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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.”
      Read More on The Sun
      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

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      Chelsea hero Poyet explains controversial decision to omit two stars from Greece squad including one Pep Guardiola loves

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      GREECE manager Gus Poyet has opened up on his decision of leaving top Greek stars Kostas Fortounis and Tasos Douvikas out of his recent squads.Ethniki have dramatically improved under Poyet, who led them to Nations League success as they got promoted to League B and have a certain play-off ticket for the Euros waiting just in case.
      Greece manager Gus Poyet left two top stars out of his last two squad selectionsCredit: Sportsfile
      And now the Uruguayan tactician is looking to get the 2004 European champions to Germany but faces severe competition from France and the Netherlands, who are in the same qualifying group along with Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar.
      The Chelsea legend’s two latest squads left several fans confused – considering the daunting task at hand – as he left out some top talent, like Olympiacos captain Fortounis and Celta star Douvikas.
      The 55-year-old tactician explained in May before the qualifiers against Ireland and France that he omitted Fortounis because he didn’t fit in to his tactical plans for those games.
      The attacking midfielder is considered by many as the best Greek player with 10 assists and four goals in 28 matches last season as well as three goals and eight assists in 12 appearances so far this term.
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      The 30-year-old was also publicly praised by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who called him a “high-quality player” three years ago when his team faced Olympiacos in the Champions League.
      Fortounis went on to announce his international retirement last month just before Poyet revealed his squad for the games against the Netherlands and Gibraltar.
      Douvikas is still not included in the ex-Brighton boss’ plans as he was left out of the team that will face Ireland and Holland on Friday and Monday respectively.
      The striker enjoyed a stunning season with Utrecht as he finished as the Eredivisie’s top goalscorer with 20 goals in 34 matches and he’s already registered two goals in five LaLiga games with Celta this term.
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      The Tottenham great explained that he mainly plays with one centre-forward and thus avoids calling up too many frontmen.
      Poyet told SunSport: “I have spoken about my decisions in Greece before. When you look at the negativity around Chelsea and Manchester United in England, the same thing happens in Greece.
      “In the last two squad selections the first question has always been about the players who aren’t selected, you are never asked about the players who have been selected, but that’s just the way football works.
      “There are different reasons for leaving players out but now Kostas Fortounis has retired from the national team and he was great with me because he called me to let me know his reasons – it was a personal decision and I always support the decisions of the players. I don’t like to push players one way or the other with my opinion.
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      Celta star Tasos Douvikas was the Eredivisie’s top scorer last seasonCredit: Rex
      Kostas Fortounis is considered by many as the best Greek player and was praised by Pep GuardiolaCredit: Getty
      “Leaving out Tasos Douvikas is a different situation. I am the type of national team coach who doesn’t just pick all the players who are performing well at that time to shake up the team.
      ” At the moment we have five strikers who are scoring in their own leagues and I need to pick the ones that I need for two games. I don’t need five strikers when I mainly play with one up front.
      “I don’t pick players to make people happy and avoid questions about why I didn’t pick certain players. In the end I will be judged by my achievements and my main objective which is qualifying for the Euros.
      “We have a list of players playing abroad and most of them are there, and then I will make a decision knowing which ones are fully fit for the two games we need them for. It is nothing more than needing a certain player for a certain game.
      “Sometimes you will play deeper and need more pace, other games you will be in the opponent’s half and need more of a presence in the box.
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      “In the end, I won’t call players up just to make people happy, I call players up if I am convinced that they are the players best suited to help me win football matches.”
      Gus Poyet was speaking to The Sun on behalf of bitcoincasinos.com More

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      England fans fume at three ‘laughable’ inclusions and want Southgate ‘questioned’ for ‘not keeping to his word’

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      ENGLAND fans want answers from Gareth Southgate over three “laughable” inclusions in his latest squad.The Three Lions gaffer has announced his squad for next Friday’s friendly with Australia, which will be followed up by a Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy on Tuesday.
      Gareth Southgate named his latest England squad on ThursdayCredit: GETTY
      Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips have been included in the squad – despite their lack of first-team footballCredit: RICHARD PELHAM
      Jordan Henderson is also in the squadCredit: MARC ASPLAND
      The inclusions of Jordan Henderson, Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips raised eyebrows among the Wembley faithful.
      And several fans took to Twitter to question Southgate’s decision-making after seeing their names in his squad list.
      One Three Lions supporter tweeted: “Shambles that Henderson and Phillips are in the squad over JWP (James Ward-Prowse).
      “And Maguire…! It’s just laughable.”
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      Another said: ” What a joke that [Ezri] Konsa isn’t in the England squad.
      “Especially when Harry Mcguire is still getting picked.”
      And another said: “Southgate’s England selections sometimes needs to be questioned Maguire remains in the team.
      “Southgate not keeping to his word. Ward-Prowse’s missing, says a lot of Southgate.”
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      Gareth Southgate’s latest England squadCredit: THE FA
      One remarked: “Conor Gallagher and no Ward-Prowse. Ah good old Southgate.”
      Another chimed in: “Southgate picking his mates again.”
      The anger at the inclusion of the ageing Henderson stems from his playing in the less-than-competitive Saudi Pro League.
      The uproar in Maguire and Kalvin Phillips’ respective inclusions. meanwhile, is the result of neither man being regular starters for Manchester United and Manchester City.
      The main headlines from Southgate’s latest squad are the call-ups forWest Ham and Aston Villa stars Jarrod Bowen and Ollie Watkins.
      Southgate said of Watkins: “Ollie has started the season well and has hit a bit of scoring form in the last couple of weeks.
      Bukayo Saka has also been included in the squad – despite suffering an injury midweekCredit: ALAMY
      “Although you have to be careful with that in terms of bias on recent games.
      “But he is in good form and is coming in on a high.”
      Southgate has also called up Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka, despite him suffering an injury in the Gunners’ midweek Champions League defeat to Lens.
      Read More on The Sun
      The England boss said of the winger, who Mikel Arteta will be hoping is fit for Sunday’s clash with Man City: “He is still being assessed and he obviously has a big game this weekend.
      “And then there is another seven days before we play Australia and 10 days before we play Italy.” More