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      France vs Bulgaria LIVE RESULT: Benzema off injured as Giroud hits double in Euro 2020 warm up win

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      FRANCE defeated Bulgaria 3-0 in their final warm-up match before Euro 2020.But there’s been a scare for the world champions with striker Karim Benzema off injured just one week away from their first Euro match against Germany next Tuesday.

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      THAT’S ALL FOR NOW!
      France head to the Euros with two 3-0 friendly wins in the bag.
      They weren’t particularly tested in either game against Wales or Bulgaria but you sense there’s so much more to come from Didier Deschamps’ men.
      They may have a tricky group to contend with but the smart money would be on Les Bleus following up their World Cup success with European Championship glory.
      See you soon!

      BENZEMA BOOST
      France coach Didier Deschamps seems confident that the injury to Karim Benzema isn’t too serious.
      The striker limped off in the first half at the Stade de France but should be okay by the time France face Germany in their opening Group D fixture at the Euros.
      Deschamps said afterwards: “He took a good hit on the muscle above the [right] knee. We don’t want to take any risks.
      “It’s a knock on the knee, which also affects the muscle. He felt he was getting stiff so he asked to be subbed.
      “The medical staff are taking care of him.”
      .Credit: AP
      FT: FRANCE 3-0 BULGARIA
      France will have far sterner tests than this. They didn’t really need to break sweat to dispose of Bulgaria.
      Antoine Griezmann opened the scoring in acrobatic style, before substitute Olivier Giroud bagged a late brace.
      France keeper Hugo Lloris could have brought a book along so little was he tested.
      If this was France in first gear, then they will surely be favourites for European Championship glory.
      Germany, Hungary and Portugal await in the so-called group of death but the French will fear no one.
      The only downside was an injury to Karim Benzema.

      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE FINAL WHISTLE GOES!
      FRANCE 3-0 BULGARIA
      90. Giroud at the double. Lemar slots Ben Yedder into space and his cross is guided home by Giroud.

      GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL FRANCE!
      FRANCE 2-0 BULGARIA
      83. Giroud attacks the near post, sticks out a left foot and prods Pavard’s cross past Naumov. Mbappe and Tolisso trot off and make way for Sissoko and Ben Yedder.
      GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLL FRANCE!
      FRANCE 1-0 BULGARIA
      80. Ooooh, chance there for Bulgaria. Karagaren ventures into the box but his shot goes through the legs of Varane and wide.
      FRANCE 1-0 BULGARIA
      78. First thing Varane has done wrong all evening as he climbs on top of a Bulgarian attacker to give away a free-kick.
      FRANCE 1-0 BULGARIA
      71. More changes for Bulgaria. Yankov is on for Hristov and Turitsov makes way for Karagaren.
      FRANCE 1-0 BULGARIA
      68. Digne opens up his body and lets fly. Naumov pushes it behind. File that one under ‘theatrical’.
      FRANCE 1-0 BULGARIA
      66. Dembele has an immediate impact, sliding a lovely ball through to Mbappe. He gives the keeper the eyes and shapes to curl his effort to the far corner but instead drags his shot wide of the near post.
      FRANCE 1-0 BULGARIA
      64. Mbappe has another shot from distance but it’s straight at the keeper. Pavard then has a go – from similar range to that goal against Argentina – but slices it wide. Kante makes way for Lemar and Griezmann is replaced by Dembele.
      FRANCE 1-0 BULGARIA
      58. Changes for the visitors. Minchev, Tsvetanov and Dimitar Illiev come on in place of Atanas Iliev, Kraev and Despodov. Vitanov replaced Chochev a few minutes earlier.
      FRANCE 1-0 BULGARIA
      56. Bulgaria win a corner. But the set-piece doesn’t beat the man at the near post and the danger is cleared. What a waste.
      FRANCE 1-0 BULGARIA
      49. Bulgaria stand off Mbappe and let him get a shot away. It’s punched clear by Naumov. Not the most conventional save but he kept it out.
      FRANCE 1-0 BULGARIA
      46. Lucas Digne has replaced Hernandez.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!OFF WE GO AGAIN!
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      PEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!
      HT: FRANCE 1-0 BULGARIA
      It’s been all too easy for France so far, but it took a moment of magic by Antoine Griezmann to break the deadlock.
      Bulgaria have barely managed to get out of their own half and have been grateful to goalkeeper Daniel Naumov for several fine saves.
      Most worryingly for France was the sight of Karim Benzema limping off towards the end of the first period with what looks like a knee injury.

