Euro 2020

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      Where the England stars humiliated by Iceland at Euro 2016 are now with just three survivors from starting XI?

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      ENGLAND’S embarrassing Euro 2016 defeat to Iceland was one of the lowest moments in the national team’s long history – and there have certainly been a few.It all started so well when Wayne Rooney slotted in from the penalty spot.
      There are just four survivors from England’s embarrassed Euro 2016 flops still in the national set-up in 2021
      England were humiliated at the last European Championship when they crashed out to IcelandCredit: AFP – Getty
      But Ragnar Sigurdsson and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson grabbed the goals to turn the game on its head before Iceland – with a population of just 330,000 – held on for more than 70 minutes to complete the win.
      The short-term ramifications were obvious: The Three Lions crashing out of another major tournament and another two years of fans’ pain.
      But as England prepare for the first European Championship since that infamous night in Nice, how has the squad changed?
      First thing’s first, the manager did not last long.
      In fact, Roy Hodgson resigned immediately after the game before he was given the boot.
      Sam Allardyce came in, beat Slovakia 1-0, then left after 67 days and was replaced by Gareth Southgate, promoted after his fine work with the Under-21s.
      Joe Hart came in for plenty of criticism during the tournament in France five years ago and his career has hit a downward spiral.
      Fraser Forster and Tom Heaton were England’s other goalkeepers at Euro 2016.
      But the trio have been all replaced, with Jordan Pickford, Sam Johnstone and Dean Henderson the favoured three in 2020-21.
      How England could line up at this summer’s delayed European Championship

      The back four against Iceland was Kyle Walker, Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling and Danny Rose with Nathaniel Clyne, John Stones and Ryan Bertrand unused subs.
      But only Walker and Stones are still part of the set-up.
      Walker could be used again next summer, possibly on the right of a back three, with Kieran Trippier and Ben Chilwell the likely wing-backs.
      Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Conor Coady, Reece James and Luke Shaw are the other defenders in the frame to play this summer.
      Further forward, Hodgson went with a midfield three of Dier behind Dele Alli and Wayne Rooney.
      Ex-captain Rooney retired from international football in 2017 – but did play in a friendly match the following year.
      The Manchester United legend is now manager of Derby having retired from all football earlier this season.
      Alli struggled at Tottenham and has been overtaken by a number of attacking midfielders rising to prominence over the past few years, hence he was omitted from the Euros squad.
      Mason Mount, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden are the future of England’s midfield, with Declan Rice also in contention.
      Iceland stunned England with a 2-1 win in 2016 with the Three Lions squad ripped apart since that embarrassing night in NiceCredit: Reuters
      Jordan Henderson, an unused sub against Iceland, is now a key player for club and country, although his fitness is under question.
      But his Euro 2016 team-mates James Milner, Adam Lallana, Jack Wilshere and Ross Barkley have been moved on.
      The attack is where things have changed the least.
      Harry Kane still leads the line as he did against Iceland, while Raheem Sterling still has one of the spots on the wing.
      Marcus Rashford – now a national treasure – is likely to start having been a wildcard pick in 2016. He was behind Daniel Sturridge in the pecking order five years ago.
      But rather than Sturridge getting in his way, it is now Jadon Sancho who may get the nod.
      Jamie Vardy’s decision to stop playing for England after the 2018 World Cup has been beneficial for Leicester.
      And it’s also opened up the door for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to stake a claim for a first team place.
      The Three Lions squad is vastly different going into next summer’s European ChampionshipCredit: –England squad vs Iceland – Euro 2016THIS was the side that crashed out in humiliating fashion five years ago. But who is still involved with the Three Lions and where are they all now?

