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      Euro 2020 venues: Which cities are still hosting the competition and how many fans will each allow?

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      EURO 2020 is almost here after a very long wait.And Uefa have given us the first idea of which cities are still set to host the tournament following the coronavirus pandemic, plus how many fans they will allow.
      Wembley will be one of the main venues for Euro 2020Credit: Reuters
      Which countries were set to host Euro 2020?
      This summer’s competition was set to be hosted in 12 different cities.
      The stadiums set to host the competition were as follows:

      Wembley Stadium – London, England
      Allianz Arena – Munich, Germany
      Stadio Olimpico – Rome, Italy
      Olympic Stadium – Baku, Azerbaijan
      Krestovsky Stadium – Saint Petersburg, Russia
      Arena Nationala – Bucharest, Romania
      Johan Cruyff Arena – Amsterdam, Holland
      Aviva Stadium – Dublin, Ireland
      San Mames – Bilbao, Spain
      Puskas Arena – Budapest, Hungary
      Hampden Park – Glasgow, Scotland
      Parken Stadium – Copenhagen, Denmark

      However, some host cities are in doubt, meaning England could get even more games than they’d planned for. 
      Which countries are still hosting Euro 2020 and how many fans will they allow?
      The following countries have given Uefa they assurances they need to host the competition.
      European football’s governing body has demanded all host cities commit to holding games with fans, preferably at a minimum of 25 per cent of stadium capacity.
      ENGLAND
      Wembley Stadium, London (90,000 capacity)
      Wembley is set to host the Euro 2020 final
      Wembley is set to host all England’s group matches, plus the Euro 2020 semi-final and final.
      The FA have committed to hold their group games at a 25 per cent capacity.
      However, this is likely to increase for the semi-final and final, with talk of a 50 per cent, or even a full capacity for those games.
      SCOTLAND
      Hampden Park, Glasgow (51,866 capacity)
      Scotland has given Hampden Park the go-ahead for Euro 2020 matchesCredit: PA:Press Association
      After months of speculation, the Scottish FA confirmed that Scotland would be able to host Euro 2020.
      Hampden Park is the venue for two of Scotland’s Euro 2020 group games, plus Croatia’s match against the Czech Republic and one last 16 match.
      It will host games at a 25 per cent capacity.
      AZERBAIJAN
      Olympic Stadium, Baku (68,700 capacity)
      Baku will host matches at a 50 per cent capacityCredit: Reuters
      Azerbaijan has announced that it will be able to host Euro 2020 matches, including Wales’ fixtures against Switzerland and Turkey.
      Baku will also host Turkey vs Switzerland and one quarter-final.
      All matches will be held at a 50 per cent capacity.
      DENMARK
      Parken Stadium, Copenhagen (38,065 capacity)
      Copenhagen was the first city to announce it would host Euro 2020 games with fansCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Copenhagen will host all three of Denmark’s group matches, plus one last 16 match.
      The Danish capital was the first city to announce in 2021 that it would host Euro 2020 with fans.
      A crowd of 25-33 per cent capacity will be allowed into Parken Stadium.
      RUSSIA
      Krestovsky Stadium, St Petersburg (68,134 capacity)
      Russia has been holding matches with fans throughout this seasonCredit: AP:Associated Press
      St Petersburg will host two of Russia’s three home group games, plus Finland vs Belgium.
      In addition, it will hold one quarter-final.
      All matches will be played at a minimum 50 per cent capacity.
      Russia has been holding matches at half full stadiums throughout this season, while most of Europe has been playing behind closed doors due to coronavirus.
      ROMANIA
      Arena Nationala, Bucharest (55,600 capacity)
      Romania did not qualify for Euro 2020 but the Arena Nationala will still host gamesCredit: Getty
      Romania failed to qualify for Euro 2020 but their national stadium will still host three matches from Group C and one last 16 match.
      Games at the Arena Nationala will be hosted at a capacity of 25-33 per cent.
      HOLLAND
      Johan Cruyff Arena (56,000 capacity)
      Amsterdam will be hosting all Holland’s Euro 2020 group gamesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Netherlands was the second country to announce it would host Euro 2020 games, following Denmark.
      All Holland’s group games will be hosted at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam with a 25-33 per cent capacity able to attend.
      The country already started piloting matches with fans with March’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia.
      HUNGARY
      Puskas Arena, Budapest (67,215 capacity)
      Budapest is expecting to host games at full capacityCredit: Getty
      Budapest will host two of Hungary’s three group matches, plus a repeat of the Euro 2016 final between Portugal and France.
      It will also host one last 16 match.
      The Hungarian capital is the only city to announce that games will be hosted at full capacity, subject to strict entry requirements.
      Which countries could be removed from hosting Euro 2020?
      The following countries have yet to give Uefa the assurances they need to host Euro 2020.
      IRELAND
      Aviva Stadium, Dublin (51,700 capacity)
      Dublin is the most likely city to miss out on hosting Euro 2020Credit: PA
      Dublin is looking like it will miss out on Euro 2020 after failing to give Uefa guarantees that any fans will be allowed to attend matches.
      The Irish capital was set to host three Group E matches and a last 16 game that may well have ended up involving England.
      Should Ireland miss out on hosting Euro 2020, it is likely that England will host the games that were destined for Dublin.
      SPAIN
      San Mames, Bilbao (53,322 capacity)
      The Spanish FA have refused to back Bilbao’s submission to UefaCredit: Reuters
      Bilbao did commit to meet Uefa’s minimum requirement of a 25 per cent capacity, however the Spanish FA refused to back their submission due to the conditions attached.
      The Basque government had stated that it would be able to host games provided 60 per cent of the Basque country and the rest of Spain had been vaccinated and less than two per cent of those in hospital were coronavirus patients.
      But the Spanish FA labelled these conditions “impossible” to meet.
      Should Bilbao be stripped of its Euro 2020 games, it is likely they will be moved to another city in Spain.ITALY
      Stadio Olimpico, Rome (72,698 capacity)
      Rome has yet to give Uefa the assurances it needsCredit: EPA
      Italy had stated its intent to host Euro 2020 games with fans but declined to give a number.
      It appears that they have yet to give Uefa a guarantee of a 25 per cent capacity, which they must do by April 19.GERMANY
      Allianz Arena (75,000 capacity)
      Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena could miss out on hosting Euro 2020 gamesCredit: Getty
      Munich has yet to give assurances of hosting Euro 2020 games with fans.
      In March, the city’s mayor said: “At this point in time, it is simply not possible to make a statement about whether the corona pandemic infection will allow spectators to be admitted in June or not.
      “It is clear, however, that events of this kind with spectators are not permitted under the current regulations.”

