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Kobbie Mainoo
Football

“He doesn’t fully understand the position” : Kobbie Mainoo slammed for wandering on the field

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“He doesn’t fully understand the position” : Kobbie Mainoo slammed for wandering on the field Graeme Souness has criticized England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo for his poor display at the 2024 Euros. The youngster made his club debut for Manchester United last season, as his fantastic performances caught the eye of the Gareth Southgate. He was included in the England squad for the marquee event, as he competed in his first ever International major tournament. Kobbie Mainoo featured in the midfield alongside Declan Rice, as they safeguarded the defense. England managed to reach the finals of the Euros, where they were defeated in the final once again. This time, the Three Lions lost to Spain by a score-line of 2-1 as their wait for a major trophy continues. Graeme Souness opined that Kobbie Mainoo lakes the game awareness, as he does not understand his position just yet. The former Liverpool captain was not happy with the youngster’s performances defensively, and particularly on the offensive, where he failed to create any opportunities. “He doesn’t fully understand the position – I think he wanders. He empties the middle of the field too readily. I watched him against Iceland and he was getting thrown to the left and thrown to the right,” said Souness. Graeme Souness criticizes Manchester United midfielder for ordinary performances Graeme Souness pointed out to an error from Kobbie Mainoo during England’s first group stage match against Serbia at the Euros. The youngster was introduced from the bench to help England see out a 1-0 victory. However, the former Liverpool captain pointed out that he was chasing the goalkeeper, when the objective of the team was to hold on to the lead. “He came on as a substitute when holding onto a 1-0 lead [against Serbia] and the first thing he did was chase down the goalkeeper and try to put him under pressure. It’s naivety,” he added. Kobbie Mainoo was one of the finds of the season for Manchester United. He also scored in the finals of the 2024 FA Cup against Manchester City, as the Red Devils claimed the title. The 19-year-old will now take some time off, as he will join the Manchester United pre-season camp in a couple of weeks. Also Read: “Lamine Yamal in Euro 2024 reminds me of Wayne Rooney at the Euros in 2004” : Ian Wright

Wayne Rooney
Football

“Lamine Yamal in Euro 2024 reminds me of Wayne Rooney at the Euros in 2004” : Ian Wright

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“Lamine Yamal in Euro 2024 reminds me of Wayne Rooney at the Euros in 2004” : Ian Wright Ian Wright has compared Spanish wonderkid Lamine Yamal’s performance at the 2024 Euros to that of Wayne Rooney’s brilliance two decades earlier. Lamine Yamal was declared the Young Player of the 2024 Euros, for his sensational performances which helped Spain claim the title. The 17-year-old scored one of the goals of the tournament against France in the semifinals. Lamine Yamal was among the most consistent players in the tournament, proving to be a constant threat out on the wings. Ian Wright stated that his performances reminded him of former England striker and captain Wayne Rooney. Wayne Rooney burst onto the scene at the 2004 Euros, where he scored four goals, before injuring his foot. “What [we] saw from Lamine Yamal in Euro 2024 reminds me of how Wayne Rooney played at the Euros in 2004 in Portugal. Rooney was going on to be the player of the tournament until he did his ankle. He was unbelievable,” said Ian Wright as quoted by the Goal. Ian Wright says Lamine Yamal was the player of the tournament for him Ian Wright went on to add that Lamine Yamal was the player of the tournament for him at the 2024 Euros. The youngster had been incredibly consistent, and terrified defenses throughout the course of the tournament. Spanish midfielder Rodri has been announced as the player of the tournament for his vital contributions in the middle of the park. “Lamine Yamal is my player of the tournament – it can’t be anyone else. A 16-year-old who has been so consistent throughout the whole tournament and scored one of the goals of the tournament. He’s been unbelievable,” he added. Lamine Yamal will join the Barcelona pre-season camp after a couple of weeks of much deserved rest. The Spanish side will face the likes of AC Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester City as part of their pre-season preparations in the United States. Spain defeated England in the finals of the 2024 Euros by a score-line of 2-1 to be crowned as the champions for a third time in the last five attempts. They were clearly the best side of the tournament, defeating the hosts Germany in the quarterfinals, and France in the semifinals. Also Read: “We just didn’t quite keep the same intensity and pressure” : Harry Kane explains reason behind loss against Spain

