Euro 2020

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      Team news, injury updates and latest odds for Croatia vs Spain as Morata and Modric bid for quarters spot

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      SPAIN hope they can keep up their scintillating form in the Euro 2020 last-16 clash with Croatia.Luis Enrique’s side burst into life last week with a 5-0 drubbing of Slovakia, after drab draws in their opening two Group E clashes.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Alvaro Morata hopes to net against Croatia with Spain aiming to reach the Euros last eightCredit: Getty
      Luka Modric will hoping for a repeat of the performance that saw Croatia beat Scotland 3-1Credit: EPA
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      That wasn’t enough for top spot, and now they face the beaten World Cup finalists, who finished second to England in Group D.
      The clash between the sides will take place at the Parken Stadium, the home of Denmark with a quarters clash with France or Switzerland awaiting the winners.
      And the game – which kicks off at 5pm – can be watched on ITV1 with coverage starting on the channel from 4:15pm. 

      What’s the form?
      Croatia have won three of their last eight matches against their opponents with Spain beating them on four occasions. 
      Dalic’s team picked up a draw and a loss from two group stage games before a 3-1 dispatching of Scotland cemented their last 16 spot. 
      Zlatko Dalic’s Croatia side could face France or Switzerland in the quarter-finals if they beat SpainCredit: AP
      And their last two encounters were goal-laden Nations League affairs.
      Enrique’s aces hammered their rivals 6-0 in September 2018 with Croatia grabbing revenge with a 3-2 win that month. 
      The Euro 2012 champs have endured a mixed start notching up two draws before their thumping win in their final group stage game. 
      And Alvaro Morata, 28, has revealed he has been on the receiving end of sickening social media abuse following his missed penalty against Slovakia. 
      The Juventus forward revealed his family have been subjected to verbal harassment in Seville after a string of misses against Sweden and Poland. 
      My wife and children have come to the stadium in Seville with Morata on the back of their shirts and people have been shouting at them. It’s complicated. I understand people booing me for missing chances but there’s a limit. Alvaro Morata

      Who’s in and who’s out 
      Reports claim Josko Gvardiol, 19, could be a doubt for his side’s knockout battle with Spain. 
      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. 

      Watch out for…….
      Ferran Torres. The Manchester City star impressed as a substitute against Slovakia netting moments after coming off the bench around the 67th minute. 
      The forward, 21, who had a mixed debut season at City following a £21million move from Valencia in 2020, has been highlighted as a player to watch. 
      And the fleet-footed winger made a storming start to his Spain career netting a hat-trick against Germany during his senior international debut in November. 
      Ferran Torres impressed for Spain during their 5-0 group stage thrashing of SlovakiaCredit: AFP

      If the game is rubbish….
      TV journalist Iva Saric will be cheering on a Croatia team which includes her partner Bruno Petkovic. 
      Saric, 32, met the Dinamo Zagreb forward Petkovic, 26, in 2019. 
      And the couple welcomed the birth of their first child together this year. 
      Bruno Petkovic’s partner Iva SaricCredit: https://www.instagram.com/iva__saric/?hl=en
      Fancy a punt? 
      Get all your Euro 2020 ante-post tips with our tournament betting guide HERE.
      Match odds?

      Croatia v Spain live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for last 16 Euro 2020 match More

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      Team news, injury updates and latest odds for France vs Switzerland as Mbappe, Pogba and Co. prepare for battle

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      FRANCE’S quest to add a Euros crown to their 2018 World Cup trophy continues with a potential banana skin against Switzerland.If Les Bleus dispatch their neighbours a quarter-final duel with Croatia or Spain will be next.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Karim Benzema and France hope to win the Euros following the country’s 2018 World Cup winCredit: EPA
      Xherdan Shaqiri hopes to add to his tally of three goals at this year’s EurosCredit: Getty – Pool
      Tonight’s clash will be the two teams’ fifth meeting in a major competition with the rivals having played each other twice in the European Championship and World Cup. 

