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      I had to pull out of a lads’ holiday to Magaluf… but days later I was scoring in England’s only EVER win in Brazil

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      SCORING for England for the first time. Against Brazil. In the Maracana.It was a life-changing experience.John Barnes and Mark Hateley became heroes for their double act in BrazilCredit: Bob Thomas Sports Photography – GettyHateley, second left, went on to match Paolo Rossi, Paolo Virdis and Ray Wilkins at AC Milan for hair flair, plus was the best of the bunch in the air!But not just for John Barnes — because another player registered his first senior international goal for the Three Lions in the 2-0 win on that famous night, which marks its 40th anniversary tomorrow.And, if anything, the impact on Mark Hateley was greater and more instant.Hateley, 62, recalled: “It was a crazy, crazy six weeks. Everything changed for me — from Second Division football to playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.”Within days of scoring the second goal in England’s only ever away triumph in Brazil, Hateley was on his way to join AC Milan from Portsmouth for a fee of £1.2million.READ MORE TOP STORIESIt was an astonishing turn of events for a young man who had defied his dad, Tony, a former top-flight striker for Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool, to drop down from First Division Coventry to play for Pompey. Hateley hit 22 goals in 38 league games for the South Coast club and caught England boss Bobby Robson’s eye with his exploits for the Under-21s.When the Young Lions won the European Championship in 1984, he scored six goals in the knockout stages and one in the second leg of the final against Spain.Hateley said: “I’d booked a holiday to go away with the lads. Magaluf, I think it was.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS“Sir Bobby gave me a call and asked me if I would like to go to South America as a precursor  to the World Cup qualifying campaign.“I was disappointed not to make the trip to Spain but out of the blue everything opened up for me.”Southgate speaks out after England humbled by Iceland ahead of EurosBefore flying across the Atlantic, Hateley made his senior debut as a substitute at Wembley against the USSR.A 2-0 defeat sparked chants of “Robson out”, with the Three Lions boss already under the cosh after failing to qualify for that summer’s Euros in France. Hateley thought he was going on the trip to learn the ropes but injury stopped Paul Mariner travelling, so the 22-year-old found himself making his first start for his country in the legendary Maracana Stadium.Brazil were fast out of the blocks and Peter Shilton made some good early saves.Hateley said: “It took us a while to get used to the surface.“It was bobbly underneath but if you look at the footage, you can’t really see the football boots because the grass was that long.“They seemed to be able to scoop the ball up off the floor very easily, like they were playing on the beach.”Robson’s team weathered the storm and in the final minute of the first half, Hateley rose high to win and control the ball, before sweeping it out to Barnes on the left flank.He said: “I am actually claiming the assist! I’m looking for the ball back, basically. Centre-forwards only ever lend the ball.“But Barnesy had such ability, he went past three or four players.“When we get to the edge of the box, I’m level with him looking for the little cutback and a side-foot into an open goal.Hateley later joined Glenn Hoddle at Arsene Wenger’s MonacoCredit: GettyGareth 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.

      Hateley poses with Neil Murray after Scottish Cup glory with RangersCredit: SNS“But Barnesy dropped his shoulder, put the goalkeeper on his backside and scored.“The only thanks I got from that was that I copped a right good elbow from Barnesy, right on my jaw, as he celebrated.”Such was the quality of Barnes’ goal that it has always overshadowed Hateley’s own magic moment, in the 65th minute.Hateley, who also shares his November 7 birthday with Barnes, said: “It was a good, old-fashioned centre-forward’s goal from a good, old-fashioned winger’s cross to the far post from Barnesy.“He just hung it up and said, ‘Get on the end of that!’”Brazil keeper Roberto Costa did not cover himself in glory, failing to stop Hateley’s header.The  home team, missing stars in overseas leagues, was hardly vintage. But the victory eased pressure on Robson and was transformative for Hateley.He said: “Ray  Wilkins signed for AC Milan in the Easter.“Two or three days after the Brazil game, he came to me and said, ‘Milan have contacted me — would you be interested  in joining them in the  summer?’“This was how young  and naive I was, I said, ‘I’ve got two years left, Ray, I don’t think Portsmouth will sell me’.“He said, ‘Apparently, that deal has already been done. It’s just about personal terms now.’“I said, ‘Yes, is the answer!’.”The targetman was a huge hero for PortsmouthCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHateley loved Milan and Milan loved Hateley.The header he scored to win his first derby against Inter is still talked about to this day.The self-confessed old-school British centre-forward learned plenty from boss Nils Liedholm, the former AC and Sweden striker and from Fabio Capello, then coach of the Primavera youth team, on how to play like a European No 9.The arrival of Silvio Berlusconi as club supremo led to Hateley leaving after three seasons. But a certain young manager named Arsene Wenger made the England frontman his first signing for Monaco in 1987.Playing alongside Three Lions team-mate Glenn Hoddle, Hateley helped the club become French champions.All was going well until he  suffered an horrific ankle injury in a European Cup quarter-final against Galatasaray in 1989.Hateley bounced back to become a legend at Rangers, where he won five Scottish titles and where he is about to resume the role of club ambassador.But his success can be traced to that night in Rio de Janeiro.Hateley added: “This is what I say to any young player, ‘You never know where you can be next week in the game of football’.READ MORE SUN STORIES“‘Always play like it’s going to be the last game you ever play. If you do that, you’ll never leave yourself short’. It completely changed my life.“And to be the last player to score in England’s only away win over Brazil? I’ll take that plaudit.”PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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      England stars will be served by ROBOT in German team colours at their luxurious Euro 2024 team hotel

