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      Jose Mourinho: Despite Euro 2020 final heartbreak, England’s future looks so good… so good, so good

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      THE future is bright for English football — you only have to look at the number of excellent young players coming out of your academies to realise that.Sure, there is sadness and frustration at losing the Euro 2020 final to Italy.
      England’s crestfallen players show their unity as Jadon Sancho reflects on his shootout woeCredit: Getty
      New Roma boss Jose Mourinho says England should be proud of their Euro 2020 achievements and have more top youngsters coming throughCredit: Getty
      But if I compare the academies at Premier League clubs now to how they were when I first arrived in England in 2004, then the improvement is vast.
      I hope leading Premier League managers don’t just think of their own clubs but also the national team and that they give these young English guys more chances.
      I know he’s still very young, just 17, and the next World Cup is probably too early, but Tottenham have a striker who, if everything goes well, is going to be phenomenal.
      That kid, Dane Scarlett, probably won’t be ready for Qatar next year — although you never know — but for the next Euros in 2024, he is an example of one who can emerge.
      I know there are many more like him at Manchester United and Chelsea and other clubs, because the work they are doing in producing technically-gifted players in English academies is miles better now.
      England are not in a bad place at all. You can look at the players’ ages from this summer’s squad and there isn’t one player who you can say won’t be at  the next World Cup because of his age.
      I would even say that more than 50 per cent of this team will have the opportunity to play two or three Euros and two or three World Cups.
      The situation at Manchester United will be interesting from an England point of view.
      STERLING HAD STRONG PENALTY SHOUTENGLAND could have had a penalty to go 2-0 up when Raheem Sterling was challenged by Leonardo Bonucci early in the second half of the final.
      For me, it was more of a penalty than the one awarded when Sterling went down in extra-time in the semi-final.
      If that one hadn’t been given against Denmark, and all the pressure that arrived after that, then it possibly would have been a penalty in the final — and at 2-0 we would be speaking about a completely different story.
      As it happened, Italy dominated the ball in the second half and England defended in a low block for too long.
      As a coach, it’s hard for me to believe that the English coaching staff told the players ‘stay in a low block, don’t leave the low block, we don’t need to counter-attack, we don’t need the ball, just defend for 45 minutes and we are going to be champions’.
      People said similar things about Tottenham in some matches last season but it wasn’t true.
      Italy just kept the ball, passed the ball, hid the ball, took off their striker and played with an extra midfielder.
      Then England conceded from a corner, where they had been so dominant during the tournament.

      Jadon Sancho has gone to United, Marcus Rashford is also there and Mason Greenwood is a good example of a player who wasn’t in this squad but can be in Qatar, when he will be much more mature and has a good possibility of being selected.
      Three young England players in one club, three with potential to play in the national team.
      Which one will have an amazing season but which one could be hidden, not starting many matches because of the coach’s decision? Greenwood has the talent to be there.
      You look at Phil Foden, Greenwood, Sancho, Rashford, Jack Grealish and James Maddison — English clubs are developing an incredible number of players with this kind of profile.
      Then there is Jude Bellingham. He didn’t play as much as I expected at the Euros because England were never having to chase a match — they were only behind for eight minutes in the whole tournament.
      Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice always started and in the last few games Jordan Henderson came on, but Bellingham is there when you need more than that. He’s one step ahead in terms of quality, in risk-taking and goalscoring potential.
      Tottenham striker Dane Scarlett, 17, could be ready for Euro 2024, says MourinhoCredit: Getty
      Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice might well be the natural midfield partnership for England in qualification gamesCredit: The Sun
      If you want two positional players keeping it simple that’s Rice and Phillips. Bellingham is more than that.
      I think the future will be Bellingham and Rice in qualification matches, where the level of opposition is completely different and you can develop different styles of play.
      In the next 16 months, Bellingham will have many more matches in the Bundesliga and Champions League with Borussia Dortmund so he will be  stronger, faster and more mature. He’s an incredible player, who is at a different level.
      Bukayo Saka is another one. Don’t worry about the penalty miss — I don’t want to analyse penalties because I’m a specialist in failure at shootouts myself — but this is another guy who is only going to get better.
      He is a multi-functional player and only Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta knows where he will develop, but I like him as a left-footer playing wide right.
      I started that with Arjen Robben and Damien Duff at Chelsea and playing with inverted wingers is something I have always liked, so I want to see Saka cutting inside and making  triangles with the striker.
      There are always other choices — Arsenal also have Nicolas Pepe and Willian — because Premier League clubs have such strong squads, but I hope Saka plays there.
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      There is so much  to be  hopeful about for England.
      Another 16 months of knowledge and experience for Gareth Southgate and his players and you could be singing It’s Coming Home in Qatar next year.
      Finally, I’d like to thank you all for reading over the past five weeks. I hope you have enjoyed these columns as much as I have enjoyed producing them.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Jose Mourinho claims England player was snubbed for Euro 2020 after ‘refusing to take penalty’ at World Cup 2018 More

