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    Baddiel and Skinner teased ‘It’s Coming Home (Again)’ for World Cup if England had beaten Italy in Euro 2020 final

    BADDIEL and Skinner vowed to release a new song called ‘It’s Coming Home (Again)’ for the 2022 World Cup if England beat Italy at the Euro 2020 final.Gareth Southgate and co were attempting to end 55 years of hurt by leading England to their first major tournament triumph since winning the World Cup in 1966.
    Baddiel and Skinner were special guests for BBC’s coverage of England vs ItalyCredit: The Sun
    Baddiel and Skinner were joined on stage by England legend Geoff Hurst for a pre-game gigCredit: PA
    But Italy won a nailbiting shootout as Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho missed from the spot.
    Before the tournament, the 1996 classic ‘Three Lions’ [It’s Coming Home] by Baddiel and Skinner and the Lightning Seeds had once again got the whole nation singing.
    And it made it into the singles’ charts too.
    Speaking on BBC One, skinner said: “We’re thinking of doing a song for the World Cup called ‘It’s coming home (again)’ if we win this one.
    “That’s enough of a change I think.”
    “It’s been lovely. The song is on its second Wembley now so we outlived the stadium. I think it’s special that we’re in the final but I don’t buy into this that it’s enough to be in a final.”
    And Baddiel added: “I think it’s the first really good team (England will face), Denmark were great but this is a very good Italian side.
    “I think we have enough to raise our game to beat them.”

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    The iconic duo could be back in the charts with a new version of Three LionsCredit: PA
    Baddiel and Skinner and the Lighting Seeds released Three Lions in 1996Credit: Alamy

    Uefa allegedly BANNED Baddiel & Skinner and the Lightning Seeds from singing Three Lions (It’s Coming Home) at Wembley ahead of the final.
    According to Frank Skinner, the idea of the players coming out to the big hit were vetoed by Uefa party poopers as it was deemed ‘unfair’ on Italy.
    Speaking on Friday night’s The Last Leg Euros Special, Skinner said: “There was a suggestion that we sang it on the pitch before the final on Sunday, and Uefa said it was too partisan and not fair on the Italians to have that.”
    The comedian went on to joke about double standards, pointing out what happened in the opening ceremony.
    He said: “In the opening game, which was Italy against Turkey, Andrea Bocelli sang Nessun dorma before the game!”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    David Beckham and Tom Cruise fist bump after England score opener in Euro 2020 final against Italy More

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    Man Utd legend Roy Keane reveals fired-up team-mates ‘irritated’ him by ‘shouting and roaring’ before games

    ROY KEANE has revealed that the vocal passion of his team-mates before big games would IRRITATE the fiery midfielder.Hardly a shrinking violet on the pitch during his Manchester United heyday, the Irishman claims to have been a picture of tranquility ahead of finals.
    Roy Keane has described himself as ‘calm’ before big gamesCredit: PA:Press Association
    Keane, 49, once became notoriously riled up at Arsenal rival Patrick Vieira ahead of a clash in 2005.
    Yet, speaking to ITV ahead of the Euro 2020 final, he insisted that he was typically chilled in the dressing room.
    He said: “When you get to this stage, you’ve been in the game long enough to know what suits you best.
    “I used to be actually quite calm before the game – other lads would be shouting and roaring which actually used to irritate me.
    “But you just get in the zone.”
    Fellow pundit and United hero Gary Neville said he was no shouter before Keane joked: “I wasn’t talking about you.”

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    Ian Wright meanwhile, described himself on such occasions as ‘very excited… but petrified’.
    Keane has plenty of experience in big games, winning the FA Cup on four occasions.
    However, he watched United win the 1999 Champions League from the sidelines having famously been suspended during the semi-final.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    England vs Denmark pundit Roy Keane reveals he got into a blazing row at a Neil Diamond concert More

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    Watch BBC and ITV pundits join in as England fans sing stunning Sweet Caroline rendition before Euro 2020 final vs Italy

    BBC and ITV pundits united with England fans as one for a stunning rendition of Sweet Caroline before the Euro 2020 final.The Three Lions fans have belted out the 1969 hit by American singer-songwriter Neil Diamond before and after their games.
    England fans delivered a stunning rendition of Sweet Caroline before the Euro 2020 final
    Pundits from BBC and ITV including Ian Wright even joined in the anthem

