Mohammad Amir returns to the side as Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik keep their places

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Aug-2020Sarfaraz Ahmed returns to Pakistan’s T20 squad for the first time since losing the captaincy last year. The 17-man squad named by head coach Misbah-ul-Haq for the three-match T20I series in England also retains Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik, who were recalled to the T20 side for a three-match series against Bangladesh at home in January.Several players who were part of the bubble without playing a role in the Test series have been included, with Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Wahab Riaz all drafted in. Fakhar Zaman has also been recalled, while Shan Masood, who finished as the third-highest Pakistani runscorer at the PSL behind Babar Azam and Shadab Khan – and captained Multan Sultans to a first-place group stage finish – has been left out.Pakistan name their squad for the T20I series against England•ESPNcricinfo LtdThis is the first time since Misbah-ul-Haq took over as chief selector that a T20 squad retains many of the core components of the preceding one. The squads he named for series against Sri Lanka, Australia, and then Bangladesh involved several rejigs, with players like Umar Akmal, Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Irfan and Usman Qadir brought in from the cold only to be dropped, but 11 of the 17 players chosen for the upcoming series were also part of the T20Is against Bangladesh. Mohammad Amir and Naseem Shah are notable recalls, while Ahsan Ali and Mohammad Musa do not make the cut.”This is mostly the same team which has been featuring in the shortest format for us,” Misbah said. “Besides retaining the core, we have inducted youngsters like Haider Ali, who has performed well in the HBL PSL, U-19 and first-class cricket, and Naseem Shah as we had an opportunity to keep a bigger pool due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which also increases our options. Our two experienced bowlers in Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz have also returned to the side, along with Fakhar Zaman and Sarfaraz Ahmed.”Usually, the T20I team comes together for a brief period but due to the current situation most of the players have been here with us for more than a month and it has provided us a good opportunity to work on the development of the team and the young players. So, even the players who might not get an opportunity to play will benefit from the experience they are getting here.”It is going to be a competitive series as England are a strong side. We are looking forward to play good cricket and win the series.”Babar Azam will captain the T20I side, a role he has assumed since Pakistan’s tour of Australia in November last year. Pakistan have not won a bilateral away series against a Full Member since January 2018, when they beat New Zealand 2-1. All three T20Is will be played at Old Trafford, with the first taking place on August 28.

England's preparations for Euro 2024 got off to a rather sluggish start at St James' Park but ultimately Gareth Southgate will be pleased with not just the result but the opportunity he got to witness some new stars on the international stage.

This was a patched-together Three Lions side missing some big faces. Jude Bellingham is still in Madrid celebrating his Champions League win while Bukayo Saka also missed out. There was no room yet for England's Manchester City crop either with Phil Foden not making the squad.

As a result, it saw the likes of Cole Palmer and Eberechi Eze make their first starts for their country. The back four also consisted of Ezri Konsa, Lewis Dunk, Marc Guehi and Kieran Trippier.

We did see some more familiar faces late in the 3-0 win over Bosnia, Harry Kane notably scoring at the end but these matches will be more about learning which of the newer players Southgate can trust.

Well, he certainly found a few new heads to rely on at St James' Park.

England's best players vs Bosnia

Cole Palmer opened the scoring from the penalty spot – his first international goal – before Trent Alexander-Arnold got on the scoresheet with a sweet low volley in the latter stages of the game.

The Liverpool star hasn't always had it easy with his national side. England's depth at right-back has seen the likes of Kyle Walker and Reece James preferred in recent years.

However, with James absent from the provisional Euros squad, this was a fine opportunity for Alexander-Arnold to prove himself.

He started the game in a midfield position, spraying some lovely passes around the park before finishing the game at right-back where he looked phenomenal, darting forward to prove a constant nuisance to the Bosnian defence.

It was high up on the right-hand side that Trent's goal came from, as he proved to the manager that he would be deserving of a starting berth in Germany.

Another to shine was Eze. The creative sensation was in fine form for Crystal Palace last season, scoring 11 goals and supplying six assists in all competitions. Thus, he was rightfully rewarded with a third England cap on Monday night.

Described as 'the standout player during his hour on the pitch' by GOAL's Richard Martin, it was an energetic showing that suggested he should certainly be on the plane.

He wasn't the only Palace star to do himself justice.

Adam Wharton's England debut in numbers

In January an unsuspecting Adam Wharton joined Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers in a deal worth £18m.

It was done with minimal fuss, with minimal hype. However, Wharton is now the subject of much discussion having impressed significantly under Oliver Glasner in the back half of the campaign.

Such form meant he was the 'surprise' pick in Southgate's provisional squad for the Euros. Alongside Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, they were only uncapped players, with both making their debuts from the bench against Bosnia. Wharton more than showed he deserves to be in the final Euros squad.

The midfielder didn't score but his performance was full of composure and confidence, notably completing 100% of his passes.

Brought on in the 62nd minute, the 20-year-old went on to amass 37 touches and supply two key passes. He didn't win a defensive duel but that didn't matter with England assured of victory.

Minutes played

28

Touches

37

Passes

36/36

Key passes

1

Crosses

1/1

Fouls

2

Such a performance earned plenty of praise with former Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden hailing his "scary" talent, suggesting the youngster simply "has to be on the plane".

FIFA journalist James Pendleton, meanwhile, summarised Wharton's display with the following words. "His two-footedness and energy levels are such a breath of fresh air and so unique to this England squad."

So, how can you ignore him, Gareth? This was one of the finer England debuts we have witnessed in recent years. It'll be incredibly hard to leave him behind.

