Arteta must now drop Jorginho and unleash "special" Arsenal talent

This afternoon, Arsenal welcome Aston Villa to the Emirates Stadium, where they will look to win their sixth Premier League home game in a row.

Mikel Arteta’s side go into the game off the back of a relatively decent 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Some changes are expected to be made from the mid-week European clash, even though a victory would see the Gunners return to the top of the table.

Indeed, one player could return to the starting lineup, in turn making Jorginho lose his place.

Why Jorginho must be dropped by Arteta

There’s no two ways about it: Jorginho has now cemented himself as a starter in Arteta’s best team, controlling the game from a deeper role.

The Italian has featured in 21 Premier League games this season, developing a brilliant relationship with Declan Rice at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield.

However, against Thomas Tuchel’s side, the 32-year-old struggled to influence the game quite as much as he would have hoped, even being substituted early for Gabriel Jesus.

Over his 67 minutes on the field, the former Chelsea ace had an 85% pass accuracy and won 57% of his ground duels in what was a quiet night for the midfielder, but his potential replacement this weekend will certainly look to impact the tie.

Arteta must drop Martinelli and unleash Arsenal's "exquisite" gamechanger

The sensationally talented star should take the youngster’s spot for the next few games.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 14, 2024

The man to replace Jorginho against Aston Villa

Emile Smith Rowe’s never-ending injury crisis has continued into the 2023/24 campaign, missing ten games through setbacks and halting his progress once again.

However, he’s slowly getting back up to speed after his return, with the 23-year-old making 11 league appearances this term, but in truth, all but three of them have been short cameos.

Emile Smith Rowe playing for Arsenal

Arteta has been extremely cautious when managing his minutes, sitting on the bench in six of Arsenal’s last seven matches across all competitions.

However, in the one game he did feature in, he was extremely impressive, which was in the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Luton Town at the start of this month.

Smith Rowe vs Luton

Stats

Smith Rowe

Pass accuracy

89%

Touches

55

Key passes

2

Shots

2

Tackles

1

Interceptions

2

Dribbled past

0

Via Sofascore

Taking home the player of the match award, Smith-Rowe was almost back to his usual self, adding energy, creativity, and skill to the Arsenal setup, with Arteta full of praise for the attacking midfielder, saying: "When Emile Smith-Rowe is in that moment… guys, it's very difficult to stop him".

"He won a lot of duels and he was thinking with that killer instinct to play forward and to make things happen."

The “special” talent, as dubbed by Jamie Carragher, clearly wanted to impress, with his two key passes and two shots supporting the boss’ statements.

That said, the number ten wasn’t too eager, often making the right decision in possession and working extremely hard to regain the ball for his side, which was almost the best aspect of his game on the day.

Smith-Rowe’s return would see him feature in the left-sided midfield role, ultimately meaning that Rice will drop into his usual defensive midfield role.

The winner of the midfield battle during this game will have a huge say in the final outcome against Unai Emery's men, and with Douglas Luiz unavailable due to suspension, the Spaniard will fancy his chances of playing a more creative star in the middle of the field.

Overall, with the second leg of the Champions League around the corner, Jorginho should be handed a rest, and out of all the potential replacements, Smith Rowe deserves a shot.

Forest must now rue losing £51m Spurs target who’s perfect for Murillo

It is no secret that Nottingham Forest have been erratic with their dealings in the transfer market since their return to the Premier League for the first time in 20 years.

The club have completed 34 signings since promotion – the most of any side in the top division – but they have been hit-and-miss with those additions, with Forest having a huge turnover of players in recent months.

Brazilian defender Murillo has arguably been the club's best addition after his £15m move from Corinthians last summer, with the 21-year-old already being linked with a big-money move away from the City Ground.

However, despite his brilliant season at the club, Nuno Espírito Santo is yet to find a suitable long-term partner for the centre-back, with the likes of Moussa Niakhate and Andrew Omobamidele often joining him at the heart of the Forest defence.

