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      Jack Grealish out to emulate Gazza and Wayne Rooney by becoming England’s maverick main man

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      JACK GREALISH would love to be England’s next Paul Gascoigne or Wayne Rooney.
      Swash-buckling, playing with a smile — and giving Three Lions fans the excitement they crave.

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      Jack Grealish is loving his time in the England setup – and it’s only just beginningCredit: Rex Features

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      Grealish has to put up with a fair amount of rough challenges for club and countryCredit: PA:Press Association

      And after a man-of-the-match performance on a first international start, the Aston Villa playmaker now finally believes that his dream of becoming England’s bright new hope can come true.
      Grealish waited a long time for an international shot, which finally came as a second-half substitute against Denmark last month.
      But on his full debut against Wales at Wembley, the 25-year-old showed straightaway a strut, swagger, class and confidence that was reminiscent of Gazza in his pomp.
      The attacking midfielder even said he liked getting kicked! England have always had maverick players to grace the big stage over the last three decades, with Grealish pointing to Gascoigne and Rooney as the best he has seen.

      Now the two-cap star wants to copy them and be Gareth Southgate’s go-to man for Euro 2020 and beyond.
      Gazza, Wazza and now Jazza. So there is little wonder ex-England midfield ace Joe Cole compared Grealish to hero Gascoigne.
      Grealish beamed: “I would love to be compared to Gazza. He is an absolute icon.
      “Him, along with Wayne Rooney, were probably the greatest England players over the last 20, 30 years. I know there’s been a load of good players — but they are my top two. Gazza would be first.

      “I’d love to be like him, the way he played football with such joy — and everyone watching could see it. That’s what I want to do.
      “One of the biggest compliments is for people to say, ‘You make me happy watching football’.”
      Grealish certainly made England fans smile in Thursday’s 3-0 friendly win.
      Fresh from a supreme show in Villa’s incredible 7-2 victory over Premier League champions Liverpool, this time Grealish excelled for England — displaying extravagant quality as he glided across the pitch. He also had substance.
      His cross for debut boy Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s headed opener was a striker’s dream. And Grealish won his battle with Ethan Ampadu — despite ending up battered and bruised.
      The Brummie ace is used to it after being fouled 167 times last season — a Premier League record.

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      The Aston Villa star has the style and talent to match Paul Gascoigne’s impact on the Three LionsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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      Wayne Rooney is one creative superstar the midfielder is out to emulateCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He added: “A few of the lads said they’ve never seen anyone get kicked as much as me. But I enjoy it. If I’m getting kicked, it means I’m doing something right most of the time.
      “I get a kick now and again. You saw that last season — but I don’t mind because I’m helping the team.”
      Yet England boss Southgate also revealed he has concerns over the injuries that can come with being a man who is targeted.
      Southgate said: “You know he’s going to do it because he does it for his club. I’ve not seen him lose the ball too often. He’s a matador.
      “The only thing that worries me occasionally is that, when he does hang on to the ball, he gets clobbered — and you don’t want him to pick up injuries as the game is wearing on.
      “I know he’s the most-fouled player in the league and he draws those fouls in. I was a bit worried he was going to get kicked and be in trouble.
      “In deeper areas, he is confident enough to play — and you are not thinking he’s the type of player who is going to lose the ball.”
      Grealish had a clear-the-air chat with Southgate last month amid fears he would be pigeon-holed as a winger to compete against Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.

