Euro 2024

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      North Macedonia vs England: Three Lions look to go entire Euro 2024 qualifiers unbeaten – stream FREE, TV, team news

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      ENGLAND wrap up their near-immaculate Euro 2024 qualification campaign against North Macedonia – and they have a huge chance to stay unbeaten.An own goal from Enrico Pepe followed by a customary Harry Kane strike was enough to see the Three Lions beat Malta on Friday night.
      Harry Kane bagged another goal for EnglandCredit: Getty
      But it was 90 minutes to forget for Gareth Southgate’s side as their lacklustre performance saw them create few chances in front of goal.
      Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will also be sweating over the fitness of Marcus Rashford as the Red Devil had to be taken off following his unfortunate clash with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
      However, with qualification and top spot sealed, the England gaffer is expected to heavily rotate regardless.
      And any team selected should be able to get the job done against a North Macedonian side who were thrashed 5-2 by Italy on Friday night.
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      Privately, Southgate will be hoping for a particularly rip-roaring display on Monday night to remind fans of what his team is capable of.
      The Three Lions boss admitted after the 2-0 win over Malta that his side had not “hit the heights”.
      And with some fans’ grumblings growing, Southgate will want his side to put an exclamation point on their so-far unbeaten Euro 2024 qualification campaign.
      And North Macedonia could be the perfect opponents to do just that, having been beaten 7-0 by England at Wembley earlier this year.
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      What is their form like?
      England laboured to an underwhelming 2-0 victory over Malta on Friday night, thanks to an Enrico Pepe own goal and Harry Kane strike.
      Prior to that the Three Lions beat Australia 1-0 in a forgettable Wembley friendly last month, before overcoming Italy 3-1 at the same venue.
      North Macedonia, meanwhile, were thwacked 5-2 by the Italians on Friday night.
      Last month they lost 2-0 to Ukraine before beating Armenia 3-1.
      England beat Malta 2-0 on Friday nightCredit: Getty
      North Macedonia were beaten 5-2 in ItalyCredit: Rex
      What is the team news?
      Gareth Southgate had to deal with five withdrawals from his original squad, with James Maddison, Lewis Dunk, Callum Wilson, Levi Colwill and Jude Bellingham all pulling out.
      His injury list has potentially grown since, with Marcus Rashford having come off against Malta following a clash with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
      Kalvin Phillips, meanwhile, had been away from the team dealing with a personal matter – although he was on the bench against Malta.

      Marcus Rashford was forced to come off against MaltaCredit: Rex
      Who will be the star men?
      For England it is hard to look beyond skipper Harry Kane.
      The Bayern Munich striker extended his lead as the Three Lions’ all-time leading goalscorer by netting against Malta on Friday night.
      And while deputy forward Ollie Watkins could probably do with some valuable international minutes, Kane will be hungry for more goals.
      For Macedonia, Jani Atanasov will be the man to watch.
      The midfielder plays his club football in Poland for Cracovia, and memorably scored twice for his country against Italy on Friday night.

      What have the managers said?
      Gareth Southgate was not particularly impressed with his side’s display against Malta, admitting to the BBC: “We didn’t hit the heights we have done this calendar year.
      “If you don’t start games well it’s very difficult to pick it up and we didn’t.
      “We know the level we’ve got should be better, can be better. Those games that you know you can win at a canter, the number of games these players are playing, it’s almost a self-regulation.
      “So not enough quality on the ball, and not enough chances created, but I have been a player and I know exactly how those games feel.”
      Coming into the international break, North Macedonia boss Blagoja Milevski was determined for his side not roll over, despite their qualification hopes being over.
      He said: “When you work professionally in football, you always expect success. So the lack of tournament objectives does not change anything for us in the context of the upcoming match.”
      Gareth Southgate expects better from his sideCredit: Getty
      Blagoja Milevski hopes for a positive showing from his sideCredit: Splash
      SunSport prediction
      We expect a comfortable, albeit not particularly memorable victory for the Three Lions.
      SunSport predicts: North Macedonia 0 England 3
      When is North Macedonia vs England?

      England’s final Euro 2024 qualification match against North Macedonia will take place on Monday, November 20.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 7:45pm GMT
      Tose Proeski Arena is the chosen venue for this Group C clash and it can host approximately 33,011 fans.
      The Three Lions ran riot with a 7-0 scoreline when they faced North Macedonia in an earlier group encounter.

