Euro 2024: Liam Cooper, Okay Yokuslu among Sky Bet EFL players in Germany this summer | Football News

Euro 2024: Liam Cooper, Okay Yokuslu among Sky Bet EFL players in Germany this summer | Football News


Euro 2024 gets under way on Friday night, when hosts Germany face Scotland in the tournament’s opener at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.

The 17th edition of the tournament takes place between Friday June 14 and Sunday July 14, and will end where it begins – at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.

All 24 qualified nations were required to submit their final squad lists by the deadline on Friday June 7, with the Sky Bet EFL represented by 13 players from six countries.

Here, we take a look at who they are…

Belgium

Thomas Kaminski – Luton Town

Image:
Belgium’s Thomas Kaminski

Thomas Kaminski has been in and out of the senior Belgium squad for more than a decade now and even went to Euro 2020 after an injury to Simon Mignolet.

However, it was not until March 23 that he finally made his international debut – albeit as an 83rd-minute replacement for Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels in a goalless draw with the Republic of Ireland.

The 31-year-old is joined by Sels and Wolfsburg ‘keeper Koen Casteels in Domenico Tedesco’s 25-man squad.

Georgia

Giorgi Chakvetadze – Watford

Georgia's Giorgi Chakvetadze
Image:
Georgia’s Giorgi Chakvetadze

Giorgi Chakvetadze joined Watford permanently in February, after an initial loan from Gent, though struggled to make an impact in an admittedly disappointing season for the Hornets.

He is a key player for Georgia, though, and has scored three goals and provided five assists across his last 11 caps, which included qualification play-off wins over Luxembourg and Greece in March.

Chakvetadze, 24, is seemingly a guaranteed starter under head coach Willy Sagnol, as he takes the nation into their first international tournament.

Hungary

Callum Styles – Barnsley

Image:
Hungary’s Callum Styles

Although born in Bury, Callum Styles qualified to play for Hungary through his late grandmother and has earned 22 caps since his debut in March 2022.

In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports in October, the midfielder – who spent the second half of last season on loan at Sunderland – spoke about what qualification for the tournament would mean.

“It’s something I dreamed of as a kid,” he said. “I’ll have my family all coming out to watch and hopefully we can achieve something that the country is destined to achieve. It will just be crazy – I can’t wait.”

Scotland

Tommy Conway and Ross McCrorie – Bristol City; Angus Gunn, Grant Hanley, Kenny McLean – Norwich City; Liam Cooper – Leeds United; Ryan Porteous – Watford

More often than not, home nations’ squads are mostly made up of players who play in the EFL or the Premier League and the Scotland squad is a prime example of that.

Andy Halliday has his say on Steve Clarke’s selection decisions ahead of Scotland’s Euros campaign

Tommy Conway is the first of two Bristol City players in the squad. The 21-year-old Robins’ young player of the year was born in Somerset, but qualifies through his grandfather and made his debut in the 2-2 draw with Finland earlier this month. Club team-mate Ross McCrorie also made his debut earlier this month, against Gibraltar, having already featured at every age level from U15 to U21.

Angus Gunn opted to switch his allegiance from England to Scotland last March, having previously been called up by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate. The 28-year-old has started three of the Scots’ last four friendlies and has 10 caps in total.

The Scotland squad received a special send-off at Glasgow airport, as they departed for Euro 2024 in Germany

Norwich team-mate Grant Hanley has 50 caps for his country and started the friendlies against Gibraltar and Finland, having missed the last 10 international fixtures through injury. Fellow Canary Kenny McLean – an ever-present in the Championship in 2023/24 – is closing in on 40 caps, but has played more of a bit-part role over the last couple of years.

Ryan Porteous has established himself as a regular starter under Steve Clarke since making his debut away at Ukraine in September 2022 and has earned 11 caps to date. Liam Cooper makes the cut, too, despite featuring just once in Leeds’ last 17 league games in 2023/24. He has earned 19 caps in all and his leadership skills make him a valuable part of the squad.

Switzerland

Zeki Amdouni – Burnley

Switzerland's Zeki Amdouni
Image:
Switzerland’s Zeki Amdouni

In spite of his Turkish and Tunisian heritage, Zeki Amdouni opted to play for the country of his birth at senior level and made his debut against the Czech Republic on September 27, 2022.

Since then, the 23-year-old has earned 15 caps and scored seven goals, the most recent of which came in the 4-0 friendly win over Estonia on June 4.

