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    Welcome to Mount Wank: Inside the German town where Scotland are staying & locals are backing Tartan Army at the Euros

    THE whole country will be hoping the Scotland National Team will have a pleasurable experience when they head for Wank.If ever there was a place for the players to enjoy some me-time in peace and quiet, it’s in this little corner of Germany.Colan with Mayor, Elisabeth Kochat, at the top of Mount WankYou can take a cable car up Mount WankThere are stunning views over Garmisch-PartenkirchenSteve Clarke and his side will actually be based in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a 30,000 population resort town at the base of Mount Wank.The team will train in seclusion surrounded by snowcapped mountains at their Bavarian base.But the holiday spot for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking is far from a tourist trap. The region is most famous for its stunning scenery, especially when your vantage point is thousands of feet in the air.Visitors begin their journey at Wankstüberl, a fun-filled eatery next to the Wankbahn, a cable car system that lifts you 5,840 feet to the summit.Once you’ve reached the ride’s climax, it would be rude not to enjoy a wiener at Wank-Haus, the perfect bar and restaurant for a pint and plate of Bavarian Cuisine.The views of the Loisach valley, close to the Austrian border, rival anywhere else on the planet.Just 55 miles from Munich, around 200 miles from Milan and 175 miles from Switzerland’s Bern, there’s a real edge-of-the-world feel to the frozen terrain.But Elisabeth Koch, 61, the mayor of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, reckons the Scotland side will be at home in her stunning ski town.Most read in Euro 2024There will be a special public screening of the first game against Germany with hundreds of supporters expected to gather.She said: “We are doing a lot for the players, fans and tourists. We have two traditional bands who will play together for a very warm welcome.“The best team should win, whether it’s Scotland or Germany. Two hearts are beating in my chest.“But Steve Clarke told me he expected to win.”The national team are staying at the plush Obermuhle Hotel, a 250 euro a night spa resort with a history dating back to 1634.The stunning streets of the German villageThe side will stay at the plush Hotel ObermuhleManagement are clearly excited to welcome the team as they prepare for the country’s first foreign showpiece tournament in 26 years.But they’ve promised to keep the ball on the deck as the Tartan Army pins its hopes on their footie heroes.The same can’t be said for any fans who decide to follow the side to Wank.There’s a plethora of watering holes across the town where visitors can embrace traditional Bavarian culture complete with shoe flats, yodels and schnitzel. There’s also a handful of ex-pats ready to reclaim their national pride partying the night away.John Gourlay, 63, from Maryhill in Glasgow, is restaurant manager at Hotel Rheinischer Hof and has been waiting for a moment like this since emigrating 40 years ago.John has stayed in town for almost 40 yearsHe said: “This is the biggest event I’ve ever experienced here.“I wanted to offer to be a translator because they’ll have Americans doing it who won’t know what the Scottish people are talking about.”John added: “The biggest qualification success was beating Spain, that was a real highlight for me with my wife being Spanish. My son Tom sticks with his dad. He supports Scotland. I’m looking forward to the Tartan Army coming over, with kilts, bagpipes and hopefully some black pudding for me too.”Iain McNab, 84, lives in one of the town’s grandest homes after moving 30 years ago.Iain’s family are all backing ScotlandThe pensioner, from Uddingston, Glasgow, said: “It was an unbelievable surprise to have the Scotland national team choose us as a base.“Hopefully the fans come and it’s good for Garmisch-Partenkirchen.“My wife is German but supports Scotland and so do my children. I’m very patriotic.”Meanwhile, Andrew Syme, 51, swapped Aberdeen for the Austrian border at the age of 18 and ran his own restaurant for years.Andrew says there’s a buzz about the team comingNow he’s part of the team that looks after the dining scene surrounding Wank and hopes to welcome lots of his compatriots.He said: “Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a nice town and it’s not too big, if you walk through town you need to account for an extra ten minutes because you bump into people you know.“I’m so excited about Scotland coming. I think this will be our tournament and we will get to the next stage. I can’t walk through town without being asked by locals how many fans are coming and what they are like.“I hope lots of fans come. It’s a beautiful place only an hour away from Munich so is a great base.“It’s got that small-town feel but still with tourists and a lot happening, there’s always sporting events and beer tents and markets.”And if the Tartan Army are worried about laughing at the name Wank, they won’t be alone.John joked: “I still laugh at Wank more than 40 years later.“There’s going to be so many photos that fans get with signs that say Wank.”IF Scots want a taste of home, local whisky connoisseur Alexander Rhein is ready to host guests at The Dram Shop.
    He’s rooting for his second favourite nation to succeed in his homeland and reckons tourists will feel right at home having a tipple in such a traditional town.
    The expert, 63, below, said: “I am particularly pleased that the Scottish national team will be our guests in Garmisch for three weeks and that many Scots will be travelling with them.
    “The opening match between Scotland and Germany is of course the crowning glory. We won’t be stingy with the saltire in the store and will have a really delicious Bavarian whisky ready for our visitors.
    “We have had a cask bottled exclusively for our store at the Ardnamurchan distillery. The label documents the opening game between Scotland and Germany.
    “In addition, we will be holding a special tasting of six Ardnamurchan bottlings in a Bavarian pub.”
    Alexander, who usually roots for Italy due it being his wife’s homeland, added: “Since Scotland is also playing in the European Championship this year, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a big success. I think I would be very happy about Scotland beating Germany 2-1.”

