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      Watkins, Toney, Mainoo, Grealish… which England stars make the cut and who doesn’t in our expert’s 23-man Euros squad?

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      THEY say the England manager role is the impossible job.That seems accurate when you consider the difficulty of whittling down the Euros squad to just 23 players. Gareth Southgate was impressed with Kobbie Mainoo’s full debut against BelgiumCredit: GettyIt is the first time in three major tournaments that Gareth Southgate has not had 26 to play with.That was after allowances were made for Covid at Euro 2020 and the mid-season nature of the World Cup in Qatar two years later.Tricky calls will have to be made on the likes of Ollie Watkins, Kobbie Mainoo, Ezri Konsa, Jack Grealish and more.Injuries are already wreaking havoc with Southgate’s selections – and no doubt more will flare up before the squad is picked on May 21.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport’s Tom Barclay steps into the Three Lions boss’ shoes to pick his 23.GOALKEEPERSJordan Pickford did not have a great game against Belgium – but will be No1Credit: GettyJordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Nick PopeJORDAN PICKFORD is the undisputed No1 and despite having a mistake in him – as proven for Belgium’s opener on Tuesday night – the Everton stopper will start every game in Germany.Then it is just a matter of picking his back-ups who are unlikely to play anyway.Most read in Euro 2024I would argue Aaron Ramsdale is a better keeper than Pickford but it is hard to make a case for him to start when he is warming the bench at Arsenal. Gareth Southgate presents Kobbie Mainoo, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa with England caps after their debuts v BrazilIn lieu of other options though, I would still take him. Cruelly, Crystal Palace stopper Sam Johnstone has been ruled out for the tournament after elbow surgery.If Nick Pope can prove his fitness between now and the end of the season at Newcastle, he would be my third choice.Jack Butland is having a good season north of the border at Rangers but I would favour keepers playing in the Premier League as it is a higher standard.I watched James Trafford perform miracles as England won the Under-21 Euros in Georgia last summer but his form this year at Burnley has been less convincing.FULL-BACKSInjured Luke Shaw (far right) worked on his fitness with England this fortnightCredit: AFPKyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier, Luke ShawWE have a crisis at left-back with Luke Shaw a huge injury doubt and no one really pushing their case behind the Manchester United man.Ben Chilwell struggled against Brazil and was marginally better against Belgium.The Chelsea man should be picked if Shaw does not make it.But it sums up how worrying the situation is that I would still go for Shaw even if he only makes the last few games of the season for United.Kieran Trippier’s versatility offers some comfort and he is likely to be the man starting at left-back against Serbia on June 16.The Newcastle man, 33, offers cover for Kyle Walker at right-back too.Trent Alexander-Arnold must go – what a creative option to have if you are chasing a game – but his most likely route to a starting spot is probably in midfield.CENTRE-BACKSJoe Gomez (centre) and Ezri Konsa (second right) have played their way into the frameCredit: GettyHarry Maguire, John Stones, Ezri Konsa, Joe GomezBARRING injury, Harry Maguire and John Stones start this summer for Southgate, no question. And given the lack of other options – plus Maguire’s renaissance at Old Trafford this season  – fewer people would argue with that than they would have done six months ago.Lewis Dunk unfortunately looks to have played himself out of the squad with his poor displays in the last week.Joe Gomez’s versatility, being able to play centre-back, right-back, left-back and in midfield, on the back of an excellent season at Liverpool warrants his inclusion.Jarrad Branthwaite is exciting but after getting no game-time at all this international break, his chances look over.Then it is a toss-up between Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi.Konsa performed well on his first start against Belgium and has had a great season at Aston Villa.Southgate sees Guehi has his first reserve so will likely pick him provided he is well recovered from the knee problem currently sidelining him.But given the question marks over other injuries, Konsa’s form and fitness gives him the nod.CENTRAL MIDFIELDERSMainoo, still only 18, put in an all-action display against BelgiumCredit: GettyDeclan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, Jude Bellingham, James MaddisonKOBBIE MAINOO was the revelation of this international break after a fearless first start against Belgium.He not only played his way into the squad with his display, but perhaps even into the team.In contrast, Conor Gallagher’s underwhelming performance against Brazil may well have cost him.The Chelsea man was OK but given the numbers are so tight for this squad, I feel 18-year-old Mainoo takes his place.Jordan Henderson has had a hell of a 12 months but his experience, leadership and organisational skills will see him included.James Maddison’s clever pass for Jude Bellingham’s last-gasp strike underlined why he should go too – he has the ability to win tight games off the bench against any opposition.WINGERSCole Palmer has had a stellar season for Chelsea but is in a battle with Jarrod BowenCredit: GettyBukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Cole PalmerBUKAYO SAKA obviously starts wide right and Phil Foden needs to be in the team, perhaps in that central role that saw him flourish in the second half against Belgium.After that, it is wide open.Marcus Rashford surprisingly did not start either friendly this week but his performances for England have generally been good, irrespective of his Manchester United form.He can also play through the middle and offers something different with his running in behind.After that, Anthony Gordon’s work-rate, directness and confidence have done enough to win me over. You can play him on either side too.Jarrod Bowen was very good against Belgium so it is painful to leave him out, but I just think Cole Palmer is a better technical player.If England are 1-0 down with ten minutes to go, I would back the Chelsea man over Bowen to make an impact.Jack Grealish has it all to do after an injury-hit season and right now he is not making it.STRIKERSIvan Toney struck his first England with a penalty against BelgiumHarry Kane, Ivan ToneyIVAN TONEY did enough against Brazil to edge out Ollie Watkins in the battle to be Harry Kane’s back-up.The Brentford striker just looks a better fit for Southgate’s style and was far more involved than Watkins was against Brazil.READ MORE SUN STORIESToney’s ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play is closer to Kane’s style – plus he proved his penalty prowess.The question after that is do you take Watkins as well – but with only 23, he does not make the cut. More

