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      England boss Gareth Southgate is making the right decisions in Euro 2020 run

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      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.
      Jose Mourinho is impressed with Gareth Southgate’s management and trusts England to progress to the semi-finals
      Southgate has included the right personalities in his squad, says Mourinho
      You have two telephones. One, you switch off in these moments.
      The one you keep on is just for your close circle of family and top friends, the ones who are not going to speak with you about football. Switch off the other phone, have no contact, and think for yourself.
      A guy who is walking his dog will tell you, ‘Come on, pick this player’.
      You go to the gas station and someone says, ‘Play this one, or the other one,’  and you think, ‘Leave me in peace’.
      The national team is the perfect scenario because you are in a football bubble — I’m not even talking about Covid — you are together in the same hotel, you aren’t going out to restaurants or meeting people.­
      It’s the best environment to close the door on the outside world. Then, after the match, you have to face the world and you can be a genius or an idiot — that’s the power of football.
      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.

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      So now, in spite of Ukraine not being the strongest quarter-final opponents, the pressure is there and Gareth has to cope.
      Sometimes it’s difficult, because you can know what is best for the team, but you also know you can be a target for critics.
      If you are weak, if you are not 100 per cent sure, then you don’t go with your beliefs and you lose with the ideas of others and are criticised anyway. So it’s better to lose with your own ideas.
      Imagine if Gareth reads and listens to my opinion and everyone else’s. Come on, the man would go crazy.
      If Gareth makes changes against Ukraine and loses tonight, he’s going to be crucified. In this moment, not just criticised — but crucified.
      I think he will rest some players and trust in his squad, which is strong.One of the things I admire about Gareth is that there are good players who are not in the squad, because they are not good players to be on the bench.
      I look at England and, for sure, there are some boys who aren’t happy they aren’t playing.
      But you don’t see bad behaviour, bad faces, you don’t see the guy taking ten minutes to put on the shin pads, or just touching his socks when he warms up.
      England don’t have that problem. It’s a healthy group and Gareth makes those decisions because he asks, he knows, has connections with club coaches.
      This group was well-chosen. In a national team you need guys who — even if they don’t play  a minute — they train well and push the others. Against Ukraine, I believe Gareth will find  balance.
      SHEVA IS SO CLEVER
      I WORKED with Ukraine’s head coach Andriy Shevchenko when he was a player at Chelsea and he is a calm guy, with emotional balance.
      Sheva is a golf player. I don’t believe he shouts or gets angry. He will be the guy to calm them down, give them trust.
      He will not just give his players the benefit of his experience, but also his status as the biggest player ever in Ukraine.
      So he will be fully respected by the young boys in his squad.
      He will say, ‘OK, we don’t have the same status as the England players but we have to do it this way’.
      I see Sheva like an older brother or a young teacher to those players — simple but organised.
      He is perfect for a national team job, where your relationship with the players is different to a club.
      I think England will beat Ukraine but Sheva will not make it easy for them.

      Mourinho says he would start Jack Grealish but expects Declan Rice or Kalvin Phillips will miss out on a start
      He’s not going to risk Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice together —  they are both on one booking and could be suspended for the semi-final.
      He may rest Harry Maguire, who is also on a booking, but Tyrone Mings has played well.
      In this game there is no reason to go with a back five. Against Sweden, Ukraine were playing against ten men and they had five players on the halfway line.
      They won — but they didn’t really go for it. They will be very respectful to England.
      They will be really defensive and try to counter-attack. Against the Germans, you needed to be very organised.
      Against Ukraine you need to disorganise them, create chaos, create superiorities and to win individual duels. Jack Grealish is the best at that, so I’d start him.
      I don’t believe England will become complacent.
      They know this is the best opportunity they will ever get — to play Ukraine, then a semi-final at Wembley against Denmark or the Czech Republic.
      I think they have the right mentality — and a coach with the courage to make the unpopular decisions.

      When a coach gets results, he is surrounded by supporters. But when his decisions don’t get results, he is a lonely man.
      And in the moment of your decisions, even with your close circle of assistants and analysts, you are a lonely man.
      If you get the result, you are amazing, you are very popular and everyone shares your opinion.
      But you have to make those tough decisions — and Gareth is making the right ones.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Bukayo Saka’s trains with England ahead of Euro 2020 Ukraine clash despite doubts he will play More

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      Harry Maguire tips England pal Jadon Sancho to have stunning Man Utd career after sealing Borussia Dortmund transfer