Amdouni signed a five-year deal at Burnley last summer and finished as the Clarets’ second top scorer with six goals in a season that ended with relegation back to the Sky Bet Championship.

Turkey

Okay Yokuslu – West Brom

Turkey's Okay Yokuslu
Image:
Turkey’s Okay Yokuslu

Okay Yokuslu will earn his first cap for Turkey in almost three years if he plays at the tournament in Germany.

The 30-year-old featured in all three of the nation’s Euro 2020 group games, but played in only two more qualifiers in September 2021 thereafter.

Yokuslu has been linked with a move away from West Brom – for whom he made 48 appearances in 2023/24 – this summer.

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka emerges as England fitness worry ahead of Euro 2024 – Paper Talk | Football News

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka emerges as England fitness worry ahead of Euro 2024 – Paper Talk | Football News


The top stories and transfer rumours from Tuesday’s newspapers…

DAILY MIRROR

Bukayo Saka is a fitness worry for England ahead of the Euros.

Wales are holding discussions regarding the future of manager Rob Page, who presided over the recent thumping in Slovakia, with the manager realistic about the fan feeling around him.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Trent Alexander-Arnold is in pole position to start the European Championship as Declan Rice’s central-midfield partner for England.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

John Textor is out of the running to buy Everton despite dealmakers believing he had met Farhad Moshiri’s sale terms for a takeover.

England striker Ollie Watkins has revealed his stunning form at Aston Villa came after employing a therapist he speaks with before and after every match, having struggled with belief in himself earlier in his career.

Ollie Watkins pulled one back for Villa just before half-time

Tottenham Hotspur have been accused of taking advantage of the war in Ukraine and acting “like a robber on the road” by Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Serhiy Palkin.

THE TIMES

Manchester United have cooled their interest in Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine was included on a shortlist last month when United started reviewing Erik ten Hag’s position as manager.

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea

THE SUN

Manchester United want to sign Lille star Leny Yoro but he prefers a move to Real Madrid, reports suggest.

THE GUARDIAN

German police believe a squad of up to 500 Serbian hooligans will try to cause violence at England’s first game at Euro 2024 on Sunday.

DAILY MAIL

Arsenal and Manchester United are among the clubs interested in signing Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna this summer.

Italy Soccer Serie A

Atletico Madrid have rekindled their interest in signing Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

It is feared that Nicolas Jackson may not be fully fit for the start of Chelsea’s pre-season campaign after suffering an ankle injury while playing for Senegal last week.

Nicolas Jackson celebrates after scoring Chelsea's opening goal against Brentford

THE ATHLETIC

Tottenham Hotspur are in talks with Tanguy Ndombele over an early termination of his contract.

Lyon's Tanguy Ndombele walks on the pitch during the French League One soccer match between Lyon and Rennes, in Lyon, central France, Sunday, March 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)

Al Nassr are in talks with Juventus over the signing of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

THE SCOTTISH SUN

Rangers defender Ridvan Yilmaz could be on his way out of Ibrox this summer, according to reports.

Ridvan Yilmas could leave Rangers in January

DAILY RECORD

Tom Lawrence is the second Rangers star linked with a summer move to Besiktas.

Real Madrid and Brazil star Vincius Jr warns abusers to be afraid: ‘I’ll hold them accountable’ | Football News

Real Madrid and Brazil star Vincius Jr warns abusers to be afraid: ‘I’ll hold them accountable’ | Football News


Vinicius Jr said racists should be “afraid” after three Valencia fans were each sentenced to eight months in prison for abusing him during a match last year.

The sentences are the first convictions connected to racist abuse in football in Spain, and the Real Madrid forward welcomed the decision to issue custodial sentences to the people involved.

“The first criminal conviction in Spain’s history isn’t for me, but it’s for all black people,” the Brazilian posted on the social media platform X.

“May other racists feel scared, ashamed and hide in the shadows. Otherwise, I’ll be here to hold them accountable. Thank you to LaLiga and Real Madrid for helping with this historic conviction. More to come…”

The abuse punished by a Valencia court occurred during a league match at the Mestalla stadium in the city on May 21 last year. LaLiga filed the initial complaint which prompted the criminal case.

Vinicius Junior broke down in tears last season while discussing the racism he has received while playing for Real Madrid, saying he just wanted to play football

The individuals were also given two-year stadium bans from any venue hosting LaLiga matches, or games held under the jurisdiction of the Spanish football federation (RFEF).

