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      Jadon Sancho REFUSES to discuss Man Utd transfer after making first Euro 2020 start for England in win over Ukraine

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      JADON SANCHO insists he is fully focused on England – despite his £73million transfer to Manchester United.The winger, 21, was handed a shock start as the Three Lions crushed Ukraine 4-0 to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2020 barely 48 hours after his Old Trafford switch was announced.
      Jadon Sancho is giving his full attention to England’s bid to win Euro 2020 despite his Manchester United transferCredit: Getty
      Sancho was one of the stars of the show with a strong performance, despite only featuring for six minutes in the tournament prior to his Rome display.
      And speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live afterwards, he confirmed his sole attention is on all matters Three Lions with a semi-final against Denmark at Wembley on Wednesday.
      The ex-Manchester City youngster said: “To be fair, I don’t want to talk about Manchester United.
      “Right now I just want to focus on England.
      “I’ve just been focusing on myself while I’ve been at England. I’ve always been ready if I needed to come on.”
      Borussia Dortmund and United confirmed an agreement was in place for the transfer of Sancho on Thursday.
      The Under-17 world champion will complete the formalities – including a medical and signing his contract – once his involvement at Euro 2020 ends.
      Sancho scored 50 goals in 137 appearances for the Bundesliga giants and picked up the German Cup last season.

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      𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝘂𝗽.We have agreed a deal in principle for the transfer of Jadon Sancho to United! 🔴⚪⚫#MUFC— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 1, 2021

      Speaking about the 4-0 win over Ukraine, he added: “I’m feeling over the moon.
      “Today was must-win and I’m just happy to have got an opportunity to play. This is a special moment for me.
      “Every time I haven’t been playing I’ve been going back to training and been giving it everything.
      “We knew today was going to be a big game, Ukraine are a very good side. I’m delighted.”
      The Match of the Day pundits waxed lyrical over the wide man, who got the nod over the likes of Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden.

      Host Gary Lineker said: “He’s a player that obviously a lot of people at home wouldn’t have seen too frequently because he’s been playing at Dortmund.
      “But I think it’s quite clear to see Manchester United have got something special.”
      L’Equipe were notoriously harsh in their ratings, giving Sancho just a four – the lowest score of any Three Lions starter.
      But Rio Ferdinand likes what he sees and added: “This isn’t a surprise. This is what German fans have been seeing for three years in the Bundesliga.
      “He dances past these guys like he’s on the dancefloor, moves and they don’t know where they are.
      “He mesmerises defenders, he’s got a confidence and balance that is very rarely seen.
      “And once he gets up to speed, this kid, he’s unplayable – and at the end of that, normally, there’s a pass and a weighted pass and decision making that goes beyond his years.”
      Sancho spent four years at Borussia Dortmund and capped off his time there by winning the German CupCredit: Getty

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      Gary Neville picks his England Euro 2020 side to face Denmark in the semi-finals with Saka back in… but no Grealish

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      GARY NEVILLE has picked his England XI for the Euro 2020 semi-final clash with Denmark – with Jack Grealish yet again missing out.The Three Lions demolished Ukraine 4-0 in their quarter-final clash in Rome with Jadon Sancho given his first start of the tournament.
      Saka should return to the starting XI for England vs Denmark according to Gary Neville, with no room for GrealishCredit: Getty

      Neville wants Saka back in the starting line up against Denmark over Sancho or GrealishCredit: PA
      The new Manchester United star, 21, looked lively throughout the game and gave England a new dimension in attack – despite being given a bizarrely low 4/10 match rating by L’Equipe.
      Fans have been crying out for Gareth Southgate to utilise Grealish more having played just 115 minutes across England’s five games.
      But Neville reckons the Three Lions boss should turn back to Bukayo Saka over Grealish or Sancho for the semi-final showdown against Denmark.
      The Arsenal whiz, 19, starred in wins over Czech Republic and Germany but missed the Ukraine demolition job with a minor knock.
      And Neville wants him back on the right-wing for the last-four clash at Wembley on Wednesday night.
      After the Ukraine drubbing, one fan asked him on Twitter who he’d pick if he were in charge for the Denmark clash.
      Neville simply replied: “Same team but Saka back in.”
      Southgate has not been afraid to experiment with his tactics at this summer’s Euros.