Harry Kane England
Football

“We just didn’t quite keep the same intensity and pressure” : Harry Kane explains reason behind loss against Spain

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“We just didn’t quite keep the same intensity and pressure” : Harry Kane explains reason behind loss against Spain England failed at the final hurdle once again, as they were defeated by Spain in the finals of the 2024 Euros. The Three Lions lost 2-1 to the eventual champions, courtesy of a brilliant late goal from Mikel Oyarzabal. Harry Kane was devastated after another final loss, and explained the reason behind England’s defeat to Spain. Nico Williams gave Spain the lead just moments after the restart in the second half. However, Cole Palmer scored a brilliant long range goal from outside the box to level the scores. Spain’s substitute Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain in front once again in the final five minutes of the match. Harry Kane believes that England could not maintain the same level of intensity after they scored the equalizer. He stated that the Three Lions could not keep the pressure on Spain, as there were a lot of tired legs out on the field in the final. “We just didn’t quite keep the same intensity and pressure (after scoring) or keep the ball well enough. It is the last stage of the tournament, and there are a lot of tired legs and a tired mentality there. We just struggled and then got caught with the ball in behind. It is down to big moments — we had a big moment at the end where they cleared one off the line, it could have been different, but for now it is really disappointing,” Kane was quoted by Goal.com as saying. “It’s an opportunity missed” : Harry Kane on Euro finals defeat Harry Kane stated that it was a big opportunity missed for England once again. The Three Lions have been defeated in the finals of the Euro for two consecutive editions, as they fell to a defeat to Italy in 2021. Harry Kane added that the team wanted to win the Euros for manager Gareth Southgate, who could step down from managerial duties. England have not played their best football, but held their nerves when it mattered the most at the Euros. However, that was not the case to be in the finals, as Spain were a level above everyone else involved in the tournament. “It’s an opportunity missed. It’s not easy to get to these finals. It takes unbelievable resilience and character to get to where we are but ultimately you take the opportunity when it comes and we haven’t done it again. It’s extremely painful, it’s going to hurt for a long, long time. It’s disappointing that we couldn’t win it for Gareth. We wanted so badly to win it for him,” Kane added. Also Read: “I just have a feeling about Mainoo and the final”: Wayne Rooney predicts England midfielder to score against Spain

Kobbie Mainoo
Football

“I just have a feeling about Mainoo and the final”: Wayne Rooney predicts England midfielder to score against Spain

