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      Harry Wilson emerges from the shadows in the post-Gareth Bale era to shine for Wales

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      HARRY WILSON has blossomed from Wales squad player to front line star since Gareth Bale has retired.The Fulham winger, 26, was the Dragons’ hero with two goals in the superb 2-1 Euro 2024 qualifying win over Croatia last month.
      Harry Wilson has now become one of Wales’ first-choice starsCredit: Alamy
      Wales have been in transition since the retirement of record caps holder and goalscorer Gareth Bale in JanuaryCredit: PA
      And national boss Robert Page reckons Wilson has finally emerged from the shadows to take centre stage with talisman Bale no longer around after he hung up his boots in January.
      Page said: “Harry would turn up 12 months ago and expect to be part of the squad or if he started he would be substituted on the hour mark.
      “But the mentality has changed. When he plays for us now he’s one of the main men. He showed that in the last game.
      “He’s been around for a long time.
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      “Because of the players we had available to us before in Gareth, Joe Allen and Jonny Williams, perhaps he looked at it and felt he was a squad player.
      “We had a chat with him in the summer and said: “You are no longer that person or player. Look at what you’re doing at club level. You’re a big player for us’.
      “I don’t expect him to come in now and just accept to play for 55, 60 minutes. 
      “I want him to have that mentality that he’s one of our top players and he’s going to win games for us.
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      “He’s playing in the Premiership, scoring goals and creating chances. He certainly stepped up to the plate against Croatia.”
      ‘Diamond’ Wilson cost £12million when he swapped Liverpool for Fulham in 2021.
      He put Wales to within two wins of qualifying for the finals in Germany next summer with his match-winning display on his 50th cap against Luka Modric and co.
      Now Page believes the ex-Anfield star, who faces Aston Villa today, sets the standard for the next generation.
      Page, whose side travel to Armenia next Saturday for the first part of a double-header with Turkey arriving in Cardiff on November 21, added: “You see him train. 
      “I said to the young lads up in Wrexham for the Gibraltar game last month, just watch him warm up.
      “He’s the nicest fella you will ever meet off the pitch, he relaxes in his down time and his banter is great.
      “But when he crosses that line, he’s a model example of what you would want a modern footballer to look like. I say to the kids – watch him.
      “Everything he does is to the nth degree.
      “You can see why he has had the career he has and why he is playing in the Premiership.
      “Credit to him in how he’s looked after himself and he deserves the plaudits.
      I’m so pleased for him because he’s not just a good player, he’s an absolute diamond of a kid.”
      Wales have evolved since the retirements of record caps holder and goalscorer Bale, Allen, Williams and Chris Gunter since the 2022 World Cup.
      Despite losing that vast experience, Page insists Wilson as well as midfield pairing of Ethan Ampadu and Jordan James have shown they can keep the Dragons competing for future major tournament qualifications.
      Page said: “Ethan has been around for years, coming up to this 50th cap, in the New Year he will get that.
      “He has a wealth of experience but we now have that young group of players who have cap accumulation.
      “Ethan has gone to another level, H, JJ with his level of performance against three of the best midfielders in the world against Croatia.
      “It will hold us in good stead for the future.
      “We have put a committee together and it has given them more responsibility to look after each other. We had a committee with Gareth for the World Cup and building up to it.
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      “We have another one now and we think some of the young ones need to be a part of that and step up.” More

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      England squad announced with Arsenal star OUT of Euro 2024 qualifiers and Callum Wilson recalled by Gareth Southgate

