Image source, Getty ImagesThe football never stops.
Euro 2024 has barely finished but Premier League clubs have already started turning their attention to pre-season friendlies.
The games are spread across the globe, from Tokyo and New York to Sligo and Crawley.
So who will your team face? And when and where are the matches?
Professional tennis player and Manchester City fan Liam Broady says he is "so glad" defensive midfielder Rodri was named Euro 2024 player of the tournament.
Broady was full of praise for the Spain international on the We're Not Really Here podcast: "For somebody to win the Euros, I think I would have chosen it to be Rodri. Everything he says is incredibly humble, isn't it?
"Someone asked him about the Ballon d'Or and he said 'I don't care about personal plaudits, I just want to win the team trophies'. I think that plays to his disadvantage a little bit at times, because I feel like he should be winning the Ballon d'Or.
"I can't wait to watch Rodri on my team again. It was horrible watching him in the first half of the Euros final against England, no one could get near him."
Image source, Getty ImagesProfessional tennis player and Manchester City fan Liam Broady has been discussing meeting Pep Guardiola on the We're Not Really Here podcast.
Broady said: "Afterwards, I had about 10 people come up to me and say 'I've never seen you that happy before'. I think my girlfriend was a bit worried about the effect Pep had on me!
"We spoke a bit about football. I asked him about the Euros, because I felt like the Euros weren't as entertaining this year. I didn't feel like many teams really blew anybody away and I thought it was quite a low scoring Euros.
"He thinks it's down to player fatigue - the players are playing more matches than ever - and he thinks that plays a big part in it.
"I asked him about [Jack] Grealish not going to the Euros and he said he was gutted for him.
"I asked him if he was ready for next season and he instantly replied 'Yeah, I'm ready'. So he seems hungry still!"
On the latest episode of BBC Radio Manchester's We're Not Really Here podcast, tennis player Liam Broady joins Mike Minay and Natalie Pike to talk about meeting Pep Guardiola at Wimbledon, England's Euro 2024 final defeat and City's summer plans.
Image source, PA MediaManchester City and Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji was included in Opta's team of Euro 2024.
Though his tournament ended in penalty shootout heartbreak against England, Akanji had a fine campaign in general play, helping a sturdy Swiss side to the cusp of the semi-finals.
Akanji was a fixture at the heart of Switzerland's defence, while they were the team who trailed on the scoreboard for the lowest percentage of their match time at Euro 2024 (2.5% - only behind for 13 minutes).
Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesKalvin Phillips is expected back for the start of pre-season training.
Manchester City are one of the last Premier League clubs to report, which is understandable given how many of Pep Guardiola's squad have been involved in major tournaments.
However, Phillips was not among them after failing to nail down a place in Guardiola's starting line-up and then enduring a disastrous loan spell at West Ham, which came to a premature end through injury at the back end of April.
It seems impossible the 28-year-old will remain at City for the coming campaign but for now, he will train with Guardiola and his players, with the likelihood that he will go to the USA for their four-match tour later this month.
Image source, ReutersWhile many in England are lamenting the loss to Spain at Euro 2024, there are a number of players returning to their Premier League clubs draped in silverware.
Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez, Tottenham’s Cristian Romero and Giovani lo Celso, Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez all played their part as Argentina edged Colombia in the Copa America final.
Indeed, it was Lo Celso’s clever through ball that finally unlocked their opponents’ defence in the second half of extra time to set up Inter’s Lautaro Martinez for the winner.
United's Alejandro Garnacho was an unused substitute as Argentina backed up their 2022 World Cup win with a second consecutive Copa America title.
Some consolation for sad England fans of these clubs this morning.
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester City have shuffled their academy coaching set-up before the 2024-25 season, with two ex-players joining the team.
Former Hertha Berlin academy coach Oliver Reiss will be in charge, appointed as new lead coach of City Under-18s. He will replace Ben Wilkinson who has stepped up as elite development squad lead coach with predecessor Brian Barry-Murphy leaving the club.
Supporting Reiss, former City captain Richard Dunne has arrived as assistant coach of the under-18s while Kolo Toure will be an assistant for the club's under-16 side.
The City academy has enjoyed great success over the past few seasons, winning the age group Premier League regional and national titles in 2021-22 and 2022-23 as well as bagging the FA Youth Cup in 2023-24.
"I am excited to confirm our coaching structure," said academy director Thomas Kruecken. "We have enjoyed great success in recent seasons but we want to develop and improve."
Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton, 20, will turn down interest from Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to stay with the Eagles. (Sun), external
Manchester City will hold talks with their 24-year-old Argentina international Julian Alvarez after the Copa America. Paris St-Germain are interested in the striker, who wants more playing time, but City are keen to keep him. (Fabrizio Romano), external
Meanwhile, Manchester City plan to sign 26-year-old RB Leipzig and Spain midfielder Dani Olmo by triggering a £50m release clause in his contract. (Gianluca di Marzio), external
Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesNorwich City are among a host of clubs interested in Manchester City defender Callum Doyle.
The England Under-21 international helped Leicester City win the Championship title while on loan last season and could leave Etihad Stadium on a temporary basis again.
He has already spent time at Sunderland and Coventry City and the Canaries now want to bring him to Carrow Road, although they have competition.
Sporting director Ben Knapper is looking to partially revamp the squad, which he has described as too old.
They have prioritised a left-back and versatile Doyle, 20, fits the profile the former Arsenal loans manager is looking for.
Boss Johannes Hoff Thorup said after Saturday's 3-0 friendly win at Northampton he was hopeful the club were close to bringing in reinforcements.
Doyle made 23 appearances for Leicester last term to help them return to the Premier League at the first attempt.
He also helped Coventry to the play-off final in 2022-23, before they lost on penalties to Luton Town, and was part of the Sunderland squad promoted via the League One play-offs the season before.
Doyle, who has three England Under-21 caps, is yet to make his senior debut for City, having come through their academy.
Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesEngland Under-17s World Cup-winning team-mate Steven Sessegnon knew Phil Foden was going to be a star the first time he came across him.
Sessegnon was playing for Fulham in a Premier League youth tournament when he came across Foden, who was making his way at Manchester City.
"It was under-13s or under-14s," said Sessgnon. "Little Fulham against big Manchester City.
"We put in the performance of our lives. We wanted it so much and the intensity was amazing.
"Then they put a long ball forward, someone headed it out, and little Phil Foden - who was about four foot - took it on his chest, no bounce, no step and put it into the top corner. We thought: 'Who is this kid?'
"He plays at a ridiculous level. Phil has been 'that' guy since he was young. It is no surprise where he is."
Image source, Getty ImagesKyle Walker has said it is "dog eat dog" as he prepares to face Manchester City team-mate Rodri in Sunday's Euro 2024 final between England and Spain.
The Three Lions vice-captain added he has "respect" for the Spaniard, but all of his focus will be on finding a way to win in Berlin.
Asked if it is hard to make a club team-mate an "enemy for a short period of time" at international level, Walker replied: "No. I'm wearing this badge. I represent this country.
"He's a fantastic player. His dedication to the game, the way he adapts and doesn't get injured despite all the games he plays in, is a testament to himself and shows what a great character he is.
"We know what he possesses, but there's also weaknesses in that Spain team that we need to exploit.
"It's dog eat dog. We both represent our countries proudly.
"At the end of it, whoever wins between Spain and England, I'll have the respect for Rodri as a team-mate to go and shake his hand. We move on from that."
Jess Anderson
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesBBC Sport has looked at five key battles that could decide who lifts the Euro 2024 trophy when England face Spain on Sunday.
Rodri v Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham
The midfield is likely to prove crucial in the final, with superstar talent in abundance.
Gareth Southgate has found a way of getting both Premier League player of the season Foden and La Liga player of the season Bellingham to play in a central attacking role - and the two could be key to unlocking Spain.
Foden was superb against the Netherlands and was unlucky not to cap a stellar performance with a goal, and while Bellingham has struggled at times, he is capable of popping up with moments of magic.
Standing in their way will be Manchester City holding midfielder Rodri - who has lost only one of his past 79 games for club and country.
Foden knows only too well how good Rodri is with the two playing together at City, but that could also be advantageous to Southgate when working out how to manage him.
The 28-year-old, who was born on the day England knocked Spain out of Euro 96, is widely considered to be the best player in the world in his position.
Like for City, he is the engine of the Spain team and has dictated play from the midfield - creating five chances, providing one assist and recovering the ball 31 times.
Mike Minay
BBC Radio Manchester reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesSunday's Euro 2024 final will see some of the finest footballers on the planet go head to head. But one club is likely to see more starters than any other.
Manchester City.
Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden are expected to be among the England line-up selected by Gareth Southgate, while it would be a huge shock if Rodri does not start for Spain.
Technically, Real Sociedad could have the most players feature during the game, thogh many of their five Spanish representatives - Alex Remiro, Robin le Normand, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Oyarzabal - are expected to start on the bench.
Real Madrid will almost certainly have two starters in Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal - and, although they have left this summer, Joselu and Nacho might be claimed by the La Liga giants.
Barcelona and Arsenal have four and Athletic Bilbao and Chelsea three among the teams.
