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      Team news, injury updates and latest odds for Italy vs Wales as the Azzuri eye top spot in Euro 2020 Group A

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      IT’S been a long five years since Wales’ heroics at Euro 2016, overcoming Belgium to reach the semi-finals.But it won’t be easy for the Dragons this time out, who face an in-form Italy side.
      Wales will be hoping captain Gareth Bale can lead them to the last 16Credit: Getty
      This clash is taking place in Rome, with kick-off set at 5pm and you can watch all the action from ITV1.

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      What’s the form?
      Wales’ 2-0 win over Turkey means they are all but sure to qualify from Group A.
      Robert Page’s side has been impressive, with only two defeats in their last 19 games – against world champions France and world No1 ranked side Belgium.
      This will be only the 10th time these two sides have met – their last being being in 2003 and a comfortable 4-0 victory for Italy.
      Italy’s form on the other hand has been impeccable, and the Azzuri have not tasted defeat since 2018.
      Roberto Mancini’s side come off the back of two straight 3-0 wins over Turkey and Switzerland in Group A, progressing through to the last 16.

      Who’s in and who’s out?
      Roberto Mancini is likely to make changes from his starting XI as he has the chance to rotate.
      Italy’s ageing back-two of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci – who have a combined age of 70 – will need a rest for sure
      Chiellini went off after a suspected hamstring injury against the Swiss.
      Mancini coudl recall midfield lynchpin Marco Verratti, who may feature after finally overcoming a troublesome knee injury. 
      Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale have been at the forefront of this Wales side so far, combining brilliantly last Wednesday and will need to turn on the heat against Italy.
      Ethan Ampadu and Harry Wilson, introduced from the bench against Turkey, are two players pushing for recalls to the starting line-up.
      Robert Page’s side played a back three in Wales’ qualifying games before reverting to a back four against Switzerland and Turkey so it will be interesting to see what tactic he employs
      “I couldn’t be more proud. When you have quality like Dan James, Aaron Ramsey, Gareth Bale, Kieffer Moore, you are always going to cause teams problems. What Gareth really showed was character, everyone makes mistakes, but he got on with it and was man of the match.”Robert Page, Wales

      Who to watch out for
      Bale is the key man for Wales.
      If he turns up and is on top of his game, the Welsh have a chance of pulling off a major upset.
      If however he struggles to impose himself on the game, the Italians will almost certainly dominate.
      If the game’s rubbish…
      If you didn’t think age was just a number then check out Italy boss Roberto Mancini’s stunning wife Silvia Fortini – the 55-year-old has played an absolute blinder here.
      The pair wed in the summer of 2018 after the former Manchester City boss split with his ex-wife Federica in 2016.
      Mancini’s wife Silvia
      Bale’s wife Emma cheered him on at Euro 2016 and wil be hoping he can go even further this timeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Aaron Ramsey iwill have wife Colleen supporting himCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Fancy a punt?
      Get all your Euro 2020 ante-post tips with our tournament betting guide HERE.
      Match odds

      Italy to win 2/5
      The draw 10/3
      Wales win 7/1

      To win Euro 2020 outright

      Italy 7/1
      Wales 125/1

      *All odds correct at time of publication
      Ian Wright ’embarrassed’ by England vs Scotland as pundit slams Gareth Southgate for taking off Phil Foden in drab draw More

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      Euro 2020 LIVE: Italy vs Wales build up, Germany thrash Portugal, Uefa warning after Ronaldo Coca-Cola snub

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      EURO 2020 is in full swing as the group stage nears completion.Italy, Holland and Belgium are the first teams through to the second round with picking up their second wins.
      Meanwhile Wales are on the brink of joining them. They face Italy in Rome on Sunday.
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      Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
      GIVE US A CHANCE
      Gareth Southgate says England are ‘a work in progress’ and playing catch-up with fellow Euro 2020 favourites.
      He said: “Some teams are at a different point in their development.
      “The run that Italy have had – 28 or 29 games unbeaten – and we know what France and Portugal have done over the last few years.
      “And Belgium have been the No 1 team for four years.
      “So that’s the level. That’s the standard we’ve got to aspire to. We’re a work in progress.”

