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    Spain’s Women’s World Cup-winning team BOYCOTT Nations League in wake of Luis Rubiales scandal

    SPAIN confirmed they are boycotting their upcoming Nations League matches.The Women’s World Cup winners were due to play their first matches since lifting the trophy on August 20.
    Spain’s Women’s World Cup winners have boycotted their Nations League fixturesCredit: Getty
    Luis Rubiales eventually resigned as Spanish FA president following the controversial kiss
    La Roja were scheduled to face Sweden away on September 22 and Switzerland at home four days later.
    However, in the wake of the backlash of the scandal surrounding former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales, who kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips, and ex-head coach Jorge Vilda, they confirmed they are still refusing to play.
    Montserrat Tome – who played for Barcelona and Spain – was one of Vilda’s assistant managers and has now taken over as the first female head coach of the Spanish women’s national team.
    But just hours before she was due to name her first squad, the team put out their statement following a three-hour meeting in which the stars decided they were not prepared to step back on to the pitch for their country.
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    Their statement outlines a desire for a complete restructuring of the Spanish FA.
    This includes a new general secretary, cabinet, media department and president.
    Their statement also criticised the “extraordinary” Spanish Football Federation assembly that saw Rubiales – who has just been ordered by a court to stay away from Hermoso – receive an ovation when he initially refused to resign.
    It then concluded: “We want to end this statement by expressing that the players of the Spanish team are professional players, and what fills us most with pride is wearing the shirt of our team and always leading our country to the highest positions.
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    “For this reason, we believe that it is time to fight to show that these situations and practices have no place in our football or in our society, that the current structure needs changes and we do it so that the next generations can have a much more equal football and the height of what we all deserve.”
    Tome’s presentation as boss will now be suspended due to the players’ refusal to report for international duty.
    Of the initial 80 who went on strike, 39 remain unavailable – 21 of the 23 World Cup winners plus 18 more – for selection but 41 changed their stance.
    Spain’s striking players believe the departures of Rubiales and Vilda are not enough to have fixed the situation, and that more needs to be done.
    Of their victorious World Cup-winning squad, only Athenea del Castillo and Claudia Zornoza have not co-signed the statement.
    Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas said earlier this week: “We are asking for changes so no woman, inside or outside of soccer, should ever have to experience again situations of disparagement, disrespect, or abuse.
    “We need consensus, courage and leadership from the institutions, please. This is why we will not stop here.”
    Diario AS report those who refuse to accept a call-up could face shocking fines up to £25,000 and even have their playing licence suspended under Spanish national sports laws.
    KISSGATE SCANDAL
    The boycott comes despite Rubiales’ eventual resignation in his interview with Piers Morgan this week and Vilda’s sacking.
    The disgraced pair were both accused of misogyny even before Rubiales kissed Spanish midfielder Hermoso following the final win over England in Sydney.
    Vilda, who angered the women’s team throughout his eight years in charge, was largely excluded from the celebrations and was removed from his post as pressure mounted on the Spanish FA.
    Shameless Rubiales tried to fight on – boldly declaring “I’m not quitting” – before he relented and announced his resignation having already been suspended by Fifa.
    He is in a Madrid court today amid the criminal complaint launched by Hermoso for the non-consensual kiss – and a judge will decide if the case goes to a trial.
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    Rubiales – who has refused to apologise to the World Cup star – denies Hermoso’s claim there was no consent and says there was “no sexual content, no aggression” and that it was a “very common kiss between friends”.
    Now the initial court hearing stated Rubiales is not allowed within 200m of Hermoso and is banned from communicating with her by any means.
    Jennifer Hermoso has pressed legal charges against RubialesCredit: Getty
    The team were due to play their first game as world champions next FridayCredit: Alamy
    Jorge Vilda and Rubiales both left their posts after the winCredit: Getty
    Rubiales is in court today and the case could go to trialCredit: AP More

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    Steve Bruce’s odds slashed as he moves FAVOURITE to become next Ireland manager

    LEE CARSELY, Neil Lennon and Chris Hughton have all been tipped to become the next Ireland manager.But it’s ex-Newcastle and Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce who has come from nowhere in the betting, to now LEAD the market as favourite with Paddy Power.
    Next Ireland managerPaddy Power odds

