Latest news with #Slovakia
BBC News
28 minutes ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Whirlwind two years lead Carsley to brink of more glory
Lee Carsley has had little time to reflect on his whirlwind two eve of his second European Under-21 Championship final, as England look to defend their title against Germany in Bratislava on Saturday, is unlikely to be the time either. Carsley's six-game spell in charge of the senior side last year thrust him into the spotlight, one which he was not used to, and a return to the Under-21s has done little to keep him under the radar after guiding them to the brink of another trophy. Two years ago it was new territory as England won the Under-21 Euros for the first time in 39 years but, such has been the nature of his journey, Carsley says he is yet to take in his achievements. "I was actually thinking about this the other day and how fast things have moved," he said. "I definitely need a bit of reflection time but it's been so exciting. I wouldn't have changed it. It was such a privilege to do." Carsley says he learned a lot from coaching the senior team."You always wonder whether you're capable of managing at that level, coaching at that level and that's fine," the 51-year-old said."It was something I enjoyed, something I didn't feel drowned by. I was excited by the games." 'We have to trust the players' A second European Under-21 title would match Dave Sexton's achievements of 1982 and 1984 but Carsley had already justified the Football Association's faith by delivering the trophy two years ago. There was a strong sense he could replace Sir Gareth Southgate as senior manager, especially after two opening wins against Ireland and Finland at the start of his interim spell last summer. He won five and lost one - a defeat to Greece which clearly still rankles - with Thomas Tuchel appointed last October, leaving Carsley to take charge of his final two games - Nations League victories against Greece and Ireland. Carlsley ultimately signed a new two-year deal with the Under-21s this month, one which will take him through to Euro 2027 in Albania and Serbia. A title defence would strengthen his case to be the man to succeed Tuchel. The German is due to be in Bratislava for Saturday's game and is dashing from the Club World Cup in America to watch the Young Lions and Carsley try to keep their composure against a Germany side they lost to last week. Yet Carsley remained one of the coolest men in a sweltering stadium during Wednesday's semi-final win against the Netherlands - despite his choice of a long-sleeve hooded top. He spent spells of the second half crouching, he was far from passive but there was no loss of temper, angst or nerves privately joked about keeping his temperament under wraps after the game, conceding he had felt the pressure, although stated publicly it was important to not let it show. "If you watch us training I'm probably not as calm but it's very difficult to coach on a matchday. We have to trust the players they can adopt the gameplan we've spoken about," said the 51-year-old."In terms of the way I want the team to play, if you saw me on the side ranting and raving I can't expect the players to be exciting, express themselves and play with freedom." Carsley has grown into the role. When he first succeeded Aidy Boothroyd in 2021 being a front facing member of the England set-up did not necessarily come naturally, even in small meetings with a limited number of reporters at St George's Park. A couple of slips during his time with the seniors - he was criticised for not singing the national anthem despite explaining it was something he did not do while playing for Ireland - and the surprising admission he would "hopefully" return to the Under-21s before Tuchel's appointment was announced, created more headlines than he then, though, he has relaxed, with side jokes about journalists' clothes in the hot Slovakian sun or nods in news conferences about topics he knew would come up from certain writers. His other senior management experience came from caretaker spells at Coventry, Brentford and Birmingham but he is at ease in Slovakia and it shows. He has respect from his peers too with Germany boss Antonio di Salvo, a former Bayern Munich forward, recognising the job Carsley has done. "I talk to Lee every so often, we are good colleagues and have seen each other at a number of Uefa meetings," he said. "After winning the title two years ago, he was also with the senior team and you can see their team is united and we can see his signature on it. He's doing a really good job." 'He makes everyone feel welcome and wanted' Carsley does not pretend to be someone he is not either. He is genuine and honest, with excellent man management skills, traits similar to Southgate who he worked so closely with, having joined his staff for Euro 2024. He brings the balls out for the warm-ups, not a usual responsibility the head coach, but a small statement of his ways. Noticeably, the players often use his nickname 'Cars' when talking about the head coach. Not 'the manager' or the 'gaffer' in a sign of his close relationship with them, which has allowed them to develop and shine in the knockout stages in Slovakia. "He's created a group but it's not just Lee. It's the whole whole staff group - it runs from the physios to the assistants, starts with Lee, runs all the way down," said defender Charlie Cresswell. "It feeds off to us players. We've got such a good group in there, the togetherness that we have as a squad it's inspirational."Captain James McAtee has spoken about Carsley's "belief and trust" while Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who scored in the group stage defeat to Germany agreed. Scott gives credit to Carsley's methods as a man and manager to perfectly encapsulate his personality. "It's something that started with Gareth and what he brought into the England set-up, and Lee has done the same thing. The relationship we have as a team and the things we do off the pitch ultimately come together on it."Cars is massive for the group and makes everyone feel welcome and wanted as players. To have that relationship with your coach on and off the pitch is so important if we want to be successful."Winning the tournament two years ago and taking the seniors for those games, Cars has shown how good a man and coach he is."It will still matter regardless of the outcome in Slovakia but winning would create Carsley's legacy and the former Coventry and Everton midfielder is eyeing a dynasty. "Our record at this tournament, it's fair to say, isn't great. From not qualifying for the tournament or getting knocked out in the group stages," he said."Obviously Dave Sexton started off great and you'd like to see a period of domination but we didn't do that. "Spain have done it, Italy have done it, Germany have done it, the Netherlands have done it. We have to make sure we're there."
