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      Finland stars wear T-shirts with get well message for Christian Eriksen in warm-up before Euro 2020 game vs Russia

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      FINLAND players wore T-shirts sporting a get-well message for Christian Eriksen ahead of their Euro 2020 clash with Russia.The Denmark star, 29, shocked the globe when he collapsed on the pitch in the first-half of the 1-0 defeat to Finland.
      Finland stars wore T-shirts which read ‘get well Christian’ ahead of their game with RussiaCredit: AP
      Teemu Pukki was among the Finland stars to wear a T-shirt in tribute to EriksenCredit: Getty
      It was later confirmed Eriksen had suffered a cardiac arrest – with the Dane now recovering in hospital.
      And ahead of their second Group B game against Russia, Finland’s players wore T-shirts which read ‘get well Christian’ while warming up.
      With just 40 minutes gone in Denmark’s tournament opener against Finland, Eriksen collapsed to the turf with no-one around him.
      Captain Simon Kjaer rushed to save Eriksen’s life by ensuring his airways were open before instructing his team to form a protective barrier around him.
      As Kjaer went to console Eriksen’s partner, medics performed CPR and used a defibrillator in a desperate fight to save the former Tottenham star’s life.
      Team doctor Morten Boesen confirmed he ‘was gone’ – but Eriksen is now on the mend and even posted a positive update on his health after the scare.
      The Inter Milan midfielder took to Instagram to say: “Hello everyone.
      “Big thanks for your sweet and amazing greetings and messages from all around the world. It means a lot to me and my family.
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      Christian Eriksen took to Instagram to reassure his followers he is feeling betterCredit: Instagram @chriseriksen8
      The world held its breath after Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch

      “I’m fine – under the circumstances. I still have to go through some examinations at the hospital, but I feel okay.
      “Now, I will cheer on the boys on the Denmark team in the next matches. Play for all of Denmark. Best, Christian.”
      Throughout the ordeal, Finland have performed admirably in support of their fellow Scandinavians.
      Nearby Finnish supporters handed over their flags to allow Eriksen to be carried off the pitch behind a cover following his collapse.
      And Finland fans spontaneously chanted ‘Christian’ – to which Denmark supporters roared ‘Eriksen’ – in support after he was taken off the pitch.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Christian Eriksen’s life was saved by the fast reactions of team-mates and medics
      Christian Eriksen gives thumbs up and smiles from hospital bed since horror cardiac arrest for Denmark More

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      Humble Ethan Ampadu cried at losing but despite talent refused to showboat as a kid on way to Wales and Chelsea stardom

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      ETHAN AMPADU had a winner’s mentality long before he hit the big time with Chelsea and Euro 2020 contenders Wales.The midfielder’s immense talent was unmissable from a young age, as was his desire to win every match he played in.
      Chelsea midfielder Ethan Ampadu has made waves over the last few yearsCredit: Getty
      The 20-year-old has also become a regular fixture in Wales’ starting XICredit: Getty
      Ampadu’s competitive spirit was regularly on display during his days at Stoke Hill Juniors in Exeter, but none more so than when they were cruelly eliminated from a kids’ summer tournament on penalties.
      Former Stoke Hill coach David Evans told SunSport: “He used to play for us in the summer tournaments.
      “And then all of sudden, there’d be a penalty shootout in the semi-final and if you win it, you’re in the final and if you lose it, you’re going home.
      “And I remember seeing him in tears after we lost a penalty shootout.
      “Playing in local football was Ethan’s first introduction to winning and losing and being competitive.”
      Ampadu was a cut above his team-mates and opposition players in his early adolescent years but showcased humility and respect towards all those he played against.

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      Ethan Ampadu (second right) celebrates winning a tournament with his Stoke Hill team-matesCredit: STOKE HILL JUNIORS / DAVID EVANS
      Evans said of the 20-year-old: “He was quite quiet on the pitch, to be honest.
      “He was very unlike, perhaps, what people would expect a young superstar to be.
      “He was extremely polite and quiet on the pitch. He just let his football do the talking really.
      “Ethan was the opposite of [not being humble]. He was absolutely humble.
      “He was very quiet and unassuming, he didn’t show off in any way, shape or form. He was very respectful in the way he played the game.
      “Obviously, some of the players around him weren’t of his standard, but he would never showboat or anything.
      “He was just a very respectful, grounded nice lad.”