Southgate could drop England star for the Euros after 4/10 display

One England hopeful may have damaged his chances of going to the Euros.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 4, 2024

The 2023/24 season came to a perfect end for Manchester United last Saturday, after they beat their biggest rivals, Manchester City, in the FA Cup final. It was not an easy campaign for the Red Devils, but it finished in an ideal way.

Goals from academy graduates Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo sealed the win for Erik ten Hag’s side, who played very well outside of that. It was a resolute defensive showing, and they held out well against a relentless City onslaught, despite a late goal from Jeremy Doku.

It was a victory that secured United European football for the 2024/25 season, which they did not manage to do via the Premier League. Ten Hag’s men finished eighth in the top flight and needed their cup final win to knock Chelsea into the Europa Conference League, and Newcastle out of Europe altogether, with United claiming Europa League football.

It has given United a platform to build off ahead of the next campaign, at the very least. With continental football secured for another season, it helps them attract bigger names in the transfer market, as they look to develop the squad ready for an improved campaign next term. Already, the Red Devils have been linked to one highly-rated youngster.

Man Utd looking to sign Serie A defender

The player in question here is AS Roma’s on-loan defender Dean Huijsen, whose parent club is Italian giants Juventus. He has been a revelation at the heart of Roma’s defence this season and could depart parent club Juve this summer, with United one of the teams sniffing around.

According to a report from journalist Graeme Bailey, United are one of the sides interested in signing the 19-year-old Spain under-21 international, who has already represented the Netherlands at youth level, having been born in Amsterdam.

Indeed, they will certainly face competition for Huijsen’s signature should they pursue him during the summer window. As Bailey explains, there are several Premier League clubs who 'have asked to be kept informed' on any transfer movement regarding Huijsen.

As per the report, Newcastle United and Chelsea have previously enquired about the youngster. However, this summer United, as well as Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur, have also shown an interest in bringing Huijsen to their respective clubs. A price has not yet been rumoured.

How Huijsen and Jarrad Branthwaite compare

19-year-old Huijsen is not the only young centre-back United have been linked to this summer. As per a recent report from Natasha Everitt of TalkSport, the Red Devils are 'confident' of wrapping up the signing of Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, as well as Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.

However, it would be an expensive deal to do, with Everton potentially asking United for £75m, according to Rob Dawson of ESPN. This could lead United to turn their attention to signing Huijsen, who would not be a bad alternative. His manager at Roma, Daniele De Rossi, described him as someone who can “become one of the best players in the world”, which suggests he would be a good signing for United.

When Huijsen went on loan to Roma in the second half of the season, he became an important fixture in the side for I Giallorossi. He played 13 times for the Serie A side, managing to get on the scoresheet twice, and registering one assist. He was also part of four clean sheets in Italy's top-flight.

Huijsen 2023 Serie A stats for Roma

Stat

Figure

Games

13

Mins

519

Clean Sheets

4

Goals

2

Assists

1

Stats from Transfermarkt

Huijsen is a confident carrier of the ball, and, as per FBref, averages an incredible 56.03 carries per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the top 2% of centre-backs in Serie A. This shows how much he oozes confidence on the ball.

Not only that, the 19-year-old is a good box defender and averages 4.66 clearances per 90 minutes which ranks him in the top 15% amongst Serie A centre-backs. As per SofaScore, Huijsen also makes an average of 1.8 ball recoveries per 90 minutes.

Comparatively, as per Fbref, Branthwaite averages 4.71 clearances per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the top 29% of Premier League centre-backs, although his 5.2 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, according to SofaScore, is much better than Huijsen’s numbers.

Factoring in Branthwaite’s cost, the signing of Huijsen – who is valued at just €10m (£9m) by CIES Football Observatory – would certainly make a good alternative deal for United. He is clearly highly thought of by legends like De Rossi and has the potential to become the next iconic centre-back at Old Trafford.

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Posts ByTom Lever May 31, 2024

Despite desperately needing to raise funds before the 30th of June PSR deadline, Nottingham Forest are looking to strengthen their ranks, aiming to build on the 17th-placed Premier League finish during the 2023/24 campaign.

Nuno Espírito Santo inherited the squad from former boss Steve Cooper back in December, only having one month to try and bring in any players that he believes would’ve transformed the Reds.

He made the signings of Matz Sels, Rodrigo Ribiero and Gio Reyna, with the latter two only on loan at the City Ground and confirmed to be leaving the club at the end of the respective moves this month.

However, the summer presents a new opportunity for the Forest boss to put his spin on the side, potentially signing players who he believes could push his side towards mid-table and look to finally pull clear of the relegation zone after two seasons of danger.

Any business will have to be shrewd and value for money, with the club splashing a lot of money over the last couple of campaigns on numerous players who have failed to provide value for money since their moves on Trentside.

It already appears as though the Forest boss has identified one player who he believes could transform the club’s midfield, but it wouldn’t be the first time the Reds have targeted this player, with the side already being linked with the talent last season.

Nottingham Forest interested in signing talented £26m midfielder

According to Portuguese newspaper Record, via Sport Witness, Forest are interested in signing Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis this summer.

The report states that Everton also remain interested in the 24-year-old despite their own financial issues, with the Reds now joining the race for his signature.

The Benfica academy graduate, who has a €120m (£102m) release clause in his current contract, wouldn’t require a big anywhere near that figure for the Portuguese club to part ways with their talent, with a bid of €30m (£26m) expected to be enough to secure his services.

