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Bukayo Saka exorcises England penalty demons against Switzerland: ‘I believed in myself’ | Football News

On: July 7, 2024 By: admin

Bukayo Saka said he had belief in himself as he capped a player-of-the-match performance by scoring in England’s Euro 2024 shoot-out win over Switzerland to banish his penalty demons from three years ago.

Not only did Saka equalise for England with a fine individual strike to cancel out Breel Embolo’s opener – to make it 1-1 and take the match to extra-time – he took the third of the five penalties which were all scored by Gareth Southgate’s side to secure a 5-3 win in the shoot-out and a semi-final showdown with Netherlands.

Saka was one of three players who missed from the penalty spot in the Euro 2020 final loss to Italy at Wembley in July 2021 and, as well as Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, who were the other takers who failed from 12 yards, was racially abused online in the aftermath.

Since then the 22-year-old Arsenal forward has morphed into a key player for club and country, scoring 10 of the 11 penalties he has taken for the Gunners following the harrowing experience.

“I think for me it’s something I embrace,” he said about exorcising his demons.

“You can fail once but you have a choice whether you put yourself in that position again or not. I’m a guy who is going to put myself in that position. I believed in myself.

“When I saw the ball hit the net, I was a very happy man.

“I’m not going to be focusing on the past. That’s done. I can only focus on now and taking a penalty.

“Of course I know there’s a lot of nervous people watching, my family included, and in the crowd. But I kept my cool and I scored.”

‘Two more games to change our lives’

While Saka is Arsenal’s regular penalty taker, Southgate now has an embarrassment of riches from the spot as Cole Palmer and Ivan Toney are also the defacto first-choice takers for Chelsea and Brentford respectively and both converted in Dusseldorf.

Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold made it a perfect shoot-out for England, with Jordan Pickford’s save from Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji proving the difference.

“For myself, I believe we have some of the best takers in the Premier League and the world,” added Saka.

“We talked about it before that if it did go to penalties, we would be pretty confident. I’m happy we showed that, we scored five out of five. We’re through to the next round.

“We know there are two more games until we can change our lives and make some history. We’re really focused on that.”

‘Starboy Saka lights a spark’

Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones on Saka’s standout performance against Switzerland:

The Starboy.

Starting as the right-wing back to many raised eyebrows. Saka vindicated Gareth Southgate’s decision to play him down that flank as he tore Michel Aebischer apart one-on-one. His three crosses in the first half, on another day, could have led to three goals. Aebischer was dribbled past five times in the first half, the joint most by a player in a match at Euro 2024.

This was the Saka we see week-in-week-out at Arsenal, epitomised by his super-cool goal and immense penalty in the shoot-out.

This was redemption. A performance for the ages.

Kane praises Saka’s mentality

England captain Harry Kane on Saka’s performance against Switzerland:

“What a performance in the whole game [from Saka].

“Playing in a position he’s played before but not used to playing, he was our real outlet with the ball.

“He caused them problems the whole game and got the goal he fully deserved with a fantastic finish. He got us back in the game when we needed it most. But then without the ball as well, the work he put it, the shift he put in, the blocks and the tackles right up until the 120th minute.

“Then to step up in the shoot-out the way he did. I know the mentality he has and that he would be comfortable in that situation, despite what has happened in the past.

“He prepares really well for moments like that and he executed it perfectly. It was a fantastic night for him and he fully deserves it.”

‘Saka was the best player on the pitch’

Sky Sports News chief news reporter Kaveh Solhekol:

“Saka was absolutely brilliant. He was the best player on the pitch, even before the penalty and the redemption story surrounding his spot-kick.

“During normal time and extra-time he was exceptional.

“He was asked to play as a wing-back on the right. It’s not his favourite position but he didn’t put a foot wrong.

“Going forward, he was direct, his first touch was exceptional and the ball seemed to stick to him. He didn’t really have to do much defending because, for most of the game, he was the one threatening his opposite number. But, when he did have to defend, he did a really good job.

“It was an all-action display from him and it was capped by a goal made by Arsenal as he received the ball from Declan Rice before the midfielder made a good decoy run which just opened up the space for Saka.

“Then there was the penalty shoot-out. When Saka was walking up to take his penalty, I think every England fan inside that stadium and everyone watching at home was just thinking about what happened three years ago when he missed in the Euro 2020 final against Italy and the disgraceful racist abuse that he had to put up with on social media. You were just hoping he scored because we didn’t want to be revisiting what happened. We didn’t want to be talking about that again or have any of those issues again.

“Thankfully, he was just so cool and he was so calm.”

Nev on England’s penalty success: ‘There’s clear plan’

Reflecting on England’s penalty shoot-out – the first time the country has ever converted all five of their kicks – Gary Neville praised the mentality of the players but also the preparation and experience they have in that situation.

“I don’t think the fear ever goes for those players stepping up, but there’s no doubt they’re in a better place than we have been as a country in the past,” he said.

“There is a clear plan of who is going to take them, a clear plan for the ‘keeper in which way he’s going to dive – I know that’s not new but everything is well thought out.

