Sport Live Blogs

EURO 2020 is finally here!Italy and Turkey got the party started in Rome, where the Azzurri were sublime as they cruised to a 3-0 win.
Wales are in action today against Switzerland, while England are preparing for a tough opening fixture against Croatia on Sunday.

Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
DANNIT
Daniel James’ joy at the Wales equaliser past Switzerland was short lived after he was shocked to be substituted immediately afterwards.
Kieffer Moore headed the Dragons’ first goal of Euro 2020 to make it 1-1 in Baku on Saturday.
But manager Robert Page decided to go ahead with a change nonetheless, bringing on David Brooks for James.
The Manchester United winger had played a part in the build-up that won the corner and was heavily involved throughout his 74 minutes on the pitch.
And he certainly did not expect to come off, pointing at his shirt and appearing to ask ‘me?’ as he trudged off.
The evidently annoyed 23-year-old shook his head but also shook the hand of both his replacement and manager while departing.

MOORE REACTION
Wales striker Kieffer Moore has given his reaction to scoring the equaliser in his country’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland at Euro 2020.
The Cardiff City star told BBC Sport: “It’s great personally, we’d have liked to win but we’ll take a draw to put us in a good position.
“It’s never good going a goal down but to get one back and see the game out is a big positive for us.
“It’s tough out there, but it is what we expected, we’ve been here for a week now.
“Obviously this is a big occasion and I’ve loved every second of it.”

FULL-TIME
Wales’ Euro 2020 opener has ended in a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Baku.
Breel Embolo opened the scoring early in the second half, before Kiefer Moore equalised with a clinical header for Wales.
And there was late drama after VAR cancelled out a volley from Mario Gavranovic for offside.
BALL BLOW
Euro 2020 fans were left bitterly disappointed after the remote control car used to bring the ball onto the pitch for the opening game of the tournament was ditched for Wales’ match against Switzerland.
Social media went into meltdown on Friday night before Italy’s game with Turkey after the match ball was brought onto the pitch in unique fashion.
The ball emerged onto the pitch and was driven to the referee in the centre circle by a remote control car made by tournament sponsors VW.
It was unclear whether this was set to be a recurring theme throughout the tournament.
But prior to Wales’ first match of the European Championships, supporters were left gutted as there was no sign of the mini VW remote car.
And Twitter predictably reacted with an outpouring of sadness as they realised the car would not be featuring ahead of the game in Baku.
One fan said: “I’m very disappointed the little car isn’t at all of the matches.”
Another added: “We didn’t get the car! Why didn’t we get the car? Everybody wanted the car. This tournament is now dead to me. Dead.”
And a third said: “What an outrage, no little car for the ball!”
GOLDEN GOALS
Pubs are cashing in on Covid by charging punters up to £400 to reserve a table to watch England’s opening Euro 2020 match against Croatia. 
Boozers are demanding extortionate prices as footie fans struggle to find anywhere to watch the game.
The Three Lions will take on Croatia at Wembley in their opening game of the tournament at 2pm tomorrow, with over five million Brits expected to  watch the game in a pub. 
The Players Lounge in Billericay, Essex, was charging £120 a seat in its “VIP” area – meaning a group of six friends would need to stump up over £700 to watch the game.
And in Manchester, seats at the Barca bar were going for £60, according to The Times. 
Meanwhile in London, the Oval fan park was charging £135 for a table of six – though fans will be hosted by ex-England striker Tony Cottee.
KICK-OFF
Wales’ Euro 2020 opener against Switzerland is underway.
Click HERE to follow the action with the SunSport LIVE blog.
BLUE BLOOD
Man Utd summer target Jadon Sancho has admitted that grew up a Chelsea fan.
The Borussia Dortmund and England ace also revealed that he idolised Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba growing up.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Camberwell-born Sancho said: “I was a Chelsea fan growing up, I can’t lie.
“Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard were my favourite players at the time.
“I just love Frank Lampard and how he played his game; he was so direct and so composed on the ball.
“I like things like that.”
DRESSED FOR SUCCESS
Gareth Southgate’s England troops were fully suited and booted for their final Euro 2020 photoshoot.
The Three Lions will kick off their campaign at Wembley on Sunday afternoon, locking horns with Croatia in front of 22,500 fans.
And the players will be decked out in Marks and Spencer’s finest suits before they make their way to the pitch.
Snaps of the team’s final pre-tournament photoshoot at St. George’s Park were released this weekend.
The players looked sharp in their navy suits, which were accompanied by white shirts and brown shoes.
A nice navy tie – which featured red and white stripes – completed the dashing get-up.
Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2020 pose for a group photo
CRO-CIAL KNOWLEDGE
An England fan flew a banner over their training base with tactical advice warning most Croatia goals ‘come down the left’.
Gareth Southgate’s side kick off their Euros campaign against Croatia at Wembley tomorrow afternoon.
And just a day before tournament opener, Southgate and the squad were given a helping hand from outside the camp.
A banner flying over St George’s Park read ‘most #Cro goals come down left’.
An England fan flew a banner over their training base with tactical advice
RIGHT ON GVARD
Croatia star Josko Gvardiol is desperate to down England at Wembley – to help secure himself a dream Premier League move.
Gvardiol, 19, made his debut in the friendly defeat to Belgium last week but already has experience of upsetting the English.
He joined RB Leipzig last summer from Dinamo Zagreb but remained on-loan with his hometown club and helped knock Harry Kane and Tottenham out of the Europa League in March.
Leeds United were keen on bringing the versatile ace, who can play either centre-half or left-back, to the Prem a year ago, but it is another English club he is desperate to play for.
Gvardiol told 24hr Sata: “From a young age, I watched Liverpool games with my dad and I grew up with just them.
“When I took football more seriously, I started following them, and I definitely want the Premier League and Liverpool move one day.”
RUN FOR KOVA
Chelsea and Croatia ace Mateo Kovacic believes the midfield battle will be key during their clash against England on Sunday.
He said: “I see the midfield as the main topic here. England are very good in terms of attacking, as are we, so it’s two pretty big teams and it’s gonna be a tough team in terms of the midfield.
“They have an excellent midfield. [Mason] Mount is in excellent form. [Declan] Rice as well in West Ham, and [Jordan] Henderson. They have a lot of quality there but so have we – we have excellence there.
“So it’s going to be a tough match, a lot of fights in the midfield, but we’re ready for that. We all know what kind of match we have ahead of us.
“We’re preparing and we are for every match and we’re going to do our best and give our all.”
BEHIND THE SCENES
Take a look at what happens behind closed doors at St George’s Park.

