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      Chelsea are VERY fortunate to have brilliant N’Golo Kante and the French star must be considered for the Ballon d’Or

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      WITH N’Golo Kante wearing the No7 shirt, Chelsea fans must feel like the luckiest supporters in the world.The 30-year-old’s masterclass against Manchester City in the Champions League final was another reminder of his unquestionable brilliance – particularly in big games.
      N’Golo Kante, 30, poses with his Champions League final Player of the Match awardCredit: Getty
      The Blues hit the jackpot when they signed Kante from Leicester City for £32million in July 2016.
      The French midfielder, covering every blade of grass, inspired the Foxes to an iconic Premier League title win five years ago.
      Several top European clubs must have been after him – but he chose Chelsea, telling supporters it was a ‘dream come true’ to move to West London.
      And since then, Kante and Blues fans have lived the dream together.
      The Frenchman’s seemingly unlimited amount of energy is his biggest strength, yet there is so much more to his game.
      His quick tempo, good footwork and immaculate tackling helps him dictate the play as good as anyone in the business.
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      One of the highlights of the Champions League final was his tackle on Kevin De Bruyne in the second half, shortly before the City midfielder suffered a fractured nose and eye socket.
      De Bruyne was heading towards goal – looking to create a moment of magic – before the Chelsea star managed to win the ball with a measured tackle from behind, a near impossible feat in the modern game.
      Kante isn’t just a superb individual footballer, though, he also sets a fine example for his team-mates to follow.
      Cesar Azpilicueta may have had the armband against City but Kante was the standard-bearer, with every Chelsea player working their socks off to win the ultimate prize in club football.

      The ex-Leicester star – through his ability, commitment and humble personality – has gained the complete respect of his club colleagues.
      And having now won the Champions League, World Cup, Europa League, FA Cup and Premier League twice, there’s not much left for him to achieve.
      The most obvious and deserving prize that evades him is the Ballon d’Or – an award he will be tipped to receive if France win Euro 2020.
      Regardless of individual honours, Kante has become a Chelsea legend – and their fans will always be thankful to him for choosing Stamford Bridge.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      N’golo Kante shows his skills as he takes on Bathsuayi at Chelsea training More

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      Kevin de Bruyne huge injury doubt for Euro 2020 after breaking TWO bones, Harry Maguire set to be fit for England

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE could miss out on Euro 2020 for Belgium after suffering two broken bones in the Champions League final.Meanwhile Matthijs de Ligt has clarified previous comments stating that he had turned down the coronavirus vaccine.
      And Harry Maguire is increasingly confident of being fit for England vs Croatia.

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      Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
      DIO-GO?
      Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot is unsure over his future at the club.
      The 22-year-old had a successful loan spell at Italian giants AC Milan, helping them finish second in the Serie A.
      Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Dalot said: “I like to become more and more complete.
      “The Italians love football, they always talk about it and being part of this culture has been a fantastic experience. And on the pitch, I feel I have improved a lot tactically.
      “There are some defensive aspects I learned here and it was fantastic to develop these qualities too.
      “That’s not the only thing either, as I improved in pressing high and recovering the ball as soon as possible.
      “Very useful stuff. I say that I had a fantastic year and met beautiful people.
      “It was a real pleasure to play for Milan but now I think about the Euros and I really don’t know (on his future) what will happen.”
      EDDIE SET GO
      Watford want to sign Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah ahead of their Premier League return, according to reports.
      The Gunners will reportedly demand £15million for the England youth international, who has a year left on his Emirates contract.
      According to the Mirror, Arsenal are looking to cash in on Nketiah before his contract expires – and Watford are willing to make a bid.

      SAUL SEARCHING
      Spain international Saul Niguez is pushing for a move away from Atletico Madrid
      That is according to the Daily Mirror, who claim that Saul is ready to bid farewell to Atletico in the summer.
      The star midfielder has been linked with a move to Manchester United for a long time.
      However, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are also keeping tabs on the 26-year-old ace
      GETTY IMAGES
      VILLA TRIO
      Former Aston Villa ace Stephen Warnock believes Jack Grealish, Tyrone Mings and Ollie Watkins are going to play a crucial role for England in Euro 2020.
      Warnock told the Daily Star: “You look at Grealish and for me he’s a shoo in, he has to go.
      “What we saw with Grealish is when he played for England, the standard didn’t drop. In fact, playing with better individuals took his game to another level.
      “I think Mings will also be selected because of a potential injury to Maguire and how he gives Southgate that option to go three at the back.
      “Watkins is a player who deserves to be there given his goal return and the way he’s taken to the Premier League”
      IT’S BEN GREAT
      England international Ben Chilwell claimed that the Champions League triumph is exactly why he decided to join Chelsea last summer.
      Chilwell told Sky Sports: “We fought so hard today.
      “We knew it would be a tough game. The second half… we fought for our lives to get to this moment, to have this feeling.
      “This is what I came to Chelsea for. It’s a dream come true”
      GETTY IMAGES
      AIN’T NO MOUNT-AIN HIGH
      England international Mason Mount, who provided the assist for Kai Havertz’s goal, claims Chelsea proved they are the “best team in the world”.
      Mount told Sky Sports: “I can’t put it into words. It’s impossible.
      “I just mentioned then that I’ve played in two finals for Chelsea and we lost them both. The way that hurt… It’s all I’ve dreamt winning a trophy with Chelsea.
      “To go all the way in the Champions League. We played some tough teams. We are in a final and we won it. It’s such a special occasion.
      “At this moment in time, we’re the best team in the world. You can’t take that away from us”
      STRIK-INGS OPTION
      Chris Sutton claims Southampton star Danny Ings could go to either Manchester United or Manchester City in the summer as a cheaper striking option.
      Ings put together another impressive season for Southampton but didn’t earn an England call-up ahead of Euro 2020.
      Sutton told BBC Radio 5Live: “There’s talk about Danny Ings leaving.
      “He could end up at Manchester City or Manchester United.
      “There are all sorts of rumours flooding around the Norfolk area, but that’s what I have heard.
      “And how could they [Southampton] possibly replace him?”
      PEP TALK
      Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola appeared confident that Belgium international Kevin De Bruyne will soon be able to return to the pitch ahead of Euro 2020.
      Guardiola told Sky Sports: “He [Kevin De Bruyne] was injured but this happens.
      “In these kind of games, we need everyone.
      “The ambition now is to the rest, and then game by game we will come back and hopefully return to this stage in the future”
      DE BRUYNE SPEAKS OUT
      Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne suffered a heavy facial injury during the Champions League Final against Chelsea.
      De Bruyne collided with Blues star Antonio Rudiger after 60 minutes and hobbled off the pitch with a black eye.
      The attacking midfielder was taken to hospital and took to Twitter to announce that he’s been diagnosed with acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture.
      The Belgium international tweeted the following:
      Hi guys just got back from the hospital. My diagnosis is Acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture. I feel okay now. Still disappointed about yesterday obviously but we will be back— Kevin De Bruyne (@DeBruyneKev) May 30, 2021

