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Aberdeen: Scottish Premiership 2024/25 fixtures and schedule | Football News

On: June 27, 2024 By: admin

Aberdeen start their 2024/25 Scottish Premiership season away to St Johnstone on Monday August 5, live on Sky Sports.

New boss Jimmy Thelin will take the Dons to McDiarmid Park for his first league match in front of the Sky cameras.

His first home game is against St Mirren on August 10.

Aberdeen will travel to Parkhead for their first game against Celtic on October 19 and they face Rangers at Pittodrie on October 30.

The Dons’ final pre-split fixture takes place on April 12 against Rangers, with the league campaign concluding on the weekend of May 17/18 and the play-off final bringing a curtain down on proceedings on May 22 & 25.

Aberdeen’s 2024/25 Scottish Premiership fixtures

August

5: St Johnstone (a) – Live on Sky Sports

10: St Mirren (h)

24: Kilmarnock (h)

31: Ross County (a)

September

14: Motherwell (h)

28: Dundee (a)

October

5: Hearts (h)

19: Celtic (a)

26: Dundee United (h)

30: Rangers (h)

November

2: Hibs (a)

9: Dundee (h)

23: St Mirren (a)

30: Hearts (a)

December

4: Celtic (h)

7: St Johnstone (h)

14: Rangers (a)

21: Hibs (h)

26: Kilmarnock (a)

January

2: Ross County (h)

5: Motherwell (a)

11: Hearts (h)

25: St Mirren (h)

February

1: Hibs (a)

15: Dundee (a)

22: Kilmarnock (h)

26: Celtic (a)

March

1: Dundee United (h)

15: St Johnstone (a)

29: Motherwell (h)

April

5: Ross County (a)

12: Rangers (h)

*all fixtures subject to change

Key dates for the 2024/25 season

The Scottish Premiership season begins on the weekend of August 3/4 and unlike last campaign, there will be no winter break at the halfway stage.

The final round of pre-split fixtures takes place on April 12/13, while the regular season ends on May 17/18.

The Premiership play-off final, played over two legs live on Sky Sports, will bring the campaign to an end on May 22 and 25.

The Championship season begins on August 2, with the final round of games on May 2, 2025. Meanwhile, League One and League Two will kick off on August 3, with those campaigns ending on May 3.

The Viaplay League Cup final will be held on December 15 while the date for the Scottish Cup final is yet to be confirmed.

Scottish Premiership and SWPL on Sky Sports

Sky Sports – From 2024/25 up to 60 Scottish Premiership games will be available across Sky Sports’ flagship channels, including Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event, plus at least five SWPL matches.

Sky Sports News – Running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Scottish football fans can enjoy Sky Sports News’ (channel 409) rolling editorial coverage of the Premiership and SWPL throughout the season.

Sky Sports Digital – Follow all the latest from Scottish football across SkySports.com and app, including exclusive features and interviews, plus dedicated live blog coverage, in-game clips from matches live on Sky Sports and free highlights.

Sky Sports Social – Alongside coverage and visibility for the league across all Sky Sports’ main social media channels, the bespoke X page @ScotlandSky will continue to be the home of all Scottish football content on Sky Sports.

Highlights show – Tune in for a dedicated round-up from the cinch Premiership every week on Sky Sports Football.

Sky Sports is the home of domestic football in the UK and Ireland, with action from the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Women’s Premier League, Premier League, WSL, EFL, and more.

Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp!

You can now start receiving messages and alerts for the latest breaking sports news, analysis, in-depth features and videos from our dedicated WhatsApp channel!

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Man Utd could use Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka in Jarred Branthwaite swap deal – Paper Talk | Football News

On: June 26, 2024 By: admin

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

DAILY MIRROR

Manchester United are attempting to offload Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka as potential makeweights to land Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite in a transfer swap.

Manchester United are prepared to welcome Mason Greenwood back for pre-season training – if they fail to sell their exiled striker within the next fortnight.

THE SUN

Basketball star Shaquille O’Neal is in talks about taking a stake in West Ham United.

Harry Maguire is among four Manchester United players set to be offered contract extensions this summer, according to reports.