    The England players even joined their fans in a rousing rendition of the song following Wednesday’s extra-time win over Denmark.
    And this time it was the pundits’ turn to join the boisterous celebrations as ‘Sweet Caroline’ belted out around Wembley before kick-off.
    Supporters watching at home were sent wild by Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Rio Ferdinand singing along, as one tweeted: “Love this!”
    Another wrote: “Love it! Well done fellas!”, while a third added: “Love the excitement in the studio.”
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    The ITV team meanwhile recently spoke about how much they love the song, with Roy Keane telling a tale of a row he had with a woman at a Diamond concert.
    And Ian Wright proved he had just as good a voice as his BBC counterparts as he spread his arms wide to yell the iconic tune.
    Luke Shaw then gave the whole country a reason to break into song as he scored just minutes against Italy.
    The left-back got England off to the perfect start in the Euro 2020 final with a goal on the eve of his 26th birthday.

    Harry Kane found Kieran Trippier in acres of space on the right-wing.
    Kyle Walker darted forward 40 yards to draw a defender away.
    And Trippier’s teasing cross found Shaw – whose fantastic work at the other end of the pitch led to the goal.
    However Wembley was silenced 20 minutes into the second half when Leonardo Bonucci bundled in to bring the scores level.
    And Italy won the tournament on penalties as Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka missed from the spot after a nerve-wrangling extra-time arm wrestle.
    England’s back five hailed by Alan Shearer and Frank Lampard ahead of Italy showdown in Euro 2020 final More

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    Watch Gareth Southgate’s ‘ice cool’ celebration against Italy while rest of England go wild after Euro 2020 final goal

    GARETH SOUTHGATE was the calmest man in the country after seeing England take a 1-0 lead against Italy in the Euro 2020 final.Luke Shaw beautifully volleyed the Three Lions ahead after just two minutes to send Wembley into delirium.
    Gareth Southgate politely clapped seeing his side score the game’s opening goal
    Southgate’s reaction was very different to the fans inside Wembley
    England fans could barely believe what they had seenCredit: PA
    The party was starting all over the country after Shaw’s openerCredit: PA

    Fans all around the nation were throwing their beers in the air to celebrate England taking such an early lead in their bid to end 55 years of hurt.
    But the boss on the sidelines was much more reserved, choosing to politely clap the opening goal.
    Harry Kane found Kieran Trippier in acres of space on the right-wing.
    Kyle Walker darted forward 40 yards to draw a defender away.
    And Trippier’s teasing cross found Shaw – whose fantastic work at the other end of the pitch led to the goal.
    The former Southampton defender made no mistake with the goal at his mercy either, hitting the ball first time.
    Shaw showed perfect technique to keep the ball down as it careered off the post and into the net past a despairing Gianluigi Donnarumma.
    At just one minute and 57 seconds into the game, the goal was the earliest in European Championship final history.
    The previous quickest was scored by Spain’s Jesus Maria Pereda at Euro 1964, when he scored in the sixth minute of his nation’s win over USSR.
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    Southgate’s celebration was ice cool 🤣👏. Leading by example 👲— Le fe (🐐) (@ngiyakusaba) July 11, 2021

    Luke Shaw continued his stunning tournament with the opening goalCredit: Reuters
    The Three Lions gaffer gave a fist celebration too
    It was instant party time for England fans celebrating around the countryCredit: PA
    Beers were chucked into the air after Luke Shaw volleyed England aheadCredit: PA

    The goal was also England’s earliest goal at a major tournament since the 1982 World Cup.
    Not only that, the strike also fell on the the eve of Shaw’s 26th birthday and was his first ever goal for his country in his 16th appearance.
    Only Cristiano Ronaldo and Patrik Schick have been involved in more goals at Euro 2020 than Shaw now, such has been the England man’s performances at both left-back and left-wing-back.
    But Shaw’s effort was not to be the winner as Leonardo Bonucci levelled for Italy in the second half.
    And Italy won the tournament on penalties as Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka missed from the spot after a nerve-wrangling extra-time arm wrestle.
    Jordan Pickford saved Marco Verratti’s header from a corner but the ball rebounded off the post to Bonucci who fired into an open net.
    England’s players go wild after taking the lead
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Lucky charm Prince George goes wild with Kate Middleton and William as England scores in first minutes of Euro 2020 final More

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    Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand claims club rivalries ‘destroyed’ England teams and hails Southgate for uniting side

