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      England’s Nations League preparations in chaos as FIVE members of Gareth Southgate’s squad test positive for Covid-19

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      ENGLAND have been plunged  further into crisis after FIVE of Gareth Southgate’s squad tested positive for Covid-19.
      The shock comes after Manchester United star Paul Pogba and Spurs’ record buy Tanguy Ndombele also contracted the killer virus.

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      Five England players in Gareth Southgate’s Nations League squad have tested positive for Covid-19Credit: PA:Press Association

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      England face Iceland and Denmark in the Nations League next monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      While Chelsea have EIGHT players in quarantine and Arsenal FOUR.
      Southgate’s 23-man squad are due to start training on Monday for the Nations League  double header with Iceland and Denmark.
      But the Three Lions boss faces an anxious wait to discover how many will turn up.
      All five of the England players with coronavirus are  in quarantine, but some may be available to join the  camp next week.

      It is a huge headache for Southgate, who has already endured a nightmare week with defender Harry Maguire’s arrest in Greece.
      Players will be tested prior to their arrival at St George’s Park and will be re-tested as soon as they report for duty.
      The Premier League recorded just 20 positive tests during Project Restart as players were placed in their clubs’  bio-secure bubbles.
      But with many players jetting abroad on holiday at the end of the season, it is feared this could be the reason behind some either testing positive  or having to isolate due to government  quarantine restrictions.

      It is understood at least seven Prem clubs have seen at least one player test positive or have  players in quarantine and any increased spikes could cast doubts over the scheduled September 12 Prem season start.
      France boss Didier Deschamps yesterday revealed he was forced to omit Pogba and Ndombele from his squad after they both  tested positive for the disease.
      A United statement confirmed: “Pogba has been replaced in the squad after testing positive for Covid-19.
      “Everybody at United wishes Paul a speedy recovery ahead of the new season.”
      That kicks off in just 15 days and other top clubs are braced for a raft of new cases as players return from their summer holidays.

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      Paul Pogba tested positive for Covid-19 before reporting to France trainingCredit: EPA

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      Christian Pulisic, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori are among eight Chelsea players in quarantineCredit: Refer to Caption
      SunSport exclusively revealed that Chelsea stars Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and Fikayo Tomori are all in quarantine after meeting up on the Greek island of Mykonos.
      Fellow Blues’ stars Ross Barkley, Jorginho, Michy Batshuayi and Emerson are now also following protocol and staying home as Chelsea battle a number of cases of the disease in the camp.
      Incoming new defender Thiago Silva has even opted to undergo his medical in Italy instead of France as he prepares to leave Paris St.Germain for Chelsea on a free transfer.
      Having the checks there would mean an immediate move into self-isolation under anti-Covid rules.
      Chelsea are due to play Brighton in a friendly game on Saturday in a test event that will see 2,500 fans at the Amex Stadium.
      Pogba has been withdrawn from France’s double header against Sweden and Croatia.
      His Old Trafford team-mate Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also required to self-isolate after travelling to Dubai.
      It means Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is robbed of two key players during vital pre-season preparations.
      And former England star Chris Waddle has urged Uefa to scrap the Nations League.
      The ex-Newcastle and Spurs winger declared: “It’s crazy and all about money.
      “Why are we asking players to get on a plane and put themselves at risk of coronavirus to play meaningless friendlies?”
      Premier League runners up Manchester City had a scare when Raheem Sterling attended a party on holiday hosted by Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt, who later tested positive for coronavirus.
      However, England winger Sterling’s follow-up test was clear.
      Prem chiefs are monitoring the situation closely and are confident the new season will kick off on time.
      But a source told SunSport clubs do have the right to ask for postponements to matches if the situation becomes too drastic.

      They will be heard on a case by case basis and Chelsea are holding firm for now and refusing to buckle despite the fresh outbreak.
      Many of England’s top players scattered all over the world when given a fortnight off by their clubs at the end of last season.
      Tottenham and England skipper Harry Kane is in quarantine after restrictions on visiting the Bahamas changed while he was there.