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      But the game at Romania’s National Arena will be their first in the knockout round of a top football tournament. 
      The last-16 clash between France and Vladimir Petkovic’s Swiss aces will kick-off at 8pm 
      And fans can watch the game on ITV1 following the channel’s of Croatia’s clash with Spain.  
      What’s the form?
      France and Switzerland have played each other on 38 occasions with the last Euros encounter between the sides ending 0-0. 
      The World Cup winners have gone unbeaten in their last seven meetings with their opponents although four of their last five games have ended in draws. 
      Petkovic’s side, skippered by Granit Xhaka, 28, finished third in Group A following a draw with Wales, a loss to Italy and a win against Turkey.  
      Granit Xhaka and Switzerland will play France for the first time in the knockout phase of a major tournamentCredit: EPA
      And Didier Deschamps’ players topped their group without losing a game following.
      Their results include a win against Germany and two draws including a shock score draw against plucky minnows Hungary. 
      And their final group stage game saw Karim Benzema, 33, finally score on his return from a lengthy international exile with a brace against Portugal. 

      Who’s in and who’s out 
      France are enduring a crisis with injuries with Ousmane Dembele out for the rest of the competition. 
      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.  
      Adrien Rabiot may be called upon to play as a full-back for France against SwitzerlandCredit: Getty
      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.
      Anything can happen in a tournament. We are fit and ready. We have to be compact in defence and use our few chances. We know the French have a fantastic bench. We will give it all we have. We have already practised penalties and almost everyone scored.Ricardo Rodriguez – Switzerland full-back

      Watch out for…….
      Xherdan Shaqiri becoming Switzerland’s highest scorer at the Euros. 
      The Liverpool winger’s brace against Turkey saw him equal Hakan Yakin’s record of three goals at a European Championship – the all-time record for a Switzerland player. 
      And Kylian Mbappe who was prolific for PSG last term – netting 27 Ligue 1 goals in 31 games – will hope to open his Euros scoring account tonight.
      Xherdan Shaqiri is hoping to become Switzerland highest ever scorer at a European ChampionshipCredit: Pro Sports Images

      If the game is rubbish….
      Leonita Lekaj will no doubt be cheering on her husband Granit Xhaka just as she did during Switzerland’s run in the 2016 Euros. 
      The 29-year-old model and the Arsenal midfielder have been together six years and have two children. 
      Granit Xhaka’s wife Leonita Lekaj
      Fancy a punt? 
      Get all your Euro 2020 ante-post tips with our tournament betting guide HERE.
      Match odds?

      France v Switzerland live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for last 16 Euro 2020 match More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo first to console De Bruyne after Belgium star’s injury as Portugal legend shows caring side again

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO was the first player to comfort Kevin De Bruyne after he was forced off with an injury during Belgium’s win over Portugal.The Red Devils star had to will his side on from the substitute’s bench after suffering an ankle injury in the 48th minute.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Cristiano Ronaldo consoled Kevin De Bruyne after he limped off because of an ankle injury
      And the Belgium star returned the respect shown to him by Ronaldo after the final whistle
      And as De Bruyne, 29, looked down at his foot in anguish, Ronaldo put an arm around him and offered words of comfort.
      It was a very compassionate act from CR7 considering his side were trailing 1-0 at the time.
      And Ronaldo is notoriously competitive – Rio Ferdinand explained this week that the Juventus star will be asking him why Gary Lineker rates Lionel Messi above him, such is his desire to be the best.
      But despite Ronaldo’s win-at-all-costs attitude, he often displays sympathy for injured opponents.
      The last time Portugal were knocked out of a major tournament, in the Round of 16 of the 2018 World Cup, Ronaldo consoled Edinson Cavani.
      The Manchester United forward scored twice against Portugal before picking up an injury, with Ronaldo helping him off the pitch.
      He did the same in the 2018 Champions League final against Liverpool.
      Mohamed Salah was infamously fouled by Sergio Ramos and the collision led to the Egyptian badly injuring his shoulder.
      The winger was unable to continue and Ronaldo, seeing Salah’s tears, immediately went to comfort his opposite number.
      Ronaldo’s good-natured spirit against Belgium on Sunday did not go unnoticed by supporters on social media either.
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      Ronaldo comforted a distraught Mohamed Salah as he left the 2018 Champions League final
      And later that summer Ronaldo did the same for Edinson Cavani in a World Cup Round of 16 clash

      One football fan wrote: “Fair play.”
      Another added: “Real ankles respect real.”
      One perceptive Twitter user also remembered Ronaldo helping Cavani out and how that ended up. He said: “The last time he checked on Cavani and they were knocked out.”
      Ronaldo will now be watching the rest of the tournament from home after Portugal were dumped out by Belgium.
      The superstar, 36, struggled to have an impact on the game, as Portugal were thwarted by keeper Thibaut Courtois and some poor finishing.
      Thorgan Hazard scored the only goal of the game to set up a quarter-final clash against Italy.