    He started the week at 22/1 to replace Stephen Kenny, who remains the manager as things stand despite mounting pressure.
    Those odds were halved on Tuesday following a flurry of bets that followed Ireland’s defeat to Netherlands on Sunday night.
    And those bets have continued to fly in, with Bruce now as short as 2/1 with Paddy Power to take the reins.
    Ireland sit fourth in qualifying and just three points ahead of Gibraltar at the foot of the group and a whole nine points behind Greece in third.
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    Kenny is set to remain in charge for the remainder of the the qualifying campaign though it appears clear his time in charge won’t go beyond that, following their failure to qualify.
    Bruce – who has also managed the likes of Sunderland, Birmingham and Sheffield Wednesday – was most recently in charge of West Brom, where he was sacked after just eight months in charge.
    He hinted at an immediate return to management following his sacking in October last year but has remained without a club since then and retirement rumours swirled.
    But a job in international management could suit the 62-year-old and Ireland appears to be a likely destination.
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    The FA are understood to be ready to rebuff approaches for under-21 Carsely, who is among the favourites to replace Gareth Southgate when he departs.
    He’ remains second favourite at 9/2, with Lennon and Hughton on 9/1 alongside Anthony Barry and Kieran McKenna.
    Roy Keane (10/1) and Sam Allardyce (11/1) are also in contention.
    Rachael Kane of Paddy Power, said “Like a Fergie time winner, the swell in support for Bruce came out of nowhere overnight and has shown no signs of slowing despite him now being backed into favourite.  
    “With the FAI committing to Kenny until November at the earliest, we assumed things would have quietened down, but instead it seems to have triggered something and our customers willing to back Steve Bruce at any price.” 
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    Sarina Wiegman concerned by ‘short turnaround’ for Lionesses between Women’s Nations League and World Cup

    SARINA WIEGMAN admits to being concerned by the “tight turnaround” for her players between the World Cup and the Women’s Nations League. The Lionesses boss was speaking on Wednesday after announcing her squad for clashes with Scotland and the Netherlands this month.
    Sarina Wiegman wants to see more talks between coaches and Fifa and Uefa regarding match scheduling for international playersCredit: PA
    Keira Walsh has been left out of England’s squad due to a calf injury sustained ahead of their first two Women’s Nations League gamesCredit: Getty
    Bethany England is also unavailable for Lionesses duty with the striker recovering from a hip operationCredit: Reuters
    Keira Walsh and Bethany England, who featured for the team during the World Cup, will both be absent due to calf and hip injuries.  
    And Wiegman mentioned some players having just six days off in between the end of the tournament and the start of England’s training camp for the Women’s Nations League. 
    They include Arsenal stars Alessia Russio and Lotte Wubben-Moy.
    While Wubben-Moy did not play in the World Cup, Russo appeared in seven games for England at the tournament including their 1-0 loss to Spain in the final on August 20.

    Both are included in Wiegman’s 24-strong Women’s Nations League squad
    The team will play Pedro Losa’s Scotland side on September 22 at the Stadium of Light and the Netherlands in Utrecht on the 26th.
    Of her concerns about the short break for players between the contests, Wiegman said: “I was worried before the World Cup and we knew it was a short turnaround. 
    “We really have to get connected with Fifa and Uefa to make that better. 
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    “Next week they come in and some players have only had six days off which after such a high-pressure competition is not good for them.
    “We have major tournaments in the summer all the time (at the moment).
    “The urgency to solve it and make it better is really high. 
    “We all know the challenges have been addressed for a while now but we also know changes cannot be made overnight. 
    “But the conversations are going on and we just need to keep doing that and hopefully find a better solution to what we have.”
    Midfield ace Walsh will miss the team’s battle with Scotland in their first ever Women’s Nations League game on September 22 due to a “small calf injury”. 
    It follows the Barcelona and Lionesses star sustaining and recovering from a knee injury in July during the World Cup. 
    And Tottenham striker England is currently recuperating after undergoing surgery on September 4 to treat her hip problem.
    Manchester United’s Maya Le Tissier has been included in England’s squad for their games against Scotland and the NetherlandsCredit: Getty
    Lucy Staniforth, Maya Le Tissier and Jess Park have all been named in the squad after being included on Wiegman’s World Cup standby list before the contest in Australia and New Zealand. 
    But Beth Mead and Fran Kirby have been left out with the duo needing more game time after returning to club action for Arsenal and Chelsea. 
    Wiegman added: “Beth (Mead) needs to take the next step to get games and get consistency.
    “Fran (Kirby) is really close. She played some friendlies already and did well.
    “Again it is a little too early. I am very looking forward to seeing them play.”
    England’s squad update comes 13 days after Wiegman dedicated her Uefa Women’s Coach of the Year award to World Cup winners Spain.
    The team saw their triumph overshadowed by former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales being slammed for planting an unwanted kiss on the lips of forward Jenni Hermoso. 
    This month during an interview with Piers Morgan he announced he had quit his role following the row.
    The ex-Spain football federation chief, who has been provisionally suspended by Fifa, will appear in a Madrid court on Friday.
    This follows Hermoso, who is her national side’s record goalscorer, filing a legal complaint against him. 
    And Wiegman hopes more attention will be paid to Spain’s World Cup triumph rather than the controversy surrounding Rubiales.
    Wiegman wants more attention paid to Spain’s triumph at the World Cup rather than the row concerning Luis RubialesCredit: Getty
    She added: “We would like to leave that now and celebrate those players.
    “Players need to be listened to and we need to move on. 
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    “The women’s game has improved so much but there’s still a long way to go, not only in Spain but everywhere.
    “We need to try and make the world better for those players.” More

