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    England will flop against Euro big boys, says Souness, as Neville left baffled by ‘physically exhausted’ Three Lions

    GRAEME SOUNESS believes England’s lack of creativity in midfield will see them come unstuck against the tournament big boys.The Three Lions mustered just one shot on target against Scotland in their drab 0-0 draw.
    England only had one shot on target in the 0-0 draw against ScotlandCredit: Reuters
    Gareth Southgate’s side were also stifled on creativity against Croatia having had just two shots on target during their 1-0 victory.
    The England gaffer has opted to start two holding midfielders in Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips with Mason Mount, Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling supplying Harry Kane.
    Captain Kane has endured a nightmare so far, having yet to register a shot on target.
    And Souness believes England will have no chance of going all the way with their current crop.
    Speaking on ITV, he said: “I can’t believe England don’t have a player that can play creatively.
    “I find it amazing they can’t produce [another] player like Paul Scholes.
    “You need to get more creativity in there. Against Croatia I didn’t see much to get me excited about England.
    “I look at them and think ‘that team against a better one are not going to do very well.'”
    ITV pundit Graeme Souness has poured doubt on England’s Euro chancesCredit: ITV
    Gary Neville was also far from impressed with EnglandCredit: ITV
    Gary Neville was equally as critical in the Three Lions claiming he was left shocked over their fitness levels.
    The 85-cap right-back added: “They all looked physically exhausted… that was my biggest concern.”
    Neville also believes England’s lack of top tier central defenders mean Southgate has no option but to play Rice and Phillips in midfield.
    He added: “We don’t have anyone to come and play.
    How the top pundits of the two channels stack up against each other

    “We need two sitters in midfield to protect those back two anyway. So in my opinion that isn’t going to change.
    “The big problem was [Reece] James and [Luke] Shaw didn’t provide the creativity I thought they would and Foden and Sterling didn’t either.
    “Teams like Liverpool, who play without a creative midfield player, can find a way through with their full-backs. I expected James and Shaw to be the creativity.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Rio Ferdinand baffled by Jadon Sancho’s England snub with stats proving he’s second most creative player in squad More

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    Liverpool star Thiago reveals he hates ‘modern football’ and it’s lost ‘magic’ after changes made to the game

    SPAIN international Thiago Alcantara has revealed he hates modern football and believes the game has lost it’s magic.The 30-year-old has slammed the introduction of VAR – claiming he’s always been against it – and believes the No10 position has ‘almost disappeared’.
    Liverpool and Spain star Thiago, 30, isn’t a fan of modern tactics or VARCredit: Getty
    When asked how football has changed since he made his Barcelona debut in 2009, he told The Guardian: “It’s taken up a different pace, rhythm: more accelerated, more physical.
    “The figure of the No10 has almost disappeared. We see less magic, less fantasy.
    “You lose that player who’s different, who ‘breathes’ – the playmaker who was slower even if he had sublime technique doesn’t get the opportunity to turn.
    “I have that ‘hate modern football’ mentality, I’m more classic in attitude.
    “And then there’s VAR, which I’ve always opposed. It removes the essence, the picaresque.
    “We make mistakes when we play, referees have to make mistakes too. Lots of mythical moments wouldn’t exist [with VAR].
    “And when you score, even a brilliant goal from the halfway line, you’re waiting. Thinking, ‘I hope there isn’t a foul in the buildup, I hope there’s no offside.'”
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    Thiago’s opinion on VAR is unlikely to have improved since he moved to Liverpool in September 2020.
    The Premier League’s application of the system has been condemned by many in English football.
    The former Bayern Munich midfielder is yet to show the Prem what he’s capable of after a difficult first season at Anfield.

