5 things learned from England's win against Slovakia, Man United ace verdict, Bellingham's moment of magic

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 30, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

England are through to the 2024 European Championship quarter-final after an enthralling 2-1 victory over underdogs Slovakia.

Gareth Southgate’s England have been criticised throughout the tournament in Germany as the Three Lions certainly did not light up the tournament with more questions posed than answers with some of the team selection made by the former Middlesbrough boss.

However it was a moment of magic from Jude Bellingham that rescued the Three Lions before a Harry Kane header won the game for England.

Here are five things we learned from England’s victory over Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen.

Southgate’s disappointing tournament moments away from ending

Unlike the previous European Championships held in 2021, the good feelings heading into the tournament in Germany seemed to dissipate quickly.

A laboured 1-0 win over Serbia was followed by two disappointing draws against Denmark and Slovenia and Southgate’s men built up no momentum whatsoever.

It was yet another laboured performance from the Three Lions but Southgate’s blushes were spared by a moment of brilliance.

Kobbie Mainoo the best of a bad bunch

There has been much debate about Southgate’s midfield selections amid poor performances from Conor Gallagher and Trent-Alexander Arnold.

Kobbie Mainoo was given his first start at a major tournament and the Manchester United midfielder, once again, made a difference.

His driving runs in the second half caused Slovakia problems and the 19-year-old deserves praise and probably should have played more throughout the tournament. He should be in line to start the quarter-final.

Bellingham scores stunner to rescue Southgate

Apart from a brilliant diving header against Serbia in the opening game, Jude Bellingham had had a very disappointing tournament for the Three Lions.

Off the back of an impressive debut season for Real Madrid, big things were expected of the midfielder and it looked like his tournament would come to an end in disappointing fashion.

However, a true moment of inspiration from the midfielder rescued England as Bellingham scored a superb overhead kick that left Martin Dubravka with no chance.

Gordon’s role in the squad remains baffling despite victory

A pacey winger who likes to run in behind is something that, throughout this tournament, England have been crying out for.

However, in all four games at Euro 2024, Southgate has not opted to start Anthony Gordon at all and he remained a bystander for his country.

England’s football was played in front of the Slovakia defence who defended resolutely but certainly were not made to work for their lead by the Three Lions until late on.

Bringing on the Newcastle United winger might have offered something different for the Three Lions.

Five minute of madness rescues England

The inquest was looking set to begin as the clocked ticked into the fifth minute of added-time but Bellingham had different ideas.

That moment appeared to be the spark that England had craved as Harry Kane, after a brilliant assist from Ivan Toney, won the game.

Toney was brought on for Foden in the 91st minute and Brentford’s first ever representative for England at a European Championship was brilliant.

England looked disjointed and unsure of what to do, but for a brilliant, and eventually pivotal, five minutes it all seemed to click into place for the Three Lions.

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'They struggle': Ange Postecoglou spits the truth about Arsenal's Kai Havertz as Germany win again

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 29, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Ange Postecoglou watched his Tottenham Hotspur side suffer a gut-wrenching defeat to Arsenal on home soil last season.

One man who proved to be a pain in the backside for the Tottenham boss was the rejuvenated Kai Havertz.

The versatile Arsenal star scored at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Ange Postecoglou was asked at Euro 2024 what it’s like facing the 25-year-old.

Germany booked their quarter-final ticket at Euro 2024 on Saturday when they beat Denmark 2-0, with Kai Havertz opening the scoring from the penalty spot.

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Postecoglou interestingly suggested that one of the reasons why Havertz divides opinion is because you can’t ‘pigeon-hole’ him into one area of the pitch.

The former Chelsea player can play as a number eight, ten, nine and even out wide. He has done this throughout his career.

But even with his Spurs hat on, Postecoglou even realised the brilliance of the player and was spitting the truth by stating that he has ‘smart movement’, as he told ITV Sport.

Postecoglou added that Arsenal ‘don’t have a focal point’, so it’s difficult to shut down an area of the pitch, with their ‘£60 million down the drain’ player leading the line.

That form for Arsenal has led to Julian Nagelsmann picking him as his starting striker even though Niclas Fullkrug helped Borussia Dortmund reach the Champions League final.

So far, Havertz has rewarded his manager with two goals and Germany are in the last eight where they will meet either Spain or Georgia.

Kai Havertz scores for Germany against Denmark at Euro 2024

“I think with Havertz, he is one of these players where because they can’t pigeon-hole him into one position they struggle to find ways to judge his contribution,” said Postecoglou.