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      A ROBOT in German team colours will serve England’s stars at their plush Euro 2024 team hotel.The real-life WALL-E named Kehrbart delivers meals to tables and even has a Deutschland motif and the squad number 24.Kehrbart the robot will serve the England team and staff at their team hotelEngland will be staying at the Weimarer Land Golf Resort and Spa in GermanyCredit: Darren FletcherEngland’s player suffered defeat to Iceland in a friendly on Friday nightCredit: GettyIt was previously called Robby but got a host nation makeover when the German team stayed there recently.And it has mischievously kept its new look for the arrival of old rivals England.Three Lions stars including Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham will fly to their tournament base tomorrow.And Kehrbart — thought to be a jokey German name for sweeper — was still in his home country’s colours yesterday as he prepared to greet Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad.READ MORE EURO 2024Sources quipped that it brought back memories of former England striker Peter Crouch’s famed robot goal celebration — also performed in a No24 shirt in 2006.One source told the Sun on Sunday: “Robby is usually a slate grey colour with flashing blue eyes and helps staff deliver plates and dishes.“But the German team stayed at the hotel recently so he was given a new look and new name to support them.“I’m not sure whether the England team will want to change his look when they arrive but a Three Lions shirt and an English name might be a good idea.Most read in Football“Perhaps Bobby the Robot after Bobby Moore?”The source added: “If Peter Crouch was still playing for England, he could do his famous robot dance goalscoring celebration with him.”Inside England’s stunning Euro 2024 hotel with golf course, spa and robot Kehrbart will help 160 staff at the 350-acre Weimarer Golf Hotel and Spa at Blankenhain, eastern Germany, which the squad will call home for up to a month.The droid says phrases in German including “Excuse me” and “Please let me get on with my work”.It works in the six gourmet restaurants in the hotel where England — who put in a robotic performance in Friday’s 1-0 warm-up defeat against Iceland — have sole occupancy of all 94 rooms.A squad source told us last night: “We’re looking forward to meeting our new robot friend. “We don’t have any plans to rebrand him but will let you know if that changes!”It has been suggested the robot could get renamed in honour of Peter Crouch, famous for his robot celebration, the ace seen in 2006Credit: In-Focus More

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      England rivals ‘can’t believe’ Jack Grealish was left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad

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      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

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      Wayne Rooney and Joe Cole name two England stars Gareth Southgate should have picked for Euro 2024 squad

