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      Czech Republic 1 Denmark 2: England clash awaits as Delaney & Dolberg continue Danes’ emotional Euros journey

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      ONE footballing fairytale in a lifetime is incredible enough – but a second really is stretching the point.Then again, maybe we should have expected it of a team which hails from the land of Hans Christian Andersen.
      Thomas Delaney scored as Denmark beat Czech Republic to reach the Euro 2020 semi finalsCredit: Reuters
      Kasper Dolberg was also on target as the Danes set up a possible clash against EnglandCredit: Getty
      In 1992, of course, Denmark got a late invite to the party when Yugoslavia was thrown out…and ended up as the unlikeliest Euro winners in history.
      Well now the 2021 heroes stand on the brink of a sensational rewrite, as Thomas Delaney and Kasper Dolberg sent them scooting into a Wembley semi-final on Wednesday.
      And even old Hans himself would be pinching himself at this story, from a side which lost its opening two games in Group B and were all but down and out.
      But that’s exactly what has happened. A nation swept along on the wave of emotion after the horror of Christian Eriksen’s collapse in their opener, is two games from glory.
      And if Delaney and Dolberg were the goalscoring heroes of last night’s quarter-final victory over the Czechs in baking Baku, every single member of this Danish squad has played a part.
      It has been a journey that has captured the hearts of fans way beyond Copenhagen, yet don’t think this team has been carried along purely on sentiment.
      There are some damn fine players in there as well. Last night every single man in white, marshalled – as ever – superbly at the back by skipper Simon Kjaer.
      Stunning, solid, scrapping…and full of the sort of spirit which eventually just proved too strong a nut for the Czechs to crack.

      England vs Ukraine betting special

      Patrik Schick scored for Czech Republic but his country could not find a second goalCredit: AFP
      Denmark will be hoping to go all the way as a tribute to Christian Eriksen

      They needed every ounce of it, too, after going two up and then fighting a rearguard battle for the bulk of the second half.
      All that after going ahead inside five minutes, too, albeit not without a healthy hint of controversy attached.
      Dolberg clearly got the final touch in a tussle with Ondrej Calustka, yet referee Bjorn Kuipers ruled that it came off the Czech left back instead. It was a crucial clanger.
      Jens Stryger Larsen swung over the perfect corner, Kjaer did a perfect blocking job on Patrik Schick and Delaney planted an unmarked header in the corner.
      Not the first Del boy to get away with bouncing a Czech! And what a moment for the man who has lost his place at Borussia Dortmund to a certain Jude Bellingham.
      The Danes went close to a second when Mikkel Damsgaard chased down a Pierre Emile Hojbjerg’s punt, but couldn’t get enough on the ball as it hung up.
      Delaney fired Denmark ahead with just five minutes on the clockCredit: AP
      Dolberg doubled the Danes’ lead minutes before the breakCredit: EPA
      Then Delaney shanked a chance of a double, and if a second goal was coming from anywhere, it was the Danes…and with one devastating 42nd minute counter thrust, it did.
      It was laid on Premier League foundations, too, Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen and Southampton’s Vestergaard playing pivotal roles in sending Joakim Maehle down the left.
      But they were only cameos to the peach of an outside-of-the-boot cross that curled beyond the stooping Braithwaite and the stretching Tomas Kalas – but certainly not Dolberg.
      And the man whose double helped KO Wales in the last 16 buried his side-footed volley into the roof of the net.
      Game over? Not a bit of it…not when a Danish defence suddenly, inexplicably, began safe distancing in their own box and the Czechs seized the day.
      Half time sub Michael Srmencik had Schmeichel paddling to beat away one long-ranger within 60 seconds of the restart.
      Schick netted four minutes into the second half to set up a tense finaleCredit: Reuters
      Denmark fans were delighted as their side racked up another impressive victoryCredit: Getty
      And after two minutes more they had a lifeline from a man who is threatening to finish the Euros as the tournament’s deadliest marksmen, after arriving as one of its unknowns.
      For when Vladimir Coufal crossed from the right, Vestergaard stood too far off Patrick Schick and he hooked a leg round to volley in.
      It was his fifth goal of the Euros – joining Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the scoring charts – but more crucially booted open a door which seemed shut and bolted.
      From easy street to backs-to-the-wall with one swing of a foot. And boy, the Danes didn’t half ride their luck at times, too, as the Czechs peppered their box.
      Never more than when captain Kjaer, an immense figure at the back once more, jabbed out a foot to block Jakub Jankto’s drive and held his breath as it pinged inches from his own net.
      In fairness, it was one of the few times Kjaer wasn’t foot perfect all night. Leaders don’t come much more impressive than Denmark’s.
      How he and his team-mates will relish the chance to prove that at Wembley this week.
      Italy parties on plane after extending unbeaten run to 32 with Belgium win More

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      Czech Republic vs Denmark LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel as Delaney heads Danes ahead in quarter-final – Euro 2020 latest

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      DENMARK are LEADING Czech Republic following Thomas Delaney’s header from a corner after just five minutes.The Danes have been superb since the harrowing events involving Christian Eriksen earlier in the tournament, while the Czechs stunned Holland in the last-16.

      Kick-off time: 5pm UK
      TV channel: ITV1
      Live stream: ITV Hub
      Czech Republic team: Vaclik, Coufal, Celustka, Boril, Kalas, Holes, Soucek, Barak, Masopust, Sevcik, Schick.
      Denmark team: Schmeichel, Christensen, Kjaer, Vestergaard, Stryger Larsen, Maehle, Hojbjerg, Delaney, Damsgaard, Dolberg, Braithwaite.

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      Stay up to date with every kick from Baku in our live blog…
      GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLL!!THOMAS DELANEY HEADS DENMARK IN FRONT!!
      CZECH REPUBLIC 0-0 DENMARK
      4. Moments after Coufal registers the first attempt of the game, a shot blocked by Delaney, Denmark go up the other end and win the first corner of the contest.
      CZECH REPUBLIC 0-0 DENMARK
      2. Maehle takes an early whack from the Soucek battering ram in the Czech midfield, and needs a moment or two to regain his composure.
      In the meantime, it’s worth pointing out that today the Danes are in all white, the Czechs wear red shirts with blue shorts.
      CZECH REPUBLIC 0-0 DENMARK
      1. The game begins with Clive Tyldesley quite rightly pointing out the absurdity of playing this match in Azerbaijan, close to 2000 miles from either Denmark or the Czech Republic.
      However, for whoever wins here, Euro 2020 glory will feel a hell of a lot closer.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!HERE WE GO!
      HERE COME THE TEAMS!
      The now-customary giant decorative shirts are removed from the pitch, the Danish one emblazoned with the name of Christian Eriksen, and then it’s over to the players.
      Simon Kjaer, the heroic leader of this Danish side, brings his teammates out to a warm welcome from fans and weather alike in the Olympic Stadium in Baku.
      Simultaneously, Tomas Soucek, Czech Republic’s captain this evening, leads his team out on to the pitch, where they line up for the playing of the two national anthems.
      CLOSE TO KICK-OFF
      It’s nearly time for the third of Euro 2020’s quarter-finals.
      Will it be Denmark or Czech Republic that prevail in Baku?

      LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON?
      Goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel became a legend for his integral part in helping Denmark win the 1992 European Championships – and now his son is hoping to follow suit 29 years on.
      Kasper Schmeichel will earn his 70th cap this evening, and it could well prove to be the biggest game of his international career.

      CZECH OVERHAUL
      For a supposedly smaller footballing nation, the Czech Republic have a fine record at the European Championships, having qualified for every tournament since splitting from Czechoslovakia in 1993.
      And in their very first competition, at Euro ’96, the Lokomitiva were a golden goal away from emulating the Czechoslovakian side that lifted the trophy in 1976.
      Since then, the Czech Republic have reached the semi-finals in 2004, and the quarter-finals eight years later.
      Now their head coach Jaroslav Silhavy has the latest generation of Czech talent on the brink of another memorable tournament following a major overhaul.
      Only three members of this year’s Czech Republic squad — goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik, captain Vladimir Darida and defender Pavel Kadarabek – remain from those that flopped in France at Euro 2016.
      HAVE YOUR SAY
      Fancy being in with a chance of winning £250 cash? Predict the full-time score correctly before kick-off to enter our prize draw…
      It couldn’t be easier, so why not have a go? You’ve got to be in it to win it! Good luck.

      FOUR-MIDABLE DANES
      Having begun their Euro 2020 campaign with one goal and a pair of defeats from their opening two games, Denmark have really hit their stride at these finals.
      Sealing their place in the knockout stages with a 4-1 victory over Russia in their final Group B game, the Danes followed it up by thrashing Wales 4-0 in the Round of 16.
      In doing so, Denmark became the first team in European Championship history to score 4+ goals in consecutive matches at the competition.
      Of course, how much their shaky start was to do with the awful scenes surrounding Christian Eriksen’s hospitalisation in their opening match against Finland, we are unable to say.
      Eriksen’s teammates have done him proud since, and their nine goals so far at this tournamentt are second only to the ten they notched at the 1986 World Cup.
      DENMARK SUBSTITUTES
      16 Lossl, 22 Ronnow, 2 Andersen, 7 Skov, 11 Skov Olsen, 13 Jorgensen, 15 Norgood, 16 Wass, 19 Wind, 20 Poulsen, 21 Cornelius, 24 Jensen
      DENMARK XI
      Kasper Hjulmand sticks with the same starting XI that swept Wales aside in Amsterdam. It means captain Simon Kjaer is able to continue in the back three despite suffering with a muscle problem in the latter stages of Saturday’s win. Kasper Dolberg hit a double against the Welsh, and is selected again to play up top of Hjulmand’s 3-4-2-1 shape with support coming from Martin Braithwaite and Mikkel Damsgaard.
      1 Schmeichel; 6 Christensen, 4 Kjaer, 3 Vestergaard; 17 Stryger, 23 Hojbjerg, 8 Delaney, 5 Mahle; 9 Braithwaite, 14 Damsgaard; 12 Dolberg

      CZECH REPUBLIC SUBSTITUTES
      16 Mandous, 23 Koubek, 2 Kaderabek, 4 Brabec, 8 Darida, 11 Krmencik, 14 Jankto, 17, Sima, 20 Vydra, 21 Kral, 24 Pekhart, 25 Pesek
      CZECH REPUBLIC XI
      It’s one change for the Czech Republic ahead of this teatime’s tie in Baku with Jan Boril, back from suspension, coming in at left-back for Pavel Kadarabek. It means their available-again skipper, Vladimir Darida, must make do with a place on the bench, and so West Ham’s Tomas Soucek takes the armband. His Hammers teammate Vladirmir Coufal plays at right-back, Bristol City’s Tomas Kalas is at centre-half, and at the head of Jaroslav Silhavy’s 4-2-3-1 is four-goal Patrik Schick.
      1 Vaclik; 5 Coufal, 3 Celustka, 6 Kalas, 18 Boril; 9 Holes, 15 Soucek; 12 Masopust, 7 Barak, 13 Sevcik; 10 Schick

      THE TEAMSHEETS ARE IN!
      SLICK SCHICK
      After enduring a difficult spell at Roma in the last 2010s, everything has fallen into place for Patrik Schick over the past 18-months.
      While the world began to get to grips with the global pandemic, Shick made the move to the Bundesliga and hasn’t looked back.
      Having flourished for both RB Leipzig and, now, Bayer Leverkusen, the 25-year-old has continued with his goalscoring form on the international stage.
      Schick has scored 15 goals in 30 appearances for the Czech Republic, and has netted four goals in four games so far at Euro 2020. Only five players have ever scored 5+ goals in their first European Championships; these include compatriot Milan Baros in 2004, and, most recently, Antoine Griezmann five years ago.
      Shick also finds himself one goal behind Griezmann when it comes to left-footed strikes. The forward has notched three times with his left peg at the finals, and is only one off the record for left-footed that was set by the Frenchman at Euro 2016.

      GREAT DANE
      Danish wonderkid Mikkel Damsgaard celebrates his 21st birthday today, and he will be hoping to end his special day by also celebrating a place in the European Championship semi-finals.
      The Sampdoria playmaker has certainly lived up to his reputation since breaking on to the international scene last year. Damsgaard has been directly involved in seven goals during his six appearances for Denmark, scoring three and providing an assist for four more.
      In Demark’s 4-0 thumping of Wales in the Round of 16, Damsgaard created more chances (3) than any of his teammates.

      BAKU AND BEYOND
      Today’s Euros quarter-final is a trek for almost all the players and fans involved.
      The game is taking place in Baku’s Olympia Stadionu in Azerbaijan.
      Not a cloud in the sky for those fans flying in from afar.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
      HAVE SOME PRIDE
      Uefa has asked its main sponsors, including carmaker Volkswagen, not to display advertising banners in the rainbow colours of the LGBTQ community in Baku and Saint Petersburg for Euro 2020 matches, citing compliance with local laws.
      The German manufacturers said in a statement: “Due to Uefa’s concerns about the legal framework for venues in Russia and Azerbaijan, the association informed us it wouldn’t be possible to use rainbow-coloured advertising on billboards in Saint Petersburg and Baku.”
      A spokesman said that while Uefa “fully supports” messages of “tolerance and respect”, it asks sponsors “to ensure that their design complies with local legislation and this was not the case in Baku and Saint Petersburg”.
      Germany’s gay and lesbian association expressed their fury at Uefa stance.
      Spokesman Alfonso Pantisano said: “Uefa’s audacity and deceit are boundless. With this action, it is betraying not only lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans and intersex people in Azerbaijan and Russia, but also in the whole of Europe.”
      LION IN WAIT
      Jaroslav Silhavy will tell his players to hit the bottle to tee up a potential semi-final clash with England.
      After downing the Dutch in the last 16, the Czech Republic hope to pull off another shock tonight against Denmark.
      The tie is at a baking Baku Olympic Stadium, where temperatures could hit 35 degrees, and Silhavy reckons it might be a survival of the fittest.
      Win and they could face the Three Lions, their Group D rivals, on Wednesday for a FOURTH time in the Euros after two earlier qualifiers.
      Boss Silhavy said: “The medical staff are ready for it and did the same before the last round as it was hot there, too.
      “We will need to drink a lot and hydrate. I do believe it will be us. We can make them make mistakes and capitalise.”
      NOT A KJAER IN THE WORLD
      Skipper Simon Kjaer has recovered from the thigh injury he picked up in the last 16 win over Wales, and just as determined to keep the party mood going in Copenhagen and beyond.
      Kjaer said: “All the support we’ve had is something we could only dream about but at the same time, could barely imagine. It’s been amazing.
      “It’s going to be hard to experience something like this again. We are just living the dream as much as we can while we are in this football bubble.
      “But we are not done yet – we will be attacking the same as in our other games and are just as eager to keep it going.
      “We are not thinking of whether we will be European champions or not yet, that’s too far ahead – but we have the hunger.”
      Credit: Getty
      PROBABLE DANISH LINE-UP
      Captain Simon Kjaer has shaken off a thigh problem, while striker Yussuf Poulsen is also fit after a hip issue.