“You need people on the pitch who have been in that position before, who take penalties naturally. That’s what we had – five guys who have been comfortable taking a spot-kick.

“I know there is the added pressure of being in a tournament but if you have that repetitive experience you’ve had before it definitely helps.

“There were times when we were playing for England where there were lads stepping up who hadn’t taken a pen for 15 years since they were a kid.”

Saka shows his mettle and quality

Analysis by Sky Sports’ Nick Wright:

England would not be celebrating a place in the last four without Saka. The Arsenal forward, England’s most dangerous player, even playing as a wing-back, scored a stunning equaliser during a player-of-the-match performance in Dusseldorf.

Even more impressive, though, was his willingness to then step up and take one of England’s penalties in the shoot-out, only three years after the miss that proved so costly in the final of Euro 2020. Not only that, he converted it too, demonstrating his quality and mettle to help England get over the line.

Who plays who in the semi-finals?

England reporter notebook: Problems remain but the joy is back for England after shoot-out win over Switzerland | Football News

On: July 7, 2024 By: admin

The joy has returned to this England camp.

It is a joy that has permeated the majority of Gareth Southgate’s century of matches. A joyousness that the England manager has strived so hard to nurture. The joy which was disintegrating towards the end of a turgid last-16 game against Slovakia. It’s back. The joy is back.

The players have talked a good game throughout: “special bunch of lads”, “love spending time together”, “oblivious to the negativity outside”, “belief has never been stronger”. There’s been a consistent, almost monotonous message of positivity and unity exuding from the England squad ever since they first joined up at St George’s Park on May 28, well-nigh six weeks ago.

But until now, you didn’t quite believe it.

On the pitch, there has been obvious malcontent. Spats between John Stones and Kyle Walker. Jordan Pickford ranting regularly at his full-backs. Declan Rice frantically gesticulating towards team-mates. Jude Bellingham throwing his arms up in despair.

But finally, inside the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf, the unbridled joy and unity was there for all to see. The players embraced and danced and sang along with the tens of thousands of England supporters who spilled in a frothing mass of exultation in front of them. They were joined by the manager, 100 games in and still going. Strong-ish.

Southgate had been forced to cower under a shower of plastic cups and abuse that rained down on him from some fans as he left the pitch in Cologne after the dismal 0-0 draw with Slovenia. That was just two weeks ago. Now here he was, orchestrating the crowd, roaring back at them, applauding their loyalty. Boy, how the mood has changed.

Let’s have it right – there are still a host of problems within this England team and the way they are playing. Problems which could be horribly exposed against a strong Netherlands team on Wednesday in Dortmund. But you cannot help feeling that this team now has a special momentum, having reached just about as close to rock bottom as you can get, and escaping. Twice.

Perfect penalties

Penalties do not hold the same fear for this current generation of England players. That is some statement in its own right. England’s horrible history with spot-kicks is written large into the fabric of our national sport. But what we saw in Dusseldorf was very different. In so many ways it was restorative, and it was special.

The captain, Harry Kane, admitted as much when I spoke to him post-match – and he, England’s best penalty taker, was forced to watch along with the rest of us tortured souls from the pitch side.

Cole Palmer – yet to start a game in this or any major tournament – stepped up first. Ice-cold Cole.

Jordan Pickford displayed all the antics he has learned from so many spot-kicks of the past. He told me post-match that the referee had threatened to book him if he didn’t get back on his line quicker. Treading that fine line. His famous water bottle – a miniaturised encyclopaedia of which Swiss players would shoot where – was bang on. It said Manuel Akanji would go to his left. Pickford dived left. England were ahead.

Jude Bellingham did as was expected. Class personified. No drama or surprise there.

And then there was Bukayo Saka. A man who has become the figurehead of resilience and positivity in this England squad. A shining light for our society, in so many ways. He was the best player on the pitch in the quarter-final. He scored the equaliser with a brilliantly cultured curler. And he stood up to be counted – again – on the biggest stage, when his last Euros shoot-out had ended in devastation, and a horrific raft of criminal, racist abuse.

When he scored, with such defiant aplomb, the entire English media pack around me rose as one to herald him. That is not something you see often. It is frowned upon by UEFA. Journalists are supposed to be neutral, professional, reserved. So to see each man and woman in the media tribune roaring their unanimous approval and affection for Saka – it felt like redemption. It felt special.

Ivan Toney told me after the game that he didn’t feel any more nerves than he did when taking a penalty for Brentford. He looked in the goalkeeper’s eyes, waited for Yann Sommer to move, and stroked the ball without even looking at it. Extraordinary.

Then came Trent Alexander-Arnold – the man who had looked broken when I saw him walk towards the England bus after he’d been unceremoniously substituted shortly after half-time against Denmark in Game Two. England’s best ball-striker couldn’t miss, could he? Nope. Game over.

Five perfect penalties. One superb save. England were through.

