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    Jesse Lingard wears England shirt with Marcus Rashford’s name but parrot is nowhere to be seen

    JESSE LINGARD made huge tactical changes as he cheered on England during their goalless draw with Scotland.Out went the parrot on his shoulder and the Declan Rice shirt. In came a Marcus Rashford top – with no accompanying wildlife.
    Jesse Lingard backed Man Utd team-mate Marcus Rashford as England took on Scotland at Wembley
    Midfielder Jesse Lingard has been a high-profile fan after narrowly missing out on the Three Lions’ squad
    A parrot and a Declan Rice top were Jesse Lingard’s choice of apparel in the 1-0 win over Croatia
    But the Three Lions must have given Lingard the bird with their muted display.
    The Manchester United midfielder narrowly missed out on Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for Euro 2020.
    But he roared them on to a 1-0 victory over Croatia on Sunday – from a pub garden.
    Lingard’s man Rice played a tidy role in that solid opening performance.
    But his choice of shirt against Scotland failed to earn his club-mate Rashford a starting role.
    Perhaps Lingard should toughen up his stance – with a parrot and stick approach…
    His club career remains slightly in doubt after this loan success with West Ham in the second half of last season.
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    Nine goals in 16 games for the high-flying Hammers earned Lingard his England recall – and almost a place at the Euros.
    But he has told Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer he would prefer to stay in Manchester – with the ultimate aim, of course, being to regain his regular starting spot with United.
    For now, though – with or without parrot – Lingard has a watching brief as he hopes England let their feet do the squawking.

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    Jesse Lingard has a sing along in pub with friends as he watches England win Euro 2020 opener More

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    Jamie Vardy attends Cabaret event with wife Rebekah during England vs Scotland Euro 2020 clash

    JAMIE VARDY and wife Rebekah were pictured attending a Cabaret event as England drew 0-0 with Scotland at Euro 2020.Leicester’s Vardy was hand in hand with Rebekah as they arrived to watch Cabaret All Stars starring Denise Van Outen in London.
    Jamie Vardy and wife Rebekah were pictured attending a Cabaret eventCredit: Splash
    The Vardys attended Cabaret All Stars starring Denise Van Outen in LondonCredit: Splash
    But it meant the striker – retired from international football – could have missed England’s derby with Scotland, played at Wembley.
    Vardy walked away from the Three Lions after he helped them reach the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
    Gareth Southgate’s side could have done with his lethal pace and finishing in their goalless first-half against Scotland.
    Vardy, 34, helped Leicester win the FA Cup this season but a final day defeat to Tottenham saw them miss out on a Champions League finish again.
    The prolific forward recently cast doubt over his footballing future after purchasing shares in US based side Rochester Rhinos.
    But the 2016 Premier League winner insisted he is no closer to retirement.
    He told the Athletic: “I like to keep myself busy, don’t I? It’s really exciting.
    “It’s going to be a lot different to what I’ve been used to for the last 10 years. But I’m looking forward to getting stuck into it.
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    Harry Kane in England’s Euros match with Scotland

    “I think it kind of resonates with me because of what they’ve achieved in the past — the only lower-league club to win the US Open Cup, the only team to have ever done it who’s outside MLS.
    “It’s all about bringing that back and trying to replicate it — but we also want to bring it back even better than it was before.”
    The Dworkins bought the franchise in 2016, with the New York State based outfit in a perilous position.
    Jamie Vardy becomes team owner as Leicester star buys shares in US side Rochester Rhinos and will take ‘hands on role’ More

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    England field youngest line-up EVER in Scotland showdown at Euro 2020 with average age of 25 years and 31 days

