Southgate could change formation, Toney wants to play with Kane (2024)

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• 53 minutes agoBy Jackson Cole

  Back the boss

  Phil Foden insists England's best players need to take responsibility for a string of poor performances at Euro 2024 and said he 'feels sorry' for under-fire manager Gareth Southgate.

  "I feel like the players have got to take some of the blame," the Manchester City forward said.

  "There has to be some leaders to get together and find out a solution to why it is not working. There is only so much the manager can do. He sets you up in a system and tells you how to press. If it is not going like that you have to."

  With club managers like Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp having worked closely with a number of the players in the current England squad, criticism for negative performances in Germany has largely fallen on the shoulders of Southgate.

  "I feel sorry for Gareth," added Foden when asked about the pressure on the manager.

  "He has not set out to do that. In training he has been telling us to press and be high up on the pitch and I feel like sometimes, it has to come from the players.

  "We have to be leaders and I feel like in those games we could have got together a little bit more and worked out a solution.

  "So yes, I feel like we have spoken about it more and if it happens again in a game, we can get together and find a solution and see where it is going wrong and adapt our press."

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• Today, 22:36By Jackson Cole

  Cole as a cucumber

  Cole Palmer admits the pressure of taking a penalty ramps up when it comes to a shoot-out - but insists he would be ready to take one for England at Euro 2024.

  With the knockout stages in full swing, England are preparing for a quarter-final clash against Switzerland in Dusseldorf on Saturday evening, live on talkSPORT.

  Palmer scored all nine of his spot-kicks during Chelsea games last season - as well as another in a shoot-out win over Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.

  "It is so much different," Palmer said of stepping up in a shoot-out rather than during a match.

  "I was talking about this the other day with someone. Everything. When you know you are going to take a penalty you start thinking. And then there is the coin toss and everything.

  "You have to stand there and watch everyone else take it, the pressure builds up and up and up. In a game, if you miss there is still time to do something, to score.

  "If you miss there isn't time to redeem yourself. If you miss and everyone scores, it's all your fault. It's just more pressure."

  Despite the added pressure, Palmer would be raring to go if called upon.

  "I'd be nominated on the pitch and wouldn't have a choice but would take one," he told the BBC.

  "I've only taken two penalties in shoot-outs and missed one in the Youth Cup but I was a baby. And at Newcastle this season."

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• Today, 21:17By Jackson Cole

  Ricc coming?

  Arsenal are interested in signing Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori, talkSPORT understands.

  Bologna star Calafiori is among the list of defensive targets Arsenal have drawn up, though nothing is advanced in terms of negotiation yet.

  Calafiori has become hot property over the transfer window having impressed for Italy during Euro 2024.

  While the Euro 2020 winners had a poor tournament and crashed out at the first knockout round, the 22-year-old was a shining light for the Azzurri.

  It follows a stunning campaign at Bologna where the defender played a huge role in their creditable third-placed finish in Serie A.

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• Today, 20:22By Jackson Cole

  Preference

  Cole Palmer gave a clear response when asked by talkSPORT where he prefers to play for England: "Anywhere near the net."

  But when pressed by Faye Carruthers on where he likes to play, Palmer said: "Maybe not on the left but maybe as a right forward. I don't mind the left, though.

  "Sometimes I like it when I go across the pitch then go on the left for a bit to get the ball in. Sometimes it is pretty fun on the left."

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• Today, 19:28By Jackson Cole

  Young King Cole

  Switzerland forward Kwadwo Duah cannot understand why Cole Palmer has not played more at Euro 2024.

  The 22-year-old enjoyed a stand-out campaign for Chelsea last season, scoring 22 Premier League goals and providing 11 assists.

  Manager Gareth Southgate has used Palmer sparingly so far, but he again impressed when he was sent on for the second half of the last-16 match against Slovakia, when England came from behind to win after extra time.

  London-born Duah is a Chelsea fan and admits he has been left perplexed as to why Palmer has not seen more game time ahead of the quarter-final with Switzerland in Dusseldorf on Saturday.

  "He (Palmer) did a very, very good season last year," Duah told a press conference.

  "I am also thinking: 'why is he not playing?' because his stats were perfect in my opinion, so let's see if he starts on the weekend."

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• Today, 18:29By Jackson Cole

  Change-up?

  Gareth Southgate is experimenting with a back three ahead of a potential formation change for England's clash against Switzerland, talkSPORT understands.

  England are three wins away from European glory but their performances haven't filled fans with confidence with their last match seeing them edge past Slovakia having been just a minute away from being knocked out last weekend.

