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      Wales boss Robert Page still smarting from humiliating 4-2 home Euro 2024 loss to Armenia

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      ROBERT PAGE is still haunted by Wales’ humiliating Euro 2024 qualifying defeat to Armenia in June.The 4-2 summer home Cardiff loss has turned the heat up on Page’s future as the Dragons now face a huge mountain to climb to qualify for the finals in Germany.
      Wales boss Robert Page is under-pressure ahead of must-win Euro 2024 qualifierCredit: AFP
      Ethan Ampadu and Chris Mepham were left shell-shocked by ArmeniaCredit: Rex
      Page knows only a win in the Group D clash with Latvia in Riga on September 11 in Riga will erase those painful memories and keep their Euro dream alive.
      Page said: “It has been a long couple of months. You can’t address and deal with the things that weren’t right.
      “All the players went off on holiday and I had staff meetings and we went through the clips of the game and identified areas we need to address.
      “Armenia wasn’t acceptable and we deserve all the criticism in the world. I take full responsibility.
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      “We don’t want results like we had against Armenia and that’s the one that has haunted me. 
      “It is probably the first test I’ve had. Ever since taking over everything has been rosy.
      “We’ve had success, promotions, qualifications, and this is the first time that I’ve felt time dragging. 
      “I can’t wait and I’ll be putting a positive slant on things when they come into camp because there has been nothing but positivity over the last few years. 
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      “We’ve just had a bad month. The Armenia game is the one that will haunt us. We’ll address it on Sunday night when we meet up.”
      Page received a vote of confidence from Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney despite the shocking result but a section of fans want the 48-year-old out.
      The ex-Watford and Sheffield United centre-back added: “That was nice to hear.
      “But when I took on the job we knew it wasn’t going to happen overnight and we had to manage expectations. 
      “We’ve lost arguably one of the world’s best players in Gareth Bale and some big characters in Chris Gunter and Joe Allen – all significant losses. 
       “I’ve been in football long enough to know how nasty it can get out there on social media. I played until I was 35, so I understand what goes on.
      “I understand the frustration of the supporters but there was nobody more disappointed than me after the Armenia game. 
      “I don’t look at social media and I don’t read any articles from ex-players because it will inevitably cloud your judgement. 
      “When I went into the job at Port Vale after Micky Adams left, I won the first three or four games.
      “Fans were coming on to me and saying that it was the best football we’ve played. They were thanking me but I lost the next two games and it was all ‘get him out’.
      “Inevitably then you are going to be influenced by negativity, and I don’t need that in my life. I just want to remain focused on the job ahead of me and that is getting three points against Latvia. 
      “We’re probably back to where John Toshack was, trying to find the next group coming through, developing and evolving.
      “The remit is to get the next batch of kids through. It is a progression, we are evolving and we need to get caps for these players.
      “I’m going to stick by what I believe in and that’s getting the young players involved. We will give it our best shot. I need to pick a team to go and get us three points in Latvia and we are back on track. ”
      Wales have won just one match – the 1-0 home win over Latvia in March – in their last 12 internationals including a dismal show at last year’s World Cup.
      That has increased the pressure ahead of Thursday’s friendly against South Korea at the Cardiff City Stadium.
      Page said: “There is pressure in every game you play.
      “The reason we are under pressure is because of the expectations we have put on ourselves over the last couple of years and the standards we’ve set.
      “The games we’ve won and the competitions we’ve gone into – getting into the Euros, getting promotion into the Nations League A division and then the World Cup.
      “The one win in 12 is correct as a stat on paper but it frustrates me. 
      “Two games were against Belgium, Netherlands, Poland and we played USA, England and Iran at the World Cup. We have to have common sense looking at the fixtures.
      “We’ve got to appreciate that we’ve Wales. We have had some significant players retire.
      “If we are going to win games we have to manage expectations and defend like we did against Croatia and attack like we did against Latvia.
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      “I want to see a reaction. I want to see us defend. That’s our identity and our foundations.” More

