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      England’s Greece horror show was a stark reminder World Cup 2026 is out of reach with so little quality at the back

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      ALTHOUGH this was the night when England’s embarrassment of riches in attack was put on full show, here was a stark reminder that the nation remains unbelievably thin in quality at the back.Central defenders, full-backs and even the goalkeeper. Right across the board, England have some major issues.England had a defensive nightmare against GreeceCredit: AlamyIt saw an experimental Lee Carsley team fall to a shock 2-1 defeat at WembleyCredit: ReutersJohn Stones captained England for the first time in the absence of Harry Kane and this is not a night he will look back at with any fondness.Stones was one of three players – along with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer – who could have done better for Greece’s opening goal through Vangelis Pavlidis.Along with Levi Colwill, he was also lucky that Pavlidis’ strike towards the end was ruled offside as both players were at fault.Yet right at the end, when Pavlidis struck again for the winner, Stones – along with Rico Lewis – could have done much better.READ MORE ON ENGLANDThe options for Lee Carsley – and whoever takes this team forward over the next two years – are not exactly mind-blowing when it comes to strength in depth across the back.Over the last couple of years, we should have seen this issue coming. But there has been too much focus on what we could do at the other end of the pitch.This was Stones’ 82nd cap, meaning he has now overtaken former defender Rio Ferdinand in England appearances. He is now joint 17th on the all-time list with Raheem Sterling.The Yorkshireman is even more important to the England team than Ferdinand ever was purely because the former Manchester United defender had John Terry, Sol Campbell, Ledley King and Jamie Carragher as international colleagues.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWith Harry Maguire axed from the squad before suffering an injury, and Ezri Konsa also forced to withdraw with a knock, Stones played next to Chelsea’s Levi Colwill who did OK.Yet Stones’ lack of games for Manchester City is a huge worry and this could harm England over the next two seasons.England and Greece stars in emotional minute’s silence to pay tribute to George Baldock after tragic death at 31He enjoyed a decent Euros in Germany even though this followed the most difficult season of his club career when form and injuries limited him to just 12 starts in the Premier League.And this season, despite playing a part in other competitions for Pep Guardiola, Stones has only started one top-flight match this term.There were times against the Greeks when Stones found himself exposed as England did their Harlem Globetrotters impression. It was a mix-up between Stones and Jordan Pickford which presented a chance to Tasos Bakasetas yet Colwill dashed back to deliver a heroic goal-line clearance.But as for the goals – along with the disallowed ones – Wembley witnessed some Car-crash.Here was the proof, not that we needed it, that left-back is also a huge problem.England player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again.Although happy to play there, Lewis considers himself as a midfielder. Colwill can also play in that spot but he is more comfortable in central defence.Even at right-back, where we seemed to be spoilt for choice, there are concerns. Carsley clearly considers Alexander-Arnold as the team’s first-choice right-back even though Gareth Southgate listed him as a midfielder.Alexander-Arnold, though, was guilty of allowing Pavlidis to brush past him too easily for the opening goal and it was not the only time he was caught out.Kyle Walker, who did not make the England squad last month, will probably start against Finland but he will be 36 at the next World Cup.While Pickford has been England’s best keeper by some distance over the years, he was properly dodgy in this Greek humiliation.READ MORE SUN STORIESYet the alternatives are Dean Henderson and Nick Pope, along with Aaron Ramsdale. All are decent keepers but neither are going to challenge the Everton keeper.Now, there is a real chance England might have to go into a Nations League play-off in March as they might not win the group. More

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      England ratings: Bellingham so nearly the saviour despite new position not working but Pickford has a nightmare

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      LEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.Lee Carsley went without a striker for the clash against GreeceCredit: PAJude Bellingham was almost the saviour on the night, but his late goal was cancelled out by an injury time winnerCredit: GettyJordan Pickford had one of his worst England gamesCredit: RexBut it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHere are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance.Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. Lee Carsley nailed on to land England manager job with bookies with Pep Guardiola second favourite at massive 10-1 But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back on to his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham was nearly the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): 6Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): 7Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): 7Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. READ MORE SUN STORIESCarsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