    Injury restricted Thiago to just 24 top flight appearances last term, although his form improved significantly during the run-in as Liverpool stormed to Champions League qualification.
    Reds boss Jurgen Klopp was forced to defend the playmaker’s performances in February following criticism from fans and pundits.
    Thaigo is part of Spain’s squad for Euro 2020 and played the final 25 minutes of his country’s 0-0 draw with Sweden.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Dietmar Hamann says he isn’t sure if Thiago’s the right fit at Liverpool More

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    Portugal fans unveil brilliant banner after Cristiano Ronaldo’s Coca-Cola snub in Euro 2020 press conference

    PORTUGAL fans unveiled a brilliant banner ahead of their defeat to Germany following Cristiano Ronaldo’s bizarre Coca-Cola snub.Before his nation’s Euro 2020 opener against Hungary, the Juventus star, 36, removed two bottles of Coke from in front of him and urged everyone to ‘drink water!’ instead – costing the drinks giant $4BILLION.
    Fans unveiled a hilarious ‘Portugal. Water. Coca-Cola. In that order’ banner for the game against GermanyCredit: ITV
    Ronaldo had previously removed two bottles of Coca-Cola from his table at a press conference before urging everyone to ‘drink water’ – costing the company $4billionCredit: EPA
    Fans, players and coaches have all poked fun of Ronaldo ever since – with stars even threatened with fines if they continue to move the sponsors’ bottles out of sight.
    And on Saturday, fans unfurled a hilarious banner for the second group game against Germany.
    A set of fans held up a flag with the words ‘Portugal. Water. Coca-Cola. In that order’, across it in a nod to Gareth Bale’s famous ‘Wales. Golf. Madrid’ banner.
    A famous fitness fanatic, Ronaldo appeared to take offence when presented with bottles of Coke at a press conference before the clash with Hungary – in which he scored twice in the late 3-0 win.
    Wearing a bemused expression, Ronaldo grabbed the two containers of fizzy pop that were placed in front of his microphone before moving them out of sight.
    The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid ace then produced a bottle of water, waved it at the journalists present before declaring: “Drink water!”
    Later on Tuesday, devout Muslim Paul Pogba removed a bottle of Heineken 0.0% during his press conference following France’s 1-0 win against Germany.
    Italy star Manuel Locatelli also moved his Coca-Cola out of sight, replacing it with water following his Man of the Match display against Switzerland.

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    Scotland ace John McGinn later joked about the lack of Coke at his pre-England press conference.
    The incidents had seen Coke’s shares on the New York Stock Exchange fall by 1.6 per cent to wipe £2.83billion off the company’s value.
    But Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov was clearly on the side of Coca-Cola after he happily popped open his bottle of coke after beating Finland.
    Unfortunately for the Portuguese fans, the banner could not spur their nation to a second win.
    Ronaldo opened the scoring after a brilliant counter-attack but Germany hit back, eventually winning 4-2 in a thrilling game in Munich.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Cristiano Ronaldo removes Coke bottles at Portugal press conference and shouts ‘drink water’ More

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    Portugal vs Germany LIVE: TV channel, live stream – early Gosens strike RULED OUT in blockbuster Euro 2020 tie

    EUROPEAN champions Portugal are taking on 2014 World Cup winners Germany as they look to escape the ‘Group of Death’ this evening.The two sides have been pitted against world champions France and tournament co-hosts Hungary as they look to make the last 16.

    Kick-off: 5pm BST
    TV/ live stream: ITV 1/ ITV Hub.
    Portugal XI: R Patricio; Semedo, Pepe, R Dias, Guerreiro; Pereira, Carvalho; B Silva, B Fernandes, Jota; Ronaldo.
    Germany XI: Neuer; Ginter, Hummels, Rudiger; Kimmich, Gundogan, Kross, Gosens; Havertz, Muller, Gnabry.

