Euro 2020

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      England ratings: Grealish and Ward-Prowse shine in dreary Romania win with Mings again looking unconvincing

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      ENGLAND needed a Marcus Rashford penalty to beat Romania in their final Euro 2020 warm-up match.The Manchester United star scored the only goal of the game as he captained the Three Lions to victory at the Riverside in Middlesbrough.
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      Marcus Rashford scored the winner as England beat Romania 1-0Credit: AP
      But who was England’s best player on Sunday? And did anyone have a game to forget ahead of the Euros?
      Here, SunSport’s Duncan Wright delivers his England player ratings…
      SAM JOHNSTONE – 7
      Wayward early kick, but couple of smart low saves on debut. Then saved well with his feet – before stunning stop to deny equaliser.
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      BEN GODFREY – 6
      Capable display at the back, pushed forward to link up in attack. Steady full debut overall .
      BEN WHITE – 7
      Calm in possession, looked more assured than defensive partner Mings. Impressive debut.
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      Tyrone Mings struggled to impress at the backCredit: Ryan Browne-The Guardian

      TYRONE MINGS – 5
      Lapse in concentration in first 30 seconds highlighted fears about ability at highest level. Didn’t improve much afterwards.
      LUKE SHAW – 6
      Switched off twice to allow Romania in, pushed forward at every possibility. Steady without impressing.
      KALVIN PHILLIPS – 6
      Pressured well out of possession, quiet on the ball. Went about job without fuss and will be reliable if needed.
      James Ward-Prowse was deadly with his set piecesCredit: Ryan Browne-The Guardian
      JAMES WARD-PROWSE – 8
      Busy on and off the ball, excellent in possession and made late claim to manager for selection. Set piece delivery an added bonus.
      JADON SANCHO – 7
      Looked dangerous from the off, unlucky with shot against bar. Came short too often as England struggled to create.
      JACK GREALISH – 8
      Ignored the rough challenges to grow in influence, won the penalty and looked biggest threat for England.
      Jack Grealish was his usual lively self as he shined on the pitchCredit: Reuters
      MARCUS RASHFORD – 6
      Not helped by making runs but not being spotted. Shot wide after one trademark burst, but held nerve to score from spot.
      DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN – 6
      Unlucky with fine header against bar, but should have scored from close range in second half. Quiet display.
      SUBS
      Jordan Henderson (for Phillips, 45′) – 6
      Rustiness obvious, but grew in confidence with body as half went on. Poor penalty but welcome return to action.

      Jordan Henderson missed a penalty upon his return to actionCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Jude Bellingham (for Sancho, 65′) – 6
      Played more advanced role in midfield, denied maiden international goal.
      Declan Rice (for Ward-Prowse, 65′) – 6
      Did his job ably without being extended.
      Jesse Lingard (for Rashford, 75′) – 6
      Linked up well to help create late chance for Bellingham.
      Kieran Trippier (for Shaw, 75′) – 6
      Had little to test him as he covered at left-back again.
      Ollie Watkins (for Calvert-Lewin, 82′) – 6
      Decent cross to set up Bellingham chance.

      Fans boo England players taking the knee against Romania More

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      Keane rips Southgate for naming Henderson in England’s Euro 2020 saying he’s only fit for ‘quizzes, songs & card tricks’

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      ROY KEANE has slammed Gareth Southgate’s decision to include Jordan Henderson in his 26-man England squad for the upcoming European Championships.The 30-year-old Liverpool captain had not played a single minute of first team football when he was included in the Three Lions boss’ squad for the tournament.
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      Henderson featured for the first time since February when he came on against RomaniaCredit: PA
      Roy Keane on Jordan Henderson… 😬“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?” pic.twitter.com/YhYaXxg8FX— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 6, 2021

      Keane was heavily critical of Southgate’s decision to include Henderson in his final squad
      And Keane took umbrage to Henderson’s inclusion after he was again left out of England’s starting line-up for their second and final warm-up game against Romania on Sunday.
      Speaking on ITV’s coverage before the game, he said: “Clearly Jordan’s not fit – I don’t think he should be involved.
      “If he can’t start the game against Romania – because physically and mentally today’s game won’t be that tough for him – having not kicked a ball for three-and-a-half months he can’t be right.
      “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?
      “What does he do? Jordan’s an experienced player.
      “Surely Jordan doesn’t want to be around the place as some sort of cheerleader – you want to play and he’s clearly nowhere near it.”
      Keane was left to look a little silly later on in the evening when Henderson came on at half-time in England’s 1-0 win.

