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Dutch legend Ronald de Boer has been named as a Qatar Legacy Ambassador for the 2022 World Cup by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the organisation delivering the infrastructure and legacy programmes for the marquee event. 

De Boer, who represented Netherlands 67 times in an illustrious career, joins an array of former superstars as an ambassador for the World Cup. De Boer will share the global ambassador duties with Xavi, Cafu, Tim Cahill and Samuel Eto’o, as well as 11 other local and regional ambassadors. 

The Qatar Legacy Ambassador programme sees global superstars like De Boer highlight local and global legacy projects initiated around the 2022 World Cup projects. The programme also seeks to use the opportunities provided by Qatar 2022 to create positive social change across the region and around the world. 

De Boer, who has played for the likes of Ajax and Barcelona among other clubs during a stellar career, is no stranger to Qatar. He finished his playing career in Qatar, having moved to the Middle-East nation in 2004 before playing for Al Rayyan and Al Shamal. After retiring in 2008, he continued to live in Qatar for another three years.

Speaking about his new role as a Qatar Legacy Ambassador, De Boer said: “I lived in Qatar for seven years, so it is a country that has played a big part in my life. I have a great feeling about Qatar and its future. I regularly visit Qatar and often speak to my friends living there and they are full of ambition and want to improve everything for the next generation, so I feel privileged to get the opportunity to become a Qatar Legacy Ambassador and help to play a role in achieving this.”

“The World Cup is being used as a way to deliver important social changes in the country – and for me, this is the most important aspect of this project – improving the country and leaving behind a better place for the next generation.”

De Boer, a midfielder during his playing days, has won the UEFA Champions League in 1994-95 with Ajax and was named the Dutch Player of the Year twice (1994, 1996). He had also featured in two World Cups for Netherlands in 1994 and 1998 (nine appearances and two goals).

“It will be the most compact World Cup in modern history – creating an amazing atmosphere and benefiting both fans and players. Fans will easily be able to attend more than one game in a single day, which is very exciting, and players will enjoy more rest time between matches, meaning better action on the pitch," he said. 

Commenting on the announcement, H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, SC Secretary General, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ronald to our expanding family of Qatar Legacy Ambassadors. In many ways, Ronald has been with us from the start of our FIFA World Cup journey and I’m delighted to be able to officially welcome him to the project.”

Mohamed Salah and Ola Aina's goals have been nominated for the Premier League Goal of the Season prize.

Salah played a crucial role in Liverpool’s third-place finish in the English elite division – scoring 22 times with five assists – to place second behind Golden Boot winner, Harry Kane.

Nonetheless, his effort against West Ham United will compete against eight other players for the goal of the season diadem.

In the 3-1 defeat of David Moyes’ men, the Egyptian found the net twice. However, his second effort made the cut.

Trent Alexander-Arnold found Xherdan Shaqiri who was bolting up the left wing before the Swiss player swung a pinpoint through ball for Salah. The two-time African Player of the Year’s first touch was exquisite, and he dinked it past goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

That effort faces stiff competition from Aina’s beauty against West Bromwich Albion on November 2, 2020.

Some great exchanges between Aleksandar Mitrovic and Bobby Decordova-Reid saw the former set up the Torino loanee. He then arrowed a left-footed thunderbolt into the top left corner of Sam Johnstone from the edge of the area.

Also, in contention are James Maddison’s strike against Manchester City, Manuel Lanzini's goal for West Ham in the 3-3 draw with Tottenham Hotspur and Sebastien Haller's sumptuous effort versus Crystal Palace.

Bruno Fernandes’ goal against Everton, Edinson Cavani’s stunner against Fulham, Jesse Lingard’s effort against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Erik Lamela’s lone strike in Spurs’ 2-1 defeat to Arsenal complete the list.

The goal with the highest number of votes will walk home with the individual accolade during the end of season dinner.

Aina played 31 league games for the Craven Cottage giants, yet, Scott Parker’s team got demoted to the English second-tier.

In a chat with Fulham's website, the 24-year-old stated that he enjoyed his time at the London club.

“I’ve loved it,” he said. “I get asked this question all the time by a lot of people, and even though we’ve been relegated, I’ve loved every minute of this season.

“I’ve loved the challenge, the coaching staff, my teammates, and I’ve loved the club as well. I’ve loved this club, it’s a very nice club.