      I want to have a long England career and get many caps. I’m so grateful and thankful to the manager for making it happen.
      Jack Grealish

      Grealish, who declared for England in 2015 after turning out for Ireland’s youth teams, said: “Look at the numbers they have got over the past few years.
      “That’s why they are touted as the best wingers in the world.
      “I fully agree and have respect for that. So it would be difficult to get into those positions.
      “But I had a long chat with the manager. He lets you speak your mind. I said, ‘I see myself playing as a No 8, No 10, left winger, right winger, wherever I am on the pitch, I’ll play’.
      “I’m one of these people who just loves football. I have respect for how much ability I’ve got.
      “For the last two or three years, I’ve played half my games on the wing and half as a No 8 or No 10. I fully believe I can do both moving forward. The manager knows that now.
      “I want to have a long England career and get many caps. I’m so grateful and thankful to the manager for making it happen. I want to cement my place.”
      Grealish was guilty of a Covid-19 breach during lockdown — but his England career has given him a new lease of life ahead of the Nations League clash with Belgium on Sunday.

      He added: “It has given me a boost of confidence. Not that I lacked it. I’m not big-headed but I believe in myself.
      “It’s the standards these guys set. Look at Harry Kane.
      “Everyday he’s the first on the training pitch, meetings, last off the training pitch, he’s practising his finishing, penalties, free-kicks, every single day.
      “No wonder he is at the top and one of the best strikers in the world.
      “And it makes me want to go back to Villa and set the standards.”

      Aston Villa fans fume with Gareth Southgate after interview about Jack Grealish More

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      Arsenal chiefs told Kieran Tierney will not get special treatment by Scottish health chief in coronavirus row

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      FURIOUS Arsenal chiefs have been warned Kieran Tierney will NOT get special treatment after being ordered to self-isolate for 14 days.
      The Gunners left-back, 23, must quarantine in Scotland in the wake of international team-mate Stuart Armstrong testing positive for coronavirus.

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      Kieran Tierney is having to self-isolate after being caught in a Scottish national team Covid-19 caseCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Jason Leitch, who serves as National Clinical Director of the Scottish Government, is refusing to step in for the Arsenal manCredit: Andrew Barr – The Sun Glasgow

      Emirates bosses demanded a Government probe and wanted their £25million full-back whisked back to London in a private car after he tested negative.
      But Scotland health boss Jason Leitch insists the correct protocols have been observed and Tierney MUST serve his 14 days as footballers are not treated any differently to the general public.
      He told Radio Clyde: “I cannot intervene. That’s exactly how the process should work.

      “The health protection team treats footballers the way it treats workers in call centres or you or me.
      “We phone up the positive case, we ask the positive case their history, where they’ve been for two days prior to their symptoms beginning.
      “That’s sometimes very straightforward — but sometimes, particularly in football, more complex.”
      Tierney and Celtic star Ryan Christie were told to quarantine as ‘close contacts’ of Southampton midfielder Armstrong after they all played video games in a hotel room.

      Tierney insists he has followed social-distancing rules.

      But he will also miss Arsenal’s crunch Premier League trip to Manchester City on October 17.
      Furious Arsenal argue Tierney passed three tests in the last week.
      They also say he has been in a secure bubble at the club and previous tests show Tierney possesses antibodies which suggest he has already recovered from Covid-19.

      Arsenal fans fume as FIFA 21 ratings are revealed with Kieran Tierney just 78 same as flop Sead Kolasinac More

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      Thibaut Courtois OUT of England vs Belgium with hip injury – leaving Roberto Martinez with Nations League keeper crisis

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      BELGIUM are in crisis after Thibaut Courtois became the THIRD goalkeeper ruled out for Sunday’s game against England.
      Roberto Martinez’s side travel to Wembley for the Nations League clash with the Real Madrid star initially set to start.

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      Thibaut Courtois’s absence leaves Roberto Martinez with a decision to makeCredit: AP:Associated Press

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      Simon Mignolet, now of Club Brugge, is expected to step in between the postsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      But, ahead of Thursday’s friendly against Ivory Coast, it was confirmed that Courtois had left the camp.
      And the hip injury will keep the 28-year-old out of action as the Group B favourites go head to head on Sunday.
      Martinez had already lost Hendrik Van Crombrugge of Anderlecht and Wolfsburg’s Koen Casteels for this month’s triple-header.

      Both keepers have been given permission to stay home, each awaiting the birth of a child.

