TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD went off injured in worrying scenes for England, despite a win over Austria.
Bukayo Saka scored the only goal as the Three Lions secured a victory at the Riverside.
And Scotland earned a commendable draw against the Netherlands as Memphis Depay equalised for the Dutch in the last minute.
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Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
ENGLAND UNITED
Manchester United’s players are due to join the group on Thursday, with Luke Shaw, Dean Henderson and Marcus Rashford joining up along with injured Harry Maguire following the Europa League final loss to Villarreal.
Chelsea and Manchester City are set to follow in the coming days after last Saturday’s Champions League final clash in Porto as preparations continue at England’s north-east base ahead of Sunday’s final friendly against Romania.
“All the (omitted) players are going to stay with us through to the end of Sunday’s game anyway,” Gareth Southgate said. “Obviously we’ll make an assessment on the whole squad once we’ve got through that game.
“I’m very conscious we’ve got another 90 minutes to get through and that alone is a bit of a challenge for us, really.”
MAGIC CR7
Records Ronaldo could break at EURO 2020
Most finals campaigns
Seventeen men have appeared in four EURO tournaments, beginning with Lothar Matthäus and Peter Schmeichel back in 2000.
Ronaldo is among them and he will strike out alone if he features this summer. He is the last man standing of the 11 who notched up number four in 2016.
Most finals goals
Ronaldo marked his EURO debut against Greece on 12 June 2004 with a goal – his first for Portugal! – and has since registered eight more across 21 finals appearances.
A tally of nine means he heads into UEFA EURO 2020 level with France’s Michel Platini, whose goals all came at EURO ’84.
Most appearances (including qualifying)
Ronaldo needs three more appearances to surpass Gianluigi Buffon’s all-time high of 58 appearances in EURO competition, qualifying and finals – the 36-year-old could end the tournament on 63 matches.
His 56 to date have resulted in 36 wins, 12 draws and eight defeats.
58 Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)
56 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
51 Mario Frick (Liechtenstein)Oldest scorer in a final
Just one player aged over 30 has scored in a EURO final.
Bernd Hölzenbein was 30 years and 103 days old when he headed West Germany’s late equaliser against Czechoslovakia in 1976 to prompt extra time and, ultimately, a penalty shoot-out win.
Ronaldo will be aged 36 years and 156 days on 11 July, date of the EURO 2020 decider.
HOLD UP
Dutch football fans were confused and worried after manager Frank de Boer’s slip of the tongue.
The Holland boss made a major gaffe when answering questions after the 2-2 draw with Scotland.
De Boer was asked about his team’s 5-3-2 formation and who he would play down the right flank with the Euros looming.
And the Holland manager’s answer left people scratching their heads.
De Boer said: “Queensy Menig could possibly go there, of course.”
But the 25-year-old FC Twente winger isn’t even in De Boer’s final squad for the Euros.
Dutch media report that the manager must have been referring to Quincy Promes.
But it still left some supporters worried ahead of this summer’s tournament.
One tweeted: “A dismal coaching record after Ajax, poor communication skills, and very little self-reflection makes him the least likely to succeed Oranje manager – ever. But stranger things have happened.”
TIPS FOR EU
The wait is almost over – Euro 2020 starts on June 11.
The cream of the crop from around Europe are set to battle it out over a frantic four-week schedule, culminating in a final showdown at Wembley.
Tournament winners
It’s tough to split the top five in the market, with France, England, Belgium, Germany and Spain the front runners.
But we feel this youthful England side is a couple of years too early to end all those years of hurt – and therefore our pick for overall winner are reigning world champions France (9/2).
Top goalscorer
There’s a clear front-runner in the market here – and Harry Kane deserves to be.
The 2018 World Cup Golden Boot winner was the top scorer in this season’s Premier League with 23 goals.
Player of the tournament
Beaten semi-finalists in the World Cup three years ago, Belgium have the market leader for player of the tournament in their ranks.
they will look to former Man Utd and Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku for goals.
The 28-year-old striker has been a revelation for Inter Milan since heading to Italy, netting over 60 times in two seasons.
At a whopping 20/1, he’s a real value bet in this market.
IT’LL BE AL-RIGHT
John Barnes believes England’s incredible depth at right-back will significantly lessen the blow of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury.
He told BonusCodeBets.co.uk: “I’ve never known such a fervour about one position on a football pitch before Trent got injured – and you could say it is probably lucky we already had three others in the squad!
“He is one of our best right-backs, but we have so many options in that position, so it’s actually not a great loss to England.
“It’s obviously extremely sad for Trent and I feel for him – but we have so much cover there, so it should not be detrimental to England’s chances.
“If Harry Kane limped off against Austria, I’d be sitting here being far more concerned for England.
“It’s also lucky for Liverpool that this bad-looking injury has happened in the off-season.”
GERMAN ENGINEERING
The Germans have scored some sensational goals down the years at the Euros.
Do you guys think they’ll be big contenders once again this summer?
SPURS OF THE MOMENT
French Spurs stars Hugo Lloris and Moussa Sissoko caught up with Joe Rodon last night.