      MORE TO COME
      Harry Kane has promised England fans: I’m ready to peak at the business end of the Euros.
      He said: “What we’ve learned over past tournaments, is it’s about trying to peak at the right time.
      “Maybe in Russia there were times, towards the quarter and semi final, when I wasn’t as sharp as I wanted to be. 
      “In the end we didn’t quite get to where we wanted to go, maybe partly for that reason.
      “I know the chances will come with the players we have got in the team. 
      “And when they do I will be more than capable of putting them away.”

      WE KANE DO IT
      Harry Kane believes England can still go all the way at the Euros.
      He said: “We still believe we have a great chance in this tournament and that’s how we will feel all the way to the end.
      “I mean you just look at the last European Championship – I don’t think Portugal won a group game but they ended up winning the tournament.
      “It’s slightly rare that you win all your group and knockout games and have a straight line to the top and lift the trophy. 
      “Sometimes you have a few ups and downs, maybe a few reality checks to make you work on a few things.
      “It helps the team and the environment and helps you improve for the later stages of the tournament and that’s the case for us.”

      FT – SPAIN 1 POLAND 1
      Spain’s place in the knockout stages is under threat after being held to a second straight draw at the Euros.
      Alvaro Morata fired his side ahead in the first half thanks to a controversial VAR decision.
      Robert Lewandowski then bagged a second-half equaliser before Gerard Moreno missed a penalty – with Morata then sending an open-goal rebound wide.
      READ THE MATCH REPORT HERE

      DEM BONES
      Ousmane Dembele is an injury worry for France after he hobbled out of his country’s 1-1 draw with Hungary at Euro 2020.
      The Barcelona star – himself on as a sub – appeared to pull a muscle as he left the field holding his hamstring.
      Dembele has just one year left on his Barca deal and has been linked with a move to Manchester United.

      TROUBLE BRU-ING
      Lee Dixon  took a swipe at Bruno Fernandes for ‘strolling’ around with ‘zero energy’ as Portugal were thumped by Germany.
      He told ITV: “I think someone needs to tell Fernandes he’s 3-1 down. He is just strolling on the ball.
      “He had a chance then to run into space and commit a few players ahead of him. No energy in his run at all.”

      TEAM NEWS
      Spain have handed a start to Gerard Moreno as they look for their first goal at the Euros.
      Ferran Torres drops out of the side as the Villarreal striker takes up a role on the right of a front three involving Dani Olmo and Alvaro Morata.
      Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski and Wojciech Szczesny both line up for Poland.
      FOLLOW THE ACTION WITH OUR LIVE MATCH BLOG

      FT – PORTUGAL 2 GERMANY 4
      Germany made up for their opening game defeat to France by sealing a huge win against Portugal.
      Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring before own-goals from Ruben Dias and Raphael Guerreiro put Germany ahead.
      Joachim Low’s men then moved 4-1 up thanks to efforts from Kai Havertz and Robin Gosens before Diogo Jota pulled one back for Portugal.
      READ THE MATCH REPORT HERE

      SUPER RON
      Cristiano Ronaldo put the finishing touches to an incredible 17-second counter attack against Germany after making a 90-YARD sprint following his own defensive header!
      Portugal fans also unveiled a brilliant banner paying tribute to Ronaldo’s Coca-Cola snub earlier this week.
      But Germany lead 4-1 following TWO Portuguese own-goals plus strikes from Kai Havertz and Robin Gosens.
      FOLLOW THE GAME HERE

      CANDY KANE
      Rio Ferdinand says England should give Harry Kane 45 minutes to show he can lead their Euro challenge or be dumped from the side.
      Ferdinand told the BBC: “I would still play him. I’d demand more from him. There’s a conversation there to be had. You need more. He’s a top player.
      “Last season the most assists, the most goals in the Premier League.
      “You don’t become a bad player overnight, but I want to see the Harry Kane I saw in the Premier League, I want to see it in the Euros.
      “And I think there is a stern conversation, a workings out conversation to get the best out of Harry Kane.
      “And if it isn’t working out after 45 minutes, get someone else on there.
      “Don’t wait until 13 minutes before the end of the game, it’s not long enough for these players to really impact the game.”

