Euro 2020

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Trevor Sinclair claims Roy Keane criticised Jack Grealish for not taking a penalty because of his Ireland switch

      by

      ROY KEANE criticised Jack Grealish for not taking a penalty in the Euro 2020 final because of ‘sour grapes’ over his Republic of Ireland switch, Trevor Sinclair has declared.England were beaten by Italy in the Euro 2020 final after a dramatic penalty shootout at Wembley.
      Jack Grealish represented Republic of Ireland at youth level
      Trevor Sinclair believes Roy Keane’s anger was over the player’s England switchCredit: Getty
      Bukayo Saka, 19, missed the deciding kick, with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho also coming up short from the spot.
      But former Ireland captain Keane slammed older players like Grealish and Raheem Sterling for allowing Saka to take the responsibility.
      The Manchester United legend said on ITV: “If you’re Sterling or Grealish, you cannot sit there and have a young kid go up for a penalty ahead of you.
      “You cannot let a shy 19-year-old go up in front of you.
      “They have a lot more experience, Sterling has won trophies, they had to get in front of the young kid and stand up.”
      But Grealish hit back at Keane on social media claiming he DID ask to take a penalty in the build up to the shootout.
      He wrote: “I said I wanted to take one!!!! The gaffer has made so many right decisions through this tournament and he did tonight!
      “But I won’t have people say that I didn’t want to take a peno when I said I will.”
      But former England star Sinclair believes Keane is still harbouring a grudge over Grealish’s switch of international allegiance.
      The Aston Villa star played up to Under-21 level for Ireland before switching to the Three Lions.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Sinclair told TalkSport: “As we all know, Roy Keane has got an opinion. But you can’t just accept that knowing it’s not the truth.
      “Roy Keane’s not privileged, we are not privileged at talkSPORT to know what was going on in those meetings when we’re talking about penalties.
      “I believe Jack. I don’t think he’s a shrinking violet. He’s a player who steps up to the plate. When you want to make a name for yourself, that’s when you step up.
      “I think with Roy Keane, with the fact Jack Grealish left the Irish squad, went to the England squad, I think there’s a little bit of sour grapes there personally.”
      After the match, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate said the penalty line-up was organised by himself.
      He stated: “It’s my responsibility. I chose the players to take the kicks.
      That was the order that we came to. That’s my call.Gareth Southgate

      “We decided to make the changes near the end of the game, and we win and lose together as a team.”
      On the penalty-takers, as well as the order, he added: “We worked through them in training.
      “That was the order that we came to. But that’s my call.”
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Watford captain Troy Deeney echoes criticism of Priti Patel for ‘gesture politics’ claim More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch hilarious moment Ciro Immobile loses his shorts in slide celebration exposing Italy Euro 2020 star’s underwear

      by

      ITALY superstar Ciro Immobile may have gained a Euro 2020 winner’s medal but he almost lost his shorts in the celebrations. The hilarious moment happened minutes after Roberto Mancini’s men triumphed over England after a tense penalty shootout.
      Ciro Immobile almost lost his shorts in Italy’s celebrations
      The Italian striker hilariously pulled up his shorts in ultra quick fashion
      Gianluigi Donnarumma’s crucial penalty save against Bukayo Saka sparked wild celebrations amongst the Italians inside Wembley.
      With the minority of Italy supporters at one end of the stadium, the team sprinted towards them before sliding across the pitch.
      Everyone appeared to pull it off without any hitches… until the Lazio superstar came into shot.
      Video footage shows Immobile’s attempt to slide on his belly but unfortunately for him his shorts fall to his knees exposing his white pants.
      The 31-year-old quickly tried to avoid being red-faced by pulling them up although his team-mates didn’t appear to realise.
      Eagle-eyed viewers on social media caught a good glimpse of Immobile’s lower half and couldn’t resist a joke on Twitter.
      One wrote: “Well his shorts certainly aren’t immobile.”

