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      Jack Grealish stopped by England security at St George’s Park as they didn’t recognise Aston Villa star

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      JACK GREALISH’S first day with the England squad got off to an awkward start after he was briefly denied entry by security.
      The Aston Villa midfielder, 24, joked he had trouble getting in after not being recognised at the gates of St George’s Park.

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      Jack Grealish is gearing up for England’s Nations League clashes against Iceland and DenmarkCredit: Rex Features
      Grealish – who was called up to the Three Lions senior side for the first time on Monday – admitted his entrance wasn’t what he was expecting.
      The England media team shared a clip of the midfielder, who was wearing full Aston Villa training gear, getting out of his cab outside the England training ground.
      Speaking as he got out, he said: “Hello, yeah, I’m finally here.
      “At the front then they were like, ‘Who? Who?’ for about like five minutes.

      “They went are you with the under-21s? I said, ‘Nah, I don’t think so!?'”
      HIT THE ROAD JACK
      Despite the security blunder, Grealish will be hoping he can do enough to make Gareth Southgate notice him and make his debut in either of the Nations League clashes against Iceland or Denmark.
      In an exclusive interview with SunSport, Grealish said he will ensure he remains part of the England squad after five years of being overlooked.
      He said: “I don’t want to be on the outside looking in again. But I know for that to be the case I’ve got to make a good impression.

      “It’s been a long time coming but this is something I’ve always wanted to do.
      “I thought it was going to happen five years ago when I took the decision to play for England. I’m so pleased it’s finally happened.

      “My plan has always been to just get in that England squad for the first time, then make sure I do enough to stay in there.
      “The hardest thing is getting your first call-up.
      “Once you are in the squad, it’s up to you to make sure you either do enough in the training sessions or games.”

      England players return to training as the Three Lions prepare to take on Iceland More

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      Finland vs Wales: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Uefa Nations League

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      WALES make their return to international action as they take on Finland in the Uefa Nations League.
      Last time Ryan Giggs’ men played international football they ran out 2-0 winners over Hungary to confirm their place at the European Championship.

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      Gareth Bale is back in action with WalesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Opponents Finland will be at the Euros for the first time next summer after qualifying from their group in second behind Italy.
      What time does Wales vs Finland kick off?
      Finland take on Wales on Thursday, September 3.
      The match kicks off at 7.45pm – 9.45pm local time.
      It will be played behind closed doors at the Olympiastadion in Helsinki.
      What TV channel is Finland vs Wales on and can I live stream it?
      Finland vs Wales is live on Sky Sports Main Event.
      Coverage commences at 7pm – 45 minutes before kick-off.
      To stream the game live, head to your Sky Go account.
      Non-Sky Sports subscribers can still watch all the action with a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.
      Viewers wanting to watch in Welsh can catch all the action FREE on S4C.
      Team news
      Centre-back Paulus Arajuuri will miss out for the hosts through injury.
      Meanwhile HJK Helsinki defender Daniel O’Shaughnessy has been named in the squad after choosing to represent Finland over Ireland.
      Aaron Ramsey, David Brooks and Tyler Roberts are all out injured for Wales.

      However Gareth Bale is set to play as he looks to put his troubles at Real Madrid behind him.
      Harry Wilson, Daniel James and Hal Robson-Kanu are also expected to start.
      Latest odds
      Finland 11/5
      Draw 2/1

      Wales 27/20
      *Odds from Ladbrokes correct as of Wednesday, September 2. More

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      Germany vs Spain: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Uefa Nations League

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      THE Uefa Nations League begins with two giants going toe-to-toe as Germany host Spain.
      Joachim Low’s Germany side finished bottom of a group with France and Holland in the last iteration of this tournament and would have been relegated to League B but for a change in format by Uefa.

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      NINTCHDBPICT000520463484Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Visitors Spain were edged out by England for a place in the 2019 finals and will face Switzerland and Ukraine along with the Germans this time.
      What time does Germany vs Spain kick off?
      Germany take on Spain on Thursday, September 3.
      The match kicks off at 7.45pm UK time – 8.45pm local time.
      It will be played behind closed doors st Stuttgart’s Mercedes-Benz-Arena.
      What TV channel is Germany vs Spain on and can I live stream it?
      Germany vs Spain is live on Sky Sports Premier League.
      Coverage commences at 7.40pm – five minutes before kick-off.
      To stream the game live, head to your Sky Go account.
      Non-Sky Sports subscribers can still watch the match with a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.
      Team news
      Chelsea fans will be hoping to get a glimpse of new signing Timo Werner and imminent arrival Kai Havertz.
      And their changes of doing so are markedly improved by the fact that no Bayern Munich or RB Leipzig players will take part in the game following their Champions League exploits.
      The only exception to this is Bayern’s Niklas Sule, who missed the European knockout stages and is looking for some game time after battling back from a long-term injury.