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      Wales suffer Euro 2024 qualifying blow with Dan James struggling with an abductor injury

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      DAN JAMES is a major doubt for Wales’ must-win Euro 2024 qualifier in Latvia next month.An abductor injury could see the 45-cap Leeds winger miss the Group D clash on September 11.
      Winger James has been a regular for Wales since his debut in March 2019
      The wideman missed Leeds’ Championship win at Ipswich last SaturdayCredit: Getty
      James, 25, produced an impressive display in his last appearance for Daniel Farke’s Whites against West Brom on August 18.
      But the flying wideman missed the 4-3 Championship away win at Ipswich last Saturday with the fitness problem.
      Wales boss Robert Page names his squad in Bala tomorrow.
      Losing James would be a big blow for Page, who is under pressure after just one win in the last 12 internationals.
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      The Dragons are fourth in their group following summer defeats to Armenia and Turkey in June.
      The shock 4-2 loss at home to the Armenians in June was a major blow in Wales’ hopes of qualifying for three successive Euro finals.
      That was followed three days later by a 2-0 loss in the Turkish city of Samsun.
      Page’s men finished both ties with ten men following red cards to Kieffer Moore and Joe Morrell.
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      Both players will be suspended for the Latvia tie at the Skonto Stadium in Riga.
      But, despite the poor set of results, Page has been backed by Welsh FA chief executive Noel Mooney.
      Wales also face Jurgen Klinsmann’s South Korea in a Cardiff friendly on September 7. More

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      Newcastle star switches international allegiance as he’s called up for Scotland despite playing for England U19s

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      ELLIOT ANDERSON has switched his international allegiance away from England.The Newcastle youngster played for the England U19s side in 2021.
      Elliot Anderson has switched his national allegiance to ScotlandCredit: Rex
      Scotland boss Steve Clarke said Anderson’s decision came after ‘good’ talksCredit: Getty
      Anderson, 20, had previously featured for Scotland’s youth teams before his brief stint with England.
      However, he changed back to Scotland and played for the nation’s U21s side.
      The Magpies ace has now made his final decision over his future allegiance after being called up to the senior side.
      Anderson will be in the Scotland squad for the Euro 2024 qualifier in Cyprus next month.
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      He will also be available for a friendly match against England at Hampden Park.
      Scotland coach Steve Clarke insisted that the decision came after he held “good discussions,” which led to his choice being made.
      Clarke said: “He had a little think about choosing between Scotland and England.
      “Elliot has been through the under-age groups with Scotland, he is one we have had an eye on.
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      “We had some good discussions with the boy and his family and he has chosen to come with us, which is good for us now and certainly good for us in the future.”
      Scotland are in a good position to qualify for Euro 2024 as they currently sit top of Group A.
      Clarke’s side have won four out of four matches, including a 2-0 win over Spain and a 2-1 victory over Norway.
      They are currently eight points clear at the top ahead of Norway and Georgia. More

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      Roberto Mancini ‘on verge of immediate return to international football’ after shock resignation as Italy manager

