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It’s pretty safe to say that England have secured their qualification for the 2020 European Championships in style.

The Three Lions have managed to score a total of 11 goals in their last two games, completely stomping Montenegro 7-0 and Kosovo 4-0 in the process.

Of course, with those two results, they have also topped their respective group with seven victories and only one defeat under their belts.

Harry Kane, as always, has been a big part of their success, netting a hat-trick against Montenegro and one strike against Kosovo.

And shortly after the end of the qualification process, Tottenham Hotspur’s man quickly jumped to Instagram to celebrate this achievement with a nice snap that saw him pose with his hat-trick balls and a great caption.

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Of course, it also didn’t take long for some other stars to comment as James Maddison quickly left a reply for Kane, congratulating him on his and the team’s success with a single emoji.

It seems that England are up for a brilliant summer once Euro finally kicks off…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Jonjo Shelvey has enjoyed mixed fortunes this season, but he could begin to find more consistency and become more important for his side if played in a more advanced role.

On the chalkboard

When Steve Bruce first arrived he made the former Liverpool man a central part of his plans, deploying him in a deep-lying role in midfield behind Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff.

The Magpies boss likely designed that system to make the most of Shelvey’s long-range passing ability, but it was quickly found out and cost Newcastle points early on.

Since then the 27-year-old has proved his worth with displays against West Ham and Bournemouth, but he’d be a lot more effective if he was able to play further forward.

It is an alteration that could work given Newcastle’s preferred 5-2-3 formation, as it would allow both Shelvey and Hayden to focus on the best aspects of their game, with the latter excelling defensively this term.

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In his typical inconsistent fashion Shelvey has underperformed with a pass accuracy of 71% this season, but in averaging 3.1 successful long balls per game he is an important factor in the Magpies’ attack.

Playing closer to Joelinton could work wonders. It would help the Brazilian get more involved in play and increase the number of opportunities he would receive, as Shelvey would likely be able to improve on his 1.4 key passes per game.

That return highlights the midfielder’s skill at producing chances, with the wingers often the beneficiaries, and suggests Newcastle are already a little reliant on his quality.

In a more attacking role Shelvey would have his defensive responsibility reduced, which also suits him. He has managed just 0.9 tackles per game compared to Hayden’s 2.9, so there is little point in restricting him to play alongside his midfield teammate.

Shelvey has also shown that he knows where the goal is. He has two goals this term from just six league starts, and his power could allow him to rifle home chances in and around the penalty box.

The key here is Joelinton though. There is a clear lack of service for the 23-year-old, who ranks 50th in the league for shots per game, with a measly 1.7. Shelvey would help to address that issue, and if he can get the striker scoring more then Newcastle should become a strong attacking team.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

When somebody takes over a football club, there are often lofty promises made, with a time frame being put on when they will get promotion or Champions League football.

There was none of that with Roland Duchatelet at Charlton Athletic in 2014, though, as he was quoted by The Evening Standard at the time as saying: “Lasting success is built on good foundations, it is important for clubs to break even and I am a big supporter of financial fair play.

“Most clubs in the Championship make losses and the same is true in many European countries, but the challenge is to combine good results with financial equilibrium.

“All the things I do, I am working in the long run. Throwing money at players and so forth, that is definitely not the strategy here.”

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The Belgian wasn’t kidding when he said he wouldn’t be throwing money at players, as there have only been three players signed for over £1m during his tenure at the Valley.

Looking at the summer transfer window of 2019, Macauley Bonne was the only player brought in for a fee – even that was around £200,000.

Yet Lee Bowyer has the team sitting 11th in the Championship, just six points off the play-off places.

The former Charlton player is the 10th full-time manager under Duchatelet, and the Belgian has finally found someone who can meet his challenge of balancing good results with financial equilibrium.

The club were relegated to League One in 2016 and failed to get out of the division until Bowyer arrived and transformed their fortunes.

Charlton have used the loan market well, while there have been numerous players coming in for little or no money, and Bowyer has been getting the best out of them.

One of those loanees, Josh Cullen, has given an indication into just how influential the manager is, as quoted by London News Online: “Bows was one of the main reasons I joined Charlton in the first place. It’s easy to learn from a manager like that and, from when I joined last season up to now, I’ve loved playing under him.

“Every day in training, learning from him and getting little chats here and there, he’s given me pointers which I’ve thought is helping me improve so I’m loving my time at Charlton.”

Considering the boundaries set by the club’s finances, Bowyer has done a superb job of meeting Duchatelet’s challenge of achieving good results while balancing the finances.

According to a report in The Daily Mail, Crystal Palace are monitoring highly-rated Hearts left-back Aaron Hickey, which could send an interesting message to Eagles prospect Tyrick Mitchell.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Daily Mail says that the south London outfit are tracking the 17-year-old but are yet to make a bid for the player whose contract at Tynecastle is due to expire in the summer of 2021.

However, the report adds that the Scottish Premiership strugglers could get a much-needed financial lifeline if they can agree a fee with potential suitors for the teenager now, with the current situation in the United Kingdom.

The Daily Mail say that while Palace are best placed to sign Hickey, Manchester City, Everton, Southampton and Celtic have also watched him in action.

