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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

    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

    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

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    England squad announced with Arsenal star OUT of Euro 2024 qualifiers and Callum Wilson recalled by Gareth Southgate

    GARETH SOUTHGATE has named his England squad for the upcoming international fixtures.The Three Lions face Malta before a trip to North Macedonia this month in their final two Euro 2024 qualifying matches.
    Gareth Southgate has announced his England squadCredit: Getty
    Harry Kane is back in the teamCredit: Getty
    Jude Bellingham has also been recalledCredit: Getty
    Kalvin Phillips has also been given a spot in the squadCredit: EPA
    Southgate’s squad for the next Euro 2024 qualifiers
    One shock inclusion is Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips.
    The midfielder has barely played this season and has now earned more call-ups (2) than starts (1) for his club.
    European-based stars Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have obviously received calls after their impressive form for Bayern Munich and Real Madrid respectively.
    Kane has netted an incredible 19 goals and seven assists in 14 Bundesliga and Champions League appearances.
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    While Bellingham has continued to prove that he is one of the world’s best midfielders.
    He has also been in supreme goalscoring form having bagged 13 goals in 14 matches in all competitions for the LaLiga giants.
    However, there is no space for Arsenal star Eddie Nketiah.
    The striker has been left out of the team despite netting a hat-trick in October against Sheffield United.
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    Jordan Pickford will keep his spot at England’s No.1Credit: Alamy
    Eberechi Eze will have another chance in the England teamCredit: Willie Vass
    The defence sees Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker, Marc Guehi, Levi Colwill, and Kieran Tripper receive recalls.
    While Lewis Dunk and Fikayo Tomori have also kept hold of their places.
    John Stones however will miss out on the two matches due to an injury he picked up in the Champions League win over Young Boys.
    Man City manager Pep Guardiola admitted that Stones could be out for a “while”.,
    Eddie Nketiah has been omitted from the squadCredit: Getty
    Jarrod Bowen has been recalled after his good West Ham formCredit: Reuters
    Moving forward, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eberechi Eze, Conor Gallagher, Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson join Bellingham and Phillips as Southgate’s midfield options.
    Sam Johnstone has kept his spot in the team despite Nick Pope’s form at Newcastle.
    Meanwhile, other goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale and Jordan Pickford have kept hold of their spots.
    In terms of forward options, Southgate will have Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford have been called up.
    James Maddison has been given a spot in the squad despite his injury fears.
    Callum Wilson and Ollie Watkins have also been recalled and will compete with Kane for a starting spot.
    West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen has also earned a recall to the national team after his form.
    The forward broke the Premier League record for scoring in his first six away games this season.
    Raheem Sterling was also excluded from the teamCredit: Reuters
    Chelsea star Raheem Sterling also missed out on the squad again.
    He was not included in the squad last time as he wanted to get back to his best.
    On Sterling’s continued omission, Southgate said: “The door is 100 per cent open, not only for Raheem but others in this squad.
    “We don’t need to know about his qualities and personality. He is a crucial part of the journey we’ve had in the last few years.
    “We had an exceptional win over Italy. Who do we leave out to put him in? It’s as simple as that.”
    Southgate also explained why Arsenal’s Ben White was excluded from the team.
    He added: “Ben has been very solid for Arsenal. He’s a different profile of full-back. He’s a centre-back playing at full-back, really.
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    “He’s behind a couple of others.
    “We’ve got Kyle, we’ve got Kieran, Reece James, it’s a position we’ve got strength. There’s a couple of good young ones coming through.” More

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    England’s Euro 2024 kit ‘leaked’ as fans say ‘best one in a long time’ gives off ‘Italia 90 vibes’

    ENGLAND’S Euro 2024 kit appears to have been leaked – and fans are loving it.Gareth Southgate’s men are preparing to go one step further than they managed in 2021 when they reached the final before losing to Italy on penalties.
    England’s Euro 2024 kit seems to have been leakedCredit: Footy Headlines
    The jersey will be available around March or April next yearCredit: Footy Headlines
    And they look set to do so in a simple, retro-looking white shirt.
    According to images obtained by Footy Headlines, the Nike jersey will be white with a blue collar and blue and red stripes on the sleeves.
    For many, it is a throwback to the strips worn at Mexico ’86 and Italia ’90.
    And it has earned a warm reception from the England faithful.
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    Reacting on social media, one person said: “This looks fantastic 👏🏻.”
    While another added: “Got Italia 90 vibes.”