      That has drawn Simon Mignolet into action for Thursday’s clash with Ivory Coast in Brussels.
      The ex-Liverpool and Sunderland keeper, 32, is joined by uncapped pair Davy Roef and Jens Teunckens in the squad.
      Martinez had initially planned on rotating his three shot-stoppers throughout the upcoming games.
      Courtois was being held back for the England tie along with senior stars Toby Alderweireld, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Axel Witsel.

      Now that we’ve been able to extend the numbers in the squad and that opens a very good window for us to have a lot of debutants
      Roberto Martinez

      With Iceland also on the horizon for the Red Devils, coach Martinez had named a 33-man squad including AC Milan youngster Alexis Saelemaekers and Brighton’s Leandro Trossard.
      He said: “Now that we’ve been able to extend the numbers in the squad and that opens a very good window for us to have a lot of debutants, a lot of emerging and young talent in the team.
      “They’ve earned the opportunity to be in the national team and now we will see what they can do and if they can add competition into the group.”

      Thibaut Courtois plays with lion cub at zoo as Real Madrid star enjoys summer break More

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      Abraham, Chilwell and Sancho to be recalled into England bubble ahead of Belgium and Denmark clashes

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE is set to welcome Tammy Abraham, Ben Chilwell and Jadon Sancho back into England training on Friday.
      The trio broke coronavirus guidelines by attending Chelsea striker Abraham’s surprise birthday party at the weekend, creating the England boss’ latest pandemic headache.

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      Chelsea pair Tammy Abraham and Ben Chilwell will soon be back in contention for EnglandCredit: AFP or llicensors AFP or Licensors

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      Jadon Sancho is also being recalled to training after attending his team-mate’s birthday bash

      After Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden were dropped from this month’s squad for their coronavirus gaffe in Iceland, Southgate chose to delay the arrival of Sancho, Chilwell and Abraham by a few days.
      Ruled out of tonight’s friendly against Wales, all three are now due back on Friday, according to Sky Sports.
      The national team are operating within a coronavirus-safe bubble during a triple header of Wembley matches.
      Chilwell, Sancho and Abraham were prevented from entering the bubble after The Sun revealed their 20-person get together, to celebrate the striker turning 23.

      The stars have all since apologised for their actions.
      And the incident has left Southgate expecting more of his young players.

      Southgate said earlier in the week: “At the beginning of the week we had a good meeting and spoke about the responsibility of being an England player and how the spotlight is different.

      “I have also talked about the connection of the fans and we have ten with us who were in Russia, they have done good work with their clubs, communitie,s but some of the young ones have not done that and they need to prove themselves.
      “They need to remember it is an honour to play for England, we have all made errors, I had nights out as player but we are living in unique times with Covid.”
      England’s Nations League group continues on the weekend with games at home to Belgium and Denmark.

      I would like to wholeheartedly apologise for the naivety shown by all for the organisation and attending of this gathering.
      Tammy Abraham

      Roberto Martinez’s side travel to London on Sunday with Denmark arriving three days later.
      The trio should be in the mix for those games but will miss the chance to impress Southgate on Thursday night.
      After the news of the party broke, four-cap striker Abraham wrote: “I would like to wholeheartedly apologise for the naivety shown by all for the organisation and attending of this gathering.
      “I recognise that I have a responsibility both in my professional and personal life to honour and respect the guidelines and deeply regret that this took place.”
      Abraham’s absence is set to lead to Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin earning a start tonight.

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      How England could line up in an experimental XI vs Wales

      Fellow debutant Harvey Barnes may make hay on Sancho’s unavailability down the left flank with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka another fresh face potentially earning a spot at left-back, where Chilwell would have hoped to play.
      Sancho, 20, apologised ahead of the game, writing: “I will make sure moving forward that I learn from this.”
      While Chelsea defender Chilwell, 23, stated: “I would like to apologise for my lack of judgement over the weekend.”