The trio all featured as France comfortably beat Wales 3-0 as both sides gear up for Euro 2020.
Lloris made history, by earning his 100th cap as captain of Les Bleus, and 124th in total.
SON BURNED
Son Heung-min hit out after being grilled over Tottenham team-mate Harry Kane’s future.
The South Korean forward insisted the pair are both only focused on international duty – with Kane set to skipper England at Euro 2020.
The Spurs striker, 27, has been linked with a £150m move to Man Utd or Man City in a bid to win trophies.
And if Kane leaves North London this summer it would end a brilliant partnership with Son – who he broke a record with in March when they combined for a 14th goal of the season.
But Son, 28, was in no mood to discuss Kane’s potential transfer when asked by reporters while on international duty.
He snapped back: “Has Kane moved already?
“Everything is not decided. Rather than worrying about his transfer, I am doing my best at Tottenham.
“I want to focus on the national team and Tottenham. Maybe Kane is doing the same, he is busy preparing for the Euros.”
Son and Kane have a terrific partnership up top FOR GOODNESS SAK
By SunSport’s Duncan Wright
Bukayo Saka admits being England’s Mr Versatile can get tough – despite shining for the Three Lions and firing them to victory over Austria.
Saka, 19, scored his first senior international goal to seal the win and stake a claim for involvement when the Euros start next weekend.
The Arsenal star also ended up playing in three different positions to suit Gareth Southgate’s tactics and substitutions at the Riverside, to show just how capable he is as a footballer.
But the teenager admits constantly switching roles can cause problems and he needs the help of senior players to make sure he stays switched on.
Saka said: “It’s not easy all the time, you know.
“The information I get from the coaching staff and the players makes things much easier – all the communication from the more experienced players around me like Kieron Trippier, Conor Coady, Tyrone Mings, making sure I’m where I need to be.”
“I feel like anytime I played for England I really enjoyed myself because of the quality and the top players you have around.
“Things feel good, things flow, I always feel like I can I can express myself and I think I did that.
“I can learn a bit from everyone, there’s so much different quality players especially in attack but even in the midfield and defence you know there’s so much experience I can take from everyone to try to speak to everyone and get some advice from them.”
Bukayo Saka is Arsenal and England’s Mr VersatileCredit: PA
ON THIS DAY
It’s 21 years since two-time Euros winner Iker Casillas made his debut for Spain.
The ex-Real Madrid goalkeeper captained his nation to glory in 2008 and 2012.
He also captained them to their maiden World Cup triumph in 2010.
Legend of the game!
ICYMI – EXCLUSIVE BY CHARLIE WYETT
Harry Maguire revealed he has only just started light training in his race to be fit for the Euros.
And the Man United captain is set to miss England’s opening game against Croatia on June 13.
Maguire said: “I have done little bits of running.
“I don’t want to aggravate it too early as we still have nearly two weeks until the first game and it is a long tournament.
“I am taking it day by day. I have not asked for a time-frame but I am looking forward to being involved.
“It can improve dramatically in a few days and you can have little setbacks.”
JUST FOR THE SAK OF IT
Bukayo Saka netted his first international goal, as England defeated Austria 1-0 in Middlesbrough last night.
Let’s take you back through the action, with the official match highlights, as both teams gear up for Euro 2020.
‘DON’T UNDERSTAND’
England manager Gareth Southgate has criticised the fans that booed Three Lions stars taking a knee before last night’s match with Austria.
He said: “It’s not something on behalf of our black players that I wanted to hear because it feels as though it is a criticism of them.
“I think we have got a situation where some people think it’s a political stand that they don’t agree with – that’s not the reason the players are doing it, we are supporting each other.
“I think the most important thing for our players to know is that all their team-mates and all the staff are fully supportive.
“I think the majority of people understand it. I think some people aren’t quite understanding the message and I suppose we are seeing that across a number of football grounds at the moment.”
Engalnd stars take a knee at Riverside StadiumCredit: Getty SCOT TO BE GOOD
Scotland were denied an impressive victory over the Netherlands last night by a last minute Memphis Depay free-kick.
Steve Clarke’s side delivered a confident display, with Jack Hendry sweeping them into the lead after brilliant pressing from Stuart Armstrong.
Depay produced a great finish to equalise before the break, but Kevin Nisbet bagged his second goal on 63 minutes to restore Scotland’s lead.
But Depay then spared Frank de Boer’s blushes late on.
LEV IT OUT
Manchester United starlet Dylan Levitt featured alongside Dan James for Wales last night against Paul Pogba’s France.
The midfielder, 20, has made one senior appearance for United, and spent the second half of the season on loan at Istra 1961 in Croatia.
He replaced Joe Allen on the hour mark.
Levitt tries to get close to Kylian Mbappe
FRENCH FANCY
Paul Pogba got the better of Daniel James last night, when the pair faced off on international duty.
Both are gearing up for Euro 2020, with France and Wales respectively.
