EURO 2020 is rolling on at pace as we reach the conclusion of the group stages!
England, Belgium, Italy, Austria, Netherlands, Wales and Denmark are all through to the knockout rounds.
While all eyes will be on Scotland tonight as they face Croatia in a must-win clash to have any hope of advancing.
England – who face Czech Republic tonight – will have to do with Chelsea stars Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell.
Both players will have to self-isolate until June 28, having come into contact with club team-mate Billy Gilmour after the Three Lions’ draw with Scotland on Friday night.
Gilmour, who won man of the match for his stunning performance at Wembley, has since tested positive for coronavirus following the game.
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SWEDEN VS POLAND
Andre Isak leads the line for Sweden in their final Euros group game.
But there’s still no room for Juventus star Dejan Kulusevski.
Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski is up front for Poland.
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SPAIN TEAM
Luis Enrique has made several changes for Spain’s clash with Slovakia.
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Man City’s soon-to-be-Barcelona defender Eric Garcia are both starting.
Sergio Busquets will make his first tournament appearance after recovering from Covid, while Pablo Sarabia lines up in attack.
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YOUNG BUK
It was a performance where Bukayo Saka came of age on the biggest stage.
The Arsenal star shined as England beat Czech Republic 1-0 to seal top spot in their Euros group.
But did you know that Saka was a model student with A* GCSEs, who also snubbed Chelsea for the Gunners?
READ MORE ABOUT ENGLAND’S NEW HERO HERE
CASE FOR DEFENCE
Man Utd captain Harry Maguire has defended England’s defensive march to the Euro 2020 knockout stage – claiming they are playing the football needed to win tournaments.
Maguire said: “I know everyone wants to play well and create numerous chances but teams are well drilled and organised.
“It’s not all perfect, we can improve but you can’t argue with seven points from three games.
“Can we play better? Of course we can. Will we improve? We will do everything we can to improve.
“The fundamentals are there and now we’ve got to tidy up in every part of our game when we’re on the ball and there is a little bit more we can get out of each other and push each other.
“If we are going to progress in this tournament we’re going to have to do that.”
‘WE ARE SORRY’
Andy Robertson has issued a message on Twitter today, apologising for Scotland’s early Euro 2020 exit.
He said: “Where to even start?! I suppose the first thing to do is to say that we are sorry for falling short in the end.
“We desperately wanted to make even more history but we didn’t quite get there and it hurts.
“Seeing the entire country not only following what we’ve done and supporting us but lifting us every step of the way made a big difference.
“From the incredible support of the Tartan Army to the kids in the street wearing Scotland shirts,we’ve felt your love and been inspired by it.
“To captain this country and these boys means the world to me and the feeling I’ve had leading them out in a tournament is impossible to describe!
“What matters now is that we do all that we can to ensure that this is the start of a wonderful journey rather than the end.
“We want more. We want to qualify for more tournaments and we want to make the people of this magnificent country even prouder!
“We will give everything we have to make this a reality.
“Scotland it’s been a pleasure.”
IT’S COMING HOME
West Ham and Czech Republic midfielder Tomas Soucek believes England are favourites to win Euro 2020.
Soucek started for the Czech Republic in last night’s 1-0 loss against England at Wembley.
And he came up against midfield partner Declan Rice.
He said (quotes via RMC Sport): “We play to win every game, but we didn’t start well.
“England were dominant at the start, then we chatted in the locker room and the second half was much better.
“But we weren’t clear enough around the opponent’s area. We could have created more chances. But it’s good preparation for the next game.
“We created some good situations for ourselves but we couldn’t do the job to finish.
“I think England are favourites to win the tournament. They showed their quality. We wanted to finish. first in the group, beat England, but we didn’t.”
Credit: GETTY IMAGES TEAM NEWS: SLOVAKIA VS SPAIN
There are growing calls from Spanish press for Cesar Azpilicueta to start and lead Spain’s defence, writes SANDRA BROBBEY.
The return of the Chelsea ace could see Marcus Llorente return to a role further forward with the attacker currently playing at right-back.
And midfield dynamo Sergio Busquets could be set to make a much-needed return after missing Spain’s first two games due to a positive Covid-19 test.
The Barcelona stalwart’s return could see Rodri drop to the bench after the player received a yellow card against Poland.
CHIEF CREATOR
Man Utd left-back Luke Shaw has created the most chances for England in the group stages despite playing two of the three games.
TEAM NEWS: SWEDEN VS POLAND
Poland will be boosted by the return of midfield maestro Grzegorz Krychowiak who missed his side’s second game due to a suspension for a red card received during his team’s loss to Slovakia, writes SANDRA BROBBEY.
