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      Euro 2020 venues: How many fans are allowed at each stadium and which cities are hosting the tournament?

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      EURO 2020 is in full swing with the knockout stages almost upon us.Fans around Europe watching on the box will have noticed varying attendances across the eleven host cities.
      Wembley will be one of the main venues for Euro 2020Credit: Reuters
      Which cities are hosting Euro 2020?
      This summer’s competition will be hosted in 11 different cities, down from the original 12.
      The stadiums hosting the competition are as follows:

      Wembley Stadium – London, England
      Allianz Arena – Munich, Germany
      Stadio Olimpico – Rome, Italy
      Olympic Stadium – Baku, Azerbaijan
      Krestovsky Stadium – Saint Petersburg, Russia
      Arena Nationala – Bucharest, Romania
      Johan Cruyff Arena – Amsterdam, Holland
      Estadio de la Cartuja – Sevilla, Spain
      Puskas Arena – Budapest, Hungary
      Hampden Park – Glasgow, Scotland
      Parken Stadium – Copenhagen, Denmark

      How many Euro 2020 games are in England?
      Eight. Wembley will host all three England group games, two round of 16 games, two semi-finals and the final.
      How many Euro 2020 games are in Scotland?
      Four. Hampden Park will have two of Scotland’s games and the Croatia vs Czech Republic group game.
      The Glasgow stadium will also host the final round-of-16 game.

      Which countries are still hosting Euro 2020 and how many fans will they allow?
      The following countries are hosting the competition.
      ENGLAND
      Wembley Stadium, London (90,000 capacity)
      Wembley is set to host the Euro 2020 final
      Wembley is set to host all England’s group matches, plus the Euro 2020 semi-final and final and two last 16 games originally scheduled for Dublin.
      All England’s group games were held at a 25 per cent capacity, as was the last 16 game between Italy and Austria.
      However, this will increase to 50 per cent for England vs Germany at the National Stadium.
      And in the semi-finals and final, over 60,000 people will fill the arena – a 75 per cent capacity.
      Fans must show a negative Covid test or proof of two doses of an approved vaccine to enter.
      SCOTLAND
      Hampden Park, Glasgow (51,866 capacity)
      Scotland has given Hampden Park the go-ahead for Euro 2020 matchesCredit: PA:Press Association
      After months of speculation, the Scottish FA confirmed that Scotland would be able to host Euro 2020.
      Hampden Park is the venue for two of Scotland’s Euro 2020 group games, plus Croatia’s match against the Czech Republic and one last 16 match.
      It will host games at a 25 per cent capacity.
      Fans in Scotland will not need a ‘vaccine passport’ to enter games at Hampden, but social distancing will be 1.5 metres compared to one metre in England.
      AZERBAIJAN
      Olympic Stadium, Baku (68,700 capacity)
      Baku will host matches at a 50 per cent capacityCredit: Reuters
      Azerbaijan is hosting all three Group A matches not involving Italy, as well as the quarter-final between Czech Republic and Denmark.
      All matches are being held at a 50 per cent capacity.
      DENMARK
      Parken Stadium, Copenhagen (38,065 capacity)
      Copenhagen was the first city to announce it would host Euro 2020 games with fansCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Copenhagen is hosting all three of Denmark’s group matches, plus Croatia vs Spain in the last 16.
      The Danish capital was the first city to announce in 2021 that it would host Euro 2020 with fans.
      Copenhagen’s games are being held at a 75 per cent capacity.
      RUSSIA
      Krestovsky Stadium, St Petersburg (68,134 capacity)
      Russia has been holding matches with fans throughout this seasonCredit: AP:Associated Press
      St Petersburg hosted two of Russia’s three home group games plus Finland vs Belgium, and will host one quarter-final.
      In addition, it was handed the three group games that were set to be hosted by Dublin.
      All matches are being played at a 50 per cent capacity.
      Russia has been holding matches at half full stadiums throughout this season, while most of Europe has been playing behind closed doors due to coronavirus.
      ROMANIA
      Arena Nationala, Bucharest (55,600 capacity)
      Romania did not qualify for Euro 2020 but the Arena Nationala will still host gamesCredit: Getty
      Romania failed to qualify for Euro 2020 but their national stadium hosted three matches from Group C and is hosting France vs Switzerland in the last 16.
      Games in Bucharest are being held at a 25-45 per cent capacity.
      HOLLAND
      Johan Cruyff Arena (56,000 capacity)
      Amsterdam will be hosting all Holland’s Euro 2020 group gamesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Netherlands hosted all their own national team’s group games as well as Wales’ last 16 defeat to Denmark.
      Matches were hosted at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam with a 25-45 per cent capacity able to attend.
      HUNGARY
      Puskas Arena, Budapest (67,215 capacity)
      Budapest is expecting to host games at full capacityCredit: Getty
      Budapest hosted two of Hungary’s three group matches, plus a repeat of the Euro 2016 final between Portugal and France.
      It also hosted Czech Republic’s last 16 victory over Holland.
      The Hungarian capital is the only city to announce that games will be hosted at full capacity, subject to strict entry requirements.
      ITALY
      Stadio Olimpico, Rome (72,698 capacity)
      Rome has given Uefa the assurances it needsCredit: EPA
      Italy was given extra time by Uefa to confirm that it could host fans at Euro 2020.
      And the Stadio Olimpico in Rome is hosting games at a 25-45 per cent capacity.
      Rome is hosting all of Italy’s group matches and a quarter-final which could involve England.
      GERMANY
      Allianz Arena (70,000 capacity)
      Munich was the last of the original host cities to agree to host the tournamentCredit: Getty
      The last of the original host cities to be announced – Munich was only confirmed on April 23.
      The German city has committed to host matches in front of a minimum of 14,500 fans – a 22 per cent capacity – the lowest of all the host cities.
      It will host all Germany group games and a quarter-final.
      SPAIN
      Estadio de la Cartuja, Seville (60,000)
      Seville is a last minute addition as a Euro 2020 co-hostCredit: Reuters
      A last minute addition, Seville is hosting the games that would have been held in Bilbao after the Spanish FA deemed the Basque Government’s conditions for hosting matches there “impossible” to meet.
      The stadium is well prepared to host games, having been the Spanish FA’s de facto home during the pandemic.
      Estadio de la Cartuja has hosted all Spain games, two Copa del Rey finals and the Spanish Super Cup in the past 12 months.
      Euro 2020 games there will be played at a 25-45 per cent capacity.
      Which cities have been removed from hosting Euro 2020?
      The following countries failed to give Uefa the assurances they need to host Euro 2020.
      IRELAND
      Aviva Stadium, Dublin (51,700 capacity)
      Dublin is the most likely city to miss out on hosting Euro 2020Credit: PA
      Dublin will miss out on Euro 2020 after failing to give Uefa guarantees that any fans will be allowed to attend matches.
      The Irish capital was set to host three Group E matches and a last 16 game that may well have ended up involving England.
      The three group matches it would have hosted have gone to St Petersburg while the last 16 match will be held at Wembley.
      SPAIN
      San Mames, Bilbao (53,322 capacity)
      The Spanish FA have refused to back Bilbao’s submission to UefaCredit: Reuters
      Bilbao did commit to meet Uefa’s minimum requirement of a 25 per cent capacity, however the Spanish FA refused to back their submission due to the conditions attached.
      The Basque government had stated that it would be able to host games provided 60 per cent of the Basque country and the rest of Spain had been vaccinated and less than two per cent of those in hospital were coronavirus patients.
      But the Spanish FA labelled these conditions “impossible” to meet.
      As a result, Seville will host the matches that were set for Bilbao.