LaLiga said Valencia had co-operated with the investigation and had expelled the three people as members of the club.

A letter of apology to Vinicius from the defendants was read out during the hearing, LaLiga and Real confirmed.

LaLiga wants to ‘speed up the fight against racism’

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LaLiga president Javier Tebas wants to see sanctioning for racism offences speeded up

“This ruling is great news for the fight against racism in Spain, as it goes some way to redressing the disgraceful wrong suffered by Vinicius Jr and sends a clear message to those individuals who go to a football stadium to hurl abuse,” LaLiga president Javier Tebas said.

“LaLiga will identify them, report them and there will be criminal consequences.

“I understand that there may be some frustration at the length of time it takes for these sentences to be handed down, but this shows that Spain is a country that guarantees judicial integrity.

“We at LaLiga can only respect the pace of justice, but once again we demand that Spanish legislation evolves to give LaLiga sanctioning powers that can speed up the fight against racism.”

Speaking ahead of the Champions League final, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham was asked about team-mate Vinicius Junior winning the Ballon D’or

Currently LaLiga can only bring the facts of a case to the relevant legal authorities and is unable to sanction clubs, fans or players for hateful conduct, racism or violent acts itself.

Real Madrid issued a statement confirming the convictions which concluded: “Real Madrid, which has exercised together with Vinicius Junior the private prosecution in this procedure, will continue to work to protect the values of our club and eradicate any racist behaviour in the world of football and sport.”

Infantino: Rasicts not part of the football community

FIFA has announced the closure of criminal proceedings against its president Gianni Infantino over meetings he had with Switzerland’s former Attorney General

FIFA president Gianni Infantino hailed the sentences as a “positive step” in the fight to rid football of racism.

He wrote on his Instagram Stories: “I am pleased to see the firm action and sentencing taken by the Spanish authorities in relation to the racist abuse directed at Vinicius Jr in a Spanish La Liga match in May 2023. This is a positive step.

“As I reiterated clearly at the recent FIFA Congress in Bangkok, we can no longer accept what is happening in stadiums and on the pitch.

Vinicius

“Our message to people anywhere in the world who still behave in a racist way when they are dealing with football is clear: we don’t want you. These people have to be excluded, they are not part of our community and not part of football.

“This ruling showcases one of FIFA’s five pillars of action: criminal charges. We, together united as global football, will push for recognition of racism as a criminal offence in every country in the world and, as seen today in Spain, where there is already an offence, will push for prosecution with the severity it deserves.”

Rangers agree deal to sign defender Clinton Nsiala from AC Milan | Football News

Rangers agree deal to sign defender Clinton Nsiala from AC Milan | Football News



Rangers have agreed a deal to sign Clinton Nsiala from AC Milan.

The 20-year-old French defender will become the club’s third signing this summer when he joins officially on July 1.

Rangers have already signed Brazilian full back Jefte and extended the loan of Oscar Cortes with an obligation to buy.

The Ibrox side are expected to make several additions this summer as manager Philippe Clement rebuilds the squad following Celtic’s title win last season.

Rangers director of recruitment Nils Koppen said: “We are excited to add a talented young player in Clinton to the squad.

“He joins as an exciting talent who we believe can develop and take his next steps under our manager, Philippe Clement, and his staff.

“We look forward to welcoming Clinton to Glasgow as we continue to shape the squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.”

The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League officially opens on Friday June 14 – the same day that Euro 2024 starts.

The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at midnight in Scotland.

The Premier League has brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.

David Marshall: Goalkeeper announces retirement to take up new role at Hibernian | Football News

David Marshall: Goalkeeper announces retirement to take up new role at Hibernian | Football News


Goalkeeper David Marshall has announced his retirement from football and will become technical performance manager at Hibernian.

The 39-year-old brings to an end an accomplished playing career, which saw him make 670 senior first-team appearances across the last two decades.

He made his debut for Celtic in February 2003 and won two league titles and a Scottish Cup with the Hoops while also playing in the Champions League and the UEFA Cup.

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Marshall made his debut for Celtic in 2003 aged 17

Marshall also lifted the English Championship trophy while playing under Hibs’ new sporting director Malky Mackay at Cardiff City.

He made 100 appearances in the Premier League and over 450 in the Championship, featuring for Norwich City, Cardiff City, Hull City, Wigan, Derby County, and QPR before joining Hibs in 2022 where he made 86 appearances, keeping 22 clean sheets.