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      HARRY MAGUIRE reckons Jadon Sancho will be a stunning  success for Manchester United — despite his frustrating Euro 2020.Borussia Dortmund and the Red Devils have agreed a £73MILLION deal for the winger, who has played in  Germany for four years after leaving Manchester City.
      Harry Maguire says he has been impressed with Jadon Sancho’s attitude and ability in England training ahead of his Man Utd moveCredit: Getty
      United skipper Maguire is sure Dortmund winger Sancho will get to grips with life at Old Trafford after the EurosCredit: Getty
      Sancho, 21, has barely played during this tournament and only appeared as an 84th-minute sub in the 1-0 win over Czech Republic.
      Old Trafford skipper Maguire, preparing for tonight’s  quarter-final against Ukraine in Rome, said: “When he does sign, I’m sure he’s going to have a great career for United and be a big part of us being successful in the future.
      “Jadon’s a top player. He has exceptional  talent even though he is still really young, although he has played so many games.
      “We’ve got some exceptional talent in his position in this England team so Jadon will bide his time, be patient and be ready when his opportunity comes.
      “I’ve been really impressed with the way he has been working in training.  He’s really putting a shift in day in day out.
      “He has some great talent.  He is scoring goals in the five-a-sides and so on. He’s a great lad.”
      United announced on Thursday they had agreed terms with Dortmund.

      Jadon Sancho was in sensational form for Dortmund last seasonCredit: EPA

      Sancho was not even on the substitutes’ bench for the first Euro 2020 game against Croatia but has impressed during his time in the Bundesliga.
      But at times, his attitude has been questioned at  Dortmund and 28-year-old Maguire — United’s £85m signing from Leicester — will be a good example to follow on the pitch.
      The big question is whether Sancho takes note.
      Maguire, who has been impressive in his last two games since returning from an ankle injury, does not mind it if England keep winning by slender margins.
      He said: “As a player our main objective is winning football matches. If we win 1-0 now until the end of the tournament, everyone will be happy. It is about winning matches.

      “When I speak about our clean sheets, our defensive record, it is not about defenders, not about our goalkeeper. It is about us as a unit.
      “Of course we want to score goals, we want to entertain, we want to impress everybody.
      “Maybe we have got to start being better like we were in Russia.
      “Of course scoring goals and sharing it around would make it easier in terms of  winning matches but the bottom line as a group of players is we just want to win football matches.
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      “It doesn’t matter the scoreline or who scores the goal. It’s just about having someone put the ball in the back of the net. Let’s win the game and go through. That’s the main objective.”
      Maguire also revealed he and Manchester City centre-back John Stones, 27, often give each other rollickings during matches.
      He said: “John does not mind telling me things that I could do better, or if I have done something wrong. And I don’t mind telling him.” 
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Bukayo Saka’s trains with England ahead of Euro 2020 Ukraine clash despite doubts he will play More

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      England Euro 2020 stars must be prepared for battle against war-torn Ukraine

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      ENGLAND really ought to get past Ukraine, but in football things are rarely straightforward. If all the nations competing in these Euros were in a league instead of a tournament, playing each other home and away over, say, a year, England would finish way higher than tonight’s opponents. 
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Ukraine is at war to fight for its independence and this will inspire the playersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      There’s nothing like a conflict with Russia to harden your national resolve.
      And to inspire Ukraine still more the Russians gave them effectively the best team talk possible just before the tournament. 
      The authorities in Moscow lodged a complained to UEFA about the design of Ukraine’s shirts. 
      On them, you see, was an image of the borders of the country.  And this image dared to suggest that Crimea is still part of Ukraine. 
      Having occupied Crimea in 2014, the Russians think it’s theirs.
      Ukraine’s stars were riled up by Russia before the tournament beganCredit: AFP
      Can you imagine if Russia had annexed, say, Kent, and then got annoyed if we put the map of our England including Kent on the Three Lions shirts? 
      This is what Ukraine have had to contend with.  UEFA, mercifully, ruled that the map could stay there. 
      Replica shirts, needless to say, have sold out. All this has helped England’s quarter-final opponents no end. 
      Ukraine’s population is rallying behind the Euro 2020 quarter-finalistsCredit: Getty
      Adam Pate, an Englishman based in Kiev with a podcast about Ukrainian football – Ukraine + Football – says the country is coming together now behind its national team more fully than anyone can remember. 
      The biggest footballing moment for Ukraine since the collapse of the Soviet Union thirty years ago was, until now, the day they knocked Switzerland out of the 2006 World Cup. 
      It was the most 0-0 match you’ve ever had the misfortune to watch.  Both sides, to borrow a Bill Shanklyism, were lucky to get nil.

