Euro 2020

ENGLAND beware, because the Bruise Brothers are coming and they’re not taking any prisoners.Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci have got Harry Kane in their uncompromising sights after Italy dramatically secured their place in Sunday’s European Championshjp final.
Jorginho was ice cool from the spot to send Italy into the finalCredit: Reuters
The Chelsea midfielder made no mistake to ensure Italy will play in the final on SundayCredit: AP
Italy celebrate in front of their fans at WembleyCredit: Reuters
Alvaro Morata went from hero to zero as he missed Spain’s crucial kickCredit: AFP
The most enduring defensive partnership in world football celebrated their 325th game together for club and country with yet another hard-fought victory.
And they won’t come any more nerve shredding than this incredible shoot-out triumph which required every last drop of endeavour from Roberto Mancini’s men.
The good news for England should they win their semi-final against Denmark tonight is that they will be up against a team who will be physically and emotionally drained when they return to Wembley on Sunday.
The bad news is that Chiellini and Bonucci might have a combined age of 70 but they remain as impenetrable a barrier as when they first teamed up way back in 2010.
And finding a way past these towering twins is going to take some doing for Gareth Southgate and his coaching team.
Spanish sub Alvaro Morata did manage to conjure up a late equaliser to take this epic battle into extra-time.
But the striker bombed out by Chelsea two years ago was left inconsolable when his penalty was saved by Italian keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Bonucci had already proved that he has nerves of steel when he stepped up to convert from the spot despite missing in previous shoot-outs defeats by Spain and Germany.

Dani Olmo, who missed Spain’s first penalty, cut a distraught figureCredit: AFP
Jorginho’s penalty sparked wild celebrations among his team-matesCredit: AP
Federico Chiesa curled in a sensational effort on the hour mark to break the deadlockCredit: Getty
The forward brilliantly found the corner to leave keeper Unai Simon with no chanceCredit: EPA
Alvaro Morata made no mistake as he coolly slotted past Donnarumma to levelCredit: EPA
Alvaro Morata silenced his critics with his third goal of the tournamentCredit: Getty
Spain celebrate Alvaro Morata’s equaliser with ten minutes to playCredit: Getty

That came after Manuel Locatelli’s effort had been saved by Unai Simon before Dani Olmo blasted over the bar to keep this tie on a knife-edge.
But once Morata had been denied it was left to his former Chelsea team-mate Jorginho to settle this nerve-shredding semi with a calm-as-you-like conversion into the bottom corner.
It was an absolute sickener for Morata, who thought he was going to be his country’s hero when he struck an 80th minute equaliser to cancel out Federico Chiesa’s opening goal.
That was his sixth European Championship goal, more than any other Spaniard has ever managed at this tournament.
Yet it will be little consolation for the man who was surprisingly left out of the starting line-up by coach Luis Enrique.
Maybe Enrique figured that Chiellini and Bonucci were too familiar with their Juventus team-mate and wanted the unknown Mikel Oyarzabal to shake them out of their comfort zone.
And it almost paid off for Spain when Oyarzabal was given a clear sight of goal but was able to control the ball before Chiellini cleared.
Ferran Torres fired wide with the first shot of the match and Dani Olmo drew the first save from Donnarumma following a poor kick by the Italian keeper.
Alvaro Morata missed Spain’s crucial kick as they crashed out of the tournamentCredit: Reuters
Italian fans celebrate their team scoring inside WembleyCredit: AFP

Yet for all of Spain’s early possession, their high defensive line left them wide open to the counter attack.
And that was the last thing they could afford when Simon was such a bundle of nerves so far from his back four.
The Spanish keeper was still haunted by the memory of his second round howler when he allowed a simple Pedri back pass to roll into his goal against Croatia.
And though he saved his country’s bacon in their subsequent shoot-out victory over the Swiss, he still looked anything but convincing.
He should have been punished for a mad dash from his area when he was beaten to the ball in a 21st minute foot race by Lorenzo Insigne.
But neither Ciro Immobile nor Nicolo Barella were able to get a shot off before they were crowded out by white-shirted defenders with Simon scrambling back to his goal.
No wonder David De Gea cut such a forlorn figure on the subs’ bench as he pondered just how far his Spanish star has fallen.
Another poor Simon clearance invited further pressure on the Spanish goal before Immobile was shepherded away from the danger zone by Aymeric Laporte.
Two footballing legends Chiellini and Sergio Busquets share a jokeCredit: EPA
But there was no love lost between the pair when the going got toughCredit: EPA

