EURO 2020 is rolling on at pace as we reach the last 16 knockout stage!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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IT’S UNDER WAY: HOLLAND 0 CZECH REPUBLIC 0
The Czechs have begun brightly against their more fancied opponents.
For all the action follow our live match blog HERE.
LIONS MUST BE BOLDER
Kalvin Phillips has urged England to take ‘more risks’ ahead of their Euro 2020 last-16 clash with Germany.
The Three Lions will welcome the Germans to Wembley on Tuesday evening for a mouth-watering battle of old enemies.
England struggled for goals in the group stage, finding the back of the net twice in three matches.
And Phillips said: “[We have to] be more confident when we’re on the ball and take a few risks. Me personally, as well. I feel like once we do start scoring, I feel like we’ll get a few more.”
When asked how he’d take more risks, the Leeds star said: “Maybe if I’m on the ball and I’ve got time on the ball to turn and go forward.
“Obviously I’m new to the team, so I don’t really want to be risking the ball too much and losing a bit of confidence.
“But at the same time, I’m in a major tournament so I’ve got to show what I can do. So hopefully I can do that in the next game.”
KO 5PM: HOLLAND VS CZECH REPUBLIC TEAM NEWS
Atalanta midfielder Marten de Roon replaces Ajax star Ryan Gravenberch as Holland’s only change.
Holland team: Stekelenburg, de Ligt, de Vrij, Wijnaldum, Depay, van Aanholt, de Roon, Blind, Malen, de Jong, Dumfries.
The Czechs, captained by West Ham midfield main man Tomas Soucek, make three changes from their 1-0 defeat against England.
Pavel Kaderabek, Antonin Barak and Petr Sevcik come in for Jakub Jankto, suspended Jan Boril and injured Vladimir Darida.
Czech Republic XI: Vaclik, Kaderabek, Celustka, Coufal, Kalas, Barak, Holes, Schick, Masopust, Sevcik, Soucek.
I’M EVRA SO SORRY TO JOLEON
Patrice Evra has sent out a public apology after making ‘light hearted banter’ about Joleon Lescott’s forehead.
The Manchester United legend filmed a weird news parody called ‘Pat TV’ on his Twitter page, where he pretended to be a reporter on the European Championships.
Patrice Evra mocked Joleon Lescott’s forehead
I have to apologise to @JoleonLescott and his family, the joke was never meant to cause hurt it was only meant as light hearted banter, had I known then what I know now, I would have never of said this. Jo I hope you can accept my apology— Patrice Evra (@Evra) June 27, 2021
In the video, which is yet to be deleted, Evra discussed Amsterdam, where a last 16 tie between Denmark and Wales was played.
Former left-back Evra, 40, described the Dutch capital as the city ‘where people like to get as high as Joleon Lescott’s hair line’.
Ex-City and Everton defender Lescott, 38, has previously explained the scar on his forehead was caused by a severe head injury after he was struck by a car aged just five.
Less than 24 hours after Evra’s video, he took to Twitter to offer his apologies while claiming he was unaware of the reason for Lescott’s scar.
He posted: “I have to apologise to Joleon Lescott and his family, the joke was never meant to cause hurt it was only meant as light hearted banter, had I known then what I know now, I would have never (sic) of said this.
“Jo I hope you can accept my apology.”
GNABRY SWIPE
Ex-Arsenal ace 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 star Gnabry devastated both sides last year in the Champions League and led his team to the top of Europe.
Gnabry told Bayern Munich’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”
ITALY RECORD
Italy set a new national record after stretching their unbeaten record to 31 matches with a dramatic 2-1 win against Austria in Euro 2020’s Last 16.
The Azzurri have broken a record that has stood for 82 years and could extend it in the quarter-finals.
Vittorio Pozzo was the manager back then as the national team went four years without defeat between October 1935 and July 1939.
In that time they won their second straight World Cup trophy
JUR FUNERAL
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has warned England that it would be crazy to write his national team off.
Klopp told BILD: “To write off Germany now, it would be crazy.
“We played well against France, Portugal we dominated like hardly any other opponent in recent years.