      Luis Enrique has named a fairly youthful squad including the likes of Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, Eric Garcia and Oscar Rodriguez.
      But Leeds fans are likely to see their £36m new signing Rodrigo in action.
      Adama Traore had been called up for what would have been his first senior Spain appearance, but he has tested positive for coronavirus and is unlikely to play.
      Latest odds
      Germany 7/5

      Draw 23/10
      Spain 15/8
      *Odds correct as of Wednesday, September 2 More

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      Adama Traore tests positive for Covid-19 as Wolves winger withdraws from Spain squad

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      ADAMA TRAORE became the latest Premier League star to test positive for coronavirus and was forced to withdraw from the Spain squad, according to reports.
      The Wolves winger, 24, was hoping to earn his first senior international cap for Luis Enrique’s side.

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      Adama Traore has reportedly withdrawn from the Spain squad for their Nations League double header after contracting coronavirusCredit: Reuters
      Now it looks as though he will not only miss Spain’s two Nations League matches but the opening fixture of the new Premier League season as well.
      That is because, according to Marca, he contracted Covid-19 and therefore will need to self-isolate for 14 days.
      Traore was due to fly out to Spain to link up with his Spanish team-mates but the positive result meant he was not allowed to go.
      Uefa have strict protocols in place to try and reduce the risk of the disease spreading despite players travelling across the continent.

      However, it is thought if Traore returns a negative test today he will be given the green light to go.
      Spain have already had to deal without Mikel Oyarzabal following his positive result.
      It looks to be another hammer blow for the Wolves speedster who impressed at Molineux last season, racking up six goals and 12 assists.
      That saw him attract plenty of transfer attention both from within the Premier League – spearheaded by Liverpool and Manchester City – and abroad, including from former club Barcelona.

      However, Traore – who also remains eligible to represent Mali – is still waiting to make his Spain debut.
      He was called up to the squad last November but had to pull out due to an injury he picked up the day after being selected.
      Spain face Germany on Thursday and then Ukraine on Sunday in their double header while Wolves begin their new season with a trip to Sheffield United on September 14.

      Wolves star Adama Traore shows off incredible ripped physique as he works out at home More

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      Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs backs Dan James to bounce back next season after hitting form with Wales

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      RYAN GIGGS is adamant Dan James can rediscover his best form at Manchester United – by shining for Wales this week.
      James, 22, made just one Premier League start following lockdown and that was United’s returning game at Tottenham on June 19.

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      Daniel James slipped down the ranks at Old Trafford as Mason Greenwood enjoyed a stunning breakthrough – but can regain his progressCredit: Reuters

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      Ryan Giggs believes Wales winger Daniel James has the perfect attitude to take big steps forward when he returns to Man UtdCredit: AFP or licensors
      Red Devils’ boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appeared to lose faith in James, whose Old Trafford career started with a bang, scoring three goals in his first four games.
      James has just scored once more in his next 42 club games and he spent most of the season resumption on the bench following the emergence of Mason Greenwood. 
      But Giggs believes Wales’ Nations League double-header against Finland and Bulgaria can be just the tonic for flying winger James to regain his confidence ahead of the new season when United kick-off against Crystal Palace on September 19.
      Giggs said: “Sometimes the players that don’t necessarily play all the time for their clubs, it gives them a chance to get some minutes, try and get some form to go back to their clubs and show them what they can do.

      He was not playing regularly near the end of the season but in the long run that can help and improve you.
      Ryan Giggs on Daniel James

      “Perhaps DJ is in that camp. United start a week later but DJ will turn up fit and raring to go, I’m sure.
      “He’s a player I know well. He had a really good start to his United career but he was not playing regularly towards the end of the season but sometimes in the long run that can help and improve you.
      “DJ has always been great when he has come into camp.”
      Giggs gave ex-team-mate Solskjaer a glowing reference before United signed James in a £15million deal from Swansea last summer.

      The Wales boss had already handed the wideman his international debut in a friendly defeat against Albania in November 2018.
      But the Old Trafford legend believes James has the right mentality to bounce back and showcase his talents at club level once again.
      Giggs will need James to be at his best after the Dragons chief suffered four withdrawals to his squad on Sunday night; Aaron Ramsey, David Brooks, Ashley Williams and Tyler Roberts.

      Giggs added: “His rise has been pretty quick over 18 months, two years.
      “He was out of the team. You might not like it and you might want to be involved. You can have a different perspective of things.
      “Knowing Dan, the way that he is a professional and wants to improve, trains well and his attitude I am sure he will be better for it.” 

