Euro 2020

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      Mateo Kovacic giving inside information on Chelsea’s England stars to Croatia ahead of Euro 2020 opener

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      MATEO KOVACIC has been giving inside information on his Chelsea team-mates to Croatia ahead of Sunday’s Euro 2020 clash with England.Midfielder Kovacic and ex-Liverpool star Dejan Lovren have spent this week feeding advice into their international pals in a bid to give the Croats the edge over the Three Lions.
      Domagoj Bradaric has revealed Croatia’s secret weapon against England – Chelsea star Mateo KovacicCredit: EPA
      Domagoj Bradaric says the pair have been busy talking to the squad and the coaches to give them vital information about the players they will come up against at Wembley.
      The Lille defender said: “We are all talking among ourselves.
      “They are giving us their tips and their insights on what they know and think about the English approach, the English game and their mentality because they have spent time there.
      “It’s going to help us, definitely. We are talking with them and they can help a lot and contribute a lot.”
      Bradaric, 21, is hoping to get the nod to start off the back of an impressive season helping Lille shock Paris Saint-Germain by beating them to the French title.
      And he revealed Croatia are currently working on a gameplan they think will frustrate England’s young side this weekend.
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      He added: “We are working and we have a plan that we are going to try and implement.
      “We’ve been working on it this week, defensively and offensively, trying everything out and we will see what the team is suited to.
      “I’m hoping [to start] and I am working towards this goal. It’s up to the head coach, but I am 100 per cent ready.”
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      The England team arrive at basecamp for EURO 2020 More

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      England fans and pubs beg Boris Johnson to call time on killjoy Covid clamps – to kick off Euro 2020 boozer boom

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      ENGLAND fans and pubs begged Boris Johnson to call time on killjoy Covid clamps yesterday — so the country can kick off a Euro 2020 boozer boom.Rule of six restrictions will apply when the Three Lions, captained by Harry Kane, play their first two matches against Croatia and Scotland, thwarting large-scale fan fun.
      Pubs have urged Boris Johnson to stick to his guns and unlock the country on June 21 to boost the economyCredit: Splash
      And pressure mounted on Boris to stick to his guns and end hospitality restrictions on June 21 as excitement mounted ahead of tomorrow’s big tournament kick-off.
      The plea came as a survey revealed the vast majority of footie revellers miss pub action — with half more likely to watch games at their local if curbs are lifted.
      British Beer & Pub Association data revealed 85 per cent of pub-going football fans believe the current restrictions will spoil their Euro 2020 enjoyment this summer.
      Findings from a poll of 1,000 regulars showed Covid rules could tarnish the showpiece — while driving desperate pubs out of business.
      It showed 91 per cent said they missed watching games at the pub when they were fully closed during lockdowns.
      But half said they would be more likely to return to watch Euro 2020 at their pub if all restrictions on pubs are lifted.
      At present, pubs are required to ensure one-metre-plus social distancing is in place, operate table service only and ensure that face masks are worn when not seated. 
      Group sizes are also limited to six, and standing at a bar or standing while drinking is not permitted anywhere.
      The rule of six will apply when the Three Lions, captained by Harry Kane, play their first two matchesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      BBPA chiefs begged the PM to stick to his guns and lift all restrictions on June 21, in time for England’s last group game against the Czech Republic the next day.
      The tournament, delayed from last summer, is seen as a vital springboard back to normal service.
      And if pubs, supermarkets and high streets are able to cash in on it properly, it could provide a £5billion boost to the economy.
      Millions of fans will spend £1billion drinking 120million pints — with the same again spent on food and booze for home parties. 
      That will include 100million burgers and 80million sausages — and 100,000 new barbecues to cook them on. There will also be 20million pizzas sold and 500,000 new TVs to watch the matches on.
      Pub bosses across the nation are praying for a repeat of England’s epic run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018. It sparked sales of an extra 40million pints.
      St George’s flags fly from residents’ homes at the Kirby Estate in Bermondsey, south LondonCredit: AFPWhat we’ll be buying

      120mpints
      100mburgers
      20mpizzas
      100Kpizzas
      500Knew TVs
      100Kfootie shirts
      30KEngland flags