      DE BRUYNE LATEST
      Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne may have to miss Belgium’s first Euro 2020 matches in the group stage.
      De Bruyne was forced off the Champions League Final after a rough clash with Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger on 60 minutes.
      The attacking midfielder was diagnosed with acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture.
      According to ESPN, the 29-year-old will need three weeks to heal, which means he may not play any part in the group stage against Denmark, Finland and Russia.
      However, there is no way De Bruyne is going to miss the whole tournament provided that Belgium make it out of the group stage
      RING THE BALE
      Gareth Bale is unlikely to return to Real Madrid despite Zinedine Zidane’s exit from the club.
      That is according to Eurosport, who claim that Bale won’t be running down his Real contract, which expires next year, and Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy could take up the option to keep the forward next season.
      The Wales international spent the campaign on loan at Spurs and still impressed, even though he didn’t replicate the same incredible performances from his first stint.
      The 31-year-old had an uneasy relationship with Zidane at the Santiago Bernabeu but the Frenchman’s departure may not do much to bring him back
      BALE RETIREMENT
      Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, who spent the season on loan at Tottenham, was recently linked with early retirement.
      Reports from Spain have claimed that Bale is considering negotiating a payout from Real and could even retire from football altogether after Euro 2020, where he will play for Wales.
      However, the Wales international’s agent Jonathan Barnett has poured cold water on this speculation with an explosive statement.
      Barnett told talkSPORT when asked about the matter: “Sorry, don’t speak about rubbish reporting”
      GETTY IMAGES
      STAYING RON
      Cristiano Ronaldo won’t be leaving Juventus in the upcoming summer transfer window after Euro 2020.
      That is according to Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez who confirmed that the Portugal international, who was linked with a return to Manchester United, will stay in Turin.
      Rodriguez made that statement as she was filmed walking in the street in Spain.
      She was asked: “Is Cristiano staying at Juventus or not?”
      After a moment’s silence she turned to the camera filming her and replied: “He’s staying”
      MAGUIRE UPDATE
      Harry Maguire seems confident of featuring in England’s Euro 2020 kick-off match against Croatia on June 13.
      Maguire suffered an ankle injury against Aston Villa and has since been in a race against time to be fit for the summer’s Euros.
      According to the Daily Mail, however, the centre-back’s progress is looking good and there is confidence that he will be fit in just two weeks.
      The Red Devils are reportedly set to meet Maguire on Monday for a fresh check-up, with the results once again beamed to Gareth Southgate’s physios.
      VARANE UPDATE
      Manchester United are reportedly set to double Real Madrid star Raphael Varane’s wages at Old Trafford.
      Real are going to sell Varane if he opts to snub a new contract offer at the Santiago Bernabeu.
      According to ABC, Los Blancos are ready to make decisions regarding captain Sergio Ramos, who was omitted from Spain’s Euro 2020 squad, and the France international after confirming the signing of David Alaba.
      Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has prioritised a centre-back signing to partner up with England international Harry Maguire in defence, and Varane poses as his top preference
      SAM-THING SPECIAL
      Manchester United are looking to bring West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone back.
      United have placed Johnstone at the head of their wishlist if David De Gea or Dean Henderson go in the summer.
      The Baggies might cash in after their relegation to the Championship as the England international is also one of their top earners.
      The 28-year-old made 37 appearances this season and was one of the few West Brom aces who impressed during a turbulent campaign
      DE LIGT CLARIFICATION
      Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt clarified his recent comments regarding the coronavirus vaccinations.
      De Ligt previously suggested that he is not keen on taking the jab as “it is not mandatory” and “you should be in charge of your own body”.
      However, the Netherlands international took to Twitter and insisted that he is indeed in favour of the vaccines and will have it soon.
      De Ligt tweeted: “In my recent interview, I was not clear with my response. In order to clear any doubts: I am absolutely in favour of the COVID-19 vaccination and will take it as soon as possible.”
      In my recent interview, I was not clear with my response. In order to clear any doubts: I am absolutely in favour of the COVID-19 vaccination and will take it as soon as possible.— Matthijs de Ligt (@mdeligt_04) May 29, 2021

      DE BRUYNE INJURY
      Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne suffered a serious injury during the Champions League Final and had to be substituted.
      De Bruyne collided with Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger close to the hour-mark and hobbled off the pitch with an apparent head injury, which also gave him a black eye.
      There is still no update on his condition but last night’s clash raises some serious questions regarding the attacking midfielder’s fitness ahead of Euro 2020.
      Belgium boss Roberto Martinez will be counting a lot on the 29-year-old in the country’s hope of winning the trophy in the summer
      GETTY IMAGES
      TRUE ART-IST
      England international Raheem Sterling has previously praised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, with whom he worked at Manchester City when the Spaniard was Pep Guardiola’s assistant.
      The Gunners are reportedly interested in sealing a deal with Sterling ahead of the summer transfer window following rumours suggesting he will be offloaded by City.
      The star forward previously said: “[Arteta is] a person that had a lot of say here [at City]. The manager trusted him here and he had a lot of influence on the players here and the team as well.
      “So I knew once he went into Arsenal that it would be a great opportunity for him but also he would definitely implement what he wanted to bring in.
      “And he’s a person that will put his foot down and not let things slide as you can see with the boys at Arsenal. They know if they don’t run they are most likely not going to play”
      STERLING/MAHREZ SALE EXPLAINED
      Manchester City appear likely to sell Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez ahead of the summer transfer window.
      England international Sterling and Mahrez failed to shine in the Champions League Final, which saw Chelsea being crowned two-time European champions in Porto.
      Arsenal as well as Real Madrid and Barcelona are currently monitoring the situation.
      According to Metro, City boss Pep Guardiola is pulling out all the stops to fund potential high-profile moves for the likes of Tottenham star Harry Kane, Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland and Aston Villa ace Jack Grealish.
      Gabriel Jesus and Aymeric Laporte may also be sold in the next couple of months
      GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS
      Liam Cooper believes Scotland can make history at Euro 2020 by getting beyond the group stage for the first time ever.
      He said: “It’s massive for us to get off to a good start but there’s a hunger and desire to make the nation proud. We carry that on our shoulders.
      “Can we break new ground by getting out of our group? Why not believe? We see how hard we work every day.”
      Meanwhile, Gareth Southgate has revealed that he still has to request permission to talk to Jude Bellingham from the player’s parents.
      Southgate said: “We have to make sure we look after all the players but I have to talk to his dad to talk to Jude, on a child protection basis.
      “That is still the process, yet he is a first-team player who is playing at a massive club in Europe.
      “It is a reminder of how young he is. He deals with things really maturely but we must never take that for granted.”
      Netherlands defender Matthijs De Ligt has clarified his comments about Covid-19 vaccine and says he will get the jab “as soon as possible”.
      A short message on Twitter read: “In order to clear any doubts: I am absolutely in favour of the COVID-19 vaccination and will take it as soon as possible.”
      HEY JUDE
      Jude Bellingham is still so young, Gareth Southgate has to ask the midfielder’s dad for permission to speak to him.
      But Southgate believes Borussia Dortmund’s teenage sensation — and fellow English ‘exiles’ Jadon Sancho and Kieran Trippier — can bring extra know-how to England’s bid for Euro 2020 glory.
      Bellingham will not turn 18 until midway through the tournament but is set to make the cut when the Three Lions manager trims his squad down to 26 on Tuesday.
      Southgate said: “We have to make sure we look after all the players but I have to talk to his dad to talk to Jude, on a child protection basis.
      “That is still the process, yet he is a first-team player who is playing at a massive club in Europe.
      “It is a reminder of how young he is. He deals with things really maturely but we must never take that for granted.
      “He is a very mature boy but at times you forget how young he is.”
      GERMANY INJURY CONCERN
      Bayern Munich duo Leon Goretzka and Niklas Sule could miss Germany’s opening match at Euro 2020, against France.
      There are doubts over whether they will get up to speed over the next couple of weeks, having failed to completely train with the squad.
      Joachim Low confirmed in the press conference that Goretzka will join the squad on Tuesday, having trained at home in recent days.
      The German central midfielder will have individual sessions when he reports at training camp before joining other teammates on the pitch.
      Goretzka missed four of Bayern Munich’s last six league games, while Sule has been plagued by a muscle injury in recent weeks, reducing him to just 72 minutes since the beginning of April.
      I WANT DE JAB
      Juventus superstar Matthijs De Ligt insists he has NOT declined to take the Covid-19 vaccine and will get the jab “as soon as possible”.
      The Holland centre-back went on social media to clear up controversy after suggesting he was against the treatment as it was “not mandatory” and he wanted to “be in charge” of his own body.
      A short message on Twitter read: “In my recent interview, I was not clear with my response.
      “In order to clear any doubts: I am absolutely in favour of the COVID-19 vaccination and will take it as soon as possible.”
      The 21-year-old had coronavirus himself contracted the coronavirus in January – missing two games as he recovered.
      De Ligt has now linked up with Holland ahead of this summer’s Euros.
      In my recent interview, I was not clear with my response. In order to clear any doubts: I am absolutely in favour of the COVID-19 vaccination and will take it as soon as possible.— Matthijs de Ligt (@mdeligt_04) May 29, 2021

      KROOS IN QUARANTINE
      Germany are still waiting for Toni Kroos to join the camp after the midfielder’s coronavirus infection.
      It has been two weeks since Kroos tested positive but he has still not returned a negative test.
      Germany have a warm-up friendly against Denmark on Wednesday and another against Latvia on June 7 before starting their Euro 2020 campaign against France in Munich on June 15.
      Kroos could feature in the warm up games as his infection is not thought to be serious.
      Germany manager Joachim Low has provided an update on his situation. He said: “Yesterday he was still positive and for as long he remains positive, he has to stay in quarantine.
      “As soon as he gets a negative test result on one day, he’ll set off on the journey to us. He’s already had light symptoms, though they were last week.”
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      Euro 2020 squads: England 33-man list, Wales squad TONIGHT, Sergio Ramos AXED by Spain, France recall Karim Benzema

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      EURO 2020 is almost here and the squads are already being announced.England are the latest country to announce their pool of players – but it is only a provisional squad for the tournament which starts on June 11.

