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    Pedri, 18, breaks down in tears after Spain’s penalty shootout loss to Italy as Enrique compares him to Andres Iniesta

    LUIS ENRIQUE shared heartfelt reflections about Spain ace Pedri after he was seen sobbing following his team’s Euros semis loss to Italy. The La Roja boss described the rising midfield star as ‘unique’ after the Azzurri beat his side on penalties to claim a place in the contest’s finals. 
    Pedri was pictured being consoled by boss Luis Enrique and Thiago Alcantara after Spain’s Euros semis loss to ItalyCredit: EPA
    Pedri and his team-mates were beaten by Italy on penalties after a 1-1 extra-time finishCredit: AP
    Pedri, 18, has emerged as one of his nation’s footballers to watch, starting in all six of their European Championship duels. 
    The Barcelona starlet only missed 60 seconds of Euros playing action for Spain when he was subbed in the 119th minute during their quarter-final dispatching of Switzerland. 
    And his efforts and moving reaction to Spain’s exit from the tournament won over the hearts of fans and boss Enrique.
    Spain’s vanquishers Italy will face England or Denmark in the competition’s final.

    ⚽ ENGLAND vs DENMARK BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

    Reflecting on the performance of Pedri, the La Roja head coach, 51, said: “It’s unique what Pedri has done. 
    “People have not seen anything like this before, never. Andres Iniesta was not like this at 18-years-old.
    “We have another 18-year-old in Ansu Fati to come back too. We have to look after these young players.” 
    Pedri, who was born in Tenerife, made 37 top-flight appearances for Barcelona last term following his 2020 move from Las Palmas. 

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    And the player, who notched up three LaLiga goals and assists last term, has received 10 international caps since his senior Spain debut against Greece in March. 
    National coach Enrique also praised the mentality and stamina of Pedri’s national team-mates who underwent a third Euros extra-time battle when they took on Italy.  
    Enrique added: “I feel very proud of them. They have learned a lot. We behaved as a team from start to finish.
    “In extra time they were waiting for penalties, we could have played for another half an hour. It’s a nine out of ten tournament for us. 
    Pedri is regarded as a one of Barcelona’s rising starsCredit: Getty
    Pedri missed just one minute of action for Spain at the Euros

    “It can’t be ten because we didn’t go through, but everyone played their part right down to the players such as Robert Sanchez, David de Gea and Diego Llorente who didn’t get minutes.
    “We wanted everyone to be proud of us and I think we have done that. You can’t ask too much from the fans without giving them something first.’
    “We told the players not to worry too much if they missed their kick. Dani Olmo was incredible.”
    Watch confused Wembley steward try to stop Leonardo Bonucci from re-entering pitch after celebrating Italy’s penalty win More

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    England fans fear ‘Curse of ITV’ ahead of Denmark clash as channel always shows team being booted from major tournaments

    ENGLAND fans fear falling victim to the “curse of ITV” tonight as the channel always shows the Three Lions being booted from tournaments.Around 30million supporters will tune in tonight as England take on Denmark in our first Euro semi-final since 1996.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    England fans are getting superstitious ahead of tonight’s gameCredit: Twitter/markpougatch
    But to add to the country’s nerves, fans have pointed out ITV always seems to show the Three Lions getting dumped from major competitions.
    Only six wins have been broadcast on ITV in 25 years – compared to 17 on the BBC.
    Superstitious fans have now taken to social media to pray the curse will be broken tonight.
    One said: “Oh well, it was fun while it lasted #CurseofITV.”
    Credit: Twitter
    Credit: Twitter
    Credit: Twitter
    Credit: Twitter
    Credit: Twitter
    Credit: Twitter
    Credit: Twitter
    Another wrote: “If the bosses at ITV and Boris Johnson really care for the England team, they will announce that the semi-final will be shown by BBC and Gary Lineker.”
    While one said: “We’re doomed.”
    Others have begged fans not to mention the curse after ITV took the baton from the BBC for tonight’s historic match.
    Most of the coverage has been led by Gary Lineker’s team at the BBC – with England beating Croatia, Germany and Ukraine.