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      Mainoo gives Southgate a serious headache but Dunk might have fluffed his chances of Euros spot

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      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

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      Police fire warning to footie fans ahead of crucial Euro 2024 play-off final with crowd trouble fears

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      WALES and Poland fans have been given a fresh warning over the dangers of flares ahead of tonight’s Euro 2024 play-off final in Cardiff.Seven Polish supporters were arrested following a fiery Nations League clash at the 33,000-capacity Cardiff City Stadium back in September 2022, including four for the possession of a pyrotechnic device.Poland won 1-0 in the last clash between the sides back in September 2022 at the Cardiff City StadiumCredit: RexPolice clashed with Polish fans before Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League tie with Legia WarsawCredit: RexFlares were lit by the Poles during the national anthems before kick-off and then throughout the match.While a firework was also set off from the away section seconds after Karol Swiderski’s 57th minute winner.Now the Football Association of Wales and South Wales Police have joined forces in a bid to clamp down on crowd trouble.The sell-out Euro tie is a huge clash with a spot at the finals in Germany this summer up for grabs.Read More FootballThe FAW said: “There is no safe use of pyrotechnics in spectator areas at football events with their use having many health risks and dangers such as loss of sight, limb or digit removal due to their explosive power.“Any person committing such an offence faces an FA Wales ban, probable arrest and a minimum 3-year Football Banning Order.“Additionally, should persons be identified using pyrotechnics in places of public assembly away from and en route to the stadium, they can be issued with section 34 notices and be instructed to leave the area with details passed to the FAW, Cardiff City Stadium and the authorities. “This may result in entry to the stadium being denied.”  Most read in FootballSouth Wales Police added their voice to the security issue with supporters repeatedly warned that the use of pyrotechnics in stadiums are banned and will incur sanctions.Superintendent Steve Rees added: “South Wales Police has vast experience in the policing of major international sporting events which have been held successfully in South Wales over many years and a policing plan is in place for this important fixture for Wales.Wales 4-1 Finland: Rob Page press conference“Being in possession of a pyrotechnic device at a football match, or attempting to bring one into a football stadium, is a criminal offence, and anyone found guilty of committing such an offence faces arrest and a Football Banning Order.“We work closely with Cardiff City Stadium whose staff are responsible for ensuring that supporters abide by stadium regulations.“As always we would encourage those attending the match to follow the supporter advice published by the Football Association of Wales.”Victory will book a spot against the Netherlands, France and Austria in Group D of Euro 2024 this summer.Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League showdown with Legia Warsaw in November was marred by crowd trouble, with 46 Polish fans charged after violent clashes with police.The FAW were fined more than £14,500 by FIFA after home fans let off flares during 2022 World Cup play-off victories over Austria and Ukraine in Cardiff.  READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 1993, John Hill died after being hit by a flare at the old National Stadium in Cardiff at Wales’ World Cup qualifier against Romania.At the final whistle, two men on the opposite side of the stadium let off a marine distress flare that travelled over the pitch and struck the 67-year-old. More

