THE club season is nearly over…which can only mean Euro 2020 is coming your way!
We’ll be bringing up you ALL of the latest news and developments ahead of the big summer tournament right here.
WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
MORE FROM TIERNEY
The £25million Scotland star will board a plane on Thursday with the rest of a 26-man squad bound for a Spanish training camp to prepare for friendlies against Holland and Luxembourg.
Then, it will be the huge Group D fixtures against the Czech Republic, England and Croatia.
Tierney, 24 on Saturday week, added: “The injury happened at a time I was feeling great. I’d just got back from the Scotland camp where I’d done well.
“I had to wait three or four days before I got the news from the Arsenal physio Jordan Reece it was a grade two ligament problem and I’d be six weeks out.
“He told me: ‘You’ll be fine for the Euros. You don’t need to worry about that’.
“It was still disappointing to be out — but it was also relief it wasn’t for far longer.
“Thankfully, surgery wasn’t needed. I actually got back playing within four and a half weeks which was crazy and now I’m feeling great again and ready for the Euros.”
HARRY UP
Garteh Southgate has lifted the lid on why injured Harry Maguire was included in his 33-man England provisional squad for Euro 2020.
Maguire’s ankle problem saw him miss Manchester United’s Europa League final against Villarreal, though he was surprisingly named on the bench.
Southgate said: “We had an initial assessment on Maguire, which was positive in terms of the tournament, but there was always a little bit more swelling and further investigation needed.
“When you’ve got a European final and information for the opposition is so tight, and things do leak, I understand why clubs want to keep their cards close to their chest.
‘It’s made it a bit more difficult for us but I don’t have a problem with United.
“We’ve got some injuries that are at various stages, (with) a couple that we have very little information about at the moment.”
KNEE BOTHER
The FA are setting up plans to stop fans booing players taking a knee at Euro 2020, according to reports.
Since supporters have returned to stadiums this month, there have been a spate of incidents of some booing players taking the knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Ahead of Euro 2020, the FA is now thinking up ways to help prevent the protesting, according to The Telegraph.
One idea in the works is to release a film education fans as the the reason why England players will take a knee during the delayed tournament.
Euro 2020 will see the Three Lions play in front of fans for the first time since footballers began taking a knee before games.
And the number of matches where the gesture has been booed since a limited number of supporters were allowed into grounds – including the final day of the Premier League season – has worried the FA.
MIDFIELD BATTLE
Gareth Southgate has declared that Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold could easily feature in midfield at Euro 2020.
He told BBC Radio 4: “I think there’s no doubt he could.
“The difficulty is he hasn’t had the opportunity to do that since he was a younger player and that’s where he came through in Liverpool’s academy.
“He’s a fantastic passer of the ball and has great passing vision. So he’s a playmaker from right-back.
“So why wouldn’t that lend itself at some point of his career to being in midfield?”
COAT OF ARMS
England boss Gareth Southgate has revealed his iconic waistcoat will not be worn at Euro 2020.
Having sported the piece of clothing at the 2018 World Cup, Marks & Spencer’s saw an increase of 35 per cent in waistcoat sales.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4 today, Southgate said: “It was a lovely moment to have that connection with the public.
“I haven’t worn a waistcoat on it’s own since.
“I don’t think I’ll be wearing a waistcoat this summer.”
TIER JERKER
EXCLUSIVE: Kieran Tierney heard his knee ‘pop’ — and feared his Euros dream was over.
The Arsenal star crashed to the ground in agony after a collision with Liverpool midfielder James Milner in a 3-0 home defeat on April 3.
Feeling sharp pain from his left knee, Tierney became deeply concerned he could be destined for the operating theatre.
He said: “I heard the pop from my knee and it immediately went through my mind ‘Is this bad? Is this my season done?’
“I was worried about it being long term. Arsenal were on course for a European final and I didn’t want to miss the ties we had coming up or the end to the season.
“Then there was Scotland and the Euros. There was everything to play for.”
MIDFIELD MAESTROS
Five fantastic European Championship performances from these midfielders in the last five tournaments.
But who gets your vote as being the best?
Vote below.
AWAY WITH IT
Uefa club supremos will discuss plans to axe the away goals rule today.
SunSport revealed last month that Europe’s Club Competitions Committee was ready to change the much-criticised rule.
But a proposal for away goals to count extra in the first 90 minutes of the second leg was parked.
It was felt that stopping the advantage of away goals in extra-time would be too confusing.
Instead, panel members will debate scrapping the rule, originally introduced in the 1965-66 season.
Uefa is understood to be ‘neutral’ over the proposal, which must be approved by the ruling executive committee.
If club chiefs agree, it could end for 2021-22 European competitions.
WAN OF A KIND
Former Manchester United and England star Andrew Cole believes that Aaron Wan-Bissaka was unlucky not to make Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man Euro 2020 squad.
He told talkSPORT 2: “When anyone gets mentioned regarding the right-back position, they always say they’re not sure about players defensively, especially Alexander-Arnold.
“Wan-Bissaka is the opposite. Defensively, he’s brilliant.