  Their opponents on Saturday have performed well at the tournament, defeating Euro 2020 winners Italy in their last 16 clash.

  With Switzerland also operating a back three and Southgate searching for better performances, the England manager could do a change in system.

  It means Bukayo Saka could play in a left wing-back role with uncertainty surrounding Luke Shaw's fitness.

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• Today, 17:49By Jackson Cole

  Down the pub

  Cole Palmer has revealed he was watching Euro 2020 like the rest of us... down the pub!

  Now he's knocking on the door for a starting spot in Gareth Southgate's starting line-up ahead of England's Euro 2024 quarter-final clash with Switzerland on Saturday.

  And even Palmer can't believe the rate at which his career has progressed.

  He told talkSPORT: "I've been a fan, everyone has been a fan. So it is nice to try and make people feel that.

  "[Last European Championship] came up on my memories the other day, sat in the pub watching it with my mates. Now, to be here, it is mad.

  "People singing, stood on chairs, you know all that that you do in a pub. When you are sat there at the pub and people say, 'that'll be you at the next Euros'.

  "And you just think, 'ah shut up'. So to be here it surreal."

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• Today, 16:48By Joe Brophy

  'You just have to be ready to take it'

  Ivan Toney on losing belief: "No not at all, not really. Like I said, in the dying moments that's always going to be one big chance.

  "We saw it in the Turkey game.

  "It's that belief, going in to the final moments, a chance will fall to someone and you just have to be ready to take it."

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• Today, 16:12By Joe Brophy

  Toney lifts lid on Mainoo's 'Bright future'

  Ivan Toney on Kobbie Mainoo: "Everybody knows his qualities. For club football, he's played a massive part of the season.

  "He carries himself so well on the pitch. He doesn't one bit look out of place and has a bright future ahead of him."

  Toney on his inspirations when watching England as a kid: "Growing up I would watch and see all the England players, no individuals just the whole team.

  "Tournaments, friendlies, you'd see it and think 'one day I want to be there', I'm here now. It is a big feeing, I am excited to play a part.

  "Whether that is one minute or 90 minutes, I am ready to be involved."

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• Today, 15:50By Joe Brophy

  'There is always going to be expectation'

  Ivan Toney on if England deserves more respect: "There is always going to be expectation, there are a lot of people who are going to have their opinion. They are entitled to it but I mean if we win 2-0 people will say we should have won 3-0, 4-0. That is always the case.

  "We are two games away from a major final and we just have to do what we can do and hopefully it will be enough."

  On his message to fans: "It's very important [fan support], like I've said, in football you need that 12th man. And the fans are that, when they're behind us, cheering us on, creating that atmosphere, it does push the players forward.

  "I'm sure they'll be doing that with the next game and the games going forward. We love the videos when everyone back home, beers going everywhere, the excitement. Hopefully that can continue."

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• Today, 15:39By Joe Brophy

  Toney: Racist abuse won't stop me

  Ivan Toney courageously explained that the racist abuse England players suffered after the Euro 2020 final won't deter him from stepping up to take a penalty this summer.

  The Brentford striker is one of the best spot-kick specialists in the Three Lions squad, with his only international goal coming from 12 yards against Belgium in March.

  Gareth Southgate had admitted the racist abuse Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho suffered after missing in the Wembley shootout defeat to Italy may affect who he picks in Germany.

  However, when asked for his view on taking one, Toney said: "I'm a confident person, if I score, I score. If I miss, I miss.

  "We have to step up and have the courage to take the penalties. What will be will be.

  "For those who racially abuse a player for missing a penalty or doing something wrong, more fool them."

  On where he gets his confidence from:"It's within you, from the people around you and the manager, who puts his trust in you. It's from everyone around you."

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• Today, 15:25By Joe Brophy

  Toney hails England fans

  More from Ivan Toney on England's comeback win over Slovakia in the last 16: "It is a lot of relief when you are slowing the game down when you are in front. It's game management.

  "I brought my qualities into play, holding the ball up and getting us up the pitch. Everyone has a part to play, whether it is one minute or 30 minutes. You have to be ready to do that."

  On the England fans: "You heard the noise, the atmosphere was top. They played their part in getting us over the line."

  On his role in Jude Bellingham's bicycle kick: "I feel we do a lot at club football. If you can't get the ball you [do something else]. I pulled the defender away. Take nothing away from Jude… a run is not a wasted run even if you don't get the ball."