GROAN GOAL
Can England go all the way without going all the way?  
The Three Lions’ WAGs and families are banned from the team hotel for the Euros due to Covid-19 squad bubbles.
Boss Gareth Southgate hopes players can have a ‘little bit of home time’ but it still exposes the question of whether abstaining from sex is good or bad for sportspeople before games.
In other words, would England be better off as the Sex–Free Lions?
Or would Southgate’s up-and-coming players have more chance of putting to bed 55 years without a major trophy if private cuddles were added to public huddles?
Scientific evidence suggests sex is no physical impairment for sporting performance soon afterwards – and in fact could be beneficial.
Read more HERE.
NOT FINE
England fans could be fined £1,000 for flying an England flag from their cars during Euro 2020.
While there is no offence for driving with a flag attached to your car, large ones could break road regulations, WalesOnline reports.
Regulation 30 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 states motorists must have a full view of the road and traffic ahead.
Driving with any kind of obstruction on your car windows or windscreens can limit your field of vision, potentially reducing reaction time and even contributing to an accident.
The practice can also impact your insurance if you’re involved in an accident.
Insurers aren’t likely to cover any damage or injuries sustained in a crash if your vision is impacted by decorations.
This means large flags which could hamper drivers’ views would break the rules – and drivers of cars or small vans slapped with a £1,000 fine.
STROKE OF LUK
Mason Mount went to England’s last major tournament as a starstruck fan.
Tomorrow the Champions League-winning Chelsea midfielder will line up against childhood idol Luka Modric as an equal — after the Croatia legend asked HIM to complete a shirt swap.
Mount and fellow young England prospects Phil Foden and Ryan Sessegnon were whisked off to Russia by sponsors to take in a Three Lions group game and experience everything that surrounds a World Cup.
Mount, now 22, said: “The Russia trip, I look back at the pictures now and we all look so young.
“I was very lucky enough to watch one of the group games. So even to be around it and witness that atmosphere of a major tournament, I remember that very vividly.
“I remember walking around the TV set and we did a little interview with Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker and we actually stumbled across Cesc Fabregas and had a little chat.”
Read more HERE.
LION IN BED
There’s just one thing Mason Mount doesn’t enjoy about being at a major tournament with best friend Declan Rice – the early morning wake-up call.
Mount and West Ham star Rice, mates since they were at the Chelsea Academy together, have rooms next to each other at England’s St George’s Park headquarters.
Mount said: “He is there next door and every time he wakes up, he wakes up earlier than me and he tries to knock on my door and wake me up to go to breakfast every morning.
“I might have to move a couple of doors down so I’m not right next to him.
“To have my best mate with me and to go through this experience with him and obviously all of the other boys as well, it means a lot.
“It’s something that is very special to us and that we’ll remember for a long time.”
Mason Mount and Declan Rice have rooms next to each other at England’s HQ
THIS IS EUR MOMENT
SOL CAMPBELL EXCLUSIVE – I’ve never felt more cheated than after my last England game at a Euros.
That’s why I urge Gareth  Southgate’s squad to be themselves and leave nothing behind —  because they may never be in this position again.
Having my extra-time winner against Portugal in Lisbon in 2004 wrongly disallowed was the most frustrating moment of my career.
It was the second time it had happened to me, after the game against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup.
In Saint-Etienne the referee said there was a foul by Alan Shearer before I headed it in.
Having my extra-time winner against Portugal in Lisbon in 2004 wrongly disallowed was the most frustrating moment of my career.
Read more from the Arsenal legend by clicking HERE.
EURO 2020 ROUND-UP
Wales are first off for Britain today in the Euros – after Italy launched the tournament with an impressive 3-0 tonking of Turkey.
After Gareth Bale and Co’s 2pm clash with Switzerland, Denmark play rank outsiders Finland at 5pm and Belgium meet Russia at 8.
Meanwhile, England boss Gareth Southgate goes into Sunday’s crunch with Croatia knowing his job is 100 per cent safe — until after the 2022 World Cup.
Southgate faces a huge selection headache due to his ample attacking alternatives and more dubious defensive options.
But former Three Lions’ striker Emile Heskey believes Southgate should axe one of this season’s outstanding creative trio Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Mason Mount.
Ex-Liverpool star Heskey reckons England would benefit from an extra runner or two like Raheem Sterling or Marcus Rashford – rather than picking what might be considered their most exciting XI.
Scotland will take a knee with the Three Lions – but will stand against racism in their home group matches.
Steve Clarke’s side host the Czech Republic on Monday and visit England next Friday, before Croatia come to Hampden for Scotland’s Group D finale on 22 June.
Finally, France are now 9/2 tournament favourites, with the Three Lions dropping to second tips on 11/2.
WEMBLEY WIN FOR WAGs
ENGLAND’S team of wives and girlfriends will roar on the Three Lions at Wembley after getting the Covid all-clear.
They were each screened for the virus 48 hours ahead of tomorrow’s 2pm kick-off against Croatia by medical staff from the players’ Premier League clubs.