      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      North Macedonia vs England will be broadcast LIVE on Channel 4 in the UK.
      Coverage is set to commence from 7pm GMT – 45 minutes before kick-off.
      Fans can also head to All 4 to stream the action.
      Alternatively, follow SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes!
      North Macedonia vs England can be watched for FREE as long as you have a valid TV license in the UK.
      Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
      Defenders: Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Rico Lewis (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
      Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq), Cole Palmer (Manchester City), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (Arsenal)
      Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United) Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
      What are the latest odds?

      North Macedonia to win 18/1
      Draw 13/2
      England to win 2/13

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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      Wales can qualify for Euro 2024 without talisman Gareth Bale, says former assistant manager

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      GARETH BALE was impossible for Wales to replace.But ex-Dragons assistant boss Kit Symons reckons Robert Page’s new cycle can qualify for Euro 2024 without their superman.
      Kit Symons was part of the Wales backroom staff who reached three major tournament finalsCredit: PA
      Without Bale, Robert Page has guided Wales to the brink of Euro 2024Credit: Getty
      Two Group D wins for Wales, starting today against Armenia in Yerevan before hosting Turkey in Cardiff on Tuesday night, will book a fourth major tournament in five attempts.
      Symons was part of the backroom staff for the previous three finals but left his post after last year’s World Cup disappointment in Qatar.
      Wales’ first World Cup since 1958 was also ex-captain Bale’s swansong.
      The Welsh legend hung up his boots on a glittering international career which yielded a record 111 caps and 41 goals for his country.
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      But Symons reckons Page’s Euro dreamers can achieve success and reach the finals in Germany next summer.
      Symons said: “Wales are capable of qualifying. It’s in their own hands. Armenia and Turkey are big games and it’s all to play for.
      “You’d have expected us to beat Armenia at home but we didn’t and got taught a lesson. It was a really bad performance and result.
      “But we can certainly beat them away from home. Can we beat Turkey? We’ve done that before so we can qualify.”
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      Bale’s final Welsh appearance came in the 3-0 group exit defeat to England almost a year ago.
      But Symons, who was also Chris Coleman’s long-standing No2, has been encouraged by Harry Wilson, Kieffer Moore, Brennan Johnson and David Brooks sharing the attacking load.
      Symons, 52, added: “We have found a different way of playing and being successful.
      “Baleo has left and, while we have good players, there’s no superman to come in and score goals out of nothing for us. 
      “It’s impossible to replace Gareth. He was world-class, a talisman and even if he wasn’t having his best game he’d pop up with a moment of magic.
      “It was incredible what he did for Wales and how he achieved it. It’s got to be a different way now and we have to share out the goals and assists.”
      Page parted ways with Symons after the World Cup, which the ex-Fulham manager describes as a ‘fairytale’ as the Dragons qualified for a first global finals in 64 years.
      Symons said: “I’m really disappointed about how I left because it was a brilliant job that meant a lot to me.
      “But I also feel blessed. I’ve been the assistant manager three times now and been to three major tournaments.
      “I had a brilliant time and was given great opportunities so I don’t have any regrets. 
      “As a player, we had near misses like the Romania game for USA ’94 so to qualify for the World Cup was a fairytale.
      “We got to the tournament and the fairytale came to an end and reality hit home.
      “We played really good sides, some of the players had been injured or weren’t fully match-fit and that took its toll. We couldn’t alter that.
      “There wasn’t much we could have done to achieve different results.
      “You’re on the biggest stage of world football and if you have any frailties or problems they get magnified and blown up.
      “I still think Wales qualifying for a World Cup was a huge and monumental achievement.
      “Of course, everyone was disappointed with the performances, apart from the second half of the USA game.
      “But if you reflect and look at where we were and take into account the factors we were dealing with, it wasn’t that big a surprise.
      “We had a group of players who had been incredible and quite a few of them were coming to the end of the cycle. 
      “Gareth and Joe Allen were so important for Wales and the way we played. When we played well, they were pivotal to it.
      “I’m just really pleased they got a chance to play at a World Cup.
      “Now it’s a different time and the start of another cycle. It will take time.
      “Reaching the Euro 2016 semi-finals was incredible but we also lost 6-1 in Serbia with Baleo, Joe, Ashley Williams, the nucleus of the same team.
      “People need to be patient, trust in the process and support what they believe in.” More