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      BBC make shock change to England vs Belgium broadcast which could leave millions of fans unable to follow friendly

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      BBC have relegated England in a move that could impact the way thousands of supporters tune in to tonight’s game.The Three Lions will face Belgium at Wembley in their latest international friendly ahead of Euro 2024.England have been relegated by the BBC but it’s good news for Welsh fansCredit: GettyGareth Southgate’s men suffered a 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Saturday and he is expected to make several changes to his side later.However, there has now been a huge change for those hoping to listen in to the action.The Telegraph states that the match will no longer be broadcast live on BBC Radio 5 Live.The Beeb have instead opted to provide commentary on Wales’ crunch play-off clash with Poland.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe winner of that will join Southgate’s side in Germany at the Euros.The Three Lions have now been switched to their digital station Radio 5 Sports Extra.The match is also being broadcast live on talkSPORT.And fans can also tune in to watch it live on television courtesy of Channel 4.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe move comes after the closure of Radio 4 long wave.That will mean that people will not be able to listen to Test Match Special unless they have access to either a digital radio or the internet.Gareth Southgate presents Kobbie Mainoo, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa with England caps after their debuts v BrazilThat decision was criticised by many after being confirmed by the BBC.And it was called “dreadful” by ex-England captain Sir Geoffrey Boycott.Meanwhile, Southgate is believed to be set to start Kobbie Mainoo for the first time later.The midfielder, 18, has burst on the scene at Manchester United this term.He initially missed out on the senior squad this month, but after a number of injuries, he was called up late.Mainoo then came off the bench against Brazil to win his first cap and impressed with his cameo.READ MORE SUN STORIESNow he could start in the middle alongside Declan Rice, who will captain the team for the first time.Lewis Dunk and Ezri Konsa are both hoping to get the nod in defence while Ivan Toney is likely to lead the attack. More

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      Connor Roberts calls on Wales team-mates to become national heroes like Gareth Bale by booking Euro 2024 spot