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      It was the first 45 minutes Henderson had played since he appeared for Liverpool four months ago as he continued his bid to return to full fitness before England face Croatia in their first group game next Sunday.
      But all did not go to plan as he missed a penalty inside the final 15 minutes, with Romanian keeper Florin Nita denying him a first international goal.
      Southgate chose the Reds skipper ahead of other midfielders in his provisional squad which included Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse and West Ham loanee Jesse Lingard.
      But both Ward-Prowse and Lingard could yet go to Euro 2020 after Trent Alexander-Arnold was ruled out of the tournament with a thigh injury.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Gareth Southgate talks about Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson’s chances of playing in the Euros More

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      Watch Jordan Henderson miss penalty after PINCHING ball from Dominic Calvert-Lewin in pursuit of first-ever England goal

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      JORDAN HENDERSON wrestled the ball from Dominic Calvert-Lewin to take England’s second penalty, before fluffing his lines from the spot.The Liverpool captain made his Three Lions return from the bench against Romania, having not appeared for club or country since February.
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      Jordan Henderson looks on after fluffing his lines from the spotCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Henderson, 30, is denied by Romania keeper NituCredit: Reuters
      Henderson took the ball from Calvert-Lewin
      Henderson, 30, wanted to mark his comeback with a goal – taking the ball from Calvert-Lewin after the striker was fouled by Vlad Chiriches in the box.
      The midfielder messed up his big moment, however, having his penalty saved by Florin Nita.
      And boss Gareth Southgate admitted Henderson was NOT the chosen spot-kick taker.
      Southgate said after the game: “We had Marcus Rashford on penalties then James Ward-Prowse but both came off.
      “We expected Dominic Calvert-Lewin to take it and I was expecting Hendo to go over to him and let him take it. We will pull rank next time.”
      ITV pundit Roy Keane felt that Calvert-Lewin should have shown more ‘maturity’ and fought to take the spot kick.
      He said: “He should have fought his corner there. He should have showed a bit of maturity, ‘I don’t care who you are, I won the penalty, I’m the striker, you’ve been out of the game for three-and-a-half months, back away’.”
      Ian Wright, meanwhile, understood DCL’s potential grievance, adding: “I’d be very disappointed if I were Calvert-Lewin because you can see that he wanted it, I’d be very disappointed as a striker.
      “But it’s the person who’s bumping you off though, it’s Jordan Henderson. As much as we’re talking about someone who’s never scored for England and missed in the shootout vs Colombia, he fancied it and wanted to take it.
      “I would have given it to him, he’s a senior pro.”

      Former Spurs flop Vlad Chiriches fouls Dominic Calvert-LewinCredit: Times Newspapers LtdWIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!

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      BETTING SPECIAL – GET ENGLAND TO WIN EURO 2020 AND HARRY KANE TO BE TOP SCORER AT 18/1

      Henderson had replaced Kalvin Phillips at half-time, as he bids to prove his fitness to Southgate ahead of next Sunday’s Euro 2020 Three Lions opener against Croatia at Wembley.
      He enters the tournament having last started a game on February 20.
      And as a result of having to cover at centre-back because of Liverpool’s defensive crisis, Henderson hasn’t played in midfield since December 30.
      Regardless of Henderson’s miss, England beat Romania 1-0 at Riverside Stadium, thanks to Marcus Rashford’s successful penalty.
      Pundit Roy Keane, however, savaged Henderson’s 26-man squad selection before the game.
      He blasted on ITV: “Clearly Jordan’s not fit – I don’t think he should be involved.
      “If he can’t start the game against Romania – because physically and mentally today’s game won’t be that tough for him – having not kicked a ball for three-and-a-half months he can’t be right.
      “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?
      “What does he do? Jordan’s an experienced player.
      “Surely Jordan doesn’t want to be around the place as some sort of cheerleader – you want to play and he’s clearly nowhere near it.”
      Roy Keane on Jordan Henderson… 😬“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?” pic.twitter.com/YhYaXxg8FX— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 6, 2021

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      England vs Romania halted by topless pitch invader More

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      Fans boo England players taking the knee against Romania after Southgate vows to continue despite Austria backlash

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      SEVERAL fans booed again as England’s players took the knee ahead of the Three Lions’ pre-Euro 2020 friendly against 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 Wednesday’s clash with Austria.
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      Gareth Southgate was widely praised for condemning those who booed the knee against AustriaCredit: PA
      But England’s players were booed again as they took the knee before the Romania gameCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      But that did nothing to sway a number of mindless individuals as the players knelt to raise awareness of racial injustice.
      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.
      Southgate received widespread praise in the build up to the game for his excellent speech on the issue.
      Some boos were expected ahead of the match and more will no doubt be heard throughout the Euros this summer.
      But after calling a team meeting earlier this week, the England boss revealed him and his players are more eager than ever to continue with the gesture throughout the summer.
      Southgate said: “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.
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      Jack Grealish joined his team-mates – who were ‘collectively disappointed’ with the pre-Austria boos – in kneeling before the Romania gameCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Romania’s Nicolae Stanciu remained on his feetCredit: Ian Hodgson – The Daily Mail
      As did Ionuț NedelcearuCredit: Ian Hodgson – The Daily MailWIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!

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      “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. And as far as I’m concerned, they are not going to take any more questions on this through the tournament. If it happens, it happens.
      “Their voices have been made loud and clear. They are making their stand — but they want the focus to be on football.”
      England’s players were also booed off at the break with the game tied at 0-0 but the jeers were almost certainly performance related.

      But speaking about the pre-game boos at half-time, ITV studio guests Ashley Cole, Roy Keane and Ian Wright all urged the players to carry on.
      Cole said: “I think it’s never going to stop.
      “There are fans who don’t want to listen, who don’t want to understand and don’t like change.
      “It is disappointing that we heard the boos but the players just have to carry on, because it’s not going to change.”
      Wright added: “The people we’re dealing with can’t understand, no matter how many times the players explain why they’re doing it [taking the knee].
      “If they’re still booing, you don’t need to take notice of those people now.
      “The players are taking the knee for the right reasons, and that’s all that matters.”
      And Manchester United legend Keane implored players not to let the issue affect their performances going into the tournament.
      He said: “I think they [the players] just have to focus on the match.
      “They’ve made it clear that they’re going to continue to do it, they’ve got the back of Gareth, they believe in it.
      “They’re not really in control of what the fans do, and what the reaction might be.”

