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    Euro 2020 pundit Robert Earnshaw becomes Twitter cult hero with random tweets on robots, aliens and existence itself

    EURO 2020 pundit Robert Earnshaw is a cult hero on Twitter due to his fascinating insight into a range of topics, including aliens and the person who discovered milk.The former Wales international will join ITV as part of their Euros coverage and if he is as entertaining on TV as he is on social media then viewers are in for a treat.
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    Robert Earnshaw will be part of ITV’s team for Euro 2020
    There is zero evidence that today is Sunday.We are all kind of relying on the fact somebody has kept an accurate count since the first one ever— Robert Earnshaw (@RobertEarnshaw) May 17, 2020

    Reckon I’ll get away with that excuse tomorrow if I don’t turn in to work Rob?— Jay Edwards (@JamesEdwardsLFC) May 17, 2020

    Several footballers have grabbed attention for their odd opinions and tweets, such as Louis Saha being grateful for the “good banter” he had with his son over dinner instead of watching TV.
    None compare to Earnshaw however, who has become the master of pondering the more obscure aspects of life, almost like a Welsh Karl Pilkington.
    Perhaps his most brilliant ‘eureka’ moment came during the first lockdown last year, when he stated: “There is zero evidence that today is Sunday. We are all kind of relying on the fact somebody has kept an accurate count since the first one ever.”
    Strange but true, Robert, strange but true.
    He is equally as eccentric in his views on Monday’s, aliens and life itself.
    And Earnshaw famously suggested that if Mark Lawrenson was a day of the week he would be Monday.
    If mark lawrenson was a day of the week he would be Monday.— Robert Earnshaw (@RobertEarnshaw) July 1, 2014

    I feel sorry for Monday,everyone seems to hate it more & more every week.Its not Mondays fault.— Robert Earnshaw (@RobertEarnshaw) November 18, 2013

    The guy who discovered milk probably did a lot of other strange things too.— Robert Earnshaw (@RobertEarnshaw) January 24, 2016

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    We cannot wait to see what fascinating comparisons he makes between the stars of Euro 2020 and whatever bizarre subject his mind comes up with.
    Perhaps Gareth Bale could be a bowl of Coco Pops – cereal, after all, is another of Earnshaw’s favoured topics.
    The former striker’s antics have grabbed attention and a significant following online.

    If in doubt,Cereal is always great anytime of the day.— Robert Earnshaw (@RobertEarnshaw) June 13, 2013

    The Second Tier podcast singled out four tweets representing some of his best work alongside a caption that read: “Gentle reminder that Rob Earnshaw is the single greatest mind to ever exist.”
    Others pointed out that lockdown was getting to Earnshaw a little last year, particularly his opinion of bats and the outbreak of Covid-19.
    Fans should be on the edge of their seats for match analysis when Earnshaw is in the studio as he is bound to provide non-stop entertainment.
    Today I beat my high score of consecutive days lived— Robert Earnshaw (@RobertEarnshaw) February 17, 2017

    I wonder how many miles your thumb has scrolled— Robert Earnshaw (@RobertEarnshaw) January 29, 2017

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    Furious Kylian Mbappe ‘wanted to hold PRESS CONFERENCE’ to blast France team-mate Giroud over row ahead of Euro 2020

    KYLIAN MBAPPE was reportedly left feeling ‘attacked’ and ‘angry’ after team-mate Olivier Giroud’s comments that he doesn’t receive enough service while playing for France.And such was his ‘fury’ at the Chelsea forward’s opinion, that he wanted to release a statement in order to hit back.
    Kylian Mbappe was reportedly furious with Olivier GiroudCredit: AFP or licensors
    Karim Benzema’s international return has added a new dynamic upfrontCredit: Reuters
    The pair were both part of Les Bleus’ World Cup-winning frontline three years ago.
    And both are in Didier Deschamps’ Euro 2020 squad, although Giroud’s starting berth is likely to be taken by the returning Karim Benzema.
    After coming on to score twice against Bulgaria on Tuesday night, ‘degraded’ Giroud, 34, appeared to accuse his team-mates of not picking out his runs enough.
    He told L’Equipe du Soir: “I was a little quiet because, sometimes, I make runs and the balls aren’t forthcoming.
    “I am not saying that I always make the best runs, but I am seeking to offer solutions in the box.”
    According to L’Equipe, Mbappe was angered by Giroud’s comments – and wanted to call an impromptu press conference in order to hit back with some of his own.
    Deschamps, all too aware of how squad disharmony has hindered France campaigns of yesteryear, has tried to diffuse the situation.
    The 52-year-old said: “If you received the ball after each time you called for it, it is always the same, the attacker says, ‘I am making runs but it’s on the midfield’.

