England can’t ignore major problem after it reared ugly head again vs Switzerland

England have reached the semi-finals of a major tournament for the third time out of four attempts, but Gareth Southgate’s side have a major issue that they simply cannot ignore

As moments in poor football matches go, they probably don’t come much more significant than Harry Kane colliding with Gareth Southgate as the captain stumbled into the technical area.

Inadvertently, it seemed Southgate had done what every England fan inside this stadium and watching their TV screens had been screaming for him to do for some considerable time. Probably since the end of another dismal first half. Put Kane out of our misery.

Kane was probably going to be taken off even before the tangle with Southgate in the 19th minute of extra-time but whatever the reason for his withdrawal, it was not a moment too early. England have scraped into the semi-finals of Euro 2024 thanks to the brilliance of Bukayo Saka and the bottle of their penalty-takers.

What can you say about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s execution of the final spot-kick? As emphatic and as confident as you are likely to see.

Everyone should enjoy the moment. Southgate has taken his squad through to another semi-final of a major tournament – that’s three in his four-tournament reign.

And yes, it’s knockout football. It’s only the result that matters.

But let’s not pretend Southgate does not have big problems. And one of them is their leader, their talisman.

Harry Kane collides with England boss Gareth Southgate who tries to catch his captain ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
You could never accuse Kane of not giving his maximum – it just seems his maximum has, for one reason or other, been extremely limited.

Ahead of this tournament, Kane told the England squad not to expect Premier League-style carpets as surfaces for Euro 2024. Having trodden the fields of Germany during his fresher year in the Bundesliga, Kane was familiar with the slightly sub-standard pitches that have scarred this tournament. So, Kane’s team-mates were prepared for the odd uneven bounce, for the odd divot – what they were probably not prepared for was the sight of their skipper making the grass look like treacle.

The player himself and Southgate grew sick and tired of telling us that the captain is 100 percent fit but if this tournament has seen a fully mobile, up-to-speed Kane, then his club will be worried.

Kane has scored twice at Euro 2024 but everything he has done has been laboured. The lack of alternatives to Kane – or the perceived lack of alternatives – is an issue that will take top-spot in the in-tray of Southgate’s successor. England cannot go forward with such a strong reliance on a striker who does not offer the option of running in behind a defence.

Southgate claimed victory in another knockout match
England produced five brilliant spot-kick in the shootout but, in general play, their immobility in the final third, their lack of imagination, their lack of zip, was startling at times. Against a side as limited as Switzerland, the inability of Southgate’s men to create even half-chances was utterly baffling.

Equally baffling was the ineptitude at set-pieces. What on earth have they been working on when taking to the beautiful pitches at their training facility in rural Blankenhain in the east of Germany? Clearly not dead-ball situations in the attacking third.

There was one comical passage of first half play when an England cover ended back at the feet of Jordan Pickford without a Swiss player intervening.

Throughout the tournament, the players have been saying it’s on them, the drudgery is on them. In public, of course, they would not say anything else. But on the field, certainly for long periods of this game, they did not appear to know exactly what they were supposed to be doing.

Now, though, it hardly matters. There is another last-four challenge to face and, at this stage of a tournament, it can come down to fitness, to fortune, to refereeing quirks.

Gareth Southgate, Head Coach of England, interacts with Harry Kane ( 
Image:
UEFA via Getty Images)DON’T MISS
And you never know, Kane is such a dedicated servant, such a patriot, he might dig deep and produce a match-winning moment.

You would not put it past him.

But for now, he looks like a man who needs a rest … and at least he can put his feet up knowing his men have again found a way to win.

Somehow, the dream is still alive.

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VICTORIA Beckham has gushed over the family’s “exciting weekend” with a sweet series of snaps as eldest son Brooklyn prepares to get married.

The photographer, 23, who is Posh Spice’s firstborn with husband David Beckham, 46, will marry Nicola Peltz, 27, on the bride’s family’s £76million beachside estate in Palm Beach, Miami, today.

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Victoria Beckham has posted a sweet series of snaps as the famous family arrive in MiamiCredit: Instagram/@victoriabeckham

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Victoria was alluding to the ‘exciting’ wedding between her eldest Brooklyn and his fiancee Nicola Peltz, due to take place todayCredit: Instagram/@nicolaannepeltz
Ahead of the lavish nuptials in the £3million ceremony, Victoria, 47, gave an insight into her family in high spirits.

