Intentional or not, last Thursday's squad announcement represented something of a turning of the page for England.
Effervescent Crystal Palace duo Adam Wharton and Eberechi Eze were among the (relatively) new faces picked by manager Gareth Southgate, while Newcastle United Anthony Gordon has also successfully made the step up to the senior ranks after helping the under-21s to European Championship success last summer.
Fridays offering against Iceland may have been underwhelming, but this has the feel of a group in transition; one already markedly different to the classes of 2022, 2021, or, indeed, 2018. Only half of the 26-man squad that went to Qatar two years ago will be on the plane this time around, with Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish among the most notable — read, controversial — omissions.
It is the tale of those two players, regular squad members in recent campaigns, that has unsurprisingly prompted the most intrigue since the Southgate announcement.
In Grealish's case, a lack of form at Manchester City — coupled with the emergence of Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, and co — counted against him. Maguire, by contrast, would have made the cut again had he been able to prove his fitness in time.
As a result, it is in defense where England currently looks most vulnerable.
Take away John Stones and the four central defensive options at Southgate's disposal have just 36 caps between them. That lack of international experience, in particular at tournaments, is a concern.
Yet as one door closes, albeit temporarily, another opens. Maguires absence leaves a space free alongside John Stones — himself troubled by an ankle injury inflicted early at Wembley on Friday — at the heart of the England defense for someone to fill.
Lewis (Dunk) and Marc (Guehi) played the other night against Bosnia, but (Ezri) Konsa has had an excellent season, Southgate said last week.
We've been using him as a full-back in some of the recent games, but he also played at center-half for us in March and was outstanding. That's probably his strongest position. So there are various options there as well as the fact that Joe (Gomez) can play in a number of different positions.
Here, The Athletic assesses Southgates central defensive options.
Let's start with the easy one. In Maguire's absence, Stones becomes the key pillar in England's defense.
The 30-year-old is in his prime and constantly adding new strings to his bow, with City manager Pep Guardiola using him in more advanced positions in recent seasons.
Stones has always been known for his ball-playing ability, but even that has reached new heights under Guardiola. This season, he was in the top two percent among his positional peers for progressive passes received and the top five for progressive carries.
Stones is not really playing as a conventional central defender, and that would ordinarily be a concern heading into a tournament where his abilities will likely be deployed further back. But he remains a consistent, world-class defender in his own right. Dominant in the air (he won 70 percent of his aerial duels, placing him in the top nine percent), last season he also made no errors leading to opponent shots.
If there is a slight concern, it is over his fitness. He played just 16 Premier League games for City last year because of hamstring and hip problems, and was withdrawn as a precaution at half-time against Iceland after the visitor's goal scorer, Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson, fell on the defender's ankle early on.
Southgate told BBC Radio 5 Live that the decision to replace Stones at half-time was mainly precautionary. He took a bit of a knock to the ankle really early in the game, but at half-time, there was no point taking any chance, he said. Were too close to the start of the tournament, there's no point risking it.
Verdict: The main man — if he wasn't already
It was only last year that former England manager Roy Hodgson described Guehi as a potential future captain of his country.
A sheepish Hodgson would soon apologize for heaping pressure on his charge, but the Palace defender at least seems well-placed to cope with the extra scrutiny that will now come his way this summer.
Guehi, 23, is a calm, composed defender so comfortable stepping into midfield that he was deployed in front of the defense in Palace's 5-0 final-day win over Aston Villa. Positionally astute, he rarely dives in and is deceptively quick across the ground.
Few who have followed Guehis rise through the England ranks would bet against him making an impression this summer, but he is another player short of minutes heading into the tournament.
Knee surgery in February meant the ex-Chelsea man missed two months of the season and he only returned to the Palace line-up for that win over Villa on the final day. But he did look more assured against Iceland than he had against Bosnia, suggesting he is rediscovering some rhythm.
Verdict: The favorite to partner Stones in Germany
Perhaps the most controversial of Southgates picks, particularly after pipping talented Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite to a place in the 26-man squad.