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    Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
    PORTUGAL 0-0 GERMANY
    7. Gnabry, in particular, has shown his quality inside the opening minutes of the game.
    He really has flourished into one of the best wingers in world football.
    It’s funny really. At one point he was deemed not good enough to play for West Brom….. WEST BROM!
    PORTUGAL 0-0 GERMANY
    5. Germany have started extremely fast here.
    PORTUGAL 0-0 GERMANY
    4. WAIT, NO GOAL!
    Germany work the ball wide to the right-hand side.
    A wonderful ball is delivered deep towards the far post, and Gosens sends the ball flying into the back of the net!
    A wonderful acrobatic attempt by the German.
    But VAR intervenes…… and Gnabry is penalised for being offside in the build-up.
    0-0.
    GOOOOOOOAAAAALLLL!!!
    WHAT A FINISH BY GOSENS!!!
    GERMANY LEAD!!!
    PORTUGAL 0-0 GERMANY
    3. Good stuff from Germany.
    PORTUGAL 0-0 GERMANY
    2. Germany are maintaining possession well inside the opening minutes of the game.
    They’re looking comfortable on the ball.
    And if history is anything to go by, the Germans always perform well under pressure.
    They’ll want to get a good result.
    PORTUGAL 0-0 GERMANY
    1. Germany get the game underway in Munich!
    The ball is worked wide to Gosens on the left-hand side, and the ball is played down the line to Havertz.
    The Champions League winner gets to the byline and cuts the ball back towards Gnabry on the penalty spot.
    But Carvalho clears for the European champions.
    PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
    WE’RE OFF IN MUNICH!
    HERE WE GO…….FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS!
    HERE COME THE TEAMS
    Both sets of players are making their way out onto the pitch ahead of kick-off!
    Portugal leads out his Portugal team – defending European champions – and they’re wearing their famous red and green colours.
    And legendary goalkeeper Neuer leads out Germany, who are desperate for a result.
    Low has been manager of Germany for 15 years, but he will step down at the end of this tournament.
    And his successor, former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick is in the stands watching.
    Cue the national anthems……. Portugal’s is up first!
    NOT LONG TO GOW
    We’re just over ten minutes away from kick-off in Munich! Huge game.
    Credit: GETTY IMAGES
    PORTUGAL TEAM GUIDE
    Ronaldo kicked off Euro 2020 with two goals!

    GERMANY TEAM GUIDE
    Germany need their star men to turn up tonight and get a win.
    Whoever finishes third in this group could still go through as four of one of the best 3rd placed teams.

    TABLE CHECK
    Earlier today, France fought back from a goal down to rescue a point in Budapest, Hungary.
    A win for Germany tonight adds some spice to the final round of fixtures in the group.
    And if Hungary turn up against Germany and perform how they did against Portugal and France, a shock could be on the cards!

    RONALDO’S THOUGHTS
    Here’s what star Ronaldo said ahead of the game: “The most important thing was the win.
    “It was a difficult match against an opponent that defended well, but we managed to score three goals.
    “I am very grateful to the squad that helped me score two goals, and win Player of the Game.
    “It was fundamental to start on the right foot, to gain confidence. Now, we need to continue this. The next match [vs Germany] is to win.”
    I am very grateful to the squad that helped me score two goals, and win Player of the Game.Cristiano Ronaldo
    Credit: GETTY IMAGES
    ‘I’M NOT AFRAID OF GERMANY’
    Portugal boss Fernando Santos has said that he is not scared of Germany heading into tonight’s game.
    He said: “”I’m not afraid of Germany at all. I think the two teams will respect each other because they know that on both sides there are powerful forces capable of deciding the game.
    “To think that Portugal are favourites against Germany, playing in Germany, is crossing the line.
    “If the players fell into that way of thinking, we wouldn’t even draw this game!”
    MAJOR WOES
    Germany have suffered three defeats in their last four group stage matches at major tournaments (EUROs + World Cup), as many as in their previous 24 group stage games (W16 D5).
    They haven’t suffered consecutive defeats in the group stage at a major tournament since losing to England and Portugal at EURO 2000.
    Credit: GETTY IMAGES
    GERMANY BENCH
    3 Halstenberg, 9 Volland, 11 Werner, 12 Leno, 15 Sule, 17 Neuhaus, 18 Goretzka, 19 Sane, 22 Trapp, 23 Can, 24 Koch, 26 Gunter.
    GERMANY XI
    Low has picked a strong team to face defending European champions Portugal.
    And it looks like he’s going with a 3-4-2-1, with Havertz and Muller playing behind the striker.
    1 Neuer (c); 2 Rudiger, 5 Hummels, 4 Ginter; 20 Gosens, 8 Kroos, 21 Gundogan, 6 Kimmich; 25 Muller, 7 Havertz; 10 Gnabry.

