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      England ratings: Jude Bellingham runs the show against Italy as Kalvin Phillips has a night to forget

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      ENGLAND booked their spot at Euro 2024 with a convincing win over Italy.Captain Harry Kane bagged a brace while Marcus Rashford banished the demons of the Euro 2020 penalty shoot-out defeat.
      England qualified for Euro 2024 by beating Italy 3-1Credit: Rex
      But it was Jude Bellingham who ran the show at Wembley, putting in the type of display befitting a player classified among the best in the world.
      Bellingham won a penalty and laid on Rashford’s goal before receiving a standing ovation from the crowd when he was subbed off.
      While some have almost certainly booked their spot for the team in eight months’ time, others still have something to prove.
      Here’s how England’s Dan King rated the Three Lions.
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      Jordan Pickford – 6
      Did not have a save to make after Italy’s until a fine low stop from Udogie in first-half stoppage time.
      Well-positioned to save Gianluca Scamacca’s second-half shot, but a couple of bits of nervy distribution.
      Kyle Walker – 7
      Ensured the right of England’s defence looked more solid than the left and made an important intervention to stop Davide Frattesi making it 2-0.
      Thank goodness Gareth Southgate talked him out of retirement.
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      John Stones – 5
      Decent on the ball, but probably should have been tighter to Scamacca when Giovani Di Lorenzo’s cross found its way across the penalty area.
      Not a surprise to see him taken off as he comes back from injury.
      Harry Maguire – 6
      Harry Maguire was solid tonightCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      A strong early challenge had the home fans singing his song as the turnaround continued for the much-malligned Manchester United centre back.
      Didn’t really put a foot wrong as England denied Italy chances. 
      Kieran Trippier – 5
      Combined encouragingly with Marcus Rashford down the left early on but the pair were caught out for Italy’s opener and it was not the last time it happened.
      Looked more solid in the second half.
      Declan Rice – 6
      Miscued an attempted clearance in the build-up to Scamacca’s goal and a later loose pass could have been similarly punished.
      One of his less impressive performances in an England shirt, but better in second half.
      Kalvin Phillips – 5
      Had to rein himself in a bit from his usual all-action style after picking up a slightly unfortunate early booking.
      Lucky to avoid a second yellow card for a foul on Giorgio Scalvini before being taken off.
      Jude Bellingham – 8
      Jude Bellingham received a standing ovation when he was subbed offCredit: Getty
      Sometimes frustrated, with team-mates or match officials, and the target for some robust Italian challenges.
      But his brilliant surge earned the penalty and he sensationally created Marcus Rashford’s goal.
      Phil Foden – 7
      Unable to make the most in the first half of drawing Destiny Udogie into an early yellow card.
      But kept on proving and posing a threat, and forced a decent save from Donnarumma in the second half.
      Marcus Rashford – 8
      Full of energy and intent from the start, without quite finding the final ball or shot until late in the first half.
      But capitalised superbly on Bellingham’s brilliance, keeping his composure to give it the finish it deserved.
      Harry Kane – 8
      Harry Kane became England’s all-time scorer at WembleyCredit: Reuters
      A quiet first half until coolly converting a spotkick to bring up his 60th international goal.
      Spent most of the second battling hard for the ball and had his reward when he beat hapless Scalvini and scored No 61 emphatically.
      Substitutions
      MARC GUEHI (for Stones, 63) 6
      JORDAN HENDERSON (for Phillips, 70) 6
      JACK GREALISH (for Bellingham, 85) N/A
      Not used: Johnstone, Ramsdale, Dunk, Colwill, Alexander-Arnold, Gallagher, Watkins, Grealish, Maddison, Bowen.
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      Gianluigi Donnarumma 6, Giovanni Di Lorenzo 5, Giorgio Scalvini 3, Francesco Acerbi 4 (Bastoni 63, 5), Destiny Udogie 7 (Dimarco 63, 5); Davide Frattesi 7, Bryan Cristante 6, Nicolo Barella 7; Domenico Berardi 6 (Raspadori 78, 5), Gianluca Scamacca 7 (Kean 63, 5), Stephan Al Shaarawy 6.
      Subs not used: Vicario, Meret, Gatti, Locatelli, Bonaventura, Darmian, Mancini, Orsolini. More