And reports claim Leeds’ Mateusz Klich or Brighton’s Jakub Moder could drop to the bench to make way for the Locomotiv Moscow ace.
And Andersson is likely to keep faith with the side that defeated Slovakia 2-1.
This is despite media outlets in Sweden calling for Mainz striker Robin Quaison to step in for veteran forward Marcus Berg.
‘I THOUGHT HE DID FANTASTIC’
Former England striker Emile Heskey praised Man Utd captain Harry Maguire for his performance against the Czech Republic last night.
Maguire completed his first 90 minutes of football since early May, and he helped England pick up another clean sheet.
Speaking on the official England podcast, Heskey said: “I thought he did really well, considering I don’t think he’s had loads of training sessions.
“I thought he did fantastic. Controlled it, bossed it in there.”
ROAD TO WEMBLEY
England will play one of Portugal, France or Germany at Wembley in the Round of 16.
TEAM NEWS: GERMANY VS HUNGARY
Thomas Muller, 31, is likely to be out of action after picking up a knee injury during Germany’s win against Portugal.
Reports claim Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane, 25, could be in line to replace the veteran striker who helped his side win the 2014 World Cup.
The former Manchester City ace has netted seven times in 32 senior international appearances for Germany.
And Mats Hummels is thought to be contending with a knee injury but it’s thought the defender could be starting in Low’s side this evening.
Meanwhile Nemanja Nikolic is expected to keep his place in Hungary’s attack with team-mate Adam Szalai recovering from a head injury sustained during his team’s 0-0 draw with France.
MAGUIRE RETURNS
Harry Maguire returned to action after a spell on the sidelines with an injury.
The Man Utd captain missed the last few weeks of the season, and missed Man Utd’s Europa League final against Villarreal.
But Maguire returned to action for England last night, playing a pivotal role in keeping a clean sheet against the Czech Republic.
90 minutes under his belt and England are through to the knockout stages!
Credit: GETTY IMAGES TEAM NEWS: PORTUGAL VS FRANCE
Portugal will be without striker Joao Felix and left-back Nuno Mendes for their final group F clash with both players having missed their side’s loss to Germany, writes SANDRA BROBBEY.
Atletico Madrid ace Felix, 21, is reportedly contending with hamstring problems.
And Sporting Lisbon starlet Mendes, 19, who is reportedly a Man United transfer target, is out of action due to a thigh strain.
It is thought Santos could look to make some minor changes to his midfield line-up.
Rafa Silva is reportedly in contention to make an appearance after helping the reigning Euros champs trounce Hungary.
The Benfica playmaker came on as a second-half substitute contributing to his side’s 3-0 win in their first fixture of this year’s tournament.
And Renato Sanches could also be set to make his first start for Santos’ side in the tournament.
The Lille midfielder, 23, became the youngest player to ever feature in European Championship final in 2016 at the age of 18
And Sanches’ positive attacking display helped skipper Ronaldo net a late brace against Hungary.
Meanwhile France suffered a blow to their attacking ranks with Ousmane Dembele ruled out for the rest of the tournament.
The winger sustained a knee injury during France’s 1-1 draw with Hungary with the French FA confirming the player would miss the rest of his side’s fixtures.
And reports claim Lucas Hernandez could return as a left-back for Deschamps side, replacing Lucas Digne who started against Hungary.
RON TOP
Cristiano Ronaldo finished off a blistering counter attack to open the sring in Portugal’s game against Germany.
But the defending European champions went on to lose 4-2.
They face France tonight, but could still qualify for the knockout stages as one of four of the best third placed teams.
MOURINHO’S MAGUIRE ASSESSMENT
Former Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho assessed Harry Maguire’s return to football.
He said: “I keep saying when you have an option to take 26 players, you have to risk, gamble and take an injured player if the player deserves that. Maguire is one of those players.
“He was confident, he was stable, he was intelligent, read the game well, and has a good partnership with [John] Stones.
“[Tyrone] Mings is doing a fantastic job, you could feel he was happy to come in for 10 or 15 minutes, he is a team player.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the next game is against Germany, the way they play with three at the back – I wouldn’t be surprised if England went with Stones, Maguire and Mings at the back.”
GAME DAY
Four games are on today from groups E and F.
Sweden vs Poland and Slovakia vs Spain kick-off the Euros action today from 5pm.
Former European and world champions Spain find themselves in a spot of bother, on two points from two games.
And they need to beat Slovakia, who are going strong in the group.
Sweden, who look as good as through, take on Poland who managed to hold off Spain in their last game.
Onto the 8pm kick-offs, England fans will be watching on with a real interest.