Tired bodies – but 3-2-4-1 must stay

So what comes next? Well, the toughest thing for England now is recovery. Two successive games of 120 minutes. Two games which have been incredibly draining both physically and emotionally. Pickford told me England had been through the trenches. They need time to rejuvenate. But they don’t have time.

Whereas there was a six-day gap building up to the quarter-final against Switzerland, there is just a three-day gap before Netherlands in the semi-final. Half as much time to recover and prepare.

The good news is, Southgate seems to have struck a new system that allowed his players to perform at a much higher standard. The manager and his assistant Steve Holland deserve huge credit for that. In the space of three days, they ripped up the plan that had personified England’s tactics for the best part of three years, and they started again with a new formation, a new way of playing. Their performance against Switzerland for much of the 90 minutes was their best of the tournament. 3-2-4-1 must stay.

For the first time, England had width. Kieran Trippier and Saka hugged the touchline. England found it much easier to get out of defence, and the interminable backwards and sideways passing that had punctuated their first four games was much more rarely seen. I still have concerns about the big gaps that the formation creates in the middle of midfield. But Kobbie Mainoo was hugely impressive alongside Declan Rice in plugging those gaps and getting England ticking.

The fact that England were so dominant for three-quarters of the quarter-final, and yet still had no shot on target before Saka’s equaliser, is a major worry. It is inexplicable. On several occasions, Saka got goal-side of Michel Aebischer, only for his cut-back to find no England foot.

Kane still isn’t right, physically, I am sure of it. He would have gobbled up one or two of those crosses if he was. Bellingham and Phil Foden must do much more with their runs into the box. Foden in particular must recapture his goalscoring genius for Manchester City, if he is to help England to a Euros crown.

Nevertheless, he impressed me with his link-up play. I don’t think he has had a bad game for England in the last few matches, and his influence is growing. The understanding and communication between the two ‘number 10s’ worked.

Southgate’s Shaw dilemma

Southgate has a huge call to make about Luke Shaw. The plan was to give him 15 minutes of action as he recovers from a hamstring injury that has starved him of any football since mid-February. He played 45 minutes against Switzerland. How has that affected him physically? Is he stronger or weaker for the experience? Only Southgate and his medics will know. The manager will then have to decide if Shaw can start a high-intensity semi-final, four days after his first game in almost five months. That would be a huge, huge ask.

His left foot on the left flank would be a big plus. Trippier has been hugely impressive in his reliability and his versatility. He has been a stalwart of the Southgate era. But he is a right-back, playing on the left flank. I suspect he might keep his place for the semi-final.

Monday and Tuesday will be big days for England. They are the only training days they have to perfect their tactics for Netherlands. And, knowing Southgate’s schedules, Monday will be an introduction to his and assistant Steve Holland’s thinking, before plans are finalised on Tuesday.

Even for England’s harshest critics – of whom there were many in white shirts that I spoke to in the bars of Dusseldorf leading up to the quarter-final – they surely must be full of admiration for the sheer guts and character that this team has shown. A 96th-minute overhead kick to keep them in the tournament, then a spotless set of spot-kicks in the quarter-final to help them progress.

Out of almost sheer willpower, England have dragged themselves to a major semi-final, having won just one of their five matches in 90 minutes.

That character and never-say-die determination should not be underestimated. It won’t be enough, on its own, to nobble Netherlands. But it’s got them this far, and they are now just one match away from a Euros final in Berlin.

Who plays who in the semi-finals?

Gareth Southgate: Did the England boss get lucky or does he deserve credit for Euro 2024 win over Switzerland? | Football News

On: July 7, 2024 By: admin

England’s prospects looked bleak when Breel Embolo poked in Switzerland’s 75th-minute opening goal in Dusseldorf. Gareth Southgate, overseeing his 100th game in charge of the national side, was staring at the very real possibility of it being his last.

Later, in the warm glow of victory, he would talk up the performance as England’s best of the tournament so far. But at that point, a goal down with 15 minutes to go, his side were yet to even muster a shot on target. Improved, maybe, but with little to show for it.

As in the last-16 against Slovakia, though, when Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick forced extra-time, England only needed one to make the breakthrough, Bukayo Saka the scorer this time as his stunning strike, having cut inside from the right, crashed in off the post.

It felt like he had got Southgate out of jail. This, even more than Bellingham’s goal against Slovakia, came out of nothing; a flash of individual brilliance in another blunt collective display.

But it should be noted, too, that it would not have occurred at all had his manager heeded widespread calls to move Saka to the left rather than persist with him on his preferred side.

So, did Southgate get lucky or does he deserve credit?

Maybe both things are true. Maybe it doesn’t matter anyway. The key point, after all, is that, following a penalty shootout in which the coolness of England’s takers bore stark contrast to the nerves of those watching, they are in the last four, the dream still alive.

Fans are entitled to wonder, though, why, as Switzerland boss Murat Yakin made early changes, Embolo’s opener arriving roughly 10 minutes after the introductions of Steven Zuber and Silvan Widmer, Southgate again delayed, not making his first substitutions until England had fallen behind.

