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“There was a need to have a reset button” : Gareth Southgate says no player has been ducking anything this week ahead of Slovenia clash

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“There was a need to have a reset button” : Gareth Southgate says no player has been ducking anything this week ahead of Slovenia clash England have been under severe criticism over the past week for their slow start to the Euros. Although, they are sitting on top of their group with four points from two matches, it is the manner of football which they have played so far which is attracting so much attention. Gareth Southgate has been criticized for his tactics, and not giving the likes of Cole Palmer, Kobbie Mainoo more game time. The England manager also stated that his players are not physically fit enough to press effectively, a comment which has not been received well by the fans. Now, ahead of their final group game against Slovenia, Gareth Southgate has stated that his side have pressed the reset button. He has seen marked improvement in training sessions, and he mentioned that the players have remained firm as a unit. “We haven’t quite seen that in the first couple of games and there was a need to have a reset button and have open and honest conversations. We reflect as a coaching team. The ­players are reflective. Nobody has been ducking anything this week, nobody has been alone in their thoughts. It’s a real collective because we’re all on the same page,” said Southgate, ahead of the clash against Slovenia. “We want to control our destiny by winning the group” : Gareth Southgate Gareth Southgate has suggested against making several changes in the final group game. Trent Alexander Arnold who has been deployed as the holding midfielder alongside Declan Rice, could finally make way for Conor Gallagher. England left back Luke Shaw has resumed training, but he will not feature in the match against Slovenia. Gareth Southgate has stated that shaking up the entire structure of the team is not the ideal thing to do, as he has confidence in his players. England will look to win their group, as this means that they will face a third placed side in the last 16. This could ensure their safe passage into the quarterfinals. The Three Lions defeated Serbia in their first match by a score-line of 1-0, before being held to a draw by Denmark last week. “The big risk is you have a kneejerk reaction and you move away from things that are going well,” ­Southgate said. “You can rip everything up and go in a completely different direction but what’s actually going well? We don’t want to lose what’s going well. How can we add to what we’re doing? Your best players are still your best players. We want to control our destiny by winning the group.” Also Read: Gareth Southgate makes worrying claim, says England players not fit enough to press effectively

Football

Gareth Southgate makes worrying claim, says England players not fit enough to press effectively

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Gareth Southgate makes worrying claim, says England players not fit enough to press effectively Gareth Southgate has made a huge revelation in terms of England’s lackluster show at the Euros so far. The Three Lions have managed four points in their two matches so far, and are well on course to finish at the top of their group. However, they have looked far from convincing in both their outings so far. After claiming a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia last week, the Three Lions were held to a 1-1 draw by Denmark. England manager Gareth Southgate has stated that his side are unable to press effectively, as they did in the Qualifiers campaign. He puts this down to the lack of fitness among the players, who come on the back of a hectic domestic season. Gareth Southgate also stated that his team are unable to keep the ball for longer periods and create meaningful chances. They have managed to score just one goal each in both their matches, with Jude Bellingham scoring the winner against Serbia, and Harry Kane opening the scoring against Denmark. “We are not pressing well enough, with enough ­intensity,” Southgate said. “We have limitations in how we can do that with the physical condition. We can’t press as high up the pitch as we might have done in the ­qualifiers, for example. And we are not keeping the ball well enough. We have to keep the ball better and build with more control,” said Southgate, as quoted by the Guardian. “We are trying to do something that has never been done before” : Gareth Southgate Gareth Southgate has stated that his team are bonding well, and they love to work with each other. He believes that it is his responsibility to guide his side past this tough phase, as they look to get their campaign back on track against Slovenia in their last group stage fixture. The England manager also stated that his side are looking to create history, hence the path to success will not be without any challenges. Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice believes that the players are putting too much pressure on themselves, instead of just going out there, and enjoying themselves. “I am seeing every day that they are loving working together. I don’t think it is a lack of spark. At the moment, they ironically care too much and they need firm leadership. We have to guide them through the difficult period that is coming but really stay on track and focused on this challenge ahead,” said Southgate. “We are trying to do something that has never been done before [win the Euros]. So that is going to be a bit of a rollercoaster. It’s not going to go smoothly when you are trying to achieve extraordinary things. They are bloody difficult. We have to accept the level of expectations, we have to accept the arena we are in. And we have to find a better way of playing to how we have so far,” he added. England currently sit on top of Group C with four points to their name. Their last league fixture is against Slovenia, as a win would guarantee them a top place finish. Also Read: “He would be ripped to shreds” : Roy Keane believes Trent Alexander Arnold could be exposed in midfield

