England team news: Kieran Trippier and Bukayo Saka in line to start as wing-backs against Switzerland | Football News

England team news: Kieran Trippier and Bukayo Saka in line to start as wing-backs against Switzerland | Football News



England boss Gareth Southgate is expected to switch to a back three for the first time in three years in Saturday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland, with Kieran Trippier in line to start at right wing-back and Bukayo Saka at left wing-back.

Sky Sports News has reported in the last few days that Southgate has been working on a new game plan in training this week to try to kick-start England’s performance levels.

The England manager has tried a host of different players in different roles at their Blankenhain base in recent days, but it now looks like he has settled on Trippier and Saka to give his team some much-needed width.

England manager Gareth Southgate says left-back Luke Shaw is fit to start their Euro 2024 quarter-final and praised Kieran Trippier

Southgate spoke glowingly of Trippier in his pre-match news conference, saying he has “done a brilliant, brilliant job for us.”

Trippier played as a right wing-back in the last competitive match when Southgate used this formation – the Euro 2020 final against Italy three years ago – but he has been deputising at left-back in a flat-back four so far in this tournament.

It looks like the 33-year-old’s experience and extra defensive nous has put him ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold in Southgate’s thinking.

On the left, it seems Southgate was determined to get a left-footed option as wing-back, but he is expected to opt for Saka instead of Luke Shaw – who has not played any football since mid-February but was declared fit enough to start by Southgate on Friday.

“Luke Shaw is available, available to start,” Southgate said at his pre-match press conference. “But Kieran has done a brilliant job for the team.

England manager Gareth Southgate is frustrated with suggestions they’re on the easier side of the draw at Euro 2024, bemoaning an ‘entitlement we have as a nation that creates drama and annoys opponents’.

“He obviously doesn’t give us the natural balance of a natural left footer but his leadership, his talking is phenomenal and helps his team-mates to play the game. It’s a dying art – good talkers on the pitch, you can’t have enough of them.

“He has adapted and done a brilliant, brilliant job for us.”

England play Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals in Dusseldorf on Saturday. Gareth Southgate’s side reached the last eight after a dramatic 2-1 win over Slovakia, with Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick equalising in the 94th minute before Harry Kane scored the winner in extra-time.

The Three Lions topped Group C with a win over Serbia and draws with Denmark and Slovenia. However, their performances throughout the tournament have underwhelmed, with Gary Neville saying: “If we don’t raise the performance levels, we’re going out on Saturday.”​​​​

If England beat Switzerland, they will play Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-finals in Dortmund on Wednesday; kick off 8pm UK time.

The final is in Berlin on Sunday July 14; kick-off 8pm UK time.

Neville: Southgate must take risks

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville speaking after the win over Slovakia:

“Four times this England team have played in this tournament where they’ve been below par. They will hope this is the catalyst for what would be improved performance levels and a change of direction in performance.

“Winning is everything in tournaments, but performances matter because eventually there’s only so far you can go being the inferior team. Not playing as well and winning will eventually catch you out and I think it will catch England out on Saturday if they keep playing at the same level.

Sky Sports’ Gary Neville admits Gareth Southgate will have to make changes to his starting XI and possibly his system if they are to progress deep into the Euros

“Let’s be really clear. Three weeks ago, if you had handed this England squad, Gareth Southgate, the players, and us as fans, Switzerland in the quarter-finals, we would have bitten your hand off.

“But Switzerland are playing well, they’re a decent team. They are not to be disrespected and they won’t be by the players, but if we don’t raise the performance levels, we’re going out on Saturday.

“We were fortunate to get past Slovakia and rode our luck in the group where if Denmark scored one more goal, we would have played Germany.

“So we’ve rode our luck twice now, it could be written in the stars that we ride our luck all the way to the final, but my head is telling me we will hit a major obstacle if we carry on and we need to take risks to free ourselves up.

“We looked like England teams of the past where they looked frightened to death.”

Premier League fixtures live on Sky Sports: Man Utd vs Liverpool, Tottenham vs Arsenal and Man City vs Arsenal | Football News

Premier League fixtures live on Sky Sports: Man Utd vs Liverpool, Tottenham vs Arsenal and Man City vs Arsenal | Football News


Manchester United vs Liverpool, Tottenham vs Arsenal and Manchester City vs Arsenal are among games exclusively live on Sky Sports in August and September.

New Liverpool boss Arne Slot will face rivals Manchester United for the first time on Sunday September 1, live on Sky Sports, with the kick-off time at Old Trafford to be announced in due course.

Man Utd vs Liverpool will be part of a Super Sunday double-header on September 1 with the kick-off time of Newcastle vs Tottenham also still to be confirmed.

The first North London Derby of the season between Tottenham and Arsenal will be shown live on Sky Sports on Sunday September 15, with kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at 2pm.