But at least the shackles were beginning to come off as Sergi Busquets fired just over the bar before Chiesa’s angled shot drew a sprawling save from Simon.
As expected, there was precious little between two teams who knew just how much was at stake.
But just when it was beginning to look like they were digging in for the long haul, Chiesa finally forced a 60th minute breakthrough to lift the lid off Wembley.
Marco Verratti and Insigne led the counter and though Laporte slid in to halt Immobile’s charge, the Manchester City defender was powerless to prevent Chiesa from curling a magnificent follow-up shot into the far corner.

It was like a dagger to the heart of Spanish hopes yet Enrique refused to panic and reacted decisively by sending on Morata for Torres.
He had only been on the field for five minutes when he teed up Olmo for a first time shot which flashed just wide of Donnarumma’s goal.
And with Italy desperately clinging on to their slender lead, it was Morata who took the tie into extra-time when he exchanged passes with Olmo before calmly stroking home in the 80th minute.
Chances came and went in extra-time but these old adversaries simply could not be separated until Morata’s miss opened the door for Italy to extend their unbeaten run to an incredible 33 games.
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IT’S important to give a team talk to the England fans at Wembley on Wednesday night.You are not going to this semi-final — and, hypothetically, to the final — to enjoy yourselves.
The passion of the England fans in Wembley could be crucialCredit: PA
Gareth Southgate will need every fan behind his team versus DenmarkCredit: PA
Jose Mourinho believes every England fan at Wembley has a part to playCredit: Getty
The fans at Wembley can inspire England to victoryCredit: Focus Images
You have to PLAY the game. You have to fight with your team.
Make a noise where the players get double-energy and double-confidence, so they feel everybody is with them.
It’s not about the guys going to the pub singing, “It’s coming home… ”
That’s good for the pub owner because he sells lots of beer but it doesn’t help the players.
Those in the stadium can make a difference.
If there’s a noise of frustration, then we feel it as players and managers. Even if we are really focused, believe me, we still feel it.
We used to say at Real Madrid that the worst thing to feel was the silence of frustration.
When that giant stadium is quiet, the silence of the Bernabeu is deafening. In every stadium, there are different noises — moments when you sense frustration and feel pressure.
England’s players are used to that frustration. But against Denmark the supporters have to fight with the team, even if they aren’t playing well.
Even if the team is losing, it has to be a noise which says, “We are fighting together.”
If England win, then enjoy it, show the happiness, enjoy every moment the country has waited 55 years for.
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England’s heroes celebrate with the fans in Rome for the quarter-final win over UkraineCredit: Getty

England need an Anfield atmosphere. One of the first times I went there with Chelsea, we beat Liverpool 4-1 but they supported their guys until the last second and I couldn’t believe it because that is not in our nature in Portugal.
Or England need the atmosphere you get at Old Trafford in the last 15 minutes of a tight match when, even if Manchester United aren’t playing well, the supporters always believe.
Everyone should bring the best characteristics of their own club’s support and throw it behind the England team.
Because Denmark are dangerous and if England are not England — compact, patient, pragmatic — then they can suffer.
People talk about psychological barriers because England have lost four semi-finals since 1966.
But as a manager you make players feel like it’s almost a destiny — the team is improving and to arrive here is the consequence of our work.
It was not as if people — the media, the public — put this England team on the moon. This team had to persuade the England fan base to believe in them.

