Euro 2020

IN the summer of 2016, Eder was a national hero in Portugal after coming off the bench to score his side’s winner in extra-time in the final of the European Championship.The striker, now 33, climbed off the bench to replace Renato Sanches late in the 90 minutes at the Stade de France.
Eder was Portugal’s hero at Euro 2016 as he scored the extra-time winner in the finalCredit: —
Most-recently Eder trudged around the Wembley pitch parading the Euro 2020 trophy ahead of England’s penalty shootout defeat to ItalyCredit: Getty
With Cristiano Ronaldo off the pitch after picking up an injury, Eder took his chance to be the hero by scoring in the 109th minute to give Portugal a sensational win and break the hearts of French fans.
But now, five years on, Eder has all but been forgotten – only popping into fans’ heads after carrying the Euro 2020 trophy around Wembley ahead of kick-off on Sunday.
Many viewers noticed the forward looked stony-faced bordering on miserable.
But for Eder, the trudge around the pitch in front of 65,000 fans may have reminded him just how far he’s fallen.
We take a look at just what happened to the striker since that iconic night in 2016.
A year prior to the tournament, Eder joined then-Premier League side Swansea in a £5million deal from Portuguese giants Braga.
But after failing to score in his first 15 games, the striker was loaned to Ligue 1 side Lille for the remainder of the season.
Eder scored six times in 13 games to squeeze his way into the Portugal squad alongside Ronaldo, Nani, Sanches and Co.
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Eder’s 109th-minute goal sparked wild celebrations on the pitch as Portugal edged past FranceCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Ronaldo and Nani had been the main men throughout the tournament, with three goals apiece as they beat Poland and Wales in the knockout stages to reach the final against France.
Chasing the win, Eder was brought on to replace Sanches – who was enjoying a breakout career moment at the tournament – with ten minutes left in the 90.
Incredibly, the striker grabbed his first and only goal of the tournament with just 11 minutes of extra-time to play.
And with France unable to find a way back into the game, Portugal were crowned champions.
Lille signed the striker permanently that summer, hoping for more heroics.
But after just six goals in 31 Ligue 1 games, he was loaned to Russian Premier League side Lokomotiv Moscow, before joining permanently a year later.
Despite being his nation’s Euro 2016 hero, Eder failed to receive a call-up for the 2018 World Cup in Russia – where he’d spent the last year playing club football.
But the forward stayed at Lokomotiv until this summer, failing to score in just nine games last season – taking his overall tally for the Russians to ten goals in 72 games across four seasons.
Eder has spent the last four seasons at Lokomotiv Moscow – including his loan spell from Lille – and has been a free agent since the end of JuneCredit: AFP
Since being released, Eder is yet to be snapped up and is currently unemployed at the age of just 33.
He’ll be desperate to prove he still has something to offer a major European player.
Eder’s appearance at Wembley may have reminded a few bosses of his availability.
But his stint in the wilderness is still in its early days for now.
Ex-England star Daniel Sturridge is currently training with LaLiga side Real Mallorca following their promotion to the top-flight.
The former Liverpool man had been without a club since being let go by Turkish side Trabzonspor in March 2020.
Eder will hope he won’t be kept waiting that long – with Brighton rumoured to be interested as recently as March.
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Eder scores for Portugal in extra time to beat France and win Euro 2016 More