    RIO FERDINAND believes Gareth Southgate’s greatest success is abolishing the club rivalries that ‘destroyed’ the Golden Generation. The Manchester United legend was named in four World Cup squads that failed to progress past the quarter-finals.
    Rio Ferdinand heaped praise on Southgate for creating a togetherness with EnglandCredit: BBC
    Ferdinand, 42, admitted that a major factor in their failure was underlying tensions within the camp.
    And he heaped praise on Southgate for ensuring a sense of togetherness within the squad to create a winning mentality.
    He told the BBC: “I genuinely believe that [club rivalries destroyed previous teams].
    “It just consumed you, there was nothing from the England squad from the manager downwards that made you feel any different.
    “I think that is where Gareth Southgate separates himself from the other managers, he’s gone in and identified that this team needs to be together.
    “He’s ensured ‘I am going to create a culture, a winning mentality and a mentality where we are all together’.
    “Togetherness is of the utmost importance.”
    Frank Lampard was also part of the Golden Generation that flopped at major tournaments.
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    Gareth Southgate is on the verge of history as England bossCredit: PA

    The Chelsea legend also emphasised how he would stay within his ‘clan’ of club team-mates while that mentality has now changed.
    Lampard added: “I think it’s human nature, if I played with four or five Chelsea team-mates… Rio with United – you stay within your clan and that needed to be broken.
    “You see now a group that has been broken. They’ve also come through the youth teams too.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Watch Italy’s Chiellini hug England pal Maguire and shout ‘big man’ in Wembley tunnel before Euro 2020 final More

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    Watch David Beckham and Tom Cruise fist-bump after England score opener in Euro 2020 final against Italy

    TOM CRUISE and David Beckham fist-bumped in the Wembley stands to celebrate England’s Hollywood-style opening to the Euro 2020 final.Movie legend Cruise and ex-Three Lions skipper Beckham hailed Luke Shaw smashing the quickest ever Euro final goal, two minutes in against Italy.
    Tom Cruise and David Beckham are caught on camera with their touching moment to celebrate England’s early opener

    Cruise had warmed up for his Beckham fist-bump with this thumbs-up message to England with PM Boris Johnson

    The only thing smarter than England’s start was the duo’s suited-and-booted look.
    But the grinning superstars stayed socially distanced as they extended their elbows to mark left wing-back Shaw’s special moment.
    Cruise and Becks then saw the Three Lions see out the rest of the first half relatively comfortably.
    But Leonardo Bonucci fired home after a scramble to make it 1-1 after 67 minutes.
    And Italy won the tournament on penalties as Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka missed from the spot after a nerve-wrangling extra-time arm wrestle.
    The Mission: Impossible actor had already got up close and personal to the England squad with a good-luck face-time call on the eve of their first final for 55 years.
    Skipper Harry Kane revealed Cruise also gave them an exclusive pre-screening of his new film.

    Prince George enjoyed England’s majestic start as much as Tom Cruise did
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    Kane told BBC Radio 5live: “He just dialled in and FaceTimed us just to wish us the best of a group so that was nice of him.
    “The majority of people in the world love football, so it’s great to have all that support not just in England but across the world.”
    And if England win there could at least be a Cocktail on the cards…
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog

    Cruise, though, wasn’t the only non-footballing celebrity going crazy when Shaw volleyed his history-making goal
    In fact he had royal competition – as Prince George went wild and hugged mum Kate Middleton.
    The seven-year-old cheered alongside the duchess and footie-mad dad Prince William with the 66,000-strong crowd. More

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    Watch rainbow car drive Euro 2020 final ball onto pitch before England’s showdown with Italy – and fans love it

    THE star of Euro 2020 – the remote control car that delivers the match ball – has returned for the final, much to the delight of fans.The Volkswagen motor received a rainbow paint job ahead of the showpiece event to promote inclusion and diversity.
    The rainbow car delivered the match ball to the refereeCredit: Getty
    Italy star Ciro Immobile seemed particularly interested in the motorCredit: Getty
    England skipper Harry Kane also wore a rainbow armband before replacing it

    The tiny car made it’s hilarious debut during Italy’s Euros opener against Turkey, with viewers immediately falling in love with the motor.
    But they were devastated when it was ditched for the next game between Switzerland and Wales.
    The unlikely hero made it’s return during the Azzurri’s semi-final against Spain at Wembley.
    And it’s had another outing on Sunday evening, swapping it’s grey coat for a new rainbow finish.
    The rainbow flag is widely known as a symbol for the LGBTQ+ community and aims to promote inclusion and diversity within society.
    England skipper Harry Kane also wore a rainbow armband ahead of the nation’s first major final in 55 years.