      Joe Hart – OUT (Back-up at Spurs)
      Kyle Walker – IN (Man City regular)
      Gary Cahill – OUT (Crystal Palace starter when fit)
      Chris Smalling – OUT (Roma starter)
      Danny Rose – OUT (Exiled at Spurs, played U23s)
      Eric Dier – OUT (Spurs starter)
      Dele Alli – OUT (Bit-part squad player at Spurs)
      Wayne Rooney – OUT (Derby boss)
      Daniel Sturridge – OUT (free agent after Trabzonspor release)
      Harry Kane – IN (Spurs starter)
      Raheem Sterling – IN (Man City starter)
      Subs:
      James Milner – OUT (Liverpool regular)
      Adam Lallana – OUT (Brighton starter)
      Jamie Vardy – OUT (Leicester starter, 2019-20 golden boot)
      Nathaniel Clyne – OUT (Crystal Palace regular)
      Fraser Forster – OUT (Back-up at Southampton)
      Jordan Henderson – IN (Liverpool captain)
      John Stones – IN (Man City starter – heading for recall)
      Jack Wilshere – OUT (Bournemouth regular)
      Ross Barkley – OUT (Aston Villa starter, on loan from Chelsea)
      Ryan Bertrand – OUT (Southampton starter)
      Marcus Rashford – IN (Man Utd starter)
      Tom Heaton – OUT (Long-term injury at Aston Villa)
      Roy Hodgson (manager) – OUT (Crystal Palace boss)

      Injury blow for England as Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out for Euro 2020 More

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      England WILL go all the way at Euro 2020, claims Harry Redknapp – who says there will never be a better chance to win it

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      WE have been here before — but I have never been so certain as I am right now, this time England really CAN go all the way.In fact never mind can, I honestly believe we WILL. So much so that I’ll genuinely be very disappointed if we don’t win the Euros.
      England can go all the way at the Euros this summerCredit: Ryan Browne-The Guardian
      That is the view of SunSport columnist Harry RedknappCredit: PA
      Not a brave defeat in the semi-finals, another near miss and ‘what if’ — but the sight of Harry Kane lifting the trophy at Wembley on July 11.
      We all know there hasn’t been much to smile about over the last 15 months, so what better way to give the whole country a lift?
      I really do think it’s our time at long, long last.
      I actually thought we had a great chance at the last World Cup, the way the draw panned out. Playing Croatia to get to the final?
      You’d have taken that.
      No disrespect, but if we had a player like Luka Modric in our side, I really think we’d have won that.
      It was such a brilliant opportunity for us.
      Well now we’ve got another, and an even bigger one, it’s incredible really.
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      Gareth Southgate has so many fantastic players to choose from, there is a lot going in our favour.
      I am so confident that going out in the last four is not going to be good enough for me.
      We’re at home, have so much depth in the squad, we’re in a decent group, so it’s our tournament to win.
      There will never be a better chance for us. We really should be the favourites.
      People go, ‘Oh, you shouldn’t say that, don’t put pressure on them,’ but they’ve got to handle it.
      If they can’t cope with anyone saying it, how are they going to cope when it comes to actually doing it?
      We’re talking about Champions League winners, Premier League winners, LaLiga winners here, nothing will faze them.
      I do love Mason Mount, I think he’s got a great attitude. And as for Phil Foden? What a talent, he’s real quality.
      It wouldn’t surprise me to see one of those two really take this tournament by the scruff of the neck.
      Reece James is another who I rate very highly indeed. Wing-back, right-back, right-sided centre-back, he has impressed me wherever he’s played.
      ‘SOUTHGATE IS SPOILED FOR CHOICE’
      Then you’ve got Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham, another who looks absolutely sensational. I’ve never known an England manager who is so spoiled for choice.
      And I have not even mentioned Jack Grealish, who is fantastic, although I’m still not sure Gareth is 100 per cent convinced and a total fan.
      Look at that 26, even with a couple injured at the moment. There is cover — and very good cover — in every position.
      I do have a bit of a worry in defence at times. Although the full-backs are fine plus Harry Maguire, when he recovers, and John Stones are a good partnership.
      I’m just still not 100 per cent about the goalkeeper — but you’re never going to be perfect everywhere, so it is still a very, very strong side.
      And then you look around at all the opposition and there isn’t a single team in there where you think, ‘My God, how good are they?’
      Belgium are the top-rated side in the world but with the greatest of respect, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld as centre-backs? That doesn’t scare me.
      Yes, Kevin De Bruyne is a great player, but you take him out of that team and we are certainly as good as them. Better, in my opinion.
      The lad from Leicester, Youri Tielemans, is a decent player and of course we know what Romelu Lukaku can do.
      But if you’re talking centre-forwards, no team has a better one than Harry Kane — and I include France in that.
      ‘EVERYTHING IS IN ENGLAND’S FAVOUR’
      Everyone is raving about Portugal and there is no doubt they’ve got some very talented players.
      Ruben Dias had a great season with Manchester City, so did Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United, but they’ve also got Pepe and Jose Fonte in there, who are nearly as old as me!
      I do wonder about their depth beyond the first choices. And you are going to need your squad, no one is winning this with just 11 players.
      So it isn’t just wild optimism or blind faith. Everything is in England’s favour and I can’t see anything to stop us.
      And let’s be honest — we’ve waited long enough!
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Injury blow for England as Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out for Euro 2020 More

