Gareth Southgate has pledged England will learn from Friday's shock 1-0 defeat to Iceland ahead of their Euro 2024 campaign starting next week.

England's Wembley Stadium send-off fell flat as they produced a disjointed performance against a stubborn Iceland side, with Jon Thorsteinsson's low strike the difference. 

Despite Southgate picking a strong starting lineup featuring Harry Kane, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, the Three Lions managed just one shot on target and only recorded 0.89 expected goals (xG) from 13 total attempts.

It is the first time they have lost their final game prior to an international tournament since Euro 1968, having won 15 and drawn five of their previous 20 such matches. 

While Southgate was in no mood to excuse England's below-par performance, he is sure their issues will be solved before they face Serbia in Gelsenkirchen in nine days' time.

"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," Southgate told Channel 4.

"I think we've got to be better without the ball. I think there were a lot of reasons for that and across the two games we probably haven't had our full side out. 

"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. There are no excuses on the result but there are a lot of things we can put right quickly."

England have now conceded first in each of their last three games at Wembley – against Brazil and Belgium in March and versus Iceland on Friday.

It is the first time they have conceded first in three successive matches at the national stadium since doing so between October 1953 and November 1954 – a run which included an infamous 6-3 defeat to Hungary in November 1953.

Pascal Gross scored a fine 89th-minute winner as Germany fought back to beat Greece 2-1 in their final friendly ahead of Euro 2024 at BORUSSIA-PARK on Friday.

Manuel Neuer has beaten off competition from Marc-Andre ter Stegen for Germany's number one shirt, but an uncharacteristic error from the veteran put the hosts on the back foot in the first half, Giorgos Masouras finishing when the goalkeeper failed to hold Christos Tzolis' shot.

Kai Havertz had a goal disallowed for offside shortly before half-time, but he would not be denied after the break as he saw a shot deflect in after being fed by Leroy Sane.

Substitute Benjamin Henrichs rattled the crossbar from distance with 84 minutes gone as Germany's bid for a winner looked like falling flat.

However, Brighton and Hove Albion man Gross gave the home fans something to cheer with one minute of the 90 remaining, firing a half-cleared cross into the top-right corner for his first international goal.

Data Debrief: Germany ride their luck 

Germany fired off 27 shots without finding the breakthrough against Ukraine in a goalless friendly draw on Monday, but it was a very different game on Friday as they rode their luck somewhat.

Julian Nagelsmann's team recorded just 12 shots worth 0.88 expected goals (xG) to Greece's 14 (2.14 xG), with a brilliant finish from Gross bailing them out after the visitors failed to take their chances. 

Finland came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Scotland at Hampden Park as their Euro 2024 preparations concluded. 

The hosts had to wait until the 54th minute to find the breakthrough having dominated the ball in the first half, as Andy Robertson, who captained Scotland for a record 49th time, saw his searching delivery turned home by the unfortunate Arttu Hoskonen. 

The Liverpool full-back had broken a 67-year record previously held by George Young, and he was at the heart of the action again four minutes later as Anthony Ralston's attempted cross fell kindly into his path, taking his time before picking out Lawrence Shankland to head beyond Viljami Sinsalo. 

Scotland rang the changes, with Craig Gordon replacing Angus Gunn in goal to become the Tartan Army's oldest player at 41 years and 159 days, but he would endure an outing to forget. 

The Motherwell goalkeeper would pick the ball out of the net three minutes after his introduction as substitutes Oliver Antman and Benjamin Kallman combined, with the latter heading the ball into the bottom corner. 

Finland then clinched a draw late on as Gordon was adjudged to have fouled Tomas Galvez inside the box, with Antman stepping up and placing the ball down the middle.

Data Debrief: Scotland denied late on

Scotland maintained their record of having never lost a match against Finland in their nine meetings (six wins, three draws). They have now only faced the Faroe Islands (11 games) more often without losing in their international history, also facing Cyprus on nine occasions without losing.