      I’m rather pleased for Gareth and the boys that if we are all panicking at some stage this evening, we’ll be doing so thousands of miles away from RomeCredit: Getty
      It sticks in my mind for the desperation of the BBC’s co-commentator, Mick McCarthy. 
      I recall him howling in despair at Ukraine’s tactics – “parasite football” he described it.  By which he meant, not trying anything adventurous at all in favour of waiting for the opposition to make a mistake. 
      Unfortunately, for Mick and everyone else watching, the Swiss mistakes didn’t materialise until the penalty shoot-out which Ukraine won.
      I called Mick to ask him for his memories of that game, but he had no recollection of it at all.  It was so bad that he seems to have expunged it.
      Ukraine will try to frustrate England and wait for a mistakeCredit: AFP
      Adam Pate, my man in Kiev, has this prediction: “Don’t be surprised if Ukraine try to do something similar in Rome.”  We have been warned. 
      If it is that kind of game then it might be no bad thing for England that they’re not playing it at Wembley with tens of thousands of England fans beside themselves with anxiety and frustration if we couldn’t score in the first hour. 
      We can’t help ourselves when we feel that way, but neither can the players help it getting to them. 
      Time and again watching England’s first four matches, I’ve gone back to something Teddy Sheringham said to me for a Sun interview ahead of the tournament. 
      He pointed out that success comes to those teams – and their supporters – who can dig themselves out of sticky, uninspiring patches. 
      He said that stuff is every bit as important as the moments of magic we’ll hopefully be watching on TV replays for many moons to come. 
      Yes it’s annoying not to be running rings around all our opponents from the first minute, but we have to be patient and not panic. 
      I’m rather pleased for Gareth and the boys that if we are all panicking at some stage this evening, we’ll be doing so thousands of miles away from Rome.
      Gareth Southgate has made all the right calls so farCredit: Getty
      While Mick McCarthy wasn’t able to help me with any memories of Ukraine’s appalling 0-0 with Switzerland fifteen years ago, he was interesting about England in this tournament. 
      I’d been slightly worried that it might all turn out to be a bit like the last World Cup for us, when England fell apart upon first coming up against a decent side in the semi-final. 
      I’m delighted to say that Mick told me to stop being so stupid.  “Gareth has got it dead right. 
      He’s ignored all the noise and done what he thinks is right.  England are really difficult to score against, and they have plenty of firepower to score goals themselves.” 
      Well, that told me.  And that tells all of us.  If you know what’s good for you, you won’t argue with Big Mick.  In Gareth we trust.
      That said, I’m quite sure our boys will know they’ve been in a game.  An unpleasant memory comes to me from my one visit to Ukraine, to cover our World Cup qualifier with them in Kiev in 2013. 
      It finished 0-0.  Hmm. See above.  But what sticks in my mind was a scene that took place during ITV’s pre-match build-up. 
      Ukraine’s supporters totally back their teamCredit: Getty
      I was interviewing Roy Keane on the pitch.  As he talked, over Roy’s shoulder I could see an almighty fight amongst the Ukrainian crowd in the seats behind him. 
      This involved some huge bloke being absolutely pummelled by three other huge blokes. It was a terrible blur of blood and fists.  Not for the first time in my career, I was totally distracted from what I was supposed to be doing. 
      Thankfully, Lee Dixon started talking when Roy stopped.  The brawl continued for a few more seconds until the big guy was laid out.  His assailants walked away. 
      At which point, covered in blood, the defeated brawler calmly put his jacket back on and sat back down as if nothing had happened.
      Those sitting around him seemed completely unfazed too.  No-one even offered him a crisp.  These are tough people, I concluded.
      Adam Pate, of Ukraine + Football, says the words of the Ukrainian national anthem are worth a look, to get an idea of what they are all about. 
      I did just that, but only got as far as the line that promises “Our enemies will die, as the dew does in the sunshine.” 
      Yikes.  That’s where I had to stop.  Too scary for me.
      Raheem Sterling was England’s hero against GermanyCredit: Reuters
      Not that our boys have any fear they can’t overcome.  We’ll be just fine.  And if we go on to win this whole thing, I know what I’ll identify as the moment I knew it could happen. 
      It concerns Muller’s miss at Wembley.  It wasn’t the miss itself, rather the reaction of Raheem Sterling. 
      Having given the ball away, well into the opposition’s half, he’s a study in despair as he watches Muller shape to score. 

      When he misses Sterling sinks to his knees, so deeply into the Wembley turf that a teammate has to lift him to his feet. 
      There’s a man who cares, who really really cares. 
      This team is something special.  In Gareth we trust.
      Klitschko: England are toughBy Ben Leo, in Kiev
      ENGLAND fans in Ukraine will roar on the Three Lions tonight — as the country’s boxing legend admitted England are among the world’s best.
      The Sun joined England supporters at a buzzing expat pub in Kiev where Vitali Klitschko is mayor.
      The ex-heavyweight champ, wearing his country’s yellow and blue team kit, said: “The game will be the toughest for our national team.
      “England is one of the best teams in Europe and the world.”
      Former British Army hero Gavin Kuhl, 43, travelled 1,429 miles from Norway to Ukraine.
      He said: “I thought, Why not? It’s the perfect place to watch England smash Ukraine.”