      TEAM NEWS
      Portugal and Germany have both named unchanged sides for this afternoon’s crunch Euros clash.
      Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the hosts’ line after his double against Hungary, supported by Premier League stars Bernardo Silva, Diogo Jota and Bruno Fernandes.
      Meanwhile, the Germans continue to play without a recognised striker as Joachim Low keeps faith with the 3-4-3 system that struggled against France.
      FOLLOW THE ACTION WITH OUR LIVE MATCH BLOG

      FT – HUNGARY 1 FRANCE 1
      World champions France were held to a 1-1 draw by a battling Hungary side this afternoon.
      The hosts took a shock lead before the break through Attila Fiola before Antoine Griezmann levelled in the second half.
      It means France will be keeping a keen eye on this afternoon’s clash between Portugal and Germany.
      READ THE MATCH REPORT HERE

      HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
      66. For all of France’s fancy football, it’s a goal of route one proportions that bring the world champions level.
      Hugo Lloris lumps a pass downfield that has Kylian Mbappe battling Loic Nego for the bouncing ball.
      The French forward has some good fortune to win out, and then even more as his low centre is diverted straight into the path of Antoine Griezmann by Willi Orban.
      Arriving at pace, Griezmann couldn’t miss, and duly blasted into the right corner.
      GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLL!!ANTOINE GRIEZMANN EQUALISES!!
      FERDINAND ON SANCHO
      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand has questioned whether Jadon Sancho has upset important people behind the scenes.
      The outstanding creative winger hasn’t played one minute of football at Euro 2020.
      And the decision to leave him out has left fans, ex-pros and pundits scratching their head.
      On his Five YouTube channel, he said: “The substitutions, I thought they were poor.
      “You can make a lot of substitutions now, he only made two substitutions when you can make five.
      “Utilise that bench, that’s what it’s there for. We’ve got all these players. Sancho? What’s he done? He must have done something behind the scenes.
      “He [Sancho] for the last three seasons has the second most goal involvements in this England squad after Sterling and Harry Kane.”
      HUNGARY 1-0 FRANCE
      48. France and Paul Pogba have wasted no time in upping the tempo, and it’s the Manchester United man that forces Gulacsi into early action.
      The midfielder powers a cross over in the direction of Mbappe, and it’s one that requires the Hungary goalkeeper to push out with a strong hand.
      It’s getting tasty in Budapest……. follow all the LIVE action HERE!
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE HALF-TIME WHISTLE GOES!
      HUNGARY 1-0 FRANCE
      45+2. What scenes in Budapest! Hungary lead the world champions!
      GOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!ATTILA FIOLA SCORES FOR HUNGARY!!
      HUNGARY 0-0 FRANCE
      31. Benzema! The drought continues!
      Mbappe does brilliantly to pluck a lofted pass out of the air with one touch, and then flick the perfect ball into the path of Benzema with another.
      The Real Madrid striker takes the opportunity on first time, opting to strike with the outside of his right boot. It’s a decision that sees the ball swerve wide.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      HUNGARY VS FRANCE IS UNDERWAY!
      If you want to follow all the latest updates with our minute-by-minute blog click HERE!
      TEAMSHEETS: HUNGARY VS FRANCE
      France (4-3-1-2): 1 Lloris; 2 Pavard, 4 Varane, 3 Kimpempbe, 18 Digne; 6 Pogba, 13 Kante, 14 Rabiot; 7 Griezmann; 19 Benzema, 10 Mbappe.
      Bench: 16 Mandanda, 23 Maignan, 5 Lenglet, 8 Lemar, 9 Giroud, 11 Dembele, 12 Tolisso, 17 Sissoko, 21 Hernandez, 24 Dubois, 25 Kounde, 26 Thuram.
      Hungary (3-5-2): 1 Gulacsi; 21 Botka, 6 Orban, 4 At Szalai; 7 Nego, 15 Kleinheisler, 8 Nagy, 13 Schafer, 5 Fiola; 9 Ad Szalai, 20 Sallai.
      Bench: 12 Dubusz, 22 Bogdan, 2 Lang, 3 Keckes, 10 Cseri, 11 Holdender, 14 Loverencdics, 17 R Varga, 18 Siger, 19 K Varga, 23 Nikolic, 24 Schon.
      Kick-off is nearly upon us, follow all the live action, minute-by-minute HERE
      SHAW BACKS KANE
      Man Utd defender Luke Shaw has backed his England captain Harry Kane after his poor performance against Scotland yesterday.
      Kane was substituted in the late stages of the game by Marcus Rashford, and he has failed to score in the opening two group games.
      When asked if he is concerned over Kane’s performance, Shaw said: “No concern at all, for me personally I think he is the best striker in the world.
      ‘He is a very important part of the team, in fact the most important part. 
      “I think whether he has not been at his best or not he is a massive part and a crucial player for us.
      “We need him whether his performances are as people expected or not, but this happens in tournament football, you can score a goal at any moment and he is such a crucial player – not just on the pitch but off the pitch, he has got all of our backing and I’m not worried at all.”
      KAL ME MAYBE
      I didn’t see any risk or desire from England to gamble and try and win, writes JOSE MOURINHO. 
      What was so good against Croatia was the midfield pairing of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips. 
      If England needed to beat Scotland then I think Phillips would have been subbed around the 60th minute for more creativity. 
      But a fear of losing kept him on the pitch. 
      COKE JOKE OVER
      Euro 2020 stars have been told to STOP moving sponsors’ drinks in press conferences – or risk their team getting fined, writes JOSHUA JONES.
      Cristiano Ronaldo started the trend when he put a pair of Coca-Cola bottles out of the way on Monday.
      He then told the cameras to ‘drink water’ instead of the popular fizzy drink.
      But Uefa, aware of the negative impact the stunts have on big-money backers, want to put an end to any more instances.
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      Spain vs Poland LIVE RESULT: Moreno misses VAR penalty as Lewandowski goal secures point in Group E – latest reaction

