6 unseen moments from Jurgen Klopp’s last day – Matip jokes & final media dig! – Liverpool FC

Jurgen Klopp‘s final day at Liverpool was an emotional and memorable ride, and some superb unseen footage has now emerged.

The German’s eight-and-a-half-year spell in charge of the Reds is now over, with the baton passed over to Arne Slot.

Sunday’s 2-0 win over Wolves was a special afternoon, as Klopp said his goodbyes to the supporters, producing a charismatic speech in the process.

Now, the club have released their last ‘Inside Anfield’ of the season, documenting the 56-year-old’s final day as manager.

Here are six things you may have missed.

 

Jones egging Klopp on

It’s only right that Klopp gave the whole of Anfield a perfect rendition of fist pumps on Sunday – something he has become so famous for.

One Liverpool player in particular really seemed to be egging on his manager, with Curtis Jones stood in the centre circle geeing him up.

Klopp ended up going to all four corners of Anfield, fist-pumping for his life, as memorable scenes unfolded.

Jones is one of us!

 

Klopp in good spirits with Kavanagh

Klopp hasn’t had a healthy relationship with referees over the years, falling out with a number of them after some controversial decisions.

It was Chris Kavanagh who had the honour of being in charge of the German’s final match, and in fairness, they looked to be on good terms.

The pair were seen shaking hands warmly before kickoff and sharing a joke, and there were no moments to rile Klopp during the game.

It is a reminder that emotions can spill over in the heat of the moment during and straight after games, but that the former Liverpool boss will always be a class act.

 

More laughter at Matip’s expense

Joel Matip is one of those characters who is funny without trying to be – he will be much missed.

A short clip inside the dressing room shows the 32-year-old again being mocked and laughed over, especially by Andy Robertson, although it’s unclear as to why.

Matip looks unimpressed with whatever is happening around him, but it is hard not to find the warmth towards him touching.

What a void he will lead.

 

Van Dijk the cameraman

Virgil van Dijk was constantly seen with camera in hand during the post-match antics, as he did his best impression of Martin Odegaard!

A nice moment in the tunnel shows the Dutchman taking a photo of Klopp and his wife Ula as they walk towards him, with Klopp hugging his other half.

They are images that will last a lifetime for the Liverpool captain – the picture ended up on his Instagram!

 

A final warm embrace with Alisson

With Anfield nearly empty, Klopp and Alisson were still going strong signing shirts and boots for adoring supporters.

There was still time for one last hug between the pair on the Anfield turf, incidentally around the spot where they celebrated Divock Origi‘s goal against Everton in 2018.

What an iconic duo.

 

One last dig at the media!

Klopp has never loved media duties, which is an understatement, and he was left annoyed one final time.

With people milling around wanting selfies and autographs, the legendary German had to undergo press conference duties.

Klopp is dumbfounded by the news, before apologising to those on the pitch that he has somewhere else to be.

“Can you go there and tell them that they want me to do a press conference, a press conference,” he said in a disbelieving tone.

It is almost fitting that media duties were able to irritate him on one last occasion!

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source https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2024/05/21/6-unseen-moments-from-jurgen-klopps-last-day-matip-jokes-final-media-dig-liverpool-fc/

5 Euro call-ups, Slot speaks & Bakayoko scouted – Latest Liverpool FC News – Liverpool FC

There were England call-ups for four Liverpool players on Tuesday, which included two surprises, while Arne Slot spoke for the first time since being confirmed as Reds head coach.

 

Reds quartet make England’s Euro 2024 squad

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - Thursday, October 12, 2023: England's Jarell Quansah during the pre-match warm-up before the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifying Group F game between England and Serbia at the City Ground. England won 9-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - Thursday, October 12, 2023: England's Jarell Quansah during the pre-match warm-up before the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifying Group F game between England and Serbia at the City Ground. England won 9-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

It’s not too long until Euro 2024 gets underway, with Andy Robertson‘s Scotland taking on hosts Germany in the opening game on June 14.

On Tuesday, Gareth Southgate named his 33-man preliminary England squad for the tournament, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah all selected.

It is a proud moment for Jones and Quansah, neither of whom have been capped at senior level, with the latter’s selection a particular surprise.

There was no place for Harvey Elliott or Jordan Henderson, however, with the latter enduring a torrid time since leaving Liverpool.

