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    Michael Owen claims theory Bukayo Saka was too young to take penalty is ‘b*****s’ – and stats prove he may have a point

    FORMER England star Michael Owen has blasted claims that Bukayo Saka was ‘too young’ to take a penalty in England’s Euro 2020 final shootout defeat by Italy as ‘b******s’.And the 41-year-old might just have a point, after he listed the ages of players who have missed from the spot in major tournaments since the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
    Bukayo Saka missed his penalty sending Italy to tournament triumphCredit: Reuters

    Saka’s penalty was saved by Italy keeper Gianluigi Donarumma that meant England failed to win their first major tournament since the World Cup in 1966.
    It led to former Manchester United star and ITV pundit for the game Roy Keane critical that ‘a a shy 19-year-old young kid’ went up to take such a crucial spot-kick.
    SunSport’s expert columnist for Euro 2020, Roma boss Jose Mourinho, was also of the opinion that the weight of expectation should not have fallen on such young shoulders.
    But Owen has tweeted a list of all the players who have fluffed their lines from the spot in the last 21 years of major tournaments.
    And the youngest in this was Darius Vassell, who was 24 when he saw his effort saved by Portugal’s Ricardo in the quarter-finals of Euro 2004.
    In the tweet, Owen wrote: “Just checked the ages of players who’ve missed at major tournaments since Italia 90.
    “As I thought, the theory is absolute b******s.”
    Keane also appeared to take aim at the likes of Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish for not taking a penalty before Saka.

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    But Grealish, 25, has since has revealed he WANTED to take a penalty in England’s final shootout after being accused of not stepping up.
    He tweeted: “I said I wanted to take one!!!!”
    Southgate has come under fire for his choice of penalty takers, as well as his second-half tactics in the 1-1 draw.
    But the Villa skipper was quick to back Gareth Southgate’s choice of penalty takers.
    He added: “The gaffer has made so many right decisions through this tournament and he did tonight!
    “But I won’t have people say that I didn’t want to take a peno when I said I will.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Michael Owen has laughed off claims Saka was ‘too young’ to take a penaltyCredit: PA
    So much to debate following #EURO2020 but I simply can’t have this “too young at 19” theory to take a penalty. In fact, if my experiences are anything to go by it’s easier being young! Fearless, confident, no previous scars etc.— michael owen (@themichaelowen) July 13, 2021

    Roy Keane slams senior England stars for letting ‘young kid’ Bukayo Saka take crucial fifth penalty in Italy defeat More

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    Comedian Andrew Lawrence deletes his Twitter account after gigs cancelled over racist tweets to England players