    Meanwhile, Andrew quipped: “When I came here at 18 my friend and I had a real chuckle about that.“There’s stickers saying ‘I love Wank’ and they do quite well.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSo I’m proud to be a Wank convert after such a wonderful time in Garmisch. Just remember, the letter W is pronounced like a V in Germany. A tiny change that can make a massive difference.Remember, the letter W is pronounced like a V in GermanyThere’s some brilliant merch available More

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    Forget Beckham, here’s proof that Gareth Southgate has always been the ultimate fashion icon

    IF there is one thing footie boss Gareth Southgate does well besides managing the England team, it is being a dapper gaffer.He caused waistcoat sales to soar as he led the Three Lions to the World Cup semis in Russia in 2018, then sported a sharp suit and tie for Euro 2020 when England made the final at Wembley.Gareth Southgate is a real fashion iconCredit: PABut the unlikely style icon has since opted for more relaxed polo shirts and cardies, “to put players at ease”.Gareth, 53, told GQ mag: “When you’re working with young lads, you don’t want to be too stiff in what you’re doing or wearing.”Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale takes a look at Gareth’s gear over the years as player then manager . . . 1995Clean-shaven 25-year-old Gareth holds a Union Flag in full Nineties clobberCredit: GettyCELEBRATING in his playing days with a Union Jack flag after his first England call-up in 1995, the then clean-shaven 25-year-old Gareth is in full Nineties clobber.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Aston Villa star was on trend for the time with a Calvin Klein jumper tucked into jeans, worn with a belt.With the average age of today’s England squad about the age he was here, the lads would be curious to check out the cut of his jib.1996In 1996 Southgate rocked this white sweatshirt by Japanese sportswear brand MizunoCredit: GettyTO be fair, there’s no points for fashion flair at the training ground – and Gareth looks more on the ball with his footie than his appearance.Back in the day, the Villa hotshot might just have got away with that white sweatshirt by Japanese sportswear brand Mizuno.Most read in FootballBut he teamed it with three-quarter-length tracksuit bottoms with natty side zips.Maybe best we don’t get too good a look at them here.Inside Gareth Southgate’s love life including secret Tesco car park meetings2006New Middlesbrough manager Gareth is bossing things in his roomy suitCredit: PA:Press AssociationSTARTING his managerial career at Middlesborough, after seeing out his playing career there, Gareth is working hard to look the part.But whatever his skills as an aspiring leader of men, at age 35 he is not bossing things sartorially.He is hardly playing a blinder with the roomy suit, stripey tie and checked blue shirt, although the whistle and flute do sort of match his hair.Time to raise his game.2014While managing the England U-21s Southgate wore an all-blue get-up with brown beltCredit: Getty Images – GettyNOW managing the England Under-21s, and into his forties, our man has a sharper, short haircut and is finally getting somewhere style-wise.The all-blue get-up, with brown belt, is nothing too offensive yet not the most trendy.He was clearly expecting a spot of rain, but the duffle coat on his arm does stray into “dad on a day out with the kids” territory.2018Southgate changed up his style for the 2018 World Cup and boosted sales of waistcoatsCredit: AFP or licensorsGRACING the big stage at the World Cup with a newly suave vibe, this is a total transformation.Our boys suffered semi-final heartbreak in a defeat to Croatia but it took nothing away from the gaffer’s suit.His Marks & Spencer three-piece catapulted him into the hall of football fashion fame.Waistcoat sales and online memes went wild, as brands copied the look.Some hailed it as the male corset, framing a fella’s body.2021A sharp Gareth at the last EurosCredit: GettyTHREE years on from that wondrous waistcoat and Gareth still looks sharp.But he’s done away with the three-piece suit, to keep it simple and not draw too much attention to himself – maybe a lesson learned?The navy suit and pocket square are jazzed up by a polka-dot tie, which was dubbed lucky by some until we lost in the delayed Euros final to Italy.Quite the sophisticate on the side-line is our Gareth.2022 The England coach debuted a knitted polo back in 2022 for the World CupCredit: GettyWHILE Southgate has said this year he is all about thin knits, it seems he has already been wearing the look for two years.Debuting a knitted polo back in 2022 for the World Cup, the £39.50 Merino wool blend zip neck was once again an instant hit with fans.And it seems the 2018 waistcoats may never see the light of day again after he told BBC Radio 4 that he hasn’t worn one sinc2024Gareth wore this posh cream cardy for GQ magTHIS year as England boss Gareth might be trying to fly under the radar with his outfits, but it seems to be having the opposite effect.READ MORE SUN STORIESPosing for GQ mag in a posh cream cashmere cardy, the 53-year-old looks more dapper than ever.Showing cardigans don’t just have to be for the older generation, let’s see if his new laid-back attitude for a younger England squad stands us in good stead for the Euros next month. More

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    Arsenal legend refusing to give up on World Cup 2026 dream despite missing out on international call-up

