Euro 2020

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      Phil Foden has a barnet like Gazza, so let him play like Gazza, says Harry Redknapp

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      ONE of the big talking points before the Euros was whether Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate would be bold and play Phil Foden.But now he’s got to be even bolder and let him off the leash – because if you’re going to stick him on the right wing, you might as well not pick him at all.
      Phil Foden, 21, has struggled at Euro 2020 so farCredit: Getty
      Harry Redknapp believes the Manchester City star needs more freedomCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspaper Ltd
      We all know what Foden can do, we’ve seen how dangerous he is, but in both England games now he has been completely wasted out wide.
      Gareth is never going to be a manager whose team plays a flamboyant style, we’re never going to see open, attacking football from them.
      My nature is to have a go, but I think he’s always going to be more interested in making us hard to beat.
      It’s one of the reasons why – as much as I want to see Jack Grealish in there – I don’t believe he’s going to start him. I’ve said that all along.
      Fair enough, he’s the manager and it’s his call. But if you’re not going to pick Jack, then Foden has got to be the one who makes things happen.
      And he’s never going to do that if he’s spending his time out wide. They have to get him on the ball, get him in the pocket, and let the full-backs take the space he’s leaving.
      As much as he loves playing for England, I bet he hates being stuck out there. Gareth might as well not pick him at all. He’s got to put him in the right position, not do it just to get him into the team.
      Drag him off the line and be bold. Give him more control, because Foden is good enough to control the game.
      He’s dyed his barnet like Gazza had all those years ago, now let him run the show like he did as well!

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      The way Scotland lined up, if Foden was given the freedom to move inside, our full-backs would have been the key. That’s what should have happened, anyway.
      I played that system of three at the back myself at Portsmouth, and for a season at West Ham, so I know it can cause you problems with the other team’s full-backs.
      But England’s were really disappointing. I thought they’d be bombing forward, giving us two v one down both sides. That’s how you outnumber the opposition, but Luke Shaw and Reece James both really played within themselves.
      James is a great crosser of a ball, and Shaw had a brilliant season with Manchester United, but there was nothing from either on Friday against Scotland.
      It’s like they were scared to go at times, instead of forcing their wing backs to defend. Then again, I’ve thought all along that – no disrespect to Luke – Ben Chilwell is the answer on the left.
      And it will be interesting to see what happens with Harry Maguire, now he’s finally fit again.
      Everyone seems to think he should go straight back into the side against the Czechs, but that would be really harsh on Tyrone Mings. You have to admit he hasn’t put a foot wrong in either match so far, and England haven’t conceded a goal, so defensively at least there’s not been a problem.

      If only we could say the same about the rest of it, because against Scotland we were just too safe, we were toothless.
      And although Harry Kane hasn’t been anything like his best, I still wouldn’t have taken him off because he’s always likely to score.
      But although it wasn’t great, although there wasn’t much to get excited about, England are still going to qualify.
      There’s actually an argument for saying we’d have an easier route if we went through in second place, and avoided the runner-up in France’s group, so who knows.
      And Scotland have a better team than a lot of people gave them credit for, and Friday was always going to be tough.
      I do think we all went a bit overboard after the first game, because Croatia were poor and just a shadow of the team that beat us in the World Cup semi-final.
      But while we weren’t as good as some people were saying then, we’re not as bad as many are claiming now.
      All in all, England will be in the knockout stages… and when it comes to a one-off game, we all know anything can happen.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      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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      How England could avoid France, Germany or Portugal showdown in last 16 at Euro 2020