Declan Rice has become a key man for England’s Euro 2020 challengeCredit: PA

Gareth Southgate and his people were always focused on achieving something, rather than being nice.
I felt that against Scotland. They knew that not being offensive and smashing them would be a source of criticism and negativity but they knew the draw qualified England.
So what was more important? To be in good grace with the country or to be pragmatic and get our 0-0? They were a proper team since the beginning.
Denmark have a solid base — Jannik Vestergaard, Andreas Christensen, who has an incredible personality, and Simon Kjaer, who is a great leader. Behind them, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, another leader.
More scenes such as those witnessed against Germany are England’s hopeCredit: Getty
Wembley will host 60,000 fans for the semi-final clashCredit: AP
In front of them, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who I worked with at Tottenham, and who influences everyone around him and really complements Thomas Delaney, a high-level Bundesliga player.
This nucleus is solid mentally, emotionally and tactically.
After that, they have talent. This 23-year-old kid Kasper Dolberg was amazing at Ajax.
He didn’t have a phenomenal season with Nice but now he is playing so well, dropping, moving, coming to the sides, arriving in the box very confident and scoring goals.
Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest initially affected the Danes so badly but with Chris recovering — and the players feeling everything was going to be fine with their friend — plus the country around them, the sympathy of the world and what they mean as a team, they come to Wembley knowing they have no pressure and large doses of confidence.
They won at Wembley last year. That’s why I say “be careful”.

England must play with the momentum that brought them here — Denmark are a good team but England are better.
Play with the patience and control, as they did against Germany — although I don’t feel a need for a back five because England will be trying to disorganise a very organised team.
I’d keep at least ten of the 11 who started against Ukraine — Kyle Walker has been amazing from day one while Luke Shaw is getting better and better.
Then John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice. Gareth loves Mason Mount — I do too.
Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane, then one other. I’d have Jack Grealish but I think it may be Bukayo Saka.
England have seven straight clean sheets but they will probably concede in the semi-final or final.
At that moment, I don’t think they will go crazy and lose their compactness. I see a team of well-balanced people.

KANE DO ATTITUDE
I DON’T like to disturb players at tournaments — but I did exchange a couple of messages with Harry Kane.
He was never worried when he was not scoring and I don’t think Kane gives a damn about winning the Golden Boot.
He just wants to win the title and I think they all have that mentality in the England camp.
WATCH JOR-SELF
JORDAN PICKFORD needs to calm down a little bit.
Against Ukraine he made a couple of mistakes based on a lack of focus and concentration.
He needs to get back to where he was — calm, focused, do not try to gamble or to be what he isn’t with his left foot.
He is good at going long with passes but, when he tries to be too clever, the mistake is there.
A calm head is needed from Jordan Pickford against DenmarkCredit: Kevin Quigley/EURO20 Newspapers
MAG-ESTIC
TYRONE MINGS was very good for England but Harry Maguire has something more.
He scores more goals from set-pieces and he clearly has a voice.
Maguire is the captain of Manchester United. He uses that status, that power, even in communicating with referees.

He is quite arrogant with referees.
And you need that arrogance, in a polite way.
He doesn’t have the armband with England but he acts as a captain, as a leader.
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OVER 55 hurtful years, English football has had quite some cast-list.Great servants, great goalscorers, great talents, great captains have all come and gone without once reaching the final of a major tournament.
Gareth Southgate wants to lead England to the final of a major tournamentCredit: Getty
The likes of David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen never played in an international finalCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Peter Shilton, Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard all earned more than 100 caps without playing in one.
Likewise, tournament Golden Boot winners Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, as well as Ballon d’Or winners Michael Owen and Kevin Keegan.
Heroic leaders like Bryan Robson, Tony Adams and Paul Ince and mesmeric talents such as Paul Gascoigne, Chris Waddle and Glenn Hoddle.
On Wednesday, Gareth Southgate’s team can attain a level none of those legends ever reached.
On the eve of the Euros semi-final against Denmark, Southgate paid tribute to the men who played their parts in ‘all those oh-so-nears’.
And he suggested England can now build a dynasty of success, with young players becoming used to reaching the sharp end of tournaments.
Boss Southgate said: “Playing for England, you are part of a family and a line of people who have a very special experience. Without a doubt, the boys should recognise that and I think they do.
“There’s no doubt we are the fortunate ones who are involved in these games but we’ve spoken a lot about the legacy and the players who have gone before us – so many exceptional role models, exceptional players, incredible individual achievements.
“They had the same level of passion as these players have for playing for their country and we’ve learned a lot from their near misses and the things that didn’t quite go as hoped.
“It has been great to get so many messages from former players and former managers – Glenn Hoddle has been in touch with me.”

