Football news LIVE: Rooney to join Birmingham, UK and Ireland named Euro hosts, Hazard announces retirement, latest on Rangers
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Football for all
UK and Ireland have been promised Euro 2028 will be accessible and affordable for fans.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham insists it is vital the tournament is open to as many people from the five nations as possible.
Along with fan-zone sites and training grounds in other locations, Bullingham said the task was to ensure nobody feels cut off from the action, regardless of location or financial means.
"You've seen the selected stadia are spread throughout the whole of the country, so everyone has an event within touching distance," he said in Nyon, Switzerland.
"It is critical that the whole country feels they are involved and we have that excitement throughout every part of the country."
Tickets for Euro 2024 in Germany next summer start at €30 [£26] and, asked about how important it was to ensure affordability, Bullingham said: "We will absolutely always do that.
"We want the whole country to be engaged and experience being part of the Euros."
Hazard reaction
Alex Crook and Sam Matterface looked back on Eden Hazard's career this morning on talkSPORT after the ex-Chelsea star announced his retirement.
"I think it's really sad, actually, when you look at how his career has declined since that dream move to Real Madrid," remarked Crook.
"He's only 32 and you do wonder, has he looked after himself quite when enough?"
That appeared to be backed up by Matterface's story about Hazard from his days at Stamford Bridge...
"I was at Cobham once with him and Olivier Giroud. We were in the gym and as we walked in and sat down Giroud turned around to Hazard and said, 'Eden this is the gym, by the way'.
"Hazard turned to me and said, 'Oh, I never come in here'.
"He then asked if I wanted to come over for dinner, he was having chips."
Sam Matterface and Alex Crook react to the news that former Lille, Chelsea and Real Madrid winger Eden Hazard has announced his retirement
Spurs tipped for title
Tottenham are very real contenders for the Premier League title this season, insists former Spurs and Manchester United striker Louis Saha.
Ange Postecoglou's men sit top of the table heading into the international break and they are one of only two teams still unbeaten in the Premier League after eight games - along with north London rivals Arsenal who are second place on goal difference.
"From what I've seen, I'd say Tottenham are definitely contenders for the Premier League title," Saha told King Casino Bonus.
"The players are clicking, and you can see they have the quality and physicality to compete. They don't overthink things and they know exactly where to be, when to pass, and when to run.
"They're also starting to figure out what to do when things aren't going well - something that's key when you're trying to go all the way.
"Everybody knows how the Premier League is a marathon, though, and international breaks can disrupt momentum. Players can get injured or lose form, and that can massively affect any team.
"I hope Tottenham remain consistent, though! I have no problem with them winning a trophy, even though I support Man United.
"I always look at the team who deserves the title more, and you can clearly see that there's a new dynamic at Tottenham.
"They're faster, more physical, and they're starting to dominate games. They've been very impressive."
Route blocked
A controversial plan to admit Russian under-17 teams to UEFA competitions amid the invasion of Ukraine has been shelved.
A motion passed by UEFA's executive committee on September 26 had asked to look at a "technical solution" to enable the under-17 boys and girls teams to enter qualification for finals tournaments due to take place in Cyprus and Sweden next year.
A number of associations, including The FA, had announced their opposition to the plan, insisting that England teams would not line up against Russian opponents under any circumstances.
The topic had been on the agenda for today's executive committee meeting, which also decided on hosting for the men's Euros in 2028 and 2032.
However, a UEFA spokesperson said: "The agenda point was withdrawn as no technical solution to allow Russian teams to play could be found."
The FIFA council had approved the return of Russian teams to its competitions last week, but that decision has now effectively been rendered redundant, as European competition acts as the qualification pathway to FIFA events.
Not happy…
Ronald Koeman has revealed Ryan Gravenberch’s omission from the Netherlands squad is down to a grudge he holds against him.
Gravenberch joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich this summer in a deal worth £34million.
But while pushing through his transfer, Gravenberch snubbed a call up from the Netherlands Under-21 team to focus on his Anfield switch.
Now it appears his actions will have longer-lasting consequences after Dutch senior team manager Koeman overlooked the 21-year-old for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.
“We do have a certain opinion about cancelling for the Dutch Juniors or the Dutch national team,” Koeman told reporters ahead of his side’s Euro 2024 double header against France and Greece.
“But I don’t think he has played much yet. Last Thursday there was a competition.
“I still think he is a great talent. I hope he can develop at Liverpool and play more, because then he will always be a player for the Dutch national team."
Birmingham hope to tie up the appointment of Wayne Rooney as their new manager by the end of the week, talkSPORT understands.
Rooney has returned to the UK after leaving DC United and has already verbally agreed terms with the Championship club.
The Manchester United and England legend has lined up John O'Shea and Ashley Cole to form part of his backroom team.
Wayne's return
Sources close to Wayne Rooney have refused to rule out a move to Birmingham City, talkSPORT understands.
The Manchester United legend is a free agent after MLS side DC United announced his departure on Saturday.
However, he could be set to make a return to management very soon, with Birmingham a potential destination.
Their American owners, with NFL legend Tom Brady a recent investor, are known to be admirers of Rooney and have so far been reluctant to give manager John Eustace a new contract.