However, Steve Clarke will have been frustrated by their late collapse, and similarly generous defending will certainly be punished by Germany in next week's Euro 2024 opener. 

England's Euro 2024 preparations ended on a sour note as Gareth Southgate's side produced a limp display in a surprise 1-0 defeat to Iceland at Wembley Stadium.

The absence of Jude Bellingham aside, Southgate selected a strong starting lineup but saw his side toil in the final third as Jon Thorsteinsson's early effort proved decisive. 

England started slowly as Iceland sat deep, and they were hit on the break 11 minutes in, Thorsteinsson driving a low strike behind the dive of Aaron Ramsdale and in after cutting inside John Stones on the left side of the area. 

The Three Lions missed two glaring chances to level before half-time, with Cole Palmer seeing a volley deflect wide before Harry Kane inexplicably fluffed his lines when picked out by the Chelsea man.

Stones was replaced by Ezri Konsa at the break in what appeared to be a precautionary move after the Manchester City man took a knock. England should have gone 2-0 down just after the hour-mark, but Thorsteinsson slipped when presented with a clear sight of goal.

That was the closest either side came to a goal in the second half, with substitute Ivan Toney missing England's best chance when he hooked Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross over.

Alexander-Arnold sent a cross-shot just wide in stoppage time and England were booed off at full-time, and far better will be required against Serbia next week. 

Data Debrief: Lacklustre warm-up for Three Lions

Prior to Friday's game, England had not lost their final game before any of their last 20 international tournaments (15 wins, five draws), last doing so when they went down 1-0 in Germany ahead of Euro 1968.

On that occasion, England, then world champions, fell at the first hurdle in a four-team tournament, losing out to eventual runners-up Yugoslavia. 

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner is "determined" to take Premier League games to the United States and elsewhere around the globe.

The subject of leagues playing regular-season matches abroad has become a subject of debate in recent weeks, after FIFA pledged to analyse the impact of moving games.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters recently said the door was "ajar" for games to be played in other countries, due to a legal settlement between FIFA and US-based match promoter Relevant Sports.

Premier League fans would likely oppose overseas games more than most, with supporter protests in England having contributed to the demise of the European Super League in 2021.

Liverpool were one of the clubs at the forefront of that ill-fated project, and Werner has risked the wrath of Reds fans by putting his name to plans for global games.

"I'm determined one day to have a Premier League game be played in New York City," Werner told the Financial Times.

"I even have the crazy idea that there would be a day where we play one game in Tokyo, one game a few hours later in Los Angeles, one game a few hours later in Rio, one game a few hours later in Riyadh.

"We make it a day where football, where the Premier League, is celebrated."

Asked how clubs could get fans to support the plans, Werner added: "Let's figure out a way to offer them very cheap travel and accommodation.

"If Liverpool are playing Nottingham Forest, we will support fans coming to New York and make this an attractive thing for the fans as well."

Liverpool will play in the US during pre-season, facing Arsenal in Philadelphia on July 31 before taking on Manchester United in Columbia, South Carolina three days later.

LaLiga is also looking to revive plans to play matches abroad, after opposition from players and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) killed a proposal for Barcelona to face Girona in Miami in 2019.

Peter Vermes is hoping for a competitive match when Sporting Kansas City face off against rivals Seattle Sounders in the MLS on Saturday.

Sporting KC have struggled so far this season, sitting bottom of the Western Conference on just 11 points after winning just two of their games.

They are currently on a 10-match winless streak, but Vermes wants his team to use past grudges against Seattle to inspire a win.

"Seattle have always had a very good team, a solid nucleus," Vermes said. "We always have battles with them no matter where we're playing. They're an explosive team that can defend very well. It'll be a tough battle.

"We're two very competitive teams that are in the middle of competing for the same things. You end up playing each other a lot and having grudges that roll over. It's healthy.

