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      Which Euro 2020 teams have taken the knee and will Denmark kneel against England?

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      EURO 2020 is into its final week and one new feature of the competition has been the differing stance teams are taking against racism.England were embroiled in a row before the tournament, with the players condemning fans who booed them taking the knee in the warm-up games against Austria and Romania.
      England will continue taking the knee throughout Euro 2020Credit: PA
      And manager Gareth Southgate said the players are even more determined to take the knee following the booing.
      Here are the gestures each of the 24 teams will be making during the tournament.
      Which teams are taking the knee at Euro 2020?
      England
      England have continued to take the knee during Euro 2020, as they’ve been doing since the murder of George Floyd last year.
      The team have stated that they believe the gesture is not a political one and designed simply to show support for racial equality.
      Gareth Southgate said: “I think we have got a situation where some people seem to think it is a political stand that they don’t agree with.
      “That is not the reason the players are doing it. We are supporting each other.”
      Wales
      Wales and France take the knee in a pre-Euro 2020 friendlyCredit: Reuters
      Wales have taken the knee over the past year and continued to do so throughout Euro 2020.
      Interim manager Rob Page said: “We had a meeting and we all think it’s still important to take the knee.
      “That’s the message we’ve given out. We’re all in it together and there were no issues.”
      Belgium
      Belgium were the only non-British team to take the knee throughout Euro 2020.
      Romelu Lukaku said of any negative reactions: “I don’t care. I fight for diversity.
      “Not only for the black community, also for the women. Colour, sexuality, faith, it doesn’t matter. Everybody should be respected.”
      Which teams have not taken the knee at Euro 2020?
      Hungary
      Hungary point to the Uefa Respect badge as Ireland take the kneeCredit: Reuters
      The Hungarian FA were the first association to confirm they would not take the knee at Euro 2020.
      In a statement they said they view the knee as a political gesture in defiance of Uefa and Fifa rules.
      It read: “The basic values ​​of the sport are equal opportunities, respect for the teammate and the opponent.
      “Football may have become the most popular sport in the world because it belongs to everyone.
      “The Hungarian national team not only follows the international rules and norms in all cases, but also pays tribute to everyone – be it an opponent, a fan or anyone else.
      “MLSZ has been fighting all forms of hatred for years as part of the ‘Hate is not a track’ campaign.
      “The rules of UEFA and FIFA do not allow politicization on the pitch and in the stadium either, which the MLSZ not only accepts but also agrees with.
      “The national team will not express its condemnation of any form of hatred by kneeling before the matches.”
      During their warm-up game against Ireland, Hungary pointed to the Uefa Respect logo on the sleeves of their shirts while the Irish team took the knee and were booed by a sizeable portion of the 15,000 crowd.
      The gesture is thought to be hugely unpopular with a core group of Hungarian supporters, who marched to the Puskas Arena before Hungary’s game against France with an anti-kneeling banner.
      Hungary fans hold up an anti-kneeling banner before their game against FranceCredit: AP
      The Republic of Ireland’s players were booed and jeered by some Hungary fans as they took a knee before kick-off in their friendly in Budapest. pic.twitter.com/15npHfKZcE— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 8, 2021

      Croatia
      England’s first opponents at Euro 2020 did not take the knee in any of their matches.
      However, they did point to the Uefa Respect badge on their shirts against the Three Lions.
      An official statement read: “CFF and the players are against any form of discrimination.
      “But the FA provides the players with the right to choose, as the act itself isn’t a part of Croatian culture and heritage.
      “The players chose not to kneel down before the Belgium [friendly] game, but they’ve taken a respectful stance towards the gesture made by their Belgium colleagues.”
      Denmark
      England’s semi-final opponents took the knee against the Three Lions last autumn, but have not done so at any of their Euro 2020 matches.
      When they played Wales and Belgium, the Danish players remained standing but applauded their opponents for performing the gesture.
      Russia
      Russia did not take the knee in any of their Euro 2020 games.
      The crowd in St Petersburg were also heard booing the Belgian team, who chose to kneel against the Russians and Finland, when they played in the city.