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      Euro 2020 betting tips: Kane and Benzema top scorers, Lukaku player of tournament, France to lift cup – predictions

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      EURO 2020 gets underway in under a week’s time – and the excitement is building across the continent. Wembley will host both the semis and final next month, with the first game on June 11 as Italy take on Turkey in Rome.
      Euro 2020 kicks off on June 11 in RomeCredit: Alamy
      With England, Wales and Scotland making it from the Home Nations, there’s a whole host of betting opportunities – and SunSport are on hand to find you the best.
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      BoyleSports’ bet of the day
      Group F hasn’t been christened this tournament’s Group of Death for nothing.
      The reigning world champions, reigning Euro champions and 2014 World Cup winners all in together.
      And let’s not forget Hungary either, who must be cursing their luck.
      Germany, France and Portugal are all set to battle it out in what could be a terrific group stage, with Joachim Low’s Germans facing the French in the opener.
      We’re all about value with our ante-post selections and we’re confident Deschamps side go far in this year’s tournament.
      Deschamps’ side won the World Cup in 2018 and are one of the favourites this summerCredit: PA
      Winning this group will likely evade England in the knockouts – and that will be a major incentive to win all three games and get on the right side of the draw.
      Germany are a team in transition and not the force they once were, with Low’s reign coming to an end following the tournament.
      Portugal meanwhile are relying on a 36-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo to drag them through.
      But even CR7 isn’t a miracle worker and by far the most complete squad in the group is France.
      Get them at a huge 13/10 to win Group F – a price to grab before it’s gone.

      Tournament winners
      Unlike five years ago at Euro 2016, there’s been no big casualties in the qualifying stages.
      With all the big guns intact, expect this to be a tournament that grabs you by the throat and keeps you stuck to the sofa.
      It’s tough to split the top five in the market, with France, England, Belgium, Germany and Spain the front runners.
      And that’s before we even get onto Portugal, Italy and Holland.
      We’re not going to deter you from a patriotic punt on England (5/1), with the Three Lions – for the most part – playing on home soil throughout.
      This could prove a huge advantage as Wembley is such a fortress for Southgate’s side, with just two defeats there since 2014.
      But we feel this youthful England side is a couple of years too early to end all those years of hurt – and therefore our pick for overall winner are reigning world champions France (9/2).

      The overall depth of their squad if phenomenal, with a spine of world-class players all peaking at the right time.
      They are there to be shot at as the world champs, but Didier Deschamps has a wealth of talent at his disposal and has the added bonus of bringing back Karim Benzema from the cold.
      Ante-post they’re a terrific price at 5/1, mainly due to having Germany and Portugal in a tricky group.
      That price plummets if and when they beat a young German side in transition in their first match – so don’t miss out.
      Top goalscorer
      There’s a clear front-runner in the market here – and Harry Kane deserves to be.
      The 2018 World Cup Golden Boot winner was the top scorer in this season’s Premier League with 23 goals.
      In international competition, a tie in the goalscorer standings are decided by the amount of assists a player has.
      And that’s why Kane is such a good bet even at a paltry looking 5/1 – he’s a playmaker as well as a marksman, bagging the most assists in the Prem this campaign.
      If you’re looking for longer value, France’s returning veteran Benzema is a terrific bet at 16/1.
      Back on the international scene for the first time in five years, the Madrid forward finished second to Messi in the LaLiga scoring charts this season.