“The club has become a part of me, and a part of all the other loan players, and I think you can see that.

“Even though we’re here on loan, we’re all part of the same fight. I really think the loan boys have taken up the challenge.

“Off the pitch, we’ve always been very close with each other. We like each other’s company, so it’s been a really good group.

“We did really care about this season and how we did. It went wrong, but trust me, we really did care.”

Nigeria take on Cameroon in a friendly game organised to help Gernot Rohr’s men stay in top shape for September’s World Cup qualification games against Liberia and Cape Verde.

The game against the Indomitable Lions is the Super Eagles’ third international game in 2021 – with their last two outings being qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Toni Conceicao’s men clash with the three-time African kings for the second time in two years. Rohr’s team had the upper hand in their last encounter at the 2019 Afcon Round of 16 encounter in Alexandria.

WHEN IS THE GAME?

The international friendly has been scheduled for 20:30 (West African TIme) on Friday, June 4.

WHAT CHANNELS CAN I WATCH THE GAME ON TV?

WHERE IS THE CLASH OF THE TITANS?

Wiener Neustadt Stadium, Vienna 

HOW CAN FANS GET INVOLVED?

Goal will be providing comprehensive coverage, news, interviews and features of the showdown.

England boss Gareth Southgate has taken aim at "nonsense" stories after including Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold in his final Euro 2020 squad. 

The right-back was allegedly close to missing out on the tournament following a mixed season with the Reds over the course of 2020-21. 

However he made the cut in Southgate's 26-man selection, and the manager was not happy to have read reports to the contrary.

What was said?

“I spoke to Trent three weeks ago. There were stories over the last couple of weeks with lots of strange headlines, I have no idea where they have come from," he told reporters after confirming England's Euros squad on Tuesday.

"I felt that there were stories that ran that were so far off the truth. I read stories about me that aren’t true but when it’s a player they may feel like they’re reading it so it may be true.

"Last night we were dealing with that, in the morning he’s taking set pieces preparing for tomorrow and then he’s reading that he is not going to the Euros.
 

Alexander-Arnold's inclusion leaves England spoilt for choice at right-back, with Kieran Trippier, Reece James and Kyle Walker also included in the squad. 

 "We went through this last week. We have four players that play sometimes at right-back for their clubs," Southgate added. "Basically they are in the best 26 footballers and that is why they are in the squad.

"If I could have picked five or six right-backs I would have done."

"Everybody wants to play" 

Southgate also assured that there would be plenty of competition for places in his starting XI, with all of his picks in contention. 

"Everybody wants to play and that can affect our decision making in these two matches and the training sessions in the lead up." he said. "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."

Two of the biggest question marks in the England squad hang over Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson, who are currently carrying injuries. 

"The most complex part has been those injuries and whether we should take the chance on people - players like Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire not being quite where they normally are," Southgate said.

"With the experience that they have, we think we can get them to a point where they have an involvement in the tournament and it's worth taking them - especially as we have an extended squad of 26."

The unlucky seven

There will also be a role to play for six of the players who failed to make the cut in England's upcoming friendlies against Austria and Romania.

"You never want to give bad news," Southgate said. "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, 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 [Wednesday, against Austria].

"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."

Manchester United forward Mason Greenwoood was also cut from the 33-man preliminary squad due to injury.

Further reading 

Betis defender Emerson will complete his €9 million move to Barcelona on Wednesday, Goal understands. 

The Brazilian was signed by the two Spanish clubs from Atletico Mineiro in a joint-venture two years ago. 

And despite interest elsewhere in his signature, he will now be unveiled as the Catalans' latest new signing following the presentation of Sergio Aguero. 

Camp Nou-bound

Under the terms of the agreement penned in 2019, Emerson was sent to Seville for two seasons, where he became a pivotal part of the Betis line-up. 

Then, at the end of that period, Barcelona would have the chance to sign the defender for a fixed fee of €9m. 

They were not the only side interested in Emerson, though. 

Paris Saint-Germain made enquiries over his availability, while Betis were also keen to keep him in Andalucia. 

Betis side could also have made his arrival permanent for €9m but could not commit to such an investment due to their current financial difficulties, though they will retain a percentage of the 22-year-old's playing rights in case of a future sale. 

PSG, meanwhile, saw their interest fall on deaf ears as Emerson committed himself to Camp Nou, while Arsenal, Napoli and Milan were also among the reported suitors to miss out.