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      WAYNE ROONEY and Joe Cole have named two players they feel should have made the cut for England’s 26-man Euros squad.The two England internationals were on punditry duty for Channel 4 as England fell to a drab 1-0 defeat to Iceland.Former England stars Wayne Rooney and Joe Cole both had suggestions as to who should be in the England squadCredit: GettyGareth Southgate initially named a 33-man squad before whittling it down to the final 26-man cut.The most notable omissions were Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish.Maguire was struggling with a calf injury, while Grealish misses out due to club form.Southgate said the Manchester City winger was “devastated” to find out he had missed the cut.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSIt has also been reported that a senior star approached Southgate to find out why Grealish had been left out, with the squad surprised by his exclusion.Cole said he had also been caught by surprise by Grealish’s exclusion.He said: “Maguire has been a stalwart, he’s had an injury. That’s what Gareth’s had to wrestle with.”Grealish coming out of the squad surprised me. He’s been such a focal point for so many years. Gareth thinks other players in his position are performing better.”Most read in Euro 2024Joe Cole was surprised by Grealish’s exclusionCredit: PAEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSRooney defended Southgate’s decisions but admitted he felt Jarrad Branthwaite had been hard done by to miss out.The Man Utd legend said: “The fans have been crying out for Gareth to make these exciting decisions.England boss Gareth Southgate axes stars from Euro 2024 squadWhat Southgate said about axed England stars
      WHAT Gareth Southgate said about his axed England stars after confirming his 26-man England squad for Euro 2024.
      Harry Maguire
      “The decision on Harry [Maguire] is totally about his physical condition and his recovery from the injury. There is no other reason as he is one of our strongest centre-backs.
      “Harry has made some progress, but it’s been complicated and we wouldn’t have had him in the group stages. There were too many hurdles to get through without being clear where we might get to.
      “Knowing we haven’t got a clean bill of health across the rest of the backline, we need players who are fit and ready to go from the start.
      “It was a really difficult call, you know how I feel about Harry, what he’s done for England and for me as a manager. ”
      Jack Grealish
      “I have just delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated.
      “I think the world of him as a kid.“It certainly doesn’t get any easier.
      “You put yourself in the shoes of a player, a parent. You understand that for these players this is a devastating moment.
      “We knew we had a couple of really difficult days coming up.”
      James Maddison
      “Madders [Maddison] and Jack [Grealish] would have provided us with something different as well and they’ve been tough calls.
      “They’re calls we’ve gone over and over and over as a group of staff to try to be fair and to try to use the right rationale.
      “We back our decisions but we recognise we could have gone a different route. The boys are big characters, fabulous team-mates and great boys to work with.
      “It’s sad to have to deliver that news to them.”
      Jarrad Branthwaite
      “It’s a bit early for Jarrad [Branthwaite]. He has had a fabulous season, it was good to get him on the pitch the other night.
      “But of course, in an ideal world, you’d like that balance of left-footers. For him to be in ahead of the others, I don’t think it would have been the right call at this stage.”
      Jarell Quansah
      “Jarell Quansah has stayed with us. He’s not had the experience of an England international at Wembley. It’ll be great for him to be us for the game.
      “Hopefully we’re not needing to call anyone else in.”

      “I would have liked to seen Branthwaite in the squad. He’s had an excellent season at Everton.”Joining Branthwaite, Grealish and Maguire in missing out were James Maddison, Curtis Jones, James Trafford and Jarrell Quansah.Rooney thinks Branthwaite should have been includedCredit: GettyPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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      Major Euro 2024 boost for England as they kick hosts Germany out of hotel with high end restaurant & THREE golf courses

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      THE England squad are all set to check inn to their fabulous Euro 2024 base — after Germany’s players got kicked out.The host’s flags have been taken down from the bar, with the Three Lions crest ready to greet our stars on Monday.England have secured a luxury hotel base for Euro 2024 – ahead of hosts GermanyCredit: Darren FletcherSun mascot Harry Mane was given a tour of the facilitiesCredit: Darren FletcherA bed of flowers formed in the flags of England and Germany were planted in the sumptuous gardensSecuring the top quality training base is great news for Harry Kane and coCredit: GettyGermany had eyed up the swish Weimarer Land Golf Hotel and Spa in central Germany as their tournament HQ and even set up a training camp there last month.But they were forced to leave to please their kit sponsors Adidas — and the FA seized the best base of any team. The staff were yesterday preparing to give Gareth Southgate’s boys a warm welcome in Blankenhain, with the hotel’s boss tipping them to win the tournament.Owner Matthias Grafe told The Sun: “The German team wanted to be based at my hotel but they have been obliged to work with their sponsors so we’re delighted to welcome England instead.READ MORE EURO 2024“I have always said I’m only interested in having one team here — the team that wins the Euros — and I believe that team will be England.”The FA snapped up the 350-acre resort — including a Wembley-quality training pitch and three golf courses — in a £800,000 deal in November.Hotel workers and FA officials were busily completing its new England look yesterday, as The Sun’s footie mascot Harry Mane was given a tour of the roarsome facilities.Players will stay in timber-clad rooms boasting pine forest views, and can enjoy a spa, play golf and swim indoors and out.Most read in FootballPictures of German stars such as Thomas Muller have all been replaced with those of English heroes including Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.German signs were removed from the media centre and training pitch, with an “England” banner now up.Jack Wilshere, Gordon Strachan and Jurgen Klinsmann answer quickfire questions ahead of Euro 2024The red, black and gold German flag colours and “Deutschland” motifs which had been emblazoned throughout the hotel bar have also been taken down.A bed of flowers formed in the flags of England and Germany were planted in the sumptuous gardens.Meanwhile, Germany have switched to a HQ in Herzogenaurach in southern Germany — the Bavarian home town of kit maker Adidas.England play their first game against Serbia next Sunday.The 350-acre resort includes a Wembley-quality training pitchCredit: German flags at the hotel have been removed ahead of England’s arrivalCredit: Darren FletcherThomas Muller and the German squad have had to find a new training baseCredit: Reuters More