    Giroud and Mbappe helped Les Bleus win the World Cup in 2018Credit: EPA
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    “The midfielders will say that it is on the attackers.
    “Sometimes, the pass isn’t forthcoming, sometimes it is down the movement. But this is not a stigmatisation of Kylian or whoever.
    “Kylian, I spoke to him at half-time. He knows it very well, Olivier does not have the same profile as Karim.
    “He has a more axial position of pivot, while in the first half, the three could switch to be in any zone.

    “Olivier does not have the same profile. They have choices to make, they don’t always have to be interpreted. If they take an individual action instead of passing, it is up to them to choose, when it is not the game that imposes on them.”
    France begin their campaign against Germany on Tuesday, before taking on Portugal and Hungary in their other Group F tussles.
    Benzema, 33, had to hobble out of their win over Bulgaria earlier this week.
    But Deschamps is confident that the Real Madrid star will be available for the tournament – likely leaving Giroud stuck on the bench.
    Didier Deschamps has attempted to diffuse the tensionCredit: AFPWIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!

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    Ronaldo will be Portugal’s star man again but it’s all about teamwork if they want more Euros glory

    PORTUGAL is full of massive individual talents – but let’s hope that the team’s ability is even greater than the sum of its parts.Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be the big star, even at 36, with his enormous quality meaning that the team revolves around him.
    Cristiano Ronaldo will spearhead Portugal’s Euros campaign once againCredit: Rex
    Carlos Carvalhal is in charge at Braga and used to coach at Swansea and Sheffield WednesdayCredit: Getty
    His team-mates have to accept that it is worth foregoing some teamwork from Ronaldo because they know that he is capable of making the difference at any moment.
    That has been the case in the past – such as that amazing hat-trick against Spain at the 2018 World Cup – and will be once again at this tournament.
    Ronaldo will offer little on the defensive side but contribute everything in the final third, so he is a luxury worth having.
    But beyond the Juventus striker and the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva, there are some emerging stars in Portuguese football too.
    The latest example is Pote, a young midfielder who played in behind the striker for title-winning Sporting Lisbon and finished top-scorer in the Primeira Liga.
    Let’s see if he’s given the opportunity to demonstrate his great talent. He’s a rebellious and bold young player who’s not afraid of any opponent or atmosphere.
    I know three members of the squad really well because they played for me in the past. I had Rui Patrício and João Moutinho at Sporting and Renato Sanches at Swansea.
    Rui Patrício holds the all-time record for international caps won by a Portuguese goalkeeper so is very experienced and assured.
    He rarely makes big mistakes and there’s no question that he’s a big asset to the national team.
    Portugal are in Group F with France, Germany and Hungary this summerCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo will hope to lead them to more glory after Euro 2016 successCredit: AP
    His excellent performances at Wolves have confirmed just how reliable the best goalkeeper of the decade really is.
    João Moutinho is a machine! I was once asked to give my thoughts about him and I remember saying, “He plays with an antenna on his head”.
    He understands the game, he plays and gets others playing, he covers for players who are out of position and is a tireless worker for the team.
    He’s already in second place in the all-time appearance records for the national team, ahead of Luís Figo and second only to Ronaldo.
    Having played at three European Championships and two World Cups, this will likely be his last major tournament.
    Renato Sanches is an explosive box-to-box midfielder who regained his best form in France with surprise Ligue 1 champions Lille.
    A player who plays with great intensity at both ends of the pitch, the French league has proved the ideal platform for him to prove his ability.
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    When there are a lot of transitions in the game is when we will see the best of Renato.
    Portugal are in Group F with Hungary, Germany and France. It’s going to be very difficult and very tight.
    In theory, Hungary will be the team that gets left behind and the other three sides will battle for the top two spots.
    Portugal have historically struggled against what, on paper, are weaker teams and excel against stronger opponents.
    This is why the first game, against Hungary on Tuesday, is so important and the team simply cannot afford to drop any points.
    I think that in this match the coach Fernando Santos will take risks to win the game and go with three attacking players up top who have an eye for goal.
    He will set up with a four-man defence and three midfielders, two of whom are more attacking players.
    He will also go with two attacking wing-backs who will have the flanks to themselves with the wingers playing more on the inside.
    In the other two games, against France and Germany, I expect to see Portugal try to control the game from midfield with two holding midfielders, a more attack-minded midfielder (possibly Bruno Fernandes) and a winger who is a good all-round midfielder, such as Bernardo Silva.
    This will allow Santos’s men to dominate the play in the middle third and create good attacking play to provide Ronaldo with the best supply, whilst not giving the opposition the time to launch counter-attacks.
    We attack together, and we are a unit when we lose the ball.

