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    Ryan Giggs warns Gareth Bale he is NOT guaranteed Wales spot at Euros if Real Madrid woes continue

    RYAN GIGGS has warned Gareth Bale will not get any special treatment with Wales.
    And the Dragons boss concedes he may have a decision to make on Bale’s game time at next summer’s Euros if his Real Madrid woes continue.

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    Ryan Giggs may not pick Gareth Bale if he does not start playing club footballCredit: Reuters
    Bale played just 100 minutes of Real’s final 12 games of the season and asked to be left out of the Spanish club’s Champions League last-16 tie at Manchester City.
    Giggs has no short-term worries on talisman Bale after naming him in his 26-man squad for next month’s Nations League double-header with Finland and Bulgaria but he can see the warning signs in the future.
    Giggs said: “There is no special treatment for anyone. I will look at each case individually.
    “It is always something, a player not playing or a late injury. I need to adapt. If it becomes a problem in six months we will have to see. I can’t see it being a problem for these games.

    “He is a good professional and always keeps himself fit. I speak to him when he is on camp. He was available for me for every game in the qualifiers. It’s never been a problem so far.

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    Bale has spent most of his time on the Real Madrid bench this season but found ways to entertain himselfCredit: EPA
    “Is it a worry for me? No. That might change, we will have to see in the future.”
    With Bale’s relationship with Real boss Zinedine Zidane at a low following the stand-off in Madrid, the 31-year-old will be welcomed with open arms by Giggs when he arrives by private jet to Cardiff on Sunday.
    The Manchester United legend added: “I hope he is remembered for the fantastic footballer that he is.

    “To score twice in Champions League finals, to win it four times and to score one of the best goals ever seen in a final – things like that don’t happen every day.
    “Gareth is a special player who can make the difference for me. He has also made a difference in key moments for Real Madrid as well.
    “That’s what great players do. Big players turn up in the big moments in the big games and he has certainly done that.”
    Liverpool’s Neco Williams, 19, has been called into the senior squad for the first time and is one of two new faces alongside Swansea defender Ben Cabango, 20, while Hal Robson-Kanu returns after retiring from international football in 2018.
    Giggs confirmed all his stars which also includes Aaron Ramsey of Juventus will be tested for Covid-19 when they arrive in the Welsh capital to join their secure bio-bubble.

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    Five Premier League clubs make up Europe’s ten most-valuable squads
    Giggs said: “They will all be tested and we will get the results the next morning and take it from there really.
    “It’s difficult, they can’t even fly business. They have to fly privately. We are doing all we can to make sure that it’s a safe environment they are coming into.
    “Even before that we are doing all we can to make sure that we have looked after everything we possibly can.”
    The stadium for next Thursday’s clash in Finland, which was likely to be in Helsinki, has yet to be confirmed by Uefa and could be moved to a neutral venue due to the pandemic.
    Finland yesterday cancelled their own squad announcement as exemptions to enter the country have not been granted.
    Giggs added: “We are still awaiting the announcement of where we will be playing. We are just preparing the best we can.”

    Giggs confirmed his assistant Albert Stuivenberg, the Arsenal coach, will remain in the set-up for Euro 2020 next summer, although he will miss the September double-header.
    He said: “I had a discussion with Mikel Arteta (Arsenal manager) and Albert and we agreed he would miss this camp. He had to rush back from holiday in Holland to London to avoid going into quarantine. But Albert wants to carry on the journey he started on and Mikel wants him to finish it.”
    Wales squad: Hennessey, Ward, A Davies; Gunter, A Williams, B Davies, Roberts, Lockyer, Ampadu, Lawrence, Cabango, N Williams; Ramsey, J Williams, Wilson, Brooks, Smith, James, Vaulks, Morrell, Levitt; Bale, Robson-Kanu, Roberts, Matondo, Moore. More

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    Pochettino will rage at how he is portrayed as Tottenham’s All Or Nothing series becomes ‘The Jose Mourinho Show’

    FORGET All Or Nothing — Amazon should call their sensational new fly-on-the-ball series about  Tottenham: The Jose Mourinho Show.
    For that is what the production  really is, an ode to the Special One.