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      All competing Euro 2020 countries must name a squad of 26 players by June 1, though some are choosing to name larger preliminary squads beforehand.
      Euro 2020 squads
      Group A
      Gareth Bale will be key to Wales’ hopes in Euro 2020 Group ACredit: PA
      Italy
      Roberto Mancini has named a provisional squad, but is yet to finalise his pool of players:

      Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK)
      Alessio Cragno (GK)
      Alex Meret (GK)
      Salvatore Sirigu (GK)
      Francesco Acerbi
      Alessandro Bastoni
      Cristiano Biraghi
      Leonardo Bonucci
      Giorgio Chiellini
      Giovanni Di Lorenzo
      Alessandro Florenzi
      Gianluca Mancini
      Leonardo Spinazzola
      Rafael Toloi
      Nicolo Barella
      Gaetano Castrovilli
      Bryan Cristante
      Manuel Locatelli
      Lorenzo Pellegrini
      Matteo Pessina
      Stefano Sensi
      Marco Verratti
      Andrea Belotti
      Domenico Berardi
      Federico Bernardeschi
      Federico Chiesa
      Vincenzo Grifo
      Ciro Immobile
      Lorenzo Insigne
      Moise Kean
      Matteo Politano
      Giacomo Raspadori

      Switzerland
      Vladimir Petkovic has named a 29-man provisional squad and intends to cut it down before the June 1 deadline.
      Provisional squad:

      Yann Sommer (GK)
      Yvon Mvogo (GK)
      Jonas Omlin (GK)
      Gregor Kobel (GK)
      Manuel Akanji 
      Loris Benito 
      Nico Elvedi 
      Kevin Mbabu 
      Becir Omeragic 
      Ricardo Rodriguez  
      Silvan Widmer
      Fabian Schar 
      Jordan Lotomba 
      Eray Comert
      Granit Xhaka 
      Denis Zakaria 
      Remo Freuler 
      Djibril Sow 
      Admir Mehmedi 
      Xherdan Shaqiri 
      Ruben Vargas 
      Steven Zuber 
      Edimilson Fernandes 
      Christian Fassnacht 
      Dan Ndoye 
      Andi Zeqiri
      Breel Embolo 
      Mario Gavranovic  
      Haris Seferovic

      Turkey
      Senol Gunes has announced his provisional 30-man squad. The final squad will be announced on June 1.

      Mert Günok (GK)
      Uğurcan Çakır (GK)
      Altay Bayındır (GK)
      Gökhan Akkan (GK)
      Kaan Ayhan
      Çağlar Söyüncü
      Zeki Çelik
      Merih Demiral
      Umut Meraş
      Ozan Kabak
      Mert Müldür
      Rıdvan Yılmaz
      Ozan Tufan
      Hakan Çalhanoğlu
      Okay Yokuşlu
      Yusuf Yazıcı
      Cengiz Ünder
      Mahmut Tekdemir
      İrfan Kahveci
      Dorukhan Toköz
      Abdülkadir Ömür
      Efecan Karaca
      Taylan Antalyalı
      Orkun Kökçü
      Halil Akbunar
      Turkey Göztepe
      Kerem Aktürkoğlu
      Burak Yılmaz (c)
      Kenan Karaman
      Enes Ünal
      Halil Dervişoğlu

      Wales
      Interim manager Robert Page has announced a 28-man squad for a training camp in Portugal. He will name his Euro 2020 squad today.

      Wayne Hennessey (GK)
      Danny Ward (GK)
      Adam Davies (GK)
      James Lawrence
      Ben Davies
      Joe Rodon
      Chris Mepham
      Chris Gunter
      Rhys Norrington-Davies
      Neco Williams
      Joe Allen
      Joe Morrell
      Ethan Ampadu
      Matthew Smith
      Jonathan Williams
      Kieffer Moore
      Aaron Ramsey
      Harry Wilson
      Gareth Bale
      David Brooks
      Tyler Roberts
      Tom Lawrence
      Rabbi Matondo
      Dylan Levitt
      Tom Lockyer
      Rubin Colwill
      Mark Harris
      George Thomas

      Group B
      Kevin de Bruyne and Belgium are among the favourites for Euro 2020Credit: Reuters
      Belgium
      Belgium manager Roberto Martinez’s full 26-man squad is as follows:

      Thibaut Courtois (GK)
      Simon Mignolet (GK)
      Mats Sels (GK)
      Toby Alderweireld
      Dedryck Boyata
      Jason Denayer
      Thomas Vermaelen
      Jan Vertonghen
      Yannick Carrasco
      Timothy Castagne
      Nacer Chadli
      Thorgan Hazard
      Thomas Meunier
      Kevin de Bruyne
      Leander Dendoncker
      Dennis Praet
      Youri Tielemans
      Hans Vanaken
      Axel Witsel
      Jeremy Doku
      Eden Hazard (c)
      Dries Mertens
      Leandro Trossard
      Michy Batshuayi
      Christian Benteke
      Romelu Lukaku

      Standby: Thomas Kaminski (GK), Alexis Saelemaekers, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Bryan Heynen, Thomas Foket, Adnan Januzaj, Brandon Mechele, Jordan Lukaku, Zinho Vanheusden, Yari Verschaeren, Charles de Ketelaere
      Denmark
      Denmark’s final 26-man squad is as follows:

      Kasper Schmeichel (GK)
      Frederik Ronnow (GK)
      Jonas Lossl (GK)
      Simon Kjaer (c)
      Andreas Christensen
      Mathias Jorgensen
      Jens Stryger Larsen
      Jannik Vestergaard
      Nicolai Boilesen
      Joakim Maehle
      Joachim Andersen
      Christian Eriksen
      Thomas Delaney
      Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
      Daniel Wass
      Mathias Jensen
      Anders Christiansen
      Christian Norgaard
      Yussuf Poulsen
      Martin Braithwaite
      Andreas Cornelius
      Kasper Dolberg
      Robert Skov
      Jonas Wind
      Andreas Skov Olsen
      Mikkel Damsgaard

      Finland
      Finland have announced a 29-man preliminary squad. The final squad will be revealed on Tuesday, June 1.

      Lukas Hradecky (GK)
      Jesse Joronen (GK)
      Anssi Jaakkola (GK)
      Carljohan Eriksson (GK)
      Paulus Arajuuri
      Jere Uronen
      Juhani Ojala
      Thomas Lam
      Sauli Vaisanen
      Albin Granlund
      Nikolai Alho
      Daniel O’Shaughnessy
      Niko Hamalainen
      Leo Vaisanen
      Robert Ivanov
      Aapo Halme
      Tim Sparv (c)
      Rasmus Schuller
      Glen Kamara
      Pyry Soiri
      Joni Kauko
      Fredrik Jensen
      Onni Valakari
      Jasin-Amin Assehnoun
      Teemu Pukki
      Joel Pohjanpalo
      Lassi Lappalainen
      Roope Riski
      Marcus Forss

      Russia
      Russia manager Stanislav Cherchesov’s preliminary squad is as follows:

      Yury Dyupin (GK)
      Andrey Lunev (GK)
      Anton Shunin (GK)
      Matvei Safonov (GK)
      Georgi Dzhikiya
      Igor Diveev
      Mario Fernandes
      Roman Yevgenyev
      Yuri Zhirkov
      Vyacheslav Karavaev
      Fyodor Kudryashov
      Ilya Samoshnikov
      Andrei Semyonov
      Dimitri Barinov
      Rifat Zhemaletdinov
      Maksim Mukhin
      Aleksandr Golovin
      Arsen Zakharyan
      Roman Zobnin
      Daniil Fomin
      Aleksei Ionov
      Daler Kuzyaev
      Andrei Mostovoy
      Magomed Ozdoyev
      Denis Makarov
      Aleksei Miranchuk
      Denis Cheryshev
      Artem Dzyuba (c)
      Anton Zabolotny
      Aleksandr Sobolev

      Group C
      Holland are back in tournament football after a seven-year absenceCredit: AFP
      Austria
      Austria’s final Euro 2020 squad is as follows:

      Daniel Bachmann (GK)
      Pavao Pervan (GK)
      Alexander Schlager (GK)
      David Alaba  
      Aleksandar Dragovic
      Marco Friedl
      Martin Hinteregger  
      Stefan Lainer 
      Philipp Lienhart 
      Stefan Posch 
      Christopher Trimmel 
      Andreas Ulmer
      Julian Baumgartlinger
      Christoph Baumgartner 
      Florian Grillitsch
      Stefan Ilsanker 
      Konrad Laimer
      Valentino Lazaro
      Marcel Sabitzer
      Luis Schaub  
      Xaver Schlager 
      Alessandro Schopf
      Marko Arnautovic 
      Michael Gregoritsch 
      Sasa Kalajdzic
      Karim Onisiwo

      Holland
      Holland manager Frank de Boer announced his preliminary 34-man squad on Friday, May 14.

