Euro 2020

PHIL FODEN was dropped for the win over Czech Republic because he was a yellow card away from suspension.The Manchester City star, 21, didn’t even make the bench for the 1-0 win at Wembley.
Phil Foden watched the 1-0 win against Czech Republic from the sidelinesCredit: Getty
He had started the two opening Group D games for the Three Lions at Euro 2020.
Two goalkeepers – Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone – were both included in the 23-man squad.
But after picking up a harsh booking against Croatia last Sunday, another yellow would have resulted in a one-match ban and being without Foden for the last 16.
Gareth Southgate will already be without Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount due to coronavirus self-isolation regulations.
The pair are likely to miss the last-16 game on Tuesday after England topped Group D.
Asked about Foden’s exclusion, Southgate allayed any fears of an injury.
Before the 1-0 win, the England boss said: “Because he’s on a yellow card.
“And given we are missing two players already, we don’t want to risk this. It’s a shame for Phil.”

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The playmaker was pictured on the pitch with his team-mates at Wembley prior to kick-off before he took his place in the stands.
Foden dropping out was one of four changes made by Southgate from the Scotland stalemate.
Mount, Tyrone Mings and Reece James all missed out.
Jack Grealish, Harry Maguire, Bukayo Saka and Kyle Walker came into the side.
And Grealish and Saka played a major part in the winning goal – the Arsenal man doing well in the build-up before Grealish beat a man and stood up a cross for Raheem Sterling to head home the only goal of the game.
However, winning topping the group means the Three Lions now face a horror clash in the last-16, with France, Germany, Portugal pr Hungary all potential opponents.
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Gareth Southgate pokes fun at Phil Foden’s childhood photo and his haircut in one go More

ROY KEANE, Gary Neville and Ian Wright hailed Bukayo Saka and Jack Grealish for their stunning first-half performances against Czech Republic. Supporters got their wishes when the Aston Villa star, 25, was finally handed his first tournament start for England – and played a crucial role in a 1-0 win at Wembley.
Jack Grealish set up Raheem Sterling for the opening goal against Czech Republic after 12 minutesCredit: Reuters
Bukayo Saka was at his dynamic best to stretch the Czech defenceCredit: EPA
Arsenal hero Saka also got the nod with Phil Foden left out, with the youngster, 19, also doing well in the build-up to the winning goal.
The pair took just 12 minutes to stamp their authority on the game at Wembley.
Saka started the move before Grealish worked space down the left channel and stood up a perfect cross for Raheem Sterling to nod in the only goal of the game.
Wright and his ITV colleagues were quick to heap praise on the pair at half-time.
The Arsenal legend said: “Saka my guy. Everyone at Arsenal knows he is burdened with glorious purpose.
“You know he’s going to get us out of holes going at people and making things happen.
“I’m delighted. Between him, Sterling and Grealish, they’ve run them ragged.”
Irishman Keane added: “That’s what good players do, good movement and affect the game. They’ve got energy and quality as well.
“They do this every week, good movement, stretching Czech Republic – especially when Jack gets it.”

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And Neville also joined in lauding the Villans skipper, who was subbed off for Jude Bellingham midway through the second half.
He commented: “They’ve been absolutely brilliant, Grealish out on the left, Saka a breath of fresh air.
“Jack Grealish here, it eventually comes out to him. As a right-back, you want to stop him from getting on his right foot, but it’s the perfect cross.
“The confidence, it’s their first start but they are absolutely fearless. It’s what England fans want to see, committing defenders, winning free-kicks.
“No one is complaining about the defensive [block] because of the front four.”
Fans on Twitter were barely surprised to see the immediate impact from the maverick playmaker.
Piers Morgan said: “That’s why Grealish has to start every game. He makes things happen.”
Micah Richards wrote: “Jack Grealish is just sensational!”

Rio Ferdinand added: “Shock Grealish assist!”
Jermaine Jenas commented: “Boom get in!!!! Saka and Grealish creating exactly what we need! Sterling always a goal threat! Come on lads.”
Harry Pinero quipped: “You start Grealish you get end product, simple maths.”
One fan said: “Saka & Grealish running the show imagine my shock.”
Another wrote: “Foden or Mount should never start ahead of Grealish, he’s on another level.”
A third added: “Grealish’s touch is bringing tears to my eyes.”

Prior to kick-off, Neville said Grealish has the ‘country in his hands’ and can be the key man to help fire the Three Lions to Euros glory.
Neville added: “He’s a player within any game to take responsibility and has the desire to get on the ball.
“Honestly I think he has the country in his hands.
“They want that Wayne Rooney moment in 2004, Gazza in 1990 – I hope he delivers.
“That mischievious smile, he believes in himself. He could [set] this tournament alight for England.”
The game finished 1-0 for England to top the group – setting up a potential horror last-16 clash against one of France, Portugal, Germany or Hungary.
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The goalscorer thanked the assist-provider for laying the ball on a plateCredit: AFP
Bukayo Saka take off shirt after Sterling scores for England vs Czech Republic leaving fans baffled More

