Euro 2020

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      Real Madrid ace Toni Kroos claims he was called a NAZI by angry fans for criticising Mesut Ozil’s Germany retirement

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      TONI KROOS has slammed fans who branded him a ‘Nazi’ for criticising Mesut Ozil’s racism claims.
      Fenerbahce midfielder Ozil quit the German national team in 2018 and stated that ‘racism and disrespect’ had hindered his international career due to his Turkish heritage.

      Mesut Ozil and Toni Kroos spent several years together in the German national teamCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      Some in German football were unhappy with Ozil’s links to Turkish President Recep ErdoganCredit: AFP

      In reply, Kroos branded the allegations ‘nonsense’ and insisted there was no such racism in the team.
      But that led to a reaction from fans of Ozil and the Real Madrid star detailed how his ‘blonde hair and blue eyes’ led to serious insults.
      Kroos told reporters, via Marca: “After the 2018 World Cup I said that I did not like the retirement of Mesut Ozil and the manner in which he did it.
      “And then I was directly a Nazi for a lot of people: blond, blue eyes…everything fit for a lot of people.

      “I managed to overcome it, anyone can hide behind a fake profile and then insult other people with almost no problem.”
      Before Germany’s disastrous World Cup campaign in Russia, Ozil was criticised by many in the country for meeting Turkish president Recep Erdogan.
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      Mesut was criticised for the photo – and rightly so. Nevertheless, he was absolutely supported by the leadership and the team.
      Toni KroosAugust 2018

      The reaction contributed to the player quitting the team after their group-stage exit.

      At the time, Kroos insisted that the way Ozil’s international retirement had been handled by German football bosses was poor – but dismissed his racism claims.
      The 31-year-old told Bild in August 2018: “The manner of his retirement was not OK.
      “The proportion that is properly addressed in his statement is unfortunately overshadowed by the much higher proportion of nonsense.

      “I think that he knows that racism does not exist within the national team and the German FA. On the contrary, we are always committed to diversity and integration.
      “Mesut was criticised for the photo – and rightly so. And he missed the chance to explain himself. Nevertheless, he was absolutely supported by the leadership and the team.
      “Later he was – as others were – criticised for the performance at the World Cup. The type of criticism was certainly not always at a good level – but then you have to go through as a player.”
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      Five England stars who Gareth Southgate MUST start at Euro 2020 including Chelsea’s player of the season Mason Mount

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE somehow needs to pick a 23-man squad for this summer’s rearranged Euro 2020 tournament.
      And then he will be tasked with narrowing that down a starting XI to face Croatia on June 13.

      Gareth Southgate has plenty of selection headaches between now and June 12 – but Mason Mount is sure to be securing of the 11 starting spots against CroatiaCredit: Reuters

      Between now and then, there will be plenty of factors to consider – not least form and injuries.
      But here are five players we think should, as things stand, definitely be lining up at Wembley that afternoon…
      MASON MOUNT
      Mason Mount has been Chelsea’s player of the season and proved in recent weeks he is not in the team just because Frank Lampard liked him.
      The 22-year-old is a truly gifted footballer, has an eye for goal as he showed at Anfield and can play in midfield or, like under Thomas Tuchel, off a central striker.

      England have the bizarre predicament of having so many creative playmakers – Mount, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and James Maddison could all argue their case for a starting spot.
      It will be interesting to see how Southgate tries to solve this conundrum but on current form and fitness, Mount gets the nod.
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      NICK POPE
      Southgate’s call over his goalkeeper this summer remains an ongoing debate.

      Jordan Pickford has tournament experience, is better with his feet, has never let the Three Lions boss down – and even scored a penalty for his country.
      But his inconsistency this season cannot be overlooked – he is prone to an error, such as the calamity moment in front of the England gaffer against Leicester, whereas Nick Pope has been superb.
      This season, no English goalkeeper has more Premier League clean sheets (nine) and only Sam Johnstone at relegation-threatened West Brom has more saves than Pope’s tally of 98 – at a rate of 76.4 per cent compared to Pickford’s 71.3.
      JOHN STONES
      Who would have thought a year ago John Stones should start for England at the Euros? The ex-Toffee was frozen out at Manchester City with midfielder Fernandinho preferred in defence by Pep Guardiola.
      A transfer away failed to materialise but he forced himself back into contention, partnering Ruben Dias in emphatic fashion with Aymeric Laporte watching on from the sidelines.
      The 26-year-old is even adding goals to his game and should certainly be adding to his 39 caps, the last of which was won back in November 2019.