      Amapdu’s talents were also recognised by Exeter City, who allowed him to continue his love affair with Stoke Hill whilst he was on their books until the age of 14.
      Less than a year after breaking into the first team as a fresh-faced 15-year-old, Ampadu would be snapped up by Premier League big boys Chelsea.
      Antonio Conte handed him his debut in a League Cup match against Nottingham Forest in September 2017, in which he came on as a second-half substitute for Cesc Fabregas.
      His Blues bow was a great source of joy for everyone connected to Stoke Hill Juniors.
      Evans said: “When he first made his debut for Chelsea, I think he came on as a sub and he came on for [Cesc] Fabregas, I was so proud.
      “Everyone was screen grabbing the television and taking a photo of it. We were so excited to follow his career.
      Ethan Ampadu made his Chelsea debut in September 2017Credit: Rex
      “Of course, he started off by getting some games at Exeter City when he was about 16, which was unbelievable because he was playing summer football for us one and then playing professional football for Exeter City the next.
      “And then very, very quickly, probably within a year, he popped up at Chelsea.
      “We’ve been following his career all the way through and it’s so exciting for all the people in Exeter really.
      “Not just my club that he played for, but probably all the little clubs he played against.
      “Probably all the clubs around here have followed his climb to becoming an international footballer.”
      Evans’ pride was even more apparent following Ampadu’s cameo appearance in Wales Euro 2020 opener against Switzerland last Saturday, although there was a slight tinge of disappointment.
      Ethan Ampadu replaced Aaron Ramsey in Wales’ 1-1 draw with Switzerland last weekendCredit: Reuters

      He said: “To be honest, I was gutted he didn’t start because he usually does start for Wales. I was very disappointed he didn’t start.
      “But I’m really, really hoping he starts against Turkey tonight.
      “I’m really hoping he’s in the starting XI against Turkey.”
      Ampadu’s journey from the playing fields of Hamlin Lane to the European Championships serves as a necessary reminder of the positive impact grassroots football clubs – many of which have struggled during the pandemic – can have on kids up and down the country.
      Evans said: “It sends a message that everyone can be successful at football.
      “You haven’t got to be at Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea to learn and develop.
      “He learned and developed at Stoke Hill, at grassroots level, and then at the Exeter City Youth Academy.”
      Chelsea star Ethan Ampadu reveals drastic new look after RB Leipzig loanee cuts off trademark dreadlocks More

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      Who are Gary Lineker’s ex-wives Danielle Bux and Michelle Cockayne?

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      BBC PRESENTER and former professional footballer Gary Lineker is a two-time divorcee to ex-wives Danielle Bux and Michelle Cockayne.Lineker, now 60, married Michelle, now 55, in 1986 and the couple spent 20 years together before going their separate ways in 2006.
      Lineker and Cockayne pictured in 2001Credit: Alamy
      The former couple met when Michelle was 14 and Gary Lineker was an 18-year-old reserve for Leicester City, his home town club.
      Do they have any children?
      They have four sons together, George, 29, Harry, 27, Tobias, 25 and Angus, 23.
      Lineker is very close to his sons, even quitting his role as Champions League presenter for BT Sport to follow Leicester in Europe next season with his four boys.
      Gary Lineker (centre) with sons (from left to right) Angus, Harry, George and TobiasCredit: Splash News
      Why did Gary Lineker and Michelle Cockayne split up?
      The pair’s 20-year-marriage was over in a quick divorce in 2006, on the grounds of Gary’s “unreasonable behaviour.”
      Cockayne claimed that the Match of the Day host had caused her “stress and anxiety” and a judge accepted that his behaviour had irretrievably broken down their marriage.
      Gary Lineker and first wife Michelle Cockayne pictured in 1986
      After splitting from Michelle Cockayne Gary wedded Welsh actress and model Danielle Bux (who is nineteen years his junior) in 2009, with whom he spent seven years married to.
      Why did Gary Lineker and Danielle Bux split up?
      In the past Lineker has revealed that he split from his second wife Danielle because he did not want any more children and she did.
      However in 2019 Lineker told The Mirror that he and Danielle still stay in touch, even describing her as his “best friend.”
      She has since re-married to Nate Greenwald with whom she has a daughter Romy, born in 2017.
      Lineker and second wife Danielle pictured at Wimbledon in 2015