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Urgent vaccination warning for Aussie travellers heading to Europe
At least four European countries frequented by Australian tourists have reported outbreaks of the highly contagious Hepatitis A virus. A significant increase in the liver infection has been reported in Austria, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia from January to May - with a total of 2097 cases this year. Slovakia, which has had an outbreak since late 2022, reported 880 cases this year. Austria has recorded 87 cases including three deaths, and Czechia has seen 600 cases including six deaths, with young children being the most affected group. Hungary has experienced 530 cases, mainly among adults, and Germany - though not labelled an affected country - had three cases matching Hungary and Austria. A spokesperson for the Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control has warned Australians to take care regarding the current outbreak in Europe. 'Australian travellers should be aware that hepatitis A is highly contagious,' they told The Daily Telegraph. 'You can get infected after ingesting the virus by: eating contaminated raw food... drinking contaminated water... handling soiled nappies, linen or towels of an infectious person; sharing personal items with an infectious close or intimate contact with an infectious person.' The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control issued a risk assessment on Hepatitis A (HAV) on June 18. 'This outbreak reminds us that hepatitis A can cause serious illness and death, especially among people with limited access to healthcare and basic hygiene,' it said. 'Vaccination and good hygiene are the best ways to protect against hepatitis A infection.' The centre's head of unit for One Health Related Diseases said the group would need to 'strengthen outreach' through access to vaccination and basic sanitation. Hepatitis A, which is caused by a virus spread via contaminated faeces making its way into food and drink, is not common in Australia. The virus typically spreads through a lack of clean water and by not cleaning things correctly, Hepatitis Australia said. People can also get hepatitis A through close physical contact with someone who has it, including through oral or anal sex. Almost everyone who has the virus will recover, but a small number can get very sick or die from liver failure. The majority of people affected are those aged 50 years or older, or who have other health issues (like hepatitis B or C). Smartraveller's advice for Australians to avoid infectious diseases including Hepatitis A also suggested a range of sanitation measures. 'Wash your hands often and use hand sanitiser before you eat,' the advice said. 'Drink bottled water from a sealed bottle.' Smartraveller also suggested using water-sterilising tablets or filtration bottles to make tap water safe and washing fresh produce with bottled or sterilised water. Australians are advised to avoid drinks with ice cubes, uncooked or undercooked food, fresh salads and raw vegetables. They are also told to avoid contact with water or soil that may be contaminated with sewage and, in some places, swimming or wading in any fresh water. Signs of the infection include a high temperature, flu-like symptoms - such as fatigue, headache and muscle pains - feeling or being sick, abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, pale grey coloured faeces and itchy skin. In more severe cases, a patient's skin and eyes may appear yellow, a condition known as jaundice and a serious sign the liver is struggling to function correctly.
