EURO 2016 DIGEST

COURTOIS DROPS HIS DEFENDERS IN IT

THIBAUT COURTOIS has attacked his Belgium team-mates and called for players to be dropped ahead of their clash with Wales. Belgium beat Iceland 3-1 in a friendly on Wednesday but were vulnerable in defence and required the Chelsea goalkeeper to pull off a string of saves. Courtois claimed that Wales, spearheaded by Gareth Bale, would ‘crush’ his country if they repeat the performance in their Euro 2016 qualifier on Sunday. ‘I told the manager after the match who didn’t do their job,’ he said. ‘I know it was only a friendly, but the guys should always be willing to run. If not, then they should be put on the bench.’

CENTURION ROONEY REVEALS ‘100’ BOOTS

ENGLAND captain Wayne Rooney (below) will wear special ‘100’ boots to mark becoming a centurion for his country against Slovenia at Wembley tomorrow night. He wrote: ‘Never prouder than representing my country,’ with a picture of the boots on Instagram. Meanwhile, Southampton defender Nathaniel Clyne is set to make his debut at right back ahead of Arsenal’s Calum Chambers. But Spurs’ winger Andros Townsend has been ruled out.

EMPTY FEELING WORRIES MATIC

CHELSEA midfielder Nemanja Matic fears the ramifications of Serbia having to play their home match against Denmark behind closed doors tonight as punishment for the pitch invasion by fans in last month’s Euro 2016 home qualifier against Albania. ‘It is a setback but we have to draw whatever inspiration we can from the situation,’ said Matic, with Dick Advocaat’s side under pressure to get their campaign back on track. The Group I match was abandoned after a drone carrying a flag of ‘Greater Albania’ flew over Partizan’s stadium, triggering a mass brawl.