Euro 2020

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      FA will tell Uefa they want 45,000 fans at Euro 2020 latter stages in boost for stadium return

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      FA CHIEFS will tell Uefa they want Wembley to hold 45,000 fans for the latter stages of Euro 2020.And that capacity could even be increased towards 60,000 if the vaccine roll-out and Covid scenario in the UK continues to go in the right direction.
      Fans could pour back into Wembley for the latter stages of Euro 2020Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Uefa has ordered all 12 potential hosts for the tournament to confirm their preferred crowd numbers by next Wednesday.
      A number of cities, including Dublin, Munich, Bilbao and Rome are thought to be struggling to get the green light from their regional or national governments to commit to fans in the stadium, even though Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has made that a precondition.
      A final announcement on venues is expected 48 hours after the deadline, on April 9.
      PM Boris Johnson has already confirmed the Government will be happy for the UK to host more games than the seven set for Wembley if Uefa needs help.
      And the possibility of up to two thirds – and maybe more – of Wembley’s full capacity being available for the four knockout games, including both semis and the final, is a further sign of FA confidence.
      Meanwhile, today’s meeting of Uefa’s ruling executive committee will formally disband the “30 per cent maximum” crowd figure announced in October for matches in European competitions.
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      That temporary measure, introduced after the successful return of fans at the Super Cup Final, has remained on the Uefa statute book over the winter and spring but will be updated to take current Covid conditions into account.
      A number of test events are planned across England before the planned reopening of venues on May 17.
      A crowd of 4,000 local residents is set to watch one of next month’s FA Cup semi-finals for one pilot.
      As many as 10,000 will be allowed into matches once the restriction is lifted but a 20,000-strong ‘test’ could be green-lit for the FA Cup final.
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      Five top stars whose England place at Euro 2020 is under huge threat including Trent Alexander-Arnold and James Maddison

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has shown that he is not afraid of making difficult decisions – which is just as well as he picks his Euro 2020 squad.No matter what selection of players he takes to the tournament, there will be some major casualties.
      Gareth Southgate left Trent Alexander-Arnold out of March’s World Cup qualifiersCredit: Getty
      With just one more international to go before he must outline his preliminary squad, the Three Lions boss still has plenty of question marks to consider.
      Here, SunSport details five top players who may end up missing out on a place at the Euros.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold
      Southgate came in for some major criticism for leaving the Liverpool defender out of his squad for this month’s internationals.
      Alexander-Arnold, 22, has been part of a struggling Reds team this season and his national boss stated: “I don’t feel he’s hit that level he’s hit with Liverpool for England.”
      However, Southgate is clearly a fan of the right-back and selected him for the 2018 World Cup before he had won a cap.
      Having previously dropped Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier, the manager has an embarrassment of riches in this position and anything but a stellar end to the campaign could lead to Alexander-Arnold spending the summer on Merseyside.
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      James Maddison
      A serious case of bad timing may have scuppered Maddison’s biggest chance to impress ahead of the Euros.
      The Leicester star had been in a fine run of form before being ruled out injured for this month’s internationals.
      Southgate has only given him 34 minutes in an England shirt and was said to be less than impressed when he headed to a casino after withdrawing through illness in October 2019.
      Competition will come from club mate Harvey Barnes, Jude Bellingham and Jesse Lingard with Southgate certainly a fan of the West Ham loanee.
      Injured midfielder James Maddison still only has one England capCredit: PA
      Bukayo Saka
      There is an argument that Saka’s place in the Euros squad is basically out of his hands.
      A rising star at Arsenal whose versatility certainly plays into his favour, it may be that there is simply no room for the 19-year-old this summer.
      Raheem Sterling, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Jack Grealish are probably ahead of him in the pecking order.
      If all of those stars are fit, would Southgate cut a central midfielder such as Kalvin Phillips or a striker such as Ollie Watkins to keep Saka in? It’s a lovely problem to have in theory but incredibly difficult in reality.
      Bukayo Saka pulled out of this month’s England squad due to injuryCredit: AP
      Tammy Abraham
      Any of England’s reserve strikers could easily feature on this list, as the job of backing up Harry Kane will be fiercely fought over.
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in pole position with Watkins also in this month’s squad and scoring past San Marino.
      Callum Wilson, Mason Greenwood, Danny Ings and Patrick Bamford are all hoping to make their case in the final weeks of the season.
      But Abraham has been involved with Southgate the longest, having debuted in 2017, and his lack of a league goal since December will have to give way to some serious form to secure his spot at the Euros.
      Tammy Abraham is currently out injured as he pushes for a Euro 2020 ticketCredit: Getty

