UEFA Nations League

ENGLAND are taking over a luxury 94-room resort for Euro 2024 – but will leave their Wags 20 miles away.The FA have reportedly paid £800,000 to book the whole of a German golf and spa centre, which even boasts a robot to collect dishes.The Weimarer Land golf resort and Spa is set to host England at Euro 2024Credit: Darren FletcherA luxuriant sauna will be among the facilities on handCredit: Darren FletcherThe squad will have timber-clad rooms or suitesCredit: Darren FletcherEngland’s stay is expected to cost around £800kCredit: Darren FletcherThe players will have digital pads linked to phones to contact hotel staffCredit: Darren FletcherEngland stars will be treated to the best facilitiesCredit: Darren FletcherBut the Three Lions are taking their own chefs and are expected to avoid having the players’ partners anywhere near.It’s claimed the FA are seen to ensure no repeat of the “circus” seen the last time England competed in Germany in a major tournament.That was when the Three Lions limped through to a quarter-final exit against Portugal on penalties in the 2006 World Cup.The likes of Victoria Beckham, Cheryl Cole, Alex Gerrard and Coleen Rooney made unwanted headlines back then.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it appears the FA are being ultra safe this time around.They’ve secured the Weimarer Land Golf and Spa resort in Blankenhain, including swimming pools, sauna and gym, for the tournament from June 14-July 14.Meanwhile, it’s understood the Wags are looking into staying at a five-star hotel 40 minutes away by car.Manager Gareth Southgate is tipped to have one of the Weimarer’s top three suites, with the golf-themed names of Birdie, Albatross and Eagle.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe outdoor pool should be dazzling when Euro 2024 startsCredit: Darren FletcherMeanwhile, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Co will have timber-lined rooms or suites.Room service will be extra easy – as every man gets a hand-held digital pad linked to the resort’s staff.Man Utd legend Gary Neville gives verdict on Gareth Southgate to Old Trafford rumours as Erik ten Hag fights for job Food-wise, breakfast will be typical of the venue’s normal service.Salmon, organic sourdough breads and eggs are on the menu, alongside fresh orange juice and locally-produced honey.The FA are relying on their own chefs for dinner – to help guarantee perfect sporting nutrition.But Michelin chefs Danny Schwabe and Marcello Fabbri – from the Weimarer’s Augusta and Masters restaurants – will provide an al a carte menu.All in all, it’s well above par for a venue as the hosts of the England squad.Now it’s up to Southgate’s Lions as the visitors on the pitch to be up to scratch as they bid for their first major trophy since 1996.The venue includes unusual touches such as this horseCredit: Darren FletcherThe FA are bringing their own chefs to the hotelCredit: Darren FletcherDowntime will of course include the chance for golfCredit: Darren FletcherThe gym looks plain compared to other aspects of the resortCredit: Darren FletcherThe Three Lions are unlikely to utilise the drinking facilities muchCredit: Darren Fletcher More

AARON RAMSEY is considering his Wales future after their cruel Euro 2024 play-off exit.The Dragons captain, 33, was an unused substitute and watched on as Dan James suffered penalty heartbreak in the 5-4 shootout loss to Poland in Cardiff on Tuesday night.Dan James saw his penalty saved as Wales’ Euro 2024 qualification dreams were ended by Poland.Credit: GettyAaron Ramsey has had a brilliant Wales career, playing at three major tournaments but there are question marks over if he will carry on for the 2026 World Cup qualifiersCredit: Getty ImagesThe painful defeat ended Welsh hopes of qualifying for this summer’s finals in Germany.Ramsey has won 84 caps and is sixth on the all-time list of goalscorers with a tally of 21 strikes.But it is understood to be weighing up whether he will play on for his country in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.The Cardiff midfielder has had an injury-plagued season with a knee injury keeping him out for five months.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter returning for two substitute appearances for the Bluebirds, Ramsey picked up a calf injury and was a doubt for the Euro play-offs.He was named in Robert Page’s squad and played 20 minutes for Cardiff in the South Wales derby defeat to Swansea on March 16.But Ramsey did not play a single minute either against Finland in last Thursday’s 4-1 win or the Poland defeat with Ben Davies taking over as captain.Ramsey, who has a year left on his Cardiff contract, was part of three major qualification successes with Wales.