Football

England's Euro 2024 preparations hit a major roadblock as they suffered a humiliating 1-0 defeat to Iceland in their final warm-up match at Wembley. The result sent shockwaves through the English camp, raising serious concerns about the team's readiness for the upcoming tournament.Gareth Southgate's side, considered one of the favorites for the Euros, had hoped to boost their confidence with a victory before heading to Germany. However, Iceland, ranked 72nd in the world, spoiled the party with a stunning first-half goal from Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson.England's performance was lackluster throughout, with Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon, and Kobbie Mainoo failing to impress in their bids for starting roles. The hosts were booed off at half-time and the final whistle, as fans expressed their frustration with the team's disjointed and disappointing display.Southgate admitted that the defeat was a "reality check" for his players. "We have to be better. We didn't get our pressing right. There were questions asked that we weren't able to answer," he said. "It was obviously a disjointed and disappointing performance. We didn't show enough character."The England manager also expressed concerns about the team's defensive frailties, with just two clean sheets in their last seven games. "We've got to be far better without the ball and we've got to show more composure with it," he said.Southgate's worries were compounded by the absence of John Stones after the interval, who fell awkwardly in the first half. The England center-back's injury status remains uncertain.The defeat has raised questions about Southgate's starting lineup, with the team looking short on energy and composure in the absence of Jude Bellingham. Fans were left bored and entertained themselves by buzzing the pitch with paper airplanes.Southgate acknowledged that the result will count for nothing when England begin their quest for a first major trophy in 58 years. However, he admitted that it was an alarming performance that highlighted key areas of concern."We need to stay calm. No excuses on the result but there are a lot of things we can put right quickly. It actually gives us a chance to focus the mind," he said.

England, the Three Lions, are poised to make a bold statement at Euro 2024 as they set their sights on capturing their first major trophy since 1966. Led by manager Gareth Southgate, England will face Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia in Group C, aiming to navigate the group stage and advance deep into the tournament.Despite recent near misses, including a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, England remains a formidable force. Boasting a squad brimming with world-class talent, including Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden, they are considered one of the favorites alongside France and hosts Germany.Southgate, who is entering what could be his final tournament in charge, is embracing the expectations and believes England has the potential to triumph in Berlin on July 14. "Everybody is waiting for that headline ('We can win the Euros')," he said. "There is no doubt what's possible, they have gone close already."England's journey begins on June 16 in Gelsenkirchen against Serbia, who finished second in their qualifying group behind Hungary. Four days later, they will face Denmark in Frankfurt, a team that pushed them to the brink in a dramatic Euro 2020 semi-final. The group stage concludes on June 25 in Cologne against Slovenia, a team participating in a major tournament for the first time since 2010.Finishing top of Group C would be crucial for England's aspirations, as it would grant them a more favorable last-16 tie against a third-placed team from another group. However, a second-place finish could potentially set up a daunting clash against Germany.Denmark, with their impressive squad led by Christian Eriksen, will pose a significant challenge for England. Slovenia, despite being the underdogs, will be determined to make an impact in their first European Championship appearance in 24 years.Serbia, with Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic and AC Milan forward Luka Jovic in their ranks, will also be a threat. England's success will hinge on their ability to maintain focus, execute their game plan, and overcome the pressure that comes with being one of the tournament favorites.

Euro 2024, set to commence in Germany on June 14, promises to be a captivating spectacle, with France and England emerging as the frontrunners among a formidable field of contenders. The tournament will unfold across 10 magnificent stadiums in Germany, a nation renowned for its football passion.Unlike the previous Euros, which were dispersed across the continent and marred by pandemic restrictions, this edition will offer a unified experience for fans. The setting will evoke memories of the unforgettable 2006 World Cup, which Germany hosted and where they re-established themselves as a footballing powerhouse.Despite concerns about security and transportation, the hope is that Euro 2024 will be remembered for its sporting brilliance. Italy, the reigning champions, will be eager to defend their title, while Germany, despite recent setbacks, remains a formidable force with a talented squad.France, ranked as Europe's top team, boasts an exceptional roster led by Kylian Mbappe. They are determined to capture their first European Championship since 2000. England, too, harbors high hopes, carrying the weight of never having won the Euros. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are key players who could propel them to glory.Other contenders include Portugal, led by the ageless Cristiano Ronaldo, and Belgium and the Netherlands. However, the tournament will also feature underdogs like Ukraine, Albania, and Georgia, adding diversity and intrigue to the competition.With a month of thrilling football ahead, Euro 2024 promises to be a captivating spectacle that will showcase the best of European football.