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      Boy, 17, with Euros final ticket was THROWN OUT of Wembley after thug shoved him through turnstiles as yobs stormed game

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      A SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD boy with a Euro 2020 final ticket was kicked out of Wembley after a thug shoved in behind him.Jonathan Kobrin missed the entire match after being ejected from the stadium despite having a valid ticket, The Times reports.
      Stewards replace barricades after they were knocked over outside Wembley at the Euro finalCredit: AP
      Fans broke down barriers at Wembley ahead of Sunday’s game
      The England fan’s parents had treated him with a surprise ticket for the crunch match against Italy.
      But Wembley descended into a warzone as hundreds of ticketless yobs ran riot.
      Harry Maguire’s dad was left with suspected broken ribs by ticketless yobs who broke into the stadium.
      Johnathan, from Hampstead, North London, was booted out when a hooded lout barged in after him at the turnstile.
      WEMBLEY WARZONE
      The heartbroken teenager was left alone outside the stadium as England’s biggest match in 55 years game got underway.
      The atmosphere when he arrived at 5pm with a pal and their dad was good-natured, but Wembley soon descended into chaos.
      Jonathan said: “I saw loads and loads of people queueing [later at the turnstiles]. A few police were around but not too many.
      “I was with my friend. I had my ticket ready. There was no one behind me but as soon as I had scanned my ticket and it went green I was shoved through the turnstile and he essentially pushed me through with it.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      “I thought I was going to be arrested — all I was doing was trying to get into Wembley with a valid ticket.
      “As soon as I got out the other side, stewards grabbed me by the arms and threw me into this room on the other side and I got kicked out.
      “The other guy just ran off as soon as he got thrown out.
      “My friend was waiting inside and they grabbed him and threatened to kick him out.”
      Despite pleading with stewards and staff he was turned away.
      He finally had his ticket validated, but the game had kicked off and he heard the crowd’s roar as Luke Shaw netted.
      I thought I was going to be arrested — all I was doing was trying to get into Wembley with a valid ticketJonathan Kobrin, 17
      When he reached the gates Jonathan was told the entrances had been closed as so many hooligans had forced their way inside.
      Jonathan was forced to walk through the streets of Wembley to find a place his family could collect him and drive him home.
      He said: “Wembley Way had been shut because there were so many people so I had to take a back route that I really didn’t feel safe in so I kind of ran to my sister’s car.
      “At about half past 8 I basically gave up and accepted that I wasn’t getting in.”
      Jonathan is hoping he can get a refund for the ticket, but said: “It was really upsetting — really sad.”
      FA CHARGED
      UEFA have charged the FA over FOUR separate incidents which took place during Sunday’s final.
      Disciplinary proceedings have been opened over a pitch invasion, throwing of objects by fans, booing the Italian national anthem and the stadium break-in.
      Drunken hooligans broke through barriers and brawled as stewards battled to keep control.
      One steward told The Mirror a ticketless England fan threatened him with a knife and said: ‘You ARE going to let me in.”
      Cocaine was allegedly seen being taken in full view in the stands amid shameful scenes.
      The FA has launched an investigation into the “unprecedented” crowd trouble at the country’s biggest match for 55 years.
      British F1 ace Lando Norris, 21, had his £40,000 watch nicked amid sickening scenes.
      Nineteen Met Police officers were injured during violent clashes in London, with 86 arrests, 53 of them at Wembley.
      And there are fears Britain’s joint 2030 World Cup bid with Ireland could have been torpedoed by Sunday night’s sickening violence.
      WORLD CUP FEARS
      Government is questioning those responsible for policing the final, with the FA facing a heavy fine.
      And Uefa could rule against Britain and Ireland’s joint bid before a Fifa vote on 2030.
      England’s 1966 hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst – who was at Sunday’s final – said he feared the disgraceful scenes could harm our chances.
      He said: “If we hold the World Cup here then measures will have to be taken to ensure that this doesn’t happen again.”
      Former sports minister Richard Caborn said: “They got it wrong and it could have far reaching implications. I hope it won’t impact 2030.”