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    Fans on social media were delighted to see the car return, with one tweeting: “Love the rainbow tiny car so much.”
    While another wrote: “I’m cheering for the teeny tiny little rainbow car with the football.”
    And one person tweeted: “Love to see a tiny car drive on to a football pitch painted with rainbows.”
    Uefa received criticism earlier in the tournament when they refused to give Germany permission to light up the Allianz Arena with rainbow colours.
    European football’s governing body were then accused of ‘staggering failure’ after insisting they do support the LGBTQ+ community.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    England fans belt out Sweet Caroline ahead of Euro 2020 final vs Italy as BBC and ITV pundits join boisterous celebrations More

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    England vs Italy LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, team news as fans arrive at Wembley – Euro 2020 final latest updates

    ENGLAND’S historic day is here as they take on Italy in the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley Stadium in front of 65,000 fans.The Three Lions have been brilliant up until now but will face a tough Azzurri side, who lost their last Euros final in 2012.

    Start time: 8pm GMT
    TV/Live stream: BBC One/ITV1
    Live stream FREE: BBC iPlayer/ITV Hub
    England XI: To follow
    Italy XI: To follow

    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
    Harry Kane hit the winner in England’s win over Denmark on WednesdayCredit: The Mega Agency
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    ⚽️ Get Harry Kane to score 50/1 & Raheem Sterling to score 66/1 ⚽️

    What time does England vs Italy kick-off?

    England’s monumental clash with Italy will kick-off at 8pm UK time.
    There will be between 60,000-70,000 spectators in attendance at the game.

    What channel is England vs Italy on and can I live stream it?

    England vs Italy will be shown live on BBC One and ITV1.
    You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile, tablet device or Smart TV.
    And the same can be said for ITV’s streaming service the ITV Hub.

    LONG WAIT
    England have ended their 55-year wait for a major international final…. but can they go all the way and win it?
    The last time England were in a final, they won it convincingly at WEMBLEY!

    THREE HOURS TO GO
    England fans have flooded Trafalgar Square ahead of tonight’s game against Italy.
    Still three hours to go until kick-off!

    INSPIRED SCHEDULING
    ITV are showing The Italian Job in the build-up to tonight’s game, starring Michael Caine and Noel Coward!
    British humour at its best.
    England and Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand is hit with a Heineken canCredit: GETTY IMAGES
    BITTER
    Scotland are cheering Italy on today.
    Scottish newspaper The National has called on Italy boss Roberto Mancini to save Scotland from years of English gloating.
    Mancini is their “final hope”, likening the former Man City boss to Braveheart.
    The paper conducted their own poll, and it found that a whopping 83 per cent of Scots will be supporting Italy.

    HAMMER TIME
    England midfielder Declan Rice is looking to emulate the boys of 66.
    Famously, Hammers trio Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters played a pivotal role in winning England the World Cup.
    Moore captained the team, Hurst scored a hat-trick – the only hat-trick scored in a World Cup final, and Peters got the fourth goal of the final.
    Rice said: “Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters actually won the World Cup, obviously I’ve only just got to the final so you feel like maybe your name can be put up in that light if you win the tournament.
    “Obviously it’s a great achievement to get to the final. The first time since 1966 is history for England, but Sunday is my first chance to win a trophy in football and you’re not going to get a better chance to do it. 
    “It’s at Wembley and I doubt I’ll get that again in my career so you need to grab that with both hands and give everything.
    “We’re ready to run, ready to go to places we’ve never gone before. This is a chance to make history and there’s no way we’re not going to go out there and give it everything.”
    Credit: GETTY IMAGES
    Credit: GETTY IMAGES
    Credit: GETTY IMAGES
    FIFTY-FIVE YEARS OF HURT
    England captain Harry Kane has urged his team to make their own history, to add to the 1966 World Cup win.
    Speaking ahead of tonight’s Euro 2020 final clash against Italy, he said: “In 1966, obviously, England won the World Cup and it was such an amazing achievement as a team and as a country.
    “The fans are so behind us, every tournament they’re pushing us and willing us to get far and this has been no different.
    “Now we have that opportunity to create even more history, and [for] our parents and family members who’ve never seen England in a final before – and I know that goes across the whole country. 
    “It’s a special moment to be in and if we can finish the job and win, then obviously we’ll be remembered in history for the rest of our lives. That’s the challenge we have, so we’ll have to go and take it.”
    Fans are flooding the capitalCredit: GETTY IMAGES
    THROWBACK
    David Beckham has wished England captain Harry Kane good luck ahead of tonight’s Euro 2020 final.
    Kane had a picture with Beckham years ago alongside his childhood sweetheart, and wife Kate.

