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John Stones has questioned Arsenal's 'dirty tactics' after Manchester City equalised late to draw 2-2 with the Gunners at Etihad Stadium.

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• Man City and Arsenal draw 2-2
• Stones takes swipe at 'dirty' Arsenal
• Talks about Gunners' time-wasting

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Stones was the star for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City in the eighth minute of injury time as he brought the Premier League leaders level at 2-2 against Mikel Arteta's Arsenal to stay atop the standings. Arsenal defended for their life in the second half of the game after having gone down to 10 men just before the half-time break after Leandro Trossard was shown his second yellow card of the game.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Arsenal went down early after Erling Haaland scored his 10th Premier League goal of the season. However, goals from Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori gave Arteta's side the lead in the game. However, after Trossard's sending-off, Arteta shifted his side into a very defensive setup with the Gunners wasting as much time as possible.

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  WHAT STONES SAID

  Speaking to the media about Arsenal's tactics, Stones said: "It was a difficult afternoon for both teams, how they stop the play, how they use the side of football that not many teams do.

  "You can call it clever or dirty, whichever way you want to put it, but they break up the game which upsets the rhythm. They use it to their advantage and we dealt with it very well.

  "They slow the game down, they get the keeper on the floor so they can get some information onto the pitch. We had to control our emotions during those tough times and I felt like we did. There were a lot of tough tackles, some silly decisions, but we did well.

  "I wouldn't say they have mastered it, but they have done it for a few years now, so we knew to expect that."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

  Guardiola's side will now play host to Championship side Watford on Tuesday, September 24 in the Carabao Cup as they look to get back to winning ways after two straight draws.

Leeds United fell victim to their horrible play-off curse yet again at Wembley, winless now in their last six attempts at gaining promotion via this unpredictable lottery, as Southampton clinched an instant return back up to the Premier League by winning 1-0.

The Saints managed to fire home early on courtesy of prolific attacker Adam Armstrong finding space due to some lax Whites defending, with the Saints sharp-shooter proving to be the difference-maker for the now-promoted South Coast side, when the Leeds forwards were otherwise misfiring.

The likes of Joel Piroe, Georginio Rutter and Wilfried Gnonto all had notable off-days in attack for Daniel Farke's side travelling down to Wembley, with only one shot on target mustered up by the out-of-sorts trio in the 1-0 defeat.

Crysencio Summerville also disappointed as the last remaining component of this usually feared quartet, letting his team down on the biggest occasion to miss out on leaping straight back up to the top division with the Whites.

Crysencio Summerville's performance in numbers

The usually electric Dutchman never truly got going when his team needed him to become their superstar to seal a dramatic win, fading in and out of the contest before being hauled off late into the second 45 minutes.

From Summerville's lacklustre 74-minute shift, the Leeds number ten failed to have a single shot on target with two efforts going wide – including one speculative curler that nearly left Alex McCarthy stationary to the effort going in – and another two blocked by the valiant Saints defenders.

Not far off Armstrong's game in certain aspects, Summerville's potency was miles off the Southampton striker's, however, who needed just half of the Dutchman's touches to fire home the crucial winner.

Only completing 16 accurate passes in the slim loss, losing possession 15 times in the process, Summerville just couldn't get the better of a rigid Saints defence that had clearly done their homework on the 22-year-old winger's trademark weaving runs, with none of those darts forward working in Leeds' favour.

It was no real shock to see Summerville receive a horrendous 2/10 rating after the game from Football Insider's James Murray, therefore, who stated the forward 'had a really poor afternoon'.

This could now end up being a very drab farewell for the in-demand Leeds number 10, who will no doubt have a queue of suitors lining up now to take advantage of his side falling at this final hurdle, with the Whites potentially preparing for a future now without their star-man.

What the future holds for Summerville

Even if his performance on the big stage against Southampton left a lot to be desired, Leeds will be a far less exciting watch next campaign if Summerville does depart this summer.

