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      Who is Turkey vs Italy referee Danny Makkelie, and how many major tournaments has Dutchman refereed at?

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      WHISTLER Danny Makkelie has been selected as the referee for the opening clash of Euro 2020.The Dutchman will be in the middle for the first match at the Stadio Olimpico, which sees Roberto Mancini’s Italy take on Turkey.
      Makkelie has been selected as a VAR assistant for the World CupCredit: AFP – Getty
      Has he officiated at the Euros before?
      A former police inspector, Makkelie will accept no messing about in the Rome clash.
      He was first listed as a FIFA referee in 2011 and at 38 years old, still has plenty of seasons under his belt.
      Makkelie was the whistler for the 2020 Europa League final between Sevilla and Inter Milan, but this will be his first major international tournament in the middle.
      What else has he done so far?
      Makkelie made his Eredivise debut in 2009 and has gone on to make over 180 appearances across nine seasons.
      He took charge of five Champions League fixtures in 2019, including the quarter-final first leg when Barcelona beat AS Roma 4-1.
      The Dutchman was blasted by the Italians’ boss Eusebio di Francesco for denying them a penalty in that game, but it proved irrelevant as Roma heroically won the second leg 3-0 to progress on away goals.
      Makkelie has also been involved in the Europe League, officiating 11 matches from 2012 to 2017.

      Has he used VAR before?
      The Dutchman has been involved in two major controversies with the VAR system.
      Makkelie became the first referee to send-off a player using the technology after he changed his yellow-card decision to a sending off against Willem II’s Anouar Kalu in a KNVB Cup game in 2016.
      He was also involved in one of the most famous and controversial usages of VAR when he took charge of the Dutch Super Cup final between Feyenoord and Vitesse.
      During that match, Feyenoord saw a goal disallowed and a penalty awarded to Vitesse instead after a VAR review showed Makkelie should have given the spot kick before the goal was scored. More

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      Euro 2020 LIVE: Maguire RETURNS to England training, Turkey vs Italy build-up, Mbappe and Giroud disagreement

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      EURO 2020 is finally here!Kylian Mbappe was reportedly left fuming after Olivier Giroud publicly criticised him for failing to pass.
      The PSG star was so angry with the Champions League winner’s comments after the friendly with Bulgaria that he reportedly wanted to call a press conference to explain his point of view.
      And things didn’t turn out much better for France’s other striker Karim Benzema, who went off injured.
      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 England.

      Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
      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.”
      MORE ON SCOTLAND’S DECISION TO TAKE THE KNEE
      Manager Steve Clarke added: “We remain committed to our principles of taking a stand but we must also be unequivocal in condemning the opportunistic false narrative being presented by some.
      “We have therefore agreed that we will show solidarity with our counterparts in England, many of whom are team-mates of our own players, and who have found themselves on the receiving end of abuse from fans in recent international matches.
      “We will continue to take a stand – together, as one – for our matches at Hampden.
      “For our match at Wembley, we will stand against racism and kneel against ignorance.”
      BREAKING – SCOTLAND WILL TAKE KNEE AGAINST ENGLAND
      Scotland have confirmed they WILL take the knee before their group match against England in a show of solidarity.
      A statement from captain Andy Robertson reads: “Our position was – and remains – that the focus must be on meaningful change to fight discrimination in football and wider society.
      “In Scotland, the football family has stood against racism all season. It was our collective view that the national team would do the same.
      “Our stance is that everyone, players, fans, teams, clubs, federations, governing bodies and governments must do more. Meaningful action is needed if meaningful change is to occur.
      “But it is also clear, given the events around the England national team, taking the knee in this tournament matters as a symbol of solidarity.”
      ‘HIGH FIVE, POPPY’
      Scotland ace John McGinn has applauded a schoolgirl who won a bid to have the Euro 2020 games screened in class with an adorable letter.
      The Aston Villa midfielder gave a video shoutout to Clydebank youngster Poppy Lord for her ‘amazing’ note which netted backing from the headteacher.
      Poppy argued the clashes are ‘more than just a game’ and will inspire her St Stephen’s Primary School classmates to achieve their dreams.
      Click here to read more
      Scotland ace John McGinn applauds Clydebank schoolgirl who won bid to screen Euro 2020 games in class with cute letter
      PICKED EUR WINNERS
      Euro 2020 kicks-off TODAY!
      And players, pundits, managers and our very own Sun readers have had their say on who they think is going to win Uefa’s flagship international competition this summer.
      England fans are desperate to end 55 years of hurt while French supporters are hoping Les Bleus can add to their 2018 World Cup glory with back to back major honours.
      And SunSport has collated the thoughts of the great and good of British football including YOU our readers.
      So here is who Jose Mourinho, Alex Scott, Gary Neville & Co think is going to win this summer.
      Click here to read more