      France are sure to go far and Benzema will line-up alongside Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann. Terrifying.
      For Madrid this term, he’s scored two or more on seven occasions and despite his advancing age continues to dominate defences.
      Player of the tournament
      Is this tournament finally the time for Belgium to fulfill their potential?
      Beaten semi-finalists in the World Cup three years ago, the Red Devils have the market leader for player of the tournament in their ranks.
      Value is the name of the game and we expect Belgium to cruise through the group stages with only Russia, Finland and Denmark in their way.
      And they will look to former Man Utd and Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku for goals.
      The 28-year-old striker has been a revelation for Inter Milan since heading to Italy, netting over 60 times in two seasons.
      At a whopping 20/1, he’s a real value bet in this market.
      Belgium scored 40 in just ten qualifying matches in the run-up to this tournament, including putting four past Russia in November.
      Lukaku has been in sensational form and can take that into Euro 2020Credit: Reuters
      Lukaku netted seven goals altogether in those 10 matches, as well as laying on three assists.
      In the form he’s been in domestically and for his country this term, 33/1 is a price we’re taking all day long.
      Highest scoring team
      There’s attacking talent all over the pitch for Belgium and we’re more than happy for you to have a play on them to be the highest scoring team at 5/1.
      But we’re going to be siding with France again here.
      Their attacking options are phenomenal and 11/2 on them being top scorers looks long – especially as we’re backing them to go all the way to the final and lift the trophy.
      Deschamps men plundered 25 goals in 10 qualifying games, taking their foot off the gas in the later rounds.
      France are blessed with a frightening array of attacking talentCredit: AFP or licensors
      With Giroud, Benzema, Coman, Lemar, Dembele, Ben Yedder, Griezmann and Mbappe all vying for spots, there’s goals galore in this team.
      Go with head over heart and choose them over England to be top scorers this summer. No brainer.
      To reach semi-finals
      So, who does a Wales this time round?
      It was a valiant run to the last-four by the Welsh five years ago in France, with Hal Robson-Kanu’s goal against Belgium one of the standout moments of a terrific summer.
      You can get 12/1 on the Dragons repeating the trick this time round, but we’re not overly convinced despite Gareth Bale’s recent upturn in form.
      As a viable outsider – but still at a good price – we reckon Denmark could be the surprise side of the summer.
      Kasper Schmeichel’s Denmark side could be a good bet to go far this summerCredit: Reuters
      The Danes look a real team under Kasper Hjulmand, beating England at Wembley in the last year and staying in Group A of the Nations League.
      Alongside Belgium, Russia and Finland in Group B, they have a terrific change of getting through to the knockouts.
      And they will have a big advantage in those games, playing in front of a home crowd in Copenhagen.
      The way the group system falls, Denmark could finish second and come up against Wales in the last-16.
      Their route to the quarter-finals doesn’t look as tough as some, making them the value tip of the tournament to squeeze their way into the last-four.

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      Belgium vs Croatia: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Euro 2020 warm-up clash

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      BELGIUM and Croatia face-off in their final warm-up game before Euro 2020.Both sides will be hoping to emulate their exploits in the 2018 World Cup this summer, with the Croats facing England in their first match on June 13.

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      Belgium are expected to go far at Euro 2020Credit: AFP
      When is Belgium vs Croatia?

      This friendly will be held on Sunday, June 6.
      Kick-off is at 7.45pm BST.
      In their last matches, Belgium put EIGHT past Belarus while Croatia were held 1-1 by Armenia.

      Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
      You can catch all of this game live on Sky Sports Premier League.
      Coverage begins at 7.30pm.
      If you’re not a Sky customer, grab a NOW TV pass from £9.99 to stream on your mobile, tablet or PC.
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      What is the team news?
      Kevin De Bruyne will sit out this clash after undergoing surgery on the facial injuries he sustained in the Champions League final.
      Axel Witsel is back in training but this one will come too soon.
      Timothy Castagne, Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard could all slot back into the side as Martinez makes changes.
      Josip Brekalo will miss out for Croatia after limping off in their draw with Armenia.
      Match odds

      Belgium to win – 4/5
      Draw – 12/5
      Croatia victory – 16/5

      *All odds from Paddy Power and correct at time of publication. More

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      Holland vs Georgia: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for Euro 2020 warm-up clash

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      HOLLAND face Georgia as Frank de Boer’s side make final preparations for Euro 2020.After missing out on the last major tournament, the Netherlands are back this time round and are amongst the favourites to go far.