The top two from last season – champions Manchester City and runners-up Arsenal – then clash the following weekend as Pep Guardiola’s side host the Gunners on Sunday September 22 – kick-off 4.30pm – live on Sky Sports.

In total, Sky Sports will show more than 20 live Premier League games in August and September, including the season opener between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday August 16; kick-off 8pm.

From Daniel Sturridge’s singing to Paul Merson’s passionate outburst, take a look back at some of the best quotes from the 2023/24 Premier League season

In the latest broadcast selections, Sky Sports will screen three games on the second weekend of the new Premier League season starting with Arsenal’s trip to Aston Villa on Saturday August 24 – kick-off 5.30pm.

The Super Sunday double-header on August 25 sees Newcastle go to Bournemouth – kick-off 2pm – followed by Slot’s first competitive Liverpool home game as the Reds host Brentford; kick-off 4.30pm.

Take a look back at some of the best goals of the Premier League season featuring strikes from Alexis Mac Allister, Alejandro Garnacho and many more

The following weekend Sky Sports will show Man City’s trip to West Ham on Saturday August 31 – kick-off 5.30pm – with Newcastle vs Spurs and Man Utd vs Liverpool the double-header on Sunday September 1.

Sky Sports will then screen two live games on Saturday September 14 as Aston Villa host Everton – kick-off 5.30pm – followed by the 8pm kick-off between Bournemouth and Chelsea at the Vitality Stadium.

A look back at some of the funniest moments in the Premier League from the 2023/24 season

The Super Sunday double-header on September 15 starts with the North London Derby at 2pm followed by Wolves against Newcastle at Molineux; kick-off 4.30pm.

Man Utd will be looking for revenge at Crystal Palace after last season’s 4-0 humbling at Selhurst Park, as Erik ten Hag’s side go to the Eagles on Saturday September 21, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 5.30pm.

Take a look back at some of the best goals of the Premier League season featuring strikes from Alexis Mac Allister, Alejandro Garnacho and many more

On Sunday September 22, the 4.30pm game at the Etihad Stadium between Manchester City and Arsenal is preceded by Brighton’s home game against Nottingham Forest; kick-off 2pm.

Sky Sports will then show four games across the final weekend of September starting with Liverpool’s trip to Wolves on Saturday September 28; kick-off 5.30pm.

A look back at some of the best goals of the Premier League season featuring strikes from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Moises Caicedo and many more

The Super Sunday double-header on September 29 sees newly-promoted Ipswich host Aston Villa – kick-off 2pm – followed by Man Utd’s home game against Tottenham; kick-off 4.30pm.

The south coast derby between Bournemouth and Southampton is then the Monday Night Football offering on September 30; kick-off 8pm.

Premier League matches live on Sky Sports

Image:
The games live on Sky Sports on the opening weekend of the new 2024/25 Premier League season

Friday August 16

Manchester United vs Fulham, kick-off 8pm

Saturday August 17

West Ham vs Aston Villa, kick-off 5.30pm

Sunday August 18

Brentford vs Crystal Palace, kick-off 2pm

Chelsea vs Manchester City, kick-off 4.30pm

Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley talks us through the big talking points following the release of the 2024/25 Premier League fixtures

Monday August 19

Leicester City vs Tottenham, kick-off 8pm

Saturday August 24

Aston Villa vs Arsenal, kick-off 5.30pm

Sunday August 25

Bournemouth vs Newcastle United, kick-off 2pm

Liverpool vs Brentford, kick-off 4.30pm

Saturday August 31

West Ham vs Manchester City, kick-off 5.30pm

Sunday September 1

Newcastle vs Tottenham, kick-off tbc

Man Utd vs Liverpool, kick-off tbc

Saturday September 14

Aston Villa vs Everton, kick-off 5.30pm

Bournemouth vs Chelsea, kick-off 8pm

Sunday September 15

Tottenham vs Arsenal, kick-off 2pm

Wolves vs Newcastle, kick-off 4.30pm

Saturday September 21

Crystal Palace vs Man Utd, kick-off 5.30pm

Sunday September 22

Brighton vs Nottingham Forest, kick-off 2pm

Man City vs Arsenal, kick-off 4.30pm

Saturday September 28

Wolves vs Liverpool, kick-off 5.30pm

Sunday September 29

Ipswich vs Aston Villa, kick-off 2pm

Man Utd vs Tottenham, kick-off 4.30pm

Monday September 30

Bournemouth vs Southampton, kick-off 8pm

Your club’s Premier League fixture list

Arsenal fixtures

Aston Villa fixtures

Bournemouth fixtures

Brentford fixtures

Brighton fixtures

Chelsea fixtures

Crystal Palace fixtures

Everton fixtures

Fulham fixtures

Ipswich fixtures

Leicester fixtures

Liverpool fixtures

Man City fixtures

Man Utd fixtures

Newcastle fixtures

Nottingham Forest fixtures

Southampton fixtures

Tottenham fixtures

West Ham fixtures

Wolves fixtures

What are the key dates for the 2024/25 season?