A third new face

Barcelona have started the transfer window in aggressive fashion after missing out on the Liga and Champions League titles in 2020-21. 

Ex-Manchester City duo Eric Garcia and Sergio Aguero have already been confirmed as signings, with the latter joining on a free transfer on Monday and greeting his new fans before jumping on a plane to meet up with his Argentina colleagues. 

Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay could also join on frees this summer, while one of the club's top priorities is to ensure Lionel Messi does not go the other way and signs a new deal in the coming weeks.

Further reading

Italy revealed their full 26-man squad for Euro 2020 on Tuesday, with young forward Giacomo Raspadori representing the most surprising inclusion.

Sassuolo forward Raspadori has never played in a competitive senior match for the Azzurri, but has been picked for the competition ahead of Italy opening the tournament against Turkey on June 11.

Gianluca Mancini, Matteo Pessina and Matteo Politano were among the omissions from manager Roberto Mancini's team, the manager having previously axed Paris Saint-Germain forward Moise Kean, and his men welcomed the approaching tournament in bombastic fashion with impromptu rapping from Napoli representatives ahead of the squad announcement.

Italy's Euro 2020 squad and numbers in full

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Milan), Alex Meret (Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (Torino)

Defenders: Francesco Acerbi (Lazio), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Emerson Palmieri (Chelsea), Alessandro Florenzi (Paris Saint-Germain), Leonardo Spinazzola (Roma), Rafael Toloi (Atalanta)

Midfielders: Nicolo Barella (Inter), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Frello Jorge Luiz Jorginho (Chelsea), Manuel Locatelli (Sassuolo), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Stefano Sensi (Inter), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain)

Forwards: Andrea Belotti (Torino), Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo), Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus), Federico Chiesa (Juventus), Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Sassuolo)

Raspadori call-up

Raspadori is a newcomer to the Italian senior squad, though he has played in the nation's youth ranks.

The 21-year-old forward for Sassuolo scored six goals in 27 appearances in Serie A this past season.

“It’s an incredible feeling, it’s even difficult to understand what happened," he told Corriere dello Sport when he was named to the provisional team. "I am proud of this. I didn’t talk to Mancini, but I want to thank him.”

Who has missed out?

Kean missed the cut despite starring at PSG on loan this campaign. There had been speculation of a possible injury, but he played 45 minutes in a friendly last week against San Marino.

Meanwhile, Mancini and Pessina were casualties of a crowded midfield and simply couldn't fit into Mancini's current plans.

Further reading

Watford have announced the signing of Imran Louza from Ligue 1 side FC Nantes.

The former France U21 star of Moroccan descent was snapped up for an undisclosed fee in a five-year deal that will keep him at the Vicarage Road until 2026.

In the just-concluded 2020-21 campaign, the 22-year-old played a crucial role that prevented Antoine Kombouare’s Canaries from getting demoted to the French second tier.

For his contributions, he scored seven times in 35 outings for the Stade de la Beaujoire giants.

“Watford FC is delighted to confirm the signing of Imran Louza for an undisclosed fee from Ligue 1 side FC Nantes,” a statement from Watford website read.

“The 22-year-old midfielder has signed a five-year deal and arrives at Vicarage Road off the back of an impressive season for Les Canaris which saw him net seven goals in 35 appearances.

“Louza joined Nantes as an eight-year-old and has turned out 58 times for the club since earning his debut in January 2019.

“The left-footer is capable of playing out wide but predominantly occupies a central midfield position, either in a defensive role or further forward.

“A talented passer, Louza is also skilled in dead-ball situations, taking corners, free-kicks and penalties at his former club. Welcome to Watford, Imran!”

The midfielder will continue his development in Hertfordshire under manager Xisco Munoz and will compete with the likes of Tom Cleverley, Nathaniel Chalobah, Ken Sema, Dan Gosling, Will Hughes, Tom Dele-Bashiru and Daniel Phillips to get first-team action.

Before moving to England, Louza penned an emotional farewell to the Nantes.

“My family from Nantes, I don't know where to start, I was just talking with my heart,” he wrote on Instagram. 

A lot of emotion to leave my city, my club where I learned everything, the fantastic atmosphere of the Beaujoire.

“It is the end of an adventure certainly, but I would remain forever an unbeatable supporter.