The squad will be cut down to 26 players for the tournament itself, so there is no guarantee that Jones and Quansah will fly to Germany – which may be a good thing from a Liverpool perspective.

Diogo Jota, meanwhile, has been named in Portugal’s squad for the Euros.

 

5 other things today: Slot speaks & Nunez “critical”

Feyenoord’s Arne Slot is Liverpool’s new head coach, replacing Jurgen Klopp (PA)Feyenoord’s Arne Slot is Liverpool’s new head coach, replacing Jurgen Klopp (PA)

  • Arne Slot has spoken for first time since officially becoming Liverpool head coach – he’s looking forward to managing “one of the biggest clubs in the world”!
  • Liverpool’s next boss sees Darwin Nunez as a “critical” part of his plans at Liverpool moving forward – his third season needs to be an improved one!
  • One Liverpool coach is set to stay on as part of Slot’s staff, according to an exclusive from David Lynch. It’s good news for Alisson
  • Slot has already made a big change to Liverpool’s pre-season plans – the players may not love this, especially Virgil van Dijk having already given his advice

 

Latest Liverpool FC News

2K935T1 Lisbon, Portugal. 25th Oct, 2022. Antonio Silva of Benfica seen during the UEFA Champions League Group H football match between SL Benfica and Juventus FC at Estadio do SL Benfica.Final score: SL Benfica 4:3 Juventus FC Credit: SOPA Images Limited/Alamy Live News2K935T1 Lisbon, Portugal. 25th Oct, 2022. Antonio Silva of Benfica seen during the UEFA Champions League Group H football match between SL Benfica and Juventus FC at Estadio do SL Benfica.Final score: SL Benfica 4:3 Juventus FC Credit: SOPA Images Limited/Alamy Live News

  • The Reds are said to have made contact with Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva over an £85 million move to the club, we’d wait for a more reliable source before you get your hopes up (Caught Offside)
  • Liverpool scouts reportedly have PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko on their list of targets – he is similar to Mohamed Salah in style! (Rik Elfrink)
  • Former Man United striker Robin van Persie has shown his support for Slot, having worked with him at Feyenoord. They will love that down the M62! (ESPN)

 

Other chat from elsewhere

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 26, 2023: Manchester United's Marcus Rashford during the FA Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Old Trafford. Man Utd won 3-2. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 26, 2023: Manchester United's Marcus Rashford during the FA Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Old Trafford. Man Utd won 3-2. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

  • Marcus Rashford is another big name who has been axed from England’s squad. It’s the right call because he’s been woeful all season! (BBC Sport)
  • Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos will retire from football straight after Euro 2024 this summer. He is one of the greatest midfielders of his generation – we wish him well! (Real Madrid)

 

Video of the day and match of the night

Still not got over Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool?

Watch this brilliant video reliving his final day as Reds manager as the perfect tonic…

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source https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2024/05/21/5-euro-call-ups-slot-speaks-bakayoko-scouted-latest-liverpool-fc-news-liverpool-fc/

Gareth Southgate reveals reason behind Marcus Rashford’s axing from England squad ahead of Euro 2024 – Man United News And Transfer News


England boss Gareth Southgate has revealed why he elected to leave Manchester United star Marcus Rashford out of his plans ahead of Euro 2024.

Southgate announced his provisional squad and one of the shock exclusions was Rashford, who has endured a pretty horrible campaign.

The forward has been a far cry from his sensational best, which saw him plunder a career-high 30 goals across all competitions last term.

In the 2023/24 campaign however, Rashford only has eight goals to his name. His season has also been plagued by several off-the-pitch incidents that have at times needed Erik ten Hag and the club to discipline him.

According to Southgate, Rashford’s poor form is the reason why he won’t be on the plan for the Euros.

The England manager told reporters, “I just feel other players in that area of the pitch have had better seasons.”

“That’s it.”

Rashford took to social media to react to the news and wished his fellow countrymen good luck. He wrote, “Wishing Gareth and the boys all the best for the up and coming tournament.”

Meanwhile, United are represented in the Three Lions set-up by Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire.

Mainoo and Maguire’s respective selections are unsurprising but Shaw being called up has certainly raised a few eyebrows. The full-back has endured an injury-riddled campaign that has seen him make only 12 appearances in the Premier League.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that the 28-year-old will be given a chance by Southgate and his coaching staff to prove his fitness before the final list is submitted to UEFA on June 7.

