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    Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard model ‘masterpiece’ international kits – but fans all spot the same problem

    NORWAY have launched their “masterpiece” of a kit – but fans all spot the same problem.Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard modelled in the brand new Norweigan outfit however the Scandinavian nation will not have the chance to wear it to the Euro 2024.Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland model in Norway’s ‘masterpiece’ international kitsCredit: Instagram / @herrelandslagetFans spot that the Scandinavian outfit will not be worn in the Euros this summerCredit: Instagram / @herrelandslagetNorway has revealed their new jerseys for Euro 2024, following England – the only difference is they will not be participating in the tournament.Teams from around the world have been unveiling their kits for the upcoming European Championship and Copa America tournaments this summer.And fans were left in awe after Norway shared their striking new home and away kits modelled by the Manchester City goal-scoring menace and the Arsenal skipper.As one fan said: ” Now this is a masterpiece.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the others had to remind the Scandinavian nation they would not be wearing the shirts this summer.A supporter said: “No world cup or euro. This fine jersey just to play friendlies.”Another added: “These will look beautiful at the Euros… Oh wait!”A third then said: “Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard model eye-catching new Norway kit – but they won’t be wearing it at Euro 2024.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe home jersey boasts bold vertical stripes with the flag’s colour scheme of red, white, and blue, drawing inspiration from the iconic Harald Harfagre sword monument.The away shirt is a white jersey with flashes of blue across the front and back – said to be influenced by the northern lights.Both shirts also feature a new Norway badge, which is topped with gold motifs.’I was waiting for that’ – Jamie Carragher leaves Odegaard in hysterics as he reignites celebration row live on Sky SportsThe kits are one of the best fans have seen on the international stage in years – but it’s a shame they will not be seen in the European Championship this summer.Norway will be able to flaunt their new kits in the Nations League which will be held from September to November 2024 with the final rounds in 2025.The new Three Lions kits have also pleased fans with a polo-style collar making a comeback to the white jersey.And the away kit has caused a debate amongst supporters over whether it’s purple or blue. More

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    Sun mascot Harry Mane checks out England’s Euro 2024 team hotel – complete with robot waiter and six restaurants