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      The boss got England’s campaign off and running with a 4-3-3 – with Kieran Trippier a surprise selection at left-back.
      Southgate played the same formation against Scotland, before switching to a 4-2-3-1 to get the best out of Grealish against Czech Republic.
      The Three Lions chief then played a 3-4-3 / 5-2-3 to counter the threat posed by Germany’s wing-backs Joshua Kimmich and Robin Gosens in the last 16.
      He then unleashed a 4-2-3-1 against Ukraine, with Mount in behind Kane and a right-footed right-winger, rather than the left-footed Saka or Foden.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Southgate explains decision to start Jadon Sancho for England vs Ukraine More

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      Jamie Carragher defends early Euro 2020 criticism of England’s Harry Kane and says Gareth Southgate ‘thought the same’

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER has defended comments he made about Harry Kane after the England star scored twice against Ukraine on Saturday.The Sky Sports pundit previously wrote about Kane looking exhausted in the first Euro 2020 match against Croatia, arguing the striker was barely involved in the win in his Telegraph column.
      Jamie Carragher has defended the questions he raised about Harry Kane’s performances
      Kane is back in form with three goals in two knockout games
      Former Tottenham and England player Graham Roberts took note of the criticism, with Carragher suggesting Kane is not the same player he was in 2018.
      Kane has since responded with three goals in two knockout games and looks back to his best in front of goal.
      As a result, Roberts questioned Carragher for doubting England’s number nine.
      In response Carragher tweeted back: “He hadn’t looked his normal self until that goal vs Germany.
      “I never mentioned his lack of goals once but his general play & movement, he was brought off twice so Gareth thought the same.
      “I also said without Kane near his best we can’t win it. Spot on analysis as usual!”
      In Carragher’s defence, he did tell Sky that Kane would deliver if he got the right service from his team-mates, and the Ukraine match proved that.
      Carragher said: “He (Kane) has got to do more himself. That is my problem with it. The onus is always on the other players. Kane needs to do more himself.
      ‘If Kane is given chances he will score. But he has not created enough for himself.
      ‘Can England get more out of him? Yes. But what more can Kane do because it is not a one-off game now, it is a bit of a pattern.’

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      He hadn’t looked his normal self until that goal v Germany. I never mentioned his lack of goals once but his general play & movement, he was brought off twice so Gareth thought the same. I also said without Kane near his best we can’t win it. Spot on analysis as usual!— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) July 4, 2021

      And against Germany and Ukraine Kane did do more by getting into good goalscoring positions, finding himself in plenty of space to pounce on Raheem Sterling’s pass inside five minutes in Rome.
      Kane will now be targeting the golden boot as he is just two goals off Cristiano Ronaldo’s leading total of five, as is Sterling.
      The Manchester City star always believed his team-mate would deliver when required, and now the pair will be aiming to score the goals to beat Denmark in the Wembley semi-final next week.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      England’s thumping Euro 2020 victory over Ukraine watched by more than 20 million people on BBC in new 2021 TV record

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      A RECORD-BREAKING 20.9million tuned in to BBC One to watch England’s 4-0 thumping of Ukraine.That means the Euro 2020 quarter-final is the UK’s new most-watched TV show of 2021.
      More than 20million tuned in to watch England dispatch Ukraine in the Euro 2020 quarter-finalsCredit: The Sun
      Gary Lineker was on presenting duties for the Match of the Day programmeCredit: BBC
      The 20.9m peak pips the 20.6m from Tuesday – when the Three Lions booked their spot in the last eight by beating Germany.
      And the figure means the BBC One broadcast had a whopping 81.8 per cent share of the audience on Saturday evening.
      On top of that, a further 5.2m live streams of the drama in Rome were watched through the BBC Sport website and the iPlayer.
      That took the overall viewing number to around 26.1m.
      The Beeb confirmed the average for the Ukraine win was 19.8m over the course of the 90-minute goal-fest.
      But that was still some way off the near 25million who watched England lose to Croatia in the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
      Harry Kane scored twice in Rome with Harry Maguire heading home emphatically before Jordan Henderson wrapped up the scoring with his first England goal.
      Gary Lineker was joined in the Match of the Day studio by fellow Three Lions greats Alan Shearer, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand, with the quartet coming in for plenty of praise for their coverage.
      Host Lineker wrote on Twitter: “I sense this record will be beaten again soon.”

