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Look, running out onto the field at a Major League Baseball game is always a no-no and trespassing onto that carefully manicured grass comes with significant ri

Gareth Southgate has eight months to mull over his European Championship selection after England sealed their place at next summer’s finals with two games to spare. Tuesday’s 3-1 win against Italy underlined their place among the favourites in Germany and the PA news agency has analysed how Southgate likely sees his options for the squad right now. Goalkeepers On the plane: Jordan Pickford (Everton) and Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal) In the departure lounge: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace) Hoping for a late ticket: Nick Pope (Newcastle) Pickford established himself as England’s number one ahead of the 2018 World Cup and is all but certain to go into his fourth major tournament as the man between the sticks. Ramsdale is his closest contender but David Raya’s arrival at Arsenal is impacting his playing time and could well damage his international ambitions. Johnstone has supplanted Pope as third choice for the time being. Defenders On the plane: Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle) and Kyle Walker (Manchester City) In the departure lounge: Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Reece James (Chelsea) and Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan) Hoping for a late ticket: Conor Coady (Leicester), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa) and Ben White (Arsenal) Trippier, Stones, Walker and Maguire have been to every previous major tournament under Southgate and will do so again if fit and playing – not something that is a given with the latter. James undoubtedly has the quality to be on the plane but needs to prove his fitness. The Chelsea skipper missed the World Cup through injury and has struggled for an issue-free run since – not ideal given the competition at right-back. Injured team-mate Chilwell is in a similar position but there is a dearth of options at left-back beyond him and Shaw. Colwill can fill in there as he did on his England debut against Australia, which will boost the central defender’s hopes. Guehi has established himself as third-choice centre-back. Dunk and Tomori furthered their case for inclusion in recent camps in the absence of injured Mings, whose Aston Villa team-mate Konsa cannot be far from a call-up. Coady and White have not been selected since Qatar, while fellow World Cup squad selection Dier’s lack of club action has seen him fall out of consideration. Midfielders On the plane: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City) and Declan Rice (Arsenal) In the departure lounge: Conor Gallagher (Chelsea) and Mason Mount (Manchester United) Hoping for a late ticket: Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest) and James Ward-Prowse (West Ham) Bellingham would be in any squad in the world, as would Rice. There are questions over Phillips and Henderson given their club situations, but Southgate has so far seen enough to stick with two players he trusts implicitly. The Football Association now lists Alexander-Arnold as a midfielder, with his versatility and qualities surely enough to see him involved in a midfield that Gallagher is now a regular part of. Mount’s difficult end to last season and injury-impacted start to life at Old Trafford has seen him miss out on recent squads, but Southgate is a long-term admirer of the Euro 2020 final starter. In-form Ward-Prowse has not been called up despite his fine start to life at West Ham. Forwards On the plane: Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) and Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) In the departure lounge: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), James Maddison (Tottenham), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) and Callum Wilson (Newcastle) Hoping for a late ticket: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal) and Ivan Toney (Brentford) England are blessed with an abundance of attacking options. Skipper Kane is a certainty, as is fleet-footed Saka. Foden, Grealish and Rashford are established performers under Southgate, while Maddison is now a regular squad member. There are decisions to make beyond them. Sterling has won 82 caps for his country but has not featured since December’s World Cup quarter-final loss to France. Bowen is another fighting for a sport after his October recall, while Eze will hope to earning back the spot he got before injury. Under-21 Euros winner Gibbs-White is another knocking on the door. As for Kane’s back-up, Watkins scored on his return to the set-up and Nketiah made his debut this month. But Wilson will be hoping to head into another tournament in that role. Toney is the most interesting alternative but his betting ban does not end until January. Read More No easing off now Euros qualification assured, Gareth Southgate warns England Revenge no motivation for England’s semi-final with South Africa – Ollie Chessum Euro 2024 qualifying – who has reached Germany and who still has work to do? Paula Dunn named interim head coach of UK Athletics after Stephen Maguire exit Goalkeeper Liam Kelly says Scotland debut was “the best moment” of his life South Africa’s Handre Pollard expecting to face ‘ruthless’ England in semi-final

