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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.
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      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

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      Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk and Man Utd flop Weghorst blast ‘worst pitch ever’ as they near Euro 2024 qualification

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      NETHERLANDS stars Virgil van Dijk and Wout Weghorst lashed out after beating Greece to clear the way for Euro 2024 qualification.The Oranje beat the Greeks 1-0 at OPAP Arena in Athens and Ronald Koeman’s side now need to beat either the Republic of Ireland or Gibraltar to confirm their place in the finals in Germany.
      Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk blasted the pitch at OPAP Arena in GreeceCredit: Rex
      Ex-Manchester United player Wout Weghorst claimed it was the “worst pitch” he ever played onCredit: Rex
      But after the game, Liverpool star Van Dijk – who scored the winner from the penalty spot – was fuming with the state of the pitch.
      The centre-back lambasted the “terrible” state of AEK Athens’ ground and suggested that shouldn’t be allowed “at this level”.
      Van Dijk said: “Have you seen the pitch? Terrible. It’s unbelievable that this is still allowed at this level.”
      Hoffenheim star Weghorst took it up a notch by claiming that was the “worst pitch” he has ever played on.
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      The Burnley loanee, who had an unsuccessful stint at Manchester United last season, even claimed there were stones on the grass.
      Weghorst said: “This was the worst pitch I have ever played football on.
      “We knew it wouldn’t be an easy game here, given the conditions and the way the opposition played. The pressure was there.
      “Not so much from the crowd, but mainly from the pitch which was very bad. There were stones on it. The conditions were difficult.”
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      The manager of Grassform Antonis Grimotsis, who supervises football pitches in the Greek Superleague, addressed Van Dijk and Weghorst’s claims.
      Grimotsis stated that the turf at OPAP Arena is being reseeded, which is annual procedure that takes place when the season is paused and UEFA as well as the two teams were fully aware.
      He posted on Facebook: “The pitch at OPAP Arena is in the process of being reseeded, of which the organising authority, the Dutch national team and of course the Greek national team are aware.
      “It is a regular, annual procedure that takes place at the break of the championship, it’s just that in our case it doesn’t exist.
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      The pitch at OPAP Arena wasn’t up to par, according to the NetherlandsCredit: Focus Images
      “The playing field is completely safe and playable with an aesthetic deviation due to the necessary, aggressive work.
      “OPAP Arena has had a busy schedule since its inception [in 2022], which is now being regulated.
      “Both the club management [AEK] and the maintenance company are in control and it is only a matter of time before the issue is finally resolved.” More

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      Gareth Southgate drops TWO England stars from squad to face Italy in Euro 2024 qualifier

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has had to drop TWO stars ahead of England’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy. AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori and Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah have been omitted from the squad.
      Eddie Nketiah made his debut against AustraliaCredit: Getty
      Fikayo Tomori has been left out against ItalyCredit: Getty
      England boss Gareth Southgate had 25 players for the final training session but only 23 can be named in match-day squads.
      Nketiah made his debut in England’s 1-0 friendly win over Australia on Friday, coming on as a substitute for match-winner Ollie Watkins.
      Tomori – who left Chelsea for Milan in 2021 – has made four senior Three Lions appearances.
      England sit top of Group C, with Italy three points behind.
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      And tonight’s match gives Southgate’s side another chance to avenge their heartbreaking Euros final loss in 2021.
      But Southgate – who led England to World Cup quarters last winter – claimed he is a better manager for the heartache.
      He said: “You are managing big matches all the time in one of the most high-profile jobs in football, so of course, like every manager, you are improving every day.
      “I’m sure every coach would be saying they are better than six months ago; they know more, are more experienced and have encountered more situations.
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      “I hadn’t managed a European final before, so the next one I am in I will have another reference and you have more experience.
      “It’s as simple as that. You can only gain experience by being in those moments.
      “People have asked what I would do differently that night but if I had done something differently I don’t know how that would have played out.
      “You make decisions with the information you have at a given time and it’s played out in front of everybody.
      “Everybody can then, in hindsight, say what should have happened but that tape is never played and nobody really knows the answer.”
      Gareth Southgate speaks ahead of England’s game with ItalyCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Why Ireland need to LOSE to Netherlands in Euro 2024 qualifier to have best chance of qualifying for tournament