"Everybody's form comes into play at some point. Not just as individuals, but as a team. We will win together for sure."

Seattle are seven points better off in the table, but their home form has let them down of late, leaving them sitting just below the playoff places.

Head coach Brian Schmetzer is aiming to continue their winning streak on the road in Kansas City.

"We've been pretty good on the road, more road wins than home wins," Schmetzer said. "It's a confident team. I think we have been playing better as of late.

"We've talked about closing out games, we'll be ready for them. Execution is critical. We've got a good team with plenty of confidence - we just need to execute plays more regularly."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Sporting KC – Johnny Russell

Russell, who scored Kansas City's lone goal on Saturday, has scored six times in 11 career regular-season matches against the Sounders.

No player has scored more goals against Seattle than Russell since he joined MLS in 2018 (tied with Sebastian Blanco and Cristian Espinoza).

Seattle Sounders – Jordan Morris

Morris has scored seven career regular-season goals against Sporting, including four in his last visit to Kansas City. Only against LA Galaxy (nine) has Morris scored more regular-season goals during his MLS career.

MATCH PREDICTION: SPORTING KANSAS CITY WIN

Seattle have lost a lead in the 90th minute or later twice this season, including doing so against Real Salt Lake on May 30. The Sounders had only failed to win when leading in the 90th minute or later twice in the previous six seasons combined (2018-23).

Seattle have won six of their 13 regular-season visits to Kansas City (D2 L5), including winning two of the last three. The Sounders' .462 winning percentage in Kansas City is the best of any team that has visited Sporting six or more times in the post-shootout era (since 2000).

Kansas City equaled the longest true losing streak (excl. breakaway shootout losses) in the club's regular-season history at seven with a 3-1 loss at Minnesota on Saturday. It was the first defeat in the streak by more than a one-goal margin, and they will be aiming to avoid creating a new record.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Sporting KC – 40.9%

Draw – 26.6%

Seattle Sounders – 32.5%

Nico Estevez believes FC Dallas are building towards a big result against a top team as they travel to Minnesota United on Saturday.

Dallas are winless in their last four games and have not won on the road yet this season, leaving them 12th in the Western Conference with 13 points.

Estevez said he was pleased with the performances he has seen away from home so far and is hopeful they can turn that into their first win.

"I think it's important because overall, we have performed very well against the top teams in the West," said Estevez, as quoted by the Big D Soccer substack. 

"I think we were unlucky not to have more points than we have. We have to take those positives, but as I said to the guys, is all these little steps that we are making, and we're feeling better about how we're competing against top teams."

Meanwhile, Minnesota got back to winning ways last Saturday with a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City.

With other teams around them not playing this weekend, the Loons have the opportunity to leapfrog Los Angeles FC into second and close the gap to leaders Real Salt Lake to two points.

They are missing players due to international duty, but head coach Eric Ramsay is confident his side are in a good position to get a positive result.

"We will do what we can [against Dallas] with a group of very hungry players, but it's a testing position [to be without so many players through internationals]," said Ramsay.

"Hopefully our squad is stronger for that. We've given ourselves a bit of breathing space [with the win last weekend], but I'm genuinely excited about how we shape up and see what we can produce."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Minnesota United – Robin Lod

Lod came off the bench to score against Kansas City on Saturday, his seventh straight regular-season home match with a goal contribution, tying Darwin Quintero for the second-longest run in club history.

Only Lod himself has had a longer streak, contributing to a goal in 13 straight at home in 2020-21.

FC Dallas – Asier Illarramendi

Illarramendi completed 91 of his 99 pass attempts at Los Angeles FC on Saturday. The last Dallas player to complete more passes in an away match was Javier Morales (96) at Colorado in October 2017.

MATCH PREDICTION: MINNESOTA UNITED WIN

Minnesota have only lost one of their last 10 meetings with Dallas (W5 D4, incl. playoffs) dating back to September 2020. Dallas had won five of the first seven meetings between the sides prior to September 2020 (L2).

