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      Gareth Southgate handed huge England injury boost as ALL 26 stars train ahead of Euro 2024 opener

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      ENGLAND have trained for the first time since arriving in Germany for the European Championships.And Gareth Southgate’s troops have given him a huge boost ahead of their tournament opener.England arrived in Germany for Euro 2024 on Monday night and had their first training session at the Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld on TuesdayCredit: THE FAGareth Southgate was sweating on the fitness of five players just a few days agoCredit: GETTYBut all 26 players took part in the team’s first training sessionCredit: GETTYBukayo Saka was one of the five injury concerns Southgate but took part in the sessionCredit: REUTERSLuke Shaw was also a doubt but looked to be in tip-top conditionCredit: REUTERSThe Three Lions were put through a wide array of drills and stretches during the open workoutCredit: REUTERSSkipper Harry Kane led from the front during the sessionCredit: THE FAJude Bellingham was all smiles – as he was for most of the 2023/24 seasonCredit: GETTYOne of the young fans in attendance showed their support for BellinghamCredit: ReutersThe Three Lions touched down in Germany on Monday night to begin their pursuit of the Henri Delaunay Trophy.England – who will be looking to go one better than their appearance in the Euro 2020 final – have set up base camp at the luxury Spa and Golf Resort Weimarer Land in the small town of Blankenhain.And they’ve wasted no time preparing for what they hope will be a successful five-week-long campaign.They held their first training session at the Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld in Jena on Tuesday afternoon.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSAnd Southgate was given a much-needed boost as his entire squad took part in the session.Southgate was reportedly sweating on the fitness of FIVE players ahead of England’s Group C opener on Sunday night.It was claimed that Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, John Stones, Luke Shaw and star midfielder Jude Bellingham were all injury concerns.The Telegraph reported the quintet would all have to be checked over ahead of their clash with Serbia.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHarry Kane led by example during the sessionCredit: REUTERSGareth Southgate was on hand to give his skipper instructionsCredit: GETTYPhil Foden, Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainno go through the motionsCredit: GETTYThe mood was a jovial oneCredit: THE FAEven Southgate found the time to have a laughCredit: REUTERSFormer Tottenham team-mates Kane and Kieran Trippier have a chuckle with SouthgateCredit: THE FAKane was at one point floored by laughterCredit: AFPEngland’s hopes of winning the tournament will hinge on Bellingham replicating his Real Madrid formCredit: PABut the Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid stars all took part in the first training session.England’s hopes of ending their 58-year wait for a trophy will likely depend on Bellingham replicating the scintillating form he had in his debut season with Real.Harry Kane reveals his ‘perfect outcome’ before heading off to EurosBut Southgate has warned his troops they can’t rely on the 20-year-old to fire them to glory.He said: “I’m sure he will but it is not his responsibility to do that.“It is for all of us to get the focus right, to make sure our mentality is right and make sure we’re working on the areas that need to be better than against Iceland.“We are not putting everything on Jude.“We’ve got a lot of good players and it is a collective thing to go and try to win this tournament.“If we are relying on one person, that isn’t going to be a team that wins.”Southgate took England to the brink of Euro glory three years ago, guiding his side to the final at Wembley.But the Three Lions suffered heartache as they lost on penalties to Italy.Southgate believes his current crop of stars have what it takes to go one better in Germany.The 53-year-old, however, has admitted he likely won’t be in charge of the team if they come up short again.He told Bild: “If we don’t win, I probably won’t be here anymore.“Then it might be the last chance. “I think about half of the national coaches leave after a tournament – that’s the nature of international football. “I’ve been here for almost eight years now and we’ve come close. READ MORE SUN STORIES”So, I know that you can’t keep standing in front of the public and saying ‘please do a little more’, because at some point people will lose faith in your message. “If we want to be a big team and I want to be a top coach, then you have to deliver in the big moments.” More

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      Inside Ollie Watkins’ meteoric rise from non-league football and lads’ holidays to England Euro 2024 star

