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    Sweden vs Armenia: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Euro 2020 warm-up match

    SWEDEN host Armenia as they continue their friendly schedule ahead of Euro 2020.The Swedes have a tough task getting through their group in the finals with Spain, Slovakia and Poland for company.

    WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game

    Sweden will be without Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Euro 2020Credit: EPA
    And that task is all the tougher with Zlatan Ibrahimovic now ruled out.
    When is Sweden vs Armenia?

    Sweden’s final game before Euro 2020 will be held on Saturday, June 5.
    Kick-off is at 7.45pm BST.
    This will be the first ever meetings between the two nations.
    Follow the game live HERE with our blog from 6pm.

    Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
    You can catch all of the action live on Sky Sports Football.
    Coverage will start at 7.30pm.
    If you don’t have a Sky subscription, grab a NOW TV pass from £9.99 to stream on your mobile, tablet or PC.

    What is the team news?
    Mikael Lustig is likely to start in defence for Sweden alongside Andreas Granqvist as they were benched in their win over Finland last weekend.
    Victor Lindelof will probably take his place on the bench in preparation for Sweden’s clash with Spain in their opening Euro 2020 game.
    Armenia striker Tigran Barseghyan is set to lead the line while Kamo Hovhannisyan should start in defence.
    Match odds

    Sweden to win – 1/6
    Draw – 5/1
    Armenia victory – 11/1

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

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    Gareth Bale ‘to RETIRE after Euro 2020 if nothing changes’, Spain draw with Portugal, England latest build-up

    GARETH BALE is ready to announce his retirement after Euro 2020, according to stunning reports from Spain.Meanwhile the Spanish national team were held to a 0-0 draw by Portugal in a pre-tournament clash of the Iberian titans.

    Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
    BALE OUT
    Gareth Bale is ready to call it a day after Euro 2020, according to stunning reports in Spain.
    Though the Welshman played his best football under new Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, he is not said to be keen on another season with Los Blancos.
    And Marca state that if nothing changes, Bale will announce his retirement from professional football at the age of 31 once the tournament is over.
    The Wales captain his one year left of his £19m contract at Real Madrid, but the 13-time Champions League winners are reportedly not likely to stand in his way if he wants to call it quite.

    FULL PREM RELEASE LIST
    Big names could be on their way out this summer – after Premier League clubs revealed their released list.
    Here’s our FULL GUIDE.
    MOURINHO’S GUIDE TO EACH TEAM
    New SunSport columnist Jose Mourinho has given his expert rundown on all the contenders at this summer’s Euros.
    Click HERE to read his detailed analysis.

    JOSE: SPURS DROUGHT CAN FIRE UP HARRY
    Jose Mourinho has backed Harry Kane to use his Tottenham trophy drought to fire him up for the Euros.
    Despite his fine goalscoring form, England skipper Kane has endured another frustrating trophy-less season with Spurs – and is eyeing a move away this summer.
    But old boss Mourinho believes the striker’s pain will stand him in good stead to lead the Three Lions on home turf.
    Mourinho said: “Harry (Kane) is the one that has on his shoulders a lot.
    “The country expects a lot from him. He expects a lot from himself.
    “He’s the captain and he wants to win something. He’s not doing that with the club, so, of course, he’s going to try everything he can to do it with the Three Lions.”
    SPAIN 0 PORTUGAL 0
    Cristiano Ronaldo was booed at every touch to prove he is still the main man at the Euros.
    Portugal’s stellar captain is poised to play in a record fifth championship.
    The three Group F games alone will give him the most appearances at the tournament with 59 – which includes qualifying.
    Now 36, Ronaldo is still leading the line for his country who kick off the defence of their Euro 2016 title against Hungary on June 15.
    But the normally lethal finisher will have to wait for his 104th international goal after missing a sitter against local rivals Spain in a warm up.
    Frustrated Ronaldo was unmarked but sent a header wide of the post from a 69th minute free kick.
    Liverpool’s Diogo Jota also missed a golden chance to score with a diving header that flew over the crossbar in the second half.
    Manchester City’s Ferran Torres also headed wide in the 28th minute at the back post when unmarked.
    But ex-Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata was most guilty as he fluffed a series of opportunities to give Spain a winning warm up in a lively match which was overseen by Premier League ref Craig Pawson.
    EU CAN WIN AT HOME
    PAUL INCE knows exactly what a strong England performance at a major tournament can do for public morale.
    The former Manchester United star was the lynchpin of England’s midfield when they reached the semi-finals of Euro ’96, losing an agonising penalty shoot-out to the Germans.
    Speaking at the launch of the Paddy Park at Flat Iron Square in London, Ince remembered what it was like to play in a home tournament.
    He told SunSport: “We’d not had a tournament for 30 years – since [the World Cup in 1966] – and that’s a long time.
    “Everyone was ready for it, the sun was shining and songs were coming out.
    “It was just an iconic time. The positivity that was coming out of our nation, not just football fans but people in general.
    “It brought togetherness and the more games we won the more everyone got excited.
    “It [Euro ’96] did so much for our country – and this is what these players can do. We’ve had such a bad, horrendous time with the pandemic. We need to have a smile on our faces… The players know that.”
    FINALISTS ARRIVE
    All seven England stars that featured in the Champions League final last week have reported for training ahead of Sunday’s friendly against Romania.
    The Chelsea and Manchester City players were given extra time off to be with their families following the clash which was won by the Blues.