      Jesper Cillessen (GK)
      Tim Krul (GK)
      Martin Stekelenburg (GK)
      Patrick van Aanholt
      Nathan Ake
      Daley Blind
      Denzel Dumfries
      Matthijs de Ligt
      Jurrien Timber
      Joel Veltman
      Stefan de Vrij
      Owen Windal
      Donny van de Beek
      Ryan Gravenberch
      Frenkie de Jong
      Davy Klaassen
      Teun Koopmeiners
      Martin de Roon
      Georginio Wijnaldum (c)
      Steven Berghuis
      Cody Gakpo
      Luuk de Jong
      Donyell Malen
      Memphis Depay
      Quincy Promes
      Wout Weghorst

      North Macedonia
      North Macedonia manager Igor Angelovski announced his squad on May 20.

      Stole Dimitrievski (GK)
      Damjan Shishkovski (GK)
      Riste Jankov (GK)
      Stefan Ristovski
      Visar Musliu
      Egzon Bejtulai
      Kire Ristevski
      Gjoko Zajkov
      Darko Velkovski
      Ezgjan Alioski
      Arijan Ademi
      Enis Bardhi
      Stefan Spirovski
      Boban Nikolov
      Tihomir Kostadinov
      Ferhan Hasani
      Eljif Elmaz
      Daniel Avramovski
      Darko Churlinov
      Marjan Radeski
      Goran Pandev
      Aleksandar Trajkovski
      Ivan Trichkovski
      Vlatko Stojanovski
      Krste Velkovski
      Milan Ristovski

      Ukraine
      Ukraine manager Andriy Shevchenko’s preliminary squad is as follows:

      Andriy Pyatov (c) (GK)
      Andriy Lunin (GK)
      Heorhiy Bushchan (GK)
      Anatoliy Trubin (GK)
      Mykola Matviyenko
      Oleksandr Karavayev
      Serhiy Kryvtsov
      Eduard Sobol
      Vitaliy Mykolenko
      Bohdan Mykhaylichenko
      Illya Zabarnyi
      Oleksandr Tymchyk
      Viktor Korniyenko
      Denys Popov
      Oleksandr Syrota
      Andriy Yarmolenko
      Taras Stepanenko
      Oleksandr Zinchenko
      Ruslan Malinovskyi
      Serhiy Sydorchuk
      Viktor Tsyhankov
      Marlos
      Yevhenii Makarenko
      Mykola Shaparenko
      Oleksandr Zubkov
      Artem Bondarenko
      Bohdan Lyednyev
      Heorhiy Sudakov
      Roman Yaremchuk
      Artem Besyedin
      Artem Dovbyk

      Group D
      Harry Kane will hope to lead England to a first international trophy since 1966Credit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
      Croatia
      Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic’s final 26-man Euro 2020 squad is as follows:

      Lovre Kalinic (GK)
      Dominik Livakovic (GK)
      Simon Sluga (GK)
      Domagoj Vida
      Dejan Lovren
      Sime Vrsaljko
      Borna Barisic
      Duje Caleta-Car
      Josip Juranovic
      Domagoj Bradaric
      Mile Skoric
      Josko Gvardiol
      Luka Modric (c)
      Mateo Kovacic
      Marcelo Brozovic
      Milan Badelj
      Mario Pasalic
      Nikola Vlasic
      Luka Ivanusec
      Ivan Perisic
      Andrej Kramaric
      Ante Rebic
      Josip Brekalo
      Bruno Petkovic
      Mislav Orsic
      Ante Budimir

      Czech Republic
      Czech Republic manager Jaroslav Silhavy’s 26-man Euro 2020 squad is as follows:

      Tomas Vaclik (GK)
      Jiri Pavlenka (GK)
      Ales Mandous (GK)
      Pavel Kaderabek
      Ondrej Celustka
      Tomas Kalas
      Jan Boril
      Jakub Brabec
      Vladimir Coufal
      Tomas Holes
      Ales Mateju
      David Zima
      Vladimir Darida (c)
      Jakub Jankto
      Tomas Soucek
      Lukas Masopust
      Antonin Barak
      Alex Kral
      Petr Sevcik
      Adam Hlozek
      Jakub Pesek
      Michal Sadilek
      Matej Vydra
      Michael Krmencik
      Patrik Schick
      Tomas Pekhart

      England
      England manager Gareth Southgate has named a 33-man provisional squad, which he intends to trim down before the June 1 deadline.
      Here is the provisional squad:

      Dean Henderson (GK)
      Sam Johnstone (GK)
      Jordan Pickford (GK)
      Aaron Ramsdale (GK)
      Trent Alexander-Arnold
      Ben Chilwell
      Conor Coady
      Ben Godfrey
      Reece James
      Harry Maguire
      Tyrone Mings
      Luke Shaw
      John Stones
      Kieran Trippier
      Kyle Walker
      Ben White
      Jude Bellingham
      Jordan Henderson
      Jesse Lingard
      Mason Mount
      Kalvin Phillips
      Declan Rice
      James Ward-Prowse
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin
      Phil Foden
      Jack Grealish
      Mason Greenwood
      Harry Kane
      Marcus Rashford
      Bukayo Saka
      Jadon Sancho
      Raheem Sterling
      Ollie Watkins

      Scotland
      Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad is as follows:

      Craig Gordon (GK)
      David Marshall (GK)
      Jon McLaughlin
      Liam Cooper
      Declan Gallagher
      Grant Hanley
      Jack Hendry
      Scott McKenna
      Stephen O’Donnell
      Nathan Patterson
      Andy Robertson
      Greg Taylor
      Kieran Tierney
      Stuart Armstrong
      Ryan Christie
      John Fleck
      James Forrest
      Ryan Fraser
      Billy Gilmour
      John McGinn
      Callum McGregor
      Scott McTominay
      David Turnbull
      Che Adams
      Lyndon Dykes
      Kevin Nisbet

      Group E
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic (right) had come out of retirement but will not feature for Sweden after getting injuredCredit: EPA
      Poland
      Poland manager Paulo Sousa’s squad is as follows:

      Lukasz Fabianski
      Wojciech Szczesny
      Kukasz Skorupski
      Kamil Glik
      Maciej Rybus
      Bartosz Bereszynski
      Jan Bednarek
      Tomasz Kedziora
      Pawel Dawidowicz
      Michal Helik
      Kamil Piatkowski
      Tymoteusz Puchacz
      Grzegorz Krychowiak
      Piotr Zielinski
      Mateusz Klich
      Karol Linetty
      KamiL Jozwiak
      Przemyslaw Frankowski
      Jakub Moder
      Przemyslaw Placheta
      Kacper Kozlowski
      Robert Lewandowski (c)
      Arkadiusz Milik
      Dawid Kownacki
      Jakub Swierczok
      Karol Swiderski

      Slovakia
      Slovakia manager Stefan Tarkovic’s 24-man squad has been announced, with the full 26-man squad to follow on June 2.

      Martin Dubravka (GK)
      Dusan Kuciak (GK)
      Marek Rodak (GK)
      Petar Pekarik
      Tomas Hubocan
      Milan Skriniar
      Lubomir Satka
      Denis Vavro
      Jakub Holubek
      Marek Hamsik (c)
      Juraj Kucka
      Vladimir Weiss
      Robert Mak
      Ondrej Duda
      Patrik Hrosovsky
      Stanislav Lobotka
      Matus Bero
      Lukas Haraslin
      Laszlo Benes
      Tomas Suslov
      Erik Jirka
      Michal Duris
      Robert Bozenik
      David Strelec

      Spain
      Manager Luis Enrique decided to pick only 24 players instead of the 26 he was allowed to select.

      David de Gea (GK)
      Robert Sanchez (GK)
      Unai Simon (GK)
      Aymeric Laporte
      Jose Gaya
      Jordi Alba
      Pau Torres
      Eric Garcia
      Diego Llorente
      Cesar Azpilicueta
      Marcos Llorente
      Sergio Busquets (c)
      Rodri
      Pedri
      Thiago
      Koke
      Fabian
      Dani Olmo
      Mikel Oyarzabal
      Gerard Moreno
      Alvaro Morat
      Ferran Torres
      Adama Traore
      Pablo Sarabia

      Sweden
      Sweden manager Janne Andersson announced his final 26-man squad on Tuesday, May 18.