“The one thing he does have is that he is really smart with his movement. He always finds little areas to forward. Once he gets into the box, he is a decent finisher, at times, and then he brings other players into it.

“A lot of his work is about creating space for others. When you play Arsenal, in particular, they don’t have this focal point where you say ‘we will shut down this area’. There is so much movement and he is the catalyst for that. He has got the height and the physical presence. And he is always presenting for the ball – when you are setting up against him, he can cause you a lot of problems.”

Kai Havertz for Arsenal next season

Postecoglou is going to get a pretty early taste of Havertz and the north London derby after failing to win a significant derby in his debut campaign.

At the start of September, Spurs will welcome Arsenal to their home ground and it’s going to be a massive early test for both teams.

READ MORE: Lamine Yamal urges Barcelona to beat Arsenal and Liverpool to £40m Euros star

Mikel Arteta has ambitions of winning the Premier League title and their rivals want to get back with the elite.

All in all, you expect Havertz to be leading the line on that day because he has now become a regular starter for his team and needs to hit double figures in goals again if Arsenal are to win the Premier League title.

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'Let's go': Admired transfer target Bruno Guimaraes expresses delight towards Arsenal star

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 29, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Arsenal are in search of that much-wanted midfielder ahead of the new Premier League season.

The 2024 summer transfer window is open and fans are waiting for the two summer tournaments – Euro 2024 and Copa America – to end, so they can watch the drama of the window unfold.

Sources have already told HITC that Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is someone who Arsenal very much admire.

But it seems as though it’s going to be difficult to lure the 26-year-old to the Emirates, with the Magpies needing to sell players to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

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As of this moment, Guimaraes is away on international duty with Brazil and is aiming to win Copa America for an under-pressure Brazil team.

Dorival Júnior’s side drew their opening game against Costa Rica and were under serious fire from their fans.

But they put things right in the second game when they dispatched Paraguay 4-1, with Guimaraes starting the game, Gabriel Magalhães coming off the bench and his Arsenal teammate Gabriel Martinelli being an unused substitute. 

After the game, Gabriel took to Instagram where he wrote ‘whole group of congratulations on the great victory’.

In the comments section of his IG post, Guimaraes expressed his delight by writing ‘let’s go brother’ and, as you can imagine, several Arsenal fans urged him to sign for the club. 

Bruno Guimaraes and Gabriel Magalhães help Brazil beat Paraguay at Copa America 

“Whole group of congratulations on the great victory,” wrote Gabriel. “To God be the glory. Let’s keep going.”

Arsenal need a midfielder like Bruno Guimaraes

People may look at it and say that they spent a club-record transfer on Declan Rice and that should be enough.

But they need to look at who they are up against. Manchester City have two top-level players for every position.

READ MORE: Lamine Yamal urges Barcelona to beat Arsenal and Liverpool to £40m Euros star

Arsenal, unfortunately, have to go down that road and still add more proven stars to their name if they are to get over that Premier League title line.

Another man who is on Arsenal’s radar is Bayern Munich star, Kingsley Coman, as HITC exclusively revealed in June.

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‘He's easy to pick on’: Roy Keane impressed by Arsenal star at Euro 2024 last night

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 29, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Roy Keane isn’t an easy man to please and Arsenal fans will know that too well.

That one-time hard-hitting midfielder, who won countless trophies with Manchester United at Arsenal’s expense, is now a no-nonsense talker on TV.

Euro 2024 is taking centre stage, with the new Premier League season set to kick off in August, and two teams have already progressed to the quarter-final stages.

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A masterful Switzerland performance booted out the reigning champions Italy and hosts Germany rode their luck to end Denmark’s stay in the competition.

One man who featured and scored for the Germans on Saturday was Kai Havertz after his strong debut season at the Emirates.

The 25-year-old has two goals at Euro 2024 and is taking his club form onto the international stage.

The big-money Arsenal player is someone who divides opinion and Keane thinks his ability to play various roles is why he is ‘easy to pick on’, as he told ITV Sport.

But Keane wanted to highlight the ‘big goals’ Havertz scores and how he is ‘certainly a talented boy’.

Only 12 months ago, when he was making the controversial switch across London, the noise around him was certainly different, but now people are starting to change their minds.

Kai Havertz helps Germany beat Denmark at Euro 2024

On people doubting Havertz: “Because of his style of play, maybe,” said Keane. “He is just easy to pick on. But that was brilliant movement (off-the-shoulder run and volley against Denmark). He didn’t get a great connection on it, but great movement and a great ball.