    Chelsea heroes Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell and Reece James started in Portugal, where they squared off against the Citizens’ John Stones, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling.
    But all players will be looking to put their rivalry behind them as they gear up for the start of Euro 2020 next week.
    And the late arrivals to the camp looked to be in a chipper mood with all men in contention to feature against Romania at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium.
    Boss Gareth Southgate will be delighted to see them link up with the rest of his squad following the news that Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the tournament.
    The Liverpool right-back went off late on against Austria on Wednesday with a thigh injury that will see him ruled out for six weeks.
    TALKS TO EASE FAN LIMITS IN KO STAGES
    Uefa are reportedly in discussion with the UK government over easing fan limits for the the Euro 2020 knockout stages.
    Sky Sports say the talks focus on reducing coronavirus quarantine restrictions on overseas supporters.
    MBAPPE’S REAL WARNING AS A KID
    PSG striker Kylian Mbappe has revealed his parents talked him out of moving abroad when he was 14.
    The French striker has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer after an impressive season in Ligue 1.
    Speaking to L’Obs, Mbappe said: “My parents wanted me to start my career in France, to be educated in France.
    “To play football, but also to continue my education. To go to Spain, even if it was with Zidane, it was another country, another culture.”
    And according to Spanish newspaper Marca, Real were the club that wanted to take Mbappe from his native France.
    The news comes after ex-Chelsea scout Daniel Boga revealed the Blues turned down the chance to sign the striker in 2012.
    The 22-year-old also discussed his future, telling the French magazine: “I always want to set myself challenges, because that allows you not to relax.
    “Being on the pitch feeds me, it’s how I recharge. Thanks to that, I have the energy to face the other aspects of football.”
    CITY’S SUPER SIX
    Manchester City have an incredible SIX players in the PFA Team of the Year for 2020-21 – but none of them are forwards.
    Pep Guardiola’s side stormed to the Premier League title, winning their third crown in four years.

    But the Etihad chief is fully aware he needs to sign an elite striker this season – and the PFA XI conclusively proves that.
    The Team of the Year is packed with City stars, including FOUR of the back-five, including the goalkeeper.
    Ederson is joined by Joao Cancelo, John Stones and Ruben Dias in defence – with Manchester United ace Luke Shaw the only non-City star in the back-line.
    The midfield is an all-Manchester affair too, with Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan partnering Bruno Fernandes in an attacking trio.
    But in attack, there are no City – or United – players on show.
    Liverpool star Mohamed Salah teams up with Tottenham duo Harry Kane and Son Heung-min in an exciting front three.
    CITY’S SUPER SIX
    Manchester City have an incredible SIX players in the PFA Team of the Year for 2020-21 – but none of them are forwards.
    Pep Guardiola’s side stormed to the Premier League title, winning their third crown in four years.

    But the Etihad chief is fully aware he needs to sign an elite striker this season – and the PFA XI conclusively proves that.
    The Team of the Year is packed with City stars, including FOUR of the back-five, including the goalkeeper.
    Ederson is joined by Joao Cancelo, John Stones and Ruben Dias in defence – with Manchester United ace Luke Shaw the only non-City star in the back-line.
    The midfield is an all-Manchester affair too, with Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan partnering Bruno Fernandes in an attacking trio.
    But in attack, there are no City – or United – players on show.
    Liverpool star Mohamed Salah teams up with Tottenham duo Harry Kane and Son Heung-min in an exciting front three.
    AMAZING SNAPS OF YOUNG RONALDO
    AS he looked through the lens of a camera that was taking a snap to complete his first registration card for the FA of Funchal, even Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t have expected this would be the start of a glorious football career.
    Aged just seven, a young CR7 looks a far-cry from the pristinely presented football god we know today, now 36 and set to lead Portugal’s forward line at Euro 2020.
    The boy Ronaldo, with his bushy hair and awkward smile, could only have dreamed of being a Ballon d’Or-winner then – a feat he has achieved five times so far.
    But it set the tone for the man who would go on to become a legend for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Portugal.

    TRENT ‘GUTTED’
    Trent Alexander-Arnold has posted on Instagram that he is ‘absolutely gutted’ to be out of Euro 2020.
    Having fought so hard to get back into the England squad, the Liverpool defender is out for six weeks after tearing a muscle in the friendly against Austria.

    KANE URGED TO MAKE SPAIN MOVE
    Gary Lineker has admitted he would like to see Harry Kane follow in his footsteps and sign for Barcelona.
    A host of English clubs are chasing the Tottenham man but fellow ex-Spurs striker Lineker would be interested to see him move abroad.
    He told Goal: “I would love to see him at Barcelona but they are going for Aguero and are short on cash at the moment. 
    “I think it is between Manchester City, Manchester United and maybe PSG.
    “They have [Mauricio] Pochettino and he would win things, guaranteed.
    “I think it is more likely that one of the Manchester clubs can afford him outside of Chelsea. I don’t think he would go to Chelsea and do that to the Tottenham fans but who knows?”

    TRENT KO
    Trent Alexander-Arnold has received countless messages wishing him well after being ruled out of Euro 2020.