This apparent inertia has become a feature not just of this tournament but Southgate’s tenure as a whole. And yet, as against Slovakia, when he himself admitted Ivan Toney’s displeasure at only being sent on in stoppage time, it all worked out in the end.

Southgate could point to Toney’s role in Harry Kane’s extra-time winner in that game. Against Switzerland, he can point to the fact that, in Cole Palmer, Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold, three of his substitutes, once they finally made it on, scored in the shootout.

Should it be this difficult? Southgate has been at pains to point out that performances and playing style only count for so much at major tournaments. But England, while successful to this point, have made the supposedly easy side of the draw look anything but.

For all their attacking talent, they remain oddly listless in front of goal. England are semi-finalists and yet they rank 12th among the 26 teams at the tournament for shots on target, below four sides who played fewer games. They rank in the same place for expected goals.

The numbers look even less inspiring when taking the two knockout ties in isolation. England have generated chances worth a meagre combined total of 2.18 xG despite twice going to extra-time. Their three goals have come from only five shots on target in 240 minutes of action plus stoppage time.

England have only won one of their five games in 90 minutes and even that, the 1-0 victory over Serbia in their opening group fixture, felt like a struggle after a promising start. Most fans would agree it has felt like a struggle watching the subsequent games too.

At times, Southgate has seemingly floundered.

His Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment was abandoned after two games. The chosen replacement, Conor Gallagher, only lasted 45 minutes of the goalless draw against Slovenia.

Some of his consistent calls, such as his continued use of Kieran Trippier on the left and his persistence with an out-of-sorts Kane up front, have invited even more scrutiny.

Ultimately, though, for Southgate, and regardless of what happens next, England’s presence in the last four represents a continuation of a fine record at World Cups and European Championships.

England have never previously reached the quarter-finals of four consecutive major tournaments, as they have under Southgate. This is the third time he has led them to a semi-final. There is frustration that silverware is yet to arrive but his achievements already outstrip those of his more illustrious predecessors.

His in-game decision-making remains an area of concern and it will be more sternly tested by a stronger opponent in the Netherlands. But England’s coolly-dispatched penalties underlined the quality of their preparation and the manner in which their mentality has been overhauled. Another late comeback showed their spirit.

Southgate has issues to address and questions to answer but he is responsible for that preparation. He has fostered that spirit.

This England side are far from perfect. The truth is they have progressed to the last four in spite of their performances rather than because of them. But they are there, with a chance of going further. Southgate will make it to 101 games as a minimum.

Manchester United are finally set to offload Donny van de Beek this summer – Paper Talk | Football News

On: July 7, 2024 By: admin

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

MAIL ON SUNDAY

Manchester United are finally set to offload Donny van de Beek this summer according to reports in Spain.

Rio Ferdinand was among the pundits heaping praise on Kobbie Mainoo after his impressive first-half display against Switzerland.

Pep Guardiola and his wife were among the special guests to watch Saturday’s match between Cameron Norrie and Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon, as the Manchester City manager joined the likes of Ben Stokes and Leah Williamson in Centre Court’s Royal Box.

THE SUN ON SUNDAY

Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori has reportedly agreed personal terms with Arsenal.

SUNDAY MIRROR

Manchester United are confident of signing Matthijs de Ligt in a deal worth around £43million after manager Erik ten Hag stepped up his charm offensive to take the Bayern Munich defender to Old Trafford.

Bukayo Saka grabbed his chance of redemption as England moved into the Euro semi-finals – and now the winger wants to make history.

Jordan Pickford’s water bottle provided all the answers as his Manuel Akanji prediction helped England beat Switzerland on penalties.

Wrexham have secured their third signing of the summer in bringing in Charlton Athletic captain George Dobson.

SUNDAY TIMES

Andy Murray has played his last Wimbledon match after Emma Raducanu withdrew from the mixed doubles in a decision that is understood to have disappointed the Murray camp, with his mother Judy describing it as “astonishing”.

STAR ON SUNDAY

Manchester City are increasingly concerned they will lose Ederson to the loaded Saudi Pro League this summer.

SUNDAY EXPRESS

Ivan Toney admits he is ‘very impatient’ as he waits for a start in England’s run to the Euro 2024 semi-finals. The Brentford striker replaced an off-colour Harry Kane to score in the shootout win over Switzerland on Saturday.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Iga Swiatek was booed by the crowd before being unceremoniously dumped out of Wimbledon after suffering a shock third-round defeat to world No 35 Yulia Putintseva.

SUNDAY RECORD

Celtic are back round the table with Benfica in a bid to thrash out a deal for Paulo Bernardo.

SCOTTISH SUN ON SUNDAY

Leicester City are joining the race for Celtic’s Matt O’Riley.

Brendan Rodgers has called for patience as he targets new players.

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.

Euro 2024: Gareth Southgate hails England’s ‘best performance’ of tournament after beating Switzerland to reach semi-finals | Football News

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

Gareth Southgate hailed England’s character after what he described as their best performance of Euro 2024 in the quarter-final penalty shootout win against Switzerland.

