Euro 2020

JACK GREALISH’S absence from every England teamsheet at Euro 2020 has stuck out like a sore thumb.And that might be because the Aston Villa captain has been nursing a secret injury ever since he came across Tottenham’s Japhet Tanganga in May.
England hero Jack Grealish has been nursing a broken thumb during Euro 2020Credit: Getty
The Aston Villa skipper suffered the injury when he came up against Tottenham’s Japhet TangangaCredit: Getty
Grealish, 25, has become the national team’s poster boy this summer, despite just ten caps following his senior debut last September.
The playmaker played a part in both goals in the 2-0 win over Germany and is in line for his second start of the Euros against Ukraine.

But Grealish has admitted to playing through the pain barrier to star for the Three Lions – and it has nothing to do with the troublesome shin injury he battled last term.
England’s No7 has been playing with a bandaged hand in his three games so far following a rough challenge in Villa’s 2-1 win over Spurs on May 19.
Asked about the injury, Grealish said: “[Japhet] Tanganga from Tottenham threw me on the floor and I broke my thumb.”
On whether it had healed, the attacker showed reporters how bent his thumb was and added: “It’s still like that a little bit isn’t it?”
Despite only starting once for Gareth Southgate this tournament, Grealish has become England’s most-fouled player.
Yet the former Notts County loanee alleviated any fears of damaging his thumb any further by revealing the biggest drawback has been the lack of time on the PlayStation.

Quizzed on how England players spend their downtime in camp, Grealish said: “From what the guys have said they set up a lot of stuff but I suppose it is just the normal, Netflix and Playstation…
“I can’t actually play at the moment because I have broken my thumb.
“I have had to knock it on the head a little bit at the moment so I can’t play.”
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YOU’LL have to be bringing home plenty of Danish bacon to join an incredible flight of fantasy to see Denmark play the Czech Republic in Saturday’s Euro 2020 quarter-final.A few Danes struggling to make the 5,000-mile trip to Azerbaijan capital Baku have already paid the £40,000 fee for a private plane, including caviar, gourmet three-course meal and open bar, plus match tickets.
Danes who book the trip can scoff caviar as they muse on the ridiculous suggestion that football is no longer a working-class game
A luxury private jet will fly the Danish fans on a 5,000-mile round trip to see the quarter-final clash with the Czech Republic in Azerbaijan capital Baku
A handful of Denmark fans have treated themselves to the luxury trip to Baku to watch the last-eight tie with the CzechsCredit: AFP
Herning Helicopters says “six happy fans” have signed up for the Danish company’s grandiose package that costs about £50 MORE than the country’s average annual salary.
Putting it another way, there are a sprinkling of homes available to buy in North East England or Scotland for as little as £25k.
And the average weekly wage in the Premier League is £60k.
Two days after Herning advertised the trip on Facebook, AS.com report company owner Stephan Erlandsen as saying: “It’s about capturing ideas and surprising. 
“The Danish mood has been lifted. Even I, who work all the time and don’t watch a lot of football, am fascinate 
“On the same day the notice was posted, the trip was sold. 
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“The VIP trip will last five hours and will depart Copenhagen for Azerbaijan on Friday.
“The price is 350,000 crowns (47,000 euros) and for the moment you will have six happy fans on board. 
“It’s a bunch of middle-aged gentlemen. They didn’t sound like boring guys, so they’ll probably go nuts on the way.” 
Denmark’s voyage to the last eight has captured the hearts and minds of not just their countryman but also Europe after star man Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest in their opening group game, a 1-0 loss to Finland.  

The Danes also lost to Belgium 2-1 but recovered to qualify for the last 16 with a thrilling 4-1 defeat of Russia.
Denmark then dispatched Wales 4-0 to set up their first Euros’ quarter-final since a 3-0 defeat to the Czechs in 2004.
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DIDIER DESCHAMPS’ France squad were annoyed by Kylian Mbappe’s ‘sulking’ during Euro 2020, according to reports.It’s also claimed the Paris Saint-Germain star was ‘jealous’ of Antoine Griezmann being the team’s talisman.
Kylian Mbappe, 22, flopped at Euro 2020Credit: Getty
Mbappe, 22, endured a nightmare tournament, failing to score and missing the deciding penalty in France’s shoot-out defeat to Switzerland.
And his team-mates didn’t do much better, winning just one of their four games at the Euros – despite being the favourites.
According to French newspaper L’Equipe, Mbappe’s relationship with Griezmann, 30, was far from friendly in the French camp.
Reports suggest the pair had opposing views over Karim Benzema’s return to the national team, with the Barcelona star wanting him to remain exiled.
And Mbappe is believed to have annoyed some senior players – including Chelsea star Olivier Giroud – with his sulking.
Rumours claim he and Giroud fell out just days before France’s opening group game against Germany after the latter criticised his service.