    A COMEDIAN who said black England players are “bad at penalties” has deleted his Twitter account after a string of his shows were cancelled.Andrew Lawrence made racist remarks on Twitter about the Lions following their heartbreaking Euro 2020 defeat on Sunday.
    A comedian has seen a string of shows cancelled after he posted racist tweets following England’s heartbreaking defeat at the EurosCredit: EPA
    Andrew Lawrence has also been ditched by his agency after telling followers ‘black guys are bad at penalties’Credit: YouTube
    He initially told followers on the now-deleted account: “All I’m saying is the white guys scored.”
    The 41-year-old, who has previously featured on the BBC, then tweeted:  “I can see that this has offended a lot of people, and I’m sorry that black guys are bad at penalties.”
    In another, he said of Marcus Rashford: “Rather he’d practised his penalties and the kids had gone hungry.”
    As of this morning, the comedian’s Twitter account appears to have been deleted after the tweets provoked a furious reaction.
    Rashford, 23, was made an MBE last year for his efforts to feed the UK’s most vulnerable youngsters during the pandemic.
    Following a backlash, venues began pulling Lawrence’s planned shows – while he was ditched by his agents.
    In a post on Twitter, RBM Comedy – which represents high profile stars including Miles Jupp and Hugh Dennis – said: “RBM no longer represent Andrew Lawrence.”
    ‘RATHER KIDS HAD GONE HUNGRY’
    Chesham Comedy Club in Buckinghamshire is among the venues to pull out of a show.
    Bosses told the comedian on his now-deleted Twitter account: “I know you won’t particularly care, but we at Chesham Comedy Club will not tolerate racism in any form, so please consider your booking with us cancelled.”
    He was also due to play in Maidstone, Kent, in October, but that gig too has been cancelled after the venue said: “Andrew Lawrence has used social media platforms to express remarks that do not reflect the values of Parkwood Theatres.”
    Elsewhere, a Hampshire arts centre pulled a gig for January 2022 after labelling his tweets “racist”.
    Worcester’s Huntingdon Hall, Eastleigh’s Concorde Club, Rosehill Theatre in Cumbria and Scallywags Comedy Club in Gloucestershire have also cancelled dates on Lawrence’s forthcoming tour.
    Lawrence rose to comedy fame in 2003 after finishing runner-up in the Edinburgh Fringe’s So You Think You’re Funny competition.
    He followed-up by scooping top prize in the 2004 BBC New Act of the Year Competition.
    He’s also written and performed four series for BBC Radio 4, including the 2015 sitcom There Is No Escape.
    It comes after Boris Johnson, Harry Kane, Gareth Southgate and Prince William blasted vile racists who targeted Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho after their penalty misses.
    Racist morons began attacking three of the team’s black players with monkey emojis and vile abuse following England’s defeat.
    Crawl back under the rock from which you emerged.Boris Johnson
    A mural of Rashford in his hometown was also defaced.
    The Duke of Cambridge, who serves as president of The FA, tweeted: “I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match.
    “It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour.  
    “It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable. W.”
    Kane sent a clear message to those behind the disgusting abuse by telling them: “We don’t want you.”
    And the PM used a national address on Covid to tell those responsible to “crawl back under the rock from which you emerged”.
    Meanwhile, the Met Police confirmed they’ll be investigating racist posts.
    And firm Savills has suspended a worker after racist abuse was sent from his Twitter account.
    A post from Andrew Bone’s Twitter account branded the players the N word and claimed the England stars had “ruined it for us” after the loss.
    Estate agents Savills confirmed Bone was being investigated over the tweets this morning – before later adding he had since been suspended.
    ‘OUR TWITTERS WERE HACKED BY RACISTS’
    But Bone’s family claimed to The Sun that his account had been hacked – and he had reported the matter to police.
    They also say Bone is “not racist” and shut down his accounts when he began receiving messages late last night.
    Another Twitter user also claims his account was hacked after it was used to send racist messages.
    Children’s football coach Nick Scott, 50, says he had nothing to do with a vile tweet sent to Rashford.
    The dad-of-two from Powick, Worcestershire, also denied sending a sickening homophobic tweet aimed at the England women’s football team.
    A message posted to his account Scottywwfc said: “Marcus Rashford that MBE needs burning ya fake.

    “Pack them bags and get to ya own country.”
    The Wolves fan told Sun Online: “I didn’t send it mate – I’ve been hacked. I didn’t post it.
    “The first I learned about it was this morning when I woke up. I’m seeing my solicitor in the morning. I don’t know who hacked me.”
    Lawrence has now deleted his Twitter account after making sick jibes at hero RashfordCredit: Twitter
    Meanwhile, dad-of-two Nick Scott says has Twitter account was ‘hacked’ after it was used to send a racist message about Rashford, 23Credit: Facebook
    And Savills has suspended Andrew Bone after his account was used to tweet the n-word. He also claims he’s the victim of hacking
    Boris Johnson tells racist trolls ‘shame on you’ and ‘crawl back under your rock’ after England heroes targeted More

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    Lando Norris breaks silence on being mugged for £40k watch at Wembley and is ‘trying to get in zone’ for British GP