      Ciro Immobile played an integral part in Italy’s Euro 2020 winCredit: Getty

      Another added: “Even Immobile’s shorts want nothing to do with him.”
      He wouldn’t have been the first of the Italian team to lose their shorts during the tournament.
      The likes of Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Andrea Belotti and Alessandro Bastoni all whipped off their shorts and threw them into the stands to give fans a souvenir after beating Belgium in the quarter-finals.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Italy ace Bernardeschi marries reality TV star girlfriend two days after scoring winning penalty vs England at Euro 2020 More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Romantic Barcelona star Jordi Alba gets engaged to stunning girlfriend Romarey after yacht date on holiday

      by

      BARCELONA star Jordi Alba has got engaged to long-term girlfriend Romarey Ventura after proposing on holiday.The Spain international has been relaxing on a yacht with his new fiancee after losing the Euro 2020 semi-final to eventual winners Italy.
      Jordi Alba has got engaged to girlfriend Romarey VenturaCredit: Instagram @jordialbaoficial
      The Barcelona star is believed to have been dating his future wife for six yearsCredit: Instagram @romarey_ventura
      The couple got together around the time Alba won the Champions League at BarcelonaCredit: Instagram@romarey_ventura
      Alba, 32, announced the engagement on Instagram on Monday evening with a picture of Ventura wearing her new rock.
      The left-back posted the image to his 13.2million followers with the caption: “She said yes!”
      His future wife also shared a photo of the magical moment to her 541,000 Instagram followers.
      The couple are believed to have been together since 2015 and have two children.
      Alba captained Spain in their recent defeat, with Italy skipper Giorgio Chiellini appearing to play mind games with the Barca star shortly before the shootout.
      And there’s been romance in the Italian squad, too, with winger Federico Bernardeschi marrying his girlfriend just two days after their triumph.

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Alba and Ventura have two children togetherCredit: Instagram@romarey_ventura
      The Spain international joined Barcelona in 2012Credit: Instagram @jordialbaoficial
      Ventura has more than half-a-million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram@romarey_ventura

      Alba joined Barcelona from Valencia nine years ago, shortly after helping Spain win Euro 2012.
      He’s won five LaLiga titles, five Spanish Cups and the Champions League during that time to become a modern-day Barca legend.
      Alba still has three years left on his Nou Camp contract but has been linked with Serie A champions Inter Milan in recent weeks.
      Barcelona need to trim their wage bill due to a salary cap and it’s believed Inter will take advantage of this by making an offer for the left-back.
      The Spanish giants still need to agree a new deal with out-of-contract star Lionel Messi, who reportedly wants to stay at the club.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Italy’s captain Chiellini ‘bullies’ Spain’s Alba during penalty shootout coin toss and playfully punches rival in face More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Vile racist posts video abusing Saka, Rashford and Sancho as police arrest man, 49, in Kent

      by

      A VILE racist has posted a video online abusing England stars Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho after their loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final. The Three Lions stars have been subjected to horrific online abuse after their penalty misses on Sunday.
      The so-called England fan posted the disgusting rant online after the game
      Two men have now been arrested for posting racist comments onlineCredit: Getty
      One England fan posted a hateful rant on social media after the final whistle went at Wembley on Sunday evening, as cops arrested a 49-year-old from Kent in relation to a malicious communications offence.
      Posting on Facebook the man, who had an England flag painted on his face ranted: “Where do I start where do I start. Sick, gutted like all of us. 
      “Proper deflated. Gotta be proud of the boys, be proud, but anyone and everyone that knows me well will understand what I’m talking about.
      Three lions on a shirt, right. How many times have we seen England players, w*** take penalties  for us and f*** it up.
      “Three f***ing lions, three f***ing c***s  f***ed it for us.”
      He ends the video by screaming into the camera before switching it off. 

