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Gareth Southgate insists England will head into Euro 2024 ready to handle the expectation that comes with being ranked one of the tournament favourites. The England boss and his players were pitted against Denmark, Serbia and Slovenia in Group C for next summer’s finals in Germany in Saturday night’s draw in Hamburg. Southgate has overseen a transformation of England’s fortunes since he took over in 2016, steering them to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990 at the 2018 tournament in Russia and a first-ever Euro final appearance in 2021. There were further signs of progress in December’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals and the side are firm favourites to take the final step and claim silverware, thanks in no small part to Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham and Bayern Munich sharpshooter Harry Kane. “They are used to playing in big matches and have produced regularly,” Southgate said. “They are used to playing in big matches together and individually, so we are excited and all looking forward to the summer. “We feel the squad has been building for a period of time and England are going to be competitive for the foreseeable future as you look at the young players coming through. When we started at St George’s Park it is what we wanted to happen. “If you are continually in those latter stages, most teams that win go close and then get there.” Denmark were England’s opponents in a tense semi-final at Euro 2020, when Kane scored from a penalty rebound after a spot-kick was controversially awarded for a foul on Raheem Sterling in extra time. But Southgate also well remembers a past encounter with Slovenia. England faced them in his second match in charge as interim manager in October 2016, a qualifier for the 2018 World Cup. England clung on for a point that day in a 0-0 draw, and Southgate saw it as a turning point in his England tenure. “Slovenia takes me back to one of my first games as manager where but for Joe Hart plucking out one of the best saves I’ve ever seen, I wouldn’t be standing here and I would probably still be a caretaker, but at something else,” he said. Serbia are the opponents in the Arena AufSchalke opener on June 16, before England take on Denmark at the Frankfurt Arena on June 20. England round off Group C against Slovenia at Cologne Stadium on June 25 at a tournament they intend to spend based in central Germany. UEFA provided a team base camp catalogue to teams, but the PA news agency understands the Football Association plans to stay at an unlisted venue. Weimarer Land in Blankenhain has been lined up – a remote spa and golf resort that has a 45-hole course and, most importantly, two training pitches. Final Football Association visits are planned at the venue that is around 90 minutes from host venue Leipzig and a 30-minute drive from the city of Erfurt. Asked about England finalising their team base and pre-tournament friendlies, Southgate told PA after the draw: “Today allows us to take those plans to the next stage. “Definitely the friendlies we’ve got an idea on dates, but we can now look at the opponents with more detail. “Similar with the base camp. We know now where our matches will be played, so we can start to cement those plans in the next few days.” Read More Dwight McNeil fires Everton to morale-boosting win at Nottingham Forest New faces but no complete reset – talking points as England take on West Indies Paul Heckingbottom stands by his work as Sheffield United lose again Neal Maupay makes the right impression on his manager Mikel Arteta heaps praise on players as Arsenal pull four points clear at summit Will Jacks looks at positives after England central contract snub

The Atlanta Braves could target Tampa Bay Rays All-Star Randy Arozarena, or even Seattle Mariners ace Logan Gilbert. Plus, a reliever signs.

