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      England legend Peter Shilton backs England to beat the Danes in Euro 2020 clash and salutes keeper Jordan Pickford

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      FOOTIE great Peter Shilton has backed England to beat the Danes tonight — and to go on to win Euro 2020 without Jordan Pickford conceding a goal.The goalie, 71, saluted current keeper Pickford’s incredible five-game clean-sheet tally — a record for Euros tournaments.
      ⚽Get ALL of the latest England news and updates from Euro 2020
      Former goalie Peter Shilton says England will go all the wayCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      And the Three Lions’ most-capped star said the Everton stopper, 27, could even hold firm until captain Harry Kane lifted our first trophy in 55 years on Sunday.
      Shilts, who played in two European Championships and three World Cups, told The Sun: “England should have enough to beat the Danes and won’t fear whoever they play in the final.
      “To go all the way and win it without leaking a single goal would be astonishing — but this team can do it. Jordan Pickford is on the cusp of becoming a great goalkeeper and has had a terrific tournament. He seems to play better in an England shirt.
      “He’s stepped up when it mattered but hasn’t had a lot to do thanks to the hard work and skill of the players in front of him. It’s been incredible to see a team reach the semi-finals without conceding and they’re just two games away from achieving the ultimate.
      They can do it and lift the trophy in style — then win the World Cup next year.Peter Shilton
      “They can do it and lift the trophy in style — then win the World Cup next year. That’s how good they are.”
      England are the only Euro 2020 side yet to concede, with clean sheets in their three group games against Croatia, Scotland and Czech Republic.
      Pickford also kept the ball out of his own net in the last 16 match against Germany and the 4-0 quarter-final demolition of Ukraine.
      The Footie legend, 71, saluted current keeper Jordan Pickford’s five-game clean-sheet tallyCredit: Marc Aspland EURO 2020 Newspapers Pool
      Shilton says the Three Lions will win Euro 2020 without Jordan Pickford conceding a goalCredit: Getty – Contributor
      It is a feat never achieved by any national team in the history of European Championship football.
      England were 25/1 long-shots with bookies to not concede before the semis at the start of the tournament — and 200/1 to win it without leaking a goal. Those odds have now crashed to 4/1 with two games to go.
      And Shilts is convinced the sound defensive performances will be the bedrock of a push for England’s first tournament glory since 1966. He said: “Jordan Pickford has stepped up when it mattered.
      “But, in truth, he hasn’t been called upon many times because he’s a cog in a very effective defence which has worked brilliantly so far. He’s pulled off a string of fine saves — particularly one against Scotland when it really mattered — and I’ve loved to see him both rollocking and encouraging his defenders.
      Jordan Pickford has stepped up when it mattered.Peter Shilton
      “He had that blip when he miskicked against Ukraine but the match was already won by then and he got away with it.
      “But our defence was not breached yet again — and with Raheem Sterling and Kane now on fire up front we will take some beating.
      “I’ve experienced the agony of penalties in an England semi-final when the Germans knocked us out of the World Cup in 1990 and wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
      Shilton said: ‘England should have enough to beat the Danes and won’t fear whoever they play in the final’Credit: Getty
      He added: ‘Jordan Pickford is on the cusp of becoming a great goalkeeper and has had a terrific tournament’Credit: AP
      “But I’ve a feeling that won’t happen against the Danes — and if it does this team will be ready to win on penalties. Jordan has the great advantage of having saved the penalty that won us our last shoot-out against Colombia at the last World Cup.
      “But he also has a great defence in front of him which works as a unit. We’ve waited so long for a trophy it’s hard to believe that the great Gordon Banks was in goal for us last time we did it.
      “But now it’s the turn of ­Jordan and his teammates and they can do it.” Shilts also paid tribute to England boss Gareth Southgate and predicted a bright future for his squad.
      The whole country is smiling again and looking forward to the game in front of a Wembley full of fans.Peter Shilton
      He said: “I can’t praise Gareth highly enough for the way he’s kept faith with players through thick and thin. Players like Pickford, Kane and Sterling have had their critics but Gareth has stuck to his guns and trusted them and he’s been proved right.
      “After all we’ve had to endure as a nation with Covid over the past 18 months, it’s fantastic that the team is coming good now to give us all a lift.
      “The whole country is smiling again and looking forward to the game in front of a Wembley full of fans like the one I experienced so many times. And this England team won’t let them down.”
      Shilton also praised England boss Gareth SouthgateCredit: Reuters
      He said: ‘Players like Pickford, Kane (pictured) and Sterling have had their critics but Gareth has stuck to his guns’Credit: Rex
      The legend believes Southgate’s new team won’t let us down and will bring the trophy homeCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Meanwhile, Pickford’s wife Megan Davison will also put her faith in him keeping a clean sheet — with some help from a crystal healing bracelet.
      Megan, 27, has worn the band — said to provide “emotional balance, stability and calm” — throughout the Euros.
      A source said: “Megan’s been into crystal healing for the last year. She believes it brings harmony and wellbeing, not just for her but also for those around her.”
      Jordan Pickford shows his goalkeeping skills at England training More