Bukayo Saka cancelled out Breel Embolo’s opener to take the game to extra-time and onto penalties where Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold all scored and Jordan Pickford saved Manuel Akanji’s opening effort for the Swiss as England reached the semi-finals.

It was a dramatic end to an edgy encounter and England’s first shoot-out win since beating the Swiss in the Nations League third-placed play-off five years ago in Portugal.

“I just thought the players were brilliant. It’s the best we have played,” Southgate told the BBC after the win.

“I thought we caused them a lot of problems. They are a really good side. They are hard to press, they are hard to defend against, their movement is good.

“To come from behind again and show the character and resilience we did, talking to the players about that, winning tournaments isn’t just about playing well. It’s not just about that. You’ve got to show other attributes to win and we showed them all tonight.

“We played well today and we had to be tactically spot on. I don’t know what people think of us but we are in a third semi-final, so that says a lot about the group.

“We knew we needed to get pressure on their back three and that’s not easy without changing the shape. I thought the players were disciplined with it.

“I thought Phil was a real problem for them to pick up, Kobbie and Jude were finding those gaps on the side of their block. I thought we had good control. For some of the balls into the box, we probably needed more men in the box, but l thought it was the best that we have played.”

Southgate: No doubting Saka would take a pen

Saka missed the decisive penalty in the final of the last Euros against Italy at Wembley Stadium in 2021 as England fell just short in this competition last time around.

On Saka stepping up to take a penalty in the shootout and scoring this time, Southgate said: “So brave. He is one of our best, so we were never in any question that he was going to take one. But we all know what he went through.

“To deliver as he did…. But not just him, Trent and Ivan, to come on and take them as they did; Cole, he’s like an old man in the way he is fearless. So a huge result for us, a huge performance, and we’re still in it.

“We played well today and we had to be tactically spot on. I don’t know what people think of us but we are in a third semi-final, so that says a lot about the group.”

Analysis: Saka shows his mettle and quality

England would not be celebrating a place in the last four without Bukayo Saka. The Arsenal forward, England’s most dangerous player throughout the contest, scored a stunning equaliser during a player-of-the-match performance in Dusseldorf.

Even more impressive, though, was his willingness to then step up and take one of England’s penalties in the shootout, only three years after the miss that proved so costly in the final of Euro 2020. Not only that, he converted it too, demonstrating his quality and mettle to help England get over the line.

England player ratings: The Starboy! Bukayo Saka lights a spark for Gareth Southgate | Football News

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

England stayed cool from the penalty spot to secure a place in the semi-finals at Euro 2024 – one man, a Starboy, stood head and shoulders above the rest.

England advanced to the semi-finals as Jordan Pickford’s save from Manuel Akanji’s spot-kick proved decisive following a 1-1 draw where Bukayo Saka found his spark.

Here, Sky Sports rates the England players and you too can rate all of them below…

Jordan Pickford – 8

Faultless whenever called upon in an England jersey although Xherdan Shaqiri’s cheeky effort that cannoned off the bar almost gave him his England goalkeeper gaffe moment. Revelled in the theatrics of the penalty shootout, denying Manuel Akanji.

Kyle Walker – 6

Had one of his worst nights for England in the win over Slovakia but looked back to his reliable form in an England shirt. Kept it too safe with his play at times.

Ezri Konsa – 7

Only five caps but has already faced the challenge of Jeremy Doku and Vinicius Jnr in friendlies with England playing out of position at left-back, so this challenge didn’t look to faze him. Headed clear a dangerous cross early on and made another great block from Breel Embolo after 24 minutes. Handled the dangerous striker admirably but was harshly undone for the opening goal.

John Stones – 6

His missed clearance was a big factor in this match as Embolo slipped in to score – maybe harsh as otherwise he played with great assurance but this is the reality of knockout football.

Kieran Trippier – 6

Skinned by Dan Ndoye in a sprint in the first 10 minutes which looked ominous but he never got isolated again. Streetwise performance yet again from a player clearly playing out of position.

Bukayo Saka – 10

The Starboy.

Starting as the right-wing back to many raised eyebrows, Saka vindicated Gareth Southgate’s decision to play him down that flank as he tore Michel Aebischer apart one-on-one. His three crosses in the first half, on another day, could have led to three goals. Aebischer was dribbled past five times in the first half, the joint most by a player in a match at Euro 2024.

This was the Saka we see week-in-week-out at Arsenal, epitomised by his super-cool goal and immense penalty in the shootout.

This was redemption. A performance for the ages.

Declan Rice – 8

The rock of this England team. Showed up early with a great interception to set up a counter and continued to boss the midfield. As with most of his game, his long-range shooting is improving as Yann Sommer denied an expert effort from 30 yards in extra-time. Immense.

Kobbie Mainoo – 7

The second youngest England player at 19 years and 78 days old to start a major tournament quarter-final match and floated around like a devilishly talented operator, especially in the first half. Made a very important and underrated early clearance, played with the required hustle and bustle in midfield up against some senior opponents and broke the lines with some intelligent gliding runs. Faded after the break.