      The footage has attracted thousands of comments slamming his behaviour online, with one person writing “we should ruin this c***s life”. 
      The disgusting footage came to light as police forces up and down the country arrested people in relation to racist abuse.
      Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned online racists will be banned from footie matches after more than a million Brits demanded they be punished.
      Putting the trolls on notice the PM warned: “You will not be going to the match. No ifs, no buts, no exceptions, no excuses.”
      Fans have rallied round three black England stars who were sent sick messages and monkey emojis on social media after their penalty misses.
      A million people signed a petition in just two days demanding vile trolls be barred from games as punishment.
      VILE ABUSE
      Kent Police arrested a 49-year-old man in relation to a video posted online, in connection to a malicious communications offence, who has since been released on bail. 
      Chief Superintendent Warren Franklin of Kent Police said: “On the afternoon of Tuesday 13 July 2021 Kent Police received a referral from the national policing lead for Euro 2020 relating to an offensive video that had been posted on social media.
      “Later that day officers attended an address in Folkestone and arrested a 49-year-old man on suspicion of a malicious communications offence. He was taken into custody pending further enquiries.
      “Kent Police will continue to keep the national policing lead updated and will respond accordingly to any other similar incidents that may be reported to us.”
      A 37-year-old man has been arrested in Manchester after a series of  social media posts were directed towards England footballers. 
      The suspect, from Ashton-Upon-Mersey, attended Cheadle Heath police station this morning and was arrested in connection with a malicious communications offence. 
      He remains in custody, with Detective Inspector Matt Gregory of GMP’s Trafford division, adding: “The actions of a small number of people overshadowed what was a hugely unifying event for our country on Sunday evening.
      “We are firm in our commitment, any racist abuse whether online or off is not acceptable.
      You will not be going to the match. No ifs, no buts, no exceptions, no excuses.Boris Johnson
      “We now have one man in custody and our investigation continues. If you think you have information on this post, we’d like to hear from you on 0161 856 4973, quoting incident number 109 of 12/7/2021.
      “You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
      “Anyone who has been a victim, or witness of hate crime, please do report it at your earliest opportunity, using 101, LiveChat or online at gmp.police.uk. Alternatively you can visit www.letsendhatecrime.com.”
      A disgraced comedian has also come under fire and seen his shows cancelled after taking aim at black England players. 
      Stand-up Andrew Lawrence, 41, saw a string of his UK shows cancelled after a number of the nine scheduled venues across the UK refused to host him.
      Estate agents Savills also suspended a worker after racist abuse targeting England players was sent from his Twitter account.

      A post from Andrew Bone’s Twitter account branded the players the N word and claimed the England stars had “ruined it for us” after the loss.
      A kids football coach has claimed his Twitter account was hacked after a racist tweet was sent to Marcus Rashford denying it was him.
      Nick Scott, 50, from Powick, Worcestershire, denied sending a sickening homophobic tweet aimed at the England women’s football team.
      Saka, Sancho and Rashford have received an outpouring of support after the abuseCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The man in the video had painted his face to look like an England flag
      The players have been targeted by vile online racistsCredit: PA
      Boris Johnson will ban racists from all football matches after one million sign petition More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s agent addresses Man Utd transfer links and says Italy star will ‘consider’ offers

      by

      GIOVANNI DI LORENZO is open to a potential Manchester United switch, according to a representative of the Italy international. The Napoli full-back, who was one of the Azzurri’s best performers during their triumphant Euro 2020 run, is reportedly attracting interest from Old Trafford. 
      Giovanni Di Lorenzo is reportedly open to considering a transfer offer from Man UnitedCredit: Getty
      Di Lorenzo, 27, was part of the team who beat England in a dramatic final penalty shootout at Wembley. 
      The versatile right-back, who began his playing career as a striker, made six match-winning appearances for Roberto Mancini’s side during the tournament.  
      United officials are thought to have been keeping tabs on the Serie A ace for more than a year with the club reportedly making contact with the player’s reps in March 2020. 
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      And Di Lorenzo’s agent Mario Guiffredi hinted a bid for the player – who is reportedly valued at around £17million – could be considered if Old Trafford officials made an offer. 
      Guiffredi told Radio Marte: “I read about Manchester United but now it is newspaper talk.
      “If there were real things, we would be the ones to communicate it to Napoli. At the moment no request has arrived.
      “If offers arrive, we are obliged to take them into consideration, also in the interest of Napoli, because it is the president himself who has put everyone on the market.
      “So, we feel we are on the market. If an appropriate offer arrives it’ll be discussed and considered.