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      De Boer’s side have won four of their last five international gamesCredit: PA
      When is Holland vs Georgia?

      This Euro 2020 warm-up game is being held on Sunday, June 6.
      Kick-off is at 5pm BST.
      Georgia are without a win in eight internationals, with this the first ever meeting between the sides.

      Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
      You can catch this game live on Sky Sports Premier League.
      Coverage starts at 4.45pm.
      If you’re not a Sky customer, grabbing a NOW TV pass from £9.99 will allow you to stream wherever you are.
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      What is the team news?
      Frank De Boer is set to ring the changes for the hosts after their draw with Scotland.
      Donny van de Beek will likely start in the middle of the park, while Patrick van Aanholt, Quincy Promes and Joel Veltman could all feature.
      Maarten Stekelenburg is also expected to get back between the sticks.
      Solomon Kverkvelia misses out for Georgia after his red card against Romania.
      Match odds

      Holland to win – 1/6
      Draw – 11/2
      Georgia victory – 11/1

      *All odds from Paddy Power and correct at time of publication. More

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      Luxembourg vs Scotland: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for Euro 2020 warm-up clash

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      SCOTLAND will go through their final preparations for Euro 2020 by taking on Luxembourg this weekend. Scotland were brilliant in their 2-2 draw with the Netherlands earlier this week and will be hoping to close out preparations with a win.
      Scotland drew with Holland in their last international friendly clashCredit: The Sun
      What time does Luxembourg vs Scotland kick-off?

      Scotland’s clash with Luxembourg will get underway from 5pm UK time on Sunday, June 6.
      The game will take place at the Stade Josy Barthel in Luxembourg.
      There will be a reduced capacity in the stadium due to coronavirus restrictions.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Luxembourg vs Scotland will be shown live on Sky Sports Football.
      You can live stream the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile device, tablet or Smart TV.

      Team news
      Scotland have David Marshall, Stephen O’Donnell, Nathan Patterson, Grant Hanley, John McGinn and Che Adams back available after they left Covid isolation.
      Ryan Fraser came off the bench in the draw with Holland and could feature here.
      Vincent Thill is out for Luxembourg, while Scott McTominay could be back in the starting XI for the Scots.
      Odds

      Luxembourg – 4/1
      Draw – 27/10
      Scotland – 4/7

      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and correct at time of publication. More

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      Sweden 3 Armenia 1 LIVE REACTION: Forsberg, Danielson and Berg give Swedes comfortable victory ahead of Euro 2020

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      SWEDEN have beaten Armenia to continue their strong preparation before Euro 2020.Follow all the latest from this friendly clash below…