Football

“He would be ripped to shreds” : Roy Keane believes Trent Alexander Arnold could be exposed in midfield

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“He would be ripped to shreds” : Roy Keane believes Trent Alexander Arnold could be exposed in midfield England start their 2024 UEFA Euro campaign against Serbia on Sunday evening. The runners-up of the previous edition are placed in Group C alongside the likes of Serbia, Slovenia and Denmark. Former Manchester United footballer Roy Keane believes that Trent Alexander Arnold could be really exploited in midfield as the tournament progresses. England manager Gareth Southgate is all set to utilize Trent Alexander Arnold in midfield alongside Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. Roy Keane believes that the Three Lions have some quality players in their side who can win you matches on any day. However, he believes that defending could be a problem against some quality teams. Nevertheless, he expects England to have a smooth passage into the knockouts. “England have got some brilliant individuals; four or five players who would walk into any team in this tournament,” Keane said, as quoted by the Sky Sports. “But it’s about getting the balance right. You have players who can go and win you matches but the problem is defending against better teams. I think they will be fine in the group. Trent will be fine [in midfield],” he added. Roy Keane has concerns about Liverpool right back playing in midfield Roy Keane opined that Trent Alexander Arnold could have a really tough time against one of the bigger teams as the tournament progresses. “But against really top teams, I think he will be found out. I think he would be ripped to shreds if he played against one of the better teams in central midfield. I don’t think he would be up to it,” said Keane. Gary Neville believes that Serbia would play deep in their opener against England. Hence, the Liverpool right back could bring the creativity to cut them wide open. The former Manchester United defender sees a rationale for Trent starting in midfield on Sunday, but he believes that the dynamics would change as the tournament progresses. “Serbia are going to play deep and England are going to need to find a way to cut them open. I can see why Trent works in this particular match. As the tournament moves on, I don’t think it will remain that way, I think other players will come into the fold,” said Neville. England lost to Italy on penalties in the last edition of the Euros. The Three Lions will be determined to finally win a Major trophy after making some huge progress under Gareth Southgate.

Pep Guardiola
Football

“I was there when we did 100 points” : Mikel Arteta reveals the only thing that can stop Manchester City

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“I was there when we did 100 points” : Mikel Arteta reveals the only thing that can stop Manchester City Manchester City claimed their fourth successive Premier League title on Sunday, edging out Arsenal by just two points. In this process, Pep Guardiola’s side became the first team to win four successive English top flight title. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stated that the only thing that could stop Manchester City was to breach the 100 point mark. Arsenal have barely put a foot wrong in the second half of the season, losing just one game in 2024. Their loss against Aston Villa at home last month proved to be decisive, as it costed them the league title. However, Manchester City deserve all the credit for stepping up their game in the final few matches of the season. This is the second consecutive when Arsenal have finished runners-up to Manchester City. The Gunners fought right until the end this time around, as Manchester City claimed their sixth league title in seven years. “I was there when we did 100 points so I know what it takes. I know what happened and this is the level, nobody has to explain to me what the level is, because I’ve been there four years, everyday so I know what we have to do if we’re going to reach there, not only for one season but for the rest. We are on the right path, in the right journey. To see the evolution so quickly happening, I haven’t seen it before, we are on the right trajectory, now we need to put the teeth and bite into it because we really want more,” said Arteta in his presser. “We are not champions, that is the reality” : Mikel Arteta Mikel Arteta also stated that Manchester City have really raised the bar of the Premier League over the past couple of years. He believes that his side need to do more in order to win the league title, as even 90 points have not been enough to win the title nowadays. “When you look in the last 15, 20 years of this league and the competition wasn’t like it is today, for sure, you are the champion. But this is not enough, but this is as well, probably we are getting better and better and better and faster because someone is so good you have to chase it, and that’s what makes you good as well. We cannot feel sorry for ourselves, we tried, we are improving. It was an unbelievable season again but we are not champions, that is the reality,” said Arteta. Arsenal defeated Everton 2-1 at home on Sunday, as Kai Havertz slotted in a late winner. Manchester City also secured a comfortable victory over West Ham United, winning by a score-line of 3-1. Mikel Arteta remains confident in his team’s ability, and believes that they would eventually lift the league title. The Spaniard is expected to have a busy transfer window, making some final additions in the backline and in the attacking areas. Also Read: “We are gonna get it!” Mikel Arteta asks fans to not get satisfied after falling short of Premier League title