      Will any cities allow fans of other countries to travel?
      The following countries are set to allowing away fans to travel.
      AZERBAIJAN
      Azerbaijan has announced that fans of all travelling teamswill be able to submit a negative PCR test to enter the country instead of quarantining.
      This offer only applies to citizens or residents of the participating countries.
      RUSSIA
      St Petersburg is offering exemptions to entry requirements for all foreign residents with match tickets and a negative Covid test.
      HUNGARY
      Foreign ticket holders looking to attend games in Budapest must provide evidence of two negative Covid tests taken in the five days before entering Hungary.
      The Hungarian government will also accept a certificate of previous Covid infection in the 6 months before entering the country.
      ROMANIA
      Romania is allowing foreign fans with two doses of the vaccine to attend matches.
      Fans who submit a negative PCR test and restrict their stay in Romania to three days are also allowed to attend.
      DENMARK
      3000 Finland fans were allowed into the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen for their Euro 2020 opener against Denmark and Belgium fans for their second game.
      However no fans from Russia were allowed into the third game.
      ENGLAND*
      England allowed Scotland fans to attend the game against the Three Lions at Wembley.
      However, this trip did not involve crossing a border and no exemption is set to applied to fans of Croatia and the Czech Republic from overseas.
      The FA are also reportedly considering allowing fans of the semi-finalists and finalists attend games under a bubble arrangement.
      The best TV deals for Euro 2020 including LG, Sony, Toshiba and more More

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      Croatia vs Spain LIVE: Stream FREE, score, TV channel as big match UNDERWAY in Copenhagen – Euro 2020 latest updates

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      CROATIA are taking on Spain in Copenhagen for a place in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals.
      TV channel: ITV1
      Live stream FREE: ITV Hub
      Croatia XI: Livakovic, Caleta-Car, Vida, Gvardiol, Juranovic, Brozovic, Modric, Kovacic, Rebic, Vlasic, Petkovic.
      Spain XI: Unai Simon, Gaya, Laporte, Eric Garcia, Azpilicueta, Pedri, Busquets, Koke, Sarabia, Torres, Morata.

      Follow ALL the latest action with our live blog below…

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      CROATIA 0-0 SPAIN
      6. This is far from Spain-like, however.
      A ball pumped high into the Croatian penalty area is met by a wonderful leap from Ferran Torres.
      He nods down for Koke in the middle, but the Atletico midfielder is unable to adjust his body in time to get a shot away.
      CROATIA 0-0 SPAIN
      4. Spain are taking an early grip of possession in this battle between two teams that feel equally comfortably on the ball.
      CROATIA 0-0 SPAIN
      2. Less than two minutes on the clock, and Gaya almost makes an immediate impression on his recall to the side.
      Laporte picks the left-back out on a run into the area, and it’s only alert goalkeeping from Livakovic that cuts off the supply line..
      CROATIA 0-0 SPAIN
      1. With half the Parken Stadium bathed in sunshine and the other in the shadows of the stands, Spain get the latest Last 16 encounter underway.
      In a tournament that has offered home advantage to so many, both of these sides find themselves away from their own arenas and their kit choice reflects that; Spain are in all white, Croatia are wearing black.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!WE’RE OFF IN COPENHAGEN!
      HERE COME THE TEAMS!
      A huge roar welcomes the two sides as they make their way out on tto the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.
      The setting and sound is glorious, and so too is the weather. Blistering sunshine beats down on the pitch, and it’s clear that changes and fresh legs could be crucial here – especially should the match extend into extra-time.
      First though, it’s the formalities. Sergio Busquets and Luka Modric line their teams up, and now it’s time for the national anthems.
      FAN-TASTIC FOLLOWING
      Having been unable to travel to the United Kingdom for their country’s three group games, Croatia fans are back with their team today in Copenhagen and are already making the most of the occasion.
      Officially, there are expected to be around 8,000 Croatian fans are the Parken stadium. Unofficially, it could be much more.

