EURO 2020 is in full swing!Italy are the first team through to the second round with picking up their second win.
Meanwhile Wales are on the brink of joining Italy after a stunning 2-0 win over Turkey in Baku.
And England are gearing up for their clash with Scotland on Friday.
Royal Ascot day three special 🏇🎩
Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
TEAM NEWS
Denmark will line up with a five-man defence for today’s crunch Euros clash with Belgium.
Southampton centre-back Jannik Vestergaard replaces Christian Eriksen as the midfielder recovers from his cardiac arrest.
And Brentford’s Mathias Jensen is left on the bench having replaced Eriksen in the defeat to Finland.
Meanwhile, Lyon’s Jason Denayer and Wolves’ Leander Dendoncker are both involved for Belgium.
Romelu Lukaku continues up front, but Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard are only on the bench.
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UKRAINE 2 NORTH MACEDONIA 1
Ukraine boosted their chances of reaching the Euro 2020 knockout stages with a vital win over North Macedonia.
Goals from Andriy Yarmolenko and Roman Yaremchuk secured victory for Andriy Shevchenko’s men, who also missed a penalty.
But the result leaves North Macedonia on the brink of elimination after they also lost their first game to Austria.
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⏰ RESULT ⏰🇺🇦 Yarmolenko & Yaremchuk net for Ukraine🇲🇰 Alioski scores rebound; Dimitrievski saves penalty🤔 Who impressed you? #EURO2020— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 17, 2021
BATTLE OF BRITAIN
Glenn Hoddle is backing England to beat Scotland 2-1 at Wembley tomorrow.
But Gordon Strachan believes the Tartan Army can hold out for a 0-0 draw.
Hoddle told Betfair: “It’s going to be a tight game but the pressure’s on Scotland to open up a bit more.
“The team that controls their emotion will end up playing better and winning.”
Strachan added: “England have got that superiority complex in basically everything.
“I don’t know if it adds an extra stride to the players. It will make for a good game.”
HALF-TIME!
Ukraine are beating North Macedonia 2-0 at half-time in Group C.
West Ham ace Andriy Yarmolenko made it 1-0 after half an hour before Roman Yaremchuk doubled their lead five minutes later.
⏸️ HALF-TIME ⏸️🇺🇦🆚🇲🇰 Yarmolenko & Yaremchuk net for Ukraine…🔝 Who’s impressed you most? #EURO2020— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 17, 2021
HAIR RASER
Phil Foden is ready to pull off his own Scottish masterclass after dying his hair bleach blonde once again.
On the eve of England’s Euro 2020 clash with rivals Scotland, the Manchester City ace has taken inspiration from the legendary Paul Gascoigne.
Almost exactly 25 years ago, Gazza scored one of England’s most memorable Euro goals when he flicked it over the head of Colin Hendry before volleying past Andy Goram.
Foden, 21, drew comparisons with the Three Lions legend when he dyed his hair before the tournament.
And after England’s opening 1-0 win over Croatia, Foden has ensured he has maintained the look to take on Steve Clarke’s side. Despite the similarities, Foden has insisted his new-look style was his ‘own thing.’
He said: “I’ve had the same haircut for ages now. I thought I’d try something new. I woke up this morning with a lot of comparisons to Gazza and Eminem, it was my own thing and people have turned it into something else.”
‘SPORTS DAY VIBES’
North Macedonia prepared for their crunch clash against Ukraine with a bizarre CONE RACING drill in training.
The lowest-ranked team at the tournament were soundly beaten 3-1 by Austria in their Euro 2020 opener.
But they ensured they kept their sharpness up with a bonkers twist on an egg and spoon race in preparation for their Thursday’s 2pm kick-off.
The drill saw two teams of players – split into red and yellow groups – race up the pitch in pairs with a ball apiece balanced in an upturned cone.
After reaching the other end, the duos would launch the balls in the air and attempt to catch the other’s, before darting up to the other end.
The bizarre training drill caught the eye of viewers on social media with just hours to go until North Macedonia kicked-off against Ukraine. One fan joked: “Sports day vibes.”
THE SCOTS ARE HERE!
Scotland fans have invaded London for tomorrow’s Euro 2020 clash against England despite pleas to stay home.
Tartan Army supporters were pictured piling out of King’s Cross station today draped in flags and swigging Buckfast.
The fans are planning to descend on pubs in the capital en masse to watch the Group D clash at 8pm tomorrow.
And the kilt-wearing Scots are hoping to march to Hyde Park – despite there being no live screens to catch the action on.
Scotland have been allocated less than 3,000 tickets for the sellout 21,500 qualifier at Wembley.
