GARETH BALE is ready to announce his retirement after Euro 2020, according to stunning reports from Spain.
Meanwhile the Spanish national team were held to a 0-0 draw by Portugal in a pre-tournament clash of the Iberian titans.
Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
BALE OUT
Gareth Bale is ready to call it a day after Euro 2020, according to stunning reports in Spain.
Though the Welshman played his best football under new Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, he is not said to be keen on another season with Los Blancos.
And Marca state that if nothing changes, Bale will announce his retirement from professional football at the age of 31 once the tournament is over.
The Wales captain his one year left of his £19m contract at Real Madrid, but the 13-time Champions League winners are reportedly not likely to stand in his way if he wants to call it quite.
FULL PREM RELEASE LIST
Big names could be on their way out this summer – after Premier League clubs revealed their released list.
Here’s our FULL GUIDE.
MOURINHO’S GUIDE TO EACH TEAM
New SunSport columnist Jose Mourinho has given his expert rundown on all the contenders at this summer’s Euros.
Click HERE to read his detailed analysis.
JOSE: SPURS DROUGHT CAN FIRE UP HARRY
Jose Mourinho has backed Harry Kane to use his Tottenham trophy drought to fire him up for the Euros.
Despite his fine goalscoring form, England skipper Kane has endured another frustrating trophy-less season with Spurs – and is eyeing a move away this summer.
But old boss Mourinho believes the striker’s pain will stand him in good stead to lead the Three Lions on home turf.
Mourinho said: “Harry (Kane) is the one that has on his shoulders a lot.
“The country expects a lot from him. He expects a lot from himself.
“He’s the captain and he wants to win something. He’s not doing that with the club, so, of course, he’s going to try everything he can to do it with the Three Lions.”
SPAIN 0 PORTUGAL 0
Cristiano Ronaldo was booed at every touch to prove he is still the main man at the Euros.
Portugal’s stellar captain is poised to play in a record fifth championship.
The three Group F games alone will give him the most appearances at the tournament with 59 – which includes qualifying.
Now 36, Ronaldo is still leading the line for his country who kick off the defence of their Euro 2016 title against Hungary on June 15.
But the normally lethal finisher will have to wait for his 104th international goal after missing a sitter against local rivals Spain in a warm up.
Frustrated Ronaldo was unmarked but sent a header wide of the post from a 69th minute free kick.
Liverpool’s Diogo Jota also missed a golden chance to score with a diving header that flew over the crossbar in the second half.
Manchester City’s Ferran Torres also headed wide in the 28th minute at the back post when unmarked.
But ex-Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata was most guilty as he fluffed a series of opportunities to give Spain a winning warm up in a lively match which was overseen by Premier League ref Craig Pawson.
EU CAN WIN AT HOME
PAUL INCE knows exactly what a strong England performance at a major tournament can do for public morale.
The former Manchester United star was the lynchpin of England’s midfield when they reached the semi-finals of Euro ’96, losing an agonising penalty shoot-out to the Germans.
Speaking at the launch of the Paddy Park at Flat Iron Square in London, Ince remembered what it was like to play in a home tournament.
He told SunSport: “We’d not had a tournament for 30 years – since [the World Cup in 1966] – and that’s a long time.
“Everyone was ready for it, the sun was shining and songs were coming out.
“It was just an iconic time. The positivity that was coming out of our nation, not just football fans but people in general.
“It brought togetherness and the more games we won the more everyone got excited.
“It [Euro ’96] did so much for our country – and this is what these players can do. We’ve had such a bad, horrendous time with the pandemic. We need to have a smile on our faces… The players know that.”
FINALISTS ARRIVE
All seven England stars that featured in the Champions League final last week have reported for training ahead of Sunday’s friendly against Romania.
The Chelsea and Manchester City players were given extra time off to be with their families following the clash which was won by the Blues.
Chelsea heroes Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell and Reece James started in Portugal, where they squared off against the Citizens’ John Stones, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling.
But all players will be looking to put their rivalry behind them as they gear up for the start of Euro 2020 next week.
And the late arrivals to the camp looked to be in a chipper mood with all men in contention to feature against Romania at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium.
Boss Gareth Southgate will be delighted to see them link up with the rest of his squad following the news that Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the tournament.
The Liverpool right-back went off late on against Austria on Wednesday with a thigh injury that will see him ruled out for six weeks.
TALKS TO EASE FAN LIMITS IN KO STAGES
Uefa are reportedly in discussion with the UK government over easing fan limits for the the Euro 2020 knockout stages.
Sky Sports say the talks focus on reducing coronavirus quarantine restrictions on overseas supporters.
MBAPPE’S REAL WARNING AS A KID
PSG striker Kylian Mbappe has revealed his parents talked him out of moving abroad when he was 14.
