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      Gareth Southgate will have failed if England don’t beat Germany at Euro 2020 after ‘sneaking through’ – claims Hoddle

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      GLENN HODDLE has told Gareth Southgate he would have failed as England manager if his team loses to Germany.Former Three Lions boss Hoddle insists the Germans are there for the taking and anything less than victory at Wembley on Tuesday will not be good enough.
      Gareth Southgate is preparing for a huge clash with GermanyCredit: Getty
      He told Betfair: “I think it would be a failure if we don’t beat Germany.
      “The way this German side have qualified, the way they’ve just sneaked through, they’re changing the guard with a new manager coming and it’s a good time to play them.
      “We’re playing at Wembley. We can’t ask for much more. We’re slightly favourites going into this game – we haven’t conceded a goal and they conceded two against Hungary.
      “Yes, they came back and they’ve got that German spirit. We’ve got to be shading it as favourites at this moment in time.”
      Hoddle added: “I don’t think it’s as good as the German teams that we’ve seen of yesteryear, although there’s been spells where they’ve turned it on and they came back well against Hungary.
      “They’ve definitely got a little weakness in them – they haven’t quite got that arrogance, that flow, that belief yet, but they did come back like typical Germans.
      “But I’m adamant that there’s more to come from England. We’re going to grow in the tournament and looking at the draw, this is like a semi-final.
      “We’ve got to fancy ourselves against other teams, even if it is the Dutch to come later.
      BETTING SPECIAL: GET ENGLAND TO BEAT GERMANY AT 14/1

      “You can score against Germany, but you’ve got to defend against them. That hasn’t changed since the early 70s. This is really encouraging and quite exciting.
      “I think we’ll be better against a better team. When a team tries to attack us and open us up more, it’ll test us defensively but I fancy us.”
      Harry Kane is set to lead the line despite failing to score at the Euros so far, and Hoddle detailed a game plan for him to get the best of Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels and Co.

      He continued: “[Kane] has got to play like a number nine on Tuesday.
      “He’s got to play in the box, be the link man, be the target man, make sure he keeps the moves flowing, the pattern of play flowing, but get in the box.
      “And of course he’s got to get some service. I think there’ll be a little bit more space for Harry.

      “If he gets up against Hummels, he isn’t the paciest. Germany play quite a high line and Neuer gets away with a few things.
      “There’s a bit of space in behind and I think Harry’s better off, for this game, off the shoulder and being the last man. I think he’ll start coming up trumps.
      “He has looked leggy and he won’t be happy with how he’s been playing, but this is a typical game where he’s ready to rock and roll.”
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      England’s Euro 2020 stars have a water balloon fight as they relax ahead of Germany game More

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      Kalvin Phillips says England can sink rivals Germany on Tuesday by taking ‘more risks’ as Three Lions train for showdown

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      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 and skipper Harry Kane have struggled for goals this tournamentCredit: Tom Jenkins
      And Kalvin Phillips reckons they can rectify that problem by taking ‘more risks’Credit: Getty
      England struggled for goals in the group stage, finding the back of the net twice in three matches.
      And Phillips reckons a braver approach from some of his team-mates will remedy their goalscoring woes.
      He 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 [goals] as well.”
      Phillips – who has been one of England’s standout players of the tournament – plans to adopt a more attack-minded approach to Tuesday’s clash with Joachim Loew’s men.
      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.
      BETTING SPECIAL: GET ENGLAND TO BEAT GERMANY AT 14/1

      “At Leeds, I’m used to playing deep and playing them long passes.
      “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.”
      England gaffer Gareth Southgate has faced criticism for adopting an overly cautious approach, a notion Phillips has rubbished.
      The 25-year-old said of his international manager: “He’s very easy going.
      “He wants us to attack, he wants us to get goals, he wants us to express ourselves on the ball and when we haven’t got it.
      Kalvin Phillips has rubbished suggestions of England being overly cautiousCredit: Getty
      “I know everyone says that Gareth was a defender and his teams are very defensive, but I feel like if you look at the last three games we’ve not conceded a goal – which is good.
      “If you’re like my club team when we can score five goals and concede four, then it’s probably not as good.
      “The fact we’re keeping clean sheets is a major positive is a major positive as well.”
      Germany scraped through Group F by the skin of their teeth, with a 2-2 draw with Hungary booking them passage to the last-16.
      But Phillips insists he and his team-mates are refusing to underestimate the three-time tournament winners.

      He said: “We know that near enough every single player is a top-level player.
      “They’ve got players in midfield that play for Madrid and stuff like.
      “We know it’s going to be a difficult game, but we can’t always focus on how they’re going to do when they’re on the ball.
      “We need to try and break them down minute by minute.
      “We’ve been working on some stuff on the training ground, and hopefully it works out and it comes off.”
      England’s Euro 2020 stars have a water balloon fight as they relax ahead of Germany game More

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      Who is Netherlands vs Czech Republic referee Sergei Karasev and which Euro 2020 matches has he officiated?