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      REPUBLIC OF IRELAND are in a bizarre scenario where their Euro 2024 hopes would actually be boosted if they LOSE to Netherlands next month.Stephen Kenny’s side suffered a crushing blow on Friday when they were beaten by Greece at home in qualification.
      Republic of Ireland will be better off losing to Netherlands in their quest for Euro 2024 qualificationCredit: Sportsfile
      That was Ireland’s fifth defeat in six matches and leaves them fourth in Group B, six points behind the Netherlands, nine behind the second-placed Greeks and 15 behind leaders France.
      They head to Gibraltar today already knowing that a play-off place is out of their grasp and their hopes of qualifying automatically out of the group are over.
      However, the dream of reaching this summer’s European Championship in Germany is not quite over thanks to a very strange predicament.
      The introduction of the Nations League in 2018 now means that nations have two means of qualification.
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      The Euro play-offs will include the best-performing sides from the Nations League that failed to qualify automatically for Euro 2024.
      That means Ireland cannot have more than seven teams above them in the Nations League ranking that fail to qualify automatically from the groups.
      The Netherlands are one of the sides above Ireland in the Nations League rankings.
      That, therefore, means it would be beneficial for Kenny’s men if Ronald Koeman’s team qualify ahead of Greece as the latter are ranked below the Irish.
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      An Ireland defeat to Netherlands, who face Greece tonight, on November 18 in the final qualifier would create an additional play-off spot for Ireland.
      However, a win would almost certainly take away their chance of advancing due to the bonkers situation they find themselves in. More

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      How England could line up against Italy with Gareth Southgate set to make nine changes from Australia clash

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE is set to make ten changes from the side that scraped a 1-0 victory over Australia in Friday night’s friendly at Wembley.SunSport understands that only Jordan Henderson will retain his spot in the starting XI following England’s victory over the Socceroos.
      Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are set to return to the XI against ItalyCredit: Getty
      Only Jordan Henderson will retain his place in the starting XI despite being booed off against AustraliaCredit: Reuters
      How England are likely to lineup against Italy
      Harry Maguire will also see a recall to the team, despite his inclusion by Southgate being criticised by fans in England’s most recent qualifier against Ukraine and friendly against Scotland last month.
      Kieran Trippier is set to feature at left-back again amid England’s recent injury crisis in that area, with usual inclusions Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell both ruled out with injury.
      Marcus Rashford is also set to earn a start on the left despite struggling so far this season for Manchester United.
      Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Declan Rice, Phil Foden, Jude Belligham and Harry Kane will all also return to the side as England look to seal qualification against Italy.
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      Henderson’s place in the starting XI has become an increasing bone of contention for fans and pundits alike following his transfer to the Saudi Pro League.

      His move to the Saudi state this summer angered many given his previously vocal role in being an ally to LGBTQ+ communities.
      Same sex relationships are outlawed in Saudi Arabia and freedom of expression is also severely curtailed in the country.
      In purely footballing matters the league is still seen as weak despite bringing in various stars to strengthen it this summer – with many feeling that performances, no matter how good, in the Saudi Pro League should not justify inclusion in the England side.
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      The midfielder was booed off the pitch by large portions of the Wembley crowd when he was substituted on Friday much to the dismay of Southgate.
      A defiant Southgate defended Henderson after the game and said: “I know what has created it and why it has happened but it defies logic to me that you would give a player who is putting his heart and soul into playing for England.
      “How is that going to help him or the team?”
      Henderson himself said after the game: “If people want to boo if I’m playing in a different country, that’s fine.
      “Everyone is going to have an opinion over playing over in Saudi.
      “I’ve spoken in the past about the reasons for that. Whether people believe us or not is up to them.
      “But when I’m here with England, it doesn’t change anything. I give absolutely everything.
      “Of course it’s disappointing, but it won’t change what I do here. I want to keep playing and help the team become successful.”
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      England currently lead Italy by three points in Group C and only need a draw against Italy to secure their spot at Euro 2024.
      It’s the first time the two sides have met at Wembley since Italy defeated England there in 2021 to lift the Euro 2020 trophy – and Southgate’s side will be keen to get revenge.
      Harry Kane is England’s top scorer in qualifying
      Italy’s top scorer is Davide Frattesi More

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      Erling Haaland brutally trolled by Barcelona star with Norway ace still yet to qualify for a major tournament

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      MANCHESTER CITY striker Erling Haaland appeared to be mocked by Barcelona youngster Gavi on Sunday after Norway lost to Spain in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.Norway failed qualify for next summer’s European Championships after finishing outside of the top two in Group A.
      Gavi and Erling Haaland came face to face in Sunday’s Euro 2024 qualifierCredit: Reuters
      The Scandinavian side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain at the weekend, with Gavi scoring the only goal of the match.
      And the 19-year-old took to Instagram to poke fun at rival Haaland after the final whistle.
      He posted a picture of himself, appearing to shrug his shoulders, alongside the Man City star with a caption that included two Spain flags.
      La Roja’s win saw them qualify for Euro 2024 alongside Scotland, with both teams on 15 points.
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      Meanwhile, Norway now only have one possible route to the tournament in Germany – through the Nations League play-offs.
      Norway last appeared at a major tournament in Euro 2000.
      It means that Premier League superstars Haaland and Martin Odegaard are yet to represent their country on the biggest stage.
      Instead, Scotland are preparing for another attempt at the European Championships.
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      Speaking about his team’s qualification, head coach Steve Clarke said: “I would like to congratulate the players for their efforts in qualifying for back-to-back tournaments.
      “I’m not sure they will fully realise the significance of their achievement yet but to qualify for successive Euros after more than 20 years is phenomenal and testament to their hard work.
      “I would also like to thank my backroom team for their support and, of course, the fans who have packed Hampden Park to capacity and made it a place to be feared once again.
      “They have played a key part in our success, both home and away, and they can now look forward to making their plans for Germany – although I suspect many had done so before tonight.
      “I said after Euro 2020 that we wanted to be serial qualifiers again and reaching successive Euro finals shows the progress we’ve made.
      “We will raise a glass tonight to celebrate but then it’s back to work tomorrow in preparation for our friendly against France.
      “Then we turn our attention to Georgia and Norway next month and finishing with as many points as we can.” More