      FRANCE 1-0 BULGARIA
      44. Giroud pulls the trigger with a fierce drive but Naumov pushes it away. Another good save from the Bulgarian stopper.
      FRANCE 1-0 BULGARIA
      41. France are down to 10 men while they wait to replace Benzema but should have increased their lead. Mbappe tees up Griezmann with just the keeper to beat but Naumov pulls off a wonderful save. Giroud is now on to win his 108th cap.
      FRANCE 1-0 BULGARIA
      38. Benzema drops to the floor and that’s his his game done. Hopefully that’s just a knock and not serious.
      FRANCE 1-0 BULGARIA
      37. That was Griezmann’s fourth goal in his last five games for France.
      .Credit: AFP
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      France suffer huge Karim Benzema injury scare as recalled Real Madrid striker forced off one week before Germany opener

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      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.

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      Karim Benzema has handed France an injury scare just a week away from their Euro openerCredit: Getty
      The striker limped off shortly before half time after suffering the blow against BulgariaCredit: AP
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      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.”
      Olivier Giroud replaced the forward and grabbed two late goals to add to Antoinne Griezmann’s opener.
      Benzema was exiled from the international scene for his alleged role in the Mathieu Valbuena sex tape scandal.
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      But his form at Madrid over the past year has convinced Deschamps to offer him the opportunity to play again for Les Bleus.
      He played his first game for his country in six years last week when he played against Wales.
      Unfortunately for him he was unable to mark the occasion with a goal as he had a penalty saved.
      The Real Madrid star was recently recalled after a six-year absenceCredit: AFP
      Man Utd legend Alex Ferguson was so keen to sign Benzema, officials ‘had to pull him away’, reveals Ferdinand More

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      Hungary v Ireland LIVE: Stream, TV channel, latest updates for TONIGHT’S Euro 2020 warm-up

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      IRELAND may not be at the Euros this summer, but they will play at one of the biggest venues for the tournament.Stephen Kenny’s side head to the Szusza Ferenc Stadion in Budapest for a friendly against Hungary.

      Kick-off: 7pm BST
      TV/live stream: Sky Sports Main Event Sky Sports Football
      Hungary XI: Gulacsi, Kecskes, Orban, Szalai, Bolla, Schafer, Nagy, Kleinheisler, Fiola, Szalai, Edmundsson
      Ireland XI: Bazunu, Doherty, Duffy, Egan, Cullen, Hourihane, Idah, Parrott, McClean, Knight, O’Shea

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      THAT’S A WRAP
      Thanks for joining us this evening, there’s plenty more football coming your way this week.
      Hands up if you’re as excited as us for the Euros to kick off!?
      MAN OF THE MATCH
      Not only was Duffy a standout player on the pitch.
      But he also took time to acknowledge the handful of Ireland fans after the game, gifting one of them his match shirt.

      IRELAND’S GOLDEN MAN
      Shane Duffy is Ireland’s man-of-the-match.
      He had a decent performance at the back and put his body on the line.
      Kenny sung his praises before the match, so it’s likely we’ll hear more of the same in his post-match presser.
      GIVEN THE GREEN LIGHT
      The substitutes brought a bit of fire power on with them in the second half, with both Horgan and Omobamidele serving up delicious touches, passes and assists.
      But it was creating chances for the duration of the game that let them down.
      Three games unbeaten means things are looking up for Kenny and co.

      FT: HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      93. The freekick comes to nothing as it fails to clear the wall.
      Ireland desperately try to make something of the loose ball but to no avail.
      HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      92. Omobamidele is taken out, about 35 yards out.
      A late freekick could be Ireland’s final chance at a goal.
      HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      90. Horgan picks out Omobamidele, with a lovely ball, as the youngster races down the right wing- he breaks into the box and tries to line it up for Molumby in the middle.
      But Molumby is blocked out and the ball rolls out the left-side of the box.

      HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      90. Three additional minutes in Hungary.
      HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      89. Young debutant Omobamidele ruffles the side of the netting as he has a crack from a tight angle on the left of the box.
      What a start to his international career that could have been!

      HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      88. late changes to the Ireland team too;
      Collis is on, so too is debutant Omobamidele.
      HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      86. Szalai, the greatest threat from Hungary this evening, tries to break the deadlock from distance.
      But his shot, from 30-odd yards, is dragged wide of the right post.
      And after that effort, his night comes to an end.
      He’s replaced by Schon who’s the only uncapped member of the squad.
      HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      85. Szalai makes the most of Ireland failing to clear their lines.
      He swivels in the D to push the ball onto his right foot as he tries to curl it into the top right-hand corner but it’s a couple of inches too high.
      HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      84. McClean’s evening is over as he’s replaced by Manning.
      Ireland tactically disrupting Hungary’s sudden wave of attack.
      HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      80. Just as I write that, Kelleher is called into action twice in one minute!
      He’s so quick to react and manages to bat away a close range shot courtesy of Szalai.
      A subsequent corner sees a goal-mouth scramble, before Kelleher gets low to deal with Hungary’s threat.
      HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      79. Ireland are still pushing, more so than Hungary, but just can’t seem to find a way through.
      With ten minutes remaining they’ll need to dig deep for a goal.
      HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      77. Cullen takes Ireland’s freekick, about 35 yards out on the right.
      It’s headed several times in the area, in a game of ping-pong, before falling to Knight in the D.
      He chests the ball and hits it on the volley, but his shot is deflected and Ireland’s attacking effort comes to an end.
      HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      75. Hungary work the ball well down the pitch, albeit fairly slowly.
      The ball is bundled back to Lovrencsics at the top of the box, but he can’t adjust his body quickly enough, his shot at goal is weak, allowing Kelleher to gather.
      HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      73. It’s getting a little feisty now, as both teams are frustrated.
      Idah is taken out in the Hungary area, but ref deems it a 50-50 challenge.
      HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      71. Szalai and Molumby are involved in a footrace on the right wing, they’re shoulder-to-shoulder.
      The Irishman goes to the floor, after a small shoulder barge and is lucky to win a freekick about 25 yards out on the right.
      HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      70. Varga tries to pick out Nego, who’s unmarked on the right-hand side of the box, but Duffy intercepts the pass and heads it clear.;
      Ireland counter quickly.
      HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      68. Duffy slides in across the box to deny Szalai a scoring opportunity.
      The Irishman appeared to take a leg to the chest on the way down, he’s up and on his feet fairly quickly though.
      HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      66. Ireland have a bit of bite about them now and are looking a little more threatening.
      Idah picks up the ball just inside Hungary’s half and races to the D.
      He drills the ball low and hard towards the bottom right-hand corner, but the keeper taps it away with his fingertips to deny the Irishman.
      HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      63. Molumby and Fiola engage in a spot of shoving by the corner post, but there’s not much in it.
      The crowd are jeering Molumby for it, but not a lot else is happening at the moment.
      Both teams were hoping for a win to round off this international friendly period, but we’re goalless still in Hungary.
      HUNGARY 0-0 IRELAND
      61. A change between the sticks as Gulacsi is replaced by Bogdan.
      Plenty of Liverpool links with keepers at both ends this evening!
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      James Corden quizzes Jose Mourinho on the Euros, penalties, Harry Kane… and cricket

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      WHILE their lives couldn’t be more different, Jose Mourinho and James Corden have more in ­common than you may think.Both are seasoned pros in their chosen field with legions of fans around the globe — and a shared obsession with the beautiful game.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Jose Mourinho chatted with James Corden ahead of this weekend’s EurosCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The TV legend grilled The Special One on everything from his trophies to cricketCredit: Daniel Jones – The Sun
      So who better to quiz The Special One than a London-born boy done good?
      Who wants to know if one day Jose would plump for a job at his beloved West Ham? Jose, 58, is now at Roma after parting company with Spurs.
      Speaking on Zoom, James, 42, got Jose chatting about Harry Kane’s future, the 25-and-a-half trophies he’s won and the advice he’d give to Gareth Southgate.
      The England boss famously missed a penalty at Euro 96, one of several shootout heartaches over the years. But Jose says our “mental wall is broken” after spot-kick joy against Colombia at the 2018 World Cup.