    HOME SOIL
    This will be England’s first ever appearance in a European Championship final, and their first in the final of a major tournament since winning the 1966 World Cup.
    It’s the longest gap between major finals (World Cup/EUROs) for any European nation (55 years).
    Credit: GETTY IMAGES
    WEMBLEY WAY
    Best fans in the world.
    Credit: GETTY IMAGES
    ALL-WHITE STRIP ⬜️
    England will be in all white this evening, despite wearing navy shorts in their games with Ukraine and Denmark.

    CHIELLINI ON ENGLAND 🗣
    “Kane and Sterling aren’t that young, they are no spring chickens. (Phil) Foden, (Bukayo) Saka and (Jadon) Sancho, that’s different,” the Italian defender said.
    “Everyone has their own attributes. If you match me against Sterling in a foot race, I don’t think I ever beat him to the punch,”
    “Maybe in situations where there is a ball to be won in a 50-50 or there is a long ball from the goalkeeper, I might be more likely to win the header.
    “I need to limit their attributes, it also depends on who plays. Kane and Sterling are different, the others have their own qualities.
    “England’s bench could have made it to the final themselves because they have extraordinary players.
    “Thankfully it is a team game, it’s not Chiellini and Bonucci versus Kane and Sterling, ultimately it is Italy versus England.”
    Chiellini will start in defence for Italy tonight against EnglandCredit: Reuters
    SWEET CAROLINE 🎶
    Unbelievable scenes at Wembley already. England fans in full flow.

    PREDICTED TEAM
    It’s looking like England will be going with a back five for their clash with Italy tonight.
    Kieran Trippier is set to replace Bukayo Saka.

    HEAD-TO-HEAD
    Fair to say it hasn’t been easy for English sides against the Italians whenever they’ve met in major competitions.
    Most recently, England lost 2-1 to Italy in the group stages of the World Cup back in 2014.
    And two years before that, Italy knocked England out of Euro 2012 on penalties.

    SOUTHGATE SPEAKS 🗣
    “When we started, three or four years ago we had people throwing paper aeroplanes, they weren’t behind the team and there was an apathy,” he said.
    “Now the energy in the stadium is fantastic. That is so important.”
    The players need to feel that warmth and support. It has definitely helped inspire us,” he added.
    “Over the last four years the players have knocked down so many barriers, they’ve come through so many different challenges.”

    ROYAL MESSAGE 👑
    Prince William has wished the England players good luck ahead of their clash with Italy tonight.
    He’s expected to be in attendance alongside his wife the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.

    ITALY’S ROUTE SO FAR
    And it hasn’t been plain-sailing for the Italians either, as they’ve endured the odd extra-time song and dance themselves. But here they are.

    ENGLAND’S ROUTE SO FAR
    It’s been tough at times, and it hasn’t come without its fair share of criticism, but England’s run to the final has been a memorable one.

    TEAM NEWS
    Phil Foden is set for heartbreak as he looks certain to miss tomorrow’s Euro 2020 final.
    The Manchester City forward did not train today after picking up a foot injury in training yesterday.
    It was expected that Bukayo Saka would start the game anyway, but Foden will likely be unavailable for the bench too.
    Southgate is expected to stick with a back four, with his biggest decision potentially coming in midfield, as Jordan Henderson pushes for a start.
    Italy will start with Emerson Palmieri at left-back as Leonardo Spinazzola has a ruptured Achilles.
    Federico Chiesa is likely to start in a front three with Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne.
    GOOD AFTERNOON! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇮🇹
    Hello and welcome to SunSport’s coverage of England, yes that’s right – England!… vs Italy in the final of Euro 2020.
    It’s an absolutely huge day for football fans all over the country as Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions look to claim their first major trophy since the World Cup in 1966.
    We know it won’t be easy against a tough Italian side, who have been imperious throughout the tournament so far.
    England overcame Germany in the last-16, before cruising past Ukraine in the quarters and scraping past Denmark in the semis.
    Italy, on the other hand, have beaten Austria, Belgium and Spain to book their spot at Wembley Stadium tonight.
    England are likely to stick with their usual line-up but Southgate could decide to switch to a back three, as he did against the Germans 10 days ago.
    Italy will no doubt come out firing , so England need to be defensively careful, as they have been throughout the entire tournament.
    Either way, tonight will be a cracker.
    So if you’re not on Wembley Way, or in the stadium or standing on top of a bus in Piccadilly, then do join us… we’ve got you covered the whole way.
    It can’t finally be coming home…. can it?
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