      The last time he checked on Cavani and they were knocked out 😭😭😭— Prezzo  (@langat_jr) June 27, 2021

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Kevin De Bruyne forced off injured just 90 seconds into Belgium vs Portugal second-half More

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

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      EURO 2020 is rolling on at pace as we continue in 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 thousand 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…
      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.”
      IS THAT RON’S MAJOR TOURNAMENT GOODBYE?
      Speculation is mounting on whether Portugal’s Eruos exit is the final hurrah for legend Cristiano Ronaldo in major international tournaments.
      Belgium superstar Romelu Lukaku seemed to show the Juventus frontman extra respect afterwards.

      Credit: Reuters
      Credit: Getty

      RESULT: BELGIUM 1 PORTUGAL 0
      Cristiano Ronaldo looked devastated as defending champions Portugal crashed out – despite heavy late pressure.
      For reaction on this last-16 tie follow our live match blog HERE.
      BELGIUM 1 PORTUGAL 0: NOW IT’S OPENING UP
      Two great chances for Portugal as they turn on the pressure late on.
      Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois brilliantly foiled centre-back Ruben Dias’ header.
      Then Raphael Guerreiro volleyed off the post.
      For up-to-the-minute news on this last-16 tie follow our live match blog HERE.
      BELGIUM CLINGING ON
      Cristiano Ronaldo and Co are toiling hard but struggling to create chances as they try to cancel out Thorgan Hazard’s superb opener for Belgium.
      For up-to-the-minute news on this last-16 tie follow our live match blog HERE.
      Credit: AFP
      MARTIAL AND VAN DE BEEK AT RISK
      France striker Anthony Martial and Holland midfielder Donny van de Beek are reportedly at risk of summer exits from Manchester United.
      Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      But Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will not offload frontline players unless he gets a decent price.
      That’s the claim from the Mail On Sunday as United prepare for a major summer shake-up.
      KDB CROCK SHOCK
      Belgium have been dealt a huge Euro 2020 blow after Kevin de Bruyne was forced off injured against Portugal.
      The Manchester City playmaker was clattered into in the first half by Palhinha.

      It was obviously De Bruyne was struggling, but he somehow made it through to half-time, and even came out for the second 45.
      But that lasted just 90 SECONDS before he was replaced by Dries Mertens.
      De Bruyne had to be helped off the field by Roberto Martinez who, provided Belgium get through, will be anxious at the thought of losing the world class star.
      UTD TO OFFER LINGARD 3-YEAR DEAL
      West Ham loan star Jesse Lingard is tipped for a new three-year Manchester United contract.
      The England midfielder, 28, just missed out on Gareth Southgate’s 26-man Euros squad after nine goals in 16 games for the Hammers.
      Credit: Ryan Browne-The Guardian
      KEANE CHEEKY DIG AT GUNNERS
      Roy Keane heaped praise on Bukayo Saka but also aimed criticism at Arsenal while doing so.
      The ITV pundit was discussing Saka, 19, alongside Ian Wright, who applauded Saka’s “glorious pace”.

      And former Manchester United star Keane was equally as complimentary towards the youngster.
      But he could ignore old rivalries, bashing Arsenal in his assessment of Saka.
      In ITV’s pre-match coverage of Belgium vs Portgual, Keane said: “He’s been playing well in a poor Arsenal team.”
      But Keane is accurate in his view, as the Gunners underperformed last season, finishing the campaign without a trophy.
      Mikel Arteta’s side finished eighth in the Premier League and perhaps the most disappointing moment came in the Europa League semi-final exit to Villareal.
      And despite their problems Saka still shone, scoring seven and assisting ten goals in all competitions.
      H/T: BELGIUM 1 HOLLAND 0
      Thorgan Hazard’s right-foot arrow separates these two giants at the interval.
      For up-to-the-minute news on this last-16 tie follow our live match blog HERE.
      Credit: EPA
      Credit: Reuters