Message to Tyrick Mitchell

Having impressed during 2019 pre-season and gained praise from Crystal Palace supporters on Twitter, it looked as though it could be a potential breakthrough campaign for the now 20-year-old when it came to potentially making his senior Eagles debut.

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However, despite being included in the matchday 18 on two occasions in the Premier League this term, he is still yet to get on the pitch under the former England manager.

Indeed, after the Brighton and Hove Albion match in which he was an unused substitute despite being the only natural left-back available, The Athletic’s Palace correspondent Matt Woosnam said: “Mitchell should have started against Brighton given the concerns over Riedewald’s fitness, or at least been his replacement at half-time instead of McCarthy.”

Mitchell extended his contract with the Eagles in January 2019, and will surely be hoping to seriously push Patrick van Aanholt for his first-team spot in SE25 sooner rather than later having been largely ignored by Hodgson in recent months.

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However, the club’s interest in a player three years his junior is certainly intriguing, given he has made 34 first-team appearances for Hearts and is therefore more experienced when it comes to senior football.

Palace’s keen interest in Hickey and potential addition of him would surely be to push van Aanholt for his spot, and you have to wonder where that would leave Mitchell.

In other Crystal Palace news, loads of Eagles fans have reacted to an update on a former Selhurst Park hero, with one supporter demanding “get this man back to the club immediately”…

So it appears Everton could be set to clinch their first major summer signing in Lille’s Gabriel Magalhaes.

Reports in recent months have linked the Brazilian with a potential move to Premier League rivals Arsenal, but according to The Guardian, the Toffees are “confident” of bringing Gabriel to Goodison Park.

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It adds that the fee for the centre-back would be in the region of £30m, and that despite the ongoing situation surrounding football at the moment, Everton officials “have continued to negotiate a deal for the 22-year-old Brazilian player and are hopeful that, barring any complications, he will move to Goodison Park later in the year”.

After hearing about the latest update on their move for the Brazilian, Everton fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the situation.

A couple of fans felt Ancelotti has played a major part in the club’s chase for Gabriel, suggesting that his “aura” and “pull” may have turned things in their favour.

If Everton do clinch the signing of Gabriel ahead of the likes of Arsenal, then that really will be a testament to the kind of step-up in status Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival as manager has brought them.

The Italian’s reputation and track record speaks for itself, and naturally, players are going to be excited at the prospect of playing under one of the greatest managers of the modern era.

Gabriel could be the first of many marquee additions at Everton.

Manchester United fans have been discussing the possibility of raiding one of their Premier League rivals this summer after fresh transfer speculation emerged earlier in the week.

According to the Telegraph, West Ham United are bracing themselves for interest in star midfielder Declan Rice with the Red Devils one of several top-flight teams mentioned.

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It’s claimed that the Hammers are preparing a squad overhaul ahead of next season with the young Englishman being one of their most valuable assets as they value him at around £70m.

Well-known Twitter account UtdReport relayed the news and it has many supporters at Old Trafford in a frenzy as some see him as overhyped whilst others really want Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey instead.

The 21-year-old has featured 29 times in the league this season, averaging 3 tackles, 2.1 interceptions, 1.2 dribbles and an 86.2% passing accuracy per game, via WhoScored.

Neither Nemanja Matic or Scott McTominay can match his defensive attributes this campaign.

Here’s how the Red Devils faithful have been reacting to the news…

AND in other news, the Man Utd players who have let Solskjaer down…

Former Everton star Tim Cahill believes the Toffees are on their way to securing Champions League football in two years. 

The Aussie recently spoke to Jamie Carragher through Instagram Live (via Liverpool ECHO), and reflected on the current Everton side under Carlo Ancelotti compared to Marco Silva’s reign.

“I just didn’t get anything from him [Silva]. I got no excitement. No emotion,” the ex-Aussie international said about the former Blues boss.

Silva was given the boot in December before Duncan Ferguson stepped in as caretaker manager, followed by Carlo and Davide Ancelotti. The progress under the new hierarchy has been astonishing.

“Now we have Carlo Ancelotti and I feel like he can attract a player,” Cahill continued. “I feel like this could be the turning point for Everton. I feel like next season we can target top six or Champions League places.”

Earlier this season, the Toffees were fighting an uphill battle to claw their way out from under the deadly pull of the relegation zone. Now they sit 12th in the table, just six points behind sixth placed Wolves. The transformation since Ancelotti took charge has been truly inspiring and is showing glimmers of former Everton sides that pushed top six every season.

The Blues have failed to qualify for Europe for the past five seasons and have yo-yoed between a mid-table finish and just falling shy of a top six spot. That could all change after Ancelotti makes use of his first transfer window with the club, which could be the first step towards what would be a major achievement in qualifying for the Champions League.

Cahill went on to praise Farhad Moshiri and believes a strong and well-gelled hierarchy will make Everton a success once more.

“I expect Everton to finish in the top four in the next two years purely because of the owners.”

Do you agree with Cahill, Everton fans? Will the Blues be in the Champions League in a few seasons to come? Have your say in the comments below!