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      England 0 Iceland 1: Lightning strikes twice as Three Lions head to Euro 2024 haunted by ghost of Euros past

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      JUST as England were dreaming about emulating 1966 and all that, here was a horrific reprise of 2016 instead. Gareth Southgate’s men, favourites to win the Euros with all good bookmakers, suffered the worst possible send-off to Germany as they were humiliated by their bogeymen from a volcanic island in the North Atlantic. Jon Dagur Thornsteinsson opened the scoring for IcelandCredit: GettyHis goal silenced the Wembley crowdCredit: ReutersRamsdale should have done betterCredit: AlamyHere was a result and a performance which exposed Southgate’s youthful squad selection as a high-risk folly.Forget all the ‘football’s coming home’ and ‘this time we’ll get it right’ malarkey, this was an absolute shocker at Wembley, which poured ridicule on ideas that England are ready to win their first major trophy in 58 years.England were not just beaten by Iceland – just as they had been in the match which toasted Roy Hodgson at Euro 2016 – they were lucky to avoid a hiding.The Iceland side of eight years ago were actually half-decent. The current lot are ranked 71st in the world and have not qualified for the Euros, yet they threatened to tear England to ribbons in the second half.READ MORE ON ENGLANDJon Dagur Thorsteinsson’s early strike, courtesy of blunders from Kyle Walker and Aaron Ramsdale, earned Iceland their win.But it was the way in which Iceland continually threatened the England goal in the second half which was most worrying of all.Southgate chose eight of the eleven who are likely to face Serbia in the Euros opener in Gelsenkirchen next Sunday – and they were woeful.The defence is naive and unbalanced, the midfield lacked spark and the forwards were completely devoid of composure.Most read in Euro 2024Kane should have scored from close rangeCredit: GettyBut England generally struggled to createCredit: AFPEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSIt can only be hoped that Jude Bellingham – rested after his Champions League triumph here last weekend – can spark England into life because this display made a mockery of their status as contenders for this crown.Harry Kane, who missed a glorious first-half chance here, has not played with Bellingham since October and England’s two main men need to rediscover their understanding for the clash with the dangerous Serbs.England line up for Euro 2024 announced in Three Lions squad video Phil Foden was given the chance to play centrally but faded badly after a bright start.Southgate can wear all the cream knitwear he likes in a bid to look cuddly, but he has been utterly ruthless in his treatment of established players in the build-up to this tournament.Jordan Henderson, Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, Harry Maguire have all been ditched, following on from Raheem Sterling being jettisoned after the World Cup.It is almost as if, for what is almost certain to be his last stand as England manager, Southgate is determined to torpedo the most common criticisms against him – too much loyalty, too much caution.The handbrakes-and-shackles brigade have found a different line of attack.Suddenly, it’s reckless Southgate, a man who has thrown caution to the wind and ending up having his house blown down.There was a horrible early scare when John Stones fell awkwardly under a challenge from Thorsteinsson and appeared to injure his ankle.With Maguire already out, Stones has now taken on ravens in the Tower status. If he goes, Southgate’s kingdom collapses.Southgate will be left with more questions than answers after this gameCredit: RexBut after a minute’s panic, Stones was back on his feet.England were playing some lovely stuff, especially Foden who was revelling in centre stages, and yet suddenly after only 12 minutes, Iceland were ahead.Played onside by Marc Guehi, Thorsteinsson cut inside Kyle Walker and drilled a shot which beat Aaron Ramsdale at his near post.It was poor from the Manchester City captain but even worse from Arsenal’s reserve keeper. For the indispensability of Stones, read the indispensability of Jordan Pickford.Still, Southgate’s men continued to do most of the