      JAMES CORDEN: How are you, Jose? This is such a thrill, I’m a big fan.
      JOSE MOURINHO: I can’t believe that. You must be a fan of David Moyes.
      JC: Yes, Moyesiah — he’s incredible. So, are you excited for this new chapter?
      JM: I am. I felt a very good connection with the owners. It’s the feeling of working not for them but with them.
      JC: How much of your day is spent thinking about how much you want to improve that squad?
      JM: There is a lot of work to do. Zoom made things easy. I don’t like making phone calls. I like to see people.
      JC: Fans got to see your reaction to lockdown in the Amazon documentary with Tottenham. Was that in your contract?
      Mourinho spoke about Harry Kane’s future, saying he is a ‘very Premier League guy’Credit: Getty
      JM: Yes I was informed about it. I gave them my opinion. It would disturb the work we were doing but it would be a good thing for the club.
      JC: Reading between the lines my feeling was that Mauricio Pochettino did not want those cameras there. Did you know that was an issue?
      JM: No not at all. It was something that was done and it is not even for me to ask why or how.
      The positives were more important. And that it is.
      JC: I feel you’ve always known when something is going to work or not in the long term. Like at Manchester United, you came to Los Angeles and we filmed something for my show. I had a feeling you thought that season would not end well.
      JM: Manchester United was a situation where we won three trophies in the first season. When I met you I wanted more.
      JC: I remember you saying to me, “I have no players” and I was like, “No you have this and this.” You said it wasn’t enough.
      JM: I am very optimistic but I am very realistic. When we did that at Manchester United by winning the Europa League, and the domestic cup, I felt for the next step it would not be enough.
      This season, people were saying, “Great season, you finished second.” I’d say, “We finished second. It’s a bad season.”
      He spoke about Gareth Southgate’s heart-breaking missed penalty at Euro 96Credit: Getty
      Mourinho revealed the advice he’d give the England bossCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      JC: Why is finishing second a bad season?
      JM: I like Manchester United, the fans were amazing with me. And I think it is good for them that another season without trophies is seen as positive.
      But with me the level of expectation coming from the media is completely different.
      JC: But some of that pressure you bring on yourself. In press conferences you’ll say things like, “Three, three!”
      JM: That’s a reaction! I don’t arrive and say three or five. James, if you want to be proactive you can ask me how many trophies I have won in my career — 25 and a half.
      JC: What is the half?
      JM: The half is the final I didn’t play with Tottenham.
      I’ve won 25 and a half trophies…the half is the final I didn’t play with Spurs.
      JC: Were you disappointed you didn’t get to manage?
      JM: Of course. To have a chance to win a trophy with a club that doesn’t have many, that was a dream.
      JC: Did you ever say, “Let me manage the final, win the trophy and I will leave?”
      JM: It is not for me to make that decision.
      Corden grilled Mourinho, aka The Special One, on ZoomCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers
      Corden admits he’s a big fan and says he feels a very good connection with David Moyes
      JC: What advice would you give the new manager?
      JM: I am not going to give any advice. I say goodbye, I wish you luck and I move on.
      JC: Would you not just say, “Try and keep Harry Kane?”
      JM: That’s obvious. He is one of the top strikers in the world.
      JC: Did you like working with Harry?
      JM: I did enjoy it very much. I love his partnership with Son.
      JC: Do you see the ambition in Harry that you have seen in Zlatan, in Ronaldo?
      JM: Yes but when I work with these guys they were winning titles. It is about legacy. Legacy is about medals.
      But who knows? In five weeks Harry could be a European champion.
      JC: I am sure you won’t answer this, but where do you think Harry Kane should play his football next year?
      JM: I think he has to play where he is happy. And I think he is happy in England. He is a very Premier League guy.
      Mourinho has won 25½ trophies in his career, including a final he didn’t play with TottenhamCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He admits he’s been offered international management jobs at England and PortugalCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The football legend says he doesn’t know what he’d do without the beautiful gameCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      JC: Let’s talk about the Euros. Are you excited?