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Southgate believes the younger members of his squad will go into future tournaments holding none of the fears of their fore-fathers, after reaching back-to-back semi-finals at the 2018 World Cup and these Euros.
He 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.
“The flip side of that is, the rest of us who were in Russia and got to this point in the World Cup, won’t be going home content if we don’t beat Denmark.

“We’ll feel that disappointment, without a doubt. Whether it gives us extra motivation, I don’t know.
“But we certainly feel we’re calm in our preparation and very focused – and able to put the emotional part to one side, and be more guided about what we need to play Denmark.”
The last time Denmark visited Wembley in October – winning 1-0 in a Nations League match which saw Harry Maguire and Reece James sent off – Southgate admits he was going through a ‘miserable’ autumn.
His side are being feted again now after a landmark last-16 victory over Germany and the 4-0 quarter-final gubbing of Ukraine.
Yet last autumn, Southgate was being battered as he staggered from one crisis to the next – Maguire’s arrest, Foden and Mason Greenwood sent home from Iceland in disgrace, and FA chairman Greg Clarke resigning in disgrace on the eve of a match – all in the middle of a stifling pandemic.
Southgate said: “The autumn was a very difficult period for us.
“So many things we had to deal with from before we named the first squad in September, through to events during games, just before the games, lack of availability of players. We hardly ever had the opportunity to field our strongest team.
“I’d say it was the start of a period where I felt a high level of criticism and judgement that has existed really since the last game or so, so it was a definite shift in how we were viewed.
“It was the first time I had experienced that since Russia. That was a very good learning process for us.

“I knew when I took the job what it was. I was under no illusions. I was a kid watching Sir Bobby Robson and Graham Taylor. I played for Terry Venables, Glenn, Sven-Goran Eriksson, and Kevin Keegan.
“We were in an interesting period – midway through the pandemic, no fans in stadiums.
“I can’t say I enjoyed the autumn matches at all. The Covid restrictions were really inhibiting, with lads not able to sit and chat.
“So much of what we are about is this social part and this connection with each other.
“I thought it was a miserable experience for players. We were fulfilling fixtures rather than looking forward to them.
“Everything was geared around not losing players rather than performing well. Then we’re asking players to perform freely on the pitch when every other part of their life was totally restricted.
“So it’s been a joy to be in a bubble now where we’ve been able to sit outside, where we’re tested so regularly that we’ve had the freedom in the camp. It’s made so much difference.”
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CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN has been invited to Sunday’s Euros final — along with the brilliant paramedics who saved his life.The Denmark star, 29, suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch in their opening match against Finland.
Christian Eriksen has been invited to the Euro 2020 finalCredit: Reuters
The football world has united in sending its support to the DaneCredit: Reuters
Eriksen and his wife will now make a decision on whether to fly over for the Wembley showpiece.
Medic Peder Ersgaard said: “I’m excited — like a child on Christmas Eve.
“I’m very proud of my efforts but also of the whole team. It wasn’t a one-man effort.”
Harry Kane is a pal of former Spurs team-mate Eriksen and watched on in horror as events unfolded on June 12.
But the England captain, 27, insists Denmark’s improvement is not just because of the emotion surrounding the incident.
Kane said: “I texted him after it happened and he texted me back.