Yet if England wants a like-for-like replacement for Maguire, then Dunk is probably the best fit. Commanding in the air, he should be able to pose a threat from set pieces, while he is also used to playing in a Brighton side that dominates the ball — a major tick where Southgate is concerned.
One of the theories advanced since Thursday's announcement is that Dunk, at 32, got the nod because of his experience, while there is also a feeling he will be a good presence to have around the squad. Southgate has form for this, of course, with Conor Coady selected in previous squads for similar reasons.
The big question mark over Dunk is whether he has the skill set to succeed at the highest level of the international game. Two errors in the March internationals against Belgium and Brazil, which both led to goals, only exacerbated those concerns.
Verdict: Fortunate to pip Branthwaite to a spot and ground to make up on Guehi
Whether at right-back or in his more favored central role, Konsa has played a key part in Villas' success this season.
Capable of playing in a high line — a prerequisite in Unai Emery's system — the 26-year-old has excelled defending both one-on-one and in duels.
Ranked in the top two percent of center-backs from Europe's top five leagues for the fewest number of challenges lost in one-on-one situations (0.12 per 90 minutes), he also held the best tackle rate of any defender in Europe's top five leagues, with 91 percent, at the start of April.
Sometimes versatility can count against a player but, in Konsa's case, it might well have made the difference; 27 of his 50 appearances for Villa this season came in his favored central role, with the other 23 at right-back.
Every squad needs that kind of flexibility.
Verdict: Useful cover across the defense
There has often been a feeling that the only thing holding Gomez back was his injury record.
Heading into the current campaign, the Charlton academy graduate had made just 35 Premier League appearances in three seasons for Liverpool.
Gomez, though, finally appears to have shaken off his fitness problems and is now flourishing. Mobile, strong in the tackle, and comfortable on the ball, he clocked up 51 games this season — the most to date in his nine-year Anfield stint.
The 27-year-old is another center-back by trade but his flexibility and consistency were crucial as he covered for full-back duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson during their injury lay-offs.
With Luke Shaw still an injury doubt, expect Gomez to provide cover for Kieran Trippier on the left of defense.
Verdict: More much-needed versatility in reserve
Recent evidence suggests England are most likely to line up with a back four in Germany, but Southgate has used Kyle Walker as a third central defender in the past.
At 34, the Manchester City man is seen as one of the leaders in the group, something that takes on extra significance after Maguire's omission and remains one of the best in the world one-against-one.
While his attacking limitations from right-back have been noticeable for City this season, Walker remains a useful option in defense if Southgate needs to switch to a back three.
Declan Rice spent a sizeable portion of his youth career as a central defender but has shone in midfield for Arsenal this season, and shifting him back would surely only create issues elsewhere.
Liverpool's Jarell Quansah enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Anfield and is on standby should England encounter any more injury problems.
Even if the call does come, the 21-year-old, who is yet to be capped at senior level, is likely to find himself behind club team-mate Gomez and Konsa in the pecking order.
Lots of bigger names have missed out on the England squad, but he should've been picked to go to Euro 2024, former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher said of Jarrad Branthwaite. He's their present and future.
The Everton defender is a rare commodity as a left-sided central defender and is already attracting covetous glances from Manchester United and others after an outstanding season at Goodison Park. But the expectation on Merseyside was that he was always likely to be culled from the initial 33-man squad — a view based mainly on his lack of action in the March internationals.
The suspicion was that Southgate prefers to go with the tried and tested where possible, something he reinforced during Thursday's press conference. We think it's just too early for Jarrad, Southgate said.
Others, on Merseyside and elsewhere, might well be inclined to disagree.