    AARON RAMSEY has no plans to call it a day just yet.The injury-plagued Wales captain, 33, was left out of Robert Page’s squad for next month’s friendlies with Gibraltar and Slovakia after playing only 15 times last season.Aaron Ramsey has completed 90 minutes just once for Cardiff since his return to his boyhood club last summerCredit: GettyRamsey did not play a minute as Wales saw their Euro 2024 dream ended by Poland after Dan James missed in the play-off final penalty shootout in MarchCredit: GettyCardiff’s Ramsey was on the bench for the Euro 2024 play-off final penalty shootout defeat to Poland in March due to his lack of match action.The Dragons’ heartbreaking exit prompted fears the ex-Arsenal and Juventus star would follow Gareth Bale and Joe Allen into retirement.But Wales boss Page claims the fire still burns as brightly as ever for the 84-cap midfielder.Ramsey is now focusing on getting fit for pre-season at club level, where he has one year left on his contract.read more in footballPage said: “Only Aaron can answer the question but there’s no alarms raised for me whatsoever.“Having had the conversations with him, he is still passionate about playing football. “He’s just as passionate now as he was five years ago when I first came across him. So there are no issues with that.”Aaron loves the game and lives for it. He will give it everything and give himself the best opportunity to continue playing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He wants to throw full focus and take charge of his own rehabilitation and fitness.”Ramsey played just twice in Wales’ Euro 2024 campaign with his last outing for his country against Latvia nine months ago.Arsenal star looks unrecognisable as he turns up at Wembley playoff final dressed as Harry Potter characterBut the Dragons hope a summer away from international duty will see him return for the Nations League in September.Then Page’s men start their bid to reach the World Cup in 2026 when the qualifiers start next March.When asked if Ramsey can play on until the finals in USA, Canada and Mexico, Page replied: “Who knows? “We’re going to have to see how he gets on in pre-season from a fitness point of view.”It’s well-documented he struggled with his fitness last year. “There’s been nobody more frustrated than Aaron and myself because we all wanted him to come into the camp in March for the play-offs fighting fit. “But we didn’t have that. It was frustrating for all of us.“If he is fit and playing, doing well and being able to play two games a week that we would like him to, then he will be selected.”Veteran goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, 37, is also out of the 25-man squad with a serious Achilles injury.Fulham star Harry Wilson and David Brooks, who won promotion with Southampton, are also absent with injuries.But Liverpool’s Lewis Koumas, 18, is one of five uncapped players included.WALES SQUAD
    Goalkeepers: Danny Ward (Leicester), Adam Davies (Sheffield United), Tom King (Wolves)
    Defenders: Connor Roberts (Leeds – on loan from Burnley), Fin Stevens (Oxford – on loan from Brentford), Joe Rodon (Leeds – on loan from Tottenham), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Ben Cabango (Swansea), Joe Low (Wycombe), Ben Davies (Tottenham), Jay Dasilva (Coventry)