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      NINE summers ago Ollie Watkins went on a lads’ holiday after helping to save Conference South side Weston-Super-Mare from relegation.Now he’s in Germany as part of the England squad trying to win Euro 2024 after helping Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League.Ollie Watkins is looking to fire England to Euro 2024 gloryCredit: GettyThe star was playing for Weston just nine years agoWatkins was instrumental in securing Champions League football for Aston VillaCredit: ReutersHe has now headed out to Germany after sealing his place on the plane for Euro 2024Credit: GettyWatkins arrived on the Somerset coast as a teenaged striker on loan from League Two Exeter in December 2014.His 10 goals in 24 league games were a big factor in stopping Weston from slipping into the sixth tier for the first time in their history and in giving them something to celebrate on a post-season trip to Spain.But it was also his workrate and attitude that earned him the respect of the dressing room, and helped him take the first significant steps on the road to stardom.Ryan Northmore, boss of Weston at the time, said: “His goals saved the club from relegation. But he contributed much more than his goals, which is really important when you’re scrapping away for your lives.READ MORE ON EURO 2024“He wasn’t just sat at the top of the pitch waiting for the ball to come. He would roll his sleeves up and get involved in all aspects of the game.”Among Watkins’ team-mates at Weston was Tom Jordan, son of former Leeds, Manchester United and Scotland striker Joe.Jordan said: “He always struck me as the kind of lad who had his eyes wide open to different aspects of the game.Sometimes you would have loan lads come in from a League club to non-League and they would be looking at you like they were doing you a favour.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“His attitude was very different. He was coming in thinking, ‘I’m going to learn from this experience’.“I was one of the older lads in the dressing room. Even when you were giving him basic messages about how you wanted him to perform in your team, he was receptive to it.Former England and Arsenal star Jack Wilshere picks his Euro 2024 Dream Team“He had respect for the lads and we had respect for his abilities.”Those abilities were obvious from Watkins’ very first game for Weston.Days after arriving from Exeter with close friend Matt Jay, he starred in a crucial game against Farnborough.Northmore said: “For an 18 year old to come in as our No 9 was a big responsibility.“Ollie was right up for it. He had a big grin on his face. That’s what I think he craved: to have that responsibility.“On the Tuesday night we had Farnbrough at home. They were down in the dumps with us. It was a six-pointer in December. Ollie got off to a flier.”Watkins came on in the 50th minute with the score at 2-2. Farnborough took the lead soon afterwards, but the teenager grabbed the equaliser and Weston snatched a late winner to seal a crucial victory.Northmore said: “Ollie hadn’t even trained with us yet but after the impact, the group really got around him and Matt and were really pleased to have them on board.”Watkins scored some vital goals as Weston went on a great run that all but secured safety before March.Northmore said: “Ebbsfleet had their Kuwaiti owners and one of their players was on the same money that we had for our full first-tam budget.“We nicked a 1-0. Ollie ran his socks off all night, got one chance and slotted it in the bottom corner.“Centre forwards can sometimes expect the team to play for them and rightly so.“But he also puts the hard yards in and is willing to play for the team.“It was really important in times like that when we were the underdog, when we needed someone with the character and the quality to give some kind of hope.“That’s what he became in the end, the player that the senior players were looking up to and looking after.”Jordan added: “He would go long spells in matches where he would be doing the ugly side of the game: chasing down clearances, coming back to defend corners and set-plays, and not having much of a glimpse of goal.“But he was very clinical when he got his couple of chances, left and right foot.“On the counter or breakaway, he was the perfect outlet for us.”It was during Watkins’ spell at Weston that the then Walsall boss Dean Smith spotted him.Smith would later take the striker to Brentford and bring him to Villa, where he has reached new levels under current boss Unai Emery.The Villa manager has praised Watkins’ desire to learn and improve every day, the key quality that also shone through all those years ago.Both Northmore and Jordan have watched with pride and pleasure as Watkins has made his way up the pyramid, all the way to a top-four finish in the Premier League and international honours with England.Jordan, now a personal trainer and grassroots coach, said: “I go down with my son to watch Bristol City a fair bit and I remember seeing Ollie with Brentford down there.“You could see a change in him physically but also in his contribution without the ball.“I remember saying to my lad, ‘Watch Ollie Watkins. Watch how hard he works,’ and messaging Ollie after the game and saying how impressed I was, considering he had moved on from playing in front of small crowds to playing at Ashton Gate.“He seems to be continually improving because I think he is a bit of a sponge.Dean Smith is one of the forwards biggest fans and signed him several timesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd“Now it’s England representation and all the things he’s doing at the moment. It’s a credit to his attitude and workrate.”Watkins has never forgotten the part that Weston played in his rise to the top.One of his Villa shirts is on display there, he has spoken to young players coming through and happily tells the local press how important and enjoyable his time at the club was.And he even helped fund an end-of-season boys’ trip to Spain due to his fines for being late – although he was allowed to join the rest of the squad.Northmore, who is now head of football at an international school in Singapore, said: “It helped his transition from youth to senior football.“We never talked about him being on the road to being a Premier League or England striker.“It made Ollie go: ‘OK, I’m at Exeter and my career might go one of two ways.’”“He was a Weston player, and no disrespect to that level of football, it’s not glamorous.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That served as a motivation to go back to Exeter and to maximise every day in training and really focus on developing his talent.“It really did fit into the idea of arriving as a boy and leaving as a man.”EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