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      RUSSIA are out of Euro 2020 but they still have referee Sergei Karasev to represent the country.And he will be in charge of Netherlands vs Czech Republic today.
      Karasev has only been a ref since 2010Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Who is Sergei Karasev?
      A MOSCOW-NATIVE, Karasev knows the Russian leagues well after ten years as a referee.
      He’s risen quickly through the Fifa-approved ranks and took charge of his first European game in 2011.
      Only a year later he was reffing Champions League games, before another move up the ladder to the international scene.
      The Russian whistler is taking charge at his first World CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Which Euro 2020 matches has Sergei Karasev refereed?
      Sergei Karasev refereed Italy’s 3-0 win over Switzerland and Germany’s 2-2 draw with Hungary.
      This is not his first tournament as he also refereed Romania vs Switzerland and Iceland vs Hungary at Euro 2016.
      And in the 2018 World Cup he refereed Peru’s 2-0 win over Australia in his home country. More

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      Who is Belgium vs Portugal referee Felix Brych? Euro 2020 official, lawyer and ex-Champions League final ref

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      ONE of the world’s best-known referees, Felix Brych is Germany’s representative at Euro 2020.The whistler has taken charge of Champions League finals before and is one of Uefa’s most trusted officials.
      Referee Felix Brych shows a red card to Alex TellesCredit: Reuters
      Who is Felix Brych?
      BORN in Munich, Brych was refereeing in the German lower leagues at the tender age of just 24.
      He impressed enough to make his 2. Bundesliga bow in 2001, before reaching the top league in Germany just three years later.
      By 2007 he was regularly involved in European matches and has since worked his way up to internationals.
      Brych is one of the highest rated refs at Euro 2020Credit: EPA
      Not afraid to stamp his authority on games and brandish his cards, Brych is perhaps best remembered in the UK for sending off Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic for a high tackle against Otelul Galati in 2011.
      Back in his maiden World Cup in Brazil, Brych sent off Uruguayan Maxi Pereira and cautioned six more in his two matches at the finals.
      And in World Cup 2018 he caused huge controversy by failing to award Serbia a penalty against Switzerland when Aleksandar Mitrovic appeared to be being held down by two Swiss players.
      A lawyer outside of football, Brych is a qualified doctor of law.What games is he taking charge of in Euro 2020?
      Felix Brych’s first game was Netherlands against Ukraine.
      He then took charge of Belgium’s 2-0 win over Finland. More

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      Patrice Evra apologises to Joleon Lescott for ‘light hearted’ forehead joke gone wrong during weird Euros vid on Twitter

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      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.”
      In the original video, Evra tagged Lescott and captioned: “I don’t know why they make me say this!
      “I promise you this was not my idea.”
      A laughing face emoji also accompanied the tweet.

      The pair were former rivals while playing for their respected Manchester clubs and both featured as pundits on Sky Sports.
      Lescott revealed how he got his scar in a 2006 interview with the Independent, saying: “I have a scar but I have nothing to worry about.
      “I had a major operation straight away and several more over the next few months but I was young and didn’t really know too much about what was going on.”
      Evra is notorious for his bizarre social media posts, which include kissing a chimpanzee to ironing along to Barry White.
      He even poked fun at Oasis’ Liam Gallagher after the singer’s beloved City were beaten in the Champions League final by Chelsea.
      Joleon Lescott’s scar was caused by a head injury after he was struck by a car aged fiveCredit: Getty
      Former France and Man Utd star cavorts around in kilt and bagpipes before sending cheeky message of support for Scotland More

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      How many children does Cristiano Ronaldo have, what are they called, who are each of their mothers?

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO is the world’s most marketable footballer.The former Manchester United forward joined Serie A side Juventus from Real Madrid for £88million in the summer of 2018 – and is also a very proud father.
      Ronaldo is one of the world’s most successful footballersCredit: Reuters
      How many children does Cristiano Ronaldo have?
      Cristiano Ronaldo has four children.
      His first son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 11, is currently starring for Juventus’ youth squads and is already impressing with his goal return.
      Cristiano Jr was born on June 17, 2010 in the United States.
      But he was immediately taken back to Madrid by Dolores to start his life in Spain with his father.
      Cristiano Jr’s family nickname is Cristianinho, which means “little Cristiano”.
      Ronaldo’s son Junior is proving to be a talented player himselfCredit: AFP – Getty
      And the Portugal captain announced in June 2017 that he had fathered twins via a surrogate mother in the United States.
      Ronaldo remained with the national team during the Confederations Cup campaign at the same time, only announcing the birth of Eva and Matteo after Portugal’s penalty shootout loss to Chile.
      Ronaldo confirmed in an interview on July 18, 2017, that he and Spanish girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez were expecting their first baby together.
      Ronaldo shared this snap with the caption ‘My princesses’Credit: Instagram @cristiano
      When asked by Spanish news outlet El Mundo whether the player was “happy” to have another child on the way, he replied: “Yes, very much.”
      Georgina gave birth to baby daughter Alana Martina on November 12, 2017.
      Ronaldo posted a picture on Instagram, writing: “Alana Martina is just born! Both Geo and Alana are doing great! We are all very happy!'”
      And it looks like Ronaldo’s sons have inherited his footballing talent – with his toddlers showing off their skills in the garden.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has vowed to reveal the truth to his son about his mother’s story when he’s olderCredit: Reuters
      Who is Cristiano Jr’s mother?
      The identity of Cristiano Junior’s mother is unknown, but Ronaldo Senior has full custody of his son with reports suggesting that his mother was paid £10million.
      Ronaldo told chat show host Jonathan Ross: “People speculate I was with this girl or another, or there was a surrogate mother. I have never told anyone and never will.
      “When Cristiano [Junior] is going to grow up, I am always going to say the truth to him because he deserves it, because he is my son, but I am not going to say because people want me to say.”
      Spanish beauty Georgina Rodriguez caught Ronaldo’s attention at a VIP eventCredit: The Mega Agency
      Who is Georgina Rodriguez?
      Georgina is the mother of Ronaldo’s fourth child Alana.
      She was born on January 27, 1994, in Jaca, Spain.
      Georgina has worked as a waitress and au pair.