      “(President Aurelio) De Laurentiis spoke at the press conference explaining Napoli’s losses, and that all his players are transferable and that, if appropriate offers arrive, he will evaluate them himself.”
      Di Lorenzo joined Napoli, who finished fifth in Serie A last season, in a £7m move from top-flight rivals Empoli in July 2019. 
      His current contract with the side is set to expire in June 2025. 
      In 2020 the Red Devils were thought to have been eyeing Di Lorenzo as potential cover for Aaron Wan-Bissaka. 
      The defender’s ability to play across the back four is thought to be appealing to the club. 
      Reports claim United are also interested in a possible swoop for Atletico Madrid and England star Kieran Trippier. 
      However, the club is thought to have been put off by Atletico’s £20million asking price for the lifelong Man United fan. 
      Man United are also thought to be interested in Kieran TrippierCredit: Getty
      Hundreds take knee at Rashford mural in anti-racism vigil after vile abuse More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal star Bukayo Saka set to be given Freedom of Ealing Borough after incredible rise to England hero

      by

      BUKAYO SAKA is set to be rewarded for his courage in the Euro 2020 final by being given the Freedom of Ealing.Born in the London borough in 2001, the England star will become the youngest-ever person to receive the honour.
      Bukayo Saka has received support from his local area after the Euros finalCredit: Getty
      Local council bosses have nominated the teenager following his penalty miss for the Three Lions against Italy, which was met with a wealth of support from across the country amid sickening racist attacks online.
      Arsenal heroes including Ian Wright and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have sent messages to Saka with the likes of Harry Maguire, Prince William and Lewis Hamilton also speaking out.
      Ealing Council are the latest to pay tribute to Saka’s bravery in stepping up for his country.
      Leader of the West London borough’s authority, Peter Mason, described the youngster’s remarkable rise.
      He said: “Just a few short years ago, Bukayo Saka was playing football on the Brentside Playing Fields and on the pitches at Greenford High.
      “Everyone in Ealing shares an incredible sense of pride that one of our own represented England at Wembley on Sunday.
      “His is a remarkable story of talent and achievement that everyone can take hope, inspiration and encouragement from.
      “Neither he nor any of the England squad should be subjected to the intolerant, racist abuse as they have been in the last 48 hours.
      “We don’t boo our heroes. We honour them.
      “I’m delighted therefore to nominate him to be the youngest ever recipient of the Freedom of the Borough.

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      “I hope this will send a clear message that Saka is Ealing’s own, that we are proud of him, and that is one of our heroes.”
      Saka was received huge support from his local area since making the step from Greenford Celtic to Arsenal.
      Greenford High School said on Twitter: “So, so proud of Bukayo Saka and the England team. This will not define you Bukayo, you have brought this tournament to life. See you for the World Cup next year.”
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praised the player’s ‘strong character’ following the final defeat.
      COMPETITION: WIN ONE OF FOUR SUPERCARS OR A DREAM CAR AND £100k IN CASH

      And council leader Mr Mason added: “The entire England team has been an inspiration, both on and off the pitch, and shown our country how to pull together, not apart, even under the most unimaginable pressure.
      “Saka and his team-mates have embodied Ealing’s motto: ‘Progress with Unity’.
      “We thank all the squad and the team around them, and look forward to seeing them in action in the run-up to the World Cup next year.”
      Online racism is ‘far too easy’ to get away with, says Harry Maguire as he calls for change More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea fans learning to love Jorginho after Champions League and Euro 2020 triumphs put him in mix for Ballon d’Or

