Roy Hodgson hit out at suggestions there is a rift between Jamie Vardy and Wayne Rooney ahead of England’s clash with Iceland. England boss Hodgson was in relaxed mood as he and Rooney took questions in Nice, appearing less tense than during his similar engagement during the group stages. But his avuncular demeanour gave way to something a little more testy when a German broadcaster queried Rooney about newspaper reports that he had spoken with Leicester forward Vardy about his wife Rebekah and her growing profile during the … [Read more...]

Two of Europe’s best goalkeepers will do battle on Monday with David de Gea and Gianluigi Buffon expected to lead La Roja and the Azzurri respectively. Gianluigi Buffon is one of the greatest goalkeepers of all-time, according to David De Gea ahead of Spain and Italy’s meeting in the last-16 on Monday. The 38-year-old will earn his 160th cap for the Azzurri at the Stade de France, and the La Roja goalkeeper hopes to emulate the Juventus player’s longevity and success. “I have been following him for a long time, he is a living legend,” … [Read more...]

David Moyes has confirmed wanted to sign Toni Kroos for Manchester United as Paul Scholes' long-term replacement. During Moyes' opening months in charge at Old Trafford Kroos was strongly linked with a move to the club before eventually remaining at Bayern Munich and joining Real Madrid the following summer. Moyes has been working at Euro 2016 as a technical observer for UEFA and has watched Germany play as part of that role. Writing in the Sunday Times, the former Everton boss explained his plans for the central midfielder. "I wanted … [Read more...]

Ryan Giggs is unlikely to accept a lesser position under the ex-Chelsea manager following nearly 30 years at the club But his next move will be finalised within days when he meets the Special One face-to-face. Mourinho is still completing his backroom staff after taking over from Louis van Gaal at United for the new season. Portuguese coach Rui Faria, who worked with him at Chelsea, will be the main assistant — the role Giggs had under LVG. Giggs, 42, is said to be unlikely to accept a lesser role. He may now choose to go into … [Read more...]

David de Gea has shrugged off criticism after Spain's disappointing 2-1 Euro 2016 defeat to Croatia and is determined to help the team overcome Italy in their last-16 showdown. After the Croatians sent two goals hurtling past the Manchester United 'keeper on Tuesday, he received a rating of four out of 10 from leading Spanish sports newspaper Marca. "De Gea has lost his aura. De Gea could have done better in the two goals," Marca said. The 25-year-old had kept a clean sheet in Spain's opening two victories, a 1-0 triumph over the Czech … [Read more...]

Wayne Rooney is not bothered that Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have joined England in the Euro 2016 knockouts. All four sides progressed from the group phase, completing an unprecedented success story for the British Isles. With so many links between the neighbouring nations, football fans have enjoyed watching familiar faces celebrating a shared triumph in France but Rooney put a dampener on the collegiate spirit. Asked if he was willing the other three teams on, the England skipper said: “Not really. For us … [Read more...]

Croatia provided late heroics as they came from behind to beat Spain and top Group D with 2-1 win in Bordeaux. Alvaro Morata had given Spain the perfect start with a seventh minute goal, but Nikola Kalinic levelled and Sergio Ramos had a penalty saved before Ivan Perisic scored late on after a devastating counter. The 2-1 defeat means Spain finish second to Croatia and will meet Italy in the round of 16 on Monday in a repeat of the 2012 final. Morata opened the scoring in just the seventh minute as the forward stole in to poke home Cesc … [Read more...]

Former England team-mates Paul Scholes and Steven Gerarrd are the inspiration for Wayne Rooney as he establishes himself as a midfielder. Wayne Rooney says playing alongside midfield greats like Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes has prepared him for his late-career drop back from a regular striking role. Manchester United and England captain Rooney has shone in midfield at Euro 2016 so far, with his stellar performances set to earn him protected status and a rest ahead of the knockout stages as Roy Hodgson's side round off the Group B … [Read more...]

Wayne Rooney is interested in extending his deal with Manchester United even further than the three seasons he has left on his contract. Rooney, 30, has been playing in midfield for England at Euro 2016 and was also in a deeper role for United in the closing stages of last season and says he is viewing Ryan Giggs as a role model, with the former United winger having prolonged his career by shifting into a midfield role in the latter stages of his career. New United manager Jose Mourinho recently said of Rooney: "Wayne is and has been England's … [Read more...]

78-year-old former Portugal goalkeeper suffered a number of health scares during his son's second stint as Chelsea manager He has reportedly been rushed to hospital with breathing difficulties in another health setback for the ailing OAP, after suffering breathing difficulties and will remain there until Monday at the earliest Showbiz website Flash Vidas said the 78-year-old was admitted to Sao Bernardo Hospital in his native Setubal an hour’s drive south of Lisbon on Thursday. He is said to have been diagnosed with pneumonia and … [Read more...]