      Inside Bale’s millionaire lifestyle in Madrid, with a £6.5m home, £230,000 Ferrari and golf on his doorstep More

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      Gareth Bale finally smiling again on Wales duty after months of misery frozen out at Real Madrid

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      GARETH BALE was all smiles as he trained with Wales – a real contrast to the doom and gloom of life in Spain.
      The Real Madrid superstar has been frozen out by Zinedine Zidane at the Bernabeu, playing just 100 minutes of their previous 12 games.

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      Gareth Bale looks a different man away from his Real Madrid saga as he jokes with Wales team-mate Chris Gunter in trainingCredit: Alamy Live News

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      Relaxed=looking Gareth Bale knuckles down to practice at the Vale Resort in Hensol, Wales ahead of two Nations League gamesCredit: Alamy Live News

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      Gareth Bale and his Real manager Zinedine Zidane have a difficult relationship, with the ex-Spurs star barely playingCredit: Getty – Contributor
      But Bale linked up with Ryan Giggs’ Wales on Sunday and was seen laughing and joking with his team-mates at their Vale of Glamorgan HQ on the outskirts of Cardiff.
      Wales are preparing for their Nations League double-header against Finland in Helsinki on Thursday and Bulgaria at home three days later.
      And Bale will be glad to get the chance to get back on the pitch for the Euro 2020 finalists following his Madrid woes.
      FOUR PLAYERS PULL OUT
      Giggs put his squad, including Bale and the returning Hal Robson-Kanu, through their paces in the first training session of the week on a sunny morning in the Welsh capital.

      It was the first time the Manchester United legend has been on the grass with his players since qualification was secured for the Euros last November due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
      And Giggs admits he has not been in touch with Bernabeu chief ZZ about the 31-year-old.
      He said: “I haven’t spoken to Zidane.

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      Ryan Goggs says he has not spoken to Gareth Bale’s Real boss Zinedine ZidaneCredit: Alamy Live News

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      Playing for Wales is something of an escape for Real Madrid’s Gareth BaleCredit: AFP and licensors
      “My French and Spanish isn’t too good. That’s my way out of that one.

      “I know Zidane’s English isn’t very good from experience.”
      Wales will need record goal scorer Bale firing despite his limited game time at club level after Giggs was dealt a hammer blow when four players pulled out of his squad late on Sunday night.

      The Welsh FA revealed Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey, Bournemouth winger David Brooks and Tyler Roberts of Leeds all have injuries.
      While experienced defender Ashley Williams, 36, who is without a club at present, also withdrew due to personal reasons.
      That forced Giggs to call up Ben Woodburn and Brennan Johnson as a result.

      Inside Bale’s millionaire lifestyle in Madrid, with a £6.5m home, £230,000 Ferrari and golf on his doorstep More

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      Iceland furious as Premier League stars Gylfi Sigurdsson and Gudmundsson miss England Nations League clash

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      ICELAND are fuming after their two Premier League stars refused to play against England.
      Everton’s Gylfi Sigurdsson and Burnley’s Johann Berg Gudmundsson have made themselves unavailable for the Uefa Nations League clash in Reykjavik next Saturday.

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      Midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson has opted to stay with Everton, whose Premier League opener is against Spurs on September 13.Credit: Rex Features

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      Ex-Charlton ace Johann Berg Gudmundsson snubbed Iceland vs England even though Burnley do not play until September 19Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The midfield duo will also miss Iceland’s trip to Belgium three days later.
      Iceland coach Erik Hamren said: “Due to their situation at the clubs, they have chosen not to come.
      “They have been honest with me and told me the situation they have and the reason they have taken this sad decision.
      “They really wanted to play for Iceland and are not feeling good but still need to do it.

      “Of course I am not happy with this. I have to accept it.”

      If I look at the individual situations, I can understand. But I have glasses for the team and, as I said, I am not happy.
      Iceland coach Erik Hamren

      Sigurdsson, 30, has decided to stay with Everton, who face Spurs in their Premier League opener on September 13.
      Gudmundsson, 29, has opted not to play — although Burnley’s game against Manchester United has been postponed.
      The Clarets do not play until a trip to Leicester on September 19.

      Iceland will be without their five best players next weekend.
      Former Cardiff star Aron Gunnarsson has been blocked from travelling under new Fifa rules by his Qatari club Al Arabi, while Augsburg’s Alfred Finnbogason also made himself unavailable and Copenhagen ace Ragnar Sigurdsson is crocked.
      Swede Hamren, who named Millwall attacker Jon Dadi Bodvarsson in his squad yesterday, added: “If I look at the individual situations, I can understand.

