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      Euro 2020: This England squad is our most gifted EVER… they will not be outclassed by Germany like in 2010

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      WE’VE come a long way since the last competitive meeting between England and Germany 11 years ago.Most people remember that humiliating 4-1 defeat in Bloemfontein at the 2010 World Cup for Frank Lampard’s ‘ghost goal’ which was chalked off despite being two yards over the line.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Germany outclassed England in their World Cup meeting in 2010 as they eased to a 4-1 winCredit: Reuters
      England finished top of their group at Euro 2020 after picking up seven points from three gamesCredit: AP
      But my keenest memory of that miserable Sunday afternoon was a conversation a few of us had with Joe Cole, perhaps the most technically gifted player of England’s ‘golden generation’, who had failed to start a game at that tournament.
      It is fascinating to look back at Cole’s searingly honest words to remind us that, whatever the result of Tuesday’s Euros last-16 clash, English football is no longer the embarrassment it was then.
      This current England team are so well-schooled and comfortable on the ball that Pep Guardiola is keen on signing most of them.
      That was categorically not the case back in 2010, when Fabio Capello’s men were comprehensively out-thought and outclassed by a German side — orchestrated by Mesut Ozil — who would go on to be world champions four years later.
      Back then, Cole told us: “It is obvious that we lack the qualities you need to be successful at international level. We don’t keep the ball as well as other countries.
      “Over the course of the tournament we looked a long way behind the other top nations and when it came to the crunch, the best side won.
      “People will talk about the decision not to allow Frank’s goal but it was plain and simple to see that we just weren’t good enough.
      “Almost every team I have played for — including England — always want to hit the front players as early as possible.

      ⚽ BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

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      England face Germany at Wembley in the last-16 on Tuesday in front of 45,000 fansCredit: AP
      Germany secured their place in the knockout stages after drawing 2-2 against HungaryCredit: AFP
      “You won’t get away with that at international level. It’s about technique, keeping control of the ball, passing and moving.
      “We seem to abandon good technique because we are obsessed with getting the ball from back to front as quickly as possible. That doesn’t work against top teams.
      “No one pulls the England shirt on with more pride than me but we’ve got to face up to the reality of it all. We’re just not good enough.
      “Maybe it’s time to really look at how we’re teaching kids to play.”
      Cole never played for England again after he spoke those words. Aged 28, and after 56 caps, he was abandoned.
      Yet the FA were on exactly the same page as him — and English football has enjoyed an age of tactical enlightenment since then.
      England’s age-group teams have been drilled in possession football.
      They won the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups and they no longer rely on empty talk of ‘passion’ and bulldog spirit.

      Gareth Southgate famously missed his deciding spot-kick in the semi-final penalty shootout defeat against Germany at Euro 1996Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      If England are beaten by Germany, nobody will be echoing Cole’s words from 11 years ago.
      Gareth Southgate will have no such excuses. There will be no talk of systemic failure and none of those ‘root-and-branch’ reviews we were always promised in the post-mortem of another tournament debacle.
      England are capable of beating Germany now. They go into this one as equals, with home advantage making them narrow favourites.
      If Southgate’s men lose, it may be because the manager or his players weren’t brave enough, because of individual mistakes, because of misfortune. But not because they simply aren’t good enough.
      England are nothing like a rigid 4-4-2, route-one team of 2010.
      And English footballers are no longer habitually embarrassed by technically superior opponents who often seemed to be playing an entirely different game.
      You only need to ask Manchester City boss Guardiola, the high priest of football purism, about that.
      Back in 2010, Guardiola was reaching his peak as Barcelona manager and, Lampard aside, there weren’t any Englishmen being linked with moves to the Nou Camp.

      Yet last month, Guardiola named John Stones, Kyle Walker, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden in his starting line-up for the Champions League final.
      And in the last week, City have reportedly made bids for Harry Kane, Jack Grealish and Reece James.
      Guardiola wouldn’t say no to Mason Mount, Declan Rice or Jude Bellingham either, because they are all good enough to play for City.
      Even keeper Jordan Pickford is capable of Edersonian passes.
      And Guardiola was also furious when City failed to match Manchester United in a bidding war to land Harry Maguire two years ago.
      If English players are trusted, and coveted, to such an extent, we have made huge strides since Cole’s gloomy state-of-the-nation address in 2010.
      England may lose to Germany again today but there will be no excuse for being played off the park.
      England’s Euro 2020 stars have a water balloon fight as they relax ahead of Germany game More