    LANDO NORRIS has posted an emotional message thanking his supporters after his £40,000 watch was stolen by thugs outside Wembley.The FA have been charged by Uefa after Wembley descended into a warzone at the Euro final — when 2,500 ticketless, drunken thugs stormed the stadium.
    Lando Norris had his £40k watch stolen by thugs outside Wembley after the Euro 2020 finalCredit: Instagram
    The 21-year-old was targeted by thugs while making his way back to his £165k McLaren GT carCredit: Rex
    He has posted this message to his followers on Instagram todayCredit: Instagram
    Terrified families called security for the showpiece event a shambles, with fights breaking out around the ground.
    Britain’s Formula One ace Norris was also mugged for his £40k watch after England’s shootout defeat to Italy.
    The 21-year-old is believed to have been surrounded by a group of people while making his way back to his £165,000 McLaren GT car.
    He was grabbed by one and his prototype Richard Mille watch was forcibly taken, which left the speedster shaken but thankfully physically unharmed.
    His F1 team McLaren released a statement after the incident was exclusively reported by Sun Sport.
    Now Norris has spoken directly to his 3.4 million followers on Instagram about the matter.
    He wrote: “Hi world. Thanks for all the messages everyone.
    “Really means a lot to see so many messages of kindness and love from you all.
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    “Thought I’d let you know that I am doing well I’m trying to make sure that I am ready and in the right zone for this weekend to perform at my best.
    “Love you all and can’t wait to see so many of you back at the track this weekend.”
    Players’ families were caught up in skirmishes, children were   left in tears, a female security guard was trampled and a disabled entrance stormed.
    Last night, there were calls for the FA, which owns Wembley ­stadium, to step up security, amid fears any bids to host future World Cups would be harmed.
    Moments before kick-off on Sunday night, drunk hooligans surged through cordons, sparking chaos.
    Fans who paid £900 and more for tickets then found yobs in their seats refusing to budge. 
    ITV reveal fans without tickets did manage to break into Wembley before England’s huge Euro 2020 final game against Italy
    Friends and families of stars including captain Harry Kane, John Stones, Raheem Sterling and Harry Maguire also saw trouble unfold as dozens barged into their section.
    A source said: “All the players had their kids in there. It was ­terrifying. The wives, girlfriends and children were all crying. There were a couple of fights.
    “None of the relatives or friends had seen anything like this before. They arrived to find seats taken by fans without tickets. And they were rude and really aggressive.
    “It got really nasty and was very upsetting. There were not enough stewards and no police in sight.”
    Rugby star Mike Tindall, 42, and his royal wife Zara, 40, saw two men fighting near their seats — so the burly World Cup winner stepped in.
    One fan suffered a ­broken nose, with Princess Anne’s daughter Zara mopping up blood from her seat with a hankie. More

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    Marcus Rashford says he’s ‘lost for words’ as he thanks hundreds who took knee in Stand Against Racism vigil after abuse

    MARCUS Rashford said tonight he’s “lost for words” as he thanked hundreds of protesters who took the knee at a Stand Up To Racism vigil after the England hero was targeted with vile abuse.Demonstrators showed their support at a mural to the Three Lions ace after he and teammates endured sickening racist abuse following Sunday’s heartbreaking Euro 2020 defeat.
    Demonstrators took the knee as they showed solidarity with England stars who were racially abused after Sunday’s Euro 2020 final defeatCredit: PA
    Rashford tonight said he was ‘overwhelmed’ by the support at the demonstrationCredit: Twitter
    The mural to Rashford, which was painted in his childhood hometown of Withington, South Manchester, was daubed with obscenities less than an hour after the penalty shooutout defeat to Italy.
    Swear words and the name ‘Saka’ were painted across the artwork. Cops are treating the vandalism as hate crime.
    But locals have since worked together to cover the abuse with notes dedicated to the champ, who was last year honoured with an MBE for his work to feed hungry kids during the pandemic.
    Rashford retweeted photos from this evening’s vigil with a heart emoji, and wrote: “Overwhelmed. Thankful. Lost for words.”
    It comes as:

    One photo he shared showed two young children holding a sign saying: “Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear football boots. We love you Rashford”.
    The mural painted on the wall of Coffee House Café is now covered with tributes from the Manchester United forward’s fans.
    Crowds took the knee at this evening’s demonstration in solidarity and held ‘Black Lives Matter’ placards.
    Anti-racism campaigners held this evening’s rally after Rashford and England teammates Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho were targeted with racist abuse online.
    One message of support on the mural read: “Our 3 cubs will turn into 3 roaring lions”.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Paper love hearts declaring the Three Lions ace a “hero” and “role model” now cover the cruel messages.
    Another message read: “I can take or leave football but I cannot take or leave people like you.
    “Thank you for your passion, compassion and desire to change lives.”
    Another said: “Dear Marcus, please know that you are so admired and people find you an inspiration.”
    ‘OVERWHELMING’
    In a message last night, Rashford said he has been deeply moved by fans’ support.
    He said: “I can take critique of my performance all day long, my penalty wasn’t good enough, it should have gone in.
    “But I will never apologise for who I am and where I came from.
    “I’ve felt no prouder moment than wearing these three lions on my chest and seeing my family cheer me in a crowd of tens of thousands.
    “The messages I’ve received today have been positively overwhelming and seeing the response in Withington had me on the verge of tears.”
    The heroes made three unsuccessful England penalty bids during the nail-biting shootout.
    Moments after the game ended, sick racists sent vile messages and monkey emojis over social media.
    Prince William, Boris Johnson and Harry Kane are among those to blast the disgusting thugs behind the abuse, while millions of fans have been left deeply shocked.
    Rashord shared a letter of support sent by nine-year-old fan Dexter Rosier after his penalty miss.
    Thank you for your passion, compassion and desire to change lives.
    The schoolboy’s letter said: “I hope you won’t be sad for too long because you are such a good person.
    “Last year you inspired me to help people less fortunate. Then last night you inspired me again, to always be brave.
    “I’m proud of you. You will always be a hero.”
    Susanna Reid struggled with tears on Good Morning Britain as she read the youngster’s message aloud.
    Breaking off as she struggled not to let her emotions bubble over, she added: “I hope Marcus feels everything that’s coming through from this letter and all the messages of support.”