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      ROBERTO MANCINI is set to take over as Saudi Arabia manager just days after his shock exit as Italy boss, reports suggest.Mancini left the reigning European champions just 10 months out from Euro 2024, which is due to kick off on June 14 in Germany.
      Roberto Mancini has suddenly resigned as Italy managerCredit: AFP
      According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian tactician could become Saudi Arabia’s new manager within the next 48 hours.
      The ex-Manchester City boss has allegedly been offered a staggering €120million (£103m) package for a three-year deal running until the 2026 World Cup.
      That means the 58-year-old will be making a whopping €40m (£34m) per year.
      Mancini took charge of Italy in 2018 following a spell with Zenit St Petersburg.
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      As well as beating England in the Euro 2020 final, the former Inter Milan manager twice guided the Azzurri to the Nations League Finals as he finished third in 2021 and 2023.
      He also famously oversaw a stunning run of 37 matches undefeated and his reign finishes with a record of 39 wins as well as nine defeats in 61 games.
      The Italian Football Federation issued the following statement: “The Italian Football Federation announces that it has taken note of the resignation of Roberto Mancini from the position of coach of the Italian national team, received yesterday late in the evening.
      “This concludes, therefore, a significant page in the history of the Azzurri, which began in May 2018 and ended with the 2023 Nations League Finals, and in between, the victory at Euro 2020, a triumph conquered by a group in which all the individuals knew how to become a team.
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      “Taking into account the important and close commitments for the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers (10 and 12 September with North Macedonia and Ukraine), the FIGC will communicate the name of the new coach of the national team in the next few days.”
      Mancini becomes the latest big name to move to Saudi Arabia after a raft of football stars, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kane.
      And now Neymar also looks set to join Al-Hilal after allegedly agreeing a mega £1.3million-a-week deal
      Mancini is now set to take over as Saudi Arabia boss within the next 48 hoursCredit: Getty More

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      Roberto Mancini LEAVES Italy job with immediate effect less than a year before Euro 2024 title defence

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      ROBERTO MANCINI has left his position as Italy national team boss.The former Manchester City manager departs just ten months before Italy’s Euro defence is due to begin in Germany.
      Roberto Mancini has left his position as Italy bossCredit: Getty
      Mancini, 58, took charge of the Azzurri in 2018 following a spell with Zenit St Petersburg.
      He subsequently guided them to Euro 2020 success in his first tournament in charge, beating England in the Wembley final.
      Fortunes then reversed, however, with Italy failing to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar despite being European champions.
      Mancini twice guided Italy to the Nations League Finals – coming third in 2021 and 2023.
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      He oversaw the beginning of their Euro 2024 qualification campaign earlier this year – his side losing 2-1 at home to England before a 2-0 win in Malta.
      A statement by the FIGC, shared by Italian reporter Gianluca DiMarzio, read: “The Italian Football Federation announces that it has taken note of the resignation of Roberto Mancini from the position of coach of the Italian national team, received yesterday late in the evening.
      “This concludes, therefore, a significant page in the history of the Azzurri, which began in May 2018 and ended with the 2023 Nations League Finals, and in between, the victory at Euro 2020, a triumph conquered by a group in which all the individuals knew how to become a team.
      “Taking into account the important and close commitments for the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers (10 and 12 September with North Macedonia and Ukraine), the FIGC will communicate the name of the new coach of the national team in the next few days.”
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      Mancini famously oversaw a run of 37 matches undefeated as Italy boss.
      His reign finishes with a record of 37 wins, 15 draws and nine defeats.
      Italy are due to play England at Wembley on October 17.
      In the meantime they will face North Macedonia, Ukraine and Malta.
      Mancini, 58, guided Italy to Euro 2020 gloryCredit: Getty More

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      Jordan Henderson finds out from Gareth Southgate if he has England future at Euro 2024 after his Saudi transfer

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      JORDAN HENDERSON has been told whether he has an England future at Euro 2024 by Gareth Southgate.The midfielder’s international career appeared to be up in the air as he prepares to join Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.
      Jordan Henderson has discovered his England future from Gareth SouthgateCredit: Getty
      Southgate held talks with Henderson ahead of his moveCredit: PA
      Henderson is on the verge of completing a move to the Middle East after agreeing a three-year deal worth a reported £700,000-a-week.
      His new contract will make him the highest paid England player ever and he has already said goodbye to the Liverpool fans.
      However, the move could affect his place in Southgate’s plans for next summer’s Euros in Germany.
      According to the Daily Mail, Henderson has held talks with the Three Lions boss over his place in the squad.
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      The report adds that the 33-year-old has been told his move to Saudi Arabia will not affect his England future.
      Southgate is said to be keen for Henderson to play regularly this season ahead of the tournament.
      Opportunities had not been guaranteed for Henderson at Anfield despite several midfield departures.
      The arrivals of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have increased competition for places in Jurgen Klopp’s side.
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      Instead, Henderson will now join up with former team-mate Steven Gerrard, who is the manager of Al-Ettifaq.
      His move is set to officially confirmed soon, with Henderson already training with his new team-mates at their pre-season camp in Croatia.
      He will join fellow new arrivals Moussa Dembele and Jack Hendry, who could all make their debuts against Rabotnicki on Thursday. More