Newcastle star Yankuba Minteh is refusing to join Lyon. The dramatic development could cause the Toon huge financial problems ahead of this week’s Profit and Sustainability deadline on 30 June.

DAILY MAIL

Chelsea have made an enquiry about Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

INEOS, owned by Manchester United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have reportedly hired a lawyer to plead their case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, after UEFA blocked their attempts to sign Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.

Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby is attracting fresh interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) have urged Ineos to consult with fans over the “highly emotive” issue of a potential stadium naming rights deal.

THE GUARDIAN

Newcastle will do everything in their power to keep Alexander Isak on Tyneside and have let Chelsea and Arsenal know that it would take an astronomical offer to alter that stance.

THE TIMES

Tottenham Hotspur have offered Aston Villa £20m for Jacob Ramsey in a deal that would involve Giovani Lo Celso moving in the opposite direction.

West Ham United have revived their interest in signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is among the versatile right-backs on their shortlist.

England fans have been singled out yet again for special measures, with organisers planning to serve only low-alcohol beer for Sunday’s round-of-16 encounter in Gelsenkirchen.

THE ATHLETIC

Manchester United are considering selling the naming rights to a refurbished Old Trafford or a newly-built stadium as part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe seeks to drive up revenues to fund the project, while the club is also deliberating over substantial ticket price rises.

Ipswich Town and Hull City are now engaged in active negotiations over the transfer of Jacob Greaves, although an agreement is yet to be reached.

Iliman Ndiaye is set to undergo a medical with Everton ahead of his £15m (€17.7m) transfer from Marseille.

Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto is negotiating with other clubs ahead of the expiration of his contract at the end of the month.

DAILY RECORD

Rangers’ home fixtures will not be reversed to away games during the Ibrox lockout at the start of the campaign as the SPFL prepare to unveil the fixture list on Thursday.

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.

Phil Foden temporarily leaves England’s Euro 2024 camp due to family matter | Football News

On: June 26, 2024 By: admin

Phil Foden has temporarily left England’s Euro 2024 camp and returned to the UK due to a “pressing family matter”, the Football Association (FA) has confirmed.

The Manchester City midfielder started all three of England’s group-stage matches in Germany as Gareth Southgate’s side advanced by finishing top of Group C.

But the FA said in a brief statement on Wednesday that Foden would leave the team’s GolfResort Weimarer Land base near Erfurt for a spell.

No information has yet been provided about when the player might return.

England will discover their last-16 fate on Wednesday evening, with either the Netherlands or the third-placed team in Group E their first knock-out opponents in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday (5pm kick-off, UK time).

More to follow…

This is a breaking news story that is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh this page for the latest updates.

Sky Sports brings you live updates as they happen. Get breaking sports news, analysis, exclusive interviews, replays and highlights.

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Visit skysports.com or the Sky Sports App for all the breaking sports news headlines. You can receive push notifications from the Sky Sports app for the latest news from your favourite sports and you can also follow @SkySportsNews on Twitter to get the latest updates.

Live EFL 2024/25 fixtures on Sky Sports+ Championship, League One, League Two games, dates, kick-off times | Football News

On: June 26, 2024 By: admin

All the live EFL football from the Championship, League One and League Two on Sky Sports this season…

The season begins with four games on Friday August 9 and every game across the opening weekend of the Championship, League One and League Two will be streamed live on Sky Sports+, a landmark first in broadcasting history.

The opening weekend games – with every game live on Sky Sports+

Friday August 9

Championship

Preston North End vs Sheffield United – 8pm kick-off, also live on Sky Sports Football

Blackburn Rovers vs Derby – 8pm kick-off, also live on Sky Sports Football

League One

Barnsley vs Mansfield Town – 8pm kick-off

League Two

Chesterfield vs Swindon Town – 8pm kick-off

Saturday August 10

Championship

Cardiff City vs Sunderland – 12.30pm kick-off
Hull City vs Bristol City – 12.30pm kick-off
Leeds United vs Portsmouth – 12.30pm kick-off
Middlesbrough vs Swansea City – 12.30pm kick-off
Millwall vs Watford – 12.30pm kick-off
Oxford United vs Norwich City – 12.30pm kick-off, also live on Sky Sports Football
QPR vs West Bromwich Albion – 12.30pm kick-off
Stoke City vs Coventry City – 12.30pm kick-off