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      CONNOR ROBERTS has told his Wales team-mates: Become a national hero like Gareth Bale and take us to Germany this summer.Robert Page’s Dragons are just one win away from Euro 2024 ahead of Tuesday’s play-off final with Poland in Cardiff.Gareth Bale scored the winner against Ukraine to send Wales to the 2022 World CupCredit: GettyDavid Brooks set Robert Page’s men on their way to the Euro 2024 play-off final with the opener in the 4-1 victory over Finland last ThursdayCredit: GettyRetired Bale led Wales to the last two Euros and the 2022 World Cup.That included play-off winning goals against Austria and Ukraine two years ago.Now the spotlight is on the attacking firepower of Brennan Johnson, Kieffer Moore, Dan James, Harry Wilson, David Brooks and Nathan Broadhead to deliver a fourth major tournament qualification in just eight years.Roberts said: “We’ve got talent all over the pitch. Kieffer is different to Brennan and DJ, Harry and Brooksy.READ MORE FOOTBALL“They are all brilliant players and I’m just hoping one of them is our Gaz, our hero like he was against Austria and Ukraine a few years ago.“I’m not sure we relied on Gaz but he saved us a number of times.“Hopefully one of them is our hero again on Tuesday night and we can all start smiling and celebrating together.”Wales, who hammered Finland 4-1 in Thursday’s semi, have the experience of crunch ties in Cardiff.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Dragons overcame Hungary in November 2019 to reach the delayed Euro 2020 thanks to an Aaron Ramsey double.Then the Welsh roared once more at the Cardiff City Stadium when Real Madrid superstar Bale came up trumps with two superb strikes to sink Austria in March 2022.Wales 4-1 Finland: Rob Page press conferenceThree months later, ex-captain Bale delivered the greatest result in Wales’ history.Bale led his country to the World Cup for the first time since 1958 with a free-kick to leave war-torn Ukraine heartbroken.Now Leeds full-back Roberts, 28, wants to make more qualification memories against the Poles, who beat Estonia 5-1 to book a final spot and have lethal goalscorer Robert Lewandowski in their ranks.Roberts, who will win his 55th cap, added: “For Wales I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of big games – Hungary a few years ago, Ukraine.“It’s another one on Tuesday night. Life, football is about moments and Tuesday is another moment, a chance to achieve something, to make memories. “That’s what we’ll be trying to do as a team.“We’ve experienced big nights in Cardiff, tournaments, I’ve had brilliant moments at the Euros, scoring goals, playing at the World Cup but I want more.“A lot of us get greedy. We want to be better. We have to win on Tuesday and give everything to make people proud.“We’re not the biggest footballing nation, we’re not the best players in the world. But we all want to be there.“If we can look back and say it’s another qualification for another major tournament – the third one for most of us and even more for others – then we will be very proud when our football is finished.“It’s a massive chance to create more amazing moments and special memories.”Roberts was one of a number of Wales players who moved in January to keep his Euro dreams alive.The defender left Vincent Kompany’s Burnley in the Premier League on loan to Championship table-toppers Leeds.He has made nine appearances for Daniel Farke’s men in all competitions and even scored a vital goal in the 3-1 comeback win over promotion rivals Leicester at Elland Road.Roberts said: “It was strange for me because I was hoping this season would be good in the Premier League after last season and I made the decision to go somewhere where I’d get more minutes.”I’ve gone there and I’ve not played every single game but, on that side of things, I need to go in there and use my experience and hopefully get promoted again with Leeds.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I don’t need to play loads of games to be ready and stay fit. “It comes naturally to me but to go there and get a bit more game time than I was getting at Burnley is good.” More

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      Scotland vs Northern Ireland betting tips PLUS friendly preview and free bets for Tuesday’s clash

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      SCOTLAND continue their preparations for this summer’s European Championships with a home friendly against close neighbours Northern Ireland.SunSport’s betting experts have previewed the contest and selected their best bets, tips and sign-up bonuses for the clash.Best free bets for Scotland vs Northern Ireland
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      Scotland vs Northern Ireland previewScotland were competitive for over an hour in their friendly with the Netherlands on Friday night – before completing falling to pieces.The substitutions didn’t help Steve Clarke, especially the changes to the back line and that’s something he’ll need to address.Going forward, they created just as many chances as the Dutch but were lacking a cutting edge and the search for a number nine to lead the line against Germany in the tournament opener goes on.For Northern Ireland, they’re in a transition phase at the moment but have registered two decent results on the bounce.Friday’s draw in Romania followed a win over Denmark in qualification last time out – though the Danes had already wrapped up top spot.The sides last met back in 2015 with the Scots winning 1-0 thanks to a late Christophe Berra goal.Scotland vs Northern Ireland latest odds
      Scotland to win at 4/7 with Ladbrokes HERE