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    Bellingham the star of the show with a goal and assist but unlucky Maguire suffers another disaster

    PHIL FODEN and Jude Bellingham answered questions with a goal each as England comfortably saw off Scotland in this 150th anniversary friendly.Sub Harry Maguire slid an own goal to give the Scots hope before Harry Kane rounded off England’s 3-1 win at Hampden Park.
    Jude Bellingham scored one and teed up the third in his star man showCredit: Getty
    Kalvin Phillips, seen being hassled by Scotland’s Callum McGregor, also impressed for England, despite limited game time for Man CityCredit: PA
    Kyle Walker and Lewis Dunk show England’s focus at the back as Kieran Tierney gets in a rare effort on goal for ScotlandCredit: Willie Vass
    Boss Gareth Southgate fielded Lewis Dunk alongside Marc Guehi in the middle of a promising, new-look defence.
    And Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips impressed on his recall in midfield, while Marcus Rashford also justified his start up front.
    Here’s how the Three Lions fared on a night when most things came right for Southgate.
    AARON RAMSDALE – 6
    First half he only had pass-backs to be concerned with as Scots failed to apply pressure.
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    Assured with feet. But then left helpless by Maguire’s deflection.
    KYLE WALKER – 7
    His driven ball across the six yard box for England’s opener.
    One embarrassing failure to control a simple pass was his sole blemish. One of best right-backs on planet.
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    KIERAN TRIPPER – 6
    Newcastle United full-back had nothing to worry him in opening 45 minutes with Scots offering nothing down right.
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    Then Robertson changed that second half with well crafted assist.
    MARC GUEHI – 6
    Crystal Palace centre-back was superb. Cruised it. Built like a brick wall but plenty of class to complement the muscle.
    Survived VAR penalty check for handball. Subbed.
    LEWIS DUNK – 7
    Brighton rock. Imperious in air, comfortably dealing with few troublesome crosses that came into the box.
    Squandered England’s first chance with wayward effort. Commanding show.
    DECLAN RICE – 7
    The £105million man barely broke sweat in the engine room. Effortless on the ball and solid in the tackle. He strutted about, breaking up play, making passes.
    KALVIN PHILLIPS – 7
    Man City midfielder got a booking for clattering into Adams. He provided the steel but he also showed an assured touch. Dependable performer alongside Rice.
    PHIL FODEN – 6
    Celebrated a 32nd minute tap in from six yards and that made up for an earlier shocking miss at point-blank range. Felt like he played within himself. Subbed – 6
    JUDE BELLINGHAM – 9
    Five goals in first four games for Real Madrid and £88 million ace displayed tremendous ability. Clinical finish from 12-yards. Great assist. Booked. Subbed. STAR MAN
    HARRY KANE – 7
    England’s greatest international goal-scorer and their captain was a subdued presence for much of game. But still goal number 59 for country, 86th cap. Subbed.
    MARCUS RASHFORD – 7
    Electric pace down left and coming in. Dovetailed well with Bellingham. Flashing footwork added to tough challenge for Hickey. Man Utd frontman subbed with 20 minutes left.
    Phil Foden watches his opener in the friendly at Hampden ParkCredit: Getty
    Bellingham fired England 2-0 up before a tougher second halfCredit: Reuters
    SUBS:
    Harry Maguire – can’t get a game for Man United but Gareth Southgate’s stayed loyal. On for Guehi. Dire OG from Robertson cross – 4
    Bukayo Saka – got on closing stages against Arsenal pal Tierney – 5
    Eberechi Eze – Denied a goal by a fine save from by Gunn – 5
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    Scotland 1 England 3: Jude Bellingham the star of the show as Three Lions smash Scots despite Harry Maguire shocker

