EURO 2020 is rolling on at pace as we reach the last 16!And England will have a home advantage like never before, with no fans from Germany able to travel to Wembley.
Meanwhile Georginio Wijnaldum has threatened to walk off the pitch in Budapest if his Netherlands team-mates are racially abused.
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CROSSED A LINE
Alvaro Morata has revealed his children have received sick death threats over his Euro 2020 campaign.
Speaking to Spanish radio station Cadena: “I understand I get criticism for not scoring goals. I’m the first to know and accept it.
“I wish people would put themselves in the position of seeing what it is to receiving threats and insults to your family, ‘I hope your children die,’ [this week] I had to put my phone away.
“[Memes] don’t bother me, but what annoys me is what my wife has to go through.
“My kids go to Seville with their dad’s name on their shirts. Yes [they’ve had things said to them].
“I understand criticism for not doing my job well. But there’s a limit. I didn’t sleep for nine hours after the [Poland] game.
“I was angry because I had a chance and Spain couldn’t win.
“I wish people would put themselves in other people’s position. People whistle me because it’s what they hear. Others incite it.”
PREM PROMISE
The Premier League have agreed to fund over 2,000 new defibrillators across grassroots football in the wake of Christian Eriksen’s brush with death.
The first phase will see the AEDs rolled out to Football Foundation funded facilities which currently do not have access to the life-saving device.
Then grassroots clubs across England who own their own facilities will then be able to apply for funding for a defibrillator.
Over 2,000 sites will benefit from this investment, with the first 1,000 units delivered in time for the start of season 2021-22 and the second wave expected in September.
Once installed, the AEDs will be accessible, if required, to an estimated 1.5m people that use these facilities per season.
As part of the scheme, each recipient will have required to send at least one person on the FA’s free Sudden Cardiac Arrest course to learn how to use them and also help with tips on CPR.
KAY AND DRY
England’s newest superstar Bukayo Saka was brought back to earth in savage style by team-mate Marcus Rashford.
The Arsenal teen – who was man of the match in Tuesday’s win over Czech Republic – was cheekily nutmegged by Rashford in training on Friday.
RIVALS UNITE
England take on old rivals Germany in the last-16 of Euro 2020 on Tuesday night – but which stars would make a combined XI?
Here’s SunSport’s pick of the bunch… thoughts?
KNEW THIS DAEI WOULD COME
Ali Daei has sent Cristiano Ronaldo a classy message after seeing his all-time international goalscoring record levelled.
The Portugal superstar, 36, scored two penalties in his nation’s 2-2 draw with France in the final Group F game at Euro 2020.
The double saw Ronaldo draw level with Iran legend Daei on 109 international goals.
Daei wrote: “Congratulations to Cristiano who is now one goal away from breaking the men’s international goal scoring record.”
Ronaldo replied with a gushing post of his own, which read: “True champions remain champions forever.”
LIFE STARTS AT FORTY
Cristiano Ronaldo has shown he can play until he is 40 with his Euro 2020 heroics.
That is the view of former Portugal star Nuno Gomes, after the Juventus ace hit five goals in the group stage.
Gomes told Ladbrokes: “He could maybe even play as late as 40, because of how well he takes care of himself.
“I think he now has the understanding that he’s not the same Cristiano as he was in his 20s, so he’s started to play in a different role for club and country.
“He’s more of a centre-forward now, which means he doesn’t have to use as much energy.
“He’s always there in the right moments, he makes important decisions, he’s brave and he assumes responsibility in big moments. It seems easy, but it’s never easy to score penalties the way he does in those kind of pressure situations.”
SET YOUR WATCHES
The Euro 2020 knockout round starts TOMORROW!
First up at 5pm from Amsterdam is Wales versus Denmark, a real juicy clash between two teams determined to make history.
And 8pm sees Italy face Austria in Wembley.
After a flawless group stage, the Azzurri will be huge favourites to make the next round.
Both games will be shown live on BBC One.