Christian Eriksen’s life was saved by the fast reactions of team-mates and medics

“I don’t want to bombard him with messages but he knows he has a place in my heart — and all of ours in the footballing world.
“Denmark are a great team. We played them in the Nations League twice and didn’t win one game.
“But it’s not a case of, all of a sudden, that they have become a great team because of the Eriksen situation. They were a great team anyway.”
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ENGLAND cannot underestimate the togetherness of Denmark that was forged following Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest.The team’s unity is a powerful tool to have as they head into their first semi-final since 1992.
Denmark believe they can beat England in their semi-final clash at WembleyCredit: Getty
England can’t afford to rest on their laurels against the DanesCredit: Getty
I was a pundit on the BBC’s coverage when Eriksen collapsed on the pitch in their opener against Finland.
I was sitting alongside Gary Lineker, Cesc Fabregas and Micah Richards and, naturally, we found it incredibly tough to discuss what had unfolded.
It was one of the most emotional broadcasts I’ve ever been involved with.
You could hear a pin drop for that dreadful half an hour or so when it seemed an unthinkable tragedy had occurred.
It was distressing and emotional for not only us in the studio but for the football world.
It is in those moments football goes out of the window and there are things that matter so much more.
You realise that footballers and pundits are all just humans.
I think the powerful images of the Denmark team-mates forming a shield around Eriksen, and the captain, Simon Kjaer, consoling his wife will live long in the memory.

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Even after that moment and losing their first two games, the country galvanised and beat Russia in their final group game.
The response of the team was heroic in adversity and they now have every neutral behind them on Wednesday evening.
You can see that Kasper Hjulmand’s side are closer than ever.
But he’s also got a talented squad with a number of Premier League players who can catch England out.
Leicester’s Kasper Schmeichel, Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Southampton’s Jannik Vestergaard and Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen will all know how we work.
The fans are fully behind them as well.
Denmark were given a hero’s send-off as they left their Helsingor training base before making their way to London.
Hundreds of supporters lined the street outside the hotel where the team had been staying as they cheered manager Hjulmand from his balcony.

But let me tell you, never underestimate the power of Three Lions fans.
Our iconic supporters flinging beer into the air in pub gardens and chanting ‘football’s coming home’ has helped propel Gareth Southgate’s side this far.
Everyone up and down the country is talking about it.
There were absolute scenes at BOXPARK Croydon when Atomic Kitten performed Whole Again, with England fans preferring the alternative lyrics of ‘football’s coming home again’.
Neil Diamond’s 1969 hit Sweet Caroline has become a favourite anthem of England fans at this summer’s Euro 2020 tournament.
Even the German fans were belting it out in the end in the 2-0 loss at Wembley. It’s a song that all supporters can enjoy.
That’s the beauty of this year’s Euros.
The football world united in the wake of Eriksen’s collapse and it has made this one of the best tournaments ever.

And I will be among the madness at Wembley on Wednesday!
For all the England games so far I’ve been hard at work in the studio with the BBC – but tonight I’ll be in the mix as one of the fans.
I feel like a big kid. I’m so excited and lucky to be going.
I’m actually more nervous watching as a fan instead of being in work mode.
I’m so used to doing all my preparation, going to hair and make-up and then being live on air.

Now I’m a bag of nerves waiting for kick-off!
Hopefully England can reward all the fans by going that one step further tonight.
When I was a player my old England boss, Hope Powell, said we could never stop until we had a gold medal around our necks.
And that’s what Southgate will be thinking on Wednesday evening, too.
We’ve got to go one better than Russia 2018 and not get too carried away.
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GARETH SOUTHGATE’S side are breaking down the mental barriers to have the time of their lives at Euro 2020.Rather than being scared or weighed down by England’s history, his fun-loving squad is showing togetherness ahead of tonight’s crunch semi-final showdown with Denmark.
Gareth Southgate has been helped by psychologist Dr Ian Mitchell during England’s Euros bidCredit: PA
Mitchell’s methods have seen plenty of smiles from Three Lions stars, including Jadon SanchoCredit: Getty
Ian Mitchell has become a key figure in Gareth Southgate’s backroom staffCredit: Getty
That has been endorsed by Dr. Ian Mitchell, the Three Lions’ Head of Performance Psychology, who will be involved in his third straight last-four appearance in a major tournament after also helping Wales in 2016.
Understated and humble, Mitchell was a key member of Chris Coleman’s coaching staff in France before he joined the FA in February 2018.
And, since Head of People and Team Development Pippa Grange left in 2019, he has taken on a more prominent role.
Mitchell’s relaxed and open methods appear to be working again as England have swapped humiliation to Iceland and glum faces five summers ago with smiles aplenty.
In France, Wales had quiz nights, table tennis tournaments, and trips out for pancakes and ice cream to ease the boredom as well as problem-solving team-bonding sessions.
So it is no surprise to see the pictures of pals Declan Rice and Mason Mount re-enacting wrestling moves in the swimming pool.
Or Bukayo Saka mid-air on a unicorn as well as a team BBQ complete with Ed Sheeran concert to highlight the team spirit being fostered at St George’s Park.
And ex-Wales midfielder David Edwards believes the influence of Mitchell has turned England from a team of grumpy individuals — who he faced at the last Euros — into a tight-knit squad that has taken the competition by storm.

