Euros

ROBERT PAGE saw ten-man Wales suffer their first home Euros qualifying loss in 12 years with an embarrassing defeat to Armenia.Grant-Leon Ranos and Lucas Zelarayan both struck twice to severely dent the Dragons’ hopes of reaching next year’s finals in Germany.
Wales suffered a humiliating defeat in Cardiff on Friday nightCredit: Rex
Kieffer Moore was shown a red card in the 78th minuteCredit: Rex
It was a night to forget for the men in redCredit: PA
A disappointed Wales boss Rob Page watched on from the touchlineCredit: PA
The Dragons had been unbeaten on home soil in their past 12 home Euro qualifiers since losing 2-0 to England in March 2011.
But, after Dan James’ opener, terrible defending allowed Armenia – who are ranked 97th in the world and had lost nine of their last ten matches – to inflict a crushing Group D blow in one of Wales’ most humiliating international losses.
Ranos made it 3-1 to Armenia in a chaotic second half before Harry Wilson reduced the deficit to one goal.
Zelarayan scored his second for the visitors and then Kieffer Moore was sent off for kicking out at keeper Ognjen Chancharevich following a tangle of legs.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Page’s shell-shocked side dropped to third in the table and next up is a tough trip to group leaders Turkey in Samsun on Monday night without the suspended Bournemouth striker Moore.
Defeat there and the hopes of Wales qualifying for a third successive Euros will be in tatters.
Wales, who would have gone top of the group above Croatia with a win, had taken a tenth minute lead through James’ sixth international goal.
But Page’s decision to pick a bold and attacking 4-4-2 line-up backfired as Armenia came from behind.
Most read in Football
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
Wales had been coasting early on, Moore heading a good chance wide following Brennan Johnson’s cross from the byline before James put the home side ahead.
Armenia complained of a foul by Rodon on Tigran Barseghyan in the build-up but Bulgarian referee Georgi Kabakov played on.
Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Johnson combined and the Nottingham Forest forward, the subject of a £30million rejected bid from Brentford on Wednesday, supplied James, who smashed home at the back post.
It was a fast start by Wales but they looked vulnerable to Armenia’s slick attacks.
The alarming space between defence and midfield was exposed as Armenia stunned the Cardiff City Stadium through Zelarayan and Ranos.
Zelarayan was left unmarked as he volleyed past keeper Danny Ward from Nair Tiknizyan’s cross.
Then Ranos headed home to capitalise on Joe Rodon losing possession to Ugochukwu Iwu.
The Borussia Mochengladbach-bound striker eased in between Chris Mepham and Connor Roberts to nod home a fine centre by Zelarayan.
Ranos, who was born in Germany to Armenian parents, then added his fourth goal for his country in just two games after the interval.
The 19-year-old striker joined Bayern Munich in 2018 – a time when he changed his surname from Mamedova-Ranos to Ranos – and plays for the German giants’ second string.
But his accomplished finishes showed just why Bundesliga outfit Monchengladbach have snapped him up on a free transfer next month.
Read more on The Sun
Wales winger David Brooks came off the bench for his first cap in two years following his cancer battle.
Although Wilson scored from close-range, Zelarayan sealed a famous Armenian win on a horror night for Page’s men with a few boos from the home fans at the final whistle. More