      But UK Hospitality has predicted that a two-week delay to easing restrictions could cost the industry an estimated £1.5billion.
      Pub retailer Greene King warned it would lose a crippling £1million a day during every England football game that takes place without the rules being eased.
      But yesterday pub boss and Sheffield United fan Adam Chamberlain, 43, was flying the flag for England — and every other Euro nation — as he prayed for the long-awaited rule change.
      He has decked out his Greene King boozer, The Big Tree in Sheffield, with 500 flags and 2,000ft of bunting.
      Adam spent 36 hours painstakingly pinning up flags from every nation, while placing St George’s flags and two giant inflatable England mascots in pole position.
      He said: “I’d like to think this is the best-decorated pub in the UK.
      “We wanted to do something special for the Euros because it’s been quite a tough year and we’re all just buzzing for this. We wanted to lift spirits and get everyone excited and thought go big or go home.
      “Once I started putting up flags for the Euros I just couldn’t stop. 
      “Everyone in the business is so excited after such a terrible 18 months. Euro 2020 is vital for our trade and it’s going to be a great football party. But if England do as well as I hope they will, restrictions end on June 21 and this heatwave continues, it’s going to be an unforgettable summer.
      “I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but I’ve a feeling it’s coming home.”
      Pressure is mounting on Boris Johnson to stick to his guns and lift restrictions on June 21Credit: Andrew Parsons / No10 Downing StreetBank to Boris AN end to all lockdown restrictions on June 21 is needed to give the economy its full “mojo” back, a boss at the Bank of England has said.

      Andy Haldane, the Bank’s chief economist, said that the UK’s recovery was going “gangbusters”, and outstripping that of other big economies around the world. 
      But he reckons the easing of all restrictions would be “fantastic for the economy” and “would put the mojo back into both businesses and workers”.

      Elsewhere, an entire housing estate was swathed in England flags yesterday as fun-starved fans ditched Covid fears — and caught Euro 2020 fever instead.
      Residents on the Kirby Estate in Bermondsey, South East London, spent days hanging bunting and flags over their balconies, street lamps and to walls.
      One, Chris Dowse, 42, said: “Saw one of my neighbours, Alan, had put a couple of flags up.
      “I thought ‘Oh, that looks nice’, and I looked over to the other block and saw a lady had also put a couple of flags up. 
      “But it just didn’t look finished, so I said to Alan ‘let’s go get some more’.
      “We ended up buying more and more and more then we all came together and said ‘Right, we’re doing it properly and we’ll have the whole estate done.”
      The entire estate was also decked with flags during England’s run in Russia three years ago.
      But this year there will also be a Scottish flag.
      Chris said: “The chap who lives there, his dad was English and his mum was Scottish. 
      The Sun says
      IMAGINE watching the Euros in a pub with table service, the rule of six and social distancing. Millions would stay at home.
      So we join fans and pub bosses in beseeching Boris Johnson not to be swayed by rising cases — and to fully open our boozers on June 21 in time for the later stages of the tournament.
      Yesterday infections climbed again, to 7,540. It’s the highest in months. But that’s where the gloomy stats end.
      Cases began their sharp increase over three weeks ago, yet hospitalisations and deaths remain low. It’s no longer inevitable they will soar too — because 28,540,844 of us have had two jabs and 40,710,319 one. And yesterday alone one million young people booked theirs.
      Hold your nerve, PM.

      “They’ve both sadly passed away in the last 18 months or so, so he’s put the Scottish flag up on one side, to honour his mum, and England flag up on the other side.
      “We’ve also got a Portuguese flag up and we’re due to have a German one, French and Spanish.
      “If you want to put your flag up, as long as you’re in the Championships we’ll put it up for you.”
      A footy-loving pub landlord has boasted having the ‘best decorated pub’ in the UK after creating an amazing display featuring FIVE HUNDRED flags on the eve of Euro 2020 More

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      Olivier Giroud aims not-so-subtle dig at Kylian Mbappe as France team-mates feud just days before Euro 2020