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      Wales to hold talks on Rob Page’s future after fans turn on under-fire boss

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      ROBERT PAGE will hold crunch talks with his Wales bosses as he battles to save his job.The Dragons boss is under increasing pressure following last week’s embarrassing goalless draw with Gibraltar and the 4-0 hammering by Slovakia on Sunday night.Page has two more years left on his contract but match-going fans have turned on the managerCredit: ReutersThe Wales boss now faces talks with chief executive Noel Mooney, president Steve Williams and technical director Dave AdamsCredit: GettyPage looked a resigned figure after the Trnava thrashing.And he apologised to angry fans before saying, “If the powers that be decide I’m not the one to lead them forward then that’s their decision.”The 49-year-old was booed off by the travelling Red Wall after each June match.He will now talk with Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney, president Steve Williams and technical director Dave Adams to determine the next step.read more in footballWhen asked if the disastrous friendly results would have a bearing on his future, Page said: “I’m the wrong person to be asking.“Only the board, the chief executive, the president, the technical director – that’s a question for them.“After camp, we have a conversation with Dave, Steve and Noel. Of course we’ll have those conversations.“One way or the other, we will decide on what’s right for Wales and move forward.”Most read in FootballPage said he felt “low” and knows the fans want him out.Following their Euro 2024 qualification failure, Page was backed by the FAW within 24 hours.Jack Wilshere, Jurgen Klinsmann and Gordon Strachan pick their ultimate Euro 2024 Dream TeamThree months ago FAW president Steve Williams said: “The FAW can confirm Rob Page is their manager for the forthcoming campaign in accordance with his contract.”Rob is the manager. His contract runs to the end of the World Cup and that is how we continue to work.”But the recent games with Gibraltar and Slovakia means Page, 49, now faces a fight to keep his job.He tried to used the friendlies to blood youngsters such as Lewis Koumas, 18, Charlie Crew 17 and Fin Stevens, 21.Page was without several senior players including captain Aaron Ramsey, vice-captain Ben Davies and Harry Wilson with the bulk unavailable through injury.He will use the talks to press his case for the future with his intention to stay on, starting with Wales’ Nations League home clash with Turkey on September 6.Page has two years left on his deal as the FAW review the camp – as they do with every international break.Page is the only manager to have led Wales at two major tournaments.He added: “The form coming into it has been all right but when you draw against Gibraltar and you get beaten with the goals we have tonight, questions are going to be asked. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I completely understand that.“I’m just focused on what I need to do. This camp served its purpose – to play a different formation – and we plan now for September.” More

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      Gareth Southgate admits if England don’t win Euro 2024 he’ll ‘probably be gone’ and accepts fans will ‘lose faith’