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      England ratings: Phil Foden is one bright spark going forward for Three Lions but Gallagher is hooked at half-time

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE’S brave lions turned on the flare in the second half after an uninspiring first 45 minutes. England remain unbeaten in their Euro 2024 qualifiers after they breezed past Malta 2-0.
      Conor Gallagher was subbed at half-timeCredit: Getty
      Harry Kane secured the win for the Three LionsCredit: PA
      It was a typically controlled performance from England with a slow first half seeing an early own goal by Malta defender Enrico Pepe be the only difference at the break.
      But after some tactical changes from the waistcoat wearing gaffer his men looked far more lively and added a second goal through Harry Kane.
      Here’s how SunSport rated the players’ performances:
      Jordan Pickford – 6
      Did what he needed to do when he was called upon, but was hardly asked to make a save. Hard to imagine a Southgate side without Pickford barking at his defenders in between the sticks.
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      Kieran Trippier – 6
      Nothing amazing, but nothing terrible from the experienced professional. Started the game at right-back, but was shifted to the left at half time.
      Fikayo Tomori – 5
      The AC Milan man looked like a centre-back playing at left-back… because he was. Hooked at half time for Bukayo Saka to allow a switch that put Trippier at left-back.
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      Fikayo Tomori struggled at left-backCredit: Getty
      Marc Guehi – 7
      The Eagles captain looked cool, calm and collected at the back and helped sweep up any trouble caused by the players in front of him. Southgate may have to look at partnering him alongside John Stones in the future.
      Harry Maguire – 5
      Despite his recent form for the Red Devils, Maguire struggled with the ball at his feet. Made several sloppy passed that allowed Malta to run at the England back line. Looked better in the second half.
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      Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8
      Had to deal with constant bites from the Malta players who couldn’t handle his movement in midfield. He was pulling the strings in the middle of the park for Southgate’s men. Perhaps Jurgen Klopp should think about moving him up.
      Conor Gallagher – 4
      Gave the ball away in the first minute to allow Malta a dangerous chance form the off and never really recovered. Kept putting his teammates in trouble with sloppy passes. Yanked off at the break for Kyle Walker.
      Jordan Henderson – 6
      Pretty passive, but he’s typically a quiet customer. Did his job of moving the ball around well in midfield. Still got some stick from small pockets of the crowd when he was subbed off though.
      Phil Foden – 8
      Shone from the off with his mazy runs and dancing feet. His burst forward led to the own goal that opened the scoring when his cross was turned in by Enrico Pepe. While he was involved in the build up for Kane’s goal too.
      Phil Foden stood out on a pretty slow night of footballCredit: AFP
      Marcus Rashford – 5
      Struggled in the first half with no actual full-back behind him. Subbed off early in the second half after a collision with Alexander-Arnold. Not on fine form with Manchester United and struggling with England too.
      Harry Kane – 7
      Booked for diving, but you can’t hold it against him since he appeared to be blatantly fouled. A typical Harry Kane performance with a poachers goal to boot.
      Harry Kane was booked for diving despite what seemed to be a clear penaltyCredit: Reuters
      The England captain was brought down by Malta shot-stopper Henry BonelloCredit: Getty
      SUBSTITUTES
      Bukayo Saka (HT for Tomori) – 7
      Always scaring defenders when he’s on the wing and did well to put it on a plate for Harry Kane to make it 2-0.
      Kyle Walker (HT for Gallagher) – 6
      Walker’s subsitution allowed England to play with two proper full-backs. The treble-winning star always looks good in an England shirt.
      Declan Rice (60 for Henderson) – 7
      A superb solo goal from the Arsenal man would have topped off an engine like performance if not for VAR. A powerful run was finished off with a curling effort, but the ball glanced the side of an offside Kane.
      Cole Palmer (60 for Rashford) – 5
      Perhaps nervous with it being his debut Palmer wasn’t able to make his mark immediately, but had a few nice moments in added time. He will hope he can have a go again on Monday against North Macedonia.
      Declan Rice saw his stunner ruled out for offsideCredit: Getty
      Cole Palmer made his England debutCredit: AP More

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      England 2-0 Malta LIVE RESULT: Harry Kane polishes off win as Three Lions remain undefeated in Euro 2024 qualifying

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      ENGLAND remain unbeaten in Euro 2024 qualifying after beating Malta 2-0 at Wembley.Gareth Southgate’s side took the lead through an own goal from Pepe after fantastic work from Phil Foden in the build-up.
      Late in the second half, Harry Kane finished off a superb England move to double the Three Lions advantage.
      Declan Rice thought he made it three just a minute later but the goal was ruled out for an offside.