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      FRANCE have been hit by fresh unrest among their stars — this time between strikers Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud.Chelsea’s Champions League winner Giroud came on to score twice for the world champions in a 3-0 final warm-up win over Bulgaria on Tuesday night.
      Olivier Giroud scored twice for Les Bleus in their 3-0 friendly win against Bulgaria on TuesdayCredit: Reuters
      Former France international Johan Micoud was not impressed with Kylian Mbappe’s body language when he came off against Bulgaria amid talk of a rift with GiroudCredit: Getty
      But Mbappe, 22, appeared to be declining to pass to Giroud and the Chelsea forward could not resist a thinly-disguised dig at his strike partner.
      Giroud said: “Sometimes you make the runs and ball is not arriving. Perhaps we could have found each other better, there it is.”
      Former France international Johan Micoud said of Mbappe’s actions: “It’s becoming embarrassing. And even when he came off.
      “You have just played two warm-up matches, it has gone very well and when he came off the pitch it was as if the team had lost 4-0. His disappointment… at some point it is not all about you.”
      Any rift in the camp could seriously destabilise Deschamps’ team with very tough group games looming against Germany and defending champions Portugal.
      Giroud, 34, took his tally to 46 goals for Les Bleus – now just five behind France’s all-time top scorer Thierry Henry ahead of this month’s tournament.
      The forward replaced the injured Karim Benzema after the controversially recalled Real Madrid striker limped off injured in the first half – he is now a real doubt for the Group F opener against Germany.

      Benzema, 33, was shunned by coach Didier Deschamps for more than five years after becoming embroiled in allegations of blackmail over a ‘sex-tape’ featuring former Les Bleus team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.
      But Benzema, who denies the allegations, has always privately been regarded as France’s best striker by some players and more publicly by many fans.
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET ENGLAND TO WIN EURO 2020 AND HARRY KANE TO BE TOP SCORER AT 18/1
      Giroud aimed a not-so-subtle dig at Mbappe following the victory against BulgariaCredit: Getty
      Giroud and Kylian Mbappe helped France win the 2018 World Cup in RussiaCredit: EPA
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      The risk of bringing Benzema back into the fold was always some of the baggage he brought with both coach and team-mates.
      Watching Le Touquet manager Ludovic Obraniak said: “On the eve of a big tournament you want these things to be left here.
      “Perhaps Giroud should say at the end of the match to Mbappe ‘Look, maybe Benzema is a better player than me but I deserve some respect, and also deserve that you play in the same way with me as you would with him’.”
      Turkey vs Italy FREE – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Euro 2020 opening match – the sun More

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      Watch Man Utd star Paul Pogba brutally shut down PSG transfer talk after France team-mates joke about summer switch

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      PAUL POGBA made very clear that he was not in talks with Paris Saint-Germain in a hilarious exchange with two of his France team-mates.The Manchester United midfielder gatecrashed Kingsley Coman and Presnel Kimpembe’s press conference during Les Bleus’ Euro 2020 camp.
      Paul Pogba cracked a joke with Kingsley Coman and Presnel Kimpembe
      The Manchester United star dropped a brutal response to transfer rumours
      Popping up from behind the pair, he interrupted their Infosport chat to, quite simply, have a bit of a catch up.
      PSG defender Kimpembe and Coman, a former winger for the Ligue 1 club, laughed as he emerged and Pogba asked about the topic of conversation.
      With Paris on the agenda, the 28-year-old confirmed that he is from the city having grown up in the suburb of Lagny-sur-Marne.
      Fellow Parisians Coman and Kimpembe gently probed their international colleague over a potential return home.
      Pogba quickly cottoned on and when asked by Coman if there had been any ‘contact’ over a transfer, he quickly shot back: “Huh? No.”
      Kimpembe burst out laughing as his pal exited stage right, adding an extra comment off camera.
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      After five years at Manchester United, Pogba’s contract expires next summer and the club are reportedly concerned about losing him on a free.
      According to ESPN, PSG are among the clubs who would be interested in signing him if he were to become available.
      There is said to be little expectation that a serious bid will land for his services this summer.
      But United want to agree a new deal with Pogba and may be forced to cash in if there is little prospect of that happening.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Dean Henderson reveals what Paul Pogba is like in Man Utd dressing room and how he helped Man Utd goalkeeper improve More

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      Man Utd legend Gary Neville predicts France will win Euro 2020 and England can get to final