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“I just have a feeling about Mainoo and the final”: Wayne Rooney predicts England midfielder to score against Spain England are all set to face Spain in the finals of the 2024 Euros. This will be their toughest test of the tournament so far, as Spain have had an unbeaten run into the finals. Former England captain Wayne Rooney has backed Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to score in the finals against Spain. The 19-year-old midfielder has been revelation for Manchester United and England this year. He even score in the finals of the FA Cup in May, which helped the Red Devils beat Manchester City. Hence, Wayne Rooney believes that the midfielder could be the difference maker in the finals against Spain. Wayne Rooney believes that the Spanish defenders will be well prepared for the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, which would open a lot of space for Kobbie Mainoo to sneak in to the box and score a goal. “I just have a feeling about Mainoo and the final,” Rooney said in his column for The Times. “That he is going to score and prove decisive. If you think of him in the tournament, he has got into good positions going forward and I think Spain will do their homework and close off space for Harry Kane, Foden, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham. But that will leave space for a midfielder arriving late, and that Mainoo will get one from a cut-back,” he added. Wayne Rooney heaps praise on Kobbie Mainoo’s maturity Wayne Rooney has heaped praise on Kobbie Mainoo’s incredible level of maturity at such a tender age. The English youngster is playing his first ever major International tournament, and has established himself as a regular in the starting eleven as the tournament has gone on. “His maturity is so impressive.The other youngsters — Williams, Yamal, Bellingham, Foden — all play in attacking positions whereas Mainoo, at 19, is excelling in one that requires enormous discipline and game understanding,” Rooney added. Apart from his defensive abilities and playing good forward passes, the youngster also has a knack of scoring goals. Wayne Rooney went on to add that the Spanish prodigy Nico Williams will also be regarded as one of the best talents in the world. “Williams will also, very soon, surely be regarded as one of the world’s best. We need players to replace Lionel Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo] at the top of the tree and Williams, Mainoo, Foden, Bellingham, Yamal — alongside Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland — are the ones you hope and expect to go and do that.” Spain have been brilliant in the tournament so far, and start as the certain favorites against England. The 2010 World Champions defeated the hosts in the quarterfinals, which was followed by a comeback victory over France in the last four clash. Also Read: “They would be rightly favorites for what they have done this tournament” : Gareth Southgate says ‘Spain’ favorites to win Euros

Harry Kane
Football

“I’d swap everything I’ve done in my career to have a special night and a win tomorrow evening” : Harry Kane ahead of Euro final clash against Spain

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“I’d swap everything I’ve done in my career to have a special night and a win tomorrow evening” : Harry Kane ahead of Euro final clash against Spain England will face Spain in the finals of the 2024 Euros on Sunday. The Three Lions have had a dramatic campaign this time around, coming back from a goal down in each of their three knockout matches so far. However, they face their toughest challenge on Sunday, as they take on the best side of the tournament, Spain in the finals. England’s top goal-scorer in the tournament Harry Kane stated that he could probably have the greatest moment in his career so far if he wins the title on Sunday. The England skipper has never won a title in his career, and he stated that he is extra motivated to change the past. The Bayern Munich striker added that he had swap any number of personal accolades for England to win the finals against Spain. The Three Lions defeated the Netherlands in the finals, courtesy of an added time winner from super sub Ollie Watkins. England’s captain didn’t mince his words when asked what a win tomorrow would mean for him. “It’s no secret I haven’t won a team trophy and every year that goes by, I’m more motivated to change that,” said Kane in his pre-match press conference, as quoted by Sky Sports. “Tomorrow night, I have the chance to win one of the biggest you could ever win and make history with my nation.  No question I’d swap everything I’ve done in my career to have a special night and a win tomorrow evening.“ “I don’t have fear of what might happen because I’ve been through everything” : Harry Kane Harry Kane has urged his side to be fearless in the finals. He stated that England have not been afraid of losing in the tournament, which has helped them progress further. The English skipper added that he was excited for tomorrow’s final in a great stadium in Berlin. “Tomorrow, I don’t have fear of what might happen because I’ve been through everything. I want the players to feel that fearlessness, I want them to be the best version of themselves because whatever happens, we’re so strong as a group and we support each other,” said Kane. “I said earlier in the tournament, if we’re not afraid to lose, it gives us a better chance of winning. That’s very important for us. I’m personally excited for tomorrow, to play in a brilliant stadium… we’re looking forward to this last step now.” England will be playing their second successive Euro finals, as they were defeated by Italy in the finals in 2021. Gareth Southgate and his team will be determined to bury the ghosts of the 2021 finals. Their victory over the Netherlands over the past week also means that England will be playing their first competitive final outside their home country. Spain have been absolutely ruthless in the tournament so far, having beaten the likes of Italy and Croatia in the group stages. The 2008 and 2012 Euro champions knocked out the hosts Germany in the quarterfinals, which was followed by a win over France in the semifinals. Also Read: “They would be rightly favorites for what they have done this tournament” : Gareth Southgate says ‘Spain’ favorites to win Euros

