Iceland’s trip to England comes under a cloud with star banned due to ongoing sexual assault case
ICELAND come to Wembley under a cloud with star player Albert Gudmundsson suspended again because of an ongoing sexual assault case.
The attacking midfielder, 26, was the fifth top-scorer in Serie A last season with 14 goals for Genoa.
He has been a target for West Ham and Spurs, as well as a host of Italian clubs.
But under Iceland FA rules he was banned from playing for his country when the allegations — which he denies — first emerged in 2023.
The case was dropped earlier this year and the recalled Gudmundsson scored in both Euro 2024 play-off games.
But the alleged victim has successfully appealed.
So Iceland boss Age Hareide will have to do without his star player — as well as key defender Victor Palsson — for Friday’s game against England.
Hareide, the former Norway, Manchester City and Norwich defender, said: “It’s always bad to lose players.
“But we have to talk about the players who are there. We have a lot of talent here.
“I think it’s every player’s dream — and it was mine as well in 1980 — to play against England at Wembley.”
Friday’s clash is England’s final warm-up ahead of the Euros.
Gareth Southgate‘s men then launch their campaign in Germany against Serbia on June 16.
The Three Lions will complete their group action by taking on Denmark four days later and Slovenia on June 25.
Southgate hopes defenders Luke Shaw and Lewis Dunk will be back to full fitness within a week.
The duo made England’s final 26-man squad despite not yet being ready.
In contrast, Manchester United’s Harry Maguire is “devastated” to miss out – as his calf problem would rule him out for out at least the group matches.