The French striker has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer after an impressive season in Ligue 1.
Speaking to L’Obs, Mbappe said: “My parents wanted me to start my career in France, to be educated in France.
“To play football, but also to continue my education. To go to Spain, even if it was with Zidane, it was another country, another culture.”
And according to Spanish newspaper Marca, Real were the club that wanted to take Mbappe from his native France.
The news comes after ex-Chelsea scout Daniel Boga revealed the Blues turned down the chance to sign the striker in 2012.
The 22-year-old also discussed his future, telling the French magazine: “I always want to set myself challenges, because that allows you not to relax.
“Being on the pitch feeds me, it’s how I recharge. Thanks to that, I have the energy to face the other aspects of football.”
CITY’S SUPER SIX
Manchester City have an incredible SIX players in the PFA Team of the Year for 2020-21 – but none of them are forwards.
Pep Guardiola’s side stormed to the Premier League title, winning their third crown in four years.
But the Etihad chief is fully aware he needs to sign an elite striker this season – and the PFA XI conclusively proves that.
The Team of the Year is packed with City stars, including FOUR of the back-five, including the goalkeeper.
Ederson is joined by Joao Cancelo, John Stones and Ruben Dias in defence – with Manchester United ace Luke Shaw the only non-City star in the back-line.
The midfield is an all-Manchester affair too, with Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan partnering Bruno Fernandes in an attacking trio.
But in attack, there are no City – or United – players on show.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah teams up with Tottenham duo Harry Kane and Son Heung-min in an exciting front three.
CITY’S SUPER SIX
Manchester City have an incredible SIX players in the PFA Team of the Year for 2020-21 – but none of them are forwards.
Pep Guardiola’s side stormed to the Premier League title, winning their third crown in four years.
But the Etihad chief is fully aware he needs to sign an elite striker this season – and the PFA XI conclusively proves that.
The Team of the Year is packed with City stars, including FOUR of the back-five, including the goalkeeper.
Ederson is joined by Joao Cancelo, John Stones and Ruben Dias in defence – with Manchester United ace Luke Shaw the only non-City star in the back-line.
The midfield is an all-Manchester affair too, with Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan partnering Bruno Fernandes in an attacking trio.
But in attack, there are no City – or United – players on show.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah teams up with Tottenham duo Harry Kane and Son Heung-min in an exciting front three.
AMAZING SNAPS OF YOUNG RONALDO
AS he looked through the lens of a camera that was taking a snap to complete his first registration card for the FA of Funchal, even Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t have expected this would be the start of a glorious football career.
Aged just seven, a young CR7 looks a far-cry from the pristinely presented football god we know today, now 36 and set to lead Portugal’s forward line at Euro 2020.
The boy Ronaldo, with his bushy hair and awkward smile, could only have dreamed of being a Ballon d’Or-winner then – a feat he has achieved five times so far.
But it set the tone for the man who would go on to become a legend for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Portugal.
TRENT ‘GUTTED’
Trent Alexander-Arnold has posted on Instagram that he is ‘absolutely gutted’ to be out of Euro 2020.
Having fought so hard to get back into the England squad, the Liverpool defender is out for six weeks after tearing a muscle in the friendly against Austria.
KANE URGED TO MAKE SPAIN MOVE
Gary Lineker has admitted he would like to see Harry Kane follow in his footsteps and sign for Barcelona.
A host of English clubs are chasing the Tottenham man but fellow ex-Spurs striker Lineker would be interested to see him move abroad.
He told Goal: “I would love to see him at Barcelona but they are going for Aguero and are short on cash at the moment.
“I think it is between Manchester City, Manchester United and maybe PSG.
“They have [Mauricio] Pochettino and he would win things, guaranteed.
“I think it is more likely that one of the Manchester clubs can afford him outside of Chelsea. I don’t think he would go to Chelsea and do that to the Tottenham fans but who knows?”
TRENT KO
Trent Alexander-Arnold has received countless messages wishing him well after being ruled out of Euro 2020.
EXCLUSIVE
Ed Sheeran is finally making a music comeback by unveiling his latest song at a huge gig, I can exclusively reveal, writes Simon Boyle.
The superstar, who has been on hiatus for 18 months, has signed up to play at TikTok’s UEFA Euro 2020 Show this month at the grounds of his beloved Ipswich Town.
And fans worried they won’t be able to get tickets to the show at Portman Road needn’t worry, as it will be free to stream.
The TikTok concert comes after I revealed Ed had signed a deal to become the face of the video app.
An insider said: “Ed’s major deal was all linked up to this gig — and its going to be amazing. The venue holds a very special place in Ed’s heart.