The club may have missed a trick with one former player, as the ex-Red is currently being linked with a huge move back to the Premier League this summer.

Loic Bade's stats at Nottingham Forest

After a frantic first summer back in the top-flight, the Reds capped off the window by signing French defender Loic Bade on loan from Rennes until the end of the 2022/23 season.

The 24-year-old arrived at the club with a lot of potential but failed to make any lasting impact on the first-team picture during his stint in the East Midlands.

PSV Eindhoven's Ibrahim Sangare and Ismael Saibari in action with Sevilla'sLoicBade

Former boss Steve Cooper was constantly questioned about the Frenchman after he failed to appear up until the middle of October, with the Welshman claiming the youngster would have to "bide his time" before making his first appearance for the club.

However, after not making an appearance, Bade's loan was cut short, and he departed the City Ground in January, joining Spanish side Sevilla on loan with an option to buy.

Loic Bade's stats in 2023/24

After winning the Europa League title with Sevilla last season, the Andalusian side decided to trigger the £10m buy option in his deal, with the Reds certainly rueing his departure 15 months on.

The "elite" talent, as described by scout Jacek Kulig, has taken his game to the next level this campaign, showcasing his quality regularly in La Liga.

In his 23 league appearances during the current campaign, the defender has averaged 2.4 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game – tallies that are both higher than Reds defender Murillo.

Bade's also dominated the Brazilian in the air this season, winning 3.1 aerials per 90, over double Murillo, who can only muster 1.2 per game in the Premier League.

Bade vs Murillo in 2023/24

Statistics

Bade

Murillo

Tackles

2.4

1.6

Interceptions

1.5

1.1

Aerials won

3.1

1.2

Pass percentage

82%

77%

Progressive passes

3.2

3

Stats via FBref

Understandably, Bade has dominated defensively this season, with the 24-year-old possessing a more old-school approach with the Forest defender more of a traditional ball-playing centre-back, thus suggesting why the differing duo could have formed a dream partnership.

However, Bade also has the edge over the former Corinthians defender for pass completion rate and progressive passes per game – with Bade seemingly transitioning into the full package.

The Frenchman's excellent form hasn't gone unnoticed, with Tottenham Hotspur linked with a move for the centre-back this summer, but Ange Postecoglou's side may have to pay his £51m release clause if they are to bring him to north London.

One thing is for sure, Forest missed a huge opportunity to solve their defensive woes by not allowing Bade to flourish at the club, with the Reds subsequently paying the price.

He's proven that he's capable of producing on the biggest stages, as demonstrated in the Europa League, with Cooper making a huge mistake in refusing to play the talented Frenchman.

Nottingham Forest were bled dry by star who earned 2x more than Murillo

He lasted less than six months at the City Ground.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 18, 2024

Explained: Why Man Utd aren't 'panicking' despite poor Premier League start – but Erik ten Hag's job could still be in danger

Manchester United are in no rush to start swinging the axe amid their underwhelming start to the Premier League season, a report says.

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  • Man Utd have three points from three games
  • Calls for Ten Hag to be sacked have returned
  • Coach under pressure but club won't panic
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    After winning their first game of the new campaign – thanks to a late winner from Joshua Zirkzee – the Red Devils lost to Brighton via a stoppage time goal before being humbled at home in a 3-0 loss to Liverpool last week.

    Their disappointing performances have resulted in calls for the Red Devils to sack Ten Hag just three weeks into the new campaign, even after they refrained from firing him in the summer and instead offered him a contract extension.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    However, reports that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team are not considering turning back on their summer decision just yet as they will give Ten Hag time to turn the situation around. However, the club chiefs' patience will not last forever, meaning the Dutchman must start producing more positive results soon.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    United finished eighth in the table last season – their worst ever Premier League finish – but the new part-owners decided against bringing in a new coach as they addressed the flawed structure around Ten Hag. Now that signings like Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt have come in along with new background staff for Ten Hag and a new CEO and sporting director, Ratcliffe and Co. hope to bear the fruits of their work soon.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?

