England Men's International Games & Other Latest News...

ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/ddd9/live/c251c9f0-e0b0-11ee-860f-4b0b053e4cd0.jpg

OK, it's time to bring in BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty, who will be fielding your questions in a Q&A on this page.

ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/25/533d7dec-8949-4235-a469-6975fa3d5e15.jpg

Anna: What do you think is England's biggest area of concern ahead of the Euros?

Phil McNulty: Hello, Anna. I think there are three major areas of concern for me.
I am not convinced by Harry Maguire in central defence against high-quality opposition, although he will rightly counter that by stating his record at major tournaments. I think, given his struggles at Manchester United, that he has been very fortunate no-one has yet stated a compelling case to replace him.
There is a concern at left-back where Luke Shaw, who has developed into a top-class player for club and country, is racing to be fit for Euro 2024. If he is missing there is a real drop off, as seen when Ben Chilwell played against Brazil. Will Gareth Southgate turn to old campaigner Kieran Trippier at left-back if Shaw is not ready?
Southgate needs Shaw to be fit but there is no guarantee at this stage.
And – this is a very obvious one – what would England do if anything happened to captain and all-time record goalscorer Harry Kane? He is quite simply irreplaceable. Full stop.
Ollie Watkins is a good Premier League striker and we will see what Ivan Toney can do against Belgium but in that position, as a leader, striker and all-round footballer, there is simply no-one to touch Kane. We have seen how blunt England can look without him.


SD in Stoke: Hi Phil, my question/observation is the same as it was going into the last Euros. When will the FA realise that Gareth and his coaching team are not up to this? With the embarrassment of riches (squad-wise) we have, we should be going into the next Euros as reigning European and world champions. For what it’s worth then, here’s my prediction. We’ll limp through the group stages, get a fairly winnable round of 16 game. Then when/if we get through that, we’ll go out in the quarter-finals. Rinse and repeat.

Phil McNulty: Morning SD. I think that "not up to this" is a harsh overall assessment given England’s track record in major tournaments, but I do think Gareth Southgate’s "legacy" will now be largely shaped by what happens in the Euros. He has done well enough in those tournaments without winning but with this squad, at this time, if England do not win then he will be undoubtedly viewed by many as a nearly man with a squad who could not get over the line when it mattered.
I would say semi-finals is the minimum requirement and even defeat there, where England could meet France, would be viewed as a disappointment.
When (or if) Southgate goes, he will have done so much that was good but now is the time to cross that frontier and win a major tournament.


Dave: Hi Phil. I was wondering about your thoughts on Gareth Southgate's critics, belittling what he has achieved considering England's strength "on paper". Would you agree that he has actually done a great job and, as proven many times over England's history, that the best on paper doesn't even guarantee progression from the group stages?

Phil McNulty: I think Gareth Southgate has done a very good job up to a point. He has made the latter stages of big tournaments and let’s not forget the shambles of the Roy Hodgson era when England could not even get out of the group stage at the Brazil World Cup in 2014 then the humiliating exit to Iceland in the last 16 at Euro 2016.
He has also made players want to play for England again, when it almost seemed a burden before.
I certainly do not think he should be belittled in any way at all and his track record at major tournaments is better than anyone’s since Sir Alf Ramsey won the World Cup in 1966.
To do a "great" job, then he needs to win Euro 2024. That will be the difference. He needs to be remembered as a winner to be regarded as having done a "great" job, but Gareth Southgate deserves complete respect as a person and a manager.



ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/25/1f3468d5-d60c-4d62-86ab-f7c66ac1ed99.jpg
Vicky Gaskin, West Kirby: Are you surprised at just how loyal Gareth Southgate is to Harry Maguire? He looked shaky again against Brazil on Saturday and he’s had limited game time at Manchester United this season.

Phil McNulty: No, I’m not surprised, Vicky because Gareth Southgate is very loyal to those he believes have delivered for him – although I am still unconvinced by Maguire for this summer’s Euros.
Maguire made a passionate defence of his England record last week and he has every right to do that seeing as he played in a team that reached the World Cup semi-final in 2018, the final of Euro 2020 and then the 2022 World Cup quarter-final.
I do feel that area might be a weak link at Euro 2024 but at the moment no big alternative jumps out and Southgate is a big fan of Maguire’s partnership with John Stones. He also feels Maguire has never let him down for England and sees no need, at this stage, to consider replacing him.


ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/25/66b46cd8-3e57-4287-8db1-0549b0441790.jpg
Tom in London: Hi Phil. It seems that nobody is really talking about England’s biggest problem position - goalkeeper. Jordan Pickford is solid but below him there’s a real lack of depth - Nick Pope is injured, Aaron Ramsdale is not playing, James Trafford has got potential but clearly struggled this season and not ready for that step up yet. Am I missing something? Are there other decent youth keepers coming up?

Phil McNulty: Morning, Tom. I think there are other problem positions but take your point on this one. I’ll disagree with your description of Jordan Pickford as “solid”. I think he has been outstanding for both Everton and England for a long time but you’re right to point out there is a problem behind him.
I would say Aaron Ramsdale would be second choice, the problem being he now fills the same role at Arsenal with David Raya ahead of him. The call-up for James Trafford, who has had his struggles at Burnley this season, shows the current lack of alternatives after Crystal Palace’s Sam Johnstone pulled out of the current squad with an elbow injury and with Newcastle’s Nick Pope out with a long-term injury.
I was surprised Trafford was selected ahead of Jack Butland, who has played for England before and has had an excellent season at Rangers.
As with Harry Kane, Gareth Southgate will have everything crossed nothing happens to Jordan Pickford.
Good youth keepers? I watch a fair bit of Oxford United and was really impressed with James Beadle, who has played for England up to under-20 level when he was on loan at The Kassam. He is now on loan at Sheffield Wednesday. He is just 19, looks a real prospect, and I know Brighton have very high hopes for him.

England v Belgium - Tuesday 26th March 2024 - 7.45pm

ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/25/a4a91f1e-3f65-4c4f-bab1-1fec6ce6bf26.jpg

England manager Gareth Southgate has said on team news, Jordan Henderson probably does not have 90 minutes in him ahead of tomorrow night. Cole Palmer is back in training, Jude Bellingham "absolutely" could play 90 minutes, he had cramp against Brazil. Ready for games. Everybody else come through training okay.

England manager Gareth Southgate on making Declan Rice captain: "Declan is here, it's his 50th cap. He has great leadership and experience already at a younger age. It's a great opportunity for younger players to show leadership. Different feel about the group, different dynamic. A lot of the players with the squad now are the future for the mid and long term."

England manager Gareth Southgate says Ivan Toney will "be involved" against Belgium. The original plan for the week is "a bit different," finding out about more players due to injuries which will "help us moving forward."

England manager Gareth Southgate on the players playing without names on their shirts during the second half of the fixture against Belgium with the match being dedicated to the Alzheimer’s Society International: "Alzheimer's, dementia is going to affect us all in one way or another. Great for us to raise awareness in the charity. You can't begin to imagine how much energy, emotion and time it takes to care for families in those situations so we are really pleased to be wearing awareness."

Monday 3rd June 2024 - International Friendly Match - Venue: St. James' Park, Newcastle

England v Bosnia-Herzegovina - 7.45pm KO - Build-Up

ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/3/8c8557ce-b305-49db-be65-0f84fc3f9f53.jpg

One England player nailed on to start tonight - famous last words - is Newcastle full-back Kieran Trippier, who is set to captain the side at St James' Park.
"It's an absolute great honour [for Trippier]," said Mirror football writer Simon Bird on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily. "He has been a brilliant servant for Newcastle - part of the re-launch of Newcastle United in the last two-and-a-half years, or so.
"This kind of thing doesn't happen very often to Newcastle players and players from the north. The whole show moves to Wembley when England play.
"To have a game for England - so close to a tournament - in Newcastle, right up in the north, showcasing unfortunately not Anthony Gordon but Trippier and what England fans in the north can add to the occasion, is a good thing for the FA to have done."
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/3/3a14568b-9ce6-4c73-b4ce-ca39a0ae4521.jpg

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily, England boss Gareth Southgate said left-back Luke Shaw is making good progress in his recovery:
“Everything we've needed to see in running and recovery is on track, progressing well. Exact timelines are more difficult to predict.
"Of course, every step has to go well to get there. We are pleased with the progress he's making. It's definitely a more optimistic picture than week or so ago."
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/3/29a78581-1eae-4246-a51d-d74b4de85842.jpg

ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/3/7801260b-2b1e-472f-8b9c-3635e497e942.jpg
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/3/52ad7ea5-5767-448e-ae76-8e3f2fdfe546.jpg

Friday 7th June 2024 - International Friendly - Venue: Wembley Stadium

England 0 Iceland 1 (J. Þorsteinsson 12)

ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/d0b6e513-bb86-4b87-8548-735783b57236.png
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/4b97279b-6422-4bbf-97b6-5c31ae514830.png
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/66d48099-8e94-456c-b086-b36a7f136e18.png
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/3e517976-fbaa-4e34-81f3-1848017ad9ca.png

England manager Gareth Southgate has been speaking to Channel 4 before tonight's game.
How close is the XI tonight to the one likely to play against Serbia at Euro 2024?: "Close, but none of that is decided yet. It's obviously players in the main who didn't play the other night, some who arrived with us late, so it was better for them to play in this game. But, of course, we were really pleased with the performance at Newcastle."
On Kobbie Mainoo starting at Euro 2024: "We wouldn't have any hesitation doing that. He's shown incredible maturity all season. He had two fabulous appearances for us here in March, he's continued that for Manchester United and we're looking forward to seeing him tonight."
On Anthony Gordon's chances of playing against Serbia: "We can't play everyone. Again, we were very pleased with what he did for us in March. He's had an outstanding season, he's been a real goal threat, I love his mentality and focus. He's had a big impact on us."
On Bukayo Saka: "He's been a bit behind in terms of when he's started training but he should get some minutes today."
On Aaron Ramsdale: "He's been our number two. Clearly he's not had the game time with Arsenal, but we still have the trust in him and tonight's a good opportunity for him to play at Wembley again."

ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/cfee4cd5-68e8-44f2-b06b-11fd3f577a1d.jpg

GOAL - England 0-1 Iceland - Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson (12 mins)
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/d904aba2-2864-4cbe-8b2b-8b7e7213e294.jpg

ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/bc92f671-601a-4162-a0cb-4c957ff6093c.jpg
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/0b0f8c1e-f4ac-46b2-8aa9-ac0a8d311978.jpg
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/3da97f6f-78cb-4b55-92ce-f1b360384341.jpg
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/22726e87-323d-4050-ae93-a23584beb14c.jpg
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/51c40ee8-e5f1-4248-8f6a-3c64be960b7c.jpg
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/a6383ff4-1285-426f-8acd-d36f5f3ecb9d.jpg
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/c5102607-7bb4-4e05-9850-3faa115920f2.jpg
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/09a6cbd7-41e5-4c74-bbae-301a5bab8732.jpg
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/0f49ada3-f155-40dc-842f-fc6c2220deee.jpg
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/451ae880-eb57-4e51-bddb-bb43e82f3a86.jpg
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/7a2a3ae7-5d22-4ab0-ab63-d3f9df56de23.png
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/9b31d31d-e1b2-47a0-ba44-5caecddcbddf.jpg

FULL-TIME - England 0-1 Iceland - England are heading to Euro 2024 on the back of a defeat to a team ranked 72nd in the world.

ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/e1c98ee2-4db8-48fb-b437-f57a2891a1d9.png
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/998189e5-d1f4-414e-a953-2cc6510818dd.png
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/c812f1b4-3d5e-4c50-b7e5-021134ecbb8d.png



ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/e4223029-b63c-4453-88e6-8b2131dff9bd.png
England manager Gareth Southgate, speaking to Channel 4:
"It was obviously a disjointed and disappointing performance and we didn't show enough character but I think it's good for us before an international tournament.

"I think we've got to be better without the ball. I think that there were a lot of reasons for that and across the two games we probably haven't had our full side out across any two games. We've been able to look at people, we've been able to learn about the balance of the team.

"I've been involved in a lot of last matches leading into a tournament. Inevitably players have one eye on what's coming in terms of early challenges. No excuses on the result but there are a lot of things we can put eight quickly."

More from England boss Gareth Southgate to Channel 4:
"We didn't get pressing right and we were too stretched without the ball. There were questions we were not able to answer. If your out of possession game isn't right it can make it feel like you don't have a foothold on the game."