Southgate spoke about Shaw and remarked, “He is up against it. He missed a lot of football.”

“The fact he’s been our first choice in that position, we’re probably giving him a bit longer. I’ve spoken with him but I have to say he’s a long shot to make the final squad.”

England are set to play two warm-up clashes against Bosnia and Iceland before taking on Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia in the group stages of Euro 2024.


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source https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2024/05/21/gareth-southgate-reveals-reason-behind-marcus-rashfords-axing-from-england-squad-ahead-of-euro-2024-man-united-news-and-transfer-news/

Kaizer Chiefs suffer yet ANOTHER blow ahead of final game!

Kaizer Chiefs injuries woes do not seem to be abating at all, with a new name added to the list.

Chiefs are struggling to get victories on the field, and couldn’t even give a proper goodbye to their home fans. 

This in a 0-0 draw, which was also an occasion used to pay tribute to their long-serving keeper Itumeleng Khune. This Khune tribute took place before Chiefs’ last home game of the season, against Polokwane City at the FNB Stadium

Chiefs looking to end season positively

With Chiefs still having a lot to play for, with regards to securing their top eight hopes, they didn’t deliver. Three points would’ve been the order of the day, but in the end they had to settle for a point, which keeps them in eighth going to the last day. It would not just be a watching brief for Khune, though as he ended up coming on to make his fifth appearance of the season,  off the bench. 

Now having failed to win that game, Chiefs will travel to already relegated Cape Town Spurs on Saturday. As this will be their last game of the season, they will be looking to get maximum points. This not only to secure their place in the MTN8, but to give their fans something to cheer about. They have had very little of that over the course of the season. 

Solomons injury blow

Now heading into that game against Spurs, Chiefs have been dealt yet another injury blow. This time to versatile star Dillan Solomons

Solomons spent most of the season on the peripheries of the Chiefs match day squads. In the end, he only amassed 15 appearances across all competitions. In an Instagram post, he seemed to confirm an injury that will rule him out until next season. He captioned the post saying: “Not the perfect ending to my season, but looking forward to coming back stronger and God’s timing is the best timing”. 

The game between Chiefs and Spurs is set to KickOff at 15h00 on Saturday.

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source https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2024/05/21/kaizer-chiefs-suffer-yet-another-blow-ahead-of-final-game/

Pep Guardiola close to ‘tears’ over Jurgen Klopp – “I didn’t find a way to punish them” – Liverpool FC

Jurgen Klopp had Pep Guardiola feeling all the emotions, we’ll let you determine how genuine he was in the tears department when told of the Liverpool manager’s recent words.

Klopp and Guardiola have battled it out in both Germany and England, with the 30 duels ending with the German winning 12 and losing 11.

Liverpool would certainly have more to show for their recent era if not for Guardiola, who Klopp senses is the only manager who could have led City to four league titles in a row.

We do have to applaud Klopp, though, for at least mentioning the 115 charges they still have hanging over their head when discussing the matter – it’s a bigger asterisk than a ‘Covid season’ after all.

And they were comments put to Guardiola after his side lifted the title on Sunday, and his voice immediately had a quiver as he praised his fiercest rival.

“I will miss him a lot,” Guardiola told reporters. “Jurgen has been a really important part of my life. He brought me to another level as a manager.

“I think we respect each other incredibly. I have a feeling that he will be back.

“I just want to say thank you so much for his words, but he knows personally that behind me, there are a lot of things that this club provides me and gives to me.

“Otherwise, alone, I cannot do it. I’m humble enough to understand completely.”

We have seen headlines of Guardiola ‘brought to tears’, and while it’s up for debate as to whether any tears did come to pass, his words are actually full of praise and respect.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 25, 2023: Manchester City's manager Josep 'Pep' Guardiola (R) shakes hands with Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp during the FA Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at the City of Manchester Stadium. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 25, 2023: Manchester City's manager Josep 'Pep' Guardiola (R) shakes hands with Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp during the FA Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at the City of Manchester Stadium. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Guardiola added: “He helps me, I said so many times. He helps me with his team, and he’s been a huge competitor in my life. In many moments, I didn’t find or discover the way I can punish them like I can find for other teams. With him, it’s been so difficult.