The 2024/25 Premier League season will start on Friday August 16 and conclude on Sunday May 25 2025.

The campaign will run over 33 weekends, four midweek rounds and one Bank Holiday match week.

The Community Shield will take place on Saturday August 10, the Carabao Cup final on Sunday March 16 and the FA Cup final will take place on Saturday May 17.

The Champions League final will be held on Saturday May 31. The Europa League final will be played on Wednesday May 21 in Bilbao, with the UEFA Conference League final a week later on Wednesday May 28.

Live Premier League on Sky Sports in 2024/25

Sky Sports will show 128 games exclusively live in the 2024/25 season – and a brand new agreement between Sky Sports and the Premier League means even more live matches from 2025/26.

From 2025, Sky Sports will broadcast a record minimum of 215 Premier League matches a season after finalising a new four-year agreement.

Throughout the 2024/25 season, you can watch Premier League match highlights for free – without being a Sky Sports subscriber.

You’ll find highlights from every Premier League game in the Score Centre, as well as on the Sky Sports website and Sky Sports app shortly after full-time, or from 5.15pm for midday Saturday kick-offs. You can also watch them on the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel.

You can stream Sky Sports live with no contract on a Month or Day membership on NOW – find out more about instant access to live action from the Premier League, EFL, F1, England cricket and much more.

Sky Sports+ – more sport, launching in August!

Sky Sports+ will give more choice to sports fans via live streams and a new dedicated channel, at no extra cost.

Launching this August, Sky Sports+ will be transformational in the amount of choice sports fans will have access to via live streams on Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the improved Sky Sports App on mobile.

With more coverage than ever before from the EFL, both tennis Tours and men’s Super League, Sky Sports customers can enjoy more than 50 per cent more live sport this year.

Rangers transfer news: Hamza Igamane becomes seventh summer signing | Football News

Rangers transfer news: Hamza Igamane becomes seventh summer signing | Football News



Rangers have completed the signing of striker Hamza Igamane, subject to international clearance.

The 21-year-old joins from Moroccan club AS Far Rabat where he scored seven goals and provided six assists in 20 appearances this season.

Igamane, who has represented Morocco at U23 level, is Rangers’ seventh summer signing following Mohamed Diomande, Jefte, Oscar Cortes, Clinton Nsiala, Connor Barron and Liam Kelly.

“I am really proud to join Rangers and I can’t wait to get started with my team-mates,” said Igamane.

“It is a huge club, with a loyal fanbase and a lot of history. I am excited for my future here and looking forward to being a part of this club.”

Manager Philippe Clement added: “I am delighted to welcome Hamza to Rangers and we believe he will be a great asset to our squad. He has a lot of talent and potential and he will bring a fresh presence to our attacking options.

“We know it will be a big change in culture and a new country for Hamza to adapt to, but as a club we will support him on and off the pitch to settle in here.”

Leon Balogun said Rangers will be ready for a title race next season

Nils Koppen, Rangers’ director of football recruitment, said: “I would like to welcome Hamza to Scotland and to Rangers and I am thrilled he will be joining our squad.

“He is an exciting young talent, who has already shown his energy, skill and determination during his time in Morocco and at international level. I look forward to seeing him develop further in our club.”

The 2024 summer transfer window is now open and will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at 11.30pm in Scotland.

The Premier League and Scottish Premiership 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.

Bellingham, Toney, Kane – The England stars made in the EFL | Football News

Bellingham, Toney, Kane – The England stars made in the EFL | Football News



Ivan Toney

England caps: 4 (1 goal)
EFL clubs: Northampton, Barnsley, Shrewsbury, Wigan, Scunthorpe, Peterborough, Brentford
Appearances: 273 (112 goals)

Toney started off at hometown club Northampton and his displays as a youngster in League Two earned him a move to Newcastle.

His time at St James’ Park failed but League One loan spells at Barnsley, Shrewsbury, Wigan and two at Scunthorpe earned him a move to third-tier side Peterborough.

From there, he became League One Player of the Year, then the Championship top scorer at Brentford – before Premier League promotion would be followed by a call-up to the England team.

Vivianne Miedema: Man City sign Women’s Super League record goalscorer on free transfer after Arsenal exit | Football News

Vivianne Miedema: Man City sign Women’s Super League record goalscorer on free transfer after Arsenal exit | Football News



Manchester City have completed the signing of Vivianne Miedema, who has signed a contract until the summer of 2027.

Clubs across Europe and North America were interested in the forward but the 27-year-old has moved to City on a free transfer after leaving Arsenal at the end of her contract.