“A big thank you to president Kita, Frank and the coaches I have known here for giving me all this confidence.

“My City, my club, my supporters we will meet one day.”

Born to a Moroccan father and French mother, Louza has represented both countries at the U20 level, while boasting six appearances for the France U21 side.

However, he remains eligible to represent the Atlas Lions at the senior level.

Brazil will host the 2021 Copa America in four venues across the country, chief of staff Luiz Ramos confirmed on Tuesday. 

CONMEBOL revealed on Monday that the South American tournament would return to Brazil, which was also the host of the last event in 2019. 

The last-minute change was made after both Argentina and Colombia withdrew from hosting duties due to the severity of the coronavirus pandemic and, in the case of the latter, ongoing social unrest.

What was said? 

"The Copa America in Brazil is confirmed," Ramos wrote on Twitter. 

"Coherence has won out. Brazil, which hosts the Libertadores, Sudamericana, not to mention the state and Brazilian Championship, cannot close its doors to such a traditional competition as this."

Which cities will host the Copa?

Ramos also revealed that four states in Brazil will receive matches, which will all be behind closed doors. 

The Federal District, which contains the nation's capital Brasilia, Mato Grosso, Rio de Janeiro and Goias, will welcome South America's best players between June 13 and July 10. 

The venues have been chosen in large part to avoid stadiums where the top-tier Serie A, which will continue throughout the Copa, is taking place. 

Many states have also publicly declined to hold Copa games due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with South America currently the world's hardest-hit region. 

While Ramos did not specify which stadiums have been chosen, Rio de Janeiro's Estadio Maracana will likely hold only the final, with the two groups based in one or more of the three additional states. 

Who will compete in the 2021 Copa?

The Copa America was originally scheduled to take place in 2020 with 12 participating nations. 

The pandemic forced a 12-month postponement, and guest countries Australia and Qatar subsequently withdrew due to scheduling conflicts in 2021, leaving CONMEBOL's 10 member nations. 

Those countries are split into two groups: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay are in Group A, which was originally to be played in Argentina; while Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela make up Group B, intended for Colombia. 

Four teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-final stage, with the first round concluding on June 27 and 28.

Further reading

Harry Kane "deserves to win titles each season" and is too talented to be stuck somewhere he cannot win trophies, according to Tottenham team-mate Moussa Sissoko.

Sissoko said Spurs have failed the striker by not winning a single piece of silverware during his career despite his prolific goalscoring, and "would wish him the best" if he does leave the club this summer.

Kane, 27, scored 23 goals and provided 14 assists in 35 league appearances this campaign even as Tottenham finished in their lowest domestic table position since 2008-09. He has been the subject of much speculation about his future, and it has been reported that he has asked the club to sell him.

What has been said?

"Like all players, [Kane] wants to win titles," Sissoko told Foot Mercato. "A player of his stature deserves to win titles each season. Sadly, we have failed to do so each time for various reasons. I think that this must irk him inside.

“He did not officially say that he wanted to leave the club. Harry is one of, today, the best attackers in the world. Each year, he finishes as the top scorer in the Premier League or is among the best goalscorers in the league.

"He executed an exceptional year because he finished as top scorer and top assister in the Premier League. 

"I do not know if he will leave or not, but if he ever did leave, I would wish him the best because he deserves to win titles with all that he has done. He is truly an extraordinary player.

"We would like to have him with us for as long as possible, aside from that, it is all between the president, his agent and him. I simply wish him the best.”

Where has Kane been linked?

Kane has reportedly received interest from clubs both at home and abroad, with Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid among the names most often mentioned regarding his future. Tottenham have so far indicated they do not intend to let him leave.

Further reading

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has warned their rivals that they will get even stronger in their pursuit of the Champions League, just days after missing out on the European trophy.

Pep Guardiola’s side finished the season as Premier League champions and Carabao Cup winners and also reached the final of the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.

However, the season ended in disappointment with the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea and Al Mubarak says this is the moment to show they can push onto the next level.

What’s been said?

“One of the things I’ve learned over the years is you constantly need to bring new talent into the team, refresh and particularly when you’re at a high level, on the top,” Al Mubarak said.

“Having won the league, it is not the time to sit back and be content. That would actually be your biggest mistake. This is the time to send a strong message that there’s no contentment, that you’re not satisfied with just winning the league.”