    ENGLAND fielded their youngest EVER starting XI for their frustrating 0-0 draw with fierce rivals Scotland.The Three Lions went into the game at Wembley knowing a win would secure their passage to the last-16 having beaten Croatia 1-0 on Sunday.
    England’s starting XI for the game against Scotland was their youngest-ever at a major tournamentCredit: PA
    And with Scotland losing their tournament opener 2-0 at the hands of Czech Republic, they were even more up for the fight than ever.
    But despite the potentially heated nature of the tie – and the need for cool heads – Gareth Southgate plumped for youth.
    In fact, the England chief named his nation’s youngest-ever starting XI at a major tournament, with an average age of just 25 years and 31 days.
    Phil Foden was the Three Lions’ youngest starter aged 21, with Reece James, also 21, seven months older.
    Childhood pals Declan Rice and Mason Mount are both 22.
    But England could quite easily go younger than their record this summer.
    Jude Bellingham looked strong off the bench against Croatia, aged just 17.
    Bukayo Saka is the only other teenager in Southgate’s 26-man group, aged 19.

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    Jadon Sancho is also only 21, with a staggering 15 of England’s group – 58 per cent – aged 25 or under.
    Only three players – Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker and Jordan Henderson – are aged 30 or over, with none of them in the starting XI vs Scotland.
    Centre-back Tyrone Mings was England’s oldest starter for the game, aged 28, with Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford and John Stones all 27.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Rival Scotland and England fans chant at each other on Wembley Way as cops separate groups More

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    England vs Scotland sees sporting royalty at Wembley as David Beckham and Alex Ferguson watch on

    SIR Alex Ferguson and David Beckham were among the sporting royalty to watch England’s 0-0 draw with Scotland. The footballing legends will put their mutual respect aside to cheer on their respective sides at Wembley for the crunch Euro 2020 clash.
    Sir Alex Ferguson was spotted at Wembley cheering on the ScotsCredit: pixel8000
    England legend David Beckham was spotted in the crowdCredit: Getty
    Fergie, born in Glasgow, will be rooting for Steve Clarke’s underdogs while Golden Balls Beckham remains a Three Lions hero.
    The pair won nine major trophies together at Manchester United including the famous treble in 1999.
    Fergie, 79, also had a brief stint as boss of Scotland in 1985 but left the role after failing to qualify from their World Cup group a year later.
    Despite his remarkable success in football, that includes 17 major trophies in the dugout, the ex-United boss wasn’t handed the red carpet treatment in North London.
    After arriving at the home of football, Ferguson was refused entry to VIP parking by a steward.
    Nevertheless, he will be hoping his presence in the crowd can inspire Scotland to pull off a shock upset.
    David Beckham earned 115 caps for the Three LionsCredit: AFP

    Meanwhile Beckham, 46, earned 115 caps for his country and famously scored the free-kick against Greece that sent England to the 2002 World Cup.
    The oldest fixture in international football is steeped in history – with the last time England took on the Scots in the Euros way back in 1996.
    Gazza marked his winning goal with his infamous dentist chair celebration as the Three Lions went on to win 2-0.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Rival Scotland and England fans chant at each other on Wembley Way as cops separate groups More

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    Jose Mourinho reveals he tried to heal Luke Shaw’s ’emotional scars’ as Man Utd left-back starts for England vs Scotland

    JOSE MOURINHO claims Luke Shaw had “emotional scars” that he tried to help the recalled England left-back heal.Mourinho famously criticised Shaw’s form and fitness during their up-and-down relationship at Manchester United.
    Jose Mourinho and Luke Shaw had a rollercoaster relationship at Man UtdCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    And with the 25-year-old starting against Scotland at Euro 2020 on Friday night, Mourinho insists Shaw was one of the players he had to “push” when he was Old Trafford boss.
    The new Roma chief told talkSPORT: “I found a boy after an incredible injury which risked his career.
    “I found a boy with some fear and emotional scars. 
    “I was trying to improve mentalities, I was trying to make ambition and responsibility – to grow up. 
    “It was not easy for him and I have to admit that I pushed the players to their limits, and sometimes players are not ready to follow me. 
    “We had a good period. He has a lot of talent.”
    Mourinho also suggested Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate had brought back Shaw and opposite full-back Reece James to boost his attacking options.
    Shaw came in for Kieran Tripper and James replaced Kyle Walker following Sunday’s 1-0 win over Croatia in England’s group opener.

