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    England star RULED OUT of Euro 2024 after undergoing surgery following heartbreaking international break injury

    SAM JOHNSTONE has been ruled out of Euro 2024 after undergoing surgery on an injured elbow.The Crystal Palace goalkeeper has become Gareth Southgate’s first confirmed casualty after picking up the problem in England training last weekend.England and Crystal Palace goalie Sam Johnstone is out of Euro 2024 after surgeryCredit: GettyJohnstone, 31, hurt his elbow while making a save on Sunday, just 24 hours after England’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil at Wembley.The Eagles stopper had been in line to start last night’s 2-2 draw with Belgium.But Johnstone was forced to withdraw from England’s squad, with Burnley’s James Trafford summoned from the U21s as his replacement.After returning to Palace, Johnstone went under the knife on Wednesday morning to fix his problem.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s reckoned the top of his forearm had become detached from his elbow.And Johnstone will now be sidelined for up for fourth months, ruling him out for both the rest of Palace’s Premier League season and the Euros.His absence will come as a huge blow to Southgate, who had the goalie down as No2 behind Everton’s Jordan Pickford.England now face a shortage of goalies for the tournament, with Newcastle’s Nick Pope also a long-term casualty.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAaron Ramsdale had previously been back-up to Pickford.But he has made just six league appearances this term and has dropped down the rankings.Huge Man City blow just five days before crunch Arsenal clash as John Stones taken off NINE minutes into England clashBurnley ace Trafford could now be ready to gate-crash Southgate’s squad.While Jack Butland has enjoyed a strong season for Scottish side Rangers.And Dean Henderson will also get a chance to impress, with the ex-Man United man set to replace Johnstone between the sticks at Palace.Who could become England’s new No2?The options for Gareth Southgate and their season stats…

    Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal, 4 caps): 11 games, 12 goals conceded, 3 clean sheets

    James Trafford (Burnley, 0 caps): 28 games, 62 goals conceded, 2 clean sheets

    Jack Butland (Rangers, 9 caps): 47 games, 36 goals conceded, 23 clean sheets

    Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace, 1 cap): 10 games, 20 goals conceded, 2 clean sheets More

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    ‘Disgrace’ – Shocked fans can’t believe Aston Villa’s ‘strange’ tweet during England vs Belgium

    FOOTBALL fans have criticised Aston Villa’s X account for a post made during England’s match against Belgium on Tuesday.The Three Lions took on Domenico Tedesco’s side in an international friendly at Wembley in preparation for Euro 2024.Youri Tielemans scored twice for Belgium against EnglandCredit: GettyAston Villa celebrated Tielemans’ two goalsCredit: GettyYouri Tielemans capitalised on a Jordan Pickford error to break the deadlock in the 11th minute before Ivan Toney equalised from the penalty spot.Tielemans then restored Belgium’s lead in the 36th minute after meeting an excellent cross from Romelu Lukaku.But it was Aston Villa’s social media post that got fans talking.The Premier League side celebrated the goal by posting a picture of the Belgian midfielder with a caption that read: “DU DU DU DU DU DU YOURI TIELEMANSSS.”Read More on FootballFootball fans were left furious with the post given that Villa is an English club, even though Tielemans plays for them.One person commented: “You’re an English club. Disgrace.”Another wrote: “Why is Aston Villa account cheering on Belgium?”A third added: “Really? Celebrating a goal scored against England?????”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile a fourth said: “Aston Villa is a joke of a club.”Jude Bellingham went on to fire England level with the last kick of the game.Speaking to ITV at full-time, the Real Madrid midfielder said: “I liked it. I knew the rubbish we would’ve got if we had lost two games on the bounce. A lot of these lads I’ve never played with before.”We should be winning with all the chances we’ve made. But these are two games that will stand us in good stead. I know people will be negative but we have to take the positives.”You trust everyone that comes into the squad and they are all in there because they are good players. It’s hard for the gaffer, you plan these games because you expect a fit team.”I’m sure the manager will be happy with how we played. You’re never happy with a loss or a draw but we have to be happy with how we played.”Jude Bellingham equalised for the Three Lions in added timeCredit: Getty More