“I’m sure Mikel [Arteta and Arsenal] will continue his legacy to drive us to another level.

“I wish him [Klopp] all the best. I didn’t see his final game but I hope it was special for him, he deserves it.

“Apart from the titles, he made Liverpool recognise his stamp, the pride to be a Liverpool fan.

“People say, ‘How many titles did you win?’ It’s not just about that. Of course, it’s important, but it’s not just about that.

“They are personalities. When they arrive in one place, they stay forever.

“Jurgen and Liverpool will be at the level of Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley and the other incredible legends, Jurgen will be there.”

Arne Slot, we hope you read those comments about Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal being the ones to push City on now!

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source https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2024/05/21/pep-guardiola-close-to-tears-over-jurgen-klopp-i-didnt-find-a-way-to-punish-them-liverpool-fc/

TS Galaxy take Sundowns’ Mokwena to court

According to SABC Sport, Galaxy wrote a letter to Sundowns and Mokwena demanding an apology.

Just hours before Tuesday evening’s rescheduled DStv Premiership match between TS Galaxy and Mamelodi Sundowns, the Rockets have submitted documents to the Johannesburg High Court, as the spat between Sead Ramovic and Rulani Mokwena takes on an added dimension.

Galaxy were left fuming after Sundowns head coach Mokwena made comments following Sundowns’ 3-0 win over Galaxy in the DStv Premiership on April 29, suggesting Galaxy’s Orebotse Mongae had deliberately injured Sundowns’ Bongani Zungu, in an incident that saw Mongae sent off.

In October, Zungu was sent off during the Carling Black Label Knockout last 16 match between Galaxy and Sundowns, after a horrendous tackle that left Galaxy’s Bernard Parker with a broken leg.

“I’m disappointed with the tackle on Bongani Zungu because I was told … the coach of the opposition (Ramovic) showed (the footage of) the tackle Zungu made on Bernard Parker to his players (during the week) and said, ‘Don’t forget what Bongani Zungu did’,” Mokwena said after the April 29 DStv Premiership match.

‘Untrue and defamatory’

According to SABC Sport, Galaxy wrote a letter to Sundowns and Mokwena demanding an apology.

“The impugning statements comprise untrue and defamatory statements pertaining to the Club and is indeed per se defamatory of the Club, its players, Head Coach, technical team, players, staff and management as well as its supporters,” read the letter.

“In the circumstances, we are instructed to demand, as we hereby do, that Mr. Mokwena and, by extension, Sundowns immediately retract the impugning statements, and publish an unconditional, prominent and appropriate public apology (in the terms agreed to by the Club) in both videographic and written forms, which should be prominently published on all prominent football social and other media platforms (including that of Sundowns), be it print and/or electronic.” 

Clearly this has not been forthcoming and Galaxy have gone to court, with the club and Galaxy listed as plaintiffs in the matter, and Mokwena as the defendant.

The spat between Ramovic and Mokwena goes all the way back to the Carling Knockout last 16 match in October, which Galaxy won on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

Mokwena talked afterwards of having to field a weakened team with his Bafana Bafana players unavailable, as they were on international duty. Ramovic took exception to this and blasted Mokwena for lacking respect for his team.

‘They said they didn’t play seven players (who were with Bafana). How is this respect for the players who played? You have a player you bought for R60 million, (Marcelo) Allende. Then you bought (Junior) Mendieta for R12 million, then you have (Bongani) Zungu and a lot of other national team players. And you come up with this excuse?’ said Ramovic.

“It disrespects my staff, my players and myself. I think a strong coach does not find an excuse, he says ‘fantastic job, Galaxy, fantastic game plan, you beat us’ and he shows respect.’

Ramovic then claimed, at a dramatic press conference in Johannesburg in February, that Mokwena had threatened him in an expletive-laden phone call.

“What he said to me was, ‘Who the f**k are you to come to my f**king country and talk to me like this. Do you know who my parents are? Be careful how you talk because you are in my f**king country,’ said Ramovic.

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source https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2024/05/21/ts-galaxy-take-sundowns-mokwena-to-court/

Liverpool show Kaizer Chiefs how it’s done!

Premier League giants Liverpool have indirectly shown Kaizer Chiefs how it’s done in the transfer market when a team needs a coach or manager.