Football

“They would be rightly favorites for what they have done this tournament” : Gareth Southgate says ‘Spain’ favorites to win Euros

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“They would be rightly favorites for what they have done this tournament” : Gareth Southgate says ‘Spain’ favorites to win Euros Gareth Southgate has stated the Spain are the favorites to win the Euros, ahead of their clash with England in the finals on Sunday evening. The Three Lions defeated the Netherlands 2-1, courtesy of an added time winner by Ollie Watkins. Spain have been the most consistent side of the tournament so far, beating reigning champions Italy in the group stages. They also defeated hosts Germany in the quarterfinals, before knocking out 2016 runners-up France in the semifinals. England manager Gareth Southgate acknowledges the challenge they will be up against in the finals. He stated that the Three Lions will have to play a perfect match to defeat Spain, who have been the best side in the tournament so far. “They are a bloody good side. Let’s pitch it right. We have got to be perfect to win this game and we will have to find everything that we have got from within us,” said Southgate, as quoted by Goal. Gareth Southgate says England need to focus on recovery ahead of finals England have had a very nervy campaign this time, as they have come back from a goal down in all of their three knockout matches so far. Jude Bellingham’s equalizer deep into added time against Slovakia helped England reach the quarterfinals. England have now reached two successive Euro finals, as they were defeated by Italy in the finals in the last edition. Gareth Southgate stated that their focus should be on recovery for the finals, as Spain have an extra day to prepare themselves. Spain defeated France in Munich on Tuesday evening, as they would have an extra day’s rest ahead of the all-important finals. Gareth Southgate’s substitutions have been on point at the Euros, as his changes have often played a part in England’s progression in the competition. “They would be rightly favorites for what they have done this tournament. They have been the best team. They have got a day longer and in the last three finals, maybe more, it has been quite significant so we have got to get our recovery spot on. Tactically we will have to be perfect as they are such a good side,” said Southgate. Also Read: “I took this job to try and improve English football” : Gareth Southgate wants to create history after reaching Euro semifinals

Football

“I took this job to try and improve English football” : Gareth Southgate wants to create history after reaching Euro semifinals

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“I took this job to try and improve English football” : Gareth Southgate wants to create history after reaching Euro semifinals England escape another scare in the quarterfinals, as they defeated Switzerland on penalties to reach the last four. The Three Lions fell behind in the second half, however, Bukayo Saka’s exquisite finish leveled the scores. England held their nerves in the penalty shootout, as they will now face the Netherlands for a place in their second consecutive Euro finals. England manager Gareth Southgate has faced a lot of criticism over the past couple of weeks for the brand of football his team have played. Labelled as ‘boring’ football, Gareth Southgate and his team have been under tremendous pressure during the tournament. This is the third major semifinal England have reached under Gareth Southgate. He stated that he decided to manage the team back in the last decade to improve the state of English football. “Every now and then surely there has to be some enjoyment in this job,” said the England manager. “I love the players and sharing that moment with them. I can’t deny that when it’s [the criticism] as personal as it has been in the last few weeks on a human level, that’s quite difficult,” Southgate said, as quoted by the BBC.  “I took this job to try and improve English football, to give us nights like this. We continue to give people fantastic memories. We will keep enjoying this journey,” said Southgate. England hang on to reach second consecutive Euro semifinals Gareth Southgate wants to create history, as he wants his team to become the first English side to reach a major final outside their home, and win the country’s first ever Euros. The Three Lions reached the finals of the Euros last time around, where they were defeated on penalties by Italy. “Now we want to deliver one more thing – we have never been to a final outside England, never won a Euros, so there are two bits of history we would love to create,” he said. Gareth Southgate also stated that his side has the resilience to thrive under pressure, as has been demonstrated by the likes of some European nations over the past couple of decades. “We haven’t always got it right but in general we have shown the resilience that teams that win tournaments have had for years – Italy, France, Spain… it is not all pure football, it is other attributes they have had,” he added. The Netherlands defeated Turkey in a thrilling quarterfinal clash, as they came back from behind to knock out the underdogs. England will face the Dutch for a place in the finals, as France and Spain contest in the first semifinal on Tuesday evening. Also Read: “I’m six feet off the ground and it’s like Ronaldo!” : Jude Bellingham on his bicycle kick against Slovakia