In a trio of images posted to her Instagram page, proud dad David posed with his arm wrapped around son Romeo.

The pair were sat in front of a huge display of balloons and flashed beaming smiles for the camera.

Meanwhile David and Victoria’s youngest, Harper, looked just as chuffed, wearing a denim top as she gave her former footballer father a cuddle.

Another image showed Cruz sporting gold grills across his teeth as he gave a cheesy grin.

Victoria gushed in her caption: “An exciting weekend ahead of us!! Kisses from Miami ☀️💒 💕

“We love you @brooklynbeckham and @nicolaannepeltz!! Kisses @davidbeckham @romeobeckham @cruzbeckham #HarperSeven 💕💕💕”

As they get set for their sibling’s happy day, The Sun can reveal the couple are to have a double wedding, with two ceremonies marking the separate faiths of Nicola’s parents. One will be Catholic, a nod to mum Claudia, and the other Jewish, for her dad Nelson.

Aspiring chef Brooklyn — who has said he will wear a skullcap, or yarmulke — is also going to take Nicola’s surname as his middle name.

He was seen arriving last night — along with his parents and his little sister Harper.

The festivities began with a rehearsal dinner, set to be attended by many of the celeb guests. As is traditional, Brooklyn and actress Nicola will part ways afterwards and not see each other until today, when no expense has been spared.

The 300 guests will be treated to limitless £200 bottles of Bollinger champagne and cordon bleu grub, with £50,000 spent on rare orchids to decorate the tables.

And the famously canny Beckhams will not pay a penny as mega-loaded financier Nelson, 79, has insisted on covering the whole event.

His £1.3billion fortune dwarfs the Beckhams’ £380million wad.

Victoria’s ex-Spice Girl bandmate Mel B has confirmed she is going while Emma Bunton and Mel C have also been invited to the celebrity wedding of the year.

Rumours were also swirling last night that pop superstar Bruno Mars has been lined up as a secret special act while rapper Snoop Dogg is also said to be performing.

Latino star Marc Anthony will sing while DJ Fat Tony is set to hit the decks. Other guests include actress Eva Longoria, while Prince Harry and Meghan have also been rumoured to be flying in from their LA home.

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Harper Beckham was seen giving dad David a huge hugCredit: Instagram/@victoriabeckham

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Meanwhile Cruz revealed his quirky fashion sense when he flashed his gold grillsCredit: Instagram/@victoriabeckham

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The famous family have arrived in America for the star-studded £3million ceremony

Coleen Nolan revealed her boyfriend’s romantic Valentine’s Day surprise on Wednesday’s show before he was shown sweetly waving in the audience

Coleen Nolan joked she was “mortified” on Wednesday’s Loose Women as the show panned onto her boyfriend in the audience.

During the latest episode, which was a Valentine’s Day special, Coleen, 58, gushed about her boyfriend Michael, whom she met on dating app Tinder, after he surprised her on Tuesday evening.

Coleen said: “I was on the phone to my chap last night, I was a bit stressed, I was thinking: ‘I’m on my own tomorrow Valentine’s Day’, there I am, I’m on the phone chatting away to him and I turn around, he was chatting behind me. He’d come to surprise me.”

Coleen Nolan joked she was ‘mortified’ on Wednesday’s Loose Women as the show panned onto her boyfriend in the audience ( 
Image:
ITV)
Smiling, she added: “That’s so romantic!” Later on the show, Coleen revealed that Olivia Attwood’s husband, Bradley Dack, was joining the show for the Valentine’s Day special.

This prompted co-star, Brenda Edwards, to ask: “Bradley’s here for Olivia, you said that your man came down last night, so where is he today? It’s Valentine’s Day today!”

Coleen then replied: “He’s here!” to which the camera panned onto a waving Michael in the audience as Love Is In The Air started playing with the panellists all saying: “Hello!”

A giggling Coleen then said: “Enough now, that’s mortifying! Time for competition now, thank the lord!” Coleen met Michael on Tinder back in 2021 but it wasn’t all plain sailing with the pair breaking up a number of times before deciding to give things a proper go last year.