      Thugs circulated pictures of match tickets and Covid-negative test barcodes before the kick-off to trick and overwhelm staff.
      Once past Covid screens, they gathered in large groups and charged over barriers, knocking aside anyone in their path.
      One video shows scores clambering through and sprinting to the entrance as a female steward falls screaming to the floor. 
      A young fan is punched during the shocking scenes
      A clip posted to Twitter appears to show violence erupt at the door into the stands
      Nineteen police officers were injured amid sickening scenes in LondonCredit: James Curley
      Shocking moment man punches young boy and fan is kicked on the ground in chaotic scenes at Wembley stadium More

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      Harry Maguire says racists who abused England heroes Saka, Sancho & Rashford would NEVER have courage to take a penalty

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      HARRY MAGUIRE has paid tribute to England’s penalty takers — and admitted he would not have taken one for his country at such a young age.Bukayo Saka, 19, Jadon Sancho, 21, and Marcus Rashford, 23, received sickening racist abuse after their misses against Italy.
      Harry Maguire has paid tribute to England’s penalty takersCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      England heroes Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka
      And Maguire, 28 insisted the racist cowards would never have the guts to step forward.
      Maguire, who scored in the shootout, said: “When I was 19 or 20, I would have been standing there saying ‘I don’t want to take one’.
      “There is no chance I would have been putting my hand up at their age.
      “So look at the courage and bravery of these young lads, look at the age of Bukayo, Jadon and Marcus.
      “The things I have gone through have made me more confident and have given me belief.
      “I am able to handle those situations better, now I am happy to take one and I executed it well.
      “These people who are being abusive would not be able to handle the pressure.
      “It is the highest amount of pressure you will feel, so to do it at their age and to show such bravery should be applauded.
      Bukayo Saka is consoled by England boss Gareth Southgate after he missed his penaltyCredit: AP
      Maguire with SunSport’s Charlie WyettCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Hundreds left messages of support and kneeled next to a mural of Marcus Rashford after it was defaced and he suffered vile racist abuseCredit: PA
      “I spoke with the three lads afterwards. I have checked up with them and seen how they are but they are courageous lads.
      “They should be applauded rather than criticised.
      “I took a penalty in a play-off final shootout for Sheffield United when I was 19 but doing it for England is completely different.”
      Maguire has been sent videos of his penalty smashing a camera in the shootout.