    Midfielders: Ethan Ampadu (Leeds), Jordan James (Birmingham), Josh Sheehan (Bolton), Charlie Savage (Reading), Charlie Crew (Leeds), Wes Burns (Ipswich), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff), Daniel James (Leeds), Rabbi Matondo (Rangers)
    Forwards: Nathan Broadhead (Ipswich), Brennan Johnson (Tottenham), Kieffer Moore (Ipswich – on loan from Bournemouth), Liam Cullen (Swansea), Lewis Koumas (Liverpool)

    The others are Leeds midfielder Charlie Crew, 17, Brentford’s Fin Stevens, who has been on loan at Oxford, Jay DaSilva of Coventry and Wolves’ Tom King.Forward Koumas, son of ex-Wales and West Brom midfielder Jason, made a goalscoring debut for the U21s in March and caught the eye of the Welsh management.Wales travel to the Algarve for a friendly against Gibraltar on June 6 followed by the away clash in the Slovakian city of Trnava three days later.READ MORE SUN STORIESPage added: “He has shown his potential at Liverpool, played first-team games and scored goals. He’s done really well.“Now it’s down to the development of Lewis from a domestic point of view as to what level he can go to. He has shown talent. He’s got an eye for goal and I’m excited to be working with him.” More

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    Moment Scott McTominay appears to struggle with leg injury on holiday by pool with ex-Man Utd team-mate Michael Carrick

    SCOTT McTOMINAY is seemingly still nursing his war wound from the FA Cup final on holiday.The Scotland international played 90 minutes of Manchester United’s shock Cup triumph over rivals Manchester City last Saturday.Scott McTominay hobbled off the pitch in the closing moments of the FA Cup finalCredit: GettyThe midfielder was spotted in Ibiza just hours after Manchester United’s triumphCredit: INSTAGRAM@BENCHVIEWS.TVMcTominay appeared to be moving gingerlyCredit: INSTAGRAM@BENCHVIEWS.TVMcTominay, 27, hobbled off the pitch in added time and was replaced by Mason Mount.The midfielder is currently enjoying a well-earned holiday in Ibiza with some of his pals, including former Red Devils midfielder Michael Carrick.And worryingly for Scotland fans, he appears to still be moving gingerly.Footage of an uncomfortable-looking McTominay sitting poolside at a plush hotel on the Balearic island went viral.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn the clip, the Scot appears to show Carrick that his right leg is still bothering him.United and Scotland fans were quick to comment, with one writing on X: “They got to Spain from the UK within 24 hours.”Another said: “Wasted no time.”And another said: “Get in. He can’t be that injured.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother chimed in: “I saw that [Diogo] Dalot was at the FI in Monaco.”Just seems strange that within 24hrs of winning a cup they are all off elsewhere. Fans convinced Scott McTominay shouted X-rated blast at Liverpool fans after Man Utd’s epic FA Cup win”Hardly had time to celebrate as a team.”One furious Scotland fan said: “Get your a**e to the Scotland camp!”Scotland manager Steve Clarke will no doubt be sweating on the fitness of McTominay, who fired the Tartan Army to Euro 2024 with seven goals in ten qualification matches.It’s unclear at this moment in time if McTominay will play in the Scots’ warm-up matches against Gibraltar and Finland next Monday and Friday respectively.Scotland kick off their Euro campaign with a daunting Group A match against tournament hosts Germany. More