The nimble 22-year-old has reportedly been admired by Liverpool in the past, and with reports stating that Farke's men would potentially have to suffer from a fire-sale in the off-season to balance the books, the ex-Feyenoord man could now go for a hefty sum.

In a theoretical world, Summerville could have been the leading man for Farke's men as they aimed to solidify as a Premier League club, having wreaked havoc across the Championship with 31 goal contributions in all competitions.

Now, however, it looks likely that the Whites number ten will bow out in underwhelming fashion on what could have been a very special day.

Yet, the West Yorkshire outift have been here before and will look to bounce back next campaign, regardless of who ends up staying and going from Elland Road.

The 10 best Championship play-off finals – ranked

This year’s final is drawing closer.

By
Charlie Smith

May 23, 2024

Pep Guardiola has warned that Man City's rivalry with Arsenal has become a 'war' following the fraught 2-2 draw at the Etihad.

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• Man City and Arsenal play out spiky draw
• Rivalry between two sides taken up a notch
• Guardiola says City provoked into a "war"

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Things have gone up a notch following an ill-tempered draw between the two sides in the Premier League. Speaking after the match, Arsenal defender Gabriel reacted to a ball being thrown at his head by Erling Haaland by saying "it's a war" and that "it's normal to have provocative acts in football." Guardiola has now shared his thoughts and feels his team have been drawn into a more intense rivalry by the Gunners.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  A late goal from John Stones rescued City a 2-2 draw in a feisty game that saw Rodri suffer a season-ending injury and Leando Trossard sent off. Haaland also escaped punishment for throwing a ball at Gabriel's head, while Stones criticised Arsenal's "dirty" tactics after the match. Guardiola has now had his say and made it clear the ill feeling between the two sides has not gone away.

• WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  He told reporters: "You want a war? Now we war. Gabriel said it perfectly in the press after the match, so this is a war. We have to provoke the opponent, to push them, and at the end, what can you do? You provoke me, OK, I'm there."

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  WHAT NEXT

  Guardiola and Mikel Arteta shared a close relationship after working together at Manchester City but are now engaged in a bitter rivalry as managers. The two sides battled it out for the Premier League title last season and are expected to do so again, with their next meeting scheduled for February 1 at the Emirates.

Barcelona have always harboured a desire to bring Lionel Messi back to the club, and the Inter Miami superstar could return in November.

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• Barcelona want to invite Messi back
• Special event to be held in November
• Inter Miami commitments problematic

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to a report from in Spain, Messi will be invited to return to Barcelona at the end of November for a special event to commemorate the club's 125th anniversary.

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  THE EXPLANATION

  Even though Barcelona have never given up hope of a reunion with Messi three years after the club's financial woes forced him out, this invitation won't be to join the playing squad. The Catalans are hosting an event on November 29 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the club's 1899 foundation. The plan from Barca is to invite Messi and other legends to attend to acknowledge their place in the club's history.

  The issue for Messi is that the date falls right in the midst of what Inter Miami hope to be their MLS Cup play-off run, which could make it impossible to fly to Europe and back a week before the MLS Cup final. The legends who cannot attend in person will still be invited to record video messages to be played at Barca's anniversary gala.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Barcelona president Joan Laporta was determined to re-sign Messi as a player last year when he was leaving Paris Saint-Germain. But Messi confirmed the reason it didn't happen was that he didn't want to put things in the club's hands and end up being let down, having been burned in similar circumstances in 2021 over a failed contract renewal.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

  Four play-off wins in the coming weeks would see 2024 Supporters' Shield winners Inter Miami lift a first ever MLS Cup. But the regular season must wrap with fixtures against Toronto FC and New England Revolution. It would be a remarkable turnaround given that the club finished 27th overall in 2023.

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side had a successful 2023/24, which resulted in European qualification once again. After an impressive debut season in charge for Emery, in which he clawed his side from relegation candidates to Europa Conference League qualification, he took his Villa side to new heights.