    Ten Hag will hope the international break gives him enough time to work out the kinks in his strategy as the Old Trafford side look to bounce back when they meet newly-promoted Southampton, who are joint-bottom with zero points, on September 14.

Man Utd wasted millions signing Mount instead of Champions League hero

As each year went by under the Glazer’s ownership, the way Manchester United functioned as a club worsened.

From out-of-date facilities to the obvious underperformance on the field, the Red Devils were riddled with issues, but potentially the biggest problem was the amount of money wasted on overpriced talent.

Manchester United forward Antony.

However, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in charge, it now finally seems that the strategy in the transfer market will be shifted towards signing players who represent value.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at a former United player who is proving to be valuable to his side this season, even having a better campaign than Mason Mount, who took his spot in the squad.

Mason Mount’s start to life at United

Mount’s start to life at Man United has been far from ideal since leaving his boyhood club Chelsea for a large sum of £55m.

The expectation was that the ex-blue would be the final piece to Ten Hag’s midfield puzzle, adding energy, tenacity, and technical ability to the side.

However, unfortunately, the England international has spent the majority of the season on the sidelines, missing a huge 27 games across all competitions this campaign – scoring only once to boot.

Although injuries can’t be predicted, in hindsight, Man Utd may have been better off keeping last season’s loanee, who’s had a much better campaign than Mount.

Marcel Sabitzer’s revival this season

In January last year, Marcel Sabizter was brought to Man United by Ten Hag to reinforce the midfield, joining on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The Austrian was known as a versatile midfielder who could play in an attacking role or as a box-to-box, therefore allowing the boss to be tactically flexible – Ten Hag lauding him as a "quality player" upon his arrival.

Man United's Marcel Sabitzer

His stint in Manchester spanned over 18 appearances, where he scored three goals and provided one assist, including a brace against Sevilla in the Europa League quarterfinal.

However, the 30-year-old is now playing his football back in Germany for Borussia Dortmund, where he’s scored six goals and provided eight assists, but it was his Champions League heroics this week that put him in the spotlight.

Sabitzer's Key Stats vs Atletico Madrid

Stats

Sabitzer

Goals

1

Assists

2

Key passes

2

Shots

4

Interceptions

2

Via Sofascore

Going into this week’s second-leg clash against Atletico Madrid, BVB were 2-1 down on aggregate, but at full-time, they had booked themselves a spot in the semi-final.

But as you can see, the Bundesliga side have Sabitzer to thank for their progress, with the former Red Devil scoring and providing two assists.

The former RB Leipzig icon has become the definition of clutch in the last week after scoring a brace against Borussia Monchengladbach as well, while he also has more goal contributions than Mount all season.

The midfielder often plays on the fringes of the game as he waits for an opportunity to impact the game in the final third, and he’s certainly not afraid to force the ball into the attacking players, as shown by his two key passes and the fact that he's now the highest assister in the Champions League with five.

However, Sabitzer can produce a moment of magic out of nothing, as shown by his wonderful cross for the equaliser and his left-footed strike from outside the box, which proves that he “shoots like a horse,” as described by journalist Uli Koelher.

Although he wasn’t the most influential signing at United, he’s proved that he has the ability to compete against the very best this season, and he would have been a valuable asset to have in Ten Hag’s squad.

Rather than splashing out what looks to be wasted millions on Mount, the Red Devils could well have been better served keeping hold of Sabitzer – who joined Dortmund for just £16m – instead.

Man Utd in talks for £40m Branthwaite alternative to replace Varane

The Man United target has helped his side keep 12 clean sheets this season.

By
Tom Lever

Apr 18, 2024

Florian Wirtz given surprising transfer advice regarding Man City, Man Utd, Liverpool & Bayern Munich interest by Germany legend Lothar Matthaus

Florian Wirtz was handed a surprise transfer advice by Germany legend Lothar Matthaus as Bayern Munich & English giants remain interested in him.

