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      Gary Neville predicts England XI to face Ukraine in Euro 2020 quarter-final with two key changes from Germany win

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      GARY NEVILLE has backed Mason Mount to return to the England team to face Ukraine after missing two Euro 2020 games in a row.The Chelsea star, 22, was ruled out of the win over Czech Republic after being told to self-isolate before watching the Germany game from the bench.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog

      Gareth Southgate also took a midfielder out of the Wembley triumph to set up with a back five, a decision he may reverse in Rome.
      Former defender Neville picked his expected team for Saturday on Twitter and called on the Three Lions boss to use a 4-2-3-1 formation.
      There has been a clamour for Jack Grealish to feature more heavily all tournament but the Manchester United legend opted for Mount instead.
      Neville, 46, added that the Aston Villa playmaker ‘could’ feature having also preferred Phil Foden on the right wing.
      The 21-year-old is also hoping for a recall after two games on the sidelines.
      Foden is one of four players on a yellow card ahead of the last match before Uefa scrubs tournament bookings.
      Harry Maguire, Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips would also miss the semi-final if they were to pick up a yellow in an England win over Ukraine.
      Nevertheless, Neville picked all four with Jordan Pickford in goal behind Kyle Walker, Maguire, John Stones and Luke Shaw.

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      Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are hoping to feature versus UkraineCredit: The Sun
      Mason Mount has been tipped by Gary Neville to startCredit: Getty
      Kieran Trippier would therefore miss out despite being called up by Southgate to face Germany, partly thanks to his set-piece prowess.
      Neville also kept Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane in the side, leaving Bukayo Saka on the bench.
      Following the win over Germany, the ITV pundit was even namechecked by midfielder Rice for helping to inspire the side.
      The West Ham ace said: “It’s history, all the players have been asked about the previous games with Germany but we created our own bit of history.
      “Gary Neville was saying these things don’t come round often and we took the most of that opportunity and it was a pleasure to be out there.”
      Southgate will reveal his XI just before Saturday’s 8pm clash and has again told fans that his defence-first approach will not be abandoned.

      He told reporters: “We are looking really deeply at tactical things and I know that will sometimes frustrate supporters, when for example the team are not playing forward.
      “We are trying to be that team that has patience to retain the ball. I played for England for years where we kept giving the ball away, and we had to chase in the heat. It was a big problem.
      “And I think our players showed great resilience [versus Germany] to be mature enough to block out those groans when you don’t go forward, and be brave enough to pick those moments.
      “I think there are times when we can play forward a bit earlier, but also retaining the ball at other times in the game and making the opposition run, and giving yourself a breather defensively is really important.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Here we go a stab at the team for Ukraine Walker Stones Maguire Shaw Rice Philips Mount ( could be Grealish ) Foden Kane Sterling— Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 1, 2021

      England ace Raheem Sterling is favourite to win Player of the Tournament at Euro 2020 More

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      England vs Ukraine football results: Head-to-head record between Euro 2020 quarter-finalists

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      ENGLAND will be hot favourites as they take on Ukraine for a place in the Euro 2020 quarter-final.But the Three Lions will have to be careful as the Ukrainians have given them a stern test in previous meetings.
      England triumphed over Germany but can’t afford to be complacent against UkraineCredit: Getty
      Ukraine were victorious over Sweden in the last minute of stoppage timeCredit: AFP
      And it will be a surreal atmosphere in Rome with fans from neither England or Ukraine able to travel for the match.
      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.
      England have had the better of Ukraine in the head-to-head stakes
      Their previous results are as follows:
      England 2 Ukraine 0 – Old Wembley (1999)
      Two set pieces were enough for Kevin Keegan’s men to triumph in their first meeting with the Ukrainians.
      Robbie Fowler and Tony Adams netted the goals for the Three Lions in a friendly at the Old Wembley.
      England 3 Ukraine 0 – St James’ Park (2004)
      England were comfortable winners in a friendly at St James’ Park as David Beckham and Michael Owen netted for Sven Goran Eriksson’s side.
      And most memorably, Shaun Wright-Phillips came off the bench to net on his England debut with his delighted adopted father Ian Wright watching on in the stands.
      England 2 Ukraine 1 – Wembley (2009)
      England ran out 2-1 winners as they sides met competitively for the first time in World Cup qualifying.
      In a game where all the goals came from set pieces, Peter Crouch put England in front before current Ukraine boss Andriy Shevchenko equalised.
      But then-captain John Terry popped up five minutes from time to give Fabio Capello’s men a crucial win.
      Ukraine 1 England 0 – Dnipropetrovsk (2009)
      England tasted World Cup qualifying defeat in their first ever trip to Ukraine in 2009.
      Rob Green was sent off just 12 minutes into the game for the already-qualified Three Lions before Shevchenko hit the post from the resulting penalty.
      But a wonderstrike from Serhiy Nazarenko on 29 minutes was enough to send Ukraine through with England and knock Croatia out.