      Final score: Sweden 3-1 Armenia

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      GOODNIGHT
      A final warm-up match in Stockholm, a dominant performance, a convincing win, and all is calm in the Sweden ranks.
      Next comes the chaos, the drama and the passion of the Euros.
      It’s destination Seville for the Blue and Yellow with their first European Championship game in Group E against Spain in just nine days.
      The challenge of Slovakia and Poland will follow, and Janne Andersson will require some big contributions from the likes of Emil Forsberg if they are to replicate their quarter-final showing at the 2018 World Cup.
      It all starts very soon, and we can’tt wait.
      FULL TIME STATS
      Seventeen attempts on goal and ten corners; not a bad way for Sweden to prepare for the European Championships.
      Statistics from UEFA.Com
      FT: SWEDEN 3-1 ARMENIA
      Sweden sign off and head to Seville on the back of a convincing 3-1 win over Armenia. The in-form visitors failed to put up much of a contest, and were beaten by half-time following defensive blunders that allowed Emil Forsberg and Marcus Danielson to score. Joaquin Caparros’ team improved after the break and pulled one back through Vahan Bichakhchyan’s first international goal, but substitute Marcus Berg sealed matters with six minutes remaining.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE FINAL WHISTLE IS BLOWN!
      SWEDEN 3-1 ARMENIA
      90+2. …which is just enough time for Vahan Bichakhchyan and Ken Sema to earn themselves yellow cards.
      Referee Mattias Gestranius is certainly finishing with a flourish.
      SWEDEN 3-1 ARMENIA
      90. Three minutes of stoppage time are signalled…
      SWEDEN 3-1 ARMENIA
      89. Pierre Bengtsson goes into the book for a pull of the shirt that is more toddler refusing to leave his mother at the nursery gates than cynical tug.
      SWEDEN 3-1 ARMENIA
      86. They think it’s all over! It is now!
      No, not the game, but the endless substitutions. The final change is Sweden’s and sees the dangerous Emil Forsberg take his leave, replaced by Wattford’s Ken Sema.
      SWEDEN 3-1 ARMENIA
      84. Marcus Berg makes it three!
      The veteran striker gets in on the act off the bench, cooly finishing off Robin Quaison’s lifted pass by lifting the loose ball over David Yurchenko.
      Berg looks to the linesman, but it’s clear that Taron Voskanyan had played him onside as he failed to get out quickly enough on this near side.

      GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLL!!MARCUS BERG SEALS VICTORY FOR SWEDEN!!
      SWEDEN 2-1 ARMENIA
      83. After Armenia fail to bother themselves into picking up their opponents at another Sweden corner, they make the final change.
      Zhirayr Shaghoyan is on for Sargis Adamyan.
      SWEDEN 2-1 ARMENIA
      82. Inside the final ten minutes, and I think it’s time to admit the following: I hate international friendlies. 
      SWEDEN 2-1 ARMENIA
      80. It’s a yellow card for Viktor Claesson. The midfielder is penalised for a cynical tug on Bayramyan, who was looking to sprint away down the far touchline.
      SWEDEN 2-1 ARMENIA
      78. Yurchenko comes a long way off his line to intervene on Quaison’s burst the box.
      The Sweden substitute gets there just before the goalkeeper, but is unable to toepoke the ball past the oncoming custodian in order to win another penalty.
      SWEDEN 2-1 ARMENIA
      74. Another shot on goal from Armenia. Barseghyan takes himself off on a jinking run that ends when he strikes straight at Olsen.
      SWEDEN 2-1 ARMENIA
      73. Ah, and now Armenia make their fifth change too.
      It’s a change in defence as Albert Khachumyan comes on for Andre Calisir.
      SWEDEN 2-1 ARMENIA
      71. The lesser-seen quadruple substitution.
      The exhausted fourth official finally lowers his board once Robin Quaison, Mattias Svanberg, Marcus Berg and Emil Krafth enter the pitch to take over from Dejan Kulusevski, Albin Ekdal, Alexander Isak and Mikael Lustig.
      SWEDEN 2-1 ARMENIA
      70. Karen Muradyan picks up a yellow for a foul on Mikael Lustig.
      Must be a Rangers fan.
      SWEDEN 2-1 ARMENIA
      67. It looks as though Janne Andersson is going to freshen things up with some substitutions of his own.
      While little more than a friendly, you have to wonder how failing to win a match they have utterly dominated would effect the Swedish players psychologically ahead of their opener with Spain.
      SWEDEN 2-1 ARMENIA
      64. Well, well, well…
      It took 64 minutes for Armenia to register their first attempt, and then less than a second for their next – which brings them a goal, and a surprise route back into the match.
      Alexander Isak is caught in possession inside his own half, and the visitors muscle their way forward. Vahan Bichakhchyan plays a one-two with Kamo Hovhannisyan, and while the former’s shot is stopped by Robin Olsen, the Zilina midfielder follows up to head in his first international goal.
      GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLL!!VAHAN BICHAKHCHYAN PULLS ONE BACK!!
      SWEDEN 2-0 ARMENIA
      60. A decent move from the hosts, again inspired by Forsberg dropping on off the left flank.
      A couple of quick passes present Erkdal with a half-chance, but the midfielder takes a touch too many, allowing his eventual shot to be blocked.
      SWEDEN 2-0 ARMENIA
      58. Armenia substitute Bayramyan has a touch of Ivan Campo about him, both in terms of his hair, and how he patrols midfield looking for somebody to kick.
      He could do a job at the Hawthorns if Big Sam has a change of heart.
      SWEDEN 2-0 ARMENIA
      56. Sweden win another corner, which offers Forsberg another chance to cause chaos in the Armenia box.
      The inswinger brings goalkeepper Yurchenko off his line, who subsequently misses his punch and has to rely on Calisir to head clear.
      SWEDEN 2-0 ARMENIA
      54. A charging run out of defence by Danielson sees him dart between two dawdling forwards.
      The eventual pass out from the Sweden centre-back doesn’t match his endeavour on the ball, and possession is returned to the visitors.
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      in Soccer