    OUR football mascot Harry Mane lapped up the luxury of England’s fabulous Euro 2024 team hotel yesterday — and relaxed with a copy of the super roar-away Sun.The Three Lions beat host nation Germany to the best base available ahead of this June’s tournament.The Sun’s Harry Mane visited the Weimarer Land golf resort and Spa in Germany, which will host the England team for Euro 2024 tournamentCredit: Darren FletcherEngland managed to beat host nation Germany to book the in-demand resortCredit: Darren FletcherEngland’s stars will be able to unwind in luxury before the tournament and between gamesCredit: Darren FletcherThe hotel is centrally located which is helpful to England’s plansAnd our furry footie fan looked like the big cat who’s got the cream, with his paws up on one of the beds Harry Kane and Co will kip in during their glory bid.The Weimarer Land Golf Resort and Spa scored on all counts when we were given special permission to review it.Gareth Southgate’s squad will be served by 160 staff at the vast 350-acre leisure site at Blankenhain, eastern Germany — including a robot waiter called Robbie.Robbie, with flashing blue eyes, says phrases in German including “Excuse me” and “Please let me get on with my work” as he collects dishes from guests at one of the hotel’s six restaurants.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Our Harry — named after the goal-getting England captain — devoured a rare steak before a Peter Crouch-style robot dance with the droid.He moved on to attempt his own brand of crazy golf at one of the forest-fringed site’s three courses, where England stars will relax between games and training.Harry also showed off his silky skills on the pristine Uefa-standard training pitch installed on the site for the England team.He then went for a warm down at the spa complex.Most read in FootballGareth Southgate reveals England have invited Sven-Goran Eriksson to Wembley friendlies after terminal cancer diagnosis Wags and families are expected to visit if England progress towards the final in Berlin — and the “Rabbit Club” will lay on play activities for kids.The hotel has been massively redeveloped by millionaire entrepreneur Matthias Grafe.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 EnglandMathias GrafeHotel ownerLeipzig is the nearest big city but Erfurt, a 40-minute drive away, has good air and rail links to all ten tournament stadia.Southgate is understood to have been impressed by the space and facilities on offer at the isolated but secure rural site.FA planners signed off on a deal estimated at £800,000 for exclusive use of the 94-room hotel and its facilities for the duration of the tournament.The Germans wanted to base their squad at the resort and will stay there for around two weeks in the build-up to the tournament.But they have been contractually obliged to switch to a base in Herzogenaurach, Bavarian home town of their kit maker adidas.England’s stars will be served by Robbie the robot waiterCredit: Darren FletcherEngland boss Gareth Southgate is said to be very impressed by the resortCredit: Darren FletcherGerman adidas banners and livery will be taken down and replaced by logos of England’s sponsor Nike and Three Lions decor before the stars arrive.Players will stay in simply- furnished timber-clad rooms boasting boast pine forest views.Temptations include crisp Warsteiner beer on draft, a choice of 300 fine wines, the Michelin-starred Italian restaurant and an opulent cigar lounge.But the FA will be bringing its own team of chefs and dieticians to maximise the performance of a squad widely believed to have England’s best chance of silverware success since 1966.Southgate and the team will arrive eight days before their first game against Serbia on June 16.Owner Mr Grafe told The Sun: “The German team wanted to be based at my hotel but they have been obliged to work with their adidas sponsors so we’re delighted to welcome England instead.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe German said he would find his loyalties torn if the two countries meet during the tournament.But he added: “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.”Southgate and the team will arrive eight days before England’s first gameCredit: Darren FletcherThe footballers will have to try to avoid the temptation to order beers from the barCredit: Darren FletcherEngland striker Harry Kane knows Germany well already from his time at Bayern MunichCredit: Getty More

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    Gareth Southgate admits he can’t protect Ben White from fan backlash after player rejected England call-up

    ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate urged fans to lay off Ben White  after he asked to not be picked for his country again.Southgate, who named a 25-man squad to face Brazil and Belgium, revealed the Arsenal star does not want a call-up despite his red-hot form.Ben White has signed a new Arsenal deal but rejected an England returnCredit: PAGareth Southgate says it’s a ‘shame’ White said no to himCredit: PAFour-cap White, 26, who signed a new four-year Gunners deal on Thursday, went home for personal reasons during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.Yet Southgate says the door is still open for him, adding: “I don’t want a backlash. I understand we are in a situation where that could happen.“But he’s signed a new contract so there’s no question he’s got the love of the Arsenal fans.“The shame is I’d have liked to have picked him.READ MORE TOP STORIES“In these situations, I’ve tried to protect players. Yet that’s impossible here.“Because of the timing of asking to come off the long-list for our squad,  I don’t think that it would be right not to state the situation we’re in.“We’ve explained to Arsenal we were going to do that. And if you make a decision like that, you do have to stand by it.“The door is  open — but that’s unlikely now for the Euros because of the situation this month.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON HORSE RACING“Moving forward, I’d hope he feels differently about it. I can’t say he doesn’t deserve to be in.”SunSport understands the defender has not ruled out a return one day.Gareth Southgate reveals England have invited Sven-Goran Eriksson to Wembley friendlies after terminal cancer diagnosis But Arsenal sporting director Edu rang  FA chief John McDermott to tell him White still did not want to be considered.Knowing that Southgate would be asked about White, Arsenal yesterday morning confirmed he has signed on until 2028.Southgate, whose side host Brazil a week on Saturday and Belgium three days later, added: “I have to respect the decision.  “I spoke to him post- Qatar and there was reticence from his side.“I don’t know fully why that is. There is no issue between us. There is no issue with [England No 2] Steve Holland. That has been mentioned and I don’t like that.”Meanwhile, Southgate fears Manchester United defender Luke Shaw, 28, could miss the Euros with a muscle injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “The timelines would suggest he will only be available in the dying embers of the season.“You don’t know what version of the player you’re going to get.” More