Jude Bellingham
Football

“I’m six feet off the ground and it’s like Ronaldo!” : Jude Bellingham on his bicycle kick against Slovakia

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“I’m six feet off the ground and it’s like Ronaldo!” : Jude Bellingham on his bicycle kick against Slovakia Jude Bellingham scored a brilliant bicycle kick against Slovakia deep into stoppage time, as England were bound to make a shocking exit from the 2024 Euros. The Real Madrid midfielder’s equalizer helped the Three Lions push the match into extra time, where Harry Kane’s goal ensured their passage into the quartefinals. Jude Bellingham spoke about his incredible goal which kept England in the competition. He stated that he felt like Cristiano Ronaldo, as he was reminded of the goal the Portuguese scored in the Champions League against Juventus in 2018. Speaking to the FA after England’s win over Slovakia, Jude Bellingham stated that it was a instinctive finish, and one of the most memorable moments of his career till date. Moreover, he mentioned that one of his hands still touched the ground, hence it was not the most acrobatic finish. “It was really instinct more than anything. It kind of fell in the perfect spot and it was a little bit behind me. When I was in the air I thought, ‘I’m six feet off the ground and it’s like Ronaldo!’ But I’ve watched it back and I still had one hand on the ground, so it wasn’t the most acrobatic,” said Bellingham. “One of the most important moments of my career” : Jude Bellingham Jude Bellingham has already scored two goals for England so far at the Euros. The England midfielder scored the only goal in the victory against Serbia in the first group stage fixture, followed by an equalizer against Slovakia. “But it was a nice contact. Definitely one of the most important and memorable moments of my career so far,” said Bellingham. The 21-year-old acknowledged the fact that winning a game in this manner was certainly not ideal. However, he applauds the team as they kept applying the pressure on Slovakia right until the last kick of the game. “Not the most enjoyable way to win a game. Obviously you always want to feel like you are in control and comfortable,” said Bellingham. “But you have to find ways to win, even if it means overhead kicks in 90+5. But the difference in emotion is so huge. It’s one minute (from) being dead and buried. I saw the Slovakian bench and they were all ready to run on. In one moment everything changes. But we never stopped believing we would get one more chance and luckily we got it in,” he added. Things will only get tougher from now on, as we move into the quarterfinals. England will face Switzerland for a place in the last four on Saturday. Switzerland are unbeaten in the tournament so far, having upstaged the reigning champions Italy in the last 16 clash. They almost defeated hosts Germany in their last group stage encounter, before conceding a late equalizer. Also Read: “Ivan Toney was a bit disgusted when I put him on with a minute to go” : Gareth Southgate

Ivan Toney
Football

“Ivan Toney was a bit disgusted when I put him on with a minute to go” : Gareth Southgate