He’s featured 30 times in Liga Portugal during 2022/23, with only 17 of those appearances coming from the starting lineup, featuring for a total of 1,683 minutes under boss Roger Schmidt.

Whilst it may seem surprising that the club are willing to spend big given their recent point deduction, but, it would be a worthwhile investment, with Luis undoubtedly a huge upgrade on one current Forest player.

Why Florentino Luis would be an upgrade on Ibrahim Sangare

Ivorian ball-winner Ibrahim Sangare arrived at the City Ground for a fee in the region of £30m, following huge interest during multiple transfer windows, but the move hasn’t worked out for either side as of now.

The former PSV Eindhoven talent has only featured 17 times for the Reds, only making three starts since Nuno’s appointment back in December.

It’s very evident that when comparing the Portuguese talent to Sangare, the Benfica talent is a more rounded player, who would have a greater impact on the current squad on Trentside.

He averages 74 passes per 90, with 89% of the passes he’s attempted this campaign finding a teammate, 7.6 of which are progressive, with Luis eager to play the ball forward at every opportunity.

Passes per 90

74

37

Pass percentage

89%

80%

Progressive passes

7.6

3.8

Tackles

4.2

3.7

Interceptions

2.6

1.4

Aerials won

1.3

0.7

Unfortunately, Sangare can't get anywhere near those figures this season, with his figure of 37 passes and 3.8 progressive passes respectively, considerably short of the 24-year-old Benfica sensation.

Florentino has produced some unbelievable numbers this campaign, having been hailed as "the kind of player every coach would like to have in their squad" by former Benfica coach Joao Tralhao, with Nuno evidently feeling the same way with the recent rumours over a potential deal for the ace.

Whilst Sangare has been utilised as a player who looks to regain possession as much as possible, Luis has dominated the Ivorian, winning more tackles, aerial duels and averaging nearly two times more interceptions.

Luis’ ability with and without the ball would transform Forest’s midfield, needing to work tirelessly to secure a deal for the £26m talent – which could effectively be a cheap deal if Sangare is sold this window.

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ByEthan Lamb Jun 4, 2024

Rawlins scores 62 not out from 33 balls as Sussex see off Kent by eight wickets

ECB Reporters Network12-Sep-2020

Delrray Rawlins works into the leg side•Getty Images

A blistering unbeaten 62 by burgeoning Sussex star Delray Rawlins helped the Sharks canter to an eight-wicket Vitality Blast victory over the previously unbeaten South Group leaders Kent Spitfires in Canterbury.Set to chase 142 at a modest asking rate of 7.1 an over, the allrounder clubbed six fours and four sixes in an eye-catching knock – having earlier taken 2 for 25 with the ball – to see the Sharks home to their fourth qualifying win with time to spare.Sharks’ openers Calum MacLeod and Luke Wright got their side off to a flyer by posting 61 in the Powerplay including 22 from Imran Qayyum’s first over of left-arm spin. Joe Denly gave Kent their first breakthrough soon after, grabbing a looping caught-and-bowled chance off MacLeod.Qayyum was immediately replaced by Jack Leaning’s occasional offspin and, with Denly’s legspin at the Pavilion End, Kent tried to keep pace off the ball but Rawlins swept powerfully over the midwicket ropes for the first six of the reply as 12 came off the over.Wright fell five runs short of his 43rd half-century in domestic T20 when his back-foot flail against Calum Haggett was caught behind by Jordan Cox.Rawlins lofted Haggett for a straight six to take Sussex into three figures then, when Qayyum returned, Rawlins tucked in by taking 12 off the over including another maximum, this time over midwicket. The 22-year-old left-hander celebrated his 31-ball 50 with a fourth six, pulled off Fred Klaassen, who was then smeared to the ropes at extra cover to seal the win with 4.2 over left unbowled.Batting first after losing the toss, Kent’s top four batsmen all reached double figures without any of them taking responsibility to go on and play a match-defining knock.Having seen the home openers canter to 24 inside three overs, Sussex turned the tide by introducing left-arm spin at both ends in the shape of Danny Briggs and Rawlins. Briggs should have had Daniel Bell-Drummond, on 8, caught by Oli Robinson off a skier at mid-on but, inexplicably, Robinson allowed the chance to slip through his hands. The seam-bowler made immediate amends, however, diving to his left to catch a rasping Zak Crawley drive from Briggs’ next delivery.Denly clubbed three successive boundaries against Robinson to see Spitfires through to 57 for 1 after their Powerplay, but Bell-Drummond missed an attempted slog-sleep on 29 to be bowled by Rawlins. Denly swept a boundary off Briggs and then slog-swept the next for the first six of the innings. But, in trying to repeat the stroke two balls later, top-edged to third man to top-score with 32.Rawlins had Heino Kuhn caught on the run at backward square leg, then Chris Jordan hurried one past Alex Blake’s outside edge to remove the left-hander’s off stump.Briggs snared Cox leg before as the right-hander missed an attempted reverse sweep to finish with three for 27 and leave Kent in trouble on 107 for 6. Leaning followed meekly, gloving an attempted pull shot against Robinson through to the keeper, forcing Kent’s tailenders to simply bat out their side’s closing five overs.Grant Stewart contributed 9 before his sliced drive against Tymal Mills was caught at deep point and, as the runs dried up, Kent managed only one boundary in their last eight overs.

Chris Davies, now fresh in the Birmingham City hot seat, will want to crack on and start adding signings to his new Blues roster, ahead of entering into the cut and thrust of League One.