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      Unique feature of Lee Carsley’s England squad not seen for 48 years is more egg on the face of Erik ten Hag

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      LEE CARSLEY is already putting his stamp on the England set-up with his latest squad possessing a unique feat not seen in 48 years.The Three Lions caretaker boss recently named his second squad since taking the reins from Gareth Southgate.Lee Carsley has named his latest England sideCredit: GettyErik ten Hag’s side have had a shocking start to the seasonCredit: GettyCarsley’s tenure began with comfortable 2-0 wins over the Republic of Ireland and Finland last month.This week he takes on Greece at Wembley before facing Finland again on Sunday.And for the first time since 1976, England will go into those games with no Manchester United players in their squad.For nearly half a century, at least one Man Utd star has been involved in the England set-up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFor much of that time there have been several, particularly in the 1990s era of David Beckham, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.In recent years, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford have all been regular features.While homegrown hero Kobbie Mainoo played at Euro 2024.None of them, however, are available to Carsley against Greece tonight.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMainoo, 19, was initially named in the squad – before pulling out with injury.Maguire, meanwhile, has also suffered with a recent injury, coming off at half time against Aston Villa last weekend.Lee Carsley welcomes back Cole Palmer to the England team Forward Rashford was available to Carsley but was again not called up.Having missed out on Euro 2024, Rashford has not played in any of England’s last 12 games dating back to March.Youth development has always been a key hallmark of Man Utd’s success.In fact, they possess the astonishing record of having named at least one academy graduate in their matchday squad for the last 86 years, spanning more than 4,000 matches.Ironically, two Man Utd academy graduates have been named on Carsley’s bench for tonight’s game against Greece – with neither still members of Erik ten Hag’s squad.Angel Gomes, who earned his first caps last month, left United in 2020 and has since excelled in France with Lille.Dean Henderson, meanwhile, is England’s back-up goalkeeper this evening having earned No1 status at Crystal Palace.Angel Gomes is on the bench for England at Wembley tonightCredit: Getty More

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      Alvaro Morata reveals depression battle and says ‘I couldn’t lace up my boots, and when I did my throat would close up’

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      FORMER Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has opened up about his battle with depression.The 31-year-old captained Spain to Euro 2024 glory this summer, but recently admitted he almost didn’t make it to Germany.Alvaro Morata has opened up about his battle with depressionCredit: RexThe striker also revealed he has suffered from panic attacksCredit: GettyMorata admitted he almost couldn’t play at Euro 2024Credit: GettyMorata had received heavy criticism from both fans and journalists in the build-up to the tournament – so much so that it made him want to leave the country.The AC Milan striker experienced some mental health troubles as a result which made him question if he would ever be able to step onto a football pitch again.Speaking to El Partidazo, Morata revealed: “When you have really tough times, depression, panic attacks, it doesn’t matter what job you do, what situation you have in life, you have another person inside that you have to fight against every day and every night.”The Spaniard began doubting his future during the latter stages of his time with Atletico Madrid – just months before Euro 2024. Read More in FootballHe continued: “For me, leaving Spain was the best option; I couldn’t stand it.”I had a really bad time. I thought I wouldn’t be able to put my boots on and go out on the pitch again.”But hey, thanks to a lot of people, from Simeone, Koke, Miguel Ángel Gil last year, my psychiatrist, my coach… we are what you see on TV and on social media but often it’s not real.”You have to give an image because it’s your job. I had a really bad time, I exploded and there came a time when I couldn’t lace up my boots, and when I did I would run home because my throat would close up and my vision would start to blur.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Three months before the Euros I was wondering if I would be able to play another match. I didn’t know what was happening to me but it’s very complicated and delicate.”At that moment you realise that what you like most in the world is what you hate the most, it’s complicated.”Every time I went out with them I always had some episode, sometimes without malice, with people about something that had happened in previous games. “And, in the end, they didn’t want to go shopping either, things that a normal father does with his children. “There came a time when they said so many things to me in front of them that I was embarrassed to be with them. I was an easy joke, a joke to make the person next to you laugh.”Earlier this year, Morata announced that he had split from wife Alice Campello.The couple had been together for seven years and share four children.Morata left Atletico to join AC Milan in a £10.9million transfer in July.The striker has since scored two goals in five Serie A appearances.If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