      Draw at 11/4 with Ladbrokes HERE

      Northern Ireland to win at 9/2 with Ladbrokes HERE
      Scotland vs Northern Ireland betting tips
      Scott McTominay to score and Scotland to win at 27/10 – CLAIM HERE
      The Manchester United midfielder has been a key part of Steve Clarke’s recent squads, as well as for United in front of goal too.Should have scored with a close-range header in Amsterdam on Friday and finding himself in great attacking opportunities recently.Could resume his usual role here and a good price to get on the scoresheet, adding to seven goals in Euro 2024 qualifying last year.
      Scotland to score in both halves at 19/10 – CLAIM HERE
      Really need a response after Friday night and with home support, they could do just that.Minor tweaks in the attacking areas are needed and doing so here can see a good performance and result for the home side.*Ladbrokes: 18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £/€5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org*William Hill: *18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred: New customers only. Register (excl. 13/04/24) with WELCOME50. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get Free Bets: £20 In-Play, £20 Acca & 50 x £0.20 (£10) Free Spins on Fishin’ Frenzy within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:
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      Robert Page says Wales are in top shape without Gareth Bale as he plots Euro play-off final joy against Poland

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      ROBERT PAGE believes Wales are stronger now than when Gareth Bale secured qualification for the World Cup 21 months ago.Superstar Bale led the Dragons to a first global finals since 1958 with the play-off final winner against Ukraine in Cardiff.Bale led Wales to the 2022 World Cup with a play-off final winner over UkraineCredit: ReutersNeco Williams scored a superb free-kick in Wales’ 4-1 win over Finland to set up Tuesday’s final against Poland in CardiffCredit: APBut Page, who has lost key men Bale and Joe Allen to retirement since Qatar, is adamant Wales are in a better position to win Tuesday’s Euro 2024 play-off final with Poland.SunSport assesses five key factors in Wales’ development since the World Cup…1 – LIFE AFTER BALEWales were often accused of being a one-man team in talisman Bale – and rightly so.The 111-cap star scored twice in the play-off semi against Austria and then netted the winning free-kick in the 1-0 success over Ukraine.REAQD MORE TOP STORIESEven at the World Cup, Bale netted the Dragons’ only goal and his last of his 41 tally for his country with a penalty against USA.If Wales’ Plan A was Bale, now Page has a Plan A and B because of the competition for places.Brennan Johnson, Harry Wilson and David Brooks started against Finland.But the Dragons boss has the options of Kieffer Moore, Dan James and Nathan Broadhead if he wants to tweak it.Most read in Euro 2024When asked if Wales are now stronger than June 2022, Page said: “Yes, I’d say so. When you lose Gareth’s ability from the Ukraine game you are going to miss it.Charlie Adam on watching golf with Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish instead of transfer talks“But you have to balance that out with the young lads who have come in and are learning and gaining experience.“We’re in a healthy position because all the outfield players are playing and we’ve competition for places.“H (Harry Wilson) is doing really well in the Premier League, same goes for Brennan. Brooksy has been outstanding in the Championship.“DJ is playing really well at club level, scoring goals and full of confidence. That’s why he has the impact he does when he comes off the bench.“It’s the same with Nathan Broadhead, who is playing well at the top of the Championship and scoring goals and then you have Kieffer. “They are different profiles of player and give the opposition different challenges to deal with.”2 – NEED FOR SPEEDPage’s buzz word following the dire showing at the World Cup was athleticism.Midfield was a huge problem for Wales as USA, Iran and England all exposed their 3-4-3 system.Aaron Ramsey was off the pace while Joe Allen came into the tournament with a hamstring injury which limited him to a cameo role.Shining light Ethan Ampadu has grown since leaving Chelsea for Leeds, where he is captain. The 23-year-old, who won his 50th cap against Finland, has been joined in the engine room by Jordan James.Birmingham’s rising star, 19, has been a revelation since his debut in Croatia a year ago, impressing in each of his nine caps. The new combination have the energy and aggression to protect the defence but also possess quality on the ball.Up top, Bale’s lack of game time at LAFC caught up with him as his Wales career ended at half-time against England with a muscle injury. Replacement Johnson has pace to burn.Johnson, Wilson and David Brooks provided a mobile front three against Finland and with the energy in midfield behind, Wales look a fresher team.Scorer David Brooks celebrates with Connor Roberts, Harry Wilson, Brennan Johnson & Co as Wales showed new liveliness up frontCredit: RexPage added: “We’re in a different position. The gap in the World Cup play-off suited and helped us because we had senior players who weren’t even playing at club level in Aaron and Gareth.“If it had been four or five days later we might have struggled a little bit.“Now we have a younger, fitter squad with players playing regularly.  We like the threat with Brennan in behind with pace.“There’s not a defence in Europe now who wants to play against Brennan with his constant threat.” 3 – NO RAM RAIDRamsey remains Wales captain and the Cardiff midfielder, 33, fought off a calf injury to make Page’s squad for the play-offs.But Page did not even need to bring the 84-cap star off the bench versus the Finns.In the past, Wales relied on superstars Bale and Ramsey but the emergence of younger talent means there is no reliance on a star name anymore.Page said: “The difference is the tides have changed now. We don’t need to get him on the pitch. “It would have been nice but we don’t need to because we have others who are playing well.” 4 – CAP ACCUMULATIONInternational caps bring experience and Ampadu and Dan James both won their 50th caps last Thursday.Page praised predecessors Chris Coleman and Ryan Giggs for their help in developing the next generation.Page said: “Cap accumulation is really important to us. We have senior but young players if that makes sense. “Ethan winning his 50th cap at the age of 23, DJ is a young lad at 26 and he’s on 50 too.“I thank the previous managers for giving the likes of Ethan and Dan their debuts so many years ago. We are reaping the rewards of it now.”5 – HOME RULEWales have lost just three of 22 home internationals under Page since he replaced Giggs in November 2020.Home advantage was key in World Cup qualification and the Dragons hope the same factor in front of a passionate, sell-out Cardiff City Stadium crowd will roar them to Germany.Page said: “The supporters play a massive part but it’s also our level of performance. “When we play like we did against Croatia and Turkey in Cardiff and replicate that performance – the result will take care of itself.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There’s no more motivation needed than a win to qualify for the Euros in Germany. “We’ve been there, picked the hotel, we’ve got the training ground and we’re ready to go. We’ve got one more game to get across the line.” More

