Euro 2020

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Who are the favourites to win Euro 2020? What are the betting odds?

      by

      EURO 2020 is just around the corner but who the tournament favourites and what are the latest betting odds?The prestigious tournament is shaping up to be one of the most wide-open competitions in recent memory and is extremely difficult to predict.
      The betting markets have been open since the 24-nation line-up was confirmed back in November 2020.

      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game this summer
      Euro 2020 gets underway on June 11WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!

      The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
      And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
      CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
      Dream Team Euros

      £50,000 jackpot
      The best fantasy football game this summer
      Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
      FREE to play

      But plenty has changed since then with the Coronavirus pandemic throwing up a number of shock results and poor performances from some of the big-hitters.
      Germany lost to minnows North Macedonia, Belgium laboured to a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic and Spain failed to beat Greece in the most recent round of World Cup qualifiers.
      So how has that altered the odds, and who are the current favourites for the competition? Here, SunSport takes a closer look at the betting market.
      The favourites – odds supplied by Betway

      England – 9/2
      France – 5/1
      Belgium – 13/2
      Germany – 8/1
      Spain – 8/1
      Portugal – 9/1
      Italy – 12/1
      Netherlands – 12/1

      England are the outright favourites with Betway at odds of 9/2. Gareth Southgate’s side have suffered just two defeats in their last 14 outings – scoring 39 goals in the process.
      The Three Lions also have the luxury of a more winnable group having been thrown in with the Czech Republic, Scotland and Croatia.
      World Cup champions France are next, available at 5/1. Kylian Mbappe and Co. would perhaps be favourites were it not for being in the Group of Death along with Germany (8/1) and Portugal (9/1).
      The dark horses

      Denmark – 28/1
      Croatia – 40/1
      Turkey – 66/1
      Poland – 80/1
      Sweden – 80/1
      Switzerland – 80/1

      Denmark are ‘best of the rest’ in the bookmakers’ odds.
      But Christian Eriksen, Kasper Schmeichel and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg will be looking to summon the spirit of 1992 to defy odds of 28/1.
      Turkey, who recently put three past Germany and beat the Netherlands 4-2, are offered at 60/1 with Poland, Sweden and Switzerland all locked at 80s.

      The long shots

      Ukraine – 125/1
      Austria – 150/1
      Czech Republic – 150/1
      Russia – 150/1
      Wales – 150/1
      Scotland – 250/1
      Finland – 400/1
      Hungary – 500/1
      North Macedonia – 500/1
      Slovakia – 500/1

      The final batch of contenders are available at triple-figure prices.
      However, Greece proved in 2004 that anything is possible when pulling off one of the greatest shocks in international football.
      Greece were crowned kings of Europe when starting the competition at 150/1.

      Is there a fantasy football game for Euro 2020?
      Absolutely! We’ve launched DREAM TEAM EUROS to celebrate this summer’s competition.
      We’ll have all the best players from the 24 competing nations ready and available for you to select (or dismiss) as you seek to construct the best possible XI.
      You’ll be able to create and manage your own private mini-leagues and send invites to friends, family… and bitter work rivals to see who really knows their stuff.
      Oh and did I mention? It’s free to play and there’s a £50,000 jackpot to be won!

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

      It’ll be a familiar set up for seasoned fantasy football veterans and easy to use for newbies.
      Each player gets £50million to pick their best possible XI and can make up to 20 transfers as the tournament progresses.
      Dream Team Euros is only available to those in the UK or ROI.

      WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!
      The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
      And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
      CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
      Dream Team Euros

      £50,000 jackpot
      The best fantasy football game this summer
      Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
      FREE to play More

    • 175 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      What are the Euro 2020 groups? And who is in the Group of Death?

      by

      EURO 2020 is less than a month away but who’s going and what are the groups?The 24-nation, month-long competition may have been delayed for one year due to the Coronavirus pandemic but the format remains familiar.

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

      Euro 2020 kicks off on June 11Credit: SUNSPORT
      Teams are placed into six groups of four with the winner, runner up and four best third-place sides qualifying for the round of 16.
      But who’s up against who? Here, SunSport gives you the full run down of the Euro 2020 Groups.
      Group A
      Turkey, Italy, Wales, Switzerland – Fixtures played in Rome, Italy and Baku, Azerbaijan.
      Group B
      Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Russia – Fixtures played in Copenhagen, Denmark and St Petersburg, Russia

      WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!