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      ENGLAND received a reality check as they drew 0-0 with Scotland at Wembley on Friday night.The poor performance makes the prospect of facing the likes of Germany, Portugal or France in the round of 16 an even more daunting one.
      Gareth Southgate was left scratching his head as England drew 0-0 with ScotlandCredit: Rex
      But the Three Lions’ opponent in the next round COULD still be someone else.
      The Euros’ expansion to 24 countries has complicated calculating who teams could face in the next round.
      So luckily, SunSport has done it for you.
      Should the Three Lions beat the Czech Republic on Tuesday night, they will win Group D.
      This would guarantee them a showdown with the runners-up in Group F (France, Germany, Portugal, Hungary).
      Currently occupying the position are Germany, after their impressive 4-2 victory over Portugal.
      That could all change, however.
      If Hungary can beat Germany on matchday three, with France defeating Portugal, the Hungarians would finish as runners-up – and therefore be England’s next opponents.
      England would rather avoid facing this lot in the round of 16Credit: AFP
      Hungary kept themselves in with a chance of progressionCredit: Getty
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      Of course, if Gareth Southgate’s side fail to win Group D, they will face someone else entirely.
      A draw with the Czechs would see England come second, an eventuality that would book them a date with the runners-up of Group E (Spain, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden) in Copenhagen on June 28.
      All four teams in Group E could finish second.
      Sweden are currently top of the pile with four points, with Slovakia second on three.
      Spain have two points and Poland are bottom of the league on one.
      England could still come third in Group D, if they lose to the Czech Republic.
      Germany impressed against the PortugueseCredit: AFP
      England could face Cristiano Ronaldo… 15 years after his infamous winkCredit: Reuters
      Scotland would also have to beat Croatia, while bettering the Three Lions’ goal difference.
      It would be a tall order for Steve Clarke’s side, who currently sit on minus-two, with England possessing a plus-one goal difference.
      Should the Three Lions come third, and provided they would be one of the four best third-placed teams, they could have two different opponents, depending on the other third-placed teams to go through.
      One possible route would be a date with the winners of Group C (Holland, Ukraine, Austria, North Macedonia) in Budapest on June 27, while the other would see England play the winners of Group E in Glasgow on June 29.
      As mentioned, Sweden currently occupy top spot in Group E, ahead of Spain’s clash with Poland.
      While the Netherlands currently hold top spot in Group C.
      England still have an outside chance of facing the DutchCredit: Getty
      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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      England’s potential Euro 2020 last-16 opponents ahead of Czech Republic clash

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      ENGLAND’s Euro 2020 campaign hit a snag on Friday night as they failed to beat impressive Scotland at Wembley.But despite the 0-0 stalemate, the Three Lions remain well placed to go through, potentially as group winners.
      England endured a difficult night in a drab 0-0 draw with Scotland at WembleyCredit: Reuters
      The Euros’ expansion to 24 countries has convoluted the process of determining your team’s second round opponents – with it no longer just being a team from the next group.
      So to avoid any unnecessary headaches, SunSport has worked out England’s various permutations so that you don’t have to.
      A win against the Czech Republic on Tuesday night would guarantee progression as group winners for Gareth Southgate’s side.
      Should that be the case, England would face the runners-up in Group F – France, Germany, Portugal, Hungary – at Wembley on June 29.
      Currently occupying that position is Germany, after their impressive 4-2 defeat of Portugal in Munich.
      Going into matchday three, however, France, Portugal and even Hungary could fall or rise to second place, therefore booking themselves a date with the winners of England’s group.
      France beating Portugal and Hungary upsetting the Germans would see England face the Hungarians in the next round.
      Should the Three Lions draw with the Czech Republic they will finish second, cementing a round of 16 clash with the runners-up of Group E in Copenhagen on June 28.
      Hungary are still in contention to possibly face England in the round of 16Credit: Getty

      All four teams in Group E could finish second with Spain only managing a 1-1 draw with Poland.
      Sweden are currently top of the pile with four points, with Slovakia second on three.
      Spain have two points and Poland are bottom with a single point.
      England could yet still come third in Group D, if they lose to the Czech Republic.
      Scotland would also have to beat Croatia, while bettering the Three Lions’ goal difference.
      The Germans could face England after routing PortugalCredit: Reuters
      Cristiano Ronaldo could face England… 15 years on from his infamous winkCredit: AFP
      It would be a tall order for Steve Clarke’s side, who currently sit on minus-two, with England possessing a plus-one goal difference.
      Should the Three Lions come third, and provided they would be one of the four best third-placed teams, they could have two different opponents, depending on the other third-placed teams to go through.
      One possible route would be a date with the winners of Group C in Budapest on June 27, while the other would see England play the winners of Group E in Glasgow on June 29.
      As mentioned, Sweden currently occupy top spot in Group E, ahead of Spain’s clash with Poland.
      While the Netherlands currently hold top spot in Group C.