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    Follow England to every one of their Euro 2024 group stage fixtures for less than £700

    THOUSANDS of England fans will cough up fistfuls of cash to follow the Three Lions across Germany at Euro 2024 this summer. But with the cost of absolutely everything going through the roof these days, you may think there’s no way you can afford such a trip.SunSport travelled to every city England will be playing in during the Euro 2024 group stage – including Eintracht Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank ParkAnd we could not believe how much it will cost Three Lions fans to do the same in June – with FC Koln’s Rhein Energie Stadion hosting England’s third game against SloveniaSchalke’s Veltins Arena will play host to England’s opening game against SerbiaBut think again, because SunSport travelled to Germany and worked out how you can support Gareth Southgate’s side up and down the land of schnitzel and steins for LESS THAN £700!GETTING TO GERMANYEngland kick off their Group C campaign at Gelsenkirchen’s Veltins Arena – home of Schalke and scene of Cristiano Ronaldo’s infamous wink after Wayne Rooney’s red card against Portugal at the 2006 World Cup.Dusseldorf is the closest airport to the stadium.But the cheapest London-Dusseldorf flight the day before the Three Lions’ opener is around £350. READ MORE ENGLANDSo SunSport flew to Cologne-Bonn airport instead which is just an hour train ride from Gelsenkirchen and available for just £56 on June 15!Dusseldorf is the closet airport to Gelsenkirchen but flights the day before the game cost a fortuneFlights to Cologne Bonn are much cheaperMATCH ONE – England vs Serbia, Gelsenkirchen – June 16Hotels in Gelsenkirchen will set you back around £225 per person per night.So we headed to Duisburg which is just a half hour train ride from the stadium and where rooms are available in the region of £56-per-person-per-night.Just like at the Hotel am Freihafen where a two-bedrooom apartment from June 15-17 is available for £224 in total.Most read in Euro 2024It was by no means the most luxurious place we had ever stayed but it is a great option to lay your head just a stone’s throw from England’s first game at the Veltins Arena.If you can throw a stone 30km that is.Hotels in Gelsenkirchen will set you back serious moneyBut rooms in nearby Duisburg are much more affordable – like this one at the Hotel am FreihafenEngland’s game against Serbia is in Gelsenkirchen – the scene of Cristiano Ronaldo’s infamous wink after Wayne Rooney’s 2006 World Cup red card vs PortugalFans can watch every game of the Euros at the Nordsternplatz fan zone on the outskirts of GelsenkirchenMATCH TWO – England vs Denmark, Frankfurt – June 20Picture it now, it’s the morning after England have thrashed Serbia 1-0 in the opening game.Thousands of Three Lions fans are heading home, but you are Frankfurt bound ready to support the team ahead of their trickiest group stage game against Denmark. Hotels in Frankfurt city centre are up for around £71 per person per night.So we’re heading to Offenbach instead, just six miles east of Frankfurt where an entire six-person apartment will add just £43-per-person-per-night to your Euros spend.We got the four-and-a-half hour bus from Duisburg main station which cost us just £22.And once you’re there, a 15 minute train ride will have you at the Nordsternplatz fan zone.An all-day city train ticket will set you back just £10 which will also get you to Eintracht Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank Park stadium if you are lucky enough to have a ticket to the game.Frankfurt city centre hotels around the time England pay there are almost double the cost of those a little further afieldWe found a far more affordable optionEintracht Frankfurt’s imposing 58,000-seater Deutsche Bank Park will host England’s second game vs Denmark on June 20The official Frankfurt fan zone will be on the northern bank of the city’s stunning River MainO’Reilly’s Irish pub is a favourite with travelling football fans and is right outside Frankfurt’s main train stationThe