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    Two-cap Premier League star switches allegiance to Syria as midfielder gives up on Euro 2024 place

    FORMER Brighton star Mahmoud Dahoud has switched his national team allegiances to Syria after giving up hope of a Euro 2024 spot for Germany.Dahoud, 28, has made two appearances for the German national team in friendlies, the maximum a player can have and still switch under FIFA rules.Mahmoud Dahoud has elected to play for SyriaCredit: RexBoth caps came under former Germany coach Joachim Lowe in 2020 as he was gearing up for Euro 2020.Dahoud did not make the cut for the squad and has not been called up for Germany since 2021.The defensive midfielder joined Brighton from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023 but never really settled on the South Coast.He made just nine Premier League appearances for the Seagulls before leaving the club in the January transfer window.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNow back in the Bundesliga at VFB Stuttgart, he’s made six appearances and scored one goal.Dahoud has already informed the Syrian Football Association of his decision.He told Sky Germany: “I was very quickly impressed by the idea of ​​​​playing for Syria. I grew up in Germany, spent my whole life here and was proud to play in the youth national teams and the senior national team. Germany is my home.”Syria is my family’s country of origin and ultimately also my birth country. And I learned early on from my family how privileged we are to live in Germany and how important it is at the same time to bring joy to the people in Syria. Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL”I would like to do that and am really looking forward to this project that is close to my heart.”Dahoud is in line to make his debut for Syria at the next international break, with The Red Eagles set to play two friendlies against Myanmar.Inside Harry Kane’s life in MunichThe team are currently ranked 89th in the FIFA rankings, while Germany are 16th. More

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    Ben White told England he did NOT want to be called up for friendlies as Gareth Southgate RULES OUT Euro 2024 selection

    ARSENAL defender Ben White snubbed a spot in the latest England squad, according to Gareth Southgate.White has not featured for the Three Lions since 2022.”There is no issue between us at all” ❌Gareth Southgate says Arsenal defender Ben White did not want to be considered for his England squad ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/hZLVQWOp7y— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 14, 2024

    Ben White snubbed the chance to be named in the latest England squadCredit: GettyThe defender was named in Southgate’s 26-man England squad ahead of the Qatar World Cup but left camp during the tournament due to personal reasons.Reports at the time claimed he left following an alleged bust-up with assistant coach Steve Holland.However, Southgate has insisted that there is no rift between the two.The England boss said: “On form, I can’t say he (White) doesn’t deserve to be here. John McDermott had a call from Edu last week saying Ben didn’t want to be considered for England at this time.”That’s a shame. He’s a player I really like. I spoke to him post Qatar and there was clearly reticence from his side. I don’t know fully why that is.”But I want to leave the door open because he’s a good player. There is no issue between us at all.”I should say there is no issue with Steve Holland, that has been mentioned in articles and I don’t like that.”I have to accept things get said about me, and you have to stomach that, but I’m not prepared to have that for a key member of my coaching team because that is not the reason.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL He continued: “100 per cent (door is still open for White). He would be in this squad but he’s not available to us.”I have to respect it. He’s not the first player who at times hasn’t wanted to be available for selection. I’ve always tried to protect those players.Ben White interview after Arsenal’s epic at Luton called ‘peak Ben White’ as fans say ‘Benny Blanco always cracks me up'”Sometimes as a leader you have to take the flak for others and give them the time to come through.”He’s clearly playing very well and has been for a long time. But he’s not available to us.”You always have to find a different solution. The very first squad I picked I had a player call and say thanks but no. You just have to move on.”Discussing White’s chances of making the Euro 2024 squad, Southgate added: “Clearly to come in for June now would be difficult because others will be in the squad and playing regularly.”Whenever you have a situation like that you have to assess those who have been on the journey all the way through.”White has been in fine form for Arsenal this season.The defender has made 39 appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side since the start of the campaign, scoring twice and providing four assists. More