      Robin Olsen (GK)
      Karl-Johan Johnsson (GK)
      Kristoffer Nordfeldt (GK)
      Mikael Lustig
      Ludwig Augustinsson
      Victor Lindelof
      Marcus Danielson
      Martin Olsson
      Pontus Jansson
      Filip Helander
      Emil Krafth
      Andreas Granqvist (c)
      Sebastian Larsson
      Albin Ekdal
      Emil Forsberg 
      Ken Sema
      Viktor Claesson
      Jens Cajuste 
      Mattias Svanberg
      Kristoffer Olsson
      Dejan Kulusevski
      Gustav Svensson
      Jordan Larsson
      Alexander Isak
      Robin Quaison
      Marcus Berg

      Group F
      Dominik Szoboszlai will be key to Hungary’s hopes as they look to defy the odds and escape the Group of DeathCredit: Getty
      France
      France manager Didier Deschamps’ 26-man squad is as follows:

      Hugo Lloris (GK) (c)
      Steve Mandanda (GK)
      Mike Maignan (GK)
      Leo Dubois
      Benjamin Pavard
      Kurt Zouma
      Jules Kounde
      Raphael Varane
      Clement Lenglet
      Prinsel Kimpembe
      Lucas Digne
      Lucas Hernandez
      N’Golo Kante
      Paul Pogba
      Adrien Rabiot
      Corentin Tolisso
      Moussa Sissoko
      Karim Benzema
      Olivier Giroud
      Kylian Mbappe
      Marcus Thuram
      Kingsley Coman
      Wissam Ben Yedder
      Antoine Griezmann
      Thomas Lemar
      Ousmane Dembele

      Germany
      Germany manager Joachim Low – who is departing after Euro 2020 – announced his 26-man squad.

      Manuel Neuer (GK) (c)
      Bernd Leno (GK)
      Kevin Trapp (GK)
      Robin Koch
      Christian Gunter
      Mats Hummels
      Antonio Rüdiger
      Matthias Ginter
      Emre Can
      Niklas Sule
      Lukas Klostermann
      Marcel Halstenberg
      Robin Gosens
      Toni Kroos
      Joshua Kimmich
      Thomas Muller
      İlkay Gundogan
      Leon Goretzka
      Leroy Sané
      Kai Havertz
      Florian Neuhaus
      Jonas Hofmann
      Jamal Musiala
      Timo Werner
      Serge Gnabry
      Kevin Volland

      Hungary
      Hungary manager Marco Rossi’s 30-man preliminary squad is as follows:

      Peter Gulacsi (GK)
      Adam Bogdan (GK)
      Denes Dibusz (GK)
      Balasz Toth (GK)
      Gergo Lovrencsics
      Adam Lang
      Attila Fiola
      Willi Orban
      Attila Szalai
      Endre Botka
      Akos Kecskes
      Bendeguz Bolla
      Csaba Spandler
      Adam Nagy
      Laszlo Kleinheisler
      Filip Holender
      David Siger
      Dominik Szoboszlai
      Loic Nego
      Daniel Gazdag
      Andras Schafer
      Tamas Cseri
      Adam Szalai (c)
      Nemanja Nikolic
      Roland Sallai
      Roland Varga
      Jevin Varga
      Janos Hahn
      Szabolcs Schön

      Portugal
      Portugal manager Fernando Santos’ squad is as follows:

      Rui Silva (GK)
      Anthony Lopes (GK)
      Rui Patricio (GK)
      Raphael Guerrero
      Nuno Mendes
      Ruben Dias
      Jose Fonte
      Pepe
      Joao Cancelo
      Nelson Semedo
      Bruno Fernandes
      Renato Sanches
      Joao Palhinha
      Danilo Pereira
      Ruben Neves
      William Carvahlo
      Joao Moutinho
      Sergio Oliveira
      Bernardo Silva
      Rafa Silva
      Andre Silva
      Joao Felix
      Pedro Goncalves
      Diogo Jota
      Goncalo Guedes
      Cristiano Ronaldo (c) More

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      Kevin De Bruyne huge doubt for Euro 2020 after suffering TWO broken bones in face after grim Rudiger clash for Man City

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY star Kevin De Bruyne suffered a fractured nose and eye socket in his team’s Champions League final defeat to Chelsea.It is unconfirmed whether the injury will rule the Belgian midfielder out of Euro 2020.
      Kevin De Bruyne is in tears as he’s forced out of the Champions League finalCredit: AP
      The 29-year-old has suffered two broken bones in his faceCredit: AP
      Hi guys just got back from the hospital. My diagnosis is Acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture. I feel okay now. Still disappointed about yesterday obviously but we will be back— Kevin De Bruyne (@DeBruyneKev) May 30, 2021

      The 29-year-old suffered the nasty injury when he was blocked off by Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger, with the score 1-0 to Thomas Tuchel’s side.
      Both teams and spectators became concerned when De Bruyne didn’t get to his feet straight away, appearing to be in some discomfort.
      City’s medical team dashed on and his team-mate Kyle Walker remained kneeling by the injured star’s side while he was receiving treatment.
      The Belgium international thankfully made it to his feet but was in tears as he knew his night – and possibly his summer – was over.
      He initially began icing the injury but was soon rushed to hospital before the match was over as the swelling on his face had become severe.
      De Bruyne confirmed the extent of the injury this morning on Twitter, writing: “My diagnosis is Acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture. I feel okay now.
      “Still disappointed about yesterday obviously but we will be back.”
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      De Bruyne is now a doubt for the Euros, which starts in less than two weeks.
      Belgium’s first game of the tournament is against Russia on June 12.
      The talented midfielder should still be able to train and keep fit in the hope his facial injuries can be protected by wearing a mask.
      It is common for footballers to play in protective masks and much will depend on the severity of De Bruyne’s breaks.
      Manager Roberto Martinez may decide to keep the player in his 26-man squad as Belgium are expected to go far in the tournament.
      The Spanish coach has until Tuesday to decide whether to keep the City star involved.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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      Euro 2020 fixtures: England, Scotland, Wales – all teams’ kick-off times, TV channel, live stream and full schedule

      by

      THE domestic season is over and Euro 2020 is days away as a massive festival of football gets underway.It’s set to be a huge summer of action from around Europe as Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions go for glory.
      Southgate will be hoping to build on a good performance in the 2018 World CupCredit: AFP
      Billy Gilmour will be in action for Scotland after being picked by Steve ClarkeCredit: The Sun
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      There is plenty of home nations interest as well with Wales and Scotland involved in this summer’s showpiece.
      Re-arranged from last year’s cancelled tournament, Turkey face Italy in the Group A curtain-raiser in Rome.
      Euro 2020 confirmed groups
      There are 24 nations competing in Euro 2020, which will get underway on Friday, June 11 2021.
      Of the Home Nations, three have made it to the finals with England and Scotland both in Group D, while Wales have a tough ask in Group A.

      Group A: Turkey, Italy, Wales, Switzerland.
      Group B: Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Russia.
      Group C: Netherlands, Ukraine, Austria, North Macedonia.
      Group D: England, Croatia, Czech Republic, Scotland.
      Group E: Spain, Sweden, Poland, Slovakia.
      Group F: Germany, France, Portugal, Hungary.

      England boast the most-valuable squad of all Euro 2020 nations
      Euro 2020 fixtures
      Every single match of this summer’s tournament will be shown on free-to-air TV in the UK.
      You can catch the games on either the BBC or ITV, so anyone with a valid TV licence can watch.
      Games kick-off at 2pm, 5pm and 8pm BST – so there’s no late nights or early mornings like we’ve had in some recent World Cup’s.
      If you want to stream, the BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub will allow you to do so – all you have to do is create a free account.
      GROUP STAGE – Matchday 1
      Friday, June 11

      Turkey vs Italy, 8pm (Group A, BBC)

      Saturday, June 12

      Wales vs Switzerland, 2pm (Group A, BBC)
      Denmark vs Finland, 5pm (Group B, BBC)
      Belgium vs Russia, 8pm (Group B, ITV)

      Sunday, June 13

      England vs Croatia, 2pm (Group D, BBC)
      Austria vs North Macedonia, 5pm (Group C, ITV)
      Holland vs Ukraine, 8pm (Group C, ITV)

      Monday, June 14

      Scotland vs Czech Republic, 2pm (Group D, BBC)
      Poland vs Slovakia, 5pm (Group E, ITV)
      Spain vs Sweden, 8pm (Group E, BBC)

      Tuesday, June 15

      Hungary vs Portugal, 5pm (Group F, ITV)
      France vs Germany, 8pm (Group F, ITV)

      How England’s path to Euros glory could look
      GROUP STAGE – Matchday 2
      Wednesday, June 16

      Finland vs Russia, 2pm (Group B, BBC)
      Turkey vs Wales, 5pm (Group A, BBC)
      Italy vs Switzerland, 8pm (Group A, ITV)

      Thursday, June 17

      Ukraine vs North Macedonia, 2pm (Group C, ITV)
      Denmark vs Belgium, 5pm (Group B, ITV)
      Holland vs Austria, 8pm (Group C, BBC)

      Friday, June 18

      Sweden vs Slovakia, 2pm (Group E, BBC)
      Croatia vs Czech Republic, 5pm (Group D, BBC)
      England vs Scotland, 8pm (Group D, ITV)