      Gary Lineker is fronting the BBC’s coverage of Euro 2020, and also presents the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup, major football tournaments and BBC Sports Personality Of The Year.
      The 60-year-old is also host of Match of the Day, a programme he first presented over twenty years ago in 1999.
      As a professional Lineker scored 48 goals in 80 appearances for England between 1984 and 1992 and was also top scorer at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
      Lineker played 194 times for Leicester between 1978 and 1985 More

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      Rudiger escapes action for ‘biting’ Pogba in Germany’s Euro 2020 loss to France and insists pair have smoothed it over

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER will escape action for his apparent “bite” on Paul Pogba.Chelsea defender Rudiger appeared to nibble the back of Pogba’s neck and tweak his nipple in the latter stages of the first half of Germany’s opening group F defeat by France.
      Rudiger appeared to take a ‘nibble’ at Paul Pogba
      Pogba, 28, complained to the match refereeCredit: Reuters
      The incident was spotted by the cameras and looked at by the VAR officials on duty at Uefa’s Nyon base.
      And despite the pictures being shared globally, Uefa have confirmed that no disciplinary case has been opened by inspectors, clearing Rudiger to face Portugal in Germany’s next game in Munich on Saturday.
      Rudiger, 28, denied biting the France star but conceded that the incident looks ‘unfortunate’.
      He said: “I should not come close with my mouth to his back, no doubt about it.
      “It looks unfortunate. Paul and I have talked about it as friends after the final whistle.
      “And he stated in our little talk and talking to the press that it was no bite, as some viewers first thought it was.
      “Even during the match, the ref told me that he would have punished me if he thought that it was violent conduct.”
      Pogba appeared perplexed at the time, complaining to the referee.

      The Frenchman earned the man of the match award for his brilliant performanceCredit: EPA
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      But the midfielder is glad that Rudiger wasn’t punished.
      He said: “We’re friends. This was nothing big.
      “I’m not crying for yellow or red cards for such actions. He nibbled, I think, a little bit on me.
      “I felt it, I told the referee, he takes the decisions and he took the decision.
      “He hasn’t received any card and I think it’s better like this. I don’t want him to be suspended because of this.”
      Luis Suarez famously bit Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 World Cup, being slapped with a four-month ban.
      The Uruguayan had already received two biting charges prior to that offence, on Otman Bakkal and Branislav Ivanovic respectively.

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Antonio Rudiger appears to bite Paul Pogba during Germany’s Euro 2020 clash with France More

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      ITV beating BBC in battle of the Euro 2020 broadcasters having seen more than DOUBLE amount of goals in tournament

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      ITV are thumping BBC in the battle of the Euro 2020 broadcasters having shown more than DOUBLE the number of goals.Both broadcasters have shown six games apiece with the first round of group-stage fixtures in the books.
      ITV games – including Portugal’s 3-0 win over Hungary – have featured more than twice as many goals as those shown on the BBCCredit: Alamy
      BBC games have seen just nine goals from six matches, with England’s 1-0 win over Croatia among thoseCredit: Getty
      The BBC appeared to have landed the biggest games, showing the first game of the ceremony – Italy’s 3-0 win over Turkey – and the opening ceremony.
      They also showed England, Scotland and Wales’ opening fixtures.
      But ITV have certainly been the luckier of the broadcasters in terms of excitement.
      While the six games on the Beeb have seen just nine goals shown – just 1.5 per game – ITV viewers have been treated to 19.
      That’s a staggering 3.2 goals per game.
      While the BBC has endured goal-shy matches such as England’s 1-0 win over Croatia and Spain’s 0-0 draw with Sweden, ITV have seen net-busters galore.
      In just six games, they have already shown Holland’s thrilling 3-2 win over Ukraine and Austria’s 3-1 victory over North Macedonia.
      On top of that, ITV have seen a further three games boasting three goals apiece, including Portugal’s 3-0 win over Hungary on Tuesday.