    PORTUGAL BENCH
    6 Fonte, 8 Moutinho, 9 A.Silva, 12 Lopes, 15 Rafa, 16 Sanches, 17 Guedes, 18 Neves, 19 Goncalves, 20 Dalot, 22 Rui Silva, 26 Palhinha.
    PORTUGAL XI
    Manager Fermando Santos shapes up with a 4-2-3-1 with two defensive midfielders.
    Lets see if they can turn in a good performance, compared to England who dropped an absolute stinker yesterday with two defensive-minded midfielders!
    1 Patricio; 2 Semedo, 3 Pepe, 4 Dias, 5 Guerreiro; 13 Pereira, 14 Carvalho; 10 Silva, 11 Fernandes, 21 Jota; 7 Ronaldo (c).

    THE TEAMSHEETS ARE IN!
    GOOD FORM
    Portugal have lost just two of their last 30 matches in all competitions (W19 D9), scoring 67 goals and conceding just 19 times across these matches.
    Having won 4-0 against Israel and 3-0 against Hungary in their last two matches, they are looking to win three games in a row without conceding for the first time since November 2017 (four in a row).
    MULLER’S THE MAN
    Thomas Müller’s only hat-trick with the German national team was against Portugal, in the group stages of the 2014 World Cup.
    However, Müller has never scored in 12 matches at the European Championship, attempting 27 shots without success.
    ONE TO WATCH
    Cristiano Ronaldo has never scored against Germany (4 games), despite attempting 23 shots in 360 minutes of action.
    Only against France has the Portuguese forward played more times (6 games) for the national team without finding the back of the net.
    Credit: GETTY IMAGES
    HEAD-TO-HEAD
    Portugal’s last victory against Germany was in the group stages of Euro 2000 – a 3-0 win, courtesy of a Sergio Conceição hat-trick, the last time Germany have conceded 3+ goals by the same player in a major tournament game.
    Since then, Germany have won their four meetings with Portugal, all at major tournaments (WC ‘06, Euro ‘08, Euro ‘12, WC ‘14).
    This will be the fifth meeting between Portugal and Germany at the UEFA European Championship; only Italy and Spain have faced each other on more occasions in the tournament (6).
    It will also be the sixth encounter between the two teams at major tournaments since Euro 2000 (4 at Euro, 2 at World Cup), the most between two European nations over that period.
    The last five matches between Portugal and Germany have produced 17 goals, an average of 3.4 per match. Four of those five games have witnessed 3+ goals.
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    Euro 2020 LIVE: England draw with Scotland, Uefa warning after Ronaldo Coca-Cola snub, Hungary vs France build-up

    EURO 2020 is in full swing!England and Scotland played out a nail-biting contest at Wembley, sharing the spoils after a 0-0 draw.
    Italy, Holland and Belgium are the first team through to the second round with picking up their second wins.
    Meanwhile Wales are on the brink of joining them after a stunning 2-0 win over Turkey in Baku.

    BETTING SPECIAL: GET CRISTIANO RONALDO TO SCORE VS GERMANY AT 30/1

    Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
    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.
    GERMANY TEAM GUIDE
    The 2014 world champions face defending European champions at 5pm today!