infamous walk from Frankfurt Stadion station to Deutsche Bank Park stadium is through an eerily spooky forestGermany’s 1966 World Cup final defeat to England is one of few losses on a wall commemorating all of their final appearancesMATCH THREE – England vs Slovenia, Cologne – June 24Ok, you’ve given yourself an extra day in Frankfurt to sleep off your hangover after England have made light work of Denmark.And you’re ready to head to Cologne to roar the boys over the line against Slovenia. But rather than follow the hordes of fans having to cough up serious cash to stay in Cologne city centre, you and your fellow savvy spenders are heading to Bonn.The former capital of West Germany is just a half-hour train ride south of Cologne with rooms available for a fraction of the price.Fortunately, there’s no more four-and-a-half hour bus journeys to get there.Instead we’re jumping on an hour long train to Siegburg via Frankfurt’s main airport, before a 20 minute tram ride gets us to Bonn. All of that for just £37.A four-night stay the Hotel Belmont Classic between June 22-26 will cost you just £43 per-person-per-night.Whereas a similar room in Cologne city centre will set you back around £85 per-person-per-night.SunSport’s Cologne city guide and FC Koln fan Danny urged England fans to visit the city’s iconic 13th century cathedralFC Koln’s Rhein Energie Stadion will host England’s final group stage game against SloveniaJoe Cole hit his iconic chest and volley goal against Sweden at FC Koln’s stadium at the 2006 World Cup(IT’S) COMING HOMETime to head home and cheer on the Three Lions from the comfort of your own sofa or your local pub.But just because the fun is about to stop, the bargain hunting certainly does not.So we boarded a train then a bus to Frankfurt Hahn airport rather than making the 20 minute journey to Cologne Bonn airport where flights will set you back at least £155 the day after England’s game against Slovenia. READ MORE SUN STORIESBy making the three-hour trip to Hahn, you’ll save around £130 with flights at £24 within 24 hours of the final whistle blowing on England’s group stage campaign.*** Prices were correct at time of filming and will only go up the closer we get to the tournament. Check flight and hotel comparison sites before for the cheapest deals ***SunSport’s follow England on a shoestring itinerarySunSport travelled to every city England are playing in at this summer’s Euro 2024 group stage.
    And here is how you can copy our shoestring budget itinerary and follow the Three Lions to all three places for less than £700.
    June 15
    FLY – London Stansted to Cologne Bonn
    BUS – Cologne Bonn Airport to Duisburg
    June 15 – 17
    STAY – Duisburg (Hotel am Freihafen)
    June 17
    BUS – Dusiburg to Offenbach
    June 17 – 22
    STAY – Offenbach
    June 22
    TRAIN – Offenbach to Siegburg
    TRAM – Siegburg to Bonn
    June 22 – 26
    STAY – Bonn
    June 26
    TRAIN – Bonn to Bullay via Koblenz
    BUS – Bullay to Frankfurt Hahn Airport
    FLY – Frankfurt Hahn to London Stansted
    Prices used are based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin room.
    Flight prices did not include checked luggage. And flight prices will vary depending on where you fly from so check a flight comparison site first.
    Beware when booking properties with private hosts, rather than hotels or hostels – especially if they do not have any previous reviews.
    This video was not sponsored but I found the most useful sites to use were SkyScanner for the cheapest flights, Booking.com for cheap hotels, Rome2Rio for getting from one city to another and Citymapper for the best way to get around each place once we were there.
    Other apps and comparison sites are of course available. 
    Prices were correct at time of filming but change all the time and will likely go up the closer we get to the tournament so act fast!
    Happy travelling and COME ON ENGLAND! More

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    Marcus Rashford models England’s Euros clothing range for M&S despite Man Utd star being dropped by Gareth Southgate