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has named his England squad for the upcoming international fixtures.The Three Lions face Malta before a trip to North Macedonia this month in their final two Euro 2024 qualifying matches.
      Gareth Southgate has announced his England squadCredit: Getty
      Harry Kane is back in the teamCredit: Getty
      Jude Bellingham has also been recalledCredit: Getty
      Kalvin Phillips has also been given a spot in the squadCredit: EPA
      Southgate’s squad for the next Euro 2024 qualifiers
      One shock inclusion is Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips.
      The midfielder has barely played this season and has now earned more call-ups (2) than starts (1) for his club.
      European-based stars Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have obviously received calls after their impressive form for Bayern Munich and Real Madrid respectively.
      Kane has netted an incredible 19 goals and seven assists in 14 Bundesliga and Champions League appearances.
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      While Bellingham has continued to prove that he is one of the world’s best midfielders.
      He has also been in supreme goalscoring form having bagged 13 goals in 14 matches in all competitions for the LaLiga giants.
      However, there is no space for Arsenal star Eddie Nketiah.
      The striker has been left out of the team despite netting a hat-trick in October against Sheffield United.
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      Jordan Pickford will keep his spot at England’s No.1Credit: Alamy
      Eberechi Eze will have another chance in the England teamCredit: Willie Vass
      The defence sees Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker, Marc Guehi, Levi Colwill, and Kieran Tripper receive recalls.
      While Lewis Dunk and Fikayo Tomori have also kept hold of their places.
      John Stones however will miss out on the two matches due to an injury he picked up in the Champions League win over Young Boys.
      Man City manager Pep Guardiola admitted that Stones could be out for a “while”.,
      Eddie Nketiah has been omitted from the squadCredit: Getty
      Jarrod Bowen has been recalled after his good West Ham formCredit: Reuters
      Moving forward, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eberechi Eze, Conor Gallagher, Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson join Bellingham and Phillips as Southgate’s midfield options.
      Sam Johnstone has kept his spot in the team despite Nick Pope’s form at Newcastle.
      Meanwhile, other goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale and Jordan Pickford have kept hold of their spots.
      In terms of forward options, Southgate will have Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford have been called up.
      James Maddison has been given a spot in the squad despite his injury fears.
      Callum Wilson and Ollie Watkins have also been recalled and will compete with Kane for a starting spot.
      West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen has also earned a recall to the national team after his form.
      The forward broke the Premier League record for scoring in his first six away games this season.
      Raheem Sterling was also excluded from the teamCredit: Reuters
      Chelsea star Raheem Sterling also missed out on the squad again.
      He was not included in the squad last time as he wanted to get back to his best.
      On Sterling’s continued omission, Southgate said: “The door is 100 per cent open, not only for Raheem but others in this squad.
      “We don’t need to know about his qualities and personality. He is a crucial part of the journey we’ve had in the last few years.
      “We had an exceptional win over Italy. Who do we leave out to put him in? It’s as simple as that.”
      Southgate also explained why Arsenal’s Ben White was excluded from the team.
      He added: “Ben has been very solid for Arsenal. He’s a different profile of full-back. He’s a centre-back playing at full-back, really.
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      “He’s behind a couple of others.
      “We’ve got Kyle, we’ve got Kieran, Reece James, it’s a position we’ve got strength. There’s a couple of good young ones coming through.” More

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      Belgium 3-2 England LIVE RESULT: Wullaert scores brace to seal win over Lionesses as Alex Greenwood suffers head injury

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      BELGIUM have beaten England 3-2 on a disappointing night for Sarina Weigman’s side.The Lionesses found themselves behind early doors after a stunning free-kick from Laura De Neve put the hosts ahead.
      Alex Greenwood was stretchered off in the first half after clashing heads with Belgium’s Jassina Blom.
      Sarina Weigman’s side made it 1-1 through Lucy Bronze’s excellent header before Fran Kirby put England in front minutes later.
      Tessa Wullaert scored Belgium’s equaliser for 2-2, then converted a penalty late in the second half to seal a 3-2 win and give the hosts 3 points in Group A1.
      The defeat in Leuven leaves Sarina Wiegman’s side with a small hill to climb, with the team needing a win against Holland at Wembley in December to keep Team GB’s Olympic qualification hopes alive.

