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

    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

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    England fan scores £360 on Euros bet thanks to tip off from his unborn son

    AN England fan won £360 in a Euros bet on the Germany game after an ultrasound scan showed his unborn son sticking two fingers up.Johnny Howell, 30, put down £30 to win 2-0 at 12-1 and watched in delight as it came in.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Johnny Howell won £360 on a Euros bet thanks to his unborn sonCredit: East Anglia News Service
    An ultrasound showed his baby sticking two fingers upCredit: East Anglia News Service
    The gas engineer said: “It is just incredible that my boy came up with the right result.
    “It’s a shame that he didn’t put up four fingers and a thumb to predict five goals.”
    He went for the scan with fiance Alice Morling, 25, in Gorleston, Norfolk, on Tuesday, before Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling’s goals that evening.
    Johnny, of Great Yarmouth, said: “The sonographer said the fingers were a peace sign.
    His fiance Alice Morling said she couldn’t believe the prediction had come trueCredit: East Anglia News Service

    “But it dawned on me that he may have been predicting a 2-0 England victory.”
    Alice said: “The second goal came and I thought, ‘Are you joking?’ ”
    They will spend the win on baby equipment.
    England ace Raheem Sterling is favourite to win Player of the Tournament at Euro 2020 More

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    The Sun’s chicken Kiev picks England for Euros victory…and sh**s on Ukraine!

    FOOTBALL-mad cockerel Jordan Peckford hopes for a feather in his cap — after predicting England will beat Ukraine.The Sun’s own chicken Kiev showed he was no bird-brain when asked to choose between two full bowls of feed placed on a hay bale.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Our chicken Kiev has predicted victory for England tomorrowCredit: Richard Rayner
    Jordan Peckford was asked to choose between two bowls full of feedCredit: Richard Rayner
    He wasted no time choosing the one marked EnglandCredit: Richard Rayner
    He also took a shot in the Ukraine oneCredit: Richard Rayner
    The red and white marvel lost no time in scoffing from the one marked England. And then he cheekily doubled down on his verdict by, um, taking a shot in the Ukraine one.
    The four-month-old, named in honour of Three Lions goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, belongs to farmers Andrew and Ruth Pollard, both 49.
    They have been avidly watching England’s Euro 2020 progress with their four kids.
    Sunderland fan Andrew, a fifth generation farmer, said: “I watched Jordan Pickford start his career with us before his big money move to Everton.

    The four-month-old belongs to farmers Andrew and Ruth PollardCredit: Richard Rayner
    “His saves against Germany were spectacular. He’s been the keeper of the tournament so far.
    “Four games and four clean sheets — it’s quite a record.
    “I don’t want to count my chickens too soon, but I think it’s coming home.”
    Ruth — who with Andrew runs Pollards of Thirkleby, near Thirsk, North Yorks — agreed: “It’s been superb so far. And Jordan has pretty much told us what he thinks of Ukraine’s chances.
    “Not only did he have a poo in their bowl, he kicked it over. He doesn’t fancy them at all.
    He was named after Three Lions goalkeeper Jordan PickfordCredit: APEx-pat fans to hit Rome

    THREE Lions fans coming from England have been banned from watching tomorrow’s quarter final.
    But proud ex-pat supporters — dubbed the Salami Army — were racing to get hold of tickets and cheer on Our Boys.
    Italy warned anyone who has been in the UK for the past fortnight would be barred from the Stadio Olimpico.
    Many of the 30,000 Brits living in Italy scrambled to get tickets.
    Teacher Dawn Hughes, 59, who lives in Rome, snapped one up.
    She told The Sun: “I just can’t wait. We will cheer and sing our hearts out for the team and for Queen and country.”
    England fans in other EU countries are also heading to Rome.
    Joel Phillips, 29, who lives in Hamburg, said: “I needed to roar the boys on as the Barmy Army couldn’t travel.”

    “They’re on a wing and a prayer as far as he’s concerned. But they’ll probably cry fowl.”
    Fans will want to see Ukraine in a flap at tomorrow night’s big match in Rome which will decide if England reach the semi-finals for the first time since Euro 96.