He was the hero as Steve Clarke guided Scotland to Euro 2020, making crucial saves in penalty shootouts against Israel and Serbia. He retired from international football in 2022.

David Marshall saved a penalty against Serbia to secure qualification to Euro 2020
Image:
David Marshall saved a penalty against Serbia to secure qualification to Euro 2020

Marshall will become Hibs’ technical performance manager, working directly to support Mackay and the club’s first team.

Marshall said: “Having made the decision to retire from football, I’m delighted to be given the opportunity in this role at the football club. I’ve got to know and understand the club over the last two seasons and I look forward to working closely with Malky Mackay to create an environment which can deliver success both on and off the pitch.

“This new role is a great opportunity for me to work across various different performance departments within the football club and to learn from Malky who has years of experience in the game.

“The fans support will be vital to our success and I know, as always, you’ll be there for the team, David Gray and his coaching staff. I am looking forward to getting started for the 2024/25 campaign.”

Mackay added: “I am delighted that David will stay with our club in a new role in which I know he has a real passion for.

“I’ve known him a long time and his work ethic, values and standards are exactly what are required.

“He will work closely with me to bring sustained success to our club and will be a major asset to Hibernian FC.”

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England starting XI vs Serbia for Euro 2024 opener: Sky Sports writers pick their Three Lions teams | Football News

England starting XI vs Serbia for Euro 2024 opener: Sky Sports writers pick their Three Lions teams | Football News


Gareth Southgate has a few key selection dilemmas ahead of England’s Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on Sunday.

England are without Harry Maguire at a major tournament for the first time under Southgate’s tenure, leaving the manager with a big choice to make at centre-back as to who partners John Stones, while left-back is another problem area.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is finally getting his chance at a major tournament, but will he start in midfield? Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton are also pushing for a spot there.

Michael Dawson picks his starting XI for England’s opening Euro 2024 game against Serbia

The attack is brimming with talent, the question is how to find the right balance with the players available. Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden have made compelling cases to start as the No 10, but don’t forget Cole Palmer.

Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon and Jarrod Bowen could also provide something different for Southgate.

Here, the Sky Sports writers pick their starting XIs for Sunday’s game against Serbia at 8pm…

‘Combine Foden and Bellingham and add Gallagher’s industry for fast start’

Sky Sports’ Peter Smith:

After that woeful send-off defeat to Iceland, Gareth Southgate will be desperate to field his strongest XI on Sunday to get England’s Euros campaign off to a flying start. Given the challenge Serbia are likely to pose, this is surely it.

An opening-game win won’t be straightforward. Serbia, despite low expectations and a manager under pressure, have dangerous individuals. But Kieran Trippier has the defensive nous to limit Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as a stand-in left-back, while Conor Gallagher brings the industry to overpower a relatively weak opposition central midfield but also get back to help Kyle Walker with Serbia dangerman Dusan Tadic.

Strahinja Pavlovic, on the right of a back-three, could limit Bukayo Saka’s progress so the left channel looks likely to be England’s route to success, where Phil Foden, coming in from the wing, and Jude Bellingham, bursting forwards as a No 8, can combine in exciting fashion.

‘Time to unleash Trent in midfield’

Nick Wright's England XI vs Serbia

Sky Sports’ Nick Wright:

I want to see Trent Alexander-Arnold feature prominently at the tournament and I would have him in midfield against Serbia. The fact he has been given the No 8 shirt hopefully indicates Gareth Southgate is thinking along the same lines. His vision and passing prowess can be a game-changer against group-stage rivals expected to sit deep.

The defence worries me. Not so much because of Marc Guehi, who I like alongside John Stones in Harry Maguire’s absence, but because of the left-back situation. Kieran Trippier just edges Joe Gomez but the position is an obvious weak spot as we wait for Luke Shaw’s return.

Jude Bellingham’s importance means he goes straight into my team despite the quick turnaround from the Champions League final, and that means Phil Foden moves to the left. Bukayo Saka, frequently England’s best player, is an obvious pick on the right.

‘Palmer deserves to start at No 10’

Charlotte Marsh's England XI

Sky Sports’ Charlotte Marsh:

Although Trent Alexander-Arnold has excelled in a more roaming role further forward, with a lack of full-backs in the England squad, he has to go where needed – and can still be effective.

Marc Guehi will be a reliable partner alongside John Stones and was one of England’s only bright sparks in a woeful performance against Iceland.