      England stars set for £50,000 pay rise thanks to FA’s new deal with taxman

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      ENGLAND stars are set for a huge pay boost as they get fired up for Euro glory — thanks to a new deal with the taxman.Three Lions aces have been the subject of an inquiry over image rights cash paid to them by the FA which would see them pay more tax.
      Harry Kane could net an extra £75,000 from the dealCredit: Alamy
      But HMRC chiefs and the FA are likely to resolve the months-long issue before the curtain-raiser with Croatia at Wembley next Sunday.
      And the breakthrough could hand them a 50 per cent image pay hike plus bonuses within days — worth as much as an extra £75,000 to top stars like captain Harry Kane.
      A source close to the negotiations said last night: “For England’s stars and the taxman this deal hits the back of the net, and couldn’t come at a better time.
      “Some players may see their gross image rights earnings nearly double.
      “The FA will be the big losers because they will foot the bill to avoid the headache of having to sort out tax issues for everyone in the squad. But the extra dosh should put a spring in the players’ step.”
      Champions League winner Mason Mount will benefit from the image rights dealCredit: Getty
      Image rights of up to £100,000-a-year are paid to stars based on the number of times they are selected for squads, rather than caps.
      These huge sums are paid on top of playing fees, which players donate to charity.
      The FA has previously not been obliged to pay national insurance or income tax on these payments.
      But HMRC want the footballers to pay the 45 per cent top rate tax instead of 19 per cent through limited companies which they do now.
      The extra cash from the FA is to offset the higher amount of tax they would pay to HMRC chiefs.
      Experts estimated that the current £4million-a-year the FA pays out in image rights will rise to around £6million once the deal is done.
      Regulars like Spurs idol Harry will see their rights money ramped up to cover the extra tax burden to around £150,000-a-year — £50,000 more than he is currently paid.
      Jack Grealish could see his England earnings nearly doubleCredit: Getty
      But that could be topped up with an estimated £25,000 annual fee to cover the cost of extra tax return work — making it an extra £75,000 for Kane.
      Chelsea’s 22-year-old Champions League-winning star Mason Mount can expect a similar windfall.
      Mount, picked for nine squads by manager Gareth Southgate, has earned around £90,000 but under the new system would earn £135,000 plus the £25,000 accounting fee to cover his tax.
      Aston Villa wizard Jack Grealish, 25, should see his estimated earnings rise from around £70,000 to £130,000-a-year plus possible extras for promotional work.
      Tax expert Jim Lee, a former semi-pro footballer, said: “It’s good to see this cleared up so our boys can focus on winning the Euros.
      “They’re all multi-millionaires in any case and I’m sure they’d happily play for England for nothing.
      “If sorting this out in time for the tournament gives the Exchequer a boost and hands the players a bonus, then good luck to them.”
      Football finance expert Gerald Krasner, from Begbies Traynor added: “HMRC are closing a loophole that has existed for years.
      Gareth Southgate’s England kick off their Euro 2020 campaign next weekendCredit: Getty

      “They are saying that image rights payments are earned here and so should be taxed as income at full UK rates.”
      FA sources confirmed that chiefs had been working with the players to ensure image rights payments were appropriately taxed.
      A FA spokesman said: “We’d never comment on financial or commercial matters relating to players.”
      Gareth Southgate talks about Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson’s chances of playing in the Euros More