      Match result: Belgium 3-2 England

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      Follow our Belgium vs England live blog below…
      That’s all from Leuven
      England suffer a shock 3-2 defeat to Belgium, leaving them third in Group A1.
      The Lionesses now face a huge uphill battle to qualify for the Olympics on behalf of Team GB.
      Next up for Sarina Wiegman’s side is a return to Wembley Stadium, where they host Netherlands on December 1.
      But until then, thank you for reading and goodnight!
      Sarina Wiegman reacts
      Speaking to ITV, the England manager said:
      “They scored three goals and we scored two. This was a game I think we should have been tighter on the ball. The tempo wasn’t great.
      “We did create lots of chances, we dominated the game totally. We lost the ball and they were gone on the counter attack. It was us that made it hard.
      “They played top and played very compact. It’s something we have to get out of our game. We have to do better in the final third.
      “We were sloppy on the ball and they were ready for that. They play their long ball and they are gone. We didn’t do it good enough today.”
      Credit: Alamy
      Lucy Bronze reacts
      Speaking to ITV, the England full-back said:
      “We created more chances than the last game but we were sloppier on the ball. Their goals came from our loose passes.
      “Apart from that they didn’t really create anything, particularly in the first half and we had a few chances to put the game to bed if we were a little bit more clinical in front of goal.
      “We were pushing at the end, we were unfortunate to give away a penalty. We just couldn’t get the ball across the line in the last 30 minutes.
      “The other game was almost the opposite. We were so good on the ball, we just didn’t create chances.
      “The whole team needed to step up and obviously there was that big break where Alex had to come off who is probably one of our key players on the ball.
      “One of those things. We have to do a lot better. Similar happened against Holland where we gave it away too sloppily, too easily. It’s something we need to work on collectively and individually, we need to look at ourselves and go again.”
      Credit: PA
      Alex Greenwood update
      Alex Greenwood is conscious, taking and being monitored by England’s medical staff.
      The defender was stretchered off with a serious head injury during the first half.
      Match Stats
      The Lionesses had by far the most chances this evening, but they failed to make the most of them.
      Credit: UEFA
      Full Time – Belgium 3-2 England
      England had never conceded three goals in one game under the management of Sarina Wiegman until today.
      Full Time – Belgium 3-2 England
      England are burned by the Red Flames in Leuven.
      Credit: Alamy
      90+2. Belgium 3-2 England
      England have a free kick on the halfway line.
      Kelly takes it, but the ball curls straight towards Evrard and the goalkeeper claims it without coming under any threat.
      90+1. Belgium 3-2 England
      Three minutes have been added on.
      89. Belgium 3-2 England
      Substitution for Belgium.
      Wullaert is replaced by Janssens.
      88. Belgium 3-2 England
      The Lionesses have completely dominated this game, but they have failed to make the most of their chances.
      Belgium on the other hand have done just that.
      85. GOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL BELGIUM!!!
      Wullaert converts the spot kick!
      84. PENALTY
      Belgium have a penalty!
      Stanway was deemed to handle the ball.
      81. Belgium 2-2 England
      The Lionesses have been all over Belgium in this second half.
      Walsh sends another excellent pass over to Daly in the box, who heads it towards goal, but her effort is saved by Evrard.
      77. Belgium 2-2 England
      England go for goal again as the ball comes out to Bronze on the edge of the box.
      She shoots first time, but Cayman makes the block.
      74. Belgium 2-2 England
      A double change for Belgium now.
      Daniels replaces Blom.
      Delacauw replaces Detruyer.
      68. Belgium 2-2 England
      England make two changes.
      Toone is on to replace Kirby.
      Daly is on to replace Russo.
      65. Belgium 2-2 England
      England look to break forward again as Walsh finds Bronze in the box with a brilliant through ball, but the full-back can just about keep it in before Evrard claims it.
      Credit: EPA
      64. Belgium 2-2 England
      Russo is sent through on goal and attempts to shoot from a tight angle, but her shot hits the side netting.
      61. Belgium 2-2 England
      Earps comes to England’s rescue once again as she makes a brilliant save to deny Wullaert.
      The striker managed to get past both Bright and Carter before getting her shot away.
      59. Belgium 2-2 England
      The Lionesses are desperately trying to chip away at the Belgium defence, but they are struggling to make the most of their chances.
      Just over 30 minutes to play now.
      52. Belgium 2-2 England
      England come close again as Hemp picks up the ball and sets it back to Russo, who sends a perfect pass through to Bronze.
      The full-back heads it to Kirby, who makes a run into the box before shooting, but her effort takes a deflection and is cleared off the line.
      Credit: PA
      47. Belgium 2-2 England
      Chance for England as Kelly sends a free kick into the box.
      Russo looks to get the shot away, but she can’t get enough contact on the ball and it goes out for a corner.
      These set-pieces are proving to be a huge challenge for Belgium.
      46. Belgium 2-2 England
      Missipo is booked by the referee for a reckless challenge on Kirby.
      Luckily, the Chelsea star is able to play on.
      Kick Off – Belgium 2-2 England
      We’re back underway! More

