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      Euro 2020 LIVE: Maguire RETURNS to training, England vs Croatia build-up, tournament underway as Italy beat Turkey

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      EURO 2020 is finally here!Italy and Turkey got the party started in Rome, where the Azzurri were sublime as they cruised to a 3-0 win.
      Meanwhile Denmark and Romania are set to announce an increase in the number of fans that can attend their Euro 2020 games – to 65 and 50 per cent respectively.
      And we’ve got the very latest on star defender Harry Maguire’s injury comeback for the Three Lions.

      Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
      WEMBLEY WIN FOR WAGs
      ENGLAND’S team of wives and girlfriends will roar on the Three Lions at Wembley after getting the Covid all-clear.
      They were each screened for the virus 48 hours ahead of tomorrow’s 2pm kick-off against Croatia by medical staff from the players’ Premier League clubs.

      They include Harry Kane’s missus Katie Goodland, Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan Davison and Harry Maguire’s fiancee Fern Hawkins, along with Kyle Walker’s fiancee Annie Kilner.
      The women will meet at a secret location for lunch before the group opener and will also be joined by family members.
      The party will then be driven to Wembley by coach to take their seats.
      The Football Association will have player liaison officials on hand to guide the group.
      Strict protocols are being employed to observe ongoing Covid restrictions.

      AXE ONE OF GREALISH, FODEN OR MOUNT
      EXCLUSIVE: Emile Heskey always put the team ahead of individual glory and believes Gareth Southgate must bench one of his big stars for the same reason.
      Fans and pundits have been calling on the England manager to start Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Mason Mount at the Euros this summer.
      But ex-Three Lions hitman Heskey insists it is about picking the best XI rather than the best individuals.
      That means dropping one of the trio for runners like Raheem Sterling or Marcus Rashford.
      POGBA NOW SHINING
      EXCLUSIVE: Christian Karambeu says Manchester United are now starting to see the ‘France Paul Pogba’.
      The leader, superstar and midfield general.
      1998 World Cup winner Karembeu understands there have been detractors that feel Pogba’s outings at club level are a far cry from those on the international scene.
      He heroically helped lead France to glorious victory at Russia 2018. Videos showed Pogba’s rousing team talks and his displays on the field matched it.
      Olympiakos sporting director Karembeu said: “With France he takes responsibility on the pitch, he is a leader and the manager has faith in him. As a result, he shines.
      “Unfortunately at Manchester United he was injured a lot and often had  relapses.
      “It hasn’t been easy for Paul to accept criticism – but he is an intelligent person and bounced back very quickly.”
      SOUTHGATE SAFE UNTIL 2022
      Gareth Southgate goes into tomorrow’s Euro 2020 opener knowing his job is 100 per cent safe — until after the World Cup.
      The England boss, fine-tuning his preparations for the Croatia crunch, has the full backing of the FA.
      And even if the Three Lions have a disastrous tournament, he will remain in charge for Qatar 2022.
      FA chiefs are fully committed to Southgate, who has impressed with his work on and off the pitch since taking over in 2016.
      Southgate, whose contract runs until the end of the 2022 World Cup, has struggled with injuries and player availability in the build-up to the Wembley opener.
      But the Three Lions chief last night issued a rallying cry to his players as he insisted they can handle the big-game pressure.
      Southgate, 50, said: “We have to show that. Some of our youngest players have got experience of big games and tournaments are about hitting form at the right time.
      “We have to bring everything over the next four weeks.”
      F/T: TURKEY 0 ITALY 3
      Merih Demiral’s 53rd-minute own goal, Ciro Immobile’s fierce finish and Lorenzo Insigne poached strike earned Italy’s highly-impressive victory in the Euro 2020 opener.
      Click on our live blog HERE for reaction from Rome
      THE MINI CAR’S THE EURO STAR
      EURO 2020 finally got under way in bizarre fashion – with the matchball arriving by a remote control car.
      After a 12 month delay, the European Championship kicked off tonight as Turkey took on Italy.
      Fans were left in stitches after the matchball was delivered onto the pitch by a remote control car
      After a stunning opening ceremony, the whole of Europe was desperate to see the tournament kick off after a year’s delay they were then forced to wait as the mini motor made its way to the centre circle.
      And Twitter soon went into meltdown just seconds before the match action got started.
      The respective captains had taken part in the coin toss with the referee in the centre circle they were forced to wait for the matchball to be delivered.
      And it was brought onto the field in quite the unique fashion – via remote control car made by tournament sponsors VW.
      As expected, the moment was not missed by those watching from home, and viewers instantly took to Twitter to react in disbelief at what they had just seen – although not everybody hated it.
      LATEST: TURKEY 0 ITALY 3
      Ciro Immobile pounced on a loose ball after 66 minutes and Lorenzo Insigne  thumped home 13 minutes later as Italy dominated with a triple burst.
      Click on our live blog HERE for this Euro 2020 opener in Rome.
      LATEST: TURKEY 0 ITALY 1
      Merih Demiral’s 53rd-minute own goal deservedly put the Azzurri in front.