      Match result: England 2-0 Malta
      England team: Pickford, Trippier, Tomori, Guehi, Maguire, Alexander-Arnold, Gallagher, Henderson, Foden, Kane, Rashford
      Malta team: Bonello, S. Borg, Pepe, J. Borg, J. Mbong, Yankam, Guillaumier, Teuma, Camenzuli, P. Mbong, Reid

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      That’s all from Wembley
      England defeated Malta 2-0 at Wembley to extend their undefeated streak in Group C.
      The Three Lions opened the scoring after just eight minutes when Phil Foden’s cross from the right deflected off Enrico Pepe who netted a freak own-goal.
      The hosts thought they got a penalty shortly before half-time when Harry Kane appeared to have been fouled by the visitors’ goalkeeper Henry Bonello who lunged with both arms but the referee booked the Bayern Munich star for diving instead.
      Kane, though, managed to get his goal and seal the three points for England in the 75th minute.
      Kyle Walker moved the ball from the right and found Foden in the penalty area, the Manchester City star switched to Bukayo Saka on the right and the Arsenal star found his captain who hit the back of the net.
      England thought they got a third with a stunning effort by Declan Rice outside the box but Kane was caught offside as the ball went past him.

      More from Southgate 
      England boss Gareth Southgate insists his players should have created more chances.
      In the second half we could have scored more but they don’t really lose by fives and sixes.
      They get a lot of men back.
      We obviously didn’t create as many chances as I’d have liked to.Gareth SouthgateChannel 4

      Gareth Southgate reacts
      England boss Gareth Southgate admits the performance against Malta wasn’t up to standards.
      It was a game that we didn’t start well, and I’ve been in football a long time, if you don’t start well it’s hard to pick the game up.
      We got a goal out of nothing. The quality on the ball is not normally at that level, the players knew we could win the game at a canter and we didn’t extend ourselves as we normally would.
      They’ve played so many matches and done such a brilliant job, I’m not going to hammer them for that.
      We know we should be better, it was one of those days when we really didn’t get goingGareth Southgate

      Updated table
      England, who have already booked their place in Euro 2024, remain top of Group C.
      The Three Lions also remain undefeated with six wins in seven matches in the qualifying stage.
      Malta, on the other hand, are still bottom of the table after losing their eighth and final qualifier.
      More below:

      England vs Malta stats
      England dominated 75 per cent of possession against Malta at Wembley.
      The Three Lions registered a total of 11 shots, but only three of them were on target.
      The visitors, on the other hand, only managed four shots, all of which were on target.
      More below:

      FT: England 2-0 Malta
      England defeated Malta at Wembley to extend their undefeated streak in Group C.
      The Three Lions opened the scoring after just eight minutes when Phil Foden’s cross from the right deflected off Enrico Pepe who scored a freak own-goal.
      The hosts thought they got a penalty shortly before half-time when captain Harry Kane appeared to have been fouled by the visitors’ goalkeeper Henry Bonello who lunged with both arms but the referee booked the Bayern Munich star for diving instead.
      Kane, though, managed to get his goal and seal the three points in the 75th minute.
      Kyle Walker moved the ball from the right and found Foden in the penalty area, the Manchester City star switched to Bukayo Saka on the right and the Arsenal star found the Tottenham hero who hit the back of the net.
      England thought they got a third with a fantastic shot by Declan Rice outside the box but Kane was caught offside in the build-up.

      FT: England 2-0 Malta
      Peep!
      That’s full-time at Wembley!!!