      The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
      And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
      CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
      Dream Team Euros

      £50,000 jackpot
      The best fantasy football game this summer
      Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
      FREE to play

      Group C
      Netherlands, Ukraine, Austria, North Macedonia – Fixtures played in Amsterdam, Holland and Bucharest, Romania
      Group D
      England, Croatia, Scotland, Czech Republic – Fixtures played in London, England and Glasgow, Scotland
      Group E
      Spain, Sweden, Poland, Slovakia – Fixtures played in Seville, Spain and St Petersburg, Russia
      Group F
      Hungary, Portugal, France, Germany – Fixtures played in Munich, Germany and Budapest, Hungary
      Which is the Group of Death?
      Group F. Unquestionably, Group F.
      The Group contains the reigning World Cup champions and tournament favourites France. The 2014 World Cup winners Germany are also in there along with defending European champions Portugal.
      Hungary also join the trio, who are ranked second, twelfth and fifth in FIFA’s world rankings respectively.
      Remember, only the top two will progress to the last-16 stage with the possibility of a best third-place finisher joining them in the knockout phase.

      Is there a fantasy football game for Euro 2020?
      Absolutely! We’ve launched DREAM TEAM EUROS to celebrate this summer’s competition.
      We’ll have all the best players from the competing nations ready and available for you to select (or dismiss) as you seek to construct the best XI possible.
      You’ll be able to create and manage your own private mini-leagues and send invites to friends, family… and bitter work rivals to see who really knows their stuff.
      Oh and did we mention? It’s free to play and there’s a 50,000 jackpot to be won!

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

      It’ll be a familiar set up for seasoned fantasy football veterans and easy to use for newbies.
      Each player gets £50million to pick their best possible XI and can make up to 20 transfers as the tournament progresses.
      Dream Team Euros is only available to those in the UK or ROI.
      WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!

      The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
      And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
      CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
      Dream Team Euros

      £50,000 jackpot
      The best fantasy football game this summer
      Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
      FREE to play More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      When are England’s Euro 2020 fixtures? What are the kick-off times? Who are they playing?

      by

      ENGLAND kick-start their Euro 2020 campaign this June but when and where will the fixtures be played?The rescheduled European Championships are now just weeks away with Gareth Southgate’s side among the favourites for the competition.
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game this summer

      Euro 2020 will take place between 11 June and 11 July 2021Credit: SUNSPORT
      The tournament will be held in multiple cities across Europe to mark the 60th anniversary of the competition, which first took place in 1960.
      UEFA has now confirmed the official dates, times and venues and SunSport have compiled everything you need to know.When do the Euros start?
      The Euros will take place between 11 June and 11 July 2021.
      The opening fixture will take place on Friday, 11 June between Turkey and Italy in Rome at 9pm.
      What group are England in?
      England are in Group D alongside Croatia, Czech Republic and Scotland.
      WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!

      The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
      And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
      CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
      Dream Team Euros

      £50,000 jackpot
      The best fantasy football game this summer
      Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
      FREE to play

      When are England’s fixtures?

      Sunday, 13 June – England vs Croatia – Wembley Stadium – 2pm

      Thursday, 18 June – England vs Scotland – Wembley Stadium – 8pm

      Tuesday, 22 June – Czech Republic vs England – Wembley Stadium – 8pm

      What happens next?
      If England win Group D, they will play the runners up of Group F. That will be one of Germany, Portugal, France or Hungary.
      That fixture will take place on Tuesday, 29 June at Wembley Stadium at 5pm.
      If England are runners up, they will play the runners up of Group E. That will be one of Spain, Poland, Sweden or Slovakia.
      That fixture will take place on Monday, 28 June at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen at 5pm.

      After that?
      If England win Group D and their last-16 clash – their quarter-final fixture will be Saturday, 3 July in Rome at 8pm.
      If England finish second in Group D and win last-16 game – their quarter-final fixture will be Friday, 2 July in St Petersburg at 5pm.
      And after that?
      The semi-finals will take place on Tuesday, 6 July and Wednesday, 7 July both at Wembley Stadium and both at 8pm.
      The final will be held at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, July 11 at 8pm.

      Is there a fantasy football game for Euro 2020?
      Absolutely! We’ve launched DREAM TEAM EUROS to celebrate this summer’s competition.
      We’ll have all the best players from the 24 competing nations ready and available for you to select (or dismiss) as you seek to construct the best possible XI.
      You’ll be able to create and manage your own private mini-leagues and send invites to friends, family… and bitter work rivals to see who really knows their stuff.
      Oh and did I mention? It’s free to play and there’s a 50,000 jackpot to be won!

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

      It’ll be a familiar set up for seasoned fantasy football veterans and easy to use for newbies.
      Each player gets £50million to pick their best possible XI and can make up to 20 transfers as the tournament progresses.
      Dream Team Euros is only available to those in the UK or ROI.
      WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!