“He has scored a lot of big goals, for his country, for Chelsea and Arsenal. He is a top player. Maybe a jack of all trades and a master of none. But he is certainly a talented boy.”

Kai Havertz’s form for Arsenal and Germany

Mikel Arteta deserves huge credit for picking up a career that was faltering at Stamford Bridge and at a place where he was becoming a bit of a scapegoat.

Yes, it took the Arsenal fans a while to get warm to him, but as the song goes ‘£60 million down the drain Kai Havertz scores again’.

READ MORE: Lamine Yamal urges Barcelona to beat Arsenal and Liverpool to £40m Euros star

Germany have every chance of reaching the final given the momentum they are on – they face either Georgia or Spain in the last eight.

If Havertz can somehow do the unthinkable and help his nation become European champions, then the confidence it will give to him going into next season for Arsenal’s Premier League title push would be huge. 

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Sources - Brighton agree club record deal with Premier League rivals

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 29, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

HITC sources can confirm that Brighton & Hove Albion are set to win the race for exciting wing talent Yankuba Minteh.

Newcastle have been struggling to meet Profit and Sustainability rules and as such made the decision that Minteh would need to be sold.

Everton and Lyon were amongst the sides who have held talks with Newcastle about a deal, but now they have agreed terms for his sale.

• READ MORE – Ian Wright explains the main reason Newcastle United star Kieran Trippier should be axed

Brighton beat Everton to Yankuba Minteh

HITC can confirm that Brighton have now agreed a deal with Newcastle worth £33million for Minteh, which represents a club record deal for The Seagulls – beating the near £30million they paid Watford for Joao Pedro last summer.

HITC revealed that Newcastle were in talks to sell Minteh – even though some at the club were unsure about the wisdom of allowing the young African to leave.

It is understood that Eddie Howe was keen to see Minteh in action during the pre-season with a view to bringing him into his first-team squad.

However, whilst Minteh will indeed see Premier League action next term – it won’t be at St James’ Park, but instead the AMEX Stadium.

The deal taking Minteh to Brighton represents a huge profit in just 12-months for Newcastle, as they bought him last summer from Danish outfit Odense for £8million.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot is a huge fan of Minteh

Indeed, Minteh moves without even playing for Newcastle as he spent last season on-loan in Holland with Feyenoord and he enjoyed and outstanding campaign under Arne Slot.

The now Liverpool boss, who was also linked with a move for Minteh this summer, was someone who was quick to heap praise on the 19-year-old Gambian international.

”He certainly doesn’t lack self-confidence,” said Slot about Minteh.

“His willingness to give everything is enormous. He is incredibly fast. And he wants it so badly.”

• READ MORE – Alan Shearer has spotted something strange about ‘electric’ Newcastle United star

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Sources: Man Utd target tells European giants he wants to leave, agents hold talks with Liverpool

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 29, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that Bayern Munich defender Matthijs De Ligt has told the club he wants to leave this summer.

Bayern Munich are open to letting Mattihjs De Ligt leave this summer and talks have taken place with a number of Premier League clubs.

Since joining the German giants during the summer of 2022, the Dutch centre-back has been one of the more promising players for the Bavarian side.

However, De Ligt was a frustrated figure under Thomas Tuchel along with central defensive team-mate Kim Min-Jae.

Both players made it clear to Bayern’s hierarchy they would not put up with a repeat this season as they prepare for life under former Burnley manager Vincent Kompany.

Bayern have already completed the signing of Hiroki Ito and are in talks for the signing of Jonathan Tah which would clear the way for the De Ligt sale.

Bayern Munich’s stance on De Ligt explained

Bayern have now decided that whilst they want the former Napoli defender Kim Min Jae to compete under Kompany next season, they are ready to let De Ligt move on.

De Ligt is one of the higher earners at the club and Bayern realise they may have to subsidise those earnings to cement a move, and HITC is also told that they would consider a loan with an option to facilitate his exit although they would clearly prefer a sale.

There is interest in the former Ajax defender from multiple top sides in the Premier League with Manchester United understood to be one of the sides keen on the defender.

De Ligt’s representatives in contact with a number of Premier League clubs

We understand that talks have taken place with United, Liverpool and Chelsea – whilst Arsenal, Manchester City and Newcastle have been made aware of this situation.