The Villans qualified for the Champions League thanks to their impressive performances in the Premier League, in which they finished fourth in the table.

They just pipped Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur side to the final Champions League spot, finishing two points clear of the Lillywhites. Villa ended the season with 68 points, two ahead of Spurs who finished with 66.

Indeed, not only was it an impressive campaign from the Villa team, but also several of their players, including Ollie Watkins, whose performances across the campaign helped them into the Champions League. Watkins scored 19 goals and registered 13 assists in 37 Premier League games, winning the playmaker award along the way.

With the transfer window fast approaching, it gives Emery a chance to strengthen his squad even more and add quality which can help Villa compete amongst Europe’s elite. They are already closing in on the addition of Ross Barkley but more midfielders could be on the way.

Aston Villa transfers – midfield hunt

The player in question here is Juventus and France international midfielder Adrien Rabiot. With the 29-year-old’s contract set to expire within the next month, there are clubs thought to be circling to acquire him on a free transfer.

According to an report from CaughtOffisde, Emery’s side are “understood to be particularly targeting midfield reinforcements”. That list includes Juve midfielder Rabiot’s name, alongside fellow Frenchman and former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, who currently plays for Lazio. The latter could cost Villa around £25.5m.

However, given Rabiot is potentially available on a free transfer in just a few weeks time, he could be a better option for Villa, who are already set to spend £5m on former midfielder Barkley from relegated Luton Town, as per talkSPORT. With that being said, the original report does indicate that Rabiot’s entourage has entered talks with Juve over a potential new deal this summer.

Whether or not Villa get the Rabiot deal over the line remains to be seen, but he could be a good alternative to another player they have been linked with, who would cost a sizeable amount of money.

Why Rabiot would be a good Conor Gallagher alternative

Frenchman Rabiot could join Villa as an alternative signing to Chelsea and England midfielder Conor Gallagher. The Villans are thought to have “opened talks” with the Blues over the signing of Gallagher, who could cost £50m, reports The Times. However, the fact that Rabiot would not cost them a penny may be an enticing reason to strike a deal instead.

The Frenchman has played 31 times for Juve in Serie A this season, scoring five goals and assisting three. He has also captained the side on eight occasions, showing leadership and maturity in his game. Rabiot is a player Emery is comfortable leaning on, given he has already made 89 appearances under the Spaniard, the manager under which he has his third most appearances.

Rabiot and Gallagher do happen to be similar when comparing their Fbref stats. Creatively, per 90 minutes, the France international averages 4.07 progressive passes per 90 minutes, and 3.49 final third passes per 90, compared to Gallagher’s 4.94 progressive passes per 90, and 3.88 final third passes per 90.

Indeed, the same can be said out of possession. Rabiot averages 1.32 tackles won per 90, showing his relentless nature in the centre of the park, whereas Gallagher averages slightly more with 1.49 tackles won per 90.

The 29-year-old is a better ball carrier than the Englishman, too, although not by much. Rabiot averages 2.44 progressive carries and two final-third carries per 90, compared to Gallagher's 1.78 progressive carries and 1.55 final-third carries per 90.

They are neck and neck in lots of their stats, but, for the stark difference in price, it may be smarter for Villa to sign the “monster” midfielder Rabiot, as journalist Robin Bairner previously described him. Indeed, the Frenchman has also received high praise from a national team hero, David Trezeguet. The European and World Cup champion called Rabiot “extraordinary” in December 2022, just after he helped his country reach a World Cup final.

The high praise sent the Juve star's way, and the amount of games he has already played under Emery is proof of his quality if the stats were not enough to convince you. As a free transfer in just a few weeks, he could prove to be a shrewd pick-up for Villa and allows them to save £50m on signing Gallagher, which is money they can reinvest elsewhere in the squad.