Where will City strengthen?

City have already lost two players, with Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia out of contract at the end of the season and on their way to Barcelona.

Despite being successful without striker for much of the season, Al Mubarak said it was one of the positions where they will strengthen in the summer.

The chairman did not put any names forward, but Tottenham’s Harry Kane is a striker that the club are understood to be interested in.

Al Mubarak also confirmed that there will other new faces, with a focus on quality rather than quantity.

“We lost a very important legend in Sergio Aguero, [they are] very hard shoes to fill but I’m confident we will find the right player to fill those shoes,” he said. “There are other areas within the team that obviously need investment, not too many. It’s not about numbers it’s about quality.

“The squad is a phenomenal squad, you don’t win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final if you don’t have an incredible squad and we have that. We will bring quality into the squad in a couple of key positions.”

Further reading

Asisat Oshoala was on target but Barcelona were silenced 4-3 by Atletico Madrid in Tuesday’s Primera Division Women's outing.

Prior to this game, the Blaugranes had celebrated a treble after defeating Levante 4-2 in Sunday’s Copa de la Reina final.

That victory also saw them extend their winning streak to 28 games across all competitions in the 2020-21 campaign.

Against the Mattressers, however, their invincible run was ended in the seven-goal thriller.

Having bowed 1-0 at home to Levante last time out, Dani Gonzalez’s women began the game on a bright note.

That paid off as Amanda Sampedro gave them the lead after 12 minutes after profiting from a Deyna Castellanos assist.

The lead lasted for just seven minutes as the visiting side leveled matters courtesy of Bruna Vilamala’s strike after she was teed up by defender Jana Fernandez.

Nine minutes before the half-time break, Oshoala put Lluis Cortes’ team ahead with a delightful finish thanks to fine work from captain Vicky Losada.

That effort saw her end her seven-goal drought. In addition, it was her 16th goal in 22 Spanish elite division outings.

Like a house on fire, the hosts came back stronger in the second half, and two quick goals meant they were back ahead.

First, French forward Emelyne Laurent converted Kylie Strom’s cross in the 58th minute before Laurent added a second eight minutes later. This time, it was Venezuelan star Castellano who supplied the assist.

Marta pounced on a rebound to set up Alexia for a Barcelona equaliser in the 74th minute.

However, it was Castellanos who had the final say for Atletico Madrid in the 80th minute.

While reigning African Women’s Player of the Year Oshoala was in action from start to finish, her compatriot Rasheedat Ajibade was in action for 46 minutes for the hosts.

Elsewhere, Cameroonian forward Ajara Nchout was introduced for Brazil’s Ludmila in the 89th minute.

Barcelona were already crowned champions of the Spanish women’s topflight.

Oshoala and her teammates would be hoping to return to winning ways when they host Madrid in their next outing on Sunday morning.

United States national team prodigy Giovanni Reyna will not be cleared to contest the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Borussia Dortmund confirmed on Tuesday. 

The 18-year-old is already a key player for both club and country, having starred for Dortmund throughout the 2020-21 season. 

But, while he is currently on international duty for the USMNT, he will be expected to report back to Dortmund once the CONCACAF Nations League comes to a close. 

What was said? 

"Maybe Gio Reyna will join [the squad] a few days later, but then we will be counting on him," Sebastian Kehl, head of the Dortmund players' department, explained to Ruhr Nachrichten.

"He won't contest the Gold Cup."

The bigger picture 

The USMNT are involved in two different tournaments this summer. 

Reyna joined up with his international team-mates following the close of the Bundesliga season in order to play in the Nations League, which plays its delayed semi-final and final stages on June 3 and 6 respectively. 

The USMNT take on Honduras in the last four, with the winner meeting either Mexico or Costa Rica in the final. 

Just over a month later the Gold Cup group stage begins, with the US drawn alongside Canada, Martinique and a still to be determined preliminary qualifier. 

Based in the US, the competition runs until the final on August 1 - less than two weeks prior to the start of the Bundesliga season. 

Reyna, therefore, would miss almost the entire pre-season period at Dortmund should he reach the final with his country, clearly an unappetising prospect for the club. 

Back in February, USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter suggested that he would not call on his stars to play in both competitions. 

“One thing I can guarantee you is a guy like Christian Pulisic is not going to be playing Nations League and Gold Cup – it's not going to happen," he explained to Extra Time. 