      Kyle Walker
      We started with a right-back so let’s end on one.
      With Alexander-Arnold fighting for a recall and Aaron Wan-Bissaka overdue an opportunity, the fact is that a big name will have to give way.
      Kieran Trippier should be Atletico Madrid’s first-choice as they chase down the LaLiga title and Reece James appears to be cementing his place.
      Meanwhile, Walker is no longer a guaranteed starter for Manchester City and the Three Lions moving away from a back-five may hurt his chances of a ticket to Euro 2020.
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      Kyle Walker was handed the right-back berth for the win over AlbaniaCredit: Getty
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      Gareth Bale reveals he does suffer from lack of confidence after early season struggles at Tottenham

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      GARETH BALE admits that he DOES suffer from a lack of confidence.The Wales captain has had a mixed season at Tottenham, with form and fitness issues under boss Jose Mourinho.
      Bale trains ahead of tonight’s game against the Czech RepublicCredit: PA
      Even though superstar Bale won trophies galore at Real Madrid,  former Spurs boss and SunSport columnist Harry Redknapp said recently that the Welsh legend is really a confidence player — and the 31-year-old certainly agrees.
      Bale has an eye on this summer’s Euros but he reckons he has finally reclaimed his form and speed.
      Wales gained  a major lift from a 1-0 friendly win over Mexico on Saturday and Bale’s admission that he is finally back in the groove should worry the Czech Republic ahead of tonight’s  2022 World Cup qualifier in Cardiff.
      Bale – who has ten goals in 25 games for Spurs so far this season – explained: “Confidence is a massive thing in football.
      “Whether you are the best player or the worst, having confidence as a footballer — especially for me — is one of the most important things.
      “Playing in the final third you need to take risks. You really need to feel good about yourself and to be able to beat a defender, shoot and score goals.
      “I’m building my confidence up slowly which has been good — and that has shown in my performances and with scoring goals.
      “I  need to keep improving, keep putting in good performances. And then hopefully they can keep on getting better and better to lead into the Euros.”
      Bale has started to show why Spurs wanted him back over the last few monthsCredit: Getty

      Bale has shown signs of his old self in the last six weeks — after overcoming a  knee injury on his arrival to Spurs in September.
      When asked to assess his own season, Bale added: “It’s been OK. I had a slow start, I came into Tottenham with a little problem in my knee, not having played football continuously for a year and a half, so it took a bit of time to get going.
      “The last couple of months I’ve felt stronger and stronger, my form and speed has been there and I’ve scored some goals.”
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      After an opening Group E defeat to Belgium last Wednesday, Wales must now register points against the Czechs to keep their dream of reaching the Qatar finals alive.
      And Bale, set to win his 90th cap, hinted that this could be his last campaign before he retires.
      He will be 33 when the 2022 finals come around and, after seeing Chris Gunter become the first Welsh star to reach a ton of caps at the weekend, he admits his international career is drawing to a close.
      Bale, who has revealed he will have talks with Real about his future after the Euros, said: “There’s no hiding we are getting older — and possibly it is the last campaign.
      “If it is, then it won’t change my mindset. I’m going to be 100 per cent committed like always.”
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      Robert Lewandowski ruled OUT of Poland’s clash against England in World Cup qualifier after suffering knee injury

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI will miss Poland’s big World Cup qualifier against England on Wednesday.The Bayern Munich star suffered a knee injury in the 3-0 win over Andorra and has now officially been ruled out.
      Robert Lewandowski is set to miss Poland’s big World Cup qualifier against EnglandCredit: Rex
      Poland’s Twitter account posted: “Robert Lewandowski will not play in Wednesday’s 2022 World Cup qualifying match against England in London due to an injury.”
      Lewandowski scored twice in the home win but then left the pitch with an injury with 27 minutes left.
      The news is a massive blow for the Poles. Lewandowski’s brace took him to 47 goals in 42 games this season for club and country and 16 in his past 10.
      But his absence is a boost for England who know that a home win would complete a hat-trick of qualifying wins and boost their chances of finishing top of the group.
      Poland boss Paulo Sousa said after the Andorra win: “He felt a pain in his knee.
      “Tomorrow (Monday) we will check whether he is okay. He needs to rest and sleep well now.”
      Scans revealed damage to the collateral ligament of Lewandowski’s right knee. 
      England have so far cruised to a 5-0 win at home to San Marino before winning 2-0 at Albania.
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      Poland provide Gareth Southgate’s side with their toughest test in the group.
      And in December, Southgate praised Lewandowski and compared him to England skipper Harry Kane.
      He said: “He’s a fantastic player and he’s as good of a number nine as there is.
      “When you look at him, Harry Kane and [Romelu] Lukaku they are the number nines you think of as the best from around Europe.
      “He is a player who can hurt you and his record for his country is phenomenally good.”
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      Luke Shaw is giving Gareth Southgate a left-back headache.. but England MUST have settled defence to win Euro 2020