    ‘NOT GOOD ENOUGH’
    Roy Keane blasted England’s set pieces as ‘not good enough’ after they failed to beat the first man from corners on multiple occasions.
    Football legend Keane highlighted that one of England’s successes at the World Cup 2018 was set pieces.
    And that this time around it’s simply not good enough.
    Speaking on ITV, he said: “One of the strengths in the last World Cup was the set-pieces, but the delivery [against Scotland], nowhere near good enough. 
    “Okay, [John] Stones had the header [from a Mason Mount corner in the first half], but in general, how many times did they hit the first man? Nowhere near good enough.”
    Credit: GETTY IMAGES
    EYE SORE
     Belgium’s Euro 2020 squad has dedicated the 2-1 win over Denmark to Leicester City’s Timothy Castagne after he was sent home with a broken eye socket.
    The full-back picked up the injury after a horrific clash of heads with Russia’s Daley Kuzyaev midway through the opening Group B clash.
    Castagne broke his eye socket, which could have been a career-ending injury.
    And it required a six-hour operation to fix, alongside metal parts to aid the recovery process.
    Romelu Lukaku, after starring in Belgium’s 2-1 away win against Denmark, posted a picture to Instagram of the Belgium squad holding Castagne’s shirt, dedicating the win to the Foxes full-back.
    He captioned the post: “Tough game but another win! Great atmosphere we really enjoyed it!
    “@timothycastagne we love you bro this victory is for you!”

    UP NEXT
    Hungary take on France from 2pm. Can the host nation put in another good performance?
    They were unlucky to concede late on against Portugal.
    Germany and Portugal also go head-to-head today in what should be another blockbuster game.
    The game is due to get underway at 5pm.
    And finally, Spain take on Poland from 8pm tonight!

    FOUL PLAY
    Boozy football fans trashed Leicester Square last night as England faced Scotland in a Euro 2020 showdown at Wembley.
    Tartan Army supporters swigging Buckfast from the bottle left huge piles of rubbish as they invaded London ahead of the nail-biting tie – which ended in a tense 0-0 draw.
    Thousands of diehard fans made the trip to the capital ahead of the Euros clash, despite only 3,000 having tickets for the game due to Covid restrictions.
    They donned Scotland shirts, kilts and fancy dress as they made their way to train stations at the crack of dawn to make it in plenty of time for kick off. 
    With no official fan zone, supporters filled Leicester Square’s fountain with bubbles before having a dip and soaking cops with booze.
    Read more
    PICK THE POSITIVES
    Despite England not winning, they didn’t lose either!
    And first choice goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is highlighting the positives that came from the game.
    He said: “It’s a massive game, you know.
    “We want to take all three points every game we play, and we want to win the game.
    “But the bigger thing tonight was, if we can’t win it don’t get beat.
    And, you know, the resilience of keeping a clean sheet from the lads, and that’s what we did.”

    ROAD TO THE FINAL
    After last night’s draw, there could be two teams level on four points come the middle of next week.
    Either Croatia or Scotland could pick up three valuable points, pushing them into contention for the knockout stages.
    Four points could also be enough for a third team in the group to go through.