      JM: I am always excited about football. We have a break and I feel lost and empty. I don’t know what to do after dinner. I am just zapping zapping zapping with no proper football.
      JC: What do you make of England’s chances?
      JM: They can win it. I only see France has an incredible squad but apart from that I don’t see one team that is better than the others.
      Who knows, in 5 weeks Harry Kane could be a European champion.
      JC: Have you ever been offered international management jobs?
      JM: England when I left Chelsea but I realised it was too early for me. I had Portugal when I was at Real Madrid. It was a crazy offer for a part-time job. It is the kind of job I think I will enjoy later.
      JC: You said you don’t know what to do without football. So what do you do to keep yourself entertained?
      JM: I am a very complicated guy. I am totally absorbed by sport. I will be addicted to the Olympics. I am addicted to F1, I am addicted to tennis. There is one sport that I still don’t understand, cricket.
      When I was working for Sir Bobby Robson, I could not understand how much he loved the game, because I didn’t understand the game.
      Mourinho reckons England can win the Euros, saying ‘I don’t see one team that is better than the others’Credit: The Sun
      JC: Sir Bobby because he was clearly a mentor to you. Do you have anyone you consider yourself a mentor to?
      JM: I am more than a mentor, I am an agent without commission. I get so many jobs from so many friends. People want advice and opinions.
      JC: Did you know about the Super League before us?
      JM: I knew the project was in the kitchen and it would come out.
      JC: Were you surprised by how quickly it fell apart?
      JM: The way people reacted was incredible. I am a football lover. I got emotional about that reaction.
      JC: If you had been at Tottenham or Man Utd, and they said, “This is the Super League, we’re going to enter it”, would you have said, “Guys this is a PR disaster?”
      JM: I don’t think we have any power in any club at this moment. We have power in relation to our opinion. The old-fashioned football manager with lots of power in the club, I think that has disappeared.
      JC: Back to the Euros, from a manager’s point of view, what should Gareth Southgate say to his five?
      JM: You know my record on penalties? I lost two Champions League semi-finals on penalties.
      JC: So what did you say? Then Gareth Southgate can say the opposite?
      JM: When I trust players over my feelings it doesn’t work. For example Chelsea versus Liverpool, one of the players was not on the list. He came to me in the middle of Anfield and he said to me, “Am I the first or fifth?” I said, “You are the sixth or the seventh.”
      He says the best player he’s ever coached was MessiCredit: Reuters
      He said, “I want to go because I will score.” So with that, I thought, “OK.” He took it but he missed.
      I also had the European Super Cup, Chelsea versus Bayern. Again the guy who missed shouldn’t have taken the penalty. The last time this happened I won. It was this season, Tottenham versus Chelsea. And the same thing happened to me. I told the player, “No.”
      England don’t need my advice now. That mental wall is broken. They want it.
      JC: That is a great bit of advice for Gareth Southgate. OK let’s finish up with some quickfire. The best player you never coached?
      JM: Messi.
      JC: The best football game you have been a part of?
      JM: Benfica and Porto. That game for us Portuguese is everything. It is tribal, North versus South.
      JC: Your favourite food?
      JM: I am from a fisherman’s city but I am a meat guy. I like my beef medium well, with amazing chips.
      The old-fashioned football manager with lots of power in the club, I think that has disappeared.
      JC: Your favourite song?
      JM: I wouldn’t say I have a favourite song but I like Bryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen and U2.
      JC: Your favourite place in the world?
      JM: My city Setubal.
      JC: Your favourite thing to do on a day off?
      JM: I don’t have days off. There’s not one day when I can disconnect from football, where I can ignore the telephone.
      JC: And finally, be honest, everything you have achieved in your career, 25-and-a-half cups, do you feel with every move you are getting closer to your dream of becoming the manager of West Ham United?
      JM: It is not my dream.
      JC: If it’s not a dream because it’s just so far out of reach for you I get it, I totally get it.
      Corden casks whether he’s getting closer to achieving his dream of becoming West Ham’s manager
      Unfortunately he shoots Corden down as he says Roma is his futureCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd

      JM: Maybe, James. I am not a club man. That is clear. I am a guy of many clubs. Roma is my future.
      JC: My admiration for you never stops growing. Thank you for this. It has been a thrill.
      JM: See you in LA, I will go to Coachella.

      IN return for this article, at James’ request, The Sun has made a donation to Magic Breakfast charity, which helps provide breakfasts to school kids. For more information, visit www.magicbreakfast.com. More

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      Gareth Southgate tells England aces to make it another summer of love as he addresses nation in rousing Euro 2020 letter

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      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.
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
      Gareth Southgate has issued a rallying cry to his England starsCredit: Getty
      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.
      “When England play, it’s not a few thousand — or even a few million — watching on subscription. You are representing more than 50 million people.
      “You remember where you were watching England games. And who you were watching with. And who you were at the time.
      “I think about all the young kids who will be watching this summer, filling out their first wall charts.
      “No matter what happens, I just hope that their parents, teachers and club managers will turn to them and say, ‘Look. That’s the way to represent your country. That’s what England is about. That is what’s possible’. If we can do that, it will be a summer to be proud of.
      EURO 2020 BETTING SPECIAL – GET £1 FREE BET FOR EVERY SHOT ON TARGET YOUR GOLDEN BOOT SELECTION HAS
      Raheem Sterling smiled as he arrived at St George’s Park on TuesdayCredit: Getty
      Conor Coady was another entering the camp in high spiritsCredit: Getty
      “It has been an extremely difficult year. Everyone in this country has been directly affected by isolation and loss.
      “But we have also seen countless examples of heroism and sacrifice. It’s given us all a new understanding of the fragility of life and what really matters.”
      Southgate was writing in an open letter to fans in The Players’ Tribune.
      And he joked at home, the family dogs are considered more important than him.
      He said: “Every game, no matter the opposition, has the potential to create a lifelong memory for an England fan somewhere.
      “Like with our own memories of watching England, everyone has a different idea of what it actually means to be English. What pride means.
      ⚽Get ALL of the latest England news and updates from Euro 2020

      “What is sometimes forgotten is just how much it means to the players.
      “Players are fans too, after all. That’s how it starts. It starts with kids sitting in front of TVs, with wall charts and heroes.
      “This idea that some players don’t know what it means to play for England — or don’t care — has become something of a false narrative.
      “I know my voice carries weight, not because of who I am but because of the position that I hold.
      “At home, I’m below the kids and the dogs in the pecking order but publicly I am the England men’s football team manager. I have a responsibility to the wider community to use my voice, and so do the players.
      “It’s their duty to continue to interact with the public on matters such as equality, inclusivity and racial injustice, while using the power of their voices to help put debates on the table, raise awareness and educate.”

      Southgate presented England’s 26-man squad with their own legacy caps at a special ceremony at St George’s Park.
      From September 2021, all senior debutants will receive a red velvet cap with their legacy number embroidered on the front.
      Southgate has his own number – 1,071 – while England’s current squad spans from longest-serving international Jordan Henderson – 1,170 – to Sam Johnstone – 1,262.
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      Raheem Sterling eyeing Euro 2020 glory in happy England camp after Champions League misery with Man City

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      ENGLAND ace 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 to Chelsea in Porto behind him and is excited ahead of Sunday’s opener against Croatia at Wembley.
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      Raheem Sterling can’t wait to get the Euros underwayCredit: Getty
      And Sterling, England’s most capped player with 61 appearances, believes the team must deliver during the tournament.
      He 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.
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      “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.
      “I’m feeling good. It’s all about mentality, really. You can play a lot of games but if mentally you’re not happy, if mentally you’re a bit down, the tournament can be physically demanding.
      “But if you’re happy and you’re raring to go, then that’s the most important thing.
      “It’s where your head’s at, your mind space. Right now my mindset here is to just smile and be happy.”
      The squad are based at St George’s Park in Staffordshire, where there is a Hilton hotel on site.
      England’s players have a cinema room, pool, darts and a basketball hoop in the reception area.
      Speaking to talkSPORT, Sterling said: “There’s a lovely smell. The smell from the reception to the rooms was lovely.
      Raheem Sterling is ready to put his Champions League heartache behind himCredit: PA
      Sterling has spoken of the positivity inside the England campCredit: Getty
      “Normally when you come with England you’re travelling, you’re on a plane, you go somewhere.
      “It’s moody, you get to a hotel, the hotel’s moody. You’re there, you’ve got football to play, you enjoy your football, you get back to the hotel. It’s boring.
      “Coming here, somewhere you’ve been for many years. You know everything about the place and it’s just nice to be on home soil for once and breathing some great British air and the weather’s nice outside. And I can’t stop smiling!”
      England manager Gareth Southgate has addressed the 26-man squad rather than stage separate talks with the players.
      Sterling said: “He spoke to us as a collective and just made us understand how much of a family we are.
      “At the same time, how lucky and proud we should be that we’re representing England, like many players before us.