Dwight McNeil’s second-half goal clinched Everton a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest and lifted them off the foot of the Premier League table. Everton had slipped to the bottom before the late kick-off at the City Ground after Burnley’s win against relegation rivals Sheffield United. But McNeil lashed home the only goal to clinch Everton a morale-boosting victory one day after the club lodged their appeal against their 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s financial rules. Everton, who have not lost at the City Ground since 1995, notched their third win in five league matches to climb to within two points of safety while Forest slipped to a third straight defeat and back-to-back home losses. Wayward finishing and heroic defending ensured a goalless first half as both sides spurned scoring chances. Everton should have broken the deadlock in the 23rd minute, with Beto blazing over an empty net when he looked odds-on to register his first Premier League goal. Forest goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos dropped a cross after tangling with team-mate Willy Boly but Beto, back in the starting line-up for the first time since September in place of the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin, fired off target. Forest had made the better start but came under siege for a prolonged spell in the first period and were also indebted to Murillo. The Brazilian defender cleared McNeil’s angled shot off the goal line and needed treatment after falling awkwardly into the net. Anthony Elanga had earlier pulled a low shot wide for Forest, who could have snatched the lead in first-half stoppage time through Morgan Gibbs-White but he fired into the side netting after being played in by Ibrahim Sangare. Forest made a fast start to the second half, with substitute Felipe soon in the thick of the action. His shot following a goalmouth scramble clipped a post and moments later the Brazilian was booked for hauling down McNeil outside his own area. Ryan Yates had gone to ground under Doucoure’s challenge following the corner which had led to Felipe’s effort, but Forest’s penalty appeals were waved away and they fell behind soon after. Jack Harrison’s cross from the right picked out McNeil at the far post and he took one touch before rifling his first goal of the season into the far corner. McNeil raced in on goal shortly after but was thwarted by Serge Aurier’s last-ditch tackle and Forest went close to an equaliser when Elanga rounded Jordan Pickford only to shoot into the side netting from a tight angle. Pickford rescued Everton in the 81st minute when racing out of his goal to deny Elanga and saved well again from Murillo’s fierce effort. Forest poured forward in search of a late equaliser but Elanga’s shot curled inches wide and at the final whistle soon after, Everton’s travelling fans burst into a chorus of We Shall Not Be Moved. Read More New faces but no complete reset – talking points as England take on West Indies Kevin Sinfield greeted by Sir Gareth Edwards after latest fundraising challenge Paul Heckingbottom stands by his work as Sheffield United lose again Neal Maupay makes the right impression on his manager Mikel Arteta heaps praise on players as Arsenal pull four points clear at summit Will Jacks looks at positives after England central contract snub

The Euro 2024 draw became the latest live event to be disrupted by a ‘sex noise’ prank as pornography sounds were loudly played while the teams were finding out their fate for next summer’s tournament in Germany. Loud moaning noises could be heard on a few occasions as the draw was being conducted at the Elbphilharmonie concert hall in Hamburg, first sounding as the final team (Switzerland) were being drawn into Group A alongside Germany, Scotland and Hungary. “There is some noise here... that has now stopped,” said draw host and Uefa deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti as the sounds appeared to be stopped. “No noise anymore...” he added. However, they promptly resumed when Italy were drawn as the last team into Group B along with Spain, Albania and Croatia before continuing for the remainder of the draw. England manager Gareth Southgate was asked about his reaction to the noises and said: “I heard something and putting two and two together I'm assuming there's some sort of prank going on but I couldn't really make out what it was.” Social media personality Daniel Jarvis, known as ‘Jarvo69’, promptly claimed responsibility for the prank, declaring on a live stream: “We done it, we got in there. Sex noises at the Euro 2024 draw. Love you guys.” Jarvis previously claimed credit for a similar incident that occurred during the BBC’s live pre-match coverage of the FA Cup third-round replay between Wolves and Liverpool back in January. That incident caused consternation and hilarity among the presenters as host Gary Lineker and pundits Danny Murphy and Paul Ince had to deal with a loud recording of sex noises beginning to audibly blare out of the studio. The trio initially gamely tried to continue with the broadcast as normal before Lineker was forced to acknowledge the disruption. “Will you stop making those noises, Danny,” joked Lineker. “It’s not me,” insisted Murphy. The recording continued for a number of minutes, with BBC staff seemingly unable to locate the noise and switch it off, as Lineker’s handover to Alan Shearer on the commentary gantry was similarly affected. “I don’t know who’s making that noise,” laughed Lineker as he threw to Shearer up in the stands. The Euro 2024 draw stunt followed a similar format and was also being broadcast live on the BBC. As of writing, there has been no official statement from any of the organisers. The draw saw Scotland find out that they will face hosts Germany in the first game of the tournament, while England are in a friendly-looking Group C along with Denmark, Slovenia and Serbia. Read More England handed kind draw but must beware Euro 2024 trap Scotland’s route to Euro 2024 final after draw England’s route to Euro 2024 final after draw Euro 2024 draw LIVE: England drawn in group C as Scotland and Wales learn opponents Euro 2024 stadiums: Where will games be played in Germany? Euro 2024 draw: Top seeds England could face Scotland and Wales

Texas defensive lineman T'Vondre Sweat scored a receiving touchdown in the first half of the Big 12 Championship Game against Oklahoma State.

