Football news and rumours LIVE - Trent Alexander-Arnold included for England squad as Joan Laporta gives Messi update
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Updated 01/06/2021 at 21:51 GMT
The club season is over and the transfer window is opening for business on June 9. With Euro 2020 just around the corner, clubs are already starting to make their moves and line up some new arrivals before the start of the European Championship. Join us as we bring you the best rumours and the latest news from the transfer market as well as Gareth Southgate’s Euros squad announcement.
English club success complicates England preparation claims Southgate
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22:30 - Football live back tomorrow
Eurosport's football liveblog will be back tomorrow for more updates on transfers and Euro 2020.
21:55 - Pochettino 'asks to be released from PSG contract'
Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly asked to leave the club this summer in order to return to Tottenham.
French paper Liberation has made the claim, but other sources in France suggest otherwise.
19:00 - Ancelotti confirmed
Real Madrid have confirmed the surprise return of Carlo Ancelotti from Everton.
18:32 - Southgate's predictions
““We can’t look any further than the group stage at the moment,” considered Southgate. “We play World Cup finalists [Croatia] in our first game, we have a derby with Scotland, and then we have the Czech Republic, who are one of the best teams in Europe.
“Our focus us on Croatia in a couple of weeks time and then everything builds from there. But there are eight to 10 teams who could win the tournament. We have proved that we can beat anyone on our day - but we have to show that consistently in the tournament.”
“Everybody wants to play and that can affect our decision making in these two matches and the training sessions in the lead up.” reported Southgate when asked on who would be starting the Euros.
“We have got a very good idea of what we want to do, but that’s always got to be open to change - and that’s the opportunity the players have in the next two games.”
18:30 - Southgate on Rashford
18:25 - Trippier's delight
Here's the Atletico defender chipping in.
"It's a very special moment
"I know the competition I've got with the other right-backs.
"It's about playing well for my club which I've done this season.
"I'm absolutely delighted to be in the 26 and looking forward to the tournament now."
18:20 - Southgate praises Lingard, cuts him
"Jesse has done incredibly well to get back in the race. Back in January he was a million miles from being selectable for an England squad.
I said in March he'd had a fabulous few weeks but you'd have to say he was a little fortunate because we were without around four wide players at that time.
"He had a good spell with West Ham and he's played so well for us with England, we have total trust in the way he plays, he's reliable, he's a great member of the group.
"He will play tomorrow because we've got Jadon Sancho ill and we've obviously got a lot of players not available and for the balance of the team he'll start.
"So he deserves that opportunity to go and show me that I'm wrong. But also the lads that are with us, they're the standby players and we've got to keep them match ready in case they come back into that squad."
18:18 - 'Greenwood wasn't an option for us'
“I spoke with Mason and with Ollie last Friday and that’s when the decision was made. At that point we hadn’t got to the level of decision of reducing the 26 because we were still waiting for the Champions League final.
"It’s unfortunate for Mason to msiss out on any tournament because even though he’s young these opportunities don’t come around very often. Even though we know how good he can be it wasn’t an option for us.”
18:15 - Southgate on Maguire and Henderson
Two of Southgate's most experienced players have struggled with injuries in the back end of the season, and there can be no guarantee they will be ready.
Southgate explained his decision: "We know exactly where he is at. Our medical team have been up with him in Manchester.
"He has not travelled yet to us because of the quarantine issues coming back from Poland.
"He's got a bit to do to be available.
"A bit like Hendo (Henderson). They've both got a bit to do but we feel the possibility that they can play a part and the fact they're such fantastic characters to have around the group.
"Given that we were able to pick 26, the opportunity to have those two with us was a straight forward one."
18:11 - Southgate on the fans
“It’s exciting for the players to be playing at Wembley and with fans in the stadium - we’re looking forward to that,” he explored, verbally. “I know some of the clubs have played in front of fans but we haven’t had that opportunity yet, so we’re really looking forward to it.
It’s a great shame some players haven’t played for England in front of fans. Some who have made their debuts haven’t had family there. The fans are such a missing piece. If you’ve waited all your life to play for England, you want to invite your family - and we haven’t been able to do that.
“We won’t win matches just because we’re at home, we need to play well. We’ve seen over the last 18 months, it hasn’t been the same without full stadiums, so we hope with the fans coming back the fans will have an influence on that.”