      But the Manchester United captain is furious with the nasty side of social media.
      He added: “It does not surprise me. For the three lads who have given everything for the country and been so brave to get this is terrible.”
      England and Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden tweeted: “We’re all hurting right now but the racist abuse sent to some of my team-mates after the bravery they showed on Sunday night is disgusting and has no place in the game.”
      Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin added: “To the real England fans, thank you for your support this summer and to those of you abusing my team-mates for having the courage to step up and take a penalty shame on you, we don’t need people like you on social media or in society.”
      Hundreds take knee at Rashford mural in anti-racism vigil after vile abuse More

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      Harry Maguire tells of joy at being reunited with his family

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      HARRY Maguire spoke of his joy tonight at being reunited with his family – and seeing one of his girls walk for the first time.He had to stay away from partner Fern Hawkins and daughters Lillie, two, and Piper, 14 months.
      Harry Maguire spoke of his joy tonight at being reunited with his family – and seeing one of his girls walk for the first timeCredit: The Sun
      Harry led a hilarious conga around their hotel amid renditions of Sweet Caroline – pictured post match
      And he missed Piper’s first steps while away for more than a month in the team bubble.
      Harry, now back home in Mosborough, Sheffield, told The Sun: “It has been tough in that department – not seeing your families or your kids.
      “I have come home and one of my little ones is walking. I did not see that. It is all part and parcel of the journey.
      “What we did in camp was the correct decision because we didn’t have any positive tests which was important for the journey and creating history like we did.”
      Harry spoke as the team recovered from a mega party after their first-ever Euros final.
      Harry led a hilarious conga around their hotel amid renditions of Sweet Caroline.
      Stars including keeper Jordan Pickford and Mason Mount also joined in a boozy singalong to Oasis classic Don’t Look Back in Anger.
      Keeper Pickford stands proud leading a boozy singlalong
      Mount gets in the spirit of things in a retro kit
      Harry, pictured with Fern, said: ‘I have come home and one of my little ones is walking. I did not see that. It is all part and parcel of the journey’Credit: Instagram @_fernhawkins

      The players checked out of their North London hotel on Monday morning.Harry’s sister Daisy posted a snap of their welcome-home celebrations.
      And Declan Rice looked delighted to be reunited with his dog
      An England source said: “They were disappointed at losing but positive their best is yet to come. This is not the end — it’s the beginning.”
      Inside England’s well-earned Euro 2020 afterparty as Maguire leads conga line and stars are finally reunited with Wags More

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      Harry Maguire says England will grow from Euro 2020 heartbreak… and go one step further in Qatar

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      THE PAIN of defeat will never completely disappear for Harry Maguire.Not from the 2018 World Cup semi-final in Russia, when England were 22 minutes away from reaching the final before losing to Croatia.
      England and Man Utd team-mates Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw will come back hungrier for the World Cup in Qatar after Euro 2020 final anguishCredit: PA
      England were left heartbroken again after losing on penalties to Italy on SundayCredit: Getty
      Or from Sunday’s  Euro 2020 showpiece when the defender’s team were unbelievably close to winning a first title in 55 years, before losing on penalties to Italy.
      Yet Maguire, 28, yesterday named in the Uefa team of the tournament, believes the Three Lions will be even better prepared to return from Qatar next year with the World Cup.
      He said: “All the disappointments tend to stick around and you always think about them. I still think about Russia and I will still think about this final for many years to come.
      “I wish we could have made it a memorable night. We did everything we could but it was not enough. It still feels raw. I’m still feeling the emotion and I’m still feeling the  disappointment.
      “To not lose a game over the tournament and not come out as champions is really disappointing.
      “But we are in  a lot better place compared to after Russia.
      “Hopefully we will come back from Qatar in an even better place than now.”
      “This tournament we won three knockout games and lost one on penalties. This shows the way we have gone forward as a team.
      “We are a young team with a bad experience of losing the final. But we will learn from it.
      “For me personally, I felt a lot better playing in the final than I did against Croatia in the semi-finals in terms of my mental state, confidence and belief.
      “I am sure if we get to another knockout game, the lads who have got to this tournament will learn and improve. The World Cup is only 16 months away.”
      After the devastated players returned into the dressing room at the weekend, Southgate addressed the squad as a group before having individual chats.
      The 26-man squad returned to The Grove hotel near Watford where they met friends and family.

