UEFA Nations League

GARETH SOUTHGATE has explained Tom Heaton’s role in the England squad.The third-choice Manchester United goalkeeper has linked up with the Three Lions ahead of Euro 2024.Gareth Southgate invited Tom Heaton to join the England squad for the EurosCredit: GettyHeaton has three caps for the Three LionsCredit: GettyHeaton, 38, will not be a part of the playing squad in Germany but instead will be supporting the team’s goalkeepers.Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson were the final three to make Southgate’s final squad.The head coach insisted that Heaton will provide an “invaluable role” on the training pitch.He said: “I am really pleased Tom has agreed to join us in Germany.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Experience tells us that a tournament can put a lot of demand on our goalkeeping group led by Martyn Margetson.”Tom will play an invaluable role on the training pitch supporting Jordan, Aaron and Dean.”Off the field, as someone we all know well, he will add to the positive environment we are always looking to create.”We are grateful to Manchester United for their support in making this happen.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHeaton has won three England caps during his long career that has seen him play for the likes of Burnley, Aston Villa as well as Cardiff City.He insisted he was “honoured” to be invited into the squad as a training goalkeeper.England’s new Wags set to take Euro 2024 by stormHe said: “Incredibly honoured to be asked by Gareth to join the squad.”To get the call to go to a major tournament, to help in anyway I can, and pass on my experience is a proud moment.”We have a great squad, I’m excited and can’t wait to join the group.”He does have international tournament experience as he was a part of the Euro 2016 and 2019 Natiuonas League Finals squads.Tom Heaton’s careerHere’s all you need to know about his career:
Clubs:

Man Utd (2002-2010)
Swindon (2005/06 loan)
Royal Antwerp (2006 loan)
Cardiff (2008/09 loan)
QPR (2009 loan)
Rochdale (2009/10 loan)
Wycombe (2010 loan)
Cardiff (2010-2012)
Bristol City (2012/13)
Burnley (2013-2019)
Aston Villa (2019-2021)
Man Utd (2021-present)

Honours: 

League Cup (2023)
Championship title (2016)
Championship runner-up (2014)

International:

England – 3 caps

EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

A FORTUNE teller who uses asparagus to predict the future says she knows who will win Euro 2024 after being given a sign.Jemima Packington — the world’s only asparamancer — claims she can peer into the future by tossing spears in the air and reading the shapes they make when they land.Jemima Packington is a fortune teller who uses asparagus to see into the futureCredit: SWNSShe has made a bold prediction on who will win Euro 2024Credit: SWNSShe has correctly predicted Brexit, Queen Elizabeth’s death and Harry and Meghan quitting the Royal Family.Now, the 67-year-old has revealed that England will end 58 years of hurt by winning Euro 2024.She tipped Gareth Southgate’s men to go all the way in Germany after revealing the asparagus told her: “It’s Coming Home.”Jemima told Manchester Evening News: “I have had lots of people asking me how England might do at the Euros so I have been analysing the spears very closely. Read More in Euro 2024″And they keep pointing to three words in particular – It’s Coming Home.”England fans every right to be positive and optimistic if the spears are anything to go by. I can also see Harry Kane being very strong. He is going to be worth watching and is going to come into his own this tournament.”She added: “The spears keep giving positive readings. England are going to do very well and I think we will see us winning it. “Watch this space. As for Scotland, no comment.”Most read in Euro 2024Some of her 2024 predictions have already come true including a return to active politics for a former leader ahead of Nigel Farage becoming head of Reform.She also said events in the Middle East would reach “breaking point” and a public figure will be outed as having profited from illegal actions- a possible nod to Donald Trump.Jemima uses fresh Worcestershire asparagus grown in the Vale of Evesham – the UK’s main supplier of the vegetable.Harry Kane reveals his ‘perfect outcome’ before heading off to EurosAnd she says that her predictions tend to have a success rate of between 75-90 per cent and she is “never usually far off”. She began fortune telling as a child after inheriting the gift from her aunt who used to read tea leaves.Jemima added that her “technique has not changed” and she still casts the asparagus spears before interpreting the patterns in them. She continued: “Seeing the patterns for me is instantaneous, possibly that is because I’ve had years of practice.”I am usually about 75-90 per cent accurate with my predictions. I go through my predictions each year and think: ‘Yep, that’s happened, yep, that’s happened.’ “Occasionally I get one slightly off, where I haven’t quite read it correctly, but I’m never far off.They keep pointing to three words in particular – It’s Coming Home.Jemima PackingtonToday, Gareth Southgate’s England squad were pictured boarding their flight to Germany for Euro 2024.The Three Lions hopefuls will be hoping to go one better than they managed last time out, when they suffered heartbreak by losing to Italy in a penalty shootout final at Wembley.Southgate, who has refused to say whether this will be his last tournament in charge, went bold with his 26-player squad selection.Favourites such as Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish were left out, while it will be a debut tournament for the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer and Adam Wharton.Those selected to shoulder the nation’s hopes of winning a first major international tournament since 1966 met up at St. George’s Park on Sunday.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
And on Monday afternoon they set off to their five-star Golfresort Weimarer Land base camp, near to east-German town of Blankenhain, which the FA have reportedly paid £800,000 for.England kick off their tournament on Sunday June 16 against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.The Three Lions will then play Denmark in Frankfurt on June 20 before the final group game against Slovenia in Cologne on June 25.But since a strong qualifying campaign ending in November, England have not been in ideal form going into the tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIESMarch saw England lose 1-0 to Brazil and draw 2-2 to Belgium.England then landed their first win of 2024 against Bosnia Herzegovina on June 3 with a 3-0 victory, before being stunned 1-0 by Iceland last Friday. More

