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    How can Scotland qualify for Euro 2020 last 16?

    SCOTLAND have picked up a valuable point on the road against England.Steve Clarke’s men were beaten 2-0 at home by the Czech Republic in their opening match at Hampden as Patrik Schick scored from the halfway line.
    Scotland still have a chance of qualifying for the Euro 2020 last 16Credit: Getty
    But all is not lost after a battling performance at the Home of Football, leaving all to play for.
    How can Scotland qualify for the Euro 2020 last 16?
    Scotland’s chances of qualifying are boosted by the fact that the best four third placed teams from the six groups will progress to the last 16.
    However, they are not helped by the fact that head-to-head record is the first method used to split teams level on points in Uefa competitions.
    That means if Scotland were to finish level on points with the Czech Republic, the Czechs would be placed higher in the group because of their 2-0 win.

    For Scotland to be certain of qualification, they must finish second.
    For that to happen, the Scots must beat Croatia and hope the Czech Republic beat England by enough of a margin to secure a four-goal swing against the Three Lions.
    However, the Scots can qualify if they finish as one of the four best third placed teams.
    That means they must win against the Croats and wait on other results.
    Should Scotland fail to beat Croatia, they will be eliminated regardless of what happens in the other games.

    At Euro 2016, the lowest ranked third placed team to qualify from their group was Northern Ireland.
    They finished with three points and a goal difference of zero. More

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    No10 on cusp of deal for Wembley to host up to 75,000 fans at Euro 2020 final including VIPs who WON’T quarantine

    THE FINAL of Euro 2020 is set to remain at Wembley – and up to 75,000 fans will be allowed to attend.The government are on the cusp of agreeing a deal with Uefa to allow 2,500 foreign media and a ‘small number’ of VIPs to attend the showpiece event without having to quarantine.
    PM Boris Johnson is negotiating a deal with Uefa to keep the final of Euro 2020 at WembleyCredit: Getty
    Up to 75,000 fans are expected to attend the match in LondonCredit: Getty
    Boris Johnson is understood to be under pressure to allow more spectators to attend, with Uefa threatening to move the final elsewhere.
    The Puskas Arena in Budapest is at full capacity for the tournament – around 67,000 – and would be willing to the stage the final if necessary.
    Wembley is currently welcoming just 22,500 fans for the group stage of Euro 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions.
    But capacity for the final is now expected to be between 60,000 and 75,000.
    The PM is also set to allow VIPs into the country WITHOUT having to quarantine – but they must leave within 24 hours of arrival.
    Uefa’s special guests are also expected to be in a ‘bubble’ during their time in London and won’t mix with UK-based supporters.
    Confirmation of the stadium’s capacity for the final is expected to be announced as early as Tuesday, June 22 – the same day as England face Czech Republic.

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    Johnson’s official spokesman said: “We continue to look forward to hosting the semi finals and final here in the UK at Wembley.
    “We will continue to work closely with Uefa.”
    But the PM’s sister Rachel Johnson slammed the rule bending as ‘the final nail in the coffin of the Covid restrictions’.
    She said: “Above all, I think if this event does go ahead on British soil, the 2,500 VIPs and hangers-on… will literally put the final nail in the coffin of the Covid restrictions.
    “The government will have to open up probably before the terminus date of July 19 because I think the Covid restrictions will be collapsing under the weight of their own contradictions and the country will not put up with it.”

    Speaking in the Lords, Culture minister Lady Barran said: “We are not exempting any VIPs or accredited guests from our restrictions.
    “If it’s agreed they should enter the UK, they would only be able to leave isolation for official events and would be subject to a very strict code of conduct.”
    She added: “We already permit certain officials and accredited guests to enter the UK for these matches under the elite sport exemption.
    “We will continue to keep the scope of these exemptions under review and are working closely with the FA and Uefa to ensure these Euro 2020 matches take place successfully.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Rival Scotland and England fans chant at each other on Wembley Way as cops separate groups More

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    England must keep faith with Harry Kane as captain will come good despite Euro 2020 struggles so far, says Glenn Hoddle

    ENGLAND fans can still trust Harry Kane to fire them to Euro 2020 glory, insists Glenn Hoddle.The Tottenham striker, 27, has failed to hit the back of the net in both of the Three Lions’ opening Group D matches.
    Harry Kane has been backed to fire England to Euro 2020 gloryCredit: EPA
    Yet fellow Spurs hero Hoddle, 63, has called on supporters to ‘be patient’ in the hope he comes good in the knockouts.
    He told Betfair: “Harry Kane looks sluggish at the moment, he doesn’t look his sharpest and that does happen to players at times.
    “I look at it optimistically, he hasn’t started yet and we’ve got four points on the board, and he’s our main striker.
    “If we can get into the last-16 and get through, I think Harry will have a big say in the tournament.
    “But we’ll have to be patient. He’s the sort of player who, if it’s a quarter-final or a big game, he’ll produce something for England. I’m convinced of that.
    “I don’t think it’s anything to do with what’s happening at club level. He’s a professional and he’s got the mentality to shrug that off.