      LATEST: BELGIUM 1 HOLLAND 0
      Thorgan Hazard dipped a top-scorner screamer to put the Belgians in front after 42 minutes.
      For up-to-the-minute news on this last-16 tie follow our live match blog HERE.
      LATEST: BELGIUM 0 PORTUGAL 0
      The hype hasn’t been matched by the reality so far… with Belgium quite cautious.
      But at least Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo has notched up some more fascinating stats.

      The Juventus frontman has single-handedly attempted more efforts on goals from free-kicks than any NATIONAL TEAM at the Ruros since 2004.
      His total of 27 is six ahead of ‘second-placed’ Italy.
      For up-to-the-minute news follow our live match blog HERE.
      LATEST: BELGIUM 0 PORTUGAL 0
      Arguably the biggest game of the tournament so far – and it’s been a cagy start so far.
      For up-to-the-minute news follow our live match blog HERE.

      Portugal’s Man City wideman Bernardo Silva tried to fend off Belgium’s Borussia Dortmund star Thorgan HazardCredit: Getty
      SERGE OF SUCCESS IN LONDON
      Ex-Arsenal player Serge Gnabry took a dig at both of the Gunners’ London rivals, Tottenham and Chelsea, ahead of Germany’s clash with England at Wembley.
      Bayern Munich wideman Gnabry devastated both sides last year in the Champions League and led his team to the top of Europe.
      Germany winger Serge Gnabry and Co are warming up for England on Tuesday
      Gnabry told Bayern’s official website: “So far I’ve done very well when I’ve come back to London, hopefully on Tuesday as well.
      “For me, there’s always a lot of history when we go to England because I still have some friends there as well. Hopefully they’ll be in the stadium.
      “I’ve never played at Wembley before. I personally and we as a team are really looking forward to the game”
      LION IN WAIT EXPECTANTLY
      England could now have a DREAM route to Wembley glory next month… if they survive Tuesday’s last-16 clash with Germany.
      Holland’s shock defeat to the Czech Republic on Sunday has made it even better.

      Gareth Southgate led the Three Lions to victories over Croatia and the Czechs, with a hard-fought draw over Scotland sandwiched in between.
      If England can break with tradition and KO Germany, they face a quarter-final with either Sweden, who surprisingly pipped Spain to top spot in Group E, or 3rd-place qualifiers Ukraine.
      The semi-final would be against either Wales’ conquerors Denmark or the Czechs again, after they stunned remaining ‘giant’ in the Three Lions’ half, Holland, on Sunday.
      That leaves favourites France in the other half of the draw, along with giants Portugal, Belgium, Italy and Spain.
      If all goes well, England could be facing one of them at the end of the glorious summer, in the final at Wembley on July 11.
      LIONS HAPPY TO BE ON THE SPOT
      Gareth Southgate is relying on the penalty plan that broke England’s shootout curse ahead of facing Germany at Euro 2020.
      The Three Lions had won only one of their seven tournament shootouts before the former defender took charge.
      England won a World Cup shootout for the first time vs Colombia in 2018
      Southgate says England are well prepared for a penalty with a process that works for them
      And yet, as the man who infamously missed his kick against Germany at Euro 96, Southgate has pioneered back-to-back victories when spot-kicks were required.
      Eric Dier fired home the winner in a dramatic last-16 win over Colombia at the 2018 World Cup. Jordan Pickford was the hero in 2019’s Nations League third place play-off beating of Switzerland.
      Southgate told ITV: “We’ve obviously won our last two penalty shootouts. So we have a process that works for us through that preparation and we’ve followed that same process.
      “There’s a little bit more focus on it this week but we don’t start it this week as that would be too late, and also we didn’t want to make a bigger thing of it than it is.
      “We created a process that works for us, we think the players understand that and we’ll be well prepared if it comes to that moment.”
      WHAT A BOER FOR HOLLAND
      TEN-MAN Holland’s miserable 2-0 exit against the Czech Republic included some shocking stats about their lack of punch in attack.