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      GARY NEVILLE is backing Euro favourites France to make it back-to-back tournament wins. Although he believes England should be able to push Les Bleus all the way to glory.
      France head into the tournament as favourites with their star-studded sideCredit: Reuters
      France head into the tournament on the back of winning the World Cup three years ago and finishing runners-up at the previous Euros.
      Boss Jose Mourinho has already told SunSport how anything other than a win for France would be deemed a failure.
      And with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann in their star-studded side, Neville is also tipping them for Euro success.
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      He told Sky Sports’ Football Euros podcast: “I can’t look past France, really. I just can’t.
      “The experience, winning mentality, personalities they’ve got, pace and goals, clever, intelligent, you think they could play in any type of game, that French team.
      “They could play against a team that’s more direct, a team that’s sat off them, a team that tries to control possession. It’s an adaptable team. I don’t think they would concern themselves with whoever they’re playing.
      “Physically they’re strong, mentally they’re strong, and I think if you’re finishing in front of France, you’re winning it.”
      When asked on Gareth Southgate’s chances of ending 55 years of hurt, Neville admitted playing at Wembley helps bolster their chances.
      The Manchester United legend responded: “It would take a lot of luck, one extraordinary effort, things to go their way, but I’m going to say in a Wembley stadium full of English fans on the right day, we saw Chelsea do Man City last week, so if you think that was very unlikely to most people before the game, this could certainly happen.
      “I don’t think England winning would be a shock, or a surprise.
      “After getting to a World Cup semi-final three years ago, now there is expectation on them.
      Gary Neville believes England have the opportunity of reaching the finalCredit: Rex

      “They’re not going there thinking ‘I hope we get to the quarter-finals’, there’s an expectation because of what they did three years ago.
      “The fact the players are there with the talent we have, and the question is over Harry Maguire, but I’d say the expectation should be to get to the semi-final or the final. That’s what they’re used to.
      “They’ve lived in that World Cup in Moscow, they’ll be thinking they can do it again.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Phil Foden asked about coming up against Scottish midfielder Billy Gilmour at Wembley More

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      SunSport readers pick their England XI with Foden, Grealish AND Mount but no room for Rashford or Sancho

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      SUNSPORT readers have had their say on how England should line up versus Croatia with Phil Foden and Jack Grealish both making the cut.Creativity is in abundance in the fan-voted XI but Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Raheem Sterling have to make do with a spot on the bench.

      Ahead of Sunday’s Wembley showdown to kick off the Three Lions’ Euro 2020 campaign, we asked our Twitter followers to pick between Gareth Southgate’s options for each position.
      Straight in up front with 92.1 per cent of the vote was Harry Kane, the captain the first name on the teamsheet for many and comfortably beating Dominic Calvert-Lewin in our poll.
      Another forward receiving overwhelming backing was Grealish, who clocked 72 per cent in his battle with Rashord (19.2 per cent) and Sterling (8.8 per cent).
      While none of the trio have hit top form in recent months, the Aston Villa man’s return from injury and impressive warm-up performances have fans in no doubt that he should start.
      On the opposite flank, Foden claimed the battle of the young wingers and won out over Jadon Sancho by almost two votes to one.
      Jude Bellingham was something of a surprise name to come out of the poll with fans backing the teenager over Kalvin Phillips.
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      Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are the readers’ picks to startCredit: PA
      Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford have work to do to convince fansCredit: Getty
      Southgate has given Jordan Henderson the opportunity to prove his form and fitness despite a lengthy spell out yet readers are not convinced by his ability from the first whistle on Sunday.
      Only nine per cent of voters picked the Liverpool star, well behind Declan Rice and Mason Mount.
      The defence witnessed the tightest match-up as Ben Chilwell took the left-back position by just 1.3 per cent, leaving Luke Shaw to narrowly miss out and Bukayo Saka was well back.
      With Harry Maguire unlikely to be fit, John Stones was streets ahead of Conor Coady at centre-back with newly-selected Ben White joining him after beating Tyrone Mings 57.4 per cent to 42.6 per cent.
      ⚽Get ALL of the latest England news and updates from Euro 2020

      Reece James won the call-up at right-back, beating Kyle Walker by only three percentage points.
      And readers highlighted the debate being had over the goalkeeper position as all three options performed well in their tight poll.
      Sam Johnstone (14.7 per cent) did better than expected behind incumbent Jordan Picked (38.2 per cent) and fan preference Dean Henderson, who clocked up 47.2 per cent of the vote.
      Southgate may well take the advice as he picks his line-up for the 2pm kick-off on Sunday.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      The England team arrive at basecamp for EURO 2020 More