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    Tottenham supremo Daniel Levy is seen welcoming Jose Mourinho to the clubCredit: Amazon

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    Despite his incredible achievements and long reign, Mauricio Pochettino is barely shown beyond about 30 minutes of the series openerCredit: Amazon Prime

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    Jose Mourinho not only takes centre stage, predecessor Mauricio Pochettino soon goes missing in All Or Nothing Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Tottenham playes look on as the regime under Jose Mourinho takes shapeCredit: Amazon Prime
    The achievements of predecessor Mauricio Pochettino are almost forgotten in this soap opera of last season at Spurs.
    It is like the previous 5½ years under Poch at the North London club never happened.
    The series will only fan the flames of those conspiracists who claimed Mourinho was only appointed Tottenham boss to ensure this show was a success and ultimately boost Amazon Prime’s subscribers.
    That is surely nonsense — although Pochettino’s starring role in this supposedly groundbreaking series lasts barely beyond 30 minutes of the first of nine episodes.

    From then on, it is Jose, Jose, Jose.
    SunSport understands even Spurs staff, watching the final edit, were shocked by how  little footage of their former manager there is.
    And what footage of Poch does appear in this series is hardly flattering.

    Even their sacking was all about Levy. Not a single word on the events from Pochettino or any footage of his sacking in what is supposed to be an access-all-areas documentary.

    The cameras showed him and Daniel Levy meeting at the new stadium’s first NFL game, where they did not look that friendly, and the awkward small-talk turned to the chairman asking his manager if his cardigan was cashmere!

    It could not have been any more embarrassing had Levy asked Poch: “Do you come here often?”
    The writing was clearly on the wall and that has been supported by sources  revealing the Argie was told by Levy he was a dead man walking after his bizarre announcement he could quit the club if they won the 2019 Champions League final.
    When talking about Pochettino’s appointment in 2014, Levy claims: “I got lucky.”
    No mention of the way his previous boss and backroom team turned the club around.

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    Christian Eriksen, right, is one of those players to have since departed, to Inter MilanCredit: Amazon Prime

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    The show goes behind the scenes with the players but little was seen of Jose Mourinho’s predecessor Mauricio PochettinoCredit: Amazon Prime

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    Daniel Levy says sacking Mauricio Pochettino was the most emotional decision he has ever had to makeCredit: Amazon Prime
    It was all down to the chairman’s good fortune.
    Even their sacking was all about Levy. Not a single word on the events from Pochettino or any footage of his sacking in what is supposed to be an access-all-areas documentary.
    Instead it was mainly made to seem it was all Poch’s fault, which to an extent it was — only not as much as the start of this series makes out.
    Almost all of the footage of Pochettino portrays him as a weak manager who was to blame for the club allowing the contracts of their top stars like Toby Alderweireld,  Christan Eriksen and Jan Vertonghen to run down.
    Indeed, Eriksen and  Vertonghen — who were happy to run down their deals in order to a cop a Bosman  fortune — were portrayed far more sympathetically.
    While the episodes made Levy look like he was some Kofi Annan figure in all this — seemingly forgetting the chairman was and is responsible for who gets a new deal at Spurs and who does not.

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    Midfielder Dele Alli attends White Hart Lane for a closed team screening of Amazon Prime Video’s All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur,Credit: BackGrid

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    Star attacker Son Heung-Min arrives at the special premiere, held in-houseCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Asked about what the sacking of Poch was like, he said: “A lot of heartache is the honest answer. It’s never easy when you have to ask somebody to leave the club but, when you’ve been working with them for 5½ years, it’s difficult.
    “My heart was telling me don’t do it and my brain was telling me I needed to do it.
    “It’s the most emotional decision I’ve ever had to make.”
    Nonetheless, the man who never gives interviews was able to open his heart to a firm with a warehouse in Tilbury.
    Levy added: “Only time will tell if we made the right  decision.”
    When are those viewing  figures announced, again?

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    Manager Jose Mourinho turns up to take the limelight at the premiereCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Even Spurs players were said to be surprised at Jose Mourinho dominating the show so muchCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Footage then shows  Mourinho’s agent around a table at Tottenham’s training ground urging Levy to sign the  contract to get the Jose deal done — with a very public pat on the back for all  concerned, crowing: “We did well to keep this quiet, didn’t we.”
    Snakes.
    So much for Levy’s agonising over  the decision as  this proved he had been working for weeks on  bringing in Mourinho — and Pochettino, according to Harry Kane, never had a Scooby.
    When the striker sat down with some of his team-mates in the  canteen the morning after the night before, Vertonghen insisted: “They knew already, didn’t they?”
    But Kane revealed: “No, I spoke with him last night.  The chairman came in, said ‘Can we talk? You are being sacked and you need to pack your things because you are leaving tonight.’”
    There is then great footage of Mourinho unpacking and moving into his office at  Tottenham’s training ground as a show being broadcast by the huge plasma TV debates whether he still has what it takes to be a manager.