      Dangerman Domenico Berardi’s raking cross was deflected in by Demiral ahead of Italy striker Ciro Immobile.
      EURO 2020 LATEST: HT – TURKEY 0 ITALY 0
      The Azzurri passed the ball around neatly and certainly had plenty of the ball in a goalless first half – but lacked a sharp edge in the final third of the pitch.
      Click on our live blog HERE for this Euro 2020 opener in Rome.
      Dortmund burst Utd Ballon
      Borussia Dortmund have reportedly rejected Manchester United’s proposed Ballon d’Or clause in any deal for Jadon Sancho.
      SunSport revealed this week that the Red Devils have agreed personal terms with the England winger, worth £350,000-a-week over five years.
      Borussia Dortmund are insisting United increase their offer of £61million to £78m, with a further £10m in add-ons, but this is expected to happen.
      United expect the deal to go through smoothly after a summer of wrangling last year when they refused to meet the German club’s £110m price.
      According to the Athletic, the last part of the transfer is largely down to bonuses with Dortmund keen on realistically achievable add-ons.
      The Bundesliga giants are said to be seeking instalments that are based on club income via team success rather than individual awards.
      That has caused Dortmund to reject United’s Ballon d’Or clause that would have been triggered if Sancho finished in the top three in the annual gong.
      ‘GUNNERS AND UTD IN FOR TRIPPIER’
      Manchester United are trying to seal a cheap transfer for Kieran Trippier – but reportedly had a £10million opening bid rejected.
      Trippier played 35 times last season for Atletico, including 28 in the league as Diego Simeone’s side won LaLiga
      It is understood the ex-Spurs man, originally from Bury, is keen on the move to Old Trafford and is even looking at houses in the area.
      But according to Mundo Deportivo, their first offer was a paltry £10m – half the price Atletico Madrid paid for him two years ago.
      The Spanish giants immediately turned it down.
      And the report adds Atleti have told United they must stump up his £35m release clause to have any chance of signing Trippier, who is also a target for Arsenal.
      JOS GLOSS CAN EARN PREM MOVE
      Croatia star Josko Gvardiol is desperate to down England at Wembley – to help secure himself a dream Premier League move.
      Gvardiol, 19, made his debut in the friendly defeat to Belgium last week but already has experience of upsetting the English.
      He joined RB Leipzig last summer from Dinamo Zagreb but remained on-loan with his hometown club and helped knock Harry Kane and Tottenham out of the Europa League in March.
      Leeds United were keen on bringing the versatile ace, who can play either centre-half or left-back, to the Prem a year ago.
      But it is another English club he is desperate to play for.
      Gvardiol is hoping to earn his second international cap in his nation’s Euro 2020 opener on Sunday.
      And he wants to catch the eye of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool while taming the Three Lions.
      Gvardiol told 24hr Sata: “From a young age, I watched Liverpool games with my dad and I grew up with just them.
      “When I took football more seriously, I started following them, and I definitely want the Premier League and Liverpool move one day.”
      BIG QUEUE FOR THE LEW?
      Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski is open to leaving the German champions in the summer transfer window, reports suggest.
      Lewandowski has spent seven glittering years at Bayern where he has won a whopping seven consecutive Bundesliga titles as well as the 2020 Champions League trophy.
      According to AS, however, the star striker is open to a “changing of scene and facing new challenges” after Euro 2020, where he will be representing Poland.
      The 32-year-old also believes this is the “perfect time to get to know another culture and another league “.
      If Lewandowski does decide to leave Munich then he would attract plenty of offers as he is already targeted by Premier League teams.
      Manchester United are looking for a centre-forward, even though Edinson Cavani signed a contract extension recently. Premier League champions City are also searching for someone to replace record goalscorer Sergio Aguero, who recently signed for Barcelona.
      Chelsea are on the lookout for a striker as well after winning the Champions League with Timo Werner failing to convince in his maiden season at Stamford Bridge.
      MOUNT PEAK WAS MODRIC REQUEST
      Mason Mount has revealed he was left stunned after Luka Modric asked for his his shirt.
      Mount came up against one of his heroes during Chelsea’s Champions League win over Real Madrid.
      Mason Mount came up against hero Luka Modric in the Champions League
      Mount said: “I always looked up to him as a player in the Premier League at Tottenham.
      “It was weird playing against him because I watched him so much, I knew his moves and what he was going to do.”
      Chelsea and England star Mount has long been an admirer of Croatia playmaker Modric.
      Speaking earlier in his career when asked about his footballing heroes, Mount said: “When I was younger and watching the Premier League, Modric at Tottenham, I always loved the way he played and he was always a massive player for Tottenham, so I watched him a lot.”
      SANCHO SET FOR 2ND PLACE IN UTD PAY LIST
      Manchester United are set to make Jadon Sancho their second highest earner after agreeing personal terms on a £91million contract.
      SunSport revealed this week that the Red Devils have struck a deal with the England winger, worth £350,000-a-week over five years.