      FERRAN ON FIRE
      Ferran Torres made an immediate impact off the bench against Slovakia, netting a sublime backheel within seconds of his introduction, and has now been rewarded with a start against Croatia in Copenhagen.
      The Manchester City forward brings pace and energy to the Spanish front three, as well as a superb scoring record at international level, averaging a goal every 90 minutes.

      OLMO UP AGAINST OLD FRIENDS
      Spain have a potential secret weapon on the bench, and one that knows the Croatian game very well.
      Winger Dani Olmo moved to Croatia as a 16-year-old, having come through the Espanyol and Barcelona youth academies.
      Able to speak the language fluently, he spent five-and-a-half years at Dinamo Zagreb before moving to RB Leipzig at the start of 2020.
      The 23-year-old has as many as five former teammates in the Croatia squad, and could find himself up against any of them should he be called upon by Luis Enrique.

      PEDRI SETS ROO RECORD
      At 18 years and 215 days, Pedri is set to become the youngest ever player to start a knockout game at the European Championships.
      Barcelona’s teenage sensation will overtake the record set by Wayne Rooney, when he represented England at 18 years and 244 days against Portugal in 2004.
      Rooney, of course, was a tormentor of Croatia in the group stages of Euro 2004, a performance that launched him on to the international scene. Could Pedri also follow in that fashion this evening?

      HAVE YOUR SAY
      Fancy winning £250 cash? Get your full-time score prediction in by kick-off to be in with a chance! If you get it right, you’ll enter our prize draw…

      THE MOD-EL MIDFIELDER
      He may be in the twilight of his career, but Croatia captain Luka Modric is once again proving himself to be one of the best midfielders in the game.
      Modric became the oldest player to score for his country at the European Championships at 35 years and 286 days with his stunner against the Scots, and he also holds the record as Croatia’s youngest goalscorer in the competition.
      At Euro 2008, a then 22-year-old Modric netted a fourth-minute penalty against Austria as his side made it all the way to the quarter-finals before being dramatically defeated on penalties by Turkey.
      Should Modric score find the target again today, he would become the second-oldest player in European Championship history to score in consecutive appearances, behind only his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. Decent company.

      SPAIN SUBSTITUTES
      1 De Gea, 13 Sanchez, 3 D Llorente, 4 P Torres, 6 M Llorente, 9 Moreno, 10 Thiago, 16 Rodri, 17 Ruiz, 18 Alba, 19 Olmo, 21 Oyarzabal
      SPAIN XI
      Luis Enrique makes two changes to the Spain side that thumped Slovakia last time out. Misfiring forward Alvaro Morata keeps his place up front, but Gerard Moreno is replaced by Ferran Torres; the Manchester City’s man inclusion is likely to see Pablo Sarrabia switch to the left side of attack. Elsewhere, Jose Gaya is preferred at left-back to 32-year-old Jordi Alba in what is likely a case of fresh legs. The midfield three of Koke, Pedri and captain Sergio Busquets remain the same as Enrique continues with his 4-3-3 formation.
      23 Simon; 2 Azpilicueta, 12 Eric Garcia, 24 Laporte, 14 Gaya; 8 Koke, 5 Busquets, 26 Pedri; 11 F Torres, 7 Morata, 22 Sarabia

      CROATIA SUBSTITUTES
      12 Kalinic, 23 Sluga, 2 Vrsaljko, 7 Brekalo, 9 Kramaric, 14 Budimir, 15 Pasalic, 16 Skoric, 18 Orsic, 19 Badelj, 24 Bradaric, 26 Ivanusec
      CROATIA XI
      Zlatko Dalic makes two enforced changes to the team that swept aside Scotland at Hampden Park. Dejan Lovren is suspended so Duje Caleta-Car comes into the centre of defence alongside Domagoj Vida while up front, Ante Rebic replaces Ivan Perisic, who has tested positive for Covid-19. The Croatians match up with Spain’s 4-3-3 with a midfield featuring captain Luka Modric, Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic and Inter Milan’s Marcelo Brozovic. Up front, Bruno Petkovic plays through the middle with support on either side from Rebic and Nikola Vlasic.
      1 Livakovic; 22 Juranovic, 21 Vida, 5 Caleta-Car, 25 Gvardiol; 10 Modric, 11 Brozovic, 8 Kovacic; 13 Vlasic, 20 Petkovic, 17 Rebic

      THE TEAMSHEETS ARE IN!
      LAST TIME OUT
      It was a five-star performance from Spain as they saw off Slovakia – with a little help from Martin Dubravka.
      The Newcastle keeper had a mare between the sticks, going from hero to zero after saving Alvaro Morata’s spot-kick.
      Dubravka scored the tournament’s most shocking own goal and it was his error that led to Aymeric Laporte’s header in the dying moments of the first half.
      Pablo Sarabia sealed the win soon after before Ferran Torres’ beautiful backheel and Juraj Kucka’s own goal sent Spain through to today’s clash in sunny Copenhagen.

