Euro 2020 LIVE: Deschamps fires back at Mourinho after France jibe, England vs Romania REACTION, De Bruyne WILL be fit
ENGLAND scraped past Romania to record another victory ahead of Euro 2020.Elsewhere, France boss Didier Deschamps has responded after Jose Mourinho piled the pressure on his talented side.
And Kevin De Bruyne is set to feature in the Euros despite undergoing surgery on a facial injury sustained in the Champions League final.
Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
LUK OUT
World number one Belgium sent out a warning they will be a major power at the Euros, with convincing victory in their final warm up game.
And it was Romelu Lukaku who set them on course for victory over England’s opponents Croatia, with his 60th goal for his country in just his 93rd appearance.
Lukaku was the star as Belgian boss Roberto Martinez made changes to his side in the absence of Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard. The former Manchester United striker scored a fine goal, and also hit the bar.
He was too hot to handle for Croatia, the opponents England will face in their first match of the Championships in a week’s time.
And there was little to worry national team boss Gareth Southgate, as the Croats created nothing, and didn’t even manage a shot on target until the 77th minute in a game where they took off leader Luca Modric after just an hour.
CRO BARRED
England have received a fitness boost in the form of Harry Maguire, who is back running following an ankle ligament injury.
Maguire’s progressing well – the last few days have been very positive.
Gareth Southgate said: “There’s still a little bit of work to be done, but he’s definitely heading in the right direction and we’re very pleased with the progress over the last few days in particular.”
And touching on Jordan Henderson’s situation, the England boss added: “It’s a step forward for Jordan physically , which was important in order for him to be able to play some sort of part in the tournament.”
SERGI-OH NO
Spain’s Euro 2020 preparations have been hit after captain Sergio Busquets tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday.
The Barcelona midfielder led the team in a friendly against Portugal on Friday but contracted the virus over the weekend and will now enter a period of self-isolation.
The rest of the squad all tested negative, but the players and staff who were in close contact with the 32-year-old must also quarantine.
Their first game will still go ahead, but under-21s manager Luis De la Fuente will take charge and use players from his squad.
A statement from Royal Spanish Football Federation read: ‘The RFEF regrets to announce that its captain Sergio Busquets has given a positive result in the last PCR test that was carried out this morning on the national team in Las Rozas.
“The rest of the members have all tested negative.”
‘THEY WILL FIGHT’
Ukraine provoked Russia’s ire on Sunday as its football federation unveiled Euro 2020 kits that feature Russian-annexed Crimea and nationalist slogans.
In a statement on Facebook, Andriy Pavelko, the president of the Football Federation of Ukraine, said that Ukrainian players will wear “special uniforms” and posted photos of the jerseys in the blue-and-yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag.
The uniforms feature the silhouette of Ukraine that includes Russia-annexed Crimea and the separatist-controlled regions of Donetsk and Lugansk as well as the words “Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!”
Pavelko said: “We believe that Ukraine’s silhouette will give strength to the players because they will fight for all of Ukraine.”
The “Glory to Ukraine” slogan is a patriotic chant that became a rallying cry for protesters who ousted a Kremlin-backed leader, Viktor Yanukovych, during a popular uprising in 2014.
‘EVERYBODY IS FIGHTING’
Head coach Steve Clarke says he has “selection headaches all over the pitch” for Euro 2020 after Scotland’s successful warm-up matches.
Clarke’s side followed up the 2-2 draw with the Netherlands by winning 1-0 at 10-man Luxembourg eight days before the Group D opener against Czech Republic.
Only the self-isolating John Fleck and third-choice goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin did not feature in either friendly.
Clarke said: “All the players have to be in your thoughts.
“It’s about fine-tuning towards certain opponents. Different opponents will require different personnel.
“The boys who played in midfield against Holland were really good. Different midfield tonight and I have headaches all over the pitch.
“Everybody is fighting and with a viable chance of being involved in the three games.
“I’ve lots to think about and that’s what you want as head coach. Everyone has to be ready.”
‘WHAT AN HONOUR’
Marcus Rashford has described the feeling of captaining England for the first time as ‘unexplainable’.
Rashford wore the armband as England beat Romania 1-0 at The Riverside in their final warm up game ahead of Euro 2020, with the attacker marking the occasion by scoring the only goal from the penalty spot.