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      Euro 2020 star Harry Kane backed to lead England into first major final since 1966 — by a Great Dane

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      SKIPPER Harry Kane was tonight backed to lead England into their first major final since 1966 — by a Great Dane.Mighty Major, who stands nearly 7ft on his back legs, even showed off nifty footwork of his own ahead of the big game against Denmark.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      The five-year-old champion, who weighs 12st, won his latest show two weeks ago and is now firmly behind Kane and Co to follow his leadCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
      He had a kickabout with a pal as the nation looked forward to the Euros semi-final showdown at Wembley tomorrow night.
      The five-year-old champion, who weighs 12st, won his latest show two weeks ago and is now firmly behind Kane and Co to follow his lead.
      He even wore an England shirt and stood proudly draped in the flag of St George to show his support for Gareth Southgate’s men.
      Major’s owner, leading UK breeder and Crufts judge Laurence Morgan-Evans, of Wootton, Beds, said: “We’ve been glued to the telly watching the Euros. It’s so exciting. We hope England can get into the final and win it.”
      Last night, goal ace Harry, 27, admitted that the nation was not alone in daring to dream.
      He said: “I try not to let my mind get too far ahead. But I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about winning the Euros. As a kid growing up you have a vision of what you want to do and what you dream about — and this is it.”
      Three Lions teammate Harry Maguire, 28, took time out to play a game of darts but said they were ready to make history. He pledged to end England’s semi-final hoodoo after defeats at Italia 90, Euro 96 and Russia 2018 — and roared: “We’re better than ever.”
      Maguire was in the side beaten 2-1 by Croatia in 2018. He said: “Losing the semi-final at the World Cup hurt a lot. So we need to make sure when it comes on Wednesday night we get a positive feeling.”
      Last night, tens of thousands of fans scrambled for the few remaining tickets at Wembley. Seats were going for as much as £6,500 each online.
      The two Great Danes were pictured running after a ball in England shirtsCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
      Raheem Sterling appeared to be having a great time during trainingCredit: Reuters
      Up to 60,000 people will be allowed into the stadium — the biggest crowd since Covid began last March. England have an allocation of 8,500 tickets for the match but most of those have already been reserved.
      The Football Association said it was working with Uefa to “finalise the total allocation and secure more tickets”.
      It bagged an extra 1,700 after Denmark reduced its allocation to 5,000.
      Tens of thousands of fans logged on for hours today in the hope of grabbing one at the last-minute but were left disappointed and then flooded social media in their search.
      Adam French, consumer rights expert at Which?, warned: “Fans need to be aware there’s no guarantee they will get their tickets or entry to the match if they buy from an unofficial seller. They could be left seriously out of pocket.”
      Pubs face running out of beer as fans throw it in the air celebrating goals — then buy more to toast the team. The Campaign for Real Ale said: “Publicans are worried they won’t get supplies.”
      Harry Kane of England heads the ball during the England Training Session at St George’s ParkCredit: Getty
      England’s Jadon Sancho during trainingCredit: Reuters
      The British Institute of Innkeepers said: “Fans are flocking in — but pubs are running out of some lines of beer, with very limited deliveries from breweries due to supply chain problems.”
      England football shirts are also in short supply amid a £12billion Euros economic boom.

      All £70 shirts have sold out on the FA’s official website, with just a low number of £115 match shirts printed with a few players’ names left.
      SportsDirect and JD Sports have sold out of all adult sizes, with just a few junior tops remaining. Flags, bunting and car flag sales have rocketed. Fan Salim Said tweeted: “England shirts are sold out at every store. People are starting to believe.”

