Euro 2020

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England trio Chilwell, Sancho and Abraham left out of Wales clash but will NOT be fined despite breaking Covid-19 rules

      by

      ENGLAND trio Jadon Sancho, Ben Chilwell and Tammy Abraham have been left out the squad for Thursday’s friendly with Wales.
      The high profile stars flouted coronavirus rules to attend Abraham’s packed 23rd birthday bash at his London mansion on Saturday but they will escape police action.

      8

      Tammy Abraham and Ben Chilwell have been left out of England’s squad to face Wales

      8

      Jadon Sancho will also miss out after the trio flouted coronavirus rules and attended Abraham’s birthday

      Around 20 friends and family were gathered at the surprise party for the Chelsea striker with pictures showing no social distancing among the group.
      Gareth Southgate is furious at the latest Covid gaffe by members of his squad and will warn the entire group about their future conduct.
      Coronavirus rules ban people from mixing in groups of more than six, with fines of up to £10,000.

      But the Metropolitan Police will not be investigating the ‘rule of six’ breach further.
      A statement today read: “As a matter of course the MPS [Metropolitan Police Service] is not investigating COVID-related issues retrospectively.
      “Where we become aware of a breach occurring, officers will seek to engage, explain and encourage people to follow the rules, only enforcing as a last resort.
      “Where alleged breaches are brought to our attention after the event, officers will not have not had the opportunity to engage, explain or encourage, and those involved will not have had the opportunity to respond positively to that process – as most people do.

      “Therefore, it would not be appropriate or an effective use of resources in most circumstances to investigate or pursue enforcement.

      8

      Birthday boy Tammy Abraham dancing among guests on Saturday

      8

      Abraham folds over laughing as Chilwell grins at the camera

      8

      Singing Sancho belts out a tune as his face mask hangs around his chin

      “We encourage everyone to make themselves aware of, and to follow, the rules.”
      Despite the Met’s decision to drop the matter, FA chiefs will continue to investigate having told the three to stay away from the Three Lions’ St George’s Park base on Monday.
      The entire England squad will be tested for coronavirus again today in line with Uefa rules but the trio will not be in attendance.
      An FA statement yesterday said: “As a precaution to understand if there is any risk to the wider group, the arrival of Tammy Abraham, Ben Chilwell and Jadon Sancho will be delayed.
      “This is to allow time to gather further information of a social gathering that all three players reportedly attended over the weekend.”
      Footage from the party, following Chelsea’s 4-0 win over Crystal Palace in which left-back Chilwell scored, surfaced on social media.
      One video shows Chilwell, 23, laughing with team-mate Abraham after spotting him chatting to a blonde.
      Striker Abraham is filmed alongside his girlfriend, Leah Monroe, as a group of about 20 sing Happy Birthday.
      Borussia Dortmund winger Sancho, 20, – who has since issued an apology – is seen dancing in a crowd with a mask around his chin.

      8

      Chelsea team-mates Abraham and Chilwell on the pitchCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      8

      Jadon Sancho plays as a winger for Borussia DortmundCredit: Rex Features

      8

      The footballers’ breach of Covid rules comes as a headache for Gareth SouthgateCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Southgate left two other young stars, Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood, out of the squad for breaching Covid protocols with two Icelandic beauties last month.
      A source close to Abraham said of the party: “He genuinely had no idea it was going to happen. He and Sancho didn’t drink alcohol.
      “It was family and very close friends only — and they even did temperature checks on arrival.”
      Abraham said: “I arrived home to find a small surprise gathering.
      “Though I was totally unaware this was planned, I would like to wholeheartedly apologise for the naivety shown for the organisation and attending of this gathering.
      “All I can do now is learn from it, apologise to everyone and ensure it never happens again.”

      Piers Morgan slams Abraham, Chilwell and Sancho for breaking Covid rules and tells Southgate to AXE England trio More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Euros matches in England under threat as Govenment admit coronavirus could wipe out seven Wembley games

      by

      THE GOVERNMENT admit they cannot guarantee the Euros will go ahead in England next summer.
      Secretary of State for Sport Oliver Dowden confessed the coronavirus pandemic could prevent Wembley staging its seven planned matches.

