EURO 2020 is finally here!
Kylian Mbappe was reportedly left fuming after Olivier Giroud publicly criticised him for failing to pass.
The PSG star was so angry with the Champions League winner’s comments after the friendly with Bulgaria that he reportedly wanted to call a press conference to explain his point of view.
And things didn’t turn out much better for France’s other striker Karim Benzema, who went off injured.
Meanwhile Denmark and Romania are set to announce an increase in the number of fans that can attend their Euro 2020 games – to 65 and 50 per cent respectively.
And we’ve got the very latest on star defender Harry Maguire’s injury comeback for England.
Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
RON NUMBERS ARE SO RIGHT
Jose Mourinho believes records and numbers remain Cristiano Ronaldo’s biggest motivation.
Despite Juventus’ underwhelming campaign, the Portuguese superstar and ex-Manchester United frontman still ended the season with 36 goals in all competitions.
Ronaldo, 36, also added to his remarkable trophy haul with the Coppa Italia – making it a career total of 34.
And that’s the reason why the ex-Real Madrid ace continues to perform at a staggering ability despite his age, according to ex-Chelsea and United boss Mourinho.
The SunSport columnist told talkSPORT: “Everybody says the same, and I say it too, he’s not 25 anymore he’s 35 (sic).
“He doesn’t score 50 goals but how many did he score? 35? The numbers speak for themselves. I think the records (drive him on).
“He’s a legend, he’s one of the names that will stay in footballing history.
“He motivates himself with numbers, he wants to win the Ballon d’Or X times, the Golden Boot X times. “He wants to play the next World Cup.”
FRANCE REPLACE ENGLAND AS TOURNAMENT FAVOURITES
England have dropped to second favourites with the bookmakers for Euros 2020.
Having been the most fancied side over the last few weeks in the build up, France have now been slashed to 9/2 with England drifting to 11/2.
England were priced at 5/1 to bring football home this summer with Betfair, and have since moved from 4/1 to 9/2 but are now out slightly at 11/2.
France, who were originally favourites are priced at 5/1 now, have been cut again to 9/2.
Belgium and Italy are next in the betting list at 13/2 and 15/2.
Spain are also 15/2 with Germany now 8/1 and Portugal 17/2.
SCOTS TO TAKE KNEE WITH ENGLAND
Scotland will take a knee with England in the all-British Euro 2020 clash but will stand against racism in their home group matches.
Steve Clarke’s side host the Czech Republic on Monday and visit England next Friday, before Croatia come to Hampden for Scotland’s Group D finale on 22 June.
Clarke: “Our position was – and remains – that the focus must be on meaningful change to fight discrimination in football and wider society.
“I am aware that some individuals and groups have sought to politicise or misrepresent the Scotland national team position on taking a stand against racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour in our Uefa Euro 2020 matches and, in particular, for our visit to Wembley.
“For the avoidance of doubt: me, my coaching staff, my players and my backroom team take a stand against racism and all forms of unacceptable and discriminatory behaviour across society.
“We will continue to take a stand – together, as one – for our matches at Hampden Park. For our match at Wembley, we will stand against racism and kneel against ignorance.”
LAST-GASP LIONS
Gareth Southgate can change his final 26-man Euro 2020 squad right up until the first game against Croatia.
That could mean a reprieve for the stars who have missed out such as James Ward-Prowse and Jesse Lingard.
Bosses had to submit their full selections by June 1.
However, Uefa rules permit unlimited changes ‘in the event of serious injury or illness before the first match’.
That includes players who test positive for coronavirus.
And it means Southgate has the option to make adjustments right up until Sunday lunchtime when his side open their campaign.
Harry Maguire, Jordan Henderson and Bukayo Saka have all struggled for fitness in the build-up to the tournament.
All three look sure to be fit at some stage, albeit Maguire and Henderson are doubts to face Croatia at Wembley on Sunday.
As revealed by SunSport, the Manchester United skipper will miss the group game against Scotland as well.
But should Southgate feel their injuries are too disruptive and they will not be ready to play their part, he may turn to some of the players axed from the 33-man provisional Three Lions squad.
MAKE MY SON TRIPP THE SKIP
Kieran Trippier’s proud dad is confident England will win the Euros – and is calling for his son to become the next Three Lions captain.
The Atletico Madrid star, 30, will have all eyes on him during the tournament as Premier League clubs line up to bring the full-back home.
But no one will be watching Trippier as closely as his dad Chris, who is hoping his son can repeat his heroics after scoring in the World Cup semi-final in 2018.
Chris, from Bury, Greater Manchester, has already spoken to his son from the England training camp and wished him well.
And he believes football could finally come home this summer as Gareth Southgate’s men prepare for their first game on Sunday.
He told The Sun Online: “I am very confident England will do very well and hopefully win it.
“I see an England/France final with us winning.”
JOSE’S WAY THE RIGHT WAY?
Here’s how Roma’s ex-Man Utd, Chelsea and Spurs boss Jose Mourinho would line up the Lions if he was manager.