      The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
      And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
      CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
      Dream Team Euros

      £50,000 jackpot
      The best fantasy football game this summer
      Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
      FREE to play More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Euro 2020 TV schedule: ITV and BBC games for summer’s tournament and England matches

      by

      EURO 2020 is almost here and the TV games have been announced.ITV and BBC have revealed which England matches they will be showing, plus all other fixtures.
      Harry Kane will be looking to lead England to Euro 2020 gloryCredit: Reuters
      The Three Lions have been drawn with Czech Republic, Croatia and Scotland, while Wales face Turkey, Italy and Switzerland.
      Which Euro 2020 games are on ITV and BBC?
      11th June: Turkey vs Italy (8pm) – Rome – BBC
      12th June: Wales vs Switzerland (2pm) – Baku – BBC
      12th June: Denmark vs Finland (5pm) – Copenhagen – BBC
      12th June: Belgium vs Russia (8pm) – St Petersburg – ITV
      13th June: England vs Croatia (2pm) – Wembley – BBC
      13th June: Austria vs North Macedonia (5pm) – Bucharest – ITV
      13th June: Netherlands vs Ukraine (8pm) – Amsterdam – ITV
      14th June: Scotland vs Czech Republic (2pm) – Glasgow – BBC
      14th June: Poland vs Slovakia (5pm) – St Petersburg – ITV
      14th June: Spain vs Sweden (8pm) – Seville – BBC
      15th June: Hungary vs Portugal (5pm) – Budapest – ITV
      15th June: France vs Germany (8pm) – Munich – ITV
      16th June: Finland vs Russia (2pm) – St Petersburg – BBC
      16th June: Turkey vs Wales (5pm) – Baku – BBC
      16th June: Italy vs Switzerland (8pm) – Rome – ITV
      17th June: Ukraine vs North Macedonia (2pm) – Bucharest – ITV

      17th June: Denmark vs Belgium (5pm) – Copenhagen – ITV
      17th June: Netherlands vs Austria (8pm) – Amsterdam – BBC
      18th June: Sweden vs Slovakia (2pm) – St Petersburg – BBC
      18th June: Croatia vs Czech Republic (5pm) – Glasgow – BBC
      18th June: England vs Scotland (8pm) – Wembley – ITV
      19th June: Hungary vs France (2pm) – Budapest – BBC
      19th June: Portugal vs Germany (2pm) – Munich – ITV
      19th June: Spain vs Poland (8pm) – Seville – BBC
      20th June: Italy vs Wales (5pm) – Rome – ITV 
      20th June: Switzerland vs Turkey (5pm) – Baku – ITV
      21st June: North Macedonia vs Netherlands (5pm) – Amsterdam – ITV
      21st June: Ukraine vs Austria (5pm) – Bucharest – ITV
      21st June: Russia vs Denmark (8pm) – Copenhagen – BBC
      21st June: Finland vs Belgium (8pm) – St Petersburg – BBC
      22nd June: Czech Republic vs England (8pm) – Wembley – ITV
      22nd June: Croatia vs Play-Off Winner C (8pm) – Glasgow – ITV
      23rd June: Slovakia vs Spain (5pm) – Seville – ITV
      23rd June: Sweden vs Poland (5pm) – St Petersburg – ITV
      23rd June: Germany vs Hungary (8pm) – Munich – BBC
      23rd June: Portugal vs France (8pm) – Budapest – BBC More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Euro 2020 fixtures: TV channel, live stream, kick-off times, groups ahead of England’s challenge this summer

      by

      THE domestic season might be coming to a close, but Euro 2020 is just around the corner. It’s set to be a huge summer of action from around Europe as Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions go for glory.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Southgate will be hoping to build on a good performance in the 2018 World CupCredit: AFP
      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

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Kylian Mbappe says selfish streak for PSG and France goes against his true personality