    As one pundit insists the Portuguese is beyond his best, the new Spurs chief stands up and screams at the screen: F*** you!
    Which is basically what Amazon have done to Poch.
    But if you want to gain even a snippet into the guarded world of a Premier League football club then this series is for you.

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    Jack Grealish aims dig at Gareth Southgate as he likes tweet comparing him to Kalvin Phillips after England omission

    JACK GREALISH aimed a thinly veiled dig at Gareth Southgate as he was left out of the England squad.
    Aston Villa ace Grealish hoped to make the 24-man Three Lions party after saving his Midlands club from  relegation.

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    Jack Grealish aimed a dig at Gareth Southgate after failing to make his latest England squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    But uncapped Grealish did not take it well, ‘liking’ a Twitter post comparing his stats to Leeds’ star Kalvin Phillips, who made the  squad despite no Prem experience.
    The ‘like’ was deleted but Grealish had made his point. Boss Southgate left him out  due to the  sensational  form of Manchester United’s 18-year-old Mason Greenwood.
    Southgate said: “With Jack, the simple answer is Mason Greenwood.
    “He’s competing with Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Raheem Sterling.”

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    Yet it is clear Southgate does not fancy Grealish, 24, seeing him only as an attacker, not a midfielder.
    He added:  “I know Villa have played him as No 8, I don’t see him in that role.
    “He could be a No 10 but we haven’t played like that and some of those other players I’ve talked about would be very good No 10s as well.”
    Greenwood’s call-up is impossible to argue with  —  after 17 goals in a real breakout season.

     While Manchester City wonderkid Phil Foden, 20,  is also well deserving of his first senior call.
    Southgate said: “Jack’s a talent,  no doubt, but  Mason was impossible to leave out —  and we’ve looked at Phil a long time.
    “We’re four meet-ups from the Euros and we feel they’re good enough.”

    Harry Maguire dropped from England squad for Iceland game after being found guilty of assault in Mykonos brawl trial More

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    Leicester eye Fulham hero Joe Bryan and Atalanta star Robin Gosens with Ben Chilwell set to complete Chelsea transfer

    BRENDAN RODGERS is preparing for life without Chelsea-bound Ben Chilwell and has already targeted two potential replacements for the England left-back.
    SunSport can reveal Atalanta’s free-scoring left-wing-back Robin Gosens and Fulham’s Play-off final hero Joe Bryan now head Rodgers’ wanted list, with Chilwell expected to complete his £50million move to Stamford Bridge later this week.

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    Leicester are eyeing Fulham star Joe Bryan as a replacement for Ben ChilwellCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The Leicester boss has tracked Gosens for much of the season and clearly knows his stuff as the 26-year-old earned his first call up to the Germany squad yesterday after manager Joachim Low recognised his stunning form in Italy.
    Despite playing in one of the most defensive leagues in the world, Gosens has bagged an impressive nine goals and provided eight assists from his left-wing-back position, as well as scoring in the Champions’ League for the Serie A top-scorers Atalanta.
    That form has seen his value soar, with Juventus, Inter Milan, Hertha Berlin and even Chelsea linked with the attacking full-back throughout his stellar season.

    Gosens was an £800,000 steal when Atalanta signed him from Dutch club Heracles Almelo in 2017 but now the Italians are ready to cash in and have slapped a €30million – £27million price tag – on their attacking ace.

    Born on the border with the Netherlands to a Dutch father and German mother, Gosens emerged from Vitesse Arnhem’s Academy but is now in line to make a shock debut for Germany against Spain or Switzerland next month.
    By then he could be a Leicester City signing if Rodgers has his way, but the Foxes boss knows he faces stiff competition for the German.

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    Atalanta star Robin Gosens has also caught Brendan Rodgers’ attentionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    That’s why he is also keeping tabs on Fulham’s Play-off hero Joe Bryan, whose Wembley brace broke Brentford’s hearts to earn Scott Parker’s side their place in the Premier League.
    Surprisingly, the Cottagers may be preparing to part company with Bryan after signing Antonee Robinson from Wigan Athletic.