HITC understands United have made it clear they are keen on De Ligt and he is on their list of options – whilst they continue their talks over Jarrad Branthwaite, although it is increasingly unlikely they are going to be able to agree terms with Everton.

The Red Devils have agreed terms with the Everton defender but the Englishman is said to cost £70 million.

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'I wish': Lamine Yamal urges Barcelona to beat Arsenal and Liverpool to £40m ace

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 28, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

One of the stars of Euro 2024 appears to have made up his mind. And that is bad news for his array of Premier League suitors.

HITC reported last week that, talks have been held with Arsenal, Newcastle United, Liverpool and an Aston Villa side who reportedly submitted a £45 million bid for their long-standing transfer target last January, per the Daily Mail.

History looks likely to repeat itself for Villa, however, with their top-flight rivals also likely to end up disappointed.

And not just because Nico Williams, HITC understands, has left his suitors shocked by demanding an eye-watering £300,000-a-week wage at his next club. The Athletic Bilbao speedster has his heart set on Barcelona.

As anyone who has watched Williams and Lamine Yamal tear full-backs limb from limb at the European Championships will tell you, this is a partnership with infinite potential.

Ripping into defences like the red arrows in full flight, whoever said Spain can only play one way?

• READ: 50 MOST LIKELY PREMIER LEAGUE, EFL AND EUROPEAN SUMMER 2024 FOOTBALL TRANSFERS

Arsenal and Liverpool among Nico Williams’ suitors

The searing pace and devastating directness of Williams and 16-year-old Yamal have transformed a usually possession-obsessed Spain side into arguably the tournament’s most thrilling side in quick transitions too.

And the understanding between Williams and Yamal would only grow if the former joins the latter at the Camp Nou. Williams is keen to make the move happen. And so is a man – or kid, really – who became the youngest to ever feature at a Euros during Spain’s 3-0 curtain-raising thrashing of Croatia.

“Yes, I wish Nico could come to Barca,” Yamal tells Diario Sport.

“At the first meeting, I met Nico and then we became very good friends. We get along very well. You can see that on the pitch too, that we are very close, that we are very good friends. And that is the most important thing to have the connection on the pitch.”

HITC understands that Williams is Barcelona’s first-choice target this summer. A left winger by trade, the Athletic academy graduate would likely fill a spot vacated by Joao Felix with the Portuguese playmaker heading back to Atletico Madrid after the expiration of his season-long loan deal.

Barcelona the dream move for Spain Euro 2024 star

There had been concerns over Williams’ end product not so long ago. But with eight goals and a remarkable 19 assists for Athletic in 2023/24, those fears have been emphatically dispelled with every power-packed finish and every eviscerating drive into the box.

The relative elder statesman of Spain’s wing duo at the age of 21, the often ‘unstoppable’ Williams has been reluctant to give anything away in public even if, in private, it appears he is keen to link up with Yamal on a weekly basis in red-and-blue.

“(Every rumour) is good. It means I’m doing my job well. Every kid dreams of being noticed by big clubs,” Williams explains to La Vanguardia.

“I’m focused on doing well at the European Championship. And whatever comes after that I’ll find out, because these days I’m totally disconnected.

“(Yamal and I) get along very well. We’re not just team-mates, we’re also friends, and I think that’s something that also matters when it comes to leading a team to the big time.

“We started talking and we saw that we had a lot of similar topics of conversation. That’s also when the banter started and now I think we have a nice relationship.”

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Defender who played against Wayne Rooney and Mohamed Salah names Chelsea legend as toughest opponent

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 28, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Former Southampton, Chelsea and Leicester City defender Ryan Bertrand has named the toughest opponent of his career.

During Ryan Bertrand’s time playing in the Premier League, the Englishman had to face some of the best players ever seen in the top division of English football.

The 34-year-old defender played against Wayne Rooney and Mohamed Salah just to name a few of the star studded players he has had to face during his career.

Bertrand had a superb trophy haul during his career, winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012, as well as the Europa League and FA Cup, also with the Blues.

Bertrand names Chelsea legend as toughest opponent

Despite playing against Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer and one of the finest goalscorers Liverpool have had in the 21st century in Salah, Bertrand has named another player as his toughest opponent.

“I’d probably say Hazard,” Bertrand told talkSPORT when asked to name the toughest opponent he has had to play during his career.

“Playing against Hazard was probably a tough one because of his low centre of gravity.”