I remember playing them at the Euros in Lens and, although they beat us, they looked so scared on the pitchDavid Edwards
Edwards, 35, said: “What Mitch did helped us and it’s helping England now.
“This is completely different now from previous England teams — 100 per cent.
“I remember playing them at the Euros in Lens and, although they beat us, they looked so scared on the pitch. Raheem Sterling was getting absolute dog’s abuse from the stands and you could see him go within himself.
“He had a chance in the first half and skied his finish.
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Mitchell joined the FA in 2018 after reaching the semi-finals with Wales at Euro 2016Credit: Getty

“From that moment on it was difficult for him because he was getting abused and that is before the outside pressures from social media.
“But you can just tell the atmosphere within the squad now is very much like ours in 2016. It’s almost like a carbon copy of what we were doing.
“They are having such a laugh, they all seem really friendly and the togetherness is there.
“You read England stories of the past and how players hated going away to major tournaments and how they were stuck in their hotel rooms. Could you imagine sitting in your hotel room at a major tournament all day thinking about football? The pressure keeps adding onto you.
What he did was not just relieve that boredom aspect but he gave you strategies to cope with it as well. He was very clever at his jobDavid Edwards on Ian Mitchell
“Mitch’s main job was to create tasks for the players.
“What he did was not just relieve that boredom aspect but he gave you strategies to cope with it as well. He was very clever at his job.
“He was good at getting inside your mind but not feeling like you were in a psychiatrist’s chair. You could speak to him about anything.
“When we met up for the Euros we were put into five different teams and we built up points through quizzes and tasks.
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“It made the tournament really fun. Mitch was behind all of that and a big part of what Wales did. Our Euro 2016 campaign felt like a bit like a lads’ holiday and that didn’t happen by accident.
“We were given tasks to think under pressure against the clock and you had no idea how other groups had got on so you were second guessing everything.
“It could be a puzzle we’d have to put together as a team or move across a room without doing certain things.
“You had to remain calm and collected under pressure. It helped because those matches were the highest pressure we’d ever played in.

“The teamwork sessions made us perform at our best because we were relaxed, confident and wanted to do so well for each other.”
Qualified coach Mitchell works closely with Southgate — in the same way he did so successfully with Coleman both on the training pitch but also in engaging with the media.
The former Chelsea schoolboy footballer would observe pre-match press conferences and stand at the back of the room to aid Coleman.
He helped deliver clear messages to the Welsh public and emphasise the power of the team slogan ‘TogetherStronger’.
And, after the thumping 4-0 quarter-final over Ukraine in Rome, Southgate was on the same page, highlighting the team ethic and praising the squad members who did not even take to the field at the Stadio Olimpico.
The 43-cap Edwards added: “I believe Gareth did speak to Chris once he got the England job to see how we did things following our success in 2016.
“A big part of our success was our togetherness and every single message that Gareth and Harry Kane give out is all about the team.
Mitchell is England’s Head of Performance PsychologyCredit: Getty

“There are no individuals. Gareth summed it up in his interview after the last game where the first thing he did was congratulate the players who weren’t playing.
“They have played a massive part in their whole team’s success and without them doing the right things in training then you don’t get the best out of the 11 that’s on the pitch.
“You can see they are all saying and doing the right things.”
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