“We struggled against Hungary, yes. But nothing more happened. Sometimes as a team you need such a game.
‘”And now we’re going to make a real go of it on Tuesday”
FERN BELIEF
Portugal boss Fernando Santos has hinted that Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes could return to the starting line-up against Belgium despite his disappointing performances against Germany and Hungary.
Santos said: “We will play according to our principles. We may change some players. Last match, we changed some things but because we felt that thinking of the opponent, but not just that, and about ourselves.
“We wanted to establish our own pattern. I wanted to bring in new blood to the midfield section. Tomorrow, I don’t think that will be an issue because we have had plenty of rest over the past four days.
“Today [Saturday], we have the last training session, we never know what is going to happen. We don’t know if everyone will be fit”
NEVILLE’S BORE-DON
Gary Neville has had enough of the transfer saga surrounding Jadon Sancho…
Neville tweeted: “Manchester United closing in on Sancho. Again!
“A transfer should be a joy and a moment of excitement.
“I’ve never been more bored by a transfer in my life to the point I feel like he’s already signed and I want to know who is next already. Not the lads [sic] fault at all I should say!”
Manchester United Closing in on Sancho Again! A transfer should be a joy and a moment of excitement . I’ve never been more bored by a transfer in my life to the point I feel like he’s already signed and I want to know who is next already. Not the lads fault at all I should say!— Gary Neville (@GNev2) June 26, 2021
KOUND NOT HAPPEN
Sevilla have reportedly turned down a €45million (£37m) bid for France international Jules Kounde.
That is according to the Transfer Window Podcast, who claim Kounde is keen on a move this summer after Euro 2020.
However, the star defender would prefer to join Real Madrid over any other suitor, such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.
United head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is determined to sign a top centre-back in the summer to partner up with Harry Maguire at the back
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WHAT’S NEXT?
England take on bitter rivals Germany on Tuesday in Euro 2020’s Last 16.
This game brings back plenty of bad memories for the Three Lions, who will look to exorcise the demons of the past against Joachim Low’s men.
If Gareth Southgate’s side emerges victorious then the quarter-finals await.
And that is where England will face either Ukraine or Sweden
TEAM NEWS
Belgium and Portugal’s clash later today at the Estadio Olimpico de la Cartuja poses as arguably the most highly-anticipating match of the Round of 16.
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez is set to recall a number of players, such as Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Meunier and Yannick Carrasco after resting them for the final group game against Finland.
Thorgan Hazard will get a late assessment after picking up a minor knee injury against Denmark.
Portugal manager Fernando Santos, on the other hand, will wait on Nuno Mendes, who is still recovering from a thigh issue, and the same goes for Nelson Semedo
COVID UPDATE
Croatia have suffered a major blow ahead of Monday’s Last-16 clash against Spain in Euro 2020.
Inter Milan star Ivan Perisic has tested positive for coronavirus and will miss his country’s crucial clash with the Furia Roja in Copenhagen.
The Croatian Football Federation has confirmed that Perisic will spend 10 days in self-isolation.
All other players, staff and members of Croatia’s delegation tested negative
MAKE WAY
England record goalscorer Wayne Rooney has shared some advice for manager Gareth Southgate ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Germany.
Rooney wrote in his column at The Times: “After all my championing of Jack Grealish, I wouldn’t play him from the start against Germany.
“‘He was one of England’s better players against the Czech Republic and it is not that my opinion of him has changed. My thinking is entirely down to how the Germans play. Different opponents demand different approaches and Tuesday’s game is tailor-made for Marcus Rashford — but not Jack.
“Germany play three at the back with a high line and what they try to do is almost suffocate you. They pass side to side, get the ball in wide areas, come back and go all the way out to the other flank, then get balls into the penalty area. And when you win it, they want you to play a pass to feet because that means — with their line pushed right up — they can go and press you high up the pitch.
“The more players you have who want to take the ball to feet, the more they can press, so instead of Jack I’d be looking to have runners either side of Harry Kane. My instruction would be to attack the spaces behind their wing backs when they go forward and make runs down the channels to the sides of their centre backs — especially given Mats Hummels’s problems against pace”
LOT OF CHANCES
Germany legend Lothar Matthaus believes England have a good chance to beat Germany in Euro 2020’s Last-16 clash, but not if it goes to penalties.
