Speaking ahead of England’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy, defender Kyle Walker has said he and his teammates are aiming to get “payback” after the heartbreak of the last Euros final and argued that manager Gareth Southgate hasn’t received the credit he deserves.
The Manchester City defender sat down with Southgate to address the media ahead of Tuesday night’s qualifying match and made it very clear that the Three Lions are hoping just to secure their spot in the European Championship finals but get revenge on the Azzurri for Euro 2020.
England made it to their first final since 1966 back in July 2021 and bowed out in painful fashion after letting a 1-0 lead slip and ultimately losing on penalties. It was an agonising end to a great tournament for the nation but for Kyle Walker and co., it was one that clearly stung them more than most.
Revealing that his coach twice talked him out of retiring from international football, the 33-year-old said he wants to “get a little bit of payback” on the visitors after coming so close to a first trophy in 55 years.
🗣️ “Hopefully we can put on a good performance and maybe get a little bit of payback.”
Kyle Walker on Italy’s return to Wembley for the first time since the EURO 2020 final. 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/WRavCTi5av
Walker wants payback for the Euro 2020 final loss to Italy.
As the presser continued, Walker went on to insist that despite missing out on silverware at the last three tournaments under Southgate, he believes their progress and the England boss, in particular, hasn’t been given the recognition he deserves.
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“We are more concentrating on the boos [such as those directed at Harry Maguire] and what we haven’t done rather than what we have achieved,” said Walker, adding that “it’s not easy to qualify for a competition” and suggesting that fans may have simply “become used to us just qualifying?”
The Lions only need a draw at Wembley on Tuesday night to qualify for the competition after putting themselves three points clear at the top of Group C but will have another chance to nail down qualification in a home game against Malta on 17 November or a trip to North Macedonia three days later.
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Contemplating what fan reaction would be like if they failed to make it through — citing the unsavoury scenes relived in the recent Beckham documentary — Walker said: “Now if we didn’t qualify, God knows. I wouldn’t leave my house, I’d just have to stay indoors.” Nevertheless, he now insists he wants to keep going for as long as he can.
The ex-Liverpool star recently joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq despite criticism regarding the country’s human rights record and anti-LGBTQ+ stance. He also went on to give a rather negatively perceived interview defending the move after having been a long-serving Rainbow Laces ambassador.
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Tonight’s game will be the first time the Italian national have visited the stadium since the Euro 2020 final and, despite looking somewhat off the pace since winning the trophy, home fans will be hoping for a repeat of their last meeting which saw England win 2-1 back in March.
You can watch Gareth Southgate and Kyle Walker’s pre-match press conference in full down below:
Alex Sanderson summons Rudyard Kipling as Sale Sharks scrape into the semi-finals
Danny Jones
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson referenced the famous Rudyard Kipling after Sale Sharks managed to book their place in the playoffs of this year’s Gallagher Premiership following a nail-biter of a fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
The Sharks sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a 30-26 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night, with a trio of tries, a singular pen and calmness when it came to conversions proving just enough to make it to full time.
Speaking on the narrow score at Sandy Park, Sanderson himself applauded that same composure during his post-match duties, casually quoting Kipling ahead of the next big game.
Writing on social media after nerves had just about settled, the club simply said: “Apologies for raising the heart rate, Sharks Family… but Saturday we go again.”
Beginning with an expression of that same defiant spirit that has seen them across the line on so many occasions, the 45-year-old told TNT Sports, “We got another Monday in us.”
The Sale Sharks coach went on to add: “So if you can keep your head, when everybody else is losing theirs – I think that’s the old Rudyard Kipling poem – you’re in such a better place on the back of that, knowing what we can fix from the Leicester game and what we can do better from today.”
It’s not every day you hear sportsmen calling up the poetic words of the beloved British-India writer, but it certainly impressed plenty of supporters, though Sanderson has always been popular among fans for his candour and charisma in interviews.
Ultimately, it was Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Ford that the Greater Manchester outfit had to thank for the electrifying finish
You can see how much it meant, clear as day…
Not done yet…
Thank you for your support Sharks Family, it’s truly appreciated!
Sale Sharks will now take on Leicester Tigers (who the local side finished just behind in third place following the result against the Chiefs) in the Premiership semis as they look to get revenge for previous painful meetings
Are you feeling hopeful, Sharks Family?
You can see the full highlights from Sale Sharks’ tense victory over the Exeter Chiefs down below.
Alex Sanderson channelled Rudyard Kipling and Sale scrapped like true Sharks.
Luxury Manchester gym Blok confirms permanent closure after weeks of uncertainty
Daisy Jackson
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure, weeks after the doors to the premium fitness facility mysteriously closed.
Around a fortnight ago, members began to arrive to their classes to find the gym on Ducie Street locked up and a forfeiture notice on the door – but at the time, Blok said that it was fighting to reopen.
Sadly, in an email sent to members today, its founder has confirmed that the studio is now permanently closed.
Blok – which has several very successful sites down in London – said that its relationship with its landlord has ‘broken down to a point where trust has been lost’.
The gym wrote that it’s been left with ‘no workable way forward’.
They said: “BLOK Manchester was a space built by our loyal and dedicated community. Whether you joined us for one class or one hundred, we are deeply grateful. You helped create something genuinely special in an incredible city.”
In the immediate future, they said they’ll be supporting the team of fantastic trainers who worked here, as well as looking after members.
Members will be contacted within a few hours with options and refunds owed.
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure. Credit: The Manc Group
CEO and founder Ed Stanbury said: “While this marks the end of a chapter, we don’t see it as the end of our story in Manchester. We’re already speaking with developers about potential future sites and remain committed to returning to the city when the time is right.
“Thank you for being part of our story so far. Let’s shape the future of wellness. The mission continues.”
Commenting on Blok’s Instagram post – its first in almost a fortnight – people have been sharing their sadness at the closure of its Manchester site.
One person wrote: “beautiful space, beautiful staff and beautiful community.”
Another said: “Sending love to all the instructors !! :(((( gutted”
Someone else commented: “THE BEST CLASSES. I’m gutted.”
Danny Jones -
17th October 2023 
