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

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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      Man Utd skipper Harry Maguire’s ‘man-of-the-people’ reputation saw him hit with lethal mix

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      HARRY MAGUIRE is an authentic man of the people, a cracking bloke, a folk hero for England’s drinking classes.
      They sing his name to the tune of La Bamba: “He drinks the vodka, he drinks the Jager, his head’s f***ing massive!”

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      Harry Maguire was arrested on the Greek island of Mykonos after a drinking session with friends and family
      Although, apparently, Maguire doesn’t have a taste for the shorts and shots.
      According to a piece about the bar bill amassed before his arrest on the Greek island of Mykonos, while his pals quaff Dom Perignon, Maguire sticks mainly to beer.
      Like a proper salt-of-the-earth bloke.
      During the summer of 2018, when old ‘Slab Head’s’ massive bonce propelled England towards their first World Cup semi-final in 28 years, Maguire was rivalling his manager Gareth Southgate for the title of ‘greatest living Englishman’.

      England were far better at that tournament than they had been since Euro 2004 or even Euro 96.
      They didn’t beat any genuine world-class opposition, though, and yet the wide-held feeling that their campaign had been an absolute triumph was partly down to the likeability of Southgate’s players and their connection with the public.
      The manager enjoyed telling his players, and the wider world, that they were a bunch of genuine lads, many of whom had played in the lower leagues, and had not lost touch with their roots.
      Many current England players enjoy ‘connecting’ with fans and come across well on social media.

      For instance, it was Kyle Walker who originally took the mick out of a photo of Maguire’s girlfriend looking adoringly at the defender after England’s win over Tunisia, which then went viral.
      All good ‘bantz’, if you like that kind of thing.
      Now the tail-end of Southgate’s England playing career coincided with the rise of the ‘Golden Generation’ and the media circus which surrounded them and, in particular, David Beckham.
      Southgate hated all of that and was acutely aware that those England players were often regarded as sneering, roped-off poseurs — even though he did not believe that was true of many of them.
      And he has been keen for his own squad to be viewed more favourably.
      Hence, Maguire enjoying his status as a ‘man of the people’. Even after he became the world’s most expensive defender at £85million and captain of Manchester United.
      But there is a problem with being a ‘man of the people’ — a significant minority of ‘the people’ can be absolute toerags, especially after drinking heavily in the sun.
      This appears to be one issue which led to Maguire’s arrest. Friendly ‘banter’ turns to taunts which turn to bother.

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      Maguire spent two nights in a cell and now Gareth Southgate must make a decision whether to include him in the next England squadCredit: The Mega Agency
      DRINKING CULTURE
      Then there’s the fact that a significant part of English working-class culture is the idea that you work hard, then reward yourself with a blow-out.
      Maguire, 27, is part of that culture and, while many in the media sneer at it, some of us are part of that culture too and would be hypocritical to completely condemn it.
      If you ever went drinking with top-flight English footballers before Arsene Wenger transformed the culture, you would know that it took a significant amount of alcohol to get most of them drunk.
      But current Premier League players tend to drink remarkably little, if anything, during the season, and therefore do not have the same levels of tolerance when they ‘get on it’ during a brief break.
      Having not been out with Maguire, I don’t know if that is true of him personally but reports suggest he had a major thirst on in Mykonos last week.
      Maguire strenuously denies all allegations against him — as Southgate names his first England squad of the year today to face Iceland and Denmark next month.
      We should resist too much judgment until a judge judges.
      But at the very least, Maguire has allowed himself to get into a situation where he has ended up in jail for two nights, leaving Southgate and United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in invidious positions.

      Southgate has the especially difficult task of naming a squad without knowing the full facts, or fall-out, surrounding Maguire’s arrest.
      Pick Maguire and risk being seen as weak and inconsistent? Drop him and risk suggesting he may be guilty?
      This is not the first time one of Southgate’s 2018 heroes has got himself into trouble by being a ‘man of the people’.
      Keeper Jordan Pickford was involved in a bar brawl in Sunderland last year, having apparently been taunted and provoked.

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      He earned a fine reputation among the British public for his performances on and off the pitch during the 2018 World Cup Credit: Rex Features

      We should not want our footballers to live like monks, because frankly life’s too short and what’s the point?
      And we would much rather they were down to earth and accessible, rather than remote like Becks & Co.
      Yet how realistic is that when too many of the people won’t respect one of their own?

      Harry Maguire played more minutes than any other footballer in the world in 2019-20

      Harry Maguire leaves court following Mykonos brawl which came after a three-day bender on the island More

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      Harry Maguire set for England axe but remains part of Gareth Southgate’s long-term plans despite Mykonos row

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE fears it will be impossible to select Harry Maguire when he names his first England squad of the year tomorrow.
      But the Manchester United skipper, a personal favourite of Southgate, will remain in the England manager’s long-term plans, despite his arrest on the Greek island of Mykonos last week.

