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    Why isn’t Mario Mandzukic playing for Croatia against Spain today?

    CROATIAN World Cup 2018 hero Mario Mandzukic will not be lining up for his country at this summer’s European Championships. The 2018 World Cup finalist retired from international football after the 4-2 loss to France in the World Cup final three years ago.
    Mario Mandzukic will play no part for Croatia against England
    In that game Mandzukic became just the second player in World Cup history to score a goal for both sides in the same game – he scored an own goal to put France 1-0 up before scoring Croatia’s second of the 4-2 defeat.
    The 35-year-old striker played in four major tournaments for his country – the 2014 and 2018 World Cup as well as Euro 2012 and 2016, but he will NOT be featuring at Euro 2020.
    During his eleven year international career Mario Mandzukic racked up 89 appearances, scoring 33 times, and was the joint-top scorer at Euro 2012 with three goals.
    He is also Croatia’s second highest scorer of all time behind Davor Suker and was Croatian footballer of the year in both 2012 and 2013.
    Mario Mandzukic scoring for Croatia in the 2018 World Cup final in front of Hugo Lloris
    Mario Mandzukic (left) and Ivan Rakitic react after losing the 2018 World Cup final
    Who has Mario Mandzukic played for?

    2004-2005 – Marsonia (23 apps)
    2005-2007 – NK Zagreb (51 apps)
    2007-2010 – Dinamo Zagreb (81 apps)
    2010-2012 – Vfl Wolfsburg
    2012-2014 – Bayern Munich (54 apps)
    2014-2015 – Atletico Madrid (28 apps)
    2015-2019 – Juventus (118 apps)
    2019-2020 – Al-Duhail (5 apps)
    2021 – AC Milan (10 apps)

    At club level Mandzukic joined three different teams the summer after they lost the Champions League final – Bayern in 2012, Atletico Madrid in 2014 and Juventus in 2015.
    He has won the Champions League on one occasion though, lifting the trophy with Bayern Munich in 2013 in part of a treble winning season with the European giants.
    Mario Mandzukic scored in both the 2013 and 2017 Champions League finals

    Croatia’s Euro 2020 campaign got underway with a 1-0 loss against England, as the Three Lions earned revenge for the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
    Zlatko Dalic’s side line-up in Group D alongside the home nations of England and Scotland, as well as the Czech Republic. More

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    Euro 2020 venues: How many fans are allowed at each stadium and which cities are hosting the tournament?

    EURO 2020 is in full swing with the knockout stages almost upon us.Fans around Europe watching on the box will have noticed varying attendances across the eleven host cities.
    Wembley will be one of the main venues for Euro 2020Credit: Reuters
    Which cities are hosting Euro 2020?
    This summer’s competition will be hosted in 11 different cities, down from the original 12.
    The stadiums hosting the competition are as follows:

    Wembley Stadium – London, England
    Allianz Arena – Munich, Germany
    Stadio Olimpico – Rome, Italy
    Olympic Stadium – Baku, Azerbaijan
    Krestovsky Stadium – Saint Petersburg, Russia
    Arena Nationala – Bucharest, Romania
    Johan Cruyff Arena – Amsterdam, Holland
    Estadio de la Cartuja – Sevilla, Spain
    Puskas Arena – Budapest, Hungary
    Hampden Park – Glasgow, Scotland
    Parken Stadium – Copenhagen, Denmark

    How many Euro 2020 games are in England?
    Eight. Wembley will host all three England group games, two round of 16 games, two semi-finals and the final.
    How many Euro 2020 games are in Scotland?
    Four. Hampden Park will have two of Scotland’s games and the Croatia vs Czech Republic group game.
    The Glasgow stadium will also host the final round-of-16 game.