On John Stones' fitness: "We think he's probably okay but we didn't want to take a chance given what's coming up."

On whether England will be ready for the Euros: "We'll be ready. Tonight hasn't gone as we would have hoped. I said to the players that not every day will go as you want and tonight was one of those. But also not everything will be wrong, we had enough chances really to win the game but we conceded too many chances as well."

England boss Gareth Southgate to BBC Radio 5 Live, on cancelling the post-match send-off:
"I think you run the risk of that when you're planning something post-match on a night like tonight. We have to accept that the performance didn't warrant people staying. Had we taken a couple of our chances which we had really good ones then that could've looked different but it wouldn't have corrected everything that needed to be better. In some respects everything was exposed tonight and it gives us plenty to work on."

On the decision to take off John Stones: "Mainly precautionary, he obviously took a bit of a knock to the ankle very early in the game. At half-time there was no point in taking any chance. We're too close to the start of the tournament and there was no point risking it."

England manager Gareth Southgate, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live:
"Clearly the performance was not at the level it needs to be. That's the first thing, we have to accept that. We have to stay calm because I've been involved – particularly as a player – in these games just before a tournament and there's as much concern about getting injured and other things as there is in winning the game.

"I thought in the opening spell we actually moved the ball really well then the goal went in and we didn't keep that belief. There are things we've got to learn with the ball, but that being said I think we actually created good enough chances to win the game.

"The bit that wasn't right tonight and needs to be better was without the ball. Collectively as a team we were too stretched, didn't have enough intensity in our pressing, and so they are the things we've got to look back at. In the last three games we've been excellent without the ball. We know we can get better with those things. I think some players needed the game as well. We also have to accept that tonight wasn't at the level it needs to be."

More from Gareth Southgate to BBC Radio 5 Live: 
On whether England fans should be worried going into the Euros: "Naturally after the way we played tonight they will be but that's not been the performances we've put on in the last 12 months. It's actually a good performance in terms of focusing the mind on what needs to happen because you can't be loose, it's not just about talent to go and win football matches. You have to be really well-organised, you have to be disciplined without the ball, and when you're going to press you have to be co-ordinated because otherwise you can be picked off and that's what happened at times tonight."

On whether the emotion of this week had an impact: "I think there were a lot of factors. I think the biggest one was that a lot of players physically needed the game, players that were short of minutes coming into the camp but even the players who have played a lot this season and haven't now played for a fortnight. I think getting the minutes under the belt was important tonight as well."

On whether a week is long enough to correct England's issues: "It's enough to get us in a better place than we were tonight and improve the performance of tonight because we know that has to be the case. We know the bits that weren't good enough but we also have to stay calm because we've been through nights like this before. The bigger problem is that if you don't know what the issues are, but the issues we can see very clearly tonight and we have a chance to address them over the next week."


ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/6/7/62c43e29-444a-491c-8f4e-13103d1442e2.png

Inspired by Ronaldo & Messi, Kane 'motivated' by new England start..Neil Johnston, BBC Sport journalist

i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/09/06/21/89374797-13822861-image-a-80_1725654905121.jpg

Harry Kane says he is carrying the hurt of England's Euro 2024 final defeat into the start of Lee Carsley's spell as interim boss - and motivated more than ever to help them win a major tournament.

The Bayern Munich striker will win his 99th England cap when they face the Republic of Ireland in Dublin in the Uefa Nations League on Saturday at 5pm.

Speaking on Friday, Three Lions captain Kane said he had not fully got over the pain of the 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final in Berlin on 14th July.

"It's tough whenever you get so close to reaching one of pinnacles of career and it's taken away," added the 31-year-old forward.

"It makes me even more motivated. It puts the fire in the belly to try and get there. Our task is to get better."

Kane told BBC Radio 5 Live he wants to keep playing for a long time, taking inspiration from several modern-day legends.

"I think when you look at players like [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Luka] Modric and [Lionel] Messi, all these players who are playing in their mid to late 30s, that's the inspiration for me because it shows that you can really play at a high level for a long time," he added.

"I want to play football for as long as possible and at the highest level for as long as possible.

"I use those players for motivation and inspiration to be able to do that.