      RUSS BACK
      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.”

      RAM RACE
      Aaron Ramsey drafted in his own medical team to ensure he can play a full part in another Wales Euro fairytale.
      The Juventus midfielder arrived at the Dragons camp last month suffering from muscle fatigue – a problem he had encountered five times in the Italian season.
      So during a warm weather training trip to Portugal, and in Cardiff, he brought in his trusted people to nurse him back to fitness.
      Former Arsenal favourite Ramsey gave fans a scare when he sat out training yesterday – but he is confident the extra lengths he has gone to will pay off.
      Wales take on Switzerland in their opening game in Baku tomorrow and he is hoping to play some part.
      Click here to read more
      Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      SAY NO MOUR
      Ex-Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that he texted Harry Kane to wish him luck ahead of Euro 2020.
      Mourinho, 58, told talkSPORT: “I did message yesterday. Now it’s time to [stand back].
      “Now it’s time to close the door and leave them in their room with family and close friends.
      “From my side, when a player is my boy, he’s my boy even when we don’t work together.”

      JOSE PICKS ENGLAND TEAM
      Speaking to talkSPORT, Jose Mourinho has picked his England side to face Croatia on Sunday.
      Thoughts?

      SCOTLAND WON’T TAKE THE KNEE
      Scotland’s players have decided not to take the knee at Euro 2020.
      The team held a meeting earlier this week to discuss what they should do.
      Skipper Robertson said: “It is important we continue to tackle the issue of racism and raise awareness of the need to change people’s mindsets but also their behaviours.
      “Prior to our World Cup qualifiers in March we spoke as a group and felt that taking a stand was the best way for us to show solidarity and also to reinforce the need for meaningful change in society.”

      IRISH LIONS
      A giant mural of England stars Jack Grealish and Declan Rice has appeared – in Ireland.
      The two players featured the the Irish in the junior national sides – Rice even making three appearances in friendlies.
      But the two Premier League stars opted to switch allegiance to England, and are key components of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad.
      Leading bookmaker Paddy Power could not resist having a cheeky pop at the par commissioning a stunning artwork in Dublin’s Fenian St.
      The mural is emblazoned with the words ‘Come On You Boys In White’ and features paintings of the players.
      But it is ultimately all for a good cause – the bookie has a special ‘Backstabber Bonus’ where they will donate £20,000 to Irish football for each goal scored by the two.
      And they will also hand over £10,000 every time England score a goal in the tournament – with a minimum payout of £100,000.

      COOPER WARY OF COVID
      Scotland defender Liam Cooper is aware of the threat Covid-19 poses to the team’s chances at Euro 2020.
      The 29-year-old, who’s previously had the virus, told the Scottish Sun: “I don’t know if I could get it again but we still follow the precautions around the place.
      “We still wear masks. If you did contract it now you’d be in serious trouble. That would be your Euros over.
      “We had a few days off there but I don’t think the lads got up to much because they knew what was at risk.
      “I had my family tested before I got back from Spain just to be cautious. Speaking to a few of the lads, they’ve done the same.
      “I think you’d be stupid to go out there and see people, knowing what’s at risk.
      “You’ve got the chance of a lifetime to go and play for your country in the Euros.
      “The lads are pretty switched on and everyone’s PCR tests have come back negative.
      “We’re sticking to the precautions. Dr MacLean has been unbelievable with us. Nothing is too much to ask.”
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      CASHING IN
      England players will share a £12MILLION bonus between them if they win the Euros.
      But the Three Lions stars will have to wait until the autumn for the money because of rules attached to Bank of England loans to the FA.
      The £12m works out at £461,000 per player which blasts out the water the £217k each they got for reaching the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
      England’s players also receive £2,000 match fees for each appearance which are donated to charity.
      The Three Lions’ bonus pot is the largest it has ever been for a major tournament after Uefa upped the total prize fund to £393m – a 24 per cent increase on Euro 2016.
      Prize money is paid incrementally in line with each country’s tournament progress with the winners pocketing a cool £30m if they win every group game.
      The FA will keep 60 per cent of any winnings with the remainder going to the players under an agreement reached with England’s leadership group, according to the Mail.
      PREVIOUS WINNERS
      There have been 15 European Championships in the past – and 10 different winners.
      Here is the competition’s illustrious roll of honour:

      Germany/West Germany (winners in 1972, 1980, 1996)
      Spain (1964, 2008, 2012)
      France (1984, 2000)
      Soviet Union (1960)
      Italy (1968)
      Portugal (2016)
      Czechoslovakia (1976)
      Holland (1988)
      Denmark (1992)
      Greece (2004)

      EURO 2020 TEAM GUIDE
      Football has come home… at last!
      The Euros are here, and with eight games at Wembley and three at Scotland’s Hampden Park, fans are really being treated in the UK.
      England last hosted a major tournament 25 years ago for Euro 1996 – one current boss Gareth Southgate won’t need reminding about.
      The gaffer missed the crucial penalty in the semi-final against Germany as the Three Lions fell agonisingly short.
      Now Southgate is hoping to lead his youthful and exuberant squad to glory under the Wembley arch.
      The coronavirus pandemic delayed the tournament for a year – but now there’s no stopping the Beautiful Game taking centre stage.
      Here, SunSport takes a look at the big players at the festival of football that kicks off tonight at the Stadio Olympico in Rome with Turkey against Italy.
      Click here to read our Euro 2020 team guide
      TODAY’S THE DAY
      Happy Euro 2020 day!
      The tournament starts TONIGHT with Turkey vs Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
      Kick-off is at 8pm UK time.

      Load more entries… More

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      Mason Mount reveals he was left stunned after hero Luka Modric asked Chelsea star for his shirt in Champions League

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      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 LeagueCredit: Getty
      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.”
      Mount named former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard, Xavi and Andres Iniesta as the other footballers he looked up to as a youngster.
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      But Mount was shocked that Real Madrid midfielder Modric asked for his shirt after their recent Champions League tie.
      Mount will come up against the former Tottenham star again this weekend when England host Croatia in their Euro 2020 opener.
      And his recent experience of being on the winning team, as he helped Chelsea lift the Champions League, can only help England’s chances at Wembley.
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      Chelsea and PSG both want Inter Milan wing-back Achraf Hakimi More

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      Who is ITV pundit Ally McCoist, what teams has he played for?

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      ITV will retain the services of Rangers legend Ally McCoist for their live coverage of Euro 2020 this summer. McCoist proved to be a big hit among ITV viewers for his commentary style during the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
      McCoist was inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in 2007Credit: The Sun
      The 58-year-old former striker is a Rangers hero, spending FIFTEEN years with the Glasgow giants between 1983 and 1998.
      McCoist racked up 418 appearances for Rangers during his time at Ibrox, netting an impressive 251 goals during that period.
      He also managed the Glasgow side for three years between 2011 and 2014, helping the club to successive promotions from the Scottish fourth and third divisions after the club was put into liquidation in 2012.
      McCoist won 121 out of his 167 matches as manager of Rangers

      Who is Ally McCoist?

      Born – Bellshill, Scotland, 1962
      1979-1981 – St. Johnstone (57 apps)
      1981-1983 – Sunderland (56 apps)
      1983-1998 – Rangers (418 apps)
      1994 – Awarded MBE for services to football
      1998-2001 – Kilmarnock (53 apps)
      1996-2007 – Team Captain, A Question of Sport
      2010 – Pundit for ESPN, ITV, BT Sport, Amazon Prime
      2011-2014 – Manager, Rangers

      McCoist also has 61 caps for Scotland, bagging nineteen goals for the Tartan Terriers between 1986 and 1998.