But it was Pogba who got the win in last night’s friendly, as Les Bleus swept past Robert Page’s Wales 3-0 .
Pogba played 63 minutes of the dominant win, while James did manage to carve out a couple of openings during his 73 minutes on the field.
Paul Pogba earned the bragging rights over Dan JamesCredit: AFP HEADING SOUTH
England boss Gareth Southgate has offered an update on Trent Alexander-Arnold, after the full-back limped out of last night’s 1-0 friendly victory over Austria.
The Three Lions gaffer told BBC 5 Live: “It’s not a good situation that he’s had to walk off in some discomfort.
“We’ll know more details in the next 24 to 48 hours. It looks like a thigh injury – in terms of the full extent, we don’t know yet.
“It’s devastating, he’s worked hard to earn a spot here. I just hope it’s not too serious.”
Alexander-Arnold picked up an injury against the AustriansCredit: Reuters SEVENTH HEAVEN
There’ll be a lot for Aston Villa fans to enjoy this summer at Euro 2020… like watching stars Jack Grealish and John McGinn.
In fact, both men have been handed their respective nations’ No7 shirts, and are set to clash as England face Scotland at Wembley on June 18.
SEVENTH HEAVEN
There’ll be a lot for Aston Villa fans to enjoy this summer at Euro 2020… like watching stars Jack Grealish and John McGinn.
In fact, both men have been handed their respective nations’ No7 shirts, and are set to clash as England face Scotland at Wembley on June 18.
UN-LISHED
Jack Grealish was England’s Cristiano Ronaldo in Wednesday’s win over Austria, according to Roy Keane.
The Irish pundit told ITV: “[Grealish] is the star man, he makes things happen.
“He has courage and always wants the ball in tight areas.
“Like Cristiano Ronaldo at Portugal, you need players like that in your team. It is brave.”
Roy Keane highlighted Jack Grealish for praise on Wednesday GOOD MORNING EUROS FANS
England got their Euro 2020 adventure off to a good start with a 1-0 friendly win over Austria.
Bukayo Saka scored the only goal of the game as the Three Lions saw off David Alaba and Co at the Riverside.
But the result came at a cost as Trent Alexander-Arnold hobbled off injured near the final whistle.
He pulled up hurt just minutes before full-time, appearing to injure his hamstring while clearing a ball with no opponents nearby.
Reflecting on the setback, Gareth Southgate said: “We’re going to have a little look. It’s hard to see him come off the way he did.
“We’ll look at it over the next 24 hours. I think it’s a thigh but the medical team will look.
“We just have to see, it’s not a good sign to see him go off as he did.
“We’ll know more in the next 24-48 hours and go from there. We don’t know the full extent.”
Meanwhile, Scotland conceded a last-gasp goal as they drew 2-2 with the Netherlands.
And ten-man Wales were beaten 3-0 by world champions France.
Finally, a number of Belgium players have reportedly rejected the chance to receive a Covid-19 vaccination before Euro 2020.
Belgian outlet HLN claim some of Roberto Martinez’s players turned down the chance to take the Pfizer jab over fears it will wreck their chances.
The country’s government had given the green light for the Red Devils – the number one international team in football – to receive their vaccination.
Yet some players are worried about the potential side effects – tiredness, headaches, muscle and joint pain, chills and fever – that affects more than one in ten people.
HUG-S ALL AROUND
Hugo Lloris says France asked the referee not to send off Neco Williams in the 3-0 friendly win over Wales.
The Liverpool star was harshly shown a red card for a handball as the French were awarded a penalty, which Karim Benzema missed.
However, that didn’t stop Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele netting in a comfortable win for Les Bleus.
And Lloris said after the game: “We all asked the referee not to send the Welsh player off, we wanted the match to finish as 11 vs 11.”
SOUTH OF HEAVEN
Gareth Southgate admits Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury does not look good.
But he will not make a decision over the right-back’s Euro spot until England’s medical team discover the full extent of his setback.
Southgate said: “We’re going to have a little look. It’s hard to see him come off the way he did.
“We’ll look at it over the next 24 hours. I think it’s a thigh but the medical team will look.
“We just have to see, it’s not a good sign to see him go off as he did.
“We’ll know more in the next 24-48 hours and go from there. We don’t know the full extent.”
TRENT TROUBLE
Trent Alexander-Arnold limped off injured late on as England beat Austria 1-0.
The Liverpool star, 22, has given Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate a major headache 11 days from the start of Euro 2020.
The right-back – one of four included in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad – endured an efficient night as England won in Middlesbrough.
But there was drama late on as Alexander-Arnold pulled up hurt just minutes before full-time.
No opponent was near Alexander-Arnold, with the defender appearing to hurt a hamstring as he cleared the ball with his left foot.
ENGLAND 1 AUSTRIA 0
England got their Euro 2020 adventure off to a good start with a 1-0 friendly win over Austria.
Bukayo Saka scored the only goal of the game as the Three Lions saw off David Alaba and Co at the Riverside.
But the result came at a cost as Trent Alexander-Arnold hobbled off injured near the final whistle.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