      Saturday, June 19

      Hungary vs France, 2pm (Group F, BBC)
      Portugal vs Germany, 5pm (Group F, ITV)
      Spain vs Poland, 8pm (Group E, BBC)

      GROUP STAGE – Matchday 3
      Sunday, June 20

      Italy vs Wales, 5pm (Group A, ITV)
      Switzerland vs Turkey, 5pm (Group A, ITV)

      Monday, June 21

      Ukraine vs Austria, 5pm (Group C, ITV)
      North Macedonia vs Holland, 5pm (Group C, ITV)
      Russia vs Denmark, 8pm (Group B, BBC)
      Finland vs Belgium, 8pm (Group B, BBC)

      Tuesday, June 22

      Croatia vs Scotland, 8pm (Group D, ITV)
      Czech Republic vs England, 8pm (Group D, ITV)

      Wednesday, June 23

      Sweden vs Poland, 5pm (Group E, ITV)
      Slovakia vs Spain, 5pm (Group E, ITV)
      Portugal vs France, 8pm (Group F, BBC)
      Germany vs Hungary, 8pm (Group F, BBC)

      KNOCKOUT STAGE – Round of 16
      Saturday, June 26

      Match one – Runner up Group A vs Runner-up Group B, 6pm
      Match two – Winner Group A vs Runner-up Group C, 8pm

      Sunday, June 27

      Match three – Winner Group C vs 3rd Group D/E/F, 6pm
      Match four – Winner Group B vs 3rd Group A/D/E/F, 8pm

      Monday, June 28

      Match five – Runner-up Group D vs Runner-up Group E, 6pm
      Match six – Winner Group F vs 3rd Group A/B/C. 8pm

      Tuesday, June 29

      Match seven – Winner Group D vs Runner-up Group F, 6pm
      Match eight – Winner Group E vs 3rd Group A/B/C/D, 8pm

      KNOCKOUT STAGE – Quarter-finals
      Friday, July 2

      Winner of Match six vs Winner of Match five, 6pm
      Winner of Match four vs Winner of Match two, 8pm

      Saturday, July 3

      Winner of Match three vs Winner of Match one, 6pm
      Winner of Match eight vs Winner of match seven, 8pm

      KNOCKOUT STAGE – Semi-finals
      Tuesday, July 6

      Quarter-final two winner vs Quarter-final one winner, 8pm

      Wednesday, July 7

      Quarter-final four winner vs Quarter-final three winner, 8pm

      KNOCKOUT STAGE – Final
      Sunday, July 11

      Semi-final one winner vs Semi-final two winner, 8pm

      This summer’s showpiece will be held at Wembley in LondonCredit: PA
      Where will the Euro 2020 final be held?
      In a huge boost for Gareth Southgate and England, the semi-finals and final will be held at Wembley Stadium.
      Euro 2020 confirmed venues are:

      Rome (Stadio Olimpico)
      Baku (Olympic Stadium)
      Copenhagen (Parken Stadium)
      St Petersburg (St Petersburg Stadium)
      Amsterdam (Johan Crujff Arena)
      Bucharest (National Arena)
      London (Wembley Stadium)
      Glasgow (Hampden Park)
      Budapest (Puskás Aréna)
      Munich (Fußball Arena München)
      Seville (La Cartuja Stadium) More

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      Euro 2020 LIVE news: De Ligt clarifies vaccine refusal, Southgate’s Harry Maguire headache, Gareth Bale will NOT retire

      by

      WITH the club season nearly over, the Euro 2020 warm-up games have begun!Meanwhile Matthijs de Ligt has clarified previous comments stating that he had turned down the coronavirus vaccine.
      And Gareth Bale’s agent has rubbished reports that he is set to retire after Euro 2020.

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      Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
      GOING FOR GLORY
      Liam Cooper believes Scotland can make history at Euro 2020 by getting beyond the group stage for the first time ever.
      The Leeds United skipper says Steve Clarke ’s side are brimming with confidence ahead of the tournament.
      He said: “It’s massive for us to get off to a good start but there’s a hunger and desire to make the nation proud. We carry that on our shoulders.
      “We’ve got a willingness to work for each other and a system that suits us.
      “We’ve got two good warm-up games and come the start of the Euros, we’ll be ready.
      “We know we’re building up to something and we must have the right mentality.
      “Can we break new ground by getting out of our group? Why not believe? We see how hard we work every day.”
      HEY JUDE
      Jude Bellingham is still so young, Gareth Southgate has to ask the midfielder’s dad for permission to speak to him.
      But Southgate believes Borussia Dortmund’s teenage sensation — and fellow English ‘exiles’ Jadon Sancho and Kieran Trippier — can bring extra know-how to England’s bid for Euro 2020 glory.
      Bellingham will not turn 18 until midway through the tournament but is set to make the cut when the Three Lions manager trims his squad down to 26 on Tuesday.
      Southgate said: “We have to make sure we look after all the players but I have to talk to his dad to talk to Jude, on a child protection basis.
      “That is still the process, yet he is a first-team player who is playing at a massive club in Europe.
      “It is a reminder of how young he is. He deals with things really maturely but we must never take that for granted.
      “He is a very mature boy but at times you forget how young he is.”
      GERMANY INJURY CONCERN
      Bayern Munich duo Leon Goretzka and Niklas Sule could miss Germany’s opening match at Euro 2020, against France.
      There are doubts over whether they will get up to speed over the next couple of weeks, having failed to completely train with the squad.
      Joachim Low confirmed in the press conference that Goretzka will join the squad on Tuesday, having trained at home in recent days.
      The German central midfielder will have individual sessions when he reports at training camp before joining other teammates on the pitch.
      Goretzka missed four of Bayern Munich’s last six league games, while Sule has been plagued by a muscle injury in recent weeks, reducing him to just 72 minutes since the beginning of April.
      I WANT DE JAB
      Juventus superstar Matthijs De Ligt insists he has NOT declined to take the Covid-19 vaccine and will get the jab “as soon as possible”.
      The Holland centre-back went on social media to clear up controversy after suggesting he was against the treatment as it was “not mandatory” and he wanted to “be in charge” of his own body.
      A short message on Twitter read: “In my recent interview, I was not clear with my response.
      “In order to clear any doubts: I am absolutely in favour of the COVID-19 vaccination and will take it as soon as possible.”
      The 21-year-old had coronavirus himself contracted the coronavirus in January – missing two games as he recovered.
      De Ligt has now linked up with Holland ahead of this summer’s Euros.
      In my recent interview, I was not clear with my response. In order to clear any doubts: I am absolutely in favour of the COVID-19 vaccination and will take it as soon as possible.— Matthijs de Ligt (@mdeligt_04) May 29, 2021

      KROOS IN QUARANTINE
      Germany are still waiting for Toni Kroos to join the camp after the midfielder’s coronavirus infection.
      It has been two weeks since Kroos tested positive but he has still not returned a negative test.
      Germany have a warm-up friendly against Denmark on Wednesday and another against Latvia on June 7 before starting their Euro 2020 campaign against France in Munich on June 15.
      Kroos could feature in the warm up games as his infection is not thought to be serious.
      Germany manager Joachim Low has provided an update on his situation. He said: “Yesterday he was still positive and for as long he remains positive, he has to stay in quarantine.
      “As soon as he gets a negative test result on one day, he’ll set off on the journey to us. He’s already had light symptoms, though they were last week.”
      “NO” SAYS LÖW
      Meanwhile, Joachim Low’s future after the tournament has become a little clearer thanks to an update from journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter.
      The Germany boss has denied rumours linking him to the vacant managerial position at Real Madrid.
      He said: “No, I won’t be manager of any club this summer,” which means the 61-year-old could be due for a well earned rest after Euro 2020.
      Low has been in charge of Germany for 15 years, having been part of the set-up since 2004, when he first joined as assistant manager.
      GERMANS UP AND RUNNING
      The Germany squad took to the pitch as part of their preparation for Euro 2020 today.
      Joachim Low named a 26-man squad that includes a variety of Premier League stars, including Ilkay Gundogan, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, who have not yet joined the camp due to the Champions League final.
      The tournament is Low’s last chance to win silverware with his national team, as Hansi Flick has been confirmed to take over after the Euros end.
      Low will be hoping his squad bounces back from the disappointment of exiting the 2018 World Cup in the group stages, and will surely be aiming to go all the way this time around.