Miedema is the WSL’s all-time leading scorer. However, she has started just eight league matches over the past two seasons due to injury, including an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear in December 2022.

Miedema, who joined Arsenal from Bayern Munich in 2017, won the WSL with the Gunners in 2019, as well as the League Cup in 2018, 2023 and 2024.

The Netherlands international’s decision to leave north London was mutual. Miedema was understood to be keen on a fresh challenge while Arsenal are looking to reinvest in their squad.

Upon signing, Miedema said: “The reason I chose City is because they have the same ambitions as me. They want to win the league and titles.

Vivianne Miedema scored on her final Arsenal appearance against Brighton in the Women’s Super League

“Looking to the future, I’ve always said I want to play with the best players in the world and I think City have got that.

“I haven’t played as much football as I would have wished over the past two years, but I think and hope my best years are still to come. I hope I’m going to be able to help the team as much as I can do.

“I am just really excited to be part of the team and for the girls to hopefully help me and get me back to my best. If I get back to my best again then we can achieve really nice things together.

“I do think this is the place to be right now. In the end, it was an easy choice for me.

“I want to challenge myself every day in training but also every single week in the games we play.”

Vivianne Miedema scored her first goal for Arsenal since December 2022 against Liverpool last season

Head coach Gareth Taylor added: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming Viv to City and seeing her flourish over the next three years.

“Our ambition is to compete on the highest stage and for the highest honours, and Viv is aligned to this desire.

“She’s a top talent that I’m excited to work with, as she’s a player I’ve always admired. Viv will be a real asset to the team.”

Miedema also reunites with her Netherlands team-mates Jill Roord – herself coming back from an ACL injury – and Kerstin Casparij.

She will join up with Man City for pre-season training at the end of July.

Miedema joins formidable Man City attack

Sky Sports’ Charlotte Marsh:

“After missing out on the WSL title by goal difference to Chelsea last season, Taylor and his team are trying to make sure that doesn’t happen again this time.

“Manchester City are building quite the potent attacking force. Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly are on either wing, Bunny Shaw is through the middle and Miedema can play in the No. 10 role or just off Shaw.

“That’s before we even talk about the return of Jill Roord, the breakthrough of Jess Park and the calming influence of Yui Hasegawa in central midfield.

Rosie and Mollie Kmita rank Vivianne Miedema’s best Women’s Super League goals

“Miedema’s arrival could also prove to be the best business of the window. Firstly, it’s a free transfer.

“And, despite writing her name repeatedly into WSL history in her seven years at Arsenal, the forward is just 27 and, arguably, hitting her peak years.

“She too will have something to prove after 18 months of injury disappointments and setbacks. That should be a stark warning for other WSL teams.

“It is time for Miedema to see if she can shine elsewhere in the WSL – and win more silverware along the way.”

Euro 2024: Who should take England’s penalties in a shoot-out? | What lessons can be learned from past spot-kick failures? | Football News

Euro 2024: Who should take England’s penalties in a shoot-out? | What lessons can be learned from past spot-kick failures? | Football News


Here’s a quiz question: What do the 2022 World Cup final, the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final, the 2020 European Championship final and the 2016 Copa America final have in common?

Answer: They were all settled by a penalty shoot-out.

“There are so many things you can do to prepare your team for penalties, to train them for penalties, to help your players and team cope with the pressure of penalties,” says Geir Jordet, professor at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences and author of the recently-published book, “Pressure: Lessons from the Psychology of the Penalty Shoot-out.”

England have had so many penalty heartaches down the years – not least in the last Euro final when they lost 3-2 to Italy on penalties – with their 2-7 overall record the worst in the history of the tournament, while if you also include the World Cup, the Three Lions’ numbers are even worse, with two wins from nine.

Geir Jordet, professor at Norwegian School of Sport Sciences

“You can do this as an individual, as a team, as a manager,” he adds.

Just this year, France coach Didier Deschamps railed against an attempt by the French Football Federation to come up with an initiative to improve the team’s performance in shoot-outs. France lost in them in the last 16 at Euro 2020 and in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina.

“I’m convinced – and my past as a player gives me this information – that it’s impossible to recreate a situation, on a psychological level, between training and a match,” Deschamps said.

Nini Madueke, Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer were all involved in an argument over a Chelsea penalty against Everton
Image:
Will Chelsea’s Cole Palmer take a penalty for England if their Euro 2024 quarter-final with Switzerland goes to a shoot-out?

Jordet acknowledged that, but said it is “absurd” to not try to simulate these pressure situations in training.

“There are studies showing that training with mild anxiety will prepare you and help you perform better under conditions of high anxiety,” he said, before looking at other professions and areas of work.

