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      Wales calm security fears ahead of Euro 2024 qualifying trip to Armenia with Rob Page ‘raring to go’

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      WALES have played down security fears ahead of their crunch Euro 2024 qualifier in Armenia.The Football Association of Wales had been in contact with the UK Foreign Office over recent weeks following conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
      Wales lost the reverse Group D qualifier to Armenia 4-2 at home in JuneCredit: Reuters
      Harry Wilson scores twice in 2-1 success over Croatia last monthCredit: Rex
      The territory, which had been controlled by Armenians for three decades, was seized by Azerbaijan in September. 
      Wales face the hosts on Saturday in the capital city of Yerevan, which is 171 miles from Nagorno-Karabakh.
      But Dragons boss Robert Page calmed any worries over safety when his squad make the trip to Eastern Europe later this week for the vital Group D clash.
      Uefa have also monitored the situation but there have been no plans to move the fixture to a different venue as Wales bid to avenge the 4-2 home loss against the same opposition in June.
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      Page confirmed the FAW contact with government officials and added: “There has been nothing that has been brought to our attention that we have to be concerned about.
      “It’s all good and we’re raring to go.”
      Page’s Wales squad met up in Cardiff at their Vale of Glamorgan base yesterday full of confidence following the superb 2-1 home victory over Croatia last month.
      Two wins for the Dragons against Armenia and then already-qualified Turkey in the Welsh capital on November 21 would book a spot for the finals in Germany next summer.
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      It would also represent a third successive Euros place for Wales. More

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      I’m a rapper and model alongside professional football career and now I’m hoping to down England and Harry Kane

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      YANNICK YANKAM is a rapper and model alongside his professional football career.The Maltese midfielder is hoping for success on the pitch this week as he aims to down England and Harry Kane.
      Yannick Yankam has nine caps and one goal for MaltaCredit: Getty
      The midfielder is a rapper and model alongside his football careerCredit: Instagram @yvnkam
      Malta visit Wembley Stadium on Friday in their final Euro 2024 qualifier.
      Yankam has been included in the 24-man squad for the match as he looks to add to his nine international caps.
      However, his career off the pitch is also impressive, with the 25-year-old doubling as a rapper and model when he is not training or playing.
      Under the stage name Yannick, he is a member of the 215collective rap group alongside fellow artists Caro and Eddie Fresco.
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      Yankam released his debut EP in 2019 and was nominated for the best hip hop/RnB artist at the Bay Music Awards – run by Malta’s top music radio station – the following year.
      The midfielder first got into music through a friend who owned recording equipment, having grown up idolising American rapper Wiz Khalifa.
      He has also appeared as a model, including on the catwalk at Malta Fashion Week back in 2021.
      Yankam’s social media features several snaps and clips from his music and modelling career, as well as action shots from matches and training.
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      Yankam released his debut EP in 2019 and has appeared at Malta Fashion WeekCredit: Instagram @yvnkam
      The 25-year-old is in Malta’s squad to play England on FridayCredit: Getty
      Since his Malta debut in March, he has scored once and won eight more caps for the Reds.
      At club level, Yankam won the Maltese Cup with Birkirkara last term and scored against Maribor in the Europa Conference League in July.
      After appearing off the bench in the reverse fixture against England earlier this year, he will be hoping to start Friday’s match at Wembley.
      The Three Lions have already booked their place in Germany next summer and will conclude their campaign against North Macedonia on November 20.
      Yankam featured in the reverse match against the Three Lions in JuneCredit: AFP More

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      How England could line up for final Euro 2024 qualifiers with three debutants and no Jude Bellingham or James Maddison

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE could name an experimental team with three England debutants in the final Euro 2024 qualifiers.The Three Lions have already qualified for the tournament in Germany next year after beating Italy at Wembley in October.
      Gareth Southgate could experiment with his England teamCredit: Rex
      Jude Bellingham is likely to miss outCredit: Getty
      While Cole Palmer has been handed his first call-upCredit: Getty