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    Mourinho said: “Kyle Walker is very good and experienced but Reece James has incredible attacking quality and a fantastic cross. 
    “Gareth has changed for two more offensive full backs, which looks a good decision because he has kept the two strong positional midfielders in Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips to give that stability. 
    “I think it’s a normal choice, not changing the spine or structure, and trying to give a bit more speed going forward.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Jurgen Klinsmann says he’s ‘definitely’ up for Tottenham job as he jokes about calling Levy after Mourinho sacking More

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    Euro 2020 fans drown out boos with cheers as players take the knee for England V Scotland match

    CHEERS have drowned out boos tonight as players took the knee ahead of the England versus Scotland football match.Footballers on both teams took the knee to show support for racial equality after hours of fun-filled partying on the streets of London as Brits battle it out against each other at the critical Euros clash.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Both England and Scotland players took the kneeCredit: ITV
    Scottish fans gathered in the capital ahead of the kick-offCredit: PA
    Players took the knee tonight before kick-offCredit: ITV
    Fans packed out the streets ahead of today’s British derbyCredit: Getty
    Phil Foden and Reece James took the knee ahead of the big game tonightCredit: Getty
    England fans before the big Euros clashCredit: EPA
    Scotland and England go head to head tonightCredit: Getty
    Some of those gathered in the Trafalgar Square fan zone clapped as the England and Scotland players took the kneeCredit: PA
    England players have continued to take the knee during Euro 2020, as they have been since the murder of George Floyd last year.
    The team have stated that they believe the gesture is not a political one and designed simply to show support for racial equality.
    Gareth Southgate previously said: “I think we have got a situation where some people seem to think it is a political stand that they don’t agree with.
    “That is not the reason the players are doing it. We are supporting each other.”
    Scotland stars originally said that would NOT be taking a knee prior to their Euro 2020 matches.
    The Scottish FA have confirmed they will continue to promote an anti-racist message by standing before matches.
    But just a day later, they confirmed that they WILL in their match against England.
    Scotland skipper Andy Robertson said: “It is important we continue to tackle the issue of racism and raise awareness of the need to change people’s mindsets but also their behaviours.
    England’s John Stones narrowly misses the goal in the first half
    Key workers watching the match from Trafalgar Square, LondonCredit: PA
    Rowdy fans are riled up ahead of the derbyCredit: PA
    Fans draped in Scotland flags filled the square – setting the tone for tonight’s crunch clashCredit: AP
    Scottish fans in fancy dress ahead of the matchCredit: Rex
    The derby is set to kick off this eveningCredit: Getty
    Football fans in kilts singing in London todayCredit: Splash
    Fans gather in Leicester Square ahead of kick-offCredit: PA
    “Prior to our World Cup qualifiers in March we spoke as a group and felt that taking a stand was the best way for us to show solidarity and also to reinforce the need for meaningful change in society.”
    The knee in English football was adopted after the murder of George Floyd by white police officer Derek Chauvin in May 2020.
    At the time, the Premier League and its clubs explicitly did support Black Lives Matter, with the organisation’s logo sewn onto every player’s shirt.
    However, after a statue of Winston Churchill was vandalised by BLM protesters in London and the BLM UK Twitter account criticised the state of Israel, the Premier League moved to distance itself from the cause.
    When the 2020/21 season started, English football clubs agreed that rather than kneeling in solidarity with Black Lives Matter, they would kneel in support of a new No Room For Racism campaign.
    However, a number of clubs continued to display the Black Lives Matter logo prominently in their stadiums throughout the season.
    Phil Foden on the attack in the match against ScotlandCredit: AP