The Loons’ win over Sporting Kansas City on Saturday took them to 28 points from 15 matches this season, six more than they have ever had at this stage of a season in club history.

Meanwhile, Dallas are winless in their first eight away matches this season (D2 L6), equaling the second-longest road winless run to begin a season in club history (also eight in 2012). Dallas only went longer before a road win in 2000, failing to win any of their first 11 away from home that year.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Minnesota United – 53%

Draw – 24%

FC Dallas – 23%

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka and defender Manuel Akanji have both been named in Murat Yakin's Euro 2024 squad. 

Yakin named a preliminary 33-man group last month in the hopes of replicating their fine run at the last tournament, where they were beaten by Spain in the last eight after eliminating favourites France on penalties.

Notable absentees from the final party include Genk striker Andi Zaqiri, who scored nine goals in 37 appearances in 2023-24, as well as Kevin Mbabu, who has 24 caps and was part of the side that beat Didier Deschamps' men three years ago. 

Former Arsenal skipper Xhaka will lead his side for a third time at an international tournament, after helping Bayer Leverkusen win their first Bundesliga title this season. 

Manchester City's Akanji has enjoyed another fine season, helping the Citizens keep 17 clean sheets in 48 appearances in all competitions as he continues to assert himself as one of the Premier League's finest defenders. 

As part of their Euro 2024 preparation, Switzerland will host Austria in a friendly match on Saturday before travelling to Germany. 

The Swiss will kickstart their Group A campaign against Hungary in Koln on June 15, followed by an encounter with Scotland and a meeting with the hosts. 

Final Switzerland squad: Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Yvon Mvogo (Lorient), Yann Sommer (Inter Milan), Manuel Akanji (Manchester City), Nico Elvedi (Borussia Monchengladbach), Ricardo Rodriguez (Torino), Fabian Schar (Newcastle United), Leonidas Stergiou (Stuttgart), Silvan Widmer (Mainz), Cedric Zesiger (Wolfsburg), Michel Aebischer (Bologna), Zeki Amdouni (Burnley), Kwadwo Duah (Ludogorets), Breel Embolo (Monaco), Remo Freuler (Nottingham Forest), Ardon Jashari (FC Luzern), Dan Ndoye (Bologna), Noah Okafor (AC Milan), Fabian Rieder (Rennes), Xherdan Shaqiri (Chicago Fire), Vincent Sierro (Toulouse), Renato Steffen (Lugano), Ruben Vargas (Augsburg), Granit Xhaka (Arsenal), Denis Zakaria (Monaco), Steven Zuber (AEK Athens).

Lionel Messi has cast doubt upon his chances of playing at a 13th major tournament for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.

The Inter Miami star will turn 39 during that tournament, which takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico in two years' time. 

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has seemingly left the door ajar to a final swansong at the world's biggest international tournament, though he admits his participation will be dependent on how he feels as he edges closer to the end of his glittering career. 

"It depends on how I feel, on how I am physically," Messi said in an interview with Infobae. 

"I have to be realistic with myself and know if I am up to the task of being able to compete and help the team-mates next to me. There is some time left, and I don't know how I will be at that moment. 

"Age is also a reality, although it is a number, and the games that I am going to play [at Inter Miami] are not the same as the ones I played when I was in Europe. 

"It will depend on how I feel, what I feel when I'm next to my team-mates, and I'll see if I'm still up to par or not."

Messi has 12 goals and nine assists in 12 MLS appearances this season, with the Argentina captain set to lead his country's bid to retain their Copa America title in the coming weeks.

La Albiceleste kick-off their campaign against Canada on June 20 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and Messi believes the competition at this year's tournament is as strong as it has ever been. 

"I think that Argentina is always favourite," he said. "When a tournament starts, be it a World Cup, Copa America or whatever, Argentina is a candidate just like Brazil and more so in this Copa America. 