The Reds hierarchy knew at the start of the season that this would be Jurgen Klopp’s final campaign with them.

And they worked hard behind the scenes to secure a new manager for the new season, and on Monday, they announced their man.

In a statement released on the day, Liverpool announced Arne Slot as Klopp’s successor from 1 June pending his work permit.

Slot joins Liverpool after three successful seasons with Feyenoord where he won the league title in 2023 and KNVB Cup in April this year.

The Dutch mentor also won the Eredivisie Manager of the Year on two separate occasions during his time in the Netherlands.

Klopp spent nine solid seasons with Liverpool where he delivered the Premier League title and UEFA Champions League among many trophies.

LIVERPOOL ANNOUNCE NEW COACH

WHAT ABOUT KAIZER CHIEFS?

Kaizer Chiefs knew in October 2023 already that they will need a new head coach for the upcoming season but they still haven’t made any appointment.

This was after the sacking of Molefi Ntseki and the appointment of Cavin Johnson as his successor on an interim basis.

But perhaps the Chiefs hierarchy was waiting to see if Johnson, who arrived at Naturena as Head of Youth, would turn their fortunes around.

However, it was clear from the start of 2024 that Johnson wasn’t the right man for the job, and Chiefs appear to be scrambling to find a new coach.

And the likelihood of Chiefs following in the footsteps of Liverpool by announcing a new coach immediately after the season has concluded are close to zero.

In 2018, Chiefs waited until two weeks before the start of the season to make a coaching appointment, and they disappointed their fans as Giovanni Solinas was roped in.

It was clear that Solinas was a ‘panic buy’ given his record in the PSL – and a few months later, the Italian mentor was shown the exit door.

Now, a number of coaches continue to be linked with Chiefs, including but not limited to Pitso Mosimane, Manqoba Mngqithi and Miguel Gamondi.

It remains to be seen if the next Chiefs coach will come from the list that’s been thrown around week and week out.

Should South African teams take a leaf from Liverpool’s book when making coaching changes? Let us know in the comment section below…

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source https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2024/05/21/liverpool-show-kaizer-chiefs-how-its-done/

Manchester United remain in the race for Dougie Freedman despite Newcastle’s desperation – Man United News And Transfer News


After years of mismanagement under the Glazers, Manchester United finally have the chance to enter a new era with INEOS now on board as co-owners.

The first decision taken by Sir Jim Ratcliffe was to fix the behind-the-scenes structure at the club, something that has hampered the club a lot ever since the great Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

Managers have come and gone, each with varying styles, they brought in players on huge wages and the subsequent manager has discarded them on a loss.

INEOS are keen to fix all that and the structure will now include a new CEO in the form of Omar Berrada from Manchester City, former City academy head Jason Wilcox has come in as technical director while the Red Devils are battling Newcastle for the services of Dan Ashworth, who is set to become the sporting director.

Freedman chase

The Peoples Person had relayed that the 20-time English league champions were also looking at Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman as head of recruitment.

Sir Alex had recommended the name of the former Nottingham Forest manager with the club impressed with Freedman’s talent identification despite the Eagles’ shoestring budget.

His deals from the lower leagues resulted in the London team signing Michael Olise from Reading, Eberechi Eze from QPR and Marc Guehi from Swansea (loan) for peanuts.

Now the trio are among the most-wanted players in the English top-flight and Palace are guaranteed to fetch a huge sum from each of their sales.

United have still not given up

United are interested in all three but a lot depends on Freedman’s future with Newcastle approaching him for their vacant sporting director’s role with Ashworth likely to leave sooner rather than later.

And if Freedman joins the Magpies, United could miss out on all three but The Sun‘s Alan Nixon has claimed that Newcastle are yet to agree any deal for the Palace director and United continue to remain in the hunt.

United need to get their recruitment right moving forward and a lot will depend on the structure that INEOS are keen to get right.

Whether Freedman ultimately decides to work under Ashworth at Old Trafford or take up his mantle at St James’ Park, only time will tell.


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source https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2024/05/21/manchester-united-remain-in-the-race-for-dougie-freedman-despite-newcastles-desperation-man-united-news-and-transfer-news/

England name Euro 2024 squad: Big name casualties

Marcus Rashford paid for his poor season as the Manchester United forward was left out of England boss Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2024 on Tuesday.