Outscored Watkins: Emery plotting Aston Villa move for Duran upgrade

The Villans have turned their attention towards a player who has been even more clinical than Ollie Watkins…

By
Robbie Walls

Jun 1, 2024

Considering they sold Harry Kane last summer, hired a new manager in Ange Postecoglou, and dealt with a significant number of injuries, qualifying for the Europa League has to be viewed as a successful season for Tottenham Hotspur.

However, if Daniel Levy and Co want to see the club progress next season, genuinely challenge the Premier League's best teams, and qualify for the Champions League, he'll need to bring in some talented players this summer.

Luckily for fans, that may well be happening as the latest player touted for a move to N17 was one of the most dangerous strikers on the continent this season and could be the perfect Richarlison upgrade.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from Portuguese publication Jornal de Noticias (via Sport Witness), Tottenham are one of several clubs interested in signing Porto striker Evanilson this summer.

The report has claimed that, alongside the Lilywhites, Chelsea and Manchester United are keen on landing the Brazilian and could submit their bids 'soon.'

Unfortunately for all interested parties, the publication claims that due to the 24-year-old's debut for the Seleção over the weekend, Porto will likely demand teams pay his full €100m release clause, which converts to around £84m.

It would be expensive and challenging to get over the line, but it is certainly one worth pursuing, especially as Richarlison has failed to make a genuine case as to why he should be the club's starting nine going forward.

How Evanilson compares to Richarlison

So, if Levy and Co can work their magic in the coming weeks and bring Evanilson to North London, would he immediately displace Richarlison as Postecoglou's go-to striker? In short, yes.

For example, when looking at the pair's pure output from this season, there is no comparison. In 42 games this season, Porto's "complete striker", as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, scored 25 goals and provided seven assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 1.31 games.

In comparison, while the former Everton ace had a better season than last year, he only scored 12 goals in 31 games while providing four assists to boot, which translates to a goal involvement on average every 1.93 games.

Unfortunately for the Lilywhites ace, the comparison is just as one-sided when looking at their underlying numbers.

For example, while the 6 foot "all-rounder," as data analyst Ben Mattinson dubbed him, comes in second for shots on target, he comes out ahead in almost every other relevant metric, including expected goals and assists, progressive passes and carries, goals per shot on target, passing accuracy, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons, and even ball recoveries, all per 90.

His ability to make 2.68 ball recoveries per 90 helps to demonstrate that the Fortaleza-born dynamo is more than just a great goalscorer; he's also a brilliant team player, or as Mattinson puts it, he works "like a dog off the ball."

Ultimately, the money may be significant, and the competition challenging, but based on his output and underlying numbers, Spurs should be doing all they can to bring Evanilson to N17 this summer, even if his arrival signals the end of the road for Richarlison in white.

Spurs prepare bid for ideal Maddison upgrade in £40m "Poch-era Dele Alli"

The all-action star could make a real difference in N17.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 7, 2024

Arne Slot says Trent Alexander-Arnold will not lose focus on what he has to do at Liverpool amid transfer links with Real Madrid.

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• Trent out of contract in 2025
• Linked with Real Madrid move
• Slot says defender is focused on Liverpool

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 26-year-old's Liverpool contract is set to expire next summer and with the right-back yet to sign a new deal, Real Madrid have registered their interest in the England international. Despite that, Reds manager Slot says those who think these transfer rumours may get to the defender are "underestimating" Alexander-Arnold's professionalism.

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  WHAT ARNE SLOT SAID

  When asked if the transfer rumours could have an unsettling impact on his vice-captain, Slot said: "I think you underestimate our players. These players are used to being linked with all the top clubs on a daily basis, if they have contracts or not. If you think they’re disturbed by this interest, then I think you don’t do justice to how strong they are mentally and what they are used to. This is part of our job. I was at Feyenoord last year and they linked me with many clubs and before that and before that. This is part of this world we are living in. You just focus on what you have to do. Maybe if you’re 17 or 18 years of age, that could be difficult for you. But Trent has won the league, has won the Champions League, Virgil and Mo the same. I don’t think that is a problem for them to perform. That’s also what we see at the moment because they’re playing really well, put it that way."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Reds academy product Alexander-Arnold has been a huge success for the club over the years but the fact he is yet to sign a new contract will have many fans worried. He, centre-back Virgil van Dijk and winger Mohamed Salah are also into the last year of their deals and if Liverpool don't retain any of them, that will be a huge blow for Slot's side.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Liverpool, who sit top of the Premier League after seven matches, host fourth-placed Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, before returning to Champions League action on Wednesday night away to RB Leipzig.