      EARLY TEAM NEWS
      Spain have no fresh injury worries, with Villarreal goal-machine Gerard Moreno hoping to start up-top.
      Thiago Alcantara impressed off the bench against Slovakia, but might not have done enough to force his way into the starting XI.
      Despite being poor from the penalty spot in this tournament, Alvaro Morata is set to start.
      Ante Rebic is set to replace Perisic for Croatia, who may otherwise name an unchanged XI from the win over Scotland.

      HEAD TO HEAD
      There’s been some classic tournament clashes between these two nations down the years.
      And just check out some of the names on this list.
      With no Perisic, Ante Rebic and Luka Modric will have to be at their majestic best this evening.

      NO IVAN
      The Croatians have been dealt a huge blow with the news that Ivan Perisic is out.
      After two goals in the group stages, he was set to play a key part today in Copenhagen.
      But Perisic is isolating after testing positive for Covid-19.
      The Croatia FA explained: “Perisic will spend 10 days in self-isolation and in that period he will not compete for the matches of the Croatian national team.
      “All other national team members, staff members and delegations are negative.”

      HOW’S STAT?
      Croatia took a bit of time to get going in the tournament, but really found their stride against Scotland.
      That 3-1 win saw them easily into third-place and into the last-16, where they will be a dangerous proposition today.
      Remember though, top scorer Ivan Perisic is OUT. More on that later…

      FAN POWER
      It might be drizzly on our shores today, but over in Copenhagen it’s baking hot.
      26c pitch-side and the Croatian fans are making the most of it – expect a lively atmosphere in the Parken Stadium.

      HERE WE CRO
      Croatia are taking on Spain in a Euro 2020 last 16 match between two teams who have yet to play to their potential.
      The Croats underwhelmed in games against England and the Czech Republic before rescuing themselves when a brilliant Luka Modric strike helped them to a 3-1 win over Scotland at Hampden Park.
      And Spain had been dogged by problems up front with main man Alvaro Morata failing to fire in draws at home to Sweden and Poland.
      But they did give some indication of what they were capable with in a 5-0 win over Slovakia to go through in second place in Group E.
      Both sides will be happy to be heading to Copenhagen for the last 16 for different reasons.
      Croatia will be followed by around 8000 of their supporters today after none were allowed to travel to the UK for the group stage.
      And Spain will lose home advantage but be happy to get away from a dry pitch in Seville which was heavily criticised by boss Luis Enrique.
      The Spaniards will enter this game as slight favourites but are taking on a team who know very well how to beat them.
      Croatia triumphed over Spain 2-1 in the group stage at Euro 2016 and again in the Nations League in 2018, when they ran out 3-2 winners.
      Kick-off is at 5pm in Copenhagen and the countdown is on…

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      France vs Switzerland LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, team news for Euro 2020 last-16 clash in Bucharest – latest updates

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      FRANCE are back in action this evening as they take on Switzerland for the chance to play in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.Les Bleus finished top of their group while Switzerland came 3rd in theirs – and now both sides face off in an enticing last-16 match-up.

      Start time: 8pm GMT
      TV/Live stream: ITV 1/ITV Hub
      France XI: To follow
      Switzerland XI: To follow

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      Karim Benzema scored twice for France against PortugalCredit: EPA
      But they face a mounting injury crisis within their squad.
      Now in their last-16 tie, the world champions will be looking to start stepping their performances up a notch against a Swiss side that were bashed 3-0 by Italy in the group stages.
      When is France vs Switzerland?

      France vs Switzerland is on Monday, June 28.
      The match kicks off at 8pm in the UK.
      The Euro 2020 last-16 tie takes place at Arena Nacionala in Bucharest, Romania.

      What TV channel is France vs Switzerland on and can I live stream it?

      France vs Switzerland is being broadcast on ITV 1.
      Coverage starts at 7.15pm and runs till 10.20pm.
      The game will be live streamed on the ITV Hub.
      You can watch for free with a valid TV licence.

      What is the team news?
      Didier Deschamps is facing a minor injury crisis as his side look to do the World Cup-Euros double for the second time in 23 years.
      Left back Lucas Hernandez remains a doubt with a knee problem after hobbling off during the Portugal draw.
      Everton’s Lucas Digne came on to replace Hernandez, but pulled his hamstring within moments of coming on in the final group stage game.
      Adrien Rabiot then came on to replace Digne, but the midfielder is not 100 per cent fit either.
      Thomas Lemar and Ousmane Dembele have also left the France squad looking threadbare, with the latter ruled out of the tournament needing to undergo surgery on his knee.
      Switzerland look to have a clean bill of health going into the last-16 tie.
      GOOD EVENING!
      Hello and welcome to SunSport’s live coverage of France vs Switzerland as the two sides prepare to get their HUGE Euro 2020 last-16 clash underway this evening.
      Les Blues have been pegged as early favourites from the get-go but didn’t come through their tough group stage unfazed, to say the least.
      Didier Deschamps’ side managed to overcome a tough German side to start but drew with Hungary and Portugal in their final two games.
      Switzerland managed only a point less than France, but finished third in their group thanks to their damaging 3-0 defeat to Italy.
      The Swiss, however, picked up a big win over Turkey and drew with Wales, who were knocked out of the competition by Denmark at the weekend.
      France have all the firepower needed in Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Karim Benzema to get the job done tonight.
      But they’ll have to be switched on defensively if they’re to keep an experience Swiss side, which contains Liverpool forward Xherdan Shaqiri, at bay.
      Whoever wins tonight’s clash will move on to face the winner of Spain vs Croatia, which kicks off right about now in Copenhagen.
      So big games are to come, whoever comes out on top.
      And tonight all you need to do is sit back, take it easy and enjoy the game.
      We’ve got you covered throughout.
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      Bruno Fernandes was supposed to be Euro 2020 star but stats show how shockingly Man Utd man flopped after Portugal exit