      EURO 2020 FINAL LATEST

      Maguire spoke to SunSport yesterday in the village of Mosborough, on the outskirts of Sheffield, where he grew up.
      Reflecting on the dressing room afterwards, he said: “It was really quiet after the game. Not much was said between us.
      “Gareth said how proud he was of everyone and it was a really emotional dressing room.
      “The boys were just devastated. Gutted. We were feeling the pain of every fan in the stadium and every fan watching at home on the TV.
      “It was a disappointing night at the end of a great journey, a great tournament.
      “The atmosphere we created and the smiles we put on peoples’ faces is why we play football. We just could not get it over the line to win the tournament.
      “Gareth spoke to us individually when we left the changing room. We did not see Gareth or the staff at the hotel. It was more a players and family thing.
      “We did not get to the hotel until 1.15am and it went on for a couple of hours. It was nice to see everyone.
      “It’s been tough not seeing your families or your kids. I have come home and one of my little ones is walking. I did not see that happen for the first time. It is all part and parcel of the journey.
      “Six weeks together is a long time. It is strange waking up and not seeing the squad for breakfast but I am sure I will get used to it!”
      Maguire was outstanding, particularly when you consider he missed the first two games as he was still returning to fitness after injuring ankle ligaments against Aston Villa in May.
      Now, I am hoping for a good, long season with Manchester United and then next year it is the World Cup. Hopefully we will come back from Qatar in an even better place than now.Harry Maguire
      Uefa yesterday announced he was in the team of the tournament along with Kyle Walker and Raheem Sterling.
      The Manchester United skipper said: “It is an individual award which is nice. But it is not the award that I wanted and what the team wanted.
      “I’m really pleased with how it went for myself, especially after seven weeks out.
      “You were getting people saying ‘he should not even be in the squad’ or ‘he is not match-fit’.
      “It was a race to get fit for that third game and I used a prototype therapy device to help me called ProMOTION EV1. I’ve constantly been using it on my ankle over the last month — it provides cold, heat and compression.
      “It’s portable so I’ve even used it in my sleep. Obviously, the England and  United medics are the best and they too were integral to my recovery.
      “I felt little bits of pain in the ankle, especially in my first couple of games. I felt it more then, than in the semi- final and final.
      “The progress is really good. I’m getting bigger, better and stronger. When you have a niggly injury you will never be 100 per cent when you come back.
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      “There will always be a little bit of pain and I managed to put up with it really well in the first couple of games.
      “I hope I am sitting here after Qatar in an   even better place. In Russia we lost three games of football and won one on penalties.
      “Now, I am hoping for a good, long season with Manchester United and then next year it is the World Cup.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Jadon Sancho was one of three England stars who missed in Sunday’s cruel penaltie shootout lossCredit: Getty
      Marcus Rashford’s Manchester mural was defaced by thugs after the final
      Gareth Southgate was quick to comfort his young stars who boldly stepped up to take spot kicksCredit: AP
      Harry Maguire says racist abuse doesn’t surprise him after witnessing similar behaviour from Premier League fans More

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      Harry Maguire reveals dad left with broken ribs and struggling to breathe after ticketless yobs trampled him at Wembley