Although Cole Palmer is placed in more of a midfield role in my XI, he could conceivably start on the wing, rotating with other members of the squad. But given his superb season and Three Lions performances heading into the tournament, he deserves a starting berth.

‘Attack the best form of defence’

David Richardson's England XI

Sky Sports’ David Richardson:

Attack! Attack! Attack, attack, attack! Gareth Southgate is overloaded with forward options so now’s the time to use them.

England should make a statement against Serbia with a front-foot approach, unleashing both Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden in midfield.

Eberechi Eze deserves to start on the left after his showing against Bosnia & Herzegovina with Anthony Gordon ready to replace him and run at tired defenders. The same applies for Cole Palmer, who must be utilised for either Bukayo Saka or Foden to boost goal difference. Substitutes need to be made early enough for them to have an impact.

Kyle Walker can tuck into midfield alongside Declan Rice to keep the opposition penned in and nullified on the counter-attack, allowing Kieran Trippier to ease in at left-back.

It’s time for England, with their patched-up defence, to score not one but three more than you!

‘Gomez & Wharton to start, with Rice pushed further forward’

Richard Morgan's England XI

Sky Sports’ Richard Morgan:

In essence, England’s starting XI to face Serbia comes down to three positions: centre-back, No 6 and the right-sided forward – with the remaining eight players certain of their places.

I have gone for the experience, reliability and pace of Joe Gomez to partner John Stones at the heart of England’s back line, while the now fit Bukayo Saka just manages to hold off Cole Palmer’s challenge to take his place in their three-man forward line.

However, in order to have Declan Rice nearer the opposition goal as a No 8, where we often saw him excel with Arsenal last season, I’ve drafted in Adam Wharton, 20, to make his first competitive start for his country as a holding midfield player, helping to put out Serbia fires in front of the defence.

‘England will benefit from giving Bellingham extra rest’

Ben Grounds' England XI

Sky Sports’ Ben Grounds:

I expect England to finish group winners. With that in mind, I would give Jude Bellingham an extended break following a long season with Real Madrid.

Gareth Southgate has shown he can be ruthless but he is also sensitive towards young players with mounting expectations on their shoulders. It would not come as a shock to me to see Bellingham benched.

He has looked exhausted over the past month and didn’t perform in either leg of the Champions League semi-final or indeed at Wembley against Borussia Dortmund.

Cole Palmer is perfect for this early test in the No 10 role to allow Bellingham time to return to his best.

Marc Guehi gets the nod at centre-back alongside John Stones and it is a partnership that Southgate will hope sticks throughout the tournament.

Harry Maguire’s absence will have sparked uncertainty in the camp over who partners Stones, but the sooner the back four is established the better for England’s chances.

‘Steady Konsa should partner Stones in defence’

Zinny Boswell's England squad

Sky Sports’ Zinny Boswell:

The big decision here was who to partner John Stones and Ezri Konsa gets my vote. His steady and consistent performances in a team that builds from the back make him the best fit.

Kieran Trippier is in at left-back only by dint of Luke Shaw’s injury. His late season form is a worry, but if he can return to his best, this is a solid back four.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has shown he simply has to be in this team and a midfield trio of himself, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham looks terrifying on paper. It’s a risk as this is untested, but England need his creativity to break teams down in the group stage.

The front four takes little explaining: Bellingham must play further forward, and we can’t fall into the same old trap of shoehorning our best players in at the risk of losing balance.

If any of those three behind Harry Kane are underperforming, Cole Palmer is hot on their heels. I wouldn’t put it past him to displace either Phil Foden or Bukayo Saka in this tournament.

‘Mainoo has proved he can handle the big occasions’

Dan Sansom's England XI vs Serbia

Sky Sports’ Dan Sansom:

With Harry Maguire unavailable, Marc Guehi is the best option to partner John Stones in defence. Guehi is used to playing on the left-hand side for Crystal Palace and although he lacks experience in international tournaments, he already has 11 caps to his name since making his debut two years ago. He deserves to take the next step.

Kieran Trippier is a straightforward replacement for injured left-back Luke Shaw, while Kobbie Mainoo should start alongside Declan Rice in midfield. The 19-year-old has been fast-tracked into the senior set-up but his performances against Brazil and Belgium in March and a player-of-the-match display for Manchester United in the FA Cup final prove he can handle the big occasions.

In attack, Phil Foden is more effective in a central position but that place is taken by Jude Bellingham. Both players must start so Foden will begin on the left, where he can still have a devastating impact as long as he’s given the freedom to drift inside.

