Introduction:
The excitement for Euro 2024 is building, with fans eagerly anticipating the start of the tournament this Friday. England received a boost as all players, including Luke Shaw, participated in the first training session. However, Poland fans were disappointed as Robert Lewandowski was ruled out of their opener due to injury. Cristiano Ronaldo heads into the tournament after scoring his 130th Portugal goal in their final warm-up game.
Luke Shaw’s Return to Training:
Luke Shaw, Manchester United’s left-back, returned to England training after a long absence due to recurring hamstring issues. His inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s final squad was uncertain, but he made the cut and traveled with the team to Germany. Shaw’s return is a major boost for Southgate, as he is the only left-footed defender in the squad. However, due to his fragile state, Shaw had to wear a green bib to indicate that he should not make contact with other players.
Trent Alexander-Arnold in Contention:
Trent Alexander-Arnold is favored to partner Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in midfield for England’s first Euro group game against Serbia. The versatile Liverpool player impressed in a recent match against Bosnia & Herzegovina and is expected to start as Gareth Southgate looks for a creative third player in the center.
Andy Robertson’s Injury Concerns Downplayed:
Scotland’s captain, Andy Robertson, suffered an ankle injury during training but his assistant coach, John Carver, played down concerns, stating that it was just a precautionary measure. Robertson is expected to train the next day and be fit for Scotland’s upcoming matches.
England Considering Alternative Options to Gareth Southgate:
Although England remains hopeful that Gareth Southgate will continue as manager after Euro 2024, they are already starting to consider alternative options. Names like Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino have been mentioned as potential candidates if Southgate decides to step down. Eddie Howe and Graham Potter are also highly regarded by the Football Association.
Jack Grealish’s Heartbreak in Dubai:
Jack Grealish, who was not selected for England’s Euro 2024 squad, was seen in Dubai, looking visibly upset. The rejection by Gareth Southgate seemed to have hit him hard, and he was spotted at a beach bar in Dubai. Grealish’s absence from the squad was a disappointment for many fans.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Goal-Scoring Form:
Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals, including a sensational curler, in Portugal’s final warm-up game against Republic of Ireland. With 130 goals in 207 games for Portugal, Ronaldo is the team’s leading goal scorer. Fans believe he has a good chance of winning the Golden Boot at Euro 2024.
Jordan Pickford’s Trustworthiness:
Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart praised Jordan Pickford, stating that the goalkeeper’s trustworthiness is the reason why England doesn’t have to worry about their last line of defense. Pickford has been exceptional for England and is trusted by both the manager and his teammates. This trust is crucial for a goalkeeper, and Pickford fully deserves it.
Jurgen Klinsmann Backs England to Win Euro 2024:
Jurgen Klinsmann, a former German player and manager, believes that if England wins Euro 2024, they would be respected and admired in Germany. Despite the rivalry between England and Germany, Klinsmann thinks that the English team deserves a major trophy and that their success would be well-received in Germany. He highlights Harry Kane’s popularity in Germany as a factor that could contribute to England’s positive reception.
Lamine Yamal: Youngest Player at Euro 2024:
Lamine Yamal, a 16-year-old wonderkid from Barcelona, is set to become the youngest player to appear in a Euros final. Despite his young age, Yamal has already had a breakthrough season and is considered one of the best young talents in the world. He is focused on making history with Spain in Euro 2024.
Manchester United’s Interest in Eberechi Eze:
Manchester United is reportedly interested in Crystal Palace’s England midfielder, Eberechi Eze. However, Palace is demanding a £60 million release clause for the 25-year-old player. Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Barcelona are also said to be interested in Eze.
Juventus’ Interest in Jakub Kiwior:
Juventus is expected to make a move for Poland defender Jakub Kiwior, who currently plays for Arsenal. The Gunners signed Kiwior from Spezia in January 2023 and would consider selling him for around £17 million. Kiwior is gearing up for Poland’s Euro 2024 group opener against Holland.