League One

Birmingham City vs Reading – 5.30pm kick-off, also live on Sky Sports Football
Bristol Rovers vs Northampton Town – 5.30pm kick-off
Burton Albion vs Lincoln City – 5.30pm kick-off
Crawley Town vs Blackpool – 5.30pm kick-off
Exeter City vs Rotherham United – 5.30pm kick-off
Leyton Orient vs Bolton Wanderers – 5.30pm kick-off
Peterborough United vs Huddersfield Town – 5.30pm kick-off
Stevenage vs Shrewsbury Town – 5.30pm kick-off
Stockport County vs Cambridge United – 5.30pm kick-off
Wigan Athletic vs Charlton Athletic – 5.30pm kick-off
Wrexham vs Wycombe Wanderers – 5.30pm kick-off

League Two

A.F.C. Wimbledon vs Colchester United – 3pm kick-off
Barrow vs Crewe Alexandra – 3pm kick-off
Cheltenham Town vs Newport County – 3pm kick-off
Doncaster Rovers vs Accrington Stanley – 3pm kick-off
Fleetwood Town vs Grimsby Town – 3pm kick-off
Gillingham vs Carlisle United – 3pm kick-off
Harrogate Town vs Bromley – 3pm kick-off
Milton Keynes Dons vs Bradford City – 3pm kick-off, also live on Sky Sports Football
Salford City vs Port Vale – 3pm kick-off
Tranmere Rovers vs Notts County – 3pm kick-off
Walsall vs Morecambe – 3pm kick-off

Sunday August 11

Championship

Sheffield Wednesday vs Plymouth Argyle – 4pm kick-off, also live on Sky Sports Football

Monday August 12

Championship

Luton Town vs Burnley – 8pm kick-off, also live on Sky Sports Football

Everything you need to know about watching YOUR EFL team on Sky this season…

How many of my team’s matches will be live on Sky?

Every single League One and League Two team will be featured live on Sky at least 20 times next season.

And every one of the 24 Championship clubs will be live on Sky at least 24 times.

Where do I go to watch my team?

Matches will be broadcast live across existing Sky Sports channels or on the brand new Sky Sports+ (more on that below!)

This will effectively replace the EFL’s domestic streaming option provided via iFollow and club streaming services.

Wait, what is Sky Sports+?

Launching this August, Sky Sports+ will be integrated into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports app – giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost.

With the capability to show up to 100 live events via concurrent streams, Sky Sports+ makes it easier for fans to find and watch their team.

I am a Sky subscriber, do I need to pay extra to watch my team?

No!

Customers with a full Sky Sports subscription won’t need to do a thing.

Once live, Sky Sports+ will simply drop into the existing Sky experience, across Sky Glass, Sky Stream, Sky Q, and NOW.

The revamped Sky Sports app will also become the ultimate home of sports streaming on mobile devices with Sky Sports+ streams accessible directly from the app.

Download the Sky Sports app now:

I am NOT a Sky subscriber, how can I watch my team?

For instant, contract-free access to all Sky Sports channels, non-Sky subscribers can purchase a NOW Sports Day or Month Membership.

From August, this will also include every single live Sky Sports+ stream and on demand catch-up content.

Which games will be live on Sky?

Each full weekend of EFL fixtures will see 10 live matches shown – including three Championship, two League One and two League Two matches all broadcast live at 12:30pm on Saturdays.

All opening weekend, final day, and midweek fixtures in the EFL will be shown live, as will all games played on Bank Holidays including Easter, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

The matches played in League One and League Two during international breaks will also be available live.

For the first time ever, fans will be also able to watch every match from the Carabao Cup and Bristol Street Motors Trophy.

Will fixtures keep moving if they are broadcast?

While some matches will be rescheduled for broadcast purposes, the majority of fixtures won’t be moved.