attacking, although a wayward shot and then a poor cross from Anthony Gordon stopped them in their tracks and left some pining for super Jackie Grealish.Declan Rice closed down keeper Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson, forcing him to pass straight to Cole Palmer, whose shot was blocked.Next, Palmer delivered a sweet centre from the right but Kane shinned over a volley from six yards.It was time for the Viking Thunderclap to ring out from the away supporters’ section, causing anyone who was in Nice eight years ago to break out in a cold sweat.And before half-time, it was almost 2-0 when Palmer lost possession on the edge of his own box and Amor Ingvi Traustason was brilliantly blocked by Guehi.England fans made paper planes to deal with their boredomCredit: GettyJohn Stones was forced off with injuryCredit: EPAStones was cotton-woolled at half-time, replaced by Ezri Konsa and England twice went close to an equaliser.First Foden dragged a shot wide from a Gordon cut-back then Palmer fired into the side-netting.But soon Iceland were breaking in a two-on-one, Hakon Arnar Haraldsson squaring for Thorsteinsson, who fell on his backside when he ought to have scored.Southgate made a quadruple substitution bringing Ivan Toney and Bukayo Saka on for Kane and Gordon in attack – but again, Iceland almost doubled their lead – Svenir Ingason given a free header from a corner but Ramsdale smothering his effort.Suddenly Iceland were in complete control, continually getting behind England’s naive defence and a scrambling Ramsdale was forced to push a long-ranger over his bar.READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland scrambled around aimlessly in scenes spookily reminiscent of their Euro 2016 exit.It’s time for the tub-thumping optimism to stop. England are going to have to work their socks off to get out of the group stage.What Southgate said about axed England stars
      WHAT Gareth Southgate said about his axed England stars after confirming his 26-man England squad for Euro 2024.
      Harry Maguire
      “The decision on Harry [Maguire] is totally about his physical condition and his recovery from the injury. There is no other reason as he is one of our strongest centre-backs.
      “Harry has made some progress, but it’s been complicated and we wouldn’t have had him in the group stages. There were too many hurdles to get through without being clear where we might get to.
      “Knowing we haven’t got a clean bill of health across the rest of the backline, we need players who are fit and ready to go from the start.
      “It was a really difficult call, you know how I feel about Harry, what he’s done for England and for me as a manager. ”
      Jack Grealish
      “I have just delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated.
      “I think the world of him as a kid.“It certainly doesn’t get any easier.
      “You put yourself in the shoes of a player, a parent. You understand that for these players this is a devastating moment.
      “We knew we had a couple of really difficult days coming up.”
      James Maddison
      “Madders [Maddison] and Jack [Grealish] would have provided us with something different as well and they’ve been tough calls.
      “They’re calls we’ve gone over and over and over as a group of staff to try to be fair and to try to use the right rationale.
      “We back our decisions but we recognise we could have gone a different route. The boys are big characters, fabulous team-mates and great boys to work with.
      “It’s sad to have to deliver that news to them.”
      Jarrad Branthwaite
      “It’s a bit early for Jarrad [Branthwaite]. He has had a fabulous season, it was good to get him on the pitch the other night.
      “But of course, in an ideal world, you’d like that balance of left-footers. For him to be in ahead of the others, I don’t think it would have been the right call at this stage.”
      Jarell Quansah
      “Jarell Quansah has stayed with us. He’s not had the experience of an England international at Wembley. It’ll be great for him to be us for the game.
      “Hopefully we’re not needing to call anyone else in.” More

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      Scotland 2 Finland 2 – Clarke fails to break friendly duck as low-key farewell jamboree leaves him with huge decisions