      READY TO GO
      England players have started to convene in the north-east as Gareth Southgate’s European Championship preparations get under way.
      The Three Lions manager last week named a 33-man provisional squad for this summer’s rearranged Euros, which he will have to trim down to 26 names on Tuesday.
      Available squad members reported to Rockliffe Hall in the north-east on Saturday, kicking off a nine-day camp that takes in the warm-up friendlies against Austria and Romania in Middlesbrough.
      England captain Harry Kane was among the arrivals, as were Jesse Lingard Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Kieran Trippier, amongst others.
      Jordan Henderson also linked up with Southgate’s squad as the Liverpool skipper looks to prove his fitness, having been ruled out since undergoing groin surgery in February.

      CZECHED OUT
      The Czech Republic have vacated Scotland’s Oriam base camp as their preparations for Euro 2020 have been disrupted by Covid regulations.
      They were due to train in Edinburgh but will instead base themselves in Prague, and travel to and from the UK for each of their Group D matches.
      Scotland’s opponents had planned to stay and train at Oriam for the Euros, and had booked the facility – which is Scotland’s regular base – before they qualified for the tournament.
      That forced Steve Clarke’s team to change their plans and they arranged to stay and train in Middlesbrough, roughly equidistant from Hampden and Wembley where Scotland will play their group games.
      A statement read: “The Czech national team will spend the whole UEFA Euro 2020 tournament in Prague instead of the basecamp in Edinburgh as it was planned originally.
      COLE PREDICTION
      Former Chelsea ace Joe Cole believes Manchester City will be feeling most of the pressure in the Champions League Final.
      Cole also expects the Blues’ young stars, some of which will play for England in Euro 2020, to shine bright.
      Cole told Football London: “Where Chelsea and Man City are at the moment, the pressure is on Man City.
      “You can see they are the better side over the course of 38 games but the club are so hell-bent on winning this trophy [Champions League] that the pressure is always mounting.
      “For Chelsea, you’ve got young players happy to be there in the sense that it wasn’t expected this year. This was a transitional period.
      “But they can go out there and win the game with talent all over the park. That is where I think the psychology of the game will be”
      GREAL COMPETITION
      Manchester United are facing competition from local rivals Manchester City over Aston Villa star Jack Grealish’s signature.
      According to the Daily Mail, City are prepared to make Grealish English football’s first £100million player.
      In fact, the Citizens have made the England international their priority signing in midfield ahead of next season.
      If such a move for the 25-year-old goes through, the Premier League champions would break the current British transfer record of £80m for Harry Maguire, who joined United from Leicester in 2019.
      City boss Pep Guardiola is also said to be a big admirer of Grealish
      VARANE REACTS
      Real Madrid ace Raphael Varane remains coy about his future and focuses on the upcoming Euros with France amid interest from Manchester United.
      Varane said: “This is not the time to talk about my future, I am focused on the selection, on this Euro, it is normal and logical to ask the question and for my part it is normal and logical to focus on the upcoming deadlines.
      “We are all human beings. We can think about it. As for my personal case, I am focused on the objectives that we have in the France team, it is not a subject that I will discuss every day in my room at Clairefontaine.
      “I am focused on my goal, and now is not the time to discuss it. If I have to talk about it, it will be directly with the people concerned.”
      O-KAY FOR NOW
      Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan took a slight knock during the last training session before tonight’s Champions League Final against Chelsea in Porto.
      Gundogan came together in a challenge with Fernandinho and was slow to get back to his feet.
      The star midfielder left practice before many of his team-mates and looked to be in slight discomfort as he went down the tunnel.
      No official announcement has been made about his fitness yet but that is something Germany manager Joachim Low will be keeping an eye on ahead of Euro 2020
      KANT COUNT HIM OUT
      Chelsea star N’Golo Kante looks set to start in tonight’s Champions League Final against Manchester City.
      That is great news for Blues boss Thomas Tuchel as well as France manager Didier Deschamps.
      Kante has overcome a hamstring problem, which means he could start at the Dragao and will be fighting fit for Euro 2020.
      Deschamps will be counting on the star midfielder a lot in the upcoming competition
      GETTY IMAGES
      VACCINE DE-CISION
      Juventus star and Netherlands international Matthijs de Ligt has decided not to have a coronavirus vaccine even though he tested positive for COVID-19 in January.
      De Ligt told ESPN: “I have not taken a vaccination, it is not mandatory.
      “I think you should be in charge of your own body. The risk of infection is always there.
      “I try to come into contact with as few people as possible outside the Dutch national team”
      BERGWIJN EXIT
      Tottenham ace Steven Bergwijn could leave the club during the summer transfer window.
      That is according to De Telegraaf, who claim that Bergwijn is looking to reignite his career after missing out on an international call-up by Netherlands manager Frank de Boer ahead of Euro 2020.
      Ajax appear keen to sign the forward in the summer and help him regain his groove.
      The Eredivisie champions are willing to pay around £12million but Spurs want closer to £21.5m
      CITY LIONS
      Manchester City will have six English players available for the Champions League Final against Chelsea.
      Those are Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Scott Carson and youngster James Trafford.
      Four of the aforementioned are then expected to link up with England ahead of Euro 2020.
      That is Sterling, Foden, Walker and Stones
      CHELSEA LIONS
      Chelsea are set to face Manchester City in an all-English Champions League Final in Porto.
      A total of six English players have made Blues boss Thomas Tuchel’s squad and are in line – some more than others – to grace the pitch at the Dragao.
      Those are Reece James, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ben Chilwell, Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and youngster Faustino Anjorin.
      James, Chilwell and Mount will then link up with England ahead of Euro 2020
      IT’S BEN EMOTIONAL
      Brighton ace Ben White revealed he “cried for an hour” after learning of his call-up to England’s provisional Euro 2020 squad.
      White told Sky Sports: “I got a phone call while I was out for dinner, I didn’t really believe it.
      “[When I was] told me all the news, when I was going, it was obviously unbelievable.
      “I put the phone down, rang my mum straight away, sat down there, cried…
      “Mum was crying, my dad, had all my sisters there and, yeah, I just sat and cried for about an hour”
      GETTY IMAGES
      FOR GREAL
      Aston Villa ace Jack Grealish is “100% fit” for Euro 2020 according to Villa manager Dean Smith.
      Smith recently said: “He is 100% fit. Firstly, we had to make sure he was ready to play for Aston Villa. We wouldn’t take a risk with only four games to go, with a player of Jack’s standing and quality, unless it was the right thing to do.
      “We all believed it was the right thing to do – for him and for Aston Villa. Then once the season finished, if he gets picked, which hopefully he does, then it’s the right thing for England as well.
      “If we felt there was any kind of future risk then we would have just shut him down for the rest of the season and he wouldn’t have had the chance to go to the Euros”
      RICE WISH
      West Ham ace Declan Rice is keen to join Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window.
      According to Manchester Evening News, Rice would be interested to move to United after recent talks with England team-mates, who play under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, ahead of Euro 2020.
      The Red Devils have reportedly grown concerned over the star midfielder’s £100million asking price.
      Hammers manager David Moyes recently said: “I don’t agree with the owners that Declan Rice is a £100m footballer.
      “Far, far more than £100m”
      FINAL EURO SQUAD
      England boss Gareth Southgate is expected to name his final squad on Tuesday 1 June.
      Southgate revealed his provisional 33-man shortlist on Tuesday ahead of Euro 2020 but seven players will soon be cut.
      The England boss said: “There are 12 players still to play so we’re always going to need additional players and added to that we have some injuries at different stages, that we have very little info about.
      “We felt more time will help us make better decisions. Our preference was to name the 26, but we have not got an ideal hand of cards – a lot of unknowns.
      “Info and evidence are very important and we will have a lot more in the next seven days”
      RICE BLOW
      Manchester United have been dealt with a significant blow in their bid to sign West Ham star Declan Rice, who has also been linked with Chelsea.
      According to the Daily Mail, United have become increasingly concerned over Rice’s asking price, which is said to be around 100million.
      Hammer boss David Moyes previously said: “I don’t agree with the owners that Declan Rice is a £100m footballer.
      “Far, far more than £100m.”
      Rice has been included in England boss Gareth Southgate’s 33-man provisional squad ahead of Euro 2020
      BALE RETIREMENT
      Real Madrid talisman Gareth Bale, who spent the season on loan at Tottenham, was recently linked with early retirement.
      Reports from Spain have claimed that Bale is considering negotiating a payout from Real and could even quit football altogether after Euro 2020, where he will play for Wales.
      However, the star forward’s agent Jonathan Barnett has poured cold water on this speculation with an explosive statement.
      Barnett told talkSPORT when asked about the matter: “Sorry, don’t speak about rubbish reporting”
      GETTY IMAGES
      KOUNDE BOOST
      Sevilla star defender Jules Kounde, who is set to compete for France in Euro 2020, has confirmed that he “will perhaps have to change clubs this summer”.
      Kounde has been linked with a move to Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window.
      And the centre-back, who stood out this term in LaLiga, has said he wishes to play for a “big club”.
      Kounde told reporters at France’s Clairefontaine training camp: “Regarding my future, it’s certain that I will perhaps have to change clubs this summer.
      “But nothing has been finalised yet. I have not decided anything.
      “My goal is to play for a big club, to try to always progress and to win trophies.
      “It’s true that I might have to move but that’s not relevant today”
      Load more entries… More