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      England 0 Spain 0 – Euro 2023 final LIVE SCORE: Young Lions eye historic trophy for first time in four decades – latest

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      ENGLAND are edging close to their first Under-21 Euros title in 39 years after a flawless tournament so far.The Young Lions are yet to concede a goal all competition, last beating Israel 3-0 in the semi-final.
      But now they come up against a Spanish side who have won three out of the last seven tournaments.

      Kick-off time: 5pm BST
      Live stream: UEFA.com
      TV channel: Channel 4
      England XI: Trafford; Garner, Harwood-Bellis, Colwill, Aarons; Gomes, Jones; Palmer, Gibbs-White, Smith Rowe; Gordon
      Spain XI: Tenas, V.Gomez, Pacheco, Paredes, Miranda, Blanco, Baena, Sancet, Rodri, S.Gomez, Ruiz.

      Follow ALL the latest action with our live blog below…
      England U21 0-0 Spain U21
      6. So unlucky. England have the first big chances.
      Smith Rowe does well and Gordon fires a shot at goal – it’s pushed out by Tenas and the rebound doesn’t fall for Palmer.
      England get in again straight after, Gordon puts a low cross in for Gibbs-White ready to tap home from close range but Pacheco gets a toe on the ball to divert it away from the Forest star.
      England U21 0-0 Spain U21
      4. England are so confident in possesion.
      Colwill baits the Spanish into pressing before passing back to Trafford.
      He fires the ball into Gomes in the midfield pivot and he gets Carsley’s side moving forward.
      This Spanish side look ready for the physical battle though with a couple of trips and pushes already.
      England U21 0-0 Spain U21
      2. England have settled in nicely here.
      They are pressing well and have forced Spain into long hopeful balls already that the Young Lions defence have gobbled up.
      Palmer spins Miranda and wins a free-kick.
      Kick-Off
      1. The final is underway.
      England are hoping to bring the trophy home for the first time since 1984.
      Spain are the most successful side in tournament history and will look to make it their sixth championship.
      Credit: Getty
      National anthems
      The players walk out of the tunnel in Batumi for the final.
      Kick-off is just minutes away with the national anthems being sung.
      High praise
      Both managers have shown each other huge respect ahead of the final.
      Lee Carsley said: “Spain, along with three or four others, have always been high quality and had exciting individuals.
      “Watching La Liga there is a very similar style at the top. It’s always good to learn and watch good teams play.”
      Spain gaffer Santi Denia said: “I wouldn’t like to mention any individuals in the England team. They’re a great side.
      “I would like to praise the job my colleague, Lee, has done with the team. They’ve had a great tournament so far, and he’s done a great job.”
      Clean sheet specialists
      With the players out on the pitch warming-up, Taylor Harwood-Bellis spoke yesterday about the pride he feels after keeping five clean sheets in a row en route to the final.
      The centre-back said: “It’s something the whole team takes pride in.
      “The team can suffer, like against Portugal. We’ve got it in our locker to stick together and put your body on the line to keep it out.
      “James Trafford [goalkeeper] has been a massive part of that but I could go through all the bench and they’d all do the same.”
      Credit: Getty
      Club-like atmoshphere
      England manager Lee Carsley has hailed the club-feel amongst the squad.
      He said: “These four weeks has felt the most like a club we’ve had it in terms of team spirit, the personalities that have developed.