    The BBC has a higher success rateCredit: BBC
    Many believe ITV’s curse started in the 1998 World Cup when the Three Lions were sent packing by Argentina in the quarter-finals.
    Losses throughout the years include Euro 2000 and England’s heartbreaking semi-final defeat against Crotia.
    In total, the team have lost nine matches on ITV and drawn 11.
    By comparison, the BBC have shown just three losses and three draws – giving them a 70 per cent success rate.
    England will take Denmark on at Wembley at 8pm in front of 60,000 fans to secure a place in the final against Italy on Sunday.

    If Gareth Southgate’s men win tonight, it will be the first time since 1966 England have reached a final in a major tournament.
    They have appeared in five previous World Cup or European Championship semi-finals – but only advanced once.
    England last reached a semi in the 2018 World Cup in Russia when they lost out to Croatia.
    Watch BBC studio go wild and Rio Ferdinand jump with joy with Gary Lineker after England’s win over Germany at Euro 2020 More

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    Jose Mourinho wants ‘brave’ Jack Grealish to start for England vs Denmark but predicts Bukayo Saka will get nod

    JOSE MOURINHO wants ‘brave’ Jack Grealish to start for England tonight.But he predicts Bukayo Saka will get the nod from Gareth Southgate to face Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-final.
    Jack Grealish will be desperate to get another start for England against DenmarkCredit: Getty
    Jose Mourinho loves watching the maverick England midfielder in actionCredit: Getty
    Mourinho is a huge fan of the Aston Villa captain, who started against Czech Republic and changed the game against Germany with a big hand in both goals.
    But the SunSport columnist fears Grealish will have to settle for a spot on the bench once again with the Arsenal teenager returning to the XI at Wembley.
    Mourinho told talkSPORT: “Everybody knows I am very, very Grealish… but I know he’s not going to play.
    “I like the guy because he never hides, he creates unbalanced situations for the opposition.
    “He is very, very brave, he breaks the routines of the game.
    “When a team is so solid like England, because England is a really, really solid team, especially with this dynamic of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips in front of the back four, I believe a team always needs a player like Grealish.
    “But it doesn’t look like he’s an option to start with Gareth, and Gareth is right, especially if England win the Euros – Gareth is right and we are wrong.
    “I would always play Grealish, but I believe it’s not going to be Grealish, I believe it’s going to be Saka.

    ⚽ ENGLAND vs DENMARK BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

    “The kid did very well and I like very much a left-footed player coming from the right.
    “They have Saka and they have Phil Foden, but I believe they are going to start with Saka.”
    Saka is expected to join Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling in the attacking trio behind captain Harry Kane.
    Rice and Phillips look set to continue their midfield partnership.
    And Southgate should name Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw in front of Golden Glove winner Jordan Pickford.
    Gareth Southgate is yet to beat Denmark as England manager

    Mourinho knows Denmark will provide a far sterner test than Ukraine in the quarters – but remains confident the Three Lions will get through, then beat Italy in the final.
    He added: “It’s coming home, but it’s not going to be easy. Denmark are not Ukraine.
    “Before the Ukraine game I said it was no problem if Gareth decides to rest one of the lads in danger of suspension, no problem in Gareth decides to rest Harry Maguire because he comes from a big injury, I was completely convinced it was going to be an easy match.
    “But this one, I keep singing, ‘It’s coming home’, but I will also say, ‘Be careful, be careful’, because Denmark is a completely different game in terms of the level of opposition.”
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    Bukayo Saka sat out of the Ukraine win but could be back in the starting XI this eveningCredit: Getty
    Denmark will provide a tougher test than England’s opponents in the quarter-finalsCredit: Getty

    Jack Grealish explains to fans how he styles his much talked about hair More

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    Watch Verratti’s puzzled reaction as fan joins in with Italy’s Euro 2020 celebrations before steward intervenes