      90+3 England 2-0 Malta

      England are sealing their sixth victory in their group to extend their dominant undefeated streak.
      The Three Lions doubled their lead with Kane and thought they got a third with Rice but the hosts’ captain was deemed offside…

      90 England 2-0 Malta
      Six more minutes of stoppage time to go.
      Quite a few paper planes tonight at Wembley as the crowd boos…
      88 England 2-0 Malta
      Chance
      England ace Alexander-Arnold tries a shot from distance, just outside the box, but Bonello palms it away.
      85 England 2-0 Malta
      Substitution
      Another change from Malta boss Marcolini as Attard comes on for Joseph Mbong.
      83 England 2-0 Malta
      Chance!
      Malta move the ball brilliantly down England’s half, the same way the hosts should have been doing more in the second half.
      Yankam beeaks from the right and tries a powerful shot from a tight angle but sends it over the crossbar.
      80 England 2-0 Malta
      Ten more minutes to go, England have finally woken up and Wembley is feeling it.
      Still plenty of time for more goals!
      79 England 2-0 Malta
      Substitution
      Another double switch from Malta boss Marcolini as Muscat and Nwoko come on for Jean Borg and Reid.

      78 England 2-0 Malta

      No goal!!!
      What a shame, that was a stunning finish from Rice, who picks up a beautiful ball by Alexander-Arnold and finishes from outside the area!
      However, the goal is chalked off as Kane was involved from an offside position.
      78 England 3-0 Malta
      Goal!
      Pending VAR decision…
      75 England 2-0 Malta
      There’s the England we all know and love! Amazing combination!!!
      Walker moves the ball forward from the right, finds Foden in the penalty area, the Man City star passes to Saka on the right and he switches to Kane in the middle from where he hits the back of the net.

      75 England 2-0 Malta
      Goal!
      England double their lead with Kane!!!
      73 England 1-0 Malta
      The good news for England is that Malta are not at all threatening…
      That’s immense considering how fragile a 1-0 lead usually is…

      70 England 1-0 Malta
      England fans appear to be entertaining themselves with paper airpolanes amid a rather dull second half.
      The linesman’s flag also appears to have broken, another highlight!
      67 England 1-0 Malta
      Chance
      Another effort by England ace Alexander-Arnold but his shot goes over the crossbar.
      65 England 1-0 Malta
      Chance!
      Finally a shot on target by England as Alexander-Arnold delivers a volley from the edge of the box that bounces off the ground and into Bonello’s arms.
      65 England 1-0 Malta
      Rashford couldn’t continue after the collision but received a warm ovation from the Wembley crowd.
      Henderson, on the other hand, got booed again after his controversial Saudi Arabia move to Al-Ettifaq.
      61 England 1-0 Malta
      Substitution
      England boss Southgate responds with another double change as Palmer and Rice replace Rashford, who can’t continue after that run-in with Alexander-Arnold, and Henderson.
      61 England 1-0 Malta
      Substitution
      Malta boss Marcolini makes his first changes as Kristensen and London boy Jones, who plays for Notts County, come on for Guillaumier and Paul Ngong. More

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      When is Euro 2024 draw? UK start time, TV channel and FREE live stream as England discover group stage opponents

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      ENGLAND have already secured their place at Euro 2024 in Germany – but there is still work to do.The Three Lions must win their final two qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia to ensure they are among the best five teams in qualification to join the hosts in Pot 1.
      England have been in superb form in qualifyingCredit: GETTY
      England are currently undefeated in Group C after winning five matches and dropping points on just one occasion against Ukraine in September.
      Gareth Southgate’s side will be hoping they can go one better than Euro 2020 when Italy narrowly beat the Three Lions on penalties in the final.
      The huge tournament in Germany kicks off in June, which is just seven months away, and attention has turned to the highly anticipated group stage draw.
      When is the Euro 2024 draw?

      The Euro 2024 draw will take place on Saturday, December 2.
      The draw will get underway at 5pm GMT.
      The Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg will host.

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      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed FREE?

      The Euro 2024 draw will be broadcast for FREE on Uefa’s official website.
      You can also tune in via Uefa’s official YouTube channel.