      Roy Keane warns England ‘biggest danger is themselves’ against Ukraine as Man Utd legend hails Southgate at Euro 2020 More

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      Belgium 1 Italy 2: Azzurri storm into Euro 2020 semi-final to play Spain after stunning 2-1 win over ‘Golden Generation’

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      ROBERTO MANCINI has got Italy in love with the Azzurri again.This incredible performance in Munich showed why.
      Italy jump for joy after beating Belgium to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2020Credit: AFP
      Belgium’s golden generation have failed again to win a major tournamentCredit: Getty
      There was dejection for Kevin De Bruyne and Co at the endCredit: AP
      Romelu Lukaku was understandably dejected as Belgium slipped out of the EurosCredit: Getty
      Italy will face Spain in the Euro 2020 semi-finals after beating BelgiumCredit: AP
      The World’s number one Fifa ranked side beaten by a performance of such pace and energy that consigned to the dustbin age old labels of negativity that Italian teams have carried.
      Ones that concentrated on the defensive part rather than the rich gifts that Mancini has released in attack.
      He picked this national side up from the humiliation of failing to even qualify for the last World Cup.
      Now on a run of 32 games unbeaten they head into a semi-final meeting with Spain at Wembley next Tuesday with the wind at their heels.
      It was pulsating, breathless stuff from beginning to end.
      The pure quality made this the game of the tournament so far.
      A performance from Italy full of guile, full of energy, determination,
      If they lose the ball they hound you down to get it back as they did with the first goal.

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      Nicolo Barella pinged home the game’s opening goalCredit: Reuters
      Barella wheels off after his stunning strike put Italy aheadCredit: AP

      They transfer numbers from front to back and back to front with amazing speed.
      Mancini possessed incredible skills as a player, claimed trophies on his travels as a manager, kick starting Manchester City’s glorious period.
      Now he has unleashed the best of the talent from his own country as national team manager.
      Where to start with this.
      Lorenzo Insigne smashed home No2 for ItalyCredit: Getty
      Insigne celebrates the wonder strike that proved to be the winning goalCredit: Reuters
      Well, in a thrilling first period Italy thought they were ahead after just 13 minutes when Leonardo Bonucci found the back of the net after a free kick was swung in from the right.
      VAR proved that the touch on into his path from Giovanni Di Lorenzo found him offside in the six-yard box.
      Belgium responded and a short period to themselves.
      Any question marks over Kevin De Bruyne’s fitness for this game were quickly dispelled as he lived up to his billing as Belgium’s danger man.
      The Manchester City star loves a quick break and his shot on 22 minutes as defence turned into attack for the Red Devils was well saved at full stretch by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
      De Bruyne claimed during the group stages that he has a special understanding with Romelu Lukaku.
      Jeremy Doku was fouled in the area, and then Romelu Lukaku scored from the spotCredit: Reuters
      Lukaku knew just how important the goal before half-time could beCredit: Getty
      So it proved when he broke again from the back and fed the Inter Milan star whose left footed shot was well saved.
      The game was going from end to end and this time it was Italy’s turn.
      Federico Chiesa had a deflected shot that fell into the arms of Thibaut Courtois.
      The same player curled one over the top.
      Then on 31 minutes the deadlock was broken and this time the VAR could put his feet up.

      Former Spurs man Jan Vertonghen was guilty of losing possession as he tried to bring the ball out of his box and Marco Veratti nicked it.
      He played it into Nicolo Barella who kept his balance and wriggled between three Belgian players before delivering his finish.
      The second on 44 minutes was a classic as Lorenzo Insigne picked the ball up inside his own half and drove forward.
      A dip of his shoulder and he had left Youri Tielemans in his wake. Belgian sat off and he had his opening to curl a shot beyond the full length dive of Courtois and into the far top corner.
      Italy on top, dominating, on their way, but then they gifted Belgian a lifeline at a crucial time in the final act of the half.
      Some referees might not have given the penalty but Giovanni Di Lorenzo definitely shoved Jeremy Doku who went down.