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      Gareth Southgate breaks silence on Man Utd manager job links as he gives update on future after England exit

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has ruled himself OUT of taking over at Manchester United for at least 12 months.Former England boss Southgate has been a front runner to be the next United choice if the Old Trafford side sack under-pressure Erik ten Hag.Gareth Southgate ruled himself OUT of taking over at Manchester United for at least 12 monthsCredit: AFPBut speaking publicly about his future for the first time since leaving the England job after Euro 2024, Southgate said he has NO intention of taking another coaching job until the back end of 2025 at the earliest.In an appearance at the European Club Association general assembly in Athens, when he was asked about his next potential job, Southgate said: “Firstly I’m enjoying my life…so there’s no rush.“I was 11 years committing myself fully to the FA and I’ve got lots of different experiences.“But I won’t coach in the next year, for sure. I’m certain of that.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.”Southgate made clear he is unlikely to consider another international job – and even that he may look for a role in football OUTSIDE of management.He added: “I’m fortunate that there are lots of different opportunities that are presenting themselves. The business side of football is really interesting.“In my role I’ve dealt with Uefa and Fifa, had to deal with lots of different stakeholders.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“So I’m not just set on being a coach moving forward.Of course I’ve had amazing experiences but to have a project that was from the heart, which it was from the national team, is going to be difficult to find.” Gary Neville tells Gareth Southgate ‘it’s illegal’ again as he repeats fierce criticism of ex-England manager’s tacticsSouthgate went on: “I’m at an age where I want to work with good people.“When you’re younger you probably strive and are a bit more compliant. When you are older you realise the importance of collaboration.“Clubs can only be successful if everything is aligned, right the way through the club.“I also know that maybe the smarter people sit in the boardrooms and the coaches are a little bit more dispensable then you think when you are there.“As a coach you think you’re the most important person. I sat in every boardroom in our country for eight years and realised you’re only a small piece in this whole thing.”Coming just a day after Jurgen Klopp announced his new role at the Red Bull sporting group, Southgate hinted that he might be persuaded by a similar offer.He said: “If you are asking about club football, that’s depending on what that is, what role that is, what that might be.“I’ve been fortunate to work with fantastic players and some of the biggest nights in world football.“You’ve got to have excitement, passion to go to work every day.“That’s unlikely, for me, to be another national federation. Because, again, England was for the heart. I went there originally to help English football, not to become the first team coach.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But, the business of football, the experiences I’ve had working right across the board.“I’m 54 and want to enjoy and be really motivated for the next 10-15 years of my life and the most important thing is to give myself time to make good decisions.” More

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      Premier League icon names surprise EFL star who could be key to shutting down Jude Bellingham in England vs Greece