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    The FIFTY stars in with a chance of being in England’s Euro 2024 squad as Southgate faces biggest selection dilemma ever

    GARETH SOUTHGATE has never faced a more complex dilemma in seven and a half years as England manager than his choice of a squad for this summer’s Euros.There are as many as FIFTY players with realistic ambitions of making the plane for Germany.Gareth Southgate must whittle down a massive range of optionsCredit: GettyEric Dier and Raheem Sterling could miss outCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunMan Utd’s Kobbie Mainoo, 18, has burst into contentionCredit: GettyBut the picture will become clearer on Thursday as the Three Lions boss names a squad to face Brazil and Belgium – the final party he will announce before his Euros 23 is finalised in late May.Quite simply, any player who is fit and not named in today’s squad can start booking their summer holidays because they will not be off to Germany unless something freakish happens.Today’s squad is likely to be larger than the 23 players Southgate can name for the tournament.But some former Southgate favourites are likely to be cut from the picture, including Raheem Sterling, Kalvin Phillips and Eric Dier, while the West Ham pair of Jarrod Bowen and James Ward-Prowse could be heading for their sun-loungers too.Uncapped hopefuls such as the Newcastle pair of Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento, as well as Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Everton centre-half Jarrad Branthwaite will discover whether they are in Southgate’s thoughts.Versatile Liverpool defender Joe Gomez will re-enter the picture with inclusion in the squad and Ross Barkley may also be back after a resurgence at Luton, five years after his last England cap.Likewise, Rangers keeper Jack Butland could be back in the frame, with Southgate admitting that the goalkeeping area is a ‘problem’ as Nick Pope is injured, while Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson are out of favour at their clubs.Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is sure to make today’s squad as the leading English scorer in the Premier League but Ivan Toney and Dominic Solanke are also still in the running to be Harry Kane’s understudy.Most read in FootballSeveral players who will miss out through injury today could still make the final squad.These include Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw, Jack Grealish, Pope, Reece James and Marc Guehi.Micah Richards leaves Kate Abdo stunned after challenging Premier League cult hero to press-up challenge on live TV In-form Chelsea star Cole Palmer will make Thursday’s squad but still faces huge competition to make the final 23.Either Grealish or James Maddison would likely have to make way for him.Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, linked with Man Utd, is in the runningCredit: Getty More

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    Gareth Southgate set to recall Joe Gomez to England squad with forgotten star who last played 5 years ago included too

    JOE GOMEZ and Jack Butland are preparing for England recalls after years in the international wilderness.Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate is beset by injury problems ahead of naming his squad tomorrow for friendlies with Brazil and Belgium. Liverpool’s Joe Gomez is set for an England comebackCredit: GettyJack Butland is poised to return after winning six caps from 2012-2018Credit: RexAnd he is ready to reward what Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp calls Gomez’s “most consistent” season ever.The versatile defender, 26, has suffered numerous fitness problems since winning the last of his 11 caps four years ago.Meanwhile, Rangers’ 31-year-old keeper Butland has been away from England duty even longer, having earned nine caps from 2012-2018.Southgate has faced a selection headache for a prestige double-header at Wembley against Brazil on March 23 and Belgium three days later.READ MORE TOP STORIESHis four first-choice full-backs are crocked – Reece James,  Kieran Trippier, Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell.That makes Gomez’s eye-catching return to form and regular starts with Liverpool even more timely.Even better, he’s covered four positions in his 39 games for Klopp’s title-chasers this season.Apart from central defence and each full-back role, Gomez has also looked comfortable in midfield.Most read in FootballAnd Klopp “couldn’t be happier” for a player who was tipped for greatness after arriving at Anfield from Charlton in 2015.But injuries to his cruciate ligament injury and ankle have marred his progress since then.Jurgen Klopp calls out Gareth Southgate with brutal message on live TV after Liverpool held by Man CityAnd it’s only this campaign that Gomez has been back to his best.Klopp said: “He was, in our most successful years, super, super important, played an incredible amount of games in 19/20, probably 18/19 as well.“He had some injuries, stuff happened, and he was in and out of the team, always important to us, but I think this season is the most consistent he played, especially because of the different positions.”Meanwhile, Rangers manager Philippe Clement has refused to “make the mistake” of urging Southgate to recall Butland.But the stopper, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Manchester United from Crystal Palace,  has shone in his first campaign north of the border.Clement has said: “I’m really happy with the way Jack is performing, but also with who he is as a professional, how he acts in the dressing room.” More