      Holland
      The Netherlands did not take the knee in any of their games.
      Captain Georginio Wijnaldum commented: “We have talked about that but we decided not to do this.
      “We’re trying to bring attention to the issue in a different way. Actually, only the players who play in England are used to this [kneeling].”
      However, Holland did take a political stance in favour of LGBT rights when they face Czech Republic in the Hungarian capital Budapest.
      Hungary’s government has proposed a controversial constitutional amendment banning promotion of homosexuality to minors.
      In that game, captain Georginio Wijnaldum took to the field in an armband with the words ‘One Love’, to support to the LGBT community.
      In World Cup qualifiers, the Dutch have also worn t-shirts supporting improved conditions for migrant workers in 2022 World Cup host Qatar.
      Austria
      Despite taking the knee in a warm-up game against England, Austria did not take the knee in any of their Euro 2020 games.
      In his press conference before the last 16 game against Italy, captain David Alaba said the Austria team is in favour of kneeling and would do so if asked.
      However, neither team requested to take the knee or performed the gesture when the Austrians faced Italy at Wembley.
      North Macedonia
      North Macedonia did not take the knee in any of their Euro 2020 games.
      Ukraine
      Ukraine have not taken the knee in any of their Euro 2020 games, did not do so against England and have made no statement about the gesture.
      Audible boos were heard when England took the knee during the quarter-final in Rome but it is not confirmed which set of fans they were coming from.
      Patrik Schick’s incredible goal for the Czech Republic vs Scotland
      Czech Republic
      Czech Republic did not take the knee in any of their Euro 2020 matches.
      When they played England, they decided to point to the Uefa Respect logo in their sleeves on that occasion as a “neutral, apolitical gesture”.
      The Czechs have also been angered by the ten-game suspension Uefa handed down to defender Ondrej Kudela after he was found to have racially abused Rangers’ Glen Kamara.
      Midfielder Tomas Soucek, who does take the knee with West Ham, told Czech media:
      “At West Ham, everyone asked me about it and why he said it [to Kamara].
      “And I fought for Ondrej all the time. I believe that he did not tell him anything racist, no one proved anything about him.
      “Yet a lot of people in the UK condemned him and he received a heavy sentence of 10 matches from UEFA. I found it absurd. I know him so well that I can’t imagine him saying anything racist.
      “I see how sensitive the British are to racism every day. Two cultures collide because we think a little differently than they do.
      “Of course, it’s right they want to fight racism, but sometimes they go to such extremes that, in my opinion, it’s counterproductive.
      “It’s hard for me to understand and I tell myself that when they go looking for racism in everything, they can never get rid of it completely. On the contrary, they are harming themselves.
      “Our little girl goes to nursery here and when she goes to draw something on a blackboard, she can’t say that the blackboard is black or white – both could be interpreted as racism.
      “Slowly, one is afraid to say anything so as not to offend or slander someone. And I think that’s wrong.”
      However, Soucek later issued a tweet to say his comments had been “misunderstood”.
      My comments in a recent interview I did in the Czech Republic didn’t come across how I meant them, they were out of context and have been misunderstood. I am against racism in any form and am proud to play in a sport that is so diverse and inclusive.— Tomáš Souček (@tomassoucek28) June 11, 2021