      2

      Secretary of State for Sport Oliver Dowden has worries over the Euros taking place in EnglandCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Asked yesterday whether it was realistic the Euros will be staged next June, Dowden told SunSport: “I very much hope so.
      “But, given this virus and the unpredictability of it, I can’t give a cast iron assurance.
      “Fans wouldn’t want it to go ahead if it wasn’t safe to do so.
      ⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

      “But if it is safe to do so, then, of course, we will work to achieve that.
      “We’re planning on that basis, but this disease is with us this winter.
      “In making decisions on this I’m going to be driven by the health first.”
      The Euros were to begin on June 12 this year — taking place in 12 cities across 12 Uefa countries.

      They were postponed until June 12 next year as a result of the global Covid-19 crisis.

      2

      Fans aren’t even allowed in stadiums in England – the Euros seem like a distant dreamCredit: Getty – Contributor
      But the recent spike in positive cases, forcing major European nations back into local lockdowns, has raised fears that the tournament may be thrown into turmoil.
      The UK’s spike also forced the Government to extend its ban on fans inside stadiums, with Premier League bosses fearing that will remain in place ALL season.
      Dowden’s comments come just 24 hours after Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp raised serious Covid concerns over players jetting across the globe to play for their countries during the upcoming international break.
      UEFA’S 30% CAPACITY TRIAL
      Wembley is scheduled to stage England’s three group games, plus a last 16 clash, both semis and the final.
      Uefa last week announced supporters will be allowed into stadiums for its tournaments with a 30 per cent stadium capacity limit.
      But Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said: “While we all face a common enemy in Covid, different countries have different challenges.
      “We will allow for a coherent approach on a country-by-country basis — not on a competition-by-competition basis.”
      When prompted if the Government will have a cut-off point on making a decision, Dowden added: “Yes, there will be one, but we have got time and we’ll be doing this with a view to making the Euros happen.
      “I really don’t want to delay them again. If you do then you start to get a tremendous backlog of sports, they start to run into one another.”

      Eddie Hearn leaves Matchroom bubble after testing positive for coronavirus More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      England release damning statement and FA probe over Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden breaking Covid rule to sneak girls in

      by

      THE FA have issued a damning statement and will launch a “full investigation” after Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood broke England’s coronavirus protocol.
      The pair have been dumped from the Three Lions squad after inviting two girls to the team hotel in Iceland, violating Covid rules.

      6

      The FA have issued a damning statement after Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood were axed from the England squad
      Footage has since emerged of two giggling Icelandic girls asking the stars how they would sneak them into the hotel.
      And FA chiefs have slammed the pair and confirmed they will launch a probe into the incident.
      In a statement, an FA spokesperson said: “Whilst in Iceland, both Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood spent time outside of our private team area, which was a breach of our COVID-19 rules.

      “While they did not leave the team hotel, it was an unacceptable breach of our protocol. They have both apologised for their serious lack of judgement.
      “The FA will be launching a full investigation into the circumstances leading up to this breach.
      “We have spoken to the Football Association of Iceland to offer our apologies for this incident and to ensure them that we are taking the appropriate steps.
      “We have also assured the Danish Football Union that all other players and staff members have been isolated within our group throughout this period.

      “Our immediate priority now is preparing the team for the match against Denmark tomorrow.”

      6

      A video of the phone conversation between two Icelandic girls and Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden has emerged Credit: Twitter

      6

      The two girls could be heard giggling as they plotted with the stars on how they would get into the team hotel

      The duo both made their international debuts in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Iceland but have now been kicked out of the squad after breaching the coronavirus guidelines yesterday.
      Boss Gareth Southgate confirmed the ‘naive’ duo would be sent home.
      The pair have not yet left the country as they each face a £1,360 fine from Icelandic police for a legal breach of Covid restrictions.

      6

      The pair will not travel with the England to Denmark and will instead return to ManchesterCredit: PA:Press Association

      6

      Phil Foden is still in a relationship with long-term girlfriend Rebecca Cooke

      6

      Gareth Southgate confirmed today both players had been kicked out of his squadCredit: PA:Press Association

      Giggling girls ask how England stars Greenwood and Foden will sneak them into Iceland hotel More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      How Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope and Dean Henderson compare and who do stats reveal should be England’s No1

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE has a goalkeeping selection headache on his hands ahead of England’s Nations League games.
      The Three Lions boss has stuck with Jordan Pickford since the start of the 2018 World Cup but stats revealed today by SunSport show a change might be in order.