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      Gareth Southgate was left unimpressed at picking up the pieces of another coronavirus disasterCredit: PA:Press Association

      Gareth Southgate confirms Abraham, Chilwell and Sancho to miss Thursday’s match with Wales More

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      Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate urge England stars not to bring shame on their country

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      HARRY KANE and Gareth Southgate told England players: Don’t bring shame on your country.
      Boss Southgate held a team meeting at St George’s Park to warn the squad about their responsibilities.

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      Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate have reminded England stars of their reponsibilitiesCredit: Reuters

      Star Dominic Calvert-Lewin revealed that Southgate ‘reminded us what it means, the expectations of playing for England.’
      He added: “You have got to be extra, extra careful and follow all the rules now.”
      Southgate was planning the meeting even before Covidiots Ben Chilwell, Jadon Sancho and Tammy Abraham were told they are out of the friendly with Wales after attending Abraham’s birthday party on Saturday.
      Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden were banned from the current squad for flouting coronavirus rules in Iceland.

      Ahead of Thursday’s Wembley clash, Three Lions captain Kane also addressed the team.
      Everton star Calvert- Lewin — one of four new call-ups — added: “We always have to be extra attentive to these rules.
      “That’s the way it is when you’re representing your country.
      “There have been a few lapses in concentration.”

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      Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood were both banned after their Iceland antics last monthCredit: Reuters

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      Dominic Calvert-Lewin has spoken after receiving his first senior England call-upCredit: PA:Press Association

      Leicester ace Harvey Barnes said: “It was a general meeting with the squad, not just Gareth.
      “As players we spoke as well — and made sure that we are all on the same page with it.
      “It wasn’t a telling-off, it was more reminding ourselves of what is acceptable and what’s not.
      “We are all very clear on that.”
      England are due to field an experimental team against Wales.
      Burnley’s Nick Pope is pushing to start in goal.

      England vs Wales – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick off time More

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      Calvert-Lewin is Europe’s top scorer ahead of Ronaldo, Messi and Lewandowski after lessons learned at Stalybridge Celtic

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      DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN still has the scar under his left eye as a permanent reminder of his introduction to the brutal world of men’s football.
      The Everton striker, now 23, was just 20 minutes into his National League North debut for Stalybridge Celtic on Boxing Day 2014 when he was nutted in the face by a Hyde defender.

      Yet rather than shrinking into his shell, Calvert-Lewin relished the physical battle he found himself pitched into.
      And as the in-form star prepares to make his full England debut this week, he still thinks back to that brief spell in non-league on loan from Sheffield United.
      He said: “I remember I’ve gone to flick on a throw-in and this defender has just gone ‘bang!’ and headbutted me in the face.
      “I played the rest of that game with one eye closed up and I pretty much knew from that moment what was going to be required.

      “But that experience was the most I’d ever enjoyed my football up to that point.
      “I’ve always relished a physical battle and I actually enjoyed getting beat up because I went on to score two goals that day and it was such a good experience for me.
      “It gave me a sense of what it was to play proper men’s football in front of fans and at 17 years old that was definitely what I needed to propel me forward.
      “When you’re a scholar at the academy of a professional club everything is quite nice and easy.

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      Dominic Calvert-Lewin is relishing his first call-up to the England senior sideCredit: PA:Press Association

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      The striker is loving life at Goodison Park right now and is scoring goals for funCredit: Reuters

      “Then suddenly you’re up against opponents who are playing to put food on the table and you realise it means that much more.
      “It was a real eye-opener for me at a young age and a humbling experience.
      “I’m glad I went through that because it means I don’t take anything for granted.”
      Now the forward is putting those early lessons to good use, helping propel Everton to the top of the Premier League and himself to the top of the goalscoring charts.
      He became the first Toffees player since Dixie Dean to score back-to-back hat-tricks — against West Brom and West Ham — and on Saturday the first since Tommy Lawton to score in the first four league games of the season.
      But it is a more recent Goodison great who is his current inspiration —assistant manager Duncan Ferguson.
      Calvert-Lewin said: “People have Duncan down as this big angry man but he’s a nice guy when you actually get up close with him.
      “In terms of on the pitch, he told me to back myself more, to believe in my strength and stature and maybe be a bit nastier.