      Will any cities allow fans of other countries to travel?
      The following countries are set to allow away fans to travel.
      AZERBAIJAN
      Azerbaijan has announced that fans of all travelling teams (Wales, Turkey, Switzerland and the two Baku quarter-finalists) will be able to submit a negative PCR test to enter the country instead of quarantining.
      This offer only applies to citizens or residents of the participating countries.
      RUSSIA
      St Petersburg is considering offering exemptions to entry requirements for all foreign residents with match tickets and a negative Covid test.
      However, a final decision has not yet been confirmed.
      HUNGARY
      Foreign ticket holders looking to attend games in Budapest must provide evidence of two negative Covid tests taken in the five days before entering Hungary.
      The Hungarian government will also accept a certificate of previous Covid infection in the 6 months before entering the country.
      ROMANIA
      Romania is considering providing an exemption to quarantine for foreign ticket holders for games in Bucharest.
      This will apply to those who provide proof of a negative Covid test and restrict their stay in Romania to three days or les.
      ENGLAND*
      England is expected to allow 3600 Scotland fans to attend the game against the Three Lions at Wembley.
      However, this trip would not involve crossing a border and no exemption is set to apply to fans of Croatia and the Czech Republic from overseas.
      The FA are also reportedly considering allowing fans of the semi-finalists and finalists attend games under a bubble arrangement. More