    GOOD MORNING EUROS FANS
    Gareth Southgate will be feeling the pressure this morning after yesterday’s 0-0 draw with Scotland at Wembley.
    Unmarked John Stones should have opened the scoring for England in the first half but his header hit the post.
    The hosts were poor after that and the visitors had a few chances to get the winner – but England managed to hold on.
    Elsewhere in Group D, Croatia and Czech Republic couldn’t be separated as their match at Hampden finished 1-1.
    Yesterday’s other game between Sweden and Slovakia was one of the dullest of the tournament so far, finishing 1-0 to the Swedes.
    The game was so drab that BBC pundits Micah Richards and Ashley Williams began SINGING at half-time.
    The best news of the day came from Copenhagen, where Christian Eriksen was discharged from hospital following a successful heart operation.
    Today’s big match is between defending champions Portugal and 2014 World Cup winners Germany at 5pm.
    The action kicks off with Hungary and tournament favourites France at 2pm, finishing with Spain vs Poland at 8pm.
    NEV’S MAGUIRE FEAR
    Gary Neville fears for Harry Maguire’s recall chances at Euro 2020 as the Manchester United skipper sat out England’s clean sheets against Croatia and Scotland.
    Maguire hoped to return against the Scots tonight but Gareth Southgate retained John Stones’ central-defensive partnership with Tyrone Mings.
    In one sense, the United centre-back might be glad to have missed the shocking 0-0 draw with Scotland, following the more solid 1-0 group win over Croatia.
    But Old Trafford legend Neville told ITV: “I think he would have started if he was fit.
    “He mustn’t be fit and that must be a concern as the tournament goes on.
    “If Gareth doesn’t think he can play against Scotland then that would cast a shadow on him across the rest of the tournament for me, as it gets to the point where you can’t bring him into a knockout game mid-way through the competition.”
    KANE WAS SOU DISAPPOINTING
    Graeme Souness has slammed England captain Harry Kane after his anonymous showing against Scotland saying: “Football isn’t coming home with this squad.”
    The England captain, 27, went missing yet again as Gareth Southgate’s team were booed off the pitch after deservedly being held 0-0 against Scotland.

    Kane struggled against Croatia on Sunday and barely had a sniff against the Scots either.
    England now sit second in Group D behind Czech Republic on goal difference and will need to win their final game to win the group.
    And ex-Liverpool and Scotland midfielder Souness took particular aim at Kane for his lacklustre showing in front of goal.
    Speaking on ITV, Souness said: “The centre-backs had an easy night again him.
    “Harry Kane looks a shadow of the player we know he is. In two games, he looks leggy, lacking enthusiasm…”
    But Kane added: “A centre-forward is 90 per cent relying on the passes he’s getting and he’s not getting a great deal from that midfield.
    “I don’t care what anyone says; that ain’t working.”
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    Why is Antonio Rudiger wearing a mask during Euro 2020 clash with Portugal?

    CHELSEA defender Antonio Rudiger is starting in the Euro 2020 clash between Portugal and Germany. But he will once again be sporting a different look, with the German defender wearing a mask.
    Antonio Rudiger wore a mask in the Champions League final against Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
    Antonio Rudiger has been sporting a face mask for around a monthCredit: Reuters
    Why is Antonio Rudiger wearing a mask?
    Rudiger, 28, suffered a facial injury in Chelsea’s 1-1 first leg draw with Real Madrid.
    And he was seen wearing a mask in the second leg, which the Blues won 2-0 to reach the Champions League final.
    The German colossus also donned it for the final itself, where he ran into Kevin De Bruyne in a sickening collision.

    Antonio Rudiger wearing the mask in training
    And Rudiger will once again have the mask on as Germany face Portugal in Munich.
    Before the tournament the defender said he reckons his side will have to be ‘a little dirty’ if they want to win.
    He revealed: “[The mask is] still there for protection.
    “I’ll have to see what the Chelsea doctors say when I get back to London.
    “We have to be a little dirty, not always be nice or try to play nice football.
    “Against players like them, you have to throw down a marker.”
    Antonio Rudiger wearing a mask during the Champions League Final More

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    Harry Kane should be given 45 minutes to save his England Euro 2020 spot, claims Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand

    RIO FERDINAND says England should give Harry Kane 45 minutes to show he can lead their Euro challenge or be dumped from the side.Captain Kane has looked a pale shadow of his usual self in the opening two Group D matches and has been substituted by boss Gareth Southgate in both games.
    Rio Ferdinand says Harry Kane should start against Czech RepublicCredit: Getty
    The England striker has been subbed in both Group D games so farCredit: PA
    Now Ferdinand claims Southgate needs to get tough with his stuttering star man and warn him he will be axed unless he sorts himself out in the first half of Tuesday’s clash with Czech Republic.
    After watching his display in the goalless draw with Scotland, the BBC pundit said: “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.”
    In defence of Kane, England have hardly been feeding him with quality balls to work from, but the ease at which he was dealt with by Norwich stopper Grant Hanley was a big concern.
    And ex-striker Alan Shearer says the Tottenham star must stop continually dropping deep and start making runs in behind because he is too easy to mark at the moment.