    MARCO VERRATTI wore a bewildered expression, after noticing a fan joining in with Italy’s on-field celebrations last night.The Azzurri were buzzing at the end, having just booked their place in the Euro 2020 final by beating Spain on penalties.
    A random fan joined Italy’s celebrations
    Players and staff huddled together for a team photo, with Verratti grinning ear to ear.
    But as he turned to his left he noticed a randomer bouncing up and down with the team.
    And his expression turned from ecstasy to confusion.
    A steward eventually led the fan away.
    Centre-back Leonardo Bonucci also had a run-in with a Wembley steward amid the celebrations.
    The towering defender went up to the crowd to pump his fists in jubilation.
    But as he attempted to return to the pitch, a steward stopped him, believing him to be a fan.
    A look of bafflement flashed across Bonucci’s face.
    Leonardo Bonucci was halted by a Wembley stewardCredit: Twitter
    ⚽ ENGLAND vs DENMARK BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

    But he laughed it off when the steward admitted her mistake, even giving her a little hug.
    The celebrations were just as passionate in the TV studio, with Gianfranco Zola ecstatic while appearing on beIN Sports.
    Italy will now face England or Denmark in Sunday’s final, with the two sides set to clash in tonight’s second semi-final at Wembley.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Gianfranco Zola was overjoyed at going through
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    Chelsea icon Gianfranco Zola’s wild celebrations after Italy Euro 2020 win leaves beIN Sports hosts in stitches More

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    Fired up England fans pack pubs and arrive at Wembley for historic Euro 2020 clash with Denmark

    FIRED-UP England fans have already packed out bars and pubs to neck pints ahead of the Three Lions’ first semi-final Euros game in 25 years.Supporters have been eagerly queuing at bars across the country and arriving at Wembley Stadium ahead of the historic 8pm kick-off against Denmark.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Coloured flares let off outside Wembley – COME ON ENGLAND!Credit: PA
    Two lads out in force with masks of England’s Harry Kane and Gareth SouthgateCredit: LNP
    Revellers getting ready for the historic match against DenmarkCredit: PA
    Glam girls preparing for the England match in Leicester SquareCredit: LNP
    England fans riling up as kick-off gets closerCredit: PA
    Dozens of fans descend outside Wembley ahead of the 8pm matchCredit: PA
    Boozy Brits getting the pints in before the game this eveningCredit: LNP
    England wearing flags and wigs show their support outside the stadiumCredit: Getty
    Fans are arriving at Wembley ahead of the historic showdownCredit: i-Images
    And lucky fans who have managed to secure a ticket for tonight’s game against Denmark have already descended on Wembley.
    Flags have also been painted on roundabouts, hero Harry Kane has been immortalised in a pizza and rooftops scream messages of support as the country comes together.
    Eager football fans in the capital have dressed up for the monumental game – wearing Southgate masks and dressing as English knights.
    The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) believes fans will neck 6.8million pints during the game – with 9.7million bought in total.
    England will take Denmark on at Wembley at 8pm in front of 60,000 fans to secure a place in the final against Italy on Sunday.
    The Italians beat Spain on penalties at the stadium yesterday to gain a spot in the final two.
    But the Three Lions – especially gaffer Gareth Southgate – will be hoping England aren’t forced to win tonight on penalties.
    People are getting into the spirit flag in Piccadilly Circus, London, ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-finalCredit: LNP
    Fans draped in flags show their support hours before kick-offCredit: PA
    Denmark football fans gather in Vinegar Yard ahead of the 8pm kick-offCredit: LNP
    Fans having a kick-about before the matchCredit: Getty
    Excited England fans dressed as knights outside Wembley StadiumCredit: PA
    A dedicated fan dressed head-to-toe in England gear gets ready for the matchCredit: EPA
    Twenty-five years ago under the arch of Wembley, a missed penalty by Southgate saw England crash out of Euro 96 during the semi-finals.
    Many have seen this tournament as Southgate’s redemption – with the Three Lions finally reaching a semi-final in the Euros after 25 years.
    If his men beat Denmark tonight, it will be the first time since 1966 England have reached a final in a major tournament.
    And the lineup for tonight has been revealed – with Bukayo Saka returning at the expense of Jadon Sancho in the crunch semi-final.

