Euro 2020

FRANK LAMPARD hailed Kalvin Phillips ‘the machine’ and said the Leeds man must be ‘so thankful’ to Marcelo Bielsa.The 25-year-old has shone at Euro 2020 alongside West Ham star Declan Rice and former Hammers and England midfielder Lampard has heaped praise on the Elland Road ace.
Frank Lampard has called Kalvin Phillips a ‘machine’Credit: The Sun
And the former England midfielder thinks Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is to thankCredit: BBC
Phillips has started every game of the tournament with the Three Lions yet to concede a goal with him and Rice playing in front of the defence.
And speaking ahead of England’s quarter-final against Ukraine in Rome, Lampard said the pair are an example to young midfielders everywhere.
After watching a montage of the pair shutting Germany out, the Chelsea legend said: “You can always improve but you could take those clips Rio’s shown there and tell any young midfield player ‘if you’re playing in a two, this is how you do it’.
“Because there’s a lot of unselfish work that maybe you don’t see. There’s a lot of miles in there.
“Phillips must be so thankful to Bielsa for what he’s done to him at Leeds.
“He’s turned into this machine who can play as a No6 with discipline, he can play higher up the pitch and it’s not a problem for him.
“And Rice is pretty similar and they’re both comfortable on the ball.”
And Ferdinand – Lampard’s former team-mate at West Ham where Rice has developed – totally agreed.

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The Manchester United icon added: “Their partnership has been something that has just grown and grown throughout this tournament.
“That’s what you call partnership – team-mates working together.
“They are fundamental to England performing and doing well in this tournament.”
Phillips and Co will now have a huge Wembley semi-final against Denmark to look forward to, after battering Ukraine 4-0 in Rome on Saturday night.
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UKRAINE were forced to retake their kick-off after jumping the gun and getting the game underway as England players were taking a knee.Tensions were running high at the Stadio Olimpico ahead of the crunch Euro 2020 quarter-final.
Ukraine kicked-off as England players were still taking a knee, forcing the game to be restartedCredit: AFP
England players took a knee before the game as they have all tournament with Ukraine a little too eager to get the match underwayCredit: AP
But Ukraine were a little too eager to get on with it.
With the national anthems belted out, the players lined up in their positions for kick-off.
The sound of the referee’s first whistle was England’s cue to take a knee in support of Black Lives Matter, as they have done all tournament.
But Ukraine missed the memo as they quickly took their kick-off as Harry Kane and Co were still down taking a knee.
Referee Felix Brych was quick to catch on though and ordered the ball be returned to the centre circle.
The game erupted into life moments later, though.
Kane gave England the lead in just the fourth minute as he stabbed home a perfect through ball from red-hot Raheem Sterling.
The Tottenham striker copped plenty of flak for his goalless group stage.

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But the Three Lions skipper has delivered when it matters, scoring in the last 16 win over Germany before his Ukraine strike.
The goal in Rome is England’s earliest Euros goal in 17 years, since Michael Owen’s third-minute effort against Portugal at Euro 2004.
And things got even better in the second half, as a bullet header from Harry Maguire, a second for Kane, and Jordan Henderson’s first Three Lions goal earned a stunning 4-0 win for Gareth Southgate’s side.
They will meet the Danes in Wednesday’s semi-final, after they continued their remarkable comeback following a slow start to the tournament with a 2-1 quarter-final win over Czech Republic.
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HARRY KANE got England off to the perfect start in both halves of their Euro 2020 quarter-final against Ukraine in Rome.He gave the Three Lions a priceless early lead just four minutes into the contest in Rome.
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Kane powered England into a 3-0 leadCredit: AP
Kane slotted home after just four minutesCredit: Reuters

And after Harry Maguire’s superb 46th-minute header, Kane made it 3-0 just a few minutes later by nutmegging the goalkeeper with his own noggin.
The Spurs ace has copped plenty of criticism during this tournament, after drawing blanks during the group stage.
But the Three Lions skipper appears to have found his shooting boots for the knockouts.
He found the net with a close-range header to seal victory against the Germans on Tuesday.
And he quickly added another just four minutes in against Ukraine.
Raheem Sterling was at the heart of the goal, cutting inside onto his favoured right foot.
The Man City star then found a perfect through ball to Kane, who provided a lethal finish past the helpless goalkeeper.
The strike is England’s earliest Euros goal in 17 years, since Michael Owen’s third-minute strike against Portugal at Euro 2004.