      Heading is a good weapon to have in my armoury and I enjoy being a presence in the box.
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin

      “It’s a confidence thing. When I signed for Everton four years ago I was still learning and when you go under the lights of the Premier League you’re under a lot more scrutiny.
      “But once you realise you can do it, you start to do it more consistently and it becomes part of your game, which I think is what has happened with me.”
      Another attribute he is working on with Ferguson is his heading ability, as Saturday’s opening goal in the 4-2 win against Brighton showed.
      He said: “You could say heading is a dying art in football because a lot of games are now played tiki-taka on the grass.
      “But it’s a good weapon to have in my armoury and I enjoy being a presence in the box.
      “If you get the cross in there’s always a chance I can head it into the back of the net. We’re always quick to pigeon-hole players and say ‘he’s a targetman’ or a ‘spin-in behind man’.
      “But I think I can bring different aspects of the game and heading is one of my strengths.
      “If you hang the ball up, there’s a strong chance I’ll win it and that can bring a different outlet to the team and a different way of scoring.”

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      Calvert-Lewin has learnt a lot from another former Toffees No9 in the shape of Duncan FergusonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The front man knows his heading ability is a major strength in his gameCredit: AP:Associated Press

      A big turning point in Calvert-Lewin’s Goodison career came at the start of last season when he was given the No 9 shirt, vacated by Spanish flop Sandro Ramirez.
      He admitted: “That was a statement of intent for me.
      “There have been some exceptional players that have worn the No 9 shirt for Everton and I knew what it meant and what was required of me.
      “People were uncertain whether it was the right decision at the time but I’d like to think I’ve proved them wrong and now I wear that shirt with pride.”

      Gareth Southgate announces England squad with Foden and Greenwood out but Saka, Calvert-Lewin and Barnes in More

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      England trio Chilwell, Sancho and Abraham left out of Wales clash but will NOT be fined despite breaking Covid-19 rules

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      ENGLAND trio Jadon Sancho, Ben Chilwell and Tammy Abraham have been left out the squad for Thursday’s friendly with Wales.
      The high profile stars flouted coronavirus rules to attend Abraham’s packed 23rd birthday bash at his London mansion on Saturday but they will escape police action.

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      Tammy Abraham and Ben Chilwell have been left out of England’s squad to face Wales

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      Jadon Sancho will also miss out after the trio flouted coronavirus rules and attended Abraham’s birthday

      Around 20 friends and family were gathered at the surprise party for the Chelsea striker with pictures showing no social distancing among the group.
      Gareth Southgate is furious at the latest Covid gaffe by members of his squad and will warn the entire group about their future conduct.
      Coronavirus rules ban people from mixing in groups of more than six, with fines of up to £10,000.

      But the Metropolitan Police will not be investigating the ‘rule of six’ breach further.
      A statement today read: “As a matter of course the MPS [Metropolitan Police Service] is not investigating COVID-related issues retrospectively.
      “Where we become aware of a breach occurring, officers will seek to engage, explain and encourage people to follow the rules, only enforcing as a last resort.
      “Where alleged breaches are brought to our attention after the event, officers will not have not had the opportunity to engage, explain or encourage, and those involved will not have had the opportunity to respond positively to that process – as most people do.

      “Therefore, it would not be appropriate or an effective use of resources in most circumstances to investigate or pursue enforcement.