      John Stones is the most in-form England centre-back at the moment as he charges towards the Premier League titleCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      LUKE SHAW
      Another player who must have thought the ship of their international career had sailed is Luke Shaw – now the Manchester United left-back is certainly pushing for a recall.
      He has not featured for England since September 2018 but will be confident of adding to his eight international appearances.
      Ben Chilwell appeared the runaway first choice for Southgate however Shaw may capitalise on a dip for the ex-Leicester man.
      The Red Devils staved off the threat of Alex Telles and Brandon Williams to put in fine performances this season – he has five league assists and the most chances created of any English defender this term.

      Luke Shaw’s most-recent cap ended with the left-back being stretchered off against Spain in September 2018Credit: Reuters
      DECLAN RICE
      It was tempting to go for either Marcus Rashford or Jadon Sancho to join Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling in attack – but there is no clear choice when trying to decide between them.
      So a safer bet is Declan Rice in the base of Southgate’s midfield.
      Not only has the West Ham stand-in captain played every minute in the Premier League this season, he is playing a key role in the Hammers’ surprise European charge.
      And when you consider Jordan Henderson will have missed a crucial part of the run-in as he recovers from surgery, there is even greater importance on the 22-year-old to be orchestrating in the midfield – alongside his best-mate Mount.
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      Close pals Mount and Declan Rice would love to line up together for their country at this summer’s tournamentCredit: Rex Features

      England boast the most-valuable squad of all Euro 2020 nations

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      Cardiff could land extra Euro 2020 games if Dublin forfeits rights to host matches over coronavirus rules

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      CARDIFF could take advantage of staging Euro 2020 games if Dublin forfeits its hosting rights.
      The FA of Ireland are becoming increasingly resigned it cannot give Uefa its required guarantees of allowing fans into the Aviva Stadium by next month’s deadline.

      Cardiff’s Principality Stadium could be granted hosting duties if Dublin forfeits its rightsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Irish Government scientists are reluctant to reopen turnstiles given the current state of Covid-19 in the country.
      And the Welsh capital, rather than another English city, is likely to be given the chance to take up the four matches planned — three group games and a last-16 clash which could involve England — for the Aviva Stadium.
      Prime Minister Boris Johnson has invited Uefa to stage more games in the UK if other hosts are unable to meet their requirements.
      Uefa have reiterated their plan to retain the current 12-country format but there are growing doubts over not just Dublin as hosts but also Glasgow, due to hold three games in England’s group, and Bilbao.

      That could open the door for Cardiff to be invited back into the Euro party — even if Wales play their own group fixtures in Baku and Rome.
      The Welsh capital was one of the two bidding cities to miss out when the host venues were chosen by Uefa in 2014, along with Stockholm and both countries are set to be asked to come to Uefa’s rescue should any of the hosts officially withdraw.
      Staging games in Wales would be welcomed by the UK Government and also avoid the scenario of two matches being played in the same country on the same day, as would happen if the Dublin games were switched to England.

      Dublin’s Aviva Stadium is supposed to host matches this summerCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription

      Sweden are due to meet Slovakia in the Aviva on June 18, the same day as England play Scotland at Wembley.

      Uefa would have no issues in playing games at the Principality Stadium, which hosted the 2017 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Juventus and has a capacity of 74,000, some 20,000 more than the Aviva.
      Bilbao looks the next most unstable brick in the Euro wall and moving the games planned for there to Stockholm would at least see the host nation involved in one game, when Sweden face Spain.
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      Dublin set to forfeit Euro 2020 hosting rights with UK likely to get another stadium in boost to Boris Johnson’s plans

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      DUBLIN appears set to forfeit its Euro 2020 hosting rights.
      But Cardiff, rather than another English city, is likely to be given the chance to take up the four matches planned for the Aviva Stadium.