    EXCLUSIVE
    Ed Sheeran is finally making a music comeback by unveiling his latest song at a huge gig, I can exclusively reveal, writes Simon Boyle.
    The superstar, who has been on hiatus for 18 months, has signed up to play at TikTok’s UEFA Euro 2020 Show this month at the grounds of his beloved Ipswich Town.
    And fans worried they won’t be able to get tickets to the show at Portman Road needn’t worry, as it will be free to stream.
    The TikTok concert comes after I revealed Ed had signed a deal to become the face of the video app.
    An insider said: “Ed’s major deal was all linked up to this gig — and its going to be amazing. The venue holds a very special place in Ed’s heart.
    “As well as singing some of his classic songs, he will be performing his as-yet-unheard single for the first time ever. Ed has kept details of the track, including the name, under wraps but fans are in for a real treat.”
    The show takes place at 9pm on Friday, June 25 — and fans can watch it live for free simply by downloading the TikTok app.
    PUNDITS TALE OF THE TAPE
    The BBC and ITV are set to go head-to-head this summer in broadcasting Euro 2020.
    Who do you think will deliver the best coverage?
    We compared the line-ups’ top pundits…
    How the top pundits of the two channels stack up against each other
    MUNICH CALLING
    Bavaria state officials have given the green light for Munich’s Allianz Arena to host 14,000 spectators during Euro 2020.
    Uefa had demanded venues allow at least some fans into matches despite the coronavirus pandemic.
    And  Bavaria’s state premier Markus Soeder has now confirmed: “With a strict sanitary protocol, tests and masks, the stadium will be allowed to fill up to 20 percent capacity, or about 14,000 spectators.”
    Germany’s three group games will take place at the stadium, against France, Portugal and Hungary, before the city hosts a quarter-final.
    YAN THE MAN
    Yannick Carrasco gatecrashed Eden Hazard’s interview just to troll him about the 2020-21 LaLiga title race.
    The pair are currently on Belgium duty as they prepare for this summer’s European Championship.
    But despite kicking off a long summer as team-mates, with Roberto Martinez’s men chasing a first-ever major tournament win, Atletico Madrid star Carrasco couldn’t resist poking fun of his pal.
    And as Real Madrid’s Hazard sat down for a televised interview, Carrasco stormed the set, got right up in his face and chanted: “Campeones, campeones, ole, ole, ole…”
    Clearly a bit miffed, the Real Madrid star recoiled and eventually forced a smile – but his furious eyes gave away his real feelings.
    Flipping from French to Spanish, Hazard begrudgingly mumbled: “Very good, very good. Congratulations, friend, incredible.”
    Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco gatecrashes Real ace Eden Hazard’s interview and boasts about LaLiga title win
    EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
    Lots of footy to keep you interested if you’re staying in this Friday night.
    Portugal host Spain for a fascinating pre-Euros friendly (6.30pm) Italy take on Czech Republic at 7.45pm.
    Group B minnows Finland are in action versus Estonia at 5pm while Cameroon face Nigeria in Vienna (7.30pm).
    And Wales’ Under-21s face Moldova in a European qualifier at 7.30pm.
    TAA REACTION
    Trent Alexander-Arnold has posted on Instagram that he is ‘absolutely gutted’ to be out of Euro 2020.
    Having fought so hard to get back into the England squad, the Liverpool defender is out for six weeks after tearing a muscle in the friendly against Austria.

    CRAZY CROAT
    Marcelo Brozovic is preparing to fire Croatia to success against England and Scotland in Group D.
    How is the Inter Milan midfielder preparing for the Euros? A spot of tree climbing. Because, obviously…

    CILLESSEN FURY
    Jasper Cillessen has hit out at Netherlands boss Frank de Boer after he dropped the Valencia goalkeeper from his Euro 2020 squad following a positive Covid test.
    He told De Telegraaf: “De Boer knew then that I had tested positive. He then said in Portugal on Sunday that I would join the group immediately if the result of my daily rapid test was negative. 
    “If necessary, I would only join after the training camp. I really have no idea what has changed.
    “The rules allow substitutes for goalkeepers during the tournament and there was still plenty of time. 
    “I had Covid symptoms for a day, but otherwise zero problems. And then they say I’m not fit? The national coach and I will never agree on that.
    “I have never felt so powerless, angry, and terrible.”
    WAN TO WATCH
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka has spoken of how he can improve after missing out on England’s Euro 2020 squad.
    The Three Lions’ embarrassment of right-back riches has made the Manchester United defender to wait for his chance.
    He told the club website: “Every game, every step, that’s how I take it, to improve and push myself throughout.
    “I feel I’ve done okay. I can feel it in myself, the confidence and excitement of when every game comes up. You want to play, you can’t wait to get the game started. You know what the team’s capable of, the performances we can all put together to get the result we want.”
    “My goal was a good feeling. I’ll never forget that. That’s the good moment out of this campaign, for me.”
    Credit: Getty
    DUFF PREDICTION
    Former Ireland winger Damien Duff has outlined how England could be heading out of Euro 2020 in quick fashion.
    Tipping France to win the tournament, the ex-Chelsea star told RTE: “They play Croatia first. Croatia could do them. 
    “And Scotland – close to my heart – Scotland could put England out in the second game. They’ve a good solid squad. They’ve a lot of Celtic players who are really well coached, top players.
    “The Scots are not going to go and take the game to teams, they’re going to sit back and frustrate. 
    “They’ll do that with England. Maybe, I’m a dreamer but the second game, England could be out and Scotland could go through.”
    Load more entries… More

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    England should use Chelsea blueprint and have three centre-backs without Maguire, says Three Lions & Arsenal icon Keown

    ENGLAND should follow Chelsea’s blueprint for European glory as they look to cope with the absence of Harry Maguire.That is the verdict of former Three Lions defender Martin Keown ahead of the  Euros.
    WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game this summer 
    Martin Keown has urged England to play three at the back at the EurosCredit: McDonald’s
    Harry Maguire could miss the tournament through injuryCredit: PA
    Arsenal Invincible Keown believes Thomas Tuchel’s three-man Chelsea defensive system was the key to last week’s Champions League final win against Manchester City.
    And while he suspects that England boss Gareth Southgate had been planning to play with four at the back, Maguire’s absence will mean a major rethink.
    Keown says: “Maguire is a huge loss for England because he’s very dominant in the air, he’s never ruffled in possession and he has that quality on  the ball that you need at international level.
    “But if he’s not going to be fit then we are better off  playing with a back three because I can barely  remember a time when the back-up central defenders had so few international caps.
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    “Gareth was looking to get more creative players into the team higher up the pitch, which is better suited to 4-3-3.
    “But now we should look at what Tuchel has done at Chelsea and ask if it is something which England can copy?
    “There are three Chelsea players in the squad who are used to playing that way and I don’t think we’d go far wrong going into a tournament  playing like that.
    “I’m not saying that guys like Conor Coady and Tyrone Mings aren’t good enough. I think they lack international experience so a back four is a problem for England.”
    BETTING SPECIAL – GET ENGLAND TO WIN EURO 2020 AND HARRY KANE TO BE TOP SCORER AT 18/1
    Thomas Tuchel led Chelsea to the Champions League with three centre-backsCredit: Reuters