      Borussia Dortmund are insisting United increase their offer of £61million to £78m, with a further £10m in add-ons, but this is expected to happen.
      United expect the deal to go through smoothly after a summer of wrangling last year when they refused to meet the German club’s £110m price.
      And Sancho, who will seal a return to Manchester after the Euros, will slot in behind David de Gea in the club’s wage list.
      The Spaniard continues to top the list, raking in £375,000 per week – totalling £19.5million a year.
      Sancho’s arrival means that 14 first-team players will earn £100,000 or more per week, with Paul Pogba (£290k), Anthony Martial (£250k), and Marcus Rashford (£200k) all earning £200,000 or more weekly.
      That number will rise to 15 should Juan Mata agree another contract to extend his stay at Old Trafford.
      VARANE’S YOURS FOR £52m
      Real Madrid are ‘willing to sell Raphael Varane for around £52million’ to Manchester United this summer.
      The defender, who is currently with the French squad preparing for Euro 2020, is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract.

      Varane, 28, has enjoyed a glittering decade at the Bernabeu but he has so far failed to show a strong desire to sign an extension.
      A host of clubs have been linked with the ace, including the Red Devils and Premier League rivals Chelsea.
      And Spanish show El Partidazo de COPE report that Real would be willing to listen to offers for Varane now and have set their asking price rather than risk losing him for nothing in 2022.
      United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is closing in on the signing of England winger Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund, is also determined to land a centre-half over the close-season.
      And Varane is believed to be his No1 target to partner captain Harry Maguire at the back next term.
      RON NUMBERS ARE SO RIGHT
      Jose Mourinho believes records and numbers remain Cristiano Ronaldo’s biggest motivation.
      Despite Juventus’ underwhelming campaign, the Portuguese superstar and ex-Manchester United frontman still ended the season with 36 goals in all competitions.
      Ronaldo, 36, also added to his remarkable trophy haul with the Coppa Italia – making it a career total of 34.
      And that’s the reason why the ex-Real Madrid ace continues to perform at a staggering ability despite his age, according to ex-Chelsea and United boss Mourinho.
      The SunSport columnist told talkSPORT: “Everybody says the same, and I say it too, he’s not 25 anymore he’s 35 (sic).
      “He doesn’t score 50 goals but how many did he score? 35? The numbers speak for themselves. I think the records (drive him on).
      “He’s a legend, he’s one of the names that will stay in footballing history.
      “He motivates himself with numbers, he wants to win the Ballon d’Or X times, the Golden Boot X times. “He wants to play the next World Cup.”
      FRANCE REPLACE ENGLAND AS TOURNAMENT FAVOURITES
      England have dropped to second favourites with the bookmakers for Euros 2020.
      Having been the most fancied side over the last few weeks in the build up, France have now been slashed to 9/2 with England drifting to 11/2.
      England were priced at 5/1 to bring football home this summer with Betfair, and have since moved from 4/1 to 9/2 but are now out slightly at 11/2.
      France, who were originally favourites are priced at 5/1 now, have been cut again to 9/2.
      Belgium and Italy are next in the betting list at 13/2 and 15/2.
      Spain are also 15/2 with Germany now 8/1 and Portugal 17/2.
      SCOTS TO TAKE KNEE WITH ENGLAND
      Scotland will take a knee with England in the all-British Euro 2020 clash but will stand against racism in their home group matches.
      Steve Clarke’s side host the Czech Republic on Monday and visit England next Friday, before Croatia come to Hampden for Scotland’s Group D finale on 22 June.
      Clarke: “Our position was – and remains – that the focus must be on meaningful change to fight discrimination in football and wider society.
      “I am aware that some individuals and groups have sought to politicise or misrepresent the Scotland national team position on taking a stand against racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour in our Uefa Euro 2020 matches and, in particular, for our visit to Wembley.
      “For the avoidance of doubt: me, my coaching staff, my players and my backroom team take a stand against racism and all forms of unacceptable and discriminatory behaviour across society.
      “We will continue to take a stand – together, as one – for our matches at Hampden Park. For our match at Wembley, we will stand against racism and kneel against ignorance.”
      LAST-GASP LIONS
      Gareth Southgate can change his final 26-man Euro 2020 squad right up until the first game against Croatia.
      That could mean a reprieve for the stars who have missed out such as James Ward-Prowse and Jesse Lingard.
      Bosses had to submit their full selections by June 1.
      However, Uefa rules permit unlimited changes ‘in the event of serious injury or illness before the first match’.
      That includes players who test positive for coronavirus.
      And it means Southgate has the option to make adjustments right up until Sunday lunchtime when his side open their campaign.
      Harry Maguire, Jordan Henderson and Bukayo Saka have all struggled for fitness in the build-up to the tournament.
      All three look sure to be fit at some stage, albeit Maguire and Henderson are doubts to face Croatia at Wembley on Sunday.
      As revealed by SunSport, the Manchester United skipper will miss the group game against Scotland as well.
      But should Southgate feel their injuries are too disruptive and they will not be ready to play their part, he may turn to some of the players axed from the 33-man provisional Three Lions squad.
      MAKE MY SON TRIPP THE SKIP
      Kieran Trippier’s proud dad is confident England will win the Euros – and is calling for his son to become the next Three Lions captain.
      The Atletico Madrid star, 30, will have all eyes on him during the tournament as Premier League clubs line up to bring the full-back home.

      But no one will be watching Trippier as closely as his dad Chris, who is hoping his son can repeat his heroics after scoring in the World Cup semi-final in 2018.
      Chris, from Bury, Greater Manchester, has already spoken to his son from the England training camp and wished him well.
      And he believes football could finally come home this summer as Gareth Southgate’s men prepare for their first game on Sunday.
      He told The Sun Online: “I am very confident England will do very well and hopefully win it.
      “I see an England/France final with us winning.”
      JOSE’S WAY THE RIGHT WAY?
      Here’s how Roma’s ex-Man Utd, Chelsea and Spurs boss Jose Mourinho would line up the Lions if he was manager.
      Speaking to talkSPORT ahead of Sunday’s clash with Croatia, Mourinho named an XI without his ex-Utd players Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw.

      LIONS MUST BE TOUGHER
      Slaven Bilic has questioned England’s mentality ahead of their Euro 2020 opener against Croatia.
      The Three Lions led Sunday’s opponents in the World Cup semi-final three years ago.
      He told The Telegraph: “Mentality. Remember the World Cup semi-final?
      “In the first-half England dominated, were 1-0 up and it should have been 2-0. But as soon as we scored an equaliser it was game over for you.
      “There was nobody on the pitch who said, ‘Wait, wait, we have time’. It was gone.”
      FOOTBALL’S COMING HOME
      Paddy Power have done it again with yet another brilliantly witty ad…
      Ireland may not be at the Euros but this guy’s support will never waiver.

      GO ON MY SON
      Kieran Trippier’s proud dad is confident England will win the Euros – and is calling on his son to become the next Three Lions captain.
      The Atletico Madrid star, 30, will have all eyes on him during the tournament as Premier League clubs line up to bring the full-back home.
      But no one will be watching Trippier as closely as his dad Chris, who is hoping his son can repeat his heroics after scoring in the World Cup semi-final in 2018.
      He told The Sun Online: “I am very confident England do very well and hopefully win it.
      “I see an England/France final with us winning.
      I was confident as Gareth seems to like him.
      “In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if he in next in line for the captain’s armband after Harry Kane.
      “And I have no worries about there being so many full-backs as they can all play in different positions.”
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      Mason Mount watched Luka Modric star in World Cup as a fan.. now he’ll take him on as England face Croatia

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      MASON MOUNT went to England’s last major tournament as a starstruck fan.Tomorrow the Champions League-winning Chelsea midfielder will line up against childhood idol Luka Modric as an equal — after the Croatia legend asked HIM to complete a shirt swap.
      Mason Mount is ready to test his wits against Luka Modric yet againCredit: Getty
      Mount and fellow young England prospects Phil Foden and Ryan Sessegnon were whisked off to Russia by sponsors to take in a Three Lions group game and experience everything that surrounds a World Cup.
      Mount, now 22, said: “The Russia trip, I look back at the pictures now and we all look so young.
      “I was very lucky enough to watch one of the group games. So even to be around it and witness that atmosphere of a major tournament, I remember that very vividly.
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      “I remember walking around the TV set and we did a little interview with Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker and we actually stumbled across Cesc Fabregas and had a little chat.
      “He actually remembered me from training at Chelsea and, yeah, we know he’s an absolute legend with what he’s done in the sport.
      “For us to have a little chat with him, and Lineker and Shearer as well, it was special to be around those people and learn little bits from them.
      “It was a special trip and we all really enjoyed it.”
      But like every other England fan, Mount did not enjoy the 2-1 semi-final defeat by Croatia.
      Was he too old, at 19, to join in the tears of a nation after watching at home with his family?

