Euro 2020

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      Russia in Euro 2020 blow as ex-Chelsea star Yuri Zhirkov is ruled out of entire tournament through injury

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      YURI ZHIRKOV will miss the remainder of Euro 2020, Russia manager Stanislav Cherchesov has confirmed.The defender, 37, was forced off through injury in the first half of Russia’s opening game against Belgium on Saturday.
      Yuri Zhirkov is the fifth oldest player at the tournament but will miss the rest of Russia’s campaign

      Russia were 2-0 down at the time and lost 3-0 after Romelu Lukaku scored his second goal of the game late on.
      Cherchesov has been unable to identify the issue plaguing Zhirkov, but revealed bad news for fans at a press conference on Tuesday.
      He said: “As for [Yuri] Zhirkov, I can’t say for sure the diagnosis, but I’m afraid that we lost Zhirkov for the entire tournament.”
      Russia host Finland on Wednesday at the Krestovsky Stadium in St. Petersburg.
      Getting a positive result will be vital to their hopes of progressing from the group, as Finland won their opening match against Denmark.
      Those three points leave Markku Kanerva’s side in second place behind Belgium, so a draw or win will almost guarantee qualification.
      Belgium vs Denmark takes place a day later on Thursday and the Danes will surely be aiming to do Christian Eriksen proud.
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      They ended up losing to Finland after the game resumed after suspension, though Kasper Schmeichel believes it was wrong to continue that match.
      Meanwhile, Russia will also be hoping to give a better account of their ability, having reached the quarter-final of the 2018 World Cup.
      Russia are ranked 16 places above Finland, placing 38th in the FIFA World Rankings, so may be confident of winning their first points of the tournament, despite the absence of Zhirkov.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Turkey vs Wales live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Euro 2020 match More

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      Aaron Ramsdale back in Bournemouth when he got dream Euro 2020 call up for England after Dean Henderson injury

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      AARON RAMSDALE was back in Bournemouth when he received his dream Euros call.The Sheffield United stopper, 23, was drafted into England’s squad after Manchester United’s Dean Henderson was forced to withdraw due to a hip problem.
      Aaron Ramsdale has received an unexpected call-up to England’s squadCredit: PA
      Ramsdale could play a role for Gareth Southgate’s side if more injuries strikeCredit: Getty
      Ramsdale still has a flat down in Bournemouth, having spent three seasons with the Cherries between 2017-2020.
      He was back down there on Monday and received a standby call late that night, with the Three Lions’ hierarchy fearing the worst over Henderson’s fitness.
      Uncapped Ramsdale, who was in Gareth Southgate’s provisional 34-man squad, then received confirmation on Tuesday morning not long before it was announced officially by the FA.
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      Henderson was on the bench for England’s opening win over Croatia at Wembley in Euro 2020.
      But his tournament was ended prematurely after his hip injury forced him to withdraw.
      Under Uefa rules, teams are allowed to replace goalkeepers on medical grounds at any time.

      Rio Ferdinand loves Declan Rice bill board sign outside Wembley Stadium More

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      Who is France vs Germany referee Carlos del Cerro Grande and which other games is he taking charge of at Euro 2020?

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      SPAIN’S man in the middle at the Euro 2020 this summer Carlos del Cerro Grande.The Euros is his first major international tournament as a ref.
      Carlos del Cerro Grande has no problem taking charge of big matchesCredit: AFP or licensors
      But Grande is no stranger to big competitions, Grande was the fourth official for the 2021 Champions League final and has officiated some high-profile games in the past.
      The Spaniard took charge of Manchester United’s 6-2 thrashing of Roma in this seasons Europa League semi-final and Manchester City’s 2-1 Champions League victory at Borussia Dortmund in April.
      Who is Carlos del Cerro Grande?
      Grande began refereeing in Spain’s third tier in 2006 and as his stock rose at lower level, he was promoted to the Spanish second division six years later.
      A Police agent by profession, Grande continued to impress and made his La Liga bow in 2011 where he is now one of Spain’s top referees.
      The 45-year-old oversaw his first Champions League qualifying game in 2013 and two years later, the Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Sevilla where he sent off both Javier Mascherano and Ever Banega.
      The Madrid native is unable to officiate El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona but has been given the task of overseeing international and even had a short stint in Saudi Arabia’s professional league.
      In 2016, Grande was the recipient of the prestigious Vicente Acebedo Trophy, an annual award by the Spanish Football Federation to the best referees in Spain.
      He is no stranger to Wembley Stadium as he took charge of England’s 3-0 friendly win over Republic of Ireland in November 2020.
      What is his refereeing style?
      Grande is known for a common-sense style of refereeing when making decisions, opting to allow games to flow.