Mikel Arteta
Football

“We are gonna get it!” Mikel Arteta asks fans to not get satisfied after falling short of Premier League title

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“We are gonna get it!” Mikel Arteta asks fans to not get satisfied after falling short of Premier League title Arsenal failed to lift the Premier League title on Sunday, as they ended second on the table, two points behind eventual champions Manchester City. The Gunners did their part, beating Everton 2-1 at home. However, Pep Guardiola’s team also secured all three points at home, getting the better of West Ham United by a score-line of 3-1. For the second consecutive season, Arsenal have finished as the runners-up in the Premier League to Manchester City. This time Mikel Arteta and his side fought right until the final matchday, falling short of the title by just two points. Mikel Arteta had a strong message for Arsenal fans after ending the season with a victory over the Toffees. The Spanish boss urged the Gunners to not stop believing, and they would eventually win the title in the coming seasons. “All this is happening because you started believing. You were patient”. All the credit has to go to the players and the staff. They are unbelievable. But don’t be satisfied. We want much more than that – and we are gonna get it!,” said Arteta. Arsenal fall just short of the title as Mikel Arteta urges fans to not lose hope Arsenal hardly put a foot wrong in the second half of the season. The Gunners suffered just one defeat in 2024, coming at home to Aston Villa which proved to be a real setback. They secured victories over Manchester United and Spurs away from home, and defeated title rivals Liverpool at home as well. Manchester City proved their mettle once again in the title race, as they held their nerves to get over the finish line. Pep Guardiola’s side have now become the first team to win the Premier League in four consecutive seasons, as their dominance in English football continues. However, as for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, it is back to the drawing board after a couple of months of rest. The Gunners are expected to make a couple of key reinforcements to their squad this summer. Despite the fact that Arsenal could not lay their hands on the title this season, one must credit Mikel Arteta’s side for the incredible effort and character they have displayed in the final half of the season

Mikel Arteta Arsenal
Football

“I would worry for Arsenal at that point” : Rio Ferdinand believes Bayern start as favorites in the second leg of UCL quarterfinals

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“I would worry for Arsenal at that point” : Rio Ferdinand believes Bayern start as favorites in the second leg of UCL quarterfinals Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has made a big claim ahead of Arsenal’s second leg clash against Bayern Munich in the UCL quarterfinals. He believes that the German side holds the advantage, despite their poor home in the past couple of months. Arsenal succumbed to a home defeat against Aston Villa on Sunday, which put a major dent to their title aspirations. Rio Ferdinand believes that the fixture against Bayern Munich is the biggest match of the Gunners’ season, as losing in the Premier League and Champions League in the same week could halt their progress. The first leg at the Emirates ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, as Bukayo Saka was denied a last minute penalty. However, Rio Ferdinand believes that Bayern Munich have all the experience it takes to see of Arsenal on home soil on Wednesday night. “I think it’s advantage Bayern Munich. Bayern are at home and have all that experience in Europe. Arsenal could win but it’s advantage Bayern for me. Can you imagine if [ex-Tottenham captain] Harry Kane knocks them out of Europe? The biggest game of Arsenal’s season is on Wednesday night. If they lose that game, this team will never have been that low under Mikel Arteta,” said Ferdinand. Rio Ferdinand believes it is a massive opportunity for Arsenal to reach UCL semifinals Arsenal have failed to reach the semifinals of the Champions League since 2009. Hence, Rio Ferdinand believes that this is a massive opportunity for the Gunners to prove themselves on the European stage. However, he believes that a defeat would just compound the misery on Mikel Arteta and his players. “To have a week like this, where you were in control, to then lose control in the league and then you’re out of the Champions League… I would worry for Arsenal at that point. But as I said, we have a beautiful opportunity, an opportunity that hasn’t happened at this club for 14 years to get to the semi-finals of the Champions League, so it cannot come in a better moment,” Ferdinand added. Arsenal faced their first defeat of the season in the Premier League on Sunday, after losing 2-0 to Aston Villa at home. This comes after their spell of 11 unbeaten matches, where they won 10 matches, and drew one game. This run included a home win over Liverpool, and a stalemate with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. With just six games remaining in the season, and impending visits to Old Trafford and Spurs, the Gunners will need to win all their remaining games, and hope that their rivals drop a couple of points. Also Read: “I forgot already” – Mikel Arteta on Arsenal’s title collapse last season