      However, Southgate and co still have to finish off their last two group fixtures.
      England face Malta and North Macedonia in the next week and wins in both would more than guarantee a top spot qualification.
      Southgate will not be able to play the likes of James Maddison, Lewis Dunk or Callum Wilson after the trio pulled out through injury.
      Bellingham is also a doubt for the Three Lions after he picked up a shoulder injury.
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      Southgate has since called up Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and Man City’s Rico Lewis as replacements.
      The trio could all be handed their England bows at Wembley Stadium against Malta on Friday.
      Palmer could be given his chance in the same role that Bellingham would have occupied, having proved to be a hit at Chelsea since his summer transfer.
      The attacking midfielder could be used in a midfield three in front of Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson.
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      How England could line-up
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      Konsa and Lewis could both come into the backline alongside Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker.
      Bayern Munich star Harry Kane could spearhead the attack with Bukayo Saka and Jarrod Bowen either side of him.
      Bowen earned a recall to the Three Lions squad after his impressive goalscoring form in the Premier League this season.
      Kane however has been on fire in Germany having already scored 21 goals in 16 appearances.
      Southgate could also play a more established England side in the matches.
      The manager could opt for a backline of Walker, Maguire, Marc Guehi and Kieran Trippier.
      This could sit behind a midfield three of Rice, Henderson and Kalvin Phillips.
      The attack would see Phil Foden, Saka and Kane get spots.
      Another way Southgate could pick his team More

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      Cole Palmer, Ezri Konsa and Rico Lewis land first England call-ups for Euro 2024 qualifiers vs Malta and North Macedonia

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      THREE uncapped Premier League stars have landed their first England call-ups.Gareth Southgate was in need of reinforcements after suffering injuries to his England squad.
      Gareth Southgate has called up three players for the first ever timeCredit: Getty
      Ezri Konsa has had his first call-upCredit: Reuters
      Cole Palmer is also joining up with EnglandCredit: Reuters
      Rico Lewis could also make his senior Three Lions bowCredit: Alamy
      The trio will join up with the Three Lions for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.
      Konsa, 26, has never played for England before despite being a regular for the Villans and is expected to be one player to join up.
      Konsa replaces Lewis Dunk.
      Dunk picked up a knock in Brighton’s tie against Ajax and missed the game against Sheffield United on the weekend.
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      Two players that were involved in the epic 4-4 clash at Stamford Bridge have also been called up.
      Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis have also had their first ever call-ups to the senior national side.

      Palmer has impressed since taking a leading role at Chelsea following his summer switch from Man City.
      He progressed even further against his former side as he was a constant threat at Stamford Bridge before scoring the equalising penalty in injury time.
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      The attacking midfielder will act as cover for Tottenham star James Maddison, who had to withdraw from the squad due to injury.
      He starred for England at the U21s Euros and was involved in the winning goal in the final against Spain.
      Lewis has looked to be a reliable member of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side despite only being 18.
      The utility player, who mostly features at full-back, enjoyed a breakthrough season last year.
      He was rewarded with a new five-year contract at the Etihad for his good performances.
      This campaign he has already featured ten times in all competitions.
      He fills a void left by Newcastle strike Callum Wilson who had to withdraw with injury.
      Jude Bellingham has remained in the squad – but is not expected to feature due to a shoulder problem.
      Lewis has featured for the U21sCredit: Getty
      So has PalmerCredit: Getty More

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      Harry Wilson emerges from the shadows in the post-Gareth Bale era to shine for Wales