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      Euro 2020 LIVE: France OUT on penalties, England vs Germany build-up, Belgium BEAT Portugal to set up Italy clash

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      EURO 2020 is rolling on at pace as we continue the knockout stages.And England will have a home advantage like never before, with no fans from Germany able to travel to Wembley.
      That also means the Three Lions will be given 17,000 extra tickets for Tuesday’s game.
      Meanwhile Gareth Bale stormed out of an interview following Wales’ 4-0 loss to Denmark after being asked whether he would retire.
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      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      FRANCE 3 SWITZERLAND 3 (4-5 PENS)
      World champions France have been dumped out of the Euros after a penalty shootout defeat to Switzerland.
      Kylian Mbappe missed the decisive spot kick as the Swiss set up a quarter-final clash with Spain.
      France were leading 3-1 with ten minutes left before two late goals from Switzerland sent the game to extra time.
      But with nobody able to break the deadlock, the game went to penalties and it was the Swiss who were left victorious as Yann Sommer saved Mbappe’s effort.
      READ OUR MATCH REPORT HERE

      EXCLUSIVE BY JOSE MOURINHO
      For me, England versus Germany is not a last-16 match, it is a semi-final.
      Whoever wins, I cannot see them failing to make the final.
      But I like this England team and now that Portugal are out, I am supporting England and I want to see Harry Kane collecting the trophy on July 11.
      READ THE REST OF JOSE’S THOUGHTS HERE

      SOUTH OF HEAVEN
      Gareth Southgate reckons England’s players can become football legends today — by lifting the whole nation with a famous win over Germany.
      The Three Lions boss said: “Every time you pull an England shirt on you have the opportunity to score a goal that will be shown forever and to create a bit of skill or be involved in a match that lives on in the memory.
      “That’s the beauty of playing for your country. If you think of all the big players in history, there are significant memories in club football, European football.
      “But when you picture those great players, it’s normally in an international shirt that their biggest memories are formed.
      “That is the case every time you pull on an England shirt. It is an opportunity that few get and these lads have earned it. I’m sure they are going to relish that.”

      EXCLUSIVE BY DAVID FACEY
      Fabrice Muamba hopes his remarkable recovery from a terrifying heart ordeal provides inspiration for Christian Eriksen.
      Muamba said: “I just had a sick, empty feeling in the bottom of my stomach when it happened, because it was obvious he was going through the same thing as me.
      “The worst part was seeing his wife on the pitch while he was being treated by the doctors and medics. It made me think about how my father was in the stands watching the game when I suffered my heart attack.
      “He had to rush down to be in the ambulance with me, although of course I never knew about that until afterwards.
      “I sent Christian a message on WhatsApp wishing him a full and speedy recovery and saying I am available to speak about my experiences any time he wants to reach out to me.
      “I was advised not to play football again because of the stress it placed on my heart. But I hope Christian’s problem is not so bad and that he will be given the all-clear to play.”

      FROM SUNSPORT’S CHARLIE WYETT
      Gareth Southgate is set to revert to a three-man defence against Germany.
      The England boss will look to match his opponents by playing a team reminiscent of the side which reached the World Cup semis in 2018.
      Likely lineup: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire; Trippier, Phillips, Rice, Shaw; Foden, Kane, Sterling

      INJURY HEADACHES
      Germany have been hit by a major fitness scare which has left Joachim Low fearing he will be without THREE of his key players to face England.
      Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan is a concussion doubt after feeling dizzy in training and the Germans are now fearing a non-coronavirus bug is sweeping through the squad.
      Toni Rudiger has been unable to train since the 2-2 group stage draw with Hungary because of an infection, and yesterday defender Robin Gosens was struck down too.

      EXTRA TIME – FRANCE 3 SWITZERLAND 3
      Paul Pogba scored an outrageous rocket from distance for France against Switzerland.
      But the world champions conceded a late equaliser, sending the game into extra time!
      There’s now another 30 minutes of Euros action coming up!
      FOLLOW THE EXTRA TIME ACTION HERE

      CROCKED MONSIEURS 
      Belgium could be without star men Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard for their Euro 2020 quarter-final with Italy.
      The pair, both 30, suffered ankle and hamstring injuries respectively in the Red Devils’ victory over Portugal on Sunday night.
      Boss Roberto Martinez said: “The initial information that we have from medical staff is positive for both, they will remain with the squad and they have no structural damage.
      “But we are running up against time and it is very difficult to see them fully fit. So, we have to take it day by day to try and get them fit.”