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      England qualify for Euro 2024 as Harry Kane breaks Sir Bobby Charlton’s record and Bellingham runs rings around Italy

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      AS Gareth Southgate’s England side booked their place in Germany next summer, it was difficult to escape one thought: if Jude Bellingham is fit, they can be champions of Europe.Back in the bad old days, England used to arrive at major tournaments full of jingoistic tub-thumping with precious little to back up our nation’s empty bluster. 
      England booked their place at Euro 2024 by beating ItalyCredit: Rex
      Jude Bellingham ran the show and received a standing ovationCredit: Getty
      Marcus Rashford banished the ghosts of his England pastCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun

      Not now. Not when they are blessed with possibly the best midfielder on the planet, a 20-year-old phenomenon who is bossing the Bernabeu with Real Madrid and can turn the tide of elite football matches single-handedly. 
      There was a brace from England’s prolific captain Harry Kane either side of a decisive thumping effort from Marcus Rashford in a 3-1 win, the second victory over the reigning European champions in this qualifying campaign. 
      But after Italy had shaded the first goal, and took the lead through Gianluca Scamacca, it was Bellingham who grabbed this game by the chestnuts and ensured that England would secure a seventh victory in eight unbeaten games since the World Cup. 
      With an outrageous tackle, a saucy dummy and a smart pass, Bellingham set up Rashford’s goal.
      Then the lanky young Brummie turned on the style, frequently leaving a bunch of hard-nosed Italian midfielders and defenders groping at thin air as he passed them. 
      What a player he is. As at Hampden Park last month, you watched him and wondered whether you had ever seen a more consistently brilliant England footballer. 
      Here, Southgate had Kane consistently dropping deep and pinging passes from deep to make room for Bellingham in the centre-forward channel – a smart move which had the Italians bewildered at times.
      In truth, there isn’t much jeopardy in these Euros qualifying groups any more. England would probably even qualify with Steve McClaren in charge these days.
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      Bellingham received a standing ovation for his stunning displayCredit: PA
      England won the group with the winCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      But especially by defeating Italy twice, this has been an impressive campaign – one which justified Southgate’s decision to stay on after the World Cup.
      That decision must have been influenced by the burgeoning brilliance of Bellingham, who looked on the cusp of greatness at times in Qatar.
      After all the hubbub about the booing of Jordan Henderson in Friday’s bafflingly-staged and instantly forgettable friendly against Australia, at least we had a proper fixture here. 
      And unlike the last time Italy played here at the 2021 Euros Final, there was an air of calm. The complete absence of anybody on Wembley Way with an ignited firework inserted up their rectum was a welcome relief.  
      England had made a lively enough start – Kyle Walker threatening on the right, Marcus Rashford whistling a long-range free-kick narrowly over. 
      So they were stunned by the Italian opener on 15 minutes. 
      A swift dart down the right from Giovanni Di Lorenzo and a menacing cross which Davide Frattesi miskicked before Scamacca hammered into the roof of the net from close range.  
      England’s defending was lazy to the point of being static and for the next ten minutes or so they were terrible. 
      Suddenly Kane was feeling the need to adopt a holding midfield role, where he missed a couple of tackles as Italy threatened to double their lead.