18:10 - Four right backs, Gareth?
“Well, I think we went though this last week,” Southgate stated.
“Yes we have four players who play sometimes at right-back for their clubs but Kieran’s here, who’s been playing as a wing-back as well as right-back. Rhys James has played right of a three or right wing-back. Trent plays at right-back and Kyle Walker has, as you know, played at centre-back on the right of a three for us and has also played at left-back during a match for us against Denmark.
“Reece James has also played in midfield in a match against Aston Villa. Basically they’re all in the squad because they’re all really good footballers and if I could have picked five or six right-backs I probably would have done."
Southgate also said that Alexander-Arnold was told 'three weeks ago' that he would be in the squad.
18:00 - Southgate explains himself
“You never want to give bad news" he began.
“It’s lovely to give people debuts and bring them into the squad for the first time, but it’s much harder to deliver difficult news.
“With the lads this time - there were three who knew they were coming in for the experience of training with us and for these two matches - and we’re really pleased with Ben White, Ben Godfrey and Aaron Ramsdale. They have added a lot to the group.
“For me personally, it was very difficult to speak to Jesse Lingard, who has given so much for England over a long period of time. James Ward-Prowse, who has captained the under-21s, and Ollie Watkins, who has had a tremendous season with Aston Villa.
Those three, I gave them the option of going home, but they were all adamant they wanted to stay and be a part of the group. I think Jesse will probably start tomorrow.
“Their commitment and professionalism has been exemplary and it meant yesterday afternoon when I had the conversation with those players, although they were disappointed, they knew where they stood and the atmosphere around the camp has stayed positive.”
17:55 - Southgate will be out soon
Putting down his Vimto, getting his vape in his backpack, readying himself to face the press.
17:30 - Who else has been cut?
Aaron Ramsdale, Ollie Watkins, Ben White and Ben Godfrey all miss out as well. That's two central defenders, which doesn't leave a great deal for Southgate to pick from if things go wrong.
17:20 - Hayward muses
He cuts to the chase:
17:15 - In rich text format
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Man Utd), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Jordan Pickford (Everton)
Defenders: John Stones (Man City), Luke Shaw (Man Utd), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Man City), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Reece James (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolves), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid)
Midfielders: Mason Mount (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds)
Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Raheem Sterling (Man City), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
17:10 - Bellingham to go to Euro 2020
Borussia Dortmund may be a touch surprised to have two players going to the Euros, but they may find there's only one when the tournament is over.
Manchester United hope to sign Sancho in the next few weeks, but Jude Bellingham has emerged as just a promising prospect in Germany.
17:05 - Maguire included
Given his injury problems over the last few weeks, it's promising to see that England think Harry Maguire at least has a chance of being fit for the summer.
If he doesn't make it, then John Stones and Conor Coady could be a back two, or Kyle Walker could be included to make a three. That might be why Southgate elected to include Trent Alexander-Arnold, to have depth on the right.
17:00 - Squad confirmed
There's the announcement, and the biggest absence is Jesse Lingard, as expected, and James Ward-Prowse.
Lingard can have little complaint, in truth. While he's had an impressive run in the second half of the season, his form for the previous two years was fairly unimpressive, and his competition for a spot is simply much better. Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho and Raheem Sterling all have more about them, including technical ability.
Perhaps you could argue that Bukayo Saka is a risk, but as a left-sided player he is much more exciting than Lingard and offers plenty of promise teaming up with Luke Shaw.
16:52 - The calm before the storm
16:45 - 15 minute warning
Any shocks ahead? SIX MUST GO!
Will Southgate throw in any massive curveballs and announce that Jamie Vardy is out of retirement and in the squad?
It seems remarkably unlikely.
16:38 - Double team
He makes a good point...
16:30 - The 33
Here´s how it looks right now, minus Mason Greenwood.
16:20 - How it stands?
We´re now less than an hour away from the big announcement, so just a reminder of where we are at.
Southgate had to cut down his provision 33-man squad to 26.
Earlier today, Mason Greenwood made that 32 after withdrawing from the squad with injury.
