo also qualifies to play for GhanaCredit: Reuters More

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    Rhys Norrington-Davies out for season after horror injury at Luton with Sheffield United ace’s Euro 2024 hopes at risk

    RHYS NORRINGTON-DAVIES’ injury curse has struck again after he was ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring issue.The Sheffield United defender, 24, limped off in the first half of the Premier League win at Luton on February 10.
    Rhys Norrington-Davies has been ruled out for the rest of the seasonCredit: Getty
    Norrington-Davies faces another lengthy layoff after only recently returning from 14 months of hell after injuring his other hamstring. 
    Blades boss Chris Wilder said: “We have lost Rhys for the season. You saw what happened to him last week. These are things that are really hurting us.”
    SunSport reported last week that Norrington-Davies will miss Wales’ Euro 2024 play-off bid next month.
    His latest blow occurred during a freak collision with the advertising board after sliding off the pitch.
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    The 13-cap defender was distraught leaving the Kenilworth Road pitch
    And fans were left “gutted” by their star’s rotten injury luck.
    The defender initially picked up a serious hamstring problem before the 2022 World Cup.
    He had been set to start for Wales in Qatar, having been born to Welsh parents in Saudi Arabia.
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    Now, he is out of the Dragons’ play-off semi-final against Finland in Cardiff on March 21.
    And would face a massive battle to recover in time for this summer’s tournament in Germany, if Wales make it.
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    But Norrington-Davies was instead forced to spend the next year on the sidelines as United won promotion back to the Premier League.
    He had finally returned to action last month in a huge boost to Chris Wilder.

    His presence back in the Blades XI was seen as a big shot in the arm for United’s survival hopes.
    But, unfortunately, it lasted just a handful of games. More