Rashford wrote on Twitter: “I’ve always been in the mindset that you don’t need an armband to be a leader on the pitch but I can’t lie, this feeling is unexplainable. Thank you England what an honour.”
I’ve always been in the mindset that you don’t need an armband to be a leader on the pitch but I can’t lie, this feeling is unexplainable. Thank you @England what an honour 🏴♥️ pic.twitter.com/OZ3EKR0Azh— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) June 6, 2021
SCOTLAND INJURY UPDATE
Scotland manager Steve Clarke revealed he only took Billy Gilmour off as a precaution after he was flattened by Luxembourg’s Olivier Thill.
The Chelsea youngster came on for the second half of the final Euro 2020 warm-up game and was impressing before being on the wrong end of the crude challenge.
Clarke told Sky Sports: “We took him off as a precaution, the medics will assess him but he seemed fine when he was off the pitch.
“He was disappointed to be off but (we’ll be) ultra-cautious and the medics will assess him.
“But everything looks OK for now.”
NO JOY FOR ROY
Roy Keane has claimed Jadon Sancho needs to improve his end product to force his way into the England team.
The Borussia Dortmund winger was included in the 26-man squad but it remains to be seen whether the 21-year-old will feature from the start for England amid a wealth of options at Gareth Southgate’s disposal.
He was given a chance to shine in England’s final warm-up game against Romania on Sunday, but struggled to inspire his side as they failed to score during his 64 minutes of action, although he did strike the bar with a curling effort.
Speaking about Sancho, Keane said: “A big question mark for any young player is his end product.
“He showed some nice touches but needs to be a little bit more to force his way into the England team.
“When he’s in a wide position his job is to go past people. He needs to do a bit more – the same for Grealish, the same for Rashford.”
ROM FOR ONE MORE
England’s first half with Romania was halted after a topless pitch invader gave the fans something to cheer.
In an opening drab 45 minutes, viewers joked that the culprit provided the best entertainment of the match so far.
With stewards chasing him down, the man ran for around 50-yards before he was eventually caught and escorted out.
Supporters, who had little to cheer up until that moment, greeted his arrival on the field with a rendition of ‘you fat b******’.
ITV commentators were then forced to apologise to viewers watching at home for the language from fans.
CHAMPS OR CHUMPS
Didier Deschamps aimed a cheeky jibe at Jose Mourinho after the ex-Spurs boss piled the pressure on his talented French side.
Mourinho, 58, exclusively told SunSport how anything but a Euros triumph would be deemed a failure for the world champions.
But Deschamps was eager to downplay expectations for his group of star-studded internationals and couldn’t resist a dig at Mourinho’s spell as Tottenham boss.
He told Telefoot: “I thought the same thing about his Tottenham team, but it did not end up happening like that.
“Yes, we are favorites due to the status of world champions.
“It is not a pressure, it is the reality, we will not flee the debate on the presence of France among the favourites of this Euro.”
KEANE BLASTING
Roy Keane is amongst those who are skeptical about Gareth Southgate’s decision to call up Jordan Henderson, due to the Liverpool captain’s injury concerns,
In fact, during the pre-game build-up to England’s friendly against Romania, Keane gave a typically cutting response on the decision to bring Henderson along despite his injury woes.
He said during ITV’s coverage of England vs Romania: “Clearly Jordan’s not fit – I don’t think he should be involved.
“I’ve heard people say they want him around the place – for what? Does he do card tricks? Does he have a sing song? Does he do quizzes in the evenings?”
BOO BOYS BORE AGAIN
Several brain-dead ‘fans’ booed again as England’s players took the knee ahead of the Three Lions’ friendly with Romania.
Gareth Southgate and several members of his squad made it quite clear in the build up why they were kneeling and how disappointed they were to hear the jeers ahead of the Austria game.
But that did nothing to sway a handful of mindless individuals as the players knelt to raise awareness of racial injustice and NOT in support of any political movement as some have tried to suggest.
Fortunately, the boos were quickly drowned out by a loud wave of applause from the vast majority of the crowd at Middlebrough’s Riverside stadium.
Two of Romania’s players – Ionuț Nedelcearu and Nicolae Stanciu – chose to remain standing as the players dropped to one knee.