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  • Wirtz starred for Leverkusen in 2023-24
  • Several European elites were keen to get him
  • Has a contract with Bayer until 2027
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The 21-year-old playmaker, who played a pivotal role in Bayer Leverkusen’s domestic double-winning campaign, has become a hot commodity in the transfer market. His exceptional performances have caught the eye of Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich as well as several top clubs in the Premier League, including Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    According to reports from Bayern Munich have identified Wirtz as their primary transfer target for the summer of 2025. The German champions view the young midfielder as a key piece in their long-term plans, and they are reportedly keen on securing his services as they continue to build a squad capable of dominating both domestically and in Europe.

  • WHAT LOTHAR MATTHAUS SAID

    Speaking as a pundit on , Matthäus suggested that Wirtz should remain at Leverkusen until after the 2026 World Cup. The former World Cup winner believes that staying in a familiar environment would be beneficial for Wirtz as he prepares to represent Germany on the world stage in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

    "I think it would be best for him to prepare for the 2026 World Cup in a familiar environment," he said. "Will he have the same position as he did in Leverkusen if he goes to Liverpool, Manchester or Barcelona? There is only one category for him. That's why I would recommend that he stay until 2026. Then he will be 23 years old and will have 10 more wonderful years abroad. He is still at an age where he hasn't won that many championships. The Champions League games this year are also experiences that will make him even stronger. Hopefully, he stays injury-free."

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  • DID YOU KNOW?

    While Bayern and Premier League clubs are circling, Spanish giants Real Madrid are also reportedly in the mix for Wirtz’s signature. According to earlier reports from , Madrid allegedly reached a "pact" with Wirtz that would see him stay at Leverkusen for one more season before moving to the Santiago Bernabéu in the summer of 2025. Personal terms between Wirtz and Real Madrid are said to have already been agreed upon.

Rangers eyeing dream Goldson replacement in "powerful" 6ft 2 star

Glasgow Rangers could end the season with a treble, or if they stumble in the next few games, with just a single League Cup to their name.

Of course, being in a Premiership title race with just four matches remaining looked highly unlikely when Philippe Clement breezed through the Ibrox doors in October, which is surely testament to his managerial abilities.

Given how much effort the Light Blues have exerted to reel Celtic in, it looks as though their poor results over the previous few weeks could suggest they are just pipped to the post.

Regardless of what happens between now and the end of the season, Clement will be taking a long hard look at his squad and culling it as he sees fit.

This could see a large volume of transfer activity occurring when the transfer window finally opens in a few weeks, allowing him to bring his own targets to the club.

With this in mind, it appears as though the club could still be interested in a player who was linked with a move last summer…

Rangers transfer news

Under Michael Beale, signings came thick and fast last summer as he sought to beef up his first team squad ahead of the current season.

In total, nine new signings were made in a bid to build a side good enough to end Celtic’s recent dominance, but the early weeks of the season were far from impressive.

Beale had a few centre-backs in mind, yet only signed Balogun. One name that had been linked with a move to Rangers as far back as January 2023 was long-term target, Dion Sanderson.

This interest doesn’t appear to have gone away heading into the upcoming window. According to the Daily Record, Sanderson is still a player of interest to the Glasgow side as Clement aims to rebuild his team.

He was recently stripped of the captaincy and according to Football League World, City could be looking for a fee in the region of £2m – what they paid out to sign him – in order for any club to secure his services this summer.

Could he be an ideal replacement for Connor Goldson? Who is set to miss the rest of the season due to an injury sustained in training.

Connor Goldson’s statistics for Rangers this season

When speaking to the media ahead of the clash against Kilmarnock on Sunday afternoon, Clement delivered an injury update, saying that "he will be out for the rest of the season", while also describing it as a "big blow".