PRINCE Louis’ advice to the England squad has been revealed by his dad William – as he gave the team a royal send-off before Euro 2024.Wills, who is President of the FA, visited the squad at St George’s Park to wish them good luck before they jet off.Prince William meeting England manager Gareth SouthgateCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceHe posed for a squad photo before the Three Lions jet off to the continentCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceThe prince with skipper Harry KaneCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceHe revealed Prince Louis’s advice for the playersCredit: AFPThe Prince of Wales chatted to Three Lions boss SouthgateCredit: PAThe Prince of Wales during a visit to St George’s Park todayCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceThe Prince of Wales chatted to Three Lions boss Southgate before presenting shirts to each of the squad members.William told the players how his children had offered them a hilarious piece of advice.He said: “I was on the school run this morning with the children and I asked them what I should say to you today.”The best bit of advice I got to ask you was to eat twice as much as you normally eat.Read more Sports News”I don’t have visions of all of you running around with massive red tummies and getting stitches on the pitch.”So I think maybe take my youngest’s kind of advice with a pinch of salt.”England skipper Harry Kane jokingly said: “I don’t think our nutritionist will be happy with that advice.”Schools from across the Midlands have also been invited to St George’s Park to attend a festival of football during which schoolchildren will play friendly fixtures against each other.Most read in Euro 2024William attended England’s games in Euro 2020, which took place in Euro 2021 due to Covid, but gave the Qatar World Cup a miss.Back home, pubs are stocking up for a summer soccer spectacular as the nation stands ready to roar on our boys.England’s new Wags set to take Euro 2024 by stormEngland arrive among the favourites but Southgate will be praying for a return to form after Friday’s dismal Wembley send-off when they lost 1-0 to Iceland.Their remote but luxurious base set in 350 acres of glorious countryside – with three golf courses and a spa – is seen as the best soccer HQ of any Euros team.Southgate will start putting players through their paces on the hotel’s own Wembley-quality training pitch tomorrow as the team gears up for Sunday curtain raiser against Serbia.The team’s hotel is near the central German town of Blankenhain – and civic officials were due to hand every player “welcome bags” containing wine, crackers – and dumpling broth.Germany’s national team had training at the hotel before England’s arrival.Bayern Munich star Thomas Müller was revealed to have left a note for club teammate Harry Kane.The message was said to have wished the Three Lions striker “all the best” adding “great conditions, very friendly people – and sometimes it even rains”.Jill Scott and Josh Denvel caught up with the players before they boarded the coach at around 2pm.The team were seen in an all-black outfit as they boarded.READ MORE SUN STORIESSome stars including Kane, Ollie Watkins, Declan Rice and Aaron Ramsdale were seen grabbing a hot drink.Other stars, such as Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze and Mainoo, were caught up with after signing some autographs for fans.Former Lioness Jill Scott caught up with the squad before they boarded their coachPlayer of the Year Phil Foden joined the team in their black-out attireCredit: GettyBellingham linked up with the team after winning the Champions League last weekendCredit: GettyScott, Prince William, Ollie Watkins and KaneCredit: PAWills even had a kick about during his visit ahead of the EurosCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceWilliam’s pep talk in full