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    He’s not at his best at the moment, but it’s two matches. He’ll go on a run. It’s not ‘if’ he’ll score, it’s ‘when’ he scores.Glenn Hoddle
    “Sometimes players feel fatigued and a bit tired and I think he’s going through one of those situations. It’s not all doom and gloom.
    “They’ve got to keep chances and if they do that Harry will put it in the back of the net.
    “When you’re a striker of his ilk – a bit like Aguero at City – you need creation around you.
    “He’s not at his best at the moment, but it’s two matches. He’ll go on a run. It’s not ‘if’ he’ll score, it’s ‘when’ he scores. There’s more to come from the team and there’s more to come from Harry.”
    England take on Czech Republic at Wembley on Tuesday with Kane starting in the hope of extending his superb record of 34 goals in 55 caps.
    The captain’s form for club and country has earned the attention of Manchester City ahead of a key summer in his career.

    A bid of £100million reportedly landed on Monday amid his hints at wanting to leave Spurs.
    Tottenham’s difficulty in finding a new manager may be harming their hopes at persuading Kane to stay.
    And ex-Chelsea and England boss Hoddle laughed off his own chances of returning to the dugout.
    He stated: “I feel that we’ve got to have some stability for a few seasons.

    “It’s got to be a mini rebuild to see if that success can come round the corner. There are too many facets to the squad that are negative at the moment.
    “There have been so many names for the job, and people have jokingly asked me about it – I’m not sure about that.
    “I’d love to go back there, but it’s a different era and a different scenario at the club. It’s been my club since I was eight years of age. It’s amazing the connection with the club I’ve had over the years.
    “It’s unlikely, but never say never! Football always surprises you, doesn’t it?”
    For more from Betfair and Glenn Hoddle head through this link
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Glenn Hoddle slams Tottenham for having ‘no creativity and no imagination’ against Everton More

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    Who is Ukraine vs Austria referee Cuneyt Cakır and how many international tournaments has Euro 2020 ref officiated at?

    TURKEY are out of Euro 2020 after failing to pick up a single point.But experienced referee Cuneyt Cakir will also be representing the country all summer long.
    Cuneyt Cakir is now hairless as he takes charge of Euro 2020 gamesCredit: AP
    Cuneyt Cakir has sent off various Premier League players in Europe over the last decade, including Nani, John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Gary Cahill.Who is Cuneyt Cakır?
    A MEMBER of Uefa’s Elite group of referees, Cakir is a no-nonsense whistler renowned for being a strict enforcer.
    He has sent off various Premier League players over the past decade, including Nani, John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Gary Cahill.
    Born in 1976, the Turk has taken charge of more than 200 Super Lig games – including numerous meetings between notorious rivals Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.
    He has reffed in European competition since 2006 and first appeared on the international scene in 2010.
    The disciplinarian will happily dish out cardsCredit: AFP or licensors
    In 2012 he was appointed as fourth official in the Euro 2012 final, between Spain and Italy, and three years later took charge of the Champions League final.
    Cakir famously sent off Keith Andrews at Euro 2012 after insisting that the Irishman move back an extra couple of inches in his defensive wall.
    And shortly after he was at it again, dismissing Gerrard in a World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.
    Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir stirred up a fierce reaction from fans on social media with his performance as England lost 2-1 to Croatia in the World Cup semi-finalCredit: AFP or licensors
    In the 2017/18, he was given the high profile Champions League semi-final clash between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
    And he capped it off by taking charge of the World Cup semi-final between England and Croatia.
    But Cuneyt was slammed as “biased” and “embarrassing” by Three Lions fans, as some social media critics even called for a Fifa investigation.
    He was accused of favouring Croatia as they ran out 2-1 winners and broke English hearts.
    Cakir has previously reffed at Euro 2012, World Cup 2014, Euro 2016 and World Cup 2018.
    Which Euro 2020 games is he taking charge of?
    Cuneyt Cakir took charge of Hungary vs Portugal and will referee the winner-take-all clash between Ukraine and Austria. More

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    Who is North Macedonia vs Netherlands referee Istvan Kovacs and what other games is he taking charge of at Euro 2020?

    PE TEACHER Istvan Kovacs will be used to brushing away any nonsense from footballers – given he deals with rowdy pupils in his day job.The 36-year-old has been included in a strong Romanian delegation for Euro 2020.
    Istvan Kovacs shows Igor Shitov a red card during Astana’s Champions League qualifier against Celtic in 2016Credit: RUSSELL CHEYNE
    The tournament will provide educator with the biggest exam of his career so far as he makes his debut in a senior international competition.
    Kovacs was recently promoted by Uefa to their cohort of ‘elite referees’ providing the Romanian with recognition for his outstanding performances with the whistle.
    Appointed as a Fifa referee in 2010, Kovacs has grown in stature and regularly officiates in the Champions League.
    Where did his career begin?
    Kovacs, a native of Carei, grew up a sports fanatic and turned his attention to officiating from a young age.
    After following his dream, he was appointed as a professional referee in his homeland ahead of the 2007/08 season.
    In his debut season Kovac officiated 17 Romanian top flight fixtures and within three years he taking charge of Europa League matches.
    How long did he ref in the Middle East?
    Between 2001 and 2018 Kovacs was invited to referee outside of Romania and officiated league games in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
    Kovac’s firm officiating style has seen him brandish 149 red cards so far in his 14-year professional career.