How long in advance will I know about fixture changes?

All live matches selected for broadcast up to the FA Cup third Round in January 2025 will be communicated before the start of the season.

Live league matches in August and September will be released first, by early July.

Greater parity in the number of times that clubs are selected for TV coverage is also guaranteed.

Gareth Southgate must ignite England’s attacking play at Euro 2024 – or it will be end of the road for him and his team | Football News

On: June 26, 2024 By: admin

You can’t start a fire without a spark – and England have no spark.

Yes, there was a slight improvement in performance level but that was only in the second half and it wasn’t enough to inspire any confidence that England are going to win the Euros for the first time this summer.

The first half against Slovenia was just more of the same. At times it was like one of those games from the 1970s before the backpass rule was introduced when players would just pass the ball between themselves at the back. It was all sideways and backwards. There was no movement off the ball and no bravery on the ball. There was no width, no invention and no cutting edge.

Marc Guehi looked assured at the back and Phil Foden tried to make things happen but that was about it and it was no surprise to see England booed off at half-time. Jan Oblak didn’t have a difficult save to make and when he was beaten by Bukayo Saka from close range, the goal was disallowed because Phil Foden was offside in the build-up.

If this was the England reset we had been promised then another reset was going to be required. Gareth Southgate and his players had accepted that the performances against Serbia and Denmark had not been good enough. They had honest and frank discussions and the problems had been addressed on the training pitch. Southgate had admitted that the team was not functioning and it was his responsibility to find solutions.

To be fair to Southgate, there were some signs of life in the second half. Kobbie Mainoo made a difference when he came on for Conor Gallagher at half-time and Cole Palmer received the biggest cheer of the night from England fans when he replaced Saka after 70 minutes.

England looked much better balanced and more compact with Mainoo in midfield and Palmer looked at home at this level. Southgate has to be bold and put Mainoo and Palmer in his starting XI for England’s last-16 game on Sunday.

With Mainoo in midfield England managed to pin Slovenia down in their own half for most of the second period. Even though they didn’t create that much more than the first half, England looked more threatening and the increased tempo forced Slovenia to settle for the draw they hoped would get them through to the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time.

Slovenia were more than the sum of their parts while England continue to be the opposite. A squad with so many exceptional players should not be producing the kind of performances fans have witnessed so far in Germany. It’s pointless to keep looking back but this was a game where an in-form Jack Grealish or Marcus Rashford or Raheem Sterling could have made a real difference.

While Slovenia celebrated their progress in front of their fans, England players walked off to boos after finishing top of the group. Southgate also had two plastic glasses thrown at him by disgruntled fans.

Watching Slovenia made your mind drift back to the days when England used to line up in the same 4-4-2 formation, a formation which will surely come back into fashion one day. There is no way an England side with a strike partnership of Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins or Kane and Ivan Toney would so ineffective against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia. Surely Kane would be much more at home and dangerous linking up with a strike partner rather than dropping deep or leading the press – or closing down as it used to be called in the old days.

So, what next for Southgate? Sunday’s game could be his final game as England manager. Even though the FA want him to stay, it is difficult to see how he will continue in the job long-term. Southgate will be asked about his future when he speaks to the media on Saturday. He will say the focus has to be on the crucial game the following day.

That will be the right answer. Southgate never wants to make anything about him. The team always comes first. In the meantime he has to find that missing spark. Otherwise he’ll just be dancing in the dark.

England vs Slovenia player ratings: Phil Foden improved but Gareth Southgate’s side still searching for spark | Football News

On: June 26, 2024 By: admin

England have topped Group C after a goalless draw against Slovenia – ranked 57th in the world – who also sealed progression as the pool’s third-placed side.

Here, Sky Sports rates the England players’ performances in Cologne…

Jordan Pickford – 6

Only had one save to make. Can be assured of being busier as the tournament progresses, but swept up well enough.

Kyle Walker – 6

Plays the role of covering defender, utilising his electric pace, really well – which was needed in the opening exchanges. Got more to give going forwards, and will undoubtedly be tested with greater frequency in the knockout phase.

