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      Notting Hill star fires up Wales ahead of crunch Euro 2024 tie

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      RHYS IFANS fired up Wales ahead of their crunch Euro 2024 play-off with a motivational rallying cry.The Welsh actor joined the squad on Monday night at the Vale of Glamorgan HQ on the outskirts of Cardiff as Robert Page’s men prepare for Thursday’s semi-final with Finland.Ifans delivers his stirring message to the squadCredit: https://twitter.com/CymruWelsh actor Ifans staring in the 1999 film Notting HillCredit: Notting HillThe Hollywood star tucks in with the teamCredit: https://twitter.com/CymruIfans poses with Ramsey ahead of the Finland gameCredit: https://twitter.com/CymruIfans, best known for his roles in Notting Hill, Twin Town and The Amazing Spider-Man, was pictured eating soup with Ben Davies and Connor Roberts.He also posed for pictures with Page’s squad including Wales skipper Aaron Ramsey, Wayne Hennessey and Harry Wilson.Ramsey posted his pic with Ifans on Instagram: “What a way to start the week. Rhys, thank you very much for your time tonight.”Wales previously invited actor Michael Sheen into their camp in September 2022 ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHollywood actor Sheen’s rallying World Cup cry on TV programme ‘A League of Their Own’ went viral with more than 13 million views.Ramsey returned from a calf injury in Cardiff’s 2-0 South Wales derby defeat to Swansea on Saturday and underwent his own programme on Monday.Page will give an update on his fitness at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon.Leeds’ Dan James arrived to join the squad late on Monday night after being given extra time to be with his family by boss Page. Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFive celebs that could have been professional athletes including mega movie star and a member of the royal familyHis partner gave birth to their second child last Thursday. More

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      Ethan Ampadu takes leadership tips from John Terry and Didier Drogba in pursuit of Euro 2024 dream

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      ETHAN AMPADU is taking inspiration from Chelsea legends John Terry and Didier Drogba as he chases a ticket to the Euro 2024 finals spot with Wales.The Leeds captain is set to win his 50th cap at just the age of 23 in Thursday’s play-off semi-final against Finland in Cardiff.John Terry was back at Cobham as he trained alongside Ethan Ampadu and Karen CarneyCredit: Instagram @johnterry.26Ampadu has already played at a Euros and World Cup but wants a third tournament experience in GermanyCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunAaron Ramsey is Wales’ leader but boss Robert Page hailed Ampadu last week as a “future skipper”.Ampadu reverts back to a support act with his country rather than captain at club level and says his childhood Blues heroes of Terry and Drogba are driving him to lead by example on the pitch.Ampadu said: “Growing up as a Chelsea fan, I would look up to John Terry and Didier Drogba, “I was fortunate I was able to watch those two.Read More football news“Didier wasn’t a captain like John was. It was the way he led the team through his performance rather than wearing the armband. “Being a leader comes naturally to me. Because of the position I play, either as a midfielder or defender, you’re in the middle of the pitch. You try and help the team whichever way you can.”Ampadu, who left Stamford Bridge for Elland Road in a £7m deal last summer, is ready to reach his international half-century at the same age as England duo Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.He was introduced to the Wales squad as a 15-year-old by Chris Coleman before Euro 2016.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAmpadu then made his senior debut against France in November 2017.The versatile ace plays centre-back for Leeds but central midfield for Wales.Gareth Bale takes up brand new sport in retirement from football and former world No2 is impressedBut he would swap his personal night of celebration where he becomes the youngest Welsh player to reach 50 caps ahead of Chris Gunter for a third successive Euros final place for the Dragons.Ampadu added: “It’s nice to reach the milestone. It’s a massive achievement. “I’m still young, but I’ve experienced a lot which I’m very grateful for.”I’m hoping that even if people say I’ve been around forever that I’ve still got a long way to go in the game and I can achieve a lot more.”But if it meant I didn’t reach 50 caps and we got to the Euros, I would probably enjoy that more. It’s massive for us.”Ampadu has led Leeds to the top of the Championship above Leicester following Sunday’s 2-0 win over Millwall.But he suffered three successive relegations during loan spells at Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia – prompting cries he was cursed.Ampadu laughed at the online headlines: “I had that a lot!But what has he learnt from the low times to help Daniel Farke’s high-flying side in their promotion quest?He added: “I still have the same dedication and application in preparing for games. “I’ve taken the feeling of three relegations and how much that hurt me. I was disappointed.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I have used that as a motivation to not have that feeling again.“It’s a lot nicer and more enjoyable when you’re winning. “It’s a different pressure but the mood is better and more positive when you are trying to win something.” More

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      How Man Utd could line up under Gareth Southgate with England manager pulling strings to finally land Harry Kane

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could find themselves filled with England stars if Gareth Southgate takes over as manager.United shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly made Southgate his No1 choice to replace under-fire boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.Manchester United have reportedly made Gareth Southgate their top pickCredit: GettyEngland boss Southgate could attract Harry Kane to Man UtdCredit: AlamyMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag has come under fire amid a turbulent campaignCredit: EPAMan Utd could fill up with England stars under SouthgateThis comes amid a turbulent campaign under Ten Hag, which has seen the Red Devils getting eliminated from the Champions League’s group stage and plunging to sixth place in the Premier League.Southgate’s contract runs out in December and Ratcliffe is said to be confident in prising him over to club football once again following his three-year spell at Middlesbrough which ended in 2009.That is despite the FA’s desperate attempts to hold onto the 53-year-old, who has refused to even discuss his future until after Euro 2024.But as things stand, Sir Jim would have to fork out around £800,000 in compensation for the Three Lions boss’ services while needing to splash £10million just to sack Ten Hag and his coaching staff.Read More on Man UtdIf Southgate took over at United then it is fair to assume he would try to attract some of England’s best players while showing faith in the club’s English talent.Andre Onana’s inconsistent performance could convince the Watford tactician to call on his England No1 Jordan Pickford, who sat between the sticks during the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020.Pickford was linked with the Manchester giants last summer and Ineos would find it much easier to attract him this time around if Everton don’t survive their relegation scrap.Diogo Dalot recently signed a new deal so he could maintain his position at right-back while Luke Shaw has earned Southgate’s trust at left-back while on international duty.Most read in FootballBut no one has received more confidence from the England boss than Harry Maguire who continued to play for his country despite his biggest struggles at United, while getting booed by home fans.Therefore, it is fair to assume Maguire would be an established part in the line-up next to another recent transfer target in Jarrad Branthwaite.Kobbie Mainoo called up to England squad for first time as Man Utd wonderkid is late addition to Gareth Southgate’s campBranthwaite, who earned his first England call up this week, has impressed United chiefs who could make a move in the summer transfer window.Kobbie Mainoo also made the cut for the friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium and could continue his development in midfield alongside the experienced Casemiro and captain Bruno Fernandes.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMarcus Rashford could finally regain his spark on the left wing under a manager who always rates top English talent with Alejandro Garnacho continuing his evolution on the other side.And Southgate’s line-up could be completed with one of the Red Devils’ longest-running targets in Harry Kane.United tried to sign Kane last summer but Tottenham were not keen to sell to a Prem rival and demanded a large transfer fee.And so the star striker ended up at Bayern Munich following a £104m deal.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, Southgate has had a brilliant relationship with the 30-year-old, who became captain as well as England’s all-time top scorer under his current manager.And this time around Southgate could convince Kane to return to the Premier League and help United return to the top. More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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