Szczesny wants out of the stand

Wojciech Szczesny is an irrepressible character even at the worst of times — and we’re talking even after an 8-2 defeat at Manchester United — so it should be quite an experience to watch him at Poland’s training camp in Warsaw over the next few days as he attempts to force his way back into the team in time for a crucial final group game against the Czech Republic on Saturday.

Arsenal goalkeeper Szczesny, a man who thrives on energy and self-confidence, had to sit on his hands as his team-mates drew 1-1 in a frenetic match against Russia on Tuesday — having been sent off in the opening game against Greece.

The 23-year-old is free from suspension for Saturday’s crunch tie against the Czechs in Wrocklaw — a match which will see the Poles reach the quarter-finals if they can pull off a shock victory; but the only problem for the Gunners star is that his replacement Przemyslaw Tyton did well against the Russians and also saved a penalty against Greece. So he may not be easy to shift.