      The Three Lions could still run into this terrifying front three in the next roundCredit: AFP
      ⚽ 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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      Euro 2020 Group E LIVE TABLE AND STANDINGS: Latest table for Spain, Poland, Sweden, Slovakia’s wide open group

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      THE Euro 2020 group stage is reaching its business end and teams in Group E are battling for qualification for the last 16.All four of the teams – Sweden, Slovakia, Spain and Poland – can still qualify from the WIDE OPEN group.
      Sweden are in a strong position to qualifyCredit: AFP
      Sweden lead going into the final round of fixtures following their 1-0 win over Slovakia.
      While Spain and Poland drew 1-1 with both teams still looking for their first win of the tournament.
      See the LIVE Group E table below…
      Group E live table

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

      Group E fixtures and results
      Monday, June 14
      Poland 1 Slovakia 2
      Spain 0 Sweden 0
      Friday, June 18
      Sweden 1 Slovakia 0
      Saturday, June 19
      Spain 1 Poland 1
      Wednesday, June 23
      Slovakia vs Spain (5pm) – Seville
      Sweden vs Poland (5pm) – St Petersburg More

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      Jurgen Klinsmann tells England to calm down and ‘there’s nothing wrong’ after Scotland draw at Wembley

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      JURGEN KLINSMANN has urged England to calm down following the frustrations over drawing with Scotland. The Three Lions sit on four points after two matches but their performances have left a lot to be desired.
      England have picked up four points from their opening two matches – and Spurs legend Jurgen Klinsmann has urged fans to remain calmCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate’s side have mustered just three shots on target while Harry Kane has had six touches in the opposition box.
      Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville are just two of the names to have criticised England while Graeme Souness is predicting a Euro KO once they face a big side.
      But Germany and Tottenham legend Klinsmann believes England fans and pundits are overreacting following the 0-0 draw with the Auld Enemy.
      He said on BBC: “You have four points after two games – take it. There’s nothing wrong, they’re already qualified for the next round.
      “Scotland had a very good performance and England tried hard but didn’t have the spark.
      “The attitude was positive but there was just no creativity or spark and they didn’t create any chances because Scotland were tactically very good.
      Jurgen Klinsmann has told England to calm down after drawing with ScotlandCredit: BBC

      “They showed a higher level performance against Croatia.
      “There’s so much to take from these two games already. Go forward now.”
      England will have three days off to work on their tactics before taking on the Czech Republic in their final group game on Tuesday.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Gary Lineker brilliantly responds to Sweden’s Euro 2020 star Alexander Isak not knowing who England legend is More

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      Euro 2020 Group F LIVE TABLE AND STANDINGS: Latest for Germany, Portugal, France, Hungary’s ‘Group of Death’

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      THE group of death is hotting up with ALL four teams still with a shot of advancing from the group with one round remaining.Germany fought back to batter Portugal 4-2 in Munich, while in a shock world champs France were held 1-1 by Hungary.
      Cristiano Ronaldo netted a double as Portugal beat HungaryCredit: EPA
      See the latest LIVE table for Group F below…
      Group F live table

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

      Group F fixtures
      Tuesday, June 15
      Hungary 0 Portugal 3
      France 1 Germany 0
      Saturday, June 19
      Hungary 1 France 1
      Portugal 2 Germany 4
      Wednesday, June 23
      Portugal vs France (8pm) – Budapest
      Germany vs Hungary (8pm) – Munich More

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      Spain 1 Poland 1: Moreno misses penalty as Spain yet to win a Euro 2020 game despite Morata’s opener

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      SPAIN are at real risk of missing out on the Euro 2020 knockout stages after they fluffed their lines against Poland.Luis Enrique’s side are still to win a game at this year’s tournament after they drew their opener 0-0 against Sweden.
      Alvaro Morata opened the scoring for Spain against PolandCredit: Reuters
      But Robert Lewandowski gave Poland hope of progressing into the last-16 with an equaliserCredit: Getty
      Former Chelsea ace Alvaro Morata fired Spain into a 25th minute lead, but despite their first-half dominance, they couldn’t find an elusive second.
      And Luis Enrique’s side were made to pay when lethal frontman Robert Lewandowski headed home a 54th-minute equaliser.
      They had a glorious chance to poke themselves in the Group E ahead just four minutes later when referee Daniele Orsato awarded them a penalty.
      But Gerard Moreno crashed the spot-kick off the post, and then Morata blazed wide in front of an open goal.
      The result leaves Sweden at the top of Group E with four points after their win over Slovakia on Friday.
      Slovakia are second with three points while Spain has two. Poland still have a chance of advancing at Euro 2020 despite being last in the group with one point.
      Spain again paid for mistakes in front of goal, squandering good scoring opportunities and being unable to keep Lewandowski in check in one of the few significant chances Poland had.
      Lewandowski, who entered the tournament with only two goals at either a World Cup or a European Championship, was under the spotlight after failing to score in his side’s 2-1 loss to Slovakia in the opener.