The English left-back faced Hazard on nine occasions during his time at Southampton and also played with the Belgian winger on 34 occasions during Bertrand’s time at Stamford Bridge.

Hazard will go down as a bonafide Chelsea legend as the former Lille winger was crucial for the club as they won two Premier League titles during his time in West London.

Hazard’s career came to a sad end

After numerous outstanding seasons for Chelsea, Real Madrid came in for the Belgian and splashed out £130 million on the exciting winger.

Sadly for Hazard, and Madrid, the move never worked out as the Belgian had to deal with numerous injury issues during his time in the Spanish capital and never recovered.

Despite this, he still won two La Liga titles, the Champions League, the Super Cup, the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup during his time at Los Blancos.

Hazard will always be remembered for tearing Premier League defences apart and Jamie Carragher once had some high praise for the Belgian.

After Hazard scored an outrageous goal against Liverpool back in 2018, Carragher told Sky Sports: “Think of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Gianfranco Zola and you can even go back to Diego Maradona and Pele. They can’t be bullied in football. Even though they are great players, you think ‘how do you stop them?’

“You can’t knock them off the ball and he has got that power and strength in the legs and the backside.

“I said on commentary that he is the best player in the Premier League. It’s not because he scored that goal, I believe it. I think he should have been named the best player of the World Cup also.”

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'The criticism affects me'... Liverpool star hits back after being called 'horrendous' at Euro 2024

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 28, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Liverpool had 10 first-team players jet off to Germany to compete in Euro 2024 but it hasn’t gone to plan for all of them.

Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s experiment in the England side backfired and he was left out completely for their final group stage clash against Slovenia.

Andy Robertson has also not had an enjoyable Euros experience after his Scotland side crashed out of their group alongside a Hungary side featuring Dominik Szoboszlai.

Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk helped the Netherlands squeeze through to the knockout stages by finishing third in their group, and the latter has been put in the firing line by his national media.

The Netherlands are now set to face Romania in the round of 16 on Tuesday afternoon and pressure is on Van Dijk to improve on his poor display against Austria.

Virgil van Dijk responds to Euro 2024 criticism

Van Dijk is widely considered one of, if not the best, defenders in the Premier League but the defensive aura and leadership he brings to Anfield has not been carried over to his national side.

The 32-year-old looked shaky and overwhelmed at times against Austria, but he has soaked up the criticism and agreed that he must improve.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday morning, Van Dijk said: “We have spoken a lot in the last 48 hours and some harsh words have been spoken.

“I blame myself too. I’m not crazy, I know when things need to be improved. That’s what I’m working on. That is the basis for getting better.

“That is the responsibility I take now and that responsibility is very great, especially with the national team. And the criticism affects me.”

Virgil van Dijk must bounce back from ‘horrendous’ display

Van Dijk was branded “horrendous” by BBC pundit Thomas Hitzlsperger for his recent performance against Austria.

READ MORE: Sporting director of European giant likes ‘really special’ Liverpool star who wants a new contract

He is now under pressure to turn things around for his national team with elimination now at stake.

Liverpool will rely on Van Dijk at the heart of their defence next season and Arne Slot will want his star centre-back to return to training full of confidence.

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‘We all like him’: Roy Keane hails ‘really good’ Euro 2024 midfielder West Ham are huge admirers of

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 27, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

West Ham United now begin a new chapter after the departure of David Moyes.

In recent years, West Ham fans have been used to the team competing in Europe, but they will have their midweeks empty next season.

Whether it’s through winning the FA Cup or finishing in the top seven, Julen Lopetegui won’t just be tasked to get the club higher up the table, but also improve the style of play.

That will require changes to the squad, with departures expected and several big names linked with moves to the London Stadium.

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In recent times, HITC has revealed that there is interest in Wolves centre-back Max Kilman, who worked with the West Ham boss in the Midlands.

But the Hammers are also huge admirers of Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, who might not be handed a new deal at Stamford Bridge and that has interested several Premier League clubs, as HITC revealed in April.

Roy Keane stated that Gallagher is a player ‘we all like’ as he touched upon the midfielder’s energy, as he told ITV Sport.

Gallagher is currently on England duty at Euro 2024, he started the last group game draw against Slovenia, but was subbed off at half-time.

One area Keane thinks Gallagher has issues in is his lack of ability when in possession because ‘you certainly can’t question his honesty’.

West Ham United’s transfer interest in Conor Gallagher

“Aren’t you supposed to do that for every game, press well and bring energy,” said Keane.