      From a rapid rat-a-tat passing move, Scamacca drilled just wide. 
      The atmosphere was funereal. It was difficult to imagine how 90,000 people on a night out could be quite so hushed.
      But then England’s best two players – their exceptional exiles – combined to penetrate the Italian defence. 
      Kane slipped through a cute pass and Bellingham’s burst of pace got him the wrong side of Di Lorenzo, who cleaned him out with a sliding tackle.
      There was an inordinately long VAR check for such a clear and obvious foul but Kane wasn’t fazed, thumping a trademark effort into the corner, with the monumental figure of Gianluigi Donnarumma flinging himself in the opposite direction. 
      It was Kane’s seventh England goal in as many games since his World Cup penalty miss. 
      Bellingham started exuberantly cheerleading the crowd in an attempt to rouse them. 
      The last time Italy were here, it was all about the hooligan element. This time it was the librarian element.
      Rashford had an angled shot pushed away by Donnarumma but Jordan Pickford was called into action in first-half injury-time, with a smart stop to deny Tottenham left-back Destiny Udogie, who had toasted John Stones. 
      After the break, though, Udogie was lucky not to concede a spot-kick when he body-checked Phil Foden, only for ref Clement Turpin to turn a blind eye. 

      Bellingham was becoming a major influence, winning a free-kick with a surging run just before he engineered England’s second.
      The Brummie won a bulldozing tackle to dispossess Nicola Barrella just outside the England box, collected a pass from Foden and then dummied an opponent in midfield before he released Rashford.
      The United charged at the Italian defence, cut inside and walloped his shot past Donnarumma. 
      It was such an emphatic goal that it briefly woke up this soporific crowd.
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      Bellingham was full of it now, executing a drag-back and a back-heeled pass for Kane near the corner flag which suggested he’d been studying matadors out in Spain. 
      England’s third goal was a hopeful punt from Walker, a pig’s ear of a header from Alessandro Bastoni and a thudding finish from Kane.  More

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      England 3-1 Italy LIVE RESULT: Three Lions qualify for Euro 2024 after Bellingham masterclass and superb brace from Kane

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      ENGLAND have booked their spot at Euro 2024 after Gareth Southgate’s side beat Azzurri 3-1 at Wembley.Gianluca Scamacca’s early strike gave the Italians a shock lead after 15 minutes before Three Lions skipper Harry Kane equalised from the penalty spot after Jude Bellingham was brought down in the box.
      Early in the second half, England took the lead courtesy of Marcus Rashford’s emphatic finish following superb work from Bellingham in the build-up.
      Harry Kane scored his second of the night on the 77th minute to make it 3-1 and book the Three Lions’ spot in Germany.

      Match result: England 3-1 Italy
      England team: Pickford, Walker, Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Rice, Phillips, Bellingham, Rashford, Foden, Kane
      Italy team: Donnarumma, Udogie, Acerbi, Scalvini, Di Lorenzo, Barella, Cristante, Frattesi, El Shaarawy, Scamacca, Berardi