Gareth Southgate says there can be no let-up after sealing early qualification for Euro 2024, telling England’s players to grab next month’s chance to impress and ensure their place as top seeds. Having set out their stall with an impressive victory over Italy in March’s Group C opener, three further wins and an away draw against Ukraine put them within touching distance of progress. England took their chance to qualify for an eighth straight major tournament with two games to spare on Tuesday night, coming from behind to beat holders Italy 3-1 at a sold-out Wembley. Southgate’s Euro 2020 runners-up have silverware in their sights next summer and are waiting to find out how things will shape up in Germany at the draw in Hamburg on December 2. But before that comes the end of qualification at home to Malta and away to North Macedonia, with the England boss calling on his players to end an unbeaten 2023 on a high. “We can now plan,” England boss Southgate told BBC Radio 5 Live after their place at Euro 2024 was mathematically secured. “We have been planning anyway for base camps and things because I think the days are gone where we didn’t do that in case it brought bad luck. “We decided a long time ago that you have to plan as if you’re going to be there. We now can really start to look forward with enthusiasm for next summer, but we want to finish the year well Gareth Southgate “We still need to win the matches next month because I think it won’t be enough to win the group to be one of the top seeds, so we’ll need a high points tally as well. “But also I want to see all the players again next month. “We’re not going to flog them physically. We didn’t do that this month. We’ve looked after them. We’re dealing well with the clubs on that. “I have to say Manchester City were brilliant with this with John Stones. We’ve managed his return to play really well and I think that’s worked for both of us. “So we now can really start to look forward with enthusiasm for next summer, but we want to finish the year, the calendar year, well as well next month.” Southgate pledged to again give players the chance to stake their claims for a Euros spot in November’s fixtures. “Similar to this month, we want to give people opportunities,” Southgate said at the post-match press conference. “We need to win two matches firstly, but there’s a chance to look at look at players again, which we need to do.” Ollie Watkins and Jarrod Bowen returned to the set-up in October and will be hoping to get another chance to impress, having started against Australia, with the former scoring in the 1-0 friendly win. Levi Colwill and Eddie Nketiah are also in that boat, having made their debuts on Friday before Southgate reverted to the tried and tested against Luciano Spalletti’s revitalised Azzurri. The England boss made a full 11 changes from the Socceroos encounter, with eight of Tuesday’s line-up having started the Euro 2020 final against Italy 27 months ago. Skipper Harry Kane was, unsurprisingly, among them and took his record national team goal haul to 61 with his brace in the comeback triumph. “There’s a risk we take the goals for granted,” Southgate said of the Bayern Munich sharpshooter. “But his all-round play, his hold up play, the way physically dealt with the centre-backs, his vision, his passing – because we have had him for a while it’s easy to underestimate, but he’s a top-level player. “He’s also now got a new experience at a different club, where he’s looking to win trophies all the time, and he’s got to win every week. (There is a) different sort of focus and pressure as the big signing there, so all of that’s good. “I think he’s enjoying also coming back to England and mixing with the lads because he’s very close with all of the group. “I’ve said before, our senior players set a brilliant example for the young ones. “They provide that spirit. They’ve been through so much together and they provide us with such a brilliant platform.” Read More Revenge no motivation for England’s semi-final with South Africa – Ollie Chessum Euro 2024 qualifying – who has reached Germany and who still has work to do? Paula Dunn named interim head coach of UK Athletics after Stephen Maguire exit Goalkeeper Liam Kelly says Scotland debut was “the best moment” of his life South Africa’s Handre Pollard expecting to face ‘ruthless’ England in semi-final Four out of five players want more done to keep them safe on the pitch