      HT – FRANCE 0 SWITZERLAND 1
      World champions France are currently LOSING to the Swiss in their last-16 Euros clash.
      Haris Seferovic headed his side ahead with just 15 minutes on the clock to take advantage of France’s unusual formation change.
      And fans were left fuming when the ITV Hub CRASHED, leaving UK viewers unable to watch the clash altogether!
      FOLLOW THE ACTION HERE

      FER REAL
      Bruno Fernandes was meant to be the man to inspire Portugal to a second straight European Championship victory.
      But to be blunt, the Man United ace was utterly anonymous at the tournament.
      Here’s a close look at how poor Fernandes was at Euro 2020…

      HOMECOMING 
      Jamal Musiala admits facing England is a special feeling for him – but insists he will not struggle to send them crashing out of Euro 2020.
      The Bayern Munich ace, who could have played for the Three Lions, said: “I made a conscious decision to play for Germany.
      “Of course it’s no ordinary game for me. England is my second home and I had a lot of great years there, made a lot of friends and learnt a great deal.
      “I don’t want to forget my time there and it’s not something you can just shrug off. It will be a special match for me.”

      FT – CROATIA 3 SPAIN 5
      Spain scored twice in extra time to book their place in the Euro quarter finals.
      Luis Enrique’s men were 3-1 up in normal time before two late Croatia goals forced an extra half hour of football.
      But quick-fire strikes from Alvaro Morata and Mike Oyarzabal saw Spain bounce back to secure victory and set up a clash against either France or Switzerland.
      READ OUR MATCH REPORT HERE

      TEAM NEWS – FRANCE VS SWITZERLAND
      Didier Deschamps has switched to a 3-4-3 system for France’s last-16 tie against Switzerland.
      Clement Lenglet is in at the heart of the defence, with Adrien Rabiot playing at left wing-back.
      Meanwhile, Xherdan Shaqiri starts for the Swiss, with Denis Zakaria also involved tonight.
      FOLLOW THE ACTION WITH OUR LIVE MATCH BLOG

      EXTRA TIME – CROATIA 3 SPAIN 3
      Croatia have taken Spain to extra time after scoring TWICE in the final five minutes of their last-16 clash!
      There will now be an additional 30 minutes of football to play.
      And if the scores remain level, the match will go to penalties.
      FOLLOW EXTRA-TIME HERE

      WALK THIS WAY
      Kyle Walker is gunning for Manchester City team-mate Ilkay Gundogan and Chelsea’s German contingent.
      He said: “It gives you that little bit of knowledge that you need when you’re coming up against these world-class players that they are.
      “Obviously I play with Gundo at City so I know what he’s about. I know what his strengths, his weaknesses are.
      “I played a lot against a lot of them in the Champions League final, so hopefully we can just go and do the nation proud.”

      S-PAINFUL MOMENT
      An eventful first half saw Spain score a bizarre own goal to hand Croatia the lead in their last-16 tie.
      Athletic Bilbao goalie Unai Simon appeared to get a slight foot to Pedri’s back-pass as the ball sailed past him in the 20th minute.
      But Pablo Sarabia fired in an equaliser in the 37th minute to restore parity.
      And with at least 45 minutes left, the scores remain level at 1-1 with a place in the Euro quarters at stake.
      FOLLOW THE ACTION HERE

      SPOT PICKS
      England take on Germany at Wembley tomorrow for a place in the Euro 2020 quarters.
      And Three Lions fans are already dreading the prospect of a penalty shootout against their old foe.
      But who should step up for England should the game be square after 120 minutes?
      Here, SunSport has put together a list of Gareth Southgate’s best options…

      ‘DISGRACE’
      This is the shock moment that Cristiano Ronaldo booted the captain’s armband seconds after throwing it to the floor after Portugal were dumped out of Euro 2020.
      The Juventus striker was obviously fuming after the defending champs were eliminated by Belgium thanks to a Thorgan Hazard thunderbolt.
      Ronaldo was seen throwing the blue armband to the turf while Belgium players celebrated reaching the quarter-finals.
      And now further footage has emerged of the 36-year-old then launching it with his boot as his frustration boiled over.
      VIDEO: Watch fuming Cristiano Ronaldo KICK Portugal captain’s armband after throwing it to floor following Euro 2020 exit
      TEAM NEWS – CROATIA VS SPAIN
      Croatia have sent out the big guns in midfield, with Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic joining legendary Real Madrid man Luka Modric.
      Nikola Vlasic and Ante Rebic are on the wings, with Dominik Livakovic between the sticks.
      Meanwhile, Alvaro Morata continues to lead Spain’s attack and is joined by Man City ace Ferran Torres.
      Sergio Busquets is deployed as the holding midfielder, with Man City centre-backs Eric Garcia and Aymeric Laporte at the heart of defence.
      FOLLOW THE ACTION WITH OUR LIVE MATCH BLOG

      KO BLOW
      David De Gea is out of Spain’s Euro 2020 last 16 clash with Croatia.
      The Manchester United goalkeeper was injured in training ahead of today’s showdown.
      De Gea, 30, took part in the session at Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium yesterday.
      But he was forced out of the training drills with what is believed to be a thigh injury.