      Man Utd star Paul Pogba and Spurs ace Ndombele test positive for coronavirus and omitted from France squad More

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      Harry Maguire DROPPED from England squad for Nations League after being found guilty of assault in Mykonos brawl trial

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      HARRY MAGUIRE has been axed from the England squad in a dramatic U-turn – less that six hours after being picked by Gareth Southgate.
      The Manchester United captain, 27, was found guilty of aggravated assault, resisting arrest and attempted bribery following a clash with police in Mykonos.

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      Harry Maguire was originally included in the England squad but later dropped by Gareth SouthgateCredit: PA:Press Association
      He was surprisingly included in the Three Lions squad on Tuesday afternoon for their upcoming Nations League matches against Iceland and Denmark on September 5 and 8.
      That was despite the team being announced just hours before the end of his trial in Greece.
      After the verdict, just before 8pm, Southgate eventually revealed Maguire had been cut him from the squad.
      The England boss said: “In light of this evening’s developments, I can confirm I have withdrawn Harry Maguire from the England squad for the matches against Iceland and Denmark.

      “As I said earlier today, I reserved the right to review the situation. Having spoken to Manchester United and the player, I have made this decision in the best interests of all parties and with consideration of the impact on our preparations for next week.”
      Eyebrows were raised when the Three Lions gaffer included the Red Devils skipper in his 24-man team.
      Speaking in a press conference earlier on Maguire’s call-up, Southgate revealed: “It is clearly a decision that is not straightforward and a decision that in the end I could only take on the information I have.
      “I have spoken with Harry, I have the insight to the story which is very different to what is being recorded.

      “You can only make decisions on facts you are aware of.

      The England centre-back was found guilty of aggravated assault, attempted bribery and resisting arrest following the Mykonos brawl
      SOUTHGATE U-TURN
      “If facts or information changes I will have to review that decision, but I have a fantastic relationship with the boy, he has been a fantastic character for us – he has my support at this moment.
      “I’m not going to get into hypotheticals of what might happen, but I have got to reserve the right to review if further information becomes available.
      “You always make decisions to the best of your ability given the information you have.
      “People may agree or disagree with those decisions, but it is a position where every manger finds himself.
      “Harry regrets the fact he has brought that sort of focus and attention to the team – he apologised for that – but also has his own side of the story.”
      Maguire was handed a 21-month suspended prison sentence as he avoided both jail and a fine.
      But his club Manchester United immediately launched a passionate defence of their centre-back, who signed from Leicester for £85million a year ago, and confirmed an appeal will be lodged against the verdict.
      What we know so far:
      The Old Trafford club said: “Manchester United notes the verdict of the Greek court today.
      “Harry Maguire pleaded not guilty to all of the misdemeanour charges made against him and he continues to strongly assert his innocence.
      “It should be noted that the prosecution confirmed the charges and provided their evidence late on the day before the trial, giving the defence team minimal time to digest them and prepare.
      “A request for the case to be adjourned was subsequently denied.
      “On this basis, along with the substantial body of evidence refuting the charges, Harry Maguire’s legal team will now appeal the verdict, to allow a full and fair hearing at a later date.”
      Maguire released his own brief statement where he declared he and his family are the real victims.
      He said: “Following the hearing, I have instructed my legal team with immediate effect to inform the courts we will be appealing.
      ⚠️Click here for the latest news on Harry Maguire

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      He played a crucial role for the Three Lions in their run to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2018Credit: Alamy Live News

      “I remain strong + confident regarding our innocence in this matter – if anything myself, family + friends are the victims. #MUFC”.
      His brother Joe and pal Chris Sharman, who stood trial alongside him, were given suspended sentences of 13 months after also being found guilty.
      Maguire – who replaced Ashley Young as Manchester United captain in January – is due to return to competitive action for the Red Devils when their season starts on September 19 against Crystal Palace.

      Gareth Southgate names Harry Maguire in England squad for Nations League after Man Utd star apologised to team-mates over Mykonos brawl More

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      Lovren admits DELIBERATELY elbowing Sergio Ramos as payback for injuring best pal Salah in Champions League final

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      DEJAN LOVREN admitted he deliberately elbowed Sergio Ramos as payback for injuring his Liverpool pal Mo Salah in the Champions League final.
      Ramos was slated and even had death threats sent to his children for wiping the Reds’ danger man out of the 2018 showpiece.