Speaking to talkSPORT ahead of Sunday’s clash with Croatia, Mourinho named an XI without his ex-Utd players Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw.
LIONS MUST BE TOUGHER
Slaven Bilic has questioned England’s mentality ahead of their Euro 2020 opener against Croatia.
The Three Lions led Sunday’s opponents in the World Cup semi-final three years ago.
He told The Telegraph: “Mentality. Remember the World Cup semi-final?
“In the first-half England dominated, were 1-0 up and it should have been 2-0. But as soon as we scored an equaliser it was game over for you.
“There was nobody on the pitch who said, ‘Wait, wait, we have time’. It was gone.”
FOOTBALL’S COMING HOME
Paddy Power have done it again with yet another brilliantly witty ad…
Ireland may not be at the Euros but this guy’s support will never waiver.
GO ON MY SON
Kieran Trippier’s proud dad is confident England will win the Euros – and is calling on his son to become the next Three Lions captain.
The Atletico Madrid star, 30, will have all eyes on him during the tournament as Premier League clubs line up to bring the full-back home.
But no one will be watching Trippier as closely as his dad Chris, who is hoping his son can repeat his heroics after scoring in the World Cup semi-final in 2018.
He told The Sun Online: “I am very confident England do very well and hopefully win it.
“I see an England/France final with us winning.
I was confident as Gareth seems to like him.
“In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if he in next in line for the captain’s armband after Harry Kane.
“And I have no worries about there being so many full-backs as they can all play in different positions.”
MORE ON SCOTLAND’S DECISION TO TAKE THE KNEE
Manager Steve Clarke added: “We remain committed to our principles of taking a stand but we must also be unequivocal in condemning the opportunistic false narrative being presented by some.
“We have therefore agreed that we will show solidarity with our counterparts in England, many of whom are team-mates of our own players, and who have found themselves on the receiving end of abuse from fans in recent international matches.
“We will continue to take a stand – together, as one – for our matches at Hampden.
“For our match at Wembley, we will stand against racism and kneel against ignorance.”
BREAKING – SCOTLAND WILL TAKE KNEE AGAINST ENGLAND
Scotland have confirmed they WILL take the knee before their group match against England in a show of solidarity.
A statement from captain Andy Robertson reads: “Our position was – and remains – that the focus must be on meaningful change to fight discrimination in football and wider society.
“In Scotland, the football family has stood against racism all season. It was our collective view that the national team would do the same.
“Our stance is that everyone, players, fans, teams, clubs, federations, governing bodies and governments must do more. Meaningful action is needed if meaningful change is to occur.
“But it is also clear, given the events around the England national team, taking the knee in this tournament matters as a symbol of solidarity.”
‘HIGH FIVE, POPPY’
Scotland ace John McGinn has applauded a schoolgirl who won a bid to have the Euro 2020 games screened in class with an adorable letter.
The Aston Villa midfielder gave a video shoutout to Clydebank youngster Poppy Lord for her ‘amazing’ note which netted backing from the headteacher.
Poppy argued the clashes are ‘more than just a game’ and will inspire her St Stephen’s Primary School classmates to achieve their dreams.
Click here to read more
Scotland ace John McGinn applauds Clydebank schoolgirl who won bid to screen Euro 2020 games in class with cute letterPICKED EUR WINNERS
Euro 2020 kicks-off TODAY!
And players, pundits, managers and our very own Sun readers have had their say on who they think is going to win Uefa’s flagship international competition this summer.
England fans are desperate to end 55 years of hurt while French supporters are hoping Les Bleus can add to their 2018 World Cup glory with back to back major honours.
And SunSport has collated the thoughts of the great and good of British football including YOU our readers.
So here is who Jose Mourinho, Alex Scott, Gary Neville & Co think is going to win this summer.
Click here to read more
RUSS BACK
Slaven Bilic has questioned England’s mentality ahead of their Euro 2020 opener against Croatia.
The Three Lions led Sunday’s opponents in the World Cup semi-final three years ago.
He told The Telegraph: “Mentality. Remember the World Cup semi-final?
“In the first-half England dominated, were 1-0 up and it should have been 2-0. But as soon as we scored an equaliser it was game over for you.
“There was nobody on the pitch who said, ‘Wait, wait, we have time’. It was gone.”
RAM RACE
Aaron Ramsey drafted in his own medical team to ensure he can play a full part in another Wales Euro fairytale.
The Juventus midfielder arrived at the Dragons camp last month suffering from muscle fatigue – a problem he had encountered five times in the Italian season.
So during a warm weather training trip to Portugal, and in Cardiff, he brought in his trusted people to nurse him back to fitness.
Former Arsenal favourite Ramsey gave fans a scare when he sat out training yesterday – but he is confident the extra lengths he has gone to will pay off.
Wales take on Switzerland in their opening game in Baku tomorrow and he is hoping to play some part.