The Sun
8 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Thomas Tuchel set to make last-minute 5000-mile trip to Slovakia to watch England U21 in Euro final
THOMAS TUCHEL is making the 5,000-mile trip to cheer on England Under-21s, hoping to spark a golden year ending in World Cup glory. The senior England boss jets in from the Club World Cup in America to watch the Young Lions in tomorrow's Euros final against his home nation Germany. 1 Lee Carsley has backed this crop to kick off a new Golden Generation with a second straight title in Slovakia. U21s boss Carsley said: 'The travel arrangements have been made for him to get to the game, hopefully he gets here on time. He's been a great support for myself. 'He's very interested in the players, he's committed to the Under-21s. 'He was very supportive when I was picking the squad and the information about what he may need for obviously two games himself in the summer. 'We'll look forward to having him here. I've not known him long but he's a very nice guy. We look forward to welcoming him here. 'He's been there whenever I've needed him in terms of on the phone or a message. Same with the rest of the staff. We've got a good relationship.' On his Young Lions side, ex-Everton player Carsley said: 'It helps that they've got that experience of winning with England. We believe they can. I've got a lot of belief in them. 'They're an exciting team, they've grown as the tournament's gone on. 'Hopefully they get what they deserve.' SunSport exclusively revealed senior German boss Julian Nagelsmann is taking time out of a holiday in Majorca to attend. Now Tuchel is following suit after leaving Florida. Tuchel was Stateside to watch Manchester City smash Juventus 5-2 but has now boarded a flight and is travelling back across the pond. Should his schedule go to plan, Tuchel will land in Slovakia tomorrow afternoon. He will then be in the stands alongside Nagelsmann, the man he replaced at Bayern Munich in 2023, in the VIP seats at the Narodny Futbalovy Stadion. Tuchel has been in the US to watch a number of his international stars, combining the trip with a recce ahead of next summer's World Cup there. England captain James McAtee said: 'I didn't know he was coming. If he does it'd be extra motivation for the lads to win.' Manchester City 's star, 22, has no problem missing the Club World Cup. He said: 'It's a tough one to answer — but I do not regret my decision at all. 'I'm happy, I'm here and my focus is now on this, it's not on the Club World Cup. 'The highlight was definitely on the pitch against Spain in the quarters, the opening goal. But I am hoping I can add a more special highlight.'
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
How Lee Carsley's half-time rocket fired his Young Lions stars to the brink of glory at U21 Euros
In a funny sort of way, losing to Germany during the group stages was the best thing that could have happened to this young England team. Manager Lee Carsley and his staff did not see it that way though after being unceremoniously turned over by Germany's second string in Nitra. There were raised voices in the dressing room that night. At half-time, with England 2-0 down, the hairdryer was delivered and players returned for the second half much improved. They won that spell 1-0 and analysts left with a pep in their step. As the players filtered on to the team bus, they did so armed with the knowledge that they fell below Carsley's standards in that first half and any hope of success hinged on an improvement. One senior FA source noted that England would beat Germany if they got a second crack at them. Tonight in Bratislava, they have that chance. 'I knew in the second half against Germany we clicked,' Carsley said. 'The resilience they showed, the character they showed, the way they responded, there was definitely an improvement. 'I spoke to them at half-time that when things are 50/50, you make sure you keep moving forward or worst case scenario you stand still. You don't go backwards and that's what they did, they moved forward and those are the type of players we need to win at senior level.' Tweaks paid off handsomely and adaptability has certainly been one of Carsley's biggest strengths in Slovakia. Left back Jack Hinshelwood did not start the first two games, but is now a shoo-in for the final. Jay Stansfield is another. He got his first start up front in the quarter-final against Spain and has not released his grip on the shirt since. Those around the camp praise his contagious energy and Carsley's man-management of the League One winner has not gone unnoticed. Much of the build-up to this title defence centred on regulars that Carsley (right) would be without. No Liam Delap, who has kept in touch with captain James McAtee with 'messages every day,' Rico Lewis, Jamie Gittens or Jobe Bellingham, all away at the Club World Cup. No Jarrad Branthwaite, Taylor Harwood-Bellis or Adam Wharton, all injured. Carsley warned things would look 'clunky' and 'unorganised' early on as a result. He was not wrong, even if it was not immediately apparent in the 3-1 opening win over the Czech Republic. But now he has a group that believe, rather than hope, they will get over the line. 'I've got a lot of belief in them,' Carsley added. 'They're an exciting team. They're really together and have grown as the tournament's gone on. Hopefully they get what they deserve.' England manager Thomas Tuchel is jetting in from the Club World Cup, while Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has cut short his yacht retreat in Majorca to head for Bratislava. Around 150 friends and family are also making the trip, eager to spur on a group looking to replicate the achievement of England's youngsters who won this tournament back-to-back in 1982 and 1984. There is more finesse to this group now, a bite and physicality that was absent in that defeat by Germany and tonight's opponents know the England of 10 days ago is not what they see now. 'The group-stage match will have no bearing on the final,' said Germany coach Antonio Di Salvo. 'A final is a final and every team that reaches a final plays to win. England have improved and they were very dominant against Spain. It will be an even game.' England wanted a second crack at Germany and tonight they get it. History beckons.
