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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

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      A £500 Amazon gift card MUST be won with Score Predictor this international break – here’s our tips!

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      IT might well be an international break – but there’s no break when it comes to Dream Team giving away amazing prizes.This week, they’re giving away a whopping £500 Amazon gift card which MUST be won by someone. What better time to scoop this sensational prize than just a few weeks before Christmas.
      Remember, you don’t have to correctly predict the exact scores of all five games to win the top prize – we’re not that cruel – you just have to beat the rest of the competition.

      PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN A £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!

      Someone MUST win an Amazon gift card this week
      But it is an earlier start than normal, with Friday night’s England vs Malta clash the first selection – so don’t miss that 7.45pm deadline!
      Yet to take part in Score Predictor? There’s no better time to get involved.
      And if you haven’t yet played Score Predictor this season, here’s how the scoring works:

      Correct outcome +4 points
      Correct score +3 points
      Correct goals (home team) +1 point
      Correct goals (away team) +1 point
      Correct goal difference +1 point

      Score Predictor is completely free to play and it’s particularly fun to directly compete against your mates in Mini Leagues.
      It’s the season of goodwill after all, so here are our predictions for the five games you have to predict this week.
      England v Malta – Friday November 17
      This one should be a formality and the tricky part is surely guessing how many England will score.
      The reverse fixture was a 4-0 win over in Malta, helping England to 19 goals in just the six games played in this qualification group.
      The seven goals scored against North Macedonia helped with that, and pointless Malta aren’t as much of a test.
      Superstar Jude Bellingham misses out but there’s now a huge competition for places, so even a change in team shouldn’t prevent goals going in.
      Our prediction: England 6 Malta 0
      Harry Kane celebrates with Alexander-Arnold in 4-0 win over Malta

      Netherlands v Ireland – Saturday November 18
      Netherlands are in a battle for second spot with Greece as the pair sit on the same points.
      Greece have played a game more, though, so a win here should just about wrap that up for the Dutch.
      They’ve only won two of their last six internationals at home which isn’t great form – particularly with the wins coming against Greece and Gibraltar.
      But the Irish are just desperate for qualification to be over, picking up just six points from their six games.
      Reverse game was narrow 2-1 Dutch win, this could be more.
      Our prediction: Netherland 3 Ireland 0
      Armenia v Wales – Saturday November 18
      Armenia have lost their last three games – with Wales winning their last three.
      Armenia picked up a shock 4-2 win when the sides last met earlier in the group and the Welsh must surely be out for revenge.
      Wales sit in second in the group – joint on 10 points with Croatia – and need a win here to maintain that.
      Armenia still have it all to play for too just three points behind, but could fall short here.
      Our prediction: Armenia 1 Wales 2
      Scotland v Norway – Sunday November 19
      This game will be party time for Scotland and their supporters, with the first home game since clinching qualification.
      Might still have top spot to fight for depending on results earlier in the week and a win might well be needed.
      Norway have nothing to play for and the raucous Hampden support will help Steve Clarke’s fringe players push on again.
      Our prediction: Scotland 2 Norway 0
      Scotland boss Steve Clarke
      North Macedonia v England – Monday November 20
      Again, could be a matter of how many, team dependant.
      A good result in Malta game might see Southgate make one or two changes but squad deep enough to win this one quite comfortably.
      The hosts will want to avenge the 7-0 from earlier in the group and will not want lightning striking twice.
      Our prediction: North Macedonia 0 England 4
      Reckon you’d do better? Enter Score Predictor now and compete for that £500 prize!
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      Adidas announce official Euro 2024 ball with never-before-seen feature to revolutionise matches

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      ADIDAS have revealed the official ball for next summer’s Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.Called the “Fussballliebe”, the German manufacturer’s latest effort features new technology that will change the way the game is officiated.
      Uefa have unveiled the official ball for Euro 2024
      The ball has been called the ‘Fussballliebe’Credit: Getty
      Jude Bellingham checks out the new ball
      Premier League fans have grown tired of watching VARs drawing lines on a screen at Stockley Park.
      But at next summer’s Euros, semi-automated offsides will be used thanks in part to the Fussballliebe.
      It will feature Connected Ball Technology, which enables quick semi-automated offside decisions.
      Euro 2024 will mark the first time in the competition’s long history that semi-automated offsides will be used.
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      In addition, it’s claimed that the ball will also assist in handball and penalty decisions.
      While it can track stats such as ball speed and rotations.
      Similar technology was used with success at last year’s World Cup in Qatar.
      The Premier League is set to adopt World Cup-style VAR next season.
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      Club bosses voted against semi-automated offsides last summer for the 2023-24 campaign.
      The technology, which includes computer-generated 3D clips to illustrate offside decisions, has been deployed in Italy this season while it is also approved by LaLiga in Spain for use next term.
      Adidas’ ball has been developed by Munich-based Kinexon, while the Prem has a long-standing deal with Nike.
      It’s now expected that Kinexon will work with Nike to develop the technology in their ball for next season’s Premier League campaign.
      Last year’s World Cup ball featured the new technology
      Manuel Neuer clutches the newly-unveiled ballCredit: AFP More