      Speaking after the game – which England ultimately won 1-0 thanks to Marcus Rashford’s penalty – Southgate admitted: “I think I sadly sort of expected what happened to happen, and we have accepted that as a group.
      “It’s not going to stop what we’re doing and what we believe, and it’s certainly not going to stop my support for our players, and our staff, so that’s it, we’re gonna have to live with that.
      “I don’t want to give it any more oxygen than I did yesterday, we‘ve answered as much as we can. We are a united group.
      “We’ve said what we’re going to say now and, of course you’re right to ask the question today, but moving forward it is pointless me going into any further detail on it.”
      Captain Rashford added: “It’s something that we can’t control.
      “For us, we believe it’s the right thing to do, so we’re going to carry on doing it.”
      Wright was proud of Southgate’s words in the week and said before the game: “I’m very proud of Gareth.
      “They’re taking the knee to highlight the injustice, it’s a symbolic gesture.
      “The excuses they [booing fans] are using for why they’re booing are disingenuous.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Gareth Southgate hits out at fans who booed England players taking a knee More

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      Luxembourg vs Scotland LIVE: Stream, score, TV channel as match UNDERWAY – Euro 2020 warm-up latest updates

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      SCOTLAND will go through their final preparations for Euro 2020 by taking on Luxembourg tonight.
      TV channel: Sky Sports Football
      Live stream: NOW TV/Sky Go
      Luxembourg XI: Moris; Jans, Selimovic, Mahmutovic, Goncalves; Rodrigues, Skenderovic, Carlson, Sinani; S. Thill; Deville.
      Scotland XI: Marshall, O’Donnell, Roberton, Hanley, Tierney, McTominay, McGinn, McGregor, Gallagher, Dykes, Adams.

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      LUXEMBOURG 0-0 SCOTLAND
      4′ Excellent build-up play from Scotland.
      Adams and Dykes involved before McTominay is sent into the area on the left.
      He works the ball onto his right foot before seeing his ball across goal cut out.
      LUXEMBOURG 0-0 SCOTLAND
      3′ Good early possession for the Light Blue visitors.
      A long diagonal is kept in by Robertson for Tierney who feeds Adams.
      The striker’s lay-off is poor and Luxembourg clear.
      LUXEMBOURG 0-0 SCOTLAND
      1′ Marshall called in to early action to collect a ball into his area.
      There is a slight delay already as he complains the ball is flat.
      Eventually, another ball is sent on to him.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      Scotland’s final pre-Euro 2020 warm-up is underway!
      ANTHEMS OVER
      We are ready for a start at the Stade Josy Barthel in Luxembourg!

      HERE COME THE TEAMS
      Laurent Jans leads Luxembourg out before Andy Robertson does the same for the Scots.
      National anthem time.
      REMINDER OF THE TEAMS
      The starting XI’s for both teams tonight.
      LUXEMBOURG XI: Moris; Jans, Selimovic, Mahmutovic, Goncalves; Rodrigues, Skenderovic, Carlson, Sinani; S. Thill; Deville
      SCOTLAND XI: Marshall, O’Donnell, Hanley, Gallagher, Tierney, Robertson, McTominay, McGregor, McGinn, Dykes, Adams
      FANS ARE IN
      1,000 fans will be in attendance tonight.
      Will they help Luc Holtz’s side continue their steady improvement?

      KEEPING IT UP
      The Scotland trio of keepers with some ‘keepy uppy’ ahead of kick-off.
      10 minutes to go here!

      GETTING WARM
      The warm-ups are well underway – in 18 degrees heat.
      20 to kick-off.

      TAKING KNEE
      Steve Clarke reveals the squad will decide in the coming days whether or not they will take the knee during the tournament.
      He says whatever outcome is reached will be carried out for the entire tournament.
      It comes after England stars were booed – and subsequently applauded – for taking the knee against racial inequality in their warm up match against Austria last week.
      READ MORE
      FROM THE BENCH
      Can any of these players feel hard done by at not getting a start tonight?
      Who – if any – will start on June 14?
      SUBS: Gordon (GK), McLaughlin (GK), Taylor, Armstrong, Turnbull, Nisbet, Fraser, Patterson, Gilmour, Hendry, Forrest, McKenna.
      HAPPY GILMOUR
      Starlet Billy Gilmour got his first cap in midweek – before taking part in his first senior session.
      The Chelsea wonderkid was welcomed in by the group and is enjoying senior international life.
      The first few days have been really good. I’m a couple of training sessions now in focussing on Luxembourg and the boys have been very good, welcomed me very well. It’s a good group, everyone’s together, there’s no different groups and stuff so it’s really good to see. It’s good to see Nathan, I’ve not seen him since he’s been at Rangers, so for us to come together, we’ve been through Rangers youth together, Scotland, and now to be in the first team is amazing.Billy GilmourScotland FA
      THE STAGE IS SET
      The pitch here looks outstanding.
      Warm-ups will commence shortly!