      GRIEZI DOES IT
      World champions France take on Switzerland at 8pm!

      ‘I’M SURE HE KNOWS THE PLAYERS’
      Marcus Rashford has backed England team-mate Jadon Sancho to make an impact against Germany.
      The Man Utd-linked winger Sancho currently plays in the Bundesliga for Borussia Dourtmund.
      And tomorrow he’ll be facing some familiar faces when England take on Germany at Wembley.
      Rashford said: “In a way, yes, because he’s played a lot of football against them, more than the rest of us.
      “I’m sure he knows the players, their characteristics, strengths and weaknesses and he’s definitely someone that can exploit them.
      “If one thing doesn’t quite work we have a big opportunity to change things and adapt in the game.
      “Adaptability is one of the biggest skills in football and there’s a lot of times in a game where you have to change or tweak something slightly to hurt your opponents.
      “The fact that he’s played against them a lot, he’s hurt them a lot as well, it will be a big factor for us.”
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      SHAQ’S READY
      Shaqiri is gearing up to face France in the Round of 16 later today!

      RONALDO SPEAKS OUT
      Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo took to Instagram after last night’s disappointing lost to Belgium.
      Taking to Instagram after Portugal failed to defend their European title, he wrote: “We didn’t get the result we wanted and we left the race sooner than we wanted. 
      “But we are proud of our journey, we gave everything to renew the title of European Champions and this group proved that it can still give much joy to the Portuguese.
      “Our fans were tireless in supporting the team from start to finish. 
      “We ran and fought for them, in order to live up to the trust they placed in us. It was not possible to get where we all wanted, but here is our sincere and profound thanks.
      “Congratulations to Belgium and good luck to all the teams that remain in the competition. As for us, we will come back stronger. Force Portugal!”
      STUCK IN
      Xaver Schlager was getting stuck in at Euro 2020 before Austria’s exit from the tournament!

      Load more entries… More

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      France 3 Switzerland 3 (Swiss win 5-4 on pens): Mbappe misses final penalty as world champions are STUNNED in thriller

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      FRANCE’s Eurostar was sensationally derailed as the world champions were beaten on penalties by Switzerland.Kylian Mbappe’s fifth spot-kick was saved by keeper Yann Sommer to send the world champions packing.
      Yann Sommer parried Kylian Mbappe’s penalty to knock France out of Euro 2020Credit: AFP
      France star Mbappe was the surprise player to fluff their lines in BucharestCredit: AP

      Switzerland might have been edged out by England in their last shoot-out in the 2019 Nations League.
      But they held their nerve on a night of incredible, nerve-shredding drama in Bucharest.
      Now they must get themselves ready for Friday’s quarter-final clash with Spain in Saint Petersburg after being pushed to their physical and mental limits.
      And the famous victory was no more than they deserved after they had spurned an earlier opportunity to secure victory from the spot.
      Ricardo Rodriguez knew that his team were on the brink of one of the biggest shocks in European history when they were awarded a 55th-minute penalty while already a goal up.
      But his tame effort was saved by French skipper Hugo Lloris and 241 seconds later they suddenly found themselves behind.
      Two Karim Benzema goals in the space of two minutes followed by an absolute worldie from Paul Pogba looked to have turned the match decisively in France’s favour.
      Yet the Swiss were still not finished and hit back with two goals in the last nine minutes to take the game into extra-time.