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      SPAIN drew 1-1 with Poland as Group E remains wide open going into the last round of games.Gerard Moreno missed a VAR-awarded penalty following Robert Lewndowski’s equaliser for Poland.
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      Follow ALL of the latest reaction below…
      GOODBYE FROM SEVILLE
      And so ends another entertaining, intriguing day at Euro 2020 which leaves Spain with it all to do in Group E, and by it we mean scoring some goals.
      Luis Enrique’s team once again had plenty of possession, and played lots of pretty passes in midfield, but lacked pace, guile and threat in the final third to make their dominance count. Hmmm, where I have heard that before?
      La Roja surely now have to win the final group game with Slovakia to make it through to the knockout stages, while Poland have given themselves a real fighting chance of progress as they prepare for Sweden.
      The final round of group games begin tomorrow with Group A reaching its conclusion. Italy host Wales in Rome while Turkey take on Switzerland in Baku. We’ll be here with all the action so join us.
      Dewch ymlaen Cymru!
      A TEAM POSSESSED
      Never mind all their possession, Spain will be haunted by their missed chances if they fail to make it through to the Last 16 on Wednesday.

      E’S UP FOR GRABS
      With one round of games remaining, Group E is finely poised.
      Sweden will feel they’ve done enough (especially with four of the best third-place sides also facing a route through), but any of the four sides could yet make it to the knockout stages.
      The Swedes face Poland in Saint Petersburg in their final game while Slovakia take on Spain in Seville. Both games kick-off at 5pm on Wednesday.

      FULL TIME STATS
      The statistics suggest a Spanish domination, but after they again lacked a goal threat, it’s more likely to be an inquisition from the media and fans following this result.

      FT: SPAIN 1-1 POLAND
      The match ends in a hard-fought draw, and its one that Poland are much happier with than their opponents. Robert Lewandowski’s second half header is the reason that the visiting players are celebrating at the final whistle, and why the Spaniards are so despondent. The Poland captain’s equaliser cancelled out Alvaro Morata’s first half opener, and the hosts passed up their chance to win it when Gerard Moreno missed a penalty.