The camera panned onto a waving Michael in the audience as Love Is In The Air started playing ( 
Image:
ITV)
After trying again, Coleen and Michael are now happier than ever – but the TV star has insisted that marriage won’t ever be on the cards for them.

Appearing on Monday’s instalment of the ITV daytime show, Coleen admitted that she has been living with Michael in recent months as a “trial run” to decipher whether or not they could make it a longterm living situation.

As it turns out, the trial run went better than expected, and Coleen has now confirmed that she and Michael will continue living together as they look forward to a future together.

Although she’s excited to take the huge relationship step with her beau, Coleen recently insisted that while she loves Michael, she will never marry him. Coleen revealed that Michael has made it clear that he would love nothing more than to tie the knot, but the Nolan Sisters singer doesn’t see herself walking down the aisle again.

Meghan Markle has lived every girl’s dream – from marrying her dashing prince to residing in a fairytale palace.

But it turns out she could have been Hollywood royalty instead – because she almost snared King Clooney!

Yep, while Meghan and George Clooney have been mates for years, new whispers have emerged that they might have been more than that for a brief period back in the day…
Whispers of a past romance between Meghan and George have been rife. (Images: Getty)

“George and Meghan are great friends, but the way that he’s so publicly stood up for her recently makes it seem like they could have some kind of a past,” an insider tells NW.

“After all, Meghan always hoped she’d end up with someone super-successful [so] of course she would have her eye on a guy like George! Not only is he one of the hottest men in the world, but he’s also totally charming and hilarious.”

Aw, poor Meg, having to put up with a consolation prize like handsome Prince Harry!
Prince Harry ended up being Meghan’s knight in shining armour! (Image: Getty)

Of course, the two couples have become fast friends, with George and his wife Amal attending the royal wedding – at which George is said to have danced with the bride.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex then holidayed at the Clooney estate on Lake Como, where Meghan and Amal reportedly solidified their friendship and the boys bonded over George’s motorcycle collection.

Amal was also at Meghan’s New York City baby shower in February.

WATCH: A-list guests arrive at Duchess Meghan’s baby shower. Story continues after video…

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They can all laugh about the romantic vibes of the past and that it wasn’t meant to be – but the fact that George leapt so readily to Meghan’s defence recently speaks volumes about the, ahem, Mark-le the actress has made on him.

“[Meghan] is a really kind and smart and intelligent young woman,” he told Good Morning Britain, describing the royal duo as “a really wonderful, loving couple”.

“I think it’s a little unfair at times,” he added of Meghan’s treatment by the British press.

“She hadn’t done anything except just happen to live her life.”
George has defended Meghan following her “unfair” treatment by the British press. (Image: Getty)

George first met Amal in July 2013, a month before Meghan and first husband Trevor Engelson finalised their divorce – so the source believes that the Oscar winner and the future duchess must have had their date in the months preceding.

“There’s talk that they have a history,” says the spy.

“After all, Meg would be exactly George’s type. She’s beautiful and wants to make the world a better place. Plus, she goes after what she wants. She wouldn’t have been afraid to make a move on George when they were both single!”
George and Amal are rock-solid these days. (Image: Getty)

Clearly everything worked out for the best in the end – but it’s crazy to think about what could have been!

“George and Meg go on double dates these days and laugh about it now,” grins the source.

“They both got their happily ever after – it just wasn’t with each other!”

Meghan Markle’s list of celebrity friends is dwindling according to Paul Burrell, who claims the former Suits star and Prince Harry are now viewed as a ‘side show’ in America.

According to Burrell, the couple’s circle in the US is “shrinking,” with notable figures like Oprah Winfrey no longer as involved as they once were, despite attending their 2018 wedding and conducting their 2021 interview. Other high-profile wedding guests, such as George and Amal Clooney and David and Victoria Beckham, appear to have drifted away from the Sussexes.

Burrell acknowledged that Harry and Meghan once enjoyed immense popularity, but “Harry and Meghan were the most popular couple in the country at one time … but there’s since been a decline.”

Meanwhile, in the UK, recent events have seemingly dashed hopes of a reconciliation between Prince William and Prince Harry.

Following the announcement of the King’s cancer diagnosis on February 5th, Harry publicly disclosed his intention to travel to meet his father, which he promptly did the following day. Despite these visits, Harry has not had any encounters with William.