    AFTER Jude Bellingham had netted England’s second goal in three minutes, he stood in front of the gleeful travelling supporters with his arms outstretched. This newly-trademarked celebration, which the Brummie Galactico has been using since his arrival at Real Madrid, served as a delicious slap-down to a Scotland side who’d been threatening to get above their station. 
    Jude Bellingham starred as England beat ScotlandCredit: Getty
    Phil Foden opened the scoring for EnglandCredit: Kenny Ramsay
    Foden deflected Kyle Walker’s wayward shot past Angus GunnCredit: Getty

    Sit down, shut up, get back in your box, Bellingham seemed to be saying, as he posed like Christ the Redeemer gazing down over Rio. And the noisy neighbours were silenced.  
    One of the reasons why Real paid a nine-figure transfer fee for the Englishman is that he knows exactly how good he is. 
    There is just the correct degree of arrogance about Bellingham, who led a swaggering England performance against a Scotland side with a 100 per cent qualifying record in the Euros, who had fancied their chances of defeating the auld enemy.
    Harry Maguire had given Scotland renewed hope – first by arriving at the interval, then by netting an own-goal to the delight of the home supporters who baited him ceaselessly. 
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    But, having also played his part in Phil Foden’s opener, Bellingham then provided a gorgeous assist for Harry Kane to kill off the Scots with England’s third. 
    After that goal, Southgate turned to the stands and gave it a proper double fist-pump. 
    They can try to bill this fixture as a friendly all they like, but it matters. And it matters every bit as much to the English as it does to the Tartan Army.
    It had been party time in Glasgow with the Scots experiencing an unfamiliar euphoria, on the brink of qualification for next summer’s Euros.
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    There were men in skirts everywhere you looked, The Proclaimers were threatening to go on one long walk after another, and the big screens were trumpeting ‘150 years of glory’ – which we must have missed south of the border. 
    God Save The King was roundly howled at, the bagpipes did their terrible thing, a minute’s silence for former Scotland boss Craig Brown was sadly ruined and then it was game time.
    Southgate made six changes to his starting line-up from the stodgy draw against Ukraine but there was still plenty of experience in the England side.
    As in Poland on Saturday, England began by dominating the ball and creating little. 
    Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice were relishing the midfield dog work but it took 25 minutes of probing before the visitors managed a decent opportunity. 
    Marcus Rashford’s pass fed Bellingham, whose overhit cross found Kyle Walker to drive wide of the far post – the Manchester City defender close to a second England goal in as many games after 76 without one. 
    But in the 32nd minute, England were in front with a goal that dripped with class, starting with a Kieran Trippier throw-in from the left-back position and nine passes later, including a gorgeous over-the-shoulder number from Rashford to Bellingham, Walker fed Foden who scored. 
    There had been much pre-match debate about Foden’s best position – and he has rarely produced his best form in an England shirt – but the City man is always a goal threat, wherever he plays. 
    Bellingham doubled England’s leadCredit: Reuters
    The midfielder continued the good form that he has shown at Real MadridCredit: Reuters
    Bellingham had rushed off to taunt the Scottish fans before Foden’s shot had even hit the back of the net.  
    He would have enjoyed the blissful hush across the vast majority of Hampden and two minutes later it was quieter still. 
    It had been another fine passing move from Southgate’s side but after a Bellingham back-heel and a Foden centre from the left, the most important pass was the inexplicable one which Scotland skipper Andy Robertson played to Bellingham inside his own area.
    The Real Madrid man gleefully snapped it up, slotted past Angus Gunn and stood for some time with his arms out-stretched, Rice chuckling at his team-mate’s bravado. 
    Scotland joined in for a while before half-time but aside from a couple of goalmouth scrambles, there was little to trouble the English.
    Phillips was booked for a meaty challenge and Walker got stuck into Ryan Porteous during some heated afters. 
    Maguire replaced Marc Guehi at half-time and the former Manchester United skipper was the subject of ironic jeers from the Scottish fans every time he touched the ball.
    “Harry Maguire, he’s taking the p***,” responded the England supporters – but not for long.
    Harry Maguire gave Scotland a life-line as he scored an own-goalCredit: Reuters
    Eberechi Eze was denied by a great save from Angus GunnCredit: Getty
    Billy Gilmour fizzed a shot narrowly over Aaron Ramsdale’s bar but Bellingham still had his strut on, including a wonderful aerial back-heeled pass to Harry Kane. 
    It all changed, though, midway through the second half when Robertson crossed low from the right and Maguire stuck out a boot to prevent the ball from reaching sub Lyndon Dykes and diverted it past Ramsdale. 
    The Scots were cock-a-hoop – especially at the identity of the inadvertent goalscorer – and the Hampden roar was back like a smirking thunderstorm. 
    Robertson whipped in a cross, John McGinn headed narrowly wide at the near post and, briefly, England were rocking. 
    Southgate hauled off Foden and Rashford, sending on Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze.
    And the Palace wideman, winning his second cap, was soon sent clean through only for Gunn to make a smothering stop. 
    Bellingham set off on a gliding dribble and forced Gunn into another save. 
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    Next, Bellingham toasted Ryan Christie with an outrageous swivel and slipped through a pass for Kane to drive past Gunn. 
    Southgate showed some mercy by taking off his best player but Hampden was emptying fast and all the crowing came with an English accent. 
    Harry Kane scored England’s third goalCredit: Reuters
    Kane’s goal made sure of the win for EnglandCredit: Reuters More