      Spain
      While some La Liga players have shown solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, the Spain team have never taken the knee and their clubs also tend not to.
      Real Madrid did not take the knee against Chelsea, Liverpool or Manchester City while Villarreal chose not to kneel against Man Utd in the Europa League final.
      When Granada played Man Utd, only Brazilian winger Kenedy took the knee.
      Spain have not taken the knee in any of their Euro 2020 games so far.
      Sweden
      Sweden did not take the knee at any of their Euro 2020 games.
      Poland
      Poland point to their Uefa Respect badge as England take the kneeCredit: Getty
      Poland did not take the knee in any of their Euro 2020 games.
      The gesture has been criticised by both the Polish FA president and sections of their support.
      The Poles refused to kneel against England and instead pointed to the Uefa Respect logo on their sleeves.
      Polish FA President Zbigniew Boniek labelled the gesture “populism” that “achieved nothing” and said: “I am absolutely against such actions.
      “Footballers sometimes kneel, and if you asked some of them why they were kneeling, they wouldn’t even know.”
      Slovakia
      Slovakia did not take the knee in any of their Euro 2020 games.
      The Slovaks took the knee against Ireland and Scotland last October but were criticised in the Slovakian parliament.
      After this, the country’s FA said the players had only taken the knee because they believed Uefa had instructed them to do so and would no longer perform the gesture.
      France
      France took the knee in their first warm-up friendly against Wales but not in their second one against Bulgaria.
      The French team were expected to kneel throughout Euro 2020 but changed their mind at the last minute.
      Les Bleus were criticised in some sections of the French media after kneeling against the Welsh.
      And captain Hugo Lloris said after the opening game against Germany: “It was a collective decision.
      “We assume that if we have to do it, all the nations must do it with the support of UEFA.
      “This is the case in Premier League, where the movement is united. In this competition, it is less the case.
      “This does not mean that we do not support the cause, we especially do not want racism in our sport and in society.”
      Another France player said anonymously: “The truth is that players were concerned about the fierce reaction to the gesture, and felt that it was dividing more than uniting.”
      Which teams are taking the knee in some Euro 2020 games?

      Scotland have made their decision ahead of their opener against Czech Republic
      Scotland stars originally said they would NOT be taking a knee prior to their Euro 2020 matches.
      The Scottish FA confirmed they will continue to promote an anti-racist message by standing before matches.
      But just a day later, they decided to do so in their match against England only.
      Scotland skipper Andy Robertson said: “It is important we continue to tackle the issue of racism and raise awareness of the need to change people’s mindsets but also their behaviours.
      “Prior to our World Cup qualifiers in March we spoke as a group and felt that taking a stand was the best way for us to show solidarity and also to reinforce the need for meaningful change in society.”
      As per their announcement, Scotland did not kneel against the Czech Republic and Croatia at Hampden but did against England at Wembley.

      Italy
      Italy were not thought to be taking the knee in any of their Euro 2020 games.
      In their opening two matches against Switzerland and Turkey, neither team performed the gesture.
      And when Wales took the knee in Rome, the Italians initially kicked off the match as normal.
      However once the referee called them back, five players did take the knee – Rafael Toloi, Federico Bernardeschi, Emerson Palmieri, Andrea Bellotti and Matteo Pessina.
      Following that confusion, vice-captain Leonardo Bonucci said Italy would in future take the knee if the opposition choose to do so.
      He commented: “If in fact the opponents were to choose to kneel in that case the team would do the same, kneel, out of respect for the sensitivity of the opponents.
      “This is where the group chose a line.
      “After all, it could happen very soon: if all goes well, already in the quarterfinals he could meet Lukaku’s Belgium, which has made its own flag with messages against racism.
      “Belgium would kneel and Italy would follow them. Without taking a position of its own, but sharing that of whoever they will face.”
      All eleven players then took the knee against Belgium.
      The Italian FA then released the following statement: “As Chiellini explained, the team will kneel in solidarity with the opponents.
      “Not for the [Black Lives Matter] campaign itself, which we don’t share.
      “The Austrian players didn’t kneel and ours remained standing. If those from Belgium do so, ours too will in solidarity with them.”
      Italy took the knee in solidarity with Belgium but said the gesture is not a representation of their own positionCredit: Reuters
      Turkey
      Turkey did not take the knee in their opening match against Italy or their third game against Switzerland but did in their second game against Wales.
      Switzerland
      Switzerland did take the knee in their opening Euro 2020 game against Wales but did not in their second game against Italy or their third game against Turkey.
      Finland
      Finland did not take the knee in their first two Euro 2020 games against Denmark and Russia, but did in their third game against Belgium.
      Portugal
      Portugal did not take the knee in any of their group games.
      However, Cristiano Ronaldo led the team in performing the gesture before their last 16 defeat to Belgium.
      Germany
      Bundesliga players took the knee after the murder of George Floyd last season but the national team did not kneel in any of their Euro 2020 group games.
      However, the Germans did choose to take the knee when England performed the gesture at Wembley.
      Captain Manuel Neuer said: “We stand for tolerance and against any form of discrimination.
      “We want to show solidarity with the England team so we will be taking the knee as well.
      “We are happy to join them in doing so and did not need long to make that decision.”
      Germany have also been active in supporting a number of political causes.
      Like Holland, the German team has demonstrated for better conditions for migrant workers in Qatar.
      And during Germany’s match with Hungary, the Mayor of Munich saw his request to light the Allianz Arena in rainbow colours rejected by Uefa on grounds of potential politicisation of football.
      However, thousands of Germany fans responded by attending the game wearing rainbow flags while captain Manuel Neuer wore a rainbow armband.
      And midfielder Leon Goretzka celebrated by making a heart gesture in front of the Hungarian fans after equalising in the 2-2 draw. More