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“Ivan Toney was a bit disgusted when I put him on with a minute to go” : Gareth Southgate England survived a huge scare in the last 16 of the 2024 Euros, as they defeated Slovakia 2-1 with the help of extra time. The Three Lions left it too late to score an equalizer, as Jude Bellingham pulled off an absolute screamer in the final minute of the added time. Jude Bellingham scored a brilliant bicycle kick to level the scores in the 96th minute. England captain Harry Kane scored the winner just moments after the restart in the extra time, as the Three Lions march on to the quarterfinals. As a final throw of the dice, Gareth Southgate brought on Ivan Toney deep into the added time, whilst England were still trailing. The England manager revealed that the striker was not pleased with this decision given that there was only a minute or two yet to play. “Ivan Toney was a bit disgusted when I put him on with a minute to go and I think we’ve made up now. He’s had a big impact and in the second goal as well. You put a sub on at that time and it is a last throw of the dice and he maybe doesn’t even touch the ball,” said Southgate ,as quoted by Sky Sports. Gareth Southgate applauds Ivan Toney’s impact Gareth Southgate applauded Ivan Toney’s impact, which also led to the second goal. The striker assisted Harry Kane’s goal, and showed huge spirit fighting for the second ball in the extra time. He also came close to scoring his first ever major tournament goal in the final minute of the extra time. “I completely understand it, I don’t like putting players in that position, but I had a feeling he might be able to cause the bit of chaos that happened,” Southgate on Toney. England will now face Switzerland in the quarterfinals on Friday, as the latter knocked out reigning champions Italy. Switzerland have been unbeaten in the tournament so far, much like their opponents in the quarterfinals. They also held Germany to a 1-1 draw in their last league stage game. England will have to step up their game against a quality opposition in Switzerland. The Three Lions were much more positive and better going forward in the second half. Phil Foden’s goal was disallowed early in the second half, as England kept piling the pressure on Slovakia. Also Read: “He’s looked very frustrated” : Wayne Rooney gives his assessment on Jude Bellingham’s performance at the 2024 Euros

Jude Bellingham
Football

“He’s looked very frustrated” : Wayne Rooney gives his assessment on Jude Bellingham’s performance at the 2024 Euros

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“He’s looked very frustrated” : Wayne Rooney gives his assessment on Jude Bellingham’s performance at the 2024 Euros Former England captain Wayne Rooney has given his honest opinion on Jude Bellingham. He believes that the English midfielder looks very frustrated at the Euros. The Real Madrid midfielder started off the Euros in style, scoring within the first 15 minutes of the first match against Serbia. However, he has not been up to the mark in the following two matches against Denmark and Slovenia. That has somewhat also impacted the result of the two matches, as both of have ended in draws. However, the Three Lions managed to have a safe passage into the knockouts, finishing on top of their group, with a win, and two draws to their name. Wayne Rooney believes that Jude Bellingham has been putting in the efforts, and he has been demanding more from his teammates. England have scored just two goals in the tournament so far, as the pressure has been mounting on Gareth Southgate and his side. “Jude starts the first game well but I’m sure he’d tell you himself he hasn’t the best games in the last two games,” Rooney told the Football Daily podcast. “For me he’s looked very frustrated, I’ve been there exactly the position he’s in, even the game yesterday, you saw him throwing his arms up in the air. As a talisman for England and Real Madrid, I haven’t heard him in speak. What is the reason for that? As one of the iconic players now for England in the squad, he should be fronting that. That tells me that he’s probably not quite right in the tournament,” said Rooney. Wayne Rooney says Jude Bellingham is giving his 100% at the Euros Wayne Rooney remains wary of the threat that Jude Bellingham could pick up a red card if he remains frustrated on the pitch. In terms of the midfielder’s efforts, Wayne Rooney has no complaints there, and believes he is giving it his all. “He’s giving it his all, 100%, I don’t think that’s the problem. You want players demanding more from their team-mates, and I think that’s what he was trying to do. So, it’s not a criticism, it is a compliment in some ways but you just don’t want that to boil over to the point where he might pick up a silly red card,” Rooney added. England will now face Slovakia in their last 16 clash. Slovakia finished third in Group E, where all teams finished on four points. The Three Lions are expected to progress into the quarterfinals, where they could face Italy, a repeat of the 2021 Euros final. England have an easier path to the finals, given that the likes of Germany, Spain, Portugal and France are all in the other half of the draw. England were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Slovenia in their last league game fixture, as Gareth Southgate attracted more criticism after yet another dismal performance. Also Read: Gareth Southgate makes worrying claim, says England players not fit enough to press effectively

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