      His experience and know-how of when to intervene has elevated him to the top of the Spanish game.
      What games is he taking charges of at Euro 2020?
      This has not yet been confirmed but he is expected to officiate in both the group stages and the latter rounds of the tournament. More

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      Why is Sergio Ramos not playing for Spain at Euro 2020?

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      SPAIN boss Luis Enrique’s sensational decision to leave out Sergio Ramos from his final Euro 2020 squad shocked La Roja fans.But why was the decision made to not take one Spain’s most iconic players to the tournament?
      Sergio Ramos will be watching Euro 2020 from his sofaCredit: Reuters
      Why isn’t Sergio Ramos playing for Spain?
      The Real Madrid star has been a constant feature for Spain over the years and has amassed an incredible 180 international appearances.
      Ramos played a key part in Spain’s qualification for this exact tournament starting nine out of ten qualifying matches.
      The now 35-year-old was also a key tenet in helping his country to European Championship success twice as well as World Cup glory in 2010.
      However, Ramos’s omission from the squad means he will not reap another opportunity to help them add more silverware to their trophy cabinet.
      Ramos hasn’t enjoyed the best of campaign’s with Real MadridCredit: Getty
      The centre-back’s lack of playing time which has seen him sidelined for the most part of this season added with Real Madrid’s terrible campaign has been labelled as the reason why he’s not in the squad.
      An injury struck season has meant Ramos has only been able to feature 21 times in all competitions for Los Blancos this term.
      The Real Madrid captain went through a successful knee operation in January, but still only started two games in 2021.

      Spain boss Luis Enrique said: “Ramos has not been able to compete this season, he has not been able to train with the group.
      “I clearly see that it’s a complicated decision. I recommended that he be selfish and that he regains his level to play in his club and in the national team.”
      Ramos’ exclusion amazingly means it is the first time EVER that no Madrid player has been included in a Spanish squad for a major tournament.
      Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte was named in the squad following his switch of allegiance from France and club compatriot Eric Garcia was also included despite having only featured in ONE Premier League game this season.

      Enrique added: “Any decision I made about Sergio Ramos would have been controversial.
      “I know where I am, and accept there will be noise from the media.
      “The Aymeric Laporte decision has nothing to do with the Ramos situation. [Ramos] is a top player, can help our national team a lot, plays at one of the best clubs in history.
      “Please don’t mix Ramos not being in the squad with call-ups for others. I’d have liked him to be here, to have recovered.”
      Ramos’ void meant that Sergio Busquets was appointed captain, however the 32-year-old had to withdraw from the squad after testing postive from Covid-19 – meaning that one of the elder statesmen, Jordi Alba, has inherited the captain’s armband.
      Spain face Sweden in their Euro group opener on June 14 before taking on Poland five days later and Slovakia on June 23.
      Spain squad for Euro 2020

      Goalkeepers: David de Gea, Unai Simon, Robert Sanchez.
      Defenders: Jordi Alba, Jose Gaya, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Torres, Diego Llorente, Eric Garcia, Marcos Llorente, Cesar Azpilicueta.
      Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Thiago, Rodri, Koke, Pedri, Fabian.
      Forwards: Alvaro Morata, Dani Olmo, Pablo Sarabia, Gerard Moreno, Mikel Oyarzabal, Adama Traore, Ferran Torres. More

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      Why is Mesut Ozil not playing for Germany at Euro 2020?