      HAVE YOUR SAY

      FORM ON THE LEAD UP
      Here’s how Scotland are placed with just EIGHT DAYS TO GO until the Euros
      Scotland form: DWDDL
      Netherland 2 Scotland 2 (Wednesday, June 2 2021)
      Scotland XI: Gordon, Forrest, Hendry, Cooper, Tierney, Robertson, McGregor, Armstrong, Christie, Turnbull, Dykes
      Scotland 4 Faroe Islands 0 (Wednesday, March 31 2021)
      Scotland XI: Gordon; McTominay, Hanley, Tierney; Fraser, McLean, McGregor, McGinn, Robertson; Dykes, Adams
      Israel 1 Scotland 1 (Sunday, March 28 2021)
      Scotland XI: Marshall; Hendry, Hanley, Tierney; O’Donnell, McTominay, McGregor, McGinn, Robertson; Fraser, Adams
      Scotland 2 Austria 2 (Thursday, March 25 2021)
      Scotland XI: Marshall; Hanley, Hendry, Tierney; O’Donnell, McGinn, McTominay, Armstrong, Robertson; Christie, Dykes
      Israel 1 Scotland 0 (Wednesday, November 18 2020)
      Scotland XI: Marshall; McTominay, Gallagher, Tierney; O’Donnell, Jack, McGinn, Christie, Robertson; Christie, Dykes

      GREAT SCOTT
      Scott McTominay insists he is ready to carry the hopes of the nation on his shoulders at this summer’s tournament.
      He is one of a few guaranteed to start next Monday in the opener.
      Bring it on! It’s not a problem — that’s the way football is. I’m looking forward to it and it’s exciting, for sure.You have to thrive on the pressure, it’s part and parcel of the game.You don’t play football to have easy games, you want the intense ones with all the pressure on your shoulders.Confidence can come from a lot of different things. It can be down to your upbringing, the way you were brought up by your family.You can’t look at it as being too much pressure. Once it becomes like that, you might as well stop.Scott McTominay

      PRE-MATCH STROLL
      As is customary, the Scotland players take a wander out on the Stade Josy Barthel turf.
      An hour until we get kicked off here.
      LUXEMBOURG LINE-UP
      And here’s how tonight’s hosts start the game.
      LUXEMBOURG XI: Moris; Jans, Selimovic, Mahmutovic, Goncalves; Rodrigues, Skenderovic, Carlson, Sinani; S. Thill; Deville

      STRONG STUFF
      Well I for one did not expect such a strong side to be put out.
      Fingers crossed they all come through unscathed with some good minutes in the legs.
      I did not bad predicting the line-up….nearly got half of them right!

      CONFIRMATION
      The team news in full for Steve Clarke’s men

      SCOTLAND TEAM NEWS
      A strong Scotland team picked by Steve Clarke as John McGinn and David Marshall return.
      Stephen O’Donnell is preferred at right back.
      SCOTLAND XI: Marshall, O’Donnell, Hanley, Gallagher, Tierney, Robertson, McTominay, McGregor, McGinn, Dykes, Adams
      TEAM NEWS IS IN!
      THE SCOTS ARE HERE
      A look at tonight’s venue in Luxembourg for the final prep game.
      Nice wee ground that!

      LUXEMBOURG V SCOTLAND – THE FINAL CHANCE
      THE Euros are just around the corner now and Steve Clarke has one last game to prepare his squad for the tournament.
      Scotland travel to Luxembourg after a very promising performance against Netherlands on Wednesday.
      It’ll be a couple of days off after this game before they gather at the training base at Rockliffe Hall in Middlesbrough for the duration of Euro 2020.
      With seven players missing from that Netherlands game, there will be changes for this game as Clarke gets a look at his squad.
      Che Adams, Grant Hanley, David Marshall, John McGinn, Stephen O’Donnell and Nathan Patterson were left out on precautionary grounds after being deemed to be “in the vicinity” of John Fleck, who tested positive for Covid last week, more than the rest of the squad.
      Sheffield United midfielder Fleck is still KO’d but a fresh round of negative tests for the rest means Clarke is set to welcome back the other players and hand them some minutes against Luxembourg tomorrow.
      Fleck isn’t reported to be showing any symptoms but needs to return two negative tests before he can be allowed to rejoin the squad properly.
      Fellow midfielder Callum McGregor has revealed the rest of the Scotland boys have been trying to keep Fleck occupied and a part of the group whilst confined to his room in self-isolation.
      The Hoops ace said the players have been in regular contact with Fleck – but only via text or conversations with Fleck on his balcony.
      McGregor said: “We’ve tried to keep in touch with him via texts and the boys have been shouting up at his balcony.
      “It’s difficult for John. He’s going to be in that room for a wee while. We try to keep him included and we hope he can rejoin the group soonish.”
      Load more entries… More

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      Holland vs Georgia LIVE: Stream, TV channel, team news, score as Euro 2020 warm-up clash UNDERWAY – latest updates

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      HOLLAND make their final preparations for Euro 2020 this evening with a friendly clash against Georgia.The Netherland’s failed to qualify for the World Cup four years ago so will be back aiming to leave a mark on this one.