THIS is the shocking moment women hurl chairs and tables in a mass brawl at an Italian restaurant after England’s Euros defeat.Punches and tables were thrown as plates and glasses were smashed in appalling scenes filmed at the eatery in the Isle of Dogs, East London.
The cops had to deal with hundreds of footie-related incidentsCredit: Twitter/@CrimeLdn
A table was seen being picked up at Capeesh ItalianCredit: Twitter/@CrimeLdn
Punches were also being thrown at the popular restaurantCredit: Twitter/@CrimeLdn
In the video, screaming and shouting can be heard as the fight broke out inside Italian restaurant, Capeesh.
Tables were toppled over in the scuffle as customers grappled with fellow footie fans, throwing them on to the floor.
One horrified customer yelled “s**t” as he helped his female companion to a safer part of the premises.
The security guards could be seen in video trying to calm the situation, but moments later punches were again being thrown by some of the fired-up mob.
Punches were aimed at heads, as glasses went flying through the air, smashing on fellow drinkers.
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Dozens of men and women appeared to have been involved in the clash, with one man receiving several punches to his head.
When the yobbish brawl was posted online, one user wrote: “Looks like a great way to enjoy yourselves, you know instead of having a quiet drink and chat.”
Others blamed it on the “demon drink” while commenting, “if only we won”, and “it was a game of football ffs”.
But ‘Gooner Mark’ noted: “S**thouse launching a glass at the girl’s head.”
And Jamie Leigh joked: “Looks like a good night.”
However one local resident told detractors: “Having spent many years going after work, it generally is a nice place to go!”
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were called to “a restaurant in Peninsula Square, Isle of Dogs, at 10.55pm on Sunday, July 11 to reports of a large group of people fighting.
“Officers attended and broke up the fight. One man was arrested on suspicion of affray.
“He was taken to hospital to be treated for a minor injury before being taken into custody and then released under investigation.”
The force added that its investigation is continuing.
SCORES OF FANS NABBED
The shocking brawl coincided with disgusting scenes at Wembley, which descended into chaos at the Euro final — when 2,500 ticketless, drunken thugs stormed the stadium.
Terrified families called security for the showpiece event a shambles, with fights breaking out around the ground.
Britain’s F1 ace Lando Norris was mugged for his £40,000 watch after the game with Italy — England’s biggest since 1966.
Players’ families were caught up in skirmishes, children were    left in tears, a female security guard was trampled and a disabled entrance stormed.
There have been 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.
The Met Police reported that cops have so far arrested 86 people following the final, including 53 at Wembley.
They’ve been nabbed for a number of offences including public order offences, ABH, drunk and disorderly and criminal damage.
A total of 19 officers received injuries.
In total across the tournament there have been over 130 arrests.

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.
“It got really nasty and was very upsetting. There were not enough stewards and no police in sight.”
The football fans hit out at each other on the Isle of DogsCredit: Twitter/@CrimeLdn
Some football fans at the restaurant tried to escape the meleeCredit: Twitter/@CrimeLdn
Moments after security tried to calm the situation, more punches were thrownCredit: Twitter/@CrimeLdn More

GIORGIO CHIELLINI has paid an emotional tribute to tragic former Italy star Davide Astori following his nation’s Euro 2020 triumph.Roberto Mancini’s side outlasted England to lift the trophy on Sunday, winning 3-2 on penalties.
Giorgio Chiellini paid tribute to Davide Astori at a ceremony in Rome after leading Italy to Euro 2020 gloryCredit: Rex
Davide Astori passed away in his sleep from an undiagnosed heart condition in March 2018Credit: Getty
Italy’s stars have now been treated to a heroes’ welcome on their return home – meeting president Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace in Rome.
Speaking in the nation’s capital, Chiellini thanked the president while paying tribute to former team-mate Astori.
In March 2018, the Fiorentina star and 14-cap Italy international passed away in his sleep from an undiagnosed heart condition at the age of 31, leaving Italian football in a state of shock.
At the ceremony in Rome, Chiellini said: “Dear president, allow me to thank you on behalf of myself and the team… your presence was an important gesture.
“We wanted to dedicate the win to you and the millions of Italians in the world who have never made us feel alone, accompanying us on the journey.
“We extend the dedication to Davide Astori – we would have liked to have him here with us, he is always present in the thoughts and hearts of those who met him.
“This is a group that has never lost heart, even in difficulties, supporting each other and putting the interest of the team before the individual.
“If we are here today, it’s not only for an extra penalty scored, but because we transformed by sharing our friendship, one of the most beautiful feelings in life.”
Chiellini continued by adding his thanks to fellow Italian, tennis star Matteo Berrettini – who was also at the Quirinale Palace ceremony.
Berrettini lost the Wimbledon Men’s Singles final at the hands of Novak Djokovic just hours before the nation’s Euro 2020 win across London at Wembley – but celebrated the football wildly.
Astori died in his hotel room ahead of Fiorentina’s Serie A clash with Udinese three years agoCredit: Getty – Contributor

