Euro 2020

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      Toni Kroos baffled by Joachim Low’s controversial axing of Muller, Boateng and Hummels as he questions Germany manager

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      GERMANY star Toni Kroos has questioned Joachim Low’s decision to exile Thomas Muller, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels from the national team.
      The Real Madrid midfielder blasted boss Low’s plan saying ‘it hasn’t worked out’.

      Toni Kroos has criticised Germany manager Joachim LowCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Low still refuses to recall experienced trio Thomas Muller, Mats Hummels and Jerome BoatengCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The trio have not been picked for Germany since their group stage exit from the 2018 World Cup – which they started as defending champions.
      But all three have continued to perform at the highest level for their clubs.
      Muller and Boateng were key figures as Bayern won the Sextuple last season.
      And Hummels has been undroppable for Borussia Dortmund since his move there in the summer of 2019.

      Calls for the trio to be recalled have been widespread and Kroos, 31, has added his own name to the list of dissenters.
      He told Sky Germany: “I’m pretty self-conscious because, firstly, I’m a national team player, secondly, thank God, I don’t have to make a decision, and thirdly, I’ve played with them for many years.
      “The problem is what I see, at least in the reporting if you only focus on that, is that you would have a different national team after every Bundesliga matchday and we all know that that doesn’t work.
      “I believe that in the end you have to plan a little ahead. I am now questioning whether the coach’s plan has worked out in the way he wanted it to be.

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      “It is clear that the intention after the World Cup was relatively clear. And now you have to find the best possible team for the next tournament.”
      Low is not expected to recall the trio for the next international break in March.
      Kroos hit headlines for being outspoken again in November when he crticised Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for wearing a mask during goal celebrations.
      Kroos called it ‘nonsense’ but Aubameyang blasted back, tweeting: “Hmm I want to answer but first @ToniKroos I just want to be sure if it was really you?”
      He followed that up with a thank you note from a child captioned with: “By the way Does this @ToniKroos have Kids?
      “Just to remember I did it for my son few times and I will do it again. I wish you have kids one day and make them happy like this junior school pupils. Talk and don’t forget.”  
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      England vs Scotland Euro 2020 clash could take place in front of 24,000 fans despite Government roadmap’s 10,000 limit

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      ENGLAND’S mouthwatering Euro 2020 clash with Scotland could be played in front of 24,000 fans despite the Government roadmap’s 10k capacity limit.
      The bitter rivals meet at Wembley on June 18 and FA chiefs are said to be pushing for the increased supporter allowance.

      England vs Scotland could be played in front of 24,000 fansCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Wembley chiefs are pushing for more supporters to be let in to the Euro 2020 clashCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

      Boris Johnson announced the roadmap out of lockdown on Monday.
      And it currently caps attendance at large stadiums to 10k fans or 25 per cent of its overall capacity – whichever figure is lower – from May 17.
      The Prime Minister confirmed to the House Of Commons that all social distancing will end on June 21 and permitted attendances are expected rise again from that date.
      But with England’s game against the Auld enemy taking place three days before, technically only 10k should be allowed in.

      But senior FA figures have identified 24k as a reasonable ambition – for what will be the Three Lions’ second group game – and will push Government to allow it, according to the Telegraph.
      Football fans online went wild at the prospect of England’s final group game against Czech Republic being staged on June 22 – the day after lockdown ends.
      Monday’s announcement also means Premier League fans will be allowed back in THIS season.
      The last round of fixtures will be played on Sunday May 23 and they will be subject to the 10k or 25 per cent of capacity limit.

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      It would also mean good news for the rest of the EFL, with fans allowed in for the play-off finals.
      The Championship, League One and League Two games are scheduled to take place on the weekend of May 29 – with 90,000-capacity Wembley the usual venue.
      Wimbledon and Royal Ascot could also welcome supporters back with the same limits applying.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      UK ‘offering to host all of Euro 2020’ as chiefs hope vaccination progress means fans will be able to attend games

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      THE Government are reportedly offering to host the entirety of Euro 2020 this summer.
      The Times claim culture secretary Oliver Dowden has signalled to Uefa that vaccination progress means fans in Britain will be able to attend games before the rest of Europe.