"I feel I am in a really good place both mentally and physically to have another great season, hopefully that continues for many years to come."

i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/09/06/21/89374967-13822861-image-a-86_1725655245374.jpg
Kane expects to win his 100th cap when England face Finland at Wembley

Kane described the start of Carsley's interim spell in charge as "another exciting chapter in my England career".

Asked if it felt like a new era, he said: "It felt a little bit strange when we first came into camp.

"The boss has his own ideas and identity. We did a lot of good things with Gareth but ultimately the new coach has fresh ideas. It's been good."

There are four uncapped players in the squad including Newcastle defender Tino Livramento, Lille's Angel Gomes, Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and Chelsea forward Noni Madueke.

"There are a lot of young players excited to be here and express themselves," said Kane, who revealed he had spoken to Southgate since the manager stood down.

"It's great for the experienced players as well, I have been playing for nine years for England now. I still remember that excitement from the first camp."

Lee, like your predecessor, you have no right to be within 1,000,000 miles of the job. In fact, you are even less qualified than he was.

Remember that the role was previously filled by Capello and Eriksson, who had claims to be among the leading managers in the world. They weren't English but they were top, top managers who had the potential to substantially improve us.

The FA have had months to appoint a successor, so I'm not sure why you are filling in? I have a horrible feeling that they will eventually settle on you after exhausting all other options.

If you are interested, perhaps help your chances by lustily belting out our national anthem at the next opportunity? Incidentally, your experience and qualifications are actually more suited to managing Ireland than a leading footballing country like England, and perhaps this is where you should be looking in the long run?

Love,
Rideintothesun.

Frank Lampard 'on shortlist' to become next England boss as FA consider four coaches..by Sam Smith

i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/31/07/85547769-13479261-image-a-6_1717138284332.jpg

Frank Lampard is reportedly being considered for the England managerial job.

Frank Lampard reportedly remains on the Football Association's radar as they continue their search for the next England manager. The former Chelsea head coach is reportedly on a shortlist drawn up despite Lee Carsley's promising audition.

Carsley oversaw successive 2-0 victories over the Republic of Ireland and Finland. England impressed in both matches, their first since Gareth Southgate ended his eight-year tenure.

But the FA are reportedly not ruling out going in a different direction once Carsley's interim spell ends in November. English football chiefs are claimed to have spoken with a number of candidates and are keen to keep their options open over the coming months.

According to the Daily Telegraph, one of those who remain in the frame is the Chelsea and England icon Lampard. The 46-year-old is reportedly on a four-man shortlist separate to the option of appointing Carsley as Southgate's permanent successor.

Eddie Howe and Graham Potter are also under consideration. Pep Guardiola would be the FA's 'dream' appointment, but it seems unlikely that he can be prised away from Manchester City, even with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.

Jurgen Klopp has already ruled himself out of the job and insists he will take a year-long sabbatical following his departure from Liverpool. Mauricio Pochettino, who was another early candidate following Southgate's resignation, has been appointed as head coach of the United States men's national team.

Lampard has not had a managerial job since his second spell at Chelsea ended in May 2023. The former midfielder was placed in a caretaker role following Potter's departure from Stamford Bridge.

The latter has also not been in work since that ill-fated exit from the Blues in April 2023, although fellow candidate Howe is in charge of Newcastle. The former Bournemouth boss stopped short of ruling himself out of the running for the England job during the summer, though.

Meanwhile, Carsley remains the strong favourite to be appointed as the new Three Lions boss. He is due to oversee their next four matches as caretaker - having stepped up from the under-21s - allowing the FA plenty of time to decide on the right man for the job.

England impressed during their two games under Carsley, although a caveat is that those matches came against weak opposition. The 50-year-old also courted controversy over his decision not to sing God Save The King, something the former Ireland international has also not done during his time in charge of England U21s.

Upcoming England Fixtures - October 2024

Thursday 10th October 2024 - UEFA Nations League - League B - Group 2

England v Greece - 7.45pm - Venue: Wembley Stadium



Sunday 13th October 2024 - UEFA Nations League - League B - Group 2

Finland v England - 5pm - Venue: Helsinki

upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8b/England_national_football_team_crest.svg/170px-England_national_football_team_crest.svg.png


upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/80/Finland_national_football_team_crest.png/154px-Finland_national_football_team_crest.png upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/Greece_National_Football_Team.svg/120px-Greece_National_Football_Team.svg.png