      How does the Euro 2024 draw work?
      The 24 teams that qualify for Euro 2024 (three teams will be decided by the play-offs in March 2024) are divided into four separate pots.
      Their performance in qualifying determines which pot each team will be in.
      Hosts Germany will be in Pot 1 along with the five teams that have the best record from the qualifying stage.
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      The next best six teams will be in Pot 2, the next six in Pot 3 and finally, the remaining six in Pot 4.
      Each group will contain one top-ranked team, one second-ranked team, one third-ranked team and one fourth-ranked team.
      Which teams have already qualified?
      Here are all the teams that have booked their spot at Euro 2024 so far:

      Germany – host
      Belgium
      France
      Portugal
      Spain
      Scotland
      Turkey
      Austria
      England

      When does Euro 2024 start?
      Here is the schedule for Euro 2024:
      Group stage: June 14 – June 26
      Round of 16: June 29 – July 2
      Quarter-finals: July 5/July 6
      Semi-finals: July 9/July 10
      Final: July 14 More

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      Wales hatch genius plan to get around VAR stoppages in Euro 2024 qualifiers after Premier League stars’ injuries

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      ROBERT PAGE is ready to put his Wales stars through a warm-up during a Euro 2024 qualifier if there is a lengthy VAR check.The Dragons boss saw the results of a seven-minute break during Spurs’ 4-1 Premier League defeat by Chelsea last week when Micky van de Ven pulled his hamstring a few minutes later.
      Micky van de Ven limped off with a hamstring injury just minutes after a lengthy VAR checkCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Wales manager Robert Page will leave no stone unturned in Euro 2024 qualifiersCredit: Rex
      The PFA fear long VAR checks will lead to more player injuries.
      And Wales boss Page is primed if there are delays in crunch Group D clashes against either Armenia in Yerevan on Saturday or Turkey at home next Tuesday.
      When asked about conducting a warm-up due to VAR checks and the fear of injuries, Page replied: “We are going to have to take that into consideration with the way VAR is going.”
      Tottenham fans suggested the delay may have contributed to Dutchman van de Ven’s injury with players cooling down and then being forced to sprint in quick succession.
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      VAR has blighted the Premier League and Champions League but last year’s World Cup was also affected.
      And Scott McTominay’s goal being ruled out for Scotland in Spain last month sparked fury from team-mate John McGinn.
      Ex-Sheffield United defender Page, whose side are two wins away from qualifying for the Euro finals next summer, reckons football is miles behind rugby in its use of technology.
      Page, 49, added: “The TMO in rugby is way ahead of where football’s VAR is.
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      “In the rugby World Cup it was clear, every supporter in the stadium can listen and know the process.
      “You could hear every conversation. The referee in the final was under severe pressure but he was confident, assertive and it was done in 30 seconds, not nine minutes. 
      “Everyone understood what was happening and the game moved forward.
      “No arguments, get on with the game. In football, fans are in the dark so we need to be more transparent.”
      Page reckons the Prem has changed its tact since the ‘shambolic’ and ‘amateurish’ VAR cock-up which saw Luis Diaz’s goal for Liverpool at Tottenham in September wrongly ruled out for offside.
      He said: “There’s been a definite change in VAR since the Tottenham and Liverpool game with the awful miscommunication. It was shambolic and so amateurish. 
      “There are jobs at stake, it’s a multi-billion pound industry so we can’t have VAR incidents like that. 
      “VAR should get involved if you need a definitive answer. If it’s a push or not, we don’t need VAR for that, let the referee make that call.
      There’s been a definite change in VAR since the Tottenham and Liverpool game with the awful miscommunication. It was shambolic and so amateurishRob Page on VAR
      “In the Newcastle v Arsenal match, I thought it was a foul but the referee has got to make that decision. Give the referee the power to do that again.
      “VAR is there to assist the referee, not the other way round.
      “I get (Mikel) Arteta’s frustration because of the effort he and his coaching staff go into to get the analysis right.
      “Mikel’s assistant Albert (Stuivenburg) worked here with Wales and I know how intense they are.
      “If you want to win games you have to put the work in so to see standards not being met elsewhere is frustrating.
      “It’s ironic that it wasn’t unusual in the World Cup last year to see 100-minute games because they wanted the ball in play more for the sake of the supporters.
      “But we’re not seeing that now. We are seeing longer games but the ball is in play less.
      Page says he can understand Mikel Arteta’s frustration with VARCredit: Getty
      “The Tottenham versus Chelsea game had the ball in play for a ridiculous number of minutes compared to how long the match lasted and the reason was for VAR checks. 
      “The game is stopping too many times. We want the ball in play a lot more.
      “Supporters want to see the play on the pitch, not players stood still or not knowing what VAR are looking at.”  More