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      HARRY WILSON has blossomed from Wales squad player to front line star since Gareth Bale has retired.The Fulham winger, 26, was the Dragons’ hero with two goals in the superb 2-1 Euro 2024 qualifying win over Croatia last month.
      Harry Wilson has now become one of Wales’ first-choice starsCredit: Alamy
      Wales have been in transition since the retirement of record caps holder and goalscorer Gareth Bale in JanuaryCredit: PA
      And national boss Robert Page reckons Wilson has finally emerged from the shadows to take centre stage with talisman Bale no longer around after he hung up his boots in January.
      Page said: “Harry would turn up 12 months ago and expect to be part of the squad or if he started he would be substituted on the hour mark.
      “But the mentality has changed. When he plays for us now he’s one of the main men. He showed that in the last game.
      “He’s been around for a long time.
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      “Because of the players we had available to us before in Gareth, Joe Allen and Jonny Williams, perhaps he looked at it and felt he was a squad player.
      “We had a chat with him in the summer and said: “You are no longer that person or player. Look at what you’re doing at club level. You’re a big player for us’.
      “I don’t expect him to come in now and just accept to play for 55, 60 minutes. 
      “I want him to have that mentality that he’s one of our top players and he’s going to win games for us.
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      “He’s playing in the Premiership, scoring goals and creating chances. He certainly stepped up to the plate against Croatia.”
      ‘Diamond’ Wilson cost £12million when he swapped Liverpool for Fulham in 2021.
      He put Wales to within two wins of qualifying for the finals in Germany next summer with his match-winning display on his 50th cap against Luka Modric and co.
      Now Page believes the ex-Anfield star, who faces Aston Villa today, sets the standard for the next generation.
      Page, whose side travel to Armenia next Saturday for the first part of a double-header with Turkey arriving in Cardiff on November 21, added: “You see him train. 
      “I said to the young lads up in Wrexham for the Gibraltar game last month, just watch him warm up.
      “He’s the nicest fella you will ever meet off the pitch, he relaxes in his down time and his banter is great.
      “But when he crosses that line, he’s a model example of what you would want a modern footballer to look like. I say to the kids – watch him.
      “Everything he does is to the nth degree.
      “You can see why he has had the career he has and why he is playing in the Premiership.
      “Credit to him in how he’s looked after himself and he deserves the plaudits.
      I’m so pleased for him because he’s not just a good player, he’s an absolute diamond of a kid.”
      Wales have evolved since the retirements of record caps holder and goalscorer Bale, Allen, Williams and Chris Gunter since the 2022 World Cup.
      Despite losing that vast experience, Page insists Wilson as well as midfield pairing of Ethan Ampadu and Jordan James have shown they can keep the Dragons competing for future major tournament qualifications.
      Page said: “Ethan has been around for years, coming up to this 50th cap, in the New Year he will get that.
      “He has a wealth of experience but we now have that young group of players who have cap accumulation.
      “Ethan has gone to another level, H, JJ with his level of performance against three of the best midfielders in the world against Croatia.
      “It will hold us in good stead for the future.
      “We have put a committee together and it has given them more responsibility to look after each other. We had a committee with Gareth for the World Cup and building up to it.
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      “We have another one now and we think some of the young ones need to be a part of that and step up.” More

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      Jude Bellingham ‘ruled out for two weeks with shoulder injury and will MISS England Euro qualifiers’

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM has been ruled out of England’s upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers due to a shoulder injury, according to reports.The Real Madrid midfielder, 20, missed the Spanish giants’ 3-0 win over Braga in the Champions League on Wednesday.
      Jude Bellingham is set to miss England’s matches this month due to a shoulder injuryCredit: Rex
      He will not feature for Real Madrid against Valencia on SaturdayCredit: Rex
      It is now being reported he will play no part in their clash with Valencia on Saturday evening.
      And he is set to be sidelined for two weeks – meaning he will be unavailable for England’s upcoming matches against Malta and North Macedonia.
      According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid have released a statement saying: “After the tests conducted today on our player Jude Bellingham, he was diagnosed with instability in his left shoulder, as a result of a recent dislocation.”
      Bellingham’s injury is the latest in a series of problems for Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
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      Tottenham’s James Maddison has already withdrawn with an ankle issue that is set to keep him out until the new year.
      Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka limped off during the Gunners’ win over Sevilla in the Champions League.

      Newcastle striker Callum Wilson picked up a hamstring injury against Borussia Dortmund in midweek.
      And Brighton captain Lewis Dunk was another England star that picked up a knock in European competition as he was replaced at half-time during their 2-0 victory over Ajax.
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      Bellingham’s injury is a blow to Real Madrid as he has instantly become their talisman since arriving in the summer.
      The ex-Birmingham man has enjoyed a remarkable start to life at the Bernabeu, scoring 13 goals and providing three assists in 14 games.
      He has also already racked up 27 caps for England, scoring two goals. More

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      Stadium on high alert as Israel prepares to take on Kosovo in Euro 2024 qualifier in first match since Gaza war