John Stones – 6

The positive: England have only conceded 1.13 xGA all tournament. The pragmatic: still waiting for the ‘step out of defence Stones’ we see playing regularly for Manchester City in the Premier League to show up. Perhaps he’s under instruction to be cautious but there’s more to offer, surely? A calming voice, nonetheless.

Marc Guehi – 7

Solid. Questions were asked of his positional intelligence a few times in the first half and he passed with flying colours – front-footed too. Any signs of a flap on his major tournament debut? Not yet, albeit he did pick up a yellow card following a rare mix-up with Stones.

Kieran Tripper – 6

Got booked for an early foul and was caught upfield on a few occasions. Much brighter on the ball, teasing a particularly good cross from the left towards Kane first half, and linked productively with Foden in fleeting moments.

Declan Rice – 6

Fluency in midfield remains a problem, and dare we say it, Rice is missing his mate. No one is suggesting Kalvin Phillips was in any condition to feature at this tournament but familiarity, or lack of, is a major problem for England. No connections, no creativity. As Gary Neville summarised during ITV’s half-time analysis, England look “basic”, and ideas are lacking most in the middle third of the pitch. Did improve as the game went on.

Conor Gallagher – 5

Sloppy. Lost the ball more times than he retained it, but was, at least, aggressive and combative out of possession. Hooked at half-time does not exactly scream positivity, though.

Jude Bellingham – 6

Untidy in possession, and failed, for the most part, to recover his composure. Anonymous after half time. We’d like Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham to arrive in Germany, please.

Bukayo Saka – 7

Typically energetic. Wanted the ball, and was positive with it. Perhaps lacking in end product but remains one of England’s brighter sparks.

Harry Kane – 6

Kane’s first touch inside the box came in the 28th minute but he lost the ball. Six more followed, none managed to make an impact. Plenty of huff and puff but questions will remain over the captain’s fitness following another indifferent display. England have generated the fourth-worst combined xG (2.26) of any team at the tournament.

Phil Foden – 7

Willing to run behind, with Kane dropping ever deeper to link play. Bit of quick movement and ingenuity nearly produced the opening goal, which Saka rounded off before the offside flag was raised. By far England’s most dynamic attacking threat.

Substitutes

Kobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher) – 7

Confident. Tried to change the pace of England’s passing to good effect. Ready to run, happy to receive the ball in tight areas, and looked to play forwards. Improved midfield balance too – got to be in with a shout of starting in the last-16 game this weekend.

Cole Palmer (for Saka) – 7

Positive. Direct. Gave England’s flank a different dimension. Shot in stoppage time lacked conviction but at least he was well-placed to take it on. He’s unpredictable in the very best way.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Trippier) – n/a

Confirmed: the midfield experiment is over. Alexander-Arnold spent the final six minutes of this game at full-back.

Anthony Gordon (for Foden) – n/a

Despite coming on at 89 minutes, Gordon created more chances (one) than Saka, Gallagher and Bellingham combined (zero).

Premier League clubs Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham battle for Jonathan David – Paper Talk | Football News

On: June 26, 2024 By: admin

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

THE GUARDIAN

Jonathan David is the subject of a Premier League tug-of-war with Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham all interested in the Canada forward.

Manchester United are moving their women’s team into portable buildings at their Carrington training complex this season to allow the men’s squad to use their facilities during renovation works.

Historic Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem face bankruptcy after having their professional football licence revoked for failing to submit the correct documentation before last week’s deadline.

DAILY MAIL

Barcelona have held talks with Hull City over a shock move for young forward Jaden Philogene according to reports in Spain.

Germany’s Euro 2024 plans have been affected by what is being termed a “mosquito plague” at their Herzogenaurach training base which has forced more work than is ideal having to be done inside.

Former Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi has retired from professional football and taken on a role as part of Germany’s U17 coaching staff.

THE SUN

Manchester United could enter the race to sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin if they are unable to get a deal with Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee over the line.

Nottingham Forest are lining up a sensational move for their former striker Michail Antonio, who is also attracting interest from German side RB Leipzig.