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      NEWCASTLE cult hero Nikos Dabizas has named a surprise Championship star as the best man to keep England superstar Jude Bellingham quiet when Greece visit Wembley.The Three Lions return to international duty on Thursday to welcome their Nations League group leaders after both sides kicked their campaign off with victories over Republic of Ireland and Finland.Jude Bellingham may start for the first time under England interim boss Lee Carsley against GreeceCredit: ReutersGreece legend Nikos Dabizas believes Cardiff star Manolis Siopis could keep Jude Bellingham quietCredit: GettyDabizas, though, insists Siopis will need help from all of his Greece team-mates to stop BellinghamCredit: SportsfileBellingham, 21, is set to play under interim manager Lee Carsley for the first time since Gareth Southgate’s dismissal as he missed last month’s international break due to a foot injury.The superstar midfielder is expected to start under Carsley, which means Greece manager Ivan Jovanovic will have his hands full in his first big match in charge since taking over in August.However, Dabizas, 51, believes Cardiff ace Manolis Siopis could be the one to stop the Real Madrid star for the Greeks, who have never beaten England in all of their nine matches – losing seven.The Euro 2004 legend claims Siopis, 30, who helped Trabzonspor win their first title in 28 years two seasons ago, could thrive in this unenviable task thanks to his speed, power and stamina.Read More on FootballHowever, the former defender insists Jovanovic shouldn’t rely only on the defensive midfielder to neutralise Bellingham, who registered a staggering 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 games last season with Real.Dabizas exclusively told SunSport: “In terms of direct marking, Manolis Siopis is a footballer who has the necessary combo of speed and power as well as stamina so that for a long period of time in the game to be pressing in his marking [against Bellingham]. “But under no circumstance should we opt for a game of individual marking. That [marking] should be based on teamwork that could create a situation of “delivery-receipt” when a player arrives in your area so that you can face him in your individual marking. “From then on when the opponent moves in a different area then the player who is responsible for that area can take him on. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I believe the three central midfielders will be able to give us that necessary cohesion and with the characteristics that they will have be able to create that concrete midfield both inside and outside our area where most of the game will be played. “But I believe Manolis Siopis can serve very well that part of direct marking in midfield. And it depends of course on what kind of formation Bellingham will be placed on by Carsley because, as we said, he didn’t have him in the previous games. Jude Bellingham follows Cristiano Ronaldo in launching YouTube channel with behind-the-scenes footage of England star”Maybe he will use him in a role on the wings. There’s also Cole Palmer who is doing great things with Chelsea and I believe he will start. He’s taken [Phil] Foden’s place. I believe he will start with Palmer. “The only thing left is to see how he handles [Kobbie] Mainoo’s absence. It’s a puzzle you need to turn around and fill up with the characteristics of the players he has at his disposal. “And what kind of strategy he will choose. But I believe it is very important to have a concrete midfield in the game with England.”Dabizas insists this is going to be a very tough game for Greece, who haven’t qualified for a major tournament in ten years.However, the ex-Leicester ace suggested his country could upset England with the right level of ball possession and adequate transition.Dabizas added: “I believe, first of all, the level of our ball possession will be a very basic criterion in regards to how the game will develop. The higher level of possession we have the better we will be able to absorb pressure from England. “That is the key point. To be able to have high possession percentages so that we can create the necessary conditions in transition as well, because I think it will be difficult to go to game management in a possession-based match with high percentages from our side, and certainly a lot will depend on transition. READ MORE SUN STORIES”That is why I say again, the players’ characteristics are very important so that they can maximise the specific conditions we will have to face in that match.”Ball possession and adequate transition so that we can create conditions to threaten England’s national team.” More

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      ‘It’s not normal, I don’t know if it’s ever happened in history,’ says Spain boss as Euro winner reveals contract woes