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      IT WAS as low-key a farewell jamboree as Scotland could’ve had.And Steve Clarke saw his hopes of breaking his friendly duck as Scotland manager dashed as Finland came from two down to snatch a Hampden draw.Scotland raced into a two-goal lead in the second halfCredit: GettyLawrence Shankland netted the secondCredit: ReutersBut they were stunned by the visitors late onCredit: PAIt was Clarke’s 55th game as international boss – and as his side overcome a stuttering first-half to sweep into a two-goal lead, it looked like he was going to finally record a home friendly victory.Scotland last won a challenge match on Scottish soil eight years, nine games and three managers ago. March 29 2016, to be precise – a stuffy 1-0 win over Denmark under Gordon Strachan, thanks to a Matt Ritchie winner on what was John McGinn’s Scotland debut. Since then Malky Mackay, Alex McLeish and Clarke have all tried to secure wins in challenge games watched by packed houses and half-full stadia alike. Even the normally unflappable Clarke said last month that Scotland were s***e at friendlies. And the opening 45 minutes last night continued that trend. Scotland passed the ball to no threatening effect whatsoever. Finland, with little possession, had the better chances. But after the interval they got a break when central defender Arttu Hoskonen turned Andy Robertson’s cross into his own net to break the deadlock. Most read in FootballLawrence Shankland’s 33rd goal of a prolific season doubled the lead.But Ben Kallman – who’d a brief spell at Dundee six seasons ago – pulled one back for the visitors and sub keeper Craig Gordon conceded a penalty which saw Oliver Antman level. Stuart McCall’s hilarious story swapping shirts with Gazza & THAT game at WembleyQuestions, obviously, remain for the manager as the clock ticks down to Germany in Munich on Friday. Does Ryan Porteous come back into the defence? Will it be Shankland or Che Adams up front?And what’s to be done about the problematic right wing-back position?  On that score, neither Ross McCrorie in Gibraltar nor Tony Ralston last night did much to make themselves undroppable. It wouldn’t surprise me if Clarke had a curveball up his sleeve for that opener in six days’ time – maybe someone out of position to occupy that slot?Those are the things Clarke has to ponder at home before they arrive in Germany tomorrow night.He’ll not have learned much during this low-key encounter. In the early moments, Casper Terho saw his early shot blocked, with ex-Celt Teemu Pukki – Finland’s all-time top scorer, winning his 122nd cap – had his header saved as the visitors sought an early breakthrough.Ryan Christie wriggled past Matti Peltola on the right but his low cross was clattered clear by the Finnish defence. McGinn chipped over the top but Finland continued to probe, and when backtracking Hanley lost the flight of a forward pass, Hampden held its breath as Pukki lofted the opportunity over.Shankland, firing over from the edge of the box, was next to try his luck. But the only time the home support perked into life came when Arttu Hoskonen’s backpass had keeper Jesse Joronen stretching.It was 32 minutes before Scotland forced their first corner. Finland, with little possession, were nevertheless getting forward briskly when they did have the ball. Terho cut inside and fired in another low drive, which Gunn gathered comfortably. Steve Clarke’s side had failed to register an effort on target in the opening half-hour and although Christie finally changed that when he escaped the clutches of Leo Vaisanen, his left-foot drive was easily saved. John McGinn had contributed little but he found room on the left and picked out the advancing Billy Gilmour – but groans rang round Hampden as the Brighton man tried a first-time pass into a crowded Finland box rather than testing their keeper. It was easily snuffed out.Scotland needed something to spark a subdued crowd into life and inside two minutes of the re-start they got it. Gilmour latched on to possession on the edge of the box and drove for goal – but Finland’s sub keeper Viljami Sinisalo pushed his left-foot shot wide of the target. However it was at least an attacking foray – and six minutes later Scotland got a slice of luck to break the deadlock. Skipper Andy Robertson’s low cross didn’t look like it was going to bring any more dividends than any of the previous balls he’d sent into the Finnish box. But Cracovia defender Arttu Hoskonen stuck out his right foot and sent the ball spinning past his own keeper into the corner of Finland’s net. If the skipper’s cross for that one was sent more in hope than expectation, four minutes later he delivered properly.Ralston’s long ball was headed out by a back-tracking Finnish defence to the Liverpool full-back. His return cross picked out Shankland, who headed in his third international goal from close range.The creator and the finisher were promptly withdrawn, with Greg Taylor and under-21 call-up Tommy Conway sent on. Finland thought they’d pulled one back when Robin Lod sent a curler beyond the diving Angus Gunn – but the assistant’s flag was already up. The next Scotland sub prompted one of the biggest roars of the night as Craig Gordon replaced Gunn for his 75th – and probably last – international cap. And the veteran was immediately in action, maintaining a Scotland clean sheet after Finland sub Ben Kallman skinned Hanley and Gordon had to claw his drive into the side netting for a corner. And Kallman reduced the deficit when his header from fellow sub Oliver Antman’s cross squeezed under Gordon – with the goal ratified by a VAR check. VAR was again in action seven minutes from time when Gordon recklessly flattened Finnish sub Tomas Galvez. The Hearts keeper claimed he’d got a touch on the ball, but the check ruled in favour of Finland and Antman drilled home the spot-kick. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd though Conway forced a great stoppage-time save from Sinisalo with a header, Scotland suffered friendly disappointment again.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      England’s alternative 26-man squad of axed stars that would STILL have a chance of winning Euro 2024

