Leicester City winger Demarai Gray admitted it was not England’s night after they were beaten in heart-breaking fashion by Germany in the semi-finals of the UEFA Euro Under-21 Championship.

Gray, who turned 21 on Wednesday, was replaced by Southampton winger Nathan Redmond in the 73^rd minute of Tuesday’s clash, with Redmond missing the decisive spot-kick as the Germans went through.

Birmingham-born Gray netted the Young Lions’ opening goal, with Tammy Abraham also scoring, as the match finished 2-2.

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

And Gray, who joined the Foxes in January 2016 in a £3.7 million move from his the Blues – his hometown club – said England’s missed opportunities early in the game cost them dearly.

“It’s obviously disappointing to go out the way we did,” he said. “If we were a bit more clinical in the first 20 minutes – we had a few chances – it would’ve been different, but it just wasn’t to be. We worked hard and we challenged them.

“On another day, we would’ve beaten them with the chances we created, so we were unlucky.

“That’s how it is sometimes. We were up and down and we’ve rode our luck at times and they’ve rode theirs. But it just wasn’t our night.”

Bournemouth’s record signing Nathan Ake cannot wait to don the Cherries shirt once again after making a permanent switch to the Vitality Stadium.

Ake spent the first half of last season on loan with Bournemouth, making 12 appearances and scoring three goals before being recalled to Stamford Bridge by Antonio Conte in January.

His standout performances have resulted in Eddie Howe splashing the cash on the versatile Dutchman, bringing him back to the south coast for a reported fee of £20million.

Photo credit: Getty Images

And the Dutch Under 21 international is itching to get back on the field and represent Bournemouth once more.

“I had a great time here last season, so I’m really happy to be back,” said Ake.

“It’s an exciting challenge. Chelsea is a great club and I learned so much there but this is a new step and the right place for me to develop even more.

“The fans haven’t seen the best of me yet. I always set the bar high, so I know there is a lot of things I still have to work on.

“With the help of the manager here, I know I can keep improving and become a better player.”

Cherries boss Howe added: “Nathan is an outstanding young player, with a fantastic attitude and a great desire to learn and develop.

“He has a very bright future ahead of him and I’m very pleased to say that future is here.”

Swansea City have gone Dutch once again and new signing Erwin Mulder is hoping to be another Netherlands success story at the Liberty Stadium.

The 28-year-old goalkeeper became the Swans’ first summer signing on Thursday as he penned a three-year deal with Paul Clement’s side after turning down a new contract at Heerenveen,

Former Feyenoord man Mulder has become Swansea’s fourth Dutch goalie, following in the footsteps of Dorus de Vries, Michel Vorm and Nico Schroeder, and he has his fingers crossed he too can find a happy home in South Wales.

“There have been many Dutch players here, including some goalkeepers,” said the Swans new-boy.

“A lot of them have done well here, so it is nice for me to be here now.

“I know a little bit about the club. I spoke with Leroy Fer and Mike van der Hoorn. They told me some good things about the club.”

Mulder bolsters manager Clements’ goalkeeping options following the recent departures of Gerhard Tremmel and youngster Josh Vickers, and he is naturally hoping to put pressure on current number one Lukasz Fabianski.

The Dutchman added: “Of course, I want to challenge to play here, but Lukasz Fabianski is here and Kristoffer Nordfeldt is here, so it is going to be difficult but I am going to do best.

(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“Swansea finished last season well. Of course, I hope we can do well net season. We want to finish as high in the table as possible and we will do our best to do that.”

Matthew Le Tissier is the name that comes to most people’s minds when asked to name a Southampton hero.

A one club man, 540 games and 209 goals, there is a reason that he is nicknamed ‘Le God’ on the South Coast.

So who to pick for the title of ‘Cult Hero’ at Southampton? A one club man, a few less appearances and 208 fewer goals, there is only one man: Francis Benali.

Benali was born in Southampton and always seemed destined to make it at the Saints. He joined as a schoolboy at the age of 14 and made his debut on October 1, 1988, a goalless draw against Derby at the Dell.

He scored just one goal during his Saints career, a header from a Le Tissier free-kick against in a 2-1 win over Leicester in 1997.