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      Who is soccer manager Emma Hayes?

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      CHELSEA Women’s manager Emma Hayes will leave the club at the end of the 2023/24 season.

      The 47-year-old has been confirmed as the head coach of the United States Women’s national team.

      Hayes has managed over 200 games for Chelsea

      USWNT are also keen on poaching Chelsea’s assistant manager Denise Reddy to follow suit as her No 2.

      What teams has Emma Hayes managed?

      2001-2003 – Long Island Lady Riders

      2003-2006 – Iona College

      2006-2008 – Arsenal Ladies (assistant)

      2008-2010 – Chicago Red Stars

      2012 – Chelsea Women

      Hayes has enjoyed a very successful tenure at Chelsea winning the FA Women’s Super League an incredible six times and the Women’s FA Cup five times.

      The 47-year-old also has an impressive collection of individual awards claiming the Best FIFA Football Coach title in 2021.

      Hayes is also the holder of six FA WSL Manager of the Season awards.

      What did Chelsea say about Emma Hayes leaving the club?

      Chelsea announced on November 4 that Hayes would be stepping down as manager at the end of the season in a statement on their club website.

      It read: “Chelsea FC can today confirm that highly decorated Chelsea Women’s manager Emma Hayes OBE will depart the club at the end of the season to pursue a new opportunity outside of the WSL and club football.”

      The news was reportedly broken to the Chelsea squad following their 6-0 win over Aston Villa on November 4.

      And it’s said that players and non-football staff were left shocked by the surprise departure with the 47-year-old held in such high regard around the club.

      Hayes will remain in charge of the London outfit until the 2023/24 season comes to a close in May. More

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      Huge Euro 2024 row as nation blasts ‘unsportsmanlike’ rival and says ‘you can’t even organise a family holiday this way’

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      EURO 2024 hopefuls Hungary have been involved in a bitter row with Bulgaria. Hungary and Bulgaria are due to clash on Thursday, but saw the venue of the Group G game only moved today.
      Hungary’s match against Bulgaria has had the venue changed at late noticeCredit: Rex
      The change was caused by the Plovdiv municipality’s decision to not make the Hristo Botev stadium available for the match due to ongoing construction work at the venue.
      The Vasil Levski stadium of Sofia, located 82 miles away, will now play host to the match.
      The Hungarian FA blasted the host nation for its “unsportsmanlike” conduct in proceedings.
      They called the Bulgarian Football Union’s (BFU) actions “unprecedented, totally unjustified and grossly unsportsmanlike”.
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      The scathing statement added: “It is not even possible to organise a family holiday in this way, let alone an international football match with a huge stake, involving millions of people.”
      Meanwhile, the BFU planted the blame at the feet of the Plovdiv municipality, claiming it had violated the preliminary agreement for the use of the stadium.
      A statement said: “UEFA ordered that the match will be played behind closed doors at the Vasil Levski stadium in Sofia.”
      The two nations have had contradictory qualifying campaigns.
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      Hungary are top of the group with 14 points and will secure a spot at next summer’s Euro 2024 if they score a point against Bulgaria or if Montenegro drops points against Lithuania.
      Bulgaria meanwhile sit bottom of the group having failed to win a single game so far, but still have a slim hope of qualifying through a playoff spot. More

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      The 10 superstars at risk of missing out on Euro 2024 including Erling Haaland with crucial qualifiers coming up