      McCoist also spent four years as Rangers assistant manager between 2007 and 2011Credit: The Sun
      McCoist will be part of ITV’s commentary team for Euro 2020, working alongside Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Joe Speight, Seb Hutchinsonand Tom Gayle, as well as co-commentators Lee Dixon and John Hartson.
      The Scotsman is expected to be on co-commentary for Scotland’s games at this summer’s tournament.
      Scotland line up in Group D alongside England, Croatia and the Czech Republic, with their opener against the Czech Republic scheduled for June 14 at Hampden Park.
      Scotland’s first game live on ITV is the mouthwatering clash with the Auld enemy England at 8pm on June 18, with Ally McCoist likely to be part of the commentary team.
      McCoist scored once for Scotland at a major tournament – at Euro 96 against SwitzerlandCredit: The Sun More

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      Which teams have qualified for Euro 2020 and what are the groups? Scotland to face England in exciting Group D

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      EURO 2020 has arrived – and we’ve more than a month of football to enjoy over the summer.Scotland will be among the 24 teams at the Euros as they face the Three Lions in what should be an epic at Wembley in Group D.
      Scotland have qualified for the first time in 22 yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Which teams have qualified for Euro 2020?
      QUALIFICATION for the Euros began just weeks after the 2018 World Cup finished in Russia.
      The first two teams in each qualifying group will automatically head into next summer’s showpiece, which for the first time is being hosted in a number of major European cities.
      20 teams have now confirmed their place in Euro 2020:

      Belgium
      Italy
      Poland
      Russia
      Ukraine
      Turkey
      France
      Spain
      England
      Czech Republic
      Finland
      Sweden
      Germany
      Holland
      Croatia
      Austria
      Portugal
      Switzerland
      Denmark
      Wales
      North Macedonia
      Slovakia
      Scotland
      Hungary

      What are the play-off finals?

      Hungary 2-1 Iceland
      Northern Ireland 1-2 Slovakia
      Serbia 1-1(p) Scotland
      Georgia 0-1 North Macedonia

      Euro 2020 groups
      Group A

      Turkey
      Italy
      Wales
      Switzerland

      Group B

      Denmark
      Finland
      Belgium
      Russia

      Group C

      Holland
      Ukraine
      Austria
      North Macedonia

      Group D

      England
      Croatia
      Scotland
      Czech Republic

      Group E

      Spain
      Sweden
      Poland
      Slovakia

      Group F

      Hungary
      Portugal
      France
      Germany More

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      Predict five results at Euro 2020 and win a share of up to £10,000 with Dream Team Selector Big5

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      PREDICT five results at Euro 2020 with Dream Team Selector Big5 and you could win a share of a huge prize pool.There is £10,000 up for grabs in the first game – with the deadline Saturday 12 June at 1.45pm.

      Predict a win, lose or draw, with points calculated on the odds of the match. The riskier the prediction, the more points you may collect.
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      Matchday 1 games:

      Wales vs Switzerland
      Belgium vs Russia
      England vs Croatia
      Netherlands vs Ukraine
      Scotland vs Czech Republic

      For each game round you’ll also need to choose 3 deciders. But choose carefully as the the extra or minus points could mean the difference between winning and losing!
      It costs just £3 to enter and the top 25 per cent of entries win payouts of £3.30 to £2,500 or more.
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      Once the game is live, see how your predictions stack up against other players and your friends’ teams in the live leaderboard. Every point counts!
      There will be five Dream Team Selector Big5 games over the course of Euro 2020.
      Game 1 deadline: Saturday 12 June, 1.45pm
      Game 2 deadline: Friday 18 June, 7.45pm
      Game 3 deadline: Tuesday 22 June, 7.45pm
      Game 4 deadline: Saturday 26 June, 7.45pm
      Game 5 deadline: Friday 2 July, 4.45pm More

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      Watch Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘worst free kick ever’ as Portugal captain mocked after Israel victory ahead of Euro 2020

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO was mocked for the ‘worst free-kick’ of his entire career during Portugal’s friendly with Israel. The Juventus superstar was renowned for his set-piece taking, especially earlier in his career with Manchester United and Real Madrid.