Since then, we´ve had reports that Jesse Lingard will miss out, along with James Ward-Prowse. It is also expected that Aaron Ramsdale will drop out, with Ben Godfrey and Ben White´s inclusion also in doubt.
There has been tremendous speculation over the inclusion of Trent Alexander-Arnold, but he is now said to be included, and potentially as a midfielder.
Other names up in the air are Bukayo Saka and Ollie Watkins.
So, there´s plenty to get hyped for.
16:10 - Trent the midfielder?
A few rumours circulating that Trent Alexander-Arnold will be going to the Euros as a midfielder.
Southgate as praised his ability to play in midfield before, but that is rogue.
I like it.
16:55 - Palace exodus
Phil Jagielka, John Lundstram, Simon Moore and Jack Rodwell will all depart Sheffield United when their contracts expire this summer.
The Blades were relegated this season after a pretty torrid time in the Premier League.
Straight back up next year?
16:40 - Trent set for England squad
The England camp has more leaks than a colander apparently, as Sky Sports are now reporting that Trent Alexander-Arnold will, after all, be included in the final squad.
He doesn´t look thrilled about it in that photo though.
16:25 - Gerrard to Everton?
Can you imagine...?
16:15 - Garcia to Barca
Okay, this did happen this morning. But just a reminder that Man City´s Eric Garcia has, as expected, moved to Barcelona.
14:55 - Ramsey focused on Juventus
Another ex-Prem star failing to flourish in Europe is Aaron Ramsey. Injuries have stifled him at times as his Juventus career is yet to truly take off.
Yet he insists his future remains with the Old Lady.
"It's obviously been a very frustrating period for me over the past couple of years picking up several niggling injuries.
"When you go to a new club, you want to hit the ground running, to show everyone what you're capable of doing consistently. Injuries that set you back a couple of weeks prevents you generating any rhythm. Covid hasn't helped."
And when asked if he will be returning to Turin after the Euros, Ramsey added: "Yes, I'm a Juventus player."
14:35 - Nuno to Everton?
Looks like the hunt for a new manager has already begun, and talkSPORT are reporting that Everton could go in for Nuno Espirito Santo in their bid to replace Ancelotti.
14:20 - Ancelotti imminent
14:05 - Laporta on Messi future
Barca president Laporta has spoken up on the future of Lionel Messi.
"Our talks with the agents of Lionel Messi are going well. We hope they continue to progress. It´s not done...but we know Leo wants to stay"
Messi requested a move away from the club alst summer, but the mood around the Nou Camp has calmed recently, and the arrival of close friend Sergio Aguero may have helped too.
13:50 - Hazard denies Real exit talk
Eden Hazard has had a fairly rotten time in Madrid so far, but has denied rumours linking him with a move away from the club.
He said: “I still have a three-year contract with Real Madrid, so going back to England is out of the question. Everyone knows that my first two years were not good. First I want to prove myself at Real Madrid. I will do everything to do that.
“I certainly don’t see myself leaving Madrid, given the contract situation. “For myself, I know myself and I know when I’m in shape. If that’s the case, I can give it my all for Real next season. That’s my plan.”
13:30 - Ancelotti one step away from Real return
This is escalating quickly.
13:17 - Aguero thinks Messi will stay
New Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero says he believes that Lionel Messi will stay at Barcelona.
Speaking to the media, he said: "Ít is obviously a pleasure to play alongside him. I know him pretty well. I think he will stay."
There´s speculation that Barcelona may have even brought Aguero to the Nou Camp in order to keep Messi happy. The two are very, very close friends.
13:00 - Manager of the season nominees announced
Hard to call this one, especially after Pep´s defeat in the Champions League...
12:45 - Player of the Season nominees announce
Who do you fancy?
England´s captain Harry Kane is in the mix, as well as the prodigal Mason Mount and fellow England squad-member in waiting Jack Grealish.
12:25 - Run of play
Get excited.
12:10 - Watkins in action
Has this man secured a spot in the final squad then? As Mason Greenwood withdraws, Watkins has surely moved up the pecking order. With Harry Kane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin the two premiere frontmen for the national team, is Watkins the new third man?
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Ollie Watkins in action during England training
Image credit: Getty Images
11:50 - Ancelotti to Madrid gains ground
Bit gutted really. Class manager and is great to have him in the Premier League.
