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    Spain hit with huge Euro 2024 qualifying crisis as entire squad’s boots & goalkeeper gloves mysteriously VANISH

    SPAIN have seen their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifying matches thrown into a crisis after a shocking equipment error. The men’s national team are preparing for their upcoming European Championship qualification clashes with Georgia and Cyprus.
    The Spanish national team has been hit with an equipment crisisCredit: EPA
    Luis de la Fuente’s players are without their football boots and goalkeeper glovesCredit: EPA
    But despite their game against Georgia being tomorrow night, the squad aren’t able to train properly.
    It’s been reported that the Spanish FA has lost the trunk that contains all of the players’ equipment.
    According to Relevo, the trunk containing all the players’ football boots has mysteriously vanished.
    It means the squad is currently carrying out their training sessions wearing trainers instead.
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    It is also said that the goalkeeper gloves have been lost too.
    The squad are reportedly focusing more on gym work and physical training as a result of the shocking blunder.
    Football fans have found the situation hilarious with many taking to social media to share their thoughts.
    One fan said: “I am crying at this news.”
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    A second added: “We really are a meme.”
    Whilst a third joked: “They should’ve put an AirTag in the trunk!”
    The Spain squad won’t take the situation lightly as they need to focus on finding form in their group to secure a place at Euro 2024.
    The Red Fury currently sit in fourth place in Group A, behind Scotland, Georgia and Norway.
    Spain were shocked by the Scots in a 2-0 defeat last time out in the Euros qualifiers.
    Scott McTominay netted twice for Scotland with Steve Clarke’s men currently top of the group after winning every match they’ve played.
    Scott McTominay scored a brace in a 2-0 win for Scotland over SpainCredit: Getty More

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    Wales boss Robert Page would rather not play South Korea friendly with focus on Euro 2024 qualifier

    ROBERT PAGE admits he would rather not play South Korea in a friendly tonight with his Wales job on the line.The under-fire Dragons boss has watched his failing side win just one of their last 12 internationals.
    Wales boss Robert Page only his eyes for Monday’s Euro 2024 qualifier in RigaCredit: AFP
    Aaron Ramsey has urged Wales fans to stick together despite horror run of formCredit: Reuters
    Page knows Wales must-win their Euro 2024 qualifier in Latvia on Monday to keep their qualification dreams alive and ease the mounting pressure on him.
    Page, whose side have to play under Uefa rules, conceded: “We have to take the friendly.
    “I’d rather not play it, being completely honest with you. The most important game is Monday.
    “It’s all about the points and it would be foolish of me to risk playing the lads for 90, 95 or 100 minutes and jeopardise any chance we’ve got in Latvia.
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    “I’ve already got a plan in place, we’re having to manage players, what minutes they’ve played this season, who needs more minutes than others.
    “There will be plenty of substitutions made at half-time and some at the hour mark.
    “We’ll be trying to get those players off the pitch unscathed and getting them ready for Monday.”
    Wales captain Aaron Ramsey is set to be rested with Spurs’ new £47.5million forward Brennan Johnson likely to start on the bench.
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    Wales fans have slammed chief executive Noel Mooney for the ticket prices for the friendly.
    SunSport exclusively revealed just 7,000 tickets have been sold last week.
    And the 33,280-capacity Cardiff City Stadium could have its lowest attendance for a Wales match in four years.
    Despite the poor results and performances, Mooney and the FAW decided to charge £25 for adult tickets which also sparked the no-show.
    It is understood Irishman Mooney recently tried to increase ticket prices further for upcoming qualifying matches.
    But at a Cymru fans’ meeting rejected the proposal which has been delayed until 2024.
    And angry online Dragons supporters have vented their fury at Mooney, who has given his public support to Page amid fans calling for him to be sacked, for his ticket price policy.
    One said: “Mooney’s continued failure to actually make decisions beyond his empty hyperbole + the failure to sack Rob Page post World Cup, starting to become evident. We’re in free fall.”
    Another read: “Fans voting with their feet. Think again before you start raising ridiculous prices in future @NoelMooney13.”
    A third said: “£25 + booking fees for a friendly in the current circumstances @NoelMooney13 You’re having a laugh.”
    A fourth fan added: ” Reduce ticket prices @NoelMooney13. You’re alienating even the die hard Welsh fans. Ridiculous pricing.”
    Wales’ hardcore support would like to see more games played around the country in Swansea and Wrexham.
    The friendly next month against Gibraltar will be played at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground.
    Skipper Ramsey said: “We know how important the fans are for us.
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    “They have been instrumental over the years and hopefully we can get behind each other to get over the line.”
    ends More