      Here’s one – which is also an extra painful reminder of Holland manager Frank de Boer’s shocking 10-week reign at Crystal Palace.
      The Dutchman was sacked after losing all four of his Premier League games at the start of 2017-18… without scoring.
      WE WON’T TRIPP UP ON SET-PIECES
      Kieran Trippier says England have been spending hours working on their set-pieces in the hope of unleashing them on Germany on Tuesday.
      England believe set-pieces could be a major factor against GermanyCredit: PA

      Boss Gareth Southgate criticised his side’s lack of threat from dead-ball situations in the group stages and claimed it was something they needed to brush up on.
      And Trippier admits the manager has been true to his word by getting the Three Lions to practice hard on improving their delivery from corners and free-kicks.
      The Atletico Madrid defender said: “We have set the bar high over the last couple of years with the set-pieces and the amount of goals we have scored.
      “We are a bit frustrated with not scoring as many goals as we thought we would from set-plays, but we have got fantastic people who can take set-pieces – Mason, Phil, Bukayo, myself who can put the money on the spot.
      “Obviously we have been working on it and whoever is playing an in line to take set-pieces, we will back anybody.
      “We know as players when we hit the first man that we know we can do better. Luke is another one who has a fantastic delivery.”
      LLORENTE: ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN
      Manchester United target Marcos Llorente has opened up over his future and admitted ‘anything can happen’.
      The Red Devils are known to be huge admirers of the Atletico Madrid star, having first targeted the Spain midfielder in January 2020.

      The 26-year-old scored 12 goals and provided 11 assists as Diego Simeone’s side won the LaLiga title last season.
      His fine form hasn’t gone unnoticed, and United were reportedly set to turn their interest into a formal offer in March.
      United were previously linked with launching a £68million bid ahead of Euro 2020.
      Llorente, who has three years left on his deal at the Wanda Metropolitano, has hinted that he is prepared to stay in Spain.
      But in an interview with AS, the Spanish international added that ‘anything’ can happen in football’.
      He said: “I have many years left (on my contract). My idea is to stay, I’m fine, I’m happy at Atletico Madrid.
      “We have had a great season winning La Liga. Anything can happen in football, but I don’t think about that kind of thing. I am happy and now I am with the national team.
      CZECHS COULD FACE ENGLAND IN SEMIS
      Surprise winners the Czech Republic put themselves one game away from a possible semi-final clash with England – assuming both sides get that far.
      For reaction to the Czechs’ 2-0 win over Holland go to our live match blog HERE.
      The Czech Republic hail their shock 2-0 win over Holland

      RESULT: HOLLAND 0 CZECH REPUBLIC 2
      Matthijs de Ligt’s red card sent the Dutch spinning to a shock exit – Tomas Holes and Patrik Schick netting in the last 22 minutes for the Czechs.
      For reaction follow our live match blog HERE.
      HOLLAND HEADING OUT
      LATEST: HOLLAND 0 CZECH REPUBLIC 2 – Patrik Schick virtually ended Dutch hopes at Euro 2020 by pouncing for the Czechs’ close-range second goal on 80 minutes.
      For all the action follow our live match blog HERE.
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      Roy Keane slams ‘imposter’ Joao Felix and questions £100m transfer fee while raging ‘If I was Ronaldo, I’d go after him’

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      ROY KEANE tore into Portuguese star Joao Felix and called him an ‘imposter’ after their defeat to Belgium.The defending champions were dumped out of Euro 2020 after Thorgan Hazard’s thunderbolt secured a 1-0 victory.
      Roy Keane tore into Joao Felix after Portugal were beaten by BelgiumCredit: ITV
      The Portuguese forward was labelled an ‘imposter’ by the Man Utd legendCredit: EPA
      That set-up a clash between the Red Devils and Italy in the last-eight in Munich on Friday.
      Portugal attempted to launch a comeback late in an effort to force extra-time but were denied several times by Thibaut Courtois.
      One of those included an effort by Cristiano Ronaldo – who Keane had hailed pre-match as the ‘most intelligent’ player he had ever seen.
      Real Madrid’s ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Courtois also stopped a powerful header from Ruben Dias as Portugal finished with 23 shots in the game but without a breakthrough.
      That was the most shots by any team so far at the Euros without scoring.
      After watching their failed attempt for an equaliser, Keane was massively critical of Portugal’s abilities in front of goal.
      And he particularly ripped into 21-year-old Felix who he says Ronaldo should be ‘going after’ in the dressing-room.
      Keane told ITV: “He’s an imposter. He comes on, hit the target. what is he, £100million?
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      How the top pundits of the two channels stack up against each other