Verdict: Walker the best bet if Southgate moves to a back three, but Branthwaite is unlucky to miss out
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
England, Premier League, International Football, European Championship
England’s center-halves at Euro 2024: Analizing who best partners John Stones
https://arab.news/5n7zm
England’s center-halves at Euro 2024: Analizing who best partners John Stones
- While his attacking limitations from right-back have been noticeable for City this season, Walker remains a useful option in defense if Southgate needs to switch to a back three
- With Luke Shaw still an injury doubt, expect Gomez to provide cover for Kieran Trippier on the left of defenseWith Luke Shaw still an injury doubt, expect Gomez to provide cover for Kieran Trippier on the left of defense
Kane hat-trick sends Bayern eight points clear
- Bayern, still yet to lose in the league in 2024-25, were dominant throughout but kept at bay by some dogged defending from their Bavarian neighbors
- With 61 minutes gone, the ball connected with Augsburg’s Mads Pedersen’s outstretched arm in the box, bringing the England captain to the spot after a VAR review
MUNICH: A second-half Harry Kane hat-trick took Bayern Munich to a 3-0 home win over Augsburg on Friday, sending them eight clear atop the table ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Bayern, still yet to lose in the league in 2024-25, were dominant throughout but kept at bay by some dogged defending from their Bavarian neighbors.
With 61 minutes gone, the ball connected with Augsburg’s Mads Pedersen’s outstretched arm in the box, bringing the England captain to the spot after a VAR review.
Kane cooly converted to give Bayern the lead.
In stoppage time, Kane went down in the box after contact from Keven Schlotterbeck and Bayern were again awarded a penalty after a VAR review, which the 31-year-old converted.
Schlotterbeck was sent from the field after picking up a second yellow for his challenge.
Kane then added a third, this time controlling a cross and heading in, his seventh hat-trick since joining Bayern.
The England captain now has 14 goals in 11 league games for Bayern this season, five of which have come from the spot.
Leipzig can cut the gap back to five when they play at struggling Hoffenheim on Saturday, while defending champions Bayer Leverkusen host Heidenheim.
The German giants received a boost pre-match, with captain and veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer cleared to start after missing training with a rib issue.
Bayern were in control of possession and field position but could not break through.
Augsburg offered little in attack but defended stoutly, holding Bayern’s glittering attacking riches at bay.
Augsburg goalie Nediljko Labrovic held firm to snuff out first-half chances from Jamal Musiaia and Leon Goretzka.
The Bavarian giants, still smarting after going trophyless for the first time in 11 seasons last campaign, eventually broke through with half an hour remaining, breaking Augsburg’s resolve.
Riding high in the league, Bayern have struggled in the Champions League format, sitting 17th after four games — six behind leaders Liverpool.
Tuesday’s home match with PSG, who are even further down the Champions League table, could be crucial for the German side in their top-eight bid to avoid the extra playoff round.
Teenage Lebanese international football star in coma after Israeli airstrike
- Celine Haidar ‘is Lebanon’s Sergio Busquets … I call on all her fans and the Lebanese public to pray for her swift recovery,’ coach Samer Barbary tells Arab News
- Her father Abbas Haidar says: ‘Her doctors are saying she is in a critical situation … She has been in a coma for 6 days and doctors have been giving us contradictory signals’
DUBAI: The coach of 19-year-old Lebanese football sensation Celine Haidar, who is in a coma after suffering a serious head injury during an Israeli airstrike last weekend, on Friday called on fans to pray for her.
Samer Barbary told Arab News that Haidar has been in a critical but stable condition since she was injured on Nov. 16.
“She is Lebanon’s Sergio Busquets and has got remarkable skills in her position as a central midfielder,” he said. “I call on all her fans and the Lebanese public to pray for her swift recovery.
Haidar, who is a youth international and captains her club, Beirut Football Academy, was hit by a piece of metal as she fled her home in Al-Chiyyah in Beirut’s southern suburbs following an Israeli warning of an imminent attack on the area, her father Abbas Haidar said.
“Our area has been subject to ongoing threats and bombardments,” he added, and so the family had moved to a safer location as a result.
“Celine is a very vibrant and sociable person and loved by all her teammates and schoolmates. She is the one who found us a house in Baakline (a mountainous area outside Beirut) through her friend … like everybody who has been displaced, we moved out.”
However, Haidar only remained in Baakline with her family for two days before returning to Al-Chiyyah so that she could continue to go to school and attend football training.
“I advised her not to go because the situation was dangerous but she is a persistent and lively person,” her father said. “Whenever the Israelis threatened to hit, she would leave home and then return later. On Saturday (Nov. 16), I called her at 10 a.m. and told her there was a threat.”
A few hours later, he received a telephone call from a stranger who told him his daughter was in hospital.