"These guys need a break, so I can imagine them playing one of those tournaments and then getting rest. That's going to be true for a lot of our guys who are going through similar situations right now.”

Further reading

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been called up for England's European Championship squad while Jesse Lingard is among those to have missed out, with Gareth Southgate whittling his selection down from 33 to 26.

There were always going to be seven men left disappointed and, after Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood withdrew through injury, final decisions have now been made.

Lingard misses out despite an impressive half-season on loan at West Ham, while James Ward-Prowse, Ollie Watkins, Mason Greenwood, Ben Godfrey, Ben White and Aaron Ramsdale have also not been selected.

Who has missed out?

Liverpool full-back Alexander-Arnold was a notable absentee from the England squad during the March international break, when 2022 World Cup qualification got underway.

He was included in Southgate's preliminary plans this time around however, and after much speculation, has made it to this summer's tournament.

Lingard is another to have missed the cut, with a productive loan spell at London Stadium not enough to keep him in contention.

The Manchester United playmaker, who could be on the move again this summer, formed part of a memorable run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals but will not be at the tournament this year.

His Old Trafford colleague Greenwood announced prior to Southgate's final reveal that he would not be figuring at the Euros as he seeks to "fully recover from an underlying injury."

Southampton midfielder Ward-Prowse has also been given bad news, preventing him from adding to his six caps, while Sheffield United No 1 Ramsdale has failed to secure one of the three goalkeeper spots.

Aston Villa striker Watkins, who scored on his Three Lions debut earlier this year in a 2022 World Cup qualifier against San Marino, is absent despite an impressive season at Villa Park.

White and Godfrey complete the list of those to have been trimmed by Southgate, but time is on the side of the promising Brighton and Everton defenders when it comes to earning senior international recognition.

Who makes the cut?

Along with Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool and Manchester United captains Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire are kept on despite nursing injuries towards the end of the 2020-21 season at club level.

Aston Villa skipper Jack Grealish is another lacking in full match sharpness, but his creativity is being embraced after returning to action in mid-May.

Champions League winners Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount should be full of confidence on the back of their European exploits with Chelsea.

John Stones, Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling suffered continental heartache with Manchester City, but get an immediate opportunity to chase down more silverware.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin will provide a back-up striking option behind captain Harry Kane, while Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham will be hoping that England are still involved on his 18th birthday on June 29.

England's Euro 2020 squad in full:

England's upcoming fixtures

Southgate's side have two friendlies to take in before competitive action begins.

The first of those will see Austria faced on Wednesday, followed by a home date with Romania on Sunday.

A European Championship campaign will open against Croatia on June 13, before then going on to tackle Scotland and the Czech Republic in their remaining Group D fixtures.

Further reading

The deadlock between East Bengal and their investor Shree Cement remains never-ending as on Tuesday, the executive committee members of the club decided to not sign the final agreement of the joint venture which was to be formed between the two parties. 

The executive committee of the club met on Tuesday evening and discussed at length the differences between the initial term sheet which was signed and the final agreement as claimed by the club officials.

East Bengal's football secretary Saikat Ganguly, in a statement, informed that the executive committee in unison has decided not to sign the final binding agreement and if they are pressurised to do so then the entire committee will resign.

What did Saikat Ganguly say?

"We had our executive committee meeting today. We discussed in detail all the points and differences which exist between the term sheet and the definitive document with Shree Cement. All the executive committee members were aware of all these points, yet we discussed them at length.

"Every member of the committee has agreed that they will not sign the definitive document in its current form. Also, the committee has decided that if they are forced to sign this document under any kind of pressure then everyone is ready to resign.

"Our club general secretary has also agreed with the decision of the executive committee and he has conveyed the decision to the club president. Even the president has informed that nobody has to sign anything at the moment. As the president, he is monitoring the issue and he will hold necessary discussions. But he has honoured the general sentiment of the executive committee," stated Ganguly.

What is going on in East Bengal?

After Quess Corp parted ways with East Bengal in June 2020 after being the club's investor for two seasons, Shree Cement came on board as their new investors which facilitated the club's move to the Indian Super League (ISL).

They then proceeded to establish a joint venture named Shree Cement East Bengal Foundation, in which the cement giants held 76 per cent stakes while the club had 24.