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      Benzema injury LATEST, Spain vs Sweden under threat after second positive Covid test – Euro 2020 LIVE

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      KARIM BENZEMA has handed world champs France a scare by limping off injured in their 3-0 Euro 2020 warm-up win over Bulgaria.The striker appeared to be hurt following a challenge with Bulgarian defender Ivan Turitsov during the first half.
      The veteran tried to play on but soon went down and signalled he could not continue as he hobbled off favouring his right knee in the 37th minute at the Stade de France.
      And things aren’t looking much better for Spain after the whole squad went into isolation following a positive Covid test for Sergio Busquets.
      While the under-21s excelled in beating the Lithuania senior team 4-0, La Roja’s Euro 2020 opener could be under threat after Diego Llorente tested positive.

      Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
      SPAIN VS SWEDEN UPDATE
      Spain and Sweden’s Euro 2020 opener against each other has been thrown into chaos after four players returned positive COVID-19 tests.
      Furia Roja stars Sergio Busquets and Diego Llorente were put into isolation after being diagnosed with coronavirus.
      Janne Andersson’s side also suffered a similar set back as Dejan Kulusevski and Mattias Svanberg also tested positive.
      The Sweden duo is also isolating and the Group E fixture – due to be held in Seville on Monday – between the two nations is now in serious jeopardy
      SOUTHGATE OPEN LETTER
      England manager Gareth Southgate has issued a passionate open letter to fans ahead of Euro 2020.
      Southgate wrote a long piece for the Players Tribune where he insisted that all of his players, and those who didn’t make the cut, are immensely honoured and proud to represent their country.
      The 50-year-old added that his players should not “stick to football” and believes they have a “duty” to interact with the public on important matters such as equality, inclusivity and racial injustice.
      This comes after a loud minority booed England players for taking the knee during the last two friendlies against Austria and Romania
      NEVER SAY NEVES
      Wolves ace Ruben Neves has been linked with a £35million move to Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
      Neves’ club are willing to drop his asking price as they seek to refresh their squad following the arrival of new boss Bruno Lage.
      The star midfielder has been touted as a potential replacement for the departing Granit Xhaka, who is likely to join Roma.
      Neves is currently preparing for Euro 2020 with Portugal
      ENGLAND SQUAD
      Let’s revisit the squad England boss Gareth Southgate has put together ahead of Euro 2020:
      Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford
      Defenders:, Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Ben White
      Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice
      Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling
      TWO DAYS TO GO
      We are almost at the 48 hours to go mark before the European Championships start.
      Turkey vs Italy kicks the tournament off at 8pm GMT on Friday night.
      The first England game is then on Sunday at 2pm when they begin their campaign against Croatia at Wembley Stadium.
      Credit: Getty
      STERLING EFFORT
      Raheem Sterling is going into the Euros with a smile on his face despite Manchester City’s Champions League defeat.
      The forward claims he has put the loss in Porto behind him and is excited ahead of Sunday’s opener against Croatia at Wembley.
      The England attacker said: “Honestly, I can’t wait. I actually can’t wait. It’s been a long season but I’m here with England now.
      “It’s been a good season with Man City, we’ve won some trophies. I am disappointed that we didn’t get the Champions League.
      “I’m playing at Wembley, the team’s playing at Wembley.
      “For me, this is what dreams are made of and I’m just going into this with a lovely mindset.”
      Credit: Getty
      PADDY POWER ODDS FOR EURO 2020
      Paddy Power – Get a £20 risk-free bet HERE*
      #WhatOddsPaddy UEFA Euro 2020 – Featured

      Each team to score 1 or more goals in the tournament – EVS
      100 or more goals in the group stages – 2/1
      England, Wales & Scotland combine for 21 or more goals – 3/1
      Romelu Lukaku to be the top tournament goalscorer & Mason Mount to be the UEFA Best Young Player of the Tournament – 40/1
      France win the tournament, Kylian Mbappe player of the tournament & Romelu Lukaku top tournament goalscorer – 80/1

      Credit: Getty – Contributor
      LAST NIGHT’S RESULTS
      Here are some of the standout results from last night’s international friendlies as teams prepare to head into the Euros.