      “It’s a shame in that respect [that many of the team will be finished at U21 level afterwards]. One of the benefits is that there is another group waiting to come through.
      “I’d like to see this group finish off this campaign with winning it. They deserve it, work so hard and are so diligent.
      “The bigger the stage you’ll see a different intensity to the team. I’m looking forward to it.”
      Credit: Getty
      2009 runners-up
      This is England’s first final in the Under-21 Euros since 2009.
      The Young Lions were beaten by a German side including Manuel Neuer, Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil 4-0.
      England that day lined-up with the likes of Mark Noble, Micah Richards and James Milner in the team.
      Star Player – Abel Ruiz
      Abel Ruiz is leading the scoring charts at the Euros with three goals and has two assist to his name.
      The Braga striker is 23-years-old and one of the oldest players eligible.
      He came out of Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy and has been capped twice by Spain’s senior side.
      It is also worth keeping an eye on Sergio Gomez, the Man City left-back is playing an advanced role on the wing and showing his attacking quality.
      Star Player – Gibbs-White
      England have impressed in every game and there has been several star performers.
      But without Morgan Gibbs-White, the Young Lions would not be the same.
      The Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder has played just off striker Anthony Gordon and created chances for fun.
      He has the most assists in the tournament with three and he netted the crucial opening goal in the semis with a great looping header.
      His passing has been a joy and his quick touches and lay-offs when he drops deep have been key in England’s ability to play a great brand of football.
      Further up the pitch, in-perfect through balls have unlocked most defences so far.
      Spain Team News
      Spain XI: Tenas, V.Gomez, Pacheco, Paredes, Miranda, Blanco, Baena, Sancet, Rodri, S.Gomez, Ruiz.
      Subs: Agirrezabala, L.Riquelme, Guillamon, R.Riquelme, Barrenetxea, Arnau, Gila, Veiga, Oroz, Sanchez, Camello, Bernabe.
      England Team News
      One change from the side that beat Israel in the semi-final with the suspended Max Aarons back in for Luke Thomas.
      Starting XI: Trafford; Garner, Harwood-Bellis, Colwill, Aarons; Gomes, Jones; Palmer, Gibbs-White, Smith Rowe; Gordon.
      Subs: Griffiths, Rushworth, Thomas, Skipp, Archer, Branthwaite, Johnson, Cresswell, Doyle, Elliott, Madueke.
      Credit: Getty
      Batumi Arena
      The stage is set – the Batumi Arena in Georgia.
      The stadium has become England’s second home as this will be the Young Lions’ fourth match there.
      Spain have not played in the ground yet with all of their matches being played in the over host nation in Bucharest, Romania.
      England boss Lee Carsley said: “It’s definitely a venue we feel comfortable in. From the journey to the stadium, the lads are aware of how far it is and the reception we get.
      “The Premier League is very popular in Georgia, you see the shirts everywhere. The players have made a point of signing autographs and meeting the locals.
      “We’ve had a lot of kids at training and they’ve been giving them jerseys, that goes a long way.”
      Credit: Getty
      Road to the final
      England cruised through their group. They beat holders Germany, runners-up last time Portugal and a defensively stubborn Israel twice along with victory over Czechia.

      Group Stage: England 2-0 Czechia
      Group Stage: England 2-0 Israel
      Group Stage: England 2-0 Germany
      QF: England 1-0 Portugal
      SF: England 3-0 Israel

      As for Spain, they beat Ukraine twice, a France side that had some of the best young players in the world and Croatia, who beat England in a pre-tournament friendly.