‘Trent to start alongside Rice’

Sam Blitz's England XI vs Serbia

Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz:

There aren’t too many issues with the England back five. Marc Guehi’s recent England displays have shown he is more than capable in that position, while Kieran Trippier played the first game at Euro 2020 at left-back so it is not exactly foreign for him.

As for who plays alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in central midfield, Trent Alexander-Arnold should take the role. What Rice and Bellingham bring is energy in midfield through running, while Alexander-Arnold is the pass master.

The Liverpool man’s ball-playing range could be crucial to the Three Lions being more unpredictable while trying to break down low-block teams in the group stage.

Have a go yourself here!

Dani Olmo is a Spain star but Croatia was where he grew as a player with Dinamo Zagreb after unusual career move | Football News

Dani Olmo is a Spain star but Croatia was where he grew as a player with Dinamo Zagreb after unusual career move | Football News


When Spain kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Croatia in Berlin, the identity of the opposition will mean more to Dani Olmo. He was 16 when he moved to Zagreb. “Would I be the player I am now if I would have stayed? I think not,” he told Sky Sports.

Olmo had been a young hopeful in Barcelona’s famed academy, dreaming of following Andres Iniesta and so many before him into the first team. But this future Spain international midfielder, now a regular for the national side, took a different route to the top.

The move to Dinamo Zagreb in 14 was as unusual then as it is now. Financial realities mean that the familiar journey is from east to west. But Olmo and his family identified another path for him, one that they hoped would fast-track his progress.

Olmo’s rabona was nearly the Bundesliga assist of the season

It worked, proving to be a learning experience on the pitch and off it. Olmo would go on to spend six seasons in Croatia during which he made over 100 appearances for the first team, winning multiple trophies and growing as a player and a person.

“In Croatia, it was another culture and I learned a lot physically. In Spain, it was more about the ball, especially at Barcelona when I was young in the academy. I learned things in Croatia. I also learned a lot of things here in Germany. It is all part of the process.

“But Croatia, in particular, helped me a lot. I was 16 and training with national team players who had played at World Cups. That was such a big step for me. It made me improve as a player physically and mentally because the game was faster and everything.”

Speaking to Olmo earlier this season, before he knew the identity of Spain’s opponents in their group, he was open about the challenges that the move presented as a teenager. Were there really no doubts when making that decision to walk away from Barcelona?

“Honestly, never,” he said. “I knew from the first day that this was my goal. Of course, there were good moments and not so good. This is normal. But after I started playing regularly when I was 18, playing in Europe, everything was perfect. I had made it.”

‘They would have said I was a lunatic’

Speaking to Romeo Jozak about this, the club’s former academy director explained just why Olmo’s move was so seismic. “I love Dinamo, it is my club. But just imagine how hard it was for him to go from Barcelona to Dinamo Zagreb. How can you even compare?”

He added: “When I started in the academy, getting one of Barcelona’s best young players to come to Dinamo would have been impossible. They would have said I was a lunatic. But because of our image, because of our pathway, Olmo made that move.

“Together with his parents, he put the numbers together. He knew he would get a chance at Barcelona B but he had all these names in front of him. His father was humble enough and smart enough to analyse the environment and the clubs all around Europe.

Image:
Olmo has never regretted his decision to join Dinamo Zagreb as a teenager

“He realised that we were the ones giving the best young players their opportunity. We were doing it for business reasons, of course, because you want to sell the player down the line, but the pathway was there for him. There was a pure logic to it.

“Even so, it was a big decision. Barcelona was sunny but when the planes land in Zagreb in November you have to be careful. Croatia has nice weather generally but where the capital is it can snow and it can rain, it can get very windy and foggy there.

“But he kept fighting and performing, showing this ambition. As a teenage kid, he must have had doubts, but his parents and his representatives had a vision and he stuck at it, I have not seen that often. You have to respect that decision. He deserves huge respect.”

Spain’s Group B fixtures

Jun 15: Spain vs Croatia, Berlin

Jun 20: Spain vs Italy, Gelsenkirchen

Jun 24: Albania vs Spain, Dusseldorf

Olmo’s connection to Croatia remains

That respect should be mutual when the game in Berlin comes around. Olmo’s ties to Croatia remain. When he joined the Common Goal initiative, he chose to donate one per cent of his salary in support of a charity helping victims of conflict in the region.

That respect should be mutual when the game in Berlin comes around. Olmo has gone on to success in Germany, becoming a key player for RB Leipzig and is now being linked with a move to bigger clubs as his career continues to progress. But ties to Croatia remain.