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      BRUNO FERNANDES was meant to be the man to inspire Portugal to a second straight European Championship victory.In a squad boasting the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, Joao Felix, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Renato Sanches, the 2016 champions were rightly among the favourites for the crown.
      Bruno Fernandes was all-but anonymous for Portugal at Euro 2020 by his high standards
      Bruno Fernandes endured a woeful Euro 2020 as Portugal crashed out at the last-16 stageCredit: Rex
      While 36-year-old Ronaldo is still the main man for Portugal for now, Fernandes is the undoubted heir to the throne.
      After a spectacular year-and-a-half at Manchester United following his £50million move from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, it’s easy to see why such big things were expected from the attacking midfielder this summer.
      Last season alone, Fernandes was involved in a staggering 46 goals – scoring 28 and adding a further 18 assists – in all competitions.
      But in four games at Euro 2020, the Old Trafford ace, 26, managed zero goals, zero assists and only played an average of 51.5 minutes per game.
      Ultimately, Portugal crashed out at the last-16 stage, albeit to the No1 ranked team in the world, Belgium.
      But to be blunt, Fernandes was utterly anonymous at the tournament.
      Fernandes started the first two group games against Hungary and Germany – but was hauled off in both.
      While the United star hardly lit up the stage in the late 3-0 win over Hungary, he was utterly dreadful against Germany.

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      Fernandes was hauled off after just after the hour-mark in the 4-2 defeat against the Germans and was dropped for the 2-2 draw with France and ultimate KO against Belgium.
      The attacking midfielder made it off the bench in both games, but failed to replicate his club form.
      When all was said and done, Fernandes played just 206 out of a possible 360 minutes at the Euros.
      Before the tournament, that would have seemed unthinkable for a player who starred in 4,581 minutes for his club last season at an average of 79 minutes per game.
      At Euro 2020, Fernandes’ shots per game rate slipped to below HALF his 2020-21 club tally of 3.5.

      His passing – while more accurate – was down too, at 37 per 90 minutes, compared to 60 for United.
      Fernandes completed ZERO dribbles all tournament, with his tackling and chances created records down.
      The Man Utd No18 was hampered somewhat by Ronaldo’s place in the team.
      After all, Fernandes takes penalties and free-kicks for United, but didn’t get a sniff for Portugal this summer.
      But that fact combined with his anonymous showing at Euro 2020 will do little to dissuade those who believe Fernandes to be a set-piece specialist.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      VIDEO: Watch fuming Cristiano Ronaldo KICK Portugal captain’s armband after throwing it to floor following Euro 2020 exit More

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      Who is France vs Switzerland referee Fernando Rapallini? Official from ARGENTINA taking charge of Euro 2020 fixtures

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      FANS watching Euro 2020 this summer will get attuned to the curious sight of a referee from Argentina taking charge of games.Fernando Rapallini is the first South American ever to preside over European Championship games.
      Fernando Rapallini of Argentina will take charge of Euro 2020 games this summerCredit: Gettty Images
      Here’s all you need to know about him.
      Who is Fernando Rapallini?
      Fernando Rapallini was born in 1978 in La Plata, Argentina.
      He has been on the Fifa Referees List since 2014 and refereed his first international match, between Chile and El Salvador in June 2015.
      Recognised as one of South America’s best officials, Rapallini has refereed some of the biggest finals in his country and on the continent.
      These include the 2013 and 2018 Argentina Super Cups, the 2017 Argentina Cup final, the 2019 Argentina Super League Champions Trophy and the 2020 South American Recopa.

      Why is Fernando Rapallini refereeing at Euro 2020?
      Fernando Rapallini has been appointed as a Euro 2020 official as part of an exchange programme between Uefa and Conmebol.
      This programme will see Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano head in the other direction to take charge of Copa America games this summer.
      Uefa president Alexander Ceferin said: “The exchange of referees with CONMEBOL for our two flagship tournaments will enrich both competitions, and will enhance the experience of top referees.
      “Europe and South America have so much football quality and tradition, including in refereeing.
      “This exchange is a defining part of our cooperation programme, which will help us improve our competitions.”
      Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez added: “Among our permanent objectives at CONMEBOL is making our referees more professional and perfectly trained for the use of technological tools.
      “We are convinced that a cooperation with UEFA in this field will greatly benefit both confederations. This is just the beginning.
      “We will continue working to broaden and strengthen collaboration agreements with our friends at UEFA.”
      Which Euro 2020 games has Fernando Rapallini refereed?
      Fernando Rapallini made his European bow by taking charge of Ukraine vs North Macedonia.
      And both sides kept him busy as he awarded a penalty to each during the game.
      Both spot kicks were missed.
      He then refereed Scotland vs Croatia and will take charge of France vs Switzerland in the last 16. More

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      Who is Croatia vs Spain referee Cuneyt Cakır and how many international tournaments has Euro 2020 ref been at?