The new Blues manager, who has left the comforts of Tottenham Hotspur behind for the challenge of getting the sleeping giant immediately promoted, will hope he's adequately backed in the transfer market, as the American owners at St. Andrew's also pray for a short but sweet stay in the third-tier.

Losing Jay Stansfield, who has returned back to the luxuries of Premier League Fulham after a fruitful loan stay, is an obvious blow, having been a constant ray of positivity during dark recent times in the West Midlands.

But, they could immediately replace him with this potential buy in the works.

Birmingham linked with Stansfield replacement

According to a recent report in The Sun, Birmingham – alongside a whole host of other EFL clubs – are queueing up to try and win the services of forgotten Burnley man Scott Twine, who will be sold by the Clarets this transfer window.

Adept at playing down the wings, as an attacking midfielder, or up top, Twine would be an ideal replacement for the out-going Stansfield, who can equally play in all of these roles competently.

Likewise, Twine would also be able to replace Stansfield in terms of goal numbers, with the promising Fulham youngster bagging 13 goals last season for the Blues, even with the on-field situation being bleak for the majority of the campaign.

The Clarets target has also proven himself to be a goalscoring machine in the EFL from memorable stints at clubs away from Turf Moor, but it won't be a foregone conclusion that the 24-year-old relocates to Birmingham, with interest from the Championship in Bristol City and Sunderland no doubt more tempting.

Yet, with the upward trajectory of his career grinding to somewhat of a halt in Lancashire, moving down to League One could be the confidence-boosting switch he needs, to find his shooting boots once more.

How Twine could be Birmingham's next Stansfield

The 24-year-old never quite settled at Turf Moor after a whirlwind rise all the way up from League Two to the Championship, with the agile attacker suffering from unfortunate luck with injuries, alongside a whole plethora of other exciting forwards at Vincent Kompany's disposal being available over him.

Twine's record in League One will, however, make Davies' eyes light up in the Blues dug-out regardless of his up-and-down stint at Burnley, with the slick forward bagging 20 goals last time he was in the division for Milton Keynes Dons, which actually betters Stansfield's one-season goal return when he was plying his trade with Exeter City on loan in the same league.

Stat

Twine

Stansfield

Games played

47

36

Goals scored

20

9

Assists

13

7

Shots per game

3.3

1.4

Big chances missed

6

7

Big chances created

17

7

Stats by Sofascore/Transfermarkt

Ending his last season in the third tier with a ridiculous 33 goal contributions, it's no shock to see that Twine's ex-MK Dons manager Liam Manning wants to add him to his Bristol City group now, having once described the 24-year-old as a "terrific" talent when the pair were together at Stadium MK.

Twine's numbers at Championship level, before his Clarets career began to fizzle out, aren't far off Stansfield's this season just gone either, tallying up nine goals and four assists in the division across 49 total games, which included a sublime free-kick being fired in on the way to Kompany's men winning the title.

This would arguably be a statement signing from Birmingham, and one that would instantly lift the spirits at St. Andrew's, ahead of what they hope is a promotion-winning campaign.

When it comes to prestigious football tournaments, other than the World Cup, there isn’t really anything that gets close to the prestige of the European Championship.

England have been semi-regular participants over the years, and whilst the team has never been crowned champions, they have experienced their fair share of ups and downs along the way.

Euro 2024 saw England reach a second successive final, with Spain inflicting similar heartbreak to Italy three years prior.

But how does their overall record at the tournament shape up? Football FanCast has looked back at all of England’s past campaigns for you to reminisce about.

Year

Stage reached

1960

Did not enter

1964

Failed to qualify

1968

Third place

1972

Failed to qualify

1976

Failed to qualify

1980

Group stage

1984

Failed to qualify

1988

Group stage

1992

Group stage

1996

Semi-finals

2000

Group stage

2004

Quarter-finals

2008

Failed to qualify

2012

Quarter-finals

2016

Round of 16

2020

Runners-up

2024

Runners-up

Euro 2024 tournament guide: Teams, matches, dates, TV channels, odds & more

Football FanCast has put together a guide for all things Euro 2024, with venues, fixtures, tables, stadiums and more all covered here.

ByStephan Georgiou Jun 11, 2024 Euro 1968 World champions finish third in first European Championship

Eight years on from refusing to partake in the inaugural Euros, we finally got our first look at England at the European Championship, with the Three Lions having failed to qualify for the 1964 edition.

The tournament finals were held in Italy and featured just four teams after two years of qualifying and quarter-finals. The teams that made it were Italy, the USSR, Yugoslavia and England.

The Three Lions were going into the finals as world champions, so there was an understandable expectation that they would make it to the final at a minimum – yet they did not.

Instead, the world champions had to settle for third place after they lost their semi-final 1-0 to Yugoslavia, though they did win their third-place play-off 2-0 against the USSR.

Round

Opponent

Result

Goalscorers

Semi-final

Yugoslavia

L 0-1

Dzajic

Third-place play-off

USSR

W 2-0

Bobby Charlton, Hurst

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ByCharlie Smith Jun 9, 2024 Euro 1980 England finally qualify again but fall at first hurdle

It would be 12 long years of European failure for England between their appearances in 1968 and 1980, and when the Three Lions finally made their much-awaited return to the tournament, they did not last long.

The finals were once again held in Italy and were the first to feature eight teams, meaning there was to be a group stage before the knock-out games.