      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE FINAL WHISTLE GOES IN SEVILLE!
      SPAIN 1-1 POLAND
      90+5. Well done, young man! Kozlowski breaks up Spain’s last attack, and makes such a fool of Rodri that Man City’s record signing brings him crashing to the ground.
      It’s a yellow card, and surely the end of the action.
      SPAIN 1-1 POLAND
      90+4. For once, Spain have numbers in the penalty area but the delivery in is from the left is poor, and Linetty boots to safety in wonderful League Two fashion.
      SPAIN 1-1 POLAND
      90+3. Three minutes into five additional minutes, and Lewandowski picks up a yellow card for a foul on Laporte.
      The Poland striker won’t mind as it eats up a few more seconds.
      SPAIN 1-1 POLAND
      90. As the clock strikes 90, the teenage substitute Kozlowski has the opportunity to spark a three-on-three, but over-eagerness gets the better of the 17-year-old and he blows his big chance.
      We’ve all been there.
      SPAIN 1-1 POLAND
      88. The 90-minute mark is closing in on Spain, and, as Danny Murphy states, “they’re hardly battering down the door.”
      You can’t score if you’re going side to side in your own half.
      SPAIN 1-1 POLAND
      86. Mikel Oyarzabal is Luis Enrique’s latest – and possibly last – throw of the dice.
      The Real Sociedad forward is on for Morata, but time is running out.
      SPAIN 1-1 POLAND
      85. Jan Bednarek has taken a knock, and the Soutthampton defender will have to go off.
      It means Pawel Dawidowicz has the unenviable job of seeing out the match as Poland’s new centre-back.
      The Poles makes another change too with Karol Linetty on for Jakub Moder.
      SPAIN 1-1 POLAND
      84. Brilliant save from Szczesny!
      The Poland stopper gets out quickly to dive at the feet of Sarabia after the Spain substitute had beaten the offside trap.
      It’s a brave piece of goalkeeping that leaves both players requiring treatment.

      SPAIN 1-1 POLAND
      82. Pau Torres’ individual battle with Lewandowski continues, but the centre-back will have to play the final minutes on a yellow card.
      He’s penalised for blocking the Poland striker.
      SPAIN 1-1 POLAND
      80. It’s been chaos in the Poland penalty area for the past minute.
      First, Bereszynski and Szczesny leave a loose ball to each other, and almost allow Ferran Torres to creep in, and then seconds later, it takes four Poland defenders to crowd out a grounded Morata.
      Rodri finally ends the danger by powering a shot into the arms of the Poland goalkeeper.

      SPAIN 1-1 POLAND
      77. And here’s a reminder that Poland do still carry a threat even when out of possession for so long.
      Lewandowski sparks a counter by turning and finding Frankowski on the run. The captain then demands a return as he makes his way into the box, but the winger hesitates and it just allows Pau Torres to get back and block the cross.
      SPAIN 1-1 POLAND
      74. Paulo Sousa paces up and down his technical area, urging his players on.
      You certainly can’t fault this Poland team, they’ve had to do a lot of chasing tonight.
      SPAIN 1-1 POLAND
      72. Ferran Torres has the opportunity to make himself an instant hero, but heads wide.
      Lovely build-up play involving namesake Pau, fellow substitute Sarabia and Marcus Llorente look to have put the ball on a plate for the forward, but the cross was perhaps travelling slightly behind him. Benefit of the doubt.
      SPAIN 1-1 POLAND
      68. Three more changes to report.
      Luis Enrique has thrown on Fabian Ruiz and Pablo Sarabia for Gerard Moreno and Koke while Paulo Sousa has introduced Przemyslaw Frankowski for Karol Swiderski.
      SPAIN 1-1 POLAND
      66. Lewandowski leaves another defender on the turf, this time flicking a chance into the vicinity of Bednarek…
      …but this time the referee blows for the foul Spain’s players demanded at the equaliser.
      SPAIN 1-1 POLAND
      64. Spain are back on the front foot, looking to regain their lead.
      Morata has a sight of goal, but flashes a shot across the face.
      SPAIN 1-1 POLAND
      61. Spain make a change of their own.
      Manchester City’s Ferran Torres is on for Dani Olmo.
      SPAIN 1-1 POLAND
      58. And now Jozwiak goes into the book for a foul on Pedri, and the Poland players are furious.
      Tempers are frayed out there.
      SPAIN 1-1 POLAND
      57. What drama!
      The VAR official and on-pitch referee combine to award Spain a spotkick for Moder’s clumsy challenge after his cross had gone.
      Gerard Moreno demands the ball, and looks confident as he steps up, but crashes his right-footed against the base of the post.
      Following up, Alvaro Morata is first to the rebound but makes an awful mess of his shot and misses by some distance.