      EURO 2020 BETTING SPECIAL – NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

      The Croatian legend is ready to play his 139th game for his countryCredit: AFP or licensors
      Mount, Foden and Sessegnon travel to the World Cup as fansCredit: Nike
      Mount said: “I don’t think you’re ever too old to have a cry. Especially when your country loses.
      “I’m a fan, so to watch that, I was probably pretty close.
      “Obviously to witness England get to a final, it would have been unbelievable. We were that close.
      “Whenever you’re watching your country play, you’re very emotionally involved and it means a lot.
      “I was at home with my family watching that. Obviously seeing Kieran Tripper score the free-kick and then they go on to win the game, it was heartbreaking to watch, let alone be a player and be involved in it.
      “But I think those kind of experiences and those kind of games give you that extra fire in the belly to want to put something right.
      “That’s definitely something that’s in our minds and going to push us on to really perform like we know we can.”
      Mount has already gained a little bit of personal revenge over Real Madrid’s 35-year-old star Modric.
      Mount, right, watched Modric run the show at the World CupCredit: Nike

      The Stamford Bridge ace grabbed the crucial second goal in last month’s Champions League semi-final second leg at home between the two teams — having already secured the Croatian maestro’s jersey after the first leg in Madrid.
      Mount said: “He has always been a player I have looked up to. Ever since he has been in the Premier League with Tottenham, I have watched him quite closely.
      “I spoke to Mateo Kovacic before the first game and asked if I could get his shirt at a later date.
      “I managed to do that and he asked for mine in the second game because I didn’t actually give him mine in the first.
      “Kova said he likes to swap with players, so he came up and said he wanted mine and said good luck in the upcoming games.
      “It was brilliant for me obviously to speak to him . . . and he wants MY shirt, so I was quite overwhelmed.”
      But the point was that Mount and Chelsea had NOT been overwhelmed by Modric and Real — they had outplayed them twice to earn a place in the Champions League final.
      Mount said: “Playing against him, it was weird because I had watched him so much, I kind of knew his moves and what he was going to do.
      Mount and Modric came up against each other in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      “The experience of playing against him helps because you want to be in these big games and learn how to handle the pressure and big moments.”
      Mount and Chelsea did that again in the final in Porto, where Kai Havertz’s goal secured a 1-0 win over Manchester City and a second European title for the Blues.
      Only nine players have ever won the European Cup/ Champions League and European Championship in the same year.
      And two of them are Chelsea stars who Mount grew up supporting — Juan Mata and Fernando Torres, who triumphed with the Blues and Spain in 2012.

      Now Mount, Reece James and Ben Chilwell have the chance to join one of football’s most exclusive clubs.
      Mount added: “I remember that Spain team and how dominant they were at that time.
      “We can always look forward and hope.
      “It’s obviously a very small list but we’ll see what happens.”
      And a lot has happened to Mount in the last three years.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Euro 2020 kicks off with opening ceremony from Rome More

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      Turkey 0 Italy 3 LIVE REACTION: Immobile and Insigne torment Turks as Azzurri make terrific start to Euro 2020 challenge

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      ITALY are celebrating a deserved Euro 2020 victory over Turkey after dominating in Rome.
      Final score: Turkey 0-3 Italy
      Goalscorers: Demiral OG 53′, Immobile 66′, Insigne 79′

      Follow ALL the latest reaction with our live blog below…

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      ARRIVEDERCI
      It’s advantage Azzurri after an exhilarating opening night of the European Championships.
      Roberto Mancini’s team were adventurous, energetic, and, eventually, prolific in front of goal, dismantling Turkey at the Stadio Olimpico.
      Their 3-0 win will not only have had Wales and Switzerland – the other sides in Group A – sitting up, but the rest of Europe too. More performances like that and this may well be Italy’s year.
      A brilliant beginning to this delayed tournament will be built on tomorrow with three more games. The day starts with the aforementioned Welsh and Swiss facing off in Baku before Poland take on Slovakia and Belgium meet Russia.
      Be sure to follow them all with us. Goodnight.
      RELIVE THE OPENER
      Caught your breath yet? Or perhaps you missed the game? Now’s your chance to catch up on the action with Phil Thomas’ match report from Rome.
      Roberto Mancini had vowed that his Italy side would be the great entertainers of these Euros… and boy, weren’t they true to his word.
      COLD TURKEY
      Turkey were talked about by some as dark horses ahead of the tournament, but Senol Gunes’ side were poor this evening as they were caught cold by the energetic Italians.
      However, the Crescent-Stars shouldn’t despair. They’re used to starting slowly at international tournaments.
      7 – Turkey have lost their opening match at every major tournament (EUROs + World Cup), losing seven out of seven. They are the only nation to play at more than three such tournaments and never avoid defeat in their opening match. Groundhog. #EURO2020 #TURITA— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 11, 2021

      AZZURRI GO GOAL CRAZY
      Not only have Italy scored more than two goals in a European Championship game for the very first time, they’re now responsible for the biggest margin of victory in an opening match in the competition’s history.
      3-0 – Italy’s 3-0 victory over Turkey is the biggest margin of victory in the opening match at a European Championship tournament. Statement. #EURO2020 #TURITA #ITA— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 11, 2021

      FT: TURKEY 0-3 ITALY
      The Italian players celebrate together, and then with their fans, following an impressive display in Rome. In fact, the scenes at the final whistle are almost reflective of a side that has won the tournament rather than just one victorious in the opening game. Perhaps it’s due to the manner of the display, a thoroughly dominant performance throughout in which the Azzurri matched their intensity of the first half with goals in the second. Immobile and Insigne were the men on target after an earlier own-goal from Demiral. The rest of Europe, take note.