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      SPAIN’S manager insists his contract situation is “not normal” after winning Euro 2024.Luis de la Fuente stepped up from his national team’s Under-21s boss to take over from Luis Enrique as the senior gaffer in December 2022.Luis de la Fuente is astonished he has not sorted an improved contract despite winning Euro 2024Credit: GettyDe La Fuente successfully ensured Spain qualified for the Euros, winning seven of their eight matches to book their spot in Germany.His initial contract took him up to the end of the summer tournament.However, he put pen to paper on a new deal at the beginning of June until the 2026 World Cup.But despite leading Spain to Euro 2024 glory – beating England 2-1 in July’s final in Berlin – De La Fuente has still not been rewarded with an improved contract with no pay rise or extension.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLReports suggest the Spanish FA and De La Fuente’s representatives are in talks to seal a new deal to take him through to Euro 2028 where he will try and defend the title. But for now, the manager is stunned by the lack of progress – and suggested Enrique would not be treated in the same way if he had led Spain to the major honour. De La Fuente – who won two LaLiga titles and the Copa del Rey as a left-back with Athletic Bilbao in the 1980s – said: “It’s not normal for a European champion to be without a contract. “I don’t know if the same thing would have happened with Luis Enrique.Most read in Euro 2024FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I’ve had offers, as is normal. “What’s not normal is that the current European champion, I don’t know if it’s ever happened in history, is without a contract. Alvaro Morata throws cup at fan during Spainb’s trophy parade after Euro 2024 win”I have the same conditions as when I was promoted from the U21s.”It would have been fair if I had signed the contract already.”Spain beat Germany and France before downing the Three Lions at Euro 2024.In their two matches since being crowned champions, La Roja drew 0-0 with Serbia then beat Switzerland 4-1 despite playing with ten men for 70 minutes.They face Denmark on Saturday in their next Nations League fixture before hosting Serbia on Tuesday. De La Fuente led his country to glory in Germany, beating England in the finalCredit: Reuters More

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      Cole Palmer: Chelsea star named England Player of the Year despite just TWO career starts as fans say team-mate ‘robbed’

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      FEW players have amassed such staggering stats in the Prem so quickly as Cole Palmer.And now it can be said few have won such a prestigious honour at international level from such little action.Cole Palmer took the Three Lions’ individual award for 2023-24Credit: GettyPalmer’s peak England moment so far was a goal as sub in the Euro finalCredit: GettyChelsea’s attacking midfielder has been named England player of the year – after just two starts since his Three Lions debut in November 2023.Many fans found the award jaw-dropping – reckoning runner-up Jude Bellingham or third-placed Bukayo Saka should have won it.Yet the honour, for 2023-24, was decided BY SUPPORTERS.Palmer has won nine caps – including five off the bench at the Euros when playing just 145 minutes in Germany as England reached the final.READ MORE TOP STORIESHis peak moment so far was a spectacular strike off the bench in that showpiece clash, an equaliser that offered brief hope before Mikel Oyarzabal fired a deserved late winner for Spain.In all, for the Three Lions, Palmer has scored twice in nine matches, albeit seven of those appearances coming as sub.In contrast, Arsenal winger Saka has been a consistent menace for England, while Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham often reached lofty heights in the past year, despite a mixed Euro 2024. However, at Prem level, Palmer has notched 28 goals and 17 assists in 58 matches.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat includes a blistering start to this term, netting six times and teeing up five goals in seven games.It means Palmer’s England nomination has divided fans – many believing the 22-year-old should have been used more by now-departed England boss Gareth Southgate, but also wondering how their fellow supporters rewarded him above big-name regulars.Dominic Solanke handed first England call-up in seven years as Lee Carsley leaves Jarrod Bowen and Harry Maguire out One said: “Bukayo Saka was robbed. What did Cole Palmer do that Saka didn’t?”Another wrote: “How is this possible when he didn’t even start in any single match in Euros??? England led by politics and PR games again.”A third posted: “Weird as he barely played at the Euros. I’m not saying Palmer isn’t a good player but for a year we’ve had the Euros he can’t be the POTY when Southgate rarely played him.”And a fourth insisted: “Saka did a better job than Cole Palmer, he should be getting the men’s Player of the Year Award for 2023-24. If for any reason Saka wasn’t the right person, the next persons that come to mind are Bellingham & Harry Kane. This is ridiculous.”But a few fans looked to the Palmer who could be set for a wonderful winter at club and international level – rather than the one who had to rely on England cameos over the last 12 months.Such supporters argued he was “the best player in the world!!!!” and a “Generational talent”. More