They include Harry Kane’s missus Katie Goodland, Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan Davison and Harry Maguire’s fiancee Fern Hawkins, along with Kyle Walker’s fiancee Annie Kilner.
The women will meet at a secret location for lunch before the group opener and will also be joined by family members.
The party will then be driven to Wembley by coach to take their seats.
The Football Association will have player liaison officials on hand to guide the group.
Strict protocols are being employed to observe ongoing Covid restrictions.

AXE ONE OF GREALISH, FODEN OR MOUNT
EXCLUSIVE: Emile Heskey always put the team ahead of individual glory and believes Gareth Southgate must bench one of his big stars for the same reason.
Fans and pundits have been calling on the England manager to start Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Mason Mount at the Euros this summer.
But ex-Three Lions hitman Heskey insists it is about picking the best XI rather than the best individuals.
That means dropping one of the trio for runners like Raheem Sterling or Marcus Rashford.
POGBA NOW SHINING
EXCLUSIVE: Christian Karambeu says Manchester United are now starting to see the ‘France Paul Pogba’.
The leader, superstar and midfield general.
1998 World Cup winner Karembeu understands there have been detractors that feel Pogba’s outings at club level are a far cry from those on the international scene.
He heroically helped lead France to glorious victory at Russia 2018. Videos showed Pogba’s rousing team talks and his displays on the field matched it.
Olympiakos sporting director Karembeu said: “With France he takes responsibility on the pitch, he is a leader and the manager has faith in him. As a result, he shines.
“Unfortunately at Manchester United he was injured a lot and often had  relapses.
“It hasn’t been easy for Paul to accept criticism – but he is an intelligent person and bounced back very quickly.”
SOUTHGATE SAFE UNTIL 2022
Gareth Southgate goes into tomorrow’s Euro 2020 opener knowing his job is 100 per cent safe — until after the World Cup.
The England boss, fine-tuning his preparations for the Croatia crunch, has the full backing of the FA.
And even if the Three Lions have a disastrous tournament, he will remain in charge for Qatar 2022.
FA chiefs are fully committed to Southgate, who has impressed with his work on and off the pitch since taking over in 2016.
Southgate, whose contract runs until the end of the 2022 World Cup, has struggled with injuries and player availability in the build-up to the Wembley opener.
But the Three Lions chief last night issued a rallying cry to his players as he insisted they can handle the big-game pressure.
Southgate, 50, said: “We have to show that. Some of our youngest players have got experience of big games and tournaments are about hitting form at the right time.
“We have to bring everything over the next four weeks.”
F/T: TURKEY 0 ITALY 3
Merih Demiral’s 53rd-minute own goal, Ciro Immobile’s fierce finish and Lorenzo Insigne poached strike earned Italy’s highly-impressive victory in the Euro 2020 opener.
Click on our live blog HERE for reaction from Rome
THE MINI CAR’S THE EURO STAR
EURO 2020 finally got under way in bizarre fashion – with the matchball arriving by a remote control car.
After a 12 month delay, the European Championship kicked off tonight as Turkey took on Italy.
Fans were left in stitches after the matchball was delivered onto the pitch by a remote control car
After a stunning opening ceremony, the whole of Europe was desperate to see the tournament kick off after a year’s delay they were then forced to wait as the mini motor made its way to the centre circle.
And Twitter soon went into meltdown just seconds before the match action got started.
The respective captains had taken part in the coin toss with the referee in the centre circle they were forced to wait for the matchball to be delivered.
And it was brought onto the field in quite the unique fashion – via remote control car made by tournament sponsors VW.
As expected, the moment was not missed by those watching from home, and viewers instantly took to Twitter to react in disbelief at what they had just seen – although not everybody hated it.
LATEST: TURKEY 0 ITALY 3
Ciro Immobile pounced on a loose ball after 66 minutes and Lorenzo Insigne  thumped home 13 minutes later as Italy dominated with a triple burst.
Click on our live blog HERE for this Euro 2020 opener in Rome.
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KIEFFER MOORE has earned Wales a crucial point in their Euro 2020 opener against Switzerland.The Welsh looked up against it when Breel Embolo netted with a free header from a corner.
But Cardiff striker Moore stepped up with a brilliant header to score a Welsh equaliser.
Switzerland’s Mario Gavranovic then thought he’d turned super sub by netting a minute after he came on but VAR ruled the goal out for offside.
Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
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GOODBYE FROM BAKU
That’s all from our afternoon in Azerbaijan, where Wales are off and running with a point as they aim to replicate their Euro 2016 success.
The draw with Switzerland is being taken as a positive given the domination of Vladimir Petkovic’s team throughout at the Olympic Stadium, and one that leaves Group A wide open for the three sides chasing Italy’s tails.
There’s two more games to come on this Saturday. The number one ranked side in the world, Belgium, are in action this evening against Russia in St Petersburg, but first Denmark take on Finland in Copenhagen. Follow them both live with us here at SunSport.
GROUP A
Here’s how they stand in Group A after one game each.
Turkey face Wales in Baku on Wednesday evening before Italy take on Switzerland in Rome later that night.
Courtesy of UEFA.Com
BALE PROUD OF PERFORMANCE
Gareth Bale also paid tribute to his side’s battling display in Baku. The Wales captain felt his side reacted well in difficult conditions, and that their eventual point is a good base from which to kick on in the competition.
We worked hard. It was difficult in this heat as well. We showed a lot of fight, determination and character to come back from 1-0 down, and I’m proud of the boys.Gareth Bale
FULL TIME STATS
Switzerland registered twice as many attempts on goal, and trebled Wales’ corner count, but couldn’t find another way past Danny Ward once Kieffer Moore equalised.
Courtesy of UEFA.Com
PAGE PLEASED WITH POINT
Wales coach Rob Page insisted he was delighted with the performance of his players despite having to defend against Switzerland for long periods of today’s game.
We wanted a positive start, and it feels like a win in the dressing room. I’m so proud of the players. They had to dig deep towards the end and had a little bit of lady luck with the offside decision, but that was the start we were after. We wanted a positive performance and I certainly got that.Rob Page
WONDERFUL WARD
The first-choice goalkeeper was one of the positions in the Wales side up for debate ahead of this tournament, but Danny Ward has proved his backers (*waves*) right with another fine showing this afternoon.
What Ward we do without him today 😵😵😵😵😵😵😵— Nia Jones (@niajones92) June 12, 2021

Danny Ward is the greatest keeper on planet earth— Welsh Fan Zone TV 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@WelshFanZoneTV) June 12, 2021

Danny, Danny Ward…— Wales Football Supporters (@Cefnogwyr_Cymru) June 12, 2021

Danny Ward 🙌— TheWelshDragon 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🐉 (@TheWelshDragon9) June 12, 2021