    The mural was painted in November to honour Rashford’s selfless work to feed poverty-stricken kids.
    Police have confirmed they’re investigating. No arrests have yet been made.
    Cops in London are also probing the racist abuse posted on social media.
    Manchester residents came out to show their support for the United strikerCredit: Reuters
    Protesters gathered to stand in support with the England stars at the demonstrationCredit: Reuters
    The mural in South Manchester was plastered with support for the Manchester United aceCredit: Getty
    Rashford was devastated after England’s defeat in the Euro 2020 final on SundayCredit: Reuters
    Hundreds leave messages of support after Marcus Rashford’s mural is defaced More

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    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer backs ‘brave’ Marcus Rashford to carry on volunteering to take penalties at Man Utd

    MARCUS RASHFORD will be the first one to put his hand up to take a penalty kick if it ever gets to a shootout with Manchester United.That’s the view of his boss at Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, after the Three Lions star missed a crucial spot-kick in the Euro 2020 final shootout against Italy.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reckons Marcus Rashford will not hesitate if asked to take another penalty for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Rashford missed a crucial penalty for England in their Euro 2020 final loss to ItalyCredit: Reuters
    Solskjaer said: “You learn from it and definitely come back stronger. I’ve not seen many people, at this club anyway, who lay down and say I’ll not take a penalty anymore.
    “I know Marcus is going to put his hand up and say he wants to take one for us.”
    It was Rashford who famously stepped up and slammed home an injury time spot-kick to send United through against PSG in the Champions League two years ago.
    And Solskjaer says that sort of bravery is what sets you apart.
    He said: “You know the thing is when you step up to take a penalty, I think you’ve already won.
    “You’ve taken on the responsibility and I’m sure many of the players are hoping I don’t want to take a penalty.
    “So I think it’s a great character trait to step up and say I will deal with it, and the consequences. You might be the hero or the one who misses. That’s football.”
    Solskjaer was also full of praise for full-back Luke Shaw who had a brilliant tournament and scored England’s second minute opener in the final.
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    He believes it was a result of him encouraging Shaw to get further forward from his defensive role.
    He said: “I’m so happy for Luke. I was watching it and ‘what’s just happened?’
    “He started the attack and we’ve encouraged him to get into the last third.
    “We know how technically gifted he is and skilful he is and he hit the ball very, very sweetly.
    “He keeps his eye on the ball, straight laces and it’s margins again – off the post and in, not off the post and out.
    “That’s football for you. Luke deserves all the luck he can get. He’s had a tremendous couple of years with us.”
    Solskjaer shared in the flat feeling that has followed England’s final defeat on penalties.
    He said: “One kick decides the whole mood. An even game, maybe Italy bossed possession a little bit, of course.

    “But when it comes to penalty shootouts, anything can happen, as we know from our own last game.
    “It’s hard on the boys but that’s football sometimes. You just have to deal with it and move on.
    “I know the whole atmosphere in the country has been so great and, of course, it’s an anti-climax. I know that.”
    Marcus Rashford mural in Withington covered in hundreds of new tributes after player suffered racist abuse More

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    Jack Grealish megafan ‘Mrs Grealish 69’ wants to ‘collaborate’ with Villa star but still waiting for him to get in touch