      Dublin’s Aviva Stadium could be about to lose its Euro 2020 matchesCredit: Getty – Pool

      UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has opened the door for more games across the countryCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The FA of Ireland is becoming increasingly resigned to the fact that it will not be able to give Uefa its required guarantees of allowing fans into the Aviva Stadium by next month’s deadline.
      Irish Government scientists are reluctant to open turnstiles to fans given the current state of Covid in the country.
      And unless there is a change of stance in the next four weeks, it seems likely that the Irish will have to hand back the three group games and last-16 clash – which would involve England if Gareth Southgate’s team win their opening phase.
      PM Boris Johnson has invited Uefa to stage more games in the UK if other hosts are unable to meet their requirements.

      The PM also offered to joist the entire tournament if required, although that remains unlikely to occur.
      Despite the growing doubts about the viability of games in Dublin, Glasgow – due to host the other three games in England’s group – and Bilbao, which is paired with the Irish capital for Group E – Uefa has reiterated its plan is to retain the current format.
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      Ten English stadiums are on standby to host the entirety of this summer’s delayed European Championship
      Uefa said: “Since the tournament was announced, as to be staged across 12 countries, it has remained UEFA’s intention to stage it in 12 countries.”

      But that opens the way for Cardiff to be invited back into the Euro party – even if Wales have been drawn to play their three group matches in Baku and Rome.
      The Welsh capital was one of the two bidding cities to miss out when the host venues were chosen by Uefa in 2014, along with Stockholm.
      Both countries would be likely to be asked if they could help come to Uefa’s rescue should any of the current hosts officially withdraw.
      Staging games in Wales would be welcomed by the UK Government and also avoid the scenario of two matches being played in the same country on the same day, as would happen if the Dublin games were switched to England.
      Sweden are due to meet Slovakia in the Aviva on June 18, the same day as England play Scotland at Wembley.

      Cardiff’s Principality Stadium could welcome both fans and games this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Gareth Southgate could be leading out his side in Wales if England reach the last-16Credit: PA:Press Association

      Uefa would have no issues in playing games at the Principality Stadium, which hosted the 2017 Champions League Final between Real Madrid and Juventus and has a capacity of 76,000, some 25,000 more than the Aviva.
      Bilbao looks the next most unstable brick in the Euro wall, and moving the games planned for there to Stockholm would at least see the host nation involved in one game, when Sweden face Spain.
      But the issues facing Hampden would be extremely problematic for the Scottish Government in the run-up to May’s elections with a significant risk of political consequences if it gives up the right to two Scotland tournament games on home soil for the first time in the country’s history.
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      Dublin, Glasgow and Bilbao face Euros axe with England in line to land extra games

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      DUBLIN, Glasgow and Bilbao are at risk of losing their hosting duties for this summer’s European Championships.
      And England could be the beneficiaries, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson telling The Sun earlier this week that ‘we are certainly on’ for extra hosting duties.

      Wembley Stadium is already set to host seven games this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Uefa are determined for stadiums to be at least 50 per cent full for the summer’s matches.
      And according to AP News, cities that cannot give that guarantee ‘within weeks’ are at risk of being axed – with English venues ready to pick up the slack.
      Having already had to postpone the Championships by a year, Uefa are willing to be ruthless by stripping hosting duties as they aim to finalise plans as soon as possible.
      Britain’s vaccination programme, the fastest in Europe, is said to have pleased Uefa chiefs.

      The government are hoping to have crowds of up to 10,000 return to sporting events in May, with many other restrictions to be lifted on June 21.
      But these aims only apply for England, with Scotland set to be more cautious in their approach.
      This could see Glasgow’s Hampden Park stripped of its three group matches, as well as its scheduled round of 16 clash.
      Meanwhile, the Irish government believe that it is ‘too early’ to offer guarantees, given the shifting nature of the pandemic.

      Hampden Park could lose its four gamesCredit: PA:Press Association

      Ireland’s Aviva Stadium is in danger of losing outCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
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      Like Hampden, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium is set to host four matches.
      But these could also be moved, with a number of English venues in the frame.
      London’s 62,000-seat Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could grab extra hosting duties, while Manchester and Liverpool may also stage matches.
      Basque government officials, meanwhile, are also erring on the side of caution, with the economic benefits of staging the games having even been called into question.
      With a strong regional separatist movement, the Spanish national team isn’t as ‘popular’ in Bilbao as in other cities.
      If Bilbao was to lose hosting responsibilites, those games would be picked up by other Spanish venues, according to AP.
      LaLiga chief Javier Tebas, however, is keen on getting fans back into Spanish venues before the end of the season.
      Other cities still currently pencilled in to host games are Rome, Munich, St Petersburg, Baku, Amsterdam, Budapest, Copenhagen and Bucharest.