      LIKELY LINE-UPS
      The Czech starting XI should have a couple of changes.
      Left back Jan Boril is available after a ban, while skipper Vladimir Darida has recovered from a leg injury.

      MORE ON SCHMEICHEL
      The Leicester keeper said: “There are so many motivational factors…it’s been everything you dreamed of as a kid, everything we have been through as a team.
      “We’ve talked a lot about the love the Danish team is getting, and it just grows bigger and bigger.
      “We could never imagine how crazy it could go and we don’t want to disappoint anyone now – we want to keep making the country and our families proud.
      “And I can tell you we’re not thinking of leaving here any time soon, so we will go on the attack one more time tomorrow.”
      Credit: AP
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      England vs Ukraine LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, team news with Sancho set to START – Euro 2020 quarter-final latest

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      ENGLAND are in Rome for a huge Euro 2020 quarter-final clash against Ukraine.The Three Lions beat Germany in the last-16 to set up this match in the Italian capital, while Ukraine left it late to beat Sweden.

      Kick-off time: 8pm BST
      TV channel: BBC ONE

      Follow ALL the latest build-up and action as it happens with our live blog below…
      Harry Kane scored England’s second in their 2-0 win over GermanyCredit: The Mega Agency
      England vs Ukraine betting special

      What time does England vs Ukraine kick-off?

      England’s massive quarter-final match-up with Ukraine will kick-off at 8pm TONIGHT.
      The game will take place at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy.
      NO England fans are allowed to travel to Rome for the game.

      What TV channel is England vs Ukraine on and can I live stream?

      England’s clash with Ukraine is live on BBC One in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer app, which is available for download onto your mobile device, tablet or Smart TV.

      Can I watch for FREE?

      Yes, the game is available for FREE on BBC One, so long as you have a TV licence.
      You can also catch the action on the BBC iPlayer.

      What is the team news?
      For England, Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell are in contention to play again after ending their self-isolation but Gareth Southgate is expected to stick with Luke Shaw on the left.
      Mount hasn’t played since England’s 0-0 draw with Scotland but Southgate looks to have since put his faith in a front three consisting of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka.
      Should Southgate stick with a back three, it could mean another start on the bench for Jack Grealish, who affected the game brilliantly against Germany on Monday.
      Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips are expected to start again but are one yellow card away from missing a potential semi-final.
      Southgate may look to include Jordan Henderson or Jude Bellingham in the midfield instead.
      And reports suggest new Man Utd star Jadon Sancho is set to start in place of Bukaryo Saka, who has a knock.

      Head-to-head
      England have the superior head-to-head record against Ukraine with four wins, two draws and one defeat in their seven mettings.
      However, in competitive fixtures things are more even with England having won twice, two matches ending in a draw and Ukraine winning one.
      Last time the two sides met, England held out for a 0-0 draw in 2013, which proved crucial in their qualification for the 2014 World Cup.

      KICK-OFF IN BAKU
      The game has kicked off in Baku….. who will England be potentially facing next Wednesday?
      Denmark have struck first inside five minutes! Delaney of Borussia Dortmund fires the Danes in front.
      GOAL ACHIEVED
      Ukraine manager and football legend Andriy Shevchenko has stated that his team has already achieved their goal.
      Speaking ahead of today’s quarter-final clash against England, he said: “We have achieved our main goal already and everything else will be a bonus.
      “Probably, there is a different pressure on England.
      “They are seen as favourites but everyone perfectly knows that anything can happen in football.
      “We are preparing very seriously and we want to surprise England. We can see the great job done by Gareth Southgate.
      “Beyond all doubt, they are one of the best teams at this moment. So we perfectly understand how strong our opponent is and how hard the game will be for us.”
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      ALL EYES ON BAKU
      All eyes are on Baku as the Czech Republic take on Denmark in the third quarter-final of Euro 2020.
      Whoever wins will face either England or Ukraine at Wembley on Wednesday night.
      Czech Republic XI (4-2-3-1): 1 Vaclik; 5 Coufal, 3 Celustka, 6 Kalas, 18 Boril; 9 Holes, 15 Soucek; 12 Masopust, 7 Barak, 13 Sevcik; 10 Schick.
      Bench: 16 Mandous, 23 Koubek, 2 Kaderabek, 4 Brabec, 8 Darida, 11 Krmencik, 14 Jankto, 17, Sima, 20 Vydra, 21 Kral, 24 Pekhart, 25 Pesek.

      Denmark XI (3-4-2-1): 1 Schmeichel; 6 Christensen, 4 Kjaer, 3 Vestergaard; 17 Stryger, 23 Hojbjerg, 8 Delaney, 5 Mahle; 9 Braithwaite, 14 Damsgaard; 12 Dolberg.
      Bench: 16 Lossl, 22 Ronnow, 2 Andersen, 7 Skov, 11 Skov Olsen, 13 Jorgensen, 15 Norgood, 16 Wass, 19 Wind, 20 Poulsen, 21 Cornelius, 24 Jensen.

      HAVE YOUR SAY
      Fancy being in with a chance of winning £250 cash? Predict the full-time score correctly before kick-off to enter our prize draw…
      It couldn’t be easier, so why not have a go? You’ve got to be in it to win it! Good luck.

      MAG-NIFICENT
      Man Utd defender Harry Maguire has insisted that England are focussed on tonight’s game against Ukraine.
      He said: “We had a great night the other day but we have done nothing. We’re fully focused on the game against Ukraine.
      “You’ve seen in this tournament that if you don’t perform to a high level, you lose your spot in the tournament.
      “So, mentally we’ll be focused, we’ll be ready. Ukraine have got good principles.
      “They like to play, build up. They’ve got a threat at the top end of the pitch with Yarmolenko so they’re a good team with a good structure.”
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      THREE LIONS
      A housing estate in London has covered the estate head-to-toe in England flags ahead of tonight’s game against Ukraine!

      RAHEEM THE DREAM
      Raheem Sterling is England’s top-scorer at Euro 2020.
      The Man City winger is two goals behind competition top-scorer Cristiano Ronaldo.

      ROME WASN’T BUILT IN A DAY
      Will Southgate lead England to back-to-back semi-finals in major international competitions?
      We will find out tonight!