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      England draft up trophy-winning U21 captain to training ahead of Euro 2024 qualifier against Malta

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      TAYLOR HARWOOD-BELLIS has joined up with the senior England team for training.And the U21s skipper could be added to the squad by manager Gareth Southgate for the final Euro 2024 qualifiers.
      Taylor Harwood-Bellis is training with the senior England teamCredit: Reuters
      The Three Lions face Malta on Friday at Wembley before a trip to North Macedonia for a fixture on Monday.
      Harwood-Bellis, 21, could make his England senior debut in either of the games if he is handed a squad place by Southgate.
      England confirmed that he was training with the side on social media.
      The official account shared a picture and wrote: “Under-21s skipper Taylor Harwood-Bellis joined the #ThreeLions for today’s session.
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      “Good to have you with us, Taylor! 👋
      The manager has lost defensive stars such as Lewis Dunk, Levi Colwill and John Stones due to injuries.
      The Englishman has already called up Ezri Konsa and Rico Lewis to help fill that hole.
      However, Harwood-Bellis could provide a bit more depth.
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      The defender has plenty of experience at the youth levels having captained England to the Uefa European Under-21 title in the summer.
      He was also named in the Team of the Tournament.
      He has made 20 appearances for the U21s as well as featuring for the U16, U17, U19 and U20 sides.
      The Manchester City prospect has been impressing on loan at Southampton in the Championship this season.
      He was also a part of the squad that helped Burnley win promotion to the Premier League last term. More

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      Jordan James upstaged Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric and hailed it the ‘best night of my life’

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      JORDAN JAMES hailed getting the better of Luka Modric as the best night of his life.The young Wales midfielder has been on cloud nine since last month’s stand-out display against the 170-cap Croatia captain in the shock 2-1 Euro 2024 qualifying win. 
      Birmingham rising star Jordan James has impressed for Wales in his six-cap international careerCredit: Getty
      James not only faced Luka Modric but also Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo BrozovicCredit: Alamy
      There are 19 years and 164 international caps between James and Real Madrid superstar Modric. 
      When asked about getting the upper hand over the 38-year-old and Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic in midfield, James replied: “I don’t think it gets much better than that.
      “It was the best night of my life. It was a massive win for the country as well as seeing how proud my family were in the crowd.
      “It’s difficult coming back down to earth from the biggest game of my life. But my mindset is exactly the same as it was before that game. Nothing’s changed.
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      “Whether that’s against Modric or anyone else, I’m still going to play exactly the same and hopefully I can do that in the next two games. 
      “We’ll look back on that Croatia game and take confidence into the next two. Confidence is really high but we can’t take anyone lightly. 
      “We still have a job to do. We know what it means to the country to get to these big tournaments, so that’s our focus and hopefully we can do that.”
      Birmingham ace James, 19, knows he must back up his impressive Cardiff performance in Armenia on Saturday.
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      Wales will qualify for the finals in Germany next summer if they pick up two Group D wins, starting in Yerevan before hosting Turkey on Tuesday
      James said of June’s 4-2 home thrashing by Armenia: “There is a bit of revenge there. You don’t like losing. It’s not nice and we want to get them back.”.
      James, who still lives at his family home in Hereford, admits Wales boss Robert Page picked him following Joe Allen’s retirement after last year’s World Cup.
      The six-cap midfielder is set to start again on Saturday and plans to repay Page by helping the Dragons move one win away from securing a fourth major tournament spot in five attempts.
      James added: “The last few months have been brilliant. All I’ve ever wanted to do is to play for my country. to be able to put that shirt on again and again is something I’ve always wanted to do.
      “I didn’t expect to play in these big games but you have to deal with it and I think I’ve done quite well.
      “That’s massive trust from the gaffer at such a young age. Playing for your country, there is a risk but he took it and I’m just trying to repay him for what he’s done for me.
      “There is a shortage in my position. I knew that. What Joe Allen has done for the country has been amazing.
      “For him to retire has left a space for someone to take. I wanted to be that guy. The last three games I feel I’ve been able to do that. If I can do the same thing over and over again then happy days.” More