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE is in the last chance saloon for glory with England at the Euros.Southgate jetted into Germany for his fourth major tournament as boss.Gareth Southgate thinks he could leave the England job if they do not win the EurosCredit: RexHis deal is up later this year and FA chiefs want him to stay.Yet Southgate, 53, admitted: “If we don’t win, I probably won’t be here anymore.“So maybe it is the last chance. I think around half the national coaches leave after a tournament — that’s the nature of international football.“I’ve been here almost eight years now and we’ve come close.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“You can’t constantly put yourself in front of the public and say, ‘A little more please,’ as at some point people lose faith.“If we want to be a great team and I want to be a top coach, you must deliver in  big moments.”England, who flew from Birmingham to Erfurt, train for the first time on German soil today in front of 12,000 local fans in the city of Jena.Southgate’s squad will prepare for Sunday’s opener against Serbia at their remote Weimarer Land Golf and Spa resort.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSouthgate has reached a World Cup semi and quarter-final — as well as losing the Euro 2020 final to Italy on penalties.He added: “We have great depth in the squad, especially offensively. The team has developed since the last World Cup.”Inside England’s stunning five-star Euro 2024 base with robot waiters that will cost £800,000Talking to German paper Bild, Southgate was asked if winning can heal the wounds of his Euro ’96 penalty miss against Germany at Wembley.He said: “For the boys I played with then and also for Terry Venables, who passed away last year, this was their chance.“I also don’t think it was the fault of those in 2021 who missed penalties against Italy.“I used to have this stupid idea that 1996 was entirely my fault. But you just have this feeling inside you, which will probably never change.”Southgate has also warned England fans that playing fantasy football will not win the Euros.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      SunSport columnist Harry Redknapp has led calls for Southgate to take off the handbrake.But Southgate snapped: “People would like fantasy football. Very few teams play that. The successful ones have balance.”On claims he is too cautious, Southgate told ESPN: “I don’t think that anybody would say that was the case in Qatar or in qualification.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We haven’t always clicked but we haven’t held people back.“Yet if you get killed  in transitions,  then the coaches get killed for being naive.”EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

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      England captain Harry Kane says team are hungry for Euros success after pep talk from Prince William

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      ENGLAND skipper Harry Kane said the team are hungry for Euros success after they had a pep talk from Prince William.But he laughed off a suggestion by Prince Louis that the team should eat double portions of food to achieve it.Prince William joins Gareth Southgate and the England squad before they jetted out to Germany to prepare for their first game of Euro 2024 on SundayCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceThe Prince presented every member of the squad with a box containing a special shirt to be worn in the tournamentCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceThe England squad in official M&S smart casual wearWills posed for a snap with the England squad — with Gareth Southgate’s men also unveiling an official photo in casual cargo trousers, polo shirts, tees, shirts and bomber jackets made by M&S.As FA President, the Prince of Wales was a regular at Wembley during the last Euros in 2021 and is set to jet to Germany to back the Three Lions this month.He delivered off-the-cuff advice to Southgate and his 26-man squad at St George’s Park yesterday as they prepared to fly out ahead of Sunday’s opener with Serbia.He said: “I was on the school run this morning with the children and I said, ‘What shall I say to the England team? I’m seeing them today’. The best bit of advice I got was to eat twice the amount you normally would eat.READ MORE ON THE THREE LIONS“So I then had visions of you running around, massive great tummies and loads of stitches on the pitch. So maybe take my youngest’s advice with a pinch of salt, particularly around the physio team.”Laughing off six-year-old Louis’ suggestion, Bayern Munich striker Kane, 30, said: “We’ve got to be careful with that. I don’t think a nutritionist was too happy with that advice — but it’s great to have Prince William here.“He’s such a big supporter and has been to a few camps before the major tournaments. It just gives us extra motivation.”Every member of the squad was then presented with a box containing a special shirt to be worn in the tournament.Most read in FootballIt also featured the history of the number they would be wearing and a personalised reminder of how they fell in love with the game as youngsters.Kane’s included a picture of him as a boy with the Ridgeway Rovers Football Club logo — and the words, “Harry Kane: All time goalscorer”.England stars land in Germany ready to be whisked to luxury Euro 2024 base as Kane and Co look to lead nation to gloryRovers is the club in Chingford, East London, where he played as a boy.Prince William, who is an Aston Villa fan, plans to travel to Germany to watch the Three Lions when they take on ­Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia in Group C.Captain Kane said: “He loves it. He’s a big football fan, his kids are obviously big fans as well, now. We know how much it means to the country, to the fans — and that’s everyone from the Royal Family to the shopworkers.“The whole nation comes together and we feel a responsibility to try to make them proud.“The only way we can do that is to go out and give everything for this badge we wear.”Wills joined Southgate, Kane, Villa striker Ollie Watkins, 28, and former Lioness Jill Scott, 37, at St George’s Park’s David Beckham Pitch to watch a tournament played by local school children.William told some of the kids he was “never good at ­scoring”, so often played in defence.Lines of police vansLater, the England squad took off from Birmingham Airport for the 90-minute flight to Erfurt in central Germany. Security was tight at the airport for their arrival.Lines of police vans appeared, plus heavily-armed cop teams and a military helicopter. Hundreds of locals turned up to welcome the squad. The biggest roars were saved for Kane and Real Madrid midfield ace Jude Bellingham, 20.The crowd serenaded Kane with a chant of “Harry, Harry, Harry”.Many were convinced that England have a better chance of lifting the trophy than Germany.Jackie Williams, 47, from Erfurt, said: “Germany have improved lately so they do have a chance but England have the best players.”England have spent £800,000 booking out the entire 94-room Weimarer Land Golf and Spa resort — set in 350 acres with three golf courses — in Blankenhain.READ MORE SUN STORIESResort bosses have installed every UK TV channel in every room to ensure the pampered players do not miss a second of their favourite shows — including Love Island.Star midfielder Declan Rice, 25, said the reality show is required viewing. He also revealed every player has a ­PlayStation games console. The Three Lions remain 3-1 favourites to win Euro 2024, ahead of France and Germany.Harry Kane laughed off a suggestion by Prince Louis that the team should eat double portions of food to satisfy the squad’s hunger for successCredit: APWills joined Southgate, Kane, Villa striker Ollie Watkins and former Lioness Jill Scott at St George’s Park’s David Beckham Pitch to watch a tournament with local kidsCredit: PA More