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Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and Chelsea skipper Reece James were among the other big names to miss out on the squad, that must be trimmed to a maximum of 26 before the tournament in Germany begins.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is rewarded for the Eagles’ brilliant end to the Premier League season with his first-ever call up.

Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Liverpool duo Jarell Quansah and Curtis Jones are the other uncapped players selected with Southgate short on defensive options.

England among favourites for Euro 2024

England face Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 3 and Iceland four days later before jetting off for Germany, where they are one of the favourites to win the tournament.

The wealth of options available to Southgate in attacking areas means Rashford misses out on a major international tournament for the first time since the 2014 World Cup.

Rashford has scored just eight times in 42 appearances for his club this season and only recently returned from injury.

“These are difficult calls. With Marcus I just feel other players in that area have had better seasons. It’s as simple as that,” said Southgate.

In a social media post, Rashford said: “Wishing Gareth and the boys all the best.”

Henderson’s injury-hit move to Ajax in January after a short spell in Saudi Arabia has not done enough to earn the 33-year-old a place.

“Henderson’s given himself every chance. The determining factor was the injury he picked up in the last (international) camp,” added Southgate.

“He missed five weeks and wasn’t able to get back up to the level of intensity. It was a difficult decision.”

Overlooked

The same goes for Jadon Sancho despite his renaissance on his return to Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund on loan from United.

Raheem Sterling and Kalvin Phillips were also overlooked despite shining for Southgate in the past at major tournaments.

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, who fired Manchester City to the Premier League title on Sunday, and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka are included as part of a fearsome collection of creative talent to supply England’s all-time top goalscorer Harry Kane.

England’s men begin their quest to win a major tournament for the first time in 58 years against Serbia on June 16 before facing Denmark and Slovenia in Group C.

The Three Lions have come agonisingly close to glory under Southgate before, losing the Euro 2020 final on penalties to Italy.

England also reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and last eight of the 2022 World Cup.

“Are we one of those teams who can win? Of course,” said Southgate.

“I’d be an idiot if I said no, but if I said yes, that doesn’t mean there’s not a lot of work ahead of us.

“They know what is possible, they know what they’ve won at club level and what that’s taken. You can see cup football, you have to navigate game-by-game.”

ENGLAND EURO 2024 SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Burnley)

Defenders: Kyle Walker, John Stones (both Manchester City), Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire (both Manchester United), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Jarell Quansah, Joe Gomez (both Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Lewis Dunk (Brighton)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones (both Liverpool)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich/GER), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), James Maddison (Tottenham), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/ESP), Phil Foden, Jack Grealish (both Manchester City), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

source https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2024/05/21/england-name-euro-2024-squad-big-name-casualties/

SAFA in talks to move Banyana vs Senegal game due to elections

The South African Football Association (SAFA) is in talks with their Senegalese counterparts to have their first of the two friendlies moved.

According to SABC Sport, SAFA wants the match scheduled for Friday, 31 May moved to Saturday, 1 June due to national elections in South Africa.

This is to afford every member of the travelling Banyana Banyana squad an opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote on 29 May.

Should SAFA be successful in their bid to have this match slightly moved, then Banyana Banyana will depart for Senegal Wednesday night.

SAFA WANTS BANYANA BANYANA VS SENEGAL GAME MOVED TO NEW DATE

“SABC Sport has learnt that SAFA are currently in talks with their counterparts from Senegal to move the first international friendly match from Friday, 31 May to Saturday, 1 June 2024,” reads part of the report.

“This is to accommodate members of the Banyana Banyana squad to vote in the upcoming national elections, scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 29 May 2024.”

SABC Sport has it on good authority that SAFA are doing everything in their power to ensure the team gets to exercise their right to vote, with limited disruption to travel logistics to West Africa.

“The team is now expected to fly out on the evening of Election Day, arriving in Senegal the next day, and perhaps having one more training session before playing their first match on Saturday, 1 June.”

BANYANA BANYANA’S SECOND GAME UNCHANGED

Meanwhile, the date for Banyana Banyana’s second international friendly against Senegal remains unchanged at this stage.

The two countries will meet for the second time on Tuesday, 4 June as per the current schedule.

source https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2024/05/21/safa-in-talks-to-move-banyana-vs-senegal-game-due-to-elections/