      Ukraine 0 England 1 – Donetsk (2012)
      Donetsk is now under the control of pro-Russian separatists and no professional football has been played there since 2014.
      But just nine years ago it hosted Euro 2012 with England needing a draw to go through at the expense of hosts Ukraine.
      Wayne Rooney headed home the only goal as Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions won the group ahead of France.
      But Ukraine were left fuming after Marko Devic’s goal wasn’t given despite replays showing the ball to have crossed the line.
      England 1 Ukraine 1 – Wembley (2012)
      Three months after England’s Euro 2012 win, Ukraine very nearly got revenge in World Cup qualifying at Wembley.
      Yevhen Konoplyanka curled a brilliant strike into the top corner to give them the lead before the Three Lions were rescued by a late Frank Lampard penalty.
      Ukraine 0 England 0 – Kiev (2013)
      England held out for a crucial 0-0 draw on the way to the 2014 World Cup, and followed it up with home wins over Poland and Montenegro to qualify.
      Ukraine would finish runners-up in the group and go down 3-2 to France in the play-off. More

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      Italy’s secret weapon is former banker Gianni Vio who has created 4,830 set-piece routines for Euro 2020

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      WHEN Lorenzo Insigne is standing over a free-kick for Italy against Belgium on Friday night, he could dip into over 4,000 different ways to hurt the opposition.The Italians have dazzled football fans with their quick, incisive attacking play this year at the Euros.
      Gianni Vio, standing to the right Italy boss Robert Mancini, is the Azzuri’s secret weaponCredit: Reuters

      But it’s not just a passing game they’ve excelled at. From dead balls Roberto Mancini’s side have proved to be just as dangerous.
      Prime example, Matteo Pessina’s strike against Wales from a well-rehearsed free-kick with two stars standing in an offside position to confuse the Dragons’ backline.
      All these routines come from the mind of Gianni Vio, who reportedly has 4,830 to call upon and harm their rivals.
      Over the years he has helped clubs including Leeds United, Brentford and AC Milan improve their set-pieces.
      Not bad from the former banker, 66, who has given the Azzuri a different dimension.
      HIS THESIS
      When Vio was completing his coaching badges, he wrote a thesis called Set pieces: the 15-goal striker, which later influenced the book That Extra 30 Per Cent. This was while juggling a job as a clerk at Unicredit in Venice.
      The work was inspired by his time at Serie D outfit Il Quinto di Treviso, and in particular, two twins that used to play for him.
      Vio strategically encouraged the brothers, who no one could tell apart, to stand facing the goalkeeper when they had free-kicks and just stare into their eyes.
      Not only did that unnerve defenders, who couldn’t decide which one was their man, it also freaked out keepers.
      Italy have shown off a variety of set-piece routines during the EurosCredit: AP
      Vio claims to have 4,830 different set-piece routines masteredCredit: Getty
      Italy’s stars will often form a wall in front of the opposition wall as a distractionCredit: Getty
      But it was an instance of how Vio tailors his ideas – using the players at his disposal, as well as psychology.
      “All I’ll say is you need to analyse the players that you have and find solutions tailor-made to their skill set,” he told a Venetian newspaper, although he keeps his secrets close to his chest.
      “There are players whose reading of the game is special. At the highest level, Sergio Ramos comes to mind.
      “Wherever you put the ball, you can bet he’ll find a way to get on the end of it. Timing is the most important thing when it comes to finishing off a set piece.”
      WORKING WITH ZENGA
      In 2005 Walter Zenga became boss of Serbian side Red Star Belgrade, when Vio’s book, co-authored by psychologist Alessandro Tettamanzi, landed on his desk.
      It’s title That Extra 30 Per Cent is Vio’s belief of a percentage of how much set-pieces can improve a team. “It’s like having another striker,” he romantically revealed.
      The legendary Italian goalkeeper devoured the book and contacted its author, swapping ideas.
      Legendary Italy goalkeeper Walter Zenga hired Vio to help him secure Catania’s Serie A futureCredit: Getty
      Vio, sat alongside former Leeds manager Paul Heckingbottom, had a spell in England with the Yorkshire clubCredit: Rex
      Eventually, Zenga would score a job at Al-Ain, where he welcomed Vio to the United Arab Emirates to give his players a 20-day training clinic on set-pieces.
      Then, when the ex-Inter Milan shotstopper was offered the post at then-Serie A club Catania he insisted Vio was hired as a set-piece specialist.
      As Zenga eloquently told The Athletic: “Only a nutter like me would ask for someone who worked in a bank and coached in non-League to be with me when I got my first job in Serie A.
      “Gianni used to fly down on Thursdays and leave on a Sunday. It was madness.”
      Astonishingly, Zenga’s masterstroke was a success. 17 of Catania’s 44 goals were scored from set-plays in a campaign that saw them escape relegation. Vio might as well have been playing upfront.
      HELPING ITALY’S CAUSE
      Perfectionist Mancini reached out to Vio last year – recognising the importance of set-pieces.
      “I was contacted directly by Mancini,” he said.
      “We met up in Bologna, had a chat and shook hands. I started working (with the national team) last September.”
      The fruits of Vio’s labour were clear to see in the Nations League game last September against Bosnia & Herzegovina.
      As Insigne eyed up the free kick, Italy’s stars formed two walls behind the opposition’s wall.
      Italy bamboozled Bosnia’s defenders last September in the Nations League