Azzurri skipper Chiellini said: “Matteo [Berrettini], in recent weeks you made us dream, we cheered as if you were a team-mate. Don’t stop.
“This bond made us feel like brothers of Italy, ready for it all and for the call of the country we love.”
Astori’s brother, Bruno, also released an emotional statement on Instagram after watching Italy lift the trophy.
Alongside a picture of Astori with Chiellini on Italy duty, Bruno wrote: “I think Davide ran alongside Giorgio and the boys during every step of this Euros.
“Their dedication goes beyond all circumstances and Giorgio’s tears are those of a group of boys who shared joys, pains, difficulties, emotions.
“We often think of these guys as otherworldly heroes, because from the outside we see them so perfect and unapproachable.
“But what really makes them heroes is their passion, dedication and love for what they do, in the interest of that group that often takes the place of their family.
“In reality they are boys, fathers, partners, children and siblings as all of us.
“These guys did it: they made us dream, suffer, move and cry and their enormous undertaking will remain forever indelible in the hearts of all of us!
“On behalf of our whole family, thank you guys, with all my heart!”
Italy squad meet President Mattarella in wake of their Euro 2020 victory More

FRANCE star Kylian Mbappe is among those to send their support to Marcus Rashford after England’s heartbreaking Euro 2020 shootout defeat to Italy.Rashford, 23, missed a penalty in the final defeat to Italy and was immediately subjected to racist insults online.
Marcus Rashford missed for England in their Euro 2020 shootout defeat to ItalyCredit: Getty
France star Kylian Mbappe is among those to send their support to Marcus RashfordCredit: AFP
A mural to the Manchester United forward was also vandalised in his hometown of Whitington.
But local residents covered the graffiti with messages of love and support, amid shows of solidarity from Prince William, Lewis Hamilton, and the entire football community.
Rashford was the first of three England players to miss their spot kick when his effort hit the post, with Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka then both having their penalties saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Mbappe went through similar agony himself a fortnight ago when he missed a decisive kick for France as they were dumped out of the Euros in the last-16 by Switzerland.
Now he has reached out to the United attacker, according to The Athletic.
They state the Paris Saint-Germain ace was one of the first people to privately message Rashford following his miss.
And the report also claims that Mbappe referenced his miss against Switzerland in his message to Rashford and told the Three Lions man to ‘stay positive’.
Rashford admitted he felt he had ‘let everyone down’ and said the mural set up in Withington had him on the verge of tears.

Breaking his silence after the defeat, he wrote on social media: “I don’t even know where to start and I don’t even know how to put into words how I’m feeling at this exact time.
“I’ve had a difficult season, I think that’s been clear for everyone to see and I probably went into that final with a lack of confidence.
“I’ve always backed myself for a penalty but something didn’t feel quite right. During the run up I was saving myself a bit of time and unfortunately the result was not what I wanted.
“I felt as though I had let my teammates down. I felt as if I’d let everyone down.
“A penalty was all I’d been asked to contribute for the team. I can score penalties in my sleep so why not that one? It’s been playing in my head over and over since I struck the ball and there’s probably not a word to quite describe how it feels.
“Final. 55 years. One penalty. History. All I can say is sorry. I wish it had gone differently.
“Whilst I continue to say sorry I want to shoutout to my teammates. This summer has been one of the best camps I’ve experienced and you’ve all played a role in that.
Fans have covered the graffiti on Rashford’s mural with messages of love and supportCredit: PA
“A brotherhood has been built that is unbreakable. Your success is my success. Your failures are mine.
“I’ve grown into a sport where I expect to read things written about myself. Whether it be the colour of my skin, where I grew up, or, most recently, how I decided to spend my time off the pitch.”
Rashford added: “I can take critique of my performance all day long, my penalty was not good enough, it should have gone in, but I will never apologise for who I am or where I came from.
“I’ve felt no prouder moment than wearing these three lions on my chest and seeing my family cheer me on in a crowd of 10s of thousands. I dreamt of days like this.
“The messages I’ve received today have been positively overwhelming and seeing the response in Withington had me on the verge of tears. The communities that always wrapped their arms around me continue to hold me up.
“I’m Marcus Rashford, 23 years old, black man from Withington and Wythenshawe, South Manchester. If I have nothing else I have that.
“For all the kind messages, thank you. I’ll be back stronger. We’ll be back stronger.”
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Marcus Rashford mural in Withington covered in hundreds of new tributes after player suffered racist abuse More