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      Former Man United star switches allegiance from England to DR Congo after starring for Three Lions at youth to U21 level

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      AXEL TUANZEBE has ditched England and pledged his international allegiance to the Democratic Republic of Congo.The former Manchester United defender represented the Three Lions at Under-19, 20 and 21 levels but never received a call-up to the senior squad.Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe has switched international allegianceCredit: GETTYThe 26-year-old has opted to play for the Democratic Republic of CongoAnd the Ipswich Town centre-back has now opted to play his international football for the country of his birth.Tuanzebe revealed his switching of allegiance by posing for a snap with DRC manager Sebastien Desabre, whom he held a Leopards shirt with.Footie fans were quick to react to the news, with one saying: “Interesting move by Axel Tuanzebe.”Another said: “Very good move for him.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd another said: “Good for him.”One remarked: “He has great self-awareness, no chance of making it into the England team.”Another chimed in: “England didn’t need him so why wait? He is getting old so he needed this.”Congratulations to him and the good people of DR Congo.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAxel Tuanzebe represented England at multiple levelsCredit: RexTuanzebe, 26, could soon be joined by a familiar face in the Congo team.The defender’s former Red Devils team-mate Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also eligible to play for The Leopards.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Like Tuanzebe, the United star has represented England at youth levels but has yet to play for the first team – despite multiple call-ups to Gareth Southgate’s squad.In 2020, Wan-Bissaka teased a switch to the Congo by removing the England flag from his Instagram bio and replacing it with the DRC’s one.He’s since removed it in an apparent clearout of his account, which currently only features one post.Wan-Bissaka has remained tight-lipped on his international future in recent years, although he did reveal his ambitions to play for England back in 2019.He told The South London Press: “It is about focusing on the Euros and aiming to win it, then after that it is about focusing on the next season.“But a holiday is always needed, to put your feet up, to rest. “Then I can come back next season fitter and stronger. My aim is England.”Aaron Wan-Bissaka could also switch his international allegiance to the DRCCredit: PA:Press Association More