      San Mames has previously hosted the Women’s Champions League finalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could be under considerationCredit: PA:Press Association

      Ten English stadiums are on standby to host the entirety of this summer’s delayed European Championship
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      England boost in hosting all of Euro 2020 as Uefa’s chief medic says he cannot guarantee all 12 countries can have games

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      UEFA’S chief medic has conceded he cannot “100 per cent guarantee” all 12 planned hosts will be able to stage Euro 2020 games – opening the door for more matches in England.
      PM Boris Johnson told The Sun he had invited Euro bosses to move more games and even the entire tournament to England this summer.

      Boris Johnson is hoping to host all of Euro 2020 in the UKCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Covid expert Daniel Koch gave the UK reason for optimismCredit: AFP – Getty

      SunSport revealed how Uefa chiefs are demanding all potential host cities confirm that fans will be allowed in grounds.
      So far, three of the 12 have been unable to make the promise, with only a month left until Uefa’s April 7 deadline.
      And in another boost for the prospects of extra games being moved to English soil in addition to the seven already scheduled for Wembley, Uefa’s Covid expert Daniel Koch admitted some of the planned hosts might not be able to put games on.
      Koch said: “We first of all have to discuss the situation with all the cities and all the countries too, because it is the Government that will decide what is possible.

      “There will be differences from place to place but that is not a problem.
      “If nothing can take place in one country, there are 11 others in which preparations are already under way.”
      Concerns within the Irish Government means there are growing fears that Dublin, which would host England’s last 16 clash if Gareth Southgate’s men win their initial group, may have to pull out.
      There are also issues elsewhere.

      Ten English stadiums are on standby to host the entirety of this summer’s delayed European Championship
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      Despite a proposal for 50 per cent capacities at Munich’s Allianz Arena German officials have yet to clear any fans being allowed into venues, with similar concerns in Italy, Spain and potentially Scotland.
      Koch added: “Preparing for a Euros in 12 countries is a difficulty but also an opportunity.
      “But in a pandemic, there can be no such thing as a 100 per cent guarantee because there is always the prospect of surprises.

      We will not make a decision on fans before April
      Daniel Koch

      “For the moment, I am very confident that the Euros will be held this summer, as the epidemic situation cannot be compared to what we faced in the winter.
      “That is why we will not make a decision on fans before April.
      “What we feel, though, is that going to see events, not just sporting ones, is a legitimate necessity for people.
      “That is why we are looking at ways to allow it at the Euros, although we will not take any irresponsible risks.”
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      Boris Johnson’s offer to host all of Euro 2020 welcomed by European football chiefs with 10 English stadiums on standby

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      BORIS JOHNSON’S offer to stage the whole of Euro 2020 has been welcomed by European football chiefs.
      Wembley is already due to stage SEVEN games at the tournament, including all three of England’s opening group matches, both semi-finals and the July 11 final.

      Ten English stadiums are on standby to host the entirety of this summer’s delayed European Championship

      But the PM’s invitation, exclusively revealed by The Sun, has opened the way for the ultimate summer of football across the country.
      One source told The Sun: “It is great for us that England is so keen to play its part this summer.”
      European football’s governing body Uefa plans to confirm the schedule for this summer’s delayed tournament by April 7.
      That is the date Euro bosses have ordered the current 12 planned host cities to confirm their willingness to host games.

      But Uefa is demanding that ALL hosts commit to staging games with fans inside grounds.
      The Government announced last week that all Covid restrictions will be ended from June 21, opening the way for Wembley to allow a 90,000 full house in for the finale of the tournament.
      That adds to the growing prospect of more matches being played on English soil.
      At a video meeting held by Uefa chiefs last week, it was made clear that opening the turnstiles was an absolute condition for matches to be held in the proposed cities.

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      Boris Johnson has offered the UK as a host for the entire delayed Euro 2020 tournamentCredit: 2021 Getty Images

      EURO 2020: How many fans will be allowed in stadiums?

      UEFA initially asked all host cities to rank their preferred options for crowds numbers.