TALKSPORT

Arsenal are reported to have placed a £50m price tag on striker Eddie Nketiah.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

British & Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell will have complete freedom over selection for next summer’s tour of Australia, with no pressure to select players from all four home nations or restrictions on those playing in France, opening up the chance to select his son Owen.

DAILY MIRROR

German police are reportedly investigating an incident which saw a Croatia fan bitten by another as they fought to get hold of Luka Ivanusec’s shirt following the 1-1 draw with Italy.

THE TIMES

John McEnroe believes Wimbledon and other Grand Slam tournaments should do away with fifth sets and replace them with 10-point tie-breaks.

DAILY RECORD

Jack Butland is set to be named as Rangers captain if James Tavernier leaves Ibrox this summer, potentially for a reunion with Steven Gerrard at Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq.

Sead Haksabanovic’s unhappy spell at Celtic is coming to a close after a deal was agreed to send the Montenegro international to Swedish champions Malmo.

Ross County are weighing up a move for midfielder Charlie Telfer, who will be a free agent after the end of his contract at Airdrie.

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.

Gary Neville: Changes made ‘basic’ England better against Slovenia | Kobbie Mainoo will start last-16 tie | Football News

On: June 25, 2024 By: admin

Gareth Southgate’s second-half substitutions improved England’s lacklustre performance in their draw with Slovenia, with Kobbie Mainoo now sure to start the last-16 clash on Sunday, according to Gary Neville.

Despite winning Group C, England were largely frustrated by a disciplined Slovenia in Cologne in their final group game on Tuesday night and now face the prospect of taking on the Netherlands in their first knockout game on Sunday afternoon.

Having struggled to create any clear-cut openings in the first half at the RheinEnergieStadion, apart from having a Bukayo Saka strike ruled out for offside, Southgate made a change at half-time and brought on Mainoo in place of a disappointing Conor Gallagher.

The Manchester United midfielder made an impact in the second period, improving England’s stuttering display and Neville believes he will now definitely start Sunday’s last-16 clash in Gelsenkirchen.

“Every time England made a change, they got better,” the former England defender told ITV Sport.

“I am certain Mainoo will start the next game. Southgate thought Gallagher was the option for the energy, but it was quite obvious we needed someone on there to get us playing and Adam Wharton is capable of doing that as well.”

As well as Mainoo, Southgate also introduced Cole Palmer in place of Saka with 20 minutes left to play, with the Chelsea forward also catching the eye by improving England’s attacking play.

“The more substitutions we made, the less rigid we looked. We looked so basic in the first half, it was a struggle to watch that and I think we moved forward in the second half,” Neville added.

“We did not get the result, but there were glimpses of what we can be.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon also both came on late and Neville urged the England manager not to waste the talent he has in the squad.

“You mention Alexander-Arnold, Palmer, [Jude] Bellingham, Saka, Mainoo, [Phil] Foden – these are massive talents and we really cannot mishandle these talents, we really will regret it, and Gareth will as well,” said Neville.

“All I would say ahead of Sunday is these lads are there and staring him in the face now, they have come on in the second half and improved us enormously. They are our best technical players and the ones who look the most comfortable on the ball and make us look like a team.

“We looked so basic in the first half and that is being kind. That is the rigid England we have seen in every single tournament going back 20 years and that second half looked like they were playing with a bit of flow.

“We are the only country in the world where we regularly ask: ‘where can we fit this player into our team? Where is Bellingham going to fit in? How can we get him in? How are we going to get Foden, or Palmer in?

“Every other country seems to get them in, but we struggle to and we have to get them in.”

Roy Keane agreed with Neville about Mainoo and Palmer’s impact as second-half substitutions against Slovenia.

“Mainoo looked very comfortable on the ball, but the one I’m always excited about seeing is Palmer and I know we all wondered why he did not come on the first or second game,” said the former Republic of Ireland captain.

“But when he came on, every time he got the ball you thought something was going to happen, so there was certainly more flow to the game in the last 15-20 minutes, but still no end product and they did not really test the goalkeeper.

“But there were one or two positives, the clean sheet, but they need to show a little bit more quality in the attacking areas.”