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      Haris Seferovic scored twice in a fabulous Swiss comebackCredit: AFP
      Mario Gavranovic had sent the game to extra-time with a late levellerCredit: Getty

      And though both teams had chances to settle things in the added time, it was only when it went to penalties that they could finally be separated when Sommer plunged to his right to deny Mbappe.
      Benzema, Kylian Mbappe, and Antoine Griezmann arrived in Bucharest on the back of a staggering 101 goals between them for club and country this season.
      Yet for the first 55 minutes they played more like the three stooges as they struggled to find a way through a determined Swiss defence.
      But all that changed in the blink of an eye when Griezmann and Mbappe combined to play in Benzema for a delicious finish over advancing keeper Yann Sommer.
      And before the stunned Swiss had the chance to catch their breath, they were undone again when Griezmann played a one-two with Mbappe then hung a cross up for Benzema to head in from a yard out.
      Suddenly the swagger was back from the French and Pogba put them in control with a stunning curler into the top corner from 25 yards, his first international goal since the 2018 World Cup final.
      Yet it still wasn’t enough to see off the heroic Swiss, who simply refused to accept their fate and took this thrilling tie into extra time with two goals in the final ten minutes from Haris Seferovic and substitute Mario Gavranovic. 
      It left Didier Deschamps tearing his hair out with a bunch of players who appeared to believe that they only had to turn up to secure their place in the last eight.
      Benjamin Pavard had given Switzerland a huge chance to make it 2-0Credit: EPA
      Hugo Lloris denied Ricardo Rodriguez – yet failed to make a shootout saveCredit: Reuters

      Quite why they were so confident was something of a mystery considering their indifferent showing in their group games.
      Maybe being made tournament favourites had gone to their heads and now the inquests will start in earnest.
      Every time Mbappe received possession the Swiss swarmed around him like bees to a honeypot.
      There were times when he found himself triple marked by anxious opponents clearly terrified by his electric pace.
      And the longer he struggled to find a way through, the more Switzerland started to believe as they sought to make it to the quarter-finals of a major tournament for the first time since they hosted the World Cup back in 1954.
      Even so, it was still a major shock when they snatched a 15th-minute lead with virtually their first attack of the night.
      Steven Zuber’s cross from the left caught the French defence on its heels and Haris Seferovic took full advantage as he soared above Clement Lenglet to power a header past Hugo Lloris.
      Deschamps’ decision to go with a three-man defence for the first time all year had clearly unsettled his team.
      They almost got back on level terms when Adrien Rabiot fired one into the danger area but Sommer got just enough of a touch to carry the ball over the head of the incoming Benzema.
      Mbappe smashed a 26th minute free-kick into the wall and then took out a cameraman behind the goal with his follow-up.
      But it was only when Kingsley Coman was sent on as a half-time sub for Lenglet that France started to look at home in their familiar 4-3-3 formation.
      Karim Benzema looked to have rescued France with a brace on Monday nightCredit: Getty
      Paul Pogba curled in a scorching third to seemingly seal the winCredit: Getty

      Yet they still failed to convince at the back and paid the price when Zuber was brought down by Benjamin Pavard and ref Fernando Rapallini pointed to the spot after consulting the pitchside TV monitor.
      But Rodriguez’s tame effort proved to be the turning point until Seferovic provided late drama with another towering header before Gavranovic pounced on Xhaka’s pass to level in the 90th minute.
      Kingsley Coman hit the bar in the third minute of stoppage time and Olivier Giroud missed two great opportunities to swing it for the French in extra-time.
      But it was Mbappe who will be left to carry the can as the Swiss celebrated probably the greatest result in their history.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Man Utd’s Paul Pogba shows off dance moves after scoring screamer for France against Switzerland at Euro 2020 More

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      Hero Covid nurse crowned Miss England backs Three Lions ahead of Germany clash

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      KEY workers in the fight against Covid show their support for England.Staff at North Middlesex University Hospital in Edmonton, North London, above, flew flags for the team ahead of the big match.
      Miss England Bhasha Mukherjee cheers on England ahead of their clash against Germany tomorrowCredit: Alan Strutt 2021
      Residents of Towfield Court in Hounslow, West London, also put their flags out for the Three Lions.
      Brave Miss England, Dr Bhasha Mukherjee, 25, returned from India at the start of the pandemic and has served heroically at the Boston Pilgrim Hospital, Lincs, and Derby Royal Hospital.
      She said: “England’s progress has boosted morale on the frontline and has kept everyone going.
      “All we’re talking about is the Three Lions and willing them on.”
      “The whole country will be glued to their televisions, the excitement all week has been huge.
      Bhasha returned from India at the start of the pandemic and has served heroically at the Boston Pilgrim HospitalCredit: SWNS
      Bhasha said ‘England’s progress has boosted morale on the frontline’
      Staff at North Middlesex University Hospital in Edmonton, North London, flew flags for the team ahead of the big matchCredit: The Sun