Newcastle United and Manchester United meet in a vital Premier League fixture after dramatic draws in midweek European action. Newcastle were denied at the death against Paris Saint-Germain by a controversial penalty, while Erik ten Hag’s side shared six goals in a thrilling game at Galatasaray. LIVE! Follow coverage of Newcastle vs Man Utd with our blog The pair return to league action hoping to build on encouraging wins last time out, with Newcastle a single point behind their visitors. Manchester United are yet to draw a game this season and may spy an opportunity to secure a significant win on the road with the home side dealing with a number of injuries. Here’s everything you need to know. Get the latest Newcastle vs Manchester United odds and tips here. When is Newcastle vs Manchester United? Newcastle vs Manchester United is due to kick off at 8pm GMT on Saturday 2 December at St James’ Park. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage on the channel from 7pm GMT. Subscribers can stream the action via discovery+. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider. Confirmed line-ups Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Livramento, Miley, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Almiron, Isak, Gordon Man Utd XI: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Dalot, Maguire, Shaw, Mainoo, McTominay, Fernandes, Garnacho, Rashford, Martial Odds Newcastle win 10/11 Draw 11/4 Manchester United win 14/5 Get the latest football betting sites offers here. Prediction A first Premier League draw of the season for Manchester United. Newcastle 2-2 Manchester United Read More Newcastle v Man United LIVE: Premier League latest updates Newcastle boss Eddie Howe believes more VAR ‘would ruin the game’ Anthony Gordon can make England statement by outshining Marcus Rashford Newcastle did not deserve penalty heartbreak - they were robbed by VAR Champions League: What do Man United, Arsenal and Newcastle need to reach last 16? Alan Shearer rages at ‘disgusting’ penalty decision as Newcastle denied famous win

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Under-fire Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom insisted he could hold his head up high after a number of fans turned on him following his side’s 5-0 capitulation away to fellow strugglers Burnley. The odds on Heckingbottom becoming the first Premier League manager to lose his job this season tumbled after a humbling defeat, in which a Burnley side who started the day bottom of the table scored an opener through Jay Rodriguez just 15 seconds in and recorded their biggest top-flight win since 1970. Jacob Bruun Larsen doubled the lead and, with the Blades reduced to 10 men when Oli McBurnie was sent off before half-time, they crumbled in the second half with Zeki Amdouni, Luca Koleosho and Josh Brownhill helping Burnley end their wait for a home league win this season at the eighth attempt. United never looked in the game, and fans made their feelings known at the final whistle. “I bet they’re nearly as angry as me,” Heckingbottom said. “I’ve had this now since the beginning of September. But the one thing I can say is I can walk out of this stadium with my head held high. “I know how hard I work for everyone at the club. I won’t change, I’ll make sure the staff do the same. And we continue to give everything we’ve got with what we’ve got. That won’t change. But, as I said the first time I was asked this, you’re asking the wrong person (about his future)… “Of course if fans start changing, it changes the dynamic. It doesn’t change how I feel or my job. I just said to the players in there, I can walk out with my head held high but you can’t kid people. “The fans are right to shout, say that wasn’t good enough. I was almost singing along with them at one point.” Given Burnley were two goals to the good at the time with United barely laying a glove on them, McBurnie’s red card in the first minute of stoppage time was hardly a turning point, but the Scot’s two yellow cards in the space of 10 minutes killed off any hope of a comeback. “He’s let me down,” Heckingbottom said. “He knows he has.” Burnley’s first home win and first clean sheet of the season lifted them off the foot of the table, and relieved some of the tension that has been building around Turf Moor. “I think we were so desperate to do it,” Kompany said. “We felt against (Crystal) Palace was good, against West Ham was good. You don’t know when it’s coming but I felt we always believed it was coming so for us hopefully it’s a starting point. “The performance today was really good but you have to turn it into results. I just hope with the goals they’ve scored today and the fact we had a lot of goalscorers as well, that’s an important sign with Lyle Foster still not being there. Hopefully of the consistency of doing that will remain.” Both of Burnley’s wins to date have come against sides they were promoted with during the summer. The challenge of taking points of established Premier League sides remains, starting away to Wolves on Tuesday night. “I’ll have a glass of red wine tonight and then back on to Wolves, it’s coming on Tuesday,” Kompany said. “When we win there’s only three days to enjoy it. But we go again. It’s the same recipe really. “I see the boys making progress, they work as hard as the top teams in the league. They don’t get the rewards for it at the moment but now we live towards the Wolverhampton game.” Read More Kevin Sinfield greeted by Sir Gareth Edwards after latest fundraising challenge Neal Maupay makes the right impression on his manager Mikel Arteta heaps praise on players as Arsenal pull four points clear at summit Will Jacks looks at positives after England central contract snub Brentford beat Luton with strong second-half show Five-star Burnley crush Sheffield United at Turf Moor