      HONEST SOUTHGATE
      England boss Gareth Southgate has praised Ukraine as a “good side” ahead of tonight’s quarter-final clash.
      He said: “Ukraine are a good side. I’ve been really impressed with what Andriy’s done with them.
      “They had a couple of sticky results through the autumn, through the Nations League but they’ve bounced back, and they got a very good result in France, in the World Cup qualifiers and again this week against Sweden.
      “If we give them space to play, they’ll play, and they’ve got some dangerous forwards.
      “We’ve achieved one challenge but that’s not the Everest we set ourselves. We want to push on.”
      Gareth Southgate masterminded a historic winCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun
      CZECH REPUBLIC VS DENMARK
      Czech Republic vs Denmark in their Euro 2020 quarter-final kicks off in just over an hour…
      And remember, the winner could face England (fingers crossed) in the semi-final at Wembley!
      Follow every kick from that game over in Baku with SunSport’s live coverage right here…
      OH JACKY BOY
      Jack Grealish says he would be a club promoter in Spain if he was not a professional football player.
      Asked what he would do for work if he did not become a footballer, Grealish said: “My dad is a plasterer. I dunno if he is any good.
      “I couldn’t be a plasterer. I would be a club promoter.
      “Tenerife. Or Ibiza. I would be getting everyone into the club.”
      Credit: Reuters
      GAZZA EXCLUSIVE
      Paul Gascoigne says England can win the Euros if we throw all our support behind boss Gareth Southgate.
      Legend Gazza told fans and players ahead of tonight’s quarter-final with Ukraine in Rome: “If we trust in Gareth, everything else will come good.”
      Urging supporters at home and in Italy to play their part, he told The Sun: “The crucial thing is for as many England fans as possible to get to the game and, most importantly, get behind Gareth.
      “He’s the answer to everything for us, and we need to believe in him.”
      Gazza, now 54, was England’s hero in the 1996 tournament and rallied to Southgate’s side after his cruel penalty miss against Germany in the semi-final.
      The ex-Spurs and Lazio ace added: “I know Gareth well and we’re still good mates so I know he’s got what it takes to take us all the way. He’s the key.”

      WAYNE’S WORLD
      Remember this from Rooney at Euro 2012?

      WHEN IN ROME
      It is a beautiful sunny day in Rome as we build towards the quarter-final tonight.
      Staff are putting the final cleaning procedures in place for the huge tie in just a few short hours.

      WE PACK A PUNCH
      Ukrainian boxing champ Vitali Klitschko reckons his nation’s footie side can pack a punch, but admitted: “England are one of the best teams in the world.”
      The hard-hitting heavyweight turned adored politician spoke to The Sun ahead of his country’s big quarter-final clash against the Three Lions today.
      Proudly wearing his blue and yellow national team shirt, the legendary boxing icon insisted last night: “We are dangerous because of our unpredictability.
      “Hardly anyone imagined we would make it to the quarter-finals – for the first-time ever
      “This is why the potential of our team can come as a surprise to our competitors.”

      UKRAINE LOWDOWN
      All you need to know about tonight’s opponents for the Three Lions…

      ENGLAND VS UKRAINE HEAD-TO-HEAD
      Given that Ukraine didn’t have a national football team until 1992, there are no meetings between the two sides before that date.
      However, England and Ukraine have still played seven times with the Three Lions generally having the better of close encounters.

      REARS FOR CHEERS
      Models from Ukraine’s notorious “Butt Squad” – who were jailed for a racy photo shoot in Dubai – posed in Kyiv to support their country ahead of tonight’s Euro 2020 game against England.
      Their cheeky balcony snap on a skyscraper caused outrage when it went viral in April – but now four of the women used blue and yellow Ukrainian flags as props to back their team.
      Yana Graboshchuk, 27, a trained lawyer, said: “Our team is our pride, I believe in victory. We will watch and support Ukraine.”
      Fellow Butt Squad member Diana added: “Only forward, only victory.”

      MY PAL SHEVA
      Ukraine could have a “home advantage” in their Euro 2020 clash against England in Rome – thanks to their manager’s own glittering career in Italy.
      Andriy Shevchenko spent seven years as a hot-shot striker at AC Milan and is still adored by Italians to this day, a close pal and former team mate of the Ukrainian gaffer revealed.
      He told The Sun: “Fan factor is a massive advantage. And I think Ukraine just might have a slight edge in that regard.
      “Shevchenko still enjoys particular respect and adoration from Italian fans and is a hero there from his time at AC Milan.”
      BY GEORGE, WE’LL WIN
      England will make a bid for glory tonight in Rome – and fans across the nation are nervously lifting a glass to toast Gareth Southgate’s Lions.
      Expats have flown in from Dubai, Spain, the Czech Republic and other EU countries – as supporters flock to pubs to toast players’ fortunes ahead of kick-off at 8pm.

      TIME FOR PENS?
      Unlikely style-icon Gareth Southgate has been wearing a high-tech limited edition watch at Euro 2020, that among other things notifies him of PENALTIES.
      The England manager has become something of a trend-setter, tracing back to the 2018 World Cup when his suave waist coat saw sales of the M&S garment rocket.
      For this tournament, he’s been sporting a Hublot watch – one of just 1,000 made – which helps him to follow matches in real time.
      The time-piece allows him to view info on any match at Euro 2020, with info displayed on the large screen face including cards awarded, substitutions and goals.

      THUMB WARS
      The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed Jack Grealish playing with a bandage on his hand during the Euros so far.
      And the Aston Villa playmaker has explained why..
      Asked about the injury, England’s No 7 said: “[Japhet] Tanganga from Tottenham threw me on the floor and I broke my thumb.”
      Though Grealish has revealed not being able to play his PlayStation has been the worst part of the injury.

      ENGLAND XI
      SunSport’s predicted England XI for tonight, with Jadon Sancho getting his first call up of the tournament.
      Not a bad week at all for the 21-year-old, who’s £73m transfer to Man Utd was confirmed on Thursday afternoon.

      PATH TO FINAL
      The path to immortality has become clear for Gareth Southgate & Co.
      Beat Ukraine tonight then it’s Czech Republic or Denmark in the semi-final.
      Then Spain or Italy in a mouth-watering final.
      Both the semi-finals AND the final take place at Wembley Stadium.
      We. Can’t. Wait!

      TODAY’S EURO 2020 MATCHES
      It is Denmark vs Czech Republic in Baku in this evening’s first match of the day at 5pm BST
      Then Ukraine vs England at 8pm in Rome.
      The winners of both games face off in their semi-final next Tuesday night at Wembley Stadium.
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      Euro 2020 LIVE: Spinazzola ‘out for months’ after Achilles injury, England vs Ukraine build up – latest updates

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      EURO 2020 is rolling on at pace as the quarter-finals continue.And what a tournament we’ve had so far – world champs France OUT, holders Portugal OUT, Belgium’s Golden Generation OUT and England FINALLY beating Germany.
      The Three Lions next face Ukraine in Rome tonight in their final eight clash.
      But travel restrictions mean there will be no England fans in attendance at the Stadio Olimpico.
      Meanwhile Leonardo Spinazzola is reportedly out for months after being stretchered off in Italy’s win against Belgium.
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      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      SEVENTH HEAVEN
      England take on Ukraine tonight in a massive Euro 2020 quarter-final.
      It is the seventh time they have reached this stage of a major tournament in the last 25 years, dating back to Euro 96 on home soil.
      And all the evidence suggests this evening’s game in Rome will be another tight affair.
      SunSport takes a look back at the previous six crunch clashes – with just one win inside the 120 minutes and THREE penalty shootout defeats HERE.
      TIME FOR PENS?
      Gareth Southgate has been wearing a high-tech limited edition watch at Euro 2020, that among other things notifies him of PENALTIES.
      The England manager has become something of a trend-setter, tracing back to the 2018 World Cup when his suave waist coat saw sales of the M&S garment rocket.
      For this tournament, he’s been sporting a Hublot watch – one of just 1,000 made – which helps him to follow matches in real time.
      The time-piece allows him to view info on any match at Euro 2020, with info displayed on the large screen face including cards awarded, substitutions and goals.
      There is also the option to view line-ups and player-rankings – potentially helping the Three Lions chief with his substitutions and giving him the lowdown on opponents.
      Perhaps the most notable feature on the Hublot Big Bang e UEFA EURO 2020 for Southgate is the penalty alerts with any awarded in a match flashing up on the watch.