      England are set to host the Euro 2020 semi-finals and final at Wembley this summerCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      And the report adds that ministers would welcome the chance to host more games, which are currently spread out across the continent, if asked.
      Uefa recently insisted there are no current plans to change the delayed tournament, due to be completed with the semi-finals and final at Wembley.
      But German icon Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claimed last month that European football’s governing body want to host the Euros in ONE country.
      The former striker turned Bayern Munich chief executive said Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin was backing the idea of scrapping the scheduled 12-nation event in favour of a single host.

      Rummenigge said: “We must not forget that the idea of this special hosting of the tournament came about when the coronavirus did not yet exist.
      “At that time it was an initiative of the EU Commission that wanted to have football shown all over Europe.
      “But I know that the Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin – who is incredibly careful with corona – is thinking about whether it wouldn’t make more sense in these times to play the tournament in just one country.
      “That would be with a corresponding hygiene concept, of course.”

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

      The viability of a tournament held in 12 nations has been under increasing question as the pandemic continues to hold sway across Europe.
      So far, all the planned hosts, including the Azerbaijan capital Baku, have signalled they want to continue as scheduled and Uefa is wary of the potential legal costs of scrapping contracts worth millions.
      A final decision on the tournament is due to be made in March.

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      James Maddison should beat Phil Foden and Jack Grealish to England No10 spot, insists Three Lions legend John Barnes

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      ENGLAND icon John Barnes believes James Maddison should be Gareth Southgate’s No10 at the Euros instead of Jack Grealish or Phil Foden.
      Maddison, 24, has been capped just once by the Three Lions back in 2019.

      John Barnes says James Maddison should be England’s playmaker at the EurosCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CLUo4XWlJIY/

      Barnes believes Maddison is better than Jack Grealish and Phil FodenCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CLUo4XWlJIY/

      But after scoring ten goals in 30 games for Leicester this term, it is becoming harder for Southgate to ignore the playmaker.
      Barnes told BonusCodeBets: “If you’re looking at the No10 position for England in the Euros this summer, for me, it would be James Maddison ahead of Phil Foden and Jack Grealish. 
      “With the likes of Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford out on the wing and Harry Kane down the middle, there is only room for one more and that is James Maddison. 
      “Phil Foden has put in some brilliant performances at Manchester City because he is in a great side and that suits him perfectly which is similar for Jack Grealish.

      “England don’t play like Manchester City and Aston Villa, so even though I am sure they would both do well, Maddison would start ahead of them.  
      “Foden is a great player, but if you listen to what Pep Guardiola said after a game recently, he talked about his lack of appreciation for the position he is playing him in and to improve his understanding of when and where to run.
      “As fans, we only see highlights from games where he is assisting and scoring goals, but what Pep sees is his performance and how he is affecting the game over the full 90 minutes .
      “He mentioned how he feels that Foden drops too deep and plays in the wrong position, but we don’t see that we see him scoring a goal. 

      Maddison showed off some eye-catching clothes on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CLUo4XWlJIY/

      The Leicester ace has scored ten goals this seasonCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CLUo4XWlJIY/
      “This is where you must give coaches the benefit of the doubt whether they’re playing players in position, or who to pick, or who to play or who’s playing in what position.  
      “For me, James Maddison is probably ahead of both for the England starting team, but I have no doubt that all three of them will be in the England squad regardless.” 
      Southgate’s insistence at playing five defenders plus two holding midfielders means that, realistically, only one of the talented trio can start alongside Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford.
      Aston Villa captain Grealish, 25, appears to be in pole position, having been capped five times last year.

      Meanwhile, Foden, 20, is now a regular for Man City boss Pep Guardiola and has ten goals to his name too.
      Maddison certainly caught the eye on Instagram earlier today as he showed off a flamboyant jumper and some flash shoes.
      The top bore the message: “Rhude. Stay close to nature. Love nature. It will never fail you.”
      John Barnes was speaking to BonusCodeBets

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      Fans could attend FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals at Wembley with FA hoping to have 27k supporters at Euro 2020 games

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      FANS could be allowed in to watch the two domestic cup finals – in a trial to help ensure supporters for Euro 2020.
      The FA is determined to open up some of the Wembley turnstiles for the seven games due to be played in the stadium during the tournament in June and July.