      BBC GAMES
      June 11 – Turkey 3-0 Italy
      June 12 – Wales 1-1 Switzerland
      June 12 – Denmark 0-1 Finland
      June 13 – England 1-0 Croatia
      June 14 – Scotland 0-2 Czech Republic
      June 14 – Spain 0-0 Sweden
      TOTAL GOALS = 9
      GOALS PER GAME = 1.5
      ITV GAMES
      June 12 – Belgium 3-0 Russia
      June 13 – Austria 3-1 North Macedonia
      June 13 – Holland 3-2 Ukraine
      June 14 – Poland 1-2 Slovakia
      June 15 – Hungary 0-3 Portugal
      June 15 – France 1-0 Germany
      TOTAL GOALS = 19
      GOALS PER GAME = 3.2

      Next up for the BBC is the Group B clash between Finland and Russia at 2pm.
      After that, Wales face Turkey at 5pm in their second Group A showdown.
      ITV have just one game on Wednesday – the 8pm kick-off between Italy and Switzerland.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      France beat Germany 1-0 in the first big clash of Euro 2020 More

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      Arnautovic slapped with one-match BAN after Austria star’s ‘insulting’ celebration in Euro 2020 win over North Macedonia

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      MARKO ARNAUTOVIC has been slapped with a one-match BAN for his ‘insulting’ celebration during Austria’s Euro 2020 win over North Macedonia.The former West Ham star, 32, scored his side’s third goal in the 89th minute to seal a 3-1 victory.
      Marko Arnautovic has been banned for one game by Uefa for his ‘insulting’ celebration during the win over North MacedoniaCredit: AP
      North Macedonia players claimed Arnautovic had racially abused Ezgjan Alioski and Egzon Bejtulai – two players with Albanian rootsCredit: AFP
      Arnautovic was held back by David Alaba as he celebrated wildly.
      After the game, furious North Macedonia players claimed Arnautovic had racially abused them, insisting the player had directed ‘insults’ at Ezgjan Alioski and Egzon Bejtulai – two players with Albanian roots.
      Arnautovic is an ethnic Serb, a country that does not recognise the former Yugoslav state as an independent nation.
      North Macedonia released a scathing statement ‘demanding the harshest punishment’, while Arnautovic swiftly denied any racism.
      After an investigation, Uefa have decided to ban Arnautovic for one game – Thursday night’s clash with Holland – for ‘insulting another player’.
      Earlier this week, in an official statement, the North Macedonian FA said: “The FFM strongly condemns the nationalistic outburst of Austrian player Marko Arnautovic, after a goal scored in yesterday’s match, addressed to Ezgjan Alioski.
      “At the same time, we inform you that we have submitted an official letter to Uefa demanding the harshest punishment for Arnautovic.
      “We are always against nationalism, discrimination and all other forms of insults and outbursts that are not in the spirit of football and values that we all stand together.

      “We will always stand up and defend the interests and dignity of Macedonian national players wherever they perform.”
      Arnautovic denied any racism, although he admitted to ‘heated words’ directed ‘to my friends from North Macedonia and Albania’.
      The Austria man said: “I would like to say one thing very clearly: I am not a racist.
      “I have friends in almost every country and I stand for diversity. Everyone who knows me is aware of that.”