    There is a feeling Robinson’s defensive qualities could be better suited to Fulham’s needs if they experience another backs-to-the-wall campaign in the Premier League.
    Bryan’s attacking instincts were seldom seen during Fulham’s last fateful campaign in the top flight and there is a feeling he would flourish in a side who spend more time on the front foot, such as the Foxes.

    The London club signed Bryan from Bristol City for just over £6million but a bid of £15million and the chance to more than double their money might tempt them to sell the defender, who has two years left on his current contract.
    Whoever starts the season as Leicester’s first choice left back, they are sure to have competition from understudy Luke Thomas, who was rewarded with a new long-term contract yesterday.
    The 19-year-old England youth international broke into the Foxes first team last season, appearing against Sheffield United, Spurs and Manchester United in July and impressed Rodgers enough to earn a wage-rise and a new deal.

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    Chilwell is on the verge of a £50m move to ChelseaCredit: Reuters

    Chelsea ‘close to sealing £50m Ben Chilwell transfer’ with Leicester defender undergoing medical checks More

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    Raheem Sterling hit with Covid scare after partying with Usain Bolt before sprinter ‘tested positive’

    RAHEEM Sterling is at the centre of a coronavirus scare after partying with Usain Bolt — just before the sprinter allegedly tested positive.
    Manchester City star Sterling, 25 — due to be named today in the England squad to face Iceland on September 5 — was pictured at Bolt’s 34th birthday celebrations in Jamaica on Friday.

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    Raheem Sterling has been hit with a Covid scare after partying with Usain Bolt

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    Videos from the party showed guests dancing close together without masks and ignoring social distancing
    Videos from the party showed guests dancing close together without masks and ignoring social distancing.
    A Jamaica radio station claimed today that Olympic legend Bolt had tested positive for Covid-19.
    Hours later he posted a video on social media to say he was self-isolating after taking a test, although he did not confirm the positive result.
    A source close to Sterling said: “Raheem feels fine and is showing no Covid-19 symptoms.

    “But he’s in close contact with medical experts from both Manchester City and England.”
    NIGHTMARE
    The virus scare is a nightmare for England manager Gareth Southgate.
    He will today name forward Sterling in the squad for the Nations League game in Iceland — and a second in Denmark three days later.
    But Sterling will have to pass a Covid-19 test before he is allowed to join up with the other players. The 25-man squad is due to meet up from Sunday before going into a protective “bubble” for the games.

    A source said: “It’s a real headache for Gareth. Raheem’s a key player but he’s now relying on medical experts to ensure there’s a safe way for him to join the squad.

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    Olympic legend Bolt has reportedly tested positive for Covid-19

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    Bolt is seen singing along to Adele tunes and dancing enthusiastically next to guests

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    Bolt was given the surprise birthday party by his girlfriend, model Kasi Bennett
    “He’ll be tested as quickly as possible but everyone knows it can take 14 days for symptoms to develop. The squad meets up in less than a week.”
    Sterling, who was born in Jamaica, flew out to his home there after City lost the Champions League quarter-final. He spends each summer on the island seeing friends and family.
    Bolt was given the surprise birthday party by his girlfriend, model Kasi Bennett.
    Other famous guests included Bayer Leverkusen attacker Leon Bailey, 23, and West Indies cricket star Chris Gayle, 40.
    ‘I’M TRYING TO BE RESPONSIBLE’
    Videos show guests holding drinks and partying without masks or social distancing. Jamaica has urged islanders to restrict gatherings to 20 people.Bolt is seen singing along to Adele tunes and dancing enthusiastically next to guests.
    Sterling, in T-shirt and shorts, is seen clutching a bottle as he is embraced by one partygoer.
    Eight-time Olympic gold medallist Bolt today said he was self-isolating after taking a test because he had to go abroad.
    He added: “I saw that social media saying I’m confirmed to have Covid-19.

    “I did a test on Saturday. I’m trying to be responsible so I am going to stay in and stay here.
    “I’m having no symptoms so I’m going to quarantine myself and wait on the confirmation to see what is the protocol.”
    Jamaica has had 1,529 coronavirus cases and 16 deaths. But after just 174 cases in July, there have been 267 in the past four days.