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      LUKE SHAW had managed just 60 minutes of international football in four-and-a-half years under Gareth Southgate.Along with James Maddison, Jack Grealish and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, he was a member of the England Misfits Club. Players who Southgate did not appear particularly keen on.
      Luke Shaw staked his claim for England’s left-back spot at the Euros, getting an assist in an impressive performance against AlbaniaCredit: Getty
      But Grealish took his opportunity when it finally came and now it is up to the Manchester United defender to do the same.
      Shaw’s 90-minute run-out in Tirana served as a warning to Ben Chilwell that he has a major fight for the left-back spot at Euro 2020.
      The best performing full-back in the Premier League, Shaw, 25, has been handed tougher tests than yesterday against Albania’s limited attack.
      Yet in only his ninth appearance for England, the Manchester United defender still delivered some class moments, the highlight being the terrific cross for Harry Kane to end his mini drought for the national team.
      It was Shaw’s third assist in three successive competitive matches for England, albeit over a period of SIX YEARS.
      This illustrates that Shaw’s England career has not exactly got off to a flier. This has partly due to injuries but also his love of a few too many trips to the Golden Arches.
      Every manager who has managed Shaw, from Mauricio Pochettino to Roy Hodgson and Louis Van Gaal to Jose Mourinho have complained about his lifestyle.
      So credit to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who has got the best out of his player. The United boss is the reason why Shaw was out there yesterday and has now been added to England’s full-back options.
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      Shaw’s arrival in the squad – his last appearance was against Spain in 2018 – has indirectly screwed over Trent Alexander-Arnold.
      Right-footed Kieran Trippier has been the back-up to Chilwell on the left but with Shaw deservedly getting the call, Southgate had too many right-backs along with Reece James, Kyle Walker and Trippier.
      As so it was Alexander-Arnold who got the bullet and it is difficult to see a way back for him.
      England are likely to switch between a back four and central three with wing-backs over the next few months.
      So whether it is right-back, right wing-back, left-back or left wing-back. The opportunities are there. 
      Chelsea defender Chilwell did well at home to San Marino but it was, of course, against the worst team in the world. Equally, Chilwell did not help himself in the autumn by making himself unavailable due to breaking lock down restrictions.
      England boast the most-valuable squad of all Euro 2020 nations
      Yet Shaw could still be a good option when Southgate names his team for the visit of Robert Lewandowski’s Poland at Wembley on Wednesday although Chillwell will consider himself as the favourite to get the nod.
      After playing with a back four in the last two games, including this 2-0 win, England could switch to a back three.
      Trippier or James could play at right wing-back with Walker likely to move into the central three.
      Even though Southgate claims he knows his best team, England’s defence is neither settled or particularly experienced.
      Everyone is getting excited about the options in midfield and beyond but as Portugal proved at Euro2016 – even though they failed to win a game in the group stages – it is all about a solid defence.
      Until the situation is sorted – and this includes the keeper problem – it is unrealistic to expect England to progress too far in Euro 2020.

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      Watch Mason Mount’s goal vs Albania with Chelsea star now odds-on to start at Euro 2020 after stunning England form

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      MASON MOUNT coolly dispatched a calm finish past Albania goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha to give England a 2-0 win in Tirana.And the Chelsea ace is now odds-on to start for the Three Lions at Euro 2020 in the summer.