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      Watch Cristiano Ronaldo, 36, score incredible 14.2-second counter-attack as he heads away corner before 90-YARD sprint

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO rolled back the years when he scored the opening goal of Portugal’s encounter with Germany.But it was not enough as the Germans fought back to win the best game of the Euros so far 4-2 in Munich.

      Cristiano Ronaldo, 36, taps home Portugal’s opener after an incredible sprint that saw him head away a Germany corner
      Joachim Low’s side dominated early proceedings and had a goal ruled out for offside before Ronaldo scored.
      And Portugal’s opener came as a result of a German corner, with Ronaldo, 36, tapping into an empty net just 14.2 seconds after Toni Kroos’ set-piece.
      Ronaldo incredibly won the defensive header which launched the attack, with Bernardo Silva carrying the ball upfield.
      Ronaldo darted through the middle of the pitch with alarming speed, while Silva looked up and spotted Diogo Jota.
      He picked out the Liverpool star with a wonderful ball to put him through one-on-one with Manuel Neuer, and the forward squared to Ronaldo to tap into an empty net.
      Jota learnt his lesson from the previous match against Hungary, when Ronaldo chastised the winger for shooting instead of passing when he was in space in the penalty box.
      Ronaldo’s goal was his third of Euro 2020 and he is now just two goals behind the all-time international record of 109, held by former Iran striker Ali Daei.
      He now leads the Euro scoring charts alongside Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick, with three goals.
      Royal Ascot special 🏇🎩

      Ronaldo celebrates with teammates Diogo Jota and Bernardo Silva

      The goal is Ronaldo’s twelfth in European Championship competition and extends the record which he set last time out against Hungary.
      But Ronaldo did not have much chance to celebrate his goal, as Portugal capitulated and lost to Germany.
      Ruben Dias and Raphael Guerreiro both scored own goals in the first-half, before Robin Gosens and Kai Havertz added two more.
      Diogo Jota pulled one back for the Portuguese but it was not enough to spark a comeback.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Ronaldo celebrates after he scores incredible 14.2-second counter-attack goal More

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      Harry Kane vows to roar back to form for England in Euro 2020 knockout stages after Scotland struggles

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      HARRY KANE has told England fans: I’m fully fit and will peak when it really matters.TV pundits Graeme Souness and Roy Keane slammed Kane’s display in the Euros bore draw against Scotland, accusing the Three Lions captain of looking ‘leggy’.
      Harry Kane failed to score in England’s first two Euro 2020 games against Croatia and ScotlandCredit: Getty
      England fans are desperate for the captain to regain his impressive Premier League formCredit: Getty
      But Kane, subbed twice by Gareth Southgate, is convinced he will hit top gear in the knockout stages – unlike three years ago at the World Cup, when his goals dried up late on.
      The Tottenham ace admitted his fitness in Russia was partly to blame for England not making the final.
      But he said: “What we’ve learned over past tournaments is it’s about trying to peak at the right time.
      “Maybe in Russia there were times, towards the quarter and semi-final, when I wasn’t as sharp as I wanted.
      “In the end we didn’t quite get to where we wanted to go, maybe partly for that reason.
      “I know the chances will come with the players we have got in the team.
      “And when they do I will be more than capable of putting them away.”
      Euro stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne have all found the net already.

      EURO 2020 FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      But Kane had just 19 touches against Scotland – his fewest ever at international level – before being hauled off.
      Keane also suggested Kane is being distracted by the uncertainty over his future at Spurs.
      But the England skipper insists that was not the case and there were no physical issues against Croatia and Scotland.
      Kane scored six goals, five of them in the group stage, to earn the Golden Boot on England’s run to the 2018 World Cup semis.
      He said: “All my focus is on how I can help this team and how we can be successful this tournament.