RECALLED star man Bukayo Saka and goal supplier Jack Grealish shone as England topped Euro 2020 Group D with a 1-0 win over the Czech Republic.Raheem Sterling nodded England’s 12th-minute clincher from Grealish’s cross, having also poached the winner in the opener against Croatia.
Bukayo Saka buzzed out wide for England against the CzechsCredit: Getty
Recalled playmaker Jack Grealish set up the first-half goal for Raheem SterlingCredit: Getty
Raheem Sterling hails his 12th minute breakthrough, having also hit the winner against CroatiaCredit: Getty
And pacy, direct Saka amply justified his selection out wide as Gareth Southgate’s handful of changes gave him big decisions for the upcoming knockout stages.
Here’s how all the Three Lions rated as they finished their group with two lone-goal wins and the goalless draw with Scotland.
JORDAN PICKFORD
Fine full-stretch save to deny Holes, looked to start attacks quickly when in possession. Dealt well with dangerous crosses and never stopped talking to his defence. 6
KYLE WALKER
So much better than in opening game, two chest-backs to Pickford showing his confidence. Linked up well with Saka in front of him as England threatened well down the right. 7
JOHN STONES
Commanding with early headers, another measured display at the heart of the defence. Beginning to assume a more influential role in the team. 7
HARRY MAGUIRE
Important block to keep the England lead and showed little signs of rustiness after injury lay-off. Tougher challenges will follow but his partnership with Stones is immediately back working. 6
LUKE SHAW
Lovely pass set up early Sterling chance the bravely put head in among boots to clear dangerous cross. Always on the overlap, added a cutting edge to the attack. 7
DECLAN RICE
Steady as ever sat deep, finally broke forward with a surging run which almost led to a second goal. Another responsible display protecting the back line. 6
KALVIN PHILLIPS
Back in a more defensive role, got about the midfield with purpose and pressed the Czechs into mistakes. Less influential in deeper role but like Rice, got the job done. 6

JACK GREALISH
Teed up Sterling perfectly with cross, found spaces others couldn’t and always demanded the ball. Massive threat in the first half, though less influential after the break. 7
BUKAYO SAKA – STAR MAN
Made the key turn and run to inspire the early goal, look dangerous every time in possession. Crucially did his defensive duties too – a major player for England. 8

HARRY KANE
More intensity from the off, unlucky to see first shot of Euros saved on 26 mins. Much more like the Kane we see regularly – just needs goals now. 6
RAHEEM STERLING
So unlucky to hit post within two minutes, made no mistake with header. Justified the faith his manager shows in him. 7
How the top pundits of the two channels stack up against each other
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SUBS:
JORDAN HENDERSON (for Rice 45) Valuable half of competitive football in the legs, though did little to affect the game. 6
JUDE BELLINGHAM (for Grealish 66) Accomplished on the ball and met the physical challenge. 6
MARCUS RASHFORD (for Sterling 66)  Anonymous, though not helped by complete lack of creativity behind him. 6
TYRONE MINGS (for Stones 79) Got valuable time alongside Maguire. Steady. 6
JADON SANCHO (for Saka 82) Not much time to make an impact 6.
CZECH REPUBLIC: Vaclik 6; Coufal 6, Celustka 7, Kalas 6, Boril 6; Holes 5 (Vydra 83), Soucek 6; Masopust  5(Hlozek 64, 5), Darida 6 (Kral 64, 6) Jankto 5 (Sevcik 45, 6); Schick 6 (Pekhart 75m 5)
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England finish top of Group D after beating Czech Republic More

LUKE SHAW swigged from a disguised drink at Wembley in a new twist to the saga over Euro 2020 sponsorship rules.The left-back’s can was totally wrapped up, blocking out the brand name, as he hydrated before the final group game against the Czech Republic.
Luke Shaw swigs from a disguised drink before kick-off against the Czechs on Tuesday
Cristiano Ronaldo was first to cause controversy, removing two bottles
Devout Muslim Paul Pogba then took a bottle of Heineken off his table
Superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba had already put the rules under the spotlight by taking sponsors’ drinks off the table at press conferences.
And Shaw had his own take on it ahead of a match England won 1-0 – taking them to the top of Group D – and setting up a horror clash in the last-16, with France, Germany or Portugal all potential opponents.
Raheem Sterling headed home the winner, after some excellent play in the build-up by Bukayo Saka and Jack Grealish.
Uefa hit back at the actions of Portugal legend Ronaldo and France’s Manchester United midfielder Pogba by warning players NOT to block the products of sponsors.
Juventus frontman Ronaldo launched the trend by moving a pair of Coca-Cola bottles out of the way.
He then told the cameras to ‘drink water’ instead of the popular fizzy drink.
Uefa responded by saying: “Players are offered water, alongside Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, on arrival at our press conferences.”
Devout Muslim Pogba followed Ron’s visual message with one of his own, removing a Heineken beer bottle in front of the media.

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Europe’s football chiefs responded to the controversy with a hard-hitting statement.
They said: “Uefa has reminded participating teams that partnerships are integral to the delivery of the tournament and to ensuring the development of football across Europe, including for youth and women.”
But Pogba’s decision, in particular, appeared to draw support on social media.
One fan posted: “Putting an alcoholic beverage in front of a Muslim is straight disrespect… You can’t blame Pogba here.”
Another tweeted: “He’s a Muslim. Why put beer in front of him? Sponsors must be rational.”
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Phil Foden AXED from England squad to face Czech Republic to avoid picking up second yellow card and ban More