“If you look at military training – in peacetime, which is what we’re used to, should they train for war activities and the pressure and stress of being in a conflict, or should they just sit back and say we cannot simulate the pressure and the stress of being in an active firefight? That’s absurd. It’s the same case with pilots or if you look at surgeons or ER doctors.”

Argentina's Gonzalo Montiel score in a penalty shootout during the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Image:
Argentina’s Gonzalo Montiel scores the winning penalty in the 2022 World Cup final against France

Jordet has looked specifically at penalty shoot-outs at the last World Cup and how coaches managed the two minutes they had with their players between extra-time finishing and the shoot-out starting. He noted the winning teams “without exception” were those whose coaches took the shortest time giving their instructions.

In the final, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni’s nomination process took 15 seconds, Jordet said, because his team was prepared.

He added: “Deschamps spent almost 20 seconds considering who should take the shot for each of his penalty takers, looking around, showing basically how little clarity he had about what to do. It was probably something his players would pick up on as well.”

EUROS HISTORY

There have been 22 shoot-outs at the Euros, including four in 1996 and 2020. Of the 232 shots taken in the shoot-outs, 178 were successful – a 76.7 per cent success rate. That fits the data models which typically say the expected success of a penalty is 0.76 per cent (that is, 76 out of 100 penalties would typically be scored).

GO FIRST OR SECOND?

So much for the widely-held perception that the team going second in a shoot-out is at a disadvantage for being under extra pressure. The latest major study of penalties, covering men’s competitions in European football over the last 11 years, showed the winning percentage of the team shooting first in penalty kicks was 48.83 per cent. Jordet said the advantage has “progressively and dramatically shrunk” compared to older research, some of which said there was around a 60 per cent chance of the team going first winning.

TEAM ORDERS

France's Kylian MBAPPE reacts after scoring his second goal during the FIFA World Cup Final match at Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail, Qatar on Dec. 18, 2022. ( The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP Images )
Image:
France’s Kylian Mbappe was successful from the spot in his side’s loss to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final

That same study showed the first kick is scored in shoot-outs more often than any other (nearly 84 per cent) and is typically delivered by the most reliable penalty taker. Messi and Kylian Mbappe took the first two kicks in the World Cup final shoot-out, for example.

The likelihood of success by a team’s second taker dips to as low as around 72 per cent, the study says, while the fifth kicker of the team shooting second has not gotten to take a penalty in 43.26 per cent of shoot-outs. Placing your best taker at No 5 in the list is dangerous, then – just ask Cristiano Ronaldo, who never got to take a penalty when Portugal lost a shoot-out to Spain in the Euro 2012 semi-finals, and Mohamed Salah, who was left stranded as his Egypt team lost the Africa Cup of Nations final in 2021.

TACTICS

Watch out for gamesmanship around shoot-outs or regular penalties. Opponents have been seen attempting to scuff the turf around the spot in the hope of causing the taker to slip. That has led on some occasions to players from the team awarded the penalty gathering around the spot to protect the turf. Another recent phenomenon is one player holding on to the ball near the spot when a penalty has been awarded and then passing it, at the last minute, to the team-mate taking the kick.

SALVADOR, BRAZIL - JULY 05:  Goalkeeper Tim Krul of the Netherlands celebrates with teammates after making a save in a penalty shootout to defeat Costa Ric
Image:
Tim Krul was the Netherlands’ hero in their shoot-out win against Costa Rica in the 2014 World Cup

“It’s about making the individual act of shooting a penalty into a collective team performance,” Jordet said. There also have been numerous examples of back-up goalkeepers or outfield players being brought on as a substitute late in extra-time because they have a better record in penalties than the regular starter. See Netherlands goalkeeper Tim Krul at the 2014 World Cup and Australia goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.

NEW TECHNIQUE

England's Harry Kane celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal from a penalty kick during the Euro 2024 group C qualifying soccer match between England and Italy at Wembley stadium in London, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
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England captain Harry Kane has a new penalty-taking technique

There is a new dominant penalty technique – and it is not for the faint-hearted. It involves the taker approaching the ball and waiting for the goalkeeper to make the first move. What invariably becomes a stutter-step routine has been called the “goalkeeper-dependent technique” by experts like Jordet. “It’s very sophisticated and hard to perform when the pressure’s truly on,” he said. “If you’re competent at executing this technique, this will effectively delete the risk factor of the goalkeeper going in the right direction and your odds suddenly going down.”

Poland captain Robert Lewandowski has been using it since 2016 – and used it against France in the group stage at Euro 2024 – and Harry Kane is a recent adopter.