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    Ex-Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas refers to himself in third-person 6 times and says ‘my name is great’ in weird speech

    FORMER Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas referred to himself in third-person SIX times during a weird speech.Declaring that his “name is great”, the manager lifted the lid on his short spell at Stamford Bridge while ramping up his bid to become Porto president.Andre Villas-Boas referred to himself in third-person SIX times during a bizarre speechCredit: GettyThe former Chelsea boss is running to become the next president of PortoCredit: GettyVillas-Boas left the Portuguese side for Chelsea in June 2011, with Roman Abramovich coughing up a then-world record £13.3million fee to prise him from his contract.AVB previously worked at Chelsea as an assistant coach under Jose Mourinho, and was expected to bring in a new era of football with young players like Juan Mata, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne.But Villas-Boas’ bizarre tactics and team selections saw him win just 19 of his 40 games at the helm.And he was given the chop in March 2012, with successor Roberto Di Matteo going on to secure a historic FA Cup and Champions League double.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAVB went on to manage rivals Tottenham, as well as Zenit, Shanghai SIPG and Marseille.He even had a spell as a rally car driver, taking part in the 2018 Dakar Rally.And he is now running to become president of former club Porto.Some fans have still not forgiven Villas-Boas for walking out on them when Chelsea came calling nearly 13 years ago.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut in a bid to defend his actions, he made a bizarre speech while referring to himself in third-person no less than six times.AVB told O Jogo: “There are three people who know the truth about my departure: Mr. Pinto da Costa, Mr. Antero and Andre Villas-Boas. And there are three people who knew that Andre Villas-Boas was fighting with interested clubs to get them to pay the €15 million clause. Inside Andre Villas-Boas’ shock career change after ex-Chelsea boss quit football management to race rally cars“Andre Villas-Boas received half of what the highest paid coach in Portugal earns for Chelsea. He received little more than what the coach of the team that was 21 points behind FC Porto in 2010/11 earned. “Before talking about Chelsea coach Andre Villas-Boas, you need to have full knowledge of the universe of his departure and not believe in certain things that only a few people are willing to say. “The wound suffered by Andre Villas-Boas, the FC Porto coach who left for Chelsea, for some fans is irreparable. Other fans have already forgotten that wound and it has already healed. And these are the ones who now welcome Andre Villas-Boas with open arms. There are others who cannot overcome.”Reflecting on the upcoming polls for Porto president, Villas-Boas also declared that he has a “great name.”He added: “I told Dr. Lourenco Pinto that my name was great and I wanted only Andre Villas-Boas to appear, so that no one gets the name wrong.”Andre Villas-Boas’ managerial recordThose numbers in full…

    Academica, 2009-2010: P30 W11 D9 L10

    Porto, 2010-2011: P58 W49 D5 L4

    Chelsea, 2011-2012: P40, W19, D11, L10

    Tottenham, 2012-2013: P80 W44 D20 L16

    Zenit, 2014-2016: P102 W63 D20 L19

    Shanghai SIPG, 2016-2017: P51 W30 D9 L12

    Marseille, 2019-2021: P60 W28 D14 L18

    Trophies: Primeira Liga, Portuguese Cup, Portuguese Super Cup, Europa League (Porto); Russian Premier League, Russian Cup, Russian Super Cup (Zenit) More

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    ‘It’s hideous’ gasp Chelsea fans as 2024/25 home and away kits are ‘leaked’ with foam ocean wave design