A European Championship winner wearing sky blue next season is guaranteed and all players involved in the final will return to pre-season later than others after their progression through the tournament.
As a result, Walker, Stones, Foden and Rodri will not go on the pre-season tour to the United States.
Mike Minay
BBC Radio Manchester reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester City defender Sergio Gomez has signed for La Liga side Real Sociedad in a deal worth 10m euros (£8.4m).
The 23-year-old Spaniard has struggled for first-team football since arriving for £11m in 2022, making just 18 Premier League appearances.
City have a 30% sell-on clause in the transfer, which sees Gomez leave City two years into his original four-year contract.
The left-back said he recognises it is "time to leave", adding: "Being part of such a talented, ambitious and successful squad was a true honour and winning a host of major trophies, including the Treble, is something I will never forget and will always look back fondly on.
"I am excited for this new adventure but I wish Pep Guardiola and the players every success in the future."
Listen to Total Sport on BBC Radio Manchester, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to We're Not Really Here: A Manchester City podcast on BBC Sounds
Mike Minay
BBC Radio Manchester reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesFor a third year in a row, Manchester City have topped Uefa's club co-efficient rankings.
The Blues, who were knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage last season, are four points ahead of the eventual winners - and second-ranked side - Real Madrid.
Ranking points are based on the results of a club competing in a Uefa European competition and are combined with the previous four seasons - during which City have reached the final twice.
Points are awarded from group-stage participation, group-stage wins and draws and progress through the knockout rounds.
The Blues have not lost a Champions League game in 90 minutes since the semi-final second leg against Real back in May 2022.
Manchester City compete in Europe's elite club competition for a 14th successive season in 2024-25.
West Ham United have fended off interest from Manchester City and will keep 16-year-old midfielder Chinaza Nwosu at their academy. (Football Insider), external
Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist
When England and Spain come face to face in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday there will be battles to watch all over the pitch.
But a key one might have been made in the north west.
Manchester City's Rodri and Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo could be going head to head in a midfield tussle at the Olympiastadion Berlin, with experience taking on youth.
Just as for his club, 28-year-old Rodri is a feature of the Spanish side and has played five of the six games in Germany, only missing one game against Albania through suspension.
On the other hand, Mainoo at just 19 is at the start of his senior national team career and became the youngest player to play in a semi-final at a major tournament for England on Wednesday night.
There may be a chasm in their experience, but when it comes to impact for their teams so far the gap is a little less vast.
While Rodri has racked up nearly 500 minutes, it took until the knockout games for Mainoo to establish himself in the starting XI, but he has now played 300 minutes for the Three Lions in Germany.
The Spain team is renowned for it's passing style and, understandably, Rodri has attempted more than double the passes of Mainoo at 406 to 188. However, when it comes to accuracy it is the teenager who comes out on top by the finest of margins - 93.9% compared to 93.8%.
Rodri has played an important role in his sides attack with the Spaniard creating more chances (five), making more runs into the attacking third (11) and playing more passes into attacking third (34) than Mainoo has for England.
But unafraid to take people on and get involved in the defensive side of the game, the United academy graduate has put in as many tackles (four), attempted more dribbles (six) and has a higher duel success rate (61.9%) than that of Rodri.
Keeping cool heads in this level of match could be crucial and so far, with one yellow card to Rodri's three, it is Mainoo who has the better record this tournament.
When the pair last met at club level, barring penalty shootouts, Rodri had been unbeaten all season for City until the FA Cup final against United which saw Mainoo score to secure the Red Devils the FA Cup.
It's 470 days since Spain last lost with Rodri in the side but, with history on the line, Mainoo will once again be hoping to spoil the Spaniard's party.
Image source, Getty Images
The easiest way to explain why Phil Foden has not had the same impact for England as he has had for Manchester City is to look at where he is on the pitch when he receives the ball.
In the first four games, when he was on the left, England were so deep that he has had no chance to show off his skillset.
For City he is used to playing short and quick passes on the edge of the area and running in behind. You can’t just give him the ball and expect him to dribble past four or five people from near the halfway line, because that just isn’t his game.
I would also argue we did not use him in the best possible way against Switzerland, either.
Along with Jude Bellingham, Foden operated as one of two number 10s in that quarter-final, behind Harry Kane.
I thought he started that game really brightly when the team were playing high up the pitch, similar to what City do, but then England went back to old habits and dropped 30 or 40 yards back.
So although Foden was in a more central position that suits him, the team were still not playing in the areas where he wants to get on the ball.
For some people, that seems to be Foden’s fault and I think that’s unfair.
A quiet week at Manchester City means Mike Minay and Natalie Pike play a game of 'Pint. Punt. Push' on the We're Not Really Here Podcast.
