0955 – SOUTHGATE: ENGLAND NOT IN EASY SIDE OF DRAW
Gareth Southgate has responded to the notion that England can look past their Euro 2024 quarter-final with Switzerland and focus on a first-ever final on foreign soil.
The 53-year-old described the nation’s attitude as “entitlement”. Luke Shaw is available to start for Southgate on Saturday, though the England boss paid tribute to Newcastle full-back Kieran Trippier in Friday’s press conference.
“We’re playing a football nation who have played enormously well and have pride. Our focus is on how we play to the best of our ability.
“We’ve only had two finals in our history, three semi-finals. Lots of nations who we might perceive to be smaller have far better records than us.
“It’s half the problem we have. We’re ready for tomorrow and have huge respect for our opponents.”
0945 – DESCHAMPS DEFENDS FRANCE FORM
France are through to the semi-finals of another major tournament, but the run has been overshadowed by a raft of criticism for their blunt record in front of goal.
0935 – WEST HAM SIGN WOLVES SKIPPER KILMAN
West Ham have apparently paid Premier League rivals Wolves a whopping £40m to land central defender Max Kilman on a seven-year deal.
Which is quite an increase on the £40,000 Wolves paid Maidenhead to sign their club captain six years ago. Kilman is the club’s latest signing under new manager Julen Lopetegui after Luis Guilherme and Wes Foderingham.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be a West Ham United player. As soon as I was aware of the interest from the club, it was an opportunity I was keen to pursue, so I couldn’t be more delighted to be here,” said Kilman on the London club’s official website.
0930 – CHELSEA ON VERGE OF VEIGA DEAL
Chelsea are set to complete an £11.9m deal to land Portugal U21 midfielder Renato Veiga on an eight-year deal, according to transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano.
The deal will go through when the player completes a medical at Stamford Bridge.
0920 – SHOCK TROOPS CANADA IN COPA SEMI-FINALS
0910 – UNITED, ARSENAL AND CITY LIVE ON TNT SPORTS
The televised 2024-25 Premier League fixtures have been announced for the rest of August and September, with TNT Sports set to show matches involving Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City in a blockbuster opening to the season.
Ahead of these matches, TNT Sports and discovery+ will broadcast the opening weekend clash between Liverpool and Ipswich Town.
TNT Sports has announced the latest set of crunch fixtures it will broadcast over the course of August and September as the new Premier League season kicks into gear.
0900 – CHELSEA FRUSTRATED IN OMORODION CHASE
Chelsea have reportedly had a bid rejected for Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion.
According to The Sun, The Blues submitted a bid of £42m for the Spain under-21 international – but Atleti are holding out for “at least £70m”.
“Chelsea have had a £42million bid for Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion rejected by the Spanish club who are holding out for at least £70m,” reads the article.
“The Spain under-21 international has been likened to former Atletico and Chelsea icon Diego Costa.
“And with four years left on his contract the Spanish club are in a strong negotiating position.
“Omorodion has been identified by Chelsea’s owners and recruitment team led by Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart as he fits the club’s profile of a talented youngster with huge potential.
“But new head coach Enzo Maresca has also welcomed the pursuit.
“The Spanish boss has made clear that he wants an extra striker to put pressure on Chelsea’s current front-man Nicolas Jackson.”
0850 – WILL ENGLAND DEPLOY A BACK THREE TODAY?
With central defender Marc Guehi suspended, there is speculation this morning that England manager Gareth Southgate might opt for a three-man defence against the Swiss later today (Dusseldorf 5pm kick-off). Southgate has deployed a four-man rearguard so far at Euro 2024, but will he be temped to return to a system that saw England defeat Germany 2-0 in the last 16 at the last European Championship?
John Stones, Kyle Walker and Luke Shaw could be given the nod if all are fit and well with Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez or Ezri Konsa other options if Shaw is not declared match fit. “It is always an option, obviously an option we have been hammered for, for the last two years for using,” said Southgate. “So it’s interesting that people think it’s the way we should go now.”
Whatever the decision, England fans are more interested in improved performance rather than formations.
0840 – LIVERPOOL IN MARKET FOR ‘KLOPP FAVOURITE’
Liverpool are favourites to sign Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners.
The Reds could beat Juventus to the Netherlands international, who was admired by Jurgen Klopp when he was the manager at Anfield.
“Liverpool are reportedly in ‘pole position’ to hijack Juventus’ deal for Atalanta midfielder and Jurgen Klopp favourite Teun Koopmeiners,” states the Mirror.
“A new midfielder is on the agenda for Liverpool boss Arne Slot, and it seems as though the Reds are now attempting to capture Koopmeiners under Juventus ‘ noses.
“A deal was agreed between the two Italian clubs for the Dutchman’s signature but Atalanta now seemingly prefer to offload Koopemeiners to someone other than a Serie A rival.
“Jurgen Klopp was interested in bringing the midfielder to Anfield when he was in charge, and his past wishes could come true should this deal go through.
“The 26-year-old Koopmeiners expressed an interest in leaving Bergamo so when Juventus offered him £3.5million he was keen on making a move.
“Despite agreeing terms with Juventus, Gazzetta dello Sport, as per Sport Witness, claims that Liverpool are frontrunners for his signature. Atalanta have put the deal on ice since the agreement with the player was made, hoping that they’ll be able to sell Koopmeiners abroad and not to a direct rival.
“They value their player at £55million, which is the only hurdle if a deal with Liverpool is to be concluded and Koopmeiners makes his move to the Premier League.”
0830 – IS CHIESA HEADING FOR UNITED?
Manchester United could snap up Juventus forward Federico Chiesa for just £20 million.
That is according to a report in The Sun, which claims Juventus are keen to offload the Italy international, with The Red Devils seemingly interested.
“Manchester United have reportedly been handed a huge transfer boost with Juventus ready to sell Federico Chiesa,” writes the outlet.
“The Italy star managed nine goals and two assists in 33 games this season.
“But his £150,000-a-week contract expires next year.
“And Fabrizio Romano claims Chiesa is not in the plans of new manager Thiago Motta.
“He is instead hoping to land a new winger once Juventus complete a hat-trick of midfield signings.
“And it’s reckoned Chiesa could be available for as little as £20million.
“Newcastle and Tottenham are long-term admirers of the 26-year-old, who joined Juve from Fiorentina in 2020 for £50m.
“But United could be in the driving seat for Chiesa as they hunt for a new wide forward.”
0820 – GOOD MORNING AS ENGLAND EXPECTS
England expects today against Switzerland (5pm kick-off in Dusseldorf) before the Netherlands and Turkey do battle (8pm in Berlin).
We have all the build-up to those huge quarter-final matches and the main transfer news and done deals around the club game. Another massive day ahead on planet football.