EYE CARAMBA
Kevin De Bruyne will be fit to play for Belgium at Euro 2020, according to boss Roberto Martinez.
The attacking midfielder’s participation looked doubtful, after being forced off in the Champions League final having been body checked by Antonio Rudiger.
De Bruyne, 29, suffered an orbital fracture to his left eye socket and was in tears as he exited the pitch.
Martinez, 47, said: “After looking at the images it was decided that Kevin had to undergo a small operation.
“The operation took place this morning and it went well. He will join the group on Monday and will be with us for the Euros.
“It was a necessary intervention to secure the structure of the eye socket in the long term.
“It is not an operation that requires a long recovery, it was just to make sure that there are no issues later down the line.”
‘I’M SORRY’
Romania legend Gheorghe Hagi says their famous win over England at Euro 2000 was tinged with sadness – because it meant knocking out his idol Kevin Keegan.
The Three Lions went home after losing their final group game in Charleroi, Belgium, to cap a wretched tournament.
He said: “It’s hard to say who was the best player in that England team because they didn’t get near their potential.
“England always had sensational teams and I really liked Alan Shearer.
“In both 1998 (World Cup) and 2000 England could have won the competition but they didn’t reach their potential.
“I’m sorry, especially since Kevin Keegan was one of my idols.
“But a victory over England gives you such prestige and after that everybody respected us.”
I’M THE ENGLAND MAN
England strike ace Dominic Calvert-Lewin revealed his dad celebrated his Euros call-up by blasting out the John Barnes rap.
Calvert-Lewin is ready to make an impact for the Three Lions as Harry Kane’s understudy – and is starting today’s friendly against Romania with the captain rested.
When the Everton hitman got the nod he was in the squad, dad Karlda could not wait to belt out the lyrics of Barnes’ famous solo in 1990 World Cup song World in Motion by New Order.
Calvert- Lewin said: “I was waiting on Tuesday to get the official announcement to know I was in the squad and my dad FaceTimed me and started singing the John Barnes tune.
“He’s rubbish but it’s quite funny and I expect nothing less from him, that’s the kind of relationship we’ve got. So I was laughing at that.
“My family have always been a part of my journey.”
BOO BOYS
England vs Romania kicks off shortly so let’s take a look at the debate surrounding the players’ decision to take the knee.
Gareth Southgate shared his thoughts earlier today: “We feel, more than ever, we are determined to take the knee throughout the tournament.
“We accept there might be an adverse reaction but we’re going to ignore it and move forward. We are all trying to move towards equality — and support our team-mates because of some of the experiences they’ve been through — but people decided to boo.
“The players are sick of talking about all the consequences of should they, shouldn’t they. They’ve had enough really.”
Gary Lineker condemned the booers on Twitter: “If you boo England players for taking the knee, you’re part of the reason why players are taking the knee.”
Piers Morgan also chimed in, saying: “I wonder if those England fans booing players for taking the knee to protest racial injustice know the idea came from Nate Boyer, a US Green Beret war hero who suggested it to NFL star Colin Kaepernick as a more respectful way to make his point.”
If you boo @England players for taking the knee, you’re part of the reason why players are taking the knee.— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) June 6, 2021
I wonder if those England fans booing players for taking the knee to protest racial injustice know the idea came from @NateBoyer37, a US Green Beret war hero who suggested it to NFL star @Kaepernick7 as a more respectful way to make his point – and who said this: pic.twitter.com/2bMPvRTf6E— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 6, 2021
TOO GOOD TO BE ROO
Wayne Rooney has THREE major concerns for Gareth Southgate’s England team heading into Euro 2020.
England’s record goalscorer has doubts over the team’s experience at a major tournament, potential complacency, and injuries to key players such as Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson.
Speaking in his column for The Times, Rooney said: “One of the doubts I have about England is that they’re a young squad, who lack knowhow.
“I also worry that complacency could creep in, because England’s group is not as straightforward as people seem to think.
“Croatia beat England in 2018 and have tournament knowledge and some very good, experienced players. Scotland will be tough, compact and difficult to beat.
“For England, qualifying might even come down to the last group match against Czech Republic.
“It is so important that Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson are fit because along with Harry Kane they form the backbone of the side, the ones who others on the pitch will look to for leadership.
“If Maguire and Henderson aren’t ready for the first game, things could get tricky for England because it’s hard for a player to get up to speed once a tournament is under way.”