      “We can do it, come on England!”
      Other big displays of support for Gareth Southgate’s team include flags put out by residents of Towfield Court in Hounslow, West London and by England super fan Paul Mulvany, 61, on his home in Darlington.
      Reigning Miss England who returned as doctor to join fight against coronavirus stars in incredible NHS tribute video More

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      Fabrice Muamba contacted Christian Eriksen after Euro 2020 collapse and his story can inspire Denmark star’s recovery

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      FABRICE MUAMBA hopes his remarkable recovery from a terrifying heart ordeal provides inspiration for Christian Eriksen.Former Bolton midfielder Muamba’s heart stopped for an incredible 78 minutes after he collapsed during an FA Cup match at Tottenham nine years ago.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest in the opening week of Euro 2020Credit: Reuters
      Fabrice Muamba, who suffered a similar collapse nine years ago, has told the Dane that his life can restart after the collapseCredit: AFP
      And the nightmare memories came flooding back when he saw Denmark star Eriksen suffer a similar cardiac arrest in their first Euro 2020 match against Finland.
      He has since contacted Eriksen to assure him there is no reason he cannot make a full recovery and has offered to share his experiences to “help him deal with the trauma he has suffered”.
      Muamba, 33, never played football again but says he leads a “normal life”, while he also became a father for the fourth time seven months ago.
      He now works for the PFA as a player liaison delegate and was watching the Denmark-Finland match on TV when Eriksen, 29, suddenly fell to the turf.
      The former England Under-21 international commented: “I just had a sick, empty feeling in the bottom of my stomach when it happened, because it was obvious he was going through the same thing as me.
      “The worst part was seeing his wife on the pitch while he was being treated by the doctors and medics. It made me think about how my father was in the stands watching the game when I suffered my heart attack.

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      I had what is basically a mini-defibrillator fitted. Sometimes it gives me a little shock if I am overdoing things.Fabrice Muamba
      “He had to rush down to be in the ambulance with me, although of course I never knew about that until afterwards.
      “I sent Christian a message on WhatsApp wishing him a full and speedy recovery and saying I am available to speak about my experiences any time he wants to reach out to me.
      “I was advised not to play football again because of the stress it placed on my heart. But I hope Christian’s problem is not so bad and that he will be given the all-clear to play.
      “It took me a long time to come to terms with not playing and I still miss it — at 33, I think I could still be playing if this hadn’t happened to me.
      “But otherwise I can lead a normal life. I had what is basically a  mini-defibrillator fitted and I have check-ups every three months.
      “Sometimes it gives me a little shock if I am overdoing things — about once every nine months or so — but otherwise you just get used to it.”
      Christian Eriksen has thanked fans for their support since his collapse
      Muamba was speaking at the opening of Venturi Cardiology, a specialist heart clinic in Warrington, and said standards of care have improved enormously since his collapse.
      He added: “If there was something good to come out of what happened to me, it is the fact there are so many more defibrillators around and trained medical staff. That can make all the difference.
      “I see from my work with the PFA that the care at the top end of the game is brilliant now and we saw that with how quickly the medical team was there to help Christian.
      “And it is good to see the Premier League is making millions available to provide more defibrillators at lower levels.
      “I would like to see one at every match, as well as people trained in CPR — learning that was one of the first things I did when I got better, because that can save lives, too.”
      Muamba is now one of the millions of football fans who are rooting for Denmark to continue their stirring progress in the Euros.

      He explained: “I think they are everyone’s second favourite team now and it is great to see them playing such amazing football. I am sure Christian will be enjoying that.
      “But if Denmark face England in the semi-finals it will be hard to keep supporting them, especially as someone who wore the three lions.
      “Although maybe that would be a win-win situation. We’ll see.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Gabby Logan says Christian Eriksen’s collapse ‘stirred up memories’ of brother Daniel’s fatal cardiac arrest at just 15 More

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      Euro 2020: Germany face major fitness scare before England showdown as chiefs fear mystery BUG sweeping through squad

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      GERMANY have been hit by a major fitness scare which has left Joachim Low fearing he will be without THREE of his key players to face England.Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan is a doubt after feeling dizzy in training and the Germans are now fearing a non-coronavirus bug is sweeping through the squad.
      Antonio Rudiger and Ilkay Gundogan are both doubts to face EnglandCredit: Getty
      Toni Rudiger has been unable to train since the 2-2 group stage draw with Hungary because of an infection, and yesterday defender Robin Gosens was struck down too.
      And boss Low admits he will not know until late on Tuesday if any of the trio – who have all played a major role in the tournament so far – will be fit to play.
      Low said the day before the game: “Ilkay, he suffered this cranial bruise.
      “He felt a little bit better today, the day before he still felt a little dizzy, especially in in training.
      “Today he did a good job of 30 minutes. So we have to decide. The other two, they caught a cold, they haven’t felt so well, not powerful.
      “We took some blood samples and they have infections. Maybe it gets better in one day, maybe they get up tomorrow and feel well and ready.