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• Today, 15:16By Joe Brophy

  Toney previews Switzerland test

  "It's going to be a tough game, there's some quality players [in the Swiss side]. They're a great side and doing well in the tournament so far. Full respect to them. We just concentrate on ourselves, concentrate on what we can do best.

  "Hopefully the [England] players are more than enough to win the game.

  "Every game is a battle. We just have to be up for the test, ready to work hard and be ready for the fight that the Swiss will put up."

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• Today, 15:10By Joe Brophy

  'I don't want people to feel sorry for me'

  England manager Gareth Southgate admitted Ivan Toney was annoyed that he was being sent on in the last minute on Sunday.

  However, following the dramatic turnaround, the Brentford striker was keen to throw his support behind his boss publicly.

  On Southgate, Toney said: "He's been great. I mean what goes on, how things happen, you have just got to get on and move forward.

  "I don't want people to feel sorry for me too much, or put their arms around me. I'm a grown man. I'm here now, representing my country, that's all I can look forward to."

  On whether he wants England to play with two forwards, Toney added: "I am not the manager. I would like to be playing as a two, but that is up to the gaffer so you have to respect that. If I am asked to play - in a one or a two - I will do my best for the squad."

  On his lack of minutes: "It's always going to be tough, it's tough for all of us as we play week out for our clubs.

  "I have been in this position before and when I get an opportunity I'll take it."

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• Today, 15:03By Joe Brophy

  'Everyone thought we were dead and buried'

  Ivan Toney has filled in for Luke Shaw to do the pre-match press conference ahead of England's quarter-final against Switzerland.

  On the Slovakia comeback, he said: "The quality and the character we have in the group as everyone saw in the dying moments, everyone thought we were dead and buried.

  "We knew there would be a chance for someone.

  "It fell to Jude [Bellingham] and Jude did what Jude does and stuck it in the back of the net."

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• Today, 14:53By Joe Brophy

  All hands on Dec

  Slovakia head coach Francesco Calzona has reignited his war of words with Declan Rice following their public feud on Sunday.

  Arsenal's £100million star Rice became embroiled in a heated exchange with Calzona shortly after England edged his side 2-1.

  The Italian appeared to push the Three Lions midfielder as he spoke with officials after the final whistle, who then had to be pulled away.

  In a post-match interview, Calzona revealed that the matter was closed after Rice had issued him with an apology.

  But Calzona has now reopened the spat and held Rice responsible during an interview with Sky Sport Italia.

  “Rice was standing close to the referees, I wanted to ask the reason for the lack of added time considering the time-wasting done by the English,” Calzona said. “He shouted at me and I replied in a similar tone.

  “He is a great player, perhaps he shouldn’t have been there acting like a bodyguard for the referee. He could’ve avoided that, but he did apologise to me straight after that.”

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• Today, 14:15By Joe Brophy

  Shawly not

  Luke Shaw was set to make his first appearance at Euro 2024 - as the player representative at England's press conference on Wednesday.

  However, the Manchester United defender has decided he would rather do his talking on the pitch.

  Ivan Toney will now speak to the media after Shaw opted out of pre-match responsibilities.

  talkSPORT understands Shaw has not picked up another injury, but would prefer to speak if he plays.

  The 28-year-old has not played a single minute of football since February due to a hamstring injury.

  The announcement that Shaw was set to take part in England's media conference suggested that he could be finally available.

  The former Southampton star looked lively in training earlier this morning as he completed fitness and passing drills.

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• Today, 13:43By Joe Brophy

  Buk the trend

  England right-back Kyle Walker is holding Bukayo Saka back at Euro 2024.

  That is according to England legend Stuart Pearce, who believes that the Arsenal star is not being allowed to perform at his best.

  Saka has been England's player of the year for two successive seasons and has the second-best goal return in the squad behind Harry Kane.

  However, the 22-year-old, like many of his teammates, has struggled for form in Germany and is still waiting to open his Euro 2024 account.

  Ex-England defender Pearce explained to talkSPORT that Walker's attacking limitations is contributing to the winger's struggles.

  Saka and Walker have both started all four of England's Euro 2024 games so far - but the latter's reluctance to cross the halfway line has often seen the former get doubled up on.

  Saka has since been subbed off in all three of the group games, and even moved briefly to full-back in the 2-1 win over Slovakia.

  "I feel sorry for Saka," Pearce said. "Because - and I've mentioned it many times on commentary - Kyle Walker as a fullback is not helping this boy out.

  "He's got to do more for him. He really has. Because I like Saka, I think he's an outstanding player.

  "But unless you've got a distraction run from your fullback, your work is that much harder to try and get turned and face the opposition up."