Watch how Olmo’s hat-trick ruined Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich debut

When he joined the Common Goal initiative, the pledge-based charitable movement launched by Olmo’s compatriot Juan Mata in 2017, he chose to donate one per cent of his own salary in support of a charity helping victims of conflict in the region.

“I have been collaborating with them for a long time. I wanted to help because I feel really attached to Croatia. As a player but as well as a person. I wanted to give back a little of what they gave me. I have had this opportunity to help. It is a nice experience for me.”

It is a further reminder that while he will be wearing the red of Spain, he is a product of both nations. Indeed, for Jozak and others within Dinamo Zagreb, the sense of pride at his success is particularly strong. “Who produced him? Not Barcelona. We did.”

Angus Gunn exclusive: Scotland goalkeeper on dad Bryan, Euro 2024 & more | Football News

Angus Gunn exclusive: Scotland goalkeeper on dad Bryan, Euro 2024 & more | Football News


Angus Gunn never felt the pressure of following in his father’s footballing footsteps, although he admits he did annoy his dad by quickly surpassing his Scotland achievements.

The Norwich goalkeeper has won nine caps since switching allegiance from England in 2023, already three more than dad Bryan earned during his career.

Gunn has been number one since the start of European qualifying and didn’t concede a goal from open play in the first five matches – including a memorable clean sheet against Spain.

He told Sky Sports that being the son of a professional footballer did not mean expectations were any higher.

“All the way through my career, even when I was growing up in academies, he always left me to it,” he said of Bryan, who made almost 400 appearances for Norwich.

Image:
Bryan Gunn won six Scotland caps

“He let the coaches do all the coaching. He was just there to support me and guide me if I ever needed it. He was only there as a father and I enjoyed it that way as well, not really putting too much pressure on me.

“Everyone does it differently but from my point of view if he tried to put pressure on me, especially as a youngster, that might have pushed me away a little bit.

“He was proud watching my debut against Cyprus, he was there and I think he was a bit gutted when I surpassed his six caps but it only took me a few months to be honest which I think was a bit more annoying for him!”

Angus Gunn made his Scotland debut against Cyprus
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Angus Gunn made his Scotland debut against Cyprus

Scotland kick-off Euro 2024 against hosts Germany on June 14 and Gunn is targeting a “huge upset,” believing Steve Clarke has taken the national side to the “next level.”

“We’re all confident. No Scotland team has ever qualified for the knockout stages and the manager has said quite a few times in the last campaign that we want to be a team to create history,” he added.

“I think we did that the way we qualified for the tournament, and who says we can’t do it by getting out of that group as well?

“That is our target for the tournament, and we’ll be going there to try and make sure we do that.

“Obviously the opening game is against Germany, the hosts of the tournament. I think it’s our job to let them have the pressure, go into it as a free hit and hopefully cause a big upset.”

Euro 2024 groups in full…

  • Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland
  • Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
  • Group C: Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England
  • Group D: Poland, Netherlands, Austria, France
  • Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine
  • Group F: Turkey, Georgia, Portugal, Czech Republic

Since making his Scotland debut in March 2023, Gunn has won nine caps and insists Steve Clarke is the man to bring even more success to the national side after leading them to back-to-back Euros.

“I’ve only been there for about a year now and ever since I’ve joined the squad I’ve felt really welcome, not only him but the staff and all the lads as well,” he added.

“It just shows what he’s built over the last few years in terms of building that group from where they were as maybe a pot three or pot four team building us into a pot two team and going into the Nations League top tier as well.

“It just shows what happens when you put trust in the manager and let him build something. He’s really taken the national team to the next level.”

Scotland’s Euro 2024 group-stage matches

Friday June 14 – Group A: Germany vs Scotland (Allianz Arena, Munich)

Wednesday June 19 – Group A: Scotland vs Switzerland (RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne)

Sunday June 23 – Group A: Scotland vs Hungary (MHPArena, Stuttgart)

The top two in each group plus the four best third-placed teams go through

Scotland’s potential route to the final finishing as group winners…

If Scotland finish as winners of Group A but all other results at Euro 2024 go with the world rankings, the Scots’ opponents in the knockout rounds would be…

Round of 16: Saturday June 29 – Scotland vs Denmark (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund)

Quarter-final: Friday July 5 – Spain vs Scotland (MHPArena, Stuttgart)

