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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

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    Ex-Wales star Allen expected to resist calls to come out of international retirement

    JOE ALLEN has no current plans to come out of Wales retirement.The Swansea midfielder, 33, called time on his international career in February following last year’s World Cup.
    Allen played a key part for Wales, helping them qualify for two Euros and a World CupCredit: Reuters
    Swansea midfielder Allen decided to hang up his Wales boots after revealing ‘time and injuries’ had taken its toll
    Wales have picked up just four points from their opening four Euro 2024 qualifiers without the 74-cap star – including the embarrassing 4-2 home loss to Armenia.
    Ex-team-mate Owain Tudur Jones has called for Dragons boss Robert Page to try and convince Allen to reverse his decision before their hopes of qualifying for Germany evaporate completely.
    But SunSport understands ex-Liverpool ace Allen is focusing on his club career for now ahead of a new start under Swansea chief Michael Duff at the Championship outfit.
    Allen was a key player in Wales squads which qualified two Euros finals and then last November’s global finals.
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    Unfortunately for Allen, he wasn’t fully fit for Wales’ first World Cup since 1958 following a serious hamstring injury.
    He missed the opening 1-1 draw with USA, came off the bench in the 2-0 loss to Iran and started in the final group match – the 3-0 defeat to arch rivals England.
    But Allen then quit international football following the disappointment of Qatar as the Dragons collected just one point and scored once in three group games.
    Allen was one of four players to retire post-World Cup, talisman Gareth Bale, Jonny Williams and Chris Gunter being the others.
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    Calls for Allen to return have surfaced since the recent international break where Wales’ midfield were overrun and torn apart in the Armenian humiliation on June 16.
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    Joe Morrell was then brought in to help Ethan Ampadu and Aaron Ramsey and offer the defence more protection in Turkey three days later.
    But the Portsmouth midfielder got sent off in the 41st minute before a 2-0 defeat piled on more misery on under-fire boss Page.
    Wales’ automatic hopes are all but over as the Dragons lie fourth in Group D ahead of the September 11 fixture away to Latvia.
    But there could be a lifeline for Page’s side with a play-off semi-final against Estonia next March a possibility. More

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    Germany’s top newspaper Bild begs Jurgen Klopp to QUIT Liverpool and take over national side as Hansi Flick slammed

    GERMANY’S top newspaper have called on Jurgen Klopp to QUIT Liverpool.Because they want him to take over from Hansi Flick as the German national team boss.
    Bild want Jurgen Klopp to take over as Germany national team bossCredit: PA
    Flick is feeling the heat from the country’s public, fans and media following a torrid run of form.
    Since getting dumped out of the World Cup in the group stages, Germany have won just ONE of their five matches.
    That was a 2-0 win over Peru in March followed by a 3-2 defeat to Belgium.
    During the recent international fixtures, they drew 3-3 with Ukraine then lost 1-0 to Poland and 2-0 to Colombia.
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    That took Flick’s dire record to three wins in his last 11 and 12 in 24 overall since replacing his World Cup-winning predecessor Joachim Low.
    And it prompted Bild’s sports editor to put out an emergency call for Klopp to rescue the DFB-Team – a year before they host Euro 2024.
    Matthias Bruegelmann begged sporting director Rodi Voller to ensure ex-Bayern boss Flick is replaced before the next international break in September.
    He said: “The DFB must immediately deal with national coach alternatives – anything else would be negligent!
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    “The premium solution: Jurgen Klopp!
    “The DFB has to fight for him with all its might. Klopp would put Germany in Euros euphoria from now on.
    “His popularity would help create a mood swing.”
    The newspaper suggests Klopp was proposed as an option after the Qatar 2022 debacle but he “felt it was his duty” to help Liverpool through their struggling campaign.
    The German, 56, is the longest-serving manager in the Premier League, taking over at Anfield way back in October 2015.
    In his seven-and-a-half seasons, Klopp has won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup.
    But after a disappointing campaign last season, Bild believe now is the chance to land him – Klopp himself admitted “it’s not out of the question” – and get Flick out to prevent an embarrassment in their home Euros.
    Bruegelmann added in a blistering attack: “Bankruptcies against Belgium, Poland and Colombia followed. The trend is as clear as it is frightening and would have already cost the club coach of a top team their job.
    Flick mostly does the opposite of the logicalMatthias Bruegelmann, Bild
    “They have only won four of the last 16 games and only kept two clean sheets. Against Oman and Peru – our footballing par in 2023.
    “Totally puzzling what’s going on in Flick’s head. There is no discernible plan.
    “Apparently, he thinks he knows everything better because he won six historic titles with Bayern in his first season – incidentally only the championship in his second season.
    “He mostly does the opposite of the logical.
    “EVERYBODY sees we need a No9. EVERYONE sees that we need filling jugs. Just not Flick.
    “EVERYBODY sees that we can’t back three. Just not Flick.
    “EVERYONE sees that the team needs security and that an eleven has to get used to it. Just not Flick.
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    “Instead, experiments, experiments, experiments that we can’t even afford! It’s unbelievable how we’re driving the Euro 2024 at full throttle against the wall.
    “If the coach doesn’t take the games seriously, the fans should at least get free entry.”
    Hansi Flick is feeling the heat ahead of hosting Euro 2024Credit: EPA More

