ENGLAND have been dealt a mega blow ahead of Euro 2020 with Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out of the tournament.The Liverpool star limped off during the Three Lions’ 1-0 victory over Austria.
Meanwhile Cristiano Ronaldo is eyeing an appearance as Portugal take on Spain in a Euros warm-up clash.
Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
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.”
VAR-CICAL
Wales’ decision to agree to the unexpected use of VAR in France backfired as their Euro 2020 preparations took a hit, writes Phil Cadden.
Neco Williams was controversially sent off by Luis Godinho for deliberate handball in the first half of the 3-0 friendly defeat in Nice following the technology check.
It was the first time VAR had been used at a Wales game and, although it will be used at this month’s Euro finals, the decision was left up to the individual federations on its operation in friendlies.
SunSport asked Wales boss Page about the use of VAR in friendlies and he replied: “The decision was more of a surprise to me, not whether we had VAR or not.”
England and Austria opted against the use of VAR and Gareth Southgate was left relieved when defender Tyrone Mings escaped any action for his forearm smash on Austria striker Sasa Kalajdzic.
But Liverpool defender Williams was not so lucky and is set to miss Saturday’s final Euro 2020 friendly against Albania in Cardiff despite Wales’ plans to appeal.
Credit: AFP
BAKU BOOST
Welsh fans travelling to Azerbaijan will NOT have to quarantine upon arrival in Baku.
State officials have confirmed that a match ticket and negative coronavirus test will give travellers freedom in the country, alongside the typical pandemic restrictions.
Elkhan Mammadov, Executive Vice President at AFFA, said: “We are excited to welcome fans from the nations involved in our Euro 2020 host fixtures and have made a sensible plan to ensure those who wish to come can enjoy Baku, confident of a safe experience in our wonderful city.”
Wales face Switzerland and Turkey at the Olympic Stadium, which hosts another Group A game and a quarter-final.
READY FOR ACTION
Could these two lead England to Euros glory?
IT’S COMING HOME
The European Championship trophy has today arrived at London’s King’s Cross as it nears the end of its pre-tournament tour.
The piece of silverware will then journey to Wembley Stadium, where the final will be held.
London will feature several Euro 2020 nods in the coming weeks including legendary commentator John Motson on Tube announcements at five stations, and special artworks.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “As a huge football fan, I can’t wait for Euro 2020 to begin and the arrival of the trophy in our city is an exciting reminder that there’s only one week to go until the tournament kicks off.”
Credit: Reuters
LAST NIGHT’S FRIENDLIES
Belgium stuttered in their Euro 2020 preparation last night, drawing 1-1 with Greece despite Thorgan Hazard’s opener.
But there were no such issues for Turkey or Ukraine, who dispatched Moldova 2-0 and Northern Ireland 1-0 respectively.
And Switzerland put seven past Lichtenstein ahead of their Group A campaign – thanks to a hat-trick for Mario Gavranovic.
TEAM IN FOCUS
Czech Republic are the forgotten members of Group D.
Kicking off against Scotland at Hampden Park on June 14, Jaroslav Silhavy’s team are ranked 40th in the world and have never missed a Euros since breaking off from Czechoslovakia in the 1990s.
And they are no pushover either, reaching the latter stages three times since then. Let’s take a closer look…
GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out of Euro 2020 and will depart England’s camp on Thursday night.
A medical assessment earlier in the day revealed that the Liverpool defender, 22, had suffered a grade two quad tear during England’s 1-0 friendly win over Austria.
The scan confirmed the devastated defender’s worst fears and he will now withdraw from England’s squad for the tournament. He faces a recovery period of between four to six weeks.
In other England injury news, former Three Lions striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has criticised Jordan Henderson’s failure to step aside from the Euro 2020 squad due to his current injury situation.
He told talkSPORT: “He should just be honest with the manager now and say: ‘You know what, I am struggling here. I’m a leader and a captain in myself, I’ll do the right thing for the squad’.
“Bring in whoever you have to bring in as another central midfielder because this injury is playing up now. I think [Henderson] is being selfish.”