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      Spain’s appeal remains after tiki-taka triumphs but Enrique’s side are full of false promise after poor Euro 2020 effort

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      IT’S been nine years since Spain hammered Italy 4-0 in Kiev to win Euro 2012, their third consecutive triumph at a major tournament.While it’s hard to forget the talents of Andres Iniesta, Xavi and other Spanish greats, those days are long gone – and the Azzurri should make their semi-final rivals suffer this evening.
      Spain hammered Italy 4-0 in the final of Euro 2012Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      But the Italians, coached by Roberto Mancini, should be victorious at WembleyCredit: AFP
      Spain were the dominant force in international football between 2008 and 2012.
      Having already won Euro 2008 and the World Cup in 2010, their victory at Euro 2012 was an emphatic reminder of just how good they were.
      VIncente del Bosque’s team comfortably defeated the Italians thanks to goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata.
      Inspired by Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Barcelona side, Spain didn’t allow viewers to blink – passing with pace and expressing their talents with unflappable confidence.
      It was tiki-taka football at it’s very best, making an Italian side – containing greats Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon – look like amateurs.
      Speaking after the final, England icon Alan Shearer told BBC Sport: “This team is the best ever.
      “We mentioned the Brazil sides with Pele but this is absolutely unbelievable what they have achieved.”
      It would prove to be Spain’s last dance, though, as international football’s greatest team collapsed.

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      Italy won the last time the two nations met at a major tournament

      Since that famous night in Kiev, the Spanish have failed to impose themselves on a major tournament.
      They endured a disastrous World Cup defence in 2014, losing 5-1 to Holland before underdogs Chile knocked them out with a 2-0 win at the Maracana.
      Spain then struggled at Euro 2016, losing to Croatia in the group stage before Italy avenged their 2012 heartbreak with victory in the last 16.
      That saw the end of del Bosque’s reign, allowing a farcical situation to unfold two years later at the World Cup.

      His successor Julen Lopetegui was sacked on the eve of the tournament after agreeing to become Real Madrid’s new manager.
      Legendary defender Fernando Hierro was placed in temporary charge but failed to save them from a shock loss to tournament hosts Russia in the last 16.
      Spain have since rebuilt under new boss Luis Enrique, with only Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba remaining from their 2012 triumph.

      They have improved but are still nowhere near the unreachable standards set a decade ago, despite qualifying for the semi-finals of Euro 2020.
      Enrique’s side have won just once in 90 minutes at the tournament and needed penalties to beat minnows Switzerland in the previous round.
      Bar the 5-0 victory against Slovkia, Spain have failed to show even a fraction of the quality and style that saw them defend their European crown in Kiev.
      Italy, meanwhile, have been arguably the best side of the tournament, winning all five of their games and knocking Fifa’s No1 side Belgium out.
      Ex-Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has transformed the Azzurri into a winning machine after their failure to qualify for the last World Cup.
      Although romantics may remain hopeful of a Spanish resurgence at Wembley, they are no longer the great entertainers of international football.
      Italy have a showpiece final in their sights – and an emphatic victory of their own against Spain.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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      ‘Drunk and disorderly’ Wealdstone Raider arrested during England game as football meme legend demands justice