Guys, I was just thinking on the way here what I would say today. Some of you have heard me speak before, some of you are new to the setup.
I thought, what can I offer to all of you and your experienced team here, Gareth – what can I say that could help you in any way?
I was on the school run this morning with the children and I asked them what I should say to you today.
The best bit of advice I got to ask you was to eat twice as much as you normally eat.
I don’t have visions of all of you running around with massive red tummies and getting stitches on the pitch.
So I think maybe take my youngest’s kind of advice with a pinch of salt.
Tournament football, it’s a big deal. All of you have had fantastic seasons.
I’ve seen every single one of you play this season. You’ve all done amazingly well.
As some of you know way better than anyone else in this room, tournament football is brutal.
It requires a lot more than you’ve already given. You’ve had a long, long season as it is, and we’re going to ask you to go again
It’s going to be difficult. It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be challenging.
It’s going to be everything that you’ve ever dreamed of, you know, wearing that English shirt.
I think you’re going to have to draw on all the experience you’ve had playing club football.
I think the biggest thing I’ve learned from coming and seeing you guys over the years in the dressing room I’ve been into is the togetherness.
What Gareth has instilled in all of you over the years, I really feel you’re a unit.
You fight for each other. You play for each other. And you really care about putting that shirt on.
And I just want you guys to know how much it means to everyone back here.
You go out there. Give your all. Play for the shirt. Play for each other. Play for the country.
Because everyone’s behind you. We really care about what you’re going to do.
And I think you need to know also, you know, the England team has a target at the back.
Everyone wants to beat us. So when you step on that pitch, you’re going to be, you’re going to want to be, you know.
And you guys have got all the talent in the world. You’re a great squad, but talent alone won’t win us the tournament.
And so whatever you can do, draw on those experiences in other parts of your life, growing up, other inspirations, other people, family members.
Whatever it is, you know, get that in you right now. Build up on it. Pump yourself up.
Because, you know, you never know when you might need it in the future. 
But listen, I’m rambling. I wish you all the best. I really do. I’ve been watching you some games.
I won’t get to say what I do at home, watching some matches. But we get very much into it. We really enjoy it.
And yeah, just best of luck, guys. Bye. Thank you. More

CRISTIANO RONALDO was surprisingly BENCHED in Portugal’s penultimate Euro 2024 warm up match against Croatia.And the bold call from manager Roberto Martinez looks to have backfired as a lacklustre Portugal lost 2-1 to Luka Modric’s inspired side.Cristiano Ronaldo was benched in Portugal’s defeat to CroatiaCredit: APRonaldo was an UNUSED sub, with defender Pepe not back from injuryCredit: AFPLuka Modric, 38, opened the scoring in the Lisbon friendlyCredit: APGoals in each half by Modric and Ante Budimir gave Croatia a historic first win over the Euro 2016 winners in eight matches.Ronaldo had only joined the Portuguese national team camp the day before the match in Lisbon, so Martinez may have been resting him. But Ronaldo did not get off the bench, meaning he’s received zero minutes for Portugal since March’s 2-0 defeat to Slovenia. The five-time Ballon d’Or has had to get used to being benched in recent years.read more euro 2024He was dramatically dropped for Portugal’s round of 16 tie against Switzerland at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Pepe took up the captain’s armband in Ronaldo’s absence, and replacement striker Goncalo Ramos netted a hat-trick in the 6-1 win.He was again benched in the quarter-final exit to Morocco, but was brought on at half-time with Portugal trailing 1-0.The 39-year-old is set to make a record sixth appearance at Euro 2024.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRonaldo was heartbroken after suffering an injury in the Euro 2016 finalCredit: AP:Associated PressInternational football’s all-time top goalscorer with 128 goals, Ronaldo helped Portugal win the Euros from the sidelines in 2016.After an early injury left him in tears against France, he spent most of the additional time on his feet in the technical area with his knee bandaged up.Watch Cristiano Ronaldo pour his heart out in love song as fans say ‘he’s not only the greatest footballer of all time’ Yet he inspired his side to victory from the side-lines, after issuing his own instructions behind then coach Fernando Santos.Portugal has only won one game inside 90 minutes throughout the tournament, which came against in the semi finals against Wales.Aside from that, Portugal drew their three group games against Iceland, Austria and Hungary and beat Croatia in the last-16 with an extra time winner from Ricardo Quaresma.Portugal have one more friendly — against Ireland on Tuesday — before they start Euro 2024 against the Czech Republic on June 18.How Portugal have performed at the Euros with Cristiano Ronaldo
CRISTIANO RONALDO has been a model of longevity for more than two decades in an outstanding international career.
Euro 2004
After making his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo’s first Euros came in 2004.
Ronaldo marked his Euro debut with a goal in a 2-1 defeat to Greece – his first for Portugal.
He scored his second in the semi-final win over the Netherlands, but Portugal met Greece again in the final, losing 1-0 in shock result.
Euro 2008
Ronaldo was Portugal captain four years later but Euro 2008 was the least impactful tournament he’s had.
There was still time for a standout performance, though, as Ronaldo scored once and set up two more in a group-stage win over the Czech Republic.
Euro 2012
Playing at Real Madrid at the time, Ronaldo was the top goalscorer at Euro 2012, with three goals, including a brace in the group stage against the Netherlands.
Portugal’s quarter-final against Czech Republic was heading towards a stalemate with 10 minutes to go and they needed a special moment from him.
His powerful header in the dying minutes took Portugal to the semi-finals where they lost on penalties to Spain.
Euro 2016
Ronaldo scored three goals in Euro 2016, with Portugal crowned CHAMPIONS after defeating France 1-0 in extra time in the final.
After suffering an injury inside the opening 16 minutes against France, he was forced to watch from the sidelines.
Yet the Portugal captain became a cheerleader, and helped coach his team-mates to the historic victory.
He matched Michel Platini’s record of nine goals by the end of Euro 2016.
Euro 2020
Ronaldo made history again with FIVE goals at Euro 2020, the most of any player at a Euros.
Yet it was arguably Portugal’s least exciting affair, as they exited in the Round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.
With his goals in this tournament, Ronaldo became the top goalscorer at the European Championship with 14 goals. More