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      England 1 Belgium 0: Lionesses leapfrog rivals in Nations League standings after Lauren Hemp goal & Mary Earps heroics

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      LAUREN HEMP helped England deliver a birthday weekend win for Sarina Wiegman as they overran Belgium in the Women’s Nations League on Friday night. Red Flames’ hopes of turning up the heat on their hosts were dampened by the Lionesses’ hungry attack and 1-0 win at the King Power.
      Lauren Hemp scored the only goal from close range in the first halfCredit: Getty
      Mary Earps made some outstanding saves to keep the clean sheetCredit: Getty
      This was despite a couple of nail-biting moments that produced some top draw saves from crowd favourite and ex-Leicester ace Mary Earps.
      The victory, watched by a lively 28,321-strong crowd, at the Foxes home saw England move up to second and level on points with group leaders Holland. 
      And Wiegman aces were boosted by Fran Kirby making her first Lionesses appearance since last October following her recovery a long-term knee injury.
      England were eager to bounce back after a 2-1 loss to Holland and going five games without a clean sheet. 
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      They overwhelmed the visitors pinning them deep in their half for large chunks of the game including the opening nine minutes. 
      It took just a minute for the hosts to mount their first attack with Niamh Charles dangerous run into the box 
      And Belgium’s backline looked all over the shop when Lauren Hemp saw a shot palmed away from goal before Ella Toone’s effort rolled inches wide of the post. 
      Against the run of play Justine Vanhaevermaet – Belgium’s most dangerous player in attack – forced an impressive 10th minute Earps stop from her towering header.
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      Fran Kirby returned from injuryCredit: Getty
      England took a deserved lead two minutes later after with Hemp slotting home from a corner following skipper Millie Bright’s header 
      And they went close near the half hour mark with the ball whizzing past Alessia Russo near the half hour mark. 
      The second spell saw England maintain the pressure with Alex Greenwood’s curled free-kick prompting a fine Nicky Evrard save 
      This was shortly after Earps classy stop of Sarah Wijnants long range thumper with 34 minutes of normal time left. 
      Wiegman, who turned 54 on Thursday, shuffled her deck with Rachel Daly and Kirby entering the fray in the 65th minute for Russo and Toone.
      Her side saw out the win ahead of the clash with Belgium in Leuven on Tuesday.
      The Lionesses face Belgium again on TuesdayCredit: Reuters More

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      Gianfranco Zola breaks silence on TV gaffe that left Bellingham in stitches as Chelsea icon says ‘I didn’t mean THAT’