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      THIS is the moment footie legend the Wealdstone Raider was arrested during England’s quarter-final win over Ukraine.Pint-sized Gordon Hill, 55, was nicked on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly after fleeing from police on Saturday night.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      The Wealdstone Raider – Gordon Hill, 55, – was arrested during England’s Euro 2020 clash with UkraineCredit: Twitter/@Gabriel_Shoe
      The builder was filmed fleeing from cops before being detained near London Bridge StationCredit: Twitter/@Gabriel_Shoe
      Footage showed the builder from Pinner, North West London – who shot to internet fame in 2014 for his hilarious rant at rival fans – being detained by two officers near London Bridge Station.
      British Transport Police (BTP) had been called to the station around 8.18pm after reports of anti-social behaviour.
      Gordon is heard shouting out: “I want witnesses” as he’s arrested.
      A man videoing the incident is heard saying: “He’s getting nicked. I’m witnessing it, mate. F*****g hell.”
      ‘YOU WANT SOME’
      Repeating one of the Raider’s famous phrases, he shouts: “You want some! They’re giving it to you.”
      Gordon’s Twitter page later retweeted a mocked-up ‘Free Raider’ pic of him behind bars, and joked: “Cmon then – after what I’ve been through where’s the go fund me page??”
      The arrest came as England demolished Ukraine 4-0 to set up a Euro semi-final with Denmark tomorrow at Wembley.
      A BTP spokesman said: “British Transport Police attended London Bridge railway station following a report of anti-social behaviour at 8.18pm on Saturday 3 July.
      “A man was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in a public place and conveyed to police custody.
      “He was later released and no further action was taken.”
      Wealdstone FC’s most famous fan rocketed to internet fame after a video of his “You want some, I’ll give it ya” rant aimed at Whitehawk FC supporters.
      Footage of the Wealdstone FC fan squaring up to rival fans went viral in 2014
      He had been at at match watching his beloved Wealdstone FC against Whitehawk
      He had been to a pub before his team’s Conference South clash with the Brighton-based side.
      Footage of the tirade has been viewed has been seen more than 19 million times on YouTube.
      The 5ft 2in ‘raider’ said he became the most famous footie fan in the world  for his phrases such as “You want some? I’ll give it ya” and “You’ve got no fans”.
      In 2014, he almost bagged a Christmas No 1 in the chart when his charity single Got No Fans reached number five.
      Gordon, who has more than 65,000 Twitter followers, became a regular at nightclub and promotional appearances.
      He went on a tour of universities and was mobbed in Germany.

      In 2018, he gatecrashed a Tyson Fury press conference and challenged the heavyweight boxer to a fight.
      Speaking in 2015, he said the YouTube video under the title Wealdstone Raider changed his life.
      He said: “I can’t walk down the road without being recognised. It’s mental.” More

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      Two thirds of England fans think IT’S COMING HOME ahead of Denmark Euros 2020 clash as Southgate warns them to calm down

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      TWO-THIRDS of England fans think football’s finally coming home this summer ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark.The Three Lions are two wins away from immortality but boss Gareth Southgate has warned the nation against getting carried away.

      Almost 60 per cent of 8,595 fans polled backed England to beat Denmark on Wednesday before triumphing past either Italy or Spain in the final.
      A more modest 26.7 per cent felt the country would just fall short while a timid 1156 supporters chose to sit on the fence.
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      England’s dominant 4-0 drubbing of Ukraine has sent fans into overdrive but Southgate warned that Denmark – who will be riding ‘a powerful wave of emotion’ – will be a much sterner test.
      The football world was stunned when Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest during the Dane’s tournament opener against Finland.
      And Southgate said: “We talk about perspective in sport but we rarely have it and this was a moment (Eriksen’s collapse) that brought it home for all of us.
      “I can also imagine what it has done for the Danish team, their bond.
      “What they went through that day – the way their captain (Simon Kjaer) acted and the way the group was – and how that would have connected with their supporters.
      They are riding a wave of emotion for certain and that’s a powerful force that’s coming to Wembley.Gareth Southgate on Denmark
      “That’s pretty powerful. They are riding a wave of emotion for certain and that’s a powerful force that’s coming to Wembley.
      “Those things definitely have an impact on your thinking. We talk about pressure a lot and we lose perspective of what that might be when we play sport.
      “But I know our players are at their best when they are calm and playing another game and the thinking process is really clear.”
      But Harry Maguire is given fans reason to believe after vowing to repay Southgate for the faith shown him after his arrest last year.