GERMANY players have reportedly been left SHOCKED by Gareth Southgate’s decision to axe Jack Grealish from England’s Euro 2024 squad. Grealish, 28, was one of seven players who failed to make the cut as Southgate trimmed his 33-man squad down to 26 on Thursday.Germany squad has reportedly been left stunned by Jack Grealish’s omission from England’s Euro 2024 squadCredit: Sunday TimesEberechi Eze, 25, who currently boasts three international caps, was given the nod ahead of the three time Premier League winner.The Crystal Palace forward was viewed as a fringe choice for the squad but managed to sway Southgate with his performances this season.And now it is claimed that members in the Germany squad were amazed by Eze’s inclusion over ex-Aston Villa captain Grealish.The Independent reports that many members of Die Mannschaft were “stunned” when they saw the England squad heading for Germany.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt also claimed Grealish was seen as a player who “provokes fear in opposition when he runs at them” and that they do not feel the same about Eze.Grealish is considered to be one of the most popular players in the dressing room and the country.In fact, ex-Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic said that it is “good news” for Serbia that Southgate has ditched Grealish and Marcus Rashford.Matic wrote on X: “I would like to have players like Rashford and Grealish in the team. Players who can decide the game with one move! Not selected is good news for us.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Manchester City star joined James Maddison, Harry Maguire, Curtis Jones, Jarrel Quansah, Jarrad Branthwaite and James Trafford in being sent home early by Southgate.And while Maddison and Maguire have voiced their disappointment, Grealish has not yet made a public statement regarding his exit.Southgate speaks out after England humbled by Iceland ahead of EurosThe £100million winger was reportedly left “stunned and upset” following his axe.And it’s said that one senior player even approached the Three Lions boss to better understand the reasoning behind the decision.Reports suggest that there was no heated row or argument between the player and Southgate, and that the star was seeking an explanation to pass on to the rest of the squad.The squad as a whole were said to have been left shocked by the decision with a number of teammates heading to Grealish’s room after he had been informed of the manager’s decision.This is a bold changing of the guard from Southgate… he’s never been afraid to be ruthless
GARETH SOUTHGATE has made a habit of taking ruthless calls during his eight years as England boss, writes Dave Kidd.
And his decision to axe Jack Grealish, as well as James Maddison, is further evidence of the Three Lions chief being unafraid to take big decisions with big-name players. 
Harry Maguire is also among the seven players left out for the squad to travel to Germany for the Euros, although the decision to omit the Manchester United centre-back is based on his failure to recover from injury. 
Southgate is, more than ever, picking on form.
Attacking midfielders such as Eberechi Eze, Jarrod Bowen, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon have been rewarded with call-ups for their excellent Premier League form, while Marcus Rashford, Maddison and Grealish all get the chop.
While the England boss is often regarded as an over-cautious nice guy, he took big decisions in getting rid of the likes of Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Chris Smalling at the start of his reign. 
Southgate also jettisoned Raheem Sterling last year after the Chelsea man had been a regular starter throughout most of his reign. 
And Jordan Henderson was left out of the 33-man preliminary squad having been a stalwart for Southgate throughout his previous three tournaments.  
Grealish has been a cause celebre for England fans – who have often accused Southgate of holding an agenda against him. 
But he has struggled for game-time with Manchester City all season, just as Maddison has been off-form since returning from injury at Spurs.
This is a bold changing of the guard from Southgate, who has relied heavily on Maguire, Henderson, Sterling and Rashford throughout his time in charge, while Grealish and Maddison are both popular flair players who fully expected to make the 26-man party for Germany.
Burnley keeper James Trafford, the Liverpool duo of Curtis Jones and Jarrell Quansah and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite make up Southgate’s seven-man cull along with Grealish, Maddison and Maguire.  More