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      Jack Grealish out injured until May in massive blow for Aston Villa – but star confident he WILL be fit for Euros

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      JACK GREALISH will miss Aston Villa’s clash with Liverpool  — and  is set to be out for the rest of April.But the Villa captain remains confident he will be back fully fit in time for Gareth Southgate’s England Euros squad.
      Jack Grealish is set to be ruled out until the end of the month in a major blow for Aston Villa and EnglandCredit: PA
      Grealish was expected to make his long-awaited return from a shin injury against Fulham last weekend.
      The problem has ruled him out of  Villa’s last seven  games — as well as the Three Lions’ recent World Cup qualifiers.
      Talisman Grealish, 25, felt discomfort in the shin again and has now been  advised he needs another three weeks on the  sidelines to fully recover.
      SunSport can reveal there are no fears over Grealish’s long-term prospects of returning this season.
      Dean Smith’s side will miss their  key man at Anfield, then face an 11-day gap before playing Manchester City — due to the Etihad giants’  FA Cup semi-final  with Chelsea.
      Villa’s medics want Grealish to feel the full benefit of that break and he will not be risked against City.
      It is also unlikely the midfielder will return for their Midlands derby with West Brom four days later, unless he convinces Smith he is fully recovered and  pain-free.
      Instead, Villa’s trip to face Everton at Goodison on May 1 has been pencilled in as the most likely date for his  return.
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      The midfielder is desperate for a spot in England’s team for this summer’s EurosCredit: Getty

      It is understood Grealish’s injury is  proving far more difficult to predict than more common muscle injuries.
      But he remains confident the right balance of rest and strengthening exercises will see him return to his sparkling best.
      Villa face Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea among  their final five fixtures and Grealish intends to be in peak condition for all of them to cement his place in the Three Lions’ summer Euros squad.
      Boss Southgate is being kept updated and is understood to be happy with the amount of game time Grealish will have under his belt by the end of this  season.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Jack Grealish looks on top form back in Aston Villa training More

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      Scotland could have 4,000 fans at Wembley to face England at Euros with 16 per cent of 22,500 capacity away support

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      SCOTLAND could have 4,000 fans at their Euro 2020 showdown with England at Wembley.The FA have confirmed to Uefa they anticipate opening 25 per cent of Wembley’s tournament capacity for the initial group stage round of games.
      Scotland could have 4,000 fans in Wembley for their Euro 2020 clash with EnglandCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      That will see 22,500 underneath the Arch, with FA chiefs looking at a minimum of 45,000 fans for the semi-finals and final of the Euros.
      But with Scotland being part of the UK, Uefa has agreed the visiting team on June 18 should be handed the planned 16 per cent allocation.
      That will mean 3,600 seats being made available for the Tartan Army when ticket sales open next month.
      And with some English-based Scottish fans believed to have already bought tickets for the game, the Three Lions may be confronted by 4,000 bellowing Scots in the most authentic atmosphere of the tournament.
      Despite the June 21 date set by the Government for the end of coronavirus restrictions, the FA is not seeking to add numbers for England’s third group clash with the Czech Republic on June 23.
      Instead, like the first two matches – which will be used as Government-backed ‘test events’ – the ground will hold a quarter of its capacity. 
      Uefa’s steering group met virtually on Thursday in the aftermath of the failures by Dublin and Bilbao to meet the demanded fan promises.
      Irish officials anticipate the four matches scheduled to be played at the Aviva Stadium, including England’s last-16 clash if they win their opening group with Scotland, will be stripped, potentially as early as Friday.
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      Uefa has intended to make an announcement this week but may now wait until its ruling executive committee has met in Montreux on April 19.
      Euro chiefs were blindsided by the row between the Spanish FA and the Basque Government.
      The spat saw Madrid officials effectively rule out the Estadio San Memes just hours after local leaders had promised to allow 13,000 fans.
      But there are also issues over the involvement of Rome – due to host the opening game and Wales’ final first-stage match – and Munich.
      While the Dublin matches are likely to be switched to a venue in the north of England – either Old Trafford or St James’ Park – Russia is emerging as an alternative if Rome is ruled out.
      England boast the most-valuable squad of all Euro 2020 nations
      Russian FA chiefs have already announced they will open a Fan ID centre for the tournament in Moscow, even though the matches in the country are scheduled for St Petersburg.
      But Uefa is understood to be reluctant to move the matches scheduled for Bilbao out of Spain, with a switch to Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano more likely.
      Uefa also plans to hold its ballot of ticket holders at the start of next month, with the vast majority of the seats planned for the tournament no longer available as a result of the reduced capacities around Europe.  
      Supporters are likely to be required to test negative for the virus before they are allowed to take up their seats, following lobbying from a number of associations, including the FA.
      But players and team officials will stay in Covid-secure bubbles, including hotels and using only authorised transport, to ensure they are exempt from any quarantine requirements.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Gabby Agbonlahor doesn’t believe Trent Alexander-Arnold will make the England squad for the Euros More