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      How the top pundits of the two channels stack up against each other

      ITV have the broadcast rights for Wednesday’s semi-final at Wembley with the likes of Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ian Wright on punditry duties.
      In magnanimous fashion, Lineker added: “It’s time to pass the baton to @itvfootball. Good luck to @markpougatch and the team.
      “I’m sure you’ll do your customary excellent job. Take us to the final.”
      The BBC will show the first semi-final as Spain take on Italy on Tuesday.
      Harry Maguire thumped in a bullet header to make it 2-0 just after half-timeCredit: AP
      Jordan Henderson grabbed his first England goal when he headed in from a cornerCredit: AP

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      Arsene Wenger dubs England ‘super-favourites’ for Euro 2020 after their ‘perfect’ quarter-final performance vs Ukraine

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      EX-ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger believes England are ‘super-favourites’ to win Euro 2020 ahead of the semi-finals.The legendary coach also believes Gareth Southgate’s side produced a ‘perfect’ performance in their quarter-final victory against Ukraine.
      England are through to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 after a 4-0 victory against UkraineCredit: AP
      Arsene Wenger managed Arsenal between 1996 and 2018Credit: PA
      Speaking to beIN Sports after the match, Wenger said: “It was a perfect night for English football – a perfect night for the England team.
      “They didn’t concede a goal, easily qualified, could rest important players. To win a tournament you need a stable defence.
      “He [Southgate] has kept the defence stable and improvised a bit up front.
      “He has not found the complete formula offensively but they have not conceded a goal.
      “They are super favourites, for me, to win this tournament.”
      Wenger, who is currently Fifa’s Chief of Global Football Development, knows English football well after managing the Gunners between 1996 to 2018.

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      He isn’t the only football icon to praise England, with Newcastle hero Alan Shearer telling BBC Sport: “Something special is happening.
      “We started the tournament slowly, we’ve been improving in every game.
      “My head is telling me to calm down but my heart is getting carried away and long may it continue.
      “What a performance, what a night, so many special performances.
      “Sancho, Sterling, Shaw – how good was Luke Shaw? – Kane scoring, Maguire, Henderson… it’s endless.
      “It’s really positive. Well done England, well done Gareth.”

      And Brazil legend Roberto Carlos has given his approval, responding to an Instagram post from Luke Shaw with clapping emojis.
      But England aren’t getting carried away, with manager Southgate concentrating on the semi-final against Denmark and encouraging fans to enjoy the quarter-final triumph.
      He told the press: “We want to go two steps further and I know what will be happening at home and that is great.
      “It’s lovely to send everyone on a Saturday night with a beer in hand or in the air, they should enjoy it.
      “It’s been a long year for everybody and I’m chuffed that the two performances have brought so much happiness to people.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Pickford and Schmeichel both made senior debuts for DARLINGTON as they now prepare for England vs Denmark Euro 2020 semi

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      JORDAN PICKFORD and Kasper Schmeichel are preparing to go head-to-head in Wednesday night’s Euro 2020 semi-final having BOTH started their careers at Darlington.England and Denmark will do battle at Wembley with a spot in Sunday’s final against one of Italy or Spain on the horizon.
      Jordan Pickford and Kasper Schmeichel were both given their senior debuts by DarlingtonCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Jordan Pickford has been excellent for England at Euro 2020, yet to concede a single goalCredit: EPA
      Kasper Schmeichel made his senior bow at Darlington on loan from Manchester CityCredit: EPA
      Both nations have been indebted to their goalkeepers this summer, with Pickford and Schmeichel both in top form.
      England and Everton ace Pickford is yet to concede a single goal at the Euros, making a string of fine saves along the way, including an astonishing stop to deny Kai Havertz in the last 16 win over Germany.
      Denmark’s Leicester talisman Schmeichel has shipped an average of a goal per game, but has been crucial in his side coming back from the brink of a group stage exit to reach the semis.
      And incredibly, both goalkeepers were handed their senior debuts by North East minnow Darlington.
      Schmeichel first joined the Quakers in January 2006 on loan from Manchester City during their League Two days.
      The Dane played four times before returning to City – later going on loan to Bury, Falkirk, Cardiff and Coventry, before signing for Notts County permanently in 2009
      Pickford, then at Sunderland, linked up with Darlington on loan in January 2012, playing 17 times as the then-Conference team as they were relegated.
      And now, years later the two former Darlo stoppers are set to go head to head on the biggest stage – the Euro 2020 semi-finals at Wembley.