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praised his side as they scored two early goals to down Wolves and open up a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League. With closest challengers and reigning champions Manchester City not in action until Sunday, Mikel Arteta’s side took full advantage as Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard struck in the opening 16 minutes before a nervy ending brought about by Matheus Cunha’s strike. The Gunners ultimately ran out 2-1 winners on an afternoon where their early goals were the peak of a performance that promised more than it provided. Having thrashed Lens here 6-0 on Wednesday to ensure safe passage into the last 16 of the Champions League, Wolves proved they were made of sterner stuff and stayed in the contest until the last. But despite seeing his side labour after racing ahead, Arteta was still left pleased with the performance. “I can only praise the players,” he said. “They were excellent. We played against a really good side and generated so much and conceded almost nothing. The scoreline should have been very different. We were very unlucky because we hit the post three times I think. “At the end we made an error close to the goal – in the Premier League you get punished big time for that. Then at the end, it’s game on. Overall I’m really happy with how he performed again.” Arteta also backed Oleksandr Zinchenko – the full-back having made a number of minor errors during the game, including losing possession for Cunha’s consolation. The Ukraine international had earlier set up Odegaard for the crucial second and Arteta was in no mood to criticise the former Manchester City man. “You have to love him, how he is,” added the Spaniard. “Every player has strengths and weaknesses. Alex has many more strengths. This happened and it can happen to any player. “We have to learn from it because there are certain areas where it’s a big no to play, especially after certain things in the previous phase. That’s it. We will get better.” While Wolves left north London empty-handed, manager Gary O’Neil was pleased that his team did not capitulate after such a poor start. “When you concede two early goals, you know it might be a long afternoon,” he said. “We knew we’d suffer against Arsenal because everybody does. “The first goal was disappointing. There were so many bodies around Saka. For him to wriggle through and for us to look hesitant in the penalty area is disappointing. “The second goal was a great goal. We should have prevented it, but it happens. We stuck to the plan, tried to be aggressive and maybe didn’t carry as much of a threat as we would have liked, but not many teams do against Arsenal. “We managed to hang in and create a bit of a scare, and the lads should take a lot from that.” Read More Kevin Sinfield greeted by Sir Gareth Edwards after latest fundraising challenge Paul Heckingbottom stands by his work as Sheffield United lose again Neal Maupay makes the right impression on his manager Will Jacks looks at positives after England central contract snub Brentford beat Luton with strong second-half show Five-star Burnley crush Sheffield United at Turf Moor