    CHELSEA fans have been left far from impressed with the club’s alleged home shirt for the 2024-25 season.The new strip, which was “leaked” by Footy Headlines on Tuesday, is Chelsea’s traditional blue colour, but with a light blue badge.Chelsea’s new home kit has been ‘leaked’Credit: FOOTY HEADLINESThe kit includes an orange stripe on the sideCredit: FOOTY HEADLINESThe badge has also been changed slightly to a light blue colourCredit: FOOTY HEADLINESIt also features a faint wave pattern on the front with light blue and orange stripes on the sleeves.The kit has received a mixed response from fans, with many unimpressed.One person took to X to write: “It’s hideous.”Another added: “Bro Nike really hasn’t produced one nice home kit for us in 8 years.”READ MORE ON CHELSEAA third wrote: “I don’t want that. Let’s just keep this year’s kit.”While a fourth commented: “We need to terminate contract with Nike.”However, some fans appeared to like the new strip, with one person writing: “Wow. Give it the iconic vibes.”Another said: “I need to pre-order one.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile a third commented: “I love it more than this year’s kit.”Chelsea’s away shirt has also been “leaked” online.Chelsea’s plans for £1bn new stadiumThe white strip features a bright pink and blue badge with pink on the sleeve and blue detailing.Chelsea’s main sponsor for the 2024-25 campaign is yet to be confirmed, with Infinite Athlete’s deal set to expire this summer.The Blues are allegedly in talks with Riyadh Air over a possible sponsorship.Chelsea’s away shirt has also been leakedCredit: @grhaer9 via FOOTY HEADLINES More

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    Ashley Cole reveals his all-time team-mate XI but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars?

    PREMIER LEAGUE legend Ashley Cole has revealed his greatest teammate XI of all time.And the former England left-back has played it safe, splitting it evenly between old clubs Arsenal and Chelsea.Ashley Cole has revealed his greatest teammate XI of all timeCredit: GettyThe Premier League Hall of Famer chose pals from former clubs Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: GettyCole, 43, became the latest icon to be inducted into the Prem’s Hall of Fame this week.He first played 228 times for boyhood club Arsenal, helping them win two titles and three FA Cups.Cole then secured a controversial switch to Chelsea in 2006, where he featured 338 times.The ace won a title, four FA Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League at Stamford Bridge.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAnd the 107-time Three Lions star retired in 2019 following further spells at Roma, LA Galaxy and Derby County.Cole, now a coach with Birmingham City and England’s U21s, played with some incredible players during his glittering career.But when it came time to choose his greatest-ever XI of teammates, Cole could only pick legends from Arsenal and Chelsea.Incredibly, he split the side right down the middle, choosing five Gunners and five Blues —as well as himself.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIn goal, Cole opted for Petr Cech, explaining: “I’ve played with David Seaman but Cech was at the time one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He was calm, he was composed, he was a real goalkeeper. He had everything, he could do everything. And also he was a great team-mate. Always offering to help.”Cole chose Branislav Ivanovic at right back, saying: “He turned up on massive occasions. A big-game player. Scored important goals for us. He was technically better than what people give him credit for. He could drive, he could dribble with the ball, he had power. He defended 1v1. He was diligent, he loved that fight.”John Terry sings at Ashley Cole’s weddingCole opted for Frank Lampard and John Terry in the XICredit: GettyPatrick Vieira, Robert Pires and Thierry Henry also made the cutCredit: AFPCole’s first centre-back was Sol Campbell, noting: “What I see him go through. You know, leaving, similar to what happened to me. But you leave a big club, you go to another big club. It’s a rival. But his performances did not waver. He was a colossus at the back.”John Terry was next, with Cole saying: “We had an amazing relationship. I played against him as a kid, districts and youth teams. And then to get to play alongside him and understand actually how good he was.”He had everything. He could play left and right foot. There were moments where he’d just hook a ball away but he was the intelligent one where for a big guy he moved his frame. He would chest it down. We had a good understanding of each other.”As for his own inclusion at left-back, Cole quipped: “I could have put in Gael Clichy, Sylvinho. I’m not saying I was the best!”Moving into midfield, he went for Patrick Vieira and Frank Lampard.On Vieira, Cole said: “He changed what midfielders looked like. He could beat players 1v1, he was strong, he was aggressive, he had great timing of his runs to get into the box. Scored important goals. A leader. Certainly a big influence in our dressing room.”He added on Lampard: “The amount of goals he contributed from midfield. One of the all-time top scorers. Was he as technically good as other midfielders? Maybe not, but seeing him day in, day out he certainly made up for that with work ethic.”On the flanks, it was Freddie Ljungberg and Robert Pires.Cole said about the former: “He came to the club with people not knowing anything about him. He changed the way we looked at wingers. He had the understanding to play inside as a midfielder, as an eight. He could do everything.”But what I loved about him was his timing of his runs to always be in positions where he’s facing the goal. And it’s always like, ‘How has he got there?! He’s 1v1 with the goalie again!’ “On Pires, he noted: “We just had a great chemistry and a great understanding of how we wanted to play. I wanted to bomb on and run forward, he was happy to come inside off the line and shoot with his right foot. We just had a straight connection. He joined just as I was breaking through and we just hit it off straight away.”Cole then chose Thierry Henry as his first forward, saying: “Do I need to say anything? He was a trailblazer and a new type of striker. Playing off the left.”At times he liked to hug the left [wing] and make diagonal runs behind. We had little signals. I remember him looking at me, I’m on the ball in the left-back position and he would be, obviously body facing the goal to run, and he would give me like his little ‘va-va-voom’ eyes.”I could see him pointing down and I knew that meant behind and I would just drive a little ball over the top. Even if it was overhit I knew he would continue his run and he’s got the speed to get onto it. And then in front of goal I don’t think there’s too many strikers you’d want ahead of him.”The final place went to Didier Drogba, with Cole adding: “I’ll give an honourable mention to Dennis Bergkamp. What he did in training and brought to the Premier League was phenomenal. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But I’ve gone with Didier Drogba for the reason being I was with him and playing with him a long time, and again he turned up in massive games. Helped me win a lot of trophies.”I’ve also seen the growth in him. When he first came to the Premier League and I played against him and he was a little at times maybe petulant with the fouls and not getting to grips with the Premier League and how rough it is. And then that was it.”Ashley Cole’s career recordThose amazing stats in full…