      Mancini personally called Vio to ask for his coaching helpCredit: EPA
      Andrea Belotti takes one of Italy’s rehearsed set-pieces against AustriaCredit: Getty

      Then, they walked back to an onside position, further bamboozling Bosnia’s players.
      “Mancini knows this is a short, seven-game tournament and set pieces can help decide it,” Zenga said.
      And if they do, and it brings the Euros back to Italy for the first time since 1968, it’ll be thanks to a former banker.
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      Euro 2020 LIVE: England vs Ukraine quarter-final build up, Three Lions fans not allowed in Rome – latest updates

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      EURO 2020 is rolling on at pace with the quarter-finals on the horizon.And what a tournament we’ve had so far – world champs France OUT, holders Portugal OUT and England FINALLY beating Germany.
      The Three Lions next face Ukraine in Rome on Saturday night in the quarter-final.
      But travel restrictions mean there will be no England fans in attendance at the Stadio Olimpico.
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      TIME TO SHINE
      Portugal may have crashed out of Euro 2020 – but Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. can still boast the most valuable watch collection.
      Horology experts have calculated the combined value of timepieces from a host of European squads. The clear winner was Portugal with a watch collection estimated to exceed at least £5.4 million.
      Ronaldo and his team-mates have personal collections including a Franck Muller Cintrée Tourbillon and a diamond set Breguet Double Tourbillon – estimated to be worth in excess of £1,000,000 and £560,000 respectively.
      The report, compiled by pre-owned watch specialist Watchfinder & Co also revealed that France, who suffered a disappointing exit at the hands of Switzerland, have the second-most valuable collection at just over £1.9m.
      Paul Pogba and Ousmane Dembele share an affinity for rare and expensive Patek Philippes, with Dembele enjoying a 5976 white gold Patek Chronograph, which was produced to celebrate 40 years of the Nautilus.
      England, fresh from last-16 glory after beating Germany 2-0, placed third on the list with a collection estimated at approximately £1.8m.

      HOD PICK
      Glenn Hoddle expects a ‘few changes’ to England’s starting XI that beat Germany when they face Ukraine this weekend.
      The 63-year-old reckons the Three Lions have a good balance going in the Euro 2020 quarter-final, and Gareth Southgate will be reluctant to make too many changes.
      While speaking to Betfair, the ex-England boss said: “Don’t be surprised if there’s a few changes.”
      Despite the possible return of Phil Foden, Hoddle predicts Southgate will remain cautious.
      He said: “I don’t think he’ll take the reins off against Ukraine. He’s got a balance and managers are always looking for balance.
      “This England team aren’t conceding goals and the goalkeeper is having a really good tournament, so you go from there. We’ve got talent and goal scorers.”

      ODDS SLASHED
      Raheem Sterling has emerged as the favourite to win the Best Player of the Tournament award at Euro 2020.
      The winger scored both of England’s winners in the group stages and continued his red-hot form by netting the opener in the 2-0 win over Germany.
      The Man City star was initially 40/1 to win the award before the tournament began.
      And Sterling drifted as far as 66/1 in the bookies’ market after the goalless draw against Scotland.
      But following his heroics against Germany, Betfair have Sterling at 6/1 to be named the player of the tournament.

      EUR KIDDING AREN’T YA?!
      1966 was the pinnacle of English international football wasn’t it?
      Or was it Euro 96 when football came home again…?
      It came home right?
      [embedded content]
      KANE NOT BELIEVE IT
      Harry Kane has described the ‘pure elation’ he felt after scoring in England’s win over Germany on Tuesday.
      The Three Lions striker had a quiet game until he popped up to make it 2-0 and seal England’s spot in the quarter-final.