What he lacked in the talent and skill that Le Tissier had in abundance, he more than made up for in heart and desire. And that is why he is loved by the Southampton faithful.

“I wasn’t the best of players,” he said in an interview in 2017. “But, hopefully, over the years the supporters recognised my commitment, my efforts and my desire to bring success to our club.

“Apart from a loan spell I spent my entire career at the club. I was born and raised in this city as well, so I’m very much a local boy and I went on to play for my hometown team. I think perhaps they saw me as one of them, represented out on the football pitch.

Picture: Getty Images

“What I lacked in any creativity and flair I made up for in other areas. My professionalism, the way I prepared myself and trained led by example as an individual both on and off the pitch.

“It’s a good job we did have a player like Matt in the team to score the incredible goals because we wouldn’t have achieved without him, but my job was the basic workmanlike stuff that had to be done as part of a team unit.

“And through it all, I was very proud and honoured to play for the club in which I was raised.”

Football may have changed in the decade or so since Benali decided to hang up his boots and now defenders are expected to be more technical.

The days of a defender who could defend and work hard appear to be over, but that does not mean players like Benali should be forgotten, instead he should be cherished. A one-club man who went on to play for his local club and stay there for the whole of his career.

Southampton may not have been the most successful of clubs during Benali’s time, in fact they were often beating the odds to avoid relegation. And if there was one player who personified the club during that time it was Francis Vincent Benali.

It is nine years since Stoke City arrived in the Premier League, and a bookmaker paid out on them going down just hours after an opening-day hammering at Bolton Wanderers.

How times have changed.

Rory Delap’s throw-ins, Andy Wilkinson’s thunderous tackles and the numbing cold of the infamous North Staffordshire wind – a trip to Stoke has never been relished, and plenty of clubs have left with a bloody nose.

Under current boss Mark Hughes, Stoke are a very different side than Tony Pulis’ before – but here we pay homage to both the old and new in our Potters XI.

Thomas Sorensen

Asmir Begovic can count himself very unlucky here, while Jack Butland is probably a couple of years away from taking this jersey from Thomas Sorensen.

‘The Great Dane’ was rescued from Aston Villa’s reserves the summer Stoke arrived but, like the club, went on to prove everyone wrong.

Strong under the high ball and a superb reflex shot-stopper with a knack for saving penalties, Sorensen was a big hit and was a key cog in a formidable defence.

Eventually displaced by the more athletic and stylish Begovic in 2011 – Sorensen spent several years on the bench before leaving in 2015.

Andy Wilkinson

Local boys rarely come good in Stoke-on-Trent, at least as far as football is concerned, and that is why Andy Wilkinson was the most popular player in the team.

The right-back was not especially fast, strong in the air, good on the ball, able to produce a good cross or defensively sharp.

Andy Wilkinson of Stoke City and Eden Hazard of Chelsea

But he bled red and white, and that carried him through. Wilkinson played the game at 100mph, delivered some crunching tackles, and got the crowd roaring throughout.

When Hughes arrived, he lost his place before retiring in February 2016 aged 31 due to a head injury.

Ryan Shawcross

When Stoke visited Cardiff on the opening day of the 2007-08 season, few fans there that day could have imagined the scrawny teenager making his debut at centre-back would go on to become one of the club’s greatest ever defenders.

But Ryan Shawcross scored the winner that day and has kept proving people wrong since. The gangly defender was so good Stoke bought him from Manchester United several months before his loan spell ended.

After a slow start in the Premier League, Shawcross became a rock and eventually replaced Abdoulaye Faye as club captain – leading them to the FA Cup final in 2011.

A year later, he was picked for England and, although he has not enjoyed the international career he hoped for, he has remained one of the most consistent defenders in the division.

Robert Huth

Eyeballs were rolled when Stoke splashed £6m on Robert Huth in 2009, with fans complaining they were unnecessarily splashing cash on players relegated the previous year.

But Huth quickly became a firm fans favourite – with his impressive goalscoring record, no-nonsense style and rather funny Twitter account endearing him to all at the club.

A serious knee injury ended his time at the club, and he was flogged to Leicester in 2015 – where he went on to win the Premier League title.

Danny Higginbotham

A man who loved wearing red and white, having also played for Southampton and Sunderland, Danny Higginbotham found a home at Stoke.