"But I think that today the South American teams are very strong. Uruguay are very good, as are Colombia and Ecuador. I think it will be a very level Copa America."

Lionel Scaloni will take charge of Argentina at a fourth international tournament and will be hopeful his number 10 can lead them to glory once more. 

Amid talk it could be Messi's last competition with his country, Scaloni wants supporters to focus on the present, rather than looking to the future. 

"We Argentines are too melancholic. We are already thinking about the day when he is not there, when he is still playing," Scaloni told Telemundo Deportes.

"Let's enjoy it and we'll see tomorrow, because I think the present is so important, not only for Argentina, because, in the end, Leo plays for those who like football. Someday it will happen."

Jamie Vardy has signed a one-year contract extension to stay at Leicester City until June 2025.

The 37-year-old signed for the Foxes in 2012 from non-league Fleetwood Town and is third on the club's all-time top scorer list with 190 goals in 464 appearances.

He won the Premier League with Leicester in 2015-16 and also lifted the FA Cup, Community Shield and two Championship titles.

Last season, he scored 20 goals in all competitions, helping them get promoted back to the top-flight as champions after just one season out of the Premier League.

In a statement on the club website, Vardy said: "To get the numbers that I did [last season], I'm delighted with it, but there's still more to come.

"I've always said that age is just a number. My legs feel fine so that's why I carry on until my legs say, 'That's it, game over'. There will be a day when that comes, but that's not right now.

"We look forward to another season in the Premier League and seeing what we can do. One hundred per cent, it's the best league in the world. That's where you want to be playing your football."

Nemanja Matic believes Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford's omission from England's Euro 2024 squad can only be good news for Serbia. 

Gareth Southgate confirmed his 26-man squad for the upcoming tournament in Germany on Thursday, with a number of high-profile names set to watch the Three Lions' bid for a first international trophy in 58 years from home. 

From the preliminary squad, James Trafford, Jarrad Branthwaite, Jarell Quansah, Harry Maguire, Curtis Jones, James Maddison and Grealish have all been dropped ahead of the Three Lions' final friendly fixture against Iceland.

Manchester United forward Rashford was not included in the initial 33-man party, having managed just seven league goals for Erik ten Hag's side this season.

He will miss his first international tournament since he was first called up to the senior England team in 2016. 

Matic, who retired from international football with Serbia in 2020, believes the absence of his former United team-mate – as well as that of Grealish – will only benefit his nation when they face England in their Group C opener in Gelsenkirchen on June 16. 

The former two-time Premier League winner wrote on X: "I would always like to have players like Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish in the team, players who can decide the game with one move! Not selected, good news for us."

Grealish has made 10 appearances in the last two major tournaments, nine of which came from the bench as he was deployed in the role of an impact player. 

All 36 of his England caps have come under Southgate, but a stop-start campaign with Manchester City saw the 28-year-old limited to 20 league appearances in 2023-24, after he provided five goals and seven assists as City won the treble in 2022-23.

Despite helping his side lift the FA Cup for a 13th time last month, Rashford was unable to replicate the form that saw him score 30 goals in all competitions during the 2022-23 campaign, meaning he will not be able to add to his 17 England goals in Germany. 

Costa Rica and Honduras were among the winners on the second day of round two of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers on Thursday.

Costa Rica won 4-nil over Saint Kitts and Nevis in Group B at the National Stadium in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Orlando Galo struck with a header in the box to open the scoring in the 40’, connecting on a long service from Jefferson Brenes following a throw-in.

Galo secured his brace in the 50’ with a left footed strike just outside the box.

Josimar Alcocer came off the bench to add a third for the hosts in the 83'.

Andy Rojas, another second half substitute, extended the lead in the 84' to secure the three points.

Costa Rica will travel to face Grenada on Sunday in St. George's. Saint Kitts and Nevis will host the Bahamas on Tuesday in Basseterre.