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    SunSport assesses where it has all gone wrong for the Dragons and Robert Page in Euro 2024 qualifiers

    WALES’ disastrous back-to-back Euro 2024 defeats have all but ended their hopes of automatic qualification for Germany.Successive June losses to Armenia (2-4) and Turkey (2-0) has left the dismal Dragons fourth in Group D with furious fans now calling for under-fire boss Robert Page to be sacked.
    Wales midfielder Joe Morrell was sent off in Monday’s 2-0 qualifying defeat to TurkeyCredit: Viaplay
    The Dragons lost twice this month, starting with the shambolic 4-2 defeat to Armenia in Cardiff last FridayCredit: Rex
    At the halfway stage of qualification, Wales are five points behind leaders Turkey with Armenia and Croatia also above them despite the World Cup semi-finalists playing two matches less.
    Here, SunSport’s Phil Cadden assesses where it has all gone wrong for Wales and Page…
    RESULTS
    Wales had a positive start to this Euros campaign with four points in March but that only papered over widening cracks.
    read more football news
    The Dragons have won just once – a 1-0 home victory over Latvia – in their last 12 matches.
    That Cardiff win was also their only clean sheet in this alarming slump.
    Since a 4-0 hammering to Denmark at Euro 2020 two summers ago, Wales have won just six of their subsequent 24, the other wins coming against Belarus twice, Estonia, Austria and Ukraine. 
    To Page’s credit, he took over in difficult circumstances following Ryan Giggs’ arrest in 2020 and guided Wales to last November’s World Cup – a first global appearance since 1958.
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    Another factor for some of the recent woeful run has been fixtures against superior opposition after being promoted to League A of the Nations League.
    But, in truth, results and performances have been on the slide for some time and without the retired superstar Gareth Bale and Joe Allen there are major concerns over the quality and strength in depth of the team.
    TACTICS
    Page’s flops picked up just one point and scored once – a Bale penalty versus USA – in three group matches in Qatar.
    The 48-year-old made changes as Nick Davies and Eric Ramsay replaced Tony Strudwick and Kit Symons on the coaching staff while Aaron Ramsey replaced Bale as captain.
    But little has changed.
    The shambolic 4-2 defeat to Armenia exposed Welsh weaknesses of defensive vulnerability and being overrun in midfield. 
    In Wales’ success under Chris Coleman, Giggs and Page’s early tenure, they played with a five-man defence and were difficult to beat through graft and team spirit plus Bale’s brilliance. 
    Page’s side must be better defensively to compete with Europe’s elite, they lack leaders and the age-old issue of not enough players playing in the Premier League.
    While Brennan Johnson has impressed in the top-flight, he doesn’t have the X-factor all-time record goal scorer and cap-holder Bale had.
    DISCIPLINE
    Three red cards in Wales’ last six internationals points to ill-discipline. Wayne Hennessey was dismissed against Iran for a karate-kick on Mehdi Taremi.
    Kieffer Moore was red carded after he kicked out at Armenia goalkeeper Ognjen Chancharevich,
    And then Joe Morrell was sent off for an ugly studs-up challenge on Turkey’s Ferdi Kadioglu.
    All three red cards were naive and poor decision-making.
    QUALIFICATION
    Page is spinning the line Wales must win all of their four remaining matches – Latvia away, Croatia home, Armenia away, Turkey home, to secure a top-two finish.
    But that seems impossible based on their rank form. 
    The Dragons have not put four victories together since Giggs’ side in September 2020.
    Wales started that run with wins over Azerbaijan and Hungary in November 2019 to reach Euro 2020.
    Then success followed in the Nations League over Finland and Bulgaria 11 months later behind closed doors during Covid.
    Remarkably, Wales could still qualify for Germany via a play-off courtesy of their previous Nations League record.
    A home semi against Estonia next March is a possibility.
    However, Wales aren’t winning enough matches to generate confidence.
    PAGE’S FUTURE
    The Football Association of Wales rewarded Page with a four-year deal last September after booking their World Cup place.
    But Dragons fans have had enough and hammered chief executive Noel Mooney with ‘Page Out’ posts in reply to his tweet from the stands in Samsun on Monday night.
    Coleman and Giggs also received criticism after poor results but former FAW chief Jonathan Ford stood firm.
    Now Mooney as well as the FAW board and council members have a big decision to make.
    Stick with Page or make a change ahead of the autumn?
    Ex-Wales defender Danny Gabbidon reckons Page should be given the chance to finish off the campaign.
    Coleman’s former-assistant Osian Roberts was asked after the Turkey defeat if he would consider a return should a vacancy arise and he said: “Who knows. In the future, you can never tell.”
    Read More On The Sun
    SunSport understands the ex-Crystal Palace No2 plans to follow Patrick Vieira in his next managerial post, with Leeds keen on the France World Cup winner.
    Ex-Wales skipper Ashley Williams could also be a short-term option if the FAW axe Page. More