      Start time: 7pm GMT
      TV/Live stream: Sky Sports Premier League
      Holland XI: Stekelenburg, Dumfries, Timber, De Vrij, Daley Blind, Wijndal, De Roon, Wijnaldum, De Jong, Weghorst, Depay
      Georgia XI: Loria, Kakabadze, Dvali, Kashia, Giorbelidze, Gvilla, Khocholava, Lobzhanidze, Kiteishvili, Aburjania, Zivzivadze

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      NETHERLANDS 0-0 GEORGIA
      5 Georgia started strong but the Netherlands are now dominating possession and tempo.
      Lots of work going on in midfield with De Jong and Wijnaldum.
      However, the attack often has to push back and cover their midfielders
      NETHERLANDS 0-0 GEORGIA
      2 CHANCE!
      Georgia start strong in Holland as they take the game to the Dutch!
      Lobzhanidze gets the ball down the right flank and finds himself in front of Stekelenburg but his flick has no effect and so the experienced keeper picks it up with ease
      NETHERLANDS 0-0 GEORGIA
      2 Another quick reminder:
      Georgia manager Willy Sagnol appears to have opted for a 3-4-3 formation with nine changes to the team that beat Romania.
      Giorgi Loria starts in goal and replaces Lazare Kupatadze, while Davit Khocholava, captain Guram Kashia, who comes on for the suspended Saba Kvirkvelia, and Lasha Dvali, who replaces Georges Mikautadze, link up in defence.
      Otar Kakabadze, who takes Grigol Chabradze’s place, covers the right flank with Guram Giorbelidze, on for Irakli Azarovi, on the other side.
      Giorgi Aburjania and Valeriane Gvilia, who takes Levan Shengelia’s place, team up in midfield.
      Saba Lobzhanidze, on for Tornike Okriashvili, Otar Kiteishvili, who replaces Zurab Davitashvili, and Budu Zivzivadze, who takes Nika Kvekveskiri’s place, lead the attack
      NETHERLANDS 0-0 GEORGIA
      1 Just a quick reminder:
      Netherlands manager Frank de Boer has opted for a 5-3-2 formation made only two changes to the team that drew with Scotland on Wednesday.
      Maarten Stekelenburg replaces Tim Krul in goal whereas Denzel Dumfries starts at right-back with Owen Wijndal on the other side, while Jurrien Timber, Stefan de Vrij and Daley Blind, who comes on for the injured Matthijs de Ligt, link up at centre-back.
      Georginio Wijnaldum, Marten de Roon and Frenkie de Jong team up in midfield.
      Wout Weghorst and Memphis Depay lead the attack
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      AND OFF WE GO IN TWENTE!!!!!
      HERE COME THE TEAMS!!!
      The Grolsch Veste Stadium is set to host the international friendly match between the Netherlands and Georgia.
      The Oranje are being led out by captain Georginio Wijnaldum whereas Guram Kashia dons his nation’s armband.
      Some Dutch fans have been allowed to watch the game from the stands, according to COVID-19 rules in Holland.
      Not long to go now…
      GETTY IMAGES
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      MOVE DUM-ED
      Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum will be wearing the captain’s armband today against Georgia.
      Some breaking news suggested that 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 the midfielder 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]”
      GETTY IMAGES
      WILL-ING AND ABLE
      Georgia have been experiencing quite a new lease of life under new manager Willy Sagnol.
      Sagnol took over in March and helped his side put together an impressive performance against Sweden and Spain in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
      The former right-back then picked up a 1-1 draw with Greece and beat Romania 2-1 in a friendly match.
      The Frenchman has plenty of experience at the top level as he spent nine years at Bayern Munich where he amassed a total of 277 appearances across all competitions
      GETTY IMAGES
      INFORMATION COMES TO LIGT
      Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt handed the Netherlands quite a shock as he hobbled off their most recent training session due to a groin injury.
      Thus, De Ligt won’t play any part in today’s friendly against Georgia and further tests are expected to take place ahead of Euro 2020.
      There are, however, concerns among the Holland camp about the star centre-back’s fitness ahead of the summer’s European championships.
      The Oranje are already going to be without their best defender Virgil van Dijk, who confirmed he will miss the tournament due to anterior cruciate knee ligaments
      GETTY IMAGES
      VAN DIJK SITUATION
      Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk has confirmed that he will not be taking part in the summer’s delayed Euro 2020 competition.
      Van Dijk has been sidelined with an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury since last October when the Reds faced Everton in the Merseyside derby.
      Netherlands manager Frank de Boer was hoping to have the star centre-back available for the summer’s tournament but the 29-year-old ruled himself out.
      Van Dijk said: “I have come to a decision that I had to make, would I be involved in the Euros, yes or no?
      “With everything that is going on, I feel physically it is the right decision that I’ve decided not to go to the Euros and to go into my last phase of rehab during the off-season”
      GETTY IMAGES
      GEORGIA STATS
      Georgia failed to make it to the summer’s delayed Euro 2020 competition after suffering a 1-0 loss to North Macedonia in their play-off final last November.
      Willy Sagnol’s men didn’t manage to impress in the Nations League as they finished third in their League C group under Armenia and North Macedonia with only one win and one loss in six matches.
      Georgia, though, appear to be heading towards the right direction after some strong showings against Sweden and Spain in their 2022 World Cup qualifiers, even though they lost both times, as well as their 1-1 draw against Greece.
      However, they have only won one of their last six matches, against Romania, and lost three across all competitions
      GETTY IMAGES
      NETHERLANDS STATS
      The Netherlands made it through to Euro 2020’s group stages after finishing second in Group C behind Germany with six wins and only one loss in eight matches.
      Holland also stood their ground in the Nations League as they remained in the top flight by finishing second in Group 1 behind Italy thanks to three wins and one loss in six matches.
      The Oranje have won four of their last six matches across all competitions and only lost once to Turkey away in a recent 2022 World Cup qualifier.
      Netherlands scored a staggering 18 goals along the way but conceded a concerning tally of eight
      GETTY IMAGES
      HEAD-TO-HEAD
      The two sides are set to face off for the very first time across all competitions.
      This is an important friendly match that will help Netherlands manager Frank de Boer figure out what needs to be fixed before Euro 2020.
      Georgia and their new manager Willy Sagnol would love to offer Holland a late shock on their Euro dress rehearsal.
      But what’s important for the Oranje is to figure out the solution to all of their weaknesses as they haven’t made it to the European championship’s knockout stages since 2008
      GETTY IMAGES
      GEORGIA BENCH
      16 Kvekveskiri, 20 Jighauri, 18 Davitashvili, 13 Chabradze, 10 Okriashvili, 19 Beridze, 21 Azarovi, 14 Kukhianidze, 12 Mamardashvili, 6 Daushvili, 17 Kupatadze, 22 Mikautadze
      NETHERLANDS BENCH
      2 Veltman, 4 Ake, 7 Berghuis, 9 L. De Jong, 11 Promes, 12 Van Aanholt, 13 Krul, 14 Klaassen, 16 Gravenberch, 18 Malen, 23 Bizot, 24 Koopmeiners
      GEORGIA FORMATION
      Georgia manager Willy Sagnol appears to have opted for a 3-4-3 formation with nine changes to the team that beat Romania.
      Giorgi Loria starts in goal and replaces Lazare Kupatadze, while Davit Khocholava, captain Guram Kashia, who comes on for the suspended Saba Kvirkvelia, and Lasha Dvali, who replaces Georges Mikautadze, link up in defence.
      Otar Kakabadze, who takes Grigol Chabradze’s place, covers the right flank with Guram Giorbelidze, on for Irakli Azarovi, on the other side.
      Giorgi Aburjania and Valeriane Gvilia, who takes Levan Shengelia’s place, team up in midfield.
      Saba Lobzhanidze, on for Tornike Okriashvili, Otar Kiteishvili, who replaces Zurab Davitashvili, and Budu Zivzivadze, who takes Nika Kvekveskiri’s place, lead the attack
      HAVE YOUR SAY