Roma and Italy icon Francesco Totti has hinted that he could come out of retirement at 48 amid interest from some Serie A clubs.

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• Totti could return to playing football professionally
• Announced his retirement in 2017
• Serie A clubs have shown interest in the Italy legend

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The legendary attacker brought the curtain down on his career seven years ago after playing his final game for Roma. However, the former Italy star could come out of retirement at the age of 48 as he claims to have been approached by multiple Serie A clubs.

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• WHAT FRANCESCO TOTTI SAID

  Speaking to reporters at a recent event, Totti hinted at a surprise comeback to football as he said: "Some Serie A teams have contacted me. I admit that they made me think a little, a little crazy. It would be difficult, but in life, you never say never.

  "There are players who have played many years after the end of their career. It also depends on where you play, with all due respect, but if I were to return to Serie A I would have to train really well."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Totti has, however, firmly ruled out a move to Roma's arch-rivals Lazio as he told La Gazzetta dello Sport, "Lazio? I wouldn't have even considered it. I'd be ready in two to three months. I'm still playing at 48. Half an hour, twenty minutes. If I had to do something crazy, I'd do it in Italy, not abroad, but it's crazy.

  "When you turn the page you never know what awaits you. It wasn't my choice, but in that moment it has to be experienced differently from the context. Maybe that's also why I've had that thing inside me. It's true that there's a beginning and an end to everything."

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• WHAT NEXT?

  It remains to be seen if Totti decides to return to football and can manage to attain the fitness levels required to pursue the sport professionally again, or if he would ever play for another Serie A club, having spent his entire career on Roma's books.

Aston Villa look to be stepping up their pursuit of a handful of key targets at present, as Unai Emery aims to strengthen ahead of participating in the Champions League next season.

The Villans appear to have a deal for Ross Barkley all but secured, while both Samuel Iling-Junior and Weston McKennie could also be on their way to Villa Park, as part of the deal for Douglas Luiz to join Juventus.

That impending exit could bring with it further midfield additions, however, with Emery and co looking at a couple of standout Premier League talents – according to reports…

Aston Villa eye dream Conor Gallagher alternative

It is no secret that the Midlands side are looking to sign Gallagher this summer, with Chelsea seeking a fee of around £50m in order for Emery to secure his services.

Given that Douglas Luiz appears to be leaving Villa, it is clear another midfielder is pivotal ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

While Gallagher could be a solid signing, might Emery target another Premier League midfielder with bundles of talent instead? As Amadou Onana has emerged as a potential signing.

According to TEAMtalk, Villa have made contact with Everton over a swoop for the young Belgian starlet. The report states that Villa has touched base with the Toffees over a move but have yet to submit a proposal.

He could cost the same as Gallagher – £50m this summer – and the deal could perhaps represent better business than going all out for the Chelsea midfielder.

How Amadou Onana compares to Conor Gallagher

Gallagher performed across a variety of roles last term, predominantly operating as an attacking midfielder, but also slotting in slightly deeper when required, making 50 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with 16 goal contributions in the process.

Onana, on the other hand, is more defensive-minded, preferring to operate as either a central or defensive midfielder in the current Everton side. Despite this, he still registered three goals and an assist in 37 matches last term, indicating that he can get forward when needed.