    Which countries are still hosting Euro 2020 and how many fans will they allow?
    The following countries are hosting the competition.
    ENGLAND
    Wembley Stadium, London (90,000 capacity)
    Wembley is set to host the Euro 2020 final
    Wembley is set to host all England’s group matches, plus the Euro 2020 semi-final and final and two last 16 games originally scheduled for Dublin.
    All England’s group games were held at a 25 per cent capacity, as was the last 16 game between Italy and Austria.
    However, this will increase to 50 per cent for England vs Germany at the National Stadium.
    And in the semi-finals and final, over 60,000 people will fill the arena – a 75 per cent capacity.
    Fans must show a negative Covid test or proof of two doses of an approved vaccine to enter.
    SCOTLAND
    Hampden Park, Glasgow (51,866 capacity)
    Scotland has given Hampden Park the go-ahead for Euro 2020 matchesCredit: PA:Press Association
    After months of speculation, the Scottish FA confirmed that Scotland would be able to host Euro 2020.
    Hampden Park is the venue for two of Scotland’s Euro 2020 group games, plus Croatia’s match against the Czech Republic and one last 16 match.
    It will host games at a 25 per cent capacity.
    Fans in Scotland will not need a ‘vaccine passport’ to enter games at Hampden, but social distancing will be 1.5 metres compared to one metre in England.
    AZERBAIJAN
    Olympic Stadium, Baku (68,700 capacity)
    Baku will host matches at a 50 per cent capacityCredit: Reuters
    Azerbaijan is hosting all three Group A matches not involving Italy, as well as the quarter-final between Czech Republic and Denmark.
    All matches are being held at a 50 per cent capacity.
    DENMARK
    Parken Stadium, Copenhagen (38,065 capacity)
    Copenhagen was the first city to announce it would host Euro 2020 games with fansCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Copenhagen is hosting all three of Denmark’s group matches, plus Croatia vs Spain in the last 16.
    The Danish capital was the first city to announce in 2021 that it would host Euro 2020 with fans.
    Copenhagen’s games are being held at a 75 per cent capacity.
    RUSSIA
    Krestovsky Stadium, St Petersburg (68,134 capacity)
    Russia has been holding matches with fans throughout this seasonCredit: AP:Associated Press
    St Petersburg hosted two of Russia’s three home group games plus Finland vs Belgium, and will host one quarter-final.
    In addition, it was handed the three group games that were set to be hosted by Dublin.
    All matches are being played at a 50 per cent capacity.
    Russia has been holding matches at half full stadiums throughout this season, while most of Europe has been playing behind closed doors due to coronavirus.
    ROMANIA
    Arena Nationala, Bucharest (55,600 capacity)
    Romania did not qualify for Euro 2020 but the Arena Nationala will still host gamesCredit: Getty
    Romania failed to qualify for Euro 2020 but their national stadium hosted three matches from Group C and is hosting France vs Switzerland in the last 16.
    Games in Bucharest are being held at a 25-45 per cent capacity.
    HOLLAND
    Johan Cruyff Arena (56,000 capacity)
    Amsterdam will be hosting all Holland’s Euro 2020 group gamesCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Netherlands hosted all their own national team’s group games as well as Wales’ last 16 defeat to Denmark.
    Matches were hosted at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam with a 25-45 per cent capacity able to attend.
    HUNGARY
    Puskas Arena, Budapest (67,215 capacity)
    Budapest is expecting to host games at full capacityCredit: Getty
    Budapest hosted two of Hungary’s three group matches, plus a repeat of the Euro 2016 final between Portugal and France.
    It also hosted Czech Republic’s last 16 victory over Holland.
    The Hungarian capital is the only city to announce that games will be hosted at full capacity, subject to strict entry requirements.
    ITALY
    Stadio Olimpico, Rome (72,698 capacity)
    Rome has given Uefa the assurances it needsCredit: EPA
    Italy was given extra time by Uefa to confirm that it could host fans at Euro 2020.
    And the Stadio Olimpico in Rome is hosting games at a 25-45 per cent capacity.
    Rome is hosting all of Italy’s group matches and a quarter-final which could involve England.
    GERMANY
    Allianz Arena (70,000 capacity)
    Munich was the last of the original host cities to agree to host the tournamentCredit: Getty
    The last of the original host cities to be announced – Munich was only confirmed on April 23.
    The German city has committed to host matches in front of a minimum of 14,500 fans – a 22 per cent capacity – the lowest of all the host cities.
    It will host all Germany group games and a quarter-final.
    SPAIN
    Estadio de la Cartuja, Seville (60,000)
    Seville is a last minute addition as a Euro 2020 co-hostCredit: Reuters
    A last minute addition, Seville is hosting the games that would have been held in Bilbao after the Spanish FA deemed the Basque Government’s conditions for hosting matches there “impossible” to meet.
    The stadium is well prepared to host games, having been the Spanish FA’s de facto home during the pandemic.
    Estadio de la Cartuja has hosted all Spain games, two Copa del Rey finals and the Spanish Super Cup in the past 12 months.
    Euro 2020 games there will be played at a 25-45 per cent capacity.
    Which cities have been removed from hosting Euro 2020?
    The following countries failed to give Uefa the assurances they need to host Euro 2020.
    IRELAND
    Aviva Stadium, Dublin (51,700 capacity)
    Dublin is the most likely city to miss out on hosting Euro 2020Credit: PA
    Dublin will miss out on Euro 2020 after failing to give Uefa guarantees that any fans will be allowed to attend matches.
    The Irish capital was set to host three Group E matches and a last 16 game that may well have ended up involving England.
    The three group matches it would have hosted have gone to St Petersburg while the last 16 match will be held at Wembley.
    SPAIN
    San Mames, Bilbao (53,322 capacity)
    The Spanish FA have refused to back Bilbao’s submission to UefaCredit: Reuters
    Bilbao did commit to meet Uefa’s minimum requirement of a 25 per cent capacity, however the Spanish FA refused to back their submission due to the conditions attached.
    The Basque government had stated that it would be able to host games provided 60 per cent of the Basque country and the rest of Spain had been vaccinated and less than two per cent of those in hospital were coronavirus patients.
    But the Spanish FA labelled these conditions “impossible” to meet.
    As a result, Seville will host the matches that were set for Bilbao.