      “With the players we’ve got, of course, the most important thing is trying to qualify out of the group but we want to be challenging.
      “We want to get to the final. That’s the whole reason why the FA and everyone has set up that beautiful building over there, somewhere as comfortable as possible.
      “We have to be challenging. It’s as simple as that.”
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      Romania’s Stanciu refused to take knee before England loss in support of Kudela after ban for racist abuse vs Rangers

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      ROMANIA star Nicolae Stanciu refused to take the knee before playing England because he was supporting team-mate Ondrej Kudela – the Czech international who was banned for 10 games for racial abuse.The two men are pals at Slavia Prague, with the latter suspended after he racially abused Rangers star Glen Kamara in the Europa League.

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      Nicolae Stanciu refused to take the knee before playing for Romania against EnglandCredit: Ian Hodgson – The Daily Mail
      Ondrej Kudela (right) received a 10-match ban for racially abusing Rangers’ Glen Kamara in MarchCredit: AFP
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      That has ruled him out of European Championship action for his country.
      Stanciu played for Romania as they fell to a 1-0 defeat to the Three Lions on Sunday – and afterwards he stated he did not take the knee prior to kick off as he was standing in solidarity with Kudela, who has claimed he was punished ‘without any proof’.
      As reported by the Daily Record, Stanciu said: “I did the same with Slavia, when I played against Arsenal in the quarter finals of the Europa League.
      “It seems normal to me, and I decided to make the gesture for my colleague from Slavia, for Kudela, who without any proof was suspended for 10 matches after the game against Rangers.
      “Just like that because a team-mate of Kamara’s heard that word that I can’t say. I decided not to take the knee and I don’t think that’s the solution.”
      The Kudela and Kamara incident occurred back in March as the defender whispered something into the ear of the Gers midfielder.
      Both Kamara and team-mate Bongani Zungu claimed that they heard a racial slur.
      Kudela was found guilty of ‘racist behaviour’ following a formal investigation but denied all the allegations and claimed he simply said: “You’re a f***ing guy.”
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      Kamara received a three-game ban as he was found guilty of assaulting Kudela in the tunnel after the full time whistle.
      The 34-year-old launched an appeal after the guilty verdict, which was dismissed by Uefa last month.
      Aamer Anwar, Kamara’s lawyer, said: “They should have a minimum one-year ban for players when it comes to this and they should be fining clubs and players substantial amounts so that it damages their pockets.
      “If someone is setting up a Super League, then Uefa will almost move instantaneously and threaten all sorts of sanctions and punishments.
      “But if it comes to racism, it’s very tokenistic. Take the knee, fly the banner, pop up a slogan and think it’s job done. It’s not job done.”
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      Injured Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk to act as Holland coach at Euro 2020 after plea from boss Frank de Boer

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      HOLLAND will get a helping hand from Virgil van Dijk at Euro 2020 despite the Liverpool star’s injury absence.Out of action since October due to an serious knee ligament injury, the 29-year-old will not feature on the pitch for his country.
      Frank de Boer has asked Virgil van Dijk to help the Dutch squad at Euro 2020Credit: EPA
      But, according to the Mirror, he has answered the call to form part of Frank de Boer’s backroom team.
      Team captain Van Dijk will offer his insight as an unofficial member of staff throughout the competition.
      Dutch preparations for the tournament have, like many others, not gone fully to plan.
      A 2-2 draw with Scotland in their opening warm-up friendly was followed by a 3-0 win over Georgia.
      Absent for the victory in Enschede was Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.
      The Oranje are sweating over his fitness after he picked up a training ground knock to his groin.
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      De Boer has already sent home Donny van de Beek after the Manchester United midfielder suffered an injury.
      Holland will not call up a replacement for the playmaker, a decision which former defensive star De Boer insisted was best for the dressing room.
      He told reporters: “It is always sad when boys have to drop out injured.
      “To join the group at this stage is not exactly ideal.
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      “I also have enough midfielders in my squad to absorb it.
      “Of course there can always be a situation where you decide differently, but at the moment I prefer to leave the group as it is.”
      Ukraine await in Holland’s first Euro 2020 game, on June 13, before games with Austria and North Macedonia, all of which take place in Amsterdam.
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