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      ENGLAND ace Harry Maguire has told how his dad Alan was left with suspected broken ribs by ticketless yobs who stormed Wembley.The England defender, 28, also called for a crackdown on trolls by social media firms in the wake of racist abuse of his team-mates suffered after the Euro 2020 final defeat.
      Harry Maguire has revealed that father Alan was left struggling to breathe after ticketless yobs trampled him at WembleyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Harry pictured with his parents Alan and Zoe and their familyCredit: INSTAGRAM/DAISY MAGUIRE
      Maguire’s 56-year-old father was caught up in the terrifying scenes which left him struggling to breathe after the Euro 2020 Final.
      The accountant found himself pinned to the floor, suffering two suspected broken ribs, after the mob burst in through a disabled entrance and stampeded past anyone standing in their way.
      Harry, who smashed home his spot-kick in the devastating shootout defeat to Italy, said of his dad’s ordeal tonight: “It was scary.”
      However, battered Alan has since spoken of his relief that Harry’s two daughters — who he usually hoists onto his shoulders at games — were not caught up in Sunday night’s shameful melee.
      Manchester United defender Harry said: “It was not a nice experience — it shook him up. But he was fortunate as every game he has been to he has had my nephew or one of my kids on his shoulders.
      Harry Maguire talks Euros loss, racism and World Cup hopes in exclusive Sun interview
      “So I’m thankful that did not happen as it could have been a really serious moment.”
      Alan was one of hundreds of innocent England fans caught up in shameful scenes as thousands of ticketless yobs battered their way in after overwhelming security.
      He was crushed underfoot alongside Harry’s agent Kenneth Shepherd as they made their way to the players’ families seating area to the left of the tunnel.
      Harry, who was shocked by the footage of marauding yobs at the ground, told The Sun: “My dad was in the stampede. I have not spoken with him too much but I am pleased my kids didn’t go to the game.
      “It was scary — he said he was scared and I don’t want anyone to experience that at a football match.
      I hope we can learn from this and make sure it doesn’t happen againHarry Maguire
      “I have seen a lot of videos and have spoken to Dad and my family. It was my dad and agent who suffered the most.
      “I hope we can learn from this and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
      Despite being in extreme pain, Alan did not ask for medical treatment.
      Understandably, he did not want to miss the biggest game of his son’s career.
      Lionheart Harry, who paid for himself and his brother to watch England as spectators at Euro 2016 when he was a Hull City player, said: “My dad’s a big fan — he got on with it.
      “He was struggling with his breathing afterwards because of his ribs, but he’s not one to make a big fuss.
      “The experience at Wembley is always amazing, filled with great people and great fans normally. But this time was obviously the final and everyone got overwhelmed and the way some people acted was totally wrong.
      “Dad will always support me and go to the games but he will be a little bit more aware of everything going on around. We should all be more aware and learn from it.”
      Harry also told how there were several ructions in the seating areas, where ticketless yobs refused to budge. He said: “There was a lot of trouble. It happened where the friends and families were.
      Harry says he had around 20 family and friends in the stadium for the finalCredit: INSTAGRAM/HARRY MAGUIRE
      Harry’s dad and his agent were both caught up in the stampedeCredit: Reuters
      Harry hopes the security chaos won’t wreck England’s chances of hosting a World CupCredit: Getty
      “A lot of people got to their seats and there were people sat in their seats. That caused confrontations with people being told to move.
      “The main thing is you want it to be an amazing experience and you don’t want anyone to have any bad memories of the final.
      “That is the disappointing thing. Things could have been a lot worse but we have to make sure it does not happen again.”
      As Uefa opened an investigation into the stampede, Harry hopes the security chaos would not wreck England’s chances of hosting a future World Cup.
      He added: “Wembley is an amazing place. It has been an amazing home and the fans and the way they have acted have been unbelievable, apart from the odd few in a final.
      “We need to learn and we will — and it would be an amazing place to hold the World Cup.”
      He also paid tribute to the support of his loved ones throughout the tournament.
      Harry said: “I had around 20 family and friends in the stadium.
      “I have quite a big family and they have followed me throughout all the games with England.
      ‘EMOTIONAL JOURNEY’
      “Their support for me has been amazing during the tournament and they are on an emotional journey with me.”
      Uefa chiefs tonight charged the FA on four crowd-shame counts arising from the mayhem. Disciplinary proceedings were opened over a pitch invasion, throwing of objects, booing the Italian national anthem and the lighting of a firework. The FA is likely to be rapped with a fine.
      However, Uefa added: “Separately, an ethics and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation into events involving supporters which occurred inside and around the stadium.
      “Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”
      The FA was tonight facing calls for a “root and branch” security shake-up following the debacle which has shamed the national game. An estimated 2,500 ticketless thugs surged through poorly staffed security cordons before kick-off.
      They had circulated pictures of match tickets and Covid-negative test barcodes to overwhelm poorly trained, badly paid and ill-equipped stewards manning barriers.
      Furious paying fans also said the police were nowhere to be seen as trouble erupted around the ground.
      One video showed scores of drunken yobs clambering through a barrier and sprinting towards the entrance as a female steward fell screaming to the floor.
      She was repeatedly trampled until pulled clear. Another video showed disabled access doors being breached by dozens of males and females in England shirts.