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe was named in the team of the tournament at Euro 2016 where Chris Coleman’s men reached the semi-finals.The ex-Arsenal and Juventus star also played at the delayed Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup – Wales’ first global appearance since 1958.The World Cup qualifiers start next March and Ramsey would be 35 by the time the finals in USA, Canada and Mexico come around if Wales qualified.Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, 37, who has 109 caps, is another Wales player who could now weigh up his international future.Page said: “There have been no conversations like that. It’s been an hour since we’ve ended the game. Aaron was a big part of this squad.”It’s not just what he brings on the pitch, it’s off the pitch as well. We want to continue to add to the squad and at the right time we will start introducing the younger ones in.”When quizzed why Ramsey was not brought on in extra-time or for penalties, Page added: “Who could he have come on to replace? “We needed the two 6s in the middle of the park. We weren’t going to take any more gambles or unnecessary risks late on into injury-time.”We made the changes which we thought were going to go on and win us the game.” More

ROBERT PAGE will remain Wales boss despite their Euro 2024 play-off failure.The Dragons suffered a penalty shootout heartbreak to Poland on Tuesday night after Dan James’ decisive spot-kick was saved by Wojciech Szczesny.Wales keeper Danny Ward looks gutted after Euro 2024 play-off exitCredit: GettyPage wants to carry on as Wales boss until 2026 and FAW president Steve Williams has backed himCredit: RexFootball Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney publicly stated Page’s position would be reviewed if automatic qualification was not secured.But Page is under contract for two more years and received a vote of confidence yesterday that his job is safe for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.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.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite the cruel Euro exit on spot-kicks in Cardiff which ended Welsh hopes of qualifying for Germany this summer, Page insists he is “absolutely” the right man to lead Wales forward.SunSport understands there was no break clause in the manager’s contract to activate at the end of the Euro campaign.Page, 49, is the only Welsh manager to lead his country to two major tournaments and he has the support of his squad.Next up is a June 9 friendly in Slovakia before the start of Nations League ties in the autumn and then next year’s World Cup qualifiers.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPage said: “I’ve got a great relationship with Dave Adams, the technical director of the FAW. “We’ve had our issues in the past, haven’t we? It’s been well documented.”But everything’s fine and great. “The board, the chief exec, the president, they see the journey we’re on and what we’re trying to do. They appreciate it.”In 12 months we’ve gone from the retirement of senior players to introducing younger players and being one kick away from qualification.”Poland progressed without even registering a shot on target in 120 minutes – prompting criticism of Page’s tactics and substitutions.But ex-Wales star midfielder Joe Allen, who won 74 caps and retired after the 2022 World Cup, says Page deserves the chance to try and lead the Dragons to the finals in USA, Canada and Mexico.Allen, 34, said: “The two things you have to look for is, are the players supportive of the manager? That’s very evident.”Does the future look bright and is the team improving and that is also evident.“He deserves the chance to carry on and the chance to prove himself again.”Liverpool forward Lewis Koumas, 18, Fulham’s 19-year-old attacker Luke Harris and Cardiff midfielder Rubin Colwill, 21, are viewed as the next generation of talent to come through.Page added: “I know I’ve got a good group of players, great staff, and we’re going on the right path. “There are younger players to be introduced so that’s my next aim.”We haven’t got there this time but with the games in June, we can introduce younger players and build on what we have already got here. We’re going places.”Jordan James will be another Ethan Ampadu and I’ve no doubt he’ll have around 50 caps by the time he is 23.