STEVEN GERRARD would have been proud as punch.The way his fellow scouser sprayed passes around the midfield, tracked back when needed and lit up the night with an absolute belter of a goal.
Trent Alexander Arnold starred for England against MaltaCredit: AP
He scored a sensational goal for Gareth Southgate’s sideCredit: Getty
Harry Kane netted his 56th goal for his country from the penalty spotCredit: PA
Callum Wilson netted a fourth England goal from the penalty spotCredit: Getty
So it was fitting that Trent Alexander-Arnold, who considers Gerrard as his greatest Liverpool hero, delivered a hugely-impressive shift out of position in central midfield while also wearing 10 on the back of his shirt.
This was the same number as Gerrard often wore for the Three Lions.
And while this was a straightforward win over Malta, Alexander-Arnold gave both Gareth Southgate and Jurgen Klopp food for thought after.
Let’s be honest, Alexander-Arnold is no Jude Bellingham. And it was only against Malta – who did not have a single touch in England’s area.
READ MORE ON ENGLAND
But it was also only Andorra two years ago that Alexander-Arnold was handed his first ever run-out in England’s midfield and was so disappointing he was shoved back to right-back after 45 minutes.
But here, the 24-year-old played with the confidence he has squeezed you from a hugely-encouraging end of season run for Liverpool where he played in a hybrid role, pushing up from defence into midfield when Klopp’s team had the ball.
England were easy winners thanks to an own goal from Ferdinando Apap, Alexander-Arnold’s long-range stunner and a penalty from Harry Kane in the first half.
Callum Wilson added a second goal for his country from the penalty spot late on.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
James Maddison struggled to impress against MaltaCredit: Getty
So, it is now three wins from three in this Euro 2024 qualifying campaign which means that Southgate’s men are sleepwalking their way to the finals in Germany.
Yet on Monday, North Macedonia visit Old Trafford for their third visit and have yet to lose a game in England.
And Southgate absolutely must give Alexander-Arnold another run-out in the same position, to the right of a midfield three.
North Macedonia may not be world beaters but they still shocked Italy in a World Cup play-off and Alexander-Arnold must be given another vital chance. Even though, if we are being realistic, he would only be used as back-up if Southgate’s other midfield permutations are not working.
Alexander-Arnold was only given the chance because Bellingham is back home injured. 
But with Conor Gallagher and Kalvin Phillips the other alternatives, Southgate really must keep Alexander-Arnold even though some of Manchester City’s players should finally have sobered up to start the game in Manchester.
Alexander-Arnold, who played for Liverpool’s youth team in midfield, has spent most of his England career looking in from the outside.
The fact this was only his 19th cap showed you that Southgate has clearly never trusted him and when you look at some of his defending for Liverpool, little wonder.
Not helped by the fact right-backs Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Reece James are ahead of him, this was his first start since June last year.
At the World Cup in Qatar he was handed just 33 minutes, against Wales.
Southgate said ahead of the game he was not expecting a perfect performance but just wanted to see signs of encouragement so it was mission accomplished.
It was a comfortable victory for Southgate’s menCredit: Reuters
And for the England coach, this was a much more pleasant night than his last trip here in 2017 when the away fans chanted “we’re fu**ing sh*t” with the scores goalless.
On a slightly lighter note, the Maltese fans, clearly not impressed by their opponents reputation for cuisine, started with bizarre chants of “fish and chips”.
Malta defender Apap was wearing the number 13 on the back of his although he might consider wanting to change numbers in future.
He made a complete mess of trying to block Bukayo Saka’s bobbling cross from reaching Kane and instead, ended up booting the ball into his own net.
Not even Kane would have dared to claim that goal which was created courtesy of an outstanding ball over the top of the defence by Alexander-Arnold, who had combined well with Saka before he went off at the break with a knock.
Alexander-Arnold delivered the stand-out moment of the game in the 28th minute when taking just one touch to control a poor clearance from home skipper Steve Borg and his finish from 25 yards was unstoppable.
Kane struck England goal number 56 from the penalty spot after he was brought down by Matthew Guillaumier. 
Phil Foden came on at half-time for Saka, Marcus Rashford and Wilson were given run-outs while there was a proud moment for Eberechi Eze who made his debut as a 70th minute replacement for James Maddison, who struggled to impress.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi was handed only his fourth cap and first appearance and after a slightly nervous start, comfortably grew into the game.
And Notts County’s Jodi Jones, thrilled to be playing against the England team he was supporting at the World Cup, delivered a few moments which brought a cheer from the home fans.
Read more on The Sun
Wilson completed the scoring from the spot after a handball from defender Borg to finish off a comfortable if unspectacular win.
And for Southgate and his players, at least the journey back to the airport was a lot more comfortable than last time here.
England maintained their 100 per cent record in Euro 2024 qualifyingCredit: Reuters More

GARETH SOUTHGATE believes he must win Euro 2024 to have any chance of staying as England boss.And he is happy to help the FA search for a successor – whenever the time comes.
Gareth Southgate believes he must win Euro 2024 if he wants to stay on as England bossCredit: Getty
Southgate, whose contract runs until December next year, took England all the way to the Euro 2020 final on home soil.
Asked if he thought he could take charge at another major tournament after next summer in Germany, Southgate said: “We’re going to have to play well and go a long way in the tournament for that even to be a consideration for everybody.
“I’m more than comfortable with that.
“My aim is to try to win the tournament and everything I do is geared around that and every conversation I have with the players now is geared around that.
Read more football news
“What will happen in the future at the moment isn’t at the forefront of my mind.
“But trying to win this European Championship is.”
Southgate considered stepping down after the World Cup in Qatar, partly because of the backlash to England’s dismal showing in the Nations League leading up to it.
He had a change of heart and revealed within days of the Three Lions’ quarter-final defeat by France that he would keep going at least until the end of his current deal.
Most read in Sport
But whatever happens between now and next summer, Euro 2024 looks like being the natural point for England and their second most successful manager to part company.
The FA, led by technical director John McDermott, will be making plans for who will succeed Southgate.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
He added: “Whatever John and everybody else at the FA would like, really – I’m not precious about it, if I could help in any way.
“At whatever point I leave here, hopefully we’ve won something, but if I’m second most successful, I’ll be more than happy to become the third very quickly.
“I joined here to help English football and that will never change for me.” More