Honduras won 3-1 over Cuba in Group A at the Chelato Ucles National Stadium in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Maykel Reyes struck first for the visitors in the 23', capping off a counterattack with a chipped ball from the penalty arc.

Antony Lozano tied the match minutes later, in the 26', as Honduras took advantage of a free kick from short distance. Luis Palma delivered the service over the top, which Lozano received with his chest as he spun to hit the ball with his right foot.

Edwin Rodriguez obtained the lead for Honduras in the 45'+2 with a left footed shot in the box.

Rubilio Castillo extended the lead in the 82' with a strike off a long pass from the right side of the box by fellow second half substitute David Ruiz.

Up next for Honduras is playing away at Bermuda on Sunday. Cuba will host the Cayman Islands on Tuesday in Santiago de Cuba.

Haiti defeated Saint Lucia, 2-1, in Group C at Wildey Turf in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Caniggia Elva opened the scoring in the 18' to put Saint Lucia on the board.

Jean-Kevin Duverne tied the match in the 47', connecting with a strong header off a corner kick service from Fabrice Picault.

Duckens Nazon completed the comeback in the 78', powering through the defense for the match-winning goal.

The Haiti national team will remain in Bridgetown to face Barbados on Sunday. Saint Lucia will also stay on the island to host Aruba on Tuesday at Wildey Turf.

Panama took a 2-nil victory over Guyana in Group D at the Rommel Fernandez Stadium in Panama City, Panama.

Cristian Martinez broke the deadlock in the 62' with a goal inside the box, connecting on a pass over the top from Adalberto Carrasquilla.

Jose Rodri­guez made it a two-goal lead for the hosts in the 65' with a one-hit finish on the other end of a service from Edgar Barcenas.

The next opponent for Panama is Montserrat on Sunday in Managua, Nicaragua. Guyana will meet Belize on Tuesday at Wildey Turf in Bridgetown, Barbados.

El Salvador and Puerto Rico played to a scoreless draw in Group F at the Cuscatlan Stadium in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Darwin Ceren had a look towards goal in the 23’ but the attempt went wide of the goal.

The hosts came close again in the 26’ as a long-range attempt from Christian Martinez hit the crossbar.

Leandro Antonetti delivered a menacing header in the 78’ but was just wide of the left post as the match stayed scoreless.

Goalkeepers Mario Gonzalez and Joel Serrano ended the night with their first clean sheets of the campaign.

Suriname, who won on Wednesday, maintains its spot at the top of the group as a result. Anguilla and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have yet to play their first match.

Next for El Salvador is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Sunday in Paramaribo, Suriname. Puerto Rico will host Anguilla on Tuesday in Bayamon.

 

Caleb Porter wants to use New England Revolution's win last weekend as a springboard to turn their season around as they prepare to face the New York Red Bulls.

The Revs had won just one of their previous seven matches in the MLS before travelling to Nashville SC and held out for a much-needed 2-1 victory.

They remain bottom of the Eastern Conference, and Porter's main aim is to find some consistency, but admits that might be hard with players leaving to go on international duty.

"We want to keep continuity as much as we can because we're finally getting some continuity in our understanding," Porter said, as quoted in the Blazing Musket substack.

"That's going to breed more and more consistency in our play. So, we'll keep continuity as much as we can, but we have a couple of ideas on what we're going to do."

"It will be our execution against their execution. I don't think there will be a tonne of mysteries about what they're looking to do. It's going to come down to who executes better," he added in a press conference.

Meanwhile, New York Red Bulls sit fourth in the table having won back-to-back home games, but have struggled on the road of late, something Sandro Schwarz is keen to change.

"We need our home mentality and our whole energy for Saturday. We didn't change the first days in our week or our preparation," Schwarz said.

"Even with all the changes as players go off internationally, we haven't let it affect us. It's an opportunity for us to get the next three points, it's our chance, we have to be focused and bring the intensity on Saturday."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New England – Carles Gil

Gil's first-half goal in Saturday's win at Nashville was his sixth goal from outside the box in regular-season play since the beginning of last season. Only Thiago Almada (seven) has scored more goals from outside the box than him in that time.