    He’ll be joined by top-scorer Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount behind frontman Harry Kane.
    It also means Jack Grealish will be left sat on the bench waiting to be unleashed.
    The Three Lions have appeared in five previous World Cup or European Championship semi-finals – but only advanced once.
    England last reached a semi in the 2018 World Cup in Russia when they lost out to Croatia.
    The Duke of Cambridge, who is president of the Football Association, will be among those inside the ground to watch the nail-biting match.
    Rowdy lads getting in the spirit ahead of the matchCredit: PA
    The nation has joined together to support our boysCredit: Avalon.red
    England last reached a semi in the 2018 World Cup in Russia when they lost out to CroatiaCredit: LNP
    Kick-off is at 8pm – COME ON ENGLAND!Credit: PA
    Brits have been necking pints before the big showdownCredit: Getty
    One reveller draped in an England flag cheers from the treesCredit: PA
    After a bleak year that saw Euro 2020 delayed by 12 months, the Three Lions’ impressive run through the tournament has finally given the nation hope.
    Excitement simmering under the surface has now exploded as supporters come together to make the beautiful game beautiful again.
    Flags flying from windows and chants of Football’s Coming Home have echoed across England as fans prove they still believe after 55 years of hurt.
    Pubs will even stay open an extra 45 minutes on Sunday in case Our Boys make it to the final.
    And Southgate’s hardworking squad have become heroes after reaching the semi-final without even conceding a goal.
    England fans outside Wembley StadiumCredit: PA
    England fans cheer and enjoy a drink at a pub in Leicester Square, LondonCredit: LNP

    Rowdy fans getting excited in Soho, LondonCredit: w8media
    Fans pile in to the stadiumCredit: Reuters
    Cheering Brits sink pints before the matchCredit: w8media
    Gone are the names of past England players – their younger counterparts who grew up in the shadow of Wembley’s famous arch now uttered on the lips of the nation.
    Even Southgate reckons his squad will progress in future tournaments after shaking off the fears their predecessors were plagued by.
    The manager said: “I’m thinking about the team in eight years’ time, when maybe Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham are still in it and they have had an incredible experience of England doing well.
    “That is the standard for them now, where perhaps in the past youngsters coming in might have been inhibited, fearing some of these barriers that were perceived to be there.
    “So there’s no question that to be in the latter stages of tournaments is where we want to be, and on a consistent basis.”

    Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the nation to support England’s young lions “enthusiastically but sensibly”.
    He showed his backing for them by holding up an aptly-numbered England shirt outside 10 Downing Street.
    He said: “Gareth Southgate and the England squad have done the nation proud in the Euros, and we will all be wishing them the best of luck in getting to the final. Bring it home!”
    Boozy fans dance and cheer before the matchCredit: PA
    Denmark fans preparing for the clash tonightCredit: LNP
    Alan Putman, in costume and a horse-drawn carriage, on England’s most patriotic estateCredit: PA
    One fan belting it out of the saxophone ahead of the Denmark clashCredit: PA
    England fans across the country look ahead to huge Euro 2020 semi-final match against Denmark More

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    Gareth Southgate lives in this £3.75m mansion that comes complete with six bedrooms, a cinema and its own resident ghost

    ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate is known for being a man of impeccable taste.So it is little wonder that his 16th Century manor house – located in a quaint village in North Yorkshire – is as swish as they come, boasting six plush bedrooms, a wine cellar, sprawling grounds – and even a resident ghost.
    Gareth has lived in the mansion with wife Alison for over a decadeCredit: Getty – Contributor
    England hero Gareth Southgate lives in this stunning mansion
    Bouquets of white roses adorn the antique tables, with crystal lamps hanging from the ceiling and standing on bedside chests.
    Aged beams line the vaulted ceilings, and racks of candles cast a warm glow over the wood-panelling in the living room.
    Over its four floors, the £3.75million mansion has six massive bedrooms, four bathrooms, a dressing room, a wood-panelled drawing room for entertaining celeb guests and study, as well as a rustic kitchen.
    As you’d expect from Gareth’s old-school gentleman style, the interiors are classy, with marble worktops, purple velour soft furnishings, wooded beams and a baronial hall fireplace on display.
    He also has a fine antiques collection – from tall golden goblets and black marble statues to vintage fireplace tools and splendid chandeliers.
    And if Gareth and wife of 24 years Alison fancy a cosy date night in they can do so in their private cinema.
    Located at the very top of the home, the room features electric reclining seats and a home cinema system, where Gareth will undoubtedly be watching the highlights from his best games in charge of the Three Lions.
    The walls and carpet are a soothing purple, and a cosy nook is built into the side of the high-ceilinged room.
    Gareth and wife Alison (pictured on their wedding day) bought the home in 2006Credit: PA:Press Association