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      ERLING HAALAND is one of ten footballing superstars at risk of missing out on Euro 2024.The qualifiers for the tournament in Germany next year are almost at an end with some big nations yet to seal their spot.
      Erling Haaland could miss out on Euro 2024Credit: Kenny Ramsay
      Many countries such as England, Spain and France have already sealed their spots at the competition.
      Germany have not had to qualify as they are automatically in due to being the host nation.
      However nations such as Sweden, Norway and Croatia are still trying to earn their spots.
      They have crucial qualifying matches coming up in the current international break.
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      But should results go against them, then there could be some of the best players in the world absent from the Euros.
      Erling Haaland – Norway
      Haaland missed out on the World Cup in Qatar last year and is again facing being absent from an international tournament.
      The Manchester City striker won the Gerd Muller Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony for scoring the most goals in Europe last season.
      The Norwegian has continued his prolific form this season and will need to be at the top of his game to fire Norway to the Euro 2024 play-offs when they face Scotland away in their last qualifier.
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      Martin Odegaard – Norway
      Martin Odegaard may not be at Euro 2024Credit: Getty
      The Arsenal captian, like Haaland, missed out on the World Cup as Norway failed to qualify.
      Odegaard has become one of the standout players in the Premier League since his move to the Emirates from Real Madrid.
      He and Haaland will have to do it the hard way as Norway need to beat Scotland in order to hold off Georgia, who have a game in hand on them.
      Gianluigi Donnarumma – Italy
      Gianluigi Donnarumma and Italy may fail to defend their titleCredit: Getty
      Italy like Norway failed to make it to the World Cup in Qatar despite winning the Euros in 2021.
      Donnarumma is widely considered to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world, having already starred for AC Milan and PSG at the age of just 24.
      The stopper was the hero for Italy in the previous Euros as he helped them to a penalty shootout win over England at Wembley, but they face a huge clash with Ukraine on Monday that could see them miss out on second-place.
      Destiny Udogie – Italy
      Destiny Udogie has been one of the best young full-backs in EuropeCredit: Alamy
      Udogie was not a member of the Italy side that won the Euros but has become one of the most promising full backs in Europe.
      The Tottenham ace has cemented himself in Ange Postecoglou’s side after returning from his loan at Udinese last season.
      However, he will have to hope that his national team-mates can do the business without him against North Macedonia and the Ukraine as he is currently injured.
      Luka Modric – Croatia
      Luka Modric has been a regular at international tournamentsCredit: Alamy
      Modric has been a regular at international tournaments throughout his long career.
      The Real Madrid star, 38, however faces missing out on Euro 2024 with his side currently behind Wales in Group D.
      Modric had hoped to play in one more tournament after helping Croatia to a third-place finish in the World Cup in Qatar.
      Josko Gvardiol – Croatia
      Josko Gvardiol helped Croatia to third at the World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty
      Gvardiol was another member of the Croatia squad who impressed in Qatar as they beat Morocco to finish third.
      The defender gained many plaudits for his performances and earned a big move to Manchester City in the summer.
      Gvardiol and Co still have a chance of making it to Germany, but must face Latvia and Armenia first.
      Alexander Isak – Sweden
      Alexander Isak plays for Sweden on the international stageCredit: Getty
      Alexander Isak has become one of the most prolific strikers in the Premier League since his move to Newcastle from Real Sociedad.
      The Swedish international and his team-mates however will have to battle in the play-offs in order to make it to the tournament.
      But first in order to make it that far they will have to pick up wins against Azerbaijan and Estonia.
      Dejan Kulusevski – Sweden
      Dejan Kulusevski has scored three goals for SwedenCredit: Getty
      Kulusevski has been a regular for Tottenham since he joined the club from Juventus.
      The winger will need to improve his form for Sweden to help them qualify.
      He has only managed three goals in 33 appearances for his national side and could do with a couple in their next two fixtures.
      Robert Lewandowski – Poland
      Robert Lewandowski has been a regular on the international stageCredit: Getty
      Lewandowski is one of the most prolific strikers in Europe having starred for the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and now Barcelona.
      The striker, 35, has never really hit his best form during an international tournament however.
      Now approaching the end of his career, the Pole would likely want one last attempt at winning something on the national stage.
      Evan Ferguson – Ireland
      Evan Ferguson and Ireland will be looking to make it through the play-offsCredit: Reuters
      From one of the veterans of football to one of the most promising young starlets.
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      Ferguson, 19, is one of the most highly-rated strikers in the Premier League due to his performances for Brighton and Hove Albion.
      Ireland’s hopes of making it to Euro 2024 hinge on the play-offs but a win against Holland will boost their chances of making it that far. More