      DARK HORSES
      Switzerland could be the dark horses of Euro 2020 after knocking out world champions France on penalties in the Round of 16!

      ‘STRUCTURED AND DYNAMIC’
      Belgium are wary of the threat Italy pose, and manager Roberto Martinez praised the host nation as ‘structured and dynamic’ ahead of tomorrow’s Euro 2020 quarter-final.
      He said: “Italy will attack from the very first second; they will be very structured and dynamic.
      “Every player knows his role.
      “The game against Portugal was a game that could have been played a lot further down the line; usually players don’t play these physical and intense games at this stage of the tournament.
      “Luckily, we have enough days to recover and prepare.”
      Thorgan Hazard – who’s goal won Belgium’s Round of 16 match against Portugal – has admitted that Italy will be Belgium’s biggest test in the competition so far.
      Hazard said: “Italy will be the toughest opponent we’ve met so far.
      “They’ve had a good run of wins and it will be a nice challenge for us to end that sequence.
      “Their style may suit us more than Portugal. They are enterprising so we may be able to profit from the open spaces, but it definitely won’t be any easier.”
      EASY PHIL
      England’s Phil Foden pulled off an audacious back-heel to beat Ramsdale in training!

      RED DEVILS
      Belgium face Italy in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 tomorrow!

      GAT’S GOOD NEWS 
      Lions Boss Warren Gatland has agreed to move their mid-week game against The Sharks to set-up a potential mid-week marathon of sport, writes JONNY FORDHAM.
      Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions are looking to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2020 at the same time as the Lions kick-off in Johannesburg.
      The second game of the tour in South Africa is due to kick-off at 7pm UK time.
      But that clashes with a possible huge showdown for England.
      So TV bosses both here and back at home have come together to allow changes to give sports fans around the world a huge weekday hit.
      SunSport understands that talks are on-going between Lions suits, SkySports and SuperSport in South Africa.
      An insider said: “It’s a decision with the fans best interests at heart; it ensures everyone can watch both games.”
      SHEAR JOY
      Alan Shearer has told Gareth Southgate he’s ‘proud’ of him and insisted he never blamed him for his Euro 96 penalty miss, writes GARY STONEHOUSE.
      The England boss gained redemption on Tuesday as his Three Lions beat Germany 2-0 at Wembley to set-up a quarter-final showdown with Ukraine.
      That stunning victory occurred almost 25 years to the day that Southgate famously missed in the semi-final shoot-out defeat to the same nation.
      Southgate said after this week’s triumph: “I can’t change the fact that the guys I played with in 96 didn’t get to play in a final. That will always live with me.
      “But what this group of players have been able to do is give a new generation a lot of happy memories and another afternoon where they’ve made a bit of history.”
      CLICK HERE TO READ SHEARER’S COMMENTS

      QUARTER-FINALISTS
      Ukraine are into the quarter-finals of Euro 2020, one of their best ever returns at a major International tournament.
      And they’re being led by Ukrainian football legend Andriy Shevchenko.

      GERMAN MINISTER BLAST BIG CROWDS
      German minister Horst Seehofer has blasted UEFA for having large crowds at Euro 2020.
      Seehofer blasted the decision as (Reuters) “utterly irresponsible” given the spread of the Delta Covid-19 variant.
      The minister believes that UEFA’s decision was commercially-driven.
      And that it shouldn’t rank above public health concerns.
      DON’T GO
      England fans have been told not to travel to Rome for Saturday’s Euro 2020 quarter-final.
      And English fans will be banned from the stadium even if they have tickets for the match.
      Italy is on the UK’s amber list, and anyone travelling to the country has to isolate for five days.
      A statement issued by the Italian embassy in London on Thursday said: “anybody who has been in the UK in the previous 14 days, irrespective of their nationality or residency will not be admitted to the stadium, even if they have a ticket”.
      RAHEEM THE DREAM
      Raheem Sterling is England’s top-scorer at Euro 2020, finding the back of the net three times!
      England now face Ukraine in Rome on Saturday.