England have discovered their Euro 2024 fate after the draw was conducted in Hamburg and they can now start plotting a route to the final and that elusive first major men’s trophy since 1966. England were drawn into Group C and will expect to navigate a set of fixtures that looks kind on paper - with Denmark, Slovenia and Serbia lying in wait. From there, things should get harder but if England can top Group C then a third-placed qualifier from either Group D, E or F will be their opponent in the last 16, before a quarter-final potentially against Germany, Spain or Italy. Win that and they would be just two victories away from glory. Three years ago in the same competition, England agonisingly fell short at the final hurdle when they were beaten to the trophy by Italy, losing on penalties in the final at Wembley Stadium. This time, Gareth Southgate will be hoping to lead his side to their first major men’s trophy since the 1966 World Cup. In qualifying, England finished top of their group, beating Italy to the top spot with 20 points from eight matches and without losing a single game. England had already proved they were a force to be reckoned with at Euro 2020, but bolstered with the likes of Jude Bellingham, they will be hoping for a minimum of competing in the later stages. Here is a closer look at England’s possible route to the final in Germany, and here are the latest odds and tips. England’s potential route to Euro 2024 final Group C fixtures Match 1 June 16 - Serbia vs England (Gelsenkirchen) Match 2 June 20 - Denmark vs England (Frankfurt) Match 3 June 25 - England vs Slovenia (Cologne) If England finish top of group Last-16: June 30 - England vs Third-placed team from Group D, E or F Quarter-finals: July 6 - England vs Runner-up of Group A (Germany/Hungary/Scotland/Switzerland) or runner-up of Group B (Spain/Albania/Croatia/Italy) Semi-finals: July 10 - England vs Winner of third quarter-final (possibly France or Belgium) Final: July 14 - England vs Winner of first semi-final (possibly Germany, Spain or Portugal) If England finish runner-up in group Last-16: June 29 - England vs Winner of Group A (likely Germany) Quarter-finals: July 5 - England vs Winner of third R16 match (likely winner of Group B - possibly Spain, Italy or Croatia) Semi-finals: July 9 - England vs Winner of second quarter-final (possibly Portugal or Netherlands) Final: July 14 - England vs Winner of second semi-final (possibly France or Belgium) If England finish as one of the best third-place teams, their path would be determined based on the other combination of best third-place teams and this won’t be known until after the group stages. Read More Euro 2024 draw arrives with a twist amid German football’s rising tension Euro 2024 draw in full: Schedule, dates and times England Euro 2024 Group C fixtures: Dates, kick-off times and full schedule Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink wants aspiring black managers to get ‘a fair chance’ Guardiola describes ‘incredible’ impact of Venables at Barcelona David Seaman pays tribute to ‘great guy’ Terry Venables

Thomas Frank said he is not surprised with Neal Maupay after the French striker scored for Brentford during their 3-1 home win over Luton in the Premier League. Maupay scored his second goal of the season since his loan move from Everton in the summer when he finished from close range past Hatters goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski to open the scoring in the 49th minute. Ben Mee and Shandon Baptiste also netted for the home side in the second half, either side of Jacob Brown’s 56th-minute reply for Luton. Afterwards, Bees boss Frank lauded the influence of striker Maupay, who has returned to Gtech Community Stadium after leaving the club in 2019 for Brighton. “For me I’m not surprised (about the goal),” Frank said. “We were sure that he’ll do well for us because we know him well and he can score goals. “He’s had to get back into it and in the last weeks he’s played really good. I’m pleased it’s paying off for him. “He scores goals. That’s a big thing. He’s a good pressing player and link up player when he drops down and finds a solution. As a mentality character he’s good for the group and drives the group.” Frank’s injury issues continued, with Kristoffer Ajer replaced by Saman Ghoddos in the starting line-up after the central defender suffered a foot injury in the warm-up. The Danish manager credited the players who stepped up after Brentford bounced back from last week’s late 1-0 home loss to Arsenal. He continued: “I’m very happy with them. Vitaly Janelt is one of our flexible players (starting at left-back) but Saman stepped in and looked like he’d played at right-back for years. “It’s incredible that we can turn around with the amount of injuries we have. We have four full-backs out. Big credit to the players.” Luton manager Rob Edwards was disappointed with how his side started the second half. He explained: “I felt we gave some early Christmas presents away in the second half and I feel they didn’t have to work too hard for their goals. They had control and they deserved the win. “We had gone away from giving gifts away – and we had done that in the first couple games of the season.” Read More Kevin Sinfield greeted by Sir Gareth Edwards after latest fundraising challenge Paul Heckingbottom stands by his work as Sheffield United lose again Mikel Arteta heaps praise on players as Arsenal pull four points clear at summit Will Jacks looks at positives after England central contract snub Brentford beat Luton with strong second-half show Five-star Burnley crush Sheffield United at Turf Moor