FT: WALES 1-1 SWITZERLAND
It ends all-square in Baku, and Wales will take that. Switzerland dominated for almost the entire game but failed to build on Breel Embolo’s header early in the second half. Kieffer Moore’s superbly-worked goal levelled matters, and the Dragons then survived a late defeat thanks to VAR overturning an offside goal. Improvements are needed for the Turkey match, but it can be considered a decent stepping stone for Rob Page’s men.
PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE FINAL WHISTLE IS BLOWN!
WALES 1-1 SWITZERLAND
90+4. It’s ANOTHER Switzerland corner.
Rodriguez tries the outswinger that evades everyone, but the danger isn’t over.
From the right, it’s whipped back into the box, only to be claimed confidently by Ward. Safe hands from the new Wales number one.
WALES 1-1 SWITZERLAND
90+2. More pressure. More corners. More nerves. Wales are clinging on, and there’s another three minutes of additional time still to be played.
Ward makes another stunning stop to tip Gavranovic’s deflected effort around the post, but this time the offside flag is up in advance.
WALES 1-1 SWITZERLAND
90. From a Switzerland corner, Embolo gets above Allen – almost in the exact position from which he scored – to head goalwards.
It looks destined for the roof of the net until Ward gets across to push over.
WALES 1-1 SWITZERLAND
89. It’s a Swiss barrage now. This is tense.
WALES 1-1 SWITZERLAND
88. A half-sight of goal for Bale, but his shot is blocked and rolls through to Sommer.
WALES 1-1 SWITZERLAND
85. It’s a huge let off for Wales!
It was an excellent strike from Gavranovic, volleying in Embolo’s header on with one of his first touches after his introduction, but the striker was adjudged to have gone early.
The finish prompted wild celebrations in the Switzerland ranks, but there were immediate appeals from the Welsh defenders. Replays showed the decision was much tighter than initially considered, but after a minute or two of VAR suspense, the goal was ruled out.
IT’S OFFSIDE!!VAR OVERTURNS THE DECISION!!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLL!!MARIO GAVRANOVIC SCORES IMMEDIATELY!!
WALES 1-1 SWITZERLAND
84. A Swiss substitution.
Seferovic has led the line well despite his profligacy in front of goal, and his time is up. On in his place is Mario Gavranovic, who scored a hat-trick in his last international appearance.
WALES 1-1 SWITZERLAND
82. Close! Bale backheels Brooks in on the left, and the substitute’s low centre is a yard ahead of the lunging Ramsey at the far post.
WALES 1-1 SWITZERLAND
80. Ten minutes plus additional time are left on the clock.
Can Switzerland regain a foothold? Or is momentum now with Wales?
WALES 1-1 SWITZERLAND
77. Keep your head, Wales.
Rob Page’s men are nearly caught out on the counter with Embolo again causing havoc.
WALES 1-1 SWITZERLAND
75. Wales make an immediate change, but it’s not a popular one – especially with Dan James, who is the player removed.
The Manchester United man looks shocked and angry by his departure, and makes his point to coaching staff as David Brooks comes on in his place.
WALES 1-1 SWITZERLAND
74. That’s why he’s in the team!
Kieffer Moore equalises with a thumping header from a brilliantly-worked corner.
Dan James takes it short on the right, where it is worked back to Joe Morrell. The Luton midfielder then picks out Moore with a glorious inswinger than finds the striker on the run and leap in front of Fabian Schar.
The glancing header is perfect, and is too good for the despairing dive of Yann Sommer as it finds the bottom corner.
It’s anyone’s game now!
Credit: AP
GOOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLL!!THEY CAN!!KIEFFER MOORE EQUALISES!!
WALES 0-1 SWITZERLAND
73. Wales win a corner of their own. Can they make this one count?
WALES 0-1 SWITZERLAND
70. The Swiss are culpable of overplaying at the back, and give away a needless throw-in under no pressure.
Vladimir Petkovic’s team need to ensure they’re not responsible for their own downfall, given their domination this afternoon.
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EURO 2020 is finally here!Italy and Turkey got the party started in Rome, where the Azzurri were sublime as they cruised to a 3-0 win.
Meanwhile Denmark and Romania are set to announce an increase in the number of fans that can attend their Euro 2020 games – to 65 and 50 per cent respectively.
And we’ve got the very latest on star defender Harry Maguire’s injury comeback for the Three Lions.

Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
WEMBLEY WIN FOR WAGs
ENGLAND’S team of wives and girlfriends will roar on the Three Lions at Wembley after getting the Covid all-clear.
They were each screened for the virus 48 hours ahead of tomorrow’s 2pm kick-off against Croatia by medical staff from the players’ Premier League clubs.

They include Harry Kane’s missus Katie Goodland, Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan Davison and Harry Maguire’s fiancee Fern Hawkins, along with Kyle Walker’s fiancee Annie Kilner.
The women will meet at a secret location for lunch before the group opener and will also be joined by family members.
The party will then be driven to Wembley by coach to take their seats.
The Football Association will have player liaison officials on hand to guide the group.
Strict protocols are being employed to observe ongoing Covid restrictions.