    And our beloved manager will surely be toasting any England victories with a bottle of fine wine from the cellar that runs on the lower ground floor.
    Former Middlesborough manager Gareth and his wife Alison bought his Grade 1-listed family home back in 2006 for £3.25m.
    The pair then spent thousands of pounds decking out the mega-mansion, which dates back to the 1500s.
    You may also be surprised to hear that the mansion isn’t the only home on Gareth’s land.
    It also boasts a two-bedroom detached cottage in the sprawling grounds – ideal if his captain Harry Kane and wife Katie Goodland ever come to stay.
    There is also a barn that is currently used as a storage area, but could be turned into another room – or be used to house an entire 11-man footy squad.
    Gareth and his wife have two adult children, Mia and Flynn, who still live there.
    The beautiful 8,000-square ft home – described by estate agents as a ‘family home of distinction’ is set in 4.5 acres of formal grounds, with its own woodland copse and views of the local reservoir.
    Gareth’s home is allegedly haunted by a former ownerCredit: Alamy
    Gareth lives in the mansion with his wife and two childrenCredit: Facebook
    It was previously owned by developer Chris Taylor, who spent three years restoring it as his own family home with the help of English Heritage.
    Since the house dates back 400 years, it’s no surprise that it has a chequered history – and even its own resident spook.
    Gareth’s home is reportedly haunted by the ghost of a twisted thief called Robinson, who used the wealth he stole from people to build the manor.
    According to Yorkshire-based historian and author William Grainge, Robinson grew up in a humble cottage not far from where the hall stands and worked as a weaver, before travelling to London to seek his fortune.
    The 1665 Great Plague hit the capital, killing 200,000 people there – and this was an opportunity for Robinson to get rich.
    He looted the houses of the dead, nicking their gold and valuables and returning to North Yorkshire where he bought the estate where Southgate would eventually live.
    However, he was plagued by visions of those he stole from, so tried to wash the gold in a nearby spring to cleanse it of bad vibes.
    The spring is still there today and legend has it that at certain times his ghostly apparition can be seen stood by it while frantically rubbing the gold coins – or floating around the grounds itself.
    The England boss has led his country since replacing Sam Allardyce in 2016Credit: Getty
    He has proved to be a popular figure with his players and the general publicCredit: Getty
    Other historians argue the truth could be more mundane – that in fact a family called Wood owned the estates.
    Head of the house Francis Wood wanted to erect a new hall on the estate, and loaned money from a Henry Robinson, who took charge of the estate when Francis was unable to repay the debt.
    Gareth has struggled to sell the house both times he’s listed it – first in 2016 for £3.75m and in 2018 for the sum his family initially bought it for.
    It came up on the market five years ago while he was caught up in a tax row over dodgy investments.
    There was a surge of interest in the home following the news that former footballer Gareth would be made interim manager after Sam Allardyce quit.
    But to deter nosy fans, all potential buyers had to prove they could afford the home before they were allowed to tour the property.
    When it failed to sell, Gareth decided to leave it in order to focus his efforts on the England team.
    It’s thought it was put up for sale again as Alison wanted to live somewhere closer to the kids’ school. But until it sells, this is where football will be going if it comes home this summer.
    Gareth Southgate speaks ahead of England’s Euro 2020 semi-final with Denmark More