      ⚽ BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

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      “But maybe on the other hand, it can get worse overnight so we have to wait until tomorrow. I don’t know if all these three players will be at our disposal, I can’t say that, but we will have other solutions.”
      Germany will join England in taking the knee before kick-off, while Harry Kane will follow counterpart Manuel Neuer’s lead by wearing a rainbow captain’s armband.
      Keeper Neuer said: “We have heard, as everyone knows during Euros, that we have had the captains band with the rainbow colours. I have worn it and Harry Kane wants to do the same.
      “We are in favour of taking the knee. It is great to take the same position as England, so we didn’t really need to even talk about it.”
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      Ian Wright picks his England XI to face Germany at Euro 2020 with Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka DROPPED and Foden back More

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      If England can beat Germany they will reach Euro 2020 final… I want to see Harry Kane lift the trophy

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      FOR me, England versus Germany is not a last-16 match, it is a semi-final.Whoever wins, I cannot see them failing to make the final.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      England know the game against Germany will feel like a semi-finalCredit: AP
      I want to see Harry Kane collecting the trophy on July 11Credit: Getty
      Win this and you face Sweden or Ukraine in the quarter-finals, then the Czech Republic or Denmark in the semis.
      You must respect all of those teams as they are there for a reason but, for a big team like England or Germany, this is like a semi-final.
      Lose in the last 16 and you go home with a shadow over you. Win and you should go all the way — because the power is in the other half of the draw.
      Gareth Southgate’s players are right not to worry about England’s history against Germany.
      I’m not superstitious and I don’t go looking for history. For example, I had a very bad record at St James’ Park but I never went there thinking about that and, one day, I won there.

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      It’s the same with people saying: “England always lose on penalties.”
      At the last World Cup, England won a shootout against Colombia.
      This is not to say you shouldn’t fear Germany. They always have a strong mentality and they always seem to arrive at a summer tournament in a stronger physical shape than many others.
      They lost 6-0 to Spain in the Nations League and they lost at home to North Macedonia in a World Cup qualifier in March — but their coach, Joachim Low, didn’t leave after that historical result.
      He will go after the Euros and be replaced by Hansi Flick, who has a history of winning with the core of the national team at Bayern Munich. They have stability.
      GARETH SHOULD GO WITH WING-BACKS
      Germany lost their first match against France but it was not the end of the world.
      They needed to win against Portugal and did it. Then they were in trouble against Hungary but managed to be Germany and got the draw they needed.
      I think the best way for England to set up is to mirror Germany’s system of a back three and wing-backs.
      Portugal played with a back four against Germany and the German wing-backs, Robin Gosens and Josh Kimmich, destroyed Portugal. Portugal couldn’t cope.
      The best way for England to set up is to mirror Germany’s system of a back threeCredit: The Sun

      Everything was starting with Kimmich on the right, then an overload on that wing, attracting the Portuguese team to that side, then quick changes of direction to Gosens, who is playing amazingly.
      Hungary, who can’t compare to the strength of the Portuguese, played with a back five and they controlled Kimmich and Gosens.
      England have played three games with a back four and haven’t conceded a goal, so I wouldn’t be critical if Gareth goes with a four again — but it would then be compulsory for incredible defensive work from the wingers, which would limit their attacking capabilities.
      When Portugal lost on Sunday, they played with a back four against Belgium’s back five. Thorgan Hazard, at left wing-back, scored the winner because Bernardo Silva, playing as a winger, didn’t control him in that situation.
      GERMANS DON’T HAVE A SUPER STRIKER
      England have played with a back three and wing-backs many times, including in the World Cup, and many of their players play that system with their clubs.
      Whether Gareth goes with a four or a five, they must realise that the two most important players in the German dynamic are Kimmich and Gosens.
      There is not a super striker, not a super target man.
      Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan are very good midfielders but I don’t see them playing amazingly at this moment. Kimmich and Gosens balance everything.