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      Southgate says Bellingham adds know-how to England… although he’s so young boss must ask PERMISSION to talk to him

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM is still so young, Gareth Southgate has to ask the midfielder’s dad for permission to speak to him.But Southgate believes Borussia Dortmund’s teenage sensation  — and fellow English ‘exiles’ Jadon Sancho and Kieran Trippier — can bring extra know-how to England’s bid for Euro 2020 glory.
      Southgate is expected to take Bellingham to the European ChampionshipsCredit: Getty
      Bellingham and Sancho have both been included in the 33-man provisional squadCredit: Getty
      Bellingham will not turn 18 until midway through the tournament but is set to make the cut when the Three Lions manager trims his squad down to 26 on Tuesday.
      Southgate said: “We have to make sure we look after all the players but I have to talk to his dad to talk to Jude, on a child protection basis.
      “That is still the process, yet he is a first-team player who is playing at a massive club in Europe.
      “It is a reminder of how young he is. He deals with things really maturely but we must never take that for granted.
      “We have always got to bear in mind his age in terms of how we look after him. If he is in the squad, it’s a long time away from home.
      “He is a very mature boy but at times you forget how young he is.”
      Despite his youth, Bellingham has something most of the squad do not — experience of playing at a high level in another country.
      Every member of the England party that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup played in the Premier League.
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      How England’s path to Euros glory could look
      This time Bellingham, Dortmund team-mate and winger Sancho and defender Trippier — fresh from LaLiga triumph with Atletico Madrid — could add an extra ingredient.
      Southgate said: “I remember signing Robert Huth when he was really young at Middlesbrough and his worldly-wiseness… he was so mature compared to the boys who had come through the academy.
      “They had never left Middlesbrough, whereas he had to move countries, learn a new language, learn a new culture, learn a new football culture.
      “So what Jude and Jadon have experienced at a young age is having to adapt, learning a different style of play, playing in a different league — it is brilliant life experiences, really.”
      Trippier, 30, has broadened his education since swapping Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham for Diego Simeone’s Atleti in 2019.
      Southgate said: “Kieran, if you speak to him, to work with a coach of that level every day . . . it’s a totally different type of focus. He worked with an attacking-minded coach and now he’s working with a coach who’s helped his defending and his positioning enormously.
      “He has now won the title in Spain, lived abroad — fantastic life experiences.”
      England’s three amigos — or one amigo and two freunden — can feed what they have learned playing overseas into the squad this summer.
      Southgate added: “Even beyond the football, I think it’s brilliant for young men to go through anyway.
      Bellingham already has two England caps to his nameCredit: PA
      “But from a football perspective, there’s tactical awareness, awareness of the differences and maybe taking a bit of the fear out of the unknown.
      “They can talk to the others about players who are playing in different leagues.
      “They can say, hang on a minute, we’ve got players here who are just as good so don’t be worried about that. I think all of those things can help.”
      Listening to Southgate talk about Sancho, it sounds as though his place in the final squad is less secure than Bellingham’s.
      Sancho, 21, was the first of the next generation of young England stars to be given his chance after the World Cup.
      His statistics since the turn of the year are impressive but Southgate said: “He had some bright early performances for us and there’s a challenge now to back that up.
      “Jadon finished the season reasonably well with Dortmund in terms of goals and assists, but they don’t tell the full story of all of the performances.
      “He’s an exciting talent, there’s no doubt about that, and he’s one of a few we’ve got who has the opportunity to go and impress.”
      Meanwhile Bellingham seems certain to get a good news call from Southgate this week — but only after his dad Mark.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog

      Gareth Southgate to ditch iconic waistcoat for Euro 2020 after England boss stole show with outfit at Russia World Cup More

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      Watford hero goalkeeper Dan Bachmann says ‘I’m still standing’ and reveals all on Elton John and Euro 2020 with Austria

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      DAN BACHMANN’S favourite Elton John song is I’m Still Standing and it couldn’t be more fitting.Because the Watford goalkeeper is a true survivor, having come through homesickness, a broken back and frustrating spells on the bench in a ten-year tour of Britain.
      Dan Bachmann met Watford hero Sir Elton John after securing promotionCredit: Instagram
      The Hornets goalkeeper has plenty to celebrate for club and country
      And now he’s feeling like a little kid as he prepares to be part of Austria’s squad at the Euros, just weeks after playing a key role in the Hornets’ promotion back to the Premier League.
      Bachmann met Watford life president Sir Elton for the first time when he came to the final game of the season.
      Bachmann said: “I was a little bit starstruck. 
      “He just came over, ‘Hi Dan, great to meet you, brilliant all season, thanks for everything, are you going to play for Austria in the Euros?’
      “In my head it was: ‘Elton John actually knows who I am, knows I am Austrian.’ 
      “He was mentioning games from the season, like Coventry away. I mean, Elton John is sitting in his house in LA watching Watford against Coventry at St Andrews!
      “It’s incredible.”
      Bachmann’s story is pretty extraordinary all round.

      His career in England was almost over before it began when he got cold feet the night before he was due to sign for Stoke in 2011 as a 16-year-old.
      Bachmann said: “The next morning I woke up and said: ‘I can’t do it.’ So we flew back and I didn’t sign.”
      But Stoke persuaded him to return and Bachmann said: “In the end, I said: ‘I’ve got to do it.’
      “It’s a big thing for an Austrian to go to English football. It’s the dream of everyone in Europe to play in the Premier League.
      “It wasn’t easy the first few months. You’re homesick and upset and sad a lot.”
      Just when he was finding his feet on and off the field, disaster struck.
      Bachmann said: “I broke my back. I had a stress fracture in a vertebra, then it went into a slipped disc and then my back got infected. 
      “I went back to Austria and had a cast from my chest down to my knee, with just my backside out. 
      It would have been easy to throw the towel in and say, ‘I want to go, what am I doing here?’ But I didn’t and I came through it. I believed I was going to get my chance.Dan Bachmann
      “I was out for ten months. I couldn’t do anything, not even walk properly, for a few months.“I lost a lot of weight. I’m 6ft 3in and I weighed about 70 kilos. It was a tough year.”
      That experience helped give Bachmann the mental strength he was going to need to cope with the ups and downs of his career.
      After good loan spells at Wrexham and Bury, and a less good one at Ross County in between, Stoke released him in 2017.
      Following a nervous summer with wife Francesca, who was expecting their first child, he joined Watford.
      Bachmann’s big break came on loan at Kilmarnock in 2018-19 under Steve Clarke, now Scotland boss.
      He said: “He was the first one that trusted me over a full season and I think I paid him back.
      “He’s a fantastic manager. He’s a man of few words but when he does speak, everybody listens.
      Bachmann beat the blues and a broken back to keep career on track
      “It was a fantastic season for me personally and for the club, the first time in European football for 25 or 30 years.”
      Bachmann returned to Watford with high hopes.
      But the Austrian found himself behind both Ben Foster and Heurelho Gomes in the pecking order and did not even make the bench for a single Premier League match as the Hornets were relegated in 2019-20.
      Bachmann said: “It would have been easy to throw the towel in and say, ‘I want to go, what am I doing here?’
      “But I didn’t and I came through it. I believed I was going to get my chance.”
      When Foster suffered complications from a broken finger in January, Bachmann came in and kept 13 clean sheets in 23 Championship appearances as Watford returned to the top flight at the first attempt.
      Austria boss Franco Foda recalled Bachmann to the senior squad in March after a four-year absence.
      Now he’s hoping to make his senior debut against England at the Riverside Stadium on Wednesday.
      Watford keeper Bachmann could make his senior Austria debut against England on Wednesday
      Bachmann said: “For me personally, to make my debut for Austria in England against England would be incredible.
      “You couldn’t really write that with my history, having been in England for so long.”
      Bachmann has been here so long that he speaks his near-perfect English with a Potteries/North-West accent.
      Bachmann met Francesca while he was at Stoke and they have two children: Henry, three, and Amelia, two.
      Bachmann said: “The kids love I’m Still Standing, too. It’s in the film Sing and it gets played in the car a lot.
      “If you’d said to me six months ago you are going to be going up into the Premier League as No 1 and to the Euros with your country…it gives me goosebumps to think where I was and where I am now.
      “I’ve worked hard over the last ten years and now hopefully it all starts to come together and fall into place.”
      Watford promoted straight back to the Premier League at first time of asking as Sarr scores in 1-0 win over Millwall More