      They ranged from full houses down to no supporters.
      But the roll out of the vaccine has changed the stance of Euro chiefs, who are now determined to see the turnstiles at least partially opened.
      Last week’s Government announcement would allow crowds of up to 10,000 for the first two England group games, against Croatia and then Scotland.
      Subsequent matches would see no further restrictions, meaning 90,000 fans could be allowed in to Wembley.
      But it is expected that pleas from the FA to let more fans in might be met with a positive response.
      That could mean 30 per cent of the Wembley capacity – adding up to 27,000 per match, for the group games, with attendances then being increased.
      Uefa are happy with the idea of two tiers of fan thresholds as long as the number of fans increases.
      But hosts will not be allowed to start with one capacity and then reduce it.
      And that us why the upbeat assessment and plans by the Government have been welcomed by Uefa and its high command.

      As well as Wembley, matches are due to be played at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Dublin, Amsterdam, Bilbao, Bucharest, Budapest, Copenhagen, Munich, Rome, St Petersburg, and the Azerbaijan capital Baku.
      So far, only nine cities have been able to give Uefa that commitment, conditional on Covid restrictions being eased.

      Dublin appears to be one of the venues in doubt, with Jonathan Hill, head of the FA of Ireland, admitting the issues being faced.
      He said: “We know we can deliver fans safely into the Aviva Stadium, so it is a question of how many we can deliver.
      “We are having those conversations with Uefa but they have real people who have bought real tickets.
      “At some point soon they are going to have to take decisions in relation to the structure of the tournament.”
      But despite the confident promises of the nine countries, the concerns of the Irish Government are also shared by Italy, Spain and Germany among other countries.
      None of those three nations have yet even suggested a roadmap which will allow the return of fans, in stark contrast to the pathway offered by the vaccine roll-out in England.

      Ten stadiums are on standby to host Euro 2020 and welcome fans in the processCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Uefa chiefs are huge fans of Wembley, which has already hosted two Champions League Finals since it was reopened in 2007 and will also stage European club football’s biggest match in 2024.
      The Swiss-based body was also hugely grateful to the FA when it agreed to take on the four games which were initially due to be hosted by Brussels when the format of the tournament was announced in 2012.
      Now English football could come to the rescue of Europe again if Uefa accepts it cannot hold the tournament as planned as a result of the pandemic.
      If next month’s decision is to ask the FA to stage the entire event it could see Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium in Manchester used.
      Anfield in Liverpool, Villa Park in Birmingham and both St James’ Park in Newcastle and Sunderland’s Stadium of Light could also be used.
      In the capital, Wembley could be one of four venues.
      The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Arsenal’s Emirates and the London Stadium used by West Ham are the other three.

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      German newspaper Bild ACCEPTS Boris Johnson’s offer for UK to host Euros – but only if Germany gets to WIN tournament

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      BORIS JOHNSON’S bid for the UK to host the entire European Championships this summer has received German approval from newspaper Bild.
      But only if Joachim Low’s side get to win the tournament.

      Bild believe that they can win the Championships wherever it is held

      Boris Johnson confirmed to The Sun that he would be delighted for the UK to host the entire EurosCredit: AFP or licensors

      The UK are already set to host a number of matches, including the semi-final and final.
      And PM BoJo told The Sun last night: “Any other matches they want hosted, we are certainly on for that!”
      The suggestion received a cheeky thumbs up from Bild.
      Their head of football Christian Falk wrote: “TRUE DEAL Dear @BorisJohnson, our proposal: you get the tournament, we get the trophy! sincerely, @BILD @BILD_Sport and Mr True #footballiscominghome”.

      Germany’s Allianz Arena is currently scheduled to host four matches, including a quarter-final.
      Johnson, 56, has also outlined his intention for the UK and Ireland to launch a joint bid to host the 2030 Fifa World Cup.
      He told The Sun: “We are very, very keen to bring football home in 2030. I do think it’s the right place.
      “It’s the home of football, it’s the right time. It will be an absolutely wonderful thing for the country.”

      The Sun earlier revealed that Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Budget on Wednesday will earmark £2.8million to promote the UK and Ireland’s official pitch to Fifa to hold the tournament.
      There will also be £25million in new funding from the Treasury to help the grassroots game grow.
      It would be enough to fund around 700 new pitches across the UK.
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      Boris Johnson offers to host all Euro 2020 matches in Britain More