    ENGLAND stars are head over heels for Love Island. Luke Shaw revealed: “Sometimes we watch a movie together. But now it’s Love Island. 9pm — that’s it. You can book your treatment times so you’re just on the bed when it comes on. Most of us sit in there and watch it.” More

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    England fans heading to Rome for quarter-final clash will NOT be let in stadium, warns Italian embassy

    ENGLAND fans travelling to Rome for Saturday’s Euro 2020 quarter final won’t be allowed into the stadium even if they have a ticket.Italian officials have said they’ll turn away any Three Lions supporters who have recently arrived in the country at the gate.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Fans travelling to Rome for the Euro 2020 quarter final will be barred from the stadiumCredit: PA
    Italian officials have boosted security at airports to catch crafty England fans sneaking in to watch their match against UkraineCredit: AFP
    In a statement the country’s embassy in London warned anyone trying to flout its quarantine rules “will be punished”.
    Those who try to take advantage of exemptions from self-isolation, such as claiming they’re on a business trip, will be rejected.
    The embassy 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.
    “Only those who can prove that they have arrived in Italy at least six days previously, have observed five days of quarantine, and have taken a post-quarantine COVID-19 test with a negative result will be allowed into the Stadio Olimpico.
    “Fans based in the UK should therefore not travel to Italy to attend the match on Saturday at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
    “Being exempt from quarantine in Italy for any legal reason, will not translate into permission to enter the stadium.
    “For example, travellers who are transiting through Italy for less than 36 hours or visiting briefly for work reasons are not required to quarantine, but they will not be permitted to enter the stadium.”
    Italian officials plan to introduce checkpoints on roads from neighbouring countries and boost security at airports with direct links to the UK in a bid to catch crafty England fans sneaking in.
    Italy will host the England and Ukraine match at the Olympic Stadium in RomeCredit: Splash
    England fans unable to travel to Rome to watch the Three Lions due to Covid rulesCredit: PA
    The prefect of Rome, Matteo Piantedosi, was holding talks with the regional committee for public order and security, and senior police chiefs were also brought in to discuss security for Saturday’s game.
    Italy is among the countries hardest hit by the Covid pandemic, and officials are desperate to take all measures necessary to make sure there is not another devastating wave.
    Andrea Costa, undersecretary for the Italian Ministry of Health, told The Sun: “The rules are clear and concise — English fans will not be able to travel to Italy.
    “There are currently five days of obligatory quarantine on arrival, so unless fans arrived before June 28 and completed quarantine, there is no point travelling to Rome.
    “Those that do attempt it and are caught will be fined and punished. Rules have to be obeyed and we cannot afford to be running any risks.” Officials said that other measures being considered would include stopping ticket holders and asking them to prove how long they had been in the country — with boarding cards being requested.
    Virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco, who has been advising the Italian government, said: “Allowing fans in from the UK would be a disaster because there is a very high probability that they will spread the virus.”
    Last night the British Embassy in Rome, which had wrongly been announced as a point of ticket sales for expat England fans, posted a statement on its Facebook page after being swamped with calls.

    According to official figures there are around 250,000 Ukrainian citizens in Italy — with around 80 per cent being female cleaners or carers.
    Fans from the Ukraine have it worse than those from the UK as they have to undergo ten days of quarantine and provide a negative Covid test.
    Entry into Italy for tourism purposes for Ukrainians is expressly forbidden.
    Harry Kane says he wants to give England ‘as much joy as possible’ with victory over Ukraine on Saturday More

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    Italy boost security at airports and introduce checkpoints at neighbouring countries to catch England fans sneaking in