      GEORGIA XI
      1 Loria; 3 Khocholava, 4 Kashia, 23 Dvali; 2 Kakabadze, 15 Aburjania, 7 Gvilia, 5 Giorbelidze; 11 Lobzhanidze, 9 Kiteishvili, 8 Zivzivadze
      ⚽️ მატჩის დღე: 🇳🇱 ნიდერლანდები 🆚 საქართველო 🇬🇪 ⚽️ Match day: 🇳🇱 @KNVB 🆚 #GFF 🇬🇪 📜 ჩვენი გუნდის შემადგენლობა 🇬🇪 📜 This evening’s line-up! 🇬🇧 #NEDGEO pic.twitter.com/vL5585uzEr— Georgia • GFF (@GeorgiaGff) June 6, 2021

      NETHERLANDS FORMATION
      Netherlands manager Frank de Boer has opted for a 5-3-2 formation made only two changes to the team that drew with Scotland on Wednesday.
      Maarten Stekelenburg replaces Tim Krul in goal whereas Denzel Dumfries starts at right-back with Owen Wijndal on the other side, while Jurrien Timber, Stefan de Vrij and Daley Blind, who comes on for the injured Matthijs de Ligt, link up at centre-back.
      Georginio Wijnaldum, Marten de Roon and Frenkie de Jong team up in midfield.
      Wout Weghorst and Memphis Depay lead the attack
      NETHERLANDS XI
      1 Stekelenburg; 22 Dumfries, 25 Timber, 6 De Vrij, 17 Blind, 5 Wijndal; 15 De Roon, 8 Wijnaldum, 21 De Jong; 19 Weghorst, 10 Memphis

      THE TEAM SHEETS ARE IN!!!
      GOOD AFTERNOON FROM TWENTE
      Welcome to our live coverage of the international friendly match between the Netherlands and Georgia at the De Grolsch Veste Stadium ahead of the summer’s delayed Euro 2020 competition.
      Holland are set for their last warm-up game ahead of the European championships where they are set to take on Austria, North Macedonia and Ukraine in the group stage.
      Oranje manager Frank de Boer will be without star defender Matthijs de Ligt, who suffered a groin injury during training and is set for further tests to determine his fitness ahead of the Euros.
      Other than that, De Boer has a squad at full strength but is expected to make a number of changes to the line-up he fielded on Wednesday’s 2-2 draw against Scotland at the Algarve.
      Lyon star Memphis Depay scored twice for the Netherlands but is expected to be rested tonight, whereas Manchester United ace Donny van de Beek should start in midfield.
      Ryan Gravenberch, Patrick van Aanholt, Quincy Promes and Joel Veltman could all join Van de Beek in the starting line-up and the same goes for Barcelona ace Frenkie de Jong.
      Georgia manager Willy Sagnol, on the other hand, will be without Lokomotiv Moscow player Saba Kverkvelia as he will serve a suspension following his red card on Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Romania.
      Sagnol is also expected to make some changes by starting the likes of Saba Lobzhanidze, Guram Kashia and Budu Zivzivadze
      GETTY IMAGES
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      England vs Romania LIVE: Stream free, score, TV channel as clash UNDERWAY – Euro 2020 warm-up latest updates