Newcastle United’s takeover hangs in the balance according to a new report from the Guardian this week.They have claimed that the World Trade Organisation have ruled that illegal pirate streaming service beoutQ stems from Saudi Arabia.The service offers illegal access to sporting events across the globe, including the Premier League, which is why they have taken to long to approve the prospective owners’ £300m bid.However, as complicated as things are, the Telegraph’s Jason Burt has provided a glimmer of hope as he believes the deal will still go ahead despite the emergence of this news.He tweeted late on Tuesday evening saying:

There is, of course, major concern as some of Saudi’s biggest names are involved in the consortium willing to purchase the north east outfit from Mike Ashley – namely crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and the governor of the public investment fund (PIF) Yasir Al-Rumayyan.

PIF will indeed take 80% ownership of the club with the other 20% being split evenly between PCP Partners’ Amanda Staveley and the Reuben brothers.

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It’s fast approaching two months since the aforementioned party asked for approval from the Premier League and it could yet rumble on with their priority being ‘Project Restart’ with teams now back in training.

AND in other news,ÂNewcastle fans lay into Richard Keys after takeover comments…

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a major boost in their efforts to sign Ryan Fraser this summer, via Football Insider. 

According to Wayne Veysey, Fraser has indicated he won’t sign a contract extension with Bournemouth.

A source told the outlet that the Scotsman is concerned about getting injured ahead of a potential move in the summer and has informed the Cherries he has no intentions of signing an extension to finish the season.

Earlier this year, Football Insider revealed that the Lilywhites are willing to offer him a lucrative deal as Jose Mourinho has identified him at the top of his shortlist of transfer targets.

Last month, The Daily Star claimed that Spurs are in pole position to sign Fraser in the upcoming window, and this news may benefit Steven Bergwijn in the long-term.

Although the Scottish international has struggled for consistency this season, as he has provided just one goal and four assists at the time of writing, it is easy to forget he scored seven goals and created 14 assists in the Premier League last season, bettered only by former Chelsea talisman Eden Hazard.

Moreover, he has proven to be incredibly dependable, as he last sustained an injury all the way back in 2015.

Meanwhile, Bergwijn briefly shined for Tottenham until he was forced to miss the team’s last game against RB Leipzig after picking up an ankle injury. The 22-year-old has bagged 2 goals in 5 league games, including scoring on his home debut against reigning champions Manchester City (Transfermarkt).

Spurs are eager to offer Fraser a well paid contract amid competition from Arsenal, Everton, Newcastle United and West Ham United. He will become a free agent when his contract expires at the end of the month.

Furthermore, it is fair to say the Portuguese head coach has been hindered by a number of injuries to his wide forwards. Both Bergwijn and Son Heung-min have recently made full recoveries from injury setbacks, and this will no doubt give the Lilywhites an uplift as Mourinho’s side had slumped to several poor results in their absence.

Taking this into account, Fraser is more than able to provide suitable cover for the options out wide, and he would surely be a shrewd investment if he ends up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Dutchman carries the weight of plenty of expectations on his young shoulders, and the speedster could share the workload next season to reduce the risk of injury.

While there is no guarantee he will be a complete success, the club will have still gained a valuable asset for no extra cost if the transfer goes through.

Tottenham fans, should Daniel Levy sign Ryan Fraser in the summer? Let us know down below!

Burnley stepped up their preparations for the resumption of the Premier League season with a 1-1 draw against Preston in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Turf Moor on Saturday.

The Clarets’ goal came from Matej Vydra, who gave his team the lead before Scott Sinclair levelled for the Lilywhites (as per Lancashire Live), and the Czech striker could have a major part to play for Sean Dyche’s team when they recommence competitive action from next Monday.

As reported by Lancashire Live, Ashley Barnes will definitely miss the trip to Manchester City next week because of a hernia problem while top scorer Chris Wood is highly doubtful to feature at the Etihad Stadium due to an Achilles injury.

Their absences leave Vydra and Jay Rodriguez as Dyche’s only two senior strikers ahead of their visit to the current champions, so this could be an opportunity for the duo to stake their claim to become indispensable even when Burnley have their full attacking complement again.

The first six months of the season were hugely frustrating for Vydra, who did not start a Premier League game until February and who was left to feed off the scraps of six substitute appearances, the longest of which lasted for 27 minutes. [via WhoScored]

However, a hamstring injury for Wood in the trip to Southampton four months ago saw the Czech forward taking his place and he duly stepped up to score the winner with a rocket from the edge of the penalty box (as per BBC). He was also on target against Bournemouth a week later on his first league start of the season (as per WhoScored).

The 28-year-old had been coming into a good spell of form before the season was halted in March but it seems that he hasn’t lost his scoring touch judging by his goal on Saturday, while the injuries to Barnes and Wood will likely see him called upon to start at the Etihad next week.

Vydra has had to be patient for his chance to shine for the Clarets in 2019/20 but he came good when called upon in February and, thankfully for the Turf Moor faithful, he looks sharp ahead of probable game-time over the coming weeks as Burnley seek to finish a hitherto satisfactory campaign on a high.

Burnley fans, do you think Vydra will have a strong finish to the season? Have your say by commenting below!