    Portugal are the defending Euro champions. The team has some really talented players, a very able and experienced coach as well as huge desire and belief to successfully defend their crown.
    Everything in the group will come down to beating the big boys, France and Germany, and not slipping up against Hungary, as sometimes can happen.
    We hope to see Portugal produce some great football. We want to see technical, creative football but good discipline at the same time.
    That is what they showed five years ago and it took them all the way.
    BBC release promo for Euro 2020 featuring Bale, Ronaldo and Mbappe for this summer More

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    What are the lyrics to Hungary’s national anthem Himnusz?

    WHAT they lack in footballing prowess, Hungary certainly makes up for with its national anthem – the Himnusz.The 1989 hymn is TWICE the length of God Save the Queen and quite a mouthful.

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    But spare a thought for Hungarians back home – they have to listen to it at 12.10am every single day on the radio.
    What are the lyrics to Himnusz
    Verse 1Isten, áldd meg a magyartJó kedvvel, bőséggel,Nyújts feléje védő kart,Ha küzd ellenséggel;Bal sors akit régen tép,Hozz rá víg esztendőt,Megbűnhődte már e népA múltat s jövendőt!
    Verse 2Őseinket felhozádKárpát szent bércére,Általad nyert szép hazátBendegúznak vére.S merre zúgnak habjaiTiszának, Dunának,Árpád hős magzatjaiFelvirágozának.
    Verse 3Értünk Kunság mezeinÉrt kalászt lengettél,Tokaj szőlővesszeinNektárt csepegtettél.Zászlónk gyakran plántáládVad török sáncára,S nyögte Mátyás bús hadátBécsnek büszke vára.
    Verse 4Hajh, de bűneink miattGyúlt harag kebledben,S elsújtád villámidatDörgő fellegedben,Most rabló mongol nyilátZúgattad felettünk,Majd töröktől rabigátVállainkra vettünk.