      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE FINAL WHISTLE GOES IN ROME!
      TURKEY 0-3 ITALY
      90+2. Two minutes into three minutes of stoppage time, and finally it’s time for Chiellini to show off his years of experience.
      The veteran Italian captain reacts brilliantly as Yilmaz escapes into the box, and somehow gets a foot in to block as the striker lets fly.
      “For him, that’s as good as a goal,” says Guy Mowbray as Chiellini is congratulated by his teammates.
      TURKEY 0-3 ITALY
      90. Turkish frustrations are growing.
      Dervisoglu is the second player cautioned for a completely unnecessary and cynical sliding tackle from behind on Belotti. Typical Brentford.

      TURKEY 0-3 ITALY
      87. With three minutes remaining, Soyuncu picks up the game’s – and the tournament’s – first yellow card, and it can hardly be a surprise to anyone who has caught the last 15 minutes of this contest.
      The Leicester defender is cautioned for catching Bernardeschi with a leading arm.
      TURKEY 0-3 ITALY
      85. A fifth and final change for the Italians.
      Federico Benardeschi is on as Domenico Berardi takes a breather.
      TURKEY 0-3 ITALY
      82. Some frustration and tiredness creeps into Soyuncu’s play as he clatters into Belotti. It’s some welcome for the Torino striker.
      TURKEY 0-3 ITALY
      80. The goal is Insigne’s last act as he takes his leave for Federico Chiesa. Also off is Immobile, replaced by Andrea Belottti.
      TURKEY 0-3 ITALY
      79. He tried it twice in the first half without success, but now Lorenzo Insigne gets his curler spot on – and finds the net to make it 3-0!
      It’s a disaster for goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, who spoons a clearance straight to an Italian attacker, and it’s from that point which the Azzurri go to work.
      The ball is moved twice from right to left, and then again by Ciro Immobile, who plays the balls neatly into the path of Insigne on the run. The Napoli man keeps his cool, and whips a finish into the far corner.

      GOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL!!LORENZO INSIGNE CURLS IN FOR THREE!!
      TURKEY 0-2 ITALY
      78. Panic inside the Turkey defence as Soyuncu and Meras both fail to connect with Cristante’s cross from the left.
      Immobile is slow to react, bus his embarrassment – and that of the Turkey defenders – is spared by an incorrect offside call.
      TURKEY 0-2 ITALY
      76. And now another change for Turkey.
      Halil Dervisoglu of Brentford – fans of the Bees should think of him as a 21st century Denny Mundee – is on for Kenan Karaman.
      TURKEY 0-2 ITALY
      74. A chance for the Azzurri as Bryan Cristante comes on for his country at his home stadium. The Roma midfielder replaces Manuel Locatelli.
      TURKEY 0-2 ITALY
      72. The Italians are enjoying themselves now, and it shows. Barella goes on a mazy run through the Turkish midfield that only ends after the Inter man takes one touch too many.
      TURKEY 0-2 ITALY
      69. After a season of football often played at a slow pace inside empty stadiums, the intensity with which tonight has unfolded has been a real surprise.
      And not just to me. I dare say those in the Wales and Switzerland camps will have taken note of this contest too.
      TURKEY 0-2 ITALY
      66. The double change brings a goal, but not in the net Turkey would have desired.
      As the pressure continues, Leonardo Spinazzola forces Ugurcan Cakir into a fine save with a low shot, but no-one can deny Ciro Immobile as he follows up to convert confidently from close range. A real poacher’s effort!
      Italy are a deserved two goals in front, and are looking good.

      GOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLL!!CIRO IMMOBILE MAKES IT TWO!!
      TURKEY 0-1 ITALY
      64. Senol Gunes makes a double substitution with Irfan Kahveci and Kaan Ayhan on for Okay Yokuslu and Ozan Tufan.
      It means the entirety of Turkey’s starting midfield three have been replaced, which is testament to how much work they’ve had to do in an attempt to keep pace with the Italians.
      TURKEY 0-1 ITALY
      62. Roberto Mancini’s jacket is off. Stuff just got serious.
      TURKEY 0-1 ITALY
      60. I suppose this is one way for Italy to deal with the problem of their misfiring strikers.

      TURKEY 0-1 ITALY
      59. Not for the first time, Berardi’s teammates state down the Sassuolo man with arms outstretched after watching their teammate fire a shot wide.
      Load more entries… More

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      England urged to drop Grealish, Foden or Mount for willing runners Rashford & Sterling in Euro 2020 tilt by Emile Heskey

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      EMILE HESKEY always put the team ahead of individual glory and believes Gareth Southgate must bench one of his big stars for the same reason.Fans and pundits have been calling on the England manager to start Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Mason Mount at the Euros this summer.

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      Emile Heskey believes Gareth Southgate must bench one of his big stars to achieve Euro gloryCredit: RexWIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!

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      But ex-Three Lions hitman Heskey insists it is about picking the best XI rather than the best individuals.
      That means dropping one of the trio for runners like Raheem Sterling or Marcus Rashford.
      A key reason why Heskey won 62 caps was because his selfless style of play brought out the best in strike partner Michael Owen.
      The big man in the Liverpool and England little-and-large pairing may have had an inferior goals record to other forwards.
      But his combination with Owen, as well as Wayne Rooney and Jermain Defoe, made him a favourite for numerous national bosses.
      Heskey, 43, told SunSport: “You’ve seen it before, having all the best players on the pitch  doesn’t necessarily mean you have the best team.
      “It’s got to gel, it has to flow, it’s got to have some fluency. It will be interesting to see how Gareth does it.
      “Mine and Michael’s partnership blossomed because we understood what each other wanted.
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      “We worked on it. We understood if one was coming in, then the other was going long. You definitely need to have those runners to stretch the game.
      “Raheem is always making runs in behind, which is great because that stretches it. It gives you options. We have three great players in Mount, Foden and Grealish, for two places.”
      England kick off their Euro 2020 campaign tomorrow against Croatia, who beat them in the World Cup semi-final three years ago.
      Sterling started that game alongside Harry Kane — but this time round his spot is no longer guaranteed.
      That is due to the emergence of a number of players, including his Manchester City team-mate Foden.
      Heskey had his ups and downs during his international career —  suffering criticism for his displays at Euro 2004.
      But the ex-Leicester star reckons England could benefit from Sterling’s limited game-time with City.