    Keown expects Kyle Walker, John Stones and Mings to start England’s opening game against Croatia at Wembley in eight days’ time.
    The only problem is that the trio has never played together before and will have next to no time to sort themselves out.
    Keown, an ambassador for McDonald’s Fun Football  programme, says: “We have to hit the ground running because we have the World Cup finalists in our first game.
    “We did  well in our last tournament at the World Cup three years ago but the draw was  kind to us in Russia and that’s not the case this time.
    “I certainly feel that we can get out of this group but the Czech Republic and Scotland are not going to be pushovers.
    “And even if we do win the group, we will  be up against France, Germany or Portugal in the first knockout game.
    “So while I am optimistic about England’s chances, we also have to be realistic.
    “I remember that every time I returned to Arsenal from an international tournament the French players would say ‘there’s the English again, saying they’re going to win it’.

    “They used to draw strength from that so it’s important to respect the opposition but have the belief  we can do well.”
    Despite the injury problems troubling Southgate, Keown is convinced  there is enough quality in this squad to make a real impression.
    He added: “There’s nine or ten players with the experience of getting to a World Cup semi-final who know how to deal with the pressure of  carrying a nation’s expectations.
    “I really like the look of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in midfield, although we’ll need both of them to sit in front of the defence rather than having one of them  wandering away, as happened against Austria the other night.
    “But the good news is that our young attacking players are the envy of Europe.
    “Gareth is almost spoiled for choice with Foden, Mount, Grealish, Saka, Sancho,  Sterling, Rashford and Kane.
    “It’s all about creating the right balance to accommodate all these.  Some of them will miss out, especially if we’re going to play a back three.”
    Martin Keown is calling on families to sign up for McDonald’s free Fun Football sessions, which will get thousands of children playing football  this summer. To find a local session go to  mcdonalds.co.uk/football
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    Harry Maguire reveals missing Man Utd run-in was so tough because ‘I was playing the best football of my career’

    HARRY MAGUIRE says missing Manchester United’s run-in was even tougher to take because he was in the form of his life.The Old Trafford skipper is fighting to be fit for England at the Euros but is certain to miss the opener against Croatia on June 13.
    Harry Maguire is in a race to be fit for England’s Euro 2020 group stage matchesCredit: Rex
    Manchester United defender Maguire suffered ankle ligament damage against Aston Villa last monthCredit: AFP
    Maguire was sidelined for United’s last five games – including the Europa League final loss to Villarreal – with ankle ligament damage.
    It was a nightmare end to a campaign which started in turmoil following his arrest on the Greek island of Mykonos after a clash with police.
    He has appealed his 21-month prison sentence, which is suspended for three years, but the retrial is unlikely to happen until 2022.
    The defender suffered a difficult start to the season with United and England and was sent off in the Three Lions’ 1-0 Nations League defeat to Denmark at Wembley in October.
    But he quickly regained top form to become a key man for United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
    Maguire, 28, said: “Myself and the United team had a really bad start. We did not get a good pre-season and started the season really slowly but we soon improved.
    “At the time of the injury, I had been playing the best football of my career.
    “I had been really happy with my game for a few months. I was playing with a lot of confidence and belief.
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    Maguire was named on the bench for United’s Europa League final defeat against VillarrealCredit: PA
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    “My fitness levels before the injury were really good. I was playing week in, week out and that had put me in a really good place in terms of my defending and when I had possession.
    “I have to remember that feeling when I was playing well and must work hard to be fit and be ready to go again and continue where I left off.”
    Maguire, who hurt his ankle in the 3-1 win at Aston Villa on May 9, was devastated to miss last week’s Europa showdown with Villarreal.
    United agonisingly lost 11-10 on penalties after a largely terrible display.
    The centre-back said: “Playing in a big European final was what I had dreamed of.
    “So to miss the game was really tough and to then not get the result we really wanted made it even worse.
    “It was a massive disappointment, not just for myself but for the rest of the lads, the staff, the club in general and the fans.
    “We controlled the game for the first 70 minutes and had a lot of crosses across the box but did not really create too much.

    “There was only one team who looked as though they would go and win the game. Then in extra-time we ran out of steam and the game petered out.
    “We should have applied more pressure in the game to go and try and win and  obviously penalties are  penalties. You cannot blame anyone for that.”
    The wait now continues for a United trophy, with their last success coming in the 2017 Europa League.
    But Maguire claimed that beating Villarreal would not have eased the pressure on the team – or Solskjaer – next season.
    An £85million arrival from Leicester in 2019, he added: “There is pressure every game you play for United.
    “You are expected to win so not winning the Europa League final does not put more pressure on.
    “Even if we had won the trophy, the fans, quite rightly, would have demanded that we go and win another trophy next season anyway.
    “We have to put it right next season. We have got to improve in everything we do on and off the pitch.”
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    Italy 4-0 Czech Republic LIVE RESULT: Immobile, Barella, Insigne and Berardi destroy Czechs in Euro 2020 warm-up