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      How many penalties are taken in a shootout at Euro 2024?

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      EURO 2024 promises such high-octane drama that penalty shootouts sound almost inevitable.Who can ever forget England missing out on another major trophy during the final of Euro 2020 when they lost an intense shootout to Italy at Wembley?A penalty shootout still consists of five spot-kicks for each teamCredit: AlamyEngland will prefer to avoid another dramatic penalty shootoutCredit: GettyThe Three Lions never liked penalties as they have lost a staggering six out of nine attempts throughout their long World Cup, Euro and Nations League history.No one promises Gareth Southgate’s side won’t have to go through their 10th shootout in Germany, which is the country that has caused them a lot of hurt throughout the years.If England or any other side at Euro 2024 find themselves in a penalty shootout – SunSport has all the details you need…How many penalties are taken in a shootout at Euro 2024?Each team will get five spot-kicks against their opponent’s goalkeeper.Read More on FootballIf the procedure ends in a draw then both teams move on to sudden death.Sudden death rules dictate that every player from each team will have to take a shot until a victor emerges.The five players who took on a penalty kick can’t shoot again during sudden death unless all their other teammates have a go and a winner is still not crowned.Of course, no penalty shootouts will occur during the group stages of the European tournament.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat is something that is reserved for the knockout stages, starting in the Last 16.England’s fiercest penalty rivals Germany, Portugal and Italy have all made it to the Euro 2024 finals.Scotland given boost ahead of Euro 2024 as major rule change takes step forwardThe Three Lions have lost twice to each one of them throughout the years.The national team has only beaten Colombia, Spain and Switzerland.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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      Make sure you follow Euro 2024 office sweepstake rules – there’s a way you could be fined £5k or end up in prison

