Share this @internewscast.com

England took to the pitch for their final dress rehearsal ahead of Euro 2024 as they took on Iceland in a friendly at Wembley.

Nearly eight years have passed since Friday’s visitors inflicted one of the most humiliating defeats on England in the history of the national team.

Rather than vanquishing those demons however, England were instead forced to endure another defeat by the team ranked 72nd in FIFA’s rankings, with Jon Thorsteinsson’s opener on 12 minutes ultimately proving the difference.

Mail Sport’s Sami Mokbel takes you through some things you might have missed around Friday’s clash at Wembley.

England suffered a 1-0 defeat against Iceland their final game before jetting off to Euro 2024

England suffered a 1-0 defeat against Iceland their final game before jetting off to Euro 2024

The Three Lions were undone by an early goal from former Fulham youngster Jon Thorsteinsson

The Three Lions were undone by an early goal from former Fulham youngster Jon Thorsteinsson

Furore around Grealish 

The commotion caused by Jack Grealish’s omission from the final Euro 2024 squad wasn’t restricted to inside the England camp.

Mail Sport understands that various Premier League figures, including managers, have reached out to the Manchester City star to express their shock at Gareth Southgate’s decision to leave him out of the squad that departs for Germany on Monday.

The 28-year-old was the headline casualty of Southgate’s squad cull on Thursday, a decision that caused the biggest stir within the squad.

Indeed, a petition for Grealish to be reinstated was raised on change.org on Friday; as of last night the petition had close to 150 signatures.

Gareth Southgate's decision not to take Jack Grealish to Germany has raised more than a few eyebrows

Gareth Southgate’s decision not to take Jack Grealish to Germany has raised more than a few eyebrows

Guehi has Big Six suitors 

Marc Guehi will bide his time before making a decision on his future as he prepares to partner John Stones in the heart of England’s defence in Germany.

The Crystal Palace defender has entered the final two years of his deal and is being monitored by Liverpool and Manchester United.

Guehi is set to start the tournament in the team after Southgate’s decision to drop Harry Maguire, who has been carrying a calf problem, from his final party.

And the 23-year-old wants to focus on the tournament before turning his attentions to next season.

Marc Guehi looks set to start alongside John Stones in Germany and is a transfer target for multiple Premier League clubs

Marc Guehi looks set to start alongside John Stones in Germany and is a transfer target for multiple Premier League clubs

Unwanted Wembley record 

Home comforts? Not quite. Iceland’s opener here at Wembley means England have now conceded the opening goal in three consecutive games at the national stadium for the first time since 1954.

Youri Tielemans fired Belgium ahead in March’s 2-2 draw. Three days earlier Endrick scored the only goal as Brazil recorded a 1-0 away victory against Southgate’s men.

Thorsteinsson's goal on 12 minutes marked the third consecutive game in which England have conceded first at Wembley

Thorsteinsson’s goal on 12 minutes marked the third consecutive game in which England have conceded first at Wembley

Nanna Wharton’s worries 

Adam Wharton will be causing opposition managers sleepless nights for years to come. Right now, it’s his grandmother he needs to worry about.

The Crystal Palace midfielder topped off his breakthrough season with a place in England’s 26-man Euros squad this week.

His move to Selhurst Park from Blackburn in a deal worth an initial £18million has been an unadulterated success.

But sometimes nan’s just worry. Wharton’s is no different.

‘He has taken it all in his stride but his grandmas were worried sick, [saying] “oh you need to be careful going to London”,’ Wharton’s dad John told BBC Radio Lancashire.

‘But he’s settled in well. He is in an apartment overlooking the Thames, he is in a lovely place. He is looking at houses down there now.’

Adam Wharton's dad revealed his grandmother was left worried when he elected to join Crystal Palace earlier this year

Adam Wharton’s dad revealed his grandmother was left worried when he elected to join Crystal Palace earlier this year

Stars discuss their future 

Transfer gossip is rife this time of year. It’s been no different inside the England camp, either.

Players have openly discussed their own futures amongst each other since meeting last week.

Southgate goes level with Sir Bobby 

The 1-0 loss marked Southgate's 95th game in charge of the national team, leaving him level with Sir Bobby Robson

The 1-0 loss marked Southgate’s 95th game in charge of the national team, leaving him level with Sir Bobby Robson

The clash against Iceland was Gareth Southgate’s 95th in charge of the senior England side, bringing him level with Sir Bobby Robson.

It places Southgate joint third in the list of England matches managed behind Sir Alf Ramsey (113) and Sir Walter Winterbottom (139)

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Liverpool’s Six Alternative Striker Options if Alexander Isak Deal Falls Through – Includes Surprise Premier League Name, Aston Villa Pursues Man United Player, and Arsenal Competes for EFL Talent in Transfer Update

LIVERPOOL have explored moves for a number of high-profile centre forwards over…

Noni Madueke Poised to Become Chelsea’s Sixth Player Transfer to Arsenal in Seven Years: Will the Blues Profit Again After Earning £142m from Past Deals?

The London pipeline from Chelsea to Arsenal continues. It centres on a…

Tottenham’s £55m Pursuit of Mohammed Kudus: The Dilemma and Thomas Frank’s Unwavering Interest by MATT BARLOW

The last time Mohammed Kudus was seen at Tottenham he was disappearing…

Wayne Rooney Lands Lucrative Contract for New Position

Wayne Rooney has reportedly signed a big-money deal to become a regular…

Why Conor McGregor Hasn’t Tied the Knot with Longtime Partner Dee Devlin After 16 Years Amid New Allegations and Cheating Scandal

Conor McGregor has offered up a variety of reasons for why he…

Leaked: Barcelona’s Mamba 2025/26 Away Kit Pays Tribute to Kobe Bryant

Barcelona’s 2025/26 away kit is expected to launch in the coming weeks,…

Nottingham Forest Transfer Updates: Latest on Morgan Gibbs-White, Key Players at Risk of Leaving, and Potential Wingers to Succeed Anthony Elanga

Nottingham Forest are furious with Tottenham Hotspur over their approach for Morgan…

Pep Guardiola Celebrates with the Gallagher Family Backstage Before Oasis Reunion Show, Sporting a Vintage Man City Shirt

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola partied backstage with the Gallagher family ahead…

Jordan Henderson makes a surprise comeback to the Premier League, joining a new club on a free transfer after leaving Ajax early and ending his challenging stint in Saudi Arabia.

Jordan Henderson is set to sign for Brentford after his early release…

Striker’s Relationship with Manager Strained After Newcastle Hands No. 9 Shirt to Record Signing

Few shirts in English football weigh heavier than Newcastle’s No.9 and once…

Leaked Sneak Peek: Retro-Inspired MLS Third Kits for 2025 Unveiled

Following the triumph of last year’s retro third kits designed for five…