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    Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is latest England star to give Southgate a Euro 2024 headache as competition for places hots up

    COLE PALMER is the latest England hopeful to make an impression on Gareth Southgate and state his case to go to the Euros.His audition featured a goal and assist in Monday night’s 3-2 win over Newcastle.Cole Palmer (right) celebrates his goal against NewcastleCredit: GettyThe in-form Chelsea star scored one and made one on Monday nightCredit: GettyIt follows on from calls for Ross Barkley, Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo, Tino Livramento, Ivan Toney and Jarrod Bowen to get a place in the 23-man squad off to Germany this summer.Jack Butland, Raheem Sterling, Rico Lewis, Eberechi Eze and James Ward-Prowse are not out of the running yet, either.Each week we are told a new player simply must be included.But, for Southgate, it is not  a case of just getting a bigger plane. He cannot take them all.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnlike the last two tournaments, where managers could pick  26-man squads following the pandemic, Euro 2024 will see that number  back to 23.Added to the fact Southgate has a settled group of senior, tournament-hardened players  and fitting in talents like Palmer becomes quite the headache.The ex-Manchester City man only made the squad in November following injuries to James Maddison and Jude Bellingham, making his debut against Malta.But his performances for Chelsea, 11 Prem goals and eight assists across a fairly miserable Stamford Bridge season, cannot be ignored.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL While many of his new teammates are struggling to settle, midfielder Palmer walked out on the Premier League champions, swaggered into the spotlight in West London and has shone.Palmer, 21, has proved a game changer as boss Mauricio Pochettino battles to steer the Blues on the right course.How does Gareth Southgate solve Phil Foden dilemma, with Jack Grealish possibly missing out on Euro 2024And that bodes well for tournament football.But does that mean that he  is a better option than Jack Grealish or Marcus Rashford for boss Southgate?Palmer has certainly had a better individual season than both, but Southgate surely will not leave those two behind.On form, Palmer is the pick, but Grealish and Rashford can both make a bigger impact on their day and have a wealth of tournament experience.This summer would be Rashford’s fifth European Championship or World Cup appearance and Grealish’s third.With England under pressure to deliver a trophy in what could be Southgate’s final flourish, he will want players he can trust.Sterling’s England exile, having not been included in a squad since the World Cup in Qatar, certainly helps Palmer — but still it is a tight squeeze.England’s next squad will be announced on Thursday at 2pm.The Three Lions have an array of attacking talent, while Southgate’s habit of  taking every right-back playing in England also reduces the number of places available.What a player he is. The confidence that he shows in every moment of the game, you can see he is so relaxed and he knows his ability. Trevoh Chalobah on PalmerIn the forward line there are already a number of dead certs to be in the squad.  Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and, arguably, Ollie Watkins as the England captain’s understudy.Does Palmer deserve to go to Germany ahead of someone like Maddison? Probably not.Lay it out in the barest terms and what initially seems like an obvious case for Palmer, starts to diminish.It would be fantastic to have a player of his quality there, though it is always a sign of strength if England can leave players like him at home.For what it is worth, Palmer’s Chelsea team-mates believe he should be on the plane.Blues centre-half Trevoh Chalobah said after the win over Newcastle: “Most definitely.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He is up there producing every week, so why not?“What a player he is. The confidence that he shows in every moment of the game, you can see he is so relaxed and he knows his ability. That is the kind of player we need.” More