France are taking on Portugal, and Germany are facing Hungary.
And whoever finishes second in Group F, faces England at Wembley…… big day of football!
HEARTBREAK
Modric scored an absolute beauty against Scotland yesterday and dragged Croatia into the knockout stages.
Scotland’s Euro dream comes to an end.
SOUTHGATE’S THOUGHTS
England manager Gareth Southgate gave his post-match thoughts about the win over the Czech Republic to ITV.
He said: “We started really well. We were stable with the ball. We changed what we were doing overnight because of the change to personnel, so great credit to the players.
“We’ve been super-impressed with Bukayo, his receiving under pressure was fantastic. I think there’s more to come from us. We haven’t scored from a set play yet.
“They’re crucial in big matches, so we’ve got to get those nailed. We’re not fluent, but we have moments when we look a good side. There’s a lot of good things that we are doing.
“We’ve got most of the squad into the games. Ninety minutes for Harry Maguire, which was important. Hendo 45, which was a real step forward.
“A lot of positives for us. It’s great to have more supporters. Who knows whether it’ll be a good draw or not, but we wanted to win the group, to stay at Wembley, and we’ll wait and see who we’ll play tomorrow.”
YES SIR I CAN BOOGIE
Unfortunately for Scotland, their Euro 2020 campaign came to an end.
STERLING SPEAKS
Goal-scorer Raheem Sterling gave his assessment to ITV after last night’s game against the Czech Republic game.
He said: “There’s positives from the game. We kept the ball better, we had more attacking options.
“We got in the gaps really well and played some good football. We got the goal we needed.
“I thought I’d put the first effort away, but am happy to get my goal in the end.
“Saka and Grealish got in the pockets really well, turned with the ball, they were positive.
“It’s brilliant to have these players around you, who can create goals. Different players are needed for different matches.
“If you don’t concede goals, you win football matches. We just need to score at the other end.
“Our objective from the beginning was to win the group. Things are going to be difficult at times.
“It’s tournament football, and at some point you’re going to have to face the best teams. That’s the whole point, to challenge yourself.”
GOOD MORNING EUROS FANS
England will play Germany, France, Portugal or Hungary in the last 16 of the Euros after beating Czech Republic.
The Three Lions’ narrow 1-0 win at Wembley last night ensured they finished top of Group D, with Raheem Sterling netting the winner.
And that means they have a horror last-16 clash with the runners-up from ‘Group of Death’ Group F on Tuesday, June 29 at 5pm – again, under the Arch.
As things stand, old rivals Germany sit second in that group with three points but they still have one game to play tonight against Hungary.
However, it could also be a meeting with World Cup winners France, or defending European Champions Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo.
And England’s fate will be decided when those two teams also meet later today.
England goalscorer Sterling praised his side’s performance against the Czechs, saying: “I thought it was a much better performance, attacking-wise.
“I thought we had more fluid movement and we created some problems as well. Most importantly, we scored the goal we needed and kept a clean sheet.
“It’s tournament football, it’s very different to being at your clubs. We just need to get to see games out a little bit better. We’re making good progress and now it’s time for a big challenge.”
There was heartbreak for Scotland though, as they crashed out of the Euros.
Steve Clarke’s men lost 3-1 to Croatia in front of a home crowd at Hampden Park.
And Scotland will now be exiting the competition bottom of the group.
The result saw Croatia end up finishing second, with the Czechs taking third place.
HUNGAR STRIKE
England look set to face one of France, Germany or Portugal in the last 16.
But there IS still a way the Three Lions can get an easier draw against Hungary.
FIND OUT HOW HERE
COMMENT BY CHARLIE WYETT
Harry Maguire roared back to form just one month after ditching his protective boot.
The centre-back put in a mammoth performance in tonight’s 1-0 win against Czech Republic.
And Maguire will be vital for England’s Euro 2020 hopes throughout the rest of the tournament.
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MORE FROM GARETH
“The Czechs are a really good side. They use the ball well and are really tough to break down. There is more to come from us, definitely.
“We have not scored from a set play yet which I know people laughed at with us only scoring from them. They are crucial in big matches and we have to get those nailed.
“We are not fluent but we have moments where we look a good side. Different sorts of tests. All of our next opponents will be different games. There is a lot of good things we are doing.
“We are getting minutes for a lot of the players. Ninety minutes for Harry Maguire was important tonight. Jordan Henderson getting 45 minutes is a step forward. A lot of positives.
“It is great to be having more supporters in that is for sure. Who knows if that will be a good or not. We wanted to win the group and stay at Wembley and we will wait to see who we play.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