    Will any cities allow fans of other countries to travel?
    The following countries are set to allowing away fans to travel.
    AZERBAIJAN
    Azerbaijan has announced that fans of all travelling teamswill be able to submit a negative PCR test to enter the country instead of quarantining.
    This offer only applies to citizens or residents of the participating countries.
    RUSSIA
    St Petersburg is offering exemptions to entry requirements for all foreign residents with match tickets and a negative Covid test.
    HUNGARY
    Foreign ticket holders looking to attend games in Budapest must provide evidence of two negative Covid tests taken in the five days before entering Hungary.
    The Hungarian government will also accept a certificate of previous Covid infection in the 6 months before entering the country.
    ROMANIA
    Romania is allowing foreign fans with two doses of the vaccine to attend matches.
    Fans who submit a negative PCR test and restrict their stay in Romania to three days are also allowed to attend.
    DENMARK
    3000 Finland fans were allowed into the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen for their Euro 2020 opener against Denmark and Belgium fans for their second game.
    However no fans from Russia were allowed into the third game.
    ENGLAND*
    England allowed Scotland fans to attend the game against the Three Lions at Wembley.
    However, this trip did not involve crossing a border and no exemption is set to applied to fans of Croatia and the Czech Republic from overseas.
    The FA are also reportedly considering allowing fans of the semi-finalists and finalists attend games under a bubble arrangement.
    The best TV deals for Euro 2020 including LG, Sony, Toshiba and more More

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    Who is France vs Switzerland referee Fernando Rapallini? Official from ARGENTINA taking charge of Euro 2020 fixtures

    FANS watching Euro 2020 this summer will get attuned to the curious sight of a referee from Argentina taking charge of games.Fernando Rapallini is the first South American ever to preside over European Championship games.
    Fernando Rapallini of Argentina will take charge of Euro 2020 games this summerCredit: Gettty Images
    Here’s all you need to know about him.
    Who is Fernando Rapallini?
    Fernando Rapallini was born in 1978 in La Plata, Argentina.
    He has been on the Fifa Referees List since 2014 and refereed his first international match, between Chile and El Salvador in June 2015.
    Recognised as one of South America’s best officials, Rapallini has refereed some of the biggest finals in his country and on the continent.
    These include the 2013 and 2018 Argentina Super Cups, the 2017 Argentina Cup final, the 2019 Argentina Super League Champions Trophy and the 2020 South American Recopa.