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      Birthday boy Tammy Abraham dancing among guests on Saturday

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      Abraham folds over laughing as Chilwell grins at the camera

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      Singing Sancho belts out a tune as his face mask hangs around his chin

      “We encourage everyone to make themselves aware of, and to follow, the rules.”
      Despite the Met’s decision to drop the matter, FA chiefs will continue to investigate having told the three to stay away from the Three Lions’ St George’s Park base on Monday.
      The entire England squad will be tested for coronavirus again today in line with Uefa rules but the trio will not be in attendance.
      An FA statement yesterday said: “As a precaution to understand if there is any risk to the wider group, the arrival of Tammy Abraham, Ben Chilwell and Jadon Sancho will be delayed.
      “This is to allow time to gather further information of a social gathering that all three players reportedly attended over the weekend.”
      Footage from the party, following Chelsea’s 4-0 win over Crystal Palace in which left-back Chilwell scored, surfaced on social media.
      One video shows Chilwell, 23, laughing with team-mate Abraham after spotting him chatting to a blonde.
      Striker Abraham is filmed alongside his girlfriend, Leah Monroe, as a group of about 20 sing Happy Birthday.
      Borussia Dortmund winger Sancho, 20, – who has since issued an apology – is seen dancing in a crowd with a mask around his chin.

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      Chelsea team-mates Abraham and Chilwell on the pitchCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Jadon Sancho plays as a winger for Borussia DortmundCredit: Rex Features

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      The footballers’ breach of Covid rules comes as a headache for Gareth SouthgateCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Southgate left two other young stars, Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood, out of the squad for breaching Covid protocols with two Icelandic beauties last month.
      A source close to Abraham said of the party: “He genuinely had no idea it was going to happen. He and Sancho didn’t drink alcohol.
      “It was family and very close friends only — and they even did temperature checks on arrival.”
      Abraham said: “I arrived home to find a small surprise gathering.
      “Though I was totally unaware this was planned, I would like to wholeheartedly apologise for the naivety shown for the organisation and attending of this gathering.
      “All I can do now is learn from it, apologise to everyone and ensure it never happens again.”

      Piers Morgan slams Abraham, Chilwell and Sancho for breaking Covid rules and tells Southgate to AXE England trio More

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      Crystal Palace flop Frank de Boer set to be named as Holland manager to replace Ronald Koeman after Barcelona switch

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      HOLLAND are on the verge of appointing Frank de Boer as their new manager, according to reports.
      The Oranje have been on the hunt for a new boss since Ronald Koeman jumped ship for Barcelona last month.

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      De Boer will sign a two-year deal to manage the OranjeCredit: Reuters

      Koeman’s assistant Dwight Lodweges took interim charge for the last round of Nations League matches.
      But the Dutch FA have now found their man.
      According to De Telegraaf, De Boer will sign a two-year deal – with the option to extend it for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

      The 50-year-old was assistant to Bert van Marwijk as Holland reached the final of the World Cup in 2010 and he subsequently had a successful stint as Ajax boss between 2011 and 2016.
      But English football fans will largely remember De Boer as the manager who failed to win a single game during a 77-day spell at Crystal Palace in 2017.
      The Eagles thought they had made quite a coup when they appointed the legendary defender, despite his similarly brief spell at Inter Milan after leaving Ajax.
      It ended in disaster, however, with Palace losing all four of his Premier League games in charge without scoring a single goal – before Roy Hodgson was brought in to steady the ship.

      De Boer then pitched up at Atlanta United in 2018, but endured a disappointing spell with the then-MLS champions, leaving in July of this year.

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      The Dutchman had a disastrous brief spell at Crystal PalaceCredit: Rex Features

      The former Barcelona star has landed the job after being named on a three-man shortlist following Koeman’s departure for the LaLiga giants.
      Frank Rijkaard was a strong candidate – although was not interested in a return to football following seven years out of management.
      And Peter Bosz decided that he wanted to honour his contract with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

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      De Boer assisted Bert van Marwijk at the 2010 World CupCredit: EPA

      Frank de Boer sacked by Crystal Palace after just 77 days More