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      ENGLAND have made NINE changes as they take on Romania in their final warm-up match ahead of Euro 2020.
      TV channel: ITV1
      Live stream FREE: ITV Hub (requires valid TV licence)
      England XI: Johnstone, Godfrey, Shaw, Mings, White, Ward-Prowse, Grealish, Phillips, Sancho, Rashford, Calvert-Lewin.
      Romania XI: Nita, Sorescu, Chiriches, Nedelcearu, Camora, Cicaldau, Marin, Stanciu, Paun, Alibec, Ivan.

      Follow ALL the latest with our live blog below…

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      ENGLAND 0-0 ROMANIA
      5. It’s the back four we expected from England, with Sancho dropping deep from the right of the front three .
      Manchester United teammates Rashford and Shaw will link up down the left.
      ENGLAND 0-0 ROMANIA 
      2. Tyrone Mings slips as the ball comes into him and it goes behind for a corner. Don’t be doing that next week.
      ENGLAND 0-0 ROMANIA 
      1. We’re off and under way. Come on England!
      PEEEEEEEEEREEEEEEEEP!HERE WE GO!
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      HERE COME THE TEAMS!
      It’s the final dress rehearsal before it starts to get serious.
      England are in their blue away strip, while Romania are sporting all white.
      The Three Lions haven’t beaten Romania for 51 years.
      Now it’s time for the national anthems.
      There is a smattering of boos mixed with applause as the players take the knee.
      SOUTHGATE PRE-MATCH
      Gareth Southgate has been talking to ITV ahead of today’s game…
      On his team selection
      “We have players that need minutes and players that definitely don’t need more minutes. One or two players we want to look at and one or two debutants.”
      On a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold
      “We’re still open-minded. We have a pretty good idea. It’s a great opportunity for those players.”
      On Marcus Rashford taking the captain’s armband
      “He’s the most experienced international player in the team today. It’s a good opportunity for him to show some leadership and he had a big smile on his face when we told him.”
      On Jordan Henderson
      “The plan would be that he gets 45 today and he can build from there.”
      On the aims for the game
      “Tactically, there are things we’ve worked on in the week. We want to be tighter. Some of our build-up play [against Austia] could have been better. So, there are some patterns of play we’ve talked about with the players.”
      On taking the knee
      “We can’t control the response. We’re very clear on our stance. We’re united as a staff and a playing group.”
      .Credit: Ryan Browne-The Guardian
      HAVE YOUR SAY
      With Southgate opting for a particularly pacy and dynamic front-line against Romania, who are you backing to stand out and make the difference?

      ROY NOT KEANE
      Gareth Southgate said he wants to have Jordan Henderson around the England squad for his experience – even if he is injured.
      Roy Keane’s response on ITV?: “Why keep him? Does he do card tricks? A sing song? Does he do quizzes in the evenings?”
      Roy Keane on Jordan Henderson… 😬“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?” pic.twitter.com/YhYaXxg8FX— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 6, 2021

      ROMANIA SELECTION
      Romania boss Mirel Rodoi hands a debut to Adrian Paun. The winger will start on the left of a front three.
      Former Spurs defender and Romania captain Vlad Chiriches earns a 64th cap for his country.
      Radoi said: “It will be a tough and aggressive team [England] that we will meet. 
      “It will be a challenge not to be only well-organised in defence, because if we concentrate only on this it will be difficult to make the positive transition and go to the attacking side.
      “We will try, even if we will be forced to suffer a bit, to alternate the pressing with the defensive organisation of the game.”
      Romania won’t be at Euro 2020 after being defeated by Iceland in the play-offs.
      HENDO WORRIES
      Jordan Henderson was expected to start this evening but is only named on the bench as he continues to work his way back to fitness.
      If he doesn’t get minutes at some stage tonight, what role can he expect to play at the Euros? The 30-year-old hasn’t played since picking up a groin injury in February.
      The England skipper has been branded selfish by former Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor for taking a spot ahead of another fully-fit player.
      “The thing that’s really winding me up is Henderson,” Agbonlahor told talkSPORT.
      “He should just be honest with the manager and say, ‘You know what? I’m struggling here. I’m a leader and a captain in myself, I’ll do the right thing for the squad.
      “Bring in Ben White, Eric Dier, bring in whoever you have to bring in, because this injury is playing up now, I’m not fit and it might reoccur if I do get better for the second game.’ I think he’s being selfish.”
      😡 Gabby: “The thing that’s winding me up is the Henderson thing. He should be honest with the manager.”🤔 Jamie: “Do you think Jordan Henderson’s being selfish?”😬 Gabby: “I do, yeah’Gabby Agbonlahor feels Jordan Henderson is being ‘selfish’ for not leaving England squad pic.twitter.com/d6sH95ZUHV— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 3, 2021

      HAVE YOUR SAY
      Will Southgate’s experimental XI brush Romania aside, or will Romania pull off a shock and beat one of the tournament favourites for Euro 2020?