      by

      KYLIAN MBAPPE says he must be selfish on the pitch – but it goes against everything he is off it.Away from the game, the World Cup winning PSG superstar has set up a charitable foundation to help young kids, and bases his life on solidarity with others.
      Mbappe is enjoying another brilliant seasonCredit: AFP
      But on the pitch Mbappe is ruthless, with the 22-year-old again in stunning form this season, notching 37 goals in 43 appearances.
      Explaining the different mindsets, Mbappe told the Hublot Fusion podcast: “At work, I have to be selfish, to score goals.
      “There you are, I take my selfish kit, I put it on and then I take it off again and leave it in the changing room when I leave the game, that’s what I’m asked to do and that’s why I’m being paid too.”
      Mbappe’s rise to the top of the game has been meteoric, and as his stature has grown, the Parisian has come to understand the responsibility that comes with it.
      He said: “I think I represent this voice, the people who are not heard.
      “This whole community that follow me, that is behind me. I think they expect that of me. And it’s true that I took a little while, because it’s one of the things that I needed to digest.
      “I assumed that playing football and being nice was enough, but no, it’s not enough. Because from the moment you become someone important, you have a duty to perform and people need that, need a benchmark and I think I’m ready to be that person.”
      Mbappe is among the inspirational new generation of footballers using their platform to make a positive difference.
      In England, Marcus Rashford has shown the power footy stars can wield by helping transform the nation with his campaigning for impoverished children.
      Mbappe says his desire to help others started from a very young age.
      The former Monaco star said: “It is the upbringing that I was given. It’s been in me since I was little thanks to my parents. I’ve always been taught to help others, to always ask others if they need help, or anything and to always be there for people.

      “At the start, it’s simple. When you are little, it’s sharing a snack, kicking a ball with another friend, inviting them to play, inviting them to share moments. It starts there, by sharing, we share things.
      “When we went to tournaments as a team, we always had those moments, when we all ate together between matches, we did activities together…This sharing, we played cards, everyone shared what they had and that was also great in tournaments, not just in matches, even if we liked matches. It was also about the day that we were going to spend together, this sharing of things that was very enriching for us. And I have wonderful memories. And then, when you have grown up, it goes through more important things.”
      France fans will be hoping Mbappe can bring his team-mates together – yet show his selfish side when he needs to – as Le Bleus bid for glory this summer at Euro 2020.
      Hublot are the Official Watch of UEFA EURO 2020 and to celebrate are launching the Big Bang e UEFA EURO 2020 Limited Edition

      UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin says any players who take part in European Super League will be banned from World Cup and Euros More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Bukayo Saka is more than Arsenal’s Mr Versatile and must be involved in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2020

      by

      THERE has been a huge amount of revisionist hindsight among the Arsenal fanbase this week after Bukayo Saka’s stunning performance at left-back against West Brom. Suddenly, everybody had always wanted the young England international to play there in Kieran Tierney’s injury absence and had Mikel Arteta done so the previous Thursday, Arsenal might still be in the Europa League.
      Bukayo Saka has proved he can still be an attacking threat even when filling in at left-backCredit: AP
      Which is slightly odd, as whilst some agreed when I suggested this tactical move throughout April, far more were set against it.
      The common reaction seemed to be that I was mad to want our best attacking player consigned to the defence, and that Arteta should play Cedric there.
      In all honesty, I was never suggesting that Arteta should look to permanently switch Saka to left-back, but in the short-term he should do so.
      Not only for the balance of the team, to allow Granit Xhaka back into central midfield, but also to allow him to play three of Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe, Nicolas Pepe and Martin Odegaard behind the striker.
      The point I felt many were either missing or forgetting was that Tierney, in that very role, had been integral to our best attacking displays during the season.
      A glance at any heat map for the young Scot would illustrate just how much he had been advanced and thus proved that playing Saka there would not have limited his creative attacking threat.
      Sadly, the debate for Arsenal is now irrelevant as we are out of Europe, limping to the conclusion of a disappointing Premier League campaign, with only a stressful summer of transfer rumour and angst to look forward to.
      However, I am an Arsenal fan, who also loves England, and wants our players to wear the Three Lions.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      I am aware not all my peers will share this view and would sooner see Saka well rested after a season where he has played far more football than anyone expected.
      With my England hat on, as we are fast approaching the time for Gareth Southgate to announce his squad, I truly believe, with or without my red-tinted spectacles that Arsenal’s player of the season should be firmly in the mix.
      The left-back cameo will have enhanced, rather than hindered, his chances.
      Arsenal fans, myself included, want to see Saka on the flank damaging the opposition but I think even the most ardent Gunner might have to accept as an outright wide attacker the competition for our young talisman is fierce.
      Southgate has the likes of Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish and even a revitalised Jesse Lingard perhaps to consider.
      As we know, he has utilised Saka at left-back and left wing-back in the past and the fact he obviously wants to be able to switch tactically between a back four and back three must work in our player’s favour.
      England managers over time have always valued top-quality utility players who can comfortably operate at the highest level in more than one position.
      The likes of Steve Hodge, James Milner, Terry Fenwick, Owen Hargreaves have all proved invaluable on the big stage and let us not forget that Southgate deployed a right-footed Ashley Young at left wing-back in the last World Cup.