      He said: “I never feared for my international career. Without getting into too much detail of what went off last summer, I knew where I stood in regards to that.
      “I always knew what went off. I’m totally over it. It was a tough time, for sure, but I’ve moved on.
      “Gareth’s support of me has been brilliant since I made my debut for England. Ever since, when I’ve been available, I’ve pretty much played in every game possible.
      “That gives me great confidence, belief and trust.
      “Every time I step on to the pitch I’m trying to repay the faith and the trust.

      “I’ve had lots of conversations, lots of texts, lots of phone calls from Gareth. And then speaking to him when I’ve come into camp he’s always there to help.
      “It’s impossible to go through a career without having bad moments and making mistakes. Gareth passes on his experiences and the way he handles things and I’m always open to learning and improving.
      “I can’t speak highly enough of Gareth and what he has done for me personally and the trust and faith he has put in me.”
      Boris Johnson extends pub opening to 11.15pm for Euro 2020 final on Sunday in case of ET and penalties More

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      How ex-England striker Mick Channon has made millions as a horse trainer after brother told him to ‘get off his a***’

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      MICK CHANNON was hooked when he won £100 from a £6 bet and the bookies didn’t have enough cash to pay him out.That moment sparked a lifelong love affair for the former England striker.
      Mick Channon scored 21 goals for England and has made millions as a racehorse trainer in his second careerCredit: Rex Features
      Channon, 72, always had a love of horses but his passion turned into a money-making machine when he took up training seriouslyCredit: Rex Features
      Mick is used to dealing with sums in the millions rather than hundreds these days.
      The 72-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable second career as a horse trainer since hanging up his boots.
      Southampton’s record goalscorer, who netted 21 times in 46 England appearances, was famed for his windmill celebration.
      Fans saw it enough times during his 22-year career, which included spells at Manchester City, Newcastle and Norwich.
      He scored 236 times in all and was part of the Saints side that delivered one of the biggest FA Cup upsets ever when they stunned Manchester United 1-0 at Wembley in 1976.
      But always lingering in the background was a passion for horses.
      It never escaped. Mick would ask commentators for the results at half-time.
      He bought his first horse for £440 in 1973 and watched her win three races.
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      Channon remains Southampton’s record goalscorer – a record that has stood since 1982Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      That horse, Cathy Jane, lit a flame and her son, Man On The Run, was co-owned by Mick and Kevin Keegan.
      Although Keegan didn’t have the golden touch like Mick did, the pair enjoyed days out at the track together.
      Mick recalled: “I got him along to the races. Our horse came stone last, so we got drunk on champagne.”
      But soon things turned more serious and when Mick retired from football in 1987 he turned his full attention to racing.
      That came after some stern words from brother Phil and friends, who, according to Mick, told him to ‘get off his a**e and stop feeling sorry for himself’.
      The tough love worked.
      Soon he was scoring far more frequently on the track than he ever was on the pitch.
      By the early 2000s he was one of the top trainers in England.
      Channon, right, achieved a lifelong goal when he saddled Classic winner Samitar to victory in the Irish 1000 Guineas in 2012Credit: PA:Press Association
      At one point he had enjoyed more winners than the late Sir Henry Cecil and John Gosden – whose horse Mishriff won the world’s richest race earlier this year.
      By the time he was established at West Ilsley stables near Newbury – once owned by The Queen – he had nearly 200 horses under his watch.
      In 2002 he saddled 123 winners. The prize money was racking up and up and up.
      Then came Youmzain.
      Bought for £33k, he went on to win almost £4m, finishing runner up three times in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe from 2007 to 2009 and twice second best in the the King George Stakes at Ascot.
      The forward made 46 appearances for EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association
      Channon was so into racing he would ask commentators for the results at half-time of gamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The horse cemented straight-talking Channon’s position as one of the best trainers in the business.
      And he provided joy during an awful time in 2008 when Mick was involved in a car crash that tragically took the life of his friend Tim Corby.
      The footballer-turned-trainer achieved a lifelong goal when he won a Classic race with Samitar in the Irish 1000 Guineas in 2012.
      But that was not to be the end of it all.
      Mick remains as busy as ever now, with more than £2.6m won from his horses in the past five seasons.
      Certain Lad has been one of the standouts recently, with Hollie Doyle riding him to York success and a £28,355 prize last August.
      So even if Channon stopped the windmill celebration long ago, that doesn’t mean punters can’t when winning from his horses.
      Channon has been one of racing’s top trainers for 20 yearsCredit: PA:Press Association
      Listen to commentator’s hilarious horse race call as he moans ‘I literally cannot see a thing’ during huge downpour More