    Verse 5Hányszor zengett ajkainOzmán vad népénekVert hadunk csonthalmainGyőzedelmi ének!Hányszor támadt tenfiadSzép hazám, kebledre,S lettél magzatod miattMagzatod hamvvedre!
    Verse 6Bújt az üldözött, s feléKard nyúlt barlangjában,Szerte nézett s nem leléHonját a hazában,Bércre hág és völgybe száll,Bú s kétség mellette,Vérözön lábainál,S lángtenger fölette.
    Verse 7Vár állott, most kőhalom,Kedv s öröm röpkedtek,Halálhörgés, siralomZajlik már helyettek.S ah, szabadság nem virúlA holtnak véréből,Kínzó rabság könnye hullÁrvánk hő szeméből!
    Verse 8Szánd meg Isten a magyartKit vészek hányának,Nyújts feléje védő kartTengerén kínjának.Bal sors akit régen tép,Hozz rá víg esztendőt,Megbűnhődte már e népA múltat s jövendőt!
    Hungary are in a tough group with Germany, Portugal and FranceCredit: Reuters
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    What are the lyrics in English?
    Verse 1O God, bless the nation of HungaryWith your grace and bountyExtend over it your guarding armDuring strife with its enemiesLong torn by ill fateBring upon it a time of reliefThis nation has suffered for all sinsOf the past and of the future!
    Verse 2You brought our ancestors upOver the Carpathians’ holy peaksBy You was won a beautiful homelandFor Bendeguz’s sonsAnd wherever flow the rivers ofThe Tisza and the DanubeÁrpád our hero’s descendantsWill root and bloom.
    Verse 3For us on the plains of the KunsYou ripened the wheatIn the grape fields of TokajYou dripped sweet nectarOur flag you often plantedOn the wild Turk’s earthworksAnd under Mátyás’ grave army whimperedVienna’s “proud fort.”
    Verse 4Ah, but for our sinsAnger gathered in Your bosomAnd You struck with Your lightningFrom Your thundering cloudsNow the plundering Mongols’ arrowsYou swarmed over usThen the Turks’ slave yokeWe took upon our shoulders.

    Verse 5How often came from the mouthsOf Osman’s barbarian nationOver the corpses of our defeated armyA victory song!How often did your own son aggressMy homeland, upon your breast,And you became because of your own sonsYour own sons’ funeral urn!
    Verse 6The fugitive hid, and towards himThe sword reached into his caveLooking everywhere he could not findHis home in his homelandClimbs the mountain, descends the valleySadness and despair his companionsSea of blood beneath his feetOcean of flame above.
    Verse 7Castle stood, now a heap of stonesHappiness and joy fluttered,Groans of death, weepingNow sound in their place.And Ah! Freedom does not bloomFrom the blood of the dead,Torturous slavery’s tears fallFrom the burning eyes of the orphans!
    Verse 8Pity, O Lord, the HungariansWho are tossed by waves of dangerExtend over it your guarding armOn the sea of its miseryLong torn by ill fateBring upon it a time of reliefThey who have suffered for all sinsOf the past and of the future! More

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    What are the lyrics to Portugal’s national anthem A Portuguesa?

    WHEN Cristiano and Co line up to begin the defence of their Euros crown they will head into battle – with a familiar war cry.Portugal’s national anthem – a marching song which was adopted by the country’s new Republic in 1911 – is not just an expression of pride.

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    It is a call to arms, a notice of intent and a flexing of Portugal’s muscles as they prepare to honour the Homeland.
    What are the lyrics to “A Portuguesa”?
    Verse 1Heróisdo mar, nobre povo,Naçao valente, imortal,Levantai hoje de novoOs esplendor de PortugalEntre as brumas da memória.Ó Pátria sente-se a vozDos teus egrégios avósQue há-de guiar-te à vitória.
    Chorus:Às armas! Às armas!Sobre a terra, sobre o mar!Às armas! Às armas!Pela Pátria lutar!Contra os canhões marchar, marchar!
    Verse 2Desfralda a invicta bandeiraÀ luz viva do teu céuBrade à Europa à terra inteiraPortugal não pereceu!Beija o solo teu jucundoO oceano a rujir d’amor;E o teu braço vencedorDeu mundos novos ao mundo!