      “If I was Ronaldo I’d be going after him in the dressing-room. Shocking.”
      Atltico Madrid’s Felix came off the bench in the second period to help his side try and find a leveller.
      He had a chance with the final kick of the game but dragged his shot wide before the final whistle blew.
      It was Raphael Guerreiro who came closest when he rattled the post.
      But Belgium managed to hold on to set-up the crunch clash with the Azzurri.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog

      Joao Felix shows his skills on the training pitch in Atletico Madrid training More

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      England legend Sir Geoff Hurst believes glory beckons for Gareth Southgate’s young lions

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      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.
      Sir Geoff Hurst rallied the nation behind Gareth Southgate’s young lions saying: ‘Beat Germany and you’ll go on and win it!’Credit: The Sun
      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.
      Sir Geoff, 79, believes glory beckons for our young side — and he is unconcerned at striker Harry Kane’s lack of goals so far. Sir Geoff was a sub for the 1966 group games and did not score.
      But he got the only goal against Argentina, laid on another against Portugal before his epic hat-trick in the final against West Germany.
      The England legend gave advice to England’s star striker Harry KaneCredit: Reuters
      He said: ‘I would love to see him score a hat-trick in the final like I did’Credit: The Sun
      He said: “I got off to a much slower start than Harry Kane in 1966. I didn’t even get a kick in the first three games. But I took my chances in the knockout stages just like I believe Harry will.
      “He has the class, power and skill to come alive at the business end of the tournament and I would love to see him score a hat-trick in the final like I did.”
      The old foes have not clashed at the Euros since 2000, when England won 1-0.
      But the Germans hit back with a 4-1 hiding the last time they met in a major tournament — at the 2010 World Cup. England also famously crashed out on penalties to them twice — at the 1990 World Cup then again at Euro 96.
      But if tomorrow’s game ends in a shootout, Sir Geoff is confident they can get revenge. He said: “We hopefully shook off that hoodoo when we beat Colombia on penalties at the last World Cup.
      “No England fan likes the prospect of a shoot-out — least of all against the Germans given our track record. But I’m sure England now practise hard at spot-kicks and study video of their opponents before games to make it less of an ordeal. It’s going to be tough and tight.
      A win against Germany tomorrow will send England to Rome for a quarter-final with Sweden or UkraineCredit: The Sun
      Sir Geoff, 79, confident in a win added: ‘I’m sure England have the grit and talent to win — even if it goes to penalties’Credit: The Sun
      England’s captain Bobby Moore is carried by teammates including Geoff Hurst after England defeated Germany 4-2 in the final at WembleyCredit: AP

      “I’m sure England have the grit and talent to win — even if it goes to penalties.”
      He also said the 45,000-strong crowd will sound like there’s double there, and called on them to roar like our mascot.
      He said: “I love The Sun’s Harry. We had a lion mascot called World Cup Willie in ’66 – and he roared us all the way to the final. Everyone should get behind this lion — and our lions on the pitch.”

      FAKE replica England shirts are shifting in their thousands after fans refused to pay £69.95 for the official Nike tops.

      England World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst backs Boris Johnson’s offer to host Euros in the UK More

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      Roy Keane slams Bruno Fernandes body language and NOT surprised by Man Utd star being dropped by Portugal at Euro 2020