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    Ukraine vs England: Three Lions aim to continue unbeaten Euro 2024 qualifying campaign – FREE stream, TV, team news

    ENGLAND are aiming to maintain their perfect qualifying record when they visit Ukraine on Saturday.The Three Lions have already beaten Serhiy Rebrov’s side this year, winning the Euro 2024 qualifier 2-0 with goals from Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka.
    James Maddison and Bukayo Saka will be the dangermen for EnglandCredit: Getty
    Eddie Nketiah is hoping to make his England debutCredit: Getty
    Levi Colwill has also received his first Three Lions call-upCredit: PA
    Gareth Southgate has a bit of a selection dilemma in defence
    Facing that pair will be a daunting prospect for the Ukraine, who will be hoping for a point to stay ahead of third-placed Italy.
    England have won four out of four Group C games and scored 15 goals in the process, conceding only once.
    And several stars have shown strong early season form – leaving Gareth Southgate with a selection dilemma.
    Jude Bellingham cannot stop scoring for Real Madrid while James Maddison looks revitalised at Spurs.
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    They could partner £105million man Declan Rice in midfield, fresh from scoring his first goal for Arsenal against Manchester United at the weekend.
    Southgate’s biggest worry may be his defence with Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out and Levi Colwill possibly not ready to start.
    The England boss could pick the inexperienced Lewis Dunk in central defence or United outcast Harry Maguire, who has rarely missed a game under Southgate.
    Another Southgate favourite Marc Guehi is also in contention to play following his impressive start to the season with Crystal Palace.
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    His Eagles team-mate Eberechi Eze also has a starting chance and Southgate could be keen to see more of the 25-year-old in an England shirt since he only has one cap to his name.
    Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden will both by vying for a start too but whatever side Southgate picks, England have several dangermen to come off the bench.
    Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah could be one of those – the youngster has been called up to the England squad for the first time along with Chelsea defender Colwill, both of whom could make their debuts.
    Form
    England have won four in a row since losing to France in the World Cup quarter-final last November.
    That includes a historic 2-1 win over Italy in Rome and a 7-0 demolition of North Macedonia.
    Meanwhile Ukraine have only suffered one defeat in six and came close to a friendly win over Germany in June but conceded twice in the last ten minutes to draw 3-3.
    That defeat was to England but Ukraine have otherwise impressed in Euro 2024 qualifying with wins over North Macedonia and Malta.
    Team news
    Manchester City star Jack Grealish and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold have been ruled out through injury.
    Kieran Trippier did not arrive at the training camp until Wednesday while Saka and Colwill missed training on Tuesday.
    Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is expected to be fit after overcoming an injury to play at the weekend.
    But midfield duo Ruslan Malinovskyi and Yevhen Konoplyanka have missed out on the Ukraine squad.
    Mykhailo Mudryk provides a threat for UkraineCredit: Getty
    Ones to watch
    Bellingham has been in the form of his life since signing for Real Madrid, with five goals in his first four games for his new club.
    Maddison has also looked at home since joining Spurs and will be eager to add to his three caps and impress while doing so.
    Premier League fans will be well aware of the threat posed by former West Ham winger Andriy Yarmolenko and Chelsea forward Mudryk, despite the fact the latter has yet to score for Blues.
    Jude Bellingham has shined for new club Real Madrid
    SunSport prediction
    England have eased past North Macedonia and Malta in recent games and with the likes of Kane, Bellingham and Maddison showing top form, this should be another straightforward win.
    Ukraine 0 England 3
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    When is Ukraine vs England?

    England vs Ukraine will take place on Saturday, September 9th.
    Kick off will be at 5pm BST.
    The Tarczynski Arena, Wroclaw, Poland will host.

    What TV channel is Ukraine vs England on?