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      TURKEY are out of Euro 2020 after failing to pick up a single point.But experienced referee Cuneyt Cakir will hope to be representing the country all summer long.
      Cuneyt Cakir is now hairless as he takes charge of Euro 2020 gamesCredit: AP
      Cuneyt Cakir has sent off various Premier League players in Europe over the last decade, including Nani, John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Gary Cahill.Who is Cuneyt Cakır?
      A MEMBER of Uefa’s Elite group of referees, Cakir is a no-nonsense whistler renowned for being a strict enforcer.
      He has sent off various Premier League players over the past decade, including Nani, John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Gary Cahill.
      Born in 1976, the Turk has taken charge of more than 200 Super Lig games – including numerous meetings between notorious rivals Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.
      He has reffed in European competition since 2006 and first appeared on the international scene in 2010.
      The disciplinarian will happily dish out cardsCredit: AFP or licensors
      In 2012 he was appointed as fourth official in the Euro 2012 final, between Spain and Italy, and three years later took charge of the Champions League final.
      Cakir famously sent off Keith Andrews at Euro 2012 after insisting that the Irishman move back an extra couple of inches in his defensive wall.
      And shortly after he was at it again, dismissing Gerrard in a World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.
      Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir stirred up a fierce reaction from fans on social media with his performance as England lost 2-1 to Croatia in the World Cup semi-finalCredit: AFP or licensors
      In the 2017/18, he was given the high profile Champions League semi-final clash between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
      And he capped it off by taking charge of the World Cup semi-final between England and Croatia.
      But Cuneyt was slammed as “biased” and “embarrassing” by Three Lions fans, as some social media critics even called for a Fifa investigation.
      He was accused of favouring Croatia as they ran out 2-1 winners and broke English hearts.
      Cakir has previously reffed at Euro 2012, World Cup 2014, Euro 2016 and World Cup 2018.
      Which Euro 2020 games is he taking charge of?
      Cuneyt Cakir took charge of Hungary vs Portugal and Ukraine vs Austria. More

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      Euro 2020 LIVE: England vs Germany build-up, Belgium BEAT Portugal to set up Italy clash, Holland OUT after Czech defeat

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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…
      ‘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!

      RICE PRAISES SAKA
      West Ham’s Declan Rice praised Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, highlighting his versatility.
      The pair are away with England on international duty at Euro 2020.
      Rice said: “I knew he had that type of performance in him.
      “In training, you can play him left wing-back, you can play him as a No10, as a right-winger and he’ll give you the same effort and the same intensity.
      “His left foot is so sweet.
      “He holds people off and I have got really close to him during this trip. He’s just the nicest kid ever.
      “And everyone actually loves him. He’s a top boy.”
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      TEAM NEWS: FRANCE VS SWITZERLAND
      France are enduring a crisis with injuries with Ousmane Dembele out for the rest of the competition, writes SANDRA BROBBEY. 
      And the team are sweating on the fitness of Lucas Digne, 27, after the Everton left-back was forced to withdraw from his side’s clash with Portugal due to a thigh-strain. 
      Deschamps may have to turn to Adrien Rabiot, 26, as an emergency full-back alternative to Digne if Lucas Hernandez fails to recover from a knee injury.  
      However PSG star Rabiot has been contending with an ankle problem. 
      And it remains to be seen if Marcus Thuram, 23, and Thomas Lemar, 25, will be available with both picking up knocks in training ahead of this evening’s game. 
      It is reported Thuram hurt his thigh while Lemar suffered a leg injury. 
      Meanwhile, Switzerland reportedly have no injury or suspension worries with defender Ricardo Rodgriguez claiming the Red Crosses are fit and ready to go.

      IT CROSSED THE LINE
      Geoff Hurst’s famous World Cup* goal DID cross the line!
      And so did Frank Lampard’s back in 2010. England meet Germany in the Round of 16 at Wembley tomorrow night.

      CREATIVE PLAYERS
      Switzerland’s Steven Zuber has picked up three assists at Euro 2020 so far!
      And Switzerland play world champions and continental neighbours France later today!

      ‘IMPOSTER’
      Roy Keane labelled Portugal’s Joao Felix an ‘imposter’ after his poor substitute cameo in yesterday’s loss to Belgium.
      On ITV, Keane said: “He’s an imposter, your country needs you and he comes on – hit the target!
      “£100million? If I was Ronaldo I’d certainly be going after him in the dressing room.”
      Keane went on to put the whole Portuguese team on blast.
      He continued: “I get really annoyed when they’re quality players.
      “There’s no excuse to be leaning back and just missing the target, just test the goalkeeper because these are top players there’s no getting around it.”
      “That guy’s an imposter! He’s an imposter! Your country needs you. He comes on – hit the target! £100million?! If I was Ronaldo, I’d be going after him in the dressing room. Shocking!” 😡Roy Keane is not 𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 impressed with Joao Felix 💥#ITVFootball | #Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/d7tpGUYXDl— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 27, 2021

      BUSY BEE
      Ugurcan Cakir has been the most busy goalkeeper at Euro 2020 so far!