    This season, he refereed Manchester United’s Europa League quarter final second leg win against Granada and Celtic’s 4-1 group stage mauling at the hands of Sparta Prague.
    What games is he taking charges of at Euro 2020?
    Kovacs is taking charge of the Group C clash between North Macedonia and Holland on June 21.
    It remains to be seen if he is given a gig for the group stages. More

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    Prince William to attend England’s final Euro 2020 group game against Czech Republic at Wembley tomorrow

    PRINCE William is to attend England’s match with the Czech Republic held tomorrow, it has been confirmed.The Duke of Cambridge, who is also President of The Football Association, will appear at Wembley Stadium for England’s second match of the EUROS.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Prince William will attend tomorrow nights EUROs match at WembleyCredit: EPA
    Last week, the Prince issued a rare personal Tweet expressing joy following the beginning of EURO 2020.
    “Finally it’s here! #Euro2020,” the tweet read from the Duke and Duchess’ joint account.
    “Wishing all the best to the Home Nations competing this summer – looking forward to a fantastic tournament!” 
    He has held the position as President of the FA for more than 15 years and has regularly attended the FA Cup final.

    Other than supporting England, the Prince is an Aston Villa fan.
    He admitted during an interview with Gary Lineker that he picked the Villans because the club has a great history.
    And he did not want to support the same team as all of his friends.
    It will be Princes’ first EURO 2020 match to attendCredit: Splash More

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    Euro 2020 Group B LIVE TABLE AND STANDINGS: Belgium, Denmark, Russia and Finland could ALL play Wales in last 16

    DENMARK head into their final group game against Russia looking for a victory to qualify for Christian Eriksen.The Danes have lost both their opening games, after being forced to resume their game against Finland following Eriksen’s collapse and being narrowly beaten by Belgium.
    Kevin de Bruyne inspired Belgium to victory in DenmarkCredit: AP
    Belgium enter the final round of matches having already qualified and will look to secure top spot.
    Finland meanwhile, have a chance of qualifying as group winners if they surprise the Belgians, but could also finish bottom and go out.
    The second placed team in Group B will play Wales in the last 16, and that could still be any one of the four teams.
    Group B live table

    How many teams qualify from Euro 2020 Group B?
    A minimum of two teams will qualify from Euro 2020 Group B.
    The best four third placed teams will also progress to the knockout stages.

    Group B fixtures and results
    Saturday, June 12
    Denmark 0 Finland 1
    Belgium 3 Russia 0
    Thursday, June 17
    Finland 0 Russia 1
    Denmark 1 Belgium 2
    Monday, June 21
    Russia vs Denmark (8pm) – Copenhagen
    Finland vs Belgium (8pm) – St Petersburg More

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    Euro 2020 TV presenter Paola Ferrari goes viral with Sharon Stone leg-crossing moment but denies not wearing underwear

    ITALIAN TV presenter Paola Ferrari went viral after many thought she’d accidentally flashed the whole of Italy.The face of Italian Euro 2020 coverage has been compared to Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct after an X-rated leg-crossing incident – but she denies that she wasn’t wearing underwear – unlike Stone in the blockbuster movie.
    Italian TV presenter Paola Ferrari went viral after she appeared to accidentally flash the whole of ItalyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dagocafonal/
    Ferrari switched her crossed legs on Rai and some viewers thought she had no underwear onCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dagocafonal/
    But the 60-year-old has denied going commando after being compared to Sharon Stone in Basic InstinctCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dagocafonal/
    Rai presenter Ferrari was dressed in a long black gown with her crossed legs on show.
    At one point she switched legs with some viewers suggesting the 60-year-old had gone commando.
    But the experienced journalist has quashed the rumours, explaining she ‘prefers health and hygiene’.
    She said: “It has gone viral, they are using more VAR (for this incident) than on the field at the European Championships.
    “It happened but it’s nothing serious.”

    IS THAT A TATTOO?
    Some onlookers also thought they saw an intimate butterfly tattoo revealed.
    But Ferrari said: “I can assure you that I do not have a tattooed butterfly, I do not fly so high.”
    And on the comparison between her and Stone in the famous interrogation scene in Basic Instinct where she flashed in a similar fashion?

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    Many viewers drew comparisons between Ferrari and Stone’s famous scene in Basic InstinctCredit: Rex Features

    Ferrari added: “It’s a bit of a stretch, as she is one of the sexiest women in the world.
    “In short, the viral video seems a bit exaggerated, I presented two evenings WITH pants.
    “Sharon Stone was not wearing underwear in that scene. I, on the other hand, prefer to protect health and hygiene.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Hungary scorer Atilla Fiola trashes pitchside female commentator’s desk in wild celebration in France clash More