“Conor Gallagher. We all like him. I think he’s a really good player. Sometimes I think he lacks real quality when he is in possession. He is a workman-like player. You certainly can’t question his honesty. He will get forward. And as I said, just that question mark when he is in possession.”

If Conor Gallagher leaves Chelsea…

It seems as though the player in question wants to stay, but with 12 months left on his deal and the possibility of making a serious profit on an academy star, then others seem to be unwilling.

Either way, if Gallagher leaves Chelsea, then his next club have a player that they can very much rely on and prove to elevate the qualities around him.

READ MORE: West Ham United’s newest signing says he was desperate to move to the Hammers

Push or allow Gallagher the freedom to get forward and then he will also score crucial goals for you.

Either way, when Euro 2024 concludes, this is a name looking out for throughout the summer transfer window.

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‘Really come after him…’ Danny Murphy says Liverpool star ‘frustrated’ with teammates at Euro 2024

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 26, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Virgil van Dijk could be facing some familiar faces at Euro 2024 if the Netherlands draw England in the knockout stages.

The Liverpool centre-back is regarded as one of the best in the Premier League and a proven winner on the domestic stage.

But the Netherlands aren’t performing as well as they would have liked. They finished third in Group D and lost their final group game 3-2 to Austria.

Virgil van Dijk is a man who has been critiqued heavily for his performances and it’s something that is the norm for the Liverpool man on the international stage.

The 32-year-old can’t argue too much because the Dutch have been all over the place from a defensive aspect and it seems to be getting to the player.

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Danny Murphy stated that, during the Netherlands’ 3-2 defeat to Austria, he was ‘getting frustrated’ with his teammates.

Stefan de Vrij and Lutsharel Geertruida were two players seemingly under fire from the Liverpool man.

At that time, the Netherlands were 1-0 down, with Murphy sharing that van Dijk was ‘really coming after’ de Vrij and he would have given them a few stern words at half-time, as he told Match of the Day on BBC One.

Ronald Koeman’s side did come out for the second half with a bit more fight about them because Cody Gakpo scored straight away amid his own mixed performance.

But they still proceeded to concede two more goals, with van Dijk coming under fire himself, despite his annoyance with what was around him.

Virgil van Dijk ‘frustrated’ at Euro 2024

“Van Dijk is getting frustrated,” said Murphy. “He has come across de Vrij there. Really come after him to try and get after some people and close someone down.

“He has had a little pop at Geertruida as well. Telling him to come on. I expect a few words at half-time, never mind from the manager, but from the lads and Virgil van Dijk. When he goes in, give them a few kicks because it has been lacklustre from too many of them.”

Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool next season

Many felt that van Dijk was back to his best during the previous campaign and he is going to be key in Arne Slot settling in.

The arrival of van Dijk and Alisson Becker started Liverpool’s trophy dominance under Jurgen Klopp.

READ MORE: Director claims £20m Liverpool ace ‘definitely wants’ to join his side this summer

There have been Saudi clubs wanting to sign those two and you feel Slot has to stop any possible sale, even if the money might be too good to turn down.

The new Liverpool boss needs as much early support as possible because this gig is going to be far tougher than he thinks.

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Tottenham Hotspur star scores twice in private friendly after avoiding Euro 2024 injury nightmare

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 26, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Tottenham Hotspur only have a handful of players in action at Euro 2024 with a number of stars missing out for various reasons.

Ange Postecoglou guided Tottenham to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League this past season, securing Europa League football.

The top four evaded Tottenham but this was a decent first season under Postecoglou despite a number of players being snubbed for Euro 2024 action.

Pedro Porro was surprisingly axed by Spain whilst James Maddison was overlooked by England.

Timo Werner has also been snubbed by Germany as he returns on loan to Tottenham from RB Leipzig, so a number of Spurs players are missing from Euro 2024.

There is some Tottenham representation in the tournament; Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been featuring prominently for Denmark, even leaving Jamie Carragher surprised with his display against England.

Radu Dragusin has been shining for Romania too whilst centre back Micky van de Ven has been utilised as a substitute by the Netherlands.

Micky van de Ven scores twice in Netherlands friendly

Spurs centre back Van de Ven came on for just three minutes against Poland in the first group stage game before then playing 25 minutes against Austria on Tuesday.

Van de Ven couldn’t prevent a 3-2 defeat against Austria, but the Netherlands are still through to the knockout stages of the competition.

It’s a tough ask for Van de Ven to break into the Netherlands side but he is certainly giving it a good go right now.