Jude Bellingham – 8

Looked fitter and more powerful than we’ve seen at this tournament – like the Real Madrid version of Bellingham. That was emphasised by a rainbow flick to skip away before an impeccable switch of play in the first half. A couple of balls dropped his way that might’ve had his name on but the Swiss blocked well to deny him.

There was no doubt when he stepped up in the shootout.

Phil Foden – 5

The shackles of playing on the left side of a team playing with no width were released and he looked far more comfortable darting in central areas. Pressed well out of possession. But yet again, failed to truly influence the game in the big moments.

Harry Kane – 5

Sluggish at times with his hold-up play. Seriously caught on his heels from a deadly Saka cross in the first half and just looked a yard off the pace throughout. Departed in extra-time, absolutely legless.

Subs

Cole Palmer (On for Ezri Konsa) – 7

Added energy and extra forward thinking with the ball. Stepped up first in the shootout, setting the tone for perfection.

Eberechi Eze (On for Kobbie Mainoo) – 7

Is having to learn on the job how to play left-wing back. Dragged a good opening wide after gliding into space down the left.

Luke Shaw (On for Kieran Trippier) – 8

The first sighting of him at this tournament. It was a welcome one. Two outstanding clearances in central areas towards the end of the second half, showcasing his ability to play as the third centre-back. Another fine clearance in extra-time.

Ivan Toney (On for Harry Kane) – 7

The no-look penalty was delivered on the international stage.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (On for Phil Foden) – 7

His best moment in an England shirt. A stunning penalty to win a shootout and to send a country potty.

Manager

Gareth Southgate – 8

His 100th match in charge of the England national team – the third manager to reach that milestone. Deserves praise for isolating the Swiss down the England right with the starboy Saka. Was a little reactive rather than proactive with his substitutions but got them right eventually. And to prepare his penalty takers with such confidence and aplomb deserves a huge amount of praise. He is still the one.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal striker ends Euro 2024 without a goal – is his international career over? | Football News

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

As sure as the sun rising in the east and setting in the west, Cristiano Ronaldo’s name appeared on Portugal’s team-sheet on Friday night. Perhaps for the last time. But there was no romanticism about his selection, Roberto Martinez wanted him there.

Only goalkeeper Diogo Costa played more minutes for Portugal this summer, as their tournament ceased with a 5-3 penalty shoot-out defeat to France. It felt like an abrupt end for one of the world’s greatest footballing talents, who shed more tears at these championships than he did much else.

This time, though, the tears were not Ronaldo’s. Instead, the Portugal captain’s role was to console a weeping Pepe as another painful quarter-final exit came into full focus.

Portugal generated an xG of 9.41 over the five games they played, but only scored three times (five if you include own goals scored by Czech Republic’s Robin Hranac and Turkey’s Samet Akaydin). Ronaldo’s personal tally amounted to zero.

Why, then, was the 39-year-old chosen to lead the line against France over the abundance of talent stationed on Portugal’s exceptionally-gifted bench? Neither Diogo Jota nor Goncalo Ramos even made it onto the pitch, despite the game going the full distance – Martinez persisted with his labouring frontman for the entire 120 minutes. Bruno Fernandes was replaced with 15 minutes to go, but not Ronaldo.

What is more alarming still, is that Portugal did not score at all during their final three fixtures. A 2-0 defeat to Georgia (with a severely-weakened side, that still included Ronaldo), was followed up by goalless stalemates against Slovenia and then fatefully France. Surely Martinez was feeling the heat? Or perhaps the Portuguese following, and press, are also afraid of what a Ronaldo backlash would do to the perceived stability of a side so often saved by their famed No 7.

Because, let’s face it, Ronaldo’s selection was not made on merit, it was dictated by the rigours of reputation. Martinez was scared to leave him out. Ronaldo’s unwavering self-belief in the face of mounting evidence to the contrary permeated all within the Portugal camp – there was little argument to be made. Certainly not one deemed valid enough to stand the great man down.

And so Jota, Ramos and co watched on as Ronaldo enjoyed six fewer touches of the ball than goalkeeper Costa – and less than any other Portuguese player. They agonised as Portugal created, backed up by superior xG data (1.84 to France’s 1.14), the more presentable chances of the two sides without finding the net. And finally, they despaired as France’s Theo Hernandez struck the decisive penalty.

Neither Jota, Ramos nor indeed any other forward-minded substitute – reserve some sympathy for Pedro Neto too – was afforded the chance to impact the game. And thus the fascination with Ronaldo – who did convert his spot-kick during the shoot-out – is again called into question. It remains a symptom of a wider stubbornness on both his and Portugal’s behalf. Neither he nor his country can move on from his glory days.

Ronaldo has represented Portugal at six European Championships and four World Cups. He holds the all-time record for most international goals with 130, and is his nation’s most-capped player (212). His overall total of 14 goals is the most ever at Euros finals – for context, France great Michel Platini is second with nine.

And maybe those facts provide as compelling a rationale as any as to why the Portugal manager stood by his talisman until the very last. But this, Ronaldo’s final Euros hurrah, has ended without an in-game goal, and surely, an unavoidable realisation that it is time to move on to the next generation.