      TEAM NEWS: CROATIA VS SPAIN
      Reports claim Josko Gvardiol, 19, could be a doubt for his side’s knockout battle with Spain, writes SANDRA BROBBEY. 
      The rising star left-back appeared to hurt his shin during Croatia’s win against Scotland and was substituted around the 70th minute of that match. 
      Meanwhile, midfield lynchpin Sergio Busquets, 32, is in line to start for Spain following his heroics against Slovakia. 
      The Barcelona veteran put in a man-of-the-match performance last time out despite picking up a knock 
      It is reported Cesar Azpilicueta is likely to retain his place at right-back. 
      And it is thought Morata will keep his spot in Spain’s starting line-up with the forward reportedly having the full backing of boss Enrique. 
      Meanwhile, Croatia are likely to retain a similar line-up to the team that beat Scotland with Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic lining up in a midfield three.
      The game is due to get underway at 5pm!

      BEST FRIENDS
      West Ham’s Declan Rice has revealed that best friend Mason Mount is bored in isolation.
      The Chelsea star was forced to isolate alongside fellow Blues team-mate Ben Chilwell after the pair spent time in the tunnel speaking to Billy Gilmour – who later tested positive for Covid-19 – after the England-Scotland game.
      Speaking to Love Island star and presenter Josh Denzel, Rice said: “It’s been tough for me to be fair, not being able to see Mase [Mount].
      “But I’m sure now after the next couple of days he’ll be out and he’ll be training again.
      “I’ve spoken to Mase [Mount] a couple of times on FaceTime, he’s alright, I think he’s just bored.
      “But yeah he’s sweet we’ve been talking and yeah hopefully, like I said, we can see him in the next couple of days.”
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      ROAD TO WEMBLEY
      The left side of the knockout three will be completed today!
      And then tomorrow it’s onto England vs Germany……. the big one we’ve all been waiting for!
      Followed by Sweden vs Ukraine.
      Whoever wins the game between England and Germany, you would expect to get to the final.
      But both the Danes and the Czechs have been impressive so far at Euro 2020.

      EARLY EXIT
      Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t hide his emotions at full-time after Portugal’s early exit from Euro 2020.
      The defending champions were knocked out by the No1 ranked team in the world, Belgium, in the Round of 16.
      New European champions WILL be crowned!
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      LAST 16
      There’s two fixtures being played at Euro 2020 today, with the first game kicking off at 5pm and the second at 8pm.
      Former European and world champions Spain are taking on 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia in Copenhagen, Denmark.
      And world champions France are taking on continental neighbours Switzerland in Bucharest, Romania from 8pm.
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      KNOCKOUT STAGES
      Belgium will face Italy after beating defending champions Portugal 1-0 last night.
      And Denmark will play the Czech Republic, after the Czechs pulled off a shock victory against the Netherlands.

      EURO 2020 LATEST
      Kieran Trippier and Phil Foden are being tipped for recalls against Germany – as England’s possible route to the final seemed to get easier.
      Tomorrow night’s Wembley winners will take on Sweden or Ukraine in the quarter-finals, with the Czech Republic or Denmark possible last-four opponents. 
      That’s because the Czechs pulled off the biggest shock of the Euros so far, punishing Holland defender Matthijs de Ligt’s straight red card on 55 minutes with a 2-0 win yesterday.
      Tomas Holes headed a 68th-minute opener before teeing up Patrik Schick’s clincher.
      And Belgium midfielder Thorgan Hazard’s dipping stunner just before half-time saw off Portugal 1-0, amid speculation it might be legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s last game at a major international tournament.
      Meanwhile, Three Lions’ boss Gareth Southgate has admitted Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell might be omitted against the Germans.
      Southgate worries the duo might be suffering “psychological” effects from their self-isolation following Chelsea team-mate Billy Gilmour’s positive Covid-19 test.
      Inter Milan superstar Ivan Perisic misses Croatia’s clash with Spain at 5pm tonight after being found to have coronavirus.
      And at 8pm Group F winners France take on Switzerland, who finished third behind Wales in qualifying from Group A.
      HURST: BEAT GERMANY AND WIN EUROS
      England legend Sir Geoff Hurst told Gareth Southgate’s young lions: “Beat Germany and you’ll go on and win it!”
      The hero, whose hat-trick conquered our old foe in 1966, lined up with The Sun’s mascot Harry Mane — and also had advice for England’s star striker.