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      Follow our live blog below to stay up to date with all the action from Wembley…
      Record breaker
      Harry Kane’s stunning double tonight saw him overtake Bobby Charlton (23) to become England’s all-time top scorer at Wembley with 24 goals.
      Credit: GETTY
      Harry Kane on qualifying
      The England skipper said to Channel 4: “Qualifying is never easy. 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.”
      On scoring at Wembley and becoming England’s all-time record goalscorer at the home of English football? “I do [love it]! It is our home.
      “We have made it a real fortress over the years. We want to repay our fans with victories and we have done that today.”
      On his second goal: “I showed a bit of pace which is not normally my strength. To qualify with two games to go, credit to everyone involved.”
      Credit: GETTY
      FT: England 3-1 Italy
      England have qualified for Euro 2024!
      The Three Lions put in a fine display at Wembley to come from behind and beat Italy.
      Two goals from Harry Kane either side of a superb Marcus Rashford strike sealed victory for Gareth Southgate’s side.
      England 3-1 Italy
      90. Italy create their best chance of the second half after good work from Riccardo Orsolini.
      He cuts inside before passing to fellow sub Moise Kean, who can only fire a shot straight at Jordan Pickford.
      Meanwhile, the fourth official has indicated we will have three minutes of added time.
      England 3-1 Italy – Italy substitution
      87. Italy make their final change as Stephan El Shaarawy is replaced by Riccardo Orsolini.
      England 3-1 Italy – England substitution
      85. Jude Bellingham receives a standing ovation from the Wembley crowd as he is withdrawn.
      The midfielder won England a penalty in the first half before brilliantly creating their second goal after the break.
      He is replaced by Jack Grealish for the final five minutes.
      England 3-1 Italy
      81. Que Sera rings around Wembley as England fans get into the party spirit.
      Harry Kane’s second has put the Three Lions on the brink of qualification for Euro 2024.
      It would take a dramatic turnaround and three Italy goals to deny them tonight.
      England 3-1 Italy – Italy substitution
      78. In response to England’s third, Luciano Spalletti has sent on another forward in the shape of Giacomo Raspadori.
      Raspadori had been waiting to come on before the goal and replaces Domenico Berardi for the visitors.
      GOAL: England 3-1 Italy
      77. Harry Kane all but seals the victory and England’s place at Euro 2024.
      The Three Lions skipper latches onto a loose ball ahead of Giorgio Scalvini before calmly slotting the ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
      England fans can start looking forward to next summer’s tournament in Germany.
      England 2-1 Italy
      73. Italy’s triple substitution appears to have had an impact on the visitors.
      A string of dangerous balls are played into the England box as Italy go in search of an equaliser.
      However, the Three Lions defence does well to deal with the threats, with Jordan Pickford not called into action.
      England 2-1 Italy – England substitution
      70. Jordan Henderson is on for England as he replaces Kalvin Phillips.
      The Manchester City midfielder has impressed on his return to the starting line-up and is applauded off by the crowd.
      England 2-1 Italy
      68. Phil Foden almost extends England’s lead after darting through the Italy defence.
      The midfielder unleashes a powerful low shot from the edge of the box but Gianluigi Donnarumma gets down well to save.
      England 2-1 Italy – Scalvini yellow card
      66. Giorgio Scalvini is the latest Italy player to go into the book.
      The defender is cautioned for his complaints after Kalvin Phillips leaves Nicolo Barella rolling around on the floor.
      England 2-1 Italy – England substitution
      64. Gareth Southgate looks to his bench for the first time as John Stones is replaced by Marc Guehi.
      Meanwhile, Italy make a trio of changes, with Alessandro Bastoni, Moise Kean and Federico Dimarco replacing Destiny Udogie, Gianluca Scamacca and Francesco Acerbi.
      England 2-1 Italy
      62. The goal seems to have woken Italy up as they register a shot on target for the first time this half.
      Gianluca Scamacca is again the most threatening Italy player as his snapshot stings the palms of Jordan Pickford.
      At the other end, Marcus Rashford finds space again but shoots high and wide.
      England 2-1 Italy
      60. England’s lead is no more than they deserve based on the first hour here at Wembley.
      The Three Lions have dominated the vast majority of the match and caused their opponents trouble with their pressing.
      GOAL: England 2-1 Italy
      57. What a goal from England! Marcus Rashford completes the turnaround as he fires the Three Lions into the lead.
      A clinical counter attack from the hosts started with Phil Foden on the edge of their own penalty area.
      Jude Bellingham then knocked the ball past Giorgio Scalvini to open up the Italy defence before finding Rashford who did the rest.
      England 1-1 Italy
      56. England’s pressing is causing Italy all sorts of problems.
      Since the start of the second half, the Three Lions have continued to hunt down the ball deep in the opposition half.
      Italy’s determination to play out from the back has already seen them lose possession in a dangerous position several times.
      England 1-1 Italy
      52. England win the ball back deep in the Italy half with some effective pressing.
      The ball finds its way to Phil Foden who sets it for his club team-mate Kalvin Phillips.
      Phillips is unable to keep his strike down, though, as the ball whistles over the crossbar.
      England 1-1 Italy
      51. Yet another call for a penalty from the England fans.
      Phil Foden drives into the box before running into Destiny Udogie.
      The defender fails to win the ball but Foden’s dramatic fall to the floor does little to convince referee Clement Turpin.
      England 1-1 Italy
      48. Much the same as the first half so far since the restart as the game remains tight.
      A handful of fouls from Italy have broken up the play with neither side able to get a flowing move going.
      Kick-off: England 1-1 Italy
      We are back underway at Wembley.
      Italy get the action restarted for the second half.
      Neither side seem to have made any changes at all.
      HT: England 1-1 Italy
      Harry Kane’s penalty was his 60th goal for England on his 87th international cap.
      Despite a long delay, the Three Lions captain kept his calm to smash the ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
      If the scoreline stays the same, his penalty will be the goal that sends England to Germany next summer.
      HT: England 1-1 Italy
      England showed their maturity with their reaction to falling behind.
      The hosts had been on top before Scamacca fired Italy into the lead.
      Gareth Southgate will be pleased that his side maintained their composure and were able to equalise before half-time.
      HT: England 1-1 Italy
      England deservedly go in level at the break here at Wembley Stadium.
      The Three Lions had been on top before Gianluca Scamacca opened the scoring against the run of play.
      Harry Kane equalised from the penalty spot with his 60th international goal.
      As it stands, England are qualifying for Euro 2024. More