    ITALY have hammered the Czech Republic in a Euro 2020 warm-up.Ciro Immobile slotted home to put Roberto Mancini’s men in front.
    Nicolo Barella then added a second in a one-sided clash before Lorenzo Insigne and Domenico Berardi netted in the second half.
    THAT’S ALL FROM BOLOGNA
    Italy increased their undefeated streak to 23 matches with a dominant victory over the Czech Republic at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium.
    The Azzurri opened the scoring on 23 minutes when Lorenzo Insigne whipped in a cross from midfield and saw it getting cleared towards Ciro Immobile, whose shot caught a deflection off of Ondrej Celustka.
    The hosts doubled their lead just three minutes before half-time when Nicolo Barella drove the ball down that attacking third, with absolutely no one trying to mark him, and his shot from the edge of the box caught another favourable deflection from Jakub Brabec and Jan Boril.
    But the Italians didn’t need any more deflections in the second half as they sealed their victory after 66 minutes with Insigne.
    The cherry on top came after 73 minutes when Domenico Berardi netted his fifth goal in six international matches
    GETTY IMAGES
    INSIGNE REACTS
    Italy star Lorenzo Insigne admits he enjoyed his birthday goal against the Czech Republic.
    Insigne told RAI Sport: “I’m a little old man now. I am really happy with the performance of the team, because we did really well and there’s a week to go before the Euros. We must be ready.
    “This was a big test, now we must recover our energy and start the competition in the best possible way.
    “I feel old! I am happy with the faith the coach and my team-mates put in me. I always try to be at the disposal of the team and play for them.
    “The coach created a wonderful team spirit here, he put us all in a condition to give our best and enjoy our football. The results are clear, we’re playing beautiful football.
    “It’s too early to say where we could end up [at Euro 2020]. We are aware of our capabilities and that is fundamental. This was a big test and every one of us played well, that’s the most important thing.
    “It’ll be emotional also because we’re not used to playing in front of people anymore, even if it’s ‘only’ 16,000, they will make a big difference”
    GETTY IMAGES
    MANCINI REACTS
    Italy manager Roberto Mancini is pleased with the result and admits it “really does bode well” for the Azzurri.
    Mancini told RAI Sport: “We played well, took the right approach. The Czech Republic are a very good team, but we out-played them and this really does bode well.
    “I think we took 10 minutes or so to get going, as we hadn’t seen each other for a long time, but I did hope we’d put in a performance like this.
    “We know that this is a young team that has to improve in many ways, but playing the last friendly before the tournament like this can only be positive.
    “We are an attack-minded team and have to push forward, then defend when needs be with the qualities we have. Balance is important. We’re together, we’re happy and hopefully this competition will last as long as possible”
    GETTY IMAGES
    CZECH EURO SQUAD
    And here’s who Czech Republic manager Jaroslav Silhavy has called up for Euro 2020.
    The Czechs are going to face off against England, Croatia and Scotland in the group stage.
    Goalkeepers: Tomas Vaclik, Jiri Pavlenka, Ales Mandous
    Defenders: Jan Boril, Jakub Brabec, Vladimir Coufal, Ondrej Celustka, Pavel Kaderabek, Tomas Kalas, Ales Mateju, David Zima
    Midfielders: Antonin Barak, Vladimir Darida, Adam Hlozek, Tomas Holes, Jakub Jankto, Alex Kral, Lukas Masopust, Jakub Pesek, Tomas Soucek, Petr Sevcik, Michal Sadilek
    Forwards: Michael Krmencik, Tomas Pekhart, Patrik Schick, Matej Vydra
    GETTY IMAGES
    ITALY EURO SQUAD
    Let’s look through the players Italy manager Roberto Mancini has called up for Euro 2020.
    The Azzurri are scheduled to face Switzerland, Turkey and Wales in the group stage.
    Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alex Meret, Salvatore Sirigu
    Defenders: Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Emerson, Alessandro Florenzi, Leonardo Spinazzola, Rafael Toloi
    Midfielders: Nicolo Barella, Bryan Cristante, Jorginho, Manuel Locatelli, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Stefano Sensi, Marco Verratti
    Forwards: Andrea Belotti, Domenico Berardi, Federico Bernardeschi, Federico Chiesa, Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne, Giacomo Raspadori
    GETTY IMAGES
    STATS
    Italy dominated 62.6 per cent of possession throughout their international friendly with the Czech Republic.
    The Azzurri registered a total of 17 shots, seven of which were on target.
    The Czechs, on the other hand, recorded just nine shots, with only one of them being on target.
    The referee had quite an easy match to officiate as he didn’t have to show a single card
    FT: ITALY 4-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
    Italy stretched their undefeated streak to 23 matches with a dominant victory over the Czech Republic at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium.
    The Azzurri opened the scoring after 23 minutes when Lorenzo Insigne whipped in a cross from midfield and saw it getting cleared towards Ciro Immobile, whose shot caught a deflection off of Ondrej Celustka.
    The hosts doubled their lead just three minutes before half-time when Nicolo Barella drove the ball down midfield with absolutely no one trying to mark him and his shot from the edge of the box caught another favourable deflection from Jakub Brabec and Jan Boril.
    But the Italians didn’t need any more deflections in the second half as they sealed their victory on 66 minutes with Insigne.
    The cherry on top came after 73 minutes when Domenico Berardi scored his fifth goal in six international matches
    GETTY IMAGES
    PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
    AND THAT’S FULL-TIME IN BOLOGNA!!!!!!
    ITALY 4-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
    90 Just two more minutes of added time to go.
    The Czechs are looking for a late consolation goal
    ITALY 4-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
    88 Berardi has been in incredible form for Italy in his last six games.
    More below:

    ITALY 4-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
    86 SUBSTITUTION
    Italy manager Mancini makes a late change as Florenzi is replaced by Toloi
    ITALY 4-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
    83 The Czechs are still looking for their rhythm.
    However, they can still pose as a risk in the group stage when they meet England
    ITALY 4-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
    81 SUBSTITUTION
    Czech Republic manager Silhavy makes a late change as Sadilek replaces Darida
    ITALY 4-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
    80 The Czechs haven’t been able to get a shot on target in the second half.
    We expected a much more passionate display after a their strong start in the first half
    ITALY 4-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
    78 SUBSTITUTION
    We told you there were more changes coming for Italy.
    Mancini introduces Chiesa, who replaces Berardi, and Raspadori, who makes his first ever international appearances as he takes Immobile’s place
    ITALY 4-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
    76 We’re getting close to full-time and there’s another drinks break.
    Expect some more changes from Mancini as he hopes to have a fully fit squad for the Euros
    ITALY 4-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
    75 Here is one of the reasons why Italy are among the favourites to win Euro 2020.
    Dominating in possession, brilliant Catenaccio and quality in midfield
    ITALY 4-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
    73 Italy are just having fun now!
    Insigne runs the ball down midfield and delivers a lovely pass down the right flank where Berardi is.
    The Sassuolo star gets in front of Pavlenka and beats the Czech keeper with a calm finish

    GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL!
    ITALY MAKE IT FOUR WITH BERARDI!!!!!!!!!
    ITALY 3-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
    70 Fun fact:
    Today is Insigne’s 30th birthday, what a way to celebrate!
    Credit: Reuters
    ITALY 3-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
    68 Meanwhile, Italy manager Mancini has already started resting some players.
    Jorginho was obviously tired after a grueling Premier League season and Champions League Final
    ITALY 3-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
    66 Italy are starting to seal their victory.
    Immobile flicks the ball towards Insigne, who is not even marked, and the Napoli star beats Pavlenka from close range

    GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL
    ITALY MAKE IT THREE WITH INSIGNE!!!!!!!!!
    ITALY 2-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
    64 SUBSTITUTION
    Italy manager Mancini makes his first changes in the match.
    Christante replaces Jorginho whereas Emerson and Acerbi come on for Chillini and Spinazzolla
    ITALY 2-0 CZECH REPUBLIC
    62 SUBSTITUTION
    Czech Republic manager Silhavy makes another couple of changes as Vydra and Sevcik replace Jankto and Masopust
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    Spain 0-0 Portugal LIVE RESULT: Morata HITS BAR in last minute as Cristiano Ronaldo and co earn goalless draw

    SPAIN and Portugal played out a goalless draw in an intriguing pre-Euro 2020 friendly.In a full-blooded contest, Jose Fonte thought he had given the visitors the lead, but Craig Pawson quickly blew the whistle for a foul.
    Meanwhile Pablo Sarabia missed an open goal for the Spaniards as he blasted the ball over the bar.
    And in the best chance of the match Alvaro Morata missed a one-on-one as he hit the bar in the 89th minute.
    THAT’S ALL FOR TONIGHT!
    Spain and Portugal played out a goalless draw at Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
    Both sides spurned good chances to win it but none more so that Alvaro Morata who hit the bar in the last minute when he was one on one with Patricio.
    Next up for the Spanish is a game against Lithuania, whilst Portugal play Israel as both sides continue to build up to their respective Euro campaigns.
    Join us on SunSport for more live blogs as the build up to Euros continue.
    Goodnight!
    REACTION FROM SANTOS
    “It was a good and positive game for both teams, but I wish we had done other different things because we have the quality to do better. I believe and trust that we can transform technical and individual quality into collective quality.
    “This game has served what we wanted, but we wanted to do better and it also helps us to rectify the aspects that I think need to be improved.”
    MORE FROM ENRIQUE
    “After two games against Germany, two against the Netherlands and two against Portugal, we have not lost any of them
    “I am optimistic and I will continue to be. We will face the Lithuanian game trying to improve.”
    REACTION FROM ENRIQUE
    “What I liked the most was the attitude we have had. The first minutes we cancelled the current European champion.
    “Maybe we lacked a bit of fluency, but overall I’m satisfied. ”
    FRUSTRATING NIGHT FOR RONALDO

    REACTION FROM LAPORTE
    “It was an honour to play my first game for Spain. I am very happy and thank Luis Enrique for giving me this chance.
    “It’s been a while since I last played. I preferred to go out as a precaution. ”
    STRONG ATLETICO PRESENCE FOR SPAIN

    SPANISH DEBUT FOR LAPORTE

    GREAT TO SEE FANS BACK TODAY!

    A COMPETITIVE AND ENTERTAINING GAME

    MORATA MISSED A LOT OF CHANCES…

    STAT ATTACK

    STAT ATTACK

    IT ENDS GOALLESS

    PEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!!
    FULL TIME
    SPAIN 0-0 PORTUGAL
    SPAIN 0-0 PORTUGAL
    90. Chance! Morata breaks through, he’s in on goal with just Patricio to beat but his shot comes back off the bar!
    Another wasted chance for Morata!!!!!!
    SPAIN 0-0 PORTUGAL
    90. There will be 2 minutes of added time.
    SPAIN 0-0 PORTUGAL
    88. Chance! A free kick from the left is whipped into the box by Koke its flicked on by Ferran Torres but Patricio makes the save!
    Great stop from the keeper!
    SPAIN 0-0 PORTUGAL
    84. Portugal pushing for a winner in these late stages, tempo of the game a lot slower now.
    Game looks like it will peter out into a draw.
    SPAIN 0-0 PORTUGAL
    81. Sub for Spain. Guerreiro is replaced by N. Mendes.
    SPAIN 0-0 PORTUGAL
    80. Sub for Spain, Laporte is replaced by Diego Llorente.
    SPAIN 0-0 PORTUGAL
    77. Chance! Morata crosses into the box, Ferran Torres hits it first time but it’s blocked and cleared away!
    Another missed chance for Spain!
    SPAIN 0-0 PORTUGAL
    75. Subs for Spain Koke and Moreno replace Ruiz and Sarabia.
    SPAIN 0-0 PORTUGAL
    72. Spain continuing to press and probe looking for a goal but they’re lacking a cutting edge in the final third.
    Portugal defending well and still look a threat on the break.
    SPAIN 0-0 PORTUGAL
    69. Chance! Free kick on the right hand side after Renato Sanches if fouled. Bruno Fernandes whips it in and it headed wide by Ronaldo!
    Great chance for the Juventus man!
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    Jose Mourinho backs England star Harry Kane to use Tottenham trophy drought to fire him up for Euro 2020