The duo aren’t actually that far apart with regard to attacking statistics. Gallagher registered 3.14 shot-creating actions and 1.38 shots per 90 in the league last term, with Onana registering 2.41 shot-creating actions and 1.25 shots per 90 in the same time frame, which suggests that Gallagher perhaps is in the right place at the right time much more often.

Defensively, however, Onana comes out on top in a few metrics. Not only did he win a greater percentage of aerial duels (74.3% vs 47.2%) compared to Gallagher, but he also won a higher percentage of challenges (50% vs 42.9%) and more total duels won (six vs 5.7) in the top flight last season.

It is no surprise then to see the Belgian sensation dubbed a “warrior” by analyst Ben Mattinson in March this year, and he could be an ideal signing for Villa.

While he may not offer the same qualities going forward as Gallagher, Onana is wonderful when his side don’t have the ball, regularly winning aerial duels and adding a solid presence in the heart of the midfield.

He is still only 22 years old too, which means the midfielder has arguably yet to even hit his peak, suggesting that Emery could even stand to make a massive profit on the player should he blossom at Villa Park.

Aston Villa hold talks for dream £25m Gallagher partner

After sorting out PSR concerns Emery can shape his squad with talented new members.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 13, 2024

Gallagher has been excellent for Chelsea recently, but signing Onana may be the most logical move by the Spaniard this summer.

Morocco in 1998, Uruguay in 1986, Croatia in 2021. Now Hungary at Euro 2024 can be added to Scotland’s list of glorious failures at major international competitions.

Steve Clarke knew that a win over the Hungarians would put the nation on four points – practically securing a place in the last 16 – and thus ending a run of group stage exits which stretched back to the 1954 World Cup.

His tactics were all wrong, however, setting up with a 5-4-1 in a game that was screaming for the Scots to attack the Hungarian goal with a more fluid formation.

The proof is in the pudding. Across the entire 90 minutes, Scotland managed only one shot on target, and even that came in added time at the end of the match. Still, they could well have had a penalty to send them through.

Che Adams was tasked with leading the line, yet he was poor and failed to get into the game.

Che Adams’ performance in numbers vs Hungary

The Southampton striker had started the previous two group games without much success – failing to find the back of the net in either – and it was perhaps a surprise to see Clarke unleash him against the Hungarians.

Throughout his 76 minutes on the pitch, Adams completed just 11 passes, won two duels, lost possession nine times and managed only one shot, which was off target by some distance, failing to offer any meaningful attacking input.

This was a game that was desperate for a proper number nine to be let loose in the box and given chances to score. Why then, was Lawrence Shankland not brought on until the 76th minute?

The case for Shankland to start

During the 2023/24 season for Hearts, Shankland had scored 31 goals while chipping in with eight assists across all competitions.

A stunning return and heightened his claims to be the starting striker at the Euros. There is a reason, surely, that he has been linked so relentlessly with Rangers in recent months.

Unfortunately for the 14-cap star, Clarke preferred a more pragmatic approach, which cost Scotland against both Switzerland and Hungary.

When the 28-year-old came off the bench on Sunday night, he instantly offered a bigger threat than Adams, winning 100% of his aerial duels, making one key pass and attempting a dribble in the final third.

The dynamic of the team changed when Shankland came on, with Scotland looking their most threatening as the clock ticked down to the final whistle.

While he may not have the same work rate as Adams, in a game where three points were a necessity, surely unleashing the top goalscorer in Scotland would have been the most logical option?

Alas, Euro 2024 will go down as yet another failure in Scotland’s history at major international tournaments, one that will hopefully spring positive change going forward.

Clarke has done wonderful things with this squad. But qualifying for tournaments isn’t the aim now; performing well in them and making it through to the knockout stages is.

The country could end a near three-decade wait for an appearance at the World Cup in two years’ time. If Clarke is still in charge by then, things must be different, otherwise it will be the same outcome – weeks of build-up followed by yet another case of glorious failure.

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.

By
Stephan Georgiou

Jun 11, 2024