Not all Birmingham fans are happy about the possible new arrival...
'This is a special thing for us'
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said a 'whole new generation' would be inspired by the UK and Ireland hosting Euro 2028.
Speaking to reporters while on a visit to England's training ground in East Staffordshire, he said: "It's fantastic to be here at St George's Park to celebrate the great news that the UK and Ireland have been chosen to host the men's Euros in 2028.
"I grew up with Euro 96 being one of the most amazing memories of my childhood. And we have a chance to do that all over again for lots more people just like we did last year with the lionesses.
"We host tournaments better than anyone else. It's going to be a massive boost for the economy.
"We're going to welcome millions of people to the country, and it's going to inspire a whole new generation. So it's great news and it was great to be here with the team and Gareth (Southgate) to celebrate."
The Prime Minister said he is 'highly confident' that hosting Euro 2028 will benefit the economy.
Speaking to broadcasters, he said: "I'm highly confident that we will benefit from this economically.
"All our stadiums are largely already built, and when we've done these in the past, they have proven to be a huge boost to the whole country and especially the places that are hosting the matches.
"But more importantly than that, it also just brings the whole country together, inspires a huge generation of people to follow the sport and also just creates the most amazing memories.
"I grew up with Euro 96, I still remember it fondly. This is a special thing for us to be able to do, we do it better than any other country in the world, and it's going to be a fantastic event."
Jamie O’Hara is fed up!
And no, not because his beloved Tottenham are doing badly, but this time because they’re doing well.
“I’ve realised with Tottenham, when we’re doing well and we’re flying, everyone is quick to knock us down,” O’Hara explained.
“Everyone is quick to jump on the bandwagon. ‘You’re still Tottenham, you’ll still bottle it’ everyone is obsessed with us.
“I’m getting sick of the ‘oh you’re still Spurs’. Last season Arsenal were top after eight games and flying, everyone said: ‘Arsenal can win the league, Arsenal can do this, Arsenal can do that’.
“Tottenham, top of the league, international break and eight games, everyone’s still like ‘no you’ve got no chance, you’ll do well to get in the top four’. What are you talking about? We’re top!”
Hear more from the talkSPORT host below.
Jamie O'Hara believes rival fans are 'obsessed' with Tottenham in angry rant on Sports Bar
Latest on Rangers
Philippe Clement and Kevin Muscat are two of the leading contenders to become the new manager of Rangers as the Scottish giants narrow their search, talkSPORT understands.
Final interviews to succeed the sacked Michael Beale at Ibrox are taking place this week with Belgian Clement and ex-Gers defender Muscat both believing they are with a good chance of landing the job.
Scott Parker was also considered as a possible option but sources close to the former Fulham and Bournemouth boss say he is taking his time over a return to the dugout.
Hazard calls time
Former Chelsea winger Eden Hazard has announced his retirement at the age of 32.
Hazard won two Premier League titles at Stamford Bridge before moving to Real Madrid in 2019.
But the Belgian struggled with injuries and made just 76 appearances in four seasons at Real before leaving in the summer.
"You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time," he wrote on Instagram.
"After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer.
"Now is the time to enjoy my loved ones and have new experiences. See you off the field soon my friends."
Hazard scored 110 goals in 352 appearances for Chelsea after joining from Lille in 2012.
It's coming home!
The UK and Ireland's bid to host Euro 2028 has been formally approved, UEFA has announced.
Ten stadia across the five nations will host the matches in five years' time, with analysts projecting a three billion euro (£2.6bn) boost to the host nation economies on the back of the tournament.
The bid was unopposed after Turkey withdrew to focus on a joint bid for the 2032 finals alongside Italy, and it was given the official seal of approval by UEFA's executive committee on Tuesday morning.
Wembley is set to host the final - and potentially both semi-finals - with the other English venues included in April's final bid submission being the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Etihad Stadium, Villa Park, St James' Park and Everton's new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Cardiff's Principality Stadium, Hampden Park in Glasgow, Dublin's Aviva Stadium and a redeveloped Casement Park in Belfast will also host matches.
All five nations are expected to go through qualification for the tournament, with UEFA understood to be reserving two host nation places for any of the teams which do not make it on merit.
Welcome!
Hello, good morning and welcome to talkSPORT.com's live rolling football blog.
We'll bring you all the latest news and gossip with the big story today being that the UK and Ireland are set to be confirmed as the hosts for Euro 2028.
Not happy...
Ronaldo Koeman has revealed Ryan Gravenberch’s omission from the Netherlands squad is down to a grudge he holds against him.
Gravenberch joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich this summer in a deal worth £34million.
But while pushing through his transfer, Gravenberch snubbed a call up from the Netherlands Under-21 team to focus on his Anfield switch.
Now it appears his actions will have longer-lasting consequences after Dutch senior team manager Koeman overlooked the 21-year-old for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.
“We do have a certain opinion about cancelling for the Dutch Juniors or the Dutch national team,” Koeman told reporters ahead of his side’s Euro 2024 double header against France and Greece.
“But I don’t think he has played much yet. Last Thursday there was a competition.
“I still think he is a great talent. I hope he can develop at Liverpool and play more, because then he will always be a player for the Dutch national team.”