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    Sterling is due to be named in the England squad to face IcelandCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    The sprinter posted a video on social media to say he was self-isolatingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    The virus scare is a nightmare for England manager Gareth SouthgateCredit: PA:Press Association

    Usain Bolt announces he is self isolating after taking coronavirus test but insists he has ‘no symptoms’
    GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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    Gareth Southgate faces biggest selection dilemma of England reign with Harry Maguire arrest and clubs piling on pressure

    GARETH SOUTHGATE is facing his biggest headache today since taking over as England manager.
    The Three Lions boss names  his squad for the forthcoming  Uefa Nations League games against Iceland and Denmark at 2pm.

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    Gareth Southgate faces a call-up headache for his England squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    But he is set to make a late call on selecting Harry Maguire who is desperate to be picked but has a court case in Greece over an alleged fight with a policeman.
    Southgate faces the prospect of not being able to select him due to the uncertainty of the situation. 
    He also has three other key players missing and is under pressure from both Manchester clubs not to over-play the stars who have only just returned from their European competitions.
    Yet for Southgate, the trip to Iceland on September 5 and a match in Denmark three days later are both vital.

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    Southgate will make a late decision on Man Utd star Harry MaguireCredit: EPA
    The Maguire situation is the most difficult one for Southgate. He is keen for the Manchester United centre-back to feature but there is no way he could be selected if found guilty.
    Liverpool duo Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain  have both been sidelined with knee injuries, while Ben Chilwell of Leicester has a foot problem.
    Kyle Walker could make an England return as the Manchester City defender has made his first squad in 15 months.
    Southgate has not ruled out once again using a back three in the same way he did in the 2018 World Cup, when England reached the semi-finals.

    And the Three Lions chief will look to youth.

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    Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden are set for call-upsCredit: Reuters
    There will be first call-ups for City midfielder Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood of United.
    Due to the left-back issue, with Chilwell crocked and Luke Shaw returning from injury, there could be a shock selection for United’s Brandon Williams.
    Aston Villa skipper Jack Grealish will hope to get a call-up by Southgate, who has also been checking with Arsenal regarding the medical record of Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
    The England boss was given another headache with Raheem Sterling attending a Covid-hit party in Jamaica for sprint legend Usain Bolt’s birthday.
    The City forward, 25, will be named in the squad but will be tested before he is allowed to join up with the group.

    Southgate is set to name a squad of 26. That will increase to 30 next month as England have a triple-header at Wembley.
    They face Wales in a friendly on October 8 before the Nations League games with Belgium and Denmark.
    The England players will be tested for Covid-19 when they arrive for training at St George’s Park next Monday.

    Harry Maguire brawled with man who stabbed sister in arm with metal straw when she rejected him
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    England squad hit by Covid-19 crisis with Raheem Sterling and Harry Maguire both in virus scares

    ENGLAND’S Nations League squad has been hit by a Covid-19 crisis — with Raheem Sterling and Harry Maguire both caught up in virus scares.
    Sterling partied in Jamaica with Usain Bolt a day before the Olympic legend reportedly tested positive.

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    Raheem Sterling was pictured partying in Jamaica with Usain Bolt

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    Harry Maguire could be at risk of Covid-19 after an outbreak in a Greek courtCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    And there are fears over Maguire after an outbreak of the virus at a Greek court where he appeared following his arrest over a brawl.
    England boss Gareth Southgate will today name Sterling in his squad for the Nations League games against Iceland on September 5 and Denmark three days later.
    But the Manchester City striker will have to take a Covid-19 test before joining the rest of the squad.
    A source said: “This double blow has given Gareth a real headache.”

    The 25-man squad is due to meet up on Sunday and Monday.

    Sterling was pictured at Bolt’s 34th birthday party on Friday.
    Bolt today said he was self­isolating — but did not confirm a Jamaican radio station’s claim he had tested positive for Covid-19
    A source said: “Raheem feels fine and is showing no symptoms.”

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    Olympic legend, Usain Bolt, has reportedly tested positive for coronavirus

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    The pair were pictured partying without face masks or social distancing

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    Maguire escorted by police officers on the Aegean island of Syros, GreeceCredit: AP:Associated Press

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    A source says the situation is ‘a real headache’ for England boss Gareth SouthgateCredit: PA:Press Association

    Harry Maguire brawled with man who stabbed sister in arm with metal straw when she rejected him
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    Man Utd star Mason Greenwood is natural born killer… his finishing will boost Euros hope

    GARETH SOUTHGATE has been told he is about to welcome into his England dressing room “a cold-hearted killer”.
    Rio Ferdinand reckons there are few deadlier strikers around at the moment than Mason Greenwood.