New York RB – John Tolkin

Tolkin scored his third career direct free-kick goal for the Red Bulls (incl. playoffs) in the win over Orlando on Saturday, more than any other player for the side since the start of the 2010 season.

MATCH PREDICTION: NEW YORK RED BULLS WIN

New England have lost only three of their last 33 home MLS matches against the Red Bulls (W21 D9, incl. playoffs) dating back to September 2002, including winning eight of the last 11 (D1 L2).

However, the Revolution have lost their last three home matches, their first such losing streak since June-July 2014. The Revs have only one longer losing streak (excluding breakaway shootouts) in all competitions in club history, losing five straight in July-September 1999.

Meanwhile, New York's 1-0 win over Orlando on Saturday took them to 29 points from 16 matches this season (W8 D5 L3). The Red Bulls could equal the club record of 32 points in the first half of a season with a win over the Revs, reaching that total in the Supporters' Shield-winning 2018 campaign.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

New England – 29.5%

Draw – 24.7%

New York RB – 45.7%

Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco has opted to stick with a 25-man squad for Euro 2024, despite having the option to include an additional player.

Tedesco initially named a 25-player party, notably excluding Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, while inviting Arne Engels and Mandela Keita to train with the team ahead of their final warm-up matches against Montenegro and Luxembourg.

The head coach was expected to maximise his squad to the allowed capacity of 26 players before the deadline by including one of the young midfielders, but he has chosen to remain with his provisional selection.

Nevertheless, Belgium have plenty of quality and experience throughout the squad, including the likes of skipper Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Leandro Trossard and Youri Tielemans, as well as most-capped player Jan Vertonghen. 

"We have decided to go to the European Championship with 25 [players]," Tedesco told reports during a press conference.

"It's all about the group spirit. I didn't want to disappoint a young player. I have always been clear that we would go to Germany with 25."

The Red Devils boss also provided an injury update on Vertonghen, who is currently nursing a groin problem, but is expected to recover in time for the tournament.

"It won't be long before Vertonghen is back," Tedesco added. "Of course, it is not easy for him to be on the sidelines, but he is an important player in our selection."

Belgium complete their preparations against Luxembourg on Saturday. They begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Slovakia on June 17, while also facing Ukraine and Romania in Group E.

Pau Cubarsi, Marcos Llorente and Aleix Garcia have been cut from Luis de la Fuente Castillo's Spain squad for Euro 2024.

De la Fuente named a 29-man party last month, with a youthful look to it, as Spain aim to regain European glory in Germany.

Cubarsi started Spain's friendly win over Andorra, setting up Ayoze Perez, who is a surprise inclusion in the final squad, for his debut goal.

Despite impressing in his breakout season in LaLiga, there is no place for the 17-year-old as De la Fuente opts for a more experienced group of centre-backs in Robin Le Normand, Nacho, Aymeric Laporte and Dani Vivian.

Llorente also misses out, with Cubarsi's fellow Barcelona youngster, Fermin Lopez, keeping his place after impressing with an assist in his first international appearance on Wednesday.

Garcia is the other midfielder not to make the cut despite drawing attention with Girona as they finished third in LaLiga, scoring three goals and adding six assists in the league in 2023-24.

Spain will begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Croatia in Group B on June 15, before playing Italy and Albania in their other group matches. 

Final Spain squad: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad), David Raya (Arsenal), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Aymeric Laporte (Al-Nassr), Nacho (Real Madrid), Robin Le Normand (Real Sociedad), Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao), Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Rodrigo (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain), Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad), Pedri (Barcelona), Alex Baena (Villarreal), Fermin Lopez (Barcelona), Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid), Joselu (Real Madrid), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ayoze Perez (Real Betis), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona).

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