AXE ONE OF GREALISH, FODEN OR MOUNT
EXCLUSIVE: Emile Heskey always put the team ahead of individual glory and believes Gareth Southgate must bench one of his big stars for the same reason.
Fans and pundits have been calling on the England manager to start Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Mason Mount at the Euros this summer.
But ex-Three Lions hitman Heskey insists it is about picking the best XI rather than the best individuals.
That means dropping one of the trio for runners like Raheem Sterling or Marcus Rashford.
POGBA NOW SHINING
EXCLUSIVE: Christian Karambeu says Manchester United are now starting to see the ‘France Paul Pogba’.
The leader, superstar and midfield general.
1998 World Cup winner Karembeu understands there have been detractors that feel Pogba’s outings at club level are a far cry from those on the international scene.
He heroically helped lead France to glorious victory at Russia 2018. Videos showed Pogba’s rousing team talks and his displays on the field matched it.
Olympiakos sporting director Karembeu said: “With France he takes responsibility on the pitch, he is a leader and the manager has faith in him. As a result, he shines.
“Unfortunately at Manchester United he was injured a lot and often had  relapses.
“It hasn’t been easy for Paul to accept criticism – but he is an intelligent person and bounced back very quickly.”
SOUTHGATE SAFE UNTIL 2022
Gareth Southgate goes into tomorrow’s Euro 2020 opener knowing his job is 100 per cent safe — until after the World Cup.
The England boss, fine-tuning his preparations for the Croatia crunch, has the full backing of the FA.
And even if the Three Lions have a disastrous tournament, he will remain in charge for Qatar 2022.
FA chiefs are fully committed to Southgate, who has impressed with his work on and off the pitch since taking over in 2016.
Southgate, whose contract runs until the end of the 2022 World Cup, has struggled with injuries and player availability in the build-up to the Wembley opener.
But the Three Lions chief last night issued a rallying cry to his players as he insisted they can handle the big-game pressure.
Southgate, 50, said: “We have to show that. Some of our youngest players have got experience of big games and tournaments are about hitting form at the right time.
“We have to bring everything over the next four weeks.”
F/T: TURKEY 0 ITALY 3
Merih Demiral’s 53rd-minute own goal, Ciro Immobile’s fierce finish and Lorenzo Insigne poached strike earned Italy’s highly-impressive victory in the Euro 2020 opener.
Click on our live blog HERE for reaction from Rome
THE MINI CAR’S THE EURO STAR
EURO 2020 finally got under way in bizarre fashion – with the matchball arriving by a remote control car.
After a 12 month delay, the European Championship kicked off tonight as Turkey took on Italy.
Fans were left in stitches after the matchball was delivered onto the pitch by a remote control car
After a stunning opening ceremony, the whole of Europe was desperate to see the tournament kick off after a year’s delay they were then forced to wait as the mini motor made its way to the centre circle.
And Twitter soon went into meltdown just seconds before the match action got started.
The respective captains had taken part in the coin toss with the referee in the centre circle they were forced to wait for the matchball to be delivered.
And it was brought onto the field in quite the unique fashion – via remote control car made by tournament sponsors VW.
As expected, the moment was not missed by those watching from home, and viewers instantly took to Twitter to react in disbelief at what they had just seen – although not everybody hated it.
LATEST: TURKEY 0 ITALY 3
Ciro Immobile pounced on a loose ball after 66 minutes and Lorenzo Insigne  thumped home 13 minutes later as Italy dominated with a triple burst.
Click on our live blog HERE for this Euro 2020 opener in Rome.
LATEST: TURKEY 0 ITALY 1
Merih Demiral’s 53rd-minute own goal deservedly put the Azzurri in front.
Dangerman Domenico Berardi’s raking cross was deflected in by Demiral ahead of Italy striker Ciro Immobile.
EURO 2020 LATEST: HT – TURKEY 0 ITALY 0
The Azzurri passed the ball around neatly and certainly had plenty of the ball in a goalless first half – but lacked a sharp edge in the final third of the pitch.
Click on our live blog HERE for this Euro 2020 opener in Rome.
Dortmund burst Utd Ballon
Borussia Dortmund have reportedly rejected Manchester United’s proposed Ballon d’Or clause in any deal for Jadon Sancho.
SunSport revealed this week that the Red Devils have agreed personal terms with the England winger, worth £350,000-a-week over five years.
Borussia Dortmund are insisting United increase their offer of £61million to £78m, with a further £10m in add-ons, but this is expected to happen.