    JOSE MOURINHO has backed Harry Kane to use his Tottenham trophy drought to fire him up for the Euros.Despite his fine goalscoring form, England skipper Kane has endured another frustrating trophy-less season with Spurs – and is eyeing a move away this summer.
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    Jose Mourinho has backed Harry Kane to be fired up for Euro 2020Credit: Rex
    The Special One has backed his former Spurs striker to use his trophy drought as fuelCredit: The Sun
    But old boss Mourinho believes the striker’s pain will stand him in good stead to lead the Three Lions on home turf.
    Mourinho said: “Harry (Kane) is the one that has on his shoulders a lot.
    “The country expects a lot from him. He expects a lot from himself.
    “He’s the captain and he wants to win something. He’s not doing that with the club, so, of course, he’s going to try everything he can to do it with the Three Lions.”
    He’s the captain and he wants to win something. He’s not doing that with the club, so, of course, he’s going to try everything he can to do it with the Three LionsJose Mourinho on Harry Kane
    Mourinho added: “This is a generation full of good players, even the young players. The squad is amazing. England has to go with everything.
    “The group phase is at home. The semi-finals and final is at home. It has to be now, because it was in 1966. I think they have to push with everything.”
    Kane himself has revealed he is desperate to win with England and would consider it a failure if he didn’t.
    He recently said: “My dad was born in 1964, so he was two when England won the World Cup.
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    “That is how long ago we are talking about, and it’s down to us to put that right.
    “I think if I finish my career as a footballer without winning a major trophy for England, I would see that as a failure.
    “I know we are still progressing, still got room to improve, but that is the goal and I think we can do that.”
    Kane has one more opportunity to prepare for Euro 2020 when England play Romania in a warm-up on Sunday.
    England then kick off their campaign with a clash with Croatia on Sunday 13 June.
    BETTING SPECIAL – GET ENGLAND TO WIN EURO 2020 AND HARRY KANE TO BE TOP SCORER AT 18/1

    Harry Kane shows off new bespoke golden boots More

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    Jose Mourinho’s expert Euro 2020 country-by-country guide as he warns England ‘it has to be now’ with final at Wembley

    EURO 2020 is nearly upon us… finally!And SunSport’s resident expert Jose Mourinho has had his say on England, Scotland, Wales and all of the major players ahead of next week’s curtain-raiser.
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    Jose Mourinho has given his thoughts on England, Wales, Scotland and all of the major Euro 2020 players in his country-by-country guide, exclusively for SunSportCredit: The Sun
    From squad selection and managers to tactics and even home advantage, the Special One has covered every angle in his country-by-country guide.
    Check out what Mourinho has to say ahead of the tournament opener…
    ENGLAND
    IT’s a generation full of good players. The squad is amazing.
    It will be quite difficult for Gareth Southgate to have the whole country agree with his choices because there are so many.

    Just looking at, for example. Right backs. Who is the best English right back? Who is the second best? Who is the third best?
    The squad is very good, full of options.
    It’s not like some others where you can field a good starting XI but then during the competition they will be in trouble with an injury or a suspension.
    Gareth is getting a lot of experience at this level, with a few years and important competitions as a national team manager.
    He has a great assistant in Steve Holland and that is very important in modern football.
    We cannot be lonely in our travels. We have to be surrounded by good people.

    England is probably – with Brazil – one of the two most difficult countries to be a national coach because of what people expect from the team. They have to fight against it.
    It’s a difficult country and we expect a lot from from them.
    Culturally, instead of support them from day one until the last day, we start immediately with some negativity around them.
    They have to be very strong emotionally to cope with that pressure. If they do that, they have a big chance.
    The group phase is at home. The semi-finals and final is at home.
    It has to be now, because it was in 1966. It wasn’t in Euro 96, because of a penalty shootout which is something very unpredictable.
    They have to push with everything this time.
    BETTING SPECIAL – GET ENGLAND TO WIN EURO 2020 AND HARRY KANE TO BE TOP SCORER AT 18/1

    ITALY
    I WILL be looking for my Roma players Leonardo Spinazzola, Bryan Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini — of course I’m going to be focusing on them.
    But Italy is a team with a good mixture of good experienced players, guys that know how to win. They’re going to be stron

    Roberto Mancini is a very experienced manager – he spent 20 years coaching in the best leagues in the best countries.
    So he’s more than ready and he’s showing already in the qualification phase how good he is. The team have improved a lot under him.
    Italy have talented players, but they have a very good tactical knowledge. They’re able to play in different ways.
    Roberto is giving them a little bit more attacking quality but they don’t lose their nature and they know how to compete.
    I think this is the best quality of them as a team. It’s difficult to find weaknesses.
    I think they will be always in in the final four.
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    BELGIUM
    BELGIUM are a powerful side- it’s a team full of good players.
    Kevin De Bruyne emerged as a fantastic player and Youri Tielemans’ evolution has been really, really good since he came to the Premier League.