Max Kilman to West Ham transfer: Julen Lopetegui’s move for underrated Wolves captain makes sense even at £40m | Football News

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

Steve Bull is surely Wolves’ greatest-ever signing, brought in for a pittance from West Bromwich Albion and going on to become the club’s all-time top scorer. But there are now 40 million reasons why Maximilian Kilman’s name is in the frame.

At 27, he departs Molineux for around 1,000 times the fee that was paid to Maidenhead for his services in 2018. He has been superb for Wolves, captaining the club this past season. The question now is whether he can be even better for West Ham United.

Kilman should not be underestimated. Even his colleagues have made that mistake in the past. A conversation with Jose Sa, in particular, comes to mind. The goalkeeper knew most of his new team-mates upon arrival but not the fresh-faced lad at the back.

“I talked with him,” he told Sky Sports. “I said, ‘Max, the first training session here, when I saw you, I said to myself that this guy cannot be a player’. In that first session, when we were defending, he did not run. I thought that was impossible. This guy doesn’t run!”

His confession to Kilman came months down the line by which point he had realised the truth. “I had to say sorry to him because after that first session all I was thinking was that he did not run and he did not tackle. I eat my words. He is amazing.”

Kilman is not a defender who tends to catch the eye with last-ditch tackles, although he did rank among the top three in the Premier League last season for headed clearances and possession won in the defensive third. It helps that he did not miss a single minute.

His strength, alongside this unusual durability, is his calmness in defence. It has become something of a running joke that references to Kilman’s rise cannot ignore his time playing futsal for England but it is an inescapable element of his development.

A different kind of defender?

Michael Skubala, now head coach of League One side Lincoln City, was the England futsal manager during Kilman’s time in that game. Speaking to him when Kilman first emerged at Wolves, Skubala told Sky Sports: “His journey is quite unique in England.”

He added: “Max did not do futsal within a football environment, he did futsal within a futsal environment. That is to say, he had come out of the professional football system and was in the futsal system being coached by futsal coaches.”

That meant that he was not your average non-League centre-back. He was exposed to another style of play throughout. “By twin-tracking, he was getting all of these elements and he was doing it for years. He used futsal to make him a better footballer.”

And he used his early football career to prepare him for the physicality that futsal could not. Skubala called it “getting across the grass” in reference to making that adjustment to the wide-open spaces of the football pitch. A loan to Marlow helped him progress.

Mark Bartley, his manager there, explained: “You do not need to be crashing into tackles to impose your physicality on a game and ball retention comes naturally to him. A lot of players who step up have to adapt but moving the ball quickly is part of his make-up.

“He has great ball-manipulation skills. He can draw opponents into certain areas and then just manoeuvre his way out of them. It catches you off guard because it is that old cliche, good feet for a big man, but he does have tremendous feet.”

Skubala agreed. “He is really good at rolling out of pressure. He never gave the ball away in tight areas. You could always rely on him security-wise to keep possession of the ball.” Those qualities have remained a feature of his game even at Premier League level.

Lopetegui’s plans for Kilman?

Positionally, it will be interesting to see what Lopetegui has planned for him at West Ham. The most obvious explanation for the appetite for his acquisition would be the exit of the left-footed Nayef Aguerd, opening up a like-for-like space in the Irons’ squad.

Could Kilman partner Konstantinos Mavropanos in a new-look West Ham central defence? Initial reports indicate that Lopetegui is open-minded about it and will assess the situation during pre-season, something possible because of Kilman’s flexibility.

For instance, Nuno Espirito Santo and Bruno Lage both used Kilman on the right of a back three despite being a natural left-footer. Playing on the opposite side allowed him to collect the ball and then carry it forward with a pass out wide easily available.

Asking Lage about this at the time, he explained: “He drives with the ball. He goes inside and when the guys come towards him he finds the spaces.” Gary O’Neil would later shift Kilman back to the right of a three-man build-up, again hailing his adaptability.

Putting that position question to O’Neil, he said: “Sometimes I really like him on the right because he gives us different solutions. And then sometimes he gets the ball and I think we could do with a right-footer there. That he can do both is important.”

Lopetegui, Kilman’s manager at Wolves in between Lage and O’Neil, had a more conventional approach. He deployed him as the left-sided centre-back in a four-man defence. Kilman was part of eight clean sheets in his 11 home games under Lopetegui.

The new West Ham manager was impressed by his work ethic and his character, as well as his willingness to take on new ideas. A relative introvert, he has added even more to his game under O’Neil, taking on greater responsibility as a leader in the dressing room.

Lopetegui is banking on all of that to help make a difference as he prepares for his first full season as a Premier League manager. He believes Kilman’s peak years are upon us and it would not be a huge shock if that England call-up soon comes.

Wolves may welcome the fee but they will miss the player. There will be more spectacular signings this summer but few more sensible. This is a defender with no obvious weaknesses in his game. Lopetegui and West Ham will be the beneficiaries.