England were placed into a group alongside Spain, Belgium and hosts Italy. Only the winners advanced to the final (no messing around back in the day), so each team would have to perform from the off to stand a chance of winning the tournament.

The opening game against the Belgians started well enough, with Ray Wilkins giving the Three Lions the lead on 26 minutes with a superb finish. However, it took just three minutes for England to concede an equaliser.

England’s second game saw them lose 1-0 to the Italians, and even though they won their final match against the Spanish 2-1, a draw between Italy and Belgium sealed their fate and sent them home early.

Round

Opponent

Result

Goalscorers

Group stage

Belgium

D 1-1

Wilkins / Ceulemans

Group stage

Italy

L 0-1

Tardelli

Group stage

Spain

W 2-1

Brooking, Woodcock / Dani (p)

Euro 1988 Woeful England lose every game in West Germany

It was another eight-year wait to see England compete in another European Championship, and the same wait resulted in the same outcome: an early exit.

The 1988 edition of the tournament was held in West Germany and was actually the last European tournament to see West Germany and the USSR take part.

Once again, eight teams were taking part in the finals, and England were placed into a group with the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands and the USSR.

Although there were at least a few positives to take from the 1980 finals, the same could not be said for the 1988 edition.

England kicked their campaign off with a shock 1-0 defeat to the Irish and followed that up with 3-1 losses to the Dutch and the Soviets. The Three Lions finished rock bottom of the group with no points and a goal difference of minus five.

Round

Opponent

Result

Goalscorers

Group stage

Republic of Ireland

L 0-1

Houghton

Group stage

Netherlands

L 1-3

Robson / Van Basten (3)

Group stage

USSR

L 1-3

Adams / Aleinikov, Mykhaylychenko, Pasulko

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ByStephan Georgiou Jul 16, 2024 Euro 1992 Euro woes continue as Three Lions bow out early again

Well, at least there was no eight-year wait this time. England had managed to qualify for back-to-back European Championships for the first time with their appearance in 1992.

However, once the team got to the finals, the result – as was always the case – was an embarrassing group stage exit.

Sweden hosted in 1992, and as was becoming the norm by this point, the tournament finals featured eight teams split into two groups of four before the knockout rounds.

England’s group featured Sweden, France and Denmark. The inclusion of the Danish was a surprise as it was supposed to be Yugoslavia that qualified in their place, but the country’s breakup meant that they obviously couldn’t play, so the Danes were chosen to replace them.

Of course, Denmark then went on to win the whole thing, defeating Germany in the final to become the only team to have won the European Championship despite not technically qualifying.

England had to play the Danish side in their first game, and neither team looked great as they played out a 0-0 draw. Up next was the French, and what followed was yet another goalless bore draw.

England’s final group game was against the hosts, and the maths was simple: win and go through.

It all started so well as David Platt gave the Three Lions the lead in the fourth minute, but as the English so often do, they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory and conceded two goals in the second half to lose and crash out of the group stage.

Round

Opponent

Result

Goalscorers

Group stage

Denmark

D 0-0

None

Group stage

France

D 0-0

None

Group stage

Sweden

L 1-2

Platt / Jan Eriksson, Brolin

Every England penalty shootout at major tournaments

A chance to relive all of the Three Lions’ penalty shootouts at major tournaments.

1 ByStephan Georgiou Jul 6, 2024 Euro 1996 Southgate misses as home tournament ends in heartbreak

With England now qualifying for European Championships fairly regularly, did the team start delivering improved results? Surprisingly, yes, yes they did.

The 1996 edition of the tournament was held in England, and with it being thirty years on from England’s World Cup triumph on home soil, there was a genuine belief that despite their previous failings, this time would be different. And they were right, sort of.

The size of the competition had been doubled for the 1996 edition to include four groups of four for the first time. England were placed in a group with the Netherlands, Switzerland and the Auld Enemy, Scotland.

The hosts kicked off the tournament with a tepid 1-1 draw with the Swiss, but followed that up with a now iconic game against the Scots at the old Wembley. Alan Shearer opened the scoring in that encounter, but it was Paul Gascoigne’s goal and celebration that has been ingrained into English football folklore.

The final group game saw Terry Venables’ men put four past the Dutch and qualify from the group in a comfortable first place.

The quarter-finals saw England take on Spain, and with the score 0-0 after extra time, penalties were needed to decide a winner. The hosts scored all four of their spot kicks, while the Spanish scored just two of theirs, meaning England’s party would carry on going – for the moment.

The semi-finals saw the hosts take on Germany, and despite a lot of nervousness beforehand, Shearer gave England an early lead when he opened the scoring in the third minute. However, the Germans quickly fought back and levelled the score in the 16th minute, and with neither side able to score again, the game went to penalties.

After both sides had scored their opening five penalties, Gareth Southgate stepped up to take the sixth, but he saw his attempt saved. Andreas Moller then scored his, and the hosts were out.

Round

Opponent

Result

Goalscorers

Group stage

Switzerland

D 1-1

Shearer / Turkyilmaz (p)

Group stage

Scotland

W 2-0

Shearer, Gascoigne

Group stage

Netherlands

W 4-1

Shearer (2, 1p), Sheringham (2) / Kluivert

Quarter-final

Spain

D 0-0 (4-2 on pens)

None

Semi-final

Germany

D 1-1 (5-6 on pens)

Shearer / Kuntz

Euro 2000 Keegan's England fall flat on Euros stage once more

England made their way to Euro 2000, hosted in the Netherlands and Belgium, with one mission: go one step further than 1996. Unfortunately, this was an objective that was very much not met.