Gareth Southgate after Slovenia draw: So many things coming together for England | Football News

On: June 25, 2024 By: admin

Gareth Southgate believes “so many things are starting to come together” for England after they topped Group C with a 0-0 draw with Slovenia.

Despite failing to fully impress once again, another blank between Denmark and Serbia in Munich meant Southgate’s men finished on top of Group C with five points from three games.

England will have to wait until Wednesday to know for sure their last-16 opponents as Netherlands or the third-placed team in Group E await at the weekend.

“I understand some of the reactions but it’s a strange environment we’re playing in,” said Southgate.

“I thought we were much improved with the ball, we’ve created some good openings and at the moment it’s hard work for us because we’re not quite getting that break in front of goal.

“So many things are starting to come together. We had a lot of issues coming into the tournament and today we looked more dangerous, we had a good impact from our substitutes, and we’ve got just now to convert our chances.”

Southgate singled out Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer for particular praise after the pair came off the bench late in the game and injected new life into the England front line.

“They [Mainoo and Palmer] are really young players so we’re balancing blooding them in a different environment, but they had a really good impact when they came on and used the ball really well,” Southgate added.

Stones: A lot of improvement

“I think we all wanted to win,” John Stones told ITV.

“But the objective was to top the group and we have done that so I am extremely pleased. It is not always going to be an easy road and it is not going to be easy when everyone has got a target on our backs to beat us.

“Two clean sheets out of three is a great positive for us to take into the next stage and I thought there was a lot of improvement from the previous two games.

“We tried to be more free-flowing and I thought we did that, found people in the pockets, created more chances and I believe it is another step in the right direction.

“I understand some of the fans’ frustration with us not scoring, not taking our chances. That’s football. We left everything out there and it is never an easy game.”

Manuel Ugarte: Manchester United interested in signing Paris Saint-German midfielder this summer | Football News

On: June 25, 2024 By: admin

Manchester United are interested in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, with the Uruguay international one of a number of players they are looking at.

Man Utd want to sign a new central midfielder this summer.

Ugarte, who is part of Uruguay’s Copa America squad, made 34 appearances in all competitions for PSG last season.

The 23-year-old joined the French champions from Sporting Lisbon for a reported £51.1m last summer, with his contract at the Parc des Princes running until June 2028.

Man Utd’s other main priorities this summer are a new striker and central defender.

Man Utd continue Zirkzee talks

United remain in talks with the representatives of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, with the club prepared to pay his €40m (£33.8m) release clause.

Discussions are ongoing over a move for the Netherlands striker, who is currently at Euro 2024 in Germany.

It will then be up to the 23-year-old and his representatives to decide if they want to speak to United over a potential move.

United have other targets if a move for Zirkzee doesn’t materialise.

Arsenal are also said to be interested in the ex-Bayern Munich forward, while AC Milan were close to agreeing a deal earlier this summer, which means United could face competition for Zirkzee.

Man Utd remain interested in Branthwaite

United are also still interested in Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite but have yet to follow up their initial offer, which was rejected.

The England defender remains a primary target – but as yet, there is no indication from Everton that their £70m asking price will be reduced.

United will not go back in for Branthwaite unless they receive assurances that Everton are willing to budge on the transfer fee.

Everton rejected United’s initial offer thought to be worth £35m plus add-ons, and United are reluctant to be drawn into a long-running saga.

Man Utd interested in Lille duo

Erik ten Hag’s side have also made initial contact with Lille over the signing of central defender Leny Yoro.

The 18-year-old is among a number of young centre-backs United are looking at.

Centre-back is thought to be a priority position, with Raphael Varane leaving as a free agent at the end of the month. Victor Lindelof is also attracting interest from Turkish club Fenerbahce.

Man Utd are also among the Premier League clubs interested in Yoro’s Lille team-mate Jonathan David, who is in the final year of his contract.

Chelsea and West Ham are also understood to be interested in the Canadian forward but as yet there has been no club-to-club contact.

Earlier this month, Lille President Olivier Letang said both Yoro and David would be allowed to leave in this transfer window.

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.