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      CHELSEA legend Gianfranco Zola addressed his recent hilarious gaffe that left England star Jude Bellingham laughing his socks off.Zola was part of the Channel 4 panel covering the Three Lions’ 3-1 victory over Italy at Wembley where Gareth Southgate’s men punched their ticket for Euro 2024.
      Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola addressed his hilarious gaffe at WembleyCredit: Channel 4
      Zola left England star Jude Bellingham in stitches after the Italy gameCredit: Channel 4
      Bellingham, 20, led the brigade after Gianluca Scamacca’s opener as he won the penalty that Harry Kane converted to score his first goal and provided the assist for Marcus Rashford’s finish.
      The Italian shook off his country’s loss and rose above it by praising the Real Madrid superstar’s stunning performance as he got something off his chest.
      Zola told Bellingham: “I have to say it makes me laugh, because at 20 years old I was still drinking milk from my mum.”
      That was when the star midfielder and the rest of the panel were left in stitches.
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      The 57-year-old appeared on talkSPORT earlier today where his viral gaffe was revisited.
      And the former striker proved to be a good sport as he couldn’t stop giggling along with presenters Alan Brazil and Gabriel Agbonlahor.
      Once he regained his composure, the ex-Italy international explained he got “lost in translation”.
      Brazil said: “I thought your English was very good!”
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      Zola responded: “Yeah but sometimes I get lost in translation! I didn’t mean that!”
      The Chelsea great then finally got the chance to say exactly what he wanted to tell Bellingham after full-time.
      Zola said: “The fact is I am still very, very impressed by this young boy.
      “Not only in the way he behaves on the pitch, but the maturity, talking, the composure.
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      Zola explained he got lost in translation in that hilarious momentCredit: talkSPORT
      “I tell you something, there are moments in the game when things are not going your way and the tendency is to go along with it.
      “There was one player not giving up in that moment, I noticed that, it was Bellingham. He created everything from nothing. Italy was going very well, they were controlling the game.
      “But Bellingham himself created the first goal with an acceleration for the penalty. Then, the second one he created another fantastic acceleration.
      “I was really impressed and I wanted to let him know that. But I didn’t expect that!” More

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      England stars spotted partying with Emily Atack as Jude Bellingham and Co rack up £35k bar bill after reaching Euro 2024

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      JUBILANT England stars racked up a £35,000 bar bill after celebrating their Euro 2024 qualification, with TV star Emily Atack joining the party. Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Trent Alexander-Arnold danced the night away after the Three Lions thumped Italy 3-1 at Wembley.

      Jude Bellingham & Co racked up a £35,000 bar bill after celebrating their Euro 2024 qualificationCredit: Click News and Media
      Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold spotted on the night outCredit: Click News and Media
      Spurs James Maddison wore a yellow cap and eye-catching jumperCredit: Click News and Media
      TV star Emily Atack joined the night outCredit: Click News and Media
      Wonderkid Jude Bellingham and Luke Shaw were also among the revellers, joined also by TV star Emily.
      But there was no sign of skipper and family man Harry Kane, who started England’s fightback against Italy with a first-half penalty.
      The partying players bought fans ­cocktails and spirits at trendy nightspot Tape in London’s exclusive ­Mayfair.
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      They were joined by celebs including boxer Chris Eubank Jr as no expense was spared.
      Manchester City’s Grea­lish and Spurs’ Maddison raised a glass to Italy and Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie and chanted his name.
      It was revealed that the Tottenham star was racially abused on social media after playing against the Three Lions, according to Football Italia.
      Real Madrid sensation Bellingham was hailed for his man-of-the match performance before the team moved to a VIP section.
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      The minimum spend for a table there is £2,000.
      A bottle of Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades champers costs £650, a magnum of Dom Perignon Vintage Luminous is £1,050 and a jeroboam of Belvedere vodka is £1,300.

      Security later escorted the entourage in dribs and drabs back to the Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge, where luxury suites cost £11,500 a night.
      The England squad had plenty to celebrate after clinching qualification for next year’s Euros in Germany with two games to spare.
      Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions are now joint favourites with France, who knocked England out of the winter World Cup in the quarters.
      Emily wore a black dress for the London partyCredit: Click News and Media
      Emily leaves the club after the big night outCredit: Click News and Media
      Bellingham was hailed for his man-of-the match performanceCredit: Click News and Media
      The partying players bought fans ­cocktailsCredit: Click News and Media
      The minimum spend for a table there is £2,000Credit: Click News and Media

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      England ratings: Jude Bellingham runs the show against Italy as Kalvin Phillips has a night to forget