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      ENGLAND would still be considered one of the favourites for Euro 2024 even with a squad made up of those stars left out.Ruthless Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, 53, confirmed the seven players that he had cut from his provisional 33-man squad.Gareth Southgate announced his England squad for Euro 2024 on ThursdayCredit: GettyEven some England stars were surprised Jack Grealish was left outCredit: PAMarcus Rashford (right) starred at the World Cup but then failed to even make the original 33-man squadCredit: GettyJarrad Branthwaite was a very controversial omission after excellent form for EvertonCredit: PAIt had already emerged that James Maddison had left the camp after learning that he had been omitted while Liverpool duo Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah also missed out – although the latter has remained with the squad on standby.Back-up goalie James Trafford was then cut, with Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson selected as Southgate’s goalkeepers.But then the big bombshell dropped that experienced duo Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish were left out.Manchester United star Maguire, 31, had already been a doubt – having not played since April due to a calf issue – and the 63-cap defender lost his fitness race.READ MORE ON ENGLANDGrealish, meanwhile, was a more surprise omission despite him being limited to just 10 Premier League starts last term after falling out of favour with boss Pep Guardiola at Man City.Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite was the seventh player to get cut – but a host more hopefuls also missed out completely.Here we take a look at the impressive list of English players that will not be heading to Germany – and this alternative squad would certainly still pack a punch at the Euros.Newcastle goalie Nick Pope’s dislocated shoulder injury in December all-but ended his hopes, and despite returning for their final game, he failed to convince Southgate of his fitness as he missed out with Trafford.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNo eyebrows would have been raised had any of the Chelsea defensive trio Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Levi Colwill had been included, despite their own injury issues.And Man City’s Rico Lewis, Bayern Munich’s Eric Dier and AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori could easily have also got in – although there has seemingly been no kissing and making up between the England camp and Arsenal’s Ben White.’You know what he’s done for me’ – Emotional Gareth Southgate reveals why he left Harry Maguire out of England squadMarcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling are two of the most experienced not to go along with Newcastle forward Callum Wilson.Throw in the likes of Champions League finalist Jadon Sancho, Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham along with Grealish and Maddison, this alternative group would definitely have provided plenty of goal threat as well.When asked whether the squad announcement was among his most difficult days as manager, Southgate said: “No question.“We’re a close team and every player and staff has felt the last couple of days with this decision looming.Ex-Chelsea star Fikayo Tomori has had a positive season at AC MilanCredit: GettyHarry Maguire is a traditional favourite of Gareth Southgate but found himself out of the squad due to a late-season injuryCredit: PANewcastle’s Nick Pope has been beset by injury this season but recovered in MayCredit: Getty“We have tried to [make decisions] respectively, and understand it will be a devastating blow for them and their team-mates.“But we’ve got that balance for excitement and a bit of remorse along the way.”Then, on leaving out Maguire and Grealish out in particular, he added: “We’ve got some players who have been playing extremely well all season in the league and we feel other players have had stronger seasons, particularly in the last six months or so.“Attacking areas, in particular, we’re blessed with a lot of options, and some different.“Madders and Jack offer something different… we back our decisions but acknowledge we could have gone in another direction.”READ MORE SUN STORIES We will see how those selected perform under the expectations of a nation in Germany when they kick off their Euro 2024 group stage against Serbia on June 16.They then face Denmark four days later before playing their final group match on June 25 against Slovenia. More