Credit: AP
TONIGHT’S ACTION
No Euro 2020 matches tonight but the 2021-22 season is already pulling into view…
FC Prishtina of Kosovo meet Andorra’s Inter Club d’Escaldes in the final round of the Champions League qualification preliminary round.
That kicks off at 7pm and there is also a big night in the Irish Premier Division.
League leaders St Patrick’s head to struggling Waterford (7.45pm) while Shamrock Rovers, currently second on goals scored, face Drogheda (8pm).
FAN-TASTIC
England fans could be given an extra 7,400 tickets for Tuesday’s showdown with Germany due to travel restrictions.
German supporters are unable to travel to the UK and complete a quarantine period in time for the second-round clash at Wembley.
And that means their allocation of 7,400 tickets could be there to be claimed for Three Lions fans, the Telegraph reports.
The game was originally meant to be played in Dublin, but Uefa moved it to London with the Irish capital unable to guarantee crowds.
Wembley can hold 45,000 fans for Tuesday’s Euros clash, and some tickets were released online on Wednesday and Thursday.
England supporters will receive an official allocation of 7,400 on Friday.
Credit: Getty
BETS ARE ON
Italy take on Austria in Saturday’s Euro 2020 last-16 showdown at Wembley.
And bookmakers Paddy Power are offering brand new customers a completely risk free £20 bet on the action PLUS a massive 48/1 bet builder special.
So we’re backing Italy to reach the quarter finals with a 2-0 victory at odds of 5/1.
Check out our top tips here.
PEDAL TO THE METAL
Cesc Fabregas has called on England to attack Germany in their upcoming last-16 clash.
Likening Gareth Southgate’s approach to Portugal’s success five years ago, the midfielder believes that few teams excel in this mode.
He wrote for the Telegraph: “Portugal proved that it is possible to win a major tournament with the handbrake on at the last Euros.
“You never know and if you are lucky in seven games, you can do it. But, generally, I believe you are more likely to eventually get knocked out this way.
“I would like to see England take more risks and play with more freedom, and the return of Harry Maguire can help that because he can break lines by carrying the ball forwards or finding a pass.
“Up until now, they have seemed a little bit scared and like they have some tension in their heads.”
GROUP STAGE RECAP
The goal of the group stage, surely. The best ever goal at the Euros.
Let’s take a look back and rejoice in this stunning hit from Patrik Schick.
JACK IN THE BOX
Manchester City are ready to CONFIRM the £100million transfer of Jack Grealish, according to reports.
SunSport revealed last night the hopes within the Aston Villa star’s camp that he will seal a switch to Pep Guardiola’s team.
And now the Mail expect the deal to be announced after Euro 2020.
Talks between the clubs have reportedly advanced rapidly in recent days – and City are said to still want Harry Kane as well.
Credit: PA
FRIDAY FUN DAY
Germany have begun their preparations for the Euro 2020 clash with England – by giving the players an extra day off.
While Gareth Southgate’s squad are now working hard at St George’s Park on a gameplan to beat the Germans, it is far more relaxed within Joachim Low’s camp.
The manager has decided to give his players a second day off to rest following the 2-2 draw against Hungary on Tuesday night which secured second spot in Group F.
It has been decided the players will benefit more from an extra 24 hours of relaxation than being put through their paces on the training ground.
Instead, Germany will only train properly on Saturday and Sunday before going through a light session ahead of the flight to the UK on Monday.
NUN OTHER
Portugal legend Nuno Gomes has recalled Cristiano Ronaldo’s infamous wink after Wayne Rooney’s sending off in their 2006 World Cup clash.
England were knocked out at the quarter-final stage on penalties following the striker’s 62nd-minute dismissal, and a wink which turned Ronaldo into a pariah around the country.
But Gomes has told Ladbrokes: “Cristiano and Wayne Rooney were teammates at club level, but when you’re on the field, you’re always trying to get an advantage for your team.