Mikel Arteta Arsenal
Football

“I forgot already” – Mikel Arteta on Arsenal’s title collapse last season

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“I forgot already” – Mikel Arteta on Arsenal’s title collapse last season Arsenal have continued their unbeaten run in the Premier League since the start of the year, as they claimed a comfortable victory over Brighton on Saturday. The visitors handed Brighton their first loss on home soil since August last year, as they claimed a 3-0 victory. Mikel Arteta’s team moves to the top of the Premier League table once again, as Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw by Manchester United on Sunday. This means that the three title contenders are separated by just one point, with just seven matches to go. Mikel Arteta was asked about Arsenal’s title collapse last season, and if it is still fresh in his memory. The Gunners led the Premier League for majority of the last season, however, dropped some vital points towards the end of the season which helped Manchester City complete a hattrick of league titles. Mikel Arteta urges his side to continue with their stellar displays Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has urged his side to continue with their stellar displays. Since the start of the year, the league leaders have collected 31 points from a possible 33 in the Premier League. This includes a victory over Liverpool at home, and a 0-0 stalemate at the Etihad Stadium last week. “I forgot already,” Arteta when asked about the title collapse last season. “I don’t know [if there is a difference in his side’s mentality this season]. I think we’re in a really good moment. We have the squad healthy with a really good energy and a lot of confidence individually and collectively. We have to just keep doing what we’re doing.” Arsenal have a big game coming up over the weekend, as they face Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals. The Gunners will be hosting a struggling Bayern side, who are on the verge of losing their Bundesliga title for the first time in over a decade. It is two home games back to back for Arsenal, as they will also host Aston Villa over the coming weekend. Also Read: “He’s the best coach in the world by a mile,” Mikel Arteta lavishes praise on Pep Guardiola ahead of crunch title clash

Mikel Arteta
Football

“If you can’t win it, make sure we draw it,” Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal did ‘really well’ against the best team in the world

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“If you can’t win it, make sure we draw it,” Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal did ‘really well’ against the best team in the world The two title protagonists Arsenal and Manchester City played out a draw at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. This means that Liverpool have climbed to the top of the table, after their 2-1 victory over Brighton at Anfield. Manchester City dominated the possession for almost the entirety of the match, however, just could not create much in front of goal. Mikel Arteta’s men defended quite well, as they rarely had a lapse in concentration. Mikel Arteta was delighted with the defensive performance, as Arsenal left Etihad with a point to show for. The Gunners have taken four points off Manchester City this season, and kept two clean sheets against the reigning champions. “Huge – it’s extremely difficult to do that but that tells you the commitment of every player, the discipline that they showed and how they compete. One thing is to play a football match and the other is to compete [in] it. Against this team, we did that today really, really well,” said Arteta on keeping two clean sheets against Manchester City in the post-match press conference. “We still have much more to come,” Arsenal’s brilliant start to the year continues Mikel Arteta stated that the team prepared to win the match against the reigning champions, and leave Manchester with all three points. However, the hosts dominated the match, and the plan switched to go back home with a point. The Gunners are now undefeated in their last nine Premier League games, winning eight consecutive matches before their stalemate with Manchester City. I don’t know. “You want to win the game, we prepared to win it. If you can’t win it, make sure we draw it, and we did that. Eleven months ago we were here and the story was very different, and you have to continue to make steps as a team and try to improve and today we have done that. We still have much more to come,” Mikel Arteta on the title race. Arsenal sit second in the Premier League with 65 points, whereas, Liverpool lead the three-way title race with 67 points. Manchester City have 64 points in their tally, with nine games remaining. The Gunners will now host Luton Town in the midweek, before they travel to Brighton over the weekend. Also Read: “He’s the best coach in the world by a mile,” Mikel Arteta lavishes praise on Pep Guardiola ahead of crunch title clash