Cole Palmer's penalty and Trent Alexander-Arnold's stunning volley propelled England to a 3-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in a Euro 2024 warm-up match at St James' Park.Palmer, making his first start for the Three Lions, showcased his clinical finishing with a spot-kick in the second half. The Chelsea forward has been in impressive form for his club this season, and his goal against Bosnia underlined his credentials for a place in Gareth Southgate's Euro squad.Alexander-Arnold, deployed in midfield by Southgate, was another standout performer for England. The Liverpool star scored a superb goal with a volley from Jack Grealish's cross, capping a lively display.Harry Kane, returning from injury, came off the bench to score England's third goal in the final seconds. The Tottenham Hotspur striker's goal put a flattering gloss on an inconsistent performance from an understrength England side.Southgate praised the performances of Palmer, Alexander-Arnold, and Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze, who all bolstered their chances of making the Euro squad. However, Ollie Watkins, Conor Gallagher, and Jarrod Bowen may rue missing their opportunity to impress.Despite the victory, Southgate acknowledged that England still have questions to answer before the Euros. The team's passing was ponderous and their movement sluggish in the first half, but they improved in the second half.Southgate must now cut seven players from his provisional 33-man squad by Friday's deadline. England's final warm-up match before the Euros is against Iceland at Wembley on Thursday.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his belief that England has the potential to triumph at Euro 2024, drawing parallels to his club's journey to Champions League glory. Guardiola, who guided City to their maiden European crown last season, sees similarities between the English national team and his own squad.England has endured a string of near misses in recent tournaments, including a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final and a quarterfinal exit at the 2022 World Cup. However, Guardiola believes that the Three Lions are on the cusp of success."They are really good. It's not just the talent of the strikers, it's the whole package, the whole group," Guardiola said. "Gareth [Southgate] knows perfectly what he has to do."Guardiola emphasized the importance of belief and the unwavering support of the English fans. "When you arrive at these stages every two years, it's going to happen. It's quite similar to us, we were close, and in the end we lifted it," he said.The Spaniard also highlighted the role of Phil Foden, who has emerged as a key player for both City and England. "If he continues his career until the end here, and continues that level, he can be one of the best, that's for sure," Guardiola said.Guardiola's comments come as England prepares for their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, which begins in March. The Three Lions will be aiming to build on their recent progress and finally break their trophy drought.

Brazil's footballing resurgence took a significant step forward on Saturday as they secured a memorable 1-0 victory over England at Wembley under the guidance of new manager Dorival Jr. The triumph marked the beginning of a new era for the Selecao, who have endured a period of decline in recent years.Once a dominant force in international football, Brazil has struggled to maintain its former glory. Their last World Cup triumph came in 2002, and they have failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals in the past two editions. In 2014, they suffered a humiliating 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany on home soil.Dorival Jr, appointed in January, faced immense pressure to deliver a positive result against England. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) had endured a tumultuous search for a permanent manager, with Carlo Ancelotti ultimately rejecting their advances.Despite the uncertainty, Brazil produced a spirited performance at Wembley. Teenage sensation Endrick, who came on as a substitute, became the youngest male scorer at the iconic stadium with his 80th-minute winner. The goal evoked memories of legendary striker Romario, according to former England midfielder Joe Cole.Dorival expressed relief at starting his tenure with a victory. "It's a really special moment," he said. "But we must not lose sight of the fact that this is just the start of our work."Brazil's resurgence will face another test on March 27 when they travel to Spain for a friendly. The Spaniards, who also lost on Saturday, will provide a formidable challenge at the Santiago Bernabeu.The Selecao will then play two more friendlies in June before the Copa America kicks off. Dorival will hope that his team can build on their Wembley triumph and rediscover their former glory.