      More footage showed fights breaking out between fans and gatecrashers — with one man repeatedly kicked in the head and body after falling to the ground.
      At one point a frustrated fan turns on stewards standing by and shouts: “Do your f***ing job!”
      An FA spokesman said: “We will carry out a full review and investigation into the events that took place at Wembley Stadium before and during the Euro 2020 Final.”
      Harry was shocked by the footage of marauding yobs at the groundCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Furious Harry Maguire slams social media giants for making it ‘too easy’ for vile racists online

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      FURIOUS Harry Maguire called for a clampdown on social media giants — saying they make it too easy for racists to abuse footballers online.The Three Lions ace rounded on the likes of Twitter and Facebook for doing too little to kick abusers off their platforms.
      Furious Harry Maguire called for a clampdown on social media giants — saying they make it too easy for racists to abuse footballers onlineCredit: PA
      He said the law must be changed so companies have to link accounts to a person’s real identity — making it easier for police to track down and arrest those spewing hateful messages.
      Speaking out after the Euros racism storm, he said the murky world of the internet must urgently change.
      In an exclusive interview with The Sun, the Manchester United centre-back said he was sadly not surprised at the horrific racist abuse hurled at his teammates.
      He said: “Something needs to be done. The companies need to verify every account.
      “It is too easy to troll and abuse. To be racist is just too easy to be done and get away with.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Racists targeted Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho after their penalty misses.
      Maguire, 28, said the trio showed courage by stepping up to take the crucial kicks, while their cowardly abusers hurled slurs from their keyboards.
      But Maguire said this sick abuse was sadly not a one-off and black footballers had to put up with a tidal wave of insults online whenever they lose a match or miss a penalty.
      He added: “The amount of times we lose a football match with Manchester United and it happens — something needs to be changed.
      “There are so many good sides to social media. We want to show fans what we are doing in-camp and want to interact and tell them how we feel.
      Supporters showed solidarity with England stars who were racially abused after Sunday’s Euro 2020 final defeat at the Marcus Rashford muralCredit: Getty
      “There is a negative side but it can be stopped and changed. We need it to change.”
      Ministers and tech bosses needed to blow the whistle and end online anonymity, which has allowed the abuse to flourish, he demanded.
      PM Boris Johnson hauled tech bosses into Downing Street tonight to demand they do far more to kick racists off their sites.
      Speaking before the showdown talks, he told Cabinet the abuse suffered by the squad was “utterly disgraceful” and has “emerged from the dark spaces of the internet”.
      He added: “There is no question this kind of abuse is extremely upsetting, unfair and needs to be stamped out.”
      TECH BOSSES MUST DO MORE
      Meanwhile, under-fire Home Secretary Priti Patel is desperately trying to meet England ace Tyrone Mings after he accused her of “stoking the fire” of racism.
      Ms Patel and the Aston Villa footballer met successfully last year to discuss racism in football.
      Insiders said they had a productive chat discussing “stamping out the scourge of racism in football”.
      But at the start of Euro 2020, Ms Patel described players taking the knee before games as “gesture politics”. Then, she infuriated Mings, 28, by saying she was disgusted at the racist abuse directed at England’s players since Sunday.
      Fellow ministers backed her, with Stephen Barclay saying she was also the victim of racist trolls. He said: “The Home Secretary herself has been the victim of the most appalling online abuse.
      Racists targeted Bukayo Saka, pictured hugging England manager Gareth Southgate, and other footballers after their penalty missesCredit: Getty
      “She understands better than most the consequences of racism.”
      Ministers are bringing in tougher laws to tackle abuse online with their new Online Harms Bill.
      Under the crackdown, tech giants will have a legal duty of care. Those that fail to protect users online face fines of ten per cent of their global annual turnover or up to £18million — whichever is higher.
      It means the biggest companies — such as Facebook — could be fined billions by regulator Ofcom.
      But No 10 has refused to force them to verify all users’ accounts, claiming it is too complicated in practice and that sometimes there is a good reason for anonymity.
      ‘WE NEED IT TO CHANGE’
      They also rejected calls for named bosses at social media firms to be criminally prosecuted if they breach this duty of care.
      Many charities said the new bill, expected to come into force over the next year, fails to go far enough in clamping down on the Wild West of online.
      Tonight, Labour called for the law to be changed so trolls who abuse footballers online can be given football banning orders barring them from matches.
      Currently the orders can only be imposed on hooligans who commit offences on the terraces or on their way to grounds — not on the internet.
      Shadow Culture Secretary Jo Stevens, said: “The racists who have been abusing England players online should be banned from football grounds. They do not deserve to be anywhere near a game of football.”