      Scenes of fans spaced out across Wembley Stadium may be welcomed back in the springCredit: Graham Hughes – The Times

      And that could see up to 10,000 supporters in for the April 29 Carabao Cup final between Manchester City and Spurs and the FA Cup final the following month.
      Both events would be staging posts towards the summer, with the FA hoping to be able to fill 30 per cent of Wembley’s 90,000 capacity by the Euros.
      FA chiefs are part of the Government’s Sports Technology Innovation Group, headed by Carphone Warehouse founder David Ross.
      Discussions over the past year have included concepts such as digital Covid passports for spectators, with football bosses signalling their willingness to act as “guinea pigs” for the safe re-opening of the country.

      And even getting reduced numbers in to Wembley in the spring would be a huge staging post in the right direction.
      Expectations of a lifting of Covid restrictions in the coming weeks will make the possibility of reopening turnstiles more realistic, although there is no expectation of fans being back in Prem grounds before next season.
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      The FA is understood to have told Uefa it hopes to be able to allow in around 27,000 – representing 30 per cent of capacity – for the Euros, although Wembley will still be used to hold matches if no supporters are allowed in.

      That would be part of a gradual easing of crowd restrictions at other sporting events, including Test cricket, Wimbledon and summer horse racing events like the Derby.
      Government approval would be required for all such measures but trials for the two finals would also allow sports governing bodies to judge the ease and efficiency of entry regulations which could be rolled out across other events.

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      England must use Phil Foden AND Jack Grealish at Euros, claims Three Lions great Wayne Rooney

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      WAYNE ROONEY wants Gareth Southgate to play BOTH Phil Foden and Jack Grealish at the Euros.
      England’s record goalscorer believes playmakers Foden and Grealish offer ‘something different’ and are too good to keep benched this summer.

      Wayne Rooney says Phil Foden and Jack Grealish must both start at the EurosCredit: AFP – Getty

      Gareth Southgate may only have room for one in his systemCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Foden, 20, has dazzled for Manchester City, while Rooney is also adamant Aston Villa skipper Grealish, 25, is top class.
      Rooney said: “Foden’s been one of the Premier League’s best players this season — Guardiola’s managed him really well.
      “He’s very entertaining and should just keep on doing what he’s doing. But there’s Jack Grealish, too. 
      “They bring something different to the national team and they just have to be in the squad for the Euros. And, arguably, they have to play. Because they’re THAT good.”

      While ex-Manchester United star  Rooney is confident Foden and Grealish can shine on the international stage, the duo must continue to show they have learnt lessons from recent off-the-field mistakes.
      Foden missed three  England games after being sent home from Iceland by boss  Southgate in September for flouting Covid-19 rules by inviting girls back to his hotel room.
      And Grealish was fined by Villa and apologised for breaking  national coronavirus lockdown guidelines in March.
      But Rooney, who netted a record 53 times in 120 games for his country, reckons three-cap Foden has the  temperament to become a senior star.

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      England legend Rooney says Grealish and Foden are both good enough to command starting placesCredit: PA:Press Association

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

      Rookie Derby manager Rooney, 35, added: “I saw him at City when my lad used to train there.
      “Phil would be there picking his brother up but what you want  is the first-team players being around the academy kids.
      “I spoke to Phil a couple of  times and you could see he’s a real level-headed lad.”

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      Villa star Jack Grealish admits he’s ‘desperate’ to play for England at Euro 2020 and thinks about it ‘all the time’

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      ASTON VILLA midfielder Jack Grealish insists he is ‘desperate’ to play for England at Euro 2020.
      The 25-year-old was capped five times by Gareth Southgate in 2020 and impressed with his performances for the national team.

      Grealish is hoping to secure a starting place in England’s side for the EurosCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And with six goals and 12 assists for Villa in the Premier League already this season, he is making a serious case to be included in the Three Lions set-up in the summer.
      Speaking to BT Sport, Grealish said: “At the start of this season I just wanted to get into better goal involvements than what I’d done last season which was 14 which I’ve beat already and we’re only halfway. I’ve got 15 now.
      “But as the season has gone on I obviously want to get just ten goals and ten assists. I want to surpass that in both of them.
      “And then my main thing is I just want to get into the England team, man. I just think about it all the time.