      Lukaku did the rest from the spot firing the ball down the middle of the goal.
      Suddenly moods had changed.
      Belgian on the up, Italy feeling like they had let their opponents of the hook and plunged themselves back into a battle they had already won.
      Mancini’s words in the changing rooms immediately picked the momentum back up.
      From the restart they were playing all the football, they were dominating.
      Italy serenade their fans after their quarter-final triumphCredit: Getty
      Belgium also head over to thank their fans for their supportCredit: EPA
      Still with De Bruyne and Lukaku, Belgium always knew they could nick something with a pulsating break and that was what they were relying on.
      Their big chance came in the 61st minute with De Bruyne finding the striker at the far post but as he tried to bundle the ball home Leonardo Spinazzola got in the ball’s way and deflected it wide.
      His teammates celebrated with him as if a goal had been scored at the other end.
      It says everything about this Italian team that it was the same left-back who moments later was up the other end firing a shot wide.
      The players were saluted by their loyal and passionate fansCredit: Getty
      Italy will meet Spain in the semi-finalsCredit: Getty
      As much as the Italian fans were loving it though they wanted the curtain to come down.
      As the seconds ticked down, Mancini switched things to shut up shop, glory was beckoning.
      In the 89th minute De Bruyne was caught, a free-kick given.
      De Bruyne’s shot was charged down by Domenico Berardi who was booked for being not ten yards and the kick was to be retaken.
      Chipped into the area the goalkeeper was fouled.
      With five minutes injury time shown Italian hearts remained in mouths.
      Soon they would jump for joy.
      Forza Italia, Forza Mancini.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Rob Beckett relives 12-hr bender, cops and KFC after England v Germany game

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      NEVER before has an England football fan had such a rollercoaster 24 hours.Comedian Rob Beckett went viral this week by sharing on Instagram his running account of watching the Three Lions’ historic win over Germany at ­Wembley — and the drunken ­carnage that followed.
      Comedian Rob Beckett has gone viral after sharing a rollercoaster 24 hours as he watched the Three Lions’ historic win over Germany at ­WembleyCredit: robbeckettcomic/instagram
      It simply had everything: Triumph, tragedy, rejection, adulation — and even moments of emotional reflection, albeit while necking a KFC by some bins in a London back street.
      Having finally sobered up, the 35-year-old funnyman — speaking exclusively to The Sun — told how it feels being known as the most hungover man in Britain.
      Rob says: “It’s like I wasn’t famous until the night I put the videos up. I can’t remember most of what happened and everyone knows my evening ­better than I do.”
      In the space of 24 hours, the South London comic got smashed at Wembley, gatecrashed a BBC1 TV show, and was nearly run over by a police van while eating his late-night takeaway.
      He also filmed himself screaming: “It’s coming home” through a megaphone during an Uber ride and unsuccessfully attempted to seduce his wife by texting: “Fancy a bit when I get home?”.
      And that was before the epic hangover kicked in the following morning, in which he hilariously documented taking his kids to a swimming lesson and attending a kitchen makeover meeting with his forgiving wife before ordering a pizza to stop himself from crying.
      Rob, who ended up extremely drunk, sobered up and reveals how it feels being known as the most hungover man in Britain
      Harry Kane celebrates scoring his goal during the incredible game between England and GermanyCredit: Rex
      At 13.30, Rob was on his way to Wembley
      At 15.15, he snapped this pic with pal Lloyd at Wembley stadiumCredit: robbeckettcomic/instagram
      Fifteen minutes later, at 15.30, Rob was seen after sinking a few beers