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    England star starts in new position as Southgate makes tactical tweak for crunch Scotland clash

    KIERAN TRIPPIER is starting for England against Scotland – however he is in a new position.The Three Lions face Scotland in a revival of their epic rivalry at Hampden Park tonight.
    Kieran Trippier is set to start at left-back for EnglandCredit: Getty
    Manager Gareth Southgate is believed to have made a change to his defensive line.
    Trippier, 32, has been named in the starting eleven he will be playing at left-back.
    This means that goalscorer against Ukraine Kyle Walker will keep his spot at right back.
    However, it does mean that Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell could drop to the bench.
    READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS
    It is thought that the decision has been made to counter-act Scotland’s Aaron Hickey, who will be up against Trippier.
    Hickey likes to cut inside from the wing, which would suit the right-footed Newcastle defender.
    Trippier is more accustomed to playing on the other side of the backline having played the role for his whole career.
    The match against Scotland follows England’s 1-1 draw against Ukraine in a Euro 2024 qualifier on Saturday evening.
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    There are also a number of other England stars who will be hoping to start the game.
    Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Levi Colwill, and Eddie Nketiah will all be aiming to get some minutes.

    Eberechi Eze and Conor Gallagher could also feature as Southgate shuffles his pack.
    Southgate is expecting a tough match as he said: “It’s another really good test.
    “Another hostile environment, against a team that are playing really well.
    “You know, they’re in great form, full of confidence so it’s another important learning step for us.” More

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    England in danger of falling back into ‘boring Gareth’ territory if Southgate leaves out lightning rod Foden vs Scotland