Matthaus said: “England have a chance to win, but not with penalties.
“Germany are always very good in penalties. It’s a little bit of a joke between the Germans and the English.
“If we have to go to a penalty shootout I think Germany is the favourite because then you start to think about what’s happened in the last 30, 40 years, Euro 96 and other penalty shootouts.
“This is a lot of pressure for the English players – they read the newspapers and they know the stories about penalties.
“England have the chance to win the game in 90 minutes or 120 minutes but when you go to a penalty shootout I think Germany is the favourite”
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SHEAR THING
Alan Shearer believes England can beat Germany on Tuesday’s Last-16 encounter.
Shearer told Coral: “England v Germany at Wembley – we’ve heard that somewhere before.
“Wow, what a game to look forward to. I thought England were much better in their final game against the Czech Republic, certainly in the first half.
“They have yet to concede a goal in this tournament and have looked strong defensively so that is a huge positive.
“We just need to get that forward line going a little and start scoring goals and England could be a threat in this tournament. I have no doubt in Harry Kane.
“His movement was a lot better against the Czechs. I would not be concerned at all by the fact he has not scored yet.
“He is still going to be a very important player for England in the knockout stages of the tournament.
“There is going to be just over 40,000 fans at Wembley. The extra 20,000 spectators will make a big difference. The majority will be behind England so it should be a great occasion.
“Germany have struggled defensively, conceding goals, but they are Germany. You just never know. No surprise, but I think England can do it”
SHEAR THING
Alan Shearer believes England can beat Germany on Tuesday’s Last-16 encounter.
Shearer told Coral: “England v Germany at Wembley – we’ve heard that somewhere before.
“Wow, what a game to look forward to. I thought England were much better in their final game against the Czech Republic, certainly in the first half.
“They have yet to concede a goal in this tournament and have looked strong defensively so that is a huge positive.
“We just need to get that forward line going a little and start scoring goals and England could be a threat in this tournament. I have no doubt in Harry Kane.
“His movement was a lot better against the Czechs. I would not be concerned at all by the fact he has not scored yet.
“He is still going to be a very important player for England in the knockout stages of the tournament.
“There is going to be just over 40,000 fans at Wembley. The extra 20,000 spectators will make a big difference. The majority will be behind England so it should be a great occasion.
“Germany have struggled defensively, conceding goals, but they are Germany. You just never know. No surprise, but I think England can do it”
RAPH RIDE
Manchester United have had a £50million offer rejected for France international Raphael Varane.
That is because Real Madrid are holding out for an £80m bid for Varane, who is open to moving to United in the summer.
Red Devils head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is determined to sign a top centre-back to partner up with Harry Maguire at the back.
The Manchester giants, though, are reportedly keeping tabs on other players, such as Villarreal’s Pau Torres and Real Madrid’s departing captain Sergio Ramos
EUROS RETURN
Euro 2020’s Round of 16 continues today after yesterday’s action.
Wales were eliminated from the competition after losing 4-0 to a fighting Denmark side.
Italy and Austria went to extra time and Roberto Mancini’s men extended their three-year undefeated streak.
The Netherlands will square off with the Czech Republic at 5pm at the Puskas Arena.
And Belgium lock horns with Portugal in Spain later tonight
HERE WE GO
Italy star goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is heading towards Paris Saint-Germain.
And the same goes for Chelsea’s reported target Achraf Hakimi, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Romano claims an agreement has been reached between the player, PSG and Inter Milan.
He added that the Blues never made an official offer for the full-back, who will undergo a medical next week
Achraf Hakimi to Paris Saint-Germain, here we go! Agreement reached tonight – medicals next week. Contract until June 2026. 🔴🔵 #PSGInter will receive €60m + €10m add ons. Chelsea never made an official bid, only talks. 🇲🇦 #CFCDonnarumma and Hakimi will be announced soon.— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 26, 2021
MORE TICKETS
England supporters are set to scoop up 17,000 extra tickets as Germans were forced to stay away from Tuesday’s Wembley clash.