Elsewhere, Sven Goran Eriksson believes that Jesse Lingard should have been included in the 26-man England squad for the upcoming European Championships.
Eriksson was shocked at Lingard’s omission, with the former England manager questioning current boss Gareth Southgate’s decision.
He told talkSPORT: “It’s a surprise that Lingard’s not there because even to have him on the bench with his pace and one-on-one ability, he’s a clever footballer.
“He had a good season with West Ham. I didn’t see him play every game, but the games I saw he has been very good.”
VER-Y CLOSE TO RETURN
Italy are confident that Marco Verratti will be able to feature in Euro 2020 after including him in the final squad list for the tournament.
Ahead of Italy’s upcoming international friendly fixture against the Czech Republic, Mancini provided another key update regarding Verratti’s notable injury.
As quoted by FIGC’s official website, he said: “Marco Verratti is making giant strides. We will assess the situation next week.”
Verratti will have to accelerate his injury recovery process if he aspires to feature in Italy’s opening Euro 2020 group stage fixture against Turkey next week.
If he is unable to go for this match, Italy team officials will then look towards its fixture against Switzerland to see whether Verratti will be able to finally make his tournament debut.
NOT TRENT TO BE
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out of Euro 2020 and will depart England’s camp on Thursday night.
A medical assessment earlier in the day revealed that the Liverpool defender, 22, had suffered a grade two quad tear during England’s 1-0 friendly win over Austria.
The scan confirmed the devastated defender’s worst fears and he will now withdraw from England’s squad for the tournament. He faces a recovery period of between four to six weeks.
Southgate is expected to call up an additional player to replace Alexander-Arnold in England’s 26-man squad.
Jesse Lingard, James Ward-Prowse, Ollie Watkins, Aaron Ramsdale, Ben Godfrey and Ben White were all cut from England’s Euro 2020 squad earlier this week.
Records Ronaldo could break at EURO 2020
Most finals campaigns
Seventeen men have appeared in four EURO tournaments, beginning with Lothar Matthäus and Peter Schmeichel back in 2000.
Ronaldo is among them and he will strike out alone if he features this summer. He is the last man standing of the 11 who notched up number four in 2016.
Most finals goals
Ronaldo marked his EURO debut against Greece on 12 June 2004 with a goal – his first for Portugal! – and has since registered eight more across 21 finals appearances.
A tally of nine means he heads into UEFA EURO 2020 level with France’s Michel Platini, whose goals all came at EURO ’84.
Most appearances (including qualifying)
Ronaldo needs three more appearances to surpass Gianluigi Buffon’s all-time high of 58 appearances in EURO competition, qualifying and finals – the 36-year-old could end the tournament on 63 matches.
His 56 to date have resulted in 36 wins, 12 draws and eight defeats.
58 Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)56 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)51 Mario Frick (Liechtenstein)
Oldest scorer in a final
Just one player aged over 30 has scored in a EURO final.
Bernd Hölzenbein was 30 years and 103 days old when he headed West Germany’s late equaliser against Czechoslovakia in 1976 to prompt extra time and, ultimately, a penalty shoot-out win.
Ronaldo will be aged 36 years and 156 days on 11 July, date of the EURO 2020 decider.
‘SELFISH’
Former England striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has criticised Jordan Henderson’s failure to step aside from the Euro 2020 squad due to his current injury situation.
The Liverpool skipper has not played since mid-February after picking up a groin problem, but was one of several recovering players named in England’s final 26-man group by Gareth Southgate on Tuesday afternoon.
He told talkSPORT: “The thing that is really winding me up is the Henderson thing.
“He should just be honest with the manager now and say: ‘You know what, I am struggling here. I’m a leader and a captain in myself, I’ll do the right thing for the squad’.
“Bring in whoever you have to bring in as another central midfielder because this injury is playing up now. I think [Henderson] is being selfish.
“If you look at it, the squad has been announced and he told Southgate he is not fit. They said the scans have come back and they’re fine, but he knows himself that there is a niggle he is feeling.
“The tournament starts in ten days, you are playing against Croatia, playing against a good team. You need to be at it, you need a training session before the game, you need some games in you.”
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