According to one expert, William appears to disregard Harry’s existence. Royal commentator Jennie Bond dismissed speculation about a potential reunion between the brothers. Ms Bond said: “I think William has enough pressure on his heart and his head with his wife undergoing cancer treatment and his father, and the big job, and his kids, I don’t think he’s got room in his soul to worry about his estranged brother.

Bond suggested that William simply does not have the capacity to focus on reconciling with his estranged brother, leading her to conclude that, in essence, William has distanced himself from Harry.

In an interview with Adrienne Arsenault last year, Princess Anne conveyed her skepticism towards the proposal of a ‘slimmed-down’ monarchy, given her increased royal responsibilities.

Anne hinted that the suggestion for fewer working royals seemed more acceptable when there were “a few more people around to make that seem like a justifiable comment,” likely alluding to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and possibly Prince Andrew’s circumstances.

The recent loss of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, along with the advancing age of other working royals like the Duke of Kent and Duke of Gloucester, has further complicated the matter. Anne shared her candid perspective on the notion of a more streamlined monarchy, remarking, “It doesn’t sound like a good idea from where I’m standing.” She acknowledged ongoing discussions about the relevance of the monarchy but emphasized its role in providing long-term stability.

A number of other working royals, such as the Duke of Kent and Duke of Gloucester, are quite elderly and having to take a step back.

The Princess, who gave her honest opinion on the King having a slimmed-down monarchy, said: “It changes a bit. I mean, it doesn’t sound like a good idea from where I’m standing, I have to say.

“I’m not quite sure what else, you know, we can do.”

“I think it’s perfectly true that it is a moment where you need to have that discussion. But I would just underline that the monarchy provides, with the constitution, a degree of long-term stability that is actually quite hard to come by any other way.”

Regarding her role in the family now that her older brother Charles is King, Anne highlighted the family’s commitment to supporting the monarchy’s continuity, service, and understanding of community needs. She underscored the importance of showcasing the positive contributions of communities, contrasting media portrayals.

Known for her tireless work ethic, Princess Anne consistently ranks among the Royal Family’s busiest members, undertaking numerous engagements each year.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have been making headlines since their departure from the British royal family. Now settled in the United States, the couple continues to attract attention, especially regarding their security arrangements during visits to the UK.

The Controversy

Recently, the couple’s security demands have raised eyebrows. Critics have labeled them as “the most immature adults” due to their insistence on specific security measures during their trips back to Britain. While the exact details of these demands remain undisclosed, the public’s curiosity has intensified.

The Duke of Sussex is now able to appeal against a High Court decision which dismissed his challenge over a reduction of his security in the UK.

A royal commentator has made fun of Harry’s demands about security, saying: “It does feel like Harry and Meghan, specifically with Meghan not coming during the last visit…”

Kinsey Schofield appeared flaying Harry as she challenged the Duke’s argument noting the King had even offered him a room at one of the royal residences during his latest stays to guarantee his protection.

Schofield, in talks with TalkTV, went on: “Meghan not coming during several of the last visits, Harry refusing to stay at the Palace…It’s almost as if they’re trying to prove their point by saying, ‘Well, Meghan can’t come. She’s not safe enough. Harry can’t stay at the Palace, it’s not safe enough’.”

Blasting Harry and Meghan over their move, the expert said: “They’re the most immature adults I’ve ever witnessed in my entire life and it feels they are creating this distance to punish somebody and to prove some point but the reality is that’s the safest Harry would have been.”

A New Life in California

Four years ago, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle relocated to California, seeking a private and quiet life away from the royal spotlight. Their decision to step back from official royal duties allowed them to focus on their family and personal pursuits. However, their security requirements continue to be a topic of discussion.

Balancing Privacy and Safety

As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan face unique security challenges. Balancing their desire for privacy with the need for protection is no easy task. Their recent visit to the UK highlighted this delicate balance, leading to criticism from some quarters.

The High Court Decision

The Duke of Sussex recently appealed against a High Court decision that reduced his security detail in the UK. While the court dismissed his challenge, the issue remains contentious. Some argue that the couple’s demands reflect their privileged position, while others emphasize the importance of ensuring their safety during public appearances.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s journey from royal life to their current status as private citizens continues to captivate the public. As they navigate security concerns, their actions will undoubtedly be scrutinized. Whether they are truly “immature adults” or simply prioritizing their safety remains a matter of debate.