    JACK Grealish megafan ‘Mrs Grealish 69’ is keen to ‘collaborate’ with her Aston Villa idol – but she’s still waiting for him to get in touch.The saucy and determined blonde – who has gone viral after waving a football shirt with “Mrs Grealish 69” on the back – has been revealed as Darcie Philp, 28.
    Naughty but nice – ‘Mrs Grealish 69’ has been unveiled as Darcie PhilpCredit: MEN Media
    The Three Lions fan went to the game with her sister Saskia Philp, rightCredit: MEN Media
    She popped up on the big screen in front of millions of Euro 2020 viewers during England’s devastating loss on Sunday night at Wembley.
    Darcie had been waving her sister’s ‘distasteful’ football top at her Three Lions crush as the ace got ready to play for England in the final against Italy.
    Minutes after the big match ended she took her phone off airplane mode, and it “went mental” with Darcie’s suggestive proposition prompting plenty of jokes, she said.
    However, the social media sensation was also rudely told that she is “old enough” to be his mum. Grealish is 25 years old.
    She confirmed too that, sadly, her favourite star “hasn’t got in touch – I think he is playing hard to get.
    “Maybe his girlfriend wouldn’t be best pleased if he did though.”
    Everybody wants to be Mrs Grealish.Darcie Philp
    Memes of her holding the naughty jersey while excitedly screaming have even been shared by fashion giant Boohoo – which is modelled by the Aston Villa player’s stunning partner, Sasha Attwood.
    Talking to the Manchester Evening News, Darcie jokingly suggested the pair should ‘collaborate’, and joked that she was still waiting for Jack to slide into her DMs.
    Handsome Grealish has been pinpointed as a ‘B-list David Beckham” – particularly among legions of fans in America.
    He’s also been dubbed the “ultimate no-strings crush” and an “accidental object of lust” by Grazia.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    A breathless Darcie admitted: “Everybody wants to be Mrs Grealish.
    “We didn’t bring the shirt to end up on telly. The shirt is actually my sister’s – she was sitting next to me. It comes from a long-running joke.
    “My sister claims to be a die-hard [Manchester] United fan and even though she is a United fan she goes on and on about Grealish to wind up her Spurs housemate.
    “They just say she’s more interested in Grealish’s calves than she is any United results.
    “So when it came to her birthday they chose the Zebra third kit from United to make the most distasteful shirt with the big pattern and requested ‘Mrs Grealish 69’ to be put on the back.”
    ‘HIGHLIGHT OF EURO 2020’
    She added: “When we went to the game I was like we NEED to bring it because I love Grealish, but she didn’t want to touch it.
    “I said she should wear it but she said ‘Darcie, it’s a Man-U shirt with Grealish on the back, I will get abused’.”
    Darcie said that when she spotted Grealish warming up to go on “I was just so excited – I was like ‘woooo’.
    “Some people have commented, saying they don’t get why his name is on the shirt but it was always just a stitch-up.”
    Having watched the Germany and Denmark games at Wembley with her best pal Connor Handley-Collins, she said the pair had considered themselves ‘lucky charms’ – until Sunday’s result, of course.
    “I’m almost bankrupt but I thought, well if I am the lucky charm and I don’t go to the final then it is on my head,” the diehard fan added.
    Since hitting the screens she’s had ‘loads of messages’, including ‘nice ones’ saying she ‘made them laugh through the tears’ and that she is the ‘highlight of the Euros’.

    Unsurprisingly, the clip of her showing her love for Grealish was the talk of Twitter.
    ‘Oli’ wrote that his ‘head had fallen off’ after seeing the excited fan with another adding that she was ‘a hero’.
    Luis Paez-Pumar posted that the woman was his ‘new icon’ while Mike Williams wrote that seeing her left him ‘howling’.
    England fell to a 3-2 penalty shoot-out loss to Italy as the wait to win a major tournament goes on.
    Jack Grealish has been labelled a ‘B-list David Beckham’Credit: Getty
    Darcie Philp with best friend Connor Handley-Collins at the big gameCredit: MEN Media
    Darcie Philp is now better known as ‘Mrs Grealish 69’. She went to the game with her sister Saskia Philp, rightCredit: MEN Media
    Darcie Philp and pal Connor Handley-Collins were hoping to bring lots of good luck to the Three Lions battleCredit: MEN Media
    Proud dad posts moment England hero Jack Grealish gives his boots to young fan after final after Euro 2021 final defeat More

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    Uefa charge FA over pitch invasion, objects thrown and fans booing Italian national anthem in England’s Euro 2020 final