MOVE DUM-ED
Liverpool star and Netherlands international Georginio Wijnaldum has rejected a move to Barcelona and will join Paris Saint-Germain instead.
That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who claims that Wijnaldum will sign a three-year contract after Euro 2020 and will make more than double compared to what Barca offered.
Romano posted: “Georginio Wijnaldum has decided to join Paris Saint-Germain.
“Barcelona have NO intention to raise their bid after they agreement ready by 2 weeks and medicals planned.
“Gini is now set to accept PSG proposal until 2024 with salary more than doubled [compared to Barça bid]”
Georginio Wijnaldum has decided to join Paris Saint-Germain. Barcelona have NO intention to raise their bid after they agreement ready by 2 weeks and medicals planned. 🚨🇳🇱Gini is now set to accept PSG proposal until 2024 with salary more than doubled [compared to Barça bid]. https://t.co/ImrYvlaMWg— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 6, 2021
RASHFORD UPDATE
Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford is set to undergo surgery after the summer’s delayed Euro 2020 competition.
Rashford has sustained shoulder as well as foot injuries and United have agreed to let him play for the Three Lions.
According to the Daily Mirror, the striker is set to go under the knife as soon as England’s involvement in the competition comes to an end.
The 23-year-old, who will get an operation on his foot, is then facing a race against time to be fit for the new Premier League campaign
KANT DENY IT
Manchester United superstar Paul Pogba claims Chelsea star and France team-mate N’Golo Kante deserves the Ballon d’Or ahead of Euro 2020.
Pogba told Eurosport: “What I would like to say to the whole world is that the ‘NG’ we have seen in recent months has always been the same.
“We talk a lot about his performances but he has always been as good as ever.
“There was no Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi in the semi-final, so it’s good to see the performances of the midfielders or even the defenders.
“I said a long time ago that it would be appropriate, if Chelsea won, for him to win the Ballon d’Or. It would be deserved too”
RAMSEY UPDATE
Wales manager Rob Page has played down any injury concerns over Juventus star Aaron Ramsey ahead of the summer’s delayed Euro 2020 competition.
Former Arsenal ace Ramsey took a heavy knock following a challenge with Albania international Ardian Ismajli during a hard-fought 0-0 draw.
But Page isn’t worried about the midfielder’s fitness as he claims it was only a kick in the shin.
The Wales boss said: “It was a kick to the shin which is the best case scenario for us. You don’t want him to jar his knee or twist his ankle, but there was none of that.
“It would have hurt him initially. When I said to him ‘you’ve got another 13 minutes then I’m bringing you off’, he said he was fine.
“But we’ve got to manage the minutes, take the emotions out of the game. It would have been lovely to keep him on, but we don’t want to push him too far”
GETTY IMAGES
YOUNG BLOOD
England boss Gareth Southgate has faith in his young talent ahead of the summer’s delayed Euro 2020.
Southgate has included a number of youngsters to his squad and trusts them as they already have 10 caps under their belt.
The Three Lions boss said: “Some of them have 10 caps or more at a young age.
“In the long term that will be really beneficial.”
SANCHO WAR
Chelsea are delaying their decision on whether they will join Manchester United in the transfer war for Borussia Dortmund star winger Jadon Sancho.
That is according to the Daily Express, who claim the Blues may try to swoop in for Sancho in the summer transfer window.
United are holding talks with Dortmund as well as the 21-year-old’s representatives and the Red Devils appear to be firmly at the front of the queue for his signature.
The west Londoners could provide competition but manager Thomas Tuchel is yet to decide on whether he believes the England international is needed, given his options up front
SAKA INJURED
Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka is set to miss England’s friendly with Romania tonigh.
That is according to The Athletic, who claim Saka suffered a recent hip injury.
The star winger netted his first goal for the Three Lions on Wednesday’s friendly game against Austria.
However, there is no indication that the 19-year-old ace could miss Euro 2020
BERN-ING QUESTION
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana, depending on what the courts decide about his suspension.
This begs the question about whether starting keeper Bernd Leno will leave the Gunners in the summer transfer window.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, there are numerous teams interested for the German shot-stopper.
Leno, however, is currently focused on the summer’s Euro 2020 as he prepares with the Germany national team
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