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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

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      Eden Hazard ‘to miss Real Madrid’s LaLiga opener’ with ankle injury after ‘annoying’ club by jetting off on Belgium duty

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      EDEN HAZARD is set to sit out Real Madrid’s LaLiga opener after failing to recover from an ankle injury.
      Going without their star winger for Sunday’s match at Real Sociedad will give Los Blancos further reason to be unhappy with him.

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      Eden Hazard is enduring another spell on the sidelines ahead of Real Madrid starting their title defenceCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Reports of discontent at the Bernabeu have grown in recent weeks, following Hazard’s difficult first year in Spain.
      A series of injuries and poor form restricted the former Chelsea ace to 14 league starts and a single goal after his £150million move.
      According to Cadena Cope, Hazard’s latest setback means he will miss the weekend’s LaLiga opener.
      Madrid have put the 29-year-old on a special training regime to fix the ankle injury holding him back.

      It follows reports of angry Real bosses telling their forward to knuckle down after turning up for pre-season in poor shape.
      Only last week, Spanish media detailed how he needed at least two more weeks to get match fit.
      Despite his strict regime, Hazard jetted off to join Belgium’s Nations League camp.
      He did not play in either win over Denmark and Iceland.

      Eden Hazard steps up training after angering Real Madrid by returning from summer break overweight
      Yet he reportedly attracted criticism from those within his club who prefer that he focus on his recovery in Madrid.
      Real kick off their title defence in San Sebastian at 8pm on Sunday.
      Martin Odegaard could make his first appearance for the club in five years if he overcomes a knee knock, with Gareth Bale also a doubt. More

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      Icelandic beauty had to check Phil Foden’s Instagram to remember England ace’s name and jokes he owes her £55 for hotel

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      THE Icelandic beauty who spent the night with Phil Foden revealed she had to keep checking his Instagram while with him to remember his name.
      Foden and Mason Greenwood were sent home in disgrace last week after the pair evaded hotel security to meet up with Nadia Gunnarsdottir, 20, and Lara Clausen, 19, at England’s Reykjavik hotel – in a breach of strict Covid-19 protocols.

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      Lara Clausen and Nadia Gunnarsdottir recalled their night with the England pair in the hotel

      Lara Clausen – who admitted the Manchester City star left the hotel room VERY happy – confessed she struggled to remember his name.
      Speaking alongside her cousin Nadia Gunnarsdottir with Icelandic podcast host Solvi Tryggvason, Lara said: “I really never could pronounce and remember his name.
      “I sometimes needed to go back on Instagram because I had forgotten his name.”
      With the England stars unable to leave the team hotel, Greenwood asked Nadia to book herself into the £55-a-night Radisson Blu hotel England were staying in for the Nations League game and snuck up to the seventh floor to meet her along with Foden.

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      Foden and Greenwood were sent home in disgrace following the revelations

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      Nadia Gunnarsdottir, 20, met Greenwood on a dating app

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      Gunnarsdottir’s cousin Lara joined her and the England pair at the hotel
      They were later joined by Gunnarsdottir’s cousin Lara, who also paid for a room and even brought jelly babies for the England duo at their request.
      Lara explained how Manchester City star Foden had left their late-night rendezvous “very happy” but has yet to pay her back for her room despite promising to do so.
      Nadia said: “It was never planned that Mason would pay for my room.
      “Phil wanted Lara to come after I showed him Lara’s Instagram profile.

      “He immediately responded ‘I’m going to pay for the room, she must come!'”
      Lara added: “I spent £55 on the hotel room and gasoline.
      “I do not get paid a million (Icelandic Krona, £5,500) a month!”
      At which point Nadia said: “God, they get paid a lot more than a million each month.”

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      The pair told their story to Icelandic podcast host Solvi Tryggvason

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      Foden and Greenwood have both issued apologies for their actions
      Foden, 20, and Greenwood, 18, both issued apologies for their actions and were fined £1,360 for breaching Iceland’s own coronavirus regulations.
      Foden said: “Following the story which has emerged regarding my actions in Iceland, I want to make a full apology.
      “I apologise to Gareth Southgate, to my England team-mates, to the staff, supporters, and also to my club and my family.
      “On this occasion I made a poor decision and my behaviour didn’t meet the standards expected of me.
      “I breached Covid-19 protocols put in place to protect myself and my England colleagues.
      “I will learn a valuable lesson from this error in judgement and I wish Gareth and the team good luck this week.”
      Last night Foden was accused of attempting to meet up with another girl while on international duty with England under-21s last year.
      Man United forward Greenwood issued an apology through his club which read: “Having now had the chance to reflect on what’s happened, I can only apologise to everyone for the embarrassment I have caused.

      “It was irresponsible of me to break the Covid-19 protocols which are in place to protect players, staff and the public.
      “In particular, I want to apologise to Gareth Southgate, for letting him down, when he had shown great trust in me.
      “Playing for England was one of the proudest moments in my life and I only have myself to blame for this huge mistake.
      “I promise my family, the fans, Manchester United and England that this is a lesson I will learn from.”

      Icelandic beauty had to keep checking Phil Foden’s Instagram to remember his name and jokes he owes her £55 for hotel More