Semi-final: Tuesday July 9 – Scotland vs Netherlands; kick-off 8pm (Allianz Arena, Munich)

Final: Sunday July 14 – Scotland vs France; kick-off 8pm (Olympiastadion, Berlin)

Scotland’s potential route to the final finishing as group runners-up…

If Scotland finish as Group A runners-up but all other results at Euro 2024 go with the world rankings, the Scots’ opponents in the knockout rounds would be…

Round of 16: Saturday June 29 – Scotland vs Italy (Olympiastadion, Berlin)

Quarter-final: Saturday July 6 – England vs Scotland (Merkur Spiel-Arena, Düsseldorf)

Semi-final: Wednesday July 10 – France vs Scotland; kick-off 8pm (Allianz Arena, Munich)

Final: Sunday July 14 – Spain vs Scotland; kick-off 8pm (Olympiastadion, Berlin)

If Scotland finish as one of four best third-placed teams…

One of:

Sunday June 30 – Group B winners vs third-placed side from Group A/D/E/F (RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne)

Monday July 1 – Group F winners vs third-placed side from Group A/B/C (Waldstadion, Frankfurt)

Tuesday July 2: Group E winners vs third-placed side Group A/B/C/D (Allianz Arena, Munich)

Quarter-finals

If Scotland finish first in Group A and win round of 16 game…

Friday July 5 (MHPArena, Stuttgart)

If Scotland finish second in Group A and win round of 16 game…

Saturday July 6 (Merkur Spiel-Arena, Dusseldorf)

If Scotland finish as one of four best third-placed teams and win round of 16 game…

One of:

Friday July 5 (MHPArena, Stuttgart)

Friday July 5 (Volksparkstadion, Hamburg)

Saturday July 6 – (Olympiastadion, Berlin)

Semi-finals

If Scotland finish first in Group A, win round of 16 game and win quarter-final…

Tuesday July 9 – kick-off 8pm (Allianz Arena, Munich)

If England finish second in Group A, win round of 16 game and win quarter-final…

Wednesday July 10 – kick-off 8pm (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund)

If Scotland finish as one of four best third-placed teams, win round of 16 game and win quarter-final…

One of:

Tuesday July 9 – kick-off 8pm (Allianz Arena, Munich)

Wednesday July 10 – kick-off 8pm (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund)

And finally, the final…

Sunday July 14 – kick-off 8pm (Olympiastadion, Berlin)

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Gareth Southgate has named his final 26-player England squad for Euro 2024 – but who will start in the Three Lions’ tournament opener against Serbia on Sunday June 16? Pick your England starting XI to face Serbia in Gelsenkirchen using our interactive team selector

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Arsenal among clubs interested in £65m-rated Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke – Paper Talk | Football News



The top stories and transfer rumours from Sunday’s newspapers…

SUNDAY EXPRESS

Bournemouth’s England striker Dominic Solanke is available for £65m this summer and Arsenal are one of the clubs interested.

Our pick of Dominic Solanke’s best Premier League goals for Bournemouth during the 2023/24 season

SUN ON SUNDAY

Manchester City are set to offer Phil Foden a new contract and will make the England midfielder the highest-paid British player in history.

Fenerbahce are planning to enter the race to sign Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood, who has been on loan at Getafe.

LIVERPOOL ECHO

Manchester United expect to complete a deal for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite before June 30 after he was cut from England’s Euro 2024 squad.

Sky Sports News’ chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol gives greater insight into why Manchester United’s review of Erik ten Hag is taking so long

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Leicester City have made contact with former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter over their managerial vacancy.

MAIL ON SUNDAY

Crystal Palace and England star Eberechi Eze has a release clause worth a minimum of £60m and could end up becoming an attractive target for Premier League clubs if he shines at Euro 2024.

Newcastle have offered Burnley £16m for 21-year-old English goalkeeper James Trafford, but the Clarets want £20m.

Fulham boss Marco Silva could become a target for Nottingham Forest if their manager Nuno Espirito Santo leaves the City Ground.

EVENING STANDARD

Watch some of Adam Wharton’s best bits from last season

Atletico Madrid have been linked with Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez but their club president Enrique Cerezo says he does not believe the forward will leave the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City see Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as a future signing, but not one for this summer despite Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne being linked with moves.

Everton’s 22-year-old Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana says he would like to play for an “international world club” having been linked with Arsenal.

METRO

Former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal says his Dutch compatriot Erik ten Hag should not be sacked by the Premier League club.