But between 6,000 and 20,000 Scottish supporters are reportedly planning on making the trip south.
TIM OUT
Timothy Castagne’s broken eye-socket injury which required a six-hour operation was just 3cm away from ending his career.
The Belgium full-back sustained a horror blow in his nation’s Euro 2020 opener against Russia on Saturday.
He had a nasty clash of heads with Daley Kuzyaev midway through the first half in St Petersburg. And the heavy blow to his right eye socket caused ‘three or four’ breaks.
According to HLN in Belgium, had the contact been just 3cm higher, the neurological damage could have had tragic ramifications for his career.
Castagne, 25, underwent surgery from 3pm to 9pm under general anaesthetic on Tuesday to reconstruct the socket. Metal parts were inserted to help the recovery process.
Castagne is expected to head home in the coming days and must rest for two weeks.
Credit: AP
BATTLE OF BRITAIN
More than HALF of Brits will be tuning in to Friday night’s titanic Euro 2020 clash between England and Scotland.
The Three Lions took a huge step towards the last-16 by beating Croatia 1-0, as Scotland slipped to a 2-0 loss at the hands of Czech Republic.
And now, ahead of Friday’s 8pm kick-off at Wembley, the two nations are set to grind to a halt as 53 per cent of English and Scottish residents prepare to tune in to the big game, according to a study.
Nearly one in five adults have even invested in their home entertainment setup to experience the hotly-anticipated clash in all its glory.
And while 56 per cent enjoy ‘a friendly rivalry’ in football between the home nations of the UK, a third would actively root for the opposition of any home nation they don’t support.
This could mean millions of English and Scottish fans will be hoping for an early Euros exit for Wales – with the Welsh no doubt feeling exactly the same way. The poll of 1,000 English and Scottish nationals found 42 per cent become even more patriotic when it comes to a match against a deadly rival.
Credit: PA
SIMON SAYS
Denmark captain Simon Kjaer has released a first touching statement since helping to save Christian Eriksen’s life.
The defender was praised for the way he led his team-mates in such difficult circumstances on Saturday and throughout the week following Eriksen’s cardiac arrest.
He helped form a human shield to protect the playmaker’s privacy while he received CPR on the pitch and consoled Eriksen’s partner as she raced down to the pitch.
Kjaer said: “It has been some very special days, where football has not been the most important thing. A shock that will be part of me – part of all of us – forever. The only thing that is important and really matters is that Christian is okay!
“I am proud of the how we acted as a team and how we stood together in these difficult times. I am touched and very grateful for all the support. Today, we will enter the pitch against Belgium with Christian in our hearts and thoughts.
“It gives us peace in our minds, which allows us to focus on the game of football. We will play for Christian, and as always for all of Denmark. That is the greatest motivation for us all. As always, we will do our best.”
Credit: EPA
ENG IT TO WIN IT
England got their Euro 2020 campaign off to a perfect start on Sunday as they aim to end 55 years of hurt.
Gareth Southgate has already led the Three Lions to their first-ever win in a European Championship curtain-raiser.
Raheem Sterling scored the only goal of the game as England avenged their 2018 World Cup semi-final loss at the hands of Croatia.
Next up for Southgate’s youthful squad are fierce rivals Scotland in the second of three group stage games.
Ahead of the massive clash, we take a look at what lies ahead for England in their quest to win a first major tournament since the 1966 World Cup.
‘NAE COKE?’
Euro 2020’s Coca-Cola subplot continues after John McGinn joked about the absence of the fizzy drink from his press conference.
The Scotland star was taking his seat to discuss Friday’s game with England when he noticed that he had only been provided with water.
Smiling, the midfielder asked ‘Nae Coke?’ before opening up the water – presumably earning Cristiano Ronaldo‘s approval.
The Portuguese forward set off something of a trend when shunning the carbonated beverage before discussing his side’s game with Hungary earlier this week.
Fans lapped up the 36-year-old’s encouragement that they choose water instead, although it was later pointed out that he has often promoted less-than-healthy food and drink options.
The incident saw Euros sponsor 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 Uefa will not intervene to demand more respect for the money men.
LOC & KEY
Arsenal have been handed a blow in their attempts to sign Italy’s Euro 2020 star Manuel Locatelli, according to reports.
The Sassuolo midfielder showed his ability on the world stage on Wednesday night by scoring twice in his country’s 3-0 win over Switzerland.
The Gunners had already been tracking the 23-year-old star following his impressive campaign for the Serie A side.
Boss Mikel Arteta is eager to strengthen his midfield with Matteo Guendouzi, Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos heading for the exit door.