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      After hearing the news, another former Darlington goalkeeper – Samuel Russell – took to Twitter to poke fun of himself.
      Russell – now at Grimsby – wrote: “I was right in the middle of these two. And (David Stockdale) @stockogk1313.
      “How s*** was I!!!!!”
      Russell played once for Darlington in 2002 while on loan from Middlesbrough, before returning permanently and playing over 100 times between 2004 and 2007.
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      L’Equipe name Sancho England’s WORST player despite new Man Utd star’s fine display to help thrash Ukraine at Euro 2020

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      ENGLAND stormed into the Euro 2020 semi-finals thanks to a 4-0 battering of Ukraine with Jadon Sancho excelling in his first start of the tournament.Pundits were left raving about Manchester United’s new, £73million signing after he sparkled throughout the game in Rome.
      Jadon Sancho sparkled for England against Ukraine but was oddly given just 4/10 by L’EquipeCredit: Getty
      L’Equipe bizarrely gave Jadon Sancho just 4/10 for his superb performance against Ukraine
      But French publication L’Equipe bizarrely gave Sancho England’s LOWEST rating for the game with just a 4/10.
      Fans – particularly those in Germany – had been left baffled by Gareth Southgate continuing to leave the ex-Borussia Dortmund winger out of the team.
      In fact, Sancho had played just eight minutes off the bench prior to his start against Ukraine.
      But the Three Lions youngster was given the start ahead of Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, with Bukayo Saka.
      Sancho was lively, quick, keen to take on his man, happy to drift inside and support Harry Kane, as well as have a shot on goal.
      Despite that, famously harsh L’Equipe gave him a staggeringly low 4/10.
      Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips were given the second-lowest ratings among the England players on 5/10.
      Four players earned a respectable 6/10, with Harry Maguire and Raheem Sterling given fully-justified 7/10s.

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      Two-goal hero Kane and the electric Luke Shaw – as well as boss Southgate – all received 8/10.
      Overall, England’s average rating was 6.2 – much higher than Ukraine’s 3.5 – but still considerably lower than expected for their record-breaking knockout stage victory.
      Sancho’s extraordinarily harsh 4/10 will likely perplex most of Europe, with the BBC pundits quick to pile praise on the Man Utd ace on Saturday night.
      Rio Ferdinand said: “There were moments in this game where he draws your breathe and you think, ‘Ooh, wow, that’s different!’.
      “He’s a fabulous talent, we know that, but mentally he’s very strong. He’s got a desire to be as good as he could be and wants to fulfil that potential.
      “Players that can up the tempo of a game are different and they mean something different to your team. They can change a game the way he did tonight.
      “One-twos, playing with composure, playing off both feet, end product…”

      Ferdinand added: “This is his first game by the way in the tournament and he comes in and plays the way he did today and creates moments.
      “It shows you the talent that’s there.”
      Frank Lampard agreed with Ferdinand, saying: “I think there’s a natural balance and acceleration in him, and movement.
      “This is not the norm.
      “We’ve got a special player coming to the Premier League.”
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      Jordan Pickford matches Iker Casillas’ Euros record after England No1 kept fifth clean sheet against Ukraine

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      ENGLAND goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has matched Iker Casillas’ clean sheet record at the European Championships.The Everton stopper hasn’t conceded in his five matches at this summer’s tournament, matching the record Casillas set in 2012.
      Jordan Pickford, 27, has been in good form for England at Euro 2020Credit: EPA
      Iker Casillas captained Spain to glory at Euro 2012Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Although he didn’t have his best game against Ukraine in their quarter-final clash, Pickford is enjoying an impressive Euros campaign.
      The 27-year-old has looked assured in net for England and made a couple of excellent saves against Germany at Wembley.
      Legendary goalkeeper Casillas kept five clean sheets at Euro 2012 – including in the final against Italy – as Spain won the tournament.
      If Pickford manages to keep Denmark at bay in London on Wednesday he will become the first stopper to record six clean sheets in the competition’s 61-year history.
      Pickford’s impressive new record is his second of the summer after becoming the first England goalkeeper to keep three clean sheets in the group stage of a major tournament since Gordon Banks in 1966.
      England went on to win that World Cup and there’s a good chance they will face Italy – like Casillas did nine years ago – if they reach the final.

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      Roberto Mancini’s side are the favourites to beat Spain in their semi-final tie at Wembley having won all five of their games to date.
      Despite reaching the last four, the Spanish have looked below their best and needed penalties to defeat underdogs Switzerland in the last round.
      Pickford has been England’s No1 goalkeeper since manager Gareth Southgate gave him the illustrious jersey ahead of the 2018 World Cup.
      The ex-Sunderland goalkeeper, who is married to Megan, is yet to win a major trophy and will be hoping to break his duck in London on Sunday, July 11.
      England fans are convinced Pickford’s good form is down to his new hairdo – as he’s conceded fewer goals since growing a pair of curtains.
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