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      ENGLAND booked their spot at Euro 2024 with a convincing win over Italy.Captain Harry Kane bagged a brace while Marcus Rashford banished the demons of the Euro 2020 penalty shoot-out defeat.
      England qualified for Euro 2024 by beating Italy 3-1Credit: Rex
      But it was Jude Bellingham who ran the show at Wembley, putting in the type of display befitting a player classified among the best in the world.
      Bellingham won a penalty and laid on Rashford’s goal before receiving a standing ovation from the crowd when he was subbed off.
      While some have almost certainly booked their spot for the team in eight months’ time, others still have something to prove.
      Here’s how England’s Dan King rated the Three Lions.
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      Jordan Pickford – 6
      Did not have a save to make after Italy’s until a fine low stop from Udogie in first-half stoppage time.
      Well-positioned to save Gianluca Scamacca’s second-half shot, but a couple of bits of nervy distribution.
      Kyle Walker – 7
      Ensured the right of England’s defence looked more solid than the left and made an important intervention to stop Davide Frattesi making it 2-0.
      Thank goodness Gareth Southgate talked him out of retirement.
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      John Stones – 5
      Decent on the ball, but probably should have been tighter to Scamacca when Giovani Di Lorenzo’s cross found its way across the penalty area.
      Not a surprise to see him taken off as he comes back from injury.
      Harry Maguire – 6
      Harry Maguire was solid tonightCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      A strong early challenge had the home fans singing his song as the turnaround continued for the much-malligned Manchester United centre back.
      Didn’t really put a foot wrong as England denied Italy chances. 
      Kieran Trippier – 5
      Combined encouragingly with Marcus Rashford down the left early on but the pair were caught out for Italy’s opener and it was not the last time it happened.
      Looked more solid in the second half.
      Declan Rice – 6
      Miscued an attempted clearance in the build-up to Scamacca’s goal and a later loose pass could have been similarly punished.
      One of his less impressive performances in an England shirt, but better in second half.
      Kalvin Phillips – 5
      Had to rein himself in a bit from his usual all-action style after picking up a slightly unfortunate early booking.
      Lucky to avoid a second yellow card for a foul on Giorgio Scalvini before being taken off.
      Jude Bellingham – 8
      Jude Bellingham received a standing ovation when he was subbed offCredit: Getty
      Sometimes frustrated, with team-mates or match officials, and the target for some robust Italian challenges.
      But his brilliant surge earned the penalty and he sensationally created Marcus Rashford’s goal.
      Phil Foden – 7
      Unable to make the most in the first half of drawing Destiny Udogie into an early yellow card.
      But kept on proving and posing a threat, and forced a decent save from Donnarumma in the second half.
      Marcus Rashford – 8
      Full of energy and intent from the start, without quite finding the final ball or shot until late in the first half.
      But capitalised superbly on Bellingham’s brilliance, keeping his composure to give it the finish it deserved.
      Harry Kane – 8
      Harry Kane became England’s all-time scorer at WembleyCredit: Reuters
      A quiet first half until coolly converting a spotkick to bring up his 60th international goal.
      Spent most of the second battling hard for the ball and had his reward when he beat hapless Scalvini and scored No 61 emphatically.
      Substitutions
      MARC GUEHI (for Stones, 63) 6
      JORDAN HENDERSON (for Phillips, 70) 6
      JACK GREALISH (for Bellingham, 85) N/A
      Not used: Johnstone, Ramsdale, Dunk, Colwill, Alexander-Arnold, Gallagher, Watkins, Grealish, Maddison, Bowen.
      Read More on The Sun
      Gianluigi Donnarumma 6, Giovanni Di Lorenzo 5, Giorgio Scalvini 3, Francesco Acerbi 4 (Bastoni 63, 5), Destiny Udogie 7 (Dimarco 63, 5); Davide Frattesi 7, Bryan Cristante 6, Nicolo Barella 7; Domenico Berardi 6 (Raspadori 78, 5), Gianluca Scamacca 7 (Kean 63, 5), Stephan Al Shaarawy 6.
      Subs not used: Vicario, Meret, Gatti, Locatelli, Bonaventura, Darmian, Mancini, Orsolini. More

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      Wiegman wants Beth Mead to build up Arsenal minutes before considering England return for Gunners star