Connor Goldson's Rangers statistics

Season

Games

Goals

2023/24

48

0

2022/23

38

3

2021/22

61

4

2020/21

56

8

2019/20

52

4

2018/19

54

4

Via Transfermarkt

The defender currently has two years left on his contract, but his form in recent weeks was certainly subpar to the standards that the Ibrox faithful have come to expect from the Englishman.

Against Ross County, the Gers conceded three goals and the defence was at fault, while the former Brighton defender has been suspect to plenty of long balls over the top this term, especially against Aberdeen.

Until his injury, the 31-year-old had played 48 times for the Light Blues this season, adding the League Cup to his list of domestic honours.

Among his teammates, Goldson currently ranks third for accurate passes per game (60.1) along with ranking second for accurate long balls per game (5.6), yet with the title on the line, his performances in recent weeks saw him dropped from the starting XI for the Scottish Cup semifinal against Hearts.

If Clement receives an offer for Goldson – who has been linked with a reunion with Steven Gerrard – this summer that is too good to turn down, will he take it? Especially as it looks as though he is starting to deteriorate as a player.

Why Dion Sanderson could be a dream Goldson replacement

The 24-year-old started off his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers but made just one senior appearance for the Old Gold during his spell there.

He spent several seasons out on loan, which included two temporary spells at Birmingham, before sealing a permanent move there last summer in order to establish himself in the Championship.

Birmingham centre-back Dion Sanderson.

Last season, Sanderson played 31 games in the second tier, showcasing his defensive abilities for the club. Not only did he win four total duels per game – a success rate of 54% – but he also helped his side keep eight clean sheets while making 1.6 tackles per game.

This season, the defender has played 36 games while losing possession just 6.2 times on average, while helping the club keep nine clean sheets, once again demonstrating how important he is to them.

Hailed as a “Rolls Royce” by his former manager at Sunderland, Lee Johnson, the 6 foot 2 titan has plenty of experience down south and could be a solid option for Clement to call upon next term.

Goldson has made over 300 competitive appearances for the Light Blues since joining back in 2018, becoming one of Gerrard’s first-ever signings.

He has won everything there is on offer during his time in Scotland, along with helping the Gers reach the 2022 Europa League final, their first major European final in 14 years.

If Clement wishes to take his side to the next level, however, perhaps stripping it down and selling off some of the parts is the only way to go, especially with his form dropping this season.

It looks as though the Belgian may have to offload a few bodies this summer before he can think about making moves to make any new signings, but a deal for Sanderson should certainly be considered, especially if the transfer fee was right.

Clement could ditch Wright in Rangers move for gem with "pace to burn"

Rangers appear to be eyeing a potential swoop for a talented young winger

By
Ross Kilvington

May 3, 2024

Strength in depth in this area will be paramount heading into the 2024/25 campaign and the Englishman – who has been lauded as "really strong and powerful" by writer James Hunter – could be an ideal addition to the first-team squad.

If Goldson does leave, then it will be with the best wishes of every single Rangers supporter, without a shadow of a doubt.

Cristiano Ronaldo told he's 'on his way to 1000' career goals as Bruno Fernandes hails Portugal captain for proving his 'influence' from the bench with stunning winner against Scotland

Bruno Fernandes praised Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo for his impact in their Nations League win against Scotland on Sunday.

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  • Ronaldo scored winner from bench against Scotland
  • Marked 901st professional career goal
  • Influence hailed by Fernandes
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Al-Nassr forward was introduced from the bench in the second half with Portugal trailing 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League to Scotland. After Bruno Fernandes equalised, Ronaldo was the one to step up and bag the winner with only a few minutes left on the clock, prompting praise from his former Manchester United team-mate.