Tom Heaton’s Surprise Inclusion in England’s Squad:
Tom Heaton, Manchester United’s third-choice goalkeeper last season, expressed his shock at being included in England’s Euro 2024 squad. Heaton, who was part of the England squad in the 2016 Euros, is ready to support the team and push the other goalkeepers in training. Although he would love to play, he understands that his role is different this time.
Bukayo Saka’s Expected Return:
England expects Bukayo Saka to recover from a muscle injury in time for their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia. The Arsenal winger missed England’s previous match against Iceland but is reportedly included in Gareth Southgate’s plans for the upcoming game.
Arsenal’s Interest in Nico Williams:
Arsenal is reportedly interested in Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams. The 21-year-old Spanish midfielder is also being eyed by other top clubs. Williams has a release clause of around £42.1 million, and Bilbao is preparing for a possible exit by targeting Alvaro Djalo of Braga.
Manchester United Cools Interest in Jarrad Branthwaite:
Manchester United is expected to cool their interest in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite if the asking price remains at £70 million or more. The club’s minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is reportedly unwilling to spend such a large amount on the 21-year-old defender. United is exploring other options in central defense.
Pitch-Watering Regulations at Euro 2024:
UEFA has implemented regulations regarding pitch-watering at Euro 2024 to avoid incidents like the one that occurred during a Premier League game between Manchester United and Bournemouth. In that match, one penalty area was noticeably waterlogged, leading to criticism and mockery. UEFA now requires pitch-watering to be announced at the pre-match meeting and distributed evenly across the turf.
Teun Koopmeiners’ Withdrawal and Liverpool’s Transfer Plans:
Teun Koopmeiners’ withdrawal from Holland’s squad due to injury could impact Liverpool’s transfer plans. The Atalanta midfielder has been a target for the club, but his absence from Euro 2024 may complicate any potential approach. Liverpool already has three players from the Netherlands in their squad: Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch.
Gordon Strachan Wishes England Well:
Gordon Strachan, former Scotland manager and Manchester United legend, showed his support for England in a video where he wrapped himself in England’s St. George’s Cross flag. Strachan, known for his sense of humor, wished the team luck and expressed his hope for them to score plenty of goals.
Denmark’s Training Pitch Troubles:
Denmark faced pitch problems as parts of their training ground had to be ripped up and relaid due to concerns about the newly laid grass not setting properly. Uefa ordered the changes to ensure the pitch’s quality for the tournament. The Danish squad, including Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen, left Copenhagen for Germany.
Ian Maatsen’s Change of Plans:
Ian Maatsen, who spent the season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, had to cut his summer holidays in Greece short after being called up for the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 squad. The Chelsea full-back initially did not make the squad, leading him to plan a luxurious holiday in Greece. However, his late call-up changed his plans, and he is now focusing on the tournament.
Holland Explains Frenkie de Jong’s Absence:
The Dutch FA explained Frenkie de Jong’s absence from Holland’s Euro 2024 squad. The Barcelona midfielder missed a friendly against Iceland due to an ankle injury and was unable to recover fully in time for the tournament. It was decided that it would be best for De Jong not to participate to allow him more time to recover.
Ralf Rangnick’s Disappointment:
Former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick expressed his disappointment as England secured their five-star Euro 2024 base in Blankenhain before Austria. Rangnick, who used to play golf at the resort, wanted Austria to stay there but England got there first. England will train in Blankenhain before their opening game against Serbia.
Conclusion:
As Euro 2024 approaches, teams are preparing for the tournament with training sessions and warm-up games. England has received a boost with Luke Shaw’s return and is considering alternative options if Gareth Southgate decides to step down as manager. Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal-scoring form has impressed fans, and there is speculation that he could win the Golden Boot. Experts like Jurgen Klinsmann believe that England has a good chance of winning the tournament and would be respected and admired in Germany. Young talents like Lamine Yamal and Jude Bellingham are eager to make their mark on the tournament. The competition promises to be exciting, and fans are eagerly awaiting the kickoff this Friday.