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane has slammed Bruno Fernandes’ body language and admitted he was not surprised to see him benched for Portugal.The United ace started his country’s first two Euro 2020 matches but was subsequently dropped for their clashes with France and Belgium.
      Bruno Fernandes started Portugal’s Euro 2020 clash with Belgium on the benchCredit: Getty
      The Manchester United man’s omission didn’t surprise Roy KeaneCredit: Rex
      Fernando Santos’ decision to relegate the former Sporting Lisbon man to the bench stunned many – but not Keane.
      Ahead of Belgium’s 1-0 win that sent defending champions Portugal packing, Keane was asked if he was baffled by Fernandes’ omission and replied: “No, [I’m] not really [surprised] because of the other options.
      “He’s not really been in top form in the tournament.
      “His body language is not great and he’s not performed.
      “The beauty of it for the manager is you like at the Portuguese players and the options he’s got.
      “The plus for Portugal so far is they’ve scored seven goals but they’ve conceded six.
      “The worry for Portugal with the way they play, and particularly for the attacking players, if this turns into a shoot out I think they’ll suffer today.
      “But no surprise with the changes he’s made.”
      BETTING SPECIAL: GET ENGLAND TO BEAT GERMANY AT 14/1
      Roy Keane hasn’t been impressed by Bruno Fernandes’ body language of lateCredit: Rex
      Portugal’s defence of their European trophy came to an end courtesy of a 1-0 defeat to the Red Devils.
      Thorgan Hazard struck the winner just before half-time to send Roberto Martinez’s men into the quarter-finals.
      The goal came after a nice bit of trickery from Belgium stopper Thibaut Courtois, who left five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo red-faced.
      Portugal’s talisman was skinned by the Real Madrid stopper as he tried to put him under pressure.

      And that moment of skill proved to be the catalyst for Hazard’s wonderful strike from outside the box, which flew past a despairing Rui Patricio.
      Victory over the Portuguese has teed up a quarter-final clash with the high-flying Italy, who booked their place in the last eight on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over Austria.
      After the match, Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen said: “In the first half we were playing high and putting pressure on Portugal, but looking at that second half, we are lucky to win.
      “Portugal made it really hard for us. We had to really stay focused.
      “It has cost us a lot of energy, but we have some time to recover and now we are looking forward to the game against Italy.”
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      ‘Genius’ Cristiano Ronaldo ‘cleverest player EVER’ with his brain Portugal star’s most important asset, says Roy Keane

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      ROY KEANE has hailed his former Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo as the ‘most intelligent player’ he has seen.The Irish hardman lined-up alongside the Portuguese icon between 2003 and 2006.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Cristiano Ronaldo has received a glowing tribute from his former Man Utd captainCredit: Rex
      “The most important part of Ronaldo’s set-up is his brain. He’s the most intelligent player I’ve ever seen… to me he’s an absolute genius. The brain he’s got – he’s the cleverest player 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫.” 🐐The highest of praise for @Cristiano courtesy of Roy Keane 😍#Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/lCK66xjA4K— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 27, 2021

      Ronaldo is still at the top level now despite being aged 36 – although he was powerless to prevent his country from being dumped out of the Euro 2020 courtesy of Belgium on Sunday.
      Keane, 49, was watching the game while working as a pundit for ITV.
      And ahead of the last-16 clash, he paid a glowing tribute to the forward.
      Keane said: “He’s the most intelligent player I have seen in my life.
      “Obviously I’m not going back to 50s and 60s but the guy loves scoring goals. 
      “His intelligence is amazing, how he plays the game, he doesn’t get involved in build-up player but he’s got that trickery and arrogance which you need from the great players. 
      “The brain, the intelligence of the man, how he’s done it in different countries, how he’s looked after himself off the pitch as well. 
      “I can’t praise the man enough, he’s an absolute genius, I love watching him.
      BETTING SPECIAL: GET ENGLAND TO BEAT GERMANY AT 14/1

      “Just the brain he’s got, the cleverest player ever.”
      Ronaldo is a five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, and he has numerous titles and Champions League winner medals also on his CV.
      And Keane’s fellow pundit Patrick Vieira could not hide his admiration for the striker as well.
      The 1998 French World Cup winner said: “He’s the most competitive player I know. What I’m amazed at by him is he will train every single day like he plays at the weekend. 
      “From Monday to Saturday how he looks after himself on the training field. I think this is why this guy is a really good example for every single young person who wants to be a player.”
      Roy Keane says the Portugal star is the ‘cleverest’ player he has ever seenCredit: ITV
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog

      Cristiano Ronaldo pranks Portugal team-mate Pepe as superstar sneakily pours freezing cold water on defender’s head More