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      SARINA WIEGMAN says Beth Mead must get her consistency back on the pitch for her club before being reconsidered for England.  The forward made a winning comeback for Arsenal on Sunday after battling back to fitness from a knee injury sustained in November. 
      England chief Sarina Wiegman wants Beth Mead to build up match minutes and consistencyCredit: PA
      Lionesses star Mead made a return to competitive match action on Sunday after recovering from a long-term knee injuryCredit: Getty
      Chelsea’s Fran Kirby has returned to England’s squad for the first time this year ahead of their games against BelgiumCredit: Reuters
      Wiegman’s squad announcement ahead of the Lionesses’ upcoming Women’s Nations League fixtures included a recall for Fran Kirby.
      The fit-again Chelsea forward is back with Lionesses for the first time this year. 
      However Mead has been left out of the head coach’s 25-strong group with the team facing Belgium in a double-header later this month. 
      Earlier today England boss Wiegman said: “Beth is in a good place now but has been out for nine months. To be honest, she was not close
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      “She had her first minutes which was nice to see, but she first has to build at (her) club, to get that consistency back and then we have an opportunity to select her.
      “She just came on the pitch (against Aston Villa) for the first time in a competitive game. She came on in the 88th minute. She needs consistency. 
      “That has to do with performance and also staying healthy.”
      Kirby’s call-up follows the playmaker’s return to match action last Saturday during the Blues 2-0 defeat of West Ham in the league. 
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      The game at Kingsmeadow was her first competitive appearance since recovering from a knee injury sustained in February 
      An injury that led her to miss this year’s Women’s World Cup and much of the second half of last season. 
      Wiegman added: “It’s very nice Fran is back on the pitch. She’s fit and healthy. 
      “I thought she played very well when she came back on the pitch. 
      “She’s been building up to those moments in the summer.
      “She has shown enough quality in her performance that I think it’s good she comes back into the team.
      “She was really happy when I called her and she’s good to go.”
      England’s duels with Belgium, which includes an away game in Leuven, comes in the same month as a suspected terror attack in Brussels. 
      Two people were shot dead in Belgium’s capital on Monday before a Euros 2024 qualifier between the nation and Sweden with the shooting prompting the game to be abandoned. 
      The incident saw the country’s terror alert raised to its highest levels with  Prime Minister Alexander De Croo describing the attack as “brutal”
      Wiegman said:  “Of course it’s an awful situation. Two people killed, very, very horrible.
      “The FA has had conversations with the Belgium FA and it’s all about safety. “I feel safe enough to go there.
      “There are conversations going on and they will do everything to make us safe.
      England’s squad includes two new young faces with Man City goalkeeper Khiara Keating, 19, and Spurs midfielder Grace Clinton, 20 – on loan from Manchester United – getting their first call-ups.
      Keating’s standout shot-stopping displays for City has seen the team concede just once in three WSL games. 
      And the teenage City starlet has started in the three WSL games City have played so far with club team-mate Ellie Roebuck on the bench last time out. 
      Khiara Keating has been called up to England’s senior squad for the first time in her careerCredit: GettyEngland Women’s Squad – Women’s Nations LeagueGoalkeepers

      Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City)
      Defenders
      Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Lucy Parker (Aston Villa), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
      Midfielders
      Grace Clinton (Tottenham – on loan from Manchester United), Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Katie Zelem (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Barcelona).
      Forwards
      Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Jess Park (Manchester City), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).

      Along with Keating, Roebuck has been included in the England squad as one of four goalkeepers including Hannah Hampton and England number one Mary Earps. 
      Both Roebuck and Chelsea shot stopper Hampton are yet to make appearances for their club sides this term with both facing a battle for minutes. 
      However Wiegman insists the duos’ calibre has earned them enough credit for national selection. 
      The head coach added: “Both of them have built a little bit of credit with us because they have been with us and trained well. 
      “I still think they are two of the best in the country but I hope in the future they get minutes. 
      Grace Clinton has also received her first senior Lionesses call-up this monthCredit: Getty
      “It does make it a little bit complicated but I still feel they are the best in the country.”
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      Barcelona ace Keira Walsh is back in the squad after missing the team’s games against Scotland in November. 
      But there were no places for Jordan Nobbs, Lucy Staniforth, Laura Coombs, and Katie Robinson with the quartet omitted.  More