    ITALIAN officials plan to introduce checkpoints on roads from neighbouring countries and boost security at airports with direct links to the UK in a bid to catch crafty England fans sneaking in.Last night the prefect of Rome, Matteo Piantedosi, was holding talks with the regional committee for public order and security, and senior police chiefs were also brought in to discuss security for Saturday’s game.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Italian officials have boosted security at airports to catch crafty England fans sneaking in to watch their match against UkraineCredit: AFP
    Italy is among the countries hardest hit by the Covid pandemic, and officials are desperate to take all measures necessary to make sure there is not another devastating wave.
    Andrea Costa, undersecretary for the Italian Ministry of Health, told The Sun: “The rules are clear and concise — English fans will not be able to travel to Italy.
    “There are currently five days of obligatory quarantine on arrival, so unless fans arrived before June 28 and completed quarantine, there is no point travelling to Rome.
    “Those that do attempt it and are caught will be fined and punished. Rules have to be obeyed and we cannot afford to be running any risks.” Officials said that other measures being considered would include stopping ticket holders and asking them to prove how long they had been in the country — with boarding cards being requested.
    Virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco, who has been advising the Italian government, said: “Allowing fans in from the UK would be a disaster because there is a very high probability that they will spread the virus.”
    Last night the British Embassy in Rome, which had wrongly been announced as a point of ticket sales for expat England fans, posted a statement on its Facebook page after being swamped with calls.
    Italy will host the England and Ukraine match at the Olympic Stadium in RomeCredit: Splash
    England fans unable to travel to Rome to watch the Three Lions due to Covid rulesCredit: PA

    According to official figures there are around 250,000 Ukrainian citizens in Italy — with around 80 per cent being female cleaners or carers.
    Fans from the Ukraine have it worse than those from the UK as they have to undergo ten days of quarantine and provide a negative Covid test.
    Entry into Italy for tourism purposes for Ukrainians is expressly forbidden.
    Harry Kane says he wants to give England ‘as much joy as possible’ with victory over Ukraine on Saturday More

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    Wayne and Coleen Rooney treat their boys to bargain holiday with narrowboat trip

    WAYNE and Coleen Rooney have grabbed another bargain holiday by taking their boys on a narrowboat trip.The ex-Manchester United and England captain and his wife treated their four children to the peaceful canal break.
    Wayne and Coleen Rooney with Bridge Inn’s landlady Helen Bannister
    The pair, both 35, and Kai, 11, Cass, three, Klay, eight, and Kit, five, moored outside the Hartley Arms in Wheaton Aston, Staffs.
    Pete Hyde dashed to the pub, which sits on the Shropshire Union Canal, with his football-mad son Jaret, ten, after hearing Derby manager Wayne was there.
    He said: “It was amazing and he had his picture taken with Rooney and had a football signed by him.”
    But the Rooneys almost missed their lunch when they visited the Bridge Inn in nearby Brewood.
    The ex-England captain and his wife treated their four children to the peaceful canal breakCredit: Alamy
    Wayne and Coleen would usually be on holiday in the CaribbeanCredit: Instagram
    Coleen and Wayne with their four boys Kai, 11, Cas, 3, Klay, 8 and Kit, 5Credit: Social Media – Refer to Source

    Landlady Helen Bannister said: “They called us to say they’d under-estimated how long it would take them to travel on the barge so we rebooked it for them.”
    The Rooneys have previously enjoyed camping holidays in a Sun £9.50 holiday park and Coleen regularly takes the boys to Butlins.
    Wayne Rooney to make return at Soccer Aid with England legend to be joined by Usain Bolt, Scholes and Neville at Etihad More

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    England stars set to reunite with their Wags as a reward for beating Germany

    ENGLAND’S heroes will be reunited with their WAGs and families today as a reward for beating Germany.They will spend time with their loved ones at a secret location ahead of the quarter-finals in Rome.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    England’s Wags will briefly reunite with the players todayCredit: Instagram
    It comes after the Three Lions’ 2-0 victory against GermanyCredit: Getty
    A source said: “It’ll only be for a few hours but it’ll be enough to carry the team into the next round.
    “They need to see their families. Gareth has always recognised the important role they play in helping the team reach its full potential.
    “They have been at pitch side throughout the tournament so far and it’s been hard.
    “In the last game against the Czech Republic they were allowed some contact inside Wembley but this will be a proper get together.”
    The move marks a dramatic shift after UEFA ruled Covid bubbles must remain secure throughout the tournament.
    Jack Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood was in an entourage of Wags at tonight’s matchCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Megan Davison, Jordan Pickford’s partner, was seen outside WembleyCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd

    The Wags and families will have to provide a negative test result before the reunion which will take place at a hotel.
    Speaking ahead of the Euros Southgate said: “It is going to be limited access, which we have to accept is going to be harder for some players to cope with than for others.
    “You know everybody’s going to react to that and respond to that differently.”
    England’s Wags support their partners in Wembley crowd More

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    England legend Sir Geoff Hurst believes glory beckons for Gareth Southgate’s young lions

    ENGLAND legend Sir Geoff Hurst told Gareth Southgate’s young lions: “Beat Germany and you’ll go on and win it!”The hero, whose hat-trick conquered our old foe in 1966, lined up with The Sun’s mascot Harry Mane — and also had advice for England’s star striker.
    Sir Geoff Hurst rallied the nation behind Gareth Southgate’s young lions saying: ‘Beat Germany and you’ll go on and win it!’Credit: The Sun
    He said: “There’s nothing quite like an England versus Germany game at Wembley and the hairs still stand up on the back of my neck every time it happens.
    “It’s a massive, massive game — one of those do-or-die occasions which will produce moments we’ll never forget.
    “German teams never give up and we have a hell of a fight on our hands. But this time it’s a fight we can win — and once we clear this obstacle it’ll take a hell of a team to stop us.”
    A win tomorrow will send England to Rome for a quarter-final with Sweden or Ukraine. Another victory would tee up a semi-final back at Wembley against either Denmark or Czech Republic.
    Sir Geoff, 79, believes glory beckons for our young side — and he is unconcerned at striker Harry Kane’s lack of goals so far. Sir Geoff was a sub for the 1966 group games and did not score.
    But he got the only goal against Argentina, laid on another against Portugal before his epic hat-trick in the final against West Germany.
    The England legend gave advice to England’s star striker Harry KaneCredit: Reuters
    He said: ‘I would love to see him score a hat-trick in the final like I did’Credit: The Sun
    He said: “I got off to a much slower start than Harry Kane in 1966. I didn’t even get a kick in the first three games. But I took my chances in the knockout stages just like I believe Harry will.
    “He has the class, power and skill to come alive at the business end of the tournament and I would love to see him score a hat-trick in the final like I did.”
    The old foes have not clashed at the Euros since 2000, when England won 1-0.
    But the Germans hit back with a 4-1 hiding the last time they met in a major tournament — at the 2010 World Cup. England also famously crashed out on penalties to them twice — at the 1990 World Cup then again at Euro 96.
    But if tomorrow’s game ends in a shootout, Sir Geoff is confident they can get revenge. He said: “We hopefully shook off that hoodoo when we beat Colombia on penalties at the last World Cup.
    “No England fan likes the prospect of a shoot-out — least of all against the Germans given our track record. But I’m sure England now practise hard at spot-kicks and study video of their opponents before games to make it less of an ordeal. It’s going to be tough and tight.
    A win against Germany tomorrow will send England to Rome for a quarter-final with Sweden or UkraineCredit: The Sun
    Sir Geoff, 79, confident in a win added: ‘I’m sure England have the grit and talent to win — even if it goes to penalties’Credit: The Sun
    England’s captain Bobby Moore is carried by teammates including Geoff Hurst after England defeated Germany 4-2 in the final at WembleyCredit: AP

    “I’m sure England have the grit and talent to win — even if it goes to penalties.”
    He also said the 45,000-strong crowd will sound like there’s double there, and called on them to roar like our mascot.
    He said: “I love The Sun’s Harry. We had a lion mascot called World Cup Willie in ’66 – and he roared us all the way to the final. Everyone should get behind this lion — and our lions on the pitch.”

    FAKE replica England shirts are shifting in their thousands after fans refused to pay £69.95 for the official Nike tops.

    England World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst backs Boris Johnson’s offer to host Euros in the UK More