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    Watch Chelsea icon Gianfranco Zola’s wild celebrations after Italy Euro 2020 win leaving beIN Sports hosts in stitches

    GIANFRANCO ZOLA went wild after Jorginho’s penalty sent Italy through to the Euro 2020 final, much to the amusement of his fellow beIN Sports panelists.The Chelsea icon was appearing on the network as a pundit for his nation’s crunch semi with Spain at Wembley.
    Zola waited in anticipation ahead of Jorginho’s spot kick
    Zola, 55 then went mad as the midfielder swept his penalty home
    The Azzurri put their fans through the ringer, after getting pegged back by Alvaro Morata’s 80th minute equaliser and being dominated for large spells.
    And when Manuel Locatelli missed their first spot kick, passionate fans like Zola would have been fearing the worst.
    But the Italians came roaring back, with Dani Olmo’s miss and Gianluigi Donnarumma’s save from Morata handing Jorginho the chance to send them through.
    When the midfielder, who Zola worked with in his first season at Stamford Bridge, slotted home – Italians went mad.
    And Zola was no exception.
    The 55-year-old fist pumped wildly, even wandering off screen in delight.
    He was then hugged by fellow pundit Ruud Gullit, who congratulated him on the win.
    When the footage was shown back, Zola sheepishly said: “I apologise.”
    Italian stars celebrated just as passionately on the pitchCredit: Getty – Pool
    ⚽ ENGLAND vs DENMARK BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

    But hosts Richard Keys and Andy Gray were having none of it.
    Keys, 64, said: “Don’t (apologise)! You are allowed.”
    And referring to tonight’s game between England and Denmark, Gray said of other guest Peter Schmeichel: “I think Peter might be like that tomorrow night should things go well for him.”
    The winner of tonight’s huge clash will face Italy in the final on Sunday, with history on the line.
    But Schmeichel’s son Kasper is feeling bullish.
    Ahead of tonight’s clash with England, he said: “Has it ever been home? I don’t know, have you ever won it?”
    Kasper Schmeichel is feeling bullish ahead of tonight’s second semi-finalCredit: Getty
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Harry Kane talks about his England legacy ahead of titanic match against Denmark at Euro 2020 semi-final More

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    England Euro 2020 stars Mason Mount and Declan Rice create Love Island skit

    ENGLAND stars Mason Mount and Declan Rice showed off their set-piece skills yesterday — with a Love Island skit.The giggling pair, best pals since they were eight, recreated an eviction scene from the matchmaking show on the Three Lions’ YouTube channel.
    ⚽Get ALL of the latest England news and updates from Euro 2020
    Footie aces Mason Mount and Declan Rice sealed their bromance at England’s training camp with a hilarious Love Island skitCredit: Getty
    The Lions’ Den videos have been looking at life behind the scenes at England’s St George’s Park training camp in Burton-on-Trent, Staffs.
    In their skit for a video, Rice, 22, posed as an anxious partner, unsure whether his mate Mount, also 22, had coupled up with someone else.
    Lions’ Den presenter Josh Denzel laughs as the show’s suspenseful music is played.
    He says: “Dec, you have decided to stay loyal to Mase — and if Mase walks through that door with another best mate you’re in danger of going home.”
    Mount then walks in alone   and laughs “Of course I’d   stay loyal mate” and throws   out his arms for a hug as   Rice says: “I knew you   wouldn’t let me down.”
    Holding midfielder Declan is eager to join forces with his pal again tonight to crush Denmark.
    The England stars, both 22, who have been best pals since they were eight, recreated a scene from the dating showCredit: Getty
    In the video, Rice posed as an anxious partner, unsure whether Mount had already coupled up with someone elseCredit: Getty
    Presenter Josh Denzel told Declan: ‘if Mase walks through that door with another best mate you’re in danger of going home’Credit: Getty

    He said of the big game: “It’s a massive opportunity for us – the first time since 1966 to potentially get into a final – to go one step beyond this time would be something special.
    Chelsea star Mason, also 22, said: “This is going to the next level now.
    “We are all focused and ready.”
    Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell train on their own ahead of England v Germany Euro 2020 game More