      ‘HE IS A FIGHTER’
      England manager Gareth Southgate gas hailed Raheem Sterling as a ‘fighter’.
      He said: “Raheem was probably the only one of the players to come back from the World Cup with a different feeling — and I talked to him at length about that.
      “Seville was a real lift-off moment for him. You could see it. He almost jumped into the second tier of the stadium if you look at the celebration that night of his goal.
      “I really feel that was a significant moment for him. Of course he had been scoring for his club — but he had not been able to translate that.
      “Now I think he feels happy in our environment, feels he can be himself, and knows the respect we have for him. His performances in every game this tournament has seen him become a huge threat to every opponent.
      “He is a fighter. He has got an incredible resilience and hunger. He has developed over the last couple of years this real hunger to score.
      “Even in the games earlier in the tournament where the ball has flashed across the box, he was there between the posts.
      “He is finding himself in these areas and his drive is fantastic. We know the journey he has been on with England — and I am so happy for him to be able to deliver the performances he has.”
      TOO RUUD
      Man Utd legend Ruud van Nistelrooy turns 45 today!
      Van Nistelrooy had a brilliant career at international level too, competing at both the Euros and World Cups.

      HEIR IT COMES!
      The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were in attendance at Wembley on Tuesday alongside their son Prince George.
      And the three enjoyed themselves as Sterling and captain Kane fired themselves to victory!
      Prince William, Kate and George go wild over England win as they join Beckhams for Euros 2020 historic victory
      FINAL EIGHT
      There’s now just eight teams left in the competition.
      And England have a really, really good chance of making the final this year.
      The final is also on home soil, at Wembley!
      But first, Southgate’s men have to get past Ukraine in Rome, Italy.

      EURO 2020 NEWS
      England boss Gareth Southgate has revealed he was a ‘party pooper’ in the dressing room after the heroic win over Germany.
      He said: “I thought it was a brilliant afternoon. We’ve talked about bringing enjoyment to the nation and this afternoon was what that’s all about.
      “The players were absolutely immense, right the way through the team, and the fans were as well. There were only 40,000 but it was as good an atmosphere as I can remember at Wembley.
      “But I was the party pooper in the dressing room – I just said that it means nothing if we don’t capitalise on Saturday now. We’ve given people another day to remember, and now we’ve got to do it in Rome.”
      Meanwhile, England have been handed a Euro 2020 boost with the news that Ukraine star Artem Besedin has been ruled OUT of their quarter-final clash.
      Besedin was the victim of a horror challenge from Marcus Danielson that saw the Swedish defender shown a straight red card.
      Besedin has returned home for treatment and is out of the rest of the tournament should Ukraine beat England.
      The centre-forward came off the bench for Ukraine in three of their four matches at Euro 2020.
      In other news, Alan Shearer has hailed Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka as England’s best player.
      The Newcastle legend said: “England need more players like that.
      “He’s been so brave, when someone’s marking him tightly he still wants the ball. I think he’s been our best player.”
      And finally, Germany midfielder Toni Kroos is set to retire from international football after Germany’s exit from Euro 2020.
      Bild are reporting that he is expected to announce his retirement soon, despite the World Cup in Qatar just a year away.
      OBERHAUL
      Germany have responded to their crushing last-16 defeat to England by launching ‘Project Future’.
      The beaten Germans’ project is aimed at reviving their flagging fortunes — and finally producing a world class centre-forward again.
      National team director Oliver Bierhoff says it is unacceptable that the country failed to make it to the quarter-finals at Euro 2020 on the back of their embarrassing group-stage exit at the last World Cup.
      He said: “We cannot be satisfied with dropping out at the round of 16 stage. England were a beatable team, but they were better than us on the night — that said we need and want to get back to the world elite.
      “So, we cannot be satisfied with our own performance — we’re disappointed.”
      Read more HERE.
      TAKE XHAK
      Arsenal ace Granit Xhaka has starred at Euro 2020 for Switzerland.
      No other midfielder left in the tournament has made more progressive passes.
      1,924 – Granit Xhaka has completed 181 forward passes at EURO 2020, accounting for a total progressive distance of 1,924 metres; the most of any midfielder remaining in the competition. Director. #SUI #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/QQ5WLgT5sw— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 30, 2021

      GLASSES HOUSES FULL
      An England fan who wrecked his glasses celebrating the Euro 2020 win over Germany has been leant a helping hand by Harry Kane.
      The Three Lions captain headed home the second goal of Tuesday’s memorable 2-0 win at Wembley.
      And the ensuing mayhem across the country led to one supporter’s glasses getting scratched to oblivion.
      Billy Taylor tweeted that he was planning a trip to Specsavers for a new pair after the game.
      But the opticians, who have run numerous ads backing England’s trophy bid this summer, were quick to lay down a challenge for Billy to bag a free replacement.
      If striker Kane retweeted the picture of his smashed lenses, he would receive the new pair free of charge.
      And the classy captain duly obliged, with Specsavers confirming his reward via Twitter.