      1

      Premier League 2019-20 stats
      Burnley’s Nick Pope and Manchester United’s Dean Henderson – are the Everton stopper’s two main threats.
      All three keepers were selected for England’s Nations League squad for the upcoming games against Iceland and Denmark.
      And pressure is on Southgate to give someone else a shot between the sticks.
      Pope, 28, was runner up in last season’s Premier League Golden Glove award with 15 clean sheets, just one behind the winner – Manchester City’s Ederson.

      Henderson was two behind with 13 while Pickford only managed nine shut outs.
      Pickford and Pope played all 38 Premier League games during 2019-20 campaign with Henderson playing 36.
      And the under pressure Toffees keeper also conceded the most goals of the trio with 56 getting past him against Pope’s 50 and Henderson’s mere 33.
      The stats only get worse for 26-year-old Pickford whose 94 saves from 150 shots on target faced give him the lowest save percentage of the three at 62.7 per cent.

      Henderson tops the table with an impressive 74.2 per cent – four per cent higher than Pope’s 70.2.
      And perhaps the most damning stat for Pickford is the errors leading to shots or goals column.
      The Sunderland born keeper made six mistakes that put his club in trouble last season while Henderson was the safest option while on loan at Sheffield United with just one.
      His solitary blunder at home to Liverpool handed the champions a 1-0 win at Bramall Lane last September.
      Another stat that puts Pickford bottom of the pile is one that could be key to England – penalties.
      Pickford’s finest moment in an England shirt was of course his penalty shootout performance during the Three Lions’ World Cup last-16 victory over Colombia in 2018.

      Gareth Southgate has picked the best three keepers on ability alone although they can all still improve with technique changes.Pickford has done well for England but club form has dipped while Pope has been in top form l still feel he will go with Pickford @England
      — Peter Shilton (@Peter_Shilton) September 4, 2020

      But his record against spot-kicks in last season’s Prem was nowhere near as impressive.
      Having faced four, he failed to save a single one as three went in and one was missed by the taker.
      Henderson again takes the title on this one having let in just one of the three that were taken against him.
      The 23-year-old managed to save one – the same amount as Pope – while one was missed by the taker.
      While Burnley’s stopper let in the other four spot-kicks against him.
      The upcoming games will be the ultimate test of Southgate’s loyalty to Pickford – especially with the Euros approaching next summer.

      But the numbers suggest it is time for a change.
      Reports on Wednesday suggested Southate will axe Pickford for Pope.
      And you sense with Pope having more Premier League experience than Henderson and his edge on the stats that matter, it might be time for Burnley’s main man to get the nod for his country.

      Former England star Aaron Lennon completes free transfer to Turkish side Kayserispor More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      England launch new home kit inspired by iconic France 98 shirt but fans are NOT impressed… and it will cost £100

      by

      ENGLAND have launched their new home and away kit for next summer’s European Championships.
      The Nike strip has taken inspiration from the iconic jersey the Three Lions wore for the 1998 World Cup in France.

      4

      Nike have launched the new England kits for next summer’s EurosCredit: Twitter@ProD_Soccer

      4

      The new Three Lions strip has taken inspiration from the 1998 World CupCredit: Twitter@ProD_Soccer
      Yet far from feeling nostalgic, fans were quick to voice their displeasure that buying the official England shirt will set them back a whopping £99.95.
      Supporters will then have to fork out an extra £59.95 for the shorts with the socks likely to be a further £10/15 when they become available.
      Fans hoping to sport the likes of Harry Kane or Raheem Sterling on their backs with their numbers as well will be scrambling for a total £114.95.
      Many appreciated the throwback to the ’98 kit most recognisable from England’s penalty shoot-out defeat by Argentina 22 years ago.

      Some supporters shared pictures of Michael Owen celebrating after scoring his wonder goal in the 2-2 clash while others harked back to David Beckham’s infamous red-card.
      Most pointed towards the high price of the kit, with one tweeting: “I like them – but you price me out of getting them for my two children.
      “I simply can’t justify that sort of money on two football tops. Pricing really needs to be reviewed and I am convinced you will sell so much more.”
      Another wrote: “Still in the midst of a pandemic and people are struggling financially and FA thinks it’s acceptable to bring out a new shirt.”

      A third added: “That home shirt might be the worst England home top ever made. Nike have done well to make something worse than the Euro 2016 effort.”
      England’s current stars will hope to have better luck than the icons that came before them when they wear the kit at next summer’s tournament.