Sassuolo had slapped a £35million price-tag on their ace before the start of the tournament but that is now likely to rise.
According to the Express, Juventus are ready to make their move and are likely to be winning the race ahead of Arsenal for his signature.
Credit: Getty
ALL RON
Cristiano Ronaldo was subjected to homophobic abuse during Portugal’s win over Hungary, according to reports.
The Juventus superstar, 36, lined up for the reigning European champions in their Group F opener on Tuesday.
But according to Record, sections of the 55,000-strong sell-out crowd inside the Puskas Arena in Budapest allegedly attacked the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The report states there were chants of ‘Cristiano Ronaldo, homosexual’. Ronaldo was clearly unfazed by the crowd’s claimed attacks.
He responded by scoring twice as Portugal broke the Hungarian resistance with three late goals.
That pair of goals took him on to 11 Euros goals, taking him two clear at the top of the all-time scoring charts in the tournament.
Credit: Getty
KICK STARTER
Christian Eriksen will be fitted with a heart-starter device following his cardiac arrest at the European Championships.
The Inter Milan playmaker collapsed on the pitch in Denmark’s opening game against Finland before being rushed to hospital. Their team doctor Morten Boesen has now confirmed in a statement that Eriksen will be fitted with a Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.
Boesen said: “After Christian has been through different heart examinations it has been decided that he should have an ICD (heart starter).
“This device is necessary after a cardiac attack due to rhythm disturbances.
“Christian has accepted the solution and the plan has moreover been confirmed by specialists nationally and internationally who all recommend the same treatment.
“We encourage everybody to give Christian and his family peace and privacy the following time.”
Credit: Reuters
‘I’M ONLY 29′
Christian Eriksen’s first words after his cardiac arrest were: “Yes, I am back with you. For f***s sake, I’m only 29 years old.”
The Denmark star, 29, collapsed on the pitch on Saturday during his side’s clash with Finland. He received CPR and a defibrillator was used to resuscitate him before he was transferred to the nearby hospital in Copenhagen.
German doctor Jens Kleinefeld treated the Inter Milan midfielder.
He told Fox Sports: “About 30 seconds later, the player opened his eyes and I could talk to him directly.
“That was a very moving moment, because in such medical emergencies in everyday life, the chances of success are much lower.’
Kleinefeld asked Eriksen: “Well, are you back with us?” Eriksen replied: “Yes, I am back with you. For f***s sake, I’m only 29 years old.”
GOT THE RON PERSON
Not even Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo could get past Euros security guard without showing his ID.
Ronaldo cut a surprised look as an official gestured to have the Juventus forward show his pass.
A quick glance saw the 36-year-old carry on down the tunnel before Portugal played Hungary in their opening game.
The reigning champions left it late as they kicked off their campaign with a 3-0 win.
Raphael Guerreiro opened the scoring on 84 minutes before Ronaldo’s double put the result beyond doubt.
FEELING FIZZY
Forget the footy – the real fizz of Euro 2020 appears to be occurring off the pitch thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo.
The star wiped $4BILLION off Coca-Cola’s market value after his press conference stunt on Monday.
But Russia boss Stanislav Cherchesov, 57, is not one to be moved by the former Manchester United forward’s actions.
And as he faced the media following his team’s 1-0 win over Finland in Saint Petersburg, the ex-goalkeeper actually enjoyed a bottle of the hugely-popular drink.
Cherchesov picked up one that had been placed next to his microphone, opened it and took several sips as he toasted Aleksei Miranchuk’s matchwinner.
Ronaldo – who scored two late goals in a 3-0 win against Hungary – had told the watching world to ‘Drink Water!’ as he sat down to speak to the media several days ago. Coca-Cola’s share price promptly dropped from $56.10 (£39.80) to $55.22 (£39.19).
Credit: Twitter
MELON ME ‘EAD SON
England’s ootie stars have been twisting their melons to sink Scotland tomorrow — by working out with fruit-patterned underwater balls.
Players love kickabouts with “watermelon balls” at their training base. The soft, coloured globes can be kicked or thrown up to 10ft under water.
The team — managed by Gareth Southgate — had a splashing time at St George’s Park yesterday as the final countdown began to the Battle of Britain Euro 2020 showdown at Wembley.
Coaching staff at the camp in Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, introduced the bizarre balls in place of the unicorn pool inflatables which players loved at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
They allow the stars to enjoy fun games with minimal impact on tired joints and muscles. Tyrone Mings, 28, Phil Foden, 21, Kyle Walker, 31, and Jordan Pickford, 27, were snapped with their new toys.