      FORWARD THINKING
      England boss Gareth Southgate has spoke of his delight that forwards Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane scored against Germany.
      Sterling now has three goals in Euro 2020, while Tottenham ace Kane opened his account for the tournament.
      Southgate said: “I was pleased for both of them because they both have to prove people wrong all the time. 
      “Raheem has been immense for us over a three or four-year period. He knows he has our trust and his performances have been electric.
      “It was a really important moment for Harry, I think.
      “It doesn’t matter what else you’re doing in the game as a forward, you need those goals so I was pleased to see the second one go in, I have to say.”
      LION TAMER
      Gareth Southgate has revealed he was a ‘party pooper’ in the dressing room after the heroic win over Germany.
      The Three Lions sent the nation into one huge party on Tuesday night after KO’ing the old enemy at Wembley.
      He said: “I thought it was a brilliant afternoon. We’ve talked about bringing enjoyment to the nation and this afternoon was what that’s all about.
      “The players were absolutely immense, right the way through the team, and the fans were as well. There were only 40,000 but it was as good an atmosphere as I can remember at Wembley.
      “But I was the party pooper in the dressing room – I just said that it means nothing if we don’t capitalise on Saturday now.
      “We’ve given people another day to remember, and now we’ve got to do it in Rome.”
      Load more entries… More

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      Petit claims Man Utd ace Paul Pogba ‘lost the plot’ in Euro 2020 loss to Switzerland and slams France’s squabbling stars

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      ARSENAL legend Emmanuel Petit has slammed Paul Pogba following France’s Euro 2020 exit as he claimed he ‘lost the plot’ against Switzerland.The World Cup champions crashed out at the last-16 stage after losing on penalties against Vladimir Petkovic’s men having squandered a two-goal lead.
      Manchester United star Paul Pogba has been criticised by Emmanuel Petit following France’s Euro 2020 exitCredit: Getty
      Petit believes that Pogba ‘lost the plot’ as Switzerland beat Les Bleus on penaltiesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Pogba thought he had banged in the winner for Les Bleus after his curling strike from distance nestled into the top right corner to put his side 3-1 up.
      But a lapse in concentration moments later allowed Haris Seferovic to pull one back, before Mario Gavranovic fired in a dramatic stoppage time equaliser.
      The Manchester United midfielder’s mistake saw Adrien Rabiot confront him on the pitch, resulting in the latter’s mum arguing with Pogba’s family in the stands.
      Petit has hit out at his compatriots for their early exit, as he told Paddy Power: “There was one incident – Pogba lost the ball for the second Swiss goal – and France collapsed.
      “We lost everything. Concentration, team spirit, desire – and the tie. Worst of all, we started fighting on the pitch between ourselves.
       “There was a big clash between Rabiot and Pogba, who lost the plot, after the second Swiss goal and from then on we had no control, no confidence.
      “We looked average – it’s hard to explain. [Kylian] Mbappe was asking for more responsibilities before the tournament, and there were stories about not passing the ball to [Olivier] Giroud.
      “There was even fighting in the stands between Rabiot, Mbappe and Pogba’s families after the second goal – Rabiot’s mother said Mbappe’s big head is spoiling the team.

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      “Then Mbappe penalty is saved in the shootout. We looked so far away from the World Cup-winning team.
      “It reminds me of our team in 2002, when we went out in the group stage of the World Cup. It’s a real shame because it doesn’t need to be like this.”
      There may have been arguments on the pitch between the squad, but there was already unrest in the France team before the tournament even started.
      Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud quarrelled with each other following the friendly against Bulgaria after the Chelsea ace stated the Paris Saint-Germain man refused to pass to him.
      And L’Equipe then declared that there was a bitter atmosphere in the squad prior to their opening game against Germany.
      Man Utd’s Paul Pogba shows off dance moves after scoring screamer for France against Switzerland at Euro 2020 More

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      Portugal squad have most expensive watch collection by far thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo who boasts a £1m timepiece

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      PORTUGAL may have crashed out of Euro 2020 – but Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. can still boast the most valuable watch collection.Horology experts have calculated the combined value of timepieces from a host of European squads.