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is reportedly contemplating a significant decision: purchasing a home in the United Kingdom. After stepping back from his senior royal positions in 2020 and relocating to California with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, Harry’s longing for a “permanent base” in the UK has intensified.

The reasons behind this potential move are multifaceted. Royal author and expert Tom Quinn sheds light on Harry’s motivations. Despite embracing his new life across the Atlantic, Harry misses certain aspects of his old life in Britain. His nostalgia extends to his Old Etonian and army friends, some of whom have not visited him in the US due to strained relationships with Meghan. The desire to reconnect with these friends and reestablish connections with his British roots is driving Harry’s determination to find his own UK residence.

However, this decision isn’t without controversy. Harry’s ongoing legal battle to secure British taxpayer funding for his security has raised eyebrows. Critics argue that as a private citizen, he should bear the costs independently. Yet, Harry’s unique position as a former senior royal complicates matters, and the debate continues.

As the Duke of Sussex weighs his options, the world watches with curiosity. Will he indeed purchase a UK home to distance himself from Meghan Markle? Only time will reveal the outcome of this royal saga.

Breaking News: Meghan Markle says in an exclusive interview with the Royal Family, “My lovely husband Prince Harry is the next king.”

Omid Scobie, a friend of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, calls King Charles outdated. Omid Scobie, a royal author, seems to be planning to take a closer look at the British monarchy in his upcoming book, Endgame.

 

 

It is speculated that Scobie is misrepresenting Meghan Markle’s views even though the book is billed on Amazon as “a penetrating investigation into the current state of the British monarchy.”

 

The novel also proposes to show “a prince forced to start a new life after being betrayed by his own family, an unpopular king, a power-hungry heir to the throne, and a queen willing to go to dangerous lengths to preserve her image.”

 

On Sunday, the insider stated to The Mail, “I’ve been told this is bad, very bad.” Royal aides are unlikely to respond, but if racism is accused, it will undoubtedly be vigorously refuted. According to a source from an American media, there will be bombshell after bombshell in this.

Some people are even claiming that it might identify the individual who asked what color Archie’s skin will be. Given that Omid serves as the unofficial spokesperson for the Sussexes, it is reasonable to predict that this book will generate a great lot of attention on both sides of the Atlantic.

As Wimbledon 2023 gets underway, the Royal Family will once again be out in full force at the All England Lawn Tennis Club – and one tennis star has a unique link to the royals through her fiance

As Wimbledon swings into action once more, royal watchers are keen to know when they’ll spot members of the Royal Family in the stands. Regular attendees include The Prince and Princess of Wales and The Duke of Kent.

Many famous tennis players have ties with the royals, from Rafael Nadal’s close friendship with The Princess of Wales to Serena Williams’ strong bond with The Duchess of Sussex. However, there’s another connection between a world-renowned tennis star and Prince William, courtesy of her fiancé.

Tennis ace Maria Sharapova has been in a relationship with Alexander Gilkes since 2018, and they announced their engagement on December 17, 2021. In April 2021, the couple revealed they were expecting their first child who was born in July 2022.

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Image:
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
This puts Sharapova in the unique position of being the latest tennis player linked to the Royal Family, as her fiancé is a good friend of both Prince William and Prince Harry.

Alexander Mark Heming Gilkes, a Londoner born in July 1979, has made a name for himself in the art world, using connections that date back to his time at Eton College and later at the University of Bristol. He shared his Eton years with Prince William, and has kept a close bond with the future king.

He also has a link to Kate through his brother Charlie Gilkes, who previously dated Pippa Middleton. Alexander Gilkes, a prominent figure in the art world, co-founded the online auction house Paddle8 back in 2011 and was at the helm as president until his departure in 2018. His connections to royalty include Princess Eugenie, who spent some time working at Paddle8.

Before he started dating tennis superstar Maria Sharapova in 2018, Gilkes was married to fashion designer Misha Nonoo, who is friends with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and is rumoured to have set them up.

The couple announced their engagement on Instagram in 2021, with Maria sharing: “I said yes from the first day we met. This was our little secret, wasn’t it @gilkesa.” Gilkes also expressed his joy, posting: “Thank you for making me a very very happy boy. I look forward to a lifetime of loving you, and learning from you @mariasharapova.”