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      England set to host extra Euro 2020 games as Ireland and Spain cannot guarantee fans while Scotland approve crowds

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      UEFA has been plunged into Euro 2020 crisis after Bilbao was ruled out of hosting games at the tournament – just hours after announcing it would host 12,000 fans.The shock news came with Dublin seeming almost certain to lose its four planned Euro 2020 games after telling Uefa it CANNOT guarantee letting fans into the Aviva Stadium.
      Scotland will be allowed to play two group games in front of 12,000 fans at HampdenCredit: Getty
      England are set to profit from Dublin and Bilbao being unable to commit to allowing fans inside the Aviva Stadium this summerCredit: Getty
      While the Scottish Government gave the green light for supporters at Hampden Park, Euro chiefs were still left on tenterhooks about the status of both Munich and Rome, due to host the opening game of the tournament.
      But the chaos opens up the door to far more games taking place in England, with possibly two more venues required in this country.
      Euro bosses’ worst fears appeared to have been ended earlier yesterday despite the admission by the FA of Ireland that Dublin was unable to meet Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin’s demand for fan guarantees.
      It had seemed that Ireland would be the only one of the 12 planned hosts who were unable to make the supporter pledge.
      That left the Irish capital looking set to be stripped of the three group games and last 16 match it was due to stage – with the growing likelihood that they would be moved to England.
      The FA of Ireland said it had reached its position “on advice and guidance” from the Irish Government and was therefore “not in a position at this point to provide assurances on minimum spectator levels”.
      It added: “Public health issues are the most important consideration in the organisation of the project.
      “We have advised Uefa that the matter will be kept under review and that we will continue to discuss all issues on an ongoing basis.”
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      That statement came as the SFA said it was ‘delighted’ that the Scottish government had approved allowing up to 12,000 fans inside Hampden – 25 per cent of its tournament capacity.
      However, that would be ‘subject to continued progress with the roll-out of the vaccination programme’. 
      Earlier, both Bilbao and Amsterdam had announced similar percentages for their games, although doubts remained over both Munich and Rome despite the German and Italian FAs both signalling their desire to meet Uefa’s demands.
      But last night the Spanish FA blew Uefa’s plans up in the air and blaming the Covid protocols demanded by the regional basque Government.