PROVEN PEDIGREE

England's Jadon Sancho reacts after missing his shot at goal during a penalty shootout at the Euro 2020 soccer championship final between England and Italy at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, July 11, 2021.
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England’s Jadon Sancho missed from the spot in the Euro 2021 final loss to Italy at Wembley

History suggests Germany might be the best penalty-taking team in Europe, having won all six of their shoot-outs since losing the European Championship’s first to Czechoslovakia in the 1976 final. Conversely, there is England, who have had so many penalty heartaches down the years – not least in the last Euro final when they lost 3-2 to Italy on penalties – with their 2-7 overall record the worst in the history of the tournament, while if you also include the World Cup, the Three Lions’ numbers are even worse, with two wins from nine. Meanwhile, the Netherlands (2-6) have not fared much better.

Speaking of England, Gareth Southgate’s side take on Switzerland in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on Saturday afternoon in what looks on paper to be an evenly-contested clash that could very well go all the way to penalties in Dusseldorf.

If that is the case, then as mentioned previously, England have the worst penalty shoot-out record of any side still left in the tournament, which does not bode well for their chances of winning the Euros.

However, if the last-eight tie is decided by the dreaded spot-kicks at the ESPRIT Arena on Saturday, then let’s hope Southgate has heeded the above advice and prepared his players in advance.

And if, as is likely, the England manager has been practising in training this week, then it would also be a surprise were he and his coaching team not to know the statistics around who are the Three Lions’ most successful penalty takers.

If not, then a new study has revealed Cole Palmer has the best penalty record of any player in the England squad. Sports analytics platform Tips.gg examined the penalty records of the 13 England players at Euro 2024 who have taken a career penalty, excluding shoot-outs. The players were then ranked based on the highest to lowest conversion rates.

Cole Palmer scores his penalty for his first England goal
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Cole Palmer scores from the spot in England’s recent friendly win against Bosnia

Palmer has the best penalty record of any player in the squad. The 2023/24 Young Player of the Season enjoyed an impressive debut season at Chelsea, scoring nine goals from the spot. Palmer, who has a perfect conversion rate of 100 per cent from 14 penalties, last scored a penalty during England’s pre-tournament 3-0 friendly win against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Rank

Player

Penalties Scored

Penalties Missed

Conversion Rate

1

Cole Palmer

14

0

100.00%

2

Conor Gallagher

5

0

100.00%

3

Trent Alexander-Arnold

4

0

100.00%

4

Jude Bellingham

3

0

100.00%

5

Ivan Toney

30

2

93.75%

6

Eberechi Eze

7

1

87.50%

7

Harry Kane

74

11

87.06%

8

Bukayo Saka

12

2

85.71%

8

Anthony Gordon

6

2

75.00%

10

Jarrod Bowen

6

3

66.67%

11

Ollie Watkins

4

5

44.44%

12

Declan Rice

1

2

33.33%

13

Kieran Tripper

0

2

0.00%

Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher has also been faultless from the spot so far in his career, converting each of his five penalties. Despite a 100 per cent success rate, his last match penalty came in the U18 Premier League back in January 2018.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham also boast a 100 per cent penalty conversion rate, scoring four and three penalties respectively. Like Gallagher, Alexander-Arnold’s penalty success has come in games at youth level, where he was prolific from the spot for England in the Euro U19 qualifiers back in 2016/17. Bellingham’s most recent penalty success came when scoring in Real Madrid’s 3-2 win against Almeria in January.

Ivan Toney rounds off the five England players with the best penalty conversion rate. The Brentford striker has been successful from the spot on 30 out of 32 occasions, with a conversion rate of 93.75 per cent. His last success was back in March in England’s 2-2 draw with Belgium.

Ivan Toney celebrates after equalising for England from the penalty spot
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Ivan Toney has an excellent penalty record with Brentford and England

Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze has a success rate of 87.50 per cent from eight penalties, while England captain and penalty-taker Kane – with his new aforementioned stuttering technique – has converted 87.06 per cent of his 85 spot-kicks.

And finally, Kieran Trippier has the worst penalty record of any player in the England squad. The Newcastle defender is yet to score from the spot after missing each of his two attempts at former clubs Tottenham and Atletico Madrid.

Fran Kirby: Brighton Women sign former Chelsea forward on free transfer | Football News

Fran Kirby: Brighton Women sign former Chelsea forward on free transfer | Football News


Brighton Women have signed Fran Kirby on a free transfer after the expiry of her Chelsea contract.

The 31-year-old England international departs Chelsea as their all-time leading scorer having netted 115 goals in 205 appearances since her arrival from Reading in 2015.

Kirby won 14 trophies during a decorated nine-year spell in west London including seven Women’s Super League titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups.

Kirby scored on her last appearance for Chelsea against Manchester United

She is also a two-time winner of the PFA Women’s Player of the Year and Football Writers’ Women’s awards and has won 70 caps for England, scoring 19 goals and helping them win the Euros in 2022.

Kirby admits she would “love” to be involved at next year’s European Championships but her decision to move to Brighton was not based on that ambition.