      She gave birth to Alana on November 12, 2017.
      She has 25million followers on Instagram. More

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      Why does Cristiano Ronaldo wear long sleeve shirts when he plays with Portugal and Juventus?

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO is looking to fire Portugal to a second successive Euros title this summer.The Portugal ace and his team-mates are up against Belgium tonight in the last 16.
      Viewers have noticed a certain tradition Cristiano Ronaldo swears byCredit: EPA
      Why does Cristiano Ronaldo always wear long sleeve shirts?
      YOU may have noticed that you’ve very rarely seen CR7 wear a short-sleeved shirt.
      And that’s because for around the last decade, Cristiano Ronaldo has worn nothing but his now signature long-sleeves.
      Ronaldo celebrates at Euro 2016 with his now signature long sleeve lookCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Through most of his time with Manchester United and then Real Madrid, the Portuguese star has stuck to this – except for a few rare occasions.
      No one is completely sure whether it is superstition, a fashion statement or simply the jersey he feels most comfortable in.
      But brand Ronaldo does have a certain ‘look’ – and this includes the long-sleeve shirt.
      The 2004 defeat to Greece in the Euro final was tough for the young Ronaldo to takeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Potentially the turning point could’ve been the painful Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006 campaigns, both of which ended with Ronaldo in tears on the pitch.
      He wore short-sleeves in the next two international tournaments, which were a failure – before making the switch for Euro 2012, where Portugal once again crashed out in a semi-final.
      In Portugal’s Euro 2020 game against Germany however, Cristiano Ronaldo decided to break with tradition.
      Eagle-eyed viewers will have noticed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner wearing a long sleeve shirt in the first half and a short sleeve shirt in the second half.
      However, it was over 30 degrees in Munich that day so his choice of clothing seemed understandable.
      Whether it is superstition or fashion, Ronaldo’s legend continues to grow thanks to his incredible exploits on the pitch.
      Cristiano Ronaldo in long sleeves in the first half against GermanyCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo switched to short sleeves for the second half but was unable to prevent a 4-2 defeatCredit: Getty More

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      Why isn’t Virgil van Dijk playing for the Netherlands at Euro 2020?

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK has been arguably the best defender in world football over the past three years. But the Liverpool centre-back had to sit the majority of last season out with a nasty knee injury he sustained in his side’s 2-2 draw with rivals Everton early in the campaign.
      Virgil van Dijk has missed much of the 2020/21 campaign with an ACL injuryCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Van Dijk’s Holland side are competing in this summer’s European Championships, but the Dutch stalwart won’t be there.
      Why won’t Van Dijk be playing for Holland at Euro 2020?
      Van Dijk’s anterior cruciate ligament injury occurred when Everton goalkeeper collided with the defender during their Merseyside derby clash last October.
      Ever since then, the £75million man has been out of action and on the injury table.
      And although he’s nearing recovery, Van Dijk has ruled himself out of competing at this summer’s Euros with Holland.

      “I feel physically it is the right decision that I’ve decided not to go to the Euros and to go into my last phase of rehab in the off-season,” said Van Dijk.
      “It’s tough, but I’m at peace with it.
      “I think the decision to not go is the right decision in the grand scheme of things.
      “I am very gutted to miss the Euros, to miss the European Championship and leading out my own country there, but things have been like they have and I have to accept it – we all have to accept it.
      Virgil van Dijk will not play for Holland at thos summer’s EurosCredit: PA
      Van Dijk will be hoping to return for the first game of Liverpool’s 2021/22 Premier League campaign instead.
      “I am aiming for that and it looks like it is going to happen, but obviously you never know in football and you never know in life, but I am feeling very positive and ready to go. We’ll see,” he added. More