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      Dejan Lovren admitted to taking out Sergio Ramos deliberately after he injured Mo Salah in the 2018 Champions League finalCredit: AFP or licensors

      The pair tussled for possession and both fell to the ground, with Salah suffering a serious shoulder injury.
      The Egyptian lasted just 31 minutes in Kiev before trudging off in tears, putting his chances of appearing at the World Cup in serious jeopardy.
      Despite Salah having no problem with Ramos, Lovren took matters into his own hands to exact revenge.
      Later that year his Croatia side faced Ramos’ Spain in a Nations League clash.

      So the ex-Liverpool centre-back made the most of the chance to deliberately smash his rival with an elbow – earning him a red card in the 3-2 win.
      At the time he wrote on social media: “I elbowed him good. Haha! 3-2! Go ahead and talk now buddy. Buddy!”
      But in an interview with Egyptian TV station Sada El Balad, Lovren confirmed he purposefully went out to get Ramos that night.

      He said: “I deliberately hit Ramos after hurting Salah? Yes, this is possible.

      “Luka Modric tried to reduce the tension between me and Ramos, and we were facing Spain together with the Croatian national team, and I deliberately hit him with my elbows and told him that we have drawn now.
      “I respect Ramos as a player and what he does for his team. He has won a lot of titles, but on the other hand, he does some behaviour that I do not like and harm the players.
      “I do not want to make a big story, but I think that what Ramos did was intentional to injure my friend, so it was time to pay for what he has done.
      “We were playing much better than Real Madrid before Salah was injured in the Champions League final. His exit was a big blow for us, after his exit, they began to dominate the match.”
      Salah and Lovren formed a unique bromance during their time together at Anfield.
      But the flying forward was left gutted this summer when Liverpool sold the defender to Zenit.
      Jurgen Klopp joked Salah will now be searching for a new “best friend”.
      And speaking in a clip posted to Liverpool’s Twitter page, Salah said: “We are really going to miss you a lot, especially me.
      “You have been an unbelievable player and a great friend for me. We are going to miss you a lot, I miss you a lot, I love you so much.”

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      Lovren and Salah formed a unique bromance during their time together at AnfieldCredit: Reuters

      Dejan Lovren taunts Sergio Ramos and brands Spain ‘p******’ after Croatia win More

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      England draw Belgium, Denmark and Euro 2016 tormentors Iceland in Nations League group

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      ENGLAND have been handed the chance to exorcise their Euro 2016 nightmare after landing Iceland in the Nations League draw. Gareth Southgate’s side will also take on World Cup third-place conquerors Belgium and Christian Eriksen’s Denmark in the group stage next season. Gareth Southgate’s side were booted out of the Nations League by Netherlands last […] More

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      Nations League draw LIVE REACTION: Stream TV channel, UK start time and pots for second edition of the tournament

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      NATIONS LEAGUE football is almost upon us again. The inaugural competition was won by Portugal in summer 2019, as they saw off Holland 1-0 in the final thanks to a strike from Goncalo Guedes. Last year’s finalists England were drawn against Belgium, Iceland and Denmark. Draw underway in Amsterdam Live stream on Uefa’s official website […] More

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      UEFA Nations League draw LIVE: Stream TV channel, UK start time, and pots for second edition of tournament

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      NATIONS LEAGUE football is almost upon us again. The inaugural competition was won by Portugal in summer 2019, as they saw off Holland 1-0 in the final thanks to a strike from Goncalo Guedes. Goncalo Guedes scored as Portugal won the Nations LeagueCredit: Getty Once Euro 2020 is complete this year, teams will begin the […] More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

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      UEFA Nations League draw: UK start time, TV channel, live stream and pots for second edition of tournament

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      NATIONS LEAGUE football is almost upon us again. The inaugural competition was won by Portugal in summer 2019, as they saw off Holland 1-0 in the final thanks to a strike from Goncalo Guedes. Goncalo Guedes scored as Portugal won the Nations LeagueCredit: Getty Once Euro 2020 is complete this year, teams will begin the […] More