6 – Harry Kane’s strike was England’s sixth goal scored within the opening four minutes in European Championship history – though the Three Lions have gone on to win none of the previous five games when doing so (D2 L3). Warning. #EURO2020 https://t.co/NCxjwPgSie— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 3, 2021

Kane is mobbed by his England team-matesCredit: PA
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England had never won a European Championships match when they have scored within the first four minutes.
When Owen put Sven Goran-Eriksson’s side into dreamland in 2004, England went on to suffer penalty shoot-out heartache.
But that record has gone out the window against Ukraine.
England falling foul of the bad omen looked unlikely, as Harry Maguire headed home Luke Shaw’s superb free-kick straight after half-time.
And Kane effectively ended Ukraine’s chances with his towering 50th minute header.
Sterling was again at the heart of the move, conjuring a gorgeous backheel to put Shaw in behind.
And the Man United star’s cross was inch perfect for Kane to nod home.
The effort took Kane level with Alan Shearer on nine tournament goals for the Three Lions.
Substitute Jordan Henderson then added some gloss to the scoreline, notching a fourth after coming on.
England’s Euros goals inside four minutes before tonight

1992 David Platt vs Sweden L 2-1
1996 Alan Shearer vs Germany L 1-1 (6-5 on pens)
2000 Paul Scholes vs Portugal L 3-2
2004 Michael Owen vs Portugal L 2-2 (6-5 on pens)
2016 Wayne Rooney vs Iceland L 2-1

England celebrate their early leadCredit: Getty
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CRISTIANO RONALDO is on course to win the Euro 2020 Golden Boot, despite having been eliminated in the Round of 16.The Portugal star bagged five goals in just four games for his nation, before crashing out at the hands of Belgium.
Cristiano Ronaldo bagged five goals at Euro 2020Credit: Reuters
Patrik Schick’s Czech Republic crashed out in the quarter-finalsCredit: AFP
He also grabbed what could be a crucial assist against Germany, dinking over Manuel Neuer to set up the grateful Diogo Jota.
Ronaldo’s nearest challenger is Patrik Schick, who has also scored five goals.
But with the Czech Republic losing 2-1 to Denmark today, Schick now can’t catch Ronaldo.
Despite both having scored five apiece, Ronaldo is ahead because of his assist, with Schick not registering any during the tournament.
The next top-scorers are Emil Forsberg, Romelu Lukaku and Karim Benzema with four apiece.
But all three are out of the competition.
Ronaldo’s nearest challengers still in the tournament are Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane and Kasper Dolberg, who have both scored three times.
Sterling, 26, netted goals for England against Croatia, the Czech Republic and Germany.

Schick scored five times for the CzechsCredit: Getty
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While Dane Dolberg also scored against the Czechs, as well as grabbing a double against the Welsh in the 4-0 Round of 16 rout last weekend.
Kane was goalless after the group stage, but has stormed back into contention with an effort against Germany and two versus Ukraine this evening.
Among Ronaldo’s multitude of awards are four European Golden Shoes – given to the continent’s top scorer each season in club football.
He also made history earlier in the tournament, by equalling Ali Daei’s record of 109 goals in international football.

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ITALY decided to enjoy a warm down session at a swimming pool following their epic win over Belgium in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals.The Azzurri made it to the competition’s semi-finals where they will face Spain at Wembley after beating Roberto Martinez’s men with a score of 2-1 at the Allianz Arena.
Italy enjoyed a warm down session in Florence
Italy beat Belgium in the quarter-finals to make the Euro 2020 semi-finalsCredit: Getty
Nicolo Barella opened the scoring on 31 minutes and Lorenzo Insigne doubled the Italians’ lead after 44 minutes, before Romelu Lukaku converted a penalty shot during stoppage time.
Roberto Mancini’s men returned to Italy shortly after their big victory and were spotted cooling down in a swimming pool at the Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano in Florence.
The likes of Lorenzo Insigne, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Federico Chiesa, Ciro Immobile, Marco Verratti and Chelsea star Jorginho enjoyed a warm down with some foam noodles.
But there was a major absence as Roma star Leonardo Spinazzola ruptured his Achilles tendon against Belgium and has been ruled out for the rest of the competition.
Italy trained with foam noodles ahead of their semi-final clash with SpainCredit: Getty
Italy star Gianluigi Donnarumma was part of the warm down session

Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina said: “I felt very sorry for Spinazzola, because he had been giving so much to this team.
“I wish him the best of luck for a quick return, because not only is he a great professional, but he has also shown great personal qualities.”
Italy manager Mancini admitted he was deeply saddened by Spinazzola’s injury as he lost “one of the best players of this tournament”.

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The ex-Manchester City boss will have to find a suitable replacement against Spain and the final if they make it past Luis Enrique’s men.
Mancini said: “He [Spinazzola] has been one of the best players of this tournament and he will still be even if he can’t play in the next games.
“We are very, very sad with what has happened, it seems quite a serious one.”
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GARETH SOUTHGATE revealed Jadon Sancho was given his first Euros start as he is a key to unlocking Ukraine’s stubborn back line.The winger, who has just signed for Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund, started on the right wing this evening.
Gareth Southgate started Jadon Sancho against UkraineCredit: EPA
So far he has only once come off the bench during the tournament, but replaced Bukayo Saka out wide in Rome.
Southgate explained the forward, who cost United £73million, forced his way into the starting line up due to his aggressive dribbling abilities.
He told the BBC: “It looks like Ukraine are going to have five at the back.
“It’s been a huge challenge for all our attacking players because we have got so much depth.
“We can’t keep everyone happy but Jadon Sancho’s profile for this game – we need one-versus-one specialists – he has got that ability.
“The Stadio Olimpico is a brilliant theatre. I think it’s been good for us to come away from Wembley but we will find out over the next 90 minutes if that’s going to be a deciding factor for us.
“We know the weather forecast is extremely hot. It’s a lovely night for football.
“Ukraine have had a fantastic run and have already gone further than any of their teams in past in the European Championship.

