MALMO // Theo Walcott is expected to play as a central striker for England Under 21s in their European Championship final against Germany tonight - and he predicts that position will be his long-term role for club and country.
Walcott has spent most of his career stationed on the flanks, but England U21 coach Stuart Pearce has Gabriel Agbonlahor and Fraizer Campbell suspended for tonight's clash.
The only realistic option is Walcott, with Pearce believing the Arsenal youngster's pace will be a problem for the Germans, even though the 20-year-old has rarely played centrally. "I probably will end up being a striker," Walcott said. "The boss at Arsenal [Arsene Wenger] said I would have probably played little bit more up front last season if I'd not got injured, like in FA Cup games and Carling Cup games. But I'll play anywhere as long as I'm on that pitch."
Starting on the wing and ending up as a striker was the path of Gunners' Thierry Henry, with Walcott inheriting his No 14 shirt. He was also given 14 when he made himself available for the U21 squad, despite establishing himself in the seniors.
"I didn't expect to get it but it's an absolute result," Walcott added yesterday.
"It doesn't really matter what number is on the back. As long as it's an England shirt I'm happy.
"I actually wanted the No 8 shirt at Arsenal but they told me Samir Nasri had that. I didn't even know we'd signed him at the time.
"So they told me 14 and I said 'yeah, I'll have that' not realising it was Thierry's number until I got home. It's just a number but he's a great player to live up to. That's the pressure. That's no problem."
Meanwhile, Germany will be without one of their central players due to suspension: Wolfsburg's burgeoning Iranian-born attacker Ashkan Dejagah, who picked up a yellow in the semi- final against Italy on Friday.
While England could be lamenting the loss of Joe Hart, Germany will be praising their own glovesman Manuel Neuer, who put in a touch of a goalkeeping masterclass to keep his sheet clean against the Italians.
* PA Sport
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Nancy 9 (Hassa Beek)
Nancy Ajram
(In2Musica)
Singham Again
Director: Rohit Shetty
Stars: Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone
Rating: 3/5
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Total funding: Self funded
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Date and venue Friday and Saturday, ICC Academy, Dubai Sports City
Time Matches start at 9am
Groups
A Blighty Ducks, Darjeeling Colts, Darjeeling Social, Dubai Wombats; B Darjeeling Veterans, Kuwait Casuals, Loose Cannons, Savannah Lions; C Awali Taverners, Darjeeling, Dromedary, Darjeeling Good Eggs
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Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Disclaimer
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville
Rating: 4/5
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Started: October 2023
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First Person
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Engine: AMG-enhanced 3.0L inline-6 turbo with EQ Boost and electric auxiliary compressor
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 429hp
Torque: 520Nm
Price: Dh360,200 (starting)
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Gulf Under 19s
Pools
A – Dubai College, Deira International School, Al Ain Amblers, Warriors
B – Dubai English Speaking College, Repton Royals, Jumeirah College, Gems World Academy
C – British School Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Yasmina Academy
D – Dubai Exiles, Jumeirah English Speaking School, English College, Bahrain Colts
Recent winners
2018 – Dubai College
2017 – British School Al Khubairat
2016 – Dubai English Speaking School
2015 – Al Ain Amblers
2014 – Dubai College
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
Company%20profile
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David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
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