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• Gordon: England's Euro 2024 squad has never been so competitive

  England have never boasted stronger competition for places than at the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament, according to Three Lions winger Anthony Gordon.

  The Newcastle United forward will feature at his first major tournament with Gareth Southgate's senior side, who start their campaign against Serbia on Sunday.

  Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Jarrod Bowen and Eberechi Eze are all other wide options as Southgate prepares to choose between a wealth of attacking riches on the wings.

  Gordon believes England have rarely enjoyed such a depth of talent, heading into the tournament in Germany where they are seen as favourites alongside France.

  "A few people have said it where the squad has never been so competitive in terms of everyone is in form and everyone has come here in a really good place," he said.

  "There is definitely competition for places. Everyone is going to be at their best to try and play."

  Manchester City defender John Stones offered cause for concern after an injury during Friday's surprise 1-0 defeat against Iceland, though was involved in training ahead of England's opener in Gelsenkirchen.

  Luke Shaw also featured in the pre-tournament session but the Manchester United full-back will be managed closely as his recovery from a hamstring issue continues.

  "I was a bit worried when [Stones] went down [against Iceland] because he's such a big player for us but he's fine," Gordon added. "He's got an elite mentality, so I've had faith in him.

  "[Shaw] is back in training now and doing really well. I did a bit of my rehab with him and he was way far ahead of schedule. He was doing great, which is good."

  Southgate hit the headlines on Monday after suggesting the European Championship marked his "last chance" as England manager.

  Yet Gordon hopes the England boss continues his tenure past when his current contract is due to end in December.

  "From a selfish point I would want him to stay," he continued. "I love working with him and his staff.

  "From my youth journey with England, the way they have transitioned the whole set-up from youth to senior level has been absolutely amazing and I don't think they get the credit he deserves."

• Yamal puzzled by Xavi's sacking after Barcelona U-turn

  Barcelona dismissing Xavi after the head coach initially reversed his decision and seemed set to stay came as a shock to some, no more so than Blaugrana winger Lamine Yamal.

  The LaLiga giants were expected to part ways with former midfielder Xavi at the end of the season, only for the Spaniard to change his mind and opt to fulfil his contract with the club.

  Yet in another unexpected turn of events, Xavi was given his marching orders as Barca president Joan Laporta acted swiftly to bring in former Germany and Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick.

  As Yamal prepares for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament with Spain in Germany, the Barca forward admitted Xavi's sacking raised a few eyebrows.

  "It was a very strange moment," the teenager told Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo. "At first he left, then he stayed...

  "It was strange, because we saw the same thing that you saw too.

  "[It was] very sad because for me he was the first coach in the elite that I've had, but these are things that happen in football."

  Though Yamal remains surprised by the decision, the Spain attacker is "excited" to link-up with new boss Flick when the 2024-25 season comes around.

  "The last thing I saw was when he was at Bayern, and also in the German national team," he added.

  "They have a fairly offensive game, quite direct. I'm very excited."

  Barcelona fell short in their LaLiga title defence as Real Madrid roared to the Spanish crown, as well as Champions League glory for the dominant Los Blancos.

  Yet Yamal believes the Blaugrana can compete with any side on their day.

  "We struggled this season, scoring a goal and adding another before going into the second half and suddenly having two goals scored against us," he continued.

  "That's the only thing we have to improve, because I think we can compete with any team in the world."

• Verona part ways with coach Baroni

  Verona have parted ways with head coach Marco Baroni by mutual agreement, the Serie A club confirmed on Monday.

  Baroni took charge of Verona in July 2023, signing a one-year contract with an option for a second year, but leaves the club after one season at the helm.

  The Italian won nine of his 38 league games, finishing with a win rate of 25 per cent as the Gialloblu battled relegation for much of the campaign, but managed to steer them clear of the bottom three.  

  It was the second time Baroni had been in management at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi having been appointed as Alberto Malesani's assistant for the 2002-03 season. 

  Verona was the 16th club he has managed since starting his managerial career with Rodinella 24 years ago, and was thanked by his latest club for his contributions. 

  "President Maurizio Setti, on behalf of the whole club, thanks Mr Baroni for the work he has done this season and wishes him the best of satisfaction for the continuation of his sporting career," the club statement said.

  According to Italian media reports, the 60-year-old is expected to become the Lazio manager to replace Igor Tudor, who recently resigned after less than three months in charge.