It will mean almost all the 45,000 COVID-reduced capacity will be cheering on the Three Lions.
UK quarantine rules mean Germans need five days’ isolation before the game, so could not travel.
Around 5,000 tickets earmarked for the German FA will be sold to UK residents via UEFA.com within the next 48 hours.
Up to 11,000 more are already being offered there, and are selling out in minutes
EUR STAYING
The Football Association are looking to open formal talks with England manager Gareth Southgate in order to extend his contract.
In fact, the FA are determined to keep Southgate in charge no matter what happens in Euro 2020’s Last-16 tie with Germany.
The Three Lions’ boss current deal runs until 2022, which is when the World Cup will be held in Qatar.
FA’s chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “We’ll get into that formal conversation after this tournament. But if you ask me now I’d say ‘yes we’d like him to carry on’ [beyond Qatar].
“I think he’s doing a brilliant job. I haven’t said that we’ve offered him a new contract. I haven’t gone into the details of that. But I think on the basis of everything we’ve seen so far he’s doing a great job and we’d like him to carry on doing that.
“We would love him to carry on, for sure, beyond this contract”
HIT THE ROAD JACK
Manchester City seem to be plotting a £100million offer for Aston Villa star Jack Grealish after Euro 2020.
In fact, it seems like City are willing to break the British transfer record, which currently sits at the £89m Manchester United paid Juventus for Paul Pogba.
And Grealish’s reps are confident they have the green light for him to leave Villa.
City head coach Pep Guardiola is desperate to bring the forward to the Etihad this summer as he plots a title defence and to finally win the club’s first Champions League.
Villa have remained insistent they do not want to offload the 25-year-old, who has four years left to run on his contract.
But SunSport understands talks with the England star’s agents Stellar over the past few weeks have left his team happy they now have an agreement which would allow the playmaker to quit once the Euros come to an end
EURO 2020 ROUND-UP
John Stones says England have been piling on the penalties in practice in case Tuesday’s last-16 Wembley clash with Germany goes to a shootout.
Current boss Gareth Southgate missed the decisive spot-kick in the Three Lions’ Euro 96 shootout exit against the Germans.
And centre-back Stone said: “We’ve been practising so much.
“We’ve been practising on keeping that clear focus of what to do if your turn comes up.”
It’s about making you as comfortable as possible in that situation.
“Unless it’s Harry [Kane] or the boys who take penalties for their clubs regularly, it’s a zone that we’ve not stepped into before.”
Germany are seething at being banned from training at Wembley ahead of Tuesday’s big Euros showdown with England.
Joachim Low’s squad have had to change their schedule after Uefa ruled no one can use the Wembley pitch outside of matchdays after heavy rain left it on the verge of being damaged.
Meanwhile, Wales crashed out 4-0 to a superior Denmark side, Dragons’ substitute Harry Wilson picking up a late red card for a foul.
And below-par Italy needed extra time to KO outsiders Austria 2-1 after a goalless 90 minutes, Azzurri subs Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina then netting.
Tonight Holland face the Czech Republic at 5pm, with Belgium meeting Portugal three hours later.
PEEK OFFER FOR GLUM WALES’ FANS
WALES’ sexiest fan has offered glum Dragons supporters 50 per cent off her Only Fans and MySlink accounts.
Alaw Haf has vowed to raise spirits with a cheeky display after seeing Gareth Bale and Co. crash out of the Euros.
Wales were thrashed 4-0 by Denmark in their last-16 clash in what was a heartbreaking night for Robert Page’s side.
Busty brunette Haf watched the game in her local pub, but was left devastated at the final whistle – sharing her evening on Instagram.
In one Insta story, she shared a clip with the caption: “What a day. What am I gonna do now,” alongside several crying emojis.
However, in the next story she can be beaming as she promised fans of her channel a treat.
Earlier, Haf had already said she would give fans 50 per cent off both her Only Fans and MySlink accounts if Wales had won.
Despite their loss, she stayed true to her word and has gifted subscribers the special offer.
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