    A third replied: “Best one in a long time.”
    A fourth responded: ” The leaked new England kit absolutely reeks of Euros triumph.”
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    It has drawn comparisons to the shirt England wore at Italia ’90Credit: Getty
    And a fifth said: “Very retro and clean looking. Good job 👍.”
    The shirt is expected to be available from March or April next year.
    England will play two warm-up games ahead of the Euros when they face Brazil and Belgium at Wembley in March.
    They have already booked their place in Germany in the summer after five wins and one draw from their six Euro qualifiers.
    Southgate will announce his squad for this month’s games against Malta and North Macedonia on Wednesday afternoon. More

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    England fans say ‘finally some good friendlies’ as Wembley opponents revealed for pre-Euro 2024 clashes

    ENGLAND will face Brazil and Belgium in two Wembley friendlies next year.The Three Lions qualified for Euro 2024 with a 3-1 win over Italy last month.
    England will return to Wembley to host Brazil and Belgium in friendlies next yearCredit: Alamy
    Gareth Southgate said he is ‘happy to have two strong matches’ scheduledCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    And now Gareth’s Southgate’s squad will prepare for the tournament with warm-up games against two top nations.
    England will host Brazil at Wembley on March 23 before facing Belgium three days later.
    Discussing the two scheduled fixtures, Southgate said: “I’m happy to have two strong matches in March as we build towards the Euro finals.
    “It is important we take every opportunity to test ourselves against top opposition.
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    “Before then, we have our last qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia coming up.
    “Getting two positive results is essential if we are to make sure of being top seeds in the Euro draw next month.
    “We can’t afford to think the job is done as there is still work to do, while every second for us together in camp counts if we are to give ourselves the best chance of success next summer.”
    England host Malta at Wembley later this month before travelling to North Macedonia for their final qualifier.
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    But fans are already excited for next year’s fixtures.
    One person tweeted: “Finally organising good friendlies for once. Might be an exciting international break for once.”
    Another added: “Brazil at home on a Saturday 😍.”
    A third wrote: “I like this, I like this a lot.”
    While a fourth commented: “That Brazil game I am so there.”
    Euro 2024 kicks off on June 14 at the Allianz Arena in Munich. More

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    England fans receive huge money-saving Euro 2024 boost from Uefa after Three Lions seal qualification

    ENGLAND fans will be able to get round Germany for free after UEFA announced a travel pass for Euro 2024 supporters.Three Lions supporters as well as their Scottish counterparts will be able to start planning next summer’s trip after the Finals draw in Hamburg on December 2.
    England fans will be able to get a travel pass for free public transport at Euro 2024 next summer
    And now they can cut some of their costs following Uefa’s confirmation that free travel on public transport will be available for ticket holders.
    UEFA announced an agreement German transport chiefs offering a 36-hour travel pass alongside every match ticket for the tournament played in 10 cities between June 14 and July 14.
    The passes will come into effect at 6am on match day and run until midnight the following day.
    England qualified for Euro 2024 with a 3-1 win over Italy on Tuesday.
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    Gareth Southgate’s side went 1-0 down within the opening 15 minutes after ex-West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca broke the deadlock.
    Harry Kane then equalised from the penalty spot before Marcus Rashford fired the Three Lions into the lead.
    Captain Kane then sealed the win with an impressive solo strike.
    After the match, the striker told Channel 4: “Qualifying is never easy.
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    “Sometimes we are just expected to go to the big tournaments but we have seen in the past it is not as easy as it looks.
    “We went 1-0 behind and stayed calm. We knew we could get the winner and we have done it.”
    Meanwhile, Scotland qualified for next summer’s tournament after Norway failed to defeat Spain earlier this week. More

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    Wales boss Robert Page reveals cheat code behind stunning victory against Croatia that keeps Euros hopes alive