      Group Stage: Spain 3-0 Romania
      Group Stage: Spain 1-0 Croatia
      Group Stage: Spain 2-2 Ukraine
      QF: Spain 2-1 Switzerland
      SF: Spain 5-1 Ukraine

      Super Spain
      Spain have developed a reputation for nurturing fantastic and technical players throughout this century and this group are no different.
      They have scored an impressive 13 goals en route to the final, including a 5-1 hammering of Ukraine in the semis.
      Typical of a Spanish side, they are confident on the ball and look set to be England’s toughest opponents so far.
      Untouchable England
      England have made the final with a perfect run. Five matches played, ten goals scored and zero conceded. 
      The Young Lions have oozed quality and shown their superiority and talent in the squad.  
      Defensively, Levi Colwill and Taylor Harwood-Bellis have not put a foot wrong, offering composure on the ball and fantastic protection to the highly-rated James Trafford between the sticks.
      England have been excellent in possession, dominating the ball against every opponent and creating chances for fun via Morgan Gibbs-White and Emile Smith Rowe.
      Boss Lee Carsley plays with a rotating front four that has been unstoppable so far.
      The Final
      England are in the final – will it come home?
      The Under-21s have impressed throughout the tournament and are now 90 minutes away from glory.
      It is the Young Lions first final since 2009 and they last won this competition in 1984.
      We have all the build-up, live text commentary and post-match reaction as Lee Carsley’s side hope to beat Spain.  
      Credit: PA
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      England U21 vs Spain U21 – Euro 2023 final: Young Lions look secure historic European trophy in Georgia – FREE stream

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      IT has been 39 years since England U21 secured Euro glory – but that can all change as they take on Spain in THIS Saturday’s mouthwatering final.Goals from Morgan Gibbs-White, Cole Palmer and Cameron Archer saw the Young Lions brush past Israel in the semi’s on Wednesday.
      Cameron Archer’s goal closed the show as England beat Israel 3-0 in the semi-finalCredit: PA
      And it was a result that meant England are now set to be involved in their first European showpiece since 2009 – a night that they’ll want to forget in a hurry.
      Furthermore, Lee Carsley’s side have been labelled as favourites to go all the way having conceded no goals throughout the entire competition.
      However, Spain are masters of this tournament as La Rojita have lifted three of the last seven European trophies.
      When is England U21 vs Spain U21 – Euro 2023 final?

      England’s huge Euro 2023 final against Spain will take place THIS Saturday – July 8.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 5pm BST – 8pm local time.
      Adjarabet Arena in Georgia is the chosen venue for this tasty match and it can host approximately 20,035 fans.
      Premier League icon James Milner was on the score sheet when England U21 last beat Spain U21 in 2009.

      Read more on England U21
      Is the Euro 2023 final on TV?

      Unfortunately, the Euro final between England U21 and Spain U21 will NOT be broadcast live in the UK.
      However, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the entire action through our live blog.

      Where can I watch it for FREE?
      UEFA have announced that viewers can tune into the action for FREE via the official UEFA website.
      What is the team news?
      England boss Lee Carsley will once again be without Aston Villa star Jacob Ramsey who sustained an injury in the 1-0 quarter-final win against Portugal.
      However, Norwich full-back Max Aarons and West Ham defender Ben Johnson return after serving their suspensions in the Israel semi-final triumph.
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      England U21 Squad in full
      Goalkeepers: Josh Griffiths (West Bromwich Albion), Carl Rushworth (Brighton and Hove Albion), James Trafford (Manchester City)
      Defenders: Max Aarons (Norwich City), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Charlie Cresswell (Leeds United), Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Manchester City), Ben Johnson (West Ham United), Luke Thomas (Leicester City)
      Midfielders: Tommy Doyle (Manchester City), Harvey Elliott (Liverpool), James Garner (Everton), Angel Gomes (Lille), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Jacob Ramsey (Aston Villa), Oliver Skipp (Tottenham Hotspur)
      Forwards: Cameron Archer (Aston Villa), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Noni Madueke (Chelsea), Cole Palmer (Manchester City) Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal)
      What are the odds?

      England U21 to win 33/20
      Spain U21 to win 13/8

      *Odds courtesy of Ladrbokes are correct at time of publication More