“I think Rooney would’ve done the same thing if the situation was the other way round.
“The wink is not great for people to see, but it proves that Cristiano was just taking advantage of the situation and giving his team the best chance of winning.
“I remember there was a lot of talk in the newspapers and on TV after the incident, and people were suggesting Cristiano wouldn’t be returning to Manchester, but that just was not true.”
Credit: PA:Press Association
‘FIRST OF IT’S KIND’
Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante and Mohamed Salah are just two of Euro 2020’s many Muslim stars.
And a ‘first of it’s kind’ ten-point charter has been produced to guide teams on best practice regarding their Islamic stars.
Nujum Sports are behind the concept, which has already been picked up by The FA.
Founder and chief executive Ebadur Rahman highlighted Pogba’s recent removal of a bottle of Heineken at his Euros press conference as one situation to learn from.
He told BBC: “After speaking extensively to athletes and clubs, we felt it was the right time to have a Muslim athlete charter in place in the UK. We believe it is the first and only one of its kind.
“Clubs and organisations are joining a positive movement of solidarity, equality and recognition of the contribution Muslims make at their respective clubs and teams.”
HEAVENS TO BETSY
England Under-18s boss Kevin Betsy has emerged as a target for Arsenal.
Per Mertesacker is undertaking a review of the Gunners academy, which led to the sacking of club legend Steve Bould earlier in the summer.
According to the Mail, Arsenal want Betsy to become their new Under-23s coach.
But the Three Lions, having only recently lost U19s chief Justin Cochrane, will put up a fight to keep their highly-rated coach.
BOY DON GOOD
Liverpool have started transfer talks to sign Netherlands Euro 2020 star Donyell Malen, according to reports.
The 22-year-old forward has been impressive during the Dutch campaign so far, assisting in his last two matches.
Boss Jurgen Klopp wants to waste no time in luring him to Anfield and secure his signature early with a valuation of £34million.
Malen was already attracting interest across Europe following his brilliant season for PSV Eindhoven.
Klopp is determined to land a new forward this summer following last season’s disappointment.
LEARN THE LESSONS OF HISTORY
Gareth Southgate talked to England stars about his Euro 96 penalty agony against Germany – even before Tuesday’s blockbuster game was confirmed.
Midfielder Kalvin Phillips has revealed that Southgate relived his fateful miss shortly after the current squad met up for the Euros, as part of a presentation about shootouts.
Phillip said: “In one of the first meetings he showed us the penalty he missed. He has a laugh about it now. He tells us all about it.
“We were just speaking about penalty shootouts in general, that to get to the final we’re gonna have to eventually go through a penalty shootout, as every other team has.
“He was speaking of his experiences and of the experiences of when we were in the [2018] World Cup.
“It’s a bit up and down: in his experience it didn’t go too well, but in the World Cup it went well. It was a mixture. Just getting to know what people want to do and how people take penalties and stuff like that.”
Credit: Hulton Archive – Getty
GOOD MORNING EUROS FANS,
Gini Wijnaldum is ready to lead Holland off the pitch if they suffer racist abuse in Budapest.
He said: “You could lose a game because of those kinds of slurs. In this case Uefa should be there to protect the players and they should make the decision.
“Players often get punished for protecting themselves so Uefa needs to take a lead role in this.
“They should be the ones to say ‘if this sort of thing happens we will cancel the game and stop playing’.
“It is not acceptable and we don’t want it. When it happened in the beginning and I started thinking about it. I think different things.
“I started to think ‘would I walk off the pitch?’ — which I might, actually.
It could be the case that I will walk off the pitch but I will speak with the players about it first.
“If such a thing happens and the referee stops the game, the players of the opposing team say ‘we are not going to take this’ and they walk off the pitch then you would feel a lot better as a player and it would make a greater statement rather than to do it alone.”
Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling says winning the Euros with England would top anything he has achieved with Manchester City.
He said: “I think winning something with the national team, England, would definitely be the greatest achievement that I could possibly do.