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      Raheem Sterling’s lack of game-time for Man City could benefit England this summerCredit: Getty
      Heskey added: “It’s great for England that he’s possibly fresher.
      “It’s not physical, it’s mental tiredness you suffer from when you’re playing time and again. You want a little bit of a break.
      “I think it would be great for him coming into a major tournament.
      “For him, it’s about getting his head down and doing the things that have got him to where he is now. Why is he in the team?
      “What is it that Gareth wants from him? Go and do that.
      “His best thing is running in behind, getting out wide and taking people on.
      “As long as he does that, nine times out of ten you’d put him in.
      “Yes, you’ve got other young players emerging now — so he needs to be on his toes.
      “But you can’t take away what he brings to the team. Having Raheem,  you don’t realise how much fear that puts into opponents.”
      Marcus Rashford would 100 per cent be starting in attack for Emile HeskeyCredit: Getty
      Whether he picks Sterling or not, Southgate will likely be searching for a way to get Foden in too after his brilliant campaign.
      The PFA Young Player of the Year looks ready to catch the eye if his new ‘Gazza Euro 96’  blond hairdo is anything to go by.
      Heskey knows what it is like to have a fearless whizkid come into the squad and light up their first major tournament.
      For that is exactly what a teenage Rooney did in 2004.
      Heskey recalled: “When you’re going into the national team, you can’t be shy. You’ve got to go out there and showcase what you’ve got, especially in training.
      “That’s what Wayne did. He was never one to shirk responsibility, he was never one to shy away from anything.
      “You’d have conversations with Wayne and he would say, ‘If I was a centre-back, I’d be the best centre-back in the world’.
      “This is where you’re drawing the comparison — because you’re wanting these lads to go out and express themselves, to play with no fear.
      Emile Heskey was part of the Euro 2004 squad when Wayne Rooney burst onto the sceneCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      “Phil Foden, dying his hair, is it a case of him saying, ‘I’m the man to step up to the plate because I’m going to be the next Gazza’?
      “We’ve been touting everyone to be the next Gazza, can he be the real next Gazza?”
      Southgate has copped flak for including big injury doubts Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire.
      Roy Keane was particularly critical, jokingly suggesting the Liverpool skipper was only included to do card tricks and organise team quizzes.
      But Heskey feels there is genuine merit in taking senior pros, even if they do not kick a ball — particularly with the squad being boosted to 26.
      He said: “Imagine as a younger player who is quite shy and doesn’t really feel he can step into certain places and own it, you have senior players who help you with that.

      “I had Martin Keown and I had Gareth. I had players like that.
      “There are more young players in this squad, so you need the senior players to help them.”
      David Beckham played a similar role at the 2010 World Cup, when he travelled with the team despite being ruled out with a ruptured Achilles.
      Heskey added: “We took Becks more as an ambassador.
      “But he was around us all the time. Having him there, eating with us and having a little chat, even just playing table-tennis or watching the games, it was great.”
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      Bark of the net as UK’s cleverest dog tips England to beat Croatia

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      ENGLAND will beat Croatia in their Euro 2020 group opener tomorrow — according to the nation’s most intelligent dog.Willow the wonder pooch can count to ten, spell her own name and identify shapes — and she has form for correctly predicting results of major events.
      Willow the wonder dog is predicting an England victoryCredit: Glen Minikin
      Now, after studying The Sun’s football guide, the clever cockapoo has picked out Harry Kane’s England side to win at Wembley tomorrow afternoon.
      She made her prediction yesterday, in strictly controlled scientific conditions, after we presented her with three bowls, each containing a football.
      On the front of each bowl we stuck a flag for England, Croatia and then a third had both for a draw.
      Willow’s owner Charlotte Price, 30, then asked her: “Who will win on Sunday, or do you fancy a draw?”
      Willow’s owner Charlotte says she is ‘never wrong’Credit: Glen Minikin
      After a moment’s paws, Willow pounced on England’s bowl — and with her track record, that is good news for manager Gareth Southgate.
      Special needs teacher Charlotte said: “This should be a great relief for England fans. She’s never wrong about these things.”
      Charlotte proudly revealed Willow has form for predicting major events — including last year’s US presidential race between Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
      She added: “She’s so clever that we’ve often wondered if she might be able to predict things.
      “Me and my husband have often had a little giggle with stuff — like last year’s run-off between Biden and Trump and she was right behind Biden.
      Willow predicts Harry Kane’s England will win at WembleyCredit: Getty
      “We also asked her to pick between Jeremy Corbyn and Boris Johnson at the last General Election. She didn’t need long to think about that one and pounced on Boris.
      “And she did the same with this year’s Champions League final. Most people backed Manchester City but she went for Chelsea. She’s not been wrong yet.”
      A pun-tastic England doggy XI
      Her skills echo those of tentacled tipster Paul the Octopus, who successfully predicted the results of Germany’s seven matches at the 2010 World Cup.
      The patriotic cockapoo was wearing an England shirt at home in Baildon, West Yorks.
      The property is also decked out in England bunting, flags and balloons.
      Charlotte started training Willow as a pup in 2018 and quickly moved on to tricks.
      She chose between her teddy and a ball — and letters and numbers.
      Willow has been training for this moment for three yearsCredit: Glen Minikin

      Willow gets a treat for every five she identifies. She also picks out shapes, including her favourite, the pentagon.
      Weather symbols are also her thing but we didn’t need her to tell us it will be sunny.
      BBC radio host Rachel Burden got her dog Mae to predict tomorrow’s winner — but she picked Croatia.
      Willow could be a good luck charm for England at Euro 2020Credit: Glen Minikin
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      Humble Euro 2020 Ukraine ace Zinchenko ‘nicest man you’ll meet’ on supermarket trips with WAG Vlada, reveals worker