    UEFA have charged the FA over FOUR separate incidents which took place during Sunday’s Euro 2020 final at Wembley.European football’s governing body has come down hard on the FA after a number of incidents before and during the clash between England and Italy.
    The FA have been charged over four incidents at the Euro 2020 final, including the pitch invaderCredit: Reuters
    One of the other charges appears to involve the stadium break-in ahead of the matchCredit: PA
    Disciplinary proceedings have been opened over a pitch invasion, throwing of objects by fans, booing the Italian national anthem and the stadium break-in.
    A Uefa statement read: “Disciplinary proceedings have been opened following the Uefa Euro 2020 final match between the national teams of Italy and England, played on 11 July at Wembley Stadium, London.
    “Charges against The England Football Association:

    Invasion of the field of play by its supporters – Article 16(2)(a) of the Uefa Disciplinary Regulations (DR)

    Throwing of objects by its supporters – Article 16(2)(b) DR

    Disturbance caused by its supporters during the national anthem – Article 16 (2)(g) DR

    “The case will be dealt with by the Uefa Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDR) in due course.
    “Separately, and in accordance with Article 31(4) DR, a Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation into events involving supporters which occurred inside and around the stadium.”
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    One of the charges against the FA involves the booing heard over Italy’s national anthemCredit: Getty

    Ahead of the game at Wembley, eager Three Lions supporters pushed past barricades as cops desperately tried to stop the wave of supporters.
    Some stadium staff claimed ‘hundreds’ of supporters were involved in knocking down or climbing over perimeter fencing at about 5.30pm.
    SunSport witnessed dozens of fans, including children, sprinting across the concourse at the lowest level of the stadium at the top of Wembley Way.
    Police officers were called in to help find and eject the invaders.
    During the game itself, a section of England fans loudly booed the Italian national anthem despite pre-match cries to be respectful.
    Objects were also thrown by some home supporters, while a pitch invader – Little Mix singer Adam Harison – stormed onto the field of play late in the game and gave stewards a long chase.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Pitch invader chased by security before being bundled off the field during Euro 2020 final More

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    Italy manager Roberto Mancini carried lucky blue horseshoe gifted by his children in his bag throughout Euro 2020

    ROBERTO MANCINI’S kids hoped they would bring their old man good luck at Euro 2020 – by gifting him a blue horseshoe before the tournament.The Italy boss carried the Azzurri-coloured present in his bag throughout his side’s campaign.
    Mancini’s son Andrea revealed he and his siblings gave their dad a blue horseshoe for good luck that he carried throughout Euro 2020Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Fortune was certainly with Mancini’s team in Sunday’s final as they beat England on penalties at Wembley to lift a first title since 1968.
    Youngest son Andrea, 28, revealed: “Before the tournament, my siblings and I gifted him a blue horseshoe, telling him it would bring good luck. He’s kept it in his bag.
    “Three years ago, he was the only one to believe Italy could achieve this result.”
    But unfortunately the youngest Mancini was forced to watch the first half of his dad’s Euro triumph from the stadium steps.
    He claimed that a ticketless fan had stolen his seat so the steps was the best alternative for him to catch the action.
    Luckily Andrea found a better vantage point in the second period which he reckons could’ve given the Italian team some good luck.
    He said: “There was a mess with ticketless fans and my seat had been taken, so I had to watch the first half sitting on the stadium’s steps.
    “I found another place in the second half. Perhaps it brought good luck.”
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    Ex-Manchester City boss Mancini was appointed in 2018 after Italy failed to qualify for the Russia World Cup.
    He has masterminded a 34-game unbeaten run which has culminated in Euro glory, diverting football from coming home to going to Rome.
    The 56-year-old said “I was due this” after winning on spot-kicks, having suffered the same fate as the English as a player.
    Mancini did not win a major trophy as an Azzurri player, finishing third at Italia 90 and runner-up at the Under-21 Euros in 1986.
    He added: “I was very fortunate to play in a great side in 1990 and a terrific Under-21 team.
    “Despite the fact we were the best team, we didn’t win it and lost both times on penalties.”

    Mancini was in tears after Sunday night’s dramatic triumph.
    He explained: “It was the emotion which happens after achieving something incredible.
    “It was the emotion of seeing the guys celebrate and the fans in the stands.”
    Italy squad meet President Mattarella in wake of their Euro 2020 victory More