Brighton have yet to reveal the length of Kirby’s contract.

She told a press conference: “I’d love to go to another Euros but I will never base my decision on the future.

“For me it’s what’s right for me now and where I feel like I’m going to get the best out of myself. Being close to home and being at a club that wants to push the women’s game is something I wanted to do.

“For me if I feel valued in an environment then I know I’m going to get the best out of myself.

Kirby explains the joy to get a goal on her final appearance for Chelsea and what it means to leave on a winning high

“When I spoke to Brighton they were so complimentary of me as a player and as a person. For me, feeling valued is one of the most important things as a footballer and I felt that as soon as I spoke to them on the phone and got to know the people around the building.

“That was probably my main reason behind it but of course I’d love to do everything I can to be involved in another Euros and help the Lionesses win it again.”

Kirby also revealed she wanted to remain in the WSL following her Chelsea exit and therefore she “couldn’t turn down” Brighton.

Image:
Kirby helped the Lionesses to Euro 2022 glory

She said: “I wanted to go somewhere where I could keep my standards up and help bring those standards into another club.

“I wanted to stay in this league because I still want to be competing week in and week out and as long as I can help a team progress then that’s what I want to do.

“When I spoke to Brighton and they told me how the owner was behind the women’s game, how much they wanted to invest in it and push it forwards and seeing the facilities here, for me it was a really exciting opportunity and one that I felt I couldn’t really turn down.”

Zoe Johnson, Brighton’s managing director of women’s and girls’ football, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Fran to the club.

“She arrives as one of the most decorated English footballers of all time, playing an integral role in Chelsea’s recent dominance, as well as on the international stage having been a part of England’s Euro 2022 win.

“Her experience on the pitch will be just as important off it and we have no doubt that she will help us take a significant step towards our long-term targets.”

Mo Salah to start pre-season with Liverpool after rejecting Egypt Olympics call-up – Paper Talk | Football News

Mo Salah to start pre-season with Liverpool after rejecting Egypt Olympics call-up – Paper Talk | Football News



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

DAILY MIRROR

Mo Salah has turned down the chance to go to the Olympic Games as one of Egypt’s over-23 players and will instead be back at Liverpool for the start of pre-season.

Alexi Lalas has urged US soccer chiefs to do everything in their power to persuade Jurgen Klopp to become the next head coach of their men’s national team.

DAILY MAIL

Erik ten Hag will retain the final say on all Manchester United transfers despite the arrivals of Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox to head up their recruitment team.

We take a look back at Manchester United’s best performances while Ten Hag has been in charge after the Dutchman signed a contract extension until 2026

Marc Cucurella has been trying to sell Chelsea to summer target Nico Williams but admits he is facing stiff competition from the Barcelona contingent in Spain’s Euro 2024 squad.

Mags Mernagh, the brains behind a £60m revamp of Manchester United’s Carrington training complex, is leaving the club just before work begins on the changes.

Manchester City are close to agreeing the sale of full-back Sergio Gomez to Real Sociedad but the deal is likely to include a sell-on clause and buy-back arrangement.

Andy Carroll has returned to training with his French club Amiens just days after reports emerged that he had been involved in a brawl in the centre of London.

Williams could consider an offer to Daniel Ricciardo for the 2025 F1 season if their frustrations in trying to tie down Carlos Sainz continue.

The Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations deadline passed on June 30. Dharmesh Sheth explains if clubs have breached the rules

THE SUN

Leicester City are set to confirm the permanent signing of last season’s loan star Abdul Fatawu from Sporting Lisbon and are also showing interest in Atalanta centre-back Caleb Okoli.

METRO

Manchester United are considering a move to bring Sergio Reguilon back to the club with the defender entering the final year of his contract at Tottenham.

THE ATHLETIC

Manchester United are set to bring in a new goalkeeping coach with Burnley’s Jelle ten Rouwelaar ready to move to Old Trafford to work under fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag.

DAILY EXPRESS

Mason Greenwood remains focused on a move to Serie A club Lazio this summer but they are yet to come anywhere near Manchester United’s valuation of the striker.

A “pinching row” has broken out before Spain meet Germany in the last-eight of Euro 2024 with Pedri accusing Antonio Rudiger of showing a lack of respect to opponents by regularly nipping them with his fingers when marking closely.

Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth gives greater insight into Manchester United’s centre-back search

MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS

Manchester United are closing on a deal to sign Slovakia U17 star Samuel Lusale from fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace.

EVENING STANDARD

Luton Town are set to complete the signing of midfielder Shandon Baptiste who is a free agent after leaving Brentford at the end of his contract.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

British athletes have accused their national governing body of “killing” the sport because of an Olympic selection policy that is going to see Britain turn down around 10 places at the Paris Games which will now go to supposedly inferior athletes from other countries.