“I mean not me…that the team could possibly achieve. You win stuff with your clubs and it’s a great achievement, but this is on a bigger scale.
“You’re representing a nation, a country. So to achieve something with England would be the biggest thing to happen in my footballing career.”
And finally, France suffered a DOUBLE injury scare on Thursday when wingers Thomas Lemar and Marcus Thuram both hobbled out of training.
The two stars both looked to be in pain during a recovery session following yesterday’s 2-2 draw with Portugal.
Tottenham transfer target Thuram, 23, looked to be visibly in pain as he fell to his knees on the training ground in the Hungarian capital Budapest.
While Atletico Madrid star Lemar, 25, was clearly distraught as he put his head in his hands while being helped off the field by two others.
Didier Deschamps now faces an anxious wait over their fitness after setting up a last-16 clash against Switzerland on Monday.
MORE FROM RASHFORD
And Rashford admits he has been unable to produce his best form in recent months.
He said: “Obviously I am not performing at my best, and what I know I can perform to.
“Whatever that is down to, it doesn’t really matter because it has been going on since early on in the season.
“I managed to get through the season with United. I think I had 36 goal involvements so I can’t look back at the year and say ‘mmm, I should have taken time off to do this and do that.’
“I just want to be available for every game.”
RASH DECISION
Marcus Rashford could face shoulder surgery after the Euros, making him a doubt for the start of Manchester United’s Premier League campaign.
Rashford has played through pain to ensure his place in England’s squad for the Euros.
And asked whether he needed an operation, Man Utd ace Rashford, 23, said: “I have to decide after – it’s either an operation or I don’t get an operation on my shoulder.
“I’m not 100 per cent sure if I need it yet. I’ll finish strongly here and like I said I’ve got a few weeks off to just relax and decide what I’m going to do.
“The doctors have not said how long I’d be out for.
“The reason I don’t know is that when the season was going, and before I came here (with England), I knew there was no chance I was going to be getting the operation so I did not know how long the operation would put me out for.
“I am fully concentrated on here (England). When the tournament is finished then I will ask the question.
“But to get to this stage where I am now, it was a massive aim of mine back at the beginning of the season. I’m prepared mentally and physically for games.”
MORE FROM STERLING
The City winger is unfazed by the prospect of renewing the historic rivalry with Germany next Tuesday at Wembley.
Sterling, who has never played against the Germans before, told the Lions’ Den show: “Those games were crazy. The France one was high quality throughout, both teams.
“We knew we were going to get second place in that group and we knew that it was going to be a challenge. In this tournament you need these challenges.
“We need now to go against Germany and we need a big performance. If you’re going to win this tournament, if you’re going to be in with a shout
“You’ve got to put in these big performances against these big sides, and that’s what we are going to try to do on Tuesday. I’m not really looking into the history, the battles.
“What has happened, has happened. All we can do us be here now and be present.”
STERLING EFFORT
Raheem Sterling says winning the Euros with England would top anything he has achieved with Manchester City.
He said: “I think winning something with the national team, England, would definitely be the greatest achievement that I could possibly do.
“I mean not me…that the team could possibly achieve. You win stuff with your clubs and it’s a great achievement, but this is on a bigger scale.
“You’re representing a nation, a country. So to achieve something with England would be the biggest thing to happen in my footballing career.”
WINGING IT
France suffered a DOUBLE injury scare on Thursday when wingers Thomas Lemar and Marcus Thuram both hobbled out of training.
The two stars both looked to be in pain during a recovery session following yesterday’s 2-2 draw with Portugal.
Tottenham transfer target Thuram, 23, looked to be visibly in pain as he fell to his knees on the training ground in the Hungarian capital Budapest.
While Atletico Madrid star Lemar, 25, was clearly distraught as he put his head in his hands while being helped off the field by two others.
Didier Deschamps now faces an anxious wait over their fitness after setting up a last-16 clash against Switzerland on Monday.
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