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

    Shearer said: “A month ago he got the golden boot, he had the most assists in the Premier League so I don’t think it’s time to panic.
    “But it’s just a reminder to Harry, and I saw it in his game last night, that he can’t keep coming short for the ball, you got to offer the defenders different problems, going long.
    “At times I thought he made it easier for the defenders in doing that.
    “In his defence it was far too negative. Yes we want to play a possession based game but at times you have to look forward, you’ve got to pass forward, you’ve got to break the lines.
    “But Bobby Robson once said to me don’t keep coming towards the ball, give the defenders different problems. That makes it easier for defenders when you go that way.
    “If you go the other way and run in behind then you have the space in front of you to ask that question.
    “I know Harry is not a shouter or a screamer, he’s a different leader and leads by his performances but I think when the ball goes out wide, he has to tell the full-backs if the ball is not coming in,  otherwise you don’t see the same Harry Kane.”
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog

    Roy Keane and Souness talk about Harry Kane’s poor performance More

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    Hungary vs France LIVE RESULT: Home side secure SHOCK point against world champs in Budapest – latest reaction

    HUNGARY have taken a shock point against favorites France in front of a home crowd in Budapest.Unfancied Hungary led the Euro 2020 favourites and world champions for more than 20 minutes until the Les Blues stalwart rescued a point and spared his team’s blushes.
    Follow ALL of the latest reaction below…
    GOODBYE FROM BUDAPEST
    That’s all from what has been an excellent opener to day nine of Euro 2020.
    It’s now the turn of the reigning European champions, Portugal, who are in Munich to take on three-time winners Germany for an absolutely pivotal match in Group F.
    And then it’s to Group E and Seville this evening, for a fixture featuring another European heavyweight, Spain, who find themselves up against Robert Lewandowski’s Poland.
    Be sure to join us.
    F’S GROUP OF DEATH
    Today’s draw moves France to the top of Group F, and gets Hungary off the mark too.
    All eyes turn to Munich now where Portugal are about to face Germany, a game that could leave this incredibly-competitive group with a very different look come full time.

    MEN IN BLACK
    If you had to list the best performances from English representatives at the European Championships so far, you’d only really have Kalvin Phillips and Emma Hayes in contention for challenging Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor at the top.
    Oliver was flawless in Budapest this afternoon while Taylor now has his first match since taking charge of the traumatic contestt between Denmark and Finland a week ago.
    The Referees’ Association would like to wish both Michael and Anthony and their teams the very best of luck today.Saturday 19th June:2️⃣pm 🇭🇺 vs 🇫🇷 – Referee: Michael Oliver – Live on BBC One5️⃣pm 🇵🇹 vs 🇩🇪 – Referee: Anthony Taylor – Live on ITV#EURO2020 #ThirdTeam pic.twitter.com/0kwNJaEAEf— The Referees’ Association (@RefsAssociation) June 19, 2021

    FULL TIME STATS
    The French registered almost double the possession and passes of Hungary, and had three times as many attempts on goal, but couldn’t get the better of their opponents where it mattered.

    KARIM’S WAIT GOES ON
    It was another disappointing afternoon for Karim Benzema, who went 76 minutes without scoring before being replaced by Olivier Giroud.
    The striker had two attempts during his time on the pitch, forcing Peter Gulacsi into an early save (which Antoine Griezmann should have scored on the follow-up) and then slicing wide after good work from Kylian Mbappe.
    Benzema’s European Championship drought now stands at eight appearances and 30 shots.

    RELIANT ROBIN
    Bristol City midfielder Adam Nagy was absolutely brilliant on his 50th international appearance for Hungary, protecting his defence with a series of timely interventions.
    It’s earned much praise from those back in the west country.