The Three Lions were drawn into a group with Portugal, Romania and Germany. England’s first game of the tournament was a thoroughly exciting 3-2 defeat to Portugal, which they put behind them pretty quickly as they ended up winning the following game against Germany 1-0.

The final group game was against Romania, and it was once again a simple equation: win and go through, or lose and go home.

That said, simplicity didn’t guarantee results, and the Romanians stunned the footballing world when they ran out 3-2 winners. Phil Neville conceded a late penalty when a draw would have seen England through.

Round

Opponent

Result

Goalscorers

Group stage

Portugal

L 2-3

Scholes, McManaman / Figo, Joao Pinto, Nuno Gomes

Group stage

Germany

W 1-0

Shearer

Group stage

Romania

L 2-3

Shearer (p), Owen / Chivu, Munteanu, Ganea (p)

Euro 2004 Golden generation fall short after penalty drama

Euro 2004 was held in Portugal and once again featured four groups of four. England were placed in Group B alongside France, Croatia and Switzerland.

The first game of the tournament ended in heartbreak for Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side, as despite leading for most of the game through a 38th-minute Frank Lampard goal, they ended up losing after the French scored in the 91st and 93rd minutes.

Game two saw them take out these frustrations on the Swiss as they stormed to a 3-0 victory, and they played out another victory in their third game against Croatia as they won 4-2.

The quarter-finals saw England face off against the hosts in one of the tournament’s best games. Michael Owen opened the scoring in the third minute to give the Three Lions the lead, but an 83rd-minute goal from Helder Postiga ensured the game would be heading to extra time.

Portugal took the lead themselves in the 110th minute thanks to a Rui Costa strike, but Lampard levelled the scores with a goal of his own in the 115th minute to take it to penalties.

It was the hosts who won out on spot kicks after David Beckham and Darius Vassell both saw their attempts saved. Oh, what could have been.

Round

Opponent

Result

Goalscorers

Group stage

France

L 1-2

Lampard / Zidane (2, 1p)

Group stage

Switzerland

W 3-0

Rooney (2), Gerrard

Group stage

Croatia

W 4-2

Scholes, Rooney (2), Lampard / Niko Kovac, Tudor

Quarter-final

Portugal

D 2-2 (5-6 on pens)

Owen, Lampard / Postiga, Rui Costa

Euro 2012 Penalties send England home yet again

England failed to qualify for the 2008 edition of the tournament, so they had to wait eight years to try and move past their heartbreak in Portugal, though given how this one went, we aren’t too sure they did.

England were placed in Group D alongside France, Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine. Things got off to a reasonable start as Roy Hodgson’s men played out a 1-1 draw with the French. They did even better in the second game, beating Sweden 3-2, despite surrendering a 1-0 lead midway through the second half. A 1-0 win over Ukraine in the final group game saw them advance to the quarter-finals, where they would face Italy.

The game was dreadfully dull and ended 0-0 after extra-time. It was once again a penalty shootout that stood between success and failure for England, and it once again ended in heartbreak as both Ashley Young and Ashley Cole missed their spot kicks to hand the Italians the win.

In fairness, Andrea Pirlo’s spot-kick was worthy of winning the game by itself.

Round

Opponent

Result

Goalscorers

Group stage

France

D 1-1

Lescott / Nasri

Group stage

Sweden

W 3-2

Carroll, Walcott, Welbeck / Johnson (og), Mellberg

Group stage

Ukraine

W 1-0

Rooney

Quarter-final

Italy

D 0-0 (2-4 on pens)

None

Euro 2016 England suffer humiliating exit to minnows Iceland

The Hodgson era was not the greatest time for the English national team, and no tournament encapsulates that better than the 2016 European Championship, which featured 24 teams for the first time.

England were placed in a group with Russia, Slovakia and Wales. In their opening game, England managed to throw away a 1-0 lead in the 92nd minute to draw with Russia, while the second game saw them score in the 92nd minute to beat Wales. The final match saw them play out a tedious 0-0 draw with Slovakia to qualify in second.

Despite this, they were given a ‘dream’ draw, as Iceland were set to play them in the round of 16. Even though Iceland had beaten Austria and drawn against Portugal and Hungary, there was an overwhelming expectation that England would come away comfortable winners from the clash.

Wayne Rooney gave the Three Lions the lead when he scored a penalty in the fourth minute, but a sixth-minute equaliser from Ragnar Sigurðsson and an 18th-minute goal from Kolbeinn Sigthórsson flipped the game on its head.

England looked toothless for the rest of the game and came away as deserved losers. It’s fair to say that this result represented a real low point for English football.

Round

Opponent

Result

Goalscorers

Group stage

Russia

D 1-1

Dier / Vasili Berezutski

Group stage

Wales

W 2-1

Vardy, Sturridge / Bale

Group stage

Slovakia

D 0-0

None

Round of 16

Iceland

L 1-2

Rooney (p) / Ragnar Sigurdsson, Sigthorsson

Ranking the ten biggest upsets at the European Championships

With Euro 2024 fast approaching, Football FanCast has created a list of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history…

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 14, 2024 Euro 2020 Football nearly comes home

The most recent edition of the European Championship is by far and away England’s most successful tournament.

The competition kicked off a year later than planned due to the pandemic and was played across multiple European nations, including England.

Gareth Southgate had just led his side to a World Cup semi-final three years prior, and so while the Three Lions weren’t favourites, there was an element of expectation among fans.

