ENGLAND will continue to take the knee during Euro 2020 in support of Black Lives Matter, Gareth Southgate has confirmed.
That is despite fans booing the statement ahead of the Three Lions’ friendly against Austria.
Meanwhile Aaron Ramsey got an hour of game time in Wales’ drab 0-0 draw against Albaina, but the Juventus midfielder is set to be managed throughout the tournament because of an injury problem.
Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
I’M THE ENGLAND MAN
England strike ace Dominic Calvert-Lewin revealed his dad celebrated his Euros call-up by blasting out the John Barnes rap.
Calvert-Lewin is ready to make an impact for the Three Lions as Harry Kane’s understudy – and is starting today’s friendly against Romania with the captain rested.
When the Everton hitman got the nod he was in the squad, dad Karlda could not wait to belt out the lyrics of Barnes’ famous solo in 1990 World Cup song World in Motion by New Order.
Calvert- Lewin said: “I was waiting on Tuesday to get the official announcement to know I was in the squad and my dad FaceTimed me and started singing the John Barnes tune.
“He’s rubbish but it’s quite funny and I expect nothing less from him, that’s the kind of relationship we’ve got. So I was laughing at that.
“My family have always been a part of my journey.”
BOO BOYS
England vs Romania kicks off shortly so let’s take a look at the debate surrounding the players’ decision to take the knee.
Gareth Southgate shared his thoughts earlier today: “We feel, more than ever, we are determined to take the knee throughout the tournament.
“We accept there might be an adverse reaction but we’re going to ignore it and move forward. We are all trying to move towards equality — and support our team-mates because of some of the experiences they’ve been through — but people decided to boo.
“The players are sick of talking about all the consequences of should they, shouldn’t they. They’ve had enough really.”
Gary Lineker condemned the booers on Twitter: “If you boo England players for taking the knee, you’re part of the reason why players are taking the knee.”
Piers Morgan also chimed in, saying: “I wonder if those England fans booing players for taking the knee to protest racial injustice know the idea came from Nate Boyer, a US Green Beret war hero who suggested it to NFL star Colin Kaepernick as a more respectful way to make his point.”
TOO GOOD TO BE ROO
Wayne Rooney has THREE major concerns for Gareth Southgate’s England team heading into Euro 2020.
England’s record goalscorer has doubts over the team’s experience at a major tournament, potential complacency, and injuries to key players such as Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson.
Speaking in his column for The Times, Rooney said: “One of the doubts I have about England is that they’re a young squad, who lack knowhow.
“I also worry that complacency could creep in, because England’s group is not as straightforward as people seem to think.
“Croatia beat England in 2018 and have tournament knowledge and some very good, experienced players. Scotland will be tough, compact and difficult to beat.
“For England, qualifying might even come down to the last group match against Czech Republic.
“It is so important that Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson are fit because along with Harry Kane they form the backbone of the side, the ones who others on the pitch will look to for leadership.
“If Maguire and Henderson aren’t ready for the first game, things could get tricky for England because it’s hard for a player to get up to speed once a tournament is under way.”
MOVE DUM-ED
Liverpool star and Netherlands international Georginio Wijnaldum has rejected a move to Barcelona and will join Paris Saint-Germain instead.
That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who claims that Wijnaldum will sign a three-year contract after Euro 2020 and will make more than double compared to what Barca offered.
Romano posted: “Georginio Wijnaldum has decided to join Paris Saint-Germain.
“Barcelona have NO intention to raise their bid after they agreement ready by 2 weeks and medicals planned.
“Gini is now set to accept PSG proposal until 2024 with salary more than doubled [compared to Barça bid]”
RASHFORD UPDATE
Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford is set to undergo surgery after the summer’s delayed Euro 2020 competition.
Rashford has sustained shoulder as well as foot injuries and United have agreed to let him play for the Three Lions.
According to the Daily Mirror, the striker is set to go under the knife as soon as England’s involvement in the competition comes to an end.
The 23-year-old, who will get an operation on his foot, is then facing a race against time to be fit for the new Premier League campaign
KANT DENY IT
Manchester United superstar Paul Pogba claims Chelsea star and France team-mate N’Golo Kante deserves the Ballon d’Or ahead of Euro 2020.
Pogba told Eurosport: “What I would like to say to the whole world is that the ‘NG’ we have seen in recent months has always been the same.
“We talk a lot about his performances but he has always been as good as ever.
“There was no Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi in the semi-final, so it’s good to see the performances of the midfielders or even the defenders.
“I said a long time ago that it would be appropriate, if Chelsea won, for him to win the Ballon d’Or. It would be deserved too”
RAMSEY UPDATE
Wales manager Rob Page has played down any injury concerns over Juventus star Aaron Ramsey ahead of the summer’s delayed Euro 2020 competition.