      Some think it was Ronaldo’s worst free-kick attempt everCredit: AFP
      Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t hide his disappointmentCredit: AFP
      But he woefully dropped his standards in Portugal’s final game before the delayed European Championships.
      The legendary forward, 36, completed his iconic run up to the ball but riffled one right into the empty stands.
      Ronaldo was ruthlessly slammed by fans online, who called for him to stop taking free-kicks all together.
      One tweeted: “Who has video of that Ronaldo free kick? That’s the worst free kick I’ve ever seen him take.”
      Another commented: “Why does he continue to take them?”
      One posted: “He really needs to let go of the free kick duties now.”
      Another wrote: “He shouldn’t be allowed to take free-kicks once the crowd returns. It’s too dangerous. The ball can literally hit anyone.”

      He shouldn’t be allowed to take free-kicks once the crowd returns. It’s too dangerous. The ball can literally hit anyone. 💀 https://t.co/K4D634f514— Harvey (@LaPulga__10) June 10, 2021

      Who has video of that Ronaldo free kick? That’s the worst free kick I’ve ever seen him take 🤣🤣🤣— ElPadrino (@unDSthemkickz) June 9, 2021

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      The failed free-kick mattered little, as Ronaldo was on the scoresheet in the 4-0 win, with Bruno Fernandes scoring twice.
      Manchester City’s Juan Cancelo also grabbed a goal giving Portugal a boost going into the Euros.
      They have a what many consider ‘The Group of Death’ with fixtures against France, Germany and Hungary.
      Portugal open against Hungary and their manager Fernando Santos admitted his side must improve before next Tuesday’s clash.
      He told RTP: “In the second I changed things a little, I tried to put one more man next to Ronaldo and two midfielders coming in from the inside, but it didn’t work.
      “We started to miss a lot of passes and the ball circulation was not so good. There are many things to improve, certainly.
      “Now lets rest and calmly prepare for the Euros. This team has a huge will and an excellent team spirit.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘contacts Man Utd, PSG and Real Madrid to find out transfer plans’ as he considers shock Juventus exit More

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      Who is ITV referee pundit Peter Walton?

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      FORMER Premier League referee Peter Walton will be part of ITV’s pundit team at Euro 2020 to provide expert insight on all the major decisions during games. The 61-year-old refereed games in the Premier League between 2003-2012 as well as the 2008 FA Community Shield.
      Peter Walton was assistant referee for the 1996 FA Cup finalCredit: Peter Tarry – The Sunday Times  
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      The first game he refereed in the Premier League was a memorable one – a 4-3 Wolverhampton Wanderers win against Leicester in 2003.
      Walton currently provides insight for BT Sport’s coverage of the Premier League and Champions League, but will join up with ITV for Euro 2020.
      He was subject of a BT Sport gaff two years ago in the Champions League semi-final as instead of cutting to images of Spurs players after Lucas Moura’s dramatic winner against Ajax, BT cameras switched to a grinning Walton.

      Euro 2020 gets underway on June 11 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome as Turkey take on Italy in Group A.
      The sixtieth anniversary of the first Euros means this year the tournament is being held across the continent of Europe, rather than one host nation.

      Eleven cities have been chosen to hold fixtures, with 25% of the stadiums set to be filled with supporters.
      Dublin was originally scheduled to be a host city, but the Irish government could not assure UEFA that the Aviva Stadium could be 25% full.
      Who are the eleven host cities for Euro 2020?

      Amsterdam Arena – Amsterdam
      Olympic Stadium – Baku
      Arena Nationala – Bucharest
      Puskas Arena – Budapest
      Parken Stadium – Copenhagen
      Hampden Park – Glasgow
      Wembley Stadium- London
      Allianz Arena – Munich
      Stadio Olimpico – Rome
      La Cartuja – Seville
      Krestovksy Stadium – St. Petersburg

      The first game Peter Walton will be on duty for is likely to be ITV’s first live game of the tournament – the Group B clash between Belgium take on Russia.
      Twenty-four teams will contest Euro 2020 More