      Tensions between Serbian players and those with Albanian roots surfaced in the 2018 World Cup.
      Three years ago, Swiss stars Granit Xhaka of Arsenal and Xherdan Shaqiri celebrated goals by making the ‘Albanian Eagle’ gesture, which riled the Serbs.
      Serbia called for them to be banned for ‘provocative gestures’ but instead both Xhaka and Shaqiri were fined £7,630 for ‘unsportsmanlike conduct’.
      And skipper Stefan Lichtsteiner was also fined £3,824 for making the gesture after Shaqiri’s winner.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Arnautovic has to be restrained by Alaba in wild celebrations after Austria beat North Macedonia More

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      Heidi Klum, 48, flashes underboob in revealing Instagram picture to show support for Germany at Euro 2020

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      HEIDI KLUM daringly cut her Germany shirt in half as she bid her country good luck in their Euros dream.Die Mannschaft took on France on Tuesday night with one of their most famous exports watching on.

      The supermodel, 48, posed in just the half-jersey and bikini bottom for her 8.1million Instagram followers.
      With two thumbs up, she captioned the image: “Good luck today Germany.”
      Klum watched on with husband Tom Kaulitz and posted a number of clips to her Stories as they tucked into pizza during the match.
      The couple began dating in 2017 and Kaulitz, the guitarist of electropop bang Tokio Hotel, also pulled on a Germany shirt to watch his team play.
      Bergisch Gladbach native Klum was ultimately left disappointed however as world champions France won 1-0 in Munich.
      Mats Hummels scored an own goal in the first-half before Les Bleus had two goals disallowed late on.

      The match was not short of controversy after Antonio Rudiger appeared to bite Paul Pogba.
      Benjamin Pavard was allowed to play on despite being knocked unconscious late in the game, an incident strongly condemned by brain injury charity Headway.
      And Germany boss Joachim Low was caught sniffing out his former bad habits.
      Klum’s side are back in action on Saturday and likely need to avoid defeat to keep their last-16 hopes alive when they face Portugal.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Heidi Klum strips down to her black lace bra to cut her own fringe ahead of America’s Got Talent return More

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      Most valuable Euro 2020 XI is worth one BILLION Euros and would dominate tournament with Kane, Lukaku and Mbappe

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      ENGLAND stars Harry Kane and Jadon Sancho both make the most valuable Euro 2020 XI.The Three Lions got their tournament off to a winning start for the first time in history.
      The most valuable XI of players at Euro 2020 is worth £890m, according to Transfermarkt
      Kane and Sancho both make the most valuable XI of Euro 2020 but Sterling narrowly misses outCredit: Reuters
      Raheem Sterling’s second-half strike ensured Gareth Southgate’s squad beat a stubborn, experienced Croatia side 1-0.
      Sancho was left out of the squad for the game, much to many fans’ bemusement.
      And it seems all the more strange when you consider the Borussia Dortmund star is among the most valuable team of players taking part at Euro 2020, based on Transfermarkt’s valuations.
      Sancho – a summer transfer target for Manchester United – is currently worth a sensational £86m.
      Dortmund are looking to recoup that to the final penny, with United’s first bid of the year £11m short, at £75m.
      But his £86m tag is enough for Sancho to make it into the Euro 2020 most valuable team worth €1.04BILLION (£890m) at right midfield.
      On the opposite wing, France star Kylian Mbappe is the priciest star, valued at £137m.
      The rest of the midfield is made up of Belgium star Kevin de Bruyne (£86m), Germany ace Joshua Kimmich and Holland’s Frenkie de Jong (both £77m).

      De Bruyne’s Belgium team-mate Thibaut Courtois (£52m) starts in goal ahead of a star-studded back-three.
      Portugal ace Ruben Dias and Holland’s Matthijs de Ligt (both £64m) are joined by France star Raphael Varane (£60m).
      Up front, England captain Kane (£103m) is joined by yet another Belgian Romelu Lukaku (£86m).
      Among the notable omissions, Portugal duo Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on the XI.
      Fernandes, valued at £81m, is beaten to the punch by De Bruyne, while Ronaldo’s stock has plummeted to £41m given his increasing age and expiring contract at Juventus.
      England stars Marcus Rashford (£77m) and Sterling (£81m) both narrowly fail to make the cut.
      Erling Haaland – the second most valuable player on that planet at £112m – isn’t at the tournament after Norway failed to qualify.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      France beat Germany 1-0 in the first big clash of Euro 2020 More