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      Gareth Southgate won’t care about England vs Australia score – Socceroos are Three Lions’ latest faceless opponent

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      HAS it ever struck you as odd that football fans moan when their favourite players aren’t picked by England and then cry when they are?Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham supporters have been demanding to know what more Ben White, Raheem Sterling and James Ward-Prowse need to do to get called up by Gareth Southgate.
      England manager Gareth Southgate won’t fear Australia at WembleyCredit: PA
      But they’ll also be complaining if he selects Declan Rice, Conor Gallagher or Jarrod Bowen against Australia on Saturday.
      Just about everyone agrees international friendlies are a waste of time and effort yet they will still be putting up the  ‘Sold Out’ signs at Wembley.
      Millions more will tune in to watch on Channel 4, largely because the BBC are offering Gardeners’ World or a repeat of Mrs Brown’s Boys (a repeat! It wasn’t funny the first time).
      Yet not even Southgate will really care about tonight’s result because it’s just a warm-up for next week’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy.
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      And if we’re being completely honest, not many of us will be bothered about that result because England are already as good as qualified for next year’s championships.
      The inconvenient truth is international football is a pain in the backside until it gets to the knockout rounds of tournaments.
      Southgate obviously won’t agree with that because he needs every opportunity he can get to work with his players.
      But England have won their last ten friendlies and not lost a World Cup or Euro qualifier since 2009.
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      And even in the week we play Afghanistan at cricket and Fiji at rugby, taking on Australia at football is still the biggest sporting mismatch. There is absolutely no jeopardy involved in these matches and we’d all much rather be watching our clubs competing in the Premier League this weekend.
      But just two months into the season and we’re already on its second international break.
      And the really good news is there’s another one next month for two more walkovers against Malta and North Macedonia.
      Australia are the latest in a long line of faceless opponents.
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      Australia will pose as another faceless opponent for England at WembleyCredit: PA
      Most of us wouldn’t recognise a ‘Socceroo’ if he hopped past us on Wembley Way.
      In recent years we’ve been treated to the delights of Ivory Coast, Austria, USA, Costa Rica and Nigeria pitching up for Wembley friendlies that have generated all the passion of a dirty weekend with Ann Widdecombe.
      So how long will it take for the paper planes to float down from the top tier or the first Mexican wave to break out among bored supporters wondering why they have paid a small fortune to generate their own entertainment?
      The reality is Southgate will learn more about his squad  players from this week’s training sessions at St George’s Park than from anything he’ll see tonight.
      Winning a first cap will mean the world to Eddie Nketiah and Levi Colwill if they get a runout.
      So let’s hope they aren’t jettisoned quite as quickly as Lewis Cook, Jack Cork, Aaron Cresswell, Ben Godfrey, Alex McCarthy, Kyle Walker-Peters, Nathan Redmond and Tyrick Mitchell, who were all called into friendly action by Southgate and then disappeared without trace.
      England have practically already sealed their place in Euro 2024Credit: Getty
      But no Prem player born in England should abandon hope of a call-up just yet because the FA have pencilled in four more friendlies in March and June.
      And who can’t wait for those?
      REFS IN TANGLED WEBB
      WHAT exactly is refs’ chief Howard Webb hoping to achieve with Match Officials Mic’d Up?
      Because we really don’t want to hear him and Michael Owen telling us how VAR has f****d up.
      We’re already well aware of the wrong calls the Premier League’s elite officials have made this season.
      Replaying those errors with a running commentary from Stockley Park is just going to p**s us off even more.
      So maybe Webb should stay silent if the best he can come up with is “Yes, we’re useless, but at least we’re honest about it”.
      __________________________
      YORK midfielder Daniel Batty is now my new favourite footballer following his epic s**thousery  in their 2-1  National League victory at  Dagenham last week.
      With the Minstermen leading in the 98th minute, the savvy 25-year-old  guaranteed them all three points when he launched a free-kick over the main stand and into the car park.
      Game management at its very finest.
      WAYNE’S WAGATHA AND WAG
      GOOD luck to Wayne Rooney in his new job at Birmingham, where owner Tom Wagner measures his managers by their profile rather than their results.
      That’s probably  good news for Wazza after his DC United team finished ninth in the MLS’ Eastern Conference this season.
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      And one date we’re sure he’s already pencilled into his diary is  December 16 — when Jamie Vardy comes calling with Leicester to St Andrew’s.
      Wagatha Christie round 12. Can’t wait. More