      4

      England fans were divided on the throwback kit that drew comparisons to the one Michael Owen famously scored against Argentina inCredit: AFP – Getty

      Three Lions captain Harry Kane was among those who hailed the kits, and claimed they both symbolise unity with the players and fans.
      He said: “This team is closer than it’s ever been before — when we put on that England jersey, all club rivalries are set aside.
      “We’re united in our goal of representing our fans far and wide. This collection captures that feeling of togetherness we hold so dearly.”

      4

      David Beckham infamously saw red in the original World Cup kitCredit: AFP – Getty

      England’s Nations League preparations in chaos as THREE members of Gareth Southgate’s squad test positive for Covid-19 More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish called up to England squad for first time as Southgate makes late U-turn after Rashford and Winks pull out

      by

      JACK GREALISH has been handed his first ever England call up by Gareth Southgate with Marcus Rashford and Harry Winks withdrawing from the squad.
      The Three Lions boss was widely criticised for his initial decision to leave the Aston Villa star out of his squad to play Iceland and Denmark.

      2

      Jack Grealish has been called up to the England squad for the first time

      2

      But in a dramatic late U-turn, he has handed the midfielder his first chance to prove himself on the international stage.
      It comes as Manchester United striker Rashford withdraws with an ankle injury, while Tottenham midfielder Winks has also been forced to return to his club.
      Southgate’s squad are meeting up for coronavirus testing at St George’s Park today ahead of the Nations League double header.

      Grealish had hoped to make the original Three Lions party after saving his Midlands club from relegation.

      And having been initially snubbed, the uncapped 24-year-old made his feelings known.
      Grealish liked a Twitter post comparing his stats to Leeds’ star Kalvin Phillips, who made the squad despite having no Premier League experience.
      The ‘like’ was deleted but Grealish had made his point.
      Fans across the country were also stunned by the omission with many dubbing it a “shambles”.

      Southgate explained he left Grealish out due to the sensational form of Manchester United’s 18-year-old star Mason Greenwood.
      After his squad was announced, he said: “With Jack, the simple answer is Mason Greenwood.
      “He’s competing with Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Raheem Sterling.”
      Despite Grealish shining for Villa in a central midfield role, Southgate appears to view him as more of a winger.

      The England boss added: “I know Villa have played him as No 8, I don’t see him in that role.
      “He could be a No 10 but we haven’t played like that and some of those other players I’ve talked about would be very good No 10s as well.”
      Rashford tweeted his disappointment at his inability to recover in time from the ankle problem picked up during Europa League semi-final defeat to Sevilla.
      He wrote: “Gutted. Never want to let this team down but these fixtures just came a little too soon for me.
      “I tried my best but I have to focus on starting the season at my strongest for club and country.
      “Good luck boys, I’ll be cheering you on from home.”

      Gutted 😔 never want to let this team down but these fixtures just came a little too soon for me. I tried my best but I have to focus on starting the season at my strongest for club and country. Good luck boys, I’ll be cheering you on from home 🦁♥️ @England pic.twitter.com/2OMHKPFLpm
      — Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) August 31, 2020

      Southgate’s squad has already been shrouded in controversy.
      Harry Maguire was picked and then dropped just hours later after a guilty verdict landed in Greece after his Mykanos brawl.
      And then FIVE Three Lions stars tested positive for coronavirus – ruling themselves out of meeting up with the squad.
      Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Wolves’ Conor Coady have since been drafted in as replacements.
      England face Iceland on Saturday 5 September – kick-off at 5pm.
      Before their 7:45pm kick-off against Denmark on Tuesday 8 September just three days later.

      Matt Le Tissier jokes he’s keeping his ‘chins’ up after Sky Sports sacking and thanks fans for support More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Nemanja Matic retires from international duty to focus on battle to be included in Man Utd midfield

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED’s Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic has retired from international duty.
      The 32-year-old won 48 caps for his country after making his debut in 2008, but has decided now is the right time to step aside.

      1

      Nemanja Matic has retired from playing for Serbia
      Matic will be fully focused on cementing a spot in the Red Devils midfield after signing a new three-year deal in July.
      Fred, Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes are all competing for central berths under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      And despite Serbia still having a chance to make the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, Matic has made way for the next generation.
      The Serbian Football Association sports director Vladimir Matijasevic said: “Other than saying it was time for younger players to take over, Matic did not state any other specific reasons for quitting.