      Without Saka in the recent matches the England boss had a good look at Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw, but I believe the Arsenal youngster has advantages over both.
      Chilwell, who I admire, is not being consistently selected over Marcos Alonso for Chelsea who operate with a back three and Luke Shaw, whilst having a superb season, has rarely played as a wing-back with Manchester United using him in a back four.
      Saka offers Southgate the ability to cover both roles with equal aplomb, perhaps more consistency in attacking threat and the trump card that he can move roles on the pitch.
      Whist Saka may not be a guaranteed starter by any means, with the ability to select 26 players to include him seems, as they say, a ‘no brainer’.
      Southgate may well have a better left winger, right winger, left-back and left wing-back, but he certainly does not have anyone who can slot in from the start or during a match – or indeed play more than one role within 90 minutes.
      For Saka, I sincerely hope he is rewarded with selection for the Euros, because whilst so many of his senior Arsenal colleagues have let him down, he has never let himself, his team-mates or his supporters down.
      Bukayo, I salute you and hope to see you pull on that Three Lions shirt come June.
      Twitter: @goonerdave66
      Gareth Southgate knows picking Saka would give him options in plenty of positionsCredit: Getty

      England boast the most-valuable squad of all Euro 2020 nations
      Rio Ferdinand says Arsenal partnership between Martinelli and Saka will drive Gunners for ‘years to come’ after Brighton win More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Euro 2020 TV schedule: ITV and BBC games for this summer’s tournament and England matches

      by

      EURO 2020 is almost here and the TV games have been announced.ITV and BBC have revealed which England matches they will be showing, plus all other fixtures.
      Harry Kane will be looking to lead England to Euro 2020 gloryCredit: Reuters
      The Three Lions have been drawn with Czech Republic, Croatia and Scotland, while Wales face Turkey, Italy and Switzerland.
      Which Euro 2020 games are on ITV and BBC?
      11th June: Turkey vs Italy (8pm) – Rome – BBC
      12th June: Wales vs Switzerland (2pm) – Baku – BBC
      12th June: Denmark vs Finland (5pm) – Copenhagen – BBC
      12th June: Belgium vs Russia (8pm) – St Petersburg – ITV
      13th June: England vs Croatia (2pm) – Wembley – BBC
      13th June: Austria vs North Macedonia (5pm) – Bucharest – ITV
      13th June: Netherlands vs Ukraine (8pm) – Amsterdam – ITV
      14th June: Scotland vs Czech Republic (2pm) – Glasgow – BBC
      14th June: Poland vs Slovakia (5pm) – St Petersburg – ITV
      14th June: Spain vs Sweden (8pm) – Seville – BBC
      15th June: Hungary vs Portugal (5pm) – Budapest – ITV
      15th June: France vs Germany (8pm) – Munich – ITV
      16th June: Finland vs Russia (2pm) – St Petersburg – BBC
      16th June: Turkey vs Wales (5pm) – Baku – BBC
      16th June: Italy vs Switzerland (8pm) – Rome – ITV
      17th June: Ukraine vs North Macedonia (2pm) – Bucharest – ITV

      17th June: Denmark vs Belgium (5pm) – Copenhagen – ITV
      17th June: Netherlands vs Austria (8pm) – Amsterdam – BBC
      18th June: Sweden vs Slovakia (2pm) – St Petersburg – BBC
      18th June: Croatia vs Czech Republic (5pm) – Glasgow – BBC
      18th June: England vs Scotland (8pm) – Wembley – ITV
      19th June: Hungary vs France (2pm) – Budapest – BBC
      19th June: Portugal vs Germany (2pm) – Munich – ITV
      19th June: Spain vs Poland (8pm) – Seville – BBC
      20th June: Italy vs Wales (5pm) – Rome – ITV 
      20th June: Switzerland vs Turkey (5pm) – Baku – ITV
      21st June: North Macedonia vs Netherlands (5pm) – Amsterdam – ITV
      21st June: Ukraine vs Austria (5pm) – Bucharest – ITV
      21st June: Russia vs Denmark (8pm) – Copenhagen – BBC
      21st June: Finland vs Belgium (8pm) – St Petersburg – BBC
      22nd June: Czech Republic vs England (8pm) – Wembley – ITV
      22nd June: Croatia vs Play-Off Winner C (8pm) – Glasgow – ITV
      23rd June: Slovakia vs Spain (5pm) – Seville – ITV
      23rd June: Sweden vs Poland (5pm) – St Petersburg – ITV
      23rd June: Germany vs Hungary (8pm) – Munich – BBC
      23rd June: Portugal vs France (8pm) – Budapest – BBC More