The left-back was strong defensively but surprisingly adept going forward, and possessed a hammer of a left foot which was deadly from free-kicks and penalties.

Another member of the 2011 FA Cup final side, Higginbotham scored the winner in the quarter-finals against West Ham. He left Stoke in 2013 for Sheffield United, and retired a year later.

Jonathan Walters

No Stoke City Premier League XI would be complete without ‘Super Johnny Walters’.

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

The Irishman arrived from Ipswich Town in 2010 and impressed fans from the off with his relentless work rate and versatility.

Confident on the right wing as well as up front, Walters has scored plenty of key goals for the club – including a brace in their 5-0 FA Cup semi-final win against Bolton Wanderers.

Glenn Whelan

Steady Eddie Glenn Whelan has been ever-present for Stoke in the Premier League, although that may end this summer.

Whelan joined Stoke from Sheffield Wednesday in January 2008, and at the time was regarded as their most creative midfielder.

Whelan struggled for game time in Stoke’s first Premier League campaign as he was considered too lightweight. But he learned how to play in front of the back four and has not looked back since.

Steven N’Zonzi

Steven N’Zonzi is perhaps Stoke’s best ever Premier League player, despite cutting a frustrating figure during his three-year stint.

Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

The Frenchman was snapped up from Blackburn Rovers in 2012, and nailed down the spot beside Glenn Whelan in the heart of midfield from the get-go.

A classy passer with an eye for the spectacular, there was always a sense Stoke were punching above their weight with N’Zonzi – and so it has proven.

The 28-year-old is going from strength to strength at Sevilla, who he joined in 2015 for £7m after winding down his contract.

Matthew Etherington

Another underwhelming signing that turned into a Pulis masterstroke, Matty Etherington played a major role in keeping Stoke in the Premier League when he joined in January 2009.

Stoke were crying out for a wide player with pace and Etherington provided it. He arrived at Stoke under a cloud due to a gambling addiction but turned his life around.

He became a key player, reliable for goals and assists and was, at one stage, in contention for an England call-up.

He left the club and retired in 2014.

Ricardo Fuller

Ricardo Fuller scored the goals which carried Stoke into the Premier League, and he was pivotal in the early years.

Ian Horrocks/Newcastle United via Getty Images

The Jamaican was a free spirit and rubbed Pulis up the wrong way, but their love-hate relationship produced some stunning results.

When motivated, Fuller was almost unstoppable and his goal against Aston Villa in Stoke’s first home match is worth the inclusion alone.

Capable of the outrageous, Fuller is still spoken about at the bet365 Stadium even though he left in 2012 for Charlton Athletic.

Peter Crouch

Peter Crouch arrived at Stoke for £10m, a club record in 2011, as the club prepared for their assault on the Europa League.

Crouch became an instant fan favourite, with his steady stream of goals and infectious attitude guaranteeing his place among the greats.

The former England man has given the home fans some unbelievable highs, including THAT goal against Manchester City in 2012 and his 100^th Premier League strike against Watford earlier this season.

Honourable Mentions: Asmir Begovic, Abdoulaye Faye, Erik Pieters, Charlie Adam, Dean Whitehead, Rory Delap, Liam Lawrence, Bojan, Mamady Sidibe, James Beattie, Marko Arnautovic, Tuncay.

West Ham’s Aaron Cresswell is looking forward to learning from one of the Premier League’s most experienced full-backs, after Pablo Zabaleta joined the club from Manchester City.

The 27-year-old England defender and Zabaleta could well line-up either side of Slaven Bilic’s centre-backs next term, with the veteran Argentinian moving on from the Etihad Stadium after nine years and two Premier League titles.

And having heard plenty of praise about Zabaleta from England number one Joe Hart on international duty, Cresswell is relishing the impact his knowledge and class could have on the Hammers’ back four.

“Watching him throughout his time with Manchester City, which was nearly a decade, the things Pablo Zabaleta did for that club were fantastic, winning Premier League titles cups and the like,” he said.

“He will now bring those qualities, his loyalty and experience to West Ham and his presence will only help us, not only his fellow defenders but the whole team.

“I spoke to Joe Hart while I was away with England and Joe could not have spoken any higher of him, saying he is a great teammate, a great lad and top professional.