“Having gone through that experience will make them bigger and better in the future. “We’re disappointed but we have learned lessons.”But Wales will be counting the cost of missing out on a £10m-plus windfall.The Dragons would have got a cash boost of almost £8million for just participating in Germany with sponsorship and commercial spin-offs to follow.Now the spotlight will be on Wales’ latest financial results which are due with Companies House by March 31.The failure to qualify will only increase the concerns at the Welsh FA over budget cuts following a series of cost-cutting measures in recent times.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the worrying state of Wales’ finances could explain the public backing of Page as the FAW would have had to stump up a compensation package to bring in a new boss.Mooney, appointed in August 2021, has also made a string of financial promises to the grassroots game in Wales as well as pledging millions to the Welsh Premier. More

JAMES MADDISON has told Gareth Southgate: Play me more often and I’ll give you  game-changing moments.The Tottenham midfielder came on as a late sub and teed up Jude Bellingham for England’s last-gasp equaliser in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Belgium.Maddison has called on Gareth Southgate to give him more game timeCredit: GettyAnd Maddison is adamant he can have the same impact at Euro 2024 — if Three Lions manager Southgate lets him have the opportunity.Maddison was frustrated not to play in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against Brazil and said: “I know the quality that I have — and that can help this team, most definitely.“You’ve got to show it and you’ve also got to have the opportunity  to show it.“I didn’t feature in the first game, which was disappointing because I wanted to play in a big game at Wembley.READ MORE ON ENGLAND“Against Belgium, I came on and made an impact. I’m showing him what I’m capable of and I just want to show more of that.”Maddison is able to cope better at being left on the bench now he is older.But he admitted growing impatient as he saw gaps open up during the Belgium game before his introduction with 16 minutes to go.The playmaker said: “I’m very, very, very grumpy but once you accept the fact you’re on the bench . . . Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I’m experienced now, I’m 27. On the odd occasion when I was younger, I’d be sulking, I’d be moody, probably not go about it the right way as a teenage James Maddison.“Now I’m older, I just assess the game and see where I can have an impact.James Maddison had to look up new Tottenham signing on YouTube before he became ‘best in his position in league’“Watching on the side, I could see there was quite a lot of space between the lines, where I like to play, so I was thinking, ‘Come on, Gareth . . . there’s a lot  of space’.“I knew I’d be able to have an impact.”Maddison is even hungrier to make his mark at Euro 2024 after going to the World Cup in Qatar but not playing a single minute.He said: “That was a very difficult time, what people don’t see behind the curtain.“I had an injury that I just couldn’t shake off. I got myself back training after the group stages but I wasn’t really right.“I was so disappointed, because going to a major tournament with your country is the pinnacle and you want to impact.“I’m hungry to get there now.”As for England’s chances in Germany this summer, Maddison knows they will have to show more than they did in this month’s two Wembley friendlies.But he is taking comfort from how he and Southgate’s makeshift team kept going on Tuesday to prevent the Three Lions  suffering back-to-back defeats at Wembley for the first time since 2013.Maddison has recently recovered from injury for SpursCredit: GettyMaddison said: “It’s a lot better than two defeats — but still not probably quite good enough.“Two home games at Wembley, coming away with what would be one point, that is not enough for us.“I think we are ranked third in the world. We need a bit more.“It’s always difficult with friendlies. We’ve had a lot of injuries as well, the team is very mix and match, a lot of players and partnerships who haven’t played together. It’s not an excuse.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The positive coming out of it is the character we showed to keep going until the very last minute and score right at the end.“That is going to be massive in tournament football.” More

