Michael McGovern on Northern Ireland heroics against Germany nine years on: ‘I've had better games but none on a stage like the Euros'
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Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal target Eberechi Eze has left Germany stars red-faced after Jack Grealish transfer
Certain Germany talents have been left red-faced after failing to recognise Eberechi Eze's quality, with the Arsenal target moving ahead of Jack Grealish in the England pecking order Eberechi Eze has had the last laugh over his German doubters, who felt he couldn't pose the same threat as Jack Grealish. That's amid rumours the Crystal Palace talisman is currently wanted by Arsenal and Tottenham, while Grealish has just left Manchester City to join Everton on loan. Given their current career trajectories, there can be little doubt as to who is the hotter talent at present. This proves that certain figures within the Germany camp were wrong in their judgment of the two wingers last year. It all stems back to Euro 2024, where former England boss Gareth Southgate opted to include Eze in his squad over Grealish. Eze, 27, was still on the ascendancy at Selhurst Park at the time, while Grealish had started to slip down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola. Reports soon emerged regarding the reaction to those decisions within the Germany camp. And Die Mannschaft appeared largely at ease over the selection, given Grealish was rated as the superior asset. Sources from within the squad suggested the Germans felt Grealish was someone who "provokes fear in opposition when he runs at them." They allegedly didn't feel as threatened by Palace star Eze, a lesser-known name at a much smaller club. Fast forward to today, and Eze is a man in demand, with The Guardian reporting Tottenham have opened talks to sign the player. However, it's mentioned the player, who has a £68million release clause valid until Friday, would prefer a move to north London nemesis Arsenal. Eze, who finished last season with 14 goals and 11 assists, was already on the rise when Southgate rewarded him with a spot in the Euro 2024 squad. And although the 12-cap international played just 100 minutes en route to a runner-up finish in the tournament, his star has soared even higher since then. The former Millwall and QPR star was a key component in the Palace side that won the FA Cup last season. He also helped spearhead the Eagles' charge to an upset win over Liverpool in Saturday's Community Shield clash at Wembley. Grealish, on the other hand, has accepted a step down after joining the Toffees on temporary terms. The winger made just 16 starts in all competitions under Guardiola last term and has signalled his intent to earn more regular minutes on Merseyside. Grealish has earned 39 caps for his country to date, but it's been almost one year since he last turned out for England. The 29-year-old has been omitted from the last three international squads and is yet to make an appearance under Thomas Tuchel, who took over at the start of the year. Eze, meanwhile, has been named in each of Tuchel's selections and scored in his maiden game under the new boss, a 3-0 win over Latvia. And he'll hope to retain his place in the squad ahead of next month's 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Andorra (Sept. 6) and Serbia (Sept. 9) Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Belfast Telegraph
6 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Ireland's EuroHockey Championship Semi-Final hopes hanging by a thread after shock loss to France
Gareth Grundie's side are bidding to make the last-four of the competition for the first time, but those hopes appear in tatters following a stunning Pool A defeat. France – the 17th-ranked nation in the Women's FIH rankings, six places below their Irish counterparts – snatched victory when Mathilde Duffrene netted the only goal of the game early in the fourth quarter. She connected from a penalty corner and turned past Ireland goalkeeper Lizzie Murphy, with Grundie's side unable to conjure up a response as they succumbed to a second straight loss. Ireland were beaten in their pool stage opener 2-0 by the World No.1-ranked Netherlands in their tournament opener on Saturday and produced a display that inspired confidence they could hit back against far lower-ranked opposition. But France turned the tables and came away with the maximum spoils, with Ireland still on the hunt for their first point and goal of the competition heading into their final pool outing. Despite those successive reverses, Ireland retain a mathematical chance of qualifying for the Semi-Finals and will be hoping the Dutch record an emphatic victory over hosts Germany – who are sixth in the world – to cut their +3 goal difference down to size in their clash on Monday evening. However, the odds are firmly stacked against Grundie's outfit as far as their knock-out hopes are concerned ahead of their last pool game against the Germans on Wednesday.
Wales Online
04-08-2025
- Wales Online
Welsh football star's £15m payday after becoming businessman
Welsh football star's £15m payday after becoming businessman Hal Robson-Kanu was one of the Wales Euro 2016 side's heroes but has gone on to a whole different type of success after quitting the game Footballer Thomas Hal Robson-Kanu is the founder of Turmeric Co (Image: Turmeric Co) The nutritional drinks firm of former Welsh football star Hal Robson-Kanu, Innate-Essence, has been majority bought by top beverage manufacturer AG Barr in a £15m deal. Innate-Essence is the company behind the Turmeric Co and Raw Hydrate brands. Mr Robson-Kanu revealed his inspiration to start the business came from the role turmeric shots played in his recovery from a potentially career-ending knee injury. Both parties have stated that the initial £15m investment for a 51.1% stake will be used to "turbo-charge" global expansion, further develop the brand's retail proposition, and invest more deeply into marketing. The company's growth so far has been supported by monthly recurring subscriptions, successful nationwide launches in Sainsbury's and Ocado, and placement in David Lloyd Clubs. It has also formed strategic partnerships with Premier League teams such as Everton and Brentford, Premiership Rugby teams Sale Sharks and Leicester Tigers, and British Gymnastics. BDO and Pinsent Masons provided advice to Innate-Essence on the investment by the Cumbernauld-based and London Stock Exchange listed drinks giant, reports BusinessLive. Chief executive of Innate-Essence Mr Robson-Kanu said: "I created the brand as a convenient and great-tasting way to support wellness-conscious individuals and sportspeople like me. "We've had a remarkable few years but with this latest milestone and such heavyweight backing, it feels like our journey is just beginning – we've unlocked a new level. "The international potential is huge and we can't wait to see what we achieve next. Article continues below "BDO's understanding of our sector and merger and acquisition expertise has been key to our success and getting this investment over the line." AG Barr's flagship soft drink brands include household names Irn-Bru and Boost. In a trading update to the London Stock Exchange the Scottish firm revealed that first half 2025-26 revenues are anticipated to reach approximately £228m, marking a 3% increase from the £221.3m recorded in the first half of 2024-25.