    Chorus:Às armas! Às armas!Sobre a terra, sobre o mar!Às armas! Às armas!Pela Pátria lutar!Contra os canhões marchar, marchar!
    Verse 3Saudai o sol que despontaSobre um ridente porvir;Seja o eco d’uma afrontaO sinal de ressurgir.Ráios d’essa aurora forteSão como beijos de mãeQue nos guardam, nos sustêm,Contra as injúrias da sorte
    Chorus:Às armas! Às armas!Sobre a terra, sobre o mar!Às armas! Às armas!Pela Pátria lutar!Contra os canhões marchar, marchar!
    Portugal have a tough group with France, Germany and HungaryCredit: Getty – Contributor
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    What are the lyrics in English
    Verse 1Heroes of the sea, noble race,Valiant and immortal nation,Rise up once againThe splendor of Portugal.Out of the mists of memory,Oh Homeland, we hear the voicesOf your great forefathersThat shall lead you on to victory!
    Chorus:To arms, to armsOn land and sea!To arms, to armsTo fight for our Homeland!To march against the enemy guns!
    Verse 2Unfurl the unconquerable flagIn the bright light of your sky!Cry out all Europe and the worldThat Portugal has not perished.Your happy land is kissedBy the Ocean that murmurs with love.And your conquering armHas given new worlds to the world!
    Chorus:To arms, to armsOn land and sea!To arms, to armsTo fight for our Homeland!To march against the enemy guns!
    Verse 3Salute the Sun that risesOn a smiling future:Let the echo of an insult beThe signal for our revival.The rays of that powerful dawnAre like a mother’s kissesThat protect us and support usAgainst the insults of fate.
    Chorus:To arms, to armsOn land and sea!To arms, to armsTo fight for our Homeland!To march against the enemy guns! More

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    What are the lyrics to Slovakia’s national anthem Nad Tatrou sa Blyska?

    MINNOWS Slovakia like their national anthem so much they sing it twice.Each line of Nad Tatrou sa blýska’s rousing two verses are repeated to pack a proper punch.

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    It was originally a folk song written in 1844 by a student who was furious after his teacher was sacked but later adopted in 1993 after it split from the Czech Republic.
    What are the lyrics to Nad Tatrou sa Blyska?
    Verse 1Nad Tatrou sa blýska,hromy divo bijú.Zastavme ich, bratia,veď sa ony stratia,Slováci ožijú.
    Verse 2To Slovensko našeposiaľ tvrdo spalo,ale blesky hromuvzbudzujú ho k tomu,aby sa prebralo.
    Slovakia are in a tough group with Poland, Spain and SwedenCredit: AFP
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    What are the lyrics in English?
    Verse 1There is lightning over the Tatras,thunderclaps wildly beat.Let us stop them, brothers,for all that, they will disappear,the Slovaks will revive.
    Verse 2That Slovakia of ourshas been fast asleep so far,but the thunder’s lightningis rousing itto come to. More

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    Robert Sanchez left ‘second father’ Ben Roberts with a tear in his eye after earning Spain Euro 2020 call-up