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      ALEX ZINCHENKO stands patiently in line, shopping basket at his feet.Nobody ever looks twice at the slight, blond figure who has become a regular at the supermarket in Hale Barns, Cheshire.
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      Manchester City ace Oleksandr Zinchenko and his wife Vlada Shcheglova are a humble coupleCredit: Instagram / @zinchenko_96
      Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko and his wife Vlada Shcheglova are always patient in the supermarketCredit: Instagram / @zinchenko_96
      Other than the odd polite exchange and shy smile at check-out he rarely says a word. He is just another shopper, anonymous in dark blue tracksuit and flip-flops, getting the groceries in.
      Zinchenko, 24, is a picture of humility as he shuffles forward in the queue waiting to pay.
      Maybe that is because he gets the back-handed compliment from Manchester City supporters as being the club’s least untrustworthy left-back.
      Or perhaps it comes from his tough times in the Russian republic of Tatarstan living off handouts from Rubin Kazan team-mates because he was not being paid a wage seven years ago.

      Yet he is now the pride of Ukraine and tomorrow will face the Netherlands in Group C as his country’s youngest captain.
      Back home he would be mobbed walking down the street.
      His superstar status would never allow Zinchenko to enjoy the simple things in life like shopping for bread and milk.
      One of the assistants at the supermarket where he sometimes goes accompanied by his wife Vlada Shcheglova said: “You couldn’t meet a nicer young man.

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      “He comes and goes and I think he likes it here because nobody either recognises him or bothers him if they do.
      “I’m a Blue so it was a big thrill for me when he first started coming into the store.
      “He always smiles, is always very polite and the last thing most folk would think of him would be that he’s such a famous footballer.”
      Zinchenko wins his 40th cap tomorrow and has become a  crucial component of the side run by Ukrainian icon and former Chelsea and AC Milan star Andriy Shevchenko.
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      Not as a defender but as a central midfielder — a position City chief Pep Guardiola did not trust him to play.
      Indeed while the Spaniard signed him from Russian club FC Ufa for £1.7million the day after he took over in 2016, Zinchenko never really looked to have much of a future at the Etihad. And had he agreed he would have been moved on to Napoli or Wolves.
      Yet that shy exterior masks a determination to succeed that led him from his warn-torn home of Donbass in Ukraine to street  football in Moscow.
      Zinchenko had been the skipper of Shakhtar Donetsk’s youth team but at the age of 17 he was taken to Russia by his mother to escape the conflict.
      Manchester City ace Oleksandr Zinchenko has come a long wayCredit: Instagram / @zinchenko_96
      He played on concrete pitches for a non-league team called Meteor, for despite being seen at Shakhtar as a top prospect, none of the big clubs in the Russian capital were interested in him.
      He found himself on trial at Rubin Kazan but his time in Tatarstan was a hand-to-mouth existence.
      The young player could not even afford to go shopping for bread and milk.
      Former Rubin coach Rinat Bilyaletdinov said: “I really wanted to sign him. But there were legal problems over his contract with Shakhtar so he lived at our  training centre but he could not be paid.
      Manchester City ace Oleksandr Zinchenko has gained a lot of respectCredit: Instagram / @zinchenko_96
      Manchester City ace Oleksandr Zinchenko was signed by Pep GuardiolaCredit: Instagram / @zinchenko_96
      “Because he had no salary our players collected money for him just so he would be able to buy himself something in the city.”
      By the beginning of 2015 he was at another football outpost with Russian Premier League side Ufa — an 18-hour drive from Moscow.
      Yet finally his career was in motion and 18 months later he became Guardiola’s first buy.
      Even then he was immediately sent out on loan to PSV.
      Yet tomorrow he wears the Ukraine armband having placed in his basket three Prem titles, four League Cup winner’s medals and one FA Cup gong.
      Quite a selection of luxury goods for the kid who has made a career out of being patient and waiting in line.
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      England boss Gareth Southgate knows his job is safe until after World Cup even if Euro 2020 is a disaster

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE goes into tomorrow’s Euro 2020 opener knowing his job is 100 per cent safe — until after the World Cup.The England boss, fine-tuning his preparations for the Croatia crunch, has the full backing of the FA.
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      Gareth Southgate knows his job is safe until after next year’s World CupCredit: Getty
      And even if the Three Lions have a disastrous tournament, he will remain in charge for Qatar 2022.
      FA chiefs are fully committed to Southgate, who has impressed with his work on and off the pitch since taking over in 2016.
      Southgate, whose contract runs until the end of the 2022 World Cup, has struggled with injuries and player availability in the build-up to the Wembley opener.
      But the Three Lions chief last night issued a rallying cry to his players as he insisted they can handle the big-game pressure.
      Southgate, 50, said: “We have to show that. Some of our youngest players have got experience of big games and tournaments are about hitting form at the right time.
      “We have to bring everything over the next four weeks.”
      England are hoping to go one step further after reaching the World Cup semi-finals under Southgate three years ago.
      But the manager warned England cannot underestimate Croatia having lost to them in the last four in Russia.

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      Southgate has warned his stars not to underestimate the CroatiansCredit: Reuters
      Croatia knocked England out of the 2018 World CupCredit: Reuters
      Talking to ITV, he said: “It puts an emphasis on us keeping the ball well.
      “Historically, some of those opening matches England have flown out of the blocks, we haven’t kept the ball as well and we have suffered later in stages of games.
      “I think people are dismissing Croatia a little bit quickly. They’ve got big-match experience and incredible spirit.
      “We are going to have some young players on the pitch, there is no doubt about that.
      “So how do we balance that with players that have had big-match experience and are good talkers?
      “We must get the balance right.”
      Southgate is moving towards a four-man defence. Raheem Sterling looks certain to start in attack, with Jack Grealish likely to miss out.