      Mason Mount celebrates netting his third international goal – and is now odds-on to start for Gareth Southgate at Euro 2020Credit: Rex
      Mount, 22, is competing with the likes of Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho for a place in Gareth Southgate’s starting XI.
      But his excellent performances for club and country this season have given him the edge.
      Coral now have him at 4-7 to start England’s Euro 2020 opener against Croatia on June 13.
      Foden and Grealish are both evens to be selected by Southgate.
      While Sancho is 3-4.
      England grabbed the lead in Tirana after skipper Harry Kane headed home Luke Shaw’s excellent delivery from the left.
      And Kane turned provider for the second, sending Mount one-on-one with a perfect pass.
      The Blues ace did the rest, coolly lifting the over the onrushing Strakosha for 2-0.
      3 – Mason Mount is the first Chelsea player to score or assist in three consecutive England appearances since Frank Lampard, who did so in seven in a row in a run ending in May 2013. Heir. pic.twitter.com/4EpRP5DR1d— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 28, 2021

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      In doing so, Mount became the first Chelsea player to score or assist in three consecutive England games since former boss Frank Lampard back in 2013.
      He has now won 15 caps for his country, previously scoring against Belgium and Iceland.
      After the game, however, Southgate wasn’t entirely pleased with his side’s performance.
      He said: “At the end of the game we had opportunities to make it three and should’ve killed the game off.
      “And I didn’t like the way we managed the game in the last 15 minutes.
      “I’m pleased with the win but I think there are areas that we can certainly tighten up on.”
      The Three Lions are back in action on Wednesday, when they take on Poland at Wembley.

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      Gareth Southgate teases Calvert-Lewin over his ‘dodgy’ dress sense but insists England star is ‘fun to be around’

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      ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate has questioned Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s ‘dodgy’ fashion sense.The Everton striker is turning into something of a fashionista alongside team-mate Tom Davies, but Southgate remains a huge fan of his footballing ability.
      Everton pair Dominic Calvert-Lewin, 24, and Tom Davies, 22, have been pictured wearing some interesting clothes in recent monthsCredit: instagram.com/domcalvertlewin
      Southgate, 50, won’t be taking either of those outfits to the Euros – but there is a good chance he’ll be taking Calvert-LewinCredit: Getty
      Speaking to Everton’s official website, Southgate said: “We’ve always seen a player whose link play has been good, whose work for the team has been outstanding.
      “He has a great threat in the air, from crosses, in particular. But until the past 18 months, or so, he wasn’t quite finishing those chances.
      “He’s now doing that consistently for his club and he’s hit the ground running with us.
      “Pretty simple, really, that [consistently scoring] has been the difference.
      “I really like his character – he is really engaging and fun to be around.
      “I am aware his dress sense can be dodgy but that’s not an issue here, we’re in tracksuits, so no problem with him and Tom Davies with us.”
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      England boast the most-valuable squad of all Euro 2020 nations
      Although Southgate won’t be taking any fashion tips from Calvert-Lewin, the striker could well be part of his squad for the Euros.
      The 24-year-old has been in excellent form this season, scoring 15 Premier League goals for the Toffees.
      He has also made an impressive start to his England career, with four goals in six games, including two against San Marino on Thursday.

      Davies, meanwhile, will need to do much better if he and his U21 colleagues want to break into the senior team.
      The youngsters lost 1-0 to Switzerland in their opening match of the U21 Euros – a tournament which will conclude later in the year.
      They face Portugal in their second group match on Sunday evening.
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      Jordan Henderson could MISS Euro 2020 through injury, admits Gareth Southgate in huge blow for England and Liverpool

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE says Jordan Henderson faces a race against time to be fit for the Euros this summer.The England midfielder may struggle to play for Liverpool before the end of the season because of a groin operation last month.
      Jordan Henderson faces a race against time to be fit for this summer’s EurosCredit: Reuters
      England boss Gareth Southgate will be desperate to have the midfielder backCredit: EPA
      Three Lions manager Southgate said: “In terms of promises, we can only say Hendo himself is very optimistic about how the operation went and the prognosis the specialist has given him as to what is possible.
      “But, of course, we are conscious that with any injury of that nature, there is a time defined.
      “We know it is going to be close to the end of the season.
      “We will just have to see how it goes.
      “He’ll give himself every chance of being available.
      “We also know he is likely to be a bit short of match minutes in high-level games.
      “There are a lot of things to take into consideration but that decision is a few weeks away.”
      Henderson, 30, has 58 caps for England and would be a big miss.
      But if he fails to make it, Jude Bellingham’s Euros hopes could improve.
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      The Borussia Dortmund kid, 17, won his second cap in the 5-0 win over San Marino and   Southgate said: “We saw in his games against Sevilla a level of performance and commitment that really made us think.
      “We want to help him to develop now under us.”
      Striker Harry Kane and defender Harry Maguire could return against Albania.
      But Marcus Rashford (foot) and Bukayo Saka (hamstring) are ruled out of tomorrow’s game and Wednesday’s Poland clash and have returned to Manchester United and Arsenal respectively.
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