      DO you have a childhood picture of yourself in an England shirt to feature in The Sun? Please email it, along with your name, age, where you are from and the year it was taken to englandkits@the-sun.co.uk

      Three Lions teammate Harry Maguire, 28, took time out to play a game of dartsCredit: Reuters

      Harry Kane insists winning Euro 2020 with England ‘would surpass anything at club level’ as captain prepares for Denmark More

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      Footie aces Sterling and Rashford relaxed in a hot tub ahead of Wednesday’s semi clash with Denmark

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      RAHEEM Sterling and Marcus Rashford kick back in the water yesterday ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final.The strike pair relaxed in a hot tub at the St George’s Park training camp, Staffs.
      ⚽Get ALL of the latest England news and updates from Euro 2020
      Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford enjoyed a hot tub at the training camp
      The Man United star said “All smiles” ahead of the crunch tie on Wednesday night.
      Jack Grealish, meanwhile, played water polo with team-mates.
      Chelsea star Mason Mount gave his best strong man impression.
      He frolicked about with team-mates as he larked on an inflatable unicorn.
      Jack Grealish played water polo with team-mates ahead of Wednesday’s big clash against DenmarkCredit: Getty
      Mason Mount larked on an inflatable unicornCredit: Getty
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the swimming pool at St George’s ParkCredit: Getty

      Raheem Sterling is ‘world class’ and England’s’ ‘most effective player’ beam Ferdinand and Lampard More

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      England fans launch petition to put up statue of Gareth Southgate in his home town

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      ENGLAND fans want a statue of Gareth Southgate erected in the town in which he grew up.They have launched a petition to honour the Three Lions boss in Crawley, West Sussex.
      England fans want a statue of Gareth Southgate erected in the town in which he grew upCredit: PA
      His parents, Barbara and Clive, still live there.
      Southgate went to Hazelwick Secondary and the school’s motto — “Effort Achieves” — was sewn on to pupils’ blazers and serves him well to this day.
      He played for the school football team — and lined up alongside X Factor star Chico.
      The change.org petition, started during the 2018 World Cup in Russia where England also made the semi-finals, has more than 1,500 signatures.
      It reads: “Gareth grew up in Crawley . . . and we believe the council should recognise his achievements with a statue of the man himself!”
      The petition has been resurrected following the latest successes.
      A council spokesman said: “We’re tremendously proud of what Gareth Southgate has achieved.
      “He’s a son of Crawley who grew up here, went to school here and learnt a lot of his football here so we want to recognise his achievements. Nothing has been ruled out.”
      Meanwhile, social media users joked Southgate would make a perfect partner after one, Madeline Brettingham, called him “the ultimate middle-aged crush.”
      A council spokesman said: ‘We’re tremendously proud of what Gareth Southgate has achieved’Credit: Getty
      Gareth went to Hazelwick Secondary and played for the football teamCredit: Google maps
      The school’s motto, ‘Effort Achieves’ was sewn on to pupils’ blazers and serves the England manager well to this dayCredit: Hazelwick Secondary

      One user wrote: “Gareth would put all the cutlery pointing the same way in the cutlery drawer and hang the tea towel neatly across the oven handle to dry.”
      Another said: “He wouldn’t complain about the decorative cushions and would plump and rearrange them after sitting on the sofa”.
      Others stated that he would defrost the car and warm your coat on a cold winter’s morning, and do the toast “just how you like it, making sure the butter goes all the way to the edges”.
      Gareth Southgate tells England fans to ‘party hard’ after sealing semi-final vs Denmark More

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      The Sun’s style entry into Rome made the front page of its biggest newspaper

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      THE Sun’s Italian Job entry into Rome made the front page of its biggest selling newspaper.We drove lion mascot Harry Mane to the Eternal City in red, white and blue Minis before England’s Ukraine clash.
      ⚽Get ALL of the latest England news and updates from Euro 2020
      The Sun drove mascot Harry Mane to Rome in red, white and blue Minis for England’s Ukraine clash, it made the front page of its biggest selling newspaper
      A picture of our posse in front of the iconic Colosseum was published by top Italian newspaper Il Messaggero.
      The headline read: “This is how we beat the checks” — describing it as a “taunt by the English fans”.
      But it pointed out: “In theory they didn’t break any rules because an English person can travel for 36 hours through Italy for work.”
      It described our epic journey from London to Nice then on to Rome ahead of England’s win.
      Meanwhile, it emerged yesterday about 50 fans with match tickets travelling from England for the game were stopped by cops doing spot checks.
      They were ordered to remain in hotels until they finished quarantine.
      Italian newspaper Il Messaggero’s headline read ‘This is how we beat the checks’