      “I didn’t feel physically I wasn’t up to it. I felt going into those games as good as I’ve felt all season.
      “As a striker you don’t score for a couple of games and then you score one or two and everything starts falling your way.”
      England face the Czech Republic next in their final Group D game and Kane added: “I know what I’m capable of.
      “Score a couple on Tuesday and everyone is talking about the Golden Boot again and how far we’re going to go.
      “It’s just about believing in each other. I believe in myself. That’s the only way to be – and it’s the best way to be.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Souness says ‘football is NOT coming home with this squad’ and slams England skipper Harry Kane after drab Scotland draw More

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      England a ‘work in progress’ and behind Euro 2020 favourites in development, claims Gareth Southgate as he urges calm

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE says England are ‘a work in progress’ and playing catch-up with fellow Euro 2020 favourites.On paper, the Three Lions look stronger than when Southgate guided them to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2018.
      Southgate has urged fans for patience with his young ‘work in progress’ of an England squadCredit: Getty
      England boast lots of young talent in their squad, including Phil FodenCredit: Reuters
      But the limp performance against Scotland – fielding their youngest-ever starting XI at a major tournament – was a reality check.
      The England boss said: “Some teams are at a different point in their development.
      “The run that Italy have had – 28 or 29 games unbeaten – and we know what France and Portugal have done over the last few years.
      “And Belgium have been the No 1 team for four years.
      “So that’s the level. That’s the standard we’ve got to aspire to. We’re a work in progress.”
      England were booed off at half-time and after the goalless draw at Wembley.
      Southgate wants fans to show more ‘warmth’ to his young team after they ‘just about survived’ the Battle of Britain.
      He said: “I always look at myself first and in the end when you have a result like we had, I understand there’s going to be criticism and that’s perfectly acceptable.

      EURO 2020 FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      “The important thing is that everyone gets behind the team and the players and they’re going to need to feel that support and to feel that warmth.
      “This is a relatively inexperienced group, I think the third least caps in the tournament.
      “It was a young team against Scotland so that’s a different experience for a lot of them than they’ve ever faced before.
      “They’ve just about survived it.
      “We want to be better and that’s what we’re going to work through in the next few days before we play the Czech Republic.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Euro 2020: Gareth Southgate begs England fans not to turn backs on team after they were booed off against Scotland More

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      Ashley Williams urges Wales to take Kieffer Moore out of the firing line against Italy

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      ASHLEY WILLIAMS has urged Wales not to take a gamble on key man Kieffer Moore today.Cardiff striker Moore – along with Ben Davies and Chris Mepham – is walking a disciplinary tightrope against Italy.
      Kieffer Moore, 28, has made an excellent start to his Euro 2020 campaignCredit: Getty
      But ex-Wales skipper Ashley Williams, 36, doesn’t want him to pick up a ban against ItalyCredit: PA
      The trio have all picked up a yellow card in Group A so far and another caution would see them banned for a potential last-16 tie.
      And Williams – captain on their glorious run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals – wants 6ft 5in hitman Moore, who came to the rescue in the 1-1 draw with Switzerland last Saturday, wrapped up in cotton wool for this final group game.
      Wales almost certainly booked their spot in the knockout stages with Wednesday’s win over Turkey.
      He said: “I would rest Kieffer because we don’t have another player in the squad who brings what he does.
      “I worry about him because of his sheer size and the way he plays. He can pick up a clumsy card or an unfair one.
      “Everyone agrees he is now one of the first names on the teamsheet and we will definitely need him going forward.
      “Ben is experienced enough to not get himself booked and Chris could get rested because we do have Ethan Ampadu who could come in.
      “But Meps is another player who doesn’t pick up loads of yellows.”

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      Ashley Williams is calling on families to sign up for McDonald’s free Fun Football sessionsCredit: Paul Greenwood
      The Welsh are dreaming of a long run at the Euros again following the superb display in Baku.
      Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey were the catalysts for the triumph, which Williams hailed as on a par with the 3-0 group success over Russia in France five summers ago.
      Williams, who retired in January with 86 caps and is an ambassador for McDonald’s Fun Football programme, added: “The Turkey performance was right up there with the really great displays.
      “It was a must-win game in a major tournament. Turkey was similar to Russia in 2016. It was on that level.
      “Yes, it wasn’t really a knockout match but everyone turned up and played how they needed to play and because we played so well, the nation can dream again.
      “Yes, it wasn’t really a knockout match but everyone turned up and played how they needed to play and because we played so well, the nation can dream again.
      “I feel our tournament has started. I’ve seen the pictures of the fans in Baku, how people are watching together in Wales and their reactions to the final whistle and the goals.
      “It is starting to get that feeling like we had in 2016 again.”