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    WHAT FERNANDES SAID

    Speaking after the match, Fernandes said: "The influence is always the same, regardless of whether he starts on the bench or not. Everyone who came on made a difference. Cristiano has a goal, today he scored his 901st and now he is on his way to a thousand, which is what he wants."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Fernandes highlighted the fact that Ronaldo is now on his way to 1000 goals and despite the football icon being 39, you would not bet against him to get there before he retires. Ronaldo had a huge influence on the Scotland game when he came on and once again proved he can still be the difference-maker for his country, having also netted the winner for Portugal against Croatia in their first Nations League outing on Thursday to bring up 900 career goals.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

    Fresh off a prolific week with Portugal, Ronaldo will now return to Saudi Arabia as Al-Nassr look to pick up a second successive win in the Saudi Pro League. They will face Al-Ahli when the international break finishes and Ronaldo could line-up against new signing Ivan Toney.

Rangers chiefs now believe £25k-a-week star will be at Ibrox next season

As Rangers gear up for a dramatic end to the Scottish Premiership title race, the Gers have been handed a boost in the form of some positive transfer news for Philippe Clement.

Rangers transfer news

It looks set to be a busy summer at Ibrox with a number of departures expected. The likes of Ryan Jack, Borna Barisic, John Lundstram and Leon Balogun are all heading for the exit door upon the expiry of their current contracts as things stand. Lundstram's exit would be a particular blow given that Rangers had attempted to negotiate a fresh deal without any success.

Clement could boldly ditch Rangers star who earns more than Tavernier

Phillipe Clement could be set for a major rebuilding job at Ibrox this summer

By
Ross Kilvington

May 10, 2024

There is still some positive news ahead it seems, however. As per recent reports, Rangers are looking to turn loan deals for Abdallah Sima and Oscar Cortes into permanent switches this summer in what would hand Clement quite the duo on both wings next season.

It is the type of attacking duo that could see the Gers end Celtic's recent dominance and hand their boss a squad packed with talent ahead of his first full campaign – something one player will reportedly be a part of.

Oscar Cortes

According to TeamTalk, Rangers believe that Jack Butland will stay put this summer despite previous interest from Premier League side Nottingham Forest. The shot-stopper has rediscovered his best form since completing a move to Ibrox last summer and looks set to reward their trust by declining a return to England in the coming months.

In the space of a year in Scotland, Butland's return to form could yet end with an England call-up in what would be quite the way to add the cherry on top of his career revival.

"Top-class" Butland is one of Clement's most important players

Any success that Clement may have at Rangers will undoubtedly be in some way credited to Butland, such is his importance under the Belgian. The Gers boss is well aware of his quality too, having compared Butland with the best he has worked with during his career.

Clement told BBC Sport when comparing Butland to Simon Mignolet: "Over more than 30 years, Jack together with Simon are the two best I have met. He is a really, really top-class goalkeeper for me.

"He almost didn't have a downfall [make a mistake] in all of our four months together. He is a top goalkeeper but also a top personality, because you can be a really good goalkeeper but not be a leader in the dressing room – but Simon and Jack both are. They're quite similar – they have some specific different qualities but they're both leaders with a lot of authority. But really natural, not forced."

It's the type of quality that earns Butland a reported £25k-a-week wage in a deal that should see the shot-stopper remain a Rangers player until at least the summer of 2027.

Chris Smalling endures Woodgate-esque debut from hell as former Man Utd defender scores an own goal AND gets sent off in Saudi Pro League

Chris Smalling had a debut straight from hell in Al-Fayha's 5-0 defeat to Al-Raed.

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  • Smalling makes move to Al-Fayha
  • Scores own goal and sent off on debut
  • Compared to Woodgate's Real Madrid debut
  • Getty Images Sport

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Smalling called it time on his five-year stint at Roma, where he became a fan favourite over the years and one of their more consistent performers. The centre-back decided to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Fayha this summer and signed a two-year deal with the team.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Smalling made his official debut for the Saudi Pro League side on Saturday (September 14) and the clash couldn't have gone any worse for the former England international. Just six minutes into his debut, Smalling scored an own goal after misconnecting with a clearance and slicing the ball past his goalkeeper. The former Manchester United defender's side then conceded two more before he was sent off in the 55th minute for a reckless challenge.