The ATP Tour has been forced into a U-turn after leading players complained about proposals to restrict the number of doubles specialists at post-Wimbledon tournaments to try and attract more singles players to enter.

DAILY RECORD

Martin Boyle says he is happy at Hibs and will only make what he previously called a dream move to Australia’s A-League when the club has had enough of him.

Utrecht are reported to have given up on their attempts to sign Rangers striker Sam Lammers on a permanent basis after a successful loan spell last season.

Former Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos is set to leave Santos and return to his native Colombia with America de Cali.

When does the summer transfer window open and close?

The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership is officially open.

The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at 11.30pm in Scotland.

The Premier League and Scottish Premiership 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.

Leicester lodge appeal after challenge against Premier League’s PSR charge rejected by independent commission | Football News

Leicester lodge appeal after challenge against Premier League’s PSR charge rejected by independent commission | Football News



Leicester have lodged an appeal after their challenge against the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) jurisdiction was dismissed.

The newly-promoted side say they are “disappointed” by the decision of an independent commission after challenging the league on the basis they were relegated to the Championship in 2022/23.

The Midlands club face a possible points deduction after the Premier League charged them with an alleged breach of PSR in March.

Sky Sports News’ James Savundra explains what the profit and sustainability rules (PSR) rules are and why it is so important Premier League clubs follow them.

At the same time, the EFL placed the club under a transfer embargo, which was subsequently lifted after promotion.

Leicester were also among the clubs that needed to sell players before June 30 to avoid further breaches of PSR rules, which saw Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sold to Chelsea.

The Back Pages Tonight panel discuss the Premier League’s PSR rules which have lead to clubs such as Chelsea and Aston Villa being more active in offloading players within their ranks.

“LCFC notes the publication today of the decision of the Premier League Commission,” a statement on Thursday said.

“The club is disappointed with the decision, which does not appear to reflect the wording of the Premier League’s Rules, and has lodged an appeal.”

Arsenal transfer news: David Raya completes permanent £27m move from Brentford | Football News

Arsenal transfer news: David Raya completes permanent £27m move from Brentford | Football News


Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford on a long-term deal.

The Gunners have paid £27m for the Spain international, on top of the £3m fee they paid the Bees to take Raya on loan last season.

Raya told Arsenal’s website: “After a year on loan as a Gunner, I can finally say that I’m an Arsenal player for the coming years. I’m excited to see what the future holds but always living in and enjoying the present.

“It’s a dream come true to be here and I want to thank you for all the support you have already given me throughout the last year.”

Raya won the Premier League Golden Glove in his debut campaign with Arsenal, keeping 16 clean sheets in the Premier League and 20 in total across 41 appearances.

The 28-year-old helped Arsenal to a runners-up finish in the Premier League and a run to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Raya – who is currently at Euro 2024 with Spain – previously spent four years with Brentford, where he moved after leaving Blackburn.

The best goals Arsenal scored in the 2023/24 Premier League season

Arteta: Raya a big presence in Arsenal dressing room

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta – who promoted Raya to No1 goalkeeper ahead of Aaron Ramsdale – said: “David showed us last season what an important player he is for us so we are delighted he is now officially our player.

“He is a big presence in our dressing room and we are really pleased to keep working with him.

“We know he will take the strong foundations he put in place last season and build on them in the years to come, and that he will enjoy more success with us.

“We have a very talented group of goalkeepers and I love to see connections like the one I see in our goalkeeping unit.”

GRAPHIC

Edu, Arsenal’s sporting director, added: “We are so happy to have completed the deal to sign David from Brentford. He had a beautiful first season with us.

“He is a talented international, a great professional and a popular figure at the club. We benefited from all of this last season during his loan with us.

“David’s signing is another strong example of our recruitment strategy in action, as we continue to build a team that will challenge for major trophies.

“We know there’s so much more to come from him and we are excited that he will continue to be a big part of the journey we are all on.”

Ramsdale future set to be resolved after Euros

Aaron Ramsdale
Image:
Newcastle are among the clubs to have shown interest in Aaron Ramsdale

With Raya committing to Arsenal, it is understood all options remain open regarding Ramsdale’s future.

The 26-year-old made just 11 appearances for the Gunners last season after losing his place to Raya and, while they do not want to lose Ramsdale, Arsenal would understand if he harboured a desire for first-team football.

Any potential exit for the goalkeeper would have to work for all parties and a loan move cannot be ruled out.

There has been tentative interest in Ramsdale from clubs, including Newcastle, but his future will likely be resolved after Euro 2024, where he is part of England’s squad.

Ramsdale has two years – plus the option of a further 12 months – remaining on his Arsenal contract.

When does the summer transfer window open and close?

The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership is officially open.

The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at 11.30pm in Scotland.

The Premier League and Scottish Premiership 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.