“Going forward, he doesn’t attack as good as he rest of the boys.
“But defensively, he’s up there with the best of them.”
AMPED UP
Ethan Ampadu is fully focused on Wales’ Euro 2020 journey amid speculation surrounding his Chelsea future.
He said: “It’s a big summer – but it’s a big summer for whoever gets the chance at the Euros.
“It’s not a distraction for me. I’ve not been thinking of what can happen next year, because you never know, if you can perform to a new level that might change things.
“For now it’s just concentrating on the now for Wales and doing as best as I can.
“There’s been discussions throughout the season about the season, but not necessarily going forward. Hopefully this summer can be a big summer so that’s what the concentration is on.”
GOOD MORNING EUROS FANS
Gareth Bale’s agent has rubbished reports in Spain that the Welsh star was hoping to retire after Euro 2020.
Spanish outlet ABC have claimed today that the Welshman is preparing to quit football at the end of Euro 2020.
It stated the ex-Southampton ace wanted to hang up his boots and attempt to forge a career as a pro golfer.
However, his agent Jonathan Barnett shot those rumours out of the water when asked about them by talkSPORT.
He said: “Sorry, I don’t speak about rubbish reporting.”
Meanwhile, Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Gareth Southgate’s decision not to include Patrick Bamford in his provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2020.
He told talkSPORT: “Bamford is very unlucky not to make it, but the sort of striker he is, Greenwood is better, Kane is better, and he’s similar to them.
“He’s not similar to Calvert-Lewin or Watkins, they can run the channels, they’re pests, they’ve got hold-up play. They’re different strikers.
“Bamford was in competition with Kane and Greenwood, and he’s not going to get in ahead of them.”
And finally, Ondrej Kudela has LOST his appeal after racially abusing Rangers star Glen Kamara – putting him out of this summer’s Euro 2020.
Slavia Prague’s Kudela was hit with a 10-match ban by European football’s governing body after he was found guilty of the comments towards the Gers midfielder at Ibrox in March in a Europa League tie.
That appeared to rule the veteran out of his side’s matches at the tournament this summer.
And that has proven to be the case after Uefa’s appeals committee heard evidence from several of his team-mates on video conference call this morning.
The Czech Republic controversially left open a Euros place for the disgraced defender in the hope he won his appeal.
But now, Uefa have dismissed that case after today’s hearing, meaning he WON’T feature at all against England in the Euros.
SWISS ARMY
Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic has warned against unrealistic expectations at the Euros.
He told Swiss newspaper Neue Zurcher Zeitung: “When it comes to us, everyone is talking about the European Championship quarter-finals.
“That is arrogant, there is a lack of respect for our opponents in the first round, and for the possible opponent in the round of 16.
“First we have to play, then we can talk. Spain, France, Germany or other bigger nations may be able to look at things differently, but not us.”
ZLAT’S THAT
AC Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has avoided a ban from Uefa for having a financial interest in a betting company.
The Swedish striker has been fined €50,000 – around £43,000 – but will be able to play for the Serie A side in next season’s Champions League.
Despite evading suspension, Ibrahimovic will NOT represent Sweden at Euro 2020 after picking up an injury late in the season.
PAT-TRICK
Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Gareth Southgate’s decision not to include Patrick Bamford in his provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2020.
He told talkSPORT: “Bamford is very unlucky not to make it, but the sort of striker he is, Greenwood is better, Kane is better, and he’s similar to them.
“He’s not similar to Calvert-Lewin or Watkins, they can run the channels, they’re pests, they’ve got hold-up play. They’re different strikers.
“Bamford was in competition with Kane and Greenwood, and he’s not going to get in ahead of them.”
SPAIN’S EURO 2020 SQUAD
The full 26-man squad:
- GK: Jasper Cillessen
- Tim Krul
- Maarten Stekelenburg
- Patrick van Aanholt
- Nathan Ake
- Daley Blind
- Denzel Dumfries
- Matthijs de Ligt
- Jurrien Timber
- Joel Veltman
- Stefan de Vrij
- Owen Wijndal
- Donny van de Beek
- Ryan Gravenberch
- Frenkie de Jong
- Davy Klaassen
- Teun Koopmeiners
- Marten de Roon
- Georginio Wijnaldum
- Steven Berghuis
- Cody Gakpo
- Luuk De Jong
- Donyell Malen
- Memphis Depay
- Quincy Promes
- Wout Weghorst
SPURRED ON
Gareth Bale’s agent has rubbished reports in Spain that the Welsh star was hoping to retire after Euro 2020.
Spanish outlet ABC have claimed today that the Welshman is preparing to quit football at the end of Euro 2020.
It stated the ex-Southampton ace wanted to hang up his boots and attempt to forge a career as a pro golfer.
However, his agent Jonathan Barnett shot those rumours out of the water when asked about them by talkSPORT.
He said: “Sorry, I don’t speak about rubbish reporting.”
TEAM NEWS
Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford are both starting for Manchester United tonight ahead of joining England’s Euro Squad next week.