    FT: HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
    A brilliant game in a brilliant atmosphere at a brilliant venue. It may be two points dropped for the French, but for Hungary it’s a huge result. With better luck, they may well have had all three following Attila Fiola’s first half goal, but France stuck to their task and equalised through Antoine Griezmann. Both teams remain alive in the group of death.
    PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!IT’S ALL OVER IN BUDAPEST!
    HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
    90+5. Varane! Misses!
    With the last act of the match, the French defender heads wide of the post from close range.
    Lemar stepped an inviting cross up from the left, and as the Real Madrid man rose so too did the thousand of French fans behind that goal.
    Time stands still as everybody watches the ball whistle just past the post.
    The Hungarian players breathe a huge sigh of relief, and then celebrate when Michael Oliver’s whistle calls time on a thoroughly entertaining clash.

    HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
    90+4. The free-kick is curled in and it’s sheer panic in the box.
    Gulacsi punches clear, ttwo Hungary defenders hit the deck, and Kimpembe appeals for a penalty.
    There’s an anxious wait as VAR check on the claim, but the signal comes in that it’s over and Hungary prepare to celebrate…
    HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
    90+3. Kante uses his cunning to win a free-kick off Hungary hero Fiola.
    It’s just in from the right corner flag, and may well provide the last chance of the game.
    HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
    90+1. French frustrations show themselves once again, but this time it’s from the fans behind Gulacsi’s goal rather than the players.
    The Hungary goalkeeper takes his time with the goalkick, and it leads to a couple of bottles and other objects thrown in his direction.
    HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
    90. Four minutes of stoppage time are signalled just as Botka and Orban combine brilliantly to ease Mbappe out of play..
    HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
    89. France are camped in the Hungary half, and the Magyars have ten men behind the ball.
    They suffered late heartbreak against Portugal, surely the French won’t make it a case of deja vu.
    HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
    87. Didier Deschamps makes another change, and it’s a strange one.
    Thomas Lemar is the man, and going off is Ousmane Dembele, who was only introduced as a substitute himself in the 59th minute.
    The Barcelona man offers a shrug of the shoulders as he departs, and then a grimaces as he rubs his thigh which would suggest another injury.
    HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
    86. Nagy gets another vital foot in to deny France creating space on the left.
    The Bristol City man has been excellent in that role today in what is his 50th international appearance.
    HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
    84. Another Hungarian substitution introduces Gergo Lovrencsics to the action, in place of Laszlo Kleinheisler.
    The 32-year-old usually operates on the right, and so it may mean a tweak of tactics in these final few minutes.
    HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
    82. Two more saves from Gulacsi.
    The second is simple, comfortably diving upon Tolisso’s hopeful pea roller, but the first requires great reflexes to push out Mbappe’s blaster from close range.
    HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
    80. Another corner for France, another beautifully plucked from the air by Gulacsi.
    The former Hereford, Tranmere and Hull stopper has been a steady pair of hands this afternoon.

    HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
    78. Hungary aren’t settling for a point here, and are looking for a way to catch the French out again on the break.
    Marco Rossi – supposedly the highest rated player on FIFA 97 – not settling fir the draw…Hungary 1, France 1 … less than 15 mins to go…#BigBalls— Gabriele Marcotti (@Marcotti) June 19, 2021

    HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
    76. And now a French double.
    Paul Pogba and Karim Benzema come off, Corentin Tolisso and Olivier Giroud come on.
    HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
    75. The flurry of substitutions begin.
    Hungary make their second change of the game which sees Tamas Cseri on for Andras Schafer.
    HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
    73. He didn’t have a great first half, but once again Antoine Griezmann has done the business for France.
    I’ve heard he’s quite good at Football Manager too.

    HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
    72. Griezmann goes down just outside of the area, Michael Oliver plays the advantage, and Kante drives wide.
    It’s a decision that leaves Pogba furious. He clearly fancied a pop at the free-kick rather watching his teammate shoot off-target.

    HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
    70. It’s time for another drink’s break.
    Stick the kettle on.
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