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Harry Maguire has hit out at the minority of supporters who jeered Jordan Henderson over the international break – insisting “proper England fans don’t boo players”. Henderson was booed off the Wembley pitch during Friday’s 1-0 friendly win over Australia, admitting it was “disappointing” to be on the receiving end of a negative reaction. Eyebrows were raised when the 33-year-old swapped his role as Liverpool skipper for the Saudi Pro League, joining Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq in a controversial £12million deal during the summer. The midfielder had been a high-profile supporter of LGBTQ+ rights during his time at Anfield and last month apologised for any hurt he caused by moving to a country where homosexuality is illegal. There were murmurs when Henderson’s name was read out before the Australia clash but a vocal minority very audibly jeered when he was replaced in the second half and a smattering of boos were heard as he came off the bench in Tuesday’s 3-1 Euro 2024 qualifying win over Italy. Maguire, who himself has been targeted by jeers while playing for his country in the past, said those who did turn on Henderson “aren’t England fans”. You heard a lot of cheers and yes, a few jeers, but they aren't England fans Harry Maguire “Proper England fans don’t boo players,” he told Sky Sports. “Don’t boo players who dedicate their life to play and do everything they can to make this country have good memories and special moments for them and the fans and their families. “I know a lot of top, top England fans and I know the England fans who have been with me ever since my debut. “They’re right behind me and they’re right behind Jordan as well. “You heard a lot of cheers and yes, a few jeers, but they aren’t England fans.” Henderson – who was named captain against the Socceroos – and Maguire are likely to retain the faith of Gareth Southgate despite some negative reactions as the England boss said on the eve of the Italy game he could not pick his team on a “popularity contest”. Read More Revenge no motivation for England’s semi-final with South Africa – Ollie Chessum Euro 2024 qualifying – who has reached Germany and who still has work to do? Paula Dunn named interim head coach of UK Athletics after Stephen Maguire exit Goalkeeper Liam Kelly says Scotland debut was “the best moment” of his life South Africa’s Handre Pollard expecting to face ‘ruthless’ England in semi-final Four out of five players want more done to keep them safe on the pitch

England, Scotland, Spain, France, Portugal, Turkey, Belgium and Austria all secured their places at Euro 2024 in the latest round of qualifying fixtures. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at what still to be resolved in November and the play-offs. Group A Scotland and Spain have both qualified for the finals, but top spot remains up for grabs. Spain head to Cyprus and then host Georgia, while Scotland face a trip to Tbilisi before welcoming Norway to Hampden Park – where the Tartan Army are expected to revel in a Euro 2024 qualification party. Georgia are set to go into the play-offs based on their Nations League ranking as a group winner. Norway are one of several countries who will have to wait on all the other results to see if they can make the cut as one of 12 teams split through three paths. Group B While France have qualified automatically for the finals as group winners, the Netherlands still have work to do. The Dutch edged past Greece with a stoppage-time penalty from captain Virgil van Dijk on Monday night – and victory over the Republic of Ireland in Amsterdam will secure a top-two finish. Greece, though, could also still reach Euro 2024, having already been assured of a place in the play-offs. Indeed because of UEFA’s complex weighted system based on overall Nations League rankings, the Republic are still not theoretically out of the running to be involved in the play-offs in March – and could even see their slim hopes boosted by a loss in Amsterdam on November 18 if other results also fall into place. Group C England’s 3-1 win over Italy at Wembley on Tuesday night saw them qualify with two matches left. Italy are third, but qualification remains in their own hands if they can beat North Macedonia. The Azzurri would then edge out Ukraine to the runners-up spot should they go on to avoid defeat in the final group game between the two countries in Leverkusen on November 20. Italy are also assured of place in the play-offs should it be needed. Group D Turkey have secured qualification, but the race to join them looks set to go to the wire. Wales will if they beat Armenia in Yerevan and Croatia suffer an unexpected defeat away to Latvia. Armenia, though, are still not out of the mix, sitting just three points behind Wales and Croatia with two games left. Qualification could all hinge on the very last round of fixtures – which sees Wales host Turkey in Cardiff and Croatia play Armenia in Zagreb on November 21. However, Croatia are assured of at least a play-off spot if they do not qualify automatically. Group E In another tight group, leaders Albania, the Czech Republic, Poland and even Moldova can all still qualify. Albania will qualify if they avoid defeat by Moldova in their next match or if Poland – currently third and with just one game left – beat the Czechs. An away win in Warsaw, though, would see the Czech Republic qualify if Moldova do not beat Albania. Moldova have two games left, which they realistically would need to win to keep in the qualification mix. Despite being bottom of the table with just one point from seven games, the Faroe Islands could yet find themselves in the play-offs depending on other results. Group F Austria and group leaders Belgium have both qualified. Belgium’s game against Sweden at the King Baudouin Stadium on Monday