The team were placed in Group D alongside Croatia, the Czech Republic and Scotland. Things got off to a decent start as Southgate’s men played out a 1-0 win over Croatia, but the following 0-0 draw against Scotland tempered people’s expectations somewhat.

The final group game played out much like the first; Raheem Sterling scored England’s only goal as the side beat the Czechs 1-0. Two wins and a draw from the group was enough to qualify as winners, which meant a last-16 tie against Germany.

Goals from Sterling and Harry Kane saw the Three Lions finally get the better of Die Mannschaft in a knockout game for the first time since the World Cup final in 1966.

The quarter-finals saw the team put four past Ukraine to set up a nervy semi-final with Denmark. The game took place at Wembley Stadium, so there was an eerie silence when the Danes took the lead through Mikkel Damsgaard in the 30th minute.

Luckily for the home crowd, Simon Kjær put the ball in the back of his own net just nine minutes later to level the scores. It would take extra-time to find a winner, but England finally took the lead when Kane scored in the 104th minute. It was just Italy that now stood between England and footballing greatness.

Luke Shaw opened the scoring just two minutes in, creating bedlam at Wembley. However, once they were ahead, England seemed to shrink into their shells, and after defending for most of the game, Italy finally levelled the score through Leonardo Bonucci. Extra time came and went, and it was once again – as it always seems to be – a penalty shootout that stood before the English national team. Unfortunately, we all know what happened from here.

Kane and Harry Maguire scored their penalties, but Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka all had to endure the soul-crushing feeling of missing theirs. Jordan Pickford performed wonders between the sticks, but it just wasn’t to be, and Italy claimed the title on English soil.

Round

Opponent

Result

Goalscorers

Group stage

Croatia

W 1-0

Sterling

Group stage

Scotland

D 0-0

None

Group stage

Czech Republic

W 1-0

Sterling

Round of 16

Germany

W 2-0

Sterling, Kane

Quarter-final

Ukraine

W 4-0

Kane (2), Maguire, Jordan Henderson

Semi-final

Denmark

W 2-1 (aet)

Kjaer (og), Kane / Damsgaard

Final

Italy

D 1-1 (2-3 on pens)

Shaw / Bonucci

MatériaMais Notícias

O meia Gabriel garantiu que ele e todo o elenco do Corinthians estão tranquilos com o atraso salarial referente ao mês de julho. O pagamento deveria ter sido feito no último dia 6 de agosto, mas até agora não aconteceu.

O Timão vive momento financeiro delicado, com um montante de dívidas que gira em torno de R$ 1 bilhão. Portanto, o volante, que está no clube desde 2017, afirma que os atletas profissionais entendem a situação administrativa da instituição.

– Estamos de cabeça tranquila. Nossa diretoria está sendo sempre bem clara conosco. Sabemos a situação do clube, mas a diretoria tem buscado, de todas as maneiras, arcar com as responsabilidades. Não só o Gabriel, mas todo grupo está bem tranquilo – disse o volante corintiano em entrevista coletiva virtual concedida nesta sexta-feira (13).

>> Baixe o app de resultados do L!
​>> Confira a tabela do Brasileirão e simule os próximos jogos

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Enquanto isso, o Timão se prepara para o duelo contra o Ceará, neste domingo (15), às 16h, pela 16ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, na Neo Química Arena, local que, inclusive, recebeu o treinamento do Corinthians na última quinta-feira (12).

O desempenho corintiano na sua casa neste Brasileirão é bem ruim, em sete partidas disputadas no local o Time do Povo venceu apenas uma vez, além de dois empates e quatro derrotas – tendo, inclusive, um revés nas duas últimas partidas da equipe como mandante.

– Conhecemos o nosso estádio, o quique da bola, a velocidade, mas nesse período de frio e calor a grama pode mudar um pouco. Podemos não sentir o nosso campo. Foi produtivo, legal. É bom valorizar a nossa casa e já mentalizar o jogo de domingo. Preparação diferente, nós gostamos e não podemos sentir essa pressão dentro de casa. Sabemos que os resultados não são bons. Queremos vencer, vencer e vencer. Não vem acontece, mas pode acontecer, pois trabalhamos para isso. Que domingo seja uma mudança de chave.

Para o fim de semana, o Corinthians deve ter o retorno do meia Cantillo, que retornou aos treinamentos dos últimos dias, após ficar de fora do empate em 0 a 0 contra o Santos, no último domingo (8), com incômodo no adutor da coxa direita. No Clássico Alvinegro, Gabriel acabou atuando como primeiro homem do meio-campo, função que o colombiano costuma fazer.

– Eu me sinto bem à vontade para atuar nas três opções, já que jogamos num tripé no meio-campo. Já joguei na direita, na esquerda, e, contra o Santos, centralizado. É uma posição que eu vinha atuando nos últimos anos aqui (no Corinthians) e conheço muito bem – disse Gabriel

– Estou à disposição do Sylvinho para fazer o meu melhor. Atuei de segundo volate, participei de gols, assistências, joguei de primeiro volante não só marcando, mas ajudado a criar. Então, vou procurar evoluir, é o meu papel. Um jogo você não vai tão bem, o outro vai vem, mas o foco e concentração são sempre as mesmas, para fazer o melhor – acrescentou.

No Corinthians desde 2017, Gabriel tem 219 jogos e sete gols com a camisa corintiana.