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      Euro 2020 star Jack Grealish was lured away from Ireland setup after secret meeting with ex-England boss Roy Hodgson

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      JACK GREALISH was reportedly lured away from the Ireland setup after a secret meeting with then England boss Roy Hodgson.Grealish has been one of England’s stars en route to the semis – where they take on Denmark at Wembley on Wednesday night.
      Jack Grealish in training with Phil Foden as England gear up for DenmarkCredit: AFP
      Jack Grealish made his international breakthrough with Ireland before switching
      The Aston Villa man, and midfielder Declan Rice, both made their international breakthroughs with Ireland before switching allegiance.
      Grealish played for Ireland up to under-21 level while Rice was capped three times at senior level, all of them in friendlies.
      The Athletic have revealed how the FA managed to convince the two Premier League stars to switch away from Ireland.
      England boss Roy Hodgson had a confidential meeting with a 19-year-old Grealish at Villa Park to tell him he could be part of England’s future.
      Hodgson refused to allow Grealish have an agent present, insisting the meeting be conducted one to one.
      Then Villa boss Tim Sherwood also told Grealish that he should switch to England as he stood a better chance of winning a major competition.
      He told The Athletic: “My view was that, ultimately, it’s down to the boy, it’s where he feels his heart is.
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      Roy Hodgson convinced Jack Grealish to represent England, reports sayCredit: Paul Edwards – The Sun
      “He’d played for Ireland’s under-21s and they’d given him the trophy for young player of the season, which was them trying to force the issue.
      “He was having a good time with Ireland. But I said to Jack, ‘If you were my son, and I believe in you as I do, I’d be telling you to play for England.’
      “Maybe it would have been different if Jack was Irish through and through. In the past, certainly in my era, Ireland had a good history of getting to later stages of tournaments and pulling off some shocks.

      “I just felt that if England could get it right, as they have now, they could actually win a tournament. I know people can turn that back on me and say, Hang on, England haven’t done anything since 1966,’ and I understand that.“I just always felt there would be a time when England could do it. I told Jack that. ‘First and foremost, I think you’re good enough, I think you’re an England international, but it has to be your decision.’
      “And he said, ‘I think I have made my mind up, it’s going to be England’.”

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      in Soccer

      Euro 2020: Prince William will attend England’s semi-final against Denmark at Wembley without isolating Kate Middleton