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      England fans rage ‘can’t believe they moved Bake Off for this’ as England make dreadful start in Italy qualifier

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      ENGLAND fans were left raging that “they moved Bake Off for this” after the Three Lions made a dreadful start against Italy.Gareth Southgate’s men took to the Wembley pitch knowing that a draw would be enough to send them to Euro 2024.
      England fans were not happy with the poor start against Italy at WembleyCredit: AP
      A strong line-up including Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and John Stones was deployed against Luciano Spalletti’s side.
      And revenge was in the air as Italy returned to Wembley for the first time since beating England on penalties in the Euro 2020 final.
      However, the night got off to an awful start for the hosts when they conceded with just 15 minutes on the clock.
      Former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca bagged a fine strike to put Italy ahead.
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      And distraught England fans watching from home were left incensed.
      Indeed, many admitted they would have preferred to watch the Great British Bake Off instead.
      The cooking show was meant to air tonight but was pushed back 24 hours by Channel Four to make room for England vs Italy.
      One angry fan said: “Can’t believe they moved Bake Off for this.”
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      Another declared: “Put Bake Off on.”
      One noted: “19 minutes into this game and fuming they’ve moved Great British Bake Off until tomorrow.”
      Another gasped: “Cancelled Bake Off for this?”
      One added: “Change the TV schedule, I’d rather watch Bake Off.”
      Things picked up for England in the 28th minute when Bellingham won a penalty.
      And after a lengthy VAR check, Harry Kane fired home to level the score at 1-1. More

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      Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk and Man Utd flop Weghorst blast ‘worst pitch ever’ as they near Euro 2024 qualification

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      NETHERLANDS stars Virgil van Dijk and Wout Weghorst lashed out after beating Greece to clear the way for Euro 2024 qualification.The Oranje beat the Greeks 1-0 at OPAP Arena in Athens and Ronald Koeman’s side now need to beat either the Republic of Ireland or Gibraltar to confirm their place in the finals in Germany.
      Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk blasted the pitch at OPAP Arena in GreeceCredit: Rex
      Ex-Manchester United player Wout Weghorst claimed it was the “worst pitch” he ever played onCredit: Rex
      But after the game, Liverpool star Van Dijk – who scored the winner from the penalty spot – was fuming with the state of the pitch.
      The centre-back lambasted the “terrible” state of AEK Athens’ ground and suggested that shouldn’t be allowed “at this level”.
      Van Dijk said: “Have you seen the pitch? Terrible. It’s unbelievable that this is still allowed at this level.”
      Hoffenheim star Weghorst took it up a notch by claiming that was the “worst pitch” he has ever played on.
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      The Burnley loanee, who had an unsuccessful stint at Manchester United last season, even claimed there were stones on the grass.
      Weghorst said: “This was the worst pitch I have ever played football on.
      “We knew it wouldn’t be an easy game here, given the conditions and the way the opposition played. The pressure was there.
      “Not so much from the crowd, but mainly from the pitch which was very bad. There were stones on it. The conditions were difficult.”
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      The manager of Grassform Antonis Grimotsis, who supervises football pitches in the Greek Superleague, addressed Van Dijk and Weghorst’s claims.
      Grimotsis stated that the turf at OPAP Arena is being reseeded, which is annual procedure that takes place when the season is paused and UEFA as well as the two teams were fully aware.
      He posted on Facebook: “The pitch at OPAP Arena is in the process of being reseeded, of which the organising authority, the Dutch national team and of course the Greek national team are aware.
      “It is a regular, annual procedure that takes place at the break of the championship, it’s just that in our case it doesn’t exist.
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      The pitch at OPAP Arena wasn’t up to par, according to the NetherlandsCredit: Focus Images
      “The playing field is completely safe and playable with an aesthetic deviation due to the necessary, aggressive work.
      “OPAP Arena has had a busy schedule since its inception [in 2022], which is now being regulated.
      “Both the club management [AEK] and the maintenance company are in control and it is only a matter of time before the issue is finally resolved.” More