      TEAM NEWS
      Two-goal last-16 hero Dolberg starts for the Danes while Boril replaces Kaderabek at left-back for Czech Republic.

      TEAR WE GO
      Three Lions supporters have donated tens of thousands of pounds for a tearful young Germany fan spotted sobbing after her nation’s Euros loss to England. 
      Generous fans opened their wallets after Welshman Joel Hughes created a JustGiving page for the girl whose reaction to Joachim Low’s team’s exit was cruelly ridiculed. 
      And they have since donated more than £26,000 – far exceeding the initial £500 target – ahead of England’s quarter-final battle with Ukraine. 
      Some attendees at the last-16 clash between England and Germany were seen cheering as footage of the young supporter crying was broadcast across screens after the match. 
      Gary Lineker and Stan Collymore were among the football stars who criticised the taunts directed towards the girl pictured wearing a Germany shirt. 
      FORZA ITALIA
      Italy’s midfield maestro Manuel Locatelli has tweeted after the team got past the No1 ranked team in the world, Belgium, in the quarter-finals.
      They will face Spain at Wembley in the semi-finals next Tuesday.

      HOLY SCHICK
      Patrik Schick’s super strike against Scotland is still goal of the tournament!
      Patrik Schick’s incredible goal for the Czech Republic vs Scotland
      GREAT DANES
      Denmark bounced back from two-straight defeats in their opening group games.
      And they’re one win away from a semi-final.
      Eriksen will be watching on tonight, and it would be incredible if Denmark went all the way for him.

      FUTURE STAR
      Belgium’s Jeremy Doku has expressed his disappointment with last night’s result against Italy.
      The Rennes youngster took to Twitter saying: “Very disappointed after the result but I am grateful for the experiences I have had in my first tournament.
      “Thanks to my team-mates, coaches and the fans for supporting me.
      “We will be back!”
      Very disappointed after the result but I am grateful for the experiences I have had in my first tournament. Thanks to my teammates, coaches and the fans for supporting me 🙏🏾🙌🏾 We will be back! 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/3WlRVXcsXB— Jeremy Doku (@JeremyDoku) July 3, 2021

      THREE LIONS
      F1 driver George Russell is sporting an England top in Austria today!

      IMPOSING FIGURE
      Man Utd captain Harry Maguire is just as dominant in a game of volleyball as he is on a football pitch! 

      YELLOW PERIL 
      England take on Ukraine tonight in Rome with a place in the Euro 2020 semi-final up for grabs, writes JAMES ORR.
      But boss Gareth Southgate faces a selection dilemma with a quartet of players on a yellow card and risking suspension for the semi-final should they pick up another one.
      Which England players are on a yellow card?
      England have four players on a yellow card going into tonight’s match.
      They are Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, Phil Foden and Harry Maguire.
      Should any of those players pick up a yellow card in Rome they will be suspended for the semi-final should the Three Lions progress.
      When do yellow cards reset?
      Yellow card, however, reset following the conclusion of the quarter-finals.
      This means that the only way to miss the final through suspension would be to receive a red card in the semi-final.
      CZECH MATE
      The Czech Republic have been one of the surprises of the tournament so far.
      The Czechs got through a group consisting of England, Croatia and Scotland.
      And they saw off the Netherlands in their own back yard in the Round of 16.
      They face Denmark in the quarter-finals tonight.

      WRIGHT PRAISES XHAKA
      Arsenal legend Ian Wright heaped praise on Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka after his performances at Euro 2020.
      Speaking on ITV’s Football Show Podcast, he said: “That is the best I’ve ever seen him [Xhaka] play.
      “I feel for him because he’s someone I’ve been very critical of in the past and when you see a performance like, do you blame him or the coaches for not getting those performances out of him in the past?
      “I have never seen him used to that effect. There’s no way Arsenal should be selling a player that can play like that, at that level. 
      “So unfortunately for us it looks like he is going but I’m delighted for him because he’s answered a lot of critics. He was magnificent.”
      SING AND DANCE
      The Italian national team sang a little song for Leonardo Spinazzola who has picked up a nasty injury.
      Spinazzola has played a key role in Italy’s Euro 2020 campaign, but won’t make the latter stages.

      ROAD TO WEMBLEY
      Here’s England’s possible road to the final!

      TEAM NEWS: DENMARK VS CZECH REPUBLIC
      The Czechs have been handed a boost with the return of left-back Jan Boril after suspension, writes JOE BROPHY.
      However, captain Vladimir Darida and Jakub Jankto face a fight to get back into the side after they were benched against Holland in favour of the impressive Antonin Barak and Petr Sevcik.
      Yussuf Poulsen – who bagged in games with Belgium and Russia – missed the win over Wales due to injury.
      Yet the RB Leipzig striker is back in contention, as is skipper Simon Kjaer and Daniel Wass.
      Denmark head coach Kasper Hjulmand said: “I think it would take a lot to hold him [Kjaer] back and keep him out of the match on Saturday.
      “Yussuf Poulsen had something with his thigh. It’s not a strain that keeps him out for weeks. We assume he’s getting ready. And Wass is recovering.”

      ALARM BEL
      Kevin De Bruyne played the entire Euro 2020 quarter-final with torn ankle ligaments in a major concern to Manchester City, writes JOSHUA JONES.
      The Belgium superstar, 30, was a doubt heading into last night’s crunch clash with Italy in Munich.
      He raced back from a fractured eye socket to be fit for the tournament but then picked up an ankle problem in the round-of-16 win over Portugal.
      However, Roberto Martinez selected his creative talisman from the outset to take on the Azzurri – with De Bruyne believing he had a ‘responsibility’ to play. 
      The two-time PFA Player of the Year said: “For me personally it has been four or five weird weeks. But I especially want to thank the medical staff. 
      “It was a miracle that I played today because there was definitely damage to my ankle. A tear in my ligaments.
      “But I felt a responsibility to play for my country today. Too bad I couldn’t do more.”
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      ROME-BOUND
      Prime minister Boris Johnson has wished the travelling England team good luck for their Euro 2020 quarter-final game against Ukraine!
      Great to sign a huge @England flag in support of the @FA Respect campaign.Discrimination has no place in football and we want to ensure a fun and inclusive environment for everyone.Good luck to the team today, we’re right behind you! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿#SignYourSupport pic.twitter.com/UGaa16oaPE— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) July 3, 2021

      SURPRISE PACKAGE
      Ukraine have been a surprise package at Euro 2020.
      Managed by football legend Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine have gone further in the competition than they ever have before.
      Ukraine face England in the quarter-finals at the Stadio Olympico, Rome, tonight.