Ronald Koeman’s side took the surprise decision to play a behind-closed-doors friendly against lowly German side TSV Havelse.

Koeman seemingly wanted to keep his squad sharp and give chances to fringe players ahead of a huge knockout clash in the coming days.

Van de Ven certainly took his chance, scoring twice in a dominant 6-1 victory for the Dutch side.

Wout Weghorst also scored twice whilst Brian Brobbey and Jeremie Frimpong got themselves on the scoresheet too.

Van de Ven may still be on the bench for the next Netherlands clash but scoring twice in a private friendly is certainly one way to try and push for a starting role.

The Tottenham star may even just feel lucky to be in contention for action right now having recently avoided an injury.

Van de Ven was involved in an incident with former Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn during a Dutch training session.

Unsurprisingly, Van de Ven was pretty angry with Bergwijn described as going ‘all out’ on the centre back’s ankle.

That situation has been calmed down with Bergwijn apologising and Van de Ven will be hoping to have caught Koeman’s eye after avoiding an injury nightmare.

• READ: 50 MOST LIKELY PREMIER LEAGUE, EFL AND EUROPEAN SUMMER 2024 FOOTBALL TRANSFERS

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'Perfect': Ange Postecoglou loves what he's hearing from Arsenal's Declan Rice

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 25, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has shared his thoughts on the verbal fire currently facing the England team at Euro 2024.

Many players have come under the spotlight as Gareth Southgate’s side crawl their way to the knockout stages, including Arsenal midfielder, Declan Rice.

Arsenal’s club-record transfer was recently dubbed ‘overrated’ by James McClean as he and his England teammates struggle at Euro 2024.

It has resulted in the likes of Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer firing shots at the team for their lacklustre performances.

England recorded an unconvincing 1-0 win over Serbia to open their account, before they were lucky in their 1-1 against Denmark. 

Heading into their goalless and final group game against Slovenia on Tuesday, the likes of Declan Rice urged the team to ‘go out and make a statement’ and prove their worth this tournament.

They aren’t the only top players being questioned in Germany because Kevin de Bruyne of Belgium has received the same treatment.

But as Ange Postecoglou pointed out, the Manchester City playmaker ‘went out there to make a statement’ during his side’s must-win game against Romania.

And when the Spurs boss heard Rice utter the same words, he absolutely loved it and dubbed it ‘perfect’, as he told ITV Sport.

England criticism at Euro 2024

“I look at it through a different prism,” responded Postecoglou on players not being able to hide away from criticism given that there is so much media coverage.

“We look at that from our perspective. What I found with young people, they are a lot more mature than we think they are. We have seen 16-year-olds (Yamal) ripping it up in this tournament. Sometimes when you are in camp, especially a national team, you do feel under siege because all the information is sort of coming from one or two sources.

“Whereas, at club football, you go out for a walk, someone will see you and give you a bit of a cheer up and then you get a better perspective. I don’t know if they are protecting the young players. Who are they protecting? They aren’t protecting Cole Palmer. He hasn’t played yet (before the Slovenia game). They’re not protecting Eze – What Declan (Rice) said there was perfect. ‘Go out there, play and make a statement’. You saw de Bruyne the other night, he went out there to make a statement. Modric, they got knocked out, but they went out there and made a statement. That’s what this platform is all about.”

Gareth Southgate’s style of play

The issue isn’t the players, but the man behind the wheel and that’s Southgate.

This is a tournament too far for the former centre-back and his sleep-walking style is ruining a lot of players’ reputations.

READ MORE: ‘He will move…’ Paul Merson hails ‘brave’ Euro 2024 defender amid Arsenal transfer interest

Harry Kane is having to take a lot of verbal hits, Phil Foden has been questioned and so has Jude Bellingham.

All of these players were the best in Germany, England and Spain’s top tier during the recently concluded campaign.

Yet, they play like complete and utter strangers when they don the colours of their country and that problem lies with one man only. 

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‘Very surprised…’ Barry Ferguson admits shock at treatment of Celtic star at Euro 2024

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 25, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Celtic fans will be looking forward to turning their attention back to domestic matters after Scotland’s horror show at Euro 2024.

There was hope and expectancy going into the summer tournament and belief among some that they could progress through to the knockout stages.

But Scotland were slapped 5-1 in their opening game against Germany, with Celtic captain Callum McGregor coming under fire for his performance.

Yes, the performance was better against Switzerland, with the team picking up a point and Anthony Ralston this time in the firing line.