    MARCUS RASHFORD modelled for England’s Euro 2024 clothing range with M&S – despite being dropped by Gareth Southgate.The Manchester United star – usually a regular with Southgate – was not named in the provisional 33-man squad. Marcus Rashford modelled for England Euro 2024 clothing range with M&SThat is despite Rashford not making the Euros squadRashford poses alongside Aaron Ramsdale and Conor GallagherThe Premier League stars pose in their matching setsCredit: M&SBut it did not stop him from posing alongside Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale and Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher – both also picked. Rashford modelled in a matching two piece beige jacket and trousers combination with a cream jumper on underneath worth £150 in total. Gallagher wore a black bomber jacket with a cream zip polo shirt also costing £150 while Ramsdale had a £50 buttoned overshirt on with £45 trousers. M&S have been long-time sponsors of the Three Lions and Southgate famously made the waistcoat his trademark during the 2018 World Cup. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEx-England captain John Terry also blamed wearing suits on a sweltering afternoon in South Africa as a reason behind losing to Germany in the 2010 round of 16. Southgate is due to name his final 26-man squad ahead of the tournament but Rashford is not in contention. Explaining his decision, Southgate said: “These are of course difficult calls. You are talking about players that are very important players.”With Marcus, in that area of the pitch, I feel that other players have had better seasons, it’s as simple as that.” Most read in FootballBBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in fullHere’s how each channel will line-up:

    BBC presenters:
    Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman
    ITV presenters:
    Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods 
    BBC pundits:
    Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden
    ITV pundits:
    Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina Unkel
    BBC commentators:
    Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce
    ITV commentators:
    Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight
    BBC co-commentators:
    Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFadden
    ITV co-commentators:
    Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend

    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRashford responded online: “Wishing Gareth and the boys all the best for the up and coming tournament.”The United forward was picked for all three of Southgate’s previous international tournaments, scoring twice in the 2022 World Cup. Meet the ten Wags ready to stun at Euro 2024Despite the snub, Southgate revealed Rashford respected his decision in a private phone call where the news was broke. Southgate said: “He will be hugely disappointed.“He wants to play for England, he loves playing for England, and the opportunity to play in tournaments is why you play international football.“But again, he was really respectful. I said to him: ‘You’ve got to go and score a couple of goals at the weekend now and put things right.’”Gareth Southgate dropped Rashford from his Euro 2024 squadCredit: Reuters More

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    Mauricio Pochettino ready to take England job if Gareth Southgate quits after Euro 2024

    MAURICIO Pochettino would be open to an approach from England if Gareth Southgate quits after the Euros.Poch is on the market following his shock departure from Chelsea after less than a year at the Stamford Bridge helm.Mauricio Pochettino left Chelsea by mutual consent earlier this weekCredit: GETTYGareth Southgate’s contract with England expires in December 2024Credit: GETTYPochettino is open to replacing Southgate as Three Lions gafferCredit: GETTYThe Argentine former Spurs and PSG chief will be targeted by Manchester United and Bayern Munich – with the German giants able to offer him the chance to link up once more with Harry Kane and Eric Dier.But while Pochettino will weigh up his options over his next move – and is determined to prove the problem was Chelsea rather than him – he has not dismissed the possibility of becoming the next Three Lions chief if the role becomes available.Southgate has made it clear he will park all and any discussion about his England future until after the tournament in Germany this summer.The England manager’s contract runs to the end of the year and FA chiefs want him to stay at the helm up to the 2026 World Cup.READ MORE ON POCHETTINOAll the indications are that Southgate will be minded to continue if he believes the nation and his squad want him to remain in charge but that he has set the performance bar for his players as a high one.Yet Pochettino’s sudden and unexpected availability could see him become a viable candidate.Pochettino remains close to Kane and Dier, while he has overseen the development of Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill.His relationships with Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier are more tricky after they both left Spurs under a cloud during his N17 reign.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPochettino’s Chelsea record
    MAURICIO POCHETTINO had just started to turn Chelsea around.
    An impressive run of end-of-season form saw the Blues leapfrog the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle to finish sixth in the Premier League – and earn a Europa League spot.
    But it wasn’t enough to keep him in a job as it was announced on Tuesday evening that the Argentine had left.
    Here are all Pochettino’s Stamford Bridge stats:
    Premier League – 6th
    FA Cup – Semi-finals (lost to Man City)
    Carabao Cup – Runners-up (Lost to Liverpool)
    Total record:
    Games 51Wins 26Draws 11Defeats 14
    Goals for 103Goals against 74