      ‘Proper mental’
      So what sparked his huge Tuesday night blow-out? Rob says: “I was so happy. I haven’t had a rush of adrenaline like that for ages because I’ve not gone to anything for 18 months.
      “But the atmosphere in the stadium was the best I’ve ever been near. It was unbelievable. My hangover was fuelled by happiness rather than lager.”
      The 24 hours of madness started around 1.30pm on Tuesday when Rob filmed himself leaving his house dressed head to toe in England clobber and an Adidas bucket hat, which he admitted: “I’m not ped enough to wear yet”.
      But two hours later, having arrived at Wembley with pal and fellow comic Lloyd Griffith, the headwear was firmly on following the consumption of “three cans of ­Heineken and a can of M&S Mojito.” The pair made their way into the stadium where more mayhem took place in the venue bars.
      Describing his mood in a quick Instagram story, Rob says: “I’m drunk, it’s quarter past four, I’m going to watch England and drink some more.” At 4.45pm they made their way to their seats for kick-off, filming a boisterous Wembley in all its glory.
      The pair were picked out by TV crews during the game and beamed on to the big screen, looking slightly dishevelled compared to other famous faces in the crowd including dapper David Beckham and Prince ­William in the posh seats. In a video posted a 5.15pm, Rob yells: “If you saw us on the telly, we’re fed.”
      At 18.30, the comic celebrated the first goalCredit: robbeckettcomic/instagram
      At 22:00, Rob turning up to Peter Crouch’s Year-Late Euros Live
      Explaining why he prefers being with real football fans, Rob says: “That’s how I go to the football. I dress up and have fun with my mates. But that bucket hat and beard does make me look proper mental.”
      After he celebrated England beating Germany and having ­consumed “ten pints”, Rob’s night descended into further chaos. He turned up at Crouchy’s Year-Late Euros Live filmed nearby “to avoid the crowds”.
      Producers, initially glad to see an unplanned ­surprise guest, quickly changed tack. Rob explains: “We were too drunk to go on the telly. They asked me to leave before it started, which I thought was a good decision. I later texted Peter Crouch to say sorry.”
      He jumped on the Tube, documenting his journey on video at 10pm saying: “I’m fed out of my head but it’s the greatest night of my life”. We next see Rob at 11pm sitting in a dark alley eating his takeaway KFC. In a poignant moment, he slurringly told his followers: “No matter how good you think you’ve done, you will always eat KFC next to a f***ing bin as the police reverse into you.”
      Reflecting on his emotional monologue, Rob says: “I was just sitting there thinking, ‘This is one of the greatest nights of my life, that game was outrageous, and I’m sitting on the floor eating chicken’.”
      His evening got even more outrageous when his Uber driver Imran gave him a megaphone, which Rob used to ask startled bystanders if “it’s coming home?”.
      At 23:00, cops reverse towards Rob
      At 23:06, Rob sings KFC’s praisesCredit: obbeckettcomic/instagram
      ‘I needed a blow-out’
      The Sky One star, whose hit series with Romesh Ranganathan — Rob Versus Romesh — returns next Thursday with Team GB and Wimbledon themes, says: “I completely forgot I had a megaphone until about 3pm yesterday.”
      It was during his journey home that he attempted his optimistic booty call, to which his wife, Louise, responded: “I admire the optimism, but absolutely not. You need some water, some dry bread and some pre-emptive paracetamol.”
      Asked how Louise felt about his big night out, Rob says: “She’s not that ­bothered — she knew I needed a blow-out.”
      Rob, whose Wallop! tour starts next month and is releasing his first book in October, reveals he has tickets for the semi-final and final.
      At 23.50, the comedian has some mega-fun during an Uber ride and asks startled bystanders if ‘it’s coming home?’
      Five minutes later, his booty call to wife Louise gets a red cardCredit: robbeckettcomic/instagram
      At 7.45, the hangover kicks in

      So if England beat Ukraine in Rome tonight, does he intend to repeat his heroics at Wembley next week?
      He says: “If we get through to the semi, it’s like a superstition, I’m going to have to do things exactly the same again. We’ll go for it.
      “This Saturday I’ll be rebuilding, staying at home, watching it indoors and recharging the batteries, and we go again on Wednesday.”
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      Sun rallies England fans for Euro 2020 Ukraine clash in Italian Job dash to Rome

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      THE Sun helped to rev up England’s bid for Euro glory in Rome yesterday — with a dramatic Italian Job dash across Europe.Harry Kane’s lionhearts take on Ukraine tonight in a do-or-die quarter-final clash after toppling Germany.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Captain Harry Kane will be England’s Roman gladiator
      And lion mascot Harry Mane plus a posse of Sun men charged to the Eternal City to rally them — in red, white and blue Minis.
      Italian jobsworths thwarted an English invasion by slapping a five-day Covid quarantine order on fans arriving by air from the UK.
      But double-jabbed, Covid-secure arrivals via France were allowed a 36-hour window without having to self-isolate.
      The safe legal loophole kicked off an epic Sun road trip worthy of Michael Caine’s famous heist movie.
      Sun England mascot Harry Mane was a lion outside Rome’s ColosseumCredit: The Sun
      An epic Sun road trip completed the Italian Job ahead of Saturday’s big game
      We flew from London to Nice in France’s Cote d’Azur then slipped across the border near Monte Carlo, crossing the Italian border at dawn in French hire cars.
      Then we switched vehicles — leaping into race-tuned red, white and blue Mini Cooper S sports cars in true Italian Job-style to vroom from Florence to Rome.
      Mascot Harry and the Sun team were all treble-checked for Covid with swab tests before the final assault on the Italian capital.
      And England fans and locals were thrilled as the trio of Minis completed their mission — with a St George’s flag-waving lap of honour around the Colosseum.
      The Sun’s mini convoy brightened up Rome’s streetsCredit: The Sun
      Our mascot Harry roared: “I must be the first lion to be glad to see the Colosseum — what a journey. We’re all double-jabbed and have had tests galore plus more paperwork than Brexit.
      “But we’ve made it to show support for England when and where it matters and can’t wait to get our claws into Ukraine. Football’s coming Rome!”
      England fans in the city saluted our epic 1,100-mile mission last night.
      Arabella Vickers, 21, a West London student, said: “It’s great fun and just the sort of crazy stuff we need to fire up our team to win.
      “It helps make up for having so few travelling fans here. It’s wonderful seeing the Minis roaring through Rome like the famous movie — and your lion’s a hoot!”