United expect the deal to go through smoothly after a summer of wrangling last year when they refused to meet the German club’s £110m price.
According to the Athletic, the last part of the transfer is largely down to bonuses with Dortmund keen on realistically achievable add-ons.
The Bundesliga giants are said to be seeking instalments that are based on club income via team success rather than individual awards.
That has caused Dortmund to reject United’s Ballon d’Or clause that would have been triggered if Sancho finished in the top three in the annual gong.
‘GUNNERS AND UTD IN FOR TRIPPIER’
Manchester United are trying to seal a cheap transfer for Kieran Trippier – but reportedly had a £10million opening bid rejected.
Trippier played 35 times last season for Atletico, including 28 in the league as Diego Simeone’s side won LaLiga
It is understood the ex-Spurs man, originally from Bury, is keen on the move to Old Trafford and is even looking at houses in the area.
But according to Mundo Deportivo, their first offer was a paltry £10m – half the price Atletico Madrid paid for him two years ago.
The Spanish giants immediately turned it down.
And the report adds Atleti have told United they must stump up his £35m release clause to have any chance of signing Trippier, who is also a target for Arsenal.
JOS GLOSS CAN EARN PREM MOVE
Croatia star Josko Gvardiol is desperate to down England at Wembley – to help secure himself a dream Premier League move.
Gvardiol, 19, made his debut in the friendly defeat to Belgium last week but already has experience of upsetting the English.
He joined RB Leipzig last summer from Dinamo Zagreb but remained on-loan with his hometown club and helped knock Harry Kane and Tottenham out of the Europa League in March.
Leeds United were keen on bringing the versatile ace, who can play either centre-half or left-back, to the Prem a year ago.
But it is another English club he is desperate to play for.
Gvardiol is hoping to earn his second international cap in his nation’s Euro 2020 opener on Sunday.
And he wants to catch the eye of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool while taming the Three Lions.
Gvardiol told 24hr Sata: “From a young age, I watched Liverpool games with my dad and I grew up with just them.
“When I took football more seriously, I started following them, and I definitely want the Premier League and Liverpool move one day.”
BIG QUEUE FOR THE LEW?
Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski is open to leaving the German champions in the summer transfer window, reports suggest.
Lewandowski has spent seven glittering years at Bayern where he has won a whopping seven consecutive Bundesliga titles as well as the 2020 Champions League trophy.
According to AS, however, the star striker is open to a “changing of scene and facing new challenges” after Euro 2020, where he will be representing Poland.
The 32-year-old also believes this is the “perfect time to get to know another culture and another league “.
If Lewandowski does decide to leave Munich then he would attract plenty of offers as he is already targeted by Premier League teams.
Manchester United are looking for a centre-forward, even though Edinson Cavani signed a contract extension recently. Premier League champions City are also searching for someone to replace record goalscorer Sergio Aguero, who recently signed for Barcelona.
Chelsea are on the lookout for a striker as well after winning the Champions League with Timo Werner failing to convince in his maiden season at Stamford Bridge.
MOUNT PEAK WAS MODRIC REQUEST
Mason Mount has revealed he was left stunned after Luka Modric asked for his his shirt.
Mount came up against one of his heroes during Chelsea’s Champions League win over Real Madrid.
Mason Mount came up against hero Luka Modric in the Champions League
Mount said: “I always looked up to him as a player in the Premier League at Tottenham.
“It was weird playing against him because I watched him so much, I knew his moves and what he was going to do.”
Chelsea and England star Mount has long been an admirer of Croatia playmaker Modric.
Speaking earlier in his career when asked about his footballing heroes, Mount said: “When I was younger and watching the Premier League, Modric at Tottenham, I always loved the way he played and he was always a massive player for Tottenham, so I watched him a lot.”
SANCHO SET FOR 2ND PLACE IN UTD PAY LIST
Manchester United are set to make Jadon Sancho their second highest earner after agreeing personal terms on a £91million contract.
SunSport revealed this week that the Red Devils have struck a deal with the England winger, worth £350,000-a-week over five years.