    The rain hasn’t dampened anyone’s spiritsCredit: PA
    Fans sing and chant at King’s CrossCredit: Ian Whittaker
    England fans have packed out pubs as Scots piled into Leicester Square as the crucial Euro 2020 game heads into the second half.
    Buckfast-swigging, kilt-wearing Tartan Army supporters have their eyes peeled on tonight’s Auld Enemy match against England after invading the capital.
    Fans draped in flags and covered in face paint are watching the head-to-head on tenterhooks – with tonight’s game the first time England has taken on the Scots in the Euros since 1996.
    But supporters were left on the edge of their seats as the goal-less first half drew to a close.
    And England fans were left in suspense as Tyrone Mings headed the ball off the line as the Scots took a shot at the goal in the 60th minute.
    Massive roars of support have echoed across pubs in London as the nail-biting game unfolds tonight.
    It comes as Scots in kilts descended on the capital to cheer on Scotland – despite not having tickets to get into Wembley due to Covid restrictions. 
    London’s streets are packed outCredit: Getty
    England fans ahead of the matchCredit: PA
    Fans recreate Paul Gascoigne’s Euro 1996 dentist chair goal celebration outside of Wembley
    Hundreds of keen and rowdy football fans packed Leicester Square in London this afternoon – as they braved the elements and loudly sung and chanted together.
    Fans draped in Scotland flags filled the square as others played the bagpipes- setting the tone for the crunch clash.
    The Met Police’s two-day order warning fans to not congregate in the West End has seemingly failed, as the revellers on both sides partied and danced in Leicester Square.
    But the square – which does not have a massive screen this year – emptied as the game began and fans headed to pubs to watch the action.
    A sensible few even stuck around to try to clean up the bottles and rubbish strewn across the square.
    Scottish fans made their voices heard yesterday as they overtook parks and landmarks in a boozy display, chanting: “We’ll destroy the English b******s”.
    Smoke filled the air as the Scots made their presence knownCredit: Ian Whittaker
    Thousands have made the journey across the border todayCredit: Ian Whittaker
    One lad shows his Scottish credentials off by baring his backsideCredit: PA
    And the raucous behaviour has carried on today with some cheeky fans revealing what a true Scotsman wears under their kilt by baring their backsides.
    Others have started letting off flares to choruses of “Yes sir I can boogie” – famously sung by the Scots team as they qualified for the Euros.
    One topless Scotland fan was spotted “Klinsmann diving” down a soaking London street.
    The Tartan Army footsoldier launched himself onto a city centre pavement through puddles as fellow supporters cheered him on today.
    The oldest fixture in international football is steeped in history – with the last time England took on the Scots in the Euros way back in 1996.
    Gazza marked his winning goal with his infamous dentist chair celebration as the Three Lions went on to win 2-0.
    Wembley historically hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Scotland – with England beating the Auld Enemy 18 times in 32 games at the stadium.
    The last time the two teams met at Wembley saw Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana and Gary Cahill steering England to a 3-0 win for the World Cup qualifier in 2016.
    Scotland fans had been urged not to travel without tickets or having arranged a safe place to watch the game.

    Supporters have gathered on Trafalgar Square to watch the match – with the area set up in a socially-distanced way for 750 key workers, with two large screens either side of Nelson’s Column.
    Inside, England supporter Jamie Powell predicted a one nil win for the Three Lions but said whatever the result it will be an “enjoyable night”.
    The 24-year-old sales representative from London said: “The atmosphere on the way here was electric. Everyone was singing.
    “It was really positive vibes. You see both sets of fan singing. It’ll just be quite an enjoyable night for everyone.
    “Even though it’s a big game I don’t think it matters with the England/Scotland rivalry, it’s going be good one.”
    Fans watching the match in GlasgowCredit: PA
    England fans BOOED in street as Tartan Army takeover London before Euro clash More