      TEAM NEWS: ENGLAND VS UKRAINE
      England have a clean bill of health tonight but boss Southgate has a number of selection issues to juggle for the quarter-final, writes JOE BROPHY.
      Jack Grealish shone during his cameo against Germany and will be pushing for only his second start of the tournament.
      Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane are both guaranteed starters so it remains to be seen whether England will revert to the 4-3-3 set-up that they used in the group stages.
      Four players – Harry Maguire, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice and Phil Foden – are also one booking away from suspension.
      The Three Lions shifted to three at the back to match Germany but the formation could be tweaked to accommodate Mason Mount.
      Mount and Chelsea team-mate Ben Chilwell were forced to quarantine after coming into contact with Billy Gilmour following England’s draw with Scotland on June 18.
      The 22-year-old was available to face Germany but wasn’t risked after missing out on tactical work with the rest of the team during training.
      Mount could now return against Ukraine as the most attacking of a midfield three alongside Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice.
      Yet the latter duo are both one booking away from missing the semi-final meaning Jordan Henderson could come in.
      Ukraine meanwhile will be without striker Artem Besedin after he was ruled OUT of the remainder of the Euros.
      The 25-year-old was the victim of a horror challenge from Marcus Danielson that saw the Swedish defender shown a straight red card.

      RAHEEM THE DREAM
      Raheem Sterling – despite a rather poor season at Man City – has been England’s main man at Euro 2020.

      GOOD MORNING EURO 2020 FANS
      Italy will face Spain in the first semi-final at Wembley after both sides were victorious last night.
      The Spanish edged a tight penalty shoot-out 3-1 against Switzerland after a 1-1 draw in normal time that stayed the same throughout extra-time.
      Jordi Alba’s deflected effort put Spain 1-0 up inside ten minutes before Xherdan Shaqiri capitalised on some sloppy defending to make it 1-1 in the second half.
      And in Munich, Italy beat Belgium 2-1 in an enthralling encounter.
      Roberto Mancini’s side raced into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Insigne.
      But just moments after Insigne’s 44th-minute wonder strike, Romelu Lukaku scored a penalty on the stroke of half-time to make it 2-1.
      Roberto Martinez’s Red Devils huffed and puffed after the break and had several huge chances but did not get the rub of the green.
      Italy will face Spain on Tuesday to determine who makes the final.
      And fans will have a clearer idea of who the other finalist might be tonight when England face Ukraine in Rome and Czech Republic face Denmark.
      The Three Lions are sweating over the fitness of Bukayo Saka after he picked up a knock in training.
      But England legend Paul Gascoigne says the Three Lions can win the Euros if we throw all our support behind boss Gareth Southgate.
      Legend Gazza told fans and players ahead of tonight’s quarter-final with Ukraine in Rome: “If we trust in Gareth, everything else will come good.”
      Gazza’s Three Lions battle cry came as captain Harry Kane got off the plane ready to cane Ukraine.
      Urging supporters at home and in Italy to play their part, he told The Sun: “The crucial thing is for as many England fans as possible to get to the game and, most importantly, get behind Gareth. He’s the answer to everything for us, and we need to believe in him.”
      Gazza, now 54, was England’s hero in the 1996 tournament and rallied to Southgate’s side after his cruel penalty miss against Germany in the semi-final.
      The ex-Spurs and Lazio ace added: “I know Gareth well and we’re still good mates so I know he’s got what it takes to take us all the way. He’s the key.”
      EURO STAR – EXCLUSIVE
      Jose Mourinho column
      As a manager going into a massive week like the one Gareth Southgate is facing, the pressure is everywhere — and you have only one option.
      You become a lonely animal. You don’t socialise, you don’t walk in the street, you don’t shop, you don’t read anything, you don’t watch television, you don’t put on the sports radio in the car.
      Gareth had the courage to do what he felt was best with his team selection against Germany and it paid off.
      He is showing personality, a capacity to deal with all this pressure around the England team.
      I think that pressure is only going to increase. Because the feeling now — and it’s my feeling too, I won’t hide it — is that England has to reach the final.
      The national team is the club of everybody. Everybody cares. Everybody has an opinion.

      ARE EU OK?
      Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara showed his class after consoling Ruben Vargas following Switzerland’s Euro 2020 exit.
      The Augsburg winger, 22, was one of three Swiss players to miss in the penalty shootout as they were knocked out in the quarter-finals.
      Switzerland missed out on the chance to reach the semi-final of a major competition for the first time in their history.
      Their defeat reduced Vargas to tears following the shootout, with Liverpool ace Thiago quick to console the youngster.
      And the ex-Bayern Munich star also comforted goalkeeper Yann Sommer following his epic performance.

      GAZZA BACKS GAFFER – EXCLUSIVE
      Paul Gascoigne says England can win the Euros if we throw all our support behind boss Gareth Southgate.
      Legend Gazza told fans and players ahead of tonight’s quarter-final with Ukraine in Rome: “If we trust in Gareth, everything else will come good.”
      Gazza’s Three Lions battle cry came as captain Harry Kane got off the plane ready to cane Ukraine.
      Urging supporters at home and in Italy to play their part, he told The Sun: “The crucial thing is for as many England fans as possible to get to the game and, most importantly, get behind Gareth. He’s the answer to everything for us, and we need to believe in him.”
      Gazza, now 54, was England’s hero in the 1996 tournament and rallied to Southgate’s side after his cruel penalty miss against Germany in the semi-final.
      The ex-Spurs and Lazio ace added: “I know Gareth well and we’re still good mates so I know he’s got what it takes to take us all the way. He’s the key.”

      Load more entries… More

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      England fans tell Southgate he MUST start Jack Grealish vs Ukraine and give verdict on risking stars on yellow cards

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      ENGLAND fans insist Jack Grealish MUST start against Ukraine tonight.But they are set to be left disappointed.
      Fans insist Jack Grealish must start against Ukraine… but the ace is set to miss outCredit: Getty
      England are set to field this team against Ukraine… but does it match what SunSport readers think?
      As revealed by SunSport, Grealish looks on course to start the crunch Euro 2020 quarter final on the bench.
      And Jadon Sancho – fresh from agreeing to join Manchester United – is expected to be handed a shock place in the starting XI.
      However, 80.4 per cent of SunSport readers told us Gareth Southgate MUST start Grealish.
      And 63 per cent said they wanted England to revert to a four-man defence, with only 19.4 per cent opting to retain the back five system which defeated Germany 2-0.
      We also asked readers who they want to see line up on the right wing.
      Sancho, set for his first start tonight, picked up 32.7 per cent of the vote.
      But that was LESS than Bukayo Saka, who took home 40.6 per cent after starring against Czech Republic and Germany.
      Meanwhile, only 26.7 per cent of readers opted for Phil Foden, who will miss out for the third consecutive game.