      The clear winner was Portugal with a watch collection estimated to exceed at least £5.4 million.
      Ronaldo and his team-mates have personal collections including a Franck Muller Cintrée Tourbillon and a diamond set Breguet Double Tourbillon – estimated to be worth in excess of £1,000,000 and £560,000 respectively.
      Real Betis midfielder William Carvalho owns at least two Audemars Piguet Royal Oaks and one Richard Mille RM010, worth an estimated total of £120,000.
      The report, compiled by pre-owned watch specialist Watchfinder & Co also revealed that France, who suffered a disappointing exit at the hands of Switzerland, have the second-most valuable collection at just over £1.9m.
      Paul Pogba and Ousmane Dembele share an affinity for rare and expensive Patek Philippes, with Dembele enjoying a 5976 white gold Patek Chronograph, which was produced to celebrate 40 years of the Nautilus.
      Meanwhile, Pogba has been spotted wearing an ‘iced out’ factory diamond set 5719 Nautilus model in white gold – these two timepieces alone are estimated to be worth £700,000.
      England, fresh from last-16 glory after beating Germany 2-0, placed third on the list with a collection estimated at approximately £1.8m.
      With 17 Rolexes taking up a large chunk of their total, it’s safe to say they have a penchant for the Genevan watchmaker.

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      Cristiano Ronaldo leads the way when it comes to footballers’ watch collectionsCredit: EPA
      Paul Pogba also knows a thing or two about luxury timepiecesCredit: Getty
      Other notable pieces in the squad ‘cabinet’ include Harry Kane’s 5164R Aquanaut Travel Time and a 5980R Nautilus Chronograph worth an estimated £265,000.
      Marcus Rashford is in possession of an exceedingly sought-after Richard Mille RM35-02 (aka the Nadal) – this watch alone is valued at around £360,000.
      The fourth and fifth places in the watch leaderboard went to the squads of Spain and Germany respectively.
      And Switzerland, the spiritual home of luxury watches, placed eighth on the list.
      A spokesperson for Watchfinder & Co said: “Footballers have long been recognised for their impressive watch collections and we thought this year’s Euros was the perfect opportunity to establish which national team really does have the most valuable collection.
      “It’s been fascinating looking at the personal taste and style of each player – a great reminder of how diverse the watch industry is.
      Ronaldo is a big fan of the watch world’s most esteemed piecesCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      Harry Kane is one of England’s leading timepiece connoisseursCredit: Rex Features

      “With Ronaldo in their squad, it was no real surprise that Portugal topped the table, his own watch collection already exceeds an anticipated £4.5m.
      “Rolex continue to prove most popular with the footballing elite with an average of 10 Rolex watches per national squad.
      “Despite the results, you could argue that Switzerland are the ‘real winners’ here given that the vast majority of these timepieces are indeed Swiss.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Phil Foden to return to England XI vs Ukraine with Rice or Phillips rested among a ‘few changes’, predicts Glenn Hoddle

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      GLENN HODDLE expect a ‘few changes’ to England’s starting XI that beat Germany when they face Ukraine this weekend.The 63-year-old reckons the Three Lions have a good balance going in the Euro 2020 quarter-final, and Gareth Southgate will be reluctant to make too many changes.
      Hoddle thinks Southgate will keep England’s team the same against UkraineCredit: Reuters
      But the ex-England boss recons Foden could start ahead of Rice or PhilipsCredit: Getty
      While speaking to Betfair, the ex-England boss said: “Don’t be surprised if there’s a few changes.”
      Despite the possible return of Phil Foden, Hoddle predicts Southgate will remain cautious.
      He said: “I don’t think he’ll take the reins off against Ukraine.
      “He’s got a balance and managers are always looking for balance.
      “This England team aren’t conceding goals and the goalkeeper is having a really good tournament, so you go from there.
      “We’ve got talent and goal scorers.”
      Fan’s had been critical of Southgate’s team selection before the Germany game but Hoddle urged them to trust him going forward.
      He said: “The positives outweigh the negatives for England by a mile, let’s trust Gareth to pick his team and do it for the right reasons.
      “He’ll watch every Ukraine game and know them inside out. England will go out and give it their best shot.
      And the ex-Tottenham midfielder thinks if Southgate does decide to switch things up, it will be to give a few of his first XI a rest.
      Hoddle feels Declan Rice and Kalvin Philips could do with a break after the pair’s robust display neutralised the German’s attacking threat in England’s 2-0 win.
      But if that’s the case, he believes Southgate will turn to Foden and Mason Mount, just as he did with Jack Grealish against the German’s in order to win the game.
      Hoddle added: “England can win games from the bench.
      “Jack Grealish came on against Germany, and if it wasn’t him it could have been Phil Foden or Mason Mount.
      “Those three players are wonderful and they are all on the bench, and England’s bench will really come to the fore if any game goes to extra time.
      “Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips might be a bit fatigued, but Southgate will really want to select them again if he can.
      “Rice ran himself into the ground, as he got himself forward more against Germany and now he’s got to recuperate.
      “Gareth might now change one of them and give them a rest, he’ll see how they’re doing in training but won’t change too much.”
      The BT Sport’s pundit expects Southgate to go with the same formation against Ukraine but thinks Reece James may get a run out this time around.
      Hoddle said: “If he goes with a back three and wing-backs against Ukraine, then he’ll go as similar as he can to the Germany game.
      “But maybe with Reece James on the right side. Southgate has so many options.”