    Why is Fernando Rapallini refereeing at Euro 2020?
    Fernando Rapallini has been appointed as a Euro 2020 official as part of an exchange programme between Uefa and Conmebol.
    This programme will see Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano head in the other direction to take charge of Copa America games this summer.
    Uefa president Alexander Ceferin said: “The exchange of referees with CONMEBOL for our two flagship tournaments will enrich both competitions, and will enhance the experience of top referees.
    “Europe and South America have so much football quality and tradition, including in refereeing.
    “This exchange is a defining part of our cooperation programme, which will help us improve our competitions.”
    Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez added: “Among our permanent objectives at CONMEBOL is making our referees more professional and perfectly trained for the use of technological tools.
    “We are convinced that a cooperation with UEFA in this field will greatly benefit both confederations. This is just the beginning.
    “We will continue working to broaden and strengthen collaboration agreements with our friends at UEFA.”
    Which Euro 2020 games has Fernando Rapallini refereed?
    Fernando Rapallini made his European bow by taking charge of Ukraine vs North Macedonia.
    And both sides kept him busy as he awarded a penalty to each during the game.
    Both spot kicks were missed.
    He then refereed Scotland vs Croatia and will take charge of France vs Switzerland in the last 16. More

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    Who is Croatia vs Spain referee Cuneyt Cakır and how many international tournaments has Euro 2020 ref been at?

    TURKEY are out of Euro 2020 after failing to pick up a single point.But experienced referee Cuneyt Cakir will hope to be representing the country all summer long.
    Cuneyt Cakir is now hairless as he takes charge of Euro 2020 gamesCredit: AP
    Cuneyt Cakir has sent off various Premier League players in Europe over the last decade, including Nani, John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Gary Cahill.Who is Cuneyt Cakır?
    A MEMBER of Uefa’s Elite group of referees, Cakir is a no-nonsense whistler renowned for being a strict enforcer.
    He has sent off various Premier League players over the past decade, including Nani, John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Gary Cahill.
    Born in 1976, the Turk has taken charge of more than 200 Super Lig games – including numerous meetings between notorious rivals Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.
    He has reffed in European competition since 2006 and first appeared on the international scene in 2010.
    The disciplinarian will happily dish out cardsCredit: AFP or licensors
    In 2012 he was appointed as fourth official in the Euro 2012 final, between Spain and Italy, and three years later took charge of the Champions League final.
    Cakir famously sent off Keith Andrews at Euro 2012 after insisting that the Irishman move back an extra couple of inches in his defensive wall.
    And shortly after he was at it again, dismissing Gerrard in a World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.
    Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir stirred up a fierce reaction from fans on social media with his performance as England lost 2-1 to Croatia in the World Cup semi-finalCredit: AFP or licensors
    In the 2017/18, he was given the high profile Champions League semi-final clash between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
    And he capped it off by taking charge of the World Cup semi-final between England and Croatia.
    But Cuneyt was slammed as “biased” and “embarrassing” by Three Lions fans, as some social media critics even called for a Fifa investigation.
    He was accused of favouring Croatia as they ran out 2-1 winners and broke English hearts.
    Cakir has previously reffed at Euro 2012, World Cup 2014, Euro 2016 and World Cup 2018.
    Which Euro 2020 games is he taking charge of?
    Cuneyt Cakir took charge of Hungary vs Portugal and Ukraine vs Austria. More

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    Why isn’t Ivan Perisic playing for Croatia against Spain at Euro 2020 today?