      “I know obviously I was in the last few squads but there’s so many brilliant players in the Premier League at the moment. I say Premier League, obviously there’s the likes of Jadon Sancho as well who are abroad.
      “But there’s just so many good English players at the moment in them attacking areas.
      “I just think about it all the time. I’m just desperate to go to the Euros. I just pray that I can carry on performing, carry on impressing the manager and fingers crossed.
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      “When I got into the first [England] squad that was my only thing that I wanted to do [go to the Euros] and I’ll literally do anything to go to the Euros.”
      Grealish is hoping to secure an England place despite competition from fellow attacking talents such as Phil Foden, James Maddison and Mason Mount.
      England’s Euro 2020 group also contains Croatia, Scotland and the Czech Republic.
      UEFA are still planning for fans to attend the Euros despite the coronavirus pandemic.

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      Five stars pushing for spot in Gareth Southgate’s England Euro squad including Jesse Lingard, John Stones and Danny Ings

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has a huge selection headache ahead of him as he picks his England squad for Euro 2020.
      The Three Lions boss has until the end of May to cut his wealth of talent down to just 23 names.

      Gareth Southgate has much to ponder ahead of picking his Euro 2020 squadCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      While the likes of Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane are seemingly assured of a place in the squad, there is huge competition for the remaining plane tickets.
      Particular points of interest include the centre of defence, left-back, attacking midfield and the final striker spots.
      With the Premier League season only just over halfway through, there is plenty of time for star players to put themselves in Southgate’s thoughts.
      Here, SunSport details five names the England boss may have to consider for his Euro squad.

      John Stones
      A stalwart of Southgate’s defence at the last World Cup, Stones has popped back on the radar through a stunning return to form for Manchester City.
      Having formed a brilliant partnership with Ruben Dias, the Cityzens have not conceded in their last six Premier League matches.
      Having missed out on the Three Lions’ three previous meet-ups, Stones can feel confident of jumping Michael Keane, Tyrone Mings, Eric Dier and Conor Coady in the pecking order.
      So long as he can avoid the sort of calamitous mistakes seen in the Nations League finals two summers ago.

      John Stones has made himself one of the first names on the Manchester City teamsheetCredit: Getty
      Danny Ings
      Southgate has an abundance of youthful options to back up Kane next summer.
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin has played himself into being undroppable while Tammy Abraham remains a favourite despite a middling season with Chelsea.
      Few could argue with Ings stealing that third spot if he can continue his amazing goalscoring form of the past 18 months.
      Last season’s 25-goal effort was no flash in the pan with a further seven strikes, including a worldie winner past Liverpool, so far this season.

      Danny Ings scored a fantastic goal for England against Wales in OctoberCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Luke Shaw
      How could you ignore the starting left-back for the Premier League champions?
      That will be the question Manchester United’s Shaw hopes to put to Southgate at the end of the campaign – if the Red Devils can win the title.
      Ben Chilwell is comfortable in the squad with Bukayo Saka and Ainsley Maitland-Niles also liked by Southgate.
      Shaw, who has produced three assists already this term, only has eight caps having last played for England in 2018.
      But Southgate is certainly aware of his abilities and said last year: “[Shaw] is more than capable of being the best left-back in the country in my opinion.”

      Luke Shaw is pushing for one of England’s more open positions, at left-backCredit: EPA

      Jesse Lingard got off to a flying start to life at West Ham with two goalsCredit: Reuters
      Jesse Lingard
      Once a key member of Southgate’s England squad, the 28-year-old has endured a rough couple of years after falling out of favour at United.
      The attacker has won 24 caps and scored four goals for his country but his last appearance came in the Nations League Third-Place play-off against Switzerland in 2019.
      In a bid to rejuvenate his career, the star joined West Ham on loan for the rest of the season earlier this week and got off to a flyer.
      He scored two goals on his debut to help fire them to a 3-1 win at Aston Villa on his first Premier League start for over a year.
      Now his Hammers boss David Moyes has backed Lingard to force his way into Southgate’s plans this summer.
      He said: “If he keeps up the form he showed tonight, and he is not completely match fit, scoring the goals, he will not be far way from Gareth Southgate’s England squad in the summer.”
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      Harvey Barnes
      Southgate is spoiled for choice in selecting an attacking wildcard next summer.
      Jamal Musiala, Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze are all putting their name forward for the role of super-sub magician.
      But Barnes, who made his England debut last year, is perhaps best placed.
      Now an integral part of Leicester’s latest charge to the top-four, the 23-year-old may even edge out team-mate James Maddison for a spot at Euro 2020.

      Could Harvey Barnes continue his run into the England team?Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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

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