      France 3-0 Bulgaria
      Spain 4-0 Lithuania
      Poland 2-2 Iceland
      Hungary 0-0 Republic of Ireland
      Czech Republic 3-1 Albania

      DONNY DONE
      Donny van de Beek is out of the Euros due to injury.
      The Manchester United and Netherlands midfielder, 24, did not feature in either warm-up friendly against Scotland or Georgia ahead of the tournament.
      And he trained separate from the rest of the team on Monday.
      Now the KNVB have confirmed Van de Beek is ‘struggling with an injury’ and has been ruled out.
      United team-mate Marcus Rashford sent a message of support for his pal.
      The England forward tweeted: “sorry mate @Donny_beek6 take some time for yourself and keep your head high x”
      Manager Frank de Boer will not call up a replacement to fill his spot in the 26-man squad.

      DIEGO COVID BLOW
      Leeds star Diego Llorente has become the second Spain player to test positive for Covid-19 throwing the Spaniards’ Euro 2020 preparation into chaos.
      La Roja captain Sergio Busquets tested positive on Sunday which saw the whole squad thrust into isolation.
      That saw the Spanish forced to play an Under-21 side for their friendly against Lithuania on Tuesday – the same day Llorente returned a positive test.
      And as a result, six senior stars – Kepa Arrizabalaga, Raul Albiol, Brais Mendez, Pablo Fornals, Rodrigo Moreno and Carlos Soler – have been called up and made to train in a parallel bubble to the original group.
      Following Spain’s 4-0 win over the Lithuanians, the Spanish FA have confirmed a number of Under-21 players will also remain in Madrid to train there.
      And it looks more and more likely players from the reserve groups will have to be used after Llorente, 27, was struck down.

      ROUND THE BENZ
      Karim Benzema has handed France an injury scare ahead of Euro 2020 as he limped out of their friendly with Bulgaria.
      Les Bleus cruised to a 3-0 win in their final match before they kick off the tournament on Tuesday against Germany in Munich.
      The Real Madrid star, 33, was handed a shock international recall following a six-year absence for the showpiece.
      And he looked poised to play a huge role for the reigning world champions before he suffered a blow during the first half of Tuesday night’s game.
      Benzema appeared to be hurt following a challenge with Bulgarian defender Ivan Turitsov during the first half.
      The veteran tried to play on but soon went down and signalled he could not continue as he hobbled off favouring his right knee in the 37th minute at the Stade de France.
      France boss Didier Deschamps said: “It’s a knock.
      “He took a good hit on the muscle above the left knee, and he felt that it was hardening so we took no risk. The medical staff is currently with him.”

      SUMMER OF LOVE
      Gareth Southgate delivered a rousing message to England’s players and fans as his Euros prep cranked up a gear.
      The Three Lions boss united the nation on the march to the World Cup semi-final in 2018 and now he wants the power of sport to lift the country again.
      Southgate, whose team face Croatia in the Euro 2020 opener at Wembley on Sunday, recognised the nightmare 15 months of Covid-19 and wants his players to be part of a summer of love again.
      He said: “There’s something I tell our players before every England game, and the reason that I repeat it is because I really believe it with all my heart.
      “I tell them that when you go out there, in this shirt, you have the opportunity to produce moments that people will remember forever. You are a part of an experience that lasts in the collective consciousness of our country.
      “We saw that during Russia 2018, with the street parties, the barbecues and with every drop of beer thrown into the air in celebration.”

      GOLD OFFER
      Punters can back Harry Kane at a colossal 100/1 to finish as the top scorer at Euro 2020.
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      The 27-year-old is in fine fettle and leading the line for an England side expected to go deep into the tournament.
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      EURO 2016 MEMORY
      One of the highlights of Euro 2016. When Hal Robson-Kanu scored this majestic goal in Wales’ famous 3-1 win over Belgium.

      LIONS READY TO ROAR
      Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling are set to ‘explode’ into life for England at this summer’s European Championship, according to Roy Keane.
      Both Three Lions stars endured a slight slump in form last season.
      Sterling, 26, scored just ten goals – less than half of his 2019-20 – tally, with emerging superstar Phil Foden often preferred by Pep Guardiola.
      Rashford, too, saw his goal-scoring tally dip from 17 to 11 in the Premier League.
      But Manchester United icon Keane reckons that bodes well for England with Rashford, 23, and Sterling set to take out their frustrations on their Euro 2020 rivals.
      Keane said: “Sometimes you look at players who have had a quiet spell – quiet because they’ve set such high standards.
      “Rashford and Sterling, for example. But I think that is a good thing. You’re going into the tournament going ‘these lads are ready to explode’.
      “Gareth [Southgate] definitely likes Rashford and Sterling.”