      Sterling and midfielder Jordan Henderson got a pre-match boost with last night’s news they are to receive MBEs in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
      Sterling, 26, will receive his award for services to racial equality in sport.
      Henderson, 30, gets his gong for services to football and charity, particularly during the pandemic.
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      England must seize their chance at Euro 2020 glory… it may not come again, warns Sol Campbell

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      I’VE never felt more cheated than after my last England game at a Euros.That’s why I urge Gareth  Southgate’s squad to be themselves and leave nothing behind —  because they may never be in this position again.
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      Arsenal legend Sol Campbell has shared some advice for England ahead of Euro 2020Credit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
      Having my extra-time winner against Portugal in Lisbon in 2004 wrongly disallowed was the most frustrating moment of my career.
      It was the second time it had happened to me, after the game against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup.
      In Saint-Etienne the referee said there was a foul by Alan Shearer before I headed it in.
      It was the keeper’s fault, he misjudged it, but I can see why the referee might have thought there was a foul. But in Lisbon, you can’t ask John Terry to move out of the way. He is allowed to stand his ground and protect his own space.
      That one hurt the most. We were in the semi-finals with that goal. I had scored the winner, game over.
      VAR would have given it. A referee in a booth wouldn’t have been swayed by the home crowd baying for a foul.

      Sol Campbell had a goal disallowed against Portugal in Euro 2004Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      We all felt cheated. Other teams get away with far more. It still doesn’t  feel right.
      That was the best team I played in for England, a great team, but we missed out on fundamental moments, when you have to really concentrate to get you through, and luck.
      Tournaments are all about those fine margins that make a difference.
      It started for me at Euro 96. Coming into the squad at 21 was an unbelievable, amazing feeling.
      I just loved being around those players — Paul Gascoigne, Shearer, Paul Ince, Tony Adams,  Stuart Pearce — and it was so special to have  it at home, as this squad will soon start to understand.
      Everywhere we went everyone was wishing us well, the whole country was rooting for us. It really brought the nation together.

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      England boss Gareth Southgate played with Sol Campbell under Terry VenablesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      That’s why I’m really looking forward to being part of the talkSPORT team, to tell the listeners what these players are going through.
      I know exactly how they will feel on matchday, from the minute they wake up, on the coach, in the dressing room, running out of the tunnel for the first warm-up, all of it.
      Gareth will have learned from what Terry Venables did with us as well. Terry was the master of dealing with characters and getting the best out of a team — and he had a LOT of characters.
      He brought us together but also allowed space and time for everyone to be  themselves. That relaxed us.
      As we got closer to the games it all started to ramp up, at the right pace, not too early.
      He had perfect timing to get the players in the right frame of mind.
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      I played against Scotland for the last five minutes, but it felt like 45 minutes.
      It was the culmination of everything I’d done since going to Lilleshall at 14.
      I couldn’t believe I was coming on, against Scotland, the oldest rivalry in  the history of international football, in a tournament.
      That meant so much to everybody. And it will be the same this year against Scotland because I know the passion is going to be there. It calls for cool heads.
      We were so close to going all the way back then. If Gascoigne was an inch taller he’d have got on the end of that ball across goal in extra-time against Germany and we’d have been in the final.
      But that’s what football is all about sometimes, inches.
      Sol Campbell played with Stuart Pearce and Gareth Southgate for EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association
      At the time you think ‘this is nice, we’re going to do this all the time’ but it really doesn’t work like that.
      By 2000, with Kevin Keegan in charge, maybe we were just a group stage team. You want to go out with a bang but we let ourselves down.
      Kevin had enthusiasm. He made you feel 10ft tall and I loved that passion  in him.
      We lost against Portugal from two up, beat Germany and only needed a draw against Romania to go through.
      Then I was 30 yards away as Phil Neville gave away a penalty in the last minute.
      When you’ve got minutes to go, seconds to go, it’s all about safety, being calm and not making that sort of mistake. It was a bit of naivety, tired legs and minds, clever play by them and out we went.

      You wouldn’t want that to happen to anybody.
      But it just shows anything can change in the blink of an eye.
      England need to be smart, clinical and decisive.
      They need to trust themselves but also enjoy it, because the moment goes so fast.
      If we don’t get hiccups, being at home, we should be able to get to the final.
      In Harry Kane we have a player I can compare to Shearer in 1996, a nailed-on, serious player, a proper footballer who just loves scoring goals.
      We’ve got to get the balance right so we are not exposed on the counter-attack and play good football.
      Then we need a bit of luck on the way — but as I know, in the Euros we’re due that bit of luck.
       Listen to Sol Campbell’s expert analysis live on talkSPORT during England v Croatia on Sunday, and at every England match of the tournament.
      ——————————————————————————————————————–
      ENGLAND have endured many ‘what if’ moments since 1966 — with Sol Campbell at the centre of TWO.
      The Three Lions suffered penalty shootout agony at France 98 and Euro 2004 — but both times Campbell had an almost certain winning goal disallowed.
      In a last-16 clash with Argentina at the 1998 World Cup, Glenn Hoddle’s men had David Beckham sent off early in the second half with the score at 2-2.
      But they almost snatched victory when Campbell headed in a Darren Anderton corner after 81 minutes — only for Danish ref Kim Milton Nielsen to rule Alan Shearer had fouled keeper Carlos Roa.
      Campbell’s wild celebrations were cut short and the game went all the way to penalties after no further scoring.
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      Boss Hoddle said:  “With ten men we defended like lions and we set up so many set-pieces we could have won it. Everything seemed to go against us.”
      Six years later, England were drawing 1-1 with hosts Portugal in a Euro 2004 quarter-final when — with only a minute left in normal time — a Michael Owen effort hit the bar and Campbell rose highest to head in the rebound.
      But ref Urs Meier claimed John Terry had fouled keeper Ricardo and, after two late goals in extra-time saw the game finish 2-2, England again lost out on penalties.
      Swiss official Meier said: “It was a clear foul. England are looking for a scapegoat and are looking to blame me.
      “We are at Euro 2004 and what is allowed in the English Premier League is not allowed here. There are different rules and I applied them.  I consider that I did a first-rate job.”
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