Click here to read more
Credit: Getty Images – Getty
SAY NO MOUR
Ex-Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that he texted Harry Kane to wish him luck ahead of Euro 2020.
Mourinho, 58, told talkSPORT: “I did message yesterday. Now it’s time to [stand back].
“Now it’s time to close the door and leave them in their room with family and close friends.
“From my side, when a player is my boy, he’s my boy even when we don’t work together.”
JOSE PICKS ENGLAND TEAM
Speaking to talkSPORT, Jose Mourinho has picked his England side to face Croatia on Sunday.
Thoughts?
SCOTLAND WON’T TAKE THE KNEE
Scotland’s players have decided not to take the knee at Euro 2020.
The team held a meeting earlier this week to discuss what they should do.
Skipper Robertson said: “It is important we continue to tackle the issue of racism and raise awareness of the need to change people’s mindsets but also their behaviours.
“Prior to our World Cup qualifiers in March we spoke as a group and felt that taking a stand was the best way for us to show solidarity and also to reinforce the need for meaningful change in society.”
IRISH LIONS
A giant mural of England stars Jack Grealish and Declan Rice has appeared – in Ireland.
The two players featured the the Irish in the junior national sides – Rice even making three appearances in friendlies.
But the two Premier League stars opted to switch allegiance to England, and are key components of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad.
Leading bookmaker Paddy Power could not resist having a cheeky pop at the par commissioning a stunning artwork in Dublin’s Fenian St.
The mural is emblazoned with the words ‘Come On You Boys In White’ and features paintings of the players.
But it is ultimately all for a good cause – the bookie has a special ‘Backstabber Bonus’ where they will donate £20,000 to Irish football for each goal scored by the two.
And they will also hand over £10,000 every time England score a goal in the tournament – with a minimum payout of £100,000.
COOPER WARY OF COVID
Scotland defender Liam Cooper is aware of the threat Covid-19 poses to the team’s chances at Euro 2020.
The 29-year-old, who’s previously had the virus, told the Scottish Sun: “I don’t know if I could get it again but we still follow the precautions around the place.
“We still wear masks. If you did contract it now you’d be in serious trouble. That would be your Euros over.
“We had a few days off there but I don’t think the lads got up to much because they knew what was at risk.
“I had my family tested before I got back from Spain just to be cautious. Speaking to a few of the lads, they’ve done the same.
“I think you’d be stupid to go out there and see people, knowing what’s at risk.
“You’ve got the chance of a lifetime to go and play for your country in the Euros.
“The lads are pretty switched on and everyone’s PCR tests have come back negative.
“We’re sticking to the precautions. Dr MacLean has been unbelievable with us. Nothing is too much to ask.”
PLAY OUR EUROS GAME
WIN £50,000 with Dream Team Euros
Dream Team Euros is HERE!
The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
Dream Team Euros
- £50,000 jackpot
- The best fantasy football game this summer
- Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
- FREE to play
CASHING IN
England players will share a £12MILLION bonus between them if they win the Euros.
But the Three Lions stars will have to wait until the autumn for the money because of rules attached to Bank of England loans to the FA.
The £12m works out at £461,000 per player which blasts out the water the £217k each they got for reaching the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
England’s players also receive £2,000 match fees for each appearance which are donated to charity.
The Three Lions’ bonus pot is the largest it has ever been for a major tournament after Uefa upped the total prize fund to £393m – a 24 per cent increase on Euro 2016.
Prize money is paid incrementally in line with each country’s tournament progress with the winners pocketing a cool £30m if they win every group game.
The FA will keep 60 per cent of any winnings with the remainder going to the players under an agreement reached with England’s leadership group, according to the Mail.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
There have been 15 European Championships in the past – and 10 different winners.
Here is the competition’s illustrious roll of honour:
- Germany/West Germany (winners in 1972, 1980, 1996)
- Spain (1964, 2008, 2012)
- France (1984, 2000)
- Soviet Union (1960)
- Italy (1968)
- Portugal (2016)
- Czechoslovakia (1976)
- Holland (1988)
- Denmark (1992)
- Greece (2004)
EURO 2020 TEAM GUIDE
Football has come home… at last!
The Euros are here, and with eight games at Wembley and three at Scotland’s Hampden Park, fans are really being treated in the UK.
England last hosted a major tournament 25 years ago for Euro 1996 – one current boss Gareth Southgate won’t need reminding about.
The gaffer missed the crucial penalty in the semi-final against Germany as the Three Lions fell agonisingly short.
Now Southgate is hoping to lead his youthful and exuberant squad to glory under the Wembley arch.
The coronavirus pandemic delayed the tournament for a year – but now there’s no stopping the Beautiful Game taking centre stage.
Here, SunSport takes a look at the big players at the festival of football that kicks off tonight at the Stadio Olympico in Rome with Turkey against Italy.
Click here to read our Euro 2020 team guide
TODAY’S THE DAY
Happy Euro 2020 day!
The tournament starts TONIGHT with Turkey vs Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Kick-off is at 8pm UK time.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