      He said: “There’s nothing quite like an England versus Germany game at Wembley and the hairs still stand up on the back of my neck every time it happens.
      “It’s a massive, massive game — one of those do-or-die occasions which will produce moments we’ll never forget.
      “German teams never give up and we have a hell of a fight on our hands. But this time it’s a fight we can win — and once we clear this obstacle it’ll take a hell of a team to stop us.”
      A win tomorrow will send England to Rome for a quarter-final with Sweden or Ukraine. Another victory would tee up a semi-final back at Wembley against either Denmark or Czech Republic.
      PAY JUDE
      Jude Bellingham will be celebrating on Tuesday regardless of the result at Wembley.
      On the day England look to overcome Germany in the last-16 at Wembley, Bellingham turns 18.
      And on this special birthday he will also have his contract at Borussia Dortmund extended by a further two years until 2025.
      It is remarkable that Bellingham, who played 36 times for Dortmund last season, is already preparing for what would be his seventh senior cap tomorrow.
      Over in Germany, there has been much discussion over Gareth Southgate’s refusal to give Bundesliga golden boy Jadon Sancho a single minute until the dying stages of their final  group match.
      In contrast, Bellingham has already made two appearances as a substitute and is likely to play some part against the Germans tomorrow.
      SHAW: JOSE OBSESSED WITH ME
      Luke Shaw has accused his ex-Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho of being obsessed with him.
      The England defender, preparing for Tuesday’s Euro 2020 last-16 clash with Germany, is stunned he is still being criticised by his former boss at Manchester United.
      Mourinho criticised Shaw for his “dramatically bad” and “poor” set-pieces in the 1-0 win over Czech Republic.
      Shaw, 25, said: “There is no hiding that we didn’t get on. It is time to move on. I am trying to move on but, obviously, he can’t.
      “Hopefully he can find his peace with that and finally move and stop worrying about me. Clearly I am in his head a lot and he clearly thinks about me a lot.
      “I don’t really understand it, to be honest. I don’t know why he is still going on and wanting to point at me. I don’t feel like the set pieces were as bad as he was saying.
      “Look, he has got to do his job. He has got his opinion. I am used to him saying negative stuff about me now, so I just pass it by.
      “I leave it be, I ignore it. I just focus on what the coaching staff say here, what Gareth says and that’s that, really.”
      TRIPPIER, FODEN AND MOUNT TIPPED TO START
      Roy Keane expects Gareth Southgate to recall Kieran Trippier, Phil Foden and Mason Mount for Tuesday’s showdown with Germany.
      Joachim Low’s side travel to Wembley for the 5pm kick-off and Keane believes England will trust their regular starters.
      All three started in the win over Croatia that opened the Three Lions’ tournament.
      He told ITV: “Maybe with Maguire that’ll be the only change, and go back to the first game against Croatia.
      “We’re on about these young players doing very well in the last one or two games.
      “But Gareth, as the manager, you still go back to the lads who got you over the line over the last year or two.
      “So it wouldn’t surprise me if Gareth went back to the team, obviously with Maguire available, for the first game against Croatia.
      “There’s question marks about maybe Trippier coming back in. The set-piece delivery has been really poor, maybe they go back to Trippier for that.”
      Load more entries… More

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      Why isn’t Ivan Perisic playing for Croatia against Spain at Euro 2020 today?

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      CROATIA face a crucial Euro 2020 last 16 game against Spain today.However, they will be without one of their key man – winger Ivan Perisic.
      Ivan Perisic will play no part for Croatia against SpainCredit: Reuters
      Why isn’t Ivan Perisic playing for Croatia against Spain today?
      Ivan Perisic will miss Croatia’s game against Spain after catching coronavirus.
      A Croatian FA statement read: “During the evening [of Saturday, June 26], the Croatian Football Association received the results of regular testing for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which showed that national team member Ivan Perisic was positive for coronavirus.
      “The medical service of the national team isolated Ivan from other members of the national team and immediately informed the competent epidemiological service in detail about the situation, with evidence of compliance with all measures to protect against the spread of coronavirus.
      “Perisic will spend 10 days in self-isolation and in that period he will not compete for the matches of the Croatian national team.
      “All other national team members, staff members and delegations are negative. The national team has a flight from Pula to Copenhagen at 10:35, where they will play the game of the eighth finals of the European Championship against Spain on Monday, June 28.”

      Which games will Ivan Perisic miss?
      Perisic will definitely miss the last 16 game against Spain and a quarter-final against France or Switzerland, should Croatia qualify.
      He is also set to miss a potential semi-final on July 6, which would be his last day in self-isolation.

      Did Ivan Perisic catch coronavirus against Scotland?
      Croatia beat Scotland 3-1 at Hampden Park just days after Billy Gilmour tested positive for coronavirus.
      However, Gilmour was in isolation during that game and there has yet to be any suggestion that Perisic contracted the virus during the Scotland match.
      Before the Scotland game, Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic expressed his concern that the virus could enter his camp.
      He was particularly annoyed that the team were asked to play the game in Scotland after the Scottish government’s draconian conditions forced them to move their training camp back to Croatia.
      Had Croatia been training in Scotland and picked up a positive case, the entire squad would have been forced into isolation.
      Dalic said: “There is a pressure for all of us, lasting for a month relating to this situation.
      “Every third day we go through the tests. There is psychological pressure and uncertainty.

      “So we are afraid something would happen — they test positive and we all end up isolating and having those serious issues.
      “I repeat that I hope nobody else is positive. I don’t want this to expand. Hopefully it’s just a single case.
      “We are concerned but we have to do this match, we have to play and try to win the three points.
      “We have just arrived in Glasgow, had lunch and we are due to have a meeting, but I don’t expect anyone to say they don’t want to play.
      “All of them are afraid but nonetheless, we have to play, concentrate on the game and forget everything else.
      “We made an exception to not be in the camp [in Scotland], so we are travelling every three days. It’s not good — those are not good conditions.
      “The conditions should be the same for all, but they are not the same for all.”
      Was Ivan Perisic vaccinated?
      Most of the Croatia squad were vaccinated against coronavirus before Euro 2020, but six players were not.
      Ivan Perisic’s dad Ante was reported in the Croatian press as saying he was one of the players not to get vaccinated. More