But a very, very late defeat to Hungary sent Scotland on the early flight home, with Barry Ferguson claiming that Steve Clarke might ‘regret’ some of his decisions.

One of them included not even handing a single minute to Celtic winger James Forrest during the tournament.

Chris Sutton called for it during the draw against the Swiss and Ferguson admitted that he was ‘very surprised’ he never saw Forrest at all, as he told Go Radio.

The ex-Rangers man highlighted Forrest’s performances under Brendan Rodgers during the latter months of the season.

Even though Scotland were struggling in the final third, with no shots on target for a must-win game, only two goals were scored, and one of them being an own goal, yet the man who dazzled Celtic’s wings was unused.

Steve Clarke doesn’t use James Forrest at Euro 2024

“I certainly, sitting at half-time, as I said before it would have been 10-15 minutes maximum, and then he would have made the changes,” said Ferguson.

“I was very surprised that I never seen James Forrest. I thought that was a game that would have suited him. I thought they were there for the taking. Hungary have got good players, but defensively I thought they were suspect at times.

“Bringing Che Adams off. Putting Lawrence Shankland on, I would have maybe said ‘you know what, keep the two of them on’ and then bring in James Forrest, who we all know how he finished the season off. Absolute flying the last month, so I am sure he (Steve Clarke) will go away, digest that and he will probably regret that he never made some of the changes.”

James Forrest at Celtic next season

The 32-year-old has one year remaining on his contract and you feel this could be the final 12 months of his trophy-winning career at Parkhead.

He is going to prove to be a useful squad player next season. Not expected to start, but he deserved his increased minutes towards the end of the previous campaign.

READ MORE: Celtic boost in £8m chase as director admits club ‘want to’ sell this summer

Rodgers’ first season back was pretty up and down, but in the end, he got the job done and delivered two trophies.

You feel Celtic will now stick their chest out and really show their worth next season and dominate like they once did under Rodgers. 

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‘Crazy to say’: Darren Ambrose reacts to who Newcastle United want to sign

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 24, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

It’s been pretty quiet so far on the transfer front for Newcastle United after they missed out on European football.

Eyes aren’t just on who could come into St James’ Park, but who could possibly leave.

It is well-documented that Newcastle have the richest owners in the Premier League, but Financial Fair Play (FFP) and Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) have handcuffed them to spend how they wish.

You could argue that during the time Eddie Howe has been at the club, a large percentage of his signings have worked out really well and there aren’t many bad eggs.

Lloyd Kelly has been the recent addition to the squad after he left Bournemouth, whilst they missed out on Tosin Adarabioyo, who decided to join Chelsea. 

And now there is talk of a striker possibly coming in, with the rumour mill jumping up and down of late.

Sources told HITC that Newcastle are keen on signing Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin after he scored seven Premier League goals last term.

Darren Ambrose was unsure about this possible deal because he highlighted how Calvert-Lewin replacing Callum Wilson is just bringing in one injury-prone player for another.

The only big plus side on Calvert-Lewin’s side is that he is 27 and Wilson is 32, so it would make sense, in that regard.

But Ambrose did admit that as ‘crazy’ as it sounds, a possible £25 million deal for Calvert-Lewin ‘isn’t that much for a centre-forwards nowadays’, as he told talkSPORT.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Newcastle United

“I think Callum Wilson offers you a little bit more than Dominic Calvert-Lewin,” said Ambrose. “The pace he has going in behind. He is good in the air.

“Calvert-Lewin is probably better in the air. He is a lot taller – the argument is with both of these, they can’t stay fit.

“£25 million in the grand scheme of things, and it’s crazy to say in today’s current climate, but it’s not that much for a centre-forward nowadays. If you can keep Dominic Calvert-Lewin fit, then yes, he will offer you something, with Isak there as well, you only need to put crosses in and he will get on the end of them.”

Tricky summer transfer window for Newcastle United

When Newcastle were in the Champions League last season, they weren’t able to spend as freely as they would have liked.

Aston Villa are finding that out now, with one of their main players, Douglas Luiz set to leave for Juventus.

READ MORE: Don Hutchison expecting Newcastle to sign star amid ‘very weird’ triple Aston Villa transfer deal

But now that the Magpies are without any form of Europe, you just wonder if another tricky summer transfer window awaits them.

The one big plus they can take out of all of this is. Don’t lose your best players and the last time they were without Europe, they ended up finishing in the top four.

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