      Madrid boss said: “The conditions for fans to enter the Estadio San Memes, of 60 per cent of the population of the Basque Country and of Spain to be vaccinated by June 14 are impossible to comply with.
      “It is false to say we have agreed them – indeed we told the Basque Government they were impossible.
      “Therefore, the decisions Uefa will take when they see them will not be our responsibility – as we have warned them.
      “We will support the Basque Government if these same conditions are accepted in any of the other cities but we see that as unlikely.”
      In any event, the likely end of Dublin’s hopes – set to be confirmed in the coming days – will have a potential knock-in effect for England, who were due to go to the aviva for that first knock-out round if they win their initial group.
      Uefa have hinted strongly that they will take up PM Boris Johnson’s invitation to play more games in the UK, with Manchester United’s Old Trafford or Newcastle’s St James’ Park emerging as serious options.
      But if Bilbao is now ruled out, and perhaps joined by others, Uefa is likely to ask the FA to help come to its rescue and stage even more games.
      That may see extra matches in London – at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – as well.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      England boss Gareth Southgate backs bid to stage Euro 2020 matches in UK More

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      England strikers coach takes Aberdeen job but will stick with Three Lions until 2022 World Cup

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      ALLAN RUSSELL is the former Hamilton, St Mirren and Forest Green forward who is the England squad’s striker coach.The self-styled ‘world’s No 1 striker-specific coach’ from Scotland was once again working with Gareth Southgate’s squad during last month’s three World Cup qualifiers.
      Allan Russell has just accepted a job as assistant first-team coach at AberdeenCredit: Getty
      Since March 2017 he has been employed by the FA to improve the team’s goal threat, particularly from set-pieces — though it helps when you have Harry Kane in the side.
      But Russell, 40, has just accepted a job as assistant first-team coach at Aberdeen following the appointment of former Newcastle and Watford defender Stephen Glass as Pittodrie boss.
      England manager Southgate and the FA have no problems with Russell splitting his roles.
      He looks certain to continue through this summer’s Euro 2020 and on to the World Cup in Qatar in winter 2022.
      He is also running his consultancy business called Superior Striker, which his official website claims is a “game changer at the highest level.”
      And ironically Russell will be hoping to get one over his fellow countrymen when England play Scotland in the Euro group stages at Wembley.
      Russell knew he would be fine working for Aberdeen as there is a precedent of Southgate’s backroom team being employed elsewhere.
      England’s Welsh goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson also works for Swansea while former Charlton defender Chris Powell, who helps coach the Three Lions senior team, is now head of coaching at Tottenham’s academy.
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      Kyril has place in the Sun
      SWISS billionaire Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is getting his feet under the table at Sunderland.
      The Black Cats owner, whose takeover was ratified in February, is the 23-year-old son of the late Swiss-French businessman Robert Louis-Dreyfus who was Marseille’s majority shareholder.
      Louis-Dreyfus, who lives with Russian fiancee Alexandra Nowikovsky, has homes in Geneva and the sun-kissed south of France.
      But he has moved into a modest bungalow on the grounds of Sunderland’s Academy of Light training ground in Cleadon, to gain a good understanding of the club 24 hours a day.
      He is already doing things the right way and sees the important role now played by data analysts.
      Louis-Dreyfus is relaxed about whether the promotion chasers get out of League One and will not feel it is a crisis if they miss out.He sees Sunderland as a big rebuilding job.
      Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is getting his feet under the table at SunderlandCredit: Iam Burn/News Images
      No more cash to burn
      PREMEMBER the times when all Premier League clubs lost the plot over summer and spent shedloads of cash?
      Well, it won’t be happening this summer. Expect another quiet transfer window like January.
      Teams such as Manchester City and Chelsea will spend big while Manchester United and Liverpool have money to strengthen but it will be nothing like some fans hope.
      As for the others, some clubs are already admitting to agents they have “zero budget” for the summer. This means one player leaving before another comes in.
      Even the top six are looking to move high earners out on loan. One of the bigger clubs has a player budget of just £8million.
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      Liverpool beaten by Real Madrid as Trent Alexander-Arnold confirms his spot for Euro 2020… in front of the TV