Mikel Arteta
Football

“He’s the best coach in the world by a mile,” Mikel Arteta lavishes praise on Pep Guardiola ahead of crunch title clash

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“He’s the best coach in the world by a mile,” Mikel Arteta lavishes praise on Pep Guardiola ahead of crunch title clash Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta showered words of praise on Pep Guardiola, hailing him as the best coach in the world. Arsenal and Manchester City will lock horns against each other at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, in what could play a major role in deciding the fate of the Premier League title. The likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are separated by just one point with 10 games to be played. Such are the fine margins this season that neither team can afford to lose the fixture on Sunday. The Gunners have failed to win in the home of the reigning champions since 2015, as they were defeated by Manchester City 4-1 last season. “My admiration and what I feel for him certainly hasn’t changed. In my opinion he’s the best coach in the world by a mile and he’s one of the nicest people that I’ve met in football. Certainly he’s one of the ones that I’ve had the most fun and laughter working with. That’s going to stay there forever,” said Arteta in the pre-match press conference. Pep Guardiola confirms start duo out of Arsenal clash Pep Guardiola has confirmed that both Kyle Walker and John Stones will miss the key clash on Sunday. The Spaniard also stated that Kyle Walker’s recovery process would take a longer time than his teammate. Meanwhile for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta hinted that the trio of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes could feature against City. Mikel Arteta was also very pleased with the attitude of his players, as they all wanted to train after coming back from the International break. He stated that the Gunners have made some huge progress over the past couple of seasons, and now it is time for them to get the better of Manchester City and Liverpool. “We have done a lot to be in the position that we are, but we need to go day by day, train well, prepare every match. We’ve done a lot to be where we are now we have to embrace that position and go for it,” said Arteta. “You have to make strong steps to be there and I think we’ve done big ones in recent seasons. We’re getting much closer and now it’s how we close that gap and try to be better than them,” he added.

Football

UEFA Euro 2024: Top Goal Scorer for England in each edition of the Euros

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UEFA Euro 2024: Top Goal Scorer for Spain in each edition of the Euros England have once again dominated the qualifying campaign to reach the 2024 UEFA Euro Finals in Germany. The runners-up of the previous edition have been drawn in Group C alongside Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia. The Three Lions came within touching distance of claiming their first Euro title last time, as they were defeated by Italy on penalties in the Wembley Stadium. Gareth Southgate’s men will look to go one step further, and finally end their trophy draught. In this article, we will have a look at England’s top goal scorers in each edition of the Euros: Year Name Number of Goals 1968 Bobby Charlton and Geoff Hurst 1 goal each 1980 Trevor Brooking, Ray Wilkings, Tony Woodcock 1 goal each 1988 Tony Adams and Bryan Robson 1 goal each 1992 David Platt 1 goal 1996 Alan Shearer 5 goals 2000 Alan Shearer 2 goals 2004 Wayne Rooney 4 goals 2012 Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott, Joeleon Lescott, Andy Carroll, Danny Welbeck 1 goal each 2016 Eric Dier, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Jame Vardy 1 goal each 2020 Harry Kane 4 goals As the stats show, England have consistently failed to score goals at the Euros over the years. Alan Shearer holds the record for most goals scored by an Englishman at the Euros, scoring seven goals in two campaigns. Wayne Rooney burst onto the International stage as a teenager in the 2004 edition, where he scored 4 goals. He scored a goal each in 2012 and 2016 as well, making him the only English player to score in three different editions of the Euros. Harry Kane scored 4 goals in the last edition of the Euros, which helped England reach the finals. The Englishman will look to lead from the front once again in Germany, as the Three Lions look to claim their first ever Euros title.

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