11:30 - Ancelotti linked with Madrid return
Huge news. Marca are reporting that Ancelotti is the preferred candidate for the vacant managerial position at Real Madrid following Zinedine Zidane´s exit.ç
The Italian is a three time Champions League winner and brought La Decima to Real seven years ago.
But the legend is at Everton these days. A gutterblow for Toffees fans were he to leave.
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Carlo Ancelotti could be set for a sensational return to Real Madrid
Image credit: Getty Images
11:10 - Where are we at?
A whirlwind start to the day! So, how do things stand?
Well, Southgate´s squad is already down to 32 following the withdrawal of Mason Greenwood. Perhaps that opens the door for Ollie Watkins to stick around.
Jesse Lingard and James Ward-Prowse look set to miss out too, while Trent´s position remains entirely unknown with very mixed reports on the matter.
And there´s also the small matter of Tyrone Mings, Conor Coady, Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale, none of whom were nailed on members of the final squad.
Something´s got to give.
10:45 - Rummenigge steps down early
It´s the German administrative transfer news you´ve all been waiting for as Karl-Heinz Rummenigge steps down early from his position as Bayern Munich CEO, with legendary goalkeeper Oliver Kahn to take his place. The move was set to go ahead at the end of the year but has been pushed forward as Rummenigge terminated his contract early.
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Bayern-CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (links) und Vorstandsmitglied Oliver Kahn hüllten sich nach dem Flick-Beben in Schweigen
Image credit: Getty Images
10:30 - Lingard set to miss out?
Reports coming thick and fast now as the Athletic also report that Jesse Lingard is set to miss out on the final squad despite his very impressive second half of the season with West Ham.
Greenwood, Lingard, Trent, Ward-Prowse...?
10:12 - Greenwood withdraws from England squad
Heartbreaking stuff for the young man no doubt, but Mason Greenwood has been forced to withdraw from England´s provisional squad due to injury.
Greenwood is one of the standout finishers in the camp and looked set for a place in the final 26. ç
A real shame for the 19-year-old.
10:05 - Trent, in or out?
Few players in England squad history have been subject to so much speculation over their inclusion in a tournament squad.
But it is still unknown whether Trent Alexander-Arnold, one of the world´s standout attacking right-backs over the past few seasons, will feature in Southgate´s final squad.
Some say that Southgate is a fan of his versatility, others say the recent achievements of Kyle Walker (Premier League), Reece James (Champions League) and Kieran Trippier (La Liga) give them the edge.
Who knows? ESPN apparently.
09:48 - Man City to offer sensational swap for Kane
Wow. Now, this would be huge.
Manchester City are ready to offer Gabriel Jesus and Nathan Ake in a swap deal for England captain Harry Kane, .
Even Pep Guardiola´s side appear to be experiencing cashflow problems and could offer a swap, a rare occurrence in any Premier League season-
But are Spurs likely to accept City´s sloppy seconds in exchange for their prized asset without cash? I´m not so sure.
09:30 - Ward-Prowse to miss out?
Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse is set to miss out on the final 26, according to the Athletic.
The report suggests that Gareth Southgate plans on prioritising players from clubs that finished higher up the table too. and that Jordan Henderson gets the nod despite not having played any competitive football since February due to injury.
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Ward-Prowse looks set to miss out on the England squad
Image credit: Getty Images
We will miss his free-kicks, that´s for sure.
09:15 - Who are the seven?
So, as we know, seven of the current England camp will be ousted today. Seven will be watching the Euros from home. Seven will have wait at least another year for another chance. Seven will avoid the fearsome scrutiny of England fans this summer and probably return super fresh for their domestic seasons. Ups and downs.
We know that Aaron Ramsdale, Ben Godfrey and Ben White are likely to be among the seven. And we´re not short on rumours on the other four either...
09:00 - Good Morning!
You like gossip and news? Well, Tuesday June 1 is your day. Freddie Clayton will be here from 09:00 with all the gossip from the world of transfers AND all the gossip and then news from Gareth Southgate's England squad announcement. Here are, by the way, seven players that could, should and probably will get the cut when the squad is whittled down from 33 to 26.
On the transfer side of things, reports are emerging that Tottenham and PSG are set to battle it out for Chelsea star Toni Rudiger.
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