    But both are coming to the end of their England careers, making a Poch appointment less problematic if the FA are inclined to go down that path.Pochettino’s knowledge of the England players is unquestioned after his three spells in Prem management – including at Southampton where he developed the likes of Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez into Three Lions internationals.Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bossesWalker, Trippier, Dier, Dele Alli and Kane all became England fixtures under his Spurs tutelage, while Harry Winks, Ryan Mason and Andros Townsend earned caps while playing for him.This season Palmer’s remarkable first full Prem term has been another tick on the development box for Poch, who knows he will be a man in demand. More

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    Stunned fans are only just realising who the third highest goalscorer in England squad is ahead of Euro 2024

    IT’S an England squad where all the attacking decisions were over who to leave out.Yet as Gareth Southgate surveys his 33-man training party ahead of Euro 2024, there’s one surprising stat that might lead you to the opposite conclusion.Harry Maguire has been a regular throughout Gareth Southgate’s reignCredit: GettyIt’s no surprise Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane top England’s scoring listsCredit: GettyAnd ironically it concerns a Manchester United team-mate of Marcus Rashford – the biggest name axed.Fans perusing the facts and figures over Southgate’s provisional squad were shocked to see the list of England’s highest scorers.Way out in front of course is skipper Harry Kane with the Three Lions’ all-time record of 62 – from 89 appearances.Arsenal marauder Bukayo Saka is comfortably in second place, albeit with “just” 11 in 32 games.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut it’s who comes next that raises eyebrows even higher than the man in question jumps in the penalty box.Step forward – and leap up – Harry Maguire!The Red Devils’ centre-back, 31, has bagged seven goals in 63 internationals, mainly thanks to his dynamic heading ability.Maguire has managed to win round Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag after struggling for game-time early in the season.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd although he’s a leader on the pitch, it’s the quiet way he knuckled down to the challenge that has impressed most observers.Maguire has remained an England regular pretty much since making his debut in 2017, a year into Southgate’s reign.Marcus Rashford and Henderson OUT of Gareth Southgate’s England Squad for Euro 2024He switched from Leicester to the Red Devils for £85million in 2019, a then-world record for a defender.And after a honeymoon period there were a few wobbles at United.But for England his consistency has rarely dropped.And he became a fans’ favourite at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.Partly that was because he was snapped during downtime riding an inflatable unicorn.But mostly it was due to his rousing performances, capped by a soaring, scoring header in the 2-0 quarter-final win over Sweden.Nonetheless, supporters are still intrigued to see a current England squad packed with frontline options where Maguire is so high up the goal list.Manchester City’s Phil Foden is fourth on four goals.Then come five stars on three – Real Madrid’s main man Jude Bellingham, Aston Villa’s bang-in-form forward Ollie Watkins and Arsenal anchorman Declan Rice, plus defenders Luke Shaw and John Stones.Remember, Southgate’s squad also includes flair players like Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Cole Palmer, plus Brentford striker Ivan Toney and an exciting batch of rookies.One fan posted: “THE THIRD HIGHEST GOAL SCORER IS HARRY MAGUIRE” – followed by shocked emojis.”Another wrote: “This squad lacks goalscorers which is why he should’ve taken Rashford instead of Grealish, I mean you already have Saka and Foden if you want creativity, that decision might bite him.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd a third responded: “Yet another reason why you have to take Rashford.”Meanwhile, as that selection debate rages on, you can expect Maguire to once again just let his feet – and head – do the talking. More