    Arsenal, 1999-2006: 228 games, 9 goals

    Crystal Palace (Loan), 1999-2000: 14 games, 1 goal

    Chelsea, 2006-2014: 338 games, 7 goals

    Roma, 2014-2016: 16 games, 0 goals

    LA Galaxy, 2016-2018: 94 games, 3 goals

    Derby: 12 games, 1 goal

    England, 2001-2014: 107 games, 0 goals

    Trophies: Premier League x2, FA Cup x3, Community Shield (Arsenal); Premier League, FA Cup x4, Carabao Cup, Community Shield, Champions League, Europa League (Chelsea) More

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    Man Utd fans face being STRANDED in London for TWO DAYS as Premier League clash hit by travel nightmare

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans face travel hell for Saturday’s Premier League clash at Brentford.Supporters relying on the train could be stuck in London until Monday – thanks to a huge Easter shut-down.Red Devils’ followers traveling to Brentford by train might not be so happy as they must deal with a much-reduced timetableCredit: GettyA rail shut-down for improvement works has hit Saturday night’s return to Premier League action at Brentford Community StadiumCredit: GettyIt’s also an annoying side-effect of a bizarre feature of United’s kick-off times.Erik ten Hag’s sixth-placed side resume action after the international break by visiting the Bees for their FOURTH 8pm start this season.And United have seen their KO switched to that late Saturday slot on more occasions than any Prem rival over the campaign so far.To make things worse for travelling supporters, all four such matches have been away.READ MOE TOP STORIESHowever, this journey is far longer than the other three.Before Brentford, trips for 8pm clashes were made to Newcastle, Sheffield United and Burnley.This weekend’s match starts two minutes before the last scheduled service from London St Pancras International to Manchester Piccadilly.No trains will go to or from London Euston due to improvement works.Most read in FootballIt leaves travellers without any direct trains to Manchester on Sunday.Saturday’s match has been given added spice as the Red Devils are being linked with Brentford’s main man Ivan Toney.Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s Biggest Bust-UpsChelsea and Arsenal were thought to be the frontrunners for the striker.But on the day Toney netted his first England goal, a confident penalty in a 2-2 Wembley friendly with Belgium, United were said to have added him to their summer wish-list. More