Borussia Dortmund are insisting United increase their offer of £61million to £78m, with a further £10m in add-ons, but this is expected to happen.
United expect the deal to go through smoothly after a summer of wrangling last year when they refused to meet the German club’s £110m price.
And Sancho, who will seal a return to Manchester after the Euros, will slot in behind David de Gea in the club’s wage list.
The Spaniard continues to top the list, raking in £375,000 per week – totalling £19.5million a year.
Sancho’s arrival means that 14 first-team players will earn £100,000 or more per week, with Paul Pogba (£290k), Anthony Martial (£250k), and Marcus Rashford (£200k) all earning £200,000 or more weekly.
That number will rise to 15 should Juan Mata agree another contract to extend his stay at Old Trafford.
VARANE’S YOURS FOR £52m
Real Madrid are ‘willing to sell Raphael Varane for around £52million’ to Manchester United this summer.
The defender, who is currently with the French squad preparing for Euro 2020, is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract.

Varane, 28, has enjoyed a glittering decade at the Bernabeu but he has so far failed to show a strong desire to sign an extension.
A host of clubs have been linked with the ace, including the Red Devils and Premier League rivals Chelsea.
And Spanish show El Partidazo de COPE report that Real would be willing to listen to offers for Varane now and have set their asking price rather than risk losing him for nothing in 2022.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is closing in on the signing of England winger Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund, is also determined to land a centre-half over the close-season.
And Varane is believed to be his No1 target to partner captain Harry Maguire at the back next term.
RON NUMBERS ARE SO RIGHT
Jose Mourinho believes records and numbers remain Cristiano Ronaldo’s biggest motivation.
Despite Juventus’ underwhelming campaign, the Portuguese superstar and ex-Manchester United frontman still ended the season with 36 goals in all competitions.
Ronaldo, 36, also added to his remarkable trophy haul with the Coppa Italia – making it a career total of 34.
And that’s the reason why the ex-Real Madrid ace continues to perform at a staggering ability despite his age, according to ex-Chelsea and United boss Mourinho.
The SunSport columnist told talkSPORT: “Everybody says the same, and I say it too, he’s not 25 anymore he’s 35 (sic).
“He doesn’t score 50 goals but how many did he score? 35? The numbers speak for themselves. I think the records (drive him on).
“He’s a legend, he’s one of the names that will stay in footballing history.
“He motivates himself with numbers, he wants to win the Ballon d’Or X times, the Golden Boot X times. “He wants to play the next World Cup.”
FRANCE REPLACE ENGLAND AS TOURNAMENT FAVOURITES
England have dropped to second favourites with the bookmakers for Euros 2020.
Having been the most fancied side over the last few weeks in the build up, France have now been slashed to 9/2 with England drifting to 11/2.
England were priced at 5/1 to bring football home this summer with Betfair, and have since moved from 4/1 to 9/2 but are now out slightly at 11/2.
France, who were originally favourites are priced at 5/1 now, have been cut again to 9/2.
Belgium and Italy are next in the betting list at 13/2 and 15/2.
Spain are also 15/2 with Germany now 8/1 and Portugal 17/2.
SCOTS TO TAKE KNEE WITH ENGLAND
Scotland will take a knee with England in the all-British Euro 2020 clash but will stand against racism in their home group matches.
Steve Clarke’s side host the Czech Republic on Monday and visit England next Friday, before Croatia come to Hampden for Scotland’s Group D finale on 22 June.
Clarke: “Our position was – and remains – that the focus must be on meaningful change to fight discrimination in football and wider society.
“I am aware that some individuals and groups have sought to politicise or misrepresent the Scotland national team position on taking a stand against racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour in our Uefa Euro 2020 matches and, in particular, for our visit to Wembley.