      DONNY DONE
      Donny van de Beek is out of the Euros due to injury.
      The Manchester United and Netherlands midfielder, 24, did not feature in either warm-up friendly against Scotland or Georgia ahead of the tournament.
      And he trained separate from the rest of the team on Monday.
      Now the KNVB have confirmed Van de Beek is ‘struggling with an injury’ and has been ruled out.
      United team-mate Marcus Rashford sent a message of support for his pal.
      The England forward tweeted: “sorry mate @Donny_beek6 take some time for yourself and keep your head high x”
      Manager Frank de Boer will not call up a replacement to fill his spot in the 26-man squad.

      HEND GAME
      Glenn Hoddle admits he is worried about the inclusion of Jordan Henderson in England’s Euros squad.
      But the former Three Lions boss is confident the Liverpool skipper can still have an impact with the younger players off the pitch. 
      Speaking to Betfair, Hoddle said: “Henderson has been brought into the squad and I think it is a risk.
      “But I can see Gareth saying he needs someone with that experience who can settle people off the pitch. What happens off the pitch is not as important but it is massively important.
      “For that down time when you’re not training, having that experience around is key, and if you haven’t got that to lean on and watch it can be tough.
      “As a younger player you watch the older players and how they react and deal with it.”

      SHEARER AT EURO 96

      GRIEZI DOES IT
      Antoine Griezmann with a lovely little bicycle kick last night. May have deflected but it’s still wonderful to see.

      ROUND THE BENZ
      Karim Benzema has handed France an injury scare ahead of Euro 2020 as he limped out of their friendly with Bulgaria.
      Les Bleus cruised to a 3-0 win in their final match before they kick off the tournament on Tuesday against Germany in Munich.
      The Real Madrid star, 33, was handed a shock international recall following a six-year absence for the showpiece.
      And he looked poised to play a huge role for the reigning world champions before he suffered a blow during the first half of Tuesday night’s game.
      Benzema appeared to be hurt following a challenge with Bulgarian defender Ivan Turitsov during the first half.
      The veteran tried to play on but soon went down and signalled he could not continue as he hobbled off favouring his right knee in the 37th minute at the Stade de France.
      France boss Didier Deschamps said: “It’s a knock.
      “He took a good hit on the muscle above the left knee, and he felt that it was hardening so we took no risk. The medical staff is currently with him.”

      LET’S FO!
      Phil Foden has thanked Gareth Southgate for his shot at redemption — after being sent home in disgrace from England duty last autumn.
      The Manchester City maestro was punished for breaking Covid restrictions when he and Mason Greenwood smuggled two Icelandic beauty queens into a Reykjavik hotel room.
      It came the day after Foden, now 21, and Manchester United star Greenwood made their international debuts last September.
      And starlet Foden admitted that ‘not many managers’ would have forgiven him so swiftly, as he prepares to start in Sunday’s Euros opener against Croatia.
      Speaking publicly about it for the first time, Foden said: “Obviously I made a massive mistake but Gareth said if I keep doing well and keep performing I should get another opportunity.
      “So I had to work hard for it and there are not many managers who would give you another opportunity so I have to thank Gareth a lot for giving me another chance.”

      DIEGO COVID BLOW
      Leeds star Diego Llorente has become the second Spain player to test positive for Covid-19 throwing the Spaniards’ Euro 2020 preparation into chaos.
      La Roja captain Sergio Busquets tested positive on Sunday which saw the whole squad thrust into isolation.
      That saw the Spanish forced to play an Under-21 side for their friendly against Lithuania on Tuesday – the same day Llorente returned a positive test.
      And as a result, six senior stars – Kepa Arrizabalaga, Raul Albiol, Brais Mendez, Pablo Fornals, Rodrigo Moreno and Carlos Soler – have been called up and made to train in a parallel bubble to the original group.
      Following Spain’s 4-0 win over the Lithuanians, the Spanish FA have confirmed a number of Under-21 players will also remain in Madrid to train there.
      And it looks more and more likely players from the reserve groups will have to be used after Llorente, 27, was struck down.