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      Shocking moment furious Cristiano Ronaldo is hurt by pitch invader trying to take selfie during Portugal clash

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO was hurt by a pitch invader who tried to take a selfie with him on the pitch on Monday night.The Portugal captain nearly suffered an unfortunate injury during the Euro 2024 qualifying clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday.
      Cristiano Ronaldo was hurt by a pitch invader as he tried to take a throw-inCredit: twitter @hannesnero
      The fan clipped Ronaldo’s right boot as he tried to take a selfie with the superstarCredit: twitter @hannesnero
      Security managed to escort the fan off the pitchCredit: twitter @hannesnero
      Ronaldo, 38, scored another two goals on Monday night – taking his record-breaking tally of international goals to 127.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner netted both of his efforts in the opening 20 minutes, but shortly before half-time he was approached by a desperate fan.
      The incident occurred in the 38th minute as the video showed a fan jumping over the advertising hoardings and darting onto the field.
      He then hurried up to Ronaldo as the Portuguese ace tried to take a throw-in.
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      His intention was to get a selfie but instead he trod on the star’s right boot.
      And Ronaldo was clearly left in some pain, as he was seen shaking off the blow to his foot as security escorted the fan off the pitch.
      Portugal then went on to win 5-0 with further goals from Bruno Fernandes, Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix.
      During Portugal’s clash against Slovakia last Friday, the all-time-great had to deal with yet another pitch invader.
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      On that occasion, Ronaldo was pleased to take a photo with the fan.
      Lucky for Portugal, that match saw them book their place at next summer’s European Championship in Germany.
      They have enjoyed a tremendous winning streak throughout the Euro 2024 qualifiers – winning all eight of their games so far.
      The most remarkable result was the 9-0 thrashing of Luxembourg last month. More

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      Police increase presence at Wembley for England’s Euro 2024 qualifier tonight after two fans killed in Brussels horror