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The youngster is alleged to have been furious with the ex-Arsenal striker’s comments and refused an apology.
There was also a spat involving Adrien Rabiot’s mother, who reportedly clashed with the families of Paul Pogba and Mbappe after the Switzerland defeat.
And morale is believed to have been hampered by the squad’s accommodation throughout the tournament.

Requests to stay near a lake in Budapest were reportedly turned down, while it’s claimed the players couldn’t even open their windows in their Bucharest hotel.
A tournament-ending injury to popular team-mate Ousmane Dembele in their draw against Hungary is also rumoured have knocked France’s confidence.
Mbappe’s summer has been dominated with reports linking him with Real Madrid to form a strike partnership with Benzema.
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VICTORIA BECKHAM has been crowned England’s ultimate Wag ahead of the Three Lions’ Euro 2020 quarter-final clash with Ukraine.Manchester United legend David’s wife has topped the list of the most popular partner just ahead of Coleen Rooney and Abbey Clancey.
Victoria Beckham has been crowned England’s most popular Wag everCredit: Getty
The former Spice Girls singer has four children with former Three Lions captain DavidCredit: Getty – Contributor

England’s current Wags were allowed to roar on Gareth Southgate’s men during their 2-0 win over Germany at Wembley.
They included Harry Kane’s missus Katie Goodland, Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan Davison and Harry Maguire’s fiancee Fern Hawkins.
Yet according to a survey by bettingexpert.com of over 1000 Brits ahead of the game, the partners of former players were more popular.
And it was England’s most famous Wag – Victoria – who remains the biggest fan-favourite with over half the vote.

Victoria was pictured in the stands as England lost to Portugal at Euro 2004Credit: Action Images
Coleen Rooney is second in the all-time top 10 of most popular England partnersCredit: Getty
Posh first met husband Becks back in 1997 when the former Manchester United ace invited the Spice Girls superstar to a game.
The next most popular Wag was Coleen Rooney – wife of England’s record goalscorer Wayne – with just under 11 per cent of the vote.
Peter Crouch’s wife Abbey was a close third while surprisingly two former partners of ex-England stars also in the top five.
Louise Redknapp has two children with former Liverpool and Spurs midfielder Jamie after the pair tied the knot in June 1998.

And despite the fact that the former golden couple split in 2017 after 19 years of marriage, singer Louise remains as popular as ever.
As was the case with fellow popstar Cheryl – whose four-year stint wed to Chelsea icon Ashley Cole has preserved her popularity among England fans.
Frank Lampard’s other-half Christine, Steven Gerrard’s wife Alex and even Sven-Goran Eriksson’s ex Nancy Dell’Olio makes the top ten.
Coleen Rooney was a regular fixture at England games to cheer on husband WayneCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Peter Crouch’s wife Abbey was a close third in the ultimate Wags listCredit: AFP
Even ex-partners – including popstar Cheryl – remain as popular as ever with England fansCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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GARETH SOUTHGATE has five major decisions to wrap his head around before Saturday’s monster game against Ukraine – and YOU can help.England beat Germany 2-0 to book their place in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals, where they’ll play Ukraine on Saturday night in Rome.
Gareth Southgate has five major dilemmas to wrap his head around before UkraineCredit: AFP
While the country erupted in celebration, Southgate immediately went back to the tactics board.
After switching up his formation – and personnel – against Germany, the Three Lions boss knows he may need to change things around again.
In fact, we reckon Southgate has FIVE crucial decisions to make ahead of the game.
Have your say on the matters – from who starts to the formation of choice – by voting in our polls, below.
WHAT FORMATION SHOULD SOUTHGATE USE?
England played a 3-5-3 / 5-2-3 against Germany with Trippier and Walker both startingCredit: Alamy
Southgate hasn’t been afraid of switching up his tactics this tournament.
The England chief started off with a 4-3-3 against Croatia and Scotland, before moving to a 4-2-3-1 against Czech Republic to get the best out of Jack Grealish.
Against Germany he unleashed the 3-4-3 / 5-2-3 to counteract the threat posed by opposition wing-backs Joshua Kimmich and Robin Gosens.
Now, against Ukraine, Southgate could revert to his 4-2-3-1 – with Mason Mount and Jordan Henderson set to start, with Grealish at No10.
But what would you choose?