    WHEN Robert Sanchez was handed his shock Spain call-up, the goalie made sure to pay tribute to “second father” Ben Roberts.Brighton’s goalkeeping coach has been instrumental in helping Sanchez go from a gangly teenager who could not speak English to one of the most exciting stoppers in world football.
    Robert Sanchez has earned a call-up to Spain’s Euros squadCredit: Getty
    Brighton goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts had a tear in his eyeCredit: Rex
    Roberts’ tough-love approach created a deep trust between the pair and prepared Sanchez for the big time.
    The 23-year-old had not played a single Premier League appearance 12 months ago but now is going to the Euros fighting for the Spanish No1 spot.
    Roberts, who also developed Nick Pope, told SunSport: “When Rob got his first Spain call-up, I had a tear in my eye, to be honest.
    “I knew how much it meant to him and his family, how hard he worked to get there, coming abroad at 15, not speaking the language and all the different challenges in front of him.
    “Now he’s overcome everything and he’s never, ever got the huff, he’s got on with it. He realised that was what he had to do to get to the top.”
    Cartagena-born Sanchez joined Brighton’s youth set-up in 2013.
    Two years later former Albion stopper Roberts left Charlton, where he worked with the likes of Neil Etheridge, David Button and Pope, to join the Seagulls.
    Preferring to have one or two youth keepers in his first-team stopper group, Roberts called up Sanchez who instantly made an impression.
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    His next step was to go out on loan to give him his first taste of first-team football but there were two problems.
    The first was finding a club who would take him. The second was Sanchez did not want to go.
    Roberts explained: “Rob told me at 18,19 that he was too good to go out on loan, that he would be in the team in no time. He was confident. He knew he was a decent goalkeeper.
    “I would say, ‘Fine Rob if you’re so good, we won’t go out on loan’ and we took a different approach. We took more time to groom him.
    “When he finally went out on loan, it wasn’t easy to place him at first, which you’ll often find with young goalkeepers who are so positive.
    “I had problems with Popey out on loan early, because people remember the errors they make.
    “I don’t tend to too much. If my goalkeepers are trying be positive and proactive, I’d much prefer that than someone who is safe.”
    Sanchez eventually went to Forest Green, with a little help from Roberts’ pal Pat Mountain who was the goalkeeping coach there at the time.
    The Spaniard impressed with his commanding displays and ability with his feet, which suited Rovers’ progressive style of play.
    They did not mind when he made the odd mistake – even though Sanchez himself was hugely self-critical, even crying in the dressing room after one gaffe – and it was the same story on loan at Rochdale a year later.
    Roberts sees no arrogance in Sanchez whatsoever, only a firm self-belief.
    Robert Sanchez has impressed between the sticks for BrightonCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    And now he’s ready to fight with the likes of David de Gea for the Spain jerseyCredit: AFP
    But that does not mean he has not had to clip the youngster’s wings from time to time.
    Roberts recalled: “We were on the bus one time going to an away game and I could hear a few boys in the back saying, ‘Oh, Rob’s got a new car’.
    “I looked at his Instagram and there was a picture of him sitting on the bonnet of his new car that he had delivered. He was naturally so proud it and I totally understand why.
    “But he hadn’t played a league game. So I text him saying, ‘I’ll give you ten minutes but that needs to be off’.
    “I rang (fellow goalkeeping coach) Shannon Ruth on the bus telling him ‘That needs to be off, I’m not having it at all, tell him he won’t train again with us again with the first team til that’s off his page’.
    “About two minutes later, it was off his page and he sent a message saying ‘Sorry Ben’ with a big smiley face.
    “I let him get away with a few more things now though as he’s maturing a bit!”
    Sanchez certainly has progressed this season with Seagulls boss Graham Potter dropping Maty Ryan to play the rookie instead.
    It is a gamble that has paid off with Sanchez playing so well, particularly in the second half of the season, that Luis Enrique is taking him to this summer’s feast of football.
    He is likely to be third choice behind David De Gea and Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon but Roberts is sure his protegee will already be targeting more.

    The 45-year-old added: “Rob’s not happy now just to be in the Spain squad. That’s his thing. He said, ‘I want to play, I need to play’.
    “I’ve always believed he would go to the top. He’s everything you look for in a modern goalkeeper.
    “He’s got an unbelievable physical profile, 6ft5ins, quick, powerful. He’s two-footed, calm in possession. He’s got the ability to go beyond the opposition. He’s really, really proactive defending his area.
    “Technically he’s sound, he’s got lovely hands and is a really good shot-stopper.
    “The only thing he doesn’t have is 150 Premier League appearances.”
    Spain in Covid-19 chaos days before Euro 2020 opener as second player to tests positive More

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    Euro 2020 venues: Host cities set to release EXTRA tickets – how many are there and how many fans will each city allow?

    EURO 2020 is nearly here after an excruciating wait.And fans in two cities have received a boost with extra tickets set to be released.
    Wembley will be one of the main venues for Euro 2020Credit: Reuters
    Which cities are hosting Euro 2020?
    This summer’s competition will be hosted in 11 different cities, down from the original 12.
    The stadiums hosting the competition are as follows:

    Wembley Stadium – London, England
    Allianz Arena – Munich, Germany
    Stadio Olimpico – Rome, Italy
    Olympic Stadium – Baku, Azerbaijan
    Krestovsky Stadium – Saint Petersburg, Russia
    Arena Nationala – Bucharest, Romania
    Johan Cruyff Arena – Amsterdam, Holland
    Estadio de la Cartuja – Sevilla, Spain
    Puskas Arena – Budapest, Hungary
    Hampden Park – Glasgow, Scotland
    Parken Stadium – Copenhagen, Denmark

    How many Euro 2020 games are in England?
    Eight. Wembley will host all three England group games, two round of 16 games, two semi-finals and the final.
    How many Euro 2020 games are in Scotland?
    Four. Hampden Park will have two of Scotland’s games and the Croatia vs Czech Republic group game.
    The Glasgow stadium will also host the final round-of-16 game.