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      ISRAEL’S footballers are on high alert as they gear up for their Euro 2024 qualifier clash with Kosovo as calls grow to cancel the match.It would Israel’s first international fixture since its war with Hamas broke out over a month ago and local police are fearful of possible security threats.
      Israel’s players applaud their fans at the end of the Euro 2024 qualifying soccer match in SeptemberCredit: AP
      The game will be their first international fixture post the October 7 attacksCredit: AFP
      Local police are on high-alert for possible incidents erupting over Israeli’s military campaign in GazaCredit: EPA
      Police in Kosovo’s capital of Pristina said that they have been “increasing security measures” so that the game “goes as smoothly as other sport events”.
      Dozens of messages criticising Israel’s military campaign in Gaza are circulating across social media under the hashtag #BabyKillersAreNotWelcomedHere.
      Kosovo authorities have already tightened security around Sunday’s game by announcing that each of the 14,000 tickets will be personalised.
      This means that only fans that present both tickets and their ID cards will be allowed into the Fadil Vokrri stadium.
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      The Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) also admitted that they considered holding the game in an empty stadium over security reasons.
      “After the meeting with UEFA, the decision was made to play the game with spectators,” Agim Ademi, the chairman of the FFK said.
      The official Kosovo national team fan group called Dardanet has urged the crowd to focus on “support of our national team” and pleaded with them not to indulge in offensive chants.
      “By respecting the rules, we respect our country,” Dardanet said in a statement.
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      The game was originally scheduled to take place on October 15 but was postponed due to the October 7 attacks when Hamas terrorists poured over the border into Israel and slaughtered 1,200 Israelis.
      More than 11,000 Palestinians – many of them children – have since been killed across the Gaza Strip in Israel’s retaliatory bombardments and ground offensive, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
      After the conflict began, several marches in support of Palestinians in Gaza were organised in Pristina, while Israeli victims were also honoured.
      Although a vast majority of Kosovo’s citizens are Muslim, it considers itself the most pro-US state in the world and firmly follows its most important ally’s foreign policy.
      In 2016, Kosovo police helped thwart potential simultaneous attacks from the Islamic State terror group on the Israeli football squad that was playing World Cup qualifiers in Kosovo and Albania.
      Nineteen people were detained, while eight ended up behind bars for up to 10 years.
      Israel are currently third in Euro 2024 qualifying Group I, five points behind leaders Romania, and retain a good chance of making it through to next year’s finals in Germany.
      Following the clash in Pristina, Israel will play second-placed Switzerland next Wednesday and Romania on Saturday.
      Kosovo are four points further back in fourth.
      Meanwhile in the UK, the Met police are bracing themselves for possible confrontations erupting during this weekend’s remembrance commemorations.
      The Cenotaph war memorial will be kept under a 24-hour police guard for the first time as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appealed for calm.
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      Sunak last night urged everyone to “stand together in quiet reflection” and said the weekend should be about “the selfless bravery of our armed forces”.
      The Met have drafted in 1,000 extra officers as they fear extreme right-wing groups are planning to square up to the 100,000 expected pro-Palestine demonstrators in central London.
      The stadium has put in extra security measures to hamper any threatsCredit: Getty
      Tens of thousands are on the move in northern Gaza as they flee the intense fightingCredit: Getty
      Entire neighbourhoods inside the Strip have been levelled by Israel’s bombardmentCredit: AFP
      More than 11,000 are said to have been killed in Gaza including over 4000 childrenCredit: AFP More

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      Kalvin Phillips ‘edges closer to Man City transfer exit as Serie A giants meet agent’ with Euro 2024 hopes on the line

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      JUVENTUS are confident of landing England ace Kalvin Phillips in January.The Manchester City midfielder, 27, knows he needs to be playing regularly if he is to start at Euro 2024.
      Kalvin Phillips is said to be edging closer to a Man City exitCredit: Alamy
      And that is unlikely to happen for him at the Etihad after another frustrating season under boss Pep Guardiola.
      City told Phillips in the summer they would be willing to let him go on loan but the £45million former Leeds star chose to stay.
      However, with Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes now ahead of him in the pecking order, he knows his chance is unlikely to come at City.
      Juve believe they can lure him but will have Bayern Munich and a host of English clubs as rivals.
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      Phillips was named in Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad, meaning he has now earned more call-ups (2) than he has had starts (1) for his club this season.
      He has played just 215 minutes of football across eight games for Man City this season.
      Southgate has warned Phillips’ future in the England team will depend on him earning regular minutes.
      He said: “For any player that’s not playing football, it’s about their careers. England is a consequence of your club, but you also want fulfilment. If you’re in training every day then you want to play.
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      “He’s playing with world-class players at his club. I completely understand why he’s not getting games.”
      The Three Lions have Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta on Friday, November 17 and North Macedonia on Monday, November 20.
      In October, SunSport revealed how Phillips was prepared to waive a £17.5m pay-off in order to push through a January transfer to secure minutes ahead of the Euros.
      Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham have all previously been linked with Phillips.
      It was also reported City offered Phillips to Real Madrid, but the Spanish giants were not keen on the £43m price tag on the deal. More