“Her doctors are saying she is in a critical situation,” he told Arab News. “We are praying for her recovery and following up on her medical developments so closely. She has been in a coma for six days and doctors have been giving us contradictory signals.”
Coach Barbary said: “She sustained a serious fracture to her skull and underwent major surgery on Saturday. She is fighting for her life but her situation hasn’t worsened.”
Haidar was initially admitted to Saint Therese Medical Center in Hadath, south of Beirut, but it was “not safe at all and was affected by an airstrike,” Barbary said, so she was transferred to the city’s Saint George Hospital.
Rising star Haidar represented her country as a member of the under-19 women’s national team who won the 2022 West Asia Cup, hosted by Lebanon, and has been selected to play for the senior national team.
“Celine is one of the best football midfielders in Lebanon … she is consistent, stable and a leader,” said Barbary, who coaches the BFA team.
“Before joining BFA three years ago, she played for Safa Club and won with them the Lebanese National League. She has contributed a lot to us, especially in the under-19 championship that we won. She also played a major role in us winning the 2024 league unbeaten.”
Haidar’s club posted a message on Instagram on Tuesday updating fans on her condition, saying: “As stated by her doctors to our team, currently, Celine’s condition is stable and the intracranial bleeding is under control.”
In another post, the club said: “Yesterday, (Thursday) during a heartfelt ceremony, her teammates lit candles and we united in a moment of reflection, thoughts and prayers for her recovery.
“As we honored Lebanon’s strength this year, our dedication was for Celine, whose strength inspires us all. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers as we continue to rally together for her recovery.”
‘Dreamer’ Amorim vows to revive ailing Man Utd
- Asked if he believes he can eventually restore United to the summit of English football, Amorim told reporters on Friday: “I’m a little bit of a dreamer, I believe in myself”
- “I truly believe in the players, I know you don’t believe a lot but I do. I want to try new things. You guys don’t think it’s possible, I do“
MANCHESTER: New Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said he is the right man to revive the ailing English giants’ fortunes ahead of his debut against Ipswich on Sunday.
Amorim was hired from Sporting Lisbon to replace Erik ten Hag, who was sacked after a dismal start to the season left United languishing in 13th place in the Premier League.
The 39-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest young coaches in Europe after leading Sporting to a pair of Portugese titles during his four years in Lisbon.
But United have won just four of their 11 league games this term, extending a malaise that has set in since they last won the Premier League in Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge 11 years ago.
Asked if he believes he can eventually restore United to the summit of English football, Amorim told reporters on Friday: “I’m a little bit of a dreamer, I believe in myself. I believe in the club, we have the same mindset.
“I truly believe in the players, I know you don’t believe a lot but I do. I want to try new things. You guys don’t think it’s possible, I do.”
After arriving in Manchester during the international break, Amorim will finally get his first taste of the Premier League when United travel to struggling Ipswich this weekend.
He is trying to succeed where David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ten Hag all failed by bringing the title back to Old Trafford.
The Portuguese boss is adamant reviving United is not an impossible job, despite a difficult combination of high expectations and underperforming squad.
“Call me naive, but I truly believe that I’m the right guy in the right moment,” he added.
Amorim was speaking to the media for the first time since taking charge on November 11.
The packed press conference room at United’s Carrington training ground underlined what Amorim has already started to realize about the size and global reach of the 20-time English champions.
“It’s bigger than I imagined. There’s a lot of departments, it’s so much different than Sporting, and Sporting is a big club in Portugal,” he said.
“This you feel is a global club, so you have so much to do.”
Amorim’s rise has been compared to the early success enjoyed by compatriot Mourinho at Porto.
Mourinho took English football by storm when appointed Chelsea boss in 2004, shortly after guiding Porto to Champions League glory.
“He sent me a message saying it’s a big club with lovely people, and he’s correct, it still is,” Amorim said of Mourinho.
“With all the Portuguese coaches, we’ve shown that we can be the best in the world. I’m different from Mourinho. He was a European champion, I am not.
“Football is different nowadays, I think I am the right person for this moment. I am a young guy and I try to use this to help my players.”