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD hoped to prove a point against Real Madrid – and he did just that.Because the Liverpool defender delivered a performance which confirmed his spot for Euro2020. At home in front of the TV.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold failed to impress against Real Madrid and was at fault for their second goal with a poor errorCredit: Getty
      England manager Gareth Southgate will have gained absolutely no satisfaction watching the right-back suffer another torrid evening, particularly the first 45 minutes.
      Alexander-Arnold was not the only Liverpool player who suffered all sorts of problems in the 3-1 loss to Real Madrid.
      But the rest of Jurgen Klopp’s team had not been the subject of fierce debate over whether Southgate was right to drop the right-back for the three World Cup qualifiers.
      Yet barring a freak run of injuries, Alexander-Arnold will not be among Southgate’s 23-man squad.
      What a wretched season this has been for everyone at Liverpool but, apart from those who have suffered injuries, Alexander-Arnold has probably suffered the most misery.
      And now this. Exposed and caught out by Real with Ferland Mendy and Vinicius Junior causing so many problems down the left.
      With England, the only question is whether Southgate takes Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Reece James or, two out of three right backs.
      Alexander-Arnold impressed against Arsenal on Saturday, but looking at the state of Mikel Arteta’s team, this is not a triumph for any defender.
      It’s gone from bad to worse for the Reds 😳Real Madrid lead Liverpool 2-0 before half-time…Major work to do in the second half! pic.twitter.com/YRHou8El2v— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 6, 2021

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      But this nervous performance at Real’s training ground made it easier for Southgate to argue his case.
      The Champions League will always hold a special heart in the place of Alexander-Arnold.
      Not just because he picked up a winner’s medal in 2019 but in the play-off first leg away to Hoffenheim the previous season.
      Alexander-Arnold scored his first goal for the club with a brilliant free-kick.
      In that campaign, which ended with defeat to Real in the final, Alexander-Arnold was not trusted in all of the big away games with Joe Gomez starting.
      Yet three seasons later, the concerns remain over his defending, even though there are a few better going forward.
      Real clearly identified this weakness. Alexander-Arnold was guilty of some weak defending when he was turned inside out by left-back Mendy who delivered a dangerous cross.
      For Real’s first goal, neither Alexander-Arnold or Nat Phillips spotted the run by Vinicius who delivered a clinical finish from Toni Kroos’ stunning ball over the top.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold receives a bookingCredit: PA
      Liverpool failed to deal with a similar pass from Kroos, Alexander-Arnold panicked and headed into the path of Asensio who finished comfortably.
      Despite being under pressure, this was unforgivable from Alexander-Arnold. Imagine if this had been in the knockout stages of the Euros.
      Like the rest of the visitors. Alexander-Arnold improved after the break.
      He played a part in the move which led to Mo Salah pulling one back and then played a stunning pass with a half volley to Diogo Jota.
      Alexander-Arnold also did well to get across and tackle Asensio when Real broke on the counter attack.
      Yet from the following throw-in, Liverpool defended in slo-motion and failed to get anywhere Vinicius who made it 3-1.
      As frustrations grew, Alexander-Arnold went nose-to-nose with Vinicuis but sadly over the 90 minutes, there was only one winner.
      And Southgate’s job for the summer had been made that little bit easier.
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      Wales defender Tom Lockyer in race to be fit for Euro 2020 finals after ankle operation

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      TOM LOCKYER faces a major race against time to be fit for Wales at Euro 2020 after an ankle operation.The Luton centre-back, 26, has been ruled out for the rest of the Championship season following the long-standing ankle ligament problem.
      Tom Lockyer may not be fit for Wales at this summer’s Euros after undergoing an ankle operationCredit: Getty
      Lockyer helped Wales reach Euro 2020 by starting the last four qualification games including the crucial 2-0 triumph over HungaryCredit: Getty
      Lockyer was named in Wales’ squad to face Belgium, Mexico and the Czech Republic last month. But the injury forced the 13-cap defender to pull out during the international break.
      Although he was on the bench for Luton at Preston on March 20, he has been battling with the injury since mid-February and has now gone under the knife to solve the issue.
      Hatters boss Nathan Jones said: “Tom will miss the rest of the season. Tom’s had to have an operation.
      “It’s a real strange one, but he’s had to go in which is a bit frustrating for me, because he’s going to be out for two months, which only affects a month of the season but he’s had two months out prior to that.”
      Wales are scheduled to open their Euro 2020 campaign against Switzerland in the Azerbaijan capital of Baku on June 12.
      Lockyer started the final four Euro 2020 qualification games under Ryan Giggs as Wales booked their place at this summer’s finals.
      He was first-choice again last September for the first internationals in ten months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
      But Lockyer missed the October triple-header with an ankle injury and, while he returned to the Wales fold in November, he only made one appearance against the USA in a friendly.
      Luton’s Lockyer competes for the ball in the Nations League win over Finland last SeptemberCredit: Getty
      Lockyer will be sweating on his place to make the Wales squad after injuryCredit: Getty