SHOULD GREALISH START?
Has Grealish done enough to tempt Southgate to start him against Ukraine?Credit: Rex
Grealish has started just ONE of England’s four games at Euro 2020 – the 1-0 win over Czech Republic.
The Aston Villa skipper has played three times, but logged a total of just 115 minutes.
With Grealish looking so lively every time he’s been on the pitch, some fans have been crying out to get him in the starting line up.
But what do you reckon?

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FODEN, SAKA OR SANCHO AT RIGHT-WING?
Will Saka or Foden start against against Ukraine or will Sancho be given the nod?Credit: Getty
Phil Foden started the first two matches, looking in strong form against Croatia and Scotland.
But Bukayo Saka has been given the nod in the last two games – wins over the Czechs and the Germans.
Jadon Sancho has been stuck on the bench – or even out of the squad – throughout, limited to just six minutes all tournament.
With Foden on a yellow card and risking suspension, Southgate may not risk him until the semi-final stage, when previous bookings are wiped out.
But who gets the nod in your eyes?

SHOULD SOUTHGATE REST MAGUIRE?
Southgate may consider resting Maguire due to his injury recovery and potential suspensionCredit: AFP
After Tyrone Mings started – and impressed – against Croatia and Scotland, Harry Maguire has since been given the nod against Czech Republic and Germany.
Maguire missed 44 days – and a handful of key matches – through injury, but has looked impressive since his comeback.
There are TWO reasons Southgate may decide to recall Mings for Ukraine.
First of all, Maguire may need a day off after playing back-to-back games so soon after recovering from injury.
But also, Maguire is another England star currently on a booking, with another yellow card ruling him out of the semi-finals, should England progress.
So what do you think?

SHOULD SOUTHGATE RISK RICE & PHILLIPS?
Southgate will have to decide whether or not to risk playing Rice and Phillips vs UkraineCredit: Getty
Rice and Phillips have been ever-presents for Southgate this summer – and they’ve been superb.
The deep-midfield pairing have played with a mix of passion and common sense, defensive know-how and attacking nous when needed.
Phillips has played every minute of England’s games this tournament, while Rice is just 48 minutes short after a couple of in-game substitutions.
Henderson and Mount are set to come in to replace them with fresh legs, but also protect them from being suspension.
Both Phillips and Rice were booked against Germany with another yellow ruling them out of the semis, should England progress.
Would risk both of them, one of them or neither?

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GERMANY legend Toni Kroos has retired from international football following his country’s exit from Euro 2020.The 31-year-old’s announcement comes just days after England’s 2-0 victory against Germany at Wembley.
Toni Kroos played 106 times for Germany’s senior team between 2010 and 2021Credit: EPA
The 31-year-old was part of the squad that won the 2014 World CupCredit: EPA

Kroos confirmed his international retirement on Instagram this afternoon, writing: “I’ve played for Germany 106 times. There won’t be another time.
“I would have dearly wished – and I gave everything again – that there would have been 109 internationals in the end and that this one big title, the European Championship, would have been added at the end.
“I had made the decision to quit after this tournament for a long time. It had been clear to me for a long time that I would not be available for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“Mainly because I want to focus fully on my goals with Real Madrid for the next few years. In addition, from now on I will deliberately allow myself breaks that have not existed as a national player for eleven years.
“And moreover, as a husband and dad, I would also like to be there for my wife and three children.
“It was a great honour for me to be able to wear this jersey for such a long time. I did it with pride and passion.

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Kroos scored twice in Germany’s famous 7-1 victory against Brazil in the 2014 World Cup semi-finalCredit: Reuters

“Thanks to all fans and supporters who carried and supported me with their applause and cheers. And thanks to all the critics for their extra motivation.
“At the very end I would like to say thank you very much to Jogi Low. He made me a national player and world champion. He trusted me. We have written a success story for a long time.
“It was an honour for me, doing it well – and good luck and success to Hansi Flick [Low’s successor as Germany coach].”
Kroos made his international debut against Argentina in March 2010, going on to defeat the same opponent four years later in the World Cup final.

The Real Madrid star’s most famous performance in a Germany shirt came in the semi-final of that tournament, scoring twice as Joachim Low’s side defeated Brazil 7-1 in Belo Horizonte.
He also helped the Germans reach the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
Kroos, who’s also played for Bayern Munich and Bayer Levekusen at club level, departs the international stage with 106 caps and 17 goals to his name.
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