Amorim’s confidence extends to his tactics and he is ready to stick with his preferred 3-4-3 system despite players who might not be suited to the formation.
“I prefer to risk a little bit,” he said. “We will adapt some players because we don’t have the right profile.
“This team was built for a different system. It’s not evolution or revolution, it’s a change in the way we play football.”
Acknowledging United’s numerous flaws, Amorim knows he faces a massive task to catch up the likes of rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.
“We have space to grow as a team. We have to improve in a lot of areas,” he said.
“If you want to speak about the team and the way we play, we lose the ball too often. We have to be better at running back and we have to be very good in the details.
“We have to change the physical aspect of the team. I don’t know how long it will take. We have to improve a lot to try to win the title.”
Slot warns of Southampton slip-up ahead of Liverpool’s ‘incredible’ week
- Slot has made a remarkable start to his time in charge of the Reds, winning 15 of his first 17 games in all competitions
- That has propelled Liverpool into a five-point lead over City at the top of the Premier League and to the summit of the new-format Champions League
LIVERPOOL: Arne Slot said he cannot be distracted by Liverpool’s upcoming showdowns with Real Madrid and Manchester City as the injury-hit Premier League leaders visit Southampton on Sunday.
Slot has made a remarkable start to his time in charge of the Reds, winning 15 of his first 17 games in all competitions.
That has propelled Liverpool into a five-point lead over City at the top of the Premier League and to the summit of the new-format Champions League.
“It would be a bit strange if I tell you I’m not enjoying being in the position we are in now, but we also understand we’re only 11 (league) games in now, so that’s a lot of games to be played,” said Slot at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
A trip to bottom-of-the-table Southampton appears the ideal appetiser to two huge clashes as Madrid visit Anfield on Wednesday before a showdown with City on December 1.
But Slot is wary of the threat posed by the Saints, who have often dominated possession without reward on their return to the top-flight.
“We indeed have incredible fixtures coming up, starting with Southampton,” added Slot.
“It’s not going to be easy even if everyone feels it is (because they are) bottom of the league. (Southampton) do not play at all like this and they made it difficult for teams that are in the top three of four.
“Their playing style is very interesting, it is a joy to watch their games.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold could be back in time to face Madrid, but is unlikely to return from a hamstring injury this weekend, while Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota remain out.
Liverpool’s title rivals received a major boost this week as Pep Guardiola extended his contract as Manchester City boss until 2027.
Slot is a confessed admirer of the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach, who has led City to six Premier League titles in the past seven seasons.
“That’s good news for City first of all, and also good news for the league because I think everyone wants to have the best managers possible and the best players over here,” said Slot.
“On the other hand City have so many quality players that if he made the choice to leave the club I would never expect them to be bottom of the league next season.”
Leverkusen’s Boniface sidelined with leg injury
- “He’s got a small injury in his thigh muscle, it’s a shame,” Alonso told reporters ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Heidenheim
- Nigerian media reported Boniface could miss the remainder of 2024 but Alonso was optimistic the striker would be back soon
BERLIN: Bayer Leverkusen and Nigeria striker Victor Boniface is set to miss “a few games” after returning from international duty with a leg injury, coach Xabi Alonso said Friday.
“He’s got a small injury in his thigh muscle, it’s a shame,” Alonso told reporters ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Heidenheim.
Nigerian media reported Boniface could miss the remainder of 2024 but Alonso was optimistic the striker would be back soon.
“He won’t be there tomorrow or against Salzburg (Champions League).
“We hope he will play again this year. We have to wait and see, but it’s not going to be six or eight weeks.”
Forward Patrik Schick, who has started just twice in the league this season, is expected to step up in the Nigerian’s absence.
“He is always ready — we don’t just need him now, but always.”
The defending champions, who did not lose a game in Germany last year on the way to an unbeaten league and cup double, have stuttered this season.
Leverkusen are currently in fourth, nine points behind league leaders Bayern Munich. Alonso’s men have dropped 13 points so far this season, one more than the 12 they leaked in the entirety of the last campaign.
Boniface is Leverkusen’s highest scorer in the league, with six goals and an assist in 10 games.