Former Arsenal ace Ramsey took a heavy knock following a challenge with Albania international Ardian Ismajli during a hard-fought 0-0 draw.
But Page isn’t worried about the midfielder’s fitness as he claims it was only a kick in the shin.
The Wales boss said: “It was a kick to the shin which is the best case scenario for us. You don’t want him to jar his knee or twist his ankle, but there was none of that.
“It would have hurt him initially. When I said to him ‘you’ve got another 13 minutes then I’m bringing you off’, he said he was fine.
“But we’ve got to manage the minutes, take the emotions out of the game. It would have been lovely to keep him on, but we don’t want to push him too far”
GETTY IMAGES YOUNG BLOOD
England boss Gareth Southgate has faith in his young talent ahead of the summer’s delayed Euro 2020.
Southgate has included a number of youngsters to his squad and trusts them as they already have 10 caps under their belt.
The Three Lions boss said: “Some of them have 10 caps or more at a young age.
“In the long term that will be really beneficial.”
SANCHO WAR
Chelsea are delaying their decision on whether they will join Manchester United in the transfer war for Borussia Dortmund star winger Jadon Sancho.
That is according to the Daily Express, who claim the Blues may try to swoop in for Sancho in the summer transfer window.
United are holding talks with Dortmund as well as the 21-year-old’s representatives and the Red Devils appear to be firmly at the front of the queue for his signature.
The west Londoners could provide competition but manager Thomas Tuchel is yet to decide on whether he believes the England international is needed, given his options up front
SAKA INJURED
Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka is set to miss England’s friendly with Romania tonigh.
That is according to The Athletic, who claim Saka suffered a recent hip injury.
The star winger netted his first goal for the Three Lions on Wednesday’s friendly game against Austria.
However, there is no indication that the 19-year-old ace could miss Euro 2020
BERN-ING QUESTION
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana, depending on what the courts decide about his suspension.
This begs the question about whether starting keeper Bernd Leno will leave the Gunners in the summer transfer window.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, there are numerous teams interested for the German shot-stopper.
Leno, however, is currently focused on the summer’s Euro 2020 as he prepares with the Germany national team
MAGUIRE INJURY UPDATE
England manager Gareth Southgate shared an injury update regarding Manchester United star Harry Maguire.
Maguire suffered an ankle injury recently and missed the Europa League Final, which saw United losing the title to Villarreal.
However, the Three Lions’ medical team are “pleased” with the centre-back’s progress but insist a minor setback could have heavy repercussions.
Southgate said: “With any injury it’s impossible to predict 100 per cent, our medical team are pleased with his progress, particularly over the last couple of days, [but] we know there’s always that risk”
GETTY IMAGES RASHFORD UPDATE
England manager Gareth Southgate claims Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford has “been able to move on” from the Europa League loss to Villarreal.
Southgate said: “He looks very bright, I think he had value from the time off we were able to give him after the European final.
“That was, of course, a huge disappointment for him not to win the trophy.
“For all of the players, the psychological freshness of having a short period off has been beneficial.
“He’s been able to move on from that moment and I think he’s enjoyed being in our environment again and he’s trained really well”
TRUE CLASS
England will continue to take a knee before their Euro 2020 games and are “more determined than ever” to ignore any boos from the stands.
That is according to Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate, who revealed that the squad agreed to carry on taking the anti-racism stance despite the jeers they received from a loud minority during their recent friendly with Austria in Middlesbrough.
Southgate said: “The first thing is that collectively we are very disappointed that it happened. I think you have to put yourself in the shoes of a young England player about to represent his country. We’re all trying to move towards equality and support our own team-mates because of some of the experiences they’ve been through in their lives, but people decided to boo.
“I think those people should put themselves in the shoes of those young players. If that was their children – if they’re old enough to have children – how would they feel about their kids being in that situation?
“The most important thing for our players is for them to know we are totally united on it. We’re totally committed to supporting each other, supporting the team, and we feel more than ever that we are determined to take the knee throughout this tournament”
COM AND GET HIM
Manchester United are reportedly still keeping tabs on Bayern Munich star winger Kingsley Coman.
According to Bild, however, Chelsea seem to have the edge in the race for 24-year-old Coman.
That comes down to Blues boss Thomas Tuchel’s close ties in Germany following his impressive Bundesliga career.
The France international stood out for Bayern as he amassed eight goals and 15 assists in 39 appearances this season and is now getting ready for Euro 2020
DE-D SERIOUS
Manchester United ace David De Gea has been let down by a poor coaching team and soft backline.
That’s according to De Gea’s former coach Gabino Rodriguez, who told SunSport: “I always believe the team is a true reflection of the character of its coach.
“But Ole’s team is softer than a muffin and David is suffering the consequences of the defensive frailties.