    England vs Ukraine will be broadcast live on Channel 4.
    Coverage will start from 4pm BST.
    Analysis will come from Joe Cole, Jill Scott and Andriy Shevchenko.

    Can I live stream Ukraine vs England for FREE?

    You can live stream Ukraine vs England for FREE via the All 4 app or website.
    The All 4 app is available to download onto your mobile or tablet device for FREE.
    Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action from Poland by following SunSport’s live blog.

    What are the odds?
    Match result:
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    Ukraine – 13/2
    Draw – 7/2
    England – 4/11

    *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication. More

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    Three youngsters earn shock call-up to England squad for training ahead of Ukraine clash after Southgate’s injury woes

    ENGLAND have called up three youngsters for training ahead of Saturday’s clash with Ukraine.Gareth Southgate is facing several injury woes ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifier in Poland.
    Alfie Devine, Lewis Hall and Bashir Humphreys have been called up to England trainingCredit: Getty
    The three youngsters moved up from the under-21s to help England’s injury woesCredit: PA
    Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jack Grealish have both withdrawn from the squad already this week.
    Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka, Callum Wilson and Levi Colwill were all absent from training on Tuesday.
    As a result, Southgate drafted in Lewis Hall, Bashir Humphreys and Alfie Devine from the under-21s.
    Lee Carlsey’s Young Lions are also at St. George’s Park ahead of a Euros qualifier away to Luxembourg on Monday.
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    18-year-old Hall made his under-21 debut in June but did not feature as England won the Euros in July.
    The versatile teenager completed a move to boyhood club Newcastle from Chelsea last month.
    He had been a team-mate of Humprheys at Stamford Bridge, with the defender remaining on the Blues’ books.
    Yet to be capped at under-21 level, Humphreys is currently on loan at Swansea.
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    Chelsea youngster Humphreys is on loan at SwanseaCredit: Getty
    Hall joined Newcastle from Chelsea last monthCredit: Getty
    Devine is also currently on loan, having joined Port Vale from Tottenham for the season.
    The 19-year-old has already registered a goal and an assist in three appearances for the League One side.
    England take on Ukraine in Wroclaw on Saturday as they look to maintain their 100 per cent record in qualifying.
    The Three Lions then face Scotland at Hampden Park on September 12 to conclude the international break.
    Devine is also out on loan, joining Port Vale from Tottenham in the summerCredit: Rex More

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    England rocked by double blow as two stars WITHDRAW from squad for Euro 2024 qualifier vs Ukraine and Scotland friendly

    ENGLAND have suffered a major blow ahead of their upcoming international fixtures with Ukraine and Scotland.It comes after Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold were both forced to pull out of the squad through injury.
    Gareth Southgate has seen two members of his squad withdrawnCredit: Reuters
    Man City star Jack Grealish was the first star namedCredit: PA
    Trent Alexander-Arnold has also been forced to withdrawCredit: Reuters
    A statement from the England team said: “Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been ruled out of England’s September fixtures.
    “The pair reported to St. George’s Park on Monday but have since withdrawn from the Three Lions squad following checks on injuries sustained prior to camp.
    “All other players are due as planned apart from Kieran Trippier who will arrive on Wednesday owing to a personal commitment.”
    And fans were gutted to hear the news.
    Taking to social media, one fan commented: “The two most creative players.”
    A second said: “Get well soon boys ❤️.”

    There were also calls for boss Gareth Southgate to call up replacements.
    West Ham duo James Ward-Prowse and Jarrod Bowen were among the most common suggestions, while Ben White, Emile Smith Rowe and Anthony Gordon were also among earmarked.
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    However, the statement revealed there were no further call ups planned by Southgate.
    The statement also revealed the Three Lions Under 20s had seen a change as well, with Jarell Quansah being replaced by Ben Nelson.
    The England senior men’s team are in action for a EURO 2024 qualifier against Ukraine on Saturday.
    They then face the Auld enemy at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland on September 12.
    The match – officially labelled a friendly – will represent the 150th anniversary of the first-ever match between England and Scotland which came in 1872.
    Fans believed they had spotted a remarkable tactical choice from Southgate after Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold had been named among the squad’s midfielders. More

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

    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

    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

    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