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      Harry Maguire spent two nights in police custody and was released on bail after a boozy brawl in MykonosCredit: AFP or licensors

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      Gareth Southgate fears it will be impossible to select Maguire when he names his first England squad of the yearCredit: Getty Images
      Maguire, 27, spent two nights in police custody and was released on bail on Saturday after a boozy brawl involving plain-clothed police officers on Thursday.
      Southgate names his squad tomorrow for England’s Nations League visits to Iceland and Denmark next month — and Maguire is unlikely to be included.
      The England boss wants to establish the full facts of the incident that saw Maguire arrested before he selects him and that is unlikely to happen before this squad announcement.
      Southgate is believed to be open-minded about including Maguire for October’s home matches against Wales, Belgium and Denmark.

      The England manager has taken a hard-line on disciplinary issues in the past, ditching skipper Wayne Rooney early in his reign after a drinking session at the team hotel.
      He also axed Raheem Sterling for one match after a bust-up with team-mate Joe Gomez in the team dining room last year.
      But Southgate is also a pragmatist and knows he has few top-class options in central defence.

      He has also always been impressed by Maguire’s conduct on and off the pitch until last week’s incident.
      That means he will remain in Southgate’s plans for next year’s Euro finals.

      Maguire denied all charges in a hearing held in private on Saturday, with his case adjourned until tomorrow.
      Southgate was already facing tough decisions over whether to pick players from both Manchester clubs after their involvement in the later stages of the two European competitions.
      That gave them little time for a break before the Iceland trip on September 5.

      Harry Maguire leaves court following Mykonos brawl which came after a three-day bender on the island More

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      Everton chase Colombian international defender Santiago Arias in £12m transfer from Atletico Madrid

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      EVERTON are pushing to sign right-back Santiago Arias from Atletico Madrid in a £12million deal.
      Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti wants an established name to challenge his skipper Seamus Coleman, 31.

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      Colombia right-back Santiago Arias is wanted by Everton after slipping down the pecking order at Atletico MadridCredit: EPA

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      Everton have also been linked with Man Utd centre-back Chris Smalling, reportedly rated at £20m after his loan success with RomaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And Arias, 28, who has 53 caps for Colombia, is open to moving after losing his place at Atletico to Kieran Trippier – while the Spaniards also have Croatia star Croatia star Simi Vrsaljko as cover.
      Ancelotti has ruled out a move for France ace Djibril Sidibe, who returned to Monaco after an underwhelming loan season at Goodison.
      And director of football Marcel Brands likes Arias, having signed him while at PSV Eindhoven in 2013.
      It could, though, spell the end at Everton for local lad Jonjoe Kenny.

      The right-back, 23, has returned from Schalke after the Toffees refused to allow him to spend a second season on loan with the Bundesliga club.
      But Everton are ready to listen to offers for the former England Under-21 star.
      Meanwhile, Ancelotti is reportedly battling with at least three other Premier League clubs for Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling.
      Roma would love to keep the 30-year-old after his outstanding season on loan but are thought to be baulking at the £20million asking price.

      ‘TOON, HAMMERS, TOFFEES WANT SMALLING’
      That leaves Newcastle, West Ham and Smalling’s old club Fulham in contention for the 31-cap ex-England man.
      But Old Trafford chief Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has not ruled out Smalling mounting a threat to his current central defenders.
      He said: “I think Chris has shown over his career how valuable he is at Manchester United.

      “This season was about him being a regular and going to Roma and showing how good a centre-back he is, I wanted to give Harry [Maguire], Victor [Lindelof] and maybe Axel [Tuanzebe] a chance.
      “It was best for him to go and play for a year in Roma and he has shown he will be valuable.
      “I’ve been speaking to Chris throughout. I’ve been delighted with his season.”

      Chelsea and Everton chasing shock move for Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster, 37, after Hornets relegated More

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      England boss Gareth Southgate considers shock Kyle Walker recall after 18-month absence despite Covid-19 lockdown antics

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE is considering a shock England recall for Kyle Walker — nearly 18 months after his last appearance.
      The Manchester City defender was in sensational form following football’s restart in June.

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      Kyle Walker could be back in the England squad, having regained top form when last season resumed after the coronavirus lockdownCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Manchester City playmaker Phil Foden is also on the brink of an England call-up, his first for the senior squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      There had been rumours the 30-year-old’s Three Lions career was over after he broke lockdown rules twice, hosting a party with two hookers and then visiting family in Sheffield a few weeks later.
      But Walker looks set to be handed a reprieve by Southgate and is in the frame to be called up tomorrow for next month’s Nations League double header.
      Manager Southgate takes his side to Iceland for a game on September 5 and then to Denmark three days later.

      Ex-Tottenham star Walker is still desperate to play for England again, and is refusing to give up on his international career.

      SunSport understands he was set to be called up for the matches in March, which were then KOd by Covid-19.
      Walker’s last outing for the Three Lions came as a substitute against Switzerland in the Nations League last June.
      He has 48 caps and was a key part of the squad that reached the World Cup semi-final in 2018.

      City team-mate Phil Foden is also expected to get his first senior nod.

      The 20-year-old impressed under Pep Guardiola last season, and is seen as a ready-made replacement at club level for David Silva.
      However, their England call-ups could be KO’d if Southgate declines to use any City players after talks with their medics following European commitments.

      England ace Kyle Walker pictured back together with ex fiancee Annie Kilner as they celebrate her birthday in Manchester More