“You need to protect your best asset in the team, but there is just an uncontrolled mess between midfield and defence with gaps.
“Basically Ole’s team has a brutal defensive weakness. The two centre-backs are too slow, they are not commanding and other teams are well aware of it.
“The big problem is Solskjaer’s tactical organisation. United’s defensive deficiencies are undervaluing De Gea and Ole just doesn’t convince me.”
De Gea is now getting ready for the summer’s delayed Euro 2020 competition with Spain
SAK ATTACK
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka sent a message to the fans after being named the club’s Player of the Season.
Saka shone bright despite a turbulent campaign, which saw the Gunners missing out on European qualification for the first time in 25 years.
The winger is now training with England ahead of the summer’s delayed Euro 2020.
Here’s what he had to say:
FOR WHOM THE BALE TOLLS
Gareth Bale is still considering retirement after Euro 2020.
That is according to Marca, who claim that Carlo Ancelotti’s comeback to Real Madrid won’t alter his future plans.
Bale spent the season on loan at Tottenham and is now ready to compete for Wales in the summer’s Euros.
The 31-year-old has one more year to run on his contract with Real but the club wouldn’t stand in his way, as his departure would see them free up almost £20million
IT’S RON
Cristiano Ronaldo is negotiating with Paris Saint-Germain over a move in the summer.
That is according to AS, who report that Juventus star Ronaldo has “welcomed” the approach from PSG.
The forward’s future at Juve is uncertain following a hapless season that saw the Bianconeri giving away their Serie A crown to Inter Milan.
The 36-year-old has also been linked with a shock return to Manchester United
ENGLAND SQUAD
Let’s have another look at the players England manager Gareth Southgate has called up:
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (injured), Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice
Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling
MORE FROM PICKFORD
England star Jordan Pickford admits that he is in a much better place as he prepares for Euro 2020.
Pickford told the Daily Telegraph: “I have to think how lucky I am; all of the work my family put in – from me being six, seven years old with my parents taking me to football all the time.
“The amount they have invested in me. It’s about how can I keep that level of performance and look back to where I have come from.
“It’s crucial and I feel that I have kicked on this year. I feel calmer, I feel in the moment and I feel great”
WALES PREDICTED XI
SunSport’s Phil Cadden reckons this is how Wales will start against Switzerland in Baku on Saturday.
But it looks like Wales will have to use one of Euro 2016’s best players – Aaron Ramsey – sparingly.
FORD TO BE RECKONED WITH
England ace Jordan Pickford revealed that he has improved his game between the sticks by seeing a sports psychologist and is no longer the same hyperactive and bellowing player on the pitch.
Pickford told the Daily Telegraph: “I just feel in a very good place. I began working with a psychologist at the start of the season.
“You know in football, those little one or two per cent gains — just to raise your ability on the pitch and what you can achieve — are crucial.
“Whether it’s nutrition, psychology, extra gym sessions. I think it helps. So why not use it?”
GETTY IMAGES GOOD MORNING EUROS FANS
Gaerth Southgate has been given a major boost ahead of the Euros as Jordan Henderson has returned to full training.
The Liverpool captain, who’s not played for FOUR months, is in a race to be fit for England’s first group game against Croatia on Sunday, June 13.
The 30-year-old joined in with the bulk of the squad as they continue their preparations for Euro 2020.
Meanwhile, Southgate is expected to deploy a FIVE-MAN defence in tonight’s friendly against Romania.
Kyle Walker could feature as a right-sided centre-back, with Kieran Trippier at wing-back and Luke Shaw deployed on the opposite flank.
Jadon Sancho and Phil Foden are also in line to start either side of Harry Kane.
Finally, Nigel Winterburn believes Ben Chilwell should be England’s No1 left-back ahead of Shaw at the Euros.
He told SunSport: “I wouldn’t mind if either of them played, but if I’m to pick one I’d go Chilwell just based on the feel-good factor.
“He’s been in great form and Chelsea had an unbelievable finish to the season, so I’d go that way.
“The question is whether Southgate goes with four or five at the back and if he prefers one or the other based on the system.
“[Bukayo] Saka is another player who could equally play in that position, so England have some good options there.”
EURO STARS
Harry Redknapp believes England can WIN Euro 2020!
SunSport columnist Redknapp exclusively wrote: “We have been here before — but I have never been so certain as I am right now, this time England really CAN go all the way.
“In fact never mind can, I honestly believe we WILL. So much so that I’ll genuinely be very disappointed if we don’t win the Euros.
“Not a brave defeat in the semi-finals, another near miss and ‘what if’ — but the sight of Harry Kane lifting the trophy at Wembley on July 11.
“We all know there hasn’t been much to smile about over the last 15 months, so what better way to give the whole country a lift?
“I really do think it’s our time at long, long last.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