RAHEEM STERLING has failed to make the cut for England’s upcoming Euro qualifiers.But there’s joy for Eberechi Eze, with the Crystal Palace star in line to make his Three Lions debut.
Raheem Sterling has been left out of England’s latest squadCredit: Getty
England’s latest squad announcement in full
Elsewhere, Lewis Dunk is back in the squad for the first time since 2018 as he seeks to win a second cap.
And there are also recalls for Callum Wilson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Tyrone Mings.
Meanwhile, Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope misses out after undergoing surgery on his hand.
And there’s no call-up for Arsenal’s Ben White after he quit England’s World Cup squad.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
But it’s Sterling’s exclusion which has caught the eye of England fans.
He has endured a dismal season in London after joining Chelsea from Man City last summer.
The forward, who has 82 caps, was tipped to be left out by Gareth Southgate this afternoon.
And it has now been confirmed he will play no part in the games against Malta and North Macedonia.
Most read in Football
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
Sterling’s spokesperson said: “Following a private conversation between coach and player, a mutual decision has been made for Raheem Sterling to sit out the upcoming internationals, focused instead on recuperating his body in preparation for the upcoming season.”
England boss Southgate said: “I spoke with him a week or so ago. A general catch-up. He is not happy physically and has been carrying a hamstring problem.
“He was not in consideration so we did not get to the point whether he should be in or out. He does not think he is operating at the level he needs so that was the conversation.”
Sterling’s absence has paved the way for Eze to win his first call-up.
The 24-year-old has 10 goals and four assists for Crystal Palace this term.
And his form sparked their resurgence under Roy Hodgson, swiftly sealing their Premier League safety after Patrick Vieira’s sacking.
Southgate added: “We have liked him for a long time. He was very unfortunate that before the Euros, we were going to call him into a prep camp and he got an injury the day before.
Lewis Dunk is back in the squad after a stunning season for BrightonCredit: Getty
Eberechi Eze is in line to win his first capCredit: Alamy
“I spoke to Roy Hodgson and he said he had just got injured. He has finished the season really strongly and he can play in a couple of positions across the attacking line.
“He is a goal threat, has nice ability and a burst of speed to take people out of the game with his dribbling skills. We are looking forward to seeing him closer and everyone I know talks about him brilliantly as a person.”
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford are deemed fit enough to make the cut.
There’s room again for Newcastle striker Wilson following Ivan Toney’s eight-month betting ban.
And Brighton captain Dunk has won his spot in the squad at the expense of AC Milan’s Champions League semi-finalist Fikayo Tomori.
Southgate declared: “He has shown great composure with the ball and often has to defend in one versus one situations and deserves his call.”
Fellow centre-back Mings is also involved again for the first time in 14 months after an upturn in form at Aston Villa.
Tyrone Mings is back in the squad after 14 monthsCredit: Getty
There’s also room for Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: Getty
Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold is another recall, with Chelsea’s Reece James injured.
Southgate explained: “He is a super football and is obviously playing in a slightly different role which has reinvigorated him.
“He has always been in more advanced areas and is more central now and it is interesting for us and it is something I have talked with him over the last couple of weeks.”
And Palace No2 Sam Johnstone has been picked following Pope’s new setback.
However, there are some notable absentees from the squad.
Arsenal defender White was tipped for a reprieve after leaving the World Cup side for “personal reasons.”
Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, recently hailed as the “signing of the season” by Jamie Carragher, misses out.
Read More on The Sun
And there’s no room for Levi Colwill, who has shined on loan at Brighton from Chelsea.
Brentford’s Rico Henry was also hoping to be selected following Ben Chilwell’s injury, as was in-form Villa striker Ollie Watkins. More

THIS stadium is set to host Euro 2028 if the UK and Ireland get the nod from Uefa.But with the final decision on who will host the tournament set for September, the arena is currently derelict.
This potential Euro 2028 stadium is currently derelictCredit: Pacemaker
There are plans to turn it into a 34,500 seater stadium to host games at Euro 2028Credit: Pacemaker Press
Work is yet to begin on redeveloping the site just over five years out from the start of the tournament.
When complete it will be able to hold 34,500 fans.
Windsor Park, where Northern Ireland currently play home games, does not meet minimum capacity requirements for the Euros.
So the unbuilt Casement Park is part of the UK and Ireland’s joint bid.
Read More in Football
It has been unused since 2013, but was once Northern Ireland’s top Gaelic football ground.
According to the BBC, redevelopment of the site has been met with a legal challenge from local residents.
It’s reported there were objections to its size and the impact it will have on the local area.
However, the £77.5million development was given the go ahead last summer after a West Belfast residents’ group lost its legal challenge.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
The redevelopment of Casement Park has been met with a legal challengeCredit: Sportsfile
Plans to redevelop the stadium were given the green light last summerCredit: Sportsfile
And the ground has been designed by the architects responsible for Tottenham’s incredible £1billion stadium.
Casement Park is one of two grounds in the UK and Ireland’s bid that are currently unbuilt.

The other is Everton’s Bramley-Moore Dock, which is due to be completed by 2024.
That is the same year work on all potential Euro 2028 host stadiums must have started by.
The UK and Ireland’s bid to host the iconic tournament is being rivalled by Turkey.
If successful, the likes of Wembley, St. James’ Park, Villa Park, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Etihad will be among ten grounds to stage games during the competition.
The ten grounds that will be venues for Euro 2028… if the UK and Ireland’s bid is successful More