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      WORLD CUP winner Mesut Ozil will not be running out for Germany in this summer’s Euros.Ozil racked up 94 caps for Germany between 2009-2018, scoring 23 goals and laying on 43 assists and is considered by many to be one of the German greats.
      Ozil won’t be appearing for the Germans as they go for glory at Euro 2020Credit: Reuters
      Why is Mesut Ozil not playing for Germany?
      The midfielder was instrumental in Joachim Low’s style of play and Die Mannschaft’s infamous 2014 World Cup glory – but was unable to help his side defend their title four years later in Russia.
      Germany’s poor showing in the 2018 World Cup meant they were eliminated in the group stages and Ozil subsequently announced his retirement from international football, citing racism as the main reason behind his decision.
      The 32-year-old, who has ancestral roots in Turkey, was heavily criticized by the press for meeting up and posing for a photograph with the country’s president Recep Tayyip Erdogen, despite the World Cup winner denying any wrongdoing.
      Erdogan was also reportedly the best man at the player’s wedding in Turkey.
      Ozil is now plying his trade in Turkey with FenerbacheCredit: Reuters
      Ozil’s seven-year tenure at Arsenal was then promptly terminated and after finding success in his first initial years at the Emirates Stadium, he barely appeared for The Gunners towards the end of his stay.
      Ozil was the highest-paid player at the club on a reported £350,000 a week.
      The midfielder was shifted to Fenerbahce on an initial loan deal in January until the end of the season, which would result in a free transfer to the Turkish club at the start of the 2021/2022 season.

      During Ozil’s singing ceremony, the experienced playmaker said: “If I go on a road, I will never come back. So I will not play in the German National Team anymore.
      “I wish them success, but I will never play for them again”.
      Ozil also ruled out the possibility of returning to play his club football in Germany before he hangs up his boots insisting that he has no plans for a Bundesliga homecoming in the future.
      Asked if he has dreamt of going back to the German top-flight at some point, Ozil replied curtly: “No, I haven’t.”

      Back in September 2020, DFB general secretary Friedrich Curtis admitted the German football organisation made mistakes with the way they handled Ozil and missed out on their chance to rectify the situation with the player
      Curtis said: “The DFB made mistakes in dealing with the events surrounding the Ozil case.
      “A photo became a burning glass for many topics. The moment there were racist allegations, we missed the time to meet with the player.”
      Germany’s ‘Group of Death’ will see them take on reigning World Cup champions France on June 15, before Euro holders Portugal four days later and Hungary on June 23. More

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      Angry Denmark boss rages at Uefa ‘Covid allows postponement but cardiac arrest doesn’t’ after Christian Eriksen collapse

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      FUMING Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand raged that Uefa rules allow a postponement for coronavirus but not following a cardiac arrest.Christian Eriksen collapsed just before half-time, requiring CPR and a defibrillator shock to resuscitate him on the pitch in Copenhagen.
      Kasper Hjulmand slammed Uefa for allowing postponements for coronavirus but not Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrestCredit: AP
      The Danish head coach was managing on the pitch just 90 minutes after Eriksen was taken awayCredit: Getty
      But Hjulmand’s side were forced to play the remaining 50 minutes of Saturday’s Euro 2020 clash against Finland, taking to the field around 90 minutes after seeing their team-mate rushed to hospital.
      And he hit out at Uefa once again for their handling of the situation.
      Speaking to the press today ahead of Thursday’s game with Belgium, Hjulmand said: “Coronavirus allows you to postpone a match for 48 hours.
      “A cardiac arrest obviously does not. That, I think, is wrong. 
      “There is learning here. It was not the right decision to continue playing. 
      “The boys showed so much strength by going out and playing on. 
      “But I do not think it was the right thing to give us and the players the choice to go out and finish play on Saturday or Sunday.”
      Uefa gave Denmark the choice to either conclude the Finland clash on Saturday night or come back on Sunday lunchtime.
      The world held its breath after Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch

      Peter Schmeichel, former Danish goalkeeper and father of Kasper who was in goal on Saturday, revealed Uefa threatened his country with a 3-0 forfeit if they did not take one of those options.
      Uefa categorically deny the claim but Schmeichel said: “They said the players insisted on playing. I know that not to be the truth. Or that’s how you see the truth.
      “They were left with three options. One was to play immediately and get the last 50 minutes played.
      “The next one was to come in yesterday at 12 noon and finish the 50 minutes.
      “And the third option was to forfeit the game and lose 3-0.
      “So, you know, work it out for yourself. Is it the players’ wish to play? Did they have any choice really? I don’t think they had.
      Christian Eriksen’s life was saved by the fast reactions of team-mates and medics
      “And as you can hear from yesterday’s press conference, the coach seriously regrets putting the players back on the pitch.”
      Eriksen is stable and recovering in hospital following the shocking weekend events.
      He gave a thumbs up from his bed on Tuesday morning and shared a message on his Instagram.
      The Inter Milan star wrote: “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.
      “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.”
      Danish keeper Kasper Schmeichel says it was ‘damn nice’ to see Christian Eriksen ‘laugh and be himself’ in hospital after cardiac arrest More