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      COPS are ramping up security at Wembley for England’s Euro 2024 qualifier tonight after two fans were killed in Brussels yesterday.Terror suspect Abdesalem Lassoued, 45, shot dead two Swedish football fans moments before their team’s Euro 2024 qualifier match against Belgium.
      Cops are beefing up security measures at England’s match at Wembley tonightCredit: Reuters
      Belgian armed cops at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels last night after two fans were shot deadCredit: EPA
      The match was abandoned at half time and fans were kept in the King Baudouin Stadium before being escorted out under protection of armed officers as the hunt continued for the killer.
      Self-styled ISIS-follower Lassoued was later shot dead by police in a cafe.
      Now, the Met have said a “highly visible policing presence” will be at Wembley this evening “given the events yesterday in Brussels”.
      England are aiming to book a spot at Euro 2024 in tonight’s clash with reigning champions Italy.
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      Superintendent Gerry Parker, match commander for tonight’s game, said in a statement: “We have been working with our partners, including the FA, in the weeks leading up to this match to ensure those attending the Wembley area enjoy this match.
      “Our officers are experienced in dealing with large-scale public order events, and a flexible plan is in place to reduce the likelihood of crime and disorder, and provide a timely response to any emerging incidents.
      “Please ensure you arrive in good time for the match and remain vigilant throughout; if you see anything suspicious then flag it an officer or one of the match stewards immediately so the necessary action can be taken.”
      In the wake of the Brussels shootings, Belgian authorities have raised the terror alert to its highest level in the capital.
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      The Three Lions have been close to faultless throughout their qualifying campaign so far and only need a draw to secure a spot in Germany.
      Italy come into the game just three points behind England following a routine 4-0 victory over Malta on Saturday.
      Victory over England would put them level on points with the group leaders but the Italians would still be significantly behind on goal difference.
      Both teams will be vying to win the group given the favourable seeding it would give them going into Euro 2024 in Germany.
      England kicked qualification for the Euros off with a win over Italy earlier this year in Naples before beating Ukraine and group minnows Malta and North Macedonia.
      Their perfect start came to a halt last month when they drew in Ukraine but a draw at Wembley, where they lost the Euro 2020 final to Italy, is all they need to confirm their qualification for next summer’s tournament.
      Gareth Southgate played a second string side against Australia last Friday but is expected to ring the changes as he looks to cap qualification off with a strong performance.
      Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are expected to return to the side with only Jordan Henderson expected to retain his place from Friday night’s win over the Aussies. More

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      I’m an ex-international manager who gave star his debut at 16 to keep him from England’s clutches – now it’s paying off

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      CHRIS COLEMAN hailed Harry Wilson after his heroics kept Wales’ Euro 2024 dream alive.Former Dragons and Fulham boss Coleman gave him his first cap at the age of 16 in a 1-1 World Cup qualifier against Belgium in October 2013 — to stop England from pinching him.
      Chris Coleman hailed Wilson after his heroic performance to keep Wales’ Euro 2024 dream aliveCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Harry Wilson scored two goals in Wales’ Euro 2024 qualifier against Croatia on SundayCredit: Alamy
      Coleman gave Wilson his first debut for Wales at 16 years oldCredit: Alamy
      And a decade later, Wilson’s second-half brace against Croatia on Sunday in his 50th Welsh appearance left Robert Page’s side two wins away from next summer’s tournament in Germany.
      Cookie, 53, said: “Harry was brilliant and I’m delighted for him.
      “He’s fulfilling the potential we saw in him all those years ago.
      “He was only 16 when he came in and I gave him his debut.
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      “I could see straight away he had the ability and the appetite to be an important player for Wales for the next ten or 15 years.”
      Wilson, 26, could have qualified for the Three Lions through a grandad.
      Coleman added: “It was a decision that I felt needed to be made.
      “I didn’t know my own future at the time, I hadn’t signed a new contract and it could have been my last match in charge of Wales.
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      “But I was looking at the bigger picture for Welsh football.
      “He could have gone to play for England but we knew he was a Welsh boy. The result was good for us that night but just   as   importantly, we secured Harry for Wales.
      “I’m glad I made the decision because I knew he would be an important player for the country moving forward.”
      Ex-Wales forward Craig Bellamy, who played his final international match in Brussels that night, disagreed with his gaffer’s decision to bring Liverpool academy midfielder Wilson on for Hal Robson-Kanu in the 87th minute.
      Bellamy, who won 78 caps, claimed that the substitution devalued the achievement of playing for Wales.
      At 16 years and 207 days old, Wrexham-born Wilson is the youngest player to be capped by Wales, beating Gareth Bale’s record by 108 days.
      Cookie added: “I wasn’t bothered about what people were saying, we started to blood the next group coming through.”
      Sunday’s 2-1 win moved Wales second in Group D behind Turkey — who have already qualified — and Croatia.
      Victories away to Armenia and the Turks in Cardiff next month would book an automatic qualification spot.
      Coleman, who led Wales to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, said: “It’s a huge result.
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      “It opens the door and there are six points to be had.
      “It won’t be easy but it’s very possible to qualify now.” More