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    Mason Greenwood is expected to be named in Gareth Southgate’s senior England squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Rio Ferdinand has backed Greenwood to shine for the Three LionsCredit: PA:Press Association
    Manchester United’s teen sensation is expected to be handed his first England call-up on Tuesday when boss Southgate names his squad for next month’s Nations League clashes in Iceland and Denmark.
    And former Three Lions and Red Devils star Ferdinand said: “Mason is a cold-hearted killer, a great finisher.
    “Just look at his videos and watch him from when he was a kid — he’s not doing anything different now.
    “He’s just doing it on a different pitch and in a bigger stadium, with more people watching. He’s got all the same habits.

    “He’s a natural goalscorer who is going to score loads and loads of goals.”
    Greenwood, 18, burst on the scene at Old Trafford this season with 17 goals in all competitions.
    He is now being widely tipped to keep his place in Southgate’s squad for the delayed Euro 2020 finals next summer.
    Ex-defender Ferdinand, who is now a BT Sport pundit, won 81 caps for England from 1997 to 2011.

    Could the Euros being delayed by a year actually work out for Mason? Probably, yeah.
    Rio Ferdinand

    He believes the Euros being put back a year due to the coronavirus crisis could end up doing Greenwood — and England —  a big favour.
    And Ferdinand has no qualms about the red-hot Red Devil rookie’s tenders years.
    He explained: “Could the Euros being delayed by a year actually work out for Mason? Probably, yeah.
    “But the great players, when they’re ready, they’re ready. You don’t care about their age.
    “Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney are two great examples.
    “Owen burst on to the scene at the 1998 World Cup and Mason could do the same, given the chance.
    “I love him. He’s a great talent and what I also love about him is his demeanour, his character.

    “No matter the stage, same face, same expression, same way he carries himself.
    “He knows he’s good enough. ‘Just give me the ball and I’ll do it’.
    “He ain’t got all that stuff going on off the pitch. There are no airs and graces about him. There isn’t anything else he’s worried about.
    “He’s just worried about how good he can be as a footballer. Which is what I really love.”
    Bradford-born Greenwood came through United’s academy after being spotted at their development school in Halifax at the age of just six.
    He gave a glimpse of what was to follow when he finished 2017-18 as top scorer  in the Premier League North Under-18 division — despite still being at school and eligible for U-16 level.
    That caught the attention of then-United boss Jose Mourinho, who selected the youngster for the club’s pre-season tour of the USA before rubber stamping his first professional contract a few months later.
    And Greenwood has really started to flourish since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer succeeded Mourinho at Old Trafford in December 2018.
    The teenage prospect made his senior debut for the club in their thrilling Champions League last-16, second-leg salvo against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes in March last year.
    Greenwood celebrated with Marcus Rashford after the fellow homegrown star’s last-gasp penalty sealed a 3-1 victory to overturn their 2-0 first-leg deficit and see them through.
    His Prem bow also came off the bench in their 2-0 defeat at Arsenal four days later.
    And Greenwood was handed his first start in the final game of the season against Cardiff.
    After seeing his side finish the campaign sixth in the table — a whopping 32 points behind champions and noisy neighbours City — and with only one victory in their last nine matches in all competitions, Solskjaer needed to lift the gloom.
    He also needed to instil some optimism at Old Trafford this season.
    And, make no mistake, Greenwood’s emergence has helped do that.
    The two-footed frontman may also have saved the Red Devils from having to fork out £150m on a new striker.
    Greenwood, it appears, is the real deal. And that can only be good news for his club and country.

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    Greenwood was thrown on in the Champions League tie in ParisCredit: Reuters

    Having already featured for England at U-15, U-17 and U-18 level, he now looks set to become a fixture in the senior squad after just four appearances for the U-21s.
    As the adage goes, If you are good enough, you are old enough. And Greenwood certainly seems that.
    Dig out the bunting, the nation might end up actually being thankful that Euro 2020 was delayed.
    Watch the return of the Premier League live on BT Sport. Sign up contract free with a BT Sport Monthly Pass for just £25 per month.

    Neil Custis expects huge things from Man Utd’s Mason Greenwood in the future More