      England vs Ukraine betting special

      Jadon Sancho will get his first start of the tournament, even though SunSport readers would prefer to see Bukayo SakaCredit: PA

      SunSport readers also had their say on England’s yellow card risks.
      It was a tight call regarding centre-back Harry Maguire, who looked at home in the last 16 after recovering from injury and is also set to play.
      50.7 per cent said he should NOT start in order to avoid a potential ban for the semis, with 49.3 per cent opting to thrust Maguire into tonight’s team.
      Harry Maguire will continue in defence even though he risks being banned for the semisCredit: Getty
      Supporters also feel Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice should be left out, although both are set to startCredit: PA
      Midfield anchor stars Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips also set to continue, despite also risking bans for the semis if either picked up a booking.
      And a whopping 28.7 per cent voted to leave BOTH men out of the XI to face Ukraine, while 21.6 per cent said they must both start from the first whistle.
      With Jordan Henderson itching for his first start of the tournament, 26.1 per cent insisted Phillips should play while Rice is rested.
      And 23.7 per cent opted for the opposite, with Rice playing and Phillips axed.
      England fans get on the beers early in Rome ahead of Euro 2020 quarter final with Ukraine More

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      England fans lucky enough to make it to Rome hit the bars ahead of Ukraine match as Brits back home settle into pubs

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      ENGLAND fans lucky enough to fly into Rome for tonight’s quarter-finals clash have hit bars in the sunshine – as Brits back home settle into pubs.Supporters around the world are nervously lifting a glass to toast Gareth Southgate’s Lions this afternoon ahead of the players’ bid for glory.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Hundreds of Brits will be in Rome tonight for the England gameCredit: Reuters
      Bookies are predicting Southgate’s team will romp home with a victoryCredit: Reuters
      England fans unable to make it to Rome out in LiverpoolCredit: SWNS
      Some enjoyed a kick-about in the sunshine in the Italian capitalCredit: EPA
      Although most – like these supporters in Newcastle – will watch the game from the UKCredit: NNP
      And while most of us will be watching the game from the local boozer, hundreds of fans have made it to the Italian capital and are now toasting the team’s fortunes ahead of the 8pm kick-off.
      Tonight’s clash with Ukraine comes just days after Brits awoke with sore heads after a wild night of celebrations following the win over Germany, prompting plenty of calls in sick.
      Bookies have slashed the odds on an England victory – meaning tomorrow could well be a write-off for millions.
      And even England’s 1966 World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst thinks it’s coming home.
      He tweeted: “Come on England. You can do it. Good luck tonight.”
      It comes as:

      UK cities are packed with punters preparing for the match, while expats in Italy are biting their nails.
      Die-hard fans were told not to fly out to Rome for tonight’s Euro 2020 game as the destination is on the travel amber list – meaning returning travellers face quarantine upon their return to the UK.
      Anyone caught breaking Covid regulations could be hit with a £386 fine.
      But double-jabbed, Covid-secure arrivals via France were allowed a 36-hour window without having to self-isolate.
      And expats have flown in to Rome from Dubai, Spain, the Czech Republic and other EU countries.
      Around 300 fans have arrived from the UAE alone – paying a whopping £700 for a return ticket – while another 200 are expected to join Brits living in Italy.
      Amazingly, England has received backing from an unexpected quarter.
      Germany fans still in Italy say they’ll be backing Brits in the match after they were swayed by the passionate support they saw at Wembley this week.
      The Three Lions take on Ukraine at Stadio Olympico in Rome in its first Euro quarter-final for 25 years.
      Supporters marked the occasion by donning St George costumes in Newcastle, while in London, Prime Minister Boris Johnson posed for photograph outside 10 Downing Street with a giant St George’s flag.
      Residents living on a football-mad estate in West London have put up more than 200 flags of their own – and they started singing “It’s Coming Home” at 7am.
      Fans gather in Rome ahead of Ukraine v England
      Boozers are packed with Brits draped in flags ahead of the quarter-finalsCredit: AP
      Some of those who travelled for the match wore scarves – despite today’s 31c heatCredit: PA
      These friends grabbed a pint in sun-soaked RomeCredit: Reuters
      England fans at Centenary Square in BirminghamCredit: SWNS
      Those who made the journey will be hoping for magic from KaneCredit: SWNS
      The residents of Towfield Court in Feltham have spent all their freehours decorating the estate in tribute to the Lions.
      Elsewhere in the capital, crowds are gathering for a fan zone in Trafalgar Square.
      Bradley Hayden, 27, doesn’t have a ticket for the event – but had travelled into the city centre from Barnes to “be part of the atmosphere”.
      “I thought, ‘Why not come down, get in the thick of it and see what it’s about’,” he said.
      “I think we’ve got to have our trust in Southgate – he’s got us this far.
      “The boys will do us proud tonight.”
      But for others, the temptation to watch their team perform was too great.
      Chris Pike, 32, flew into Rome from his home in Dubai with group of five friends, telling the MailOnline: “There will be more England fans in the stadium than Ukraine and we will make as much noise as possible.
      “I’ve got my England shirt and we will do all we can to cheer England on.’
      Pike and friend Henry Mark are expecting to fork out £2000 for the entire trip after paying £250 for match tickets and £700 for their flight.
      “It really is a one off and fantastic to be here in Rome and cheer on England. I will get my white shirt on later and we are looking to see if we can get any flags.”
      Police are on patrol in the streets this afternoonCredit: AP
      Brits are already lifting a nervous pint ahead of the game, which kicks off at 8pm UK time
      England fans raised a glass to the team this afternoon in ItalyCredit: Reuters
      In London, Boris Johnson posed for photograph outside 10 Downing Street with a giant St George’s flagCredit: No 10 Downing Street / BEEM
      Ukraine’s notorious ‘Butt Squad’ flash their bums to show supportCredit: east 2west news
      Dubai is on Italy’s approved list of countries – which means arrivals to not have quarantine.
      Malcolm Clarke, chairman of the Football Supporters’ Association, said fans in England are disappointed about not being able to travel, but added: “We’ve got used to a bit of disappointment”.
      He told Times Radio: “We haven’t been watching football live for a long time – club games and internationals (have) been missed, so to some extent, people got used to it.”
      Mr Clarke joked that fans were just hoping “England can give us something to cheer about”.
      Jack Francis, 20, from Southampton, travelled to Rome from France.
      “I’m feeling confident for the game especially if we play the way we did against Germany,” he said.
      “But with the lack of home advantage it will be interesting to see how we play in our first away game of the tournament, but hopefully the England fans here will do all they can to give the players a boost.”
      Many of the tickets have been sold to some of the 30,000 expats who live in Italy and the FA returned its allocation of tickets for the 16,000-capacity stadium.
      The Three Lions secured their place in the tournament’s last eight with an historic victory over Germany.
      The win – courtesy of second-half goals from Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane – was their first over their old rivals in 55 years.
      And better yet, Southgate’s team are the only remaining side yet to concede a goal after a 1-0 win over Croatia and the Czech Republic and a goalless draw with Scotland.
      If the team manage a victory in Rome, they will face either the Czech Republic or Denmark next week.
      Football legend Gary Lineker told fans: “Pace yourself today, kick off is not until 8 o’clock,” with a beer stein emoji.
      But – perhaps unsurprisingly – those watching the game on home turf will spend a small fortune on food and booze today.
      Forecasters predict a £533m pay-out for refreshments.
      Six million pints will be knocked back during the game alone – with 19m sunk over the course of the day, according to metro.co.uk.