    They have lots of creation and Romelu Lukaku is a goalscorer with incredible evolution in two years with Inter Milan.
    As a team they have been together for many years and they have a lot of experience.
    Roberto Martinez is a good manager. He has had a few years with them developing the team, a certain style of play, a certain way of play, he’s very adapted to the qualities of the players.
    I think he can make something special – and when I say special, I say more than the semi-finals of the World Cup.
    But I think it’s now or never for them because lots of the players are reaching this perfect age to make it. They can do it.
    FRANCE
    FRANCE could make an A team, B team and C team because in this moment they have an incredible number of top players.
    When you have Kylian Mbappe on your side it is very difficult NOT to win.

    He is one of these players that wins matches and scares opponents.
    Mbappe goes with everything to try to prove to everyone that after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, he is the next best.
    Didier Deschamps knows what he wants. They are the world champions. They are the last runner-ups in the Euros.
    I think less than reaching the final, for them is nothing. I don’t believe Deschamps reads or listens to the outside… I think he just knows what he wants.
    The principles you want the team to have. Every player has to respect him because if not, he’s not there.
    When you have this discipline and when every player follows what the coach wants, the team becomes really, really strong.
    I cannot see any weakness. If I had to say one team to win it, I will say them – because the group of players is fantastic.
    They have to win it. If not, it is an unsuccessful Euros.
    PORTUGAL
    RUBEN DIAS is the best centre back in the world now.
    With his move to the Premier League with Manchester City, he is getting a different level of knowledge.

    He is a fantastic centre back. And the one next to him, Pepe, is a 38-year-old with a lot of experience.
    That can be a strength for Portugal as they then have lots of talented players in attack.
    Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo is not a kid anymore and this is probably his last Euros.
    After becoming a European champion, I believe he’s going to try everything to succeed for the last time.
    Fernando Santos is the right guy in the right place. Very stable, very calm, very adapted. And he knows the players very, very well.
    By keeping Cristiano, Pepe, Rui Patricio and Joao Moutinho, he has a structure of experienced boys.
    But it’s such a tough group where if you told me Portugal is going out, I wouldn’t be surprised.
    We play France in France, Germany in Germany and Hungary in Hungary.
    So it’s an incredible situation but if we go through, we are capable of going until the end.
    SPAIN
    SPAIN have a young generation of players coming through and coach Luis Enrique believes in a certain kind of football.
    Technically, they are incredible.

    Even the centre-backs are incredibly talented technically. So the building from the back, the keeping possession, hiding the ball from the opponent, make opposition run after the ball.. this is Spain.
    But they don’t have a top striker like David Villa. They struggle to kill opponents after being so dominant like they normally are.
    They don’t score enough goals for the football they play. You can be punished by clever opposition that wait for you and then kill you.
    They have to kill opponents for the way they play. They take risks, they make the pitch very big and wide when they have the ball.
    But they are a bit fragile when they lose possession.
    Luis was my player when I was in Barcelona a long time ago. He has great leadership qualities. He will have the team around him altogether.
    They can beat anyone but I don’t see them playing in the final.
    HOLLAND
    IT has been a strange situation for them with Ronald Koeman moving to Barcelona. I don’t think that helped them.
    Frank de Boer doesn’t have great experience as a national or club coach.

    Of course he was a very good player and respected in Holland. The players will look up to him.
    They are not bad players but where are the Van Bastens? Where are the Rijkaards?
    I don’t see them even reaching the semi-finals.
    They have good young players that will need probably another another two or four years to be at the top of their game.
    Holland should get out of the group but to reach semi-finals or the final? I don’t see that.
    SCOTLAND
    SCOTLAND has a nucleus of stars who are important players in the Premier League.
    You look at Kieran Tierney at Arsenal, Andy Robertson at Liverpool, Scott McTominay at Manchester United. Then you have others at Aston Villa and Southampton.

    Scotland are a Premier League-level team and are better than in the past 20 years.
    I grew up with with Scotland going to World Cups and important players that I didn’t forget as a young guy.
    There was a big break but now they are coming.
    Steve Clarke was my assistant at Chelsea and gave me everything in terms of the emotion and the positivity he brought to my work.
    Of course, being Scottish he feels it deeply. He is not a foreign manager coming to do a job.
    He has a group of boys that are living the dream at the national team level. The big strength is the passion.
    I know the spirit well because I did a few coaching courses when I was a young guy in Scotland. I know the mentality, I know the passion. They really are a family of brave guys.
    The group is not an easy one. They’re going to fight for points and they’re going to give England a hard time.
    They are not candidates for the title, not even the semi-finals. But it is going to be very hard to beat them.
    WALES
    OVER the years Wales have relied a lot on Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, the two most talented players in the country.
    But when I look to the club season and how many matches Ramsey played at Juventus… there were lots of injuries.

    When we look to Gareth and how many great performances he had, how many goals he scored against the best teams, there were not many or none.
    It’s not an easy situation for a country without many options.
    But they are always well organised and know how to create a situation to try to get the best out of the more talented players.
    Dan James is fast and is the one that can break defenders.
    With the small group of players they are doing amazingly well, so lots of respect.
    But it will be hard for them even to qualify for the next phase.
    GERMANY
    JOACHIM LOW’S side were awful in qualification and were awful in the Nations League.
    They had a historical result by losing at home against North Macedonia.

    It’s quite hard to understand why they were so poor in the past couple of years.
    But now this is the moment of the truth. And normally in the moment of the truth, Germany are going to be there.
    Low is leaving after the Euros and will want to go out on a high.
    This will also be the last Euros for players like Thomas Muller, Mats Hummels and Manuel Neuer.
    They are always a team to fear. They are soldiers. They are very disciplined guys.
    They have some very talented young guys there – Joshua Kimmich is an example of fantastic young player that is going to be not just the present, but the future of the country.
    The Germans are the Germans.. and I think this says everything.
    I think they can be out in the group phase. It can happen.
    But I think if they go through the group phase, they can go all the way.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    BBC release promo for Euro 2020 featuring Bale, Ronaldo and Mbappe for this summer More