  • Getty Images

    DID YOU KNOW?

    Smalling's debut with Al-Fayha is now being compared with former Leeds and Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate's debut with Real Madrid back in 2005, where he scored an own goal and was sent off against Atheltic Club.

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  • WHAT NEXT FOR SMALLING?

    The 34-year-old will now miss Al-Fayha's Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Khaleej but will return to action three days later when they take on Al-Batin in the King Cup of Champions on Monday.

England Euro 2024 Squad: Southgate leaves out Rashford & Sterling

There may well be a Champions League final and FA Cup final still to take place but just days after the Premier League concluded, Gareth Southgate has named his provisional England squad of players for Euro 2024.

This is not the definitive list of stars who will be in Germany over the summer, instead, it's a training camp squad who will stake their claims for a place on the plane in the coming weeks.

The Three Lions face Bosnia & Herzegovina on 3rd June and Iceland on 7th June before the full squad of players is announced on the 8th.

England's first group game of the Euros takes place on 16th June, a clash with Serbia. Southgate's side will also take on Denmark and Slovenia in Group C of the major international tournament.

Euro 2024 Group C: Teams, players, fixtures and venues

Everything you need to know about Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia and England ahead of Euro 2024.

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 9, 2024

So, who makes up the provisional list of players?

The usual faces are all there but the involvement of key player Jude Bellingham may initially be limited. The midfielder's club side, Real Madrid, have reached the final of the Champions League which takes place on Saturday 1st June.

Jude Bellingham for Real Madrid

That means that the Ballon d'Or contender will receive a very limited amount of rest before the tournament gets underway on 14th June.

Southgate's provisional squad list

Here are the players who will be involved in the pre-Euros training camp.

There are some shocks with Liverpool's Jarell Quansah making the cut alongside club colleague Curtis Jones. Both are yet to be capped at senior level by their country.

Jordan Henderson, a favourite under Southgate is left off the list too after a topsy-turvy first campaign away from English football, trading Saudi for Amsterdam and Ajax halfway through 2023/24. You would now imagine that's the former Liverpool midfielder's international career over.

Liverpool's Jordan Henderson consoles Jude Bellingham following England's World Cup exit.

The biggest surprise, however, is the omission of Marcus Rashford. The Manchester United winger has struggled for form this term, only bagging eight goals in 42 appearances, and doesn't look set to add to his 60 caps. Another experienced attacker in Raheem Sterling isn't included either.

Crystal Palace have a lengthy list of names involved with Adam Wharton, who joined from Blackburn in January, making the cut alongside Ebere Eze, Marc Guehi and Dean Henderson.

Jarrod Bowen, who has just seven caps, also makes the initial list of players. The forward has been in red-hot form for West Ham this term, scoring 20 goals.

Ben White misses out again having made himself unavailable for selection during the last camp for reasons unknown to many. Fellow full-back Ben Chilwell is not included but Luke Shaw, who was a doubt, is included despite an injury-hit year.

Beyond that, it's a squad rammed full of illustrious names. The Premier League's Player of the Season, Phil Foden is in following a campaign where he netted a remarkable 27 goals and registered 11 assists.

There's also a place for Cole Palmer, the Premier League's Young Player of the Season and FFC's Signing of the Season. He is yet to make his debut for England but there was no ignoring the Chelsea star after a haul of 27 goals and 15 assists in all competitions following his move from Manchester City.

FFC's 2023/34 Premier League award winners

There was debate surrounding who would play second fiddle to Harry Kane up top but Ivan Toney makes the cut ahead of Dominic Solanke. Ollie Watkins, the Premier League's top assister with 13, is in as well.

Southgate will need to make a few cuts to his squad ahead of the tournament with this list of 33 players set to be whittled down to 26 in a few weeks.

Ranking the 10 best English football players ever

We have ranked the top 10 football players to play for the Three Lions.

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By
Luke Randall

Jun 16, 2024

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