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    Sweden star Alexander Isak asks if Gary Lineker is an ‘old player working in the studio’ after England legend’s praise

    SWEDEN star Alexander Isak was forced to ask who Gary Lineker was after the England legend praised his Euro 2020 performances.The Real Socieded star, 21, shone brightly as Sweden beat Slovakia 1-0 to go top of Group E, following their goalless draw with Spain on Monday.
    Alexander Isak drew praise from Gary Lineker after his Man of the Match showing against Slovakia – with the Sweden striker having to ask who the England legend wasCredit: Getty
    Don’t think there’s much doubt that Alexander Isak will attract a lot of attention from clubs across Europe. Exceptional talent.— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) June 18, 2021

    After the game, BBC pundit Lineker raved about Man of the Match Isak’s talent – but the player himself was less than impressed.
    Lineker tweeted: “Don’t think there’s much doubt that Alexander Isak will attract a lot of attention from clubs across Europe.
    “Exceptional talent.”
    But Isak was left underwhelmed by the praise – admitting he wasn’t quite sure who he was.
    The in-demand Swede said: “I am not that aware of him…
    “It’s an old player working in the studio?”
    When reminded that Lineker was the 1986 World Cup’s top scorer, Isak was hardly any more impressed.
    The Arsenal transfer target said: “I wasn’t born then but I have a little bit of knowledge about him.”

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    During Friday’s clash in Saint Petersburg, Isak lit up the pitch with a dazzling performance.
    With the game tantalisingly poised at 0-0, the former Borussia Dortmund striker skinned FIVE Slovakia defenders as part of a sensational solo run.
    Picking the ball up on the halfway line in the second half, Isak powered his way towards the left flank.
    Demonstrating exceptional balance, power and technique, Isak shrugged off numerous challenges from Slovakia players as he eventually danced his way past half of the team.
    Isak then found a gap to fire off a shot at goal, with his powerful low strike well kept out by Newcastle stopper Martin Dubravka.
    Sweden did eventually manage to find a way to victory thanks to a 77th-minute Emil Forsberg penalty.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Zlatan Ibrahimovic trains with Sweden despite not playing for them in Euro 2020 More

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    Gareth Bale claims evidence of aliens is ‘everywhere’ as Wales legend outs himself as a true believer at Euro 2020

    WE already knew Gareth Bale believed in Dragons. Now he claims E.T. has a far more important meaning than extra time.The Wales superstar insists evidence for aliens is “everywhere”.
    Gareth Bale is sure there is a wider world out there than many people realise
    Wales legend Gareth Bale hopes more people see the light about aliens
    At his peak, speedster Bale was one of the world’s most easily identifiable flying objects.
    But he believes the world is full of UFOs and little green men.
    By which he doesn’t just mean the Hibs and Plymouth schoolboy teams.
    The Real Madrid misfit, 32, told Sky Sports: “The evidence is everywhere. People need to research it.
    “I’ve been looking into it for years and obviously there’s a lot of fake stuff out there. 
    “But I think the US government recently released a few images, a few video footages, of Unidentified Flying Objects, so it’s all online. 
    “And I think there are a few programmes on Netflix and stuff. “So, yes, it’s interesting. I’m quite into it and that’s why i believe it.
    US authorities have released images of UFOs like this, firming up Gareth Bale’s belief in extra-terrestrial life
    “The amount of sightings we have – they can’t all be false.”
    But the former Tottenham winger admitted he has yet to convince Spurs striker and England skipper Harry Kane.
    Bale said: “He hasn’t done enough research, has he!”
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    Both Kane and Bale are of course currently focusing on Euro 2020.
    But while Kane’s domestic 2020-21 season was out of this world, Bale’s club career is in limbo.
    Having been at Spurs twice before – permanently and then on loan – perhaps he is now looking for a close encounter of the third kind.
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    Gareth Bale claims aliens ‘100 per cent’ exist and insists he saw UFO More