    Which countries are still hosting Euro 2020 and how many fans will they allow?
    The following countries have given Uefa they assurances they need to host the competition.
    ENGLAND
    Wembley Stadium, London (90,000 capacity)
    Wembley is set to host the Euro 2020 final
    Wembley is set to host all England’s group matches, plus the Euro 2020 semi-final and final.
    The FA have committed to hold their group games at a 25 per cent capacity.
    However, this is likely to increase for the semi-final and final, with talk of a 50 per cent, or even a full capacity for those games.
    The National Stadium will also host the last 16 match initially scheduled for Dublin, which will involve England if they win their group.
    Fans must show a negative Covid test or proof of two doses of an approved vaccine to enter.
    SCOTLAND
    Hampden Park, Glasgow (51,866 capacity)
    Scotland has given Hampden Park the go-ahead for Euro 2020 matchesCredit: PA:Press Association
    After months of speculation, the Scottish FA confirmed that Scotland would be able to host Euro 2020.
    Hampden Park is the venue for two of Scotland’s Euro 2020 group games, plus Croatia’s match against the Czech Republic and one last 16 match.
    It will host games at a 25 per cent capacity.
    Fans in Scotland will not need a ‘vaccine passport’ to enter games at Hampden, but social distancing will be 1.5 metres compared to one metre in England.
    AZERBAIJAN
    Olympic Stadium, Baku (68,700 capacity)
    Baku will host matches at a 50 per cent capacityCredit: Reuters
    Azerbaijan has announced that it will be able to host Euro 2020 matches, including Wales’ fixtures against Switzerland and Turkey.
    Baku will also host Turkey vs Switzerland and one quarter-final.
    All matches will be held at a 50 per cent capacity.
    DENMARK
    Parken Stadium, Copenhagen (38,065 capacity)
    Copenhagen was the first city to announce it would host Euro 2020 games with fansCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Copenhagen will host all three of Denmark’s group matches, plus one last 16 match.
    The Danish capital was the first city to announce in 2021 that it would host Euro 2020 with fans.
    A crowd of 25-33 per cent capacity will be allowed into Parken Stadium for the first game against Finland.
    However, the Danish FA are set to announce an increase to a 65 per cent capacity for the rest of Copenhagen’s games.
    RUSSIA
    Krestovsky Stadium, St Petersburg (68,134 capacity)
    Russia has been holding matches with fans throughout this seasonCredit: AP:Associated Press
    St Petersburg will host two of Russia’s three home group games, plus Finland vs Belgium and one quarter-final.
    In addition, it has been handed the three group games that were set to be hosted by Dublin.
    All matches will be played at a minimum 50 per cent capacity.
    Russia has been holding matches at half full stadiums throughout this season, while most of Europe has been playing behind closed doors due to coronavirus.
    ROMANIA
    Arena Nationala, Bucharest (55,600 capacity)
    Romania did not qualify for Euro 2020 but the Arena Nationala will still host gamesCredit: Getty
    Romania failed to qualify for Euro 2020 but their national stadium will still host three matches from Group C and one last 16 match.
    Games at the Arena Nationala was set to host at a capacity of 25-33 per cent.
    However, the Romanian Sports Minister on Thursday, June 10 announced an increase to 50 per cent.
    HOLLAND
    Johan Cruyff Arena (56,000 capacity)
    Amsterdam will be hosting all Holland’s Euro 2020 group gamesCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Netherlands was the second country to announce it would host Euro 2020 games, following Denmark.
    All Holland’s group games will be hosted at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam with a 25-33 per cent capacity able to attend.
    The country began piloting matches with fans back in March’s, with the World Cup qualifier against Latvia.
    HUNGARY
    Puskas Arena, Budapest (67,215 capacity)
    Budapest is expecting to host games at full capacityCredit: Getty
    Budapest will host two of Hungary’s three group matches, plus a repeat of the Euro 2016 final between Portugal and France.
    It will also host one last 16 match.
    The Hungarian capital is the only city to announce that games will be hosted at full capacity, subject to strict entry requirements.
    ITALY
    Stadio Olimpico, Rome (72,698 capacity)
    Rome has given Uefa the assurances it needsCredit: EPA
    Italy was given extra time by Uefa to confirm that it could host fans at Euro 2020.
    And the Stadio Olimpico in Rome has announced that it will host games at a 25 per cent capacity.
    Rome will host all of Italy’s group matches and a quarter-final which could involve England.
    GERMANY
    Allianz Arena (70,000 capacity)
    Munich was the last of the original host cities to agree to host the tournamentCredit: Getty
    The last of the original host cities to be announced – Munich was only confirmed on April 23.
    The German city has committed to host matches in front of a minimum of 14,500 fans – a 20 per cent capacity – the lowest of all the host cities.
    SPAIN
    Estadio de la Cartuja, Seville (60,000)
    Seville is a last minute addition as a Euro 2020 co-hostCredit: Reuters
    A last minute addition, Seville will host the games that would have been held in Bilbao after the Spanish FA deemed the Basque Government’s conditions for hosting matches there “impossible” to meet.
    The stadium is well prepared to host games, having been the Spanish FA’s de facto home during the pandemic.
    Estadio de la Cartuja has hosted all Spain games, two Copa del Rey finals and the Spanish Super Cup in the past 12 months.
    Euro 2020 games there will be played at a 30 per cent capacity.
    Which cities have been removed from hosting Euro 2020?
    The following countries failed to give Uefa the assurances they need to host Euro 2020.
    IRELAND
    Aviva Stadium, Dublin (51,700 capacity)
    Dublin is the most likely city to miss out on hosting Euro 2020Credit: PA
    Dublin will miss out on Euro 2020 after failing to give Uefa guarantees that any fans will be allowed to attend matches.
    The Irish capital was set to host three Group E matches and a last 16 game that may well have ended up involving England.
    The three group matches it would have hosted have gone to St Petersburg while the last 16 match will be held at Wembley.
    SPAIN
    San Mames, Bilbao (53,322 capacity)
    The Spanish FA have refused to back Bilbao’s submission to UefaCredit: Reuters
    Bilbao did commit to meet Uefa’s minimum requirement of a 25 per cent capacity, however the Spanish FA refused to back their submission due to the conditions attached.
    The Basque government had stated that it would be able to host games provided 60 per cent of the Basque country and the rest of Spain had been vaccinated and less than two per cent of those in hospital were coronavirus patients.
    But the Spanish FA labelled these conditions “impossible” to meet.
    As a result, Seville will host the matches that were set for Bilbao.

    Will any cities allow fans of other countries to travel?
    The following countries are set to allow away fans to travel.
    AZERBAIJAN
    Azerbaijan has announced that fans of all travelling teams (Wales, Turkey, Switzerland and the two Baku quarter-finalists) will be able to submit a negative PCR test to enter the country instead of quarantining.
    This offer only applies to citizens or residents of the participating countries.
    RUSSIA
    St Petersburg is considering offering exemptions to entry requirements for all foreign residents with match tickets and a negative Covid test.
    However, a final decision has not yet been confirmed.
    HUNGARY
    Foreign ticket holders looking to attend games in Budapest must provide evidence of two negative Covid tests taken in the five days before entering Hungary.
    The Hungarian government will also accept a certificate of previous Covid infection in the 6 months before entering the country.
    ROMANIA
    Romania is considering providing an exemption to quarantine for foreign ticket holders for games in Bucharest.
    This will apply to those who provide proof of a negative Covid test and restrict their stay in Romania to three days or les.
    ENGLAND*
    England is expected to allow 3600 Scotland fans to attend the game against the Three Lions at Wembley.
    However, this trip would not involve crossing a border and no exemption is set to apply to fans of Croatia and the Czech Republic from overseas.
    The FA are also reportedly considering allowing fans of the semi-finalists and finalists attend games under a bubble arrangement. More