      by

      JORGINHO’S nickname in the Italy squad is ‘The Professor’ — and perhaps we in England have now finally learnt to appreciate his talents.For most of his time on these shores, fans struggled to ‘get’ the Chelsea star, wondering exactly what it is he brings to a team.
      Blues fans are finally starting to love JorginhoCredit: Getty
      The midfield ace helped both Italy and Chelsea triumph in Europe which has seen him tipped as a Ballon d’Or contenderCredit: Rex
      Ironically, the midfielder seems the type Gareth Southgate needs to help England take that final step.
      Jorginho has had a summer most can only dream of, adding a Euro winners’ medal to Champions League glory.
      The double has seen the Italian emerge as an unlikely contender for the Ballon d’Or.
      That seemed unfathomable when he was frozen out in the latter days of Frank Lampard’s Chelsea reign.
      Hindsight would suggest ostracising him was a mistake.
      But in the season before, when he started regularly for Lampard, many Blues fans questioned his selection.
      Some saw him as the poster boy of a dull year under Maurizio Sarri and decried his lack of creativity and poor tackling.
      Others have always claimed his comfort in possession makes the team tick.

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      The latter was the case in Porto in May as Thomas Tuchel’s organised Blues side shocked Manchester City in the Champions League final.
      He was then the heartbeat for Italy, playing more Euro 2020 minutes than any outfield player of any side with 705.
      Jorginho, who calmly slotted the winning spot-kick against Spain in the semis before missing against England, was recognised with a place in the Uefa team of the tournament.
      Speaking ahead of the final, former boss Sarri said: “He is so good and intelligent that he makes everything seem easy.
      “Fans and journalists (in England) struggled to understand this boy’s game.”
      The Lazio chief also claimed Jorginho would be deserving of the Ballon d’Or if Italy beat England, which they did on penalties.
      Team-mate Lorenzo Insigne said: “I hope he’ll be shortlisted. He deserves it, he is a great player.
      “I call him ‘The Professor’, and we are all happy to play with him.”
      Jorginho’s work off the ball was hugely appreciated as he set a new record for most interceptions at a Euros with 25.
      The midfielder also ran further than anyone and was the tournament’s third-most fouled player.
      His anticipation and composure are the kind of attributes England need to help dictate a game.
      They lost their grip in the final and such a player would help prevent that, although there will be high hopes Declan Rice can master that craft.

      Lampard may not have rated Jorginho highly but Tuchel certainly seems to.
      His agent Joao Santos claims his client has admirers beyond Stamford Bridge, including Juventus.
      But after such an impressive summer, surely Chelsea is where he will stay — and finally get the credit he is due.
      Jorginho celebrates Chelsea’s Champions League win at Italian restaurant as staff bring out ‘trophy’ of food More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Italy set to face Argentina in mouthwatering clash between Euro and Copa America champions in honour of Diego Maradona

      by

      A MOUTHWATERING showdown between Euro 2020 winners Italy and Copa America kings Argentina is being planned to honour Diego Maradona.The football world was in mourning last November when the diminutive talisman passed away aged 60.
      Euro champions Italy could be set to face Argentina in a one-off tribute matchCredit: AP
      The fixture will be to honour the late Diego MaradonaCredit: Rex
      His death was felt the most in both his Argentine homeland and in Naples in Italy after his exploits during his playing days.
      Maradona produced the best football of his club career with Napoli and fired them to the Serie A title in both 1987 and 1990.
      And by that time he was already a legend in his country after he almost single-handedly won the 1986 World Cup for them.
      Now the two nations he is most intimately tied to are plotting a mega clash to pay tribute to the late icon – with a host of stars from the Euro and Copa America team of the tournaments potentially on display.
      That is according to sports journalist Tariq Panja, who claims talks are already underway between the two newly-crowned champions.
      Italy is still celebrating after they defeated England to win Euro 2020 following a penalty shootout at Wembley on Sunday.
      And on the very same weekend, Argentina lifted the Copa America trophy as they beat Brazil in Rio de Janeiro.
      The two nations last met way back in 1990 – and Maradona was at the centre of the action.

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      He helped Argentina to overcome host nation Italy at the World Cup semi-final before they went on to lose to West Germany in the final.
      Now both Uefa and CONMEBOL have been included in talks for the two countries to meet again on the pitch to honour Maradona.
      No date has yet been mentioned about when the clash could or will take place.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Argentina were crowned Copa America kings after beating BrazilCredit: AP
      Diego Maradona statue unveiled before Argentina’s World Cup qualifier vs Chile and Lionel Messi is first to applaud More