Scott Parker: Burnley announce former Bournemouth and Fulham boss as new head coach to replace Vincent Kompany | Football News

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

Burnley have appointed Scott Parker as their new head coach.

Sky Sports News understands Parker has signed a three-year contract at Turf Moor and replaces Vincent Kompany, who departed for Bayern Munich.

It is Parker’s first role back in England following his sacking from Bournemouth in August 2022, having led the club to Premier League promotion. He also won the Championship play-offs with Fulham in 2020.

His last role in management was an ill-fated 12-game stint at Belgian side Club Brugge between December 2022 and March 2023.

“I have been speaking with Burnley for some time now which has been a positive thing as I’ve now got a real feel for the people around the club,” Parker said.

“To be around the training ground now you start to get that feeling again and I can’t wait to get on the training field and start work!

“For us to be successful this year is the most important thing. We have to win and build a team the fans and club can be proud of. This team can represent every single one of them in that aspect and that’s the aim.”

Burnley chairman Alan Pace believes Parker’s “track record of success” was important in the Clarets hiring their new boss and says the 43-year-old can take the club to “new heights”.

Pace said: “His vision for the future aligns with our goals and ambitions of returning to the Premier League as soon as possible.

“His track record of success along with a commitment to developing young talent makes him an ideal fit. We are confident he can lead us to new heights and continue to build on the solid foundations laid at Turf Moor.”

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

Every 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.

What is Sky Sports+?

Launching in 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.

Chelsea unwilling to meet asking price for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen despite £110m release clause – Paper Talk | Football News

On: July 6, 2024 By: admin

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

DAILY MIRROR

Chelsea remain unwilling to meet Napoli’s asking price for striker Victor Osimhen despite the Italian club lowering their demands below his £110m release clause.

Reports in Italy have hinted that Liverpool are in pole position to sign a player Jurgen Klopp wanted while he was in charge at Anfield – Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners.

THE SUN

Chelsea have had a £42m bid for Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion rejected, with the Spanish club holding out for at least £70m.

Reports in Italy claim the Saudi PIF have met with representatives of Kevin De Bruyne and come away happy that the Manchester City midfielder “verbally agreed” to a move to Al-Ittihad.

THE TIMES

Harry Kane has called on England’s players to “repay” Gareth Southgate with the kind of statement performance they have been lacking so far at Euro 2024 when they take on Switzerland for a semi-final spot.

DAILY MAIL

Chelsea have agreed a £12m to sign Portugal U20 defender Renato Veiga from Swiss side FC Basel.

Switzerland and Newcastle United star Fabian Schar has told England to keep their hands off his club boss Eddie Howe, who is one of the favourites to replace Gareth Southgate.

Gregg Berhalter is set to learn his fate next week as US Soccer faces increasingly loud calls to move on from their head coach after a disappointing Copa America exit.

DAILY EXPRESS

Manchester United have given Bruno Fernandes the go-ahead to open transfer talks with the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund which could end up with him joining good friend Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, according to reports.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Leicester City hope to add free-agent forward Bobby Decordova-Reid to their squad over the weekend.

Switzerland’s goalkeepers have been training in futuristic battery-powered sunglasses designed to sharpen their reflexes ahead of the Euro 2024 last-eight clash with England.

The row over Olympic Games selection policy at UK Athletics continues to deepen, with hammer thrower Anna Purchase saying she fears for her future in the sport after being omitted from the team despite being in the world’s top 16.

Police in Germany have arrested a security guard who used to work for the family of stricken Formula One driver Michael Schumacher in connection with a recent blackmail attempt.

DAILY RECORD

Birmingham City have reportedly made their move to try and sign former Dundee loan defender Owen Beck from Liverpool on a temporary basis.

Kenny Miller has agreed to join former Celtic boss Ronny Deila in the United Arab Emirates with Al-Wahda.

Celtic have “positioned themselves” in the chase to sign Switzerland’s third-choice goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo from Lorient according to reports in France.

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.

Southgate’s praise for Saka…

‘Two more games to change our lives’

‘Starboy Saka lights a spark’

Kane praises Saka’s mentality

‘Saka was the best player on the pitch’

Nev on England’s penalty success: ‘There’s clear plan’

Saka shows his mettle and quality

Who plays who in the semi-finals?

Perfect penalties

Tired bodies – but 3-2-4-1 must stay

Southgate’s Shaw dilemma

Who plays who in the semi-finals?

When does the summer transfer window open and close?

Southgate: No doubting Saka would take a pen

Analysis: Saka shows his mettle and quality

Jordan Pickford – 8

Kyle Walker – 6

Ezri Konsa – 7

John Stones – 6

Kieran Trippier – 6

Bukayo Saka – 10

Declan Rice – 8

Kobbie Mainoo – 7

Jude Bellingham – 8

Phil Foden – 5

Harry Kane – 5

Subs

Manager

Gareth Southgate – 8

A different kind of defender?

Lopetegui’s plans for Kilman?

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

What is Sky Sports+?

When does the summer transfer window open and close?