      Mascot Harry Mane was treble checked for CovidCredit: The Sun
      Communications manager Sam Eversden, 42, from Uxbridge, North West London, was reminded of The Italian Job’s famous punchline.
      He quipped: “Now Kane’s got a goal he’s going to blow the bloody doors off Ukraine’s defence. Having The Sun’s Minis and a lion in Rome is going to help our heroes roar. Trust The Sun to bring some fun and lift the nation. Brilliant teamwork!”
      Civil servant Chris Dandy, 44, from Surrey, even evoked one of our famous headlines, saying: The England team will be smiling when they see this — and when they win it’ll be ‘The Sun wot won it’ for England.”
      Our convoy also went down a storm among scooter-riding locals, with Italian interior designer Massimo Riva, 36, stopping us by the gladiatorial amphitheatre for a selfie.
      The Sun hopes to whip up enthusiasm among Brit expat locals in ItalyCredit: The Sun
      He laughed: “I did a double take when I saw three Italian Job Minis fly by — and nearly fell off my scooter when I saw there was a lion in one of the cars.
      “It’s a long time since we’ve had lions in the Colosseum but yours is more than welcome — he’s hilarious.”
      Travelling Three Lions fans have been banned from Rome’s 73,000- capacity Stadio Olimpico.
      But more than 2,000 English expats, made up of pensioners, teachers, financers, families and charity workers, will be in the 16,000-strong crowd.
      Harry Mane gets a Covid test from Sun man Nick ParkerCredit: The Sun
      Steph MacGillivray, 28, who works for a humanitarian organisation in Rome but is originally from Watford, Herts, said: “It won’t be the usual raucous crowd. I should imagine it’ll be very Wimbledon meets Wembley.
      “I can’t see any of the expat fans booing the Ukraine national anthem but we will be singing God Save The Queen as loudly as possible.”

      Also there will be Chelsea fan Max Heinemann, 29, originally from Clapham, South West London, and now living in Rome.
      He said: “I’ve got friends coming in from Bilbao and Poland — he’s got a broken leg as well. We are going to have a fantastic time and cheer on the lads.”
      Meanwhile, back home, experts estimate 42 million pints will be downed today as England fans get supercharged for the 8pm kick-off. 
      Bukayo Saka’s trains with England ahead of Euro 2020 Ukraine clash despite doubts he will play More

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      Watch touching moment classy Thiago consoles Ruben Vargas after Switzerland ace missed penalty in Spain defeat

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      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.
      Thiago Alcantara was quick to console Ruben Vargas after his penalty miss in the shootoutCredit: EPA

      But unlike Fabian Schar and Manuel Akanji, Vargas failed to direct his spot-kick on target as he blazed his attempt over the bar.
      And it proved to be crucial as Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up next to send Spain into the semi-finals.
      The 2010 World Cup winners have now reached the last four of the European Championship three times out of the last four tournaments.
      For Switzerland, they 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.
      Football fans took to social media to praise the midfielder, as one tweeted: “Thiago consoling Vargas. That’s my midfielder.”
      Another commented: “Class from Thiago that, going over to console Vargas while the rest of the Spanish team were celebrating.”

      Vargas was one of three Switzerland players that missed in the shootout defeat against SpainCredit: AFP

      A third added: “Thiago was the first over to Sommer and Vargas, can’t buy class.”
      Meanwhile one remarked: “What a king. Class class act!”
      One simply stated: “Thiago Alcantara. What a Gentleman.”
      Bukayo Saka’s trains with England ahead of Euro 2020 Ukraine clash despite doubts he will play More

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      Paul Gascoigne backs former England team-mate Gareth Southgate to deliver Euro 2020 glory

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      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.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Paul Gascoigne believes England can go on and win Euro 2020Credit: Dan Charity / The Sun
      England boss Gareth Southgate gives a thumbs up as the team board the plane to UkraineCredit: Getty
      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.”
      Gazza consoled Gareth Southgate after his critical Euro 96 missed penaltyCredit: Colorsport
      Euro 96 hero Gazza says supporters must get behind Gareth SouthgateCredit: Getty