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    Man Utd ‘want to hold talks with Gary O’Neil’ over shock new role – but Wolves boss could be offered different job

    MANCHESTER UNITED want to talk to Wolves boss Gary O’Neil about a coaching role at Old Trafford, according to reports.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 27 per cent takeover of the club has sparked a significant change in personnel, led by Ineos’ director of sport Dave Brailsford.Manchester United are eyeing talks with Wolves boss Gary O’NeilCredit: RexSir Jim Ratcliffe, left, is spearheading a change in personnel at Old TraffordCredit: GettyOmar Berrada has left Manchester City to become the Red Devils’ chief executive.And Dan Ashworth, who has been placed on gardening leave at Newcastle, is expected to assume the role of sporting director at Man Utd.Now, as reported by ESPN, Ratcliffe and Co are “attempting to build a new coaching structure led by a head coach”.And while the specific role O’Neil could be offered has not been revealed, the 40-year-old manager is understood to be aware of Man Utd’s interest.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, he signed a three-year deal with Wolves in the summer, so compensation would almost certainly need to be paid to steal him away from Molineux.O’Neil impressed as Bournemouth boss following Scott Parker’s exit as he safely kept them in the top flight.He was then somewhat harshly relieved of his duties, but has guided Wolves to ninth place since succeeding Julen Lopetegui in August.Meanwhile, the future of Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag remains unclear.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHis side sit sixth in the Premier League and look set to miss out on Champions League qualification.But they are still in with a chance of silverware as they will face Championship side Coventry in the FA Cup semi-finals.Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s Biggest Bust-UpsCome through that and they will set up either a rematch of last year’s final against Man City, or a clash with Chelsea. More

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    Chelsea ‘actively trying to sell Conor Gallagher in summer transfer window with Blues desperate to avoid FFP hit’

    CHELSEA are reportedly “actively trying to sell” Conor Gallagher this summer.The 24-year-old midfielder has come through the Blues’ academy and is now a first-team regular.Chelsea are ‘actively trying to sell’ Conor Gallagher this summerCredit: RexHe has played 38 times under Mauricio Pochettino so far this term.He is also now a member of Gareth Southgate’s England squad and started the 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Saturday.Gallagher will be looking to win his 19th cap tonight against Belgium at Wembley and secure a place on the plane for the Euros this summer.However, he could also be on the move domestically, according to the Daily Mail.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey state that “sources at rival Premier League clubs tell us that Chelsea are actively trying to sell their academy graduate this summer”.That is because he only has just over a year left on his deal and any transfer fee generated would count as “pure profit” with regards to FFP rules.We revealed before that he is still yet to be formally offered a new one.Speculation claimed that there had been “little sign of negotiations progressing” on an extension to stay at Stamford Bridge and he could thereforebe off come the end of the season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERGallagher came close to joining Tottenham last summer but has gone on to be handed the armband on several occasions by Pochettino.Spurs are still thought to be interested in buying the ex-Crystal Palace loanee should he become available.Conor Gallagher apologises live on Sky Sports in interview after Chelsea’s win over Crystal PalaceChelsea have sold off a host of home-grown aces over recent years, with nearly £200m raised, which has enabled them stay within financial rules.And they are reluctant to get involved in long, drawn-out contract discussions.That was the scenario that unfolded with Mason Mount before he eventually departed for Manchester United following a lengthy stand-off for £60m. More