A LATE Jude Bellingham goal ensured Gareth Southgate won’t have to pick his Euro 2024 squad off the back of consecutive Wembley defeats.The Real Madrid man scored with virtually the last kick of the game to ensure England came away with a 2-2 draw against Belgium.Mainoo shone on his full debutCredit: GettyBut Pickford made a costly mistakeCredit: GettyDunk struggled up against LukakuCredit: RexKobbie Mainoo shone on his full England debut but costly mistakes from Jordan Pickford and Lewis Dunk will give Southgate some pause for thought when it comes to his defence.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions…JORDAN PICKFORD: 5Horrendous kick-out straight to Everton team-mate Amadou Onana led to Youri Tielemans netting his first on 11 minutes. Pickford held up his hands in apology instantly, and went a little way to making up for it with a solid stop to deny Jeremy Doku’s blast soon after.READ MORE ON ENGLANDEZRI KONSA: 6One of three England players making their first start along with Kobbie Mainoo and Ivan Toney. Started out at right-back but moved to the centre when John Stones came off injured. Did OK.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLEWIS DUNK: 4The Brighton captain will be seriously sweating on his Euros spot after this performance. Gareth Southgate presents Kobbie Mainoo, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa with England caps after their debuts v BrazilIt was a wet surface but his slip allowed Romelu Lukaku to produce an exquisite cross for Tielemans’ second. Looked shaky on his fifth cap.Most read in FootballJOHN STONES: 5Came off injured with just ten minutes played after what looked like a jarring of the knee when in possession. A hammer blow for his club Manchester City, who saw fellow defender Kyle Walker limp off in the early stages of Saturday’s defeat to Brazil.Stones’ injury will leave Pep Guardiola sweatingCredit: GettyBEN CHILWELL: 6Looked determined to put in a better showing after a poor display against Brazil and did improve. Though if a fit Luke Shaw were available, Chilwell would not be troubling him for a starting berth.Declan Rice was outstanding in possession against BelgiumDECLAN RICE: 6Played the holding role on his 50th cap and tried to organise in his captain role. Interestingly, it was Mainoo rather than Rice who pushed further forward.KOBBIE MAINOO: 8What a performance from the 18-year-old, full of clever movement, dribbling skills and incisive passing. Did well in the build-up to Toney winning a penalty. Based on this performance, and how composed he was on the big stage, it would be a surprise now if Gareth Southgate did NOT take him to the Euros.Mainoo had a wonderful audition for a midfield roleCredit: The SunJARROD BOWEN: 7Played well under considerable pressure. Bowen knew that if he underwhelmed here that could well be his Euros dream up in smoke. But he stepped up to the plate, offering a threat down the right-hand side. Thought he had his first England goal but VAR ruled it out.JUDE BELLINGHAM: 7Finally found the net deep into stoppage time to earn England a draw, but had he had on his shooting boots earlier they would have won. Missed two sitters in each half, one when firing over after Mainoo had picked Onana’s pocket and the other a header from close range.Bellingham stepped up in Kane’s absence with a goalCredit: PAJude Bellingham covered a huge amount of the pitchPHIL FODEN: 6Had a quiet first half out on the left but came alive after the break when moved more centrally, as Southgate opted to play without a left-winger. Some neat touches and movement from the playmaker – without hitting the heights of his Manchester City form. Failed to hit the target when teed up by Bowen late on with the goal gaping.Foden thrived in a more central roleCredit: The SunIVAN TONEY: 7Won and scored a penalty for his first England goal in a fairly impressive display. One moment in the first half summed up why he is perhaps a better fit for this England side than Ollie Watkins, as he controlled a high ball and neatly played it onto Foden – his link-up play is a huge asset and closer to the profile of first-choice Harry Kane.SUBS:JOE GOMEZ (on for Stones, 10): 6The versatile Liverpool defender played right-back and should have had an assist in the second half but Bellingham somehow headed wide his pinpoint cross. Booked for cynically dragging back the excellent Doku.JAMES MADDISON (on for Mainoo, 74): 7Teed up Bellingham for his late strike with a clever flick back into the area.READ MORE SUN STORIESANTHONY GORDON (on for Bowen, 80): 6Barely saw the ball after coming on. OLLIE WATKINS (on for Toney, 80): 6Same as Gordon, too late to make an impact. More