Real Madrid's future star, Endrick, made history at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, becoming the youngest male player to score an international goal at the iconic venue. The 17-year-old striker, who will join Madrid from Palmeiras at the end of the season, netted the only goal in Brazil's 1-0 friendly victory over England.Endrick entered the match as a second-half substitute and wasted no time making an impact. Just nine minutes after coming on, he pounced on a loose ball in the England penalty area and fired into an empty net after Vinicius Junior's shot was saved by Jordan Pickford.The goal was a testament to Endrick's exceptional talent and composure. Despite being the youngest player on the pitch, he showed no signs of nerves and celebrated his historic strike with a passionate knee slide.Endrick's goal not only secured the victory for Brazil but also extended England's winless streak at Wembley to 21 games. The Three Lions had dominated possession and created several chances, but they were unable to find a way past a resolute Brazilian defense.After the match, Endrick expressed his joy and gratitude. "My family is here, my girlfriend, my agents. I am not much of a crier, I am holding myself, but this is something unique and I am very happy," he said.Endrick's performance has further solidified his status as one of the most promising young players in the world. Real Madrid has secured a major talent for the future, and Endrick is poised to become a key figure for both club and country in the years to come.

England's captain, Harry Kane, will miss the upcoming friendly match against Brazil on Saturday due to an ankle injury sustained during Bayern Munich's victory over Darmstadt last weekend. Kane's absence extends to the potential match against Belgium next week, leaving him "extremely doubtful" for participation.The injury setback comes at a crucial time for Kane, as England manager Gareth Southgate prepares to announce his squad for Euro 2024 in June. However, Kane remains confident in his place on the team despite the injury.Other notable absentees from the England squad include Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson and Chelsea forward Cole Palmer, who are also sidelined with injuries. Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka withdrew from the squad on Thursday due to an injury.Southgate expressed concern over Kane's injury, stating that he would be "extremely doubtful" for the Belgium match. However, he acknowledged the opportunity for Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney to prove their worth as potential understudies to Kane at the Euros.Watkins has scored three goals in nine international appearances, while Toney made his England debut as a substitute against Ukraine last year. Southgate emphasized the importance of versatility in his squad, hinting at the possibility of selecting players who can fulfill multiple roles.Despite the absences, England remain favorites to defeat Brazil in their first match under new head coach Dorival Junior. The Selecao have won 10 of their last 11 friendlies against European opposition but will be eager to avoid a fourth consecutive loss since 2001.Southgate acknowledged England's poor record against Brazil but expressed confidence in his team's ability to create history and test themselves against a formidable opponent.

Phil Foden, the 23-year-old Manchester City prodigy, has emerged as a formidable force in the Premier League, earning accolades as the league's best player from his manager, Pep Guardiola. However, his role in Gareth Southgate's England setup remains uncertain as Euro 2024 approaches.Foden's exceptional talent has been evident since his youth, and he has amassed an impressive collection of 14 major trophies with Manchester City. This season, he has been instrumental in the team's success, contributing 18 goals and 10 assists in 41 appearances. Guardiola has hailed Foden as "the best player in the Premier League right now," citing his versatility and ability to win games with his goals.Despite his club form, Foden has yet to make a similar impact for England. He has been part of Southgate's squad for the past two major tournaments but has struggled to secure a regular starting role. His versatility has proven to be both a blessing and a curse, as he faces competition from a plethora of talented English players.In the England midfield, Foden has been overshadowed by Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, who has established himself as one of the world's best at just 20 years old. On the right wing, he faces competition from Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, who impressed at the World Cup and has earned Southgate's trust.As a result, Foden has been relegated to competing with Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish for a place on the left side of the England attack. While he is capable in that position, there is a sense that he has been sacrificed to accommodate others. His international goal tally of four from 31 appearances pales in comparison to his prolificacy for Manchester City.Former England captain Alan Shearer believes Foden should be an automatic starter for England, praising his ability to receive the ball in tight situations and make it look easy. Gary Neville, another former England international, has criticized Southgate for not finding a suitable role for Foden, calling him "a sensation" and "something really, really special."With Euro 2024 on the horizon, the pressure is on Southgate to find a solution that allows Foden to showcase his full potential for England. The possibility of playing both Foden and Bellingham centrally, with Declan Rice behind them, has been suggested by many fans and pundits. However, Southgate has favored a more defensive-minded approach in the past.Foden's form has made him impossible to ignore, and Southgate must now find a way to accommodate his array of attacking talent while ensuring balance in the team. The upcoming international fixtures will provide an opportunity for Foden to prove his worth and stake his claim for a starting role at Euro 2024.