    IF England do not defeat their oldest enemy at Hampden Park, we are in danger of drifting back into ‘Boring, boring Gareth’ territory.After seven years as Three Lions boss, Gareth Southgate says he “understands the never-ending cycle” which comes with a job they used to consider impossible.
    Gareth Southgate backed his decision to stand by Henderson in his pre-match press conferenceCredit: Getty
    But faces pressure to bring Foden into the midfieldCredit: PA
    Since Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Ukraine, there has been a renewed clamour for Phil Foden to start in a central role in place of Jordan Henderson.
    But before tonight’s clash with Scotland, though, Southgate was having none of it.
    Foden says he prefers to operate in central midfield but Southgate, damningly, asked why Pep Guardiola rarely plays him there for Manchester City.
    And he suggested Foden could only do so against weaker opposition because he is not strong enough out of possession.
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    And Scotland are no weak opponents these days.
    Steve Clarke’s men have a 100 per cent record in their Euro 2024 qualifying group and they are up for planting a proper Glasgow kiss on Southgate’s side.
    The Three Lions could do with a win here to silence a seething mass of unusually-confident Scots — and to avoid a serious change in mood from the English public towards Southgate.
    But Southgate is never one to play to the galleries when it comes to team selections.
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    He insisted that 33-year-old Henderson — who has opted for semi-retirement in the Saudi Pro League — produced his most energetic England performance ever against Ukraine in Wroclaw.
    The message was clear — Southgate is in no mood to ditch the former Liverpool captain.
    It is the issue of Foden which has again become a lightning rod for those who believe Southgate — England’s most successful manager since Sir Alf Ramsey — is terminally cautious.
    It seems, though, that the manager will continue to regard the City player as a second-string wideman rather than a first-choice playmaker.
    Asked if Foden can play in a midfield three in England’s biggest matches, Southgate said: “He doesn’t play there for his club. So presumably there is a reason for that. It depends on the level of the game, really. In the middle of the park, everyone wants to talk about players with the ball but there is a lot of detail without the ball.
    “And in the Ukraine game, you are playing opponents who are so clever with their passing and movement that you have to be spot-on with pressing angles, your responsibilities and if you don’t, you don’t get the flow of the game.
    “You’d have to speak to Pep, who is the best coach in the world, who plays him from wide.
    “He’s always got the freedom to drift if we play him wide, though, and that’s important.”
    Foden believes central midfield is his best position, though?
    “But he doesn’t play there!” Southgate replied
    Has he discussed it with Pep then?
    “Yes, yes,” said Southgate and then left a very pregnant pause before adding: “We are very happy with Phil. He’s played in the Euros, came on in the semi-final of the Euros and had a big impact.
    “He’s played at a World Cup, he’s only 23, he’s got amazing experiences.
    “He is still progressing and learning but he is a super player.
    “We’ve got a lot of really good young players, so it’s not been straightforward.
    “He has been with us from a young age and was in the team that won the Under-17 World Cup but he’s battling against Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford and all of the other players we have in that area of the pitch and at his club, with an incredibly high level of players.”
    Southgate still regards Henderson, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice as his first-choice midfield three — and that may not change before next summer’s Euros finals.
    With Henderson’s controversial move to Al-Ettifaq making him an unpopular selection for footballing and ethical reasons, Southgate used his running stats in Poland on Saturday to champion the veteran’s cause
    Southgate said: “We have got good contacts at his club, so we have been monitoring his level.
    “The physical outputs have been mixed because the climate has been different for different games but he was in good physical condition.
    “All of his data, he was hitting what he should have done. And his outputs on Saturday were the highest he has had at an England game.
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    “In terms of the job he was doing, he had to cover a lot of space.
    “Our midfield wasn’t as tight as we might have been and Hendo and Dec covered a lot of ground and closed a lot of spaces up. It was absolutely critical to us getting a result.” More

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    Gareth Southgate reveals key England star has tried to retire TWICE only to be talked out of it by the boss

    KYLE WALKER has tried to quit international football TWICE under Gareth Southgate.The Manchester City defender wanted to retire after both Euro 2020 and Qatar 2022 but England boss Southgate persuaded the right-back to stay on both occasions.
    Manchester City star Kyle Walker thought about retiring twice from EnglandCredit: Getty
    England boss Gareth Southgate talked Walker out of international retirementCredit: Getty
    After Walker, 33, scored his first goal in 77 internationals in the 1-1 draw with Ukraine on Saturday, Southgate revealed: “All credit to him and I’ve talked him out of retirement twice.
    “Out of international football. After the Euros and after the World Cup.
    “He loves being here and he’s wanted to keep going and now he’s thinking about how many caps he can get. He’s critical to us.
    “If we’re talking about world class players in their position in our team then he’s probably one of them.”
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    Asked to confirm Southgate’s revelations that he wanted to quit, Walker said: “Yes. In a moment, at the time, me and Gareth spoke.
    “The likes of Trent [Alexander-Arnold], Tripps [Kieran Trippier] and Reece James were coming through. You think your days are numbered.
    “And to sacrifice how many holidays and summers that I’ve sacrificed…
    “I’ve been doing this since I was 19 when I joined the senior team. I’m 33 now.
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    “Me and Gareth have a good relationship off the field, we do speak and I feel that I can still bring something to the team. So why stop?”
    Walker delivered a strong performance in the qualifier in the Polish city of Wroclaw and is a certain starter for Southgate despite his many options at right-back.
    The England team arrived in Glasgow late Saturday night for the friendly against Scotland.
    Southgate is likely to make a number of changes and that could include giving a first cap to Chelsea defender Levi Colwill at some stage during the match at Hampden Park.
    England’s previous trip to Glasgow was a 2-2 draw in a World Cup qualifier in 2017. More