Nottingham Forest have reportedly made their move for a "fantastic" player who will feature at Euro 2024 this summer, according to an update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Nottingham Forest transfer news

After narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League to the Championship in 2023/24, amid points deduction struggles, Reds supporters will hope that more positive times are on the horizon under Nuno Espirito Santo. In order for that to happen, some high-quality additions are needed in the summer transfer window, and various players have been linked with moves to the City ground.

Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis is one such target for Forest, with the 24-year-old possibly considered an upgrade on Ibrahim Sangare in the middle of the park. He made 30 appearances for the Portuguese giants in the Primeira Liga in 2023/24, averaging 2.6 tackles per game and showing why he could be a tenacious presence at the base of Nuno's midfield.

A new goalkeeper could also be looked at ahead of next season, with Matt Turner not always convincing between the sticks, and Bayern Munich stopper Daniel Peretz has emerged as an eye-catching loan option. A host of clubs are keen on snapping him up, with Manuel Neuer's continued brilliance at the German giants making it almost impossible for him to make an impact.

Meanwhile, Luis isn't the only Benfica player who is reportedly being looked at by Forest, with highly-rated centre-back Morato seen as a potential addition, being viewed as the club's new version of Murillo, who has impressed to date.

Nottingham Forest make offer to striker

According to Romano on X, Nottingham Forest have sent a proposal to Southampton striker Che Adams and appear to be leading the race ahead of Wolves, with the Reds confident they'll get a deal over the line this summer:

The 27-year-old played his part in Saints getting back into the top flight last month, too, scoring 16 goals in the Championship, while former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has said of him in the past: "He is a guy who is one day a little bit frustrated when he sees he doesn’t play but then when the game comes, he shows up immediately and this is fantastic. That’s why we brought him here."

The fact that Adams hasn't always been a regular starter for Southampton could mean he wants a new challenge, and he is out of contract this month, meaning Forest would be able to snap him up on a free transfer.

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The £30,000-a-week forward is fully expected to make Scotland's final squad for Euro 2024 and could well start the tournament's opening game against Germany on June 14th, especially after fellow striker Lyndon Dykes was ruled out through injury. That shows the calibre of player that Adams is, and he could add firepower and pedigree to Nuno's squad.

Aston Villa finished the 2023/24 campaign with a whimper but fans were voluble and ecstatic following a 5-0 thrashing at Selhurst Park on Sunday, finishing fourth in the Premier League and opening the door to Champions League football.

Unai Emery's transformative effect has propelled Villa Park to the height of the game, placing them alongside Europe's elite and convincing supporters that the golden age is here, welcome after several years of malaise.

Will Emery rest on his laurels? It's hardly likely. The shrewd Spaniard is ravenous for further success and appears to be aiming big ahead of the summer transfer window, eager to bring a marquee name to the Midlands.

Aston Villa eyeing European star

According to reports in Spain, Emery and Villa's President of Football Operations, Monchi, have met with the Barcelona board to discuss the transfer of centre-back Ronald Araujo.

The Uruguay international is valued at €80m (£68m) and widely considered one of the best defenders in Spain, but rumours have lingered over his future with the Catalan club, who are embedded in a quagmire of financial turmoil.

It is hardly coincidental that the interest in Araujo follows revelations from the Telegraph that Villa are willing to cash in on Diego Carlos despite a £50m Champions League windfall, with the defender struggling to impress following a long-term injury.

The £100k-per-week ace might be expendable but perhaps there is a desire to ship him on to free up space for the signing of Araujo, ensuring Emery's outfit complies with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules.

Why Villa are interested in Ronald Araujo

Araujo is an incredible defender, hailed as Barcelona's "new hero" by prominent reporter Guillem Balague in 2021, going from strength to strength after arriving as an unknown quantity from Boston Rivers in 2018.

He's now chalked up 150 displays in all competitions for La Blaugrana, scoring eight goals and adding five assists. During his team's title-winning league campaign one year ago, the £116k-per-week titan kept 12 clean sheets from 22 matches, which is pretty remarkable.

Eagle-eyed analyst Raj Chohan has remarked that Araujo is an "athletic monster" and a "cheat code" vis-a-vis his recovery pace and ability to snuff out danger before the flame starts to flicker.

As per FBref, the 25-year-old ranks among the top 17% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 12% for assists and the top 9% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, with his blend of technical and ball-playing qualities ranking him favourably among some of the Premier League's finest.

Ronald Araujo: Similar Premier League Players
Rank	Player	Club
1.	Nathan Ake	Manchester City
2.	Lewis Dunk	Brighton & Hove Albion
3.	Virgil van Dijk	Liverpool
Sourced via FBref

Moreover, as per Sofascore, the Uruguayan has kept seven clean sheets from his 25 La Liga appearances in 2023/24, completing 90% of his passes, averaging 2.5 clearances and 4.1 ball recoveries per game and succeeding in 65% of his duels.

Given his elite footballing ability, Araujo could prove to be Villa's biggest talent since Jack Grealish, who has just won his third successive Premier League title with Manchester City following his £100m transfer from Villa Park back in 2021.

Grealish was an integral part of Villa's resurgence, under Dean Smith, catalysing the squad as they broke out of the Championship and cemented an impressive Premier League finish, with former loanee Tammy Abraham praising him as "such a good leader".

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But the tricky, fleet-footed winger has long been gone now, enjoying glittering new pastures, and while Emery boasts a wealth of talent, Araujo might just be the 'monster' signing to hand Villa Park a new talisman – one who surely would serve as one of the Premier League's leading defenders and the centrepiece of a project that might not yet have scratched the surface of its potential.