      Caretaker boss Robert Page, who is still standing in for the absent Giggs following his arrest on suspicion of assaulting his on-off girlfriend, was in charge then.
      And Page opted for the partnership of Joe Rodon and Chris Mepham against Ireland three days later.
      Then when Wales switched to a back three for the final of three matches in November against Finland, Page drafted in left-footed James Lawrence to provide balance.
      Lockyer hoped to stake his claim for the Euros in March but his latest withdrawal due to injury and the resulting operation leaves him in a major race to be selected for the summer.
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      England set to be handed at least FOUR more Euro 2020 games with Uefa braced for Dublin to pull out as host city

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      ENGLAND looks set to be handed at least four more Euro 2020 games – with Uefa braced for Dublin to effectively pull out of hosting on Wednesday.And that would hand Gareth Southgate and his Three Lions the prospect of an extra match on home soil this summer, although NOT at Wembley.
      Dublin are set to pull out of hosting Euro 2020 with England set to take on their games – with the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium potentially taking over from the Irish capitalCredit: Getty
      England could now play an extra Euro 2020 game on home soil with Dublin set to pull outCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
      Uefa’s deadline for the 12 scheduled venues to confirm they are able to stage games with crowds is close of business on Wednesday.
      The Irish capital is believed by senior Uefa figures to be the most likely city to be unable to give Euro chiefs the guarantees they have sought, leaving the Aviva set to be stripped of its games.
      And if so, it is now expected that the four games due to be played in Ireland will be switched to England, as the FA is already in advanced planning for seven games at Wembley.
      It has been suggested that the £1billion Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, together with the number of training grounds and top-class hotels around London, might be the preferred second option.
      But police are unlikely to want two Euros matches in the city on the same day.
      And that would be the case on the current schedule with Sweden due to meet Slovakia – for now in Dublin – on June 18, a few hours before England and Scotland kick off at Wembley.
      That would make Manchester the easier alternative.
      Uefa sources had suggested Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium was viewed as easier to retro-fit to Uefa tournament standards than Old Trafford in the short time-frame available after the end of the domestic season.

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      The Etihad Stadium had been considered as a potential new venue in place of Dublin but Man City have all-but ruled out that possibilityCredit: PA

      But City are committed to digging out the current Etihad pitch down to its foundations and laying a new completely surface.
      That means the stadium is effectively out of commission for the entire summer while the new turf and roots bed down for next term.
      Dublin being replaced by an English stadium would, though, be a massive boost for Southgate, with his side currently due to play their last-16 game in Ireland if they win their initial group.
      There are also question marks over both Munich and Bilbao, amid ongoing Covid concerns, although officials at Uefa headquarters in Nyon expect both the German and Spanish cities to eventually be able to meet the demands.
      And Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has now cleared the way for the turnstiles at Hampden Park to be opened as well, despite health and safety concerns.
      Uefa’s steering group of national associations is due to meet on Thursday in the wake of the reports from the 12 cities.
      The earliest final decisions will then be made is Friday, although that is likely to only be the case if all 12 cities are available or Dublin is a lone casualty.
      If any other cities are unable to give the pledges at this stage, it is likely Uefa would then put off the final call until its next executive committee meeting on April 19, giving those nations extra time to meet the pre-conditions.
      But there are also concerns over whether travelling fans will be permitted in various countries as well as other issues including media regulations.
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