And in a huge boost to Gareth Southgate and the Three Lions, Harry Maguire is fit enough for the bench.
RACE RAP
Ondrej Kudela has LOST his appeal after racially abusing Rangers star Glen Kamara – putting him out of this summer’s Euro 2020.
Slavia Prague’s Kudela was hit with a 10-match ban by European football’s governing body after he was found guilty of the comments towards the Gers midfielder at Ibrox in March in a Europa League tie.
That appeared to rule the veteran out of his side’s matches at the tournament this summer.
And that has proven to be the case after Uefa’s appeals committee heard evidence from several of his team-mates on video conference call this morning.
The Czech Republic controversially left open a Euros place for the disgraced defender in the hope he won his appeal.
But now, Uefa have dismissed that case after today’s hearing, meaning he WON’T feature at all against Scotland in the Euros.
WAGS WARNED
England’s Wags and families will be banned from seeing the England players in the team hotel for the duration of the Euros.
Gareth Southgate said: “We’re not going to be able to let people in.
“There’s a clear edict from Uefa on what the bubbles need to look like to be as secure as we can make them.
“It’s never going to be 100 per cent failsafe but we’ve got to comply with as much as we can.
“We’re hoping that we might at some point be able to let the players have a little bit of time at home.
“But that’s constantly being assessed. It’d be a preference for us if we can.
“But of course, we’ve got to monitor not only our own situations, but where we are as a country, what are the variants, what the government guidelines are.
“That’s we hope to do that and we’re working towards that, but it is going to be limited access which we have to accept is going to be harder for some players to cope with than for others.
“You know everybody’s going to react to that and respond to that differently.”
BERG OUT
Tottenham star Steven Bergwijn is the major casualty of the Netherlands’ Euro 2021 squad but there is room for Brighton defender Joel Veltman.
IT’S COMING HOME
Here’s a reminder of England’s provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2020. Gareth Southgate will narrow that down to 26 on Tuesday.
DRIVEN MAAD
Brendan Rodgers claims James Maddison’s injury-plagued season cost him his place in England’s Euro’s squad.
He said: “James has been unfortunate the way the season has panned out.
“He didn’t start the season and it was difficult for him but then he got a run of games and was exceptional.
“He was creating and scoring goals. It was looking very good for him. Then, he’s picked up the injury and he hasn’t got back to the level of fitness he needs.”
KAN DO ATTITUDE
France’s Euro 2020 hopes have received a massive boost after N’Golo Kante returned to Chelsea training today.
The midfielder took part in training on day one of the build-up to Saturday’s Champions League final clash with Manchester City.
Inspirational midfielder Kante has been struggling with a hamstring problem to the extent he missed Sunday’s Premier League finale at Aston Villa.
SunSports understands the Frenchman and compatriot Edouard Mendy both took part in full training with the rest of the group and then did a session on their own.
SPAIN’S EURO 2020 SQUAD
The full 24-man squad:
- GK: David de Gea (Manchester United)
- GK: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao)
- GK: Robert Sánchez (Brighton & Hove Albion)
- DF: Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City)
- DF: Jordi Alba (Barcelona)
- DF: Jose Gaya (Valencia)
- DF: Pau Torres (Villarreal)
- DF: Diego Llorente (Leeds United)
- DF: Eric García (Manchester City)
- DF: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
- MF: Sergio Busquet (Barcelona)
- MF: Koke (Atletico Madrid)
- MF: Marcos Llorenta (Atletico Madrid)
- MF: Thiago (Liverpool)
- MF: Rodri (Manchester City)
- MF: Fabian (Napoli)
- MF: Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid)
- FW: Alvaro Morata (Juventus)
- FW: Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)
- FW: Gerard Moreno (Villareal)
- FW: Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig)
- FW: Pedri (Barcelona)
- FW: Ferran Torres (Manchester City)
- FW: Adama Traore (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
- FW: Pablo Sarabia (Paris Saint-Germain)
PORTUGAL’S EURO 2020 SQUAD
The full 26-man squad:
- GK: Anthony Lopes (Lyon)
- GK: Jose Sa (Olympiacos)
- GK: Rui Silva (Granada)
- DF: Jose Fonte (Lille)
- DF: Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
- DF: Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
- DF: Nélson Semedo (Wolves)
- DF: Pepe (Porto)
- DF: Nuno Mendes (Sporting CP)
- DF: Raphael Guerreiro (Dortmund)
- MF: Joao Moutinho (Wolves)
- MF: Danilo Pereira (Paris Saint-Germain)
- MF: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
- MF: Renato Sanches (Lille)
- MF: Ruben Neves (Wolves)
- MF: Sergio Oliveira (Porto)
- MF: Joao Palhinha (Sporting Lisbon)
- MF: William Carvalho (Real Betis)
- FW: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)
- FW: Andre Silva (Eintracht Frankfurt)
- FW: Pedro Gonçalves (Sporting CP)
- FW: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
- FW: Gonçalo Guedes (Valencia)
- FW: Rafa Silva (Benfica)
- FW: Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid)
- FW: Diogo Jota (Liverpool)
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