      England take the knee before kick-off against Ukraine in Rome More

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      Cheering on Denmark in Wednesday’s semi will be a host of Danish beauties

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      HERE are some of the great Danes for England fans to keep an eye on before Wednesday’s semi — and their footie star partners aren’t too bad either.Model and Instagram influencer Katrine Friis, 24, lives in West London with her defender boyfriend Andreas Christensen, 25, who plays for Chelsea.
      Model Katrine Friis, 24, lives in London with Chelsea footie Andreas Christensen, 25Credit: Social Media – Refer to Source
      Andreas’s girlfriend sure knows how to turn headsCredit: AFP
      However Katrine spends much of her time abroad, racking up visits to Los Angeles, Portugal and Dubai.
      Christian Norgaard, 27, will also play in the Premier League next season with Brentford.
      The midfielder has a son with Josefine Louise Barsøe Nielsen, who praised him online for beating the Czechs.
      And Miss Denmark finalist Laila Hasanovic, 20, will be cheering on striker Jonas Wind, 22.
      Miss Denmark finalist Laila Hasanovic, 20, will be cheering on her beau
      Striker Jonas Wind, 22, has definitely scored a goal with LailaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Josefine Louise Barsøe Nielsen praised her lover Christian Norgaard, 27, for beating the Czechs
      The midfielder, who has a son with the stunner, will play in the Premier League next season with BrentfordCredit: Getty

      Izabel Goulart is the super hot wag of German player Kevin Trapp More

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      Jubilant England fans necked 42million pints as England thumped Ukraine 4-0

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      JUBILANT England supporters shrugged off monster hangovers yesterday after brewing up a Euro 2020 semi-final clash with Denmark.Three Lions fans necked 42million pints on Saturday night as plucky Ukraine were thumped 4-0.
      Fans in London clamber over the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain after the victoryCredit: Reuters
      Revellers in Manchester show their bottle as England book a place in the semi-finalsCredit: LNP
      But the headaches will probably, no definitely, be bigger if we beat the Carlsberg beer nation on Wednesday night.
      England’s victory in Rome pulled in a peak TV audience of 20.9million viewers.
      Happy fans emerging from 18 months of Covid misery packed beer gardens and fanzones to watch the action, as well as at home.
      Breweries scrambled lorries to deliver ten million extra pints to bars to ensure stocks did not run out.
      Booze industry data showed 23million pints were drunk at home and 19million in pubs.
      Crowds chanted “football’s coming home” and scaled the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain in London’s Piccadilly Circus.
      Pandemonium erupted at a fan park in nearby Trafalgar Square as Jordan Henderson’s header sealed Ukraine’s fate.
      Fans in Leeds were among Three Lions supporters that necked 42million pints on Saturday nightCredit: NB PRESS LTD
      Booze industry data showed 23million pints were drunk at home and 19million in pubsCredit: Reuters
      Ecstatic supporters in Brighton got the pier shaking, while revellers crowd-surfed in celebration in Newcastle.
      Harry Maguire’s goal soon after half time triggered an eruption of joy in his native Sheffield where revellers leapt into the fountain in Barker’s Pool.
      Residents draped bunting from house to house to create a giant St George’s flag in Bristol.
      James Curran was among the lucky Lionhearts who made it to Saturday’s quarter-final at Rome’s Olympic Stadium.

      James, who travelled from Prague in the Czech Republic with two pals, said: “’It has been the most amazing night.
      “I don’t think anyone in the stadium expected this result. Everyone is in dreamland.”
      Fan fun even spread to No10, where Boris Johnson stood on a giant flag of St George after tweeting: “Bring it home.” More

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      Euro 2020: England legend Stuart ‘Psycho’ Pearce says Three Lions team is better than his ’96 squad… and ready for glory

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