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      Watch Cristiano Ronaldo remove Coca-Cola bottles at Portugal press conference and shout ‘drink water’

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      THIS is the moment Cristiano Ronaldo removes bottles of Coca-Cola at a press conference before declaring: Drink water!Ronnie, 36, has made no secret of his dedication and commitment to a strict diet.
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      Cristiano Ronaldo removed bottles of Coke from his Portugal press conference
      Ronaldo told those present to drink water instead
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      The Juventus star eats clean and nutritious food SIX times a day in his bid to play at the highest level.
      And there is absolutely no room for sugar in Ronaldo’s books.
      The Portugal captain appeared to take offence when presented with Coke bottles at a press conference before Tuesday’s Euros clash with Hungary.
      Wearing a bemused expression, Ronaldo grabbed the two containers of fizzy pop that were placed in front of his microphone before moving them out of sight.
      The ex-Man United and Real Madrid ace then produced a bottle of water, which he waved at journalists before declaring: “Drink water!”
      SunSport revealed how Ronaldo eats six meals each day to stay in tip-top shape.
      His meals include steak, calamari and even fresh swordfish.
      And Ronaldo takes up to FIVE naps a day to help him digest the grub.

      Royal Ascot day one special 🏇🎩

      However, Ronnie admitted earlier this year that he does enjoy the odd pizza as a guilty pleasure.
      Ronaldo revealed last year he gets irritated when son Cristiano Jr asks to have fizzy drinks or crisps. the 10-year-old is partial to a bottle of coke and packet of crisps.
      He said: “We’ll see if my son will become a great footballer.
      “Sometimes he drinks coke and eats crisps and it irritates me, he knows that.
      “Sometimes I tell my son to take a dip in cold water to recover after a run on the treadmill and he says, ‘Dad, it’s so cold there’.
      “That’s fine, he is only 10 years old.”
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      Meanwhile, the veteran has also addressed links with a return to Man United.
      At the same press conference as the Coke bottles, he said: “I have been playing at the highest level for many years, this doesn’t faze me.
      “Maybe if I was 18 or 19 I might have had some sleepless nights, but I’m 36. Whatever comes will be for the best regardless of staying at Juve or being transferred.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo refuses to rule out emotional Man Utd transfer return and says ‘whatever comes will be for the best’ More

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      How many children does Gary Lineker have?

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      FORMER England footballer and BBC presenter Gary Lineker is a father to four sons shared with his ex-wife Michelle Cockayne. George, Harry, Tobias, and Angus are all sons to the broadcaster, who recently announced that he was leaving BT Sport as their Champions League presenter.
      Gary Lineker (centre) with sons (from left to right) Angus, Harry, George and TobiasCredit: Splash News

      The England football legend, 60, joined the channel in 2015 but quit after the Champions League final last month to follow his beloved Leicester City in Europe next season with his sons.
      How old are Gary Lineker’s sons?

      George – 29
      Harry – 27
      Tobias – 25
      Angus – 23

      Gary’s eldest son George is co-founder of YourBusinessNumber, a service that allows people to separate work and personal life by providing a business number.
      And last week George and dad Gary were snapped enjoying a spot of lunch before Lineker senior began presenting duties for the BBC’s coverage of Euro 2020.

      Lineker’s second eldest Harry works as a producer, while youngest Angus is currently a business development manager.
      The BBC presenter shared a picture of him and his four sons together at the beginning of April enjoying a spot of lunch after some Coronavirus restrictions were lifted.
      The five of them are reportedly very close to each other, and will travel Europe together next season to follow Leicester’s Europa League campaign, only the sixth time the Foxes have featured in a European competition.

      Lineker with sons George and Tobias

      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.
      Gary Lineker played 80 times for England in his career, scoring 48 goals More