      Echoing the demand, racism expert Sunder Katwala, director of the British Future think-tank, said: “If you’re banned from a football ground for racism, you’re out for life.
      “But if you’re banned from Twitter, you’re back ten minutes later.”
      A fan leads a touching letter outside the Marcus Rashford mural in WithingtonCredit: PA
      The mural in South Manchester was plastered with support for the Marcus Rashford following the Euro 2020 racism stormCredit: STEVE ALLEN
      Hundreds take knee at Rashford mural in anti-racism vigil after vile abuse More

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      in Soccer

      Euro 2020: Hibs show solidarity with England star Bukayo Saka in heartwarming gesture before Arsenal friendly

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      HIBS have shown solidarity with Arsenal star Bukayo Saka with a heartwarming gesture.Jack Ross’ men are taking on the Gunners in a pre-season friendly at Easter Road this evening.
      Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka missed a penalty in the Euro 2020 final vs ItalyCredit: AP

      Saka, 19, is playing no part in the match as he is now on a break following his involvement with England at Euro 2020.
      But in a touching gesture, Hibs showed solidarity with the teenager by hanging up a jersey with his name and number in the away dressing room.
      It comes after the teenager was the victim of vile racist abuse in the wake of England’s defeat to Italy on penalties in the final at Wembley on Sunday.
      His spot kick was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma and proved to be deciding factor in his country’s 55-year wait for a major trophy going on.
      Arsenal showed their appreciation for what Hibs have done by sharing an image of the jersey on social media and captioning it: “Solidarity”.
      The Hibees then responded by simply saying: “We stand with you, Saka.”
      Arsenal fans loved the gesture and commended the Easter Road club for it on social media.
      @MaxCamilleri said: “What a club. Thank you Hibs. Will look out for your results this season.”
      @AFCjeedz added: “This is why Hibernian are the biggest club in Scotland.”
      @Zilhaddd agreed, replying: “Dub so big it made them the biggest club in Scotland.”
      @Call_Me_Daniels commented: “What a show of sportsmanship. Thank you Hibs.”
      @IfeWells tweeted: “Thank you Hibs, we Arsenal fans really appreciate this.”

      And @MrAndrewBrook posted: “That’s it. Never followed a Scottish club before.
      “Hibs it is then, gonna give the official page a like too. So there.”
      Following this game, Hibs aren’t back in action until Friday when they take on Raith Rovers on Friday.
      They will then face off against the winner of the tie between Mons Calpe and Santa Coloma in their Europa Conference League qualifying opener on Thursday, July 22.
      Ross’ men will then look forward to kicking off their Premiership campaign with a game against Motherwell on Sunday, August 1.
      While they can look forward to the first Edinburgh derby clash with Hearts of the season on Sunday, September 12.
      Euro 2016 hero Eder brings out the trophy to put it on the plinth at Wembley More