      “We respect his decision.
      “He is 32 years old and he’s had an exerting club season.
      “European club football is demanding and hence we are aware that we’ll have to inject fresh blood into the national team.
      “We’ve got several players who are over the hill and we realise that some of them may call time on their international careers in the next year or two.”

      Matic scored two goals at international level but will not feature in Serbia’s play-off semi-final against Norway.
      Real Madrid’s Luka Jovic and Co face the Norwegians on October 8.
      And a win would ensure a game at home against either Scotland or Israel on November 12 for a place in the European Championships.

      Pogba gives Matic a ‘taxi’ ride through Man Utd’s training ground in a buggy as midfielder jokes it’s new car More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How Holland could line up under Arsene Wenger with Depay and Van Dijk joined by Dutch kids including Liverpool teenager

      by

      ARSENE WENGER has sensationally offered to become the new Holland boss, according to reports, and it’s not hard to see why.
      The Oranje is packed with superstar players with the potential to make history for their nation.

      Ronald Koeman will be desperate to rebuild at Barca
      With current Holland boss Ronald Koeman expected to leave to take charge of Barcelona, Fox Sports claim Wenger has offered to replace him.
      It would mark the former Arsenal manager’s first foray into management since his 22-year term with the Gunners came to an end.
      Here, we look at how the Frenchman might combine Holland’s standout talents with the rising stars of the national team…
      GOALKEEPER
      Jasper Cillessen
      A straightforward pick for Wenger between the posts with Jasper Cillessen the clear top choice. The Valencia keeper already has 56 caps to his name and keeps the likes of PSV’s Jeroen Zoet and Norwich reserve Tim Krul on the bench.

      DEFENCE
      Nathan Ake, Matthjis de Ligt, Virgil van Dijk, Ki-Jana Hoever

      3

      Ki-Jana Hoever is trying to breakthrough at LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A bit like when Wenger arrived at Arsenal, he walks into a team blessed with top quality defenders.
      It’s impossible to look beyond the pairing for Virgil van Dijk and Matthjis de Ligt in the centre-back positions. De Ligt had a shaky start after his £67.5million move to Juventus but became a regular in the side and helped them to their ninth straight Serie A title.
      Daley Blind is currently a regular pick at left-back, but with the more youthful Nathan Ake joining Man City for £40m, he might be a better long-term option in the position, which the 25-year-old has often played in during his career.
      Ki-Jana Hoever joined Liverpool from Ajax in 2018, and while he’s struggled for game time, it’s understandable when playing understudy to Trent Alexander-Arnold. If he can find a way to break into Jurgen Klopp’s team, or possibly go on loan, he could be in the frame for a place in Wenger’s side.

      MIDFIELD
      Mohammed Ihattaren, Georginio Wijnaldum, Frenkie de Jong

      3

      Van Dijk with Barcelona star Frenkie de JongCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Georginio Wijnaldum is a solid choice in the midfield and starts alongside Frenkie de Jong, one of few Barcelona players not to disgrace themselves recently.
      Mohammed Ihattaren, only 18, is being called a once in a generation talent having dazzled at PSV this season. Having made his debut at just 16, he’s already on the fringes of the Dutch squad and with Wenger’s love of promoting youth, he’ll be in the first-team frame.
      Wenger has loads of back up options, with the likes of Marten de Roon, Kevin Strootman and Tonny Vilhenna vying for a role in the starting XI.
      ATTACK
      Memphis Depay, Myron Boadu, Donny van de Beek
      Memphis Depay has put his Manchester United nightmare well and truly behind him and is ripping it up for Lyon. His six goals in the Champions League have propelled the Ligue 1 side to unlikely semi-finalists this season.

      On the right of attack, Donny van de Beek gets in. Usually a midfielder, his attacking ability sees him pushed upfield to make room for other talents behind the Ajax ace.
      Wenger might overlook the more experienced Luuk de Jong, Ryan Babel and Wout Weghorst in favour of Myron Boadu.
      The 19-year-old centre-forward has banged in 14 goals and got eight assists in 24 league games for AZ Almaar in his breakthrough season. Rumours of a transfer to Barcelona are understandable and he scored on his debut for the Oranje to prove his potential as their new leading man.

      3

      Myron Boadu scored on his Netherlands debutCredit: Getty – Contributor More