night was abandoned at half-time after two people were shot dead in Brussels. It has yet to be confirmed whether the fixture will be replayed. Azerbaijan are not theoretically out of play-off contention, while bottom side Estonia are the top-ranked team from Nations League Group D. Group G Leaders Hungary – who have Barnsley midfielder Callum Styles in the squad – missed the chance to qualify after having to recover to draw 2-2 in Lithuania. However, a point in their next match away to Bulgaria would see them through, as would Montenegro not beating Lithuania. Second-placed Serbia will qualify if Montenegro fail to win on November 16 or they themselves beat Bulgaria in their last game. Bottom side Bulgaria have slim play-off hopes, but Serbia are secured a spot if they need it as one of the Nations League group winners. Group H Slovenia, who beat Northern Ireland in Belfast on Tuesday night, and Denmark are in the driving seat to qualify, sitting four points clear of Kazakhstan. A win in Copenhagen for either team on November 17 would see them through, as would San Marino getting an unlikely positive result against Kazakhstan. Finland will go into the play-offs, which is also the likely route for Kazakhstan. Group I Switzerland’s fightback with two late goals to draw 3-3 against Belarus left them second in the table, a point behind leaders Romania having played a game less. Israel – assured of at least a play-off spot – are four points adrift, and have their rearranged match with the Swiss on November 15. Switzerland will qualify if they win their next two fixtures, while Romania will if the Swiss lose in Tel Aviv and they themselves then beat Israel on November 18. Romania are set to host Switzerland in the final round of fixtures, while Israel’s postponed match against Kosovo has still to be rescheduled. Group J Portugal qualified for the finals as runaway group winners with a 100 per cent record so far through eight games. Slovakia will also qualify with a match to spare if they avoid defeat against Iceland. Luxembourg are five points behind, so look likely to go into the play-offs along with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Read More Revenge no motivation for England’s semi-final with South Africa – Ollie Chessum Proper England fans don’t boo players – Harry Maguire backs Jordan Henderson Paula Dunn named interim head coach of UK Athletics after Stephen Maguire exit Goalkeeper Liam Kelly says Scotland debut was “the best moment” of his life South Africa’s Handre Pollard expecting to face ‘ruthless’ England in semi-final Four out of five players want more done to keep them safe on the pitch

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Phil Foden believes England are enjoying “great times” and is relishing being among a wealth of attacking options, even if they mean he is not a certain starter at Euro 2024. The Manchester City forward started England’s 3-1 win over Italy at Wembley on Tuesday night as the hosts secured qualification to next summer’s finals in Germany. The Euro 2020 runners-up will no doubt be among the favourites to win the tournament after another strong showing throughout the qualifying campaign. “These are definitely great times for England,” said Foden. “We’ve reached a final now and we want to keep doing that. We’ve had a taste for it and we want to be in the big games and the big occasions and we’ve got experience on the pitch to do that so we are enjoying it. “I thought it was a brilliant performance. I thought our defensive work was really good. When you come up against the likes of Italy you’ve got to defend sometimes because they have a great quality. “We showed that throughout the game, not just attacking, but the defending side as well so I’m delighted with the result. That’s where we want to be, beating these big teams so we are really happy.” A treble-winner with City last season, Foden now has 29 senior England caps but is not an automatic starter for his country. We've reached a final now and we want to keep doing that. We've had a taste for it and we want to be in the big games Phil Foden Boss Gareth Southgate has plenty of attacking talent at his disposal, with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, who missed this international break with a foot injury, arguably ahead of Foden in the current pecking order. “Bukayo is a quality player, every time he puts on an England shirt he is at least a seven out of 10,” Foden told BBC Radio 5Live. “He is a fantastic player and it’s exciting, because we’ve still got big players to come back and help us as well. “So it shows the depth of the squad and, if I’m not starting, I want to come on and try and change the game, so I’m here to help the team as best as I can.” Read More England player ratings as Marcus Rashford shines but Kalvin Phillips struggles in Italy comeback England supporters who boo Jordan Henderson are ‘not proper fans’, says Harry Maguire England reveal the flaws of Italy’s high-risk Spallettiball South Africa’s Handre Pollard expecting to face ‘ruthless’ England in semi-final Leeds sign Salford duo Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers on three-year deals Jude Bellingham’s latest masterclass has got the whole world talking