A COMEDIAN who ‘joked’ that black England players are “bad at penalties” has had a string of shows cancelled – while his own agents have dropped him.Andrew Lawrence, who has performed on the BBC’s Live at the Apollo, told followers “all I’m saying is that the white guys scored” following the Lions’ heartbreaking Euro 2020 defeat on Sunday.
A comedian has been axed by his agents after he ‘joked’ that black England players are ‘bad at penalties’ after the Lions’ heartbreaking loss on SundayCredit: AFP
A string of venues have also cancelled Andrew Lawrence’s upcoming tourCredit: YouTube
The 41-year-old 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 ill-advised post, he said of Marcus Rashford: “Rather he’d practised his penalties and the kids had gone hungry.”
It comes as:

But he was bombarded with complaints after making the comments – and venues have pulled out of his upcoming tour.
Meanwhile, 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.”
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”.
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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, AND HAS written and performed four series for BBC Radio 4, including the 2015 sitcom There Is No Escape.
But his tweets may have put paid to his chances of a comedy tour anytime soon – after millions of Brits join Boris Johnson, Harry Kane, Gareth Southgate and Prince William in condemning abuse against players.
Rashford spoken of his devastation after he, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho were targeted by vile racists online after the heartbreaking final.
The young heroes were sent monkey emojis and disgusting abuse following England’s defeat, while a mural of Rashford in Withington, Manchester was defaced.
The ace, 23, was made an MBE last year for his efforts to feed the UK’s most vulnerable youngsters during the pandemic.
LOCALS’ MESSAGES TO ‘ROLE MODEL’ RASHFORD
Locals have since covered the abuse with thousands of tributes to a “role model”.
The striker 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.”
Susanna Reid struggled to control her emotions as she discussed her horror at the abuse faced by the three stars on Good Morning Britain.

Reading aloud a letter penned to Rashford by a young fan, she said: “I hope Marcus feels everything that’s coming through from this letter and all the messages of support.”
Cops in London have launched a probe into the online abuse, while Manchester detectives are treating the attack on the mural as a hate crime.
No arrests have yet been made.
However, the owners of two Twitter accounts which posted abuse say they were hacked, and one has been suspended from his job with Savills pending an investigation.
Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho were targeted by vile racists online after the heartbreaking finalCredit: Getty
But a defaced mural of Rashford in Manchester has been restored today – while thousands of locals have gathered to write moving tributes to the young starCredit: Getty
Mancunians said the striker is a ‘true inspiration’Credit: SWNS
Susanna Reid fights back tears as she says she’s ‘heartbroken’ after her children saw ‘horrific’ racist abuse of England players More

ITALY got one over on England by beating the Three Lions on penalties to win Euro 2020 on Sunday.But cheeky Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol got his own back.
Kaveh Solhekol looked to settle the debate
Many Italians are perplexed by some Brits’ tendency to enjoy pineapples on their pizzas – with Paul Gascoigne even being branded ‘disgusting’ for admitting he likes a Hawaiian earlier this year.
So while reporting in the centre of Rome, Solhekol did some ‘research’.
Appearing on Sky Sports News, he said: “I would like to settle one debate that has been raging for quite a few days.
“If you remember, last week I think it was, an Italy fan went to Wembley Stadium and he had a banner that said ‘stop putting pineapple on our pizzas’.
“Now people in England, I understand, a lot of people like having pineapple on their pizzas.
“As far as Italians are concerned pizza is their national dish and it’s an absolute no-no to put pineapple on pizzas – it is a culinary crime.
“So in the interest of research, I was feeling a bit hungry earlier today.
“I got on those food delivery apps to see if, in the middle of Rome, you could order a Hawaiian pizza – a pizza with pineapple on it.”

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He then conjured one up from off camera, continuing: “And guess what? It took me five minutes to order this culinary creation.
“I’m feeling hungry at the moment, that is my dinner sorted out.
“To sum up, the Italians can keep the European Championship trophy – we will be keeping our Hawaiian pizzas.”
Italy star Leonardo Bonucci is certainly passionate about his country’s trademark cuisines.
After his side’s triumph, the defender bellowed: “You all still have to eat a lot of pasta!”
Leonardo Bonucci bellowed ‘eat more pasta’Credit: Getty
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Italy squad meet President Mattarella in wake of their Euro 2020 victory More