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      EURO 2024 office sweepstake entrants could be breaking the law if they make very simple mistakes.With this year’s UEFA European Championship beginning in just days, sweepstakes will be enjoyed all across the continent.Those playing in office sweepstakes for Euro 2024 should be aware of the lawCredit: RexEngland kick off their Euro 2024 campaign this SundayCredit: APEuro 2024 will kick off on Friday when hosts Germany take on Scotland in Munich, and then it’ll end in Berlin exactly one month later when 24 teams will have been whittled down to two to contest the final.Many office sweepstakes will be set up by workers getting behind each of the European nations involved.Sweepstakes are a type of lottery, which means customers pay to enter and gain the chance to win a prize based on chance. If you’ve played before you will know that you typically pick names at random out of a hat.Read More in FootballEach player is hoping their assigned team will make it all the way to the end of the tournament as champions to take a prize, which is usually a pot of money raised by all players.But while many of us have taken part in sweepstakes in the past, it’s likely you have never given a single thought to whether it is legal.In fact, setting up an illegal lottery could land you in hot water, resulting in 51 weeks in prison or a £5,000 fine.Ahead of all the excitement, solicitors Poppleston Allen have revealed the rules you should be aware of to ensure you are fully compliant while running the wager.Most read in Euro 2024The law for what is allowed is governed by the Gambling Act 2005, with the Gambling Commission publishing guidance on the regulations surrounding fundraising, raffles and lotteries.In the new post-pandemic world of work, remote working employees who enter your sweepstake could be breaking the law.The draw must be done physically at the business premises – which means if you’re working from home, you can’t participate unless you go into the office to partake in the draw.Euro 2024 – Prince William gives England team a royal send-off before Southgate’s 26 hopefuls jet off to GermanyAll players must also work at the same physical offices – so that means the London office can’t participate in the Manchester office’s draw, for example.You cannot run sweepstakes across multiple offices, say the legal experts.Proceeds can be used for charitable purposes, or given to participants as prizes.The promotion/customer lottery must only be advertised on work premises, not online.Likewise, the lottery must only be promoted by those working in a single set of offices.There must be a winner, as monies cannot be rolled over to another game and participants must pay the same price for each ticket.It is also important to note that the rights attached to the ticket cannot be passed on to another person once purchased.Organisers can deduct reasonable expenses from the proceeds to cover the cost of prizes and tickets.A Poppleston Allen spokesperson said: “Ultimately, it is a criminal offence to run an illegal lottery and you could face prosecution. “The maximum punishment for breaches is 51 weeks in prison or a £5,000 fine.“However, the rules are straightforward and easy to follow. But if you’re unsure of a situation regarding office sweepstakes, please feel free to contact any of the Poppleston Allen licensing solicitors – and may your chosen team make it to the final!”PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      England take on Serbia at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen in western Germany this Sunday.But while it will be the chance for Gareth Southgate’s men to lay down a marker as one of the favourites to win the Euros, the match could be the centre of hooliganism for many fans.Their opening clash with Serbia has been identified as one of the four “high-risk” matches in the group stages of the tournament this season.Following the Covid pandemic and the winter Qatar World Cup, this tournament presents the first chance for a new generation of supporters to follow England at a major tournament.Approximately 1,600 known troublemakers were forced to surrender their passports for the duration of Euro 2024.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, there is a real and genuine threat of rival fans wanting to confront their English counterparts in Germany – especially by the Serbians.Serbian hooligans have built a reputation as some of the most violent football fans in the whole world.Gareth Southgate will take the handbrake off at Euro 2024… because he has no choiceBy Charlie Wyett
      GARETH SOUTHGATE will have no choice but to take the handbrake off his England team at Euro 2024.
      The defensive crisis gripping the Three Lions means the only option in Germany, within ­reason, will be outright attack.
      Southgate has often been lambasted for his safety-first approach — even if he points out you must go back to Walter Winterbottom’s sides in the 1950s to find an England manager with a better scoring record.
      But with the crocked Harry Maguire left out, Luke Shaw not fit enough to start the tournament and John Stones having made just 12 ­Premier League starts this season, this is not a defence you would stake your life on.
      The last time England went to a major tournament in Germany — the 2006 World Cup — the four centre-backs selected were Sol Campbell (68 caps), Rio Ferdinand (47), Jamie Carragher (25) and John Terry (24).
      This time, when England fly out on Monday, the quartet will be Lewis Dunk (six), Joe Gomez (14), Marc Guehi (ten) and Ezri Konsa (three).
      It makes Southgate’s decision not to recall the 49-cap Eric Dier for his ­provisional squad even stranger — especially considering his strong end to the season with Bayern Munich.
      The elder statesman in his defence — and the one who absolutely has to stay fit — is 71-cap Stones.

      Credit: The Sun More

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      Gareth Southgate explains Tom Heaton’s role after Man Utd star, 38, joins England squad at Euro 2024

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      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

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