      England players yesterday boarded their flight to Italy from Birmingham — led by a determined-looking captain Kane.
      Defender Harry Maguire also looked steely-eyed on the aircraft steps.
      Midfield ace Phil Foden appeared relaxed as he smiled to the cameras, and central defender John Stones gave a quick thumbs-up.
      Just over two hours later, they landed safely in Rome, with Kane and Kieran Trippier in masks as they disembarked.
      Captain Harry Kane led the England team into Italy after flying to RomeCredit: Getty
      Harry Maguire is the rock in England’s defence hoping to shut Ukraine outCredit: Getty
      Defensive partner John Stones was in good spirits as he boarded the flightCredit: Getty
       Gazza has good memories of tonight’s Stadio Olimpico venue, having played there for Lazio in the early 1990s.
      He added: “I know that stadium well. It’s big, but we don’t need to be intimidated. We have the right man in charge and the right players to go the distance, but we can’t have any doubts in our manager if we’re going to go all the way.
      “Of course fans can make a difference if they are in full voice on a big night — I’ve experienced that myself.
      “A packed house of supporters behind you is an amazing thing, so hopefully an army of England fans will make it one way or another, even if it is people already living out there.
      Gazza believes England’s Euro 2020 team have what it takes to go all the wayCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
      “Italy is a fantastic footballing country. I love the fans and they were very good to me. The atmosphere will be fantastic. With England fans behind the team and the manager, there’s no reason we can’t win this one, but obviously we mustn’t get carried away — it will be tough.”
      Paul added of the Three Lions boss, 50: “Gareth is amazing, and a good mate. I’ve spoken to him fairly recently before the tournament.
      “We’ve always stayed in touch. When we played together, he was an amazing team-mate but a brilliant bloke off the pitch, too.
      “He’s always been good to me on a personal level. He’s very approachable.
      “He understands people and he understands football. He’s a smart guy.
      “He’s also very proud of his role with England, which he should be. It’s the ultimate job for a football man, and he really deserves it.”
      Phil Foden dyed his hair just like Gazza at Euro 96Credit: Getty
      Gazza, who has overcome a raft of personal demons, added: “I’ll be watching Saturday of course, even if it’s quite bittersweet.
      “I don’t mind admitting it, we never quite got there in 1996 but this squad might go all the way.
      “As a footballer, it’s hard not to be jealous, but I wish Gareth and the team all the best. They have a real shot of this.”
      And after watching England’s clashes so far, he backed Foden and midfield pal Jack Grealish to make the difference tonight.
      He said: “Jack and Phil both remind me of me, in the centre of the park trying to make things happen.
      “They’ve both played well so far, but my advice would just be for them to follow the ball, that’s their role.
      Gazza is a big fan of Jack Grealish and says Harry Kane must not go too deepCredit: Getty
      “Harry Kane needs to stay around the 18-yard box ready, that’s his job, don’t track back.
      “Terry Venables (England boss in 1996) used to tell us to just focus on our own job, for Harry that’s scoring goals.
      “We don’t need you back at the halfway line. Stay up top ready.
      “Foden and Grealish should be tracking the ball, staying within ten yards of it as much as possible, being involved in everything.
      “With this side and an army of England fans behind them there’s no reason we can’t make it to the semis.
      “And, as I keep saying, if the country believes in Gareth, and I really do, then there’s no reason we can’t win this.”
      Neil thrill for LionsSINGING legend Neil Diamond is backing England to go all the way after his classic hit Sweet Caroline became an anthem for Three Lions fans.
      The legendary US songwriter, 80 said he was “thrilled” his 1969 tune was belted out by fans and players after Euros victories.
      And he hopes it can spur the Three Lions ahead of their vital quarter final showdown against Ukraine.
      He said: “What a thrill to hear everyone singing Sweet Caroline. I hope you can do it again — here’s to England.”
      England coach Gareth Southgate has revealed his backroom team played the song on their coach following Tuesday’s win.
      Southgate said of the song: “That is a belter, really.”

       PM flag tribute
      Boris Johnson found the biggest England flag possible to back the teamCredit: Simon Dawson / No10 Downing Street

      BORIS Johnson stands in the centre of a giant England flag outside No10 as he sends his support to the Three Lions.
      The PM will be cheering on England against UkraineCredit: Tim Hammond / No10 Downing Street

      The PM gave a thumbs up as the team prepares to meet Ukraine in the quarter-final clash tonight.
      He and wife Carrie tweeted a picture of themselves watching England’s 2-0 victory against Germany on Tuesday night, saying: “We’re all behind you — bring it home!”
      Roy Keane warns England ‘biggest danger is themselves’ against Ukraine as Man Utd legend hails Southgate at Euro 2020 More