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“We have to be patient at the right times. We need to make short runs and use width to break them down.”
England booked their place into the quarter-finals after beating Germany 2-0 in a famous win at Wembley.
Southgate matched them with a 3-5-2 formation, but has reverted to four at the back with a three-man midfield against Ukraine.
Mason Mount, who had spent time in self-isolation, also returns to his advanced midfield role.
But Phil Foden, who is one booking away from missing the semis, is again on the bench with fan favourite Jack Grealish.
Grealish proved super-sub last week as he came on to play on the left, and set up skipper Harry Kane, who made it 2-0.
England players ahead of the Euros quarter-finalsCredit: AP
But England legend Alan Shearer fears Southgate is not confident in the Aston Villa captain’s defensive capabilities.
Shearer said: “What a week it has been for Jadon Sancho, signing for Manchester United.
“He is coming off the back of an excellent season with 16 goals and got plenty of assists. Gareth Southgate knows what he can do.
“Perhaps Gareth doesn’t trust Jack Grealish defensively and he is proving he can come and do damage when teams are on their last legs.
“Gareth is looking along the line of his bench and seeing Grealish and seeing Phil Foden and can say ‘go on fresh and cause some damage’.”
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DENMARK wing-back Joakim Maehle produced a stunning cross with the outside of his boot against Czech Republic.The 24-year-old’s superb ball set up prolific forward Kasper Dolberg to put the Scandinavians 2-0 up in their Euro 2020 quarter-final victory.
Denmark star Joakim Maehle, 24, produced a ridiculous cross against Czech RepublicCredit: AFP
Kasper Dolberg, 24, couldn’t miss from six yards outCredit: Reuters

After being played in behind the Czech defence, Maehle looked up and hit the ball first time with the outside of his right foot.
Barcelona forward Martin Braithwaite, 30, threw himself at the cross as it swerved away from Tomas Vaclik in the Czech goal.
He failed to make contact – but Dolberg, 23, was waiting to place the ball into the roof of the net.
The Nice forward’s goal is his third of the Euros, making him the first Denmark international to score three at a major tournament since Newcastle flop Jon Dahl Tomasson at Euro 2004.
Maehle usually plays right wing-back for his club Atalanta, which explains why he didn’t opt for a more conventional cross with his left foot.
He signed for the Serie A club in January for a reported €10million – around £8.5m – after three-and-a-half seasons at Belgian side Genk.

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Maehle’s outrageous assist impressed Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who told ITV Sport: “Probably one of the passes of the tournament for me.
“Again Czech Republic, they’re so high, loads of space in behind, I don’t think they’ve done a lot of homework on Maehle as he’s been doing that all tournament.
“And that is a fantastic ball for Dolberg, who you know is in the box and even though it’s come off, kind of like his ankle, he’s in there and it’s a good enough ball, doesn’t need to direct too much on it.
“It’s a brilliant goal.”

Denmark took the lead against Czech Republic within the first five minutes after Borussia Dortmund star Thomas Delaney scored a free header.
Dolberg’s goal came just before half-time, although Patrik Schick halved the deficit moments after the interval with a neat finish.
The Danes held on for the win and they will face the winner of the game between England and Ukraine in the semi-finals at Wembley.
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ONE hungry Denmark fan was caught celebrating his nation’s opening goal against Czech Republic by waving a massive SANDWICH in the air.Thomas Delaney’s thumping header game the Danes an early lead in their Euro 2020 quarter-final in Baku.

In fact, the goal came so early, one famished fan was still tucking into his pre-game snack.
And as Delaney’s header form a corner arrowed into the back of the net, the Denmark supporter frantically waved his sandwich around above his head.
The goal sparked jubilant scenes among the Danish fans in what’s been an emotional tournament following Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest in their opener against Finland.
As the ball hit the net, a sea of red erupted in Baku, with limbs, pints and apparently sandwiches, sent flying.
Fans were quick to spot the rogue snack floating around the stands and were quick to compliment their enthusiasm.
One tweeted: “Ok Denmark, I see your fans and I am not complaining.”
Another simply wrote: “Denmark fans are amazing.”
A third added: “Denmark fans are just such fun.”

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And things got even better for the Danes late in the first-half as Kasper Dolberg doubled their lead.
Dolberg poked home from an astounding Joakim Maehle cross as Denmark went into the break 2-0 up.
However, Czech Republic pulled one back through Patrik Schick early in the second half to make a game of it.
But Denmark ultimately held on to set up a semi-final showdown with the winner of England’s game against Ukraine.
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