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• Today, 13:10By Joe Brophy

  So long, Pal

  Bayern Munich believe they are closing in on the signing of Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, talkSPORT understands.

  The two clubs are close to agreeing a fee in excess of £42million for the Portuguese international.

  The 28-year-old has become a mainstay in Roberto Martinez's starting XI at Euro 2024 since the 3-0 win over Turkey.

  Palhinha was an unused substitute in the opening 2-1 win over the Czech Republic, but has been near ever-present since then.

  He played the full 120 minutes of the penalty shootout win over Slovenia and is expected to retain his spot against France.

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• Today, 12:42By Joe Brophy

  VAR from over

  All eight English officials have been appointed to UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final fixtures.

  Referee Anthony Taylor, his assistants Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn as well as VAR Stuart Attwell are among the team selected to take charge of Spain v Germany.

  Referee Michael Oliver will once again be in action too, leading a team involving assistants Stuart Burt, Dan Cook as well as David Coote (AVAR) for France v Portugal.

  These take the appointments for English officials to 37 for the tournament so far.

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• Today, 12:13By Joe Brophy

  Hey Jude!

  During England's passing drill during training, their bicycle kick hero found himself the man in the middle.

  Bellingham didn't take long - wildly celebrating after getting the better of midfield Declan Rice!

  The Real Madrid superstar punches the air in glee before jumping on the back of Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa.

  Not quite the scenes seen in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday but still nice for fans to see the 21-year-old so relaxed and at ease!

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• Today, 11:55By Joe Brophy

  Rolling Stones

  Here's a closer look at that potential issue for John Stones - whose right knee is heavily strapped all the way down his leg.

  England fans will be desperately hoping that it is more of a precautionary measure with a mini-crisis emerging in defence.

  Three Lions stalwart Harry Maguire already had to be left behind due to injury, with his replacement Marc Guehi now suspended.

  Gareth Southgate is already weighing up who comes in against Switzerland, with Erzri Konsa and Lewis Dunk the front-runners.

  Should Stones' problem be anything that develops England will find themselves struggling for options to replace both their back-two.

  Left-back Kieran Trippier was fit enough to feature in training after aggravating an ongoing calf issue against Slovakia.

  However, England boss Southgate is still waiting on confirmation that first-choice Luke Shaw is available to make his first outing.

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• Today, 11:49By Joe Brophy

  England training in full flow

  The rain is lashing down in Germany but it hasn't dampened the players' spirits as passing drills get underway.

  Jude Bellingham and Lewis Dunk begin a small one-touch game that is then slowly expanded into a rondo with Bukayo Saka in the middle.

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• Today, 11:42By Joe Brophy

  Stones fear but full England squad in training

  Gareth Southgate has handed a boost with all 26 players able to take part in training this morning.

  The Three Lions were sweating on the fitness of Kieran Trippier, who limped out of the win over Slovakia on Sunday.

  However, the 33-year-old Newcastle defender was out on the grass with the rest of his teammates in Blankenhaim.

  It is yet to be revealed whether Trippier will retain his spot at left-back for the quarter-final meeting with Switzerland on Saturday.

  Luke Shaw has been an unused substitute in each of England's past two games, with Jordan Pickford claiming he is fit to return.

  The Manchester United star looked bright once more during warm-up drills with Declan Rice but hasn't featured since February.

  Manchester City's John Stones meanwhile was seen sporting heavy strapping on his right knee but thankfully, seems to be moving freely.

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• Today, 11:31By Joe Brophy

  Wat is Southgate playing at?

  England legend Stuart Pearce has been left stunned by Ollie Watkins' lack of minutes at Euro 2024.

  The Aston Villa striker looked to be the main supporting act for Harry Kane in Germany after scoring 19 Premier League goals this season.

  However, despite England's struggles in front of goal where they've managed just four in four games, Watkins has barely seen a minute.

  The 28-year-old's sole appearance so far came as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw with Denmark where he looked lively during runs behind the defence, but ultimately was unable to impact the result.

  Now, Watkins looks to have fallen further down the pecking order after Gareth Southgate turned to Ivan Toney against Slovakia, with the Brentford forward then providing the assist for Kane's winner.

  Speaking on talkSPORT, Pearce said: “I was quite surprised that he [Watkins] has been out of the equation totally and all of a sudden when we needed a goal otherwise it’s bye-bye England, it wasn’t Watkins, who I thought had done reasonably well in the game that he came on and stretched the opposition, Ivan Toney was the go-to centre-forward.”

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