The Guardian
15 hours ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
European Under-21s: 10 standout players at the tournament in Slovakia
Nick Woltemade enjoyed a solid season for VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, scoring 12 times and providing two assists. He really came alive in the DFB-Pokal; Stuttgart won the cup and he finished as top scorer. Having made his senior debut for Germany against Portugal in their Nations League semi-final earlier this summer, Woltemade has been outstanding at the Under-21 Euros in Slovakia. The 23-year-old leads the way for both goals (six) and assists (three) at the competition. Already a wanted man, Woltemade's stock is on the rise this summer – and will soar if Germany win the tournament on Saturday and he collects the Golden Boot. Only Woltemade has scored more goals than Harvey Elliott (four), who hit a decisive double in England's 2-1 win over the Netherlands in the semi-finals. While he is a doubt for Saturday's final, owing to a knee knock sustained while celebrating his winning goal, Elliott's performances at the tournament have given supporters and interested clubs a timely reminder of his quality. Minutes at Anfield may prove hard to come by next season following the arrival of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, but a match-winning display against Germany this weekend would do the 22-year-old's reputation the world of good. France were well beaten by Germany in the semi-finals, losing 3-0, but Djaoui Cissé has still earned a legion of admirers at the tournament. A solid performer for Rennes last season, Cissé played a pivotal role in taking France to the last four. The midfielder scored three goals, including an important strike in the quarter-final against Denmark. The 21-year-old's ability to work his way out of tight situations in the middle of the park is impressive. Chelsea fans watching Geovany Quenda at the tournament will not have been disappointed by the 18-year-old winger. Quenda signed for Chelsea earlier this year and will join the club next summer after another year developing with Sporting CP in Lisbon. Portugal exited the tournament at the quarter-final stage, losing to the Netherlands, but Quenda shone throughout. Only Woltemade (nine) has been directly involved in more goals then Quenda (five) at the tournament; and the German (five) is the only player to have created more big chances than the Portuguese winger (three). William Osula struggled for regular minutes at Newcastle last season – he was behind Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson in the pecking order after all – but he has made his opportunities count at the Under-21 Euros. The 21-year-old scored three goals and provided two assists in four games for Denmark before they were beaten by France in the quarter-finals. Osula must be hoping his performances in Slovakia have gone some way to convincing Eddie Howe that he warrants a more prominent role in the Newcastle setup next season. Lucien Agoumé is one of football's better-travelled young players. He was born in Cameroon, grew up in France, played for Inter in Italy and is now at Sevilla in Spain. Having impressed for Sevilla last season, even while they struggled in La Liga, his showings for France will have caught the eye of clubs looking to sign a central midfielder this summer. The 23-year-old showcased his ability to both win and recycle possession. He has a bright future. Samuel Soares proved an excellent last line of defence for Portugal, though it wasn't enough to take his country beyond the quarter-finals. The Benfica goalkeeper did not concede a single goal in the group stage. In fact, he only conceded once in the tournament, in Portugal's 1-0 defeat to the Netherlands in the quarter-finals. The 23-year-old kept more clean sheets (three) than any other goalkeeper, and ranked 10th for saves per game (2.8) as he excelled for Rui Jorge's team. While Harvey Elliott has been receiving most of the plaudits, Elliot Anderson's performances at the base of the England midfield should not go unnoticed. The 22-year-old's form for Nottingham Forest earned him a place in Lee Carsley's team and he hasn't let the England manager down. The former Newcastle man ranks 20th for passes per game (54.6), with a respectable pass success rate of 91%. Anderson also has one goal and one assist to his name, with his tally of three big chances created also a fine haul. Woltemade may be the one hogging the limelight for Germany, but Rocco Reitz's outings in the middle of the park also warrant praise. The midfielder has become a key man for Borussia Mönchengladbach in recent seasons and he has maintained that solid form for Germany. The 23-year-old has registered two assists – and his tallies of three big chances created and two key passes per game rank highly. Portugal's tempo setter, Diogo Nascimento, made 92.3 passes per game – the highest at the tournament – and did so with a fine pass success rate of 94%. The 22-year-old also averaged 3.3 accurate long balls per game, showing off his ability to pick out teammates from range. Having left Benfica for Vizela in 2023, Nascimento was influential as the club finished third in the second tier last season. His standout displays for Portugal should propel the diminutive midfielder into the spotlight. This is an article by WhoScored.