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      Ex-Cardiff midfielder Aron Gunnarsson was blocked from travelling by his club Al Arabi under new Fifa rules Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Millwall winger Jon Dadi Bodvarsson is in a weakened Iceland squad to take on EnglandCredit: Alamy Live News
      “But I have glasses for the team and, as I said, I am not happy.
      “Many people in the world have and are still having tough times with this Covid virus so I have no rights to complain.”
      England will be keen to avoid another upset by Iceland, who knocked them out of Euro 2016 in Nice.
      Assistant coach Freyr Alexandersson said: “Gareth Southgate has done a fantastic job with this team and they will show up with their strongest squad. That is good.
      SOUTHGATE’S NIGHTMARE
      “We want to play the best at their strongest. That’s how we learn.”
      But the game is also proving to be a nightmare for Three Lions’ boss Southgate.
      Five of his squad tested positive for Covid-19, although some are expected to have recovered and be ready to report for training at St George’s Park on Monday.
      Southgate will make a final decision over who to withdraw tomorrow.

      This includes Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, who is likely to miss out with an ankle problem.
      England fly to Reykjavik on Friday for the match at 5pm on Saturday.
      They will remain there for an extra day before heading to Denmark on September 7 for their clash 24 hours later.           More

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      Harry Maguire DROPPED from England squad for Nations League after being found guilty of assault in Mykonos brawl trial

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      HARRY MAGUIRE has been axed from the England squad in a dramatic U-turn – less that six hours after being picked by Gareth Southgate.
      The Manchester United captain, 27, was found guilty of aggravated assault, resisting arrest and attempted bribery following a clash with police in Mykonos.

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      Harry Maguire was originally included in the England squad but later dropped by Gareth SouthgateCredit: PA:Press Association
      He was surprisingly included in the Three Lions squad on Tuesday afternoon for their upcoming Nations League matches against Iceland and Denmark on September 5 and 8.
      That was despite the team being announced just hours before the end of his trial in Greece.
      After the verdict, just before 8pm, Southgate eventually revealed Maguire had been cut him from the squad.
      The England boss said: “In light of this evening’s developments, I can confirm I have withdrawn Harry Maguire from the England squad for the matches against Iceland and Denmark.

      “As I said earlier today, I reserved the right to review the situation. Having spoken to Manchester United and the player, I have made this decision in the best interests of all parties and with consideration of the impact on our preparations for next week.”
      Eyebrows were raised when the Three Lions gaffer included the Red Devils skipper in his 24-man team.
      Speaking in a press conference earlier on Maguire’s call-up, Southgate revealed: “It is clearly a decision that is not straightforward and a decision that in the end I could only take on the information I have.
      “I have spoken with Harry, I have the insight to the story which is very different to what is being recorded.

      “You can only make decisions on facts you are aware of.

      The England centre-back was found guilty of aggravated assault, attempted bribery and resisting arrest following the Mykonos brawl
      SOUTHGATE U-TURN
      “If facts or information changes I will have to review that decision, but I have a fantastic relationship with the boy, he has been a fantastic character for us – he has my support at this moment.
      “I’m not going to get into hypotheticals of what might happen, but I have got to reserve the right to review if further information becomes available.
      “You always make decisions to the best of your ability given the information you have.
      “People may agree or disagree with those decisions, but it is a position where every manger finds himself.
      “Harry regrets the fact he has brought that sort of focus and attention to the team – he apologised for that – but also has his own side of the story.”
      Maguire was handed a 21-month suspended prison sentence as he avoided both jail and a fine.
      But his club Manchester United immediately launched a passionate defence of their centre-back, who signed from Leicester for £85million a year ago, and confirmed an appeal will be lodged against the verdict.
      What we know so far:
      The Old Trafford club said: “Manchester United notes the verdict of the Greek court today.
      “Harry Maguire pleaded not guilty to all of the misdemeanour charges made against him and he continues to strongly assert his innocence.
      “It should be noted that the prosecution confirmed the charges and provided their evidence late on the day before the trial, giving the defence team minimal time to digest them and prepare.
      “A request for the case to be adjourned was subsequently denied.
      “On this basis, along with the substantial body of evidence refuting the charges, Harry Maguire’s legal team will now appeal the verdict, to allow a full and fair hearing at a later date.”
      Maguire released his own brief statement where he declared he and his family are the real victims.
      He said: “Following the hearing, I have instructed my legal team with immediate effect to inform the courts we will be appealing.
      ⚠️Click here for the latest news on Harry Maguire

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      He played a crucial role for the Three Lions in their run to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2018Credit: Alamy Live News

      “I remain strong + confident regarding our innocence in this matter – if anything myself, family + friends are the victims. #MUFC”.
      His brother Joe and pal Chris Sharman, who stood trial alongside him, were given suspended sentences of 13 months after also being found guilty.
      Maguire – who replaced Ashley Young as Manchester United captain in January – is due to return to competitive action for the Red Devils when their season starts on September 19 against Crystal Palace.

      Gareth Southgate names Harry Maguire in England squad for Nations League after Man Utd star apologised to team-mates over Mykonos brawl More