      Harry Kane’s first goal of the tournament sunk the Germans and Hoddle thinks he’ll be England’s main threat going forward.
      He continued: “Harry Kane is off the mark and I think we’ll see the best of him – and not just because he’s scored.
      “But because he’s grown in confidence. Kane might be the one that drags England over the line and helps us win this.”
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      Team news, injury updates and latest odds for Denmark vs Czech Republic with underdogs to fight for semi-final spot

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      CZECH REPUBLIC and Denmark, two of the dark horses for Euro 2020, meet on Saturday in the tournament’s quarter-finals.The Danes have become the ultimate underdogs this summer after overcoming the harrowing scenes of Christian Eriksen’s on-pitch collapse to ease into the last eight.
      Patrik Schick has been one of the stars of Euro 2020
      Kasper Schmeichel will hope to build upon his first clean sheet of the tournament
      Czech Republic meanwhile thought they’d pulled off the shock of the last-16 after when stunned the Netherlands, only to then see Switzerland dump France out.
      Jaroslav Silhavy’s side beat 10-man Holland – who topped Group C after three wins – 2-0 following goals from Tomas Holes and Patrik Schick.
      Denmark swept Wales aside in the last round 4-0 with the winner of the tie set to meet either England or Ukraine in the semi-finals.
      The clash will kick-off at 5pm at the Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan.
      It will be aired on ITV1 – and streamed on the ITV Hub – with a preview starting at 4pm.

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      Team news
      The Czechs have been handed a boost with the return of left-back Jan Boril after suspension.
      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.”
      Andreas Cornelius hopes to net his second goal of the tournament against the Czechs

      Form guide
      Denmark qualified for the knockout stage after their harrowing experience with star man Eriksen’s collapse during their first match against Finland.
      The midfielder received 13 minutes of emergency medical attention on the pitch including CPR after suffering a cardiac arrest.
      Eriksen underwent an operation to fit a ‘heart-starting’ device called an ICD to help prevent future problems.
      Understandably, Denmark lost that game to Finland before a narrow 2-1 defeat to Belgium put them on the brink of elimination.
      Yet an empthatic 4-1 mauling of Russia set up a date with Wales in Amsterdam where the Danes stuck another four away for the win.
      It’s the kind of chance we might never have again, a chance that we have worked incredibly hard for, for a long timeDenmark coach Hjulmand
      Hjulmand said: “It’s the kind of chance we might never have again, a chance that we have worked incredibly hard for, for a long time.
      “It’s a childhood dream. It’s many, many years’ work for lots of people.
      “We want to make the most of it and do everything to the best of our ability, prepare really well, follow through, and see what we have out there and how far that will take us.”

      Czech Republic enjoyed a much less emotional rollercoaster in their group after a comfortable 2-0 win over Scotland kick-started their journey.
      A tense 1-1 draw with Croatia followed before a narrow 1-0 defeat to England saw them slip to third in Group D.
      But despite facing the much-fancied Dutch, Matthijs De Ligt’s second-half red-card proved the catalyst for the Czech’s to record a famous result.
      Midfielder Antonin Barak said: “We have been following Denmark games throughout the tournament and know how they play.
      “They have a well-balanced team and play an interesting style which is very demanding.”
      Watch out for…..
      Patrik Schick. The Republic poster-boy has turned heads for his football ability and good looks.
      The 25-year-old Bayer Leverkusen striker earned the plaudits for his stunning 50-yard strike against Scotland at the Euros.
      And he was at it again in the last-16 as he bagged the settler in the 2-0 win over the Netherlands.
      If the game’s rubbish 
      Katrine Friis is often seen cheering on her partner Andreas Christiensen, 25,  during centre-back’s shifts for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. 
      And the swimwear model will hope to see the Denmark ace reach the Euros quarter-finals along with his team-mates. 
      Katrine, who is 23, was pictured celebrating Chelsea’s Champions League success after Christiensen helped the Blues to capture their second major trophy in Europe.
      Katrine Friis and her partner Andreas Christiensen
      Fancy a punt? 
      Get all your Euro 2020 ante-post tips with our tournament betting guide HERE.

      Match odds?

      Yussuf Poulsen first goalscorer 11/2 @ Betfair
      Czech Republic to reach semi-final (Inc ET and Pens) 29/20 @ Betfair
      Denmark to reach semi-final (Inc ET and Pens) 8/15 @ Betfair

      *All odds correct at time of publication
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