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:
Manchester United to wear special one-off shirt for important awareness campaign
Danny Jones
Just to pre-empt any Manchester United fans fearing they’re still in total delirium the next time they see that iconic red shirt, we can confirm it isn’t just your rose-tinted glasses deceiving you – the club will be wearing a special one-off shirt with a notable difference very soon.
All eyes may now be on Wednesday, 21 May but this limited edition kit has already caught the eye of many supporters for one very obvious reason.
In case you haven’t seen it for yourselves already, Man United have confirmed that both the men’s and women’s squads will be will be wearing a slight variation on their home shirt for their next two matches as part of a special campaign for an important charitable cause.
Joining forces with their usual primary shirt sponsors Snapdragon and global health campaigners Product RED, this one-off alternative strip will be unveiled on the pitch this week.
Product Red, or simply (RED) as it will read on the jersey itself, is a worldwide charity that’s been working to fight global health crises since 2006.
(RED)’s key aim is to end the AIDS epidemic and related injustices by raising money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
The organisation officially partnered with the club and Snapdragon back in January in an effort to help drive awareness and generate further backing for their work – it just so happens that teaming up with one the planet’s biggest brands and one synomyous with that colour made for the perfect collaboration.
With that in mind, putting together a one-off Man United kit with (RED) slap bang in the middle as is close to a commercial/charitable tap-in as you’re probably ever going to get.
Set to be debuted by Manchester United Women in their WSL fixutre against Arsenal this Saturday, 10 May and then again by Ruben Amorim’s side in the Premier League the following day (Sun, 11 May); plus, a select few limited edition replicas shirts will be made available for fans to purchase.
Be first in the know, Reds 👀
Get notified when our limited-edition @RED collection drops ⤵️#MUFC || @Snapdragon
It goes without saying that given the nature of the front-of-shirt sponsor swap, these will no doubt become somewhat of a special item among kit collectors from the off.
More importantly, however, the funds raised through selling these one-off Man United shirts will provide much-needed income for the non-profit and their crucial efforts.
The unveiling of the comes not long after the bedlam that ensued inside Old Trafford during the second leg against Athletic Club, in which United booked their return trip back to Bilbao for the Europa League final, leaving plenty of fans of seeing nothing but the colour red ever since.
MUWFC also sealed their spot in the Women’s Champions League next season to with an important point in the Manchester Derby this past weekend, confirming a finish above Man City this year.
Safe to say it’s been a good few days to be a (RED).
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club.
The Red Devils will be heading to that same team’s home stadium of San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
If you think that name rings a bell, you’re right: they’re the same folks behind the regular events held over at Victoria Warehouse for any big United games, and 21 May will be no different – other than being arguably their biggest date ever.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch Ruben Amorim’s side potentially take home their first piece of silverware since his arrival.
If you saw the scenes at Road to Victory in the AO during Euro 2024, you’ll know how unbelievable a venue this is to watch the footy.
As the promoters have billed it: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa League Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the UEL final on Wednesday, 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May.
Danny Jones -
17th October 2023 