      England could go with either Kyle Walker, who has great pace, or Tyrone Mings, a left-footer with great physicality, alongside Harry Maguire and John Stones.
      If Walker goes to the central three, then Kieran Trippier or Reece James at right wing-back and Luke Shaw on the left.
      There isn’t a single England player who isn’t performing well. Raheem Sterling is doing his job very well and scoring.
      Harry Kane is playing for the team, Mason Mount is playing well but we can’t know whether he is able to start tomorrow after he had to isolate.
      I’M SUPPORTING ENGLAND
      You can’t say Phil Foden played badly. Marcus Rashford isn’t a happy guy to be on the bench but when he comes you can see a positive attitude. Jude Bellingham has the potential for more but when he comes on, he does his job.
      England are consistent, not conceding goals. Germany are more inconsistent but they have this mentality to cope well with pressure.
      I don’t think people are expecting a lot from them. Playing away, without German fans, sometimes you miss it — but when you aren’t in a great moment, you prefer to play without your fans, to disconnect from the outside pressure.
      I always fear the Germans because they just make it happen. But I like this England team and now that Portugal are out, I am supporting England and I want to see Harry Kane collecting the trophy on July 11.
      DUTCH EXIT NOT A SHOCK
      It was a proud way for Euro champions Portugal to go out against BelgiumCredit: Getty
      I’M not surprised that Holland went out against the Czech Republic — they played in quite an easy group, played three matches in Amsterdam, and people maybe thought they were better than they are.
      I never felt they could do anything special, playing in a way that is not the Dutch way.
      Since Ronald Koeman left and was replaced by Frank de Boer, there have been contradictions in the team, they lost some stability.
      As for Portugal, I am sad rather than disappointed. They were not bad against Belgium.

      After a first half where two good teams showed each other a lot of respect, Belgium’s goal changed everything.
      Portugal took risks, made changes and became more offensive. Andre Silva became the main striker and Cristiano Ronaldo could move and create more.
      It was a proud way for the champions to go out. They lost but gave everything against candidates to win the tournament.
      Jose Mourinho says ex-Chelsea star Eden Hazard is ‘awful’ in training and ‘doesn’t work much’ More

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      Sweden boss Janne Andersson admits his WIFE has been slamming his choice of substitutions at Euro 2020

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      SWEDEN boss Janne Andersson has revealed his wife has given him a dressing down over his late substitutions.But he is sticking to his guns – and is ready to use his side’s height advantage to give the Ukrainians an aerial bombardment.
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      Sweden boss Janne Andersson has revealed his wife has been unhappy with his subsCredit: Getty
      Having surprised all by finishing top of a group that included Spain and Poland, the Swedes are loving life in the knock-out stages.
      It is the first time Sweden have made the Last 16 of the Euros since 1992 – where they managed to reach the semi-finals.
      And the Yellow Army are favourites to progress to the quarters against a struggling Ukraine outfit, but there is no pleasing some people – including Andersson’s wife Ulrika.

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      Andersson said: “My wife likes to say that I make my substitutions too late but you are allowed to think what you like.
      “My principle is the starting XI should have the chance to do their jobs. It will only be a certain circumstance that I will make early subs.
      “The players we have subbed on have done really well and it is a relief to have that option off the bench.
      “Maybe she doesn’t fully understand how I like to coach the team.”
      My wife likes to say that I make my substitutions too late but you are allowed to think what you likeJanne Andersson
      Away from the criticism, Andersson is so confident in his tactics to beat Andriy Shevchenko’s Ukraine side that he is open to reveal his master plan – the height advantage.
      Sweden have SEVEN players in their squad who are 6ft3 and taller – and four of them started their last group game victory over Poland.
      Ukraine on the other hand have just TWO players who of a similar height or bigger – and one of those is keeper Heorhiy Bushchan.
      Yet Sweden surprisingly are yet to score from a header so far this tournament.

      Andersson is ready to unleash his giants on the Euros to rectify this, and could even start more of his stretchy Swedes in tomorrow’s clash.
      He said: “We have a height advantage so we want to take advantage of that. We haven’t been able to score as many as we would like from set pieces.
      “We have been working through them in training, and I am happy with my set piece takers as they are both fantastic. I hope we get our rewards.”
      Having played two of their three home games in Russia, Sweden have now had to travel to Scotland to play at Hampden Park for their Last 16 tie.
      And with the majority of Swedish fans unable to attend, Andersson raged: “It is really weird and strange that they decide to host the game where our supporters are not allowed to join.

      “It is the same for Ukraine too. In my view it is the wrong decision from UEFA.”
      Sweden midfielder Sebastian Larsson added: “I have tried three times to get to the Last 16 of the Euros and this is the first time.
      “We are not going to get as many Swedish fans as we would like to mark the moment and that is strange.”
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