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      Former Chelsea striker Morata ran over for a hug with his manager Luis EnriqueCredit: Reuters
      Morata wheels away after firing Spain into a first-half leadCredit: Getty
      The prolific Bayern Munich flashed a brilliant header past Spanish keeper Unai SimonCredit: AFP

      He had a clear chance to break his drought in the first half when he picked up a rebound inside the area and found himself free from markers in front of goal.
      But Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon stopped the ball with his chest. The rebound came after a shot by Karol Swiderski hit the post.
      Morata had been singled out by fans and Spanish media for his misses in the opening 0-0 draw against Sweden, but he found the back of the net from close range after making a nice move around his marker.
      The goal was initially called off for offside but eventually was confirmed after a quick video review.
      Spain’s Gerard Moreno saw his penalty crash off the postCredit: Getty
      Poland keeper Wojciech Szczesny was delighted to not concede a secondCredit: Getty
      Morata ran toward the bench to celebrate with coach Luis Enrique, who kept him in the starting line-up despite the criticism.
      The pass to Morata for the goal came from Moreno, the only change to the squad made by Luis Enrique after the opening draw.
      Fans had been calling for Moreno to play from the start of Euro 2020 following his superb season with Villarreal, but he missed the penalty that could have put Spain back in front.
      Seventeen-year-old Poland midfielder Kacper Kozowski became the youngest player in the history of the European Championship after coming off the bench just before Lewandowski scored.
      Kozowski was born on October 16, 2003. England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who was born on June 29, 2003, held the record for only six days.
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      Gareth Bale brilliantly responds to Italy manager Roberto Mancini saying Wales are like playing against Stoke More

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      Jude Bellingham’s Euros record lasts just six days as Kacper Kozlowski becomes youngest player in tournament history

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      POLAND teenager Kacper Kozlowski has become the youngest player ever to appear at the European Championships after coming on against Spain.The 17-year-old broke England star Jude Bellingham’s record, which lasted just SIX days.
      Poland manager Paulo Sousa gives Kacper Kozlowski instructions ahead of his Euros debutCredit: AP
      The 17-year-old held his own against Manchester City’s Ferran TorresCredit: EPA
      The Pogon Szczecin midfielder has made his Euros debut aged 17 years and 246 days after being introduced by Poland manager Paulo Sousa in the 55th minute.
      Bellingham, aged 17 years and 349 days, had broken the record earlier in the tournament when he came on for England against Croatia.
      The previous record holder was Jetro Willems, who was 18 years and 71 days when he started Holland’s Euro 2012 opener against Denmark.
      Kozlowski did a good job after coming on, helping Poland secure a 1-1 draw against the three-time European champions.
      Alvaro Morata opened the scoring for Spain in the first half after VAR judged the ex-Chelsea striker to be onside.
      Robert Lewandowski equalised for Sousa’s side after the break with a trademark header before Spain’s Gerard Moreno hit the post from the spot.

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      It’s remarkable to think Kozlowski is even playing at the Euros following his serious car crash 18 months ago.
      The midfielder was left with a broken pelvis and three broken vertebrae in his lower back.
      Kozlowski told Goal in May: “I couldn’t train for almost half a year, which is the worst thing that can happen as a young player.
      “But after I got back to individual training, I felt like things were back on track and going in the right direction.

      “It was a difficult time in my life, but I focus on the here and now and not on the past.
      “It is a fact that I missed a few matches, but frankly, I have been working even harder since then.
      “Mentally, it might help me in the future to have gone through this.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Jude Bellingham explains why he snubbed Man Utd transfer for Borussia Dortmund More