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      PRINCE William will attend England’s semi-final against Denmark – without Kate Middleton, who remains in isolation after a Covid contact.Kensington Palace confirmed today that the Duke of Cambridge will attend the clash tomorrow night – and he tweeted: “Can’t wait!”
      🔵 Read our Royal Family live blogfor the latest updates
      Prince William will attend England’s semi-final against Denmark tomorrowCredit: Getty
      But wife Kate won’t attend – as she is isolating after a Covid contactCredit: Reuters
      The family were seen cheering wildly from the stands as England claimed an historic victory over Germany last weekCredit: Reuters
      It’s not yet known if he’ll bring his lucky charm, son George – who cheered in the stands as England claimed a historic victory over Germany last week.
      The youngster, who wore the same tie and jacket as his dad, could be seen beaming as he enjoyed the game.
      And fans will be hoping the prince will be there as a talisman following the huge win.
      But whether George makes it or not, his mum Kate will remain at home.
      The Duchess is isolating after a Covid contact as she attended Wimbledon.
      She was alerted after taking her seat in the Royal Box on Friday and left straight away at around 4pm before Briton Dan Evans took to the court.
      Wills was seen chatting to David Beckham during the last game at WembleyCredit: Getty
      George, who wore the same jacket and tie as his dad, enjoyed the gameCredit: Reuters
      Kate, 39, had her second Covid-19 jab within five weeks of her first dose.
      Missing the match may come as a blow to the mum-of-three, who was seen enjoying what’s believed to be her first England men’s football international in person.
      The family were spotted cheering as the Lions clinched an epic win over their old rivals on home turf.
      And while they weren’t among the fans lucky enough to watch England’s sensational 4-0 victory over Ukraine in Rome, William will be back in his seat for Wednesday’s game.
      William wrote on Twitter how he “can’t wait” for the England v Denmark match.
      After Saturday’s game, he tweeted: “Another top team performance and clean sheet from @England tonight. #ThreeLions .
      “Well played to Ukraine. Can’t wait for Wednesday’s semi final! Onwards W.”
      Last week, the royals were joined by David Beckham and his son Romeo, along with Ellie Goulding and Ed Sheeran and his wife Cherry.
      George’s trip to the football was an after school treat without his younger siblings, Charlotte, six, and Louis, three.
      It’s believed to have been the first time Kate had watched an England men’s football international in personCredit: The Sun
      But Wills has been to plenty of matches in his role as president of the FACredit: Getty
      Millions of people across the country have celebrated the Lions’ sensational success so farCredit: AFP
      But as tomorrow’s match begins at 8pm, it might be too late on a school night for the prince.
      Wills, who is the current president of the FA, was seen punching the air as Southgate’s men stormed to victory.
      It was a long day for the future king, who travelled back from Scotland after visiting a shipyard to meet the team building HMS Glasgow.
      But he’s regularly seen at games – and was at the stadium supporting England during their nail-biting 1-0 win against the Czech Republic.
      Tomorrow’s game is set to be equally tense for fans.
      Standing between England and the final is an inspired Denmark side, who have a good record against the team.

      England have beaten the Danes in 12 of their 17 encounters, although they haven’t recorded a competitive win since 2002.
      And Southgate’s team failed to beat their semi-final opponents in the Nations League last autumn, drawing 0-0 in Copenhagen and losing 1-0 at Wembley.
      The two teams last met at a major tournament in 2002, with England hammering Denmark 3-0 on the Japanese island of Niigata in the last 16 of the World Cup.
      Gareth Southgate tells England fans to ‘party hard’ after sealing semi-final vs Denmark More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua looks relaxed as he poses with Man Utd star Scott McTominay ahead of huge Oleksandr Usyk fight

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA posed with Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, who called the heavyweight champion a ‘class act’. Joshua has been enjoying a sunny getaway in Spain as he prepares for his next fight, against Oleksandr Usyk.
      Anthony Joshua with Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay
      Oleksandr Usyk fights Anthony JoshuaCredit: Getty
      He recently watched England’s 4-0 European Championships quarter-finals win against Ukraine in a local pub.
      And he later bumped into Scotland’s McTominay, who played in the 0-0 group stage draw with England.
      The United star went on to suffer heartbreak as Scotland were dumped out of the tournament after coming bottom in their group.
      But it was not all bad for McTominay, 24, who had unified champion AJ to console him.
      He posted on Instagram: “What a true gentleman, class act @anthonyjoshua.”
      McTominay will soon return to Carrington for pre-season preparation ahead of United’s first game of the season against Leeds on August 14.
      A month later, Joshua returns to the ring, having not fought since beating Kubrat Pulev, 40, in December.
      Joshua, 31, was ordered by the WBO to face Usyk, 34, after his unification with Tyson Fury collapsed.

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      The Brits had agreed terms for a first-ever, four-belt heavyweight undisputed title decider.
      But Fury, 32, had tried to walk away from a contracted trilogy bout with Deontay Wilder, 35, who took the dispute to arbitration.
      Wilder, was later awarded the right to fight his heavyweight rival again, setting up a second rematch on July 24 in Las Vegas.
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