“His quality is there for all to see, so he is a great addition to the squad. Pablo will not only make his presence felt on the pitch, but his experience will rub off on the young lads around the training ground.”

Bertrand Traore has fired off a parting shot at former employers Chelsea after securing an £8.8million move to Lyon.

The young striker was restricted to just ten Premier League appearances for the club after a 2013 transfer, most of those coming under Jose Mourinho in the 2015-16 campaign when he scored four goals.

Last season however the Burkina Faso international was exiled to Ajax, but continued to impress as he helped the Dutch side to the final of the Europa League, scoring 13 times in all competitions.

Chelsea’s loan policy is often scrutinised by those outside of Stamford Bridge, and Traore insisted he was never given a chance to prove himself with the Blues.

“It was time. Considering my age and for my development, it was time for me to leave the club,” he said.

“I could have stayed at Chelsea and played a few minutes in every game, fighting every day for a spot, knowing that I’ll never get a spot, I trained at the club, I did everything.

“Two seasons ago, I challenged the starters but we all know what happened last year. I was there during pre-season and then I was sent out on loan.

“So this year, I did not want to re-live the same scenario. It was time for me to find a stable club where I could play first-team football, where I could be one of the key players in the team.

“To be one of the key players in the team, you need to fight, and here, I’ll do everything to be amongst them, and I’ll give everything for the club.”

With Frank de Boer newly-installed as manager, Crystal Palace fans are looking forward to a new era at Selhurst Park.

The 47-year-old Dutchman brings undoubted star quality to the Eagles hotseat, given his reputation as one of Europe’s finest defenders during his playing days with Ajax and Barcelona.

As a manager, de Boer won four Eredivise titles with Ajax and also gave debuts to academy products such as Everton’s new £23.6 million signing Davy Klaasen, Viktor Fischer, who scored 33 goals for the Dutch giants before his unsuccessful spell with Middlesbrough, and current Palace target Kenny Tete.

The Eagles’ new chief isn’t scared to give youth a chance, so we’ve taken a look at three young players that could force their way into de Boer’s first-team plans.

Luke Dreher

Luke Dreher has already been mentioned as a future Palace captain – no pressure, young man.

(Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

There is significant buzz surround the 18-year-old midfielder, who hails from Epsom and was named the club’s under-18 player of the year for 2016.

In April that year, the teenager, who has a knack for embarking on surging runs from midfield and also has a host of defence-splitting passes in his repertoire, travelled with the Palace first-team for a trip to Manchester United.

Last season, he was promoted to the Eagles’ under-23 squad and was also named on the bench for Palace’s 2-1 win at Middlesbrough last September.

Injuries would go on to stunt Dreher’s progress but his stock at Selhurst Park continues to rise.

Kian Flanagan

Back in May 2008, Tottenham Hotspur raided Palace’s youth ranks to sign 16-year-old John Bostock – much to the chagrin of then-chairman Simon Jordan – and seemingly, if other parties were to get their way, Kian Flanagan could follow the same path.

The Irish attacking midfielder, who turns 18 in August, was linked with Chelsea and Arsenal in 2015 and despite signing his first professional contract at the beginning of last season, both Liverpool and those pesky Bostock-pinchers Spurs have been credited with a major interest in securing Flanagan’s services.

The Palace youngster recently picked up the club’s scholar of the season award and given the flair and exiting talent he’s already shown at youth level, perhaps the sought-after starlet could be pushed through the ranks by de Boer.

Sullay Kaikai

Many EFL fans are more than familiar with Sullay Kaikai, who has shone at almost every level he has played so far.

(Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

During his numerous loan spells, the 21-year-old winger was named Cambridge United’s young player of the year in 2014-15, was Shrewsbury Town’s top-scorer in League One in 2015-16 and enjoyed a successful spell at Brentford – who are keen to have him back – in the Championship last season.

London-born Kaikai enjoyed a dream Palace debut back in September 2014 when he came off the bench and scored to send his side’s League Cup third-round tie with Newcastle Untied into extra-time, and he was also introduced as a substitute in the final game of last season as the Eagles lost 2-0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

If anyone is ready to truly make their mark for Palace, it’s Kaikai.