After Shree Cement's arrival, a term sheet was signed by both parties in September 2020 in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who had played an important role in bringing the company on board as the club's new investor.

Based on the term sheet, the club’s sporting rights as well all its assets and properties (including intellectual) were reportedly transferred to the newly formed joint venture between the two parties.

Even though the term sheet has been signed, a final binding agreement of the deal is yet to signed by the officials despite multiple reminders.

The club officials have remained firm on the claim that certain points in the final agreement are different from the term sheet that the parties had signed. The new management, on the other hand, claims otherwise. 

Shree Cement managing Hari Mohan Bangur also mentioned in the past that no meeting with the officials will take until they put pen to paper.

What is the Shree Cement management saying?

A  senior official of the Shree Cement East Bengal management informed Goal, that the management will only decide its next course of action once they receive an official letter from the club. The senior official further stated that according to the club, only the assistant general secretary, Rupak Saha is authorised to speak on behalf of the club. So Saikat Ganguly's statement in this matter cannot be taken into consideration.

Further reading

Explained: What are term sheet and final agreement

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Goal readers have overwhelmingly urged Wilfred Ndidi to leave Leicester City for top European clubs in the summer.

The midfielder has been with the Foxes since the summer of 2017 when he teamed up with the club from Genk.  

The 24-year-old has been delivering consistent performances for the Premier League side since his arrival and has finished in the top three of the best tacklers of the season a number of times.

In the 2020-21 campaign, he was one of the stand-out performers for Brendan Rodgers' men as they finished among the top-five, narrowly missing out on the Champions League.

His effort also ensured the Foxes clinched the FA Cup title for the first time in the history of the club, featuring in six games in the run to the triumph.

The midfielder made 36 appearances, scoring one goal and providing four assists as part of his contribution to the campaign.

In a poll set up by Goal, readers have expressed their opinions regarding the future of the Nigeria international.

1014 votes were cast and 71.8 percent voted in favour that the defensive midfielder should leave the Foxes and embrace a bigger challenge.

The readers believed the Super Eagles star will be a good addition to Manchester United, Arsenal or Real Madrid.

28.2 percent, however, feel Ndidi should remain at King Power Stadium to continue to enjoy consistent playing time as he might not be guaranteed first-team action at top European clubs.

Former Nigeria international Dosu Joseph had previously backed the midfielder to move to a big club when the opportunity comes.  

“We are all praying to grow. We are all hoping to play for the bigger clubs in the world. He has been doing well for Leicester City,” the former goalkeeper told Goal.

“If Real Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester City and other big clubs come, I think he can leave Leicester.

“All he has to do is to keep on playing well so that other big clubs can come for him.”

Ndidi will be expected to link up with the Super Eagles in Austria ahead of their international friendly against Cameroon on Friday.

Kieran Tierney believes he has improved all aspects of his game over the last 18 months, with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta considered to be a driving force behind that development.

Injuries have stunted the Scotland international's progress at times, but a standing as a key man at Emirates Stadium has been taken up at just 23 years of age.

There is still plenty of potential to unlock in the buccaneering left-back, with Tierney of the opinion that Arteta - who has faced questions of his ongoing presence in north London - is the man to lift Arsenal to greater heights.

What has been said?

Tierney, who is readying himself for European Championship duty this summer, told the Scottish Sun of playing under Arteta: "I listen to everything the manager tells me, word for word.

"I love working with him, he’s helped me massively.

"If you can see the differences in my game in the last 18 months or so it’s because of Mikel Arteta and what his coaching staff have been telling me to do.

"I’ve been working on their advice every day. I’m really grateful for what the gaffer’s done for me."

The bigger picture

Tierney's prominent standing on a Premier League stage is ensuring that added responsibility must also be taken on when donning the colours of his country.

The former Celtic defender has no issue with that, with his current manager helping to raise confidence to a level that has the hard-working full-back pushing for a place among the global elite.

Tierney added on the message he has received heading into a major international tournament: "I had a meeting with the Arsenal manager and he just told me, ‘Go and express yourself with Scotland, enjoy yourself, bring energy to the team, bring energy to the camp’.

"He’s always so supportive of me, and tremendously positive. The manager always brings the best out of me.

"With regards Scotland for the Euros he also said, ‘Give everything you have, that’s how you get the best out of yourself, and it will help the team the most’."

Further reading