    CROATIA face a crucial Euro 2020 last 16 game against Spain today.However, they will be without one of their key man – winger Ivan Perisic.
    Ivan Perisic will play no part for Croatia against SpainCredit: Reuters
    Why isn’t Ivan Perisic playing for Croatia against Spain today?
    Ivan Perisic will miss Croatia’s game against Spain after catching coronavirus.
    A Croatian FA statement read: “During the evening [of Saturday, June 26], the Croatian Football Association received the results of regular testing for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which showed that national team member Ivan Perisic was positive for coronavirus.
    “The medical service of the national team isolated Ivan from other members of the national team and immediately informed the competent epidemiological service in detail about the situation, with evidence of compliance with all measures to protect against the spread of coronavirus.
    “Perisic will spend 10 days in self-isolation and in that period he will not compete for the matches of the Croatian national team.
    “All other national team members, staff members and delegations are negative. The national team has a flight from Pula to Copenhagen at 10:35, where they will play the game of the eighth finals of the European Championship against Spain on Monday, June 28.”

    Which games will Ivan Perisic miss?
    Perisic will definitely miss the last 16 game against Spain and a quarter-final against France or Switzerland, should Croatia qualify.
    He is also set to miss a potential semi-final on July 6, which would be his last day in self-isolation.

    Did Ivan Perisic catch coronavirus against Scotland?
    Croatia beat Scotland 3-1 at Hampden Park just days after Billy Gilmour tested positive for coronavirus.
    However, Gilmour was in isolation during that game and there has yet to be any suggestion that Perisic contracted the virus during the Scotland match.
    Before the Scotland game, Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic expressed his concern that the virus could enter his camp.
    He was particularly annoyed that the team were asked to play the game in Scotland after the Scottish government’s draconian conditions forced them to move their training camp back to Croatia.
    Had Croatia been training in Scotland and picked up a positive case, the entire squad would have been forced into isolation.
    Dalic said: “There is a pressure for all of us, lasting for a month relating to this situation.
    “Every third day we go through the tests. There is psychological pressure and uncertainty.

    “So we are afraid something would happen — they test positive and we all end up isolating and having those serious issues.
    “I repeat that I hope nobody else is positive. I don’t want this to expand. Hopefully it’s just a single case.
    “We are concerned but we have to do this match, we have to play and try to win the three points.
    “We have just arrived in Glasgow, had lunch and we are due to have a meeting, but I don’t expect anyone to say they don’t want to play.
    “All of them are afraid but nonetheless, we have to play, concentrate on the game and forget everything else.
    “We made an exception to not be in the camp [in Scotland], so we are travelling every three days. It’s not good — those are not good conditions.
    “The conditions should be the same for all, but they are not the same for all.”
    Was Ivan Perisic vaccinated?
    Most of the Croatia squad were vaccinated against coronavirus before Euro 2020, but six players were not.
    Ivan Perisic’s dad Ante was reported in the Croatian press as saying he was one of the players not to get vaccinated. More

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    Bolivia vs Argentina FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Copa America clash TONIGHT

    ARGENTINA take on winless Bolivia as the Copa America 2021 continues in Cuiaba.Lionel Messi and Co are already through to the quarter-finals, but will go through as group winners with victory.

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    Lionel Messi is hoping to lead Argentina to Copa America gloryCredit: AFP
    Finishing second in the group would put Argentina on a collision course with hosts and tournament favourites Brazil.
    When is Bolivia vs Argentina?

    This Copa America clash is set for Tuesday, June 29.
    Kick-off is at 1am BST.
    When the sides met last year in World Cup qualifying, goals from Joaquin Correa and Lautaro Martinez gave Argentina a 2-1 win.

    Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
    Every game of this year’s Copa America is available on free-to-air TV here in the UK.
    This match is live on the BBC Red Button.
    You can also stream the action by heading to the BBC iPlayer.

    What is the team news?
    Marcelo Moreno is expected to return for Bolivia as their Covid-hit squad begins to take shape.
    Sadly they are already out of the competition, but could also start Jaume Cuellar who returns from suspension.
    Argentina have a fully-fit squad to choose from and Sergio Aguero looks set to partner Messi up-front.
    Match odds

    Argentina to win – 7/50
    Draw – 7/1
    Bolivia shock victory – 22/1

    *All odds from Betfair and correct at time of publication. More

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    Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3 date: UK start time, live stream, TV channel, undercard for heavyweight trilogy fight

    TYSON FURY and Deontay Wilder have shared 19 rounds in the ring – and finally complete their heavyweight trilogy this summer.The Gypsy King had been in talks to fight Anthony Joshua, but has instead been forced to defend his WBC title against Wilder in Las Vegas.
    Tyson Fury stopped Deontay Wilder in brutal fashion back in early 2020Credit: Getty
    Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder will complete their trilogy
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    Fury demolished Wilder inside seven rounds to inflict the first defeat of the American’s career back in February 2020. Neither man has fought since then, and both have been busy in longer training camps.
    When is Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3?

    Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3 takes place on Saturday, July 24.
    Expect the main event of Fury vs Wilder at around 4am BST.
    The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas plays host.

    What TV channel and live stream is Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3 on?
    Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3 is set to be broadcast live on BT Sport Box Office in the UK.
    In the US the event is expected to be live on ESPN+.
    How the fighters compare

    Who is on the undercard?
    The event, cross-promoted by Top Rank and Premier Boxing Champions, will see a host of heavy-hitters featuring on the undercard.
    According to The Athletic, that includes the battle of unbeatens between Cuba’s Frank Sanchez meeting Nigeria’s Efe Ajagba.
    Sanchez, a training partner of Canelo Alvarez who is promoted by Top Rank, will put his 18-0 record against PBC’s Ajagba, who stands 15-0.
    Robert Helenius will also rematch Adam Kownacki on the bill, BoxingScene report.
    Polish prospect Kownacki, 32, was defeated for the first time and stunned by veteran Helenius, 37, in March 2020.
    It is also claimed rising American star Jared Anderson will return, with an opponent yet to be confirmed.
    Anderson, 21, is 9-0 and was credited as a huge part in Fury’s win against Wilder last year.
    He provided the Gypsy King with expert sparring Stateside, winning the praise of the WBC champion.

    What have they said?
    Fury, after Wilder’s silence during their press conference: “It shows how weak of a mental person he is.
    “It shows how much the beating from the last fight has taken an emotional and physical effect on his life.
    “I was worried about Deontay Wilder for quite a while after the defeat I gave him.
    “Obviously he’s doing his little thing with his earphones on and he doesn’t want to answer any questions, that’s up to him. I’m here to promote a fight and talk to the press – what I always do.” More

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    Who will England play in the Euro 2020 quarter-final if they beat Germany?

    ENGLAND face a huge Euro 2020 last 16 clash with Germany.And should they win, they know they will have a fantastic chance of going all the way, with the draw really opening up.
    England have a favourable draw if they can get past GermanyCredit: Alamy
    Here’s all you need to know about the Three Lions’ path to the final.
    Who can England play in the Euro 2020 quarter-final?
    If England beat Germany, they will play Sweden or Ukraine in the Euro 2020 quarter-final in Rome.
    The Three Lions will fancy their chances against both teams and just three years ago beat the Swedes comfortably in the World Cup quarter-final.
    Ukraine, meanwhile, limped through to the last 16 as the lowest ranked third placed team after losing to Netherlands and Austria in Group C.
    However, in an unprecedented situation at a major tournament, England will have NO fans supporting them if they get to Rome after the Italian government introduced quarantine measures.

    Who could England play in the semi-final?
    If England reach the semi-final, they could face a reunion with the Czech Republic, who stunned Holland 2-0 in Budapest.
    England secured top spot in Group D with Raheem Sterling scoring the only goal against the Czechs in their final group game at Wembley.
    Alternatively, England could take on Denmark in an emotional semi-final.
    The Danes, who are looking to shock the world and win the tournament for Christian Eriksen, crushed Wales 4-0 in Amsterdam and now face the Czechs in Baku.

    Who could England play in the final?
    If England beat Germany, they will not play another of the tournament favourites until the final.
    And there, one of the big-hitters is almost certain to be waiting.
    Belgium take on Italy in the first quarter-final after the Belgians ended Portugal’s reign as European champions while the Italians beat Austria in extra time.
    The other quarter-final will see the winners of France vs Switzerland take on the winners of Spain vs Croatia.
    Where will England play for the rest of the tournament?
    A trip to Rome if they beat Germany will be England’s only game abroad.
    Both the semi-finals and final of Euro 2020 will be held at Wembley. More