      Williams, 36, would love to now see Wales repeat their 2016 heroics of reaching the last four under Chris Coleman.
      And the former centre-back said he was encouraged by Bale’s courage to shrug off a penalty miss to drive at the Turkish defence and set up Connor Roberts’ late match-clinching goal.
      He added: “Gaz is the captain and the other players will follow his lead.
      “He has that attitude where he’s taking the game to people, like he did in those two moments at the end. We all thought he would just keep it in the corner whereas he was thinking, let’s get another goal.
      “My head says Robert Page will be sensible with his team selection but I’d love to see them go and attack Italy and then we wouldn’t fear anyone moving forward.
      “It would be great if Wales can win the group.
      “With this set of players and the way they performed against Turkey, I would say go and win the game.”
      Ashley Williams is calling on families to sign up for McDonald’s free Fun Football sessions, which will get thousands of children playing football this summer. To find a local session go to mcdonalds.co.uk/football
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      Czech Republic’s Patrik Schick reveals he’s scared of flying as he aims to soar above England at Euro 2020

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      PATRIK SCHICK may be flying in the Euro 2020 scoring charts but the Czech striker likes to have his feet firmly on the ground.For the three-goal forward who poses the big threat to England on Tuesday has to get over one major hurdle before arriving at Wembley — making the journey to the UK.
      Patrik Schick is joint top of the Euro 2020 scoring charts alongside Cristiano Ronaldo
      Schick, 25, has revealed the constant travelling with the squad is causing him problems because he is scared of flying.
      The Czechs have flown to and from Scotland twice in the past week and will make another trek to Britain ahead of the clash which will decide who tops Group D.
      So while team-mates like Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal will be mucking in with their pals on tomorrow’s flight from Prague, the Bayer Leverkusen star will be going through an ordeal.
      Schick said: “Although it’s only a two-hour flight to Scotland, all in all it can take four to five hours in total so it’s still a bit exhausting, especially for me because I do not particularly enjoy flying.
      “On Friday night I tried to sleep a bit, but the other guys usually play board games.”
      After two brilliant strikes against Scotland, including his halfway line special, Schick notched a third in the 1-1 draw against Croatia which left them top of the group.
      While other big-name forwards toil, notably Harry Kane, it is all coming easily for the forward who struggled to live up to his billing when he moved to Italy aged 20 as one of Europe’s hot talents.
      Schick said: “It’s a good feeling to be on top of the table, but there are still more games to go. And I believe that forwards will show their strength.
      “So I’m not thinking about this at all, team success is more important for me at the moment.

      “I was 20 when I went to Italy — my first year in Sampdoria was pretty good.
      “After, I was transferred to Roma, which is one of the biggest clubs in Italy, and the expectation was really high for me and I was still just a young boy.
      “Maybe I wasn’t 100 per cent prepared for the step.”
      Schick may not have been ready for Serie A, but he will certainly be up for the task of facing the Three Lions — despite finishing the Croatia game with a battered nose.
      It was the striker who was caught in the face by Dejan Lovren’s elbow which handed the Czechs their controversial VAR penalty and inspired his celebration in tribute to MMA star Nate Diaz.
      Tests have shown no broken bones so now England’s mean defence, which has yet to concede in the Euros, is next to go into combat with the in-form forward.
      He added: “Of course it was a lot of blood, I had to change my jersey.
      “But the good thing is my nose is not broken, it’s just swollen and I have a bit of trouble breathing.
      “And that’s what my celebration was for. I wanted to honour my favourite MMA fighter who always leaves his fights very, very bloody.
      “We have four points so that’s a pretty good position for us.
      “We know England have massive quality, top star players, but in the first games they didn’t create too many chances. So maybe they’re a little bit struggling in attack.

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      “But it will be tough to play against them.
      “Of course we want to win. We want three points and we want to secure the group.”
      His view was echoed by assistant manager Jiri Chytry, who insists the Czech side will be going all out to win — even if it means setting up a tougher last-16 game in the process.
      Chytry said: “We are going to England to play a good match and will leave it to the higher powers.”
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      Watch Patrik Schick score Euro 2020 ‘goal of tournament’ with insane 50-yard strike against Scotland for Czech Republic More