Credit: Getty
NOU PAY DEAL
Holland star Memphis Depay wants to become part of the Koeman League.
The former Manchester United player is out of contract from French side Lyon.
And there are rumours he will soon move to Barcelona for a reunion with compatriot Ronald Koeman.
Depay said: “Everyone knows that I have been negotiating with Barcelona for some time.
“I want to play for Ronald Koeman. Now we have to wait, but there will be news soon.”
Credit: EPA
GOOD MORNING EUROS FANS
Yesterday was a brilliant day for Wales as they defeated Turkey 2-0 in Baku to take a giant step towards the last 16.
Goals from Aaron Ramsey and Connor Roberts – both of which were created by Gareth Bale – were enough to secure three points.
There was also a big win for Italy, who hammered Switzerland 3-0 thanks to a brace from Manuel Locatelli and a late strike from Ciro Immobile.
And there was a win for Russia as they defeated Finland 1-0 in Saint Petersburg.
Today’s action begins with the game between Ukraine and North Macedonia in Bucharest, followed by Denmark vs Belgium in Copenhagen.
Danes boss Kasper Hjulmand has confirmed Christian Eriksen will watch the match from his hospital bed, situated less than a mile from the ground.
The 8pm game is between Holland and Austria.
In other news, Harry Maguire has confirmed he will be FIT to face Scotland at Wembley on Friday.
And Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has been drafted into the squad following Dean Henderson’s injury.
SCOT FREE
Harry Maguire gave England a massive Euros boost by insisting he is fit to play against Scotland on Friday.
The Manchester United skipper has made a rapid recovery from the ankle ligament injury he picked up at Aston Villa last month.
Yet the central defender is still unlikely to start against the Scots, with boss Gareth Southgate looking certain to keep faith with John Stones and Tyrone Mings.
Asked if he is fit to start at Wembley, Maguire, 28, said: “Yes definitely.
“I’ve done a few sessions now and feel like my fitness is there, so I’m available for the game.
“The injury was a setback club football-wise. Internationally, I wanted to come into this with a lot of games under my belt with full fitness.
“But I feel good and I’ve been in full training.”
BALE FORCE
Gareth Bale created FIVE clear-cut chances in Wales’ 2-0 win over Turkey… the most EVER in tournament history.
Magnificent Bale, 31, was in tip-top form tonight as the Welsh all-but booked their place in the knockout stages of Euro 2020.
The Real Madrid winger, who spent the season on loan at former side Spurs, helped himself to two assists against the Turks.
Bale produced a piece of magic to find Aaron Ramsey minutes before half-time to put Wales ahead.
The four-time Champions League winner then found Connor Roberts in the 95th minute to seal an incredible victory.
Bale did have a moment to forget earlier in the second half when he sent a penalty blazing high over the bar.
But he still managed to create a record five clear-cut chances, according to The Analyst.
That’s the most by a single player in recorded Euro history since 1980.
‘FROM BADGER TO BOND’
Roy Keane stunned ITV viewers by transforming from “raggedy badger to smooth Bond” by ditching his bushy beard.
While Italy brushed off Switzerland, many armchair fans were bristling at the Manchester United legend’s unexplained new Keane-shaven look.
One suggested the former hardman had “shaved his beard because he was annoyed you all said he looked handsome”.
And in another reference to Keane’s cut-throat reputation as a player, one viewer tweeted: “He’ll probably have a full beard by the end of the game.”
One wondered: “Does Roy Keane just take his beard off and let it run wild for a couple of weeks every six months or so?
“Last night he looked like a raggedy old badger today smoother than Bond.”
FT: ITALY 3-0 SWITZERLAND
Italy enjoyed a comfortable victory over Switzerland at the Olimpico, which sealed qualification for Euro 2020’s Round of 16.
The Azzurri thought they opened the scoring when captain Giorgio Chiellini picked a corner-kick from Lorenzo Insigne in the air and fired it behind Yann Sommer’s goal after the ball bounced back to his feet.
However, VAR found that Chiellini’s arm hit the ball before he scored and things got worse for the Juventus star as he hobbled off the pitch with a muscle injury soon after.
However, Manuel Locatelli made it happen on 26 minutes when he found Domenico Berardi down the right flank with a wonderful ball from midfield.
Berardi delivered a wonderful low cross to the penalty area where Locatelli was after running the whole distance from midfield and beat Sommer with a wonderful finish.
The Sassuolo star completed a brace after 52 minutes and became Italy’s third youngest player to score two goals in a single game of a major tournament.
Ciro Immobile sealed his country’s big win with a long-range shot that Sommer couldn’t hold on to in the 89th minute
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