    ROBERT PAGE fired Wales up for their brilliant Euro 2024 victory over Croatia – by listening to superstar DJ Calvin Harris.The Dragons boss got his side pumped for Sunday’s 2-1 triumph in Cardiff with a two-minute motivational video for his heroes.
    Robert Page led Wales to a superb 2-1 win over Croatia, ranked number six in the worldCredit: GETTY
    Harry Wilson was the hero for the Dragons last Sunday night with two goals in CardiffCredit: Rex
    The pre-match montage was played in the changing room and accompanied by Harris’ smash hit ‘Let’s Go’.
    Harris’ lyrics were apt for Wales’ desperate bid for qualification as Page’s men needed a Group D win against last year’s World Cup semi-finalists to keep a top-two finish alive.
    The lyrics included, ‘Make no excuses now’, ‘Your time is running out’ and ‘Let’s make it happen tonight’.
    Wales certainly did the latter by brushing aside Noel Mooney’s ‘unhelpful’ pre-match comments in style to beat Croatia.
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    This came after the FAW chief executive stated Page’s position would be reviewed if automatic qualification was not achievable.
    Harry Wilson’s double ensured Wales were on song and the superb victory leaves Page’s men in with a belting chance of reaching Germany next summer.
    Page said: “We showed the players a montage of clips from the camp, our key principles and how we are going to play.
    “I said in the changing room, it makes you emotional and the hairs on the back of your neck stand up when you see what they are capable of doing.
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    “That two minute montage with music is incredible. It’s a great tune.
    “I said, ‘Go and show everyone what you are capable of doing. I’m proud to be your manager.’ And they did.”
    Page’s Wales are now in second spot behind qualified Turkey and above Croatia in third.
    Victories for Page’s men away to Armenia and at home to the Turks next month will book a finals spot.
    It would represent Wales’ third successive appearance at the Euros after the semi-final run under Chris Coleman in 2016 and last-16 in the 2020 tournament.
    Rob Page had Calvin Harris blasting out in the dressing roomCredit: Rex More

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    England stars spotted partying with Emily Atack as Jude Bellingham and Co rack up £35k bar bill after reaching Euro 2024

    JUBILANT England stars racked up a £35,000 bar bill after celebrating their Euro 2024 qualification, with TV star Emily Atack joining the party. Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Trent Alexander-Arnold danced the night away after the Three Lions thumped Italy 3-1 at Wembley.

    Jude Bellingham & Co racked up a £35,000 bar bill after celebrating their Euro 2024 qualificationCredit: Click News and Media
    Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold spotted on the night outCredit: Click News and Media
    Spurs James Maddison wore a yellow cap and eye-catching jumperCredit: Click News and Media
    TV star Emily Atack joined the night outCredit: Click News and Media
    Wonderkid Jude Bellingham and Luke Shaw were also among the revellers, joined also by TV star Emily.
    But there was no sign of skipper and family man Harry Kane, who started England’s fightback against Italy with a first-half penalty.
    The partying players bought fans ­cocktails and spirits at trendy nightspot Tape in London’s exclusive ­Mayfair.
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    They were joined by celebs including boxer Chris Eubank Jr as no expense was spared.
    Manchester City’s Grea­lish and Spurs’ Maddison raised a glass to Italy and Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie and chanted his name.
    It was revealed that the Tottenham star was racially abused on social media after playing against the Three Lions, according to Football Italia.
    Real Madrid sensation Bellingham was hailed for his man-of-the match performance before the team moved to a VIP section.
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    The minimum spend for a table there is £2,000.
    A bottle of Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades champers costs £650, a magnum of Dom Perignon Vintage Luminous is £1,050 and a jeroboam of Belvedere vodka is £1,300.

    Security later escorted the entourage in dribs and drabs back to the Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge, where luxury suites cost £11,500 a night.
    The England squad had plenty to celebrate after clinching qualification for next year’s Euros in Germany with two games to spare.
    Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions are now joint favourites with France, who knocked England out of the winter World Cup in the quarters.
    Emily wore a black dress for the London partyCredit: Click News and Media
    Emily leaves the club after the big night outCredit: Click News and Media
    Bellingham was hailed for his man-of-the match performanceCredit: Click News and Media
    The partying players bought fans ­cocktailsCredit: Click News and Media
    The minimum spend for a table there is £2,000Credit: Click News and Media

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