      Beers sales soared 60 per cent at the Co-op and by 40 per cent at Sainsbury’s and Waitrose as fans spend £348millioon stocking up on match-day essentials to consume at home.
      England and Ukraine have played seven times with the Three Lions generally having the better of close encounters.
      The Three Lions won four matches, drew two, and lost one since 1999.
      Boris Johnson unveils huge England flag ahead of Euro 2020 quarter-final match More

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      England stars’ phones ringing about transfers while at Euro 2020 as Southgate says ‘we can’t stop business happening’

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has admitted ‘we can’t stop business happening’ after Jadon Sancho’s move to Manchester United was confirmed this week.The Three Lions boss is eager to avoid distraction as he attempts to lead England to major silverware for the first time since 1966.
      Gareth Southgate has opened up on England stars being linked with transfers during Euro 2020Credit: Reuters
      Sancho, 21, has performed well in training this weekCredit: PA
      But Sancho, 21, hasn’t been negatively affected by this week’s transfer – in fact his training level has gotten even better – with SunSport exclusively revealing that he will be handed a start by Southgate against Ukraine tonight.
      Asked by ITV whether the winger’s situation has subdued his efforts, the England boss said: “No, in fact I think Jadon over the last seven days has trained the best level in the time with us.
      “You accept there are lots of ongoing transfer situations and nobody is coming in for talks, nobody is going out for talks.
      “But we can’t stop people’s phones ringing and we can’t stop business happening outside of that and you just have to trust the players and they’re all very focused.
      “I haven’t really had a long discussion with him about it at this moment, because that story’s been going on for 12 months.
      “When everything’s confirmed I’m sure I’ll have a chat with him.
      “But there’s so much speculation about all of our players, I don’t pick up every little individual piece but I’m checking in with the players every single day to see how they are and the biggest thing is he’s been very focused in his training and that’s been good.”
      Man United finally sealed a £73million move for Sancho this week, after over a year of haggling with Borussia Dortmund.

      Sancho has seen just six minutes of action so far at Euro 2020Credit: Getty
      England vs Ukraine betting special

      The former Man City starlet agreed a five year, £350,000-a-week deal at Old Trafford.
      And he is after Edinson Cavani’s No7 shirt, as he looks to put the jersey’s ‘curse’ to bed.
      A number of other England stars have been linked with transfers this summer.
      Harry Kane is reportedly angling for a move to Manchester City, while Jack Grealish is also on Pep Guardiola’s radar.
      West Ham star Declan Rice has rejected two contract offers amid Man United and Chelsea interest.
      While Kieran Trippier is on the Red Devils’ radar.
      Harry Kane and Declan Rice have both been linked with transfersCredit: PA

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Man Utd re-sign goalkeeper Tom Heaton on free transfer More

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      Harry Maguire’s footy player brother Laurence and family cheering him from home vs Ukraine after following him to Russia

      by

      HARRY MAGUIRE’S biggest armchair fan during England’s clash with Ukraine is likely to be his younger brother Laurence. Covid restrictions mean the Chesterfield defender – who also plays for the Three Lions C team – will have to watch his older sibling anxiously from home this evening.
      Harry Maguire and the Three Lions hope to set up semi-final clash with the Czech Republic or DenmarkCredit: Reuters
      Harry’s brothers Laurence (left) and Joe (right) will be cheering him and England on against UkraineCredit: Tim Stewart
      The Derbyshire Times reports members of the Man United skipper’s family have been unable to travel to Rome’s Stadio Olimpico – the venue of England’s quarter-final duel. 
      It is far cry from when Laurence travelled to Russia to cheer on Harry’s exploits at the 2018 World Cup, where England lost Croatia in the semi-finals.
      And the Maguire family will be eagerly supporting the Red Devils centre-back, 28, who is targeting the first Euros semis for the Three Lions since 1996.

      EURO 2020 FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      Laurence told the Derbyshire Times: “We are having a bit of a gathering tonight with family and friends so hopefully we will be jumping around later on
      “It is a disappointment that we can’t be out there. Without Covid we would have all been there. 
      “It is disappointing because you always want to follow him wherever he is playing, especially in the quarter-final of a major tournament.” 
      Laurence, 24, who was born in Sheffield, is a product of Chesterfield FC’s academy. 
      The player made his first-team debut for the fifth tier National League outfit in a 2-1 EFL Trophy win against Wolverhampton Wanderers reserves in 2016. 
      Maguire put on an impressive performance against Germany in England’s Euros last 16 win against the teamCredit: Rex

      The versatile centre-back, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, is a member of England’s c-team, a national side made up of non-league footballers. 
      And the player, who is the youngest of three Maguire brothers admitted to being anxious watching older sibling Harry and his team-mates defeat Germany 2-0. 
      Laurence added: “A lot of the time I get nervous watching him but particularly this tournament.
      “In the Germany game, the first 10-15 minutes, I could not really watch him, my stomach was turning. 
      “I always watch every movement that he does, every kick he takes, I am watching.
      “It is like today, I have woken up this morning with butterflies, nerves, a little bit of excitement as well, but hopefully come 10pm tonight we are all jumping for joy.”
      Maguire overcame ankle injury issues to battle his way into England’s starting line-upCredit: AFP
      Laurence is reported to chat to Harry and his oldest brother Joe, 29, on the phone on a regular basis. 
      And the Derbyshire Times says the youngest Maguire brother will be sending Red Devils captain Harry a good luck message via text. 
      The former Leicester City ace, who recovered from an ankle injury during the tournament, put in an impressive defensive shift during his side’s win against Germany.
      And the victory saw the Man United ace and his Three Lions team-mates set up their duel with Andriy Schevchenko’s Ukraine. 

      Spireites centre-back Laurence said: “He is a massive inspiration to me.
      “To have someone in your family doing so well in football, and with me playing football as well, it makes a big difference.
      “He has been really good with me, every time I play he gives me feedback, he texts me, rings me, what I can do better, what I have been good at. 
      “It is a big inspiration for me to try and play at the highest level as you can. We are all so proud of what he is doing.”
      Maguire, who has 34 England international caps, began his senior playing career at Sheffield United in 2011 before moving in 2014.
      And the defender spent a season at Wigan before sealing a switch to Leicester City in 2017 where he made 76 appearances across all competitions over a two-season stint
      The player would later become the world’s most expensive defender after sealing a sensational £85million six-year move to Man United from the Foxes in August 2019. 
      And his brother hopes to see Harry achieve glory at this year’s Euros. 
      Raheem Sterling will look to net his fourth Euros goal after scoring against GermanyCredit: Rex
      The Chesterfield ace added: “It would be unbelievable.
      “Obviously to see something like that happen would be a bit surreal, to be honest. 
      “But I am not really thinking about that right now.
      “I want him to have a good game tonight, hopefully, win, and I think if we win tonight we can start dreaming and thinking about him getting his hands on the trophy and the big celebrations which will happen in England.”
      England wonderkid Bukayo Saka is mocked by golf-mad Harry Maguire after two air shots on the tee More