“As well as singing some of his classic songs, he will be performing his as-yet-unheard single for the first time ever. Ed has kept details of the track, including the name, under wraps but fans are in for a real treat.”
The show takes place at 9pm on Friday, June 25 — and fans can watch it live for free simply by downloading the TikTok app.
PUNDITS TALE OF THE TAPE
The BBC and ITV are set to go head-to-head this summer in broadcasting Euro 2020.
Who do you think will deliver the best coverage?
We compared the line-ups’ top pundits…
How the top pundits of the two channels stack up against each other MUNICH CALLING
Bavaria state officials have given the green light for Munich’s Allianz Arena to host 14,000 spectators during Euro 2020.
Uefa had demanded venues allow at least some fans into matches despite the coronavirus pandemic.
And Bavaria’s state premier Markus Soeder has now confirmed: “With a strict sanitary protocol, tests and masks, the stadium will be allowed to fill up to 20 percent capacity, or about 14,000 spectators.”
Germany’s three group games will take place at the stadium, against France, Portugal and Hungary, before the city hosts a quarter-final.
YAN THE MAN
Yannick Carrasco gatecrashed Eden Hazard’s interview just to troll him about the 2020-21 LaLiga title race.
The pair are currently on Belgium duty as they prepare for this summer’s European Championship.
But despite kicking off a long summer as team-mates, with Roberto Martinez’s men chasing a first-ever major tournament win, Atletico Madrid star Carrasco couldn’t resist poking fun of his pal.
And as Real Madrid’s Hazard sat down for a televised interview, Carrasco stormed the set, got right up in his face and chanted: “Campeones, campeones, ole, ole, ole…”
Clearly a bit miffed, the Real Madrid star recoiled and eventually forced a smile – but his furious eyes gave away his real feelings.
Flipping from French to Spanish, Hazard begrudgingly mumbled: “Very good, very good. Congratulations, friend, incredible.”
Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco gatecrashes Real ace Eden Hazard’s interview and boasts about LaLiga title winEVENING ENTERTAINMENT
Lots of footy to keep you interested if you’re staying in this Friday night.
Portugal host Spain for a fascinating pre-Euros friendly (6.30pm) Italy take on Czech Republic at 7.45pm.
Group B minnows Finland are in action versus Estonia at 5pm while Cameroon face Nigeria in Vienna (7.30pm).
And Wales’ Under-21s face Moldova in a European qualifier at 7.30pm.
TAA REACTION
Trent Alexander-Arnold has posted on Instagram that he is ‘absolutely gutted’ to be out of Euro 2020.
Having fought so hard to get back into the England squad, the Liverpool defender is out for six weeks after tearing a muscle in the friendly against Austria.
CRAZY CROAT
Marcelo Brozovic is preparing to fire Croatia to success against England and Scotland in Group D.
How is the Inter Milan midfielder preparing for the Euros? A spot of tree climbing. Because, obviously…
CILLESSEN FURY
Jasper Cillessen has hit out at Netherlands boss Frank de Boer after he dropped the Valencia goalkeeper from his Euro 2020 squad following a positive Covid test.
He told De Telegraaf: “De Boer knew then that I had tested positive. He then said in Portugal on Sunday that I would join the group immediately if the result of my daily rapid test was negative.
“If necessary, I would only join after the training camp. I really have no idea what has changed.
“The rules allow substitutes for goalkeepers during the tournament and there was still plenty of time.
“I had Covid symptoms for a day, but otherwise zero problems. And then they say I’m not fit? The national coach and I will never agree on that.
“I have never felt so powerless, angry, and terrible.”
WAN TO WATCH
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has spoken of how he can improve after missing out on England’s Euro 2020 squad.
The Three Lions’ embarrassment of right-back riches has made the Manchester United defender to wait for his chance.
He told the club website: “Every game, every step, that’s how I take it, to improve and push myself throughout.
“I feel I’ve done okay. I can feel it in myself, the confidence and excitement of when every game comes up. You want to play, you can’t wait to get the game started. You know what the team’s capable of, the performances we can all put together to get the result we want.”
“My goal was a good feeling. I’ll never forget that. That’s the good moment out of this campaign, for me.”
Credit: Getty DUFF PREDICTION
Former Ireland winger Damien Duff has outlined how England could be heading out of Euro 2020 in quick fashion.
Tipping France to win the tournament, the ex-Chelsea star told RTE: “They play Croatia first. Croatia could do them.
“And Scotland – close to my heart – Scotland could put England out in the second game. They’ve a good solid squad. They’ve a lot of Celtic players who are really well coached, top players.
“The Scots are not going to go and take the game to teams, they’re going to sit back and frustrate.
“They’ll do that with England. Maybe, I’m a dreamer but the second game, England could be out and Scotland could go through.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