“For the avoidance of doubt: me, my coaching staff, my players and my backroom team take a stand against racism and all forms of unacceptable and discriminatory behaviour across society.
“We will continue to take a stand – together, as one – for our matches at Hampden Park. For our match at Wembley, we will stand against racism and kneel against ignorance.”
LAST-GASP LIONS
Gareth Southgate can change his final 26-man Euro 2020 squad right up until the first game against Croatia.
That could mean a reprieve for the stars who have missed out such as James Ward-Prowse and Jesse Lingard.
Bosses had to submit their full selections by June 1.
However, Uefa rules permit unlimited changes ‘in the event of serious injury or illness before the first match’.
That includes players who test positive for coronavirus.
And it means Southgate has the option to make adjustments right up until Sunday lunchtime when his side open their campaign.
Harry Maguire, Jordan Henderson and Bukayo Saka have all struggled for fitness in the build-up to the tournament.
All three look sure to be fit at some stage, albeit Maguire and Henderson are doubts to face Croatia at Wembley on Sunday.
As revealed by SunSport, the Manchester United skipper will miss the group game against Scotland as well.
But should Southgate feel their injuries are too disruptive and they will not be ready to play their part, he may turn to some of the players axed from the 33-man provisional Three Lions squad.
MAKE MY SON TRIPP THE SKIP
Kieran Trippier’s proud dad is confident England will win the Euros – and is calling for his son to become the next Three Lions captain.
The Atletico Madrid star, 30, will have all eyes on him during the tournament as Premier League clubs line up to bring the full-back home.

But no one will be watching Trippier as closely as his dad Chris, who is hoping his son can repeat his heroics after scoring in the World Cup semi-final in 2018.
Chris, from Bury, Greater Manchester, has already spoken to his son from the England training camp and wished him well.
And he believes football could finally come home this summer as Gareth Southgate’s men prepare for their first game on Sunday.
He told The Sun Online: “I am very confident England will do very well and hopefully win it.
“I see an England/France final with us winning.”
JOSE’S WAY THE RIGHT WAY?
Here’s how Roma’s ex-Man Utd, Chelsea and Spurs boss Jose Mourinho would line up the Lions if he was manager.
Speaking to talkSPORT ahead of Sunday’s clash with Croatia, Mourinho named an XI without his ex-Utd players Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw.

LIONS MUST BE TOUGHER
Slaven Bilic has questioned England’s mentality ahead of their Euro 2020 opener against Croatia.
The Three Lions led Sunday’s opponents in the World Cup semi-final three years ago.
He told The Telegraph: “Mentality. Remember the World Cup semi-final?
“In the first-half England dominated, were 1-0 up and it should have been 2-0. But as soon as we scored an equaliser it was game over for you.
“There was nobody on the pitch who said, ‘Wait, wait, we have time’. It was gone.”
FOOTBALL’S COMING HOME
Paddy Power have done it again with yet another brilliantly witty ad…
Ireland may not be at the Euros but this guy’s support will never waiver.

GO ON MY SON
Kieran Trippier’s proud dad is confident England will win the Euros – and is calling on his son to become the next Three Lions captain.
The Atletico Madrid star, 30, will have all eyes on him during the tournament as Premier League clubs line up to bring the full-back home.
But no one will be watching Trippier as closely as his dad Chris, who is hoping his son can repeat his heroics after scoring in the World Cup semi-final in 2018.
He told The Sun Online: “I am very confident England do very well and hopefully win it.
“I see an England/France final with us winning.
I was confident as Gareth seems to like him.
“In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if he in next in line for the captain’s armband after Harry Kane.
“And I have no worries about there being so many full-backs as they can all play in different positions.”
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