      ROMANIA SUBS:
      25 Alexandru Baluta, 20 Constantin Budescu, 2 Tiberiu Capusa, 3 Cristian Ganea, 14 Ianis Hagi, 93 Florin Iacob, 10 Alexandru Maxim, 11 Olimpiu Morutan, 21 Darius Olaru, 4 Adrian Rus, 12 Andrei Vlad
      NINE CHANGES, THREE DEBUTS
      So Gareth Southgate makes nine changes for today’s game from the side that defeated Austria in midweek, with Sam Johnstone, Ben Godfrey and Ben White all handed their debuts.
      The only two players who keep their places from Wednesday are Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings.
      Bukayo Sako, scorer of the winner against Austria, misses out with a hip injury.
      Harry Kane wasn’t expected to be in the squad today but is named on the bench.
      The Manchester City and Chelsea stars who only reported for duty on Friday following their Champions League exploits aren’t included.
      Southgate said this week: “I don’t think the training periodisation would be right to put them into Sunday’s game.”
      We expect Grealish to play in a No.10 role, with Marcus Rashford on the right, Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the centre and Jadon Sancho on the left.

      ROMANIA XI:
      1 Florin Nita, 24 Dejan Sorescu, 6 Vlad Chiriches ©, 5 Jonut Nedelcearu, 22 Mario Camora, 8 Alex Cicaldau, 18 Razvan Marin, 23 Nicolae Stanciu, 17 Adrian Paun, 7 Denis Alibec, 9 Andrei Ivan

      ENGLAND SUBS:
      12 Kieran Trippier, 13 Jordan Pickford, 14 Conor Coady, 16 Jordan Henderson, 17 Jesse Lingard, 18 Ollie Watkins, 19 Jude Bellingham, 20 Harry Kane, 21 Declan Rice, 22 Aaron Ramsdale, 23 Dean Henderson
      ENGLAND XI:
      1 Sam Johnstone, 2 Ben Godfrey, 3 Luke Shaw, 4 Kalvin Phillips, 5 Tyrone Mings, 6 Ben White, 7 Jadon Sancho, 8 James Ward-Prowse, 9 Dominic Calvert-Lewin, 10 Jack Grealish, 11 Marcus Rashford ©

      THE TEAMSHEETS ARE IN!
      GOOD AFTERNOON FROM MIDDLESBROUGH
      It’s England’s final friendly before the Euros – in exactly a week the Three Lions will be taking on Croatia in their opening Group D fixture.
      We’re unlikely to see Gareth Southgate field the team that will start against the Croatians at Wembley, but Jordan Henderson is expected to make his first appearance since undergoing groin surgery in February.
      “The last two, three days training have been a lot more positive for him. He’s been visibly happier within himself and that’s a positive sign,” said Southgate.
      Henderson’s Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold has had to withdraw from the squad after sustaining a thigh injury in Wednesday’s friendly with Austria.
      Southgate said: “It’s heartbreaking for any player to get to the eve of a major tournament and then miss out because of injury.”
      Southgate will name a replacement for Alexander-Arnold after the Romania game, with Ben Godfrey, Ben White, James Ward-Prowse, Jesse Lingard and Ollie Watkins in contention.
      “There isn’t a rush and it’s important to have time to consider these things. It’s important to get the balance right,” said Southgate.
      Jadon Sancho will be fit for today’s game after training for the last three days.

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      Kevin De Bruyne undergoes eye surgery but WILL be fit for Euro 2020 despite horror head clash in Champions League final

      by

      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.
      Kevin De Bruyne left the pitch in tearsCredit: EPA
      De Bruyne, 29, suffered an orbital fracture in the collision with Antonio RudigerCredit: Getty
      De Bruyne, 29, suffered an orbital fracture to his left eye socket and was in tears as he exited the pitch.
      But following a successful operation he may be able to participate in this summer’s Euros without even needing to wear a protective mask.
      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.
      “It only took 20 minutes and the medical department is very happy with the success of the operation. The decision was taken in agreement with Manchester City.”
      Martinez then revealed that De Bruyne will return to training on Monday, but may miss out on Belgium’s Euro 2020 opener against Russia on Saturday.
      Roberto Martinez is optimistic about De Bruyne’s recoveryCredit: Rex
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET ENGLAND TO WIN EURO 2020 AND HARRY KANE TO BE TOP SCORER AT 18/1

      He added: “Kevin is doing well. He’s in a good state of mind and can’t wait to join us on the pitch on Monday.
      “It is not an operation that prevents you from returning to activity or needs recovery time, it is actually the opposite. It should even give him the opportunity to play without the need for protection.
      “And that’s the good news. It was done at the right time and this is positive news for the Euros.
      “But he probably will not be ready for the first game against Russia and we will need to analyse the situation on a day-by-day basis.”

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Kevin De Bruyne has black eye after sickening clash with Antonio Rudiger More