      GOOD MORNING EUROS FANS
      Fans attending England’s games at Wembley will have to show either proof of both Covid jabs or a negative lateral flow test to gain access to the stadium.
      Roy Keane has backed Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling to explode into life this summer after quiet spells recently.
      Harry Kane is dreaming of leading England to Euro 2020 glory and winning the Golden Boot in a double triumph this summer. 
      Phil Foden paid tribute to Paul Gascoigne by recreating his famous Euro 96 haircut ahead of this summer’s tournament.
      And Foden has thanked Gareth Southgate for giving him a shot at redemption after his Covid-19 shame in Iceland. 
      Ben White has revealed he was travelling home to Brighton when he got the call from Gareth Southgate telling him he’d been promoted to the England squad.
      France suffered an injury scare after Karim Benzema was taken off during their friendly win over Bulgaria. 
      Virgil van Dijk will offer a helping hand as a coach for the Netherlands at Euro 2020 despite his injury layoff.
      Aaron Ramsey has declared he is raring to go for Wales at this summer’s Euros. 
      And Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek was ruled out of the tournament for the Netherlands due to an injury.
      FO PROBLEM
      Phil Foden has thanked Gareth Southgate for his shot at redemption after being sent home in disgrace from England duty last autumn.
      The Manchester City maestro was punished for breaking Covid restrictions when he and Mason Greenwood smuggled two Icelandic beauty queens into a Reykjavik hotel room.
      And starlet Foden admitted that ‘not many managers’ would have forgiven him so swiftly, as he prepares to start in Sunday’s Euros opener against Croatia.
      Credit: Getty
      Speaking publicly about it for the first time, Foden said: “Obviously I made a massive mistake but Gareth said if I keep doing well and keep performing I should get another opportunity.
      “So I had to work hard for it and there are not many managers who would give you another opportunity so I have to thank Gareth a lot for giving me another chance.”
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      in Soccer

      Croatia ‘will NOT take knee before Euro 2020 opener against England as gesture is not a Uefa protocol’

      by

      CROATIA will reportedly NOT take the knee against racism and inequality for their Euro 2020 opener against England.While Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions plan to perform the gesture in the Group D clash, Croatia will decline as it is ‘not Uefa protocol’.
      Croatia did not take the knee for their friendly against BelgiumCredit: AFP
      England will take the knee for games throughout the tournamentCredit: EPA
      The Athletic asked further questions on the topic of team spokesman Tomislav Pacak, but he ‘declined to answer’.
      Croatia also did not take the knee for their final friendly ahead of this year’s tournament against Belgium.
      Pacak told the Croatian media that their stance was in recognition that Uefa is ‘against introducing politics into sport’.
      England, meanwhile, will take the knee before all their games in the tournament.
      Their two other opponents in Group D, Scotland and the Czech Republic are yet to decide whether they will take the knee this summer.
      At the weekend, Scotland boss Steve Clarke said: It’s a conversation I’ll have with the players before we play our first game.
      “Then we’ll decide what way we’re going to do it throughout the Euros.”
      The Czech Republic opted instead to point at the ‘Respect’ logo on their shirts before a game against Wales in March.
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET ENGLAND TO WIN EURO 2020 AND HARRY KANE TO BE TOP SCORER AT 18/1
      Marcus Rashford has himself being the subject of vile racist abuseCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      England boss Southgate has told any England fans who boo the team taking a knee this summer that they are making a personal attack on his black players.
      Fans have booed as his stars took the knee for the games against Austria and Romania.
      Speaking about the jeers, Southgate said: “I heard it, and it’s not something on behalf of our black players that I wanted to hear because it feels as though it’s a criticism of them.
      “I think we have got a situation where some people seem to think it’s a political stand that they don’t agree with.
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      “That’s not the reason that the players are doing it, we’re supporting each other.
      “So, I was pleased that that was drowned out by the majority of the crowd, but we can’t deny the fact that it happened.
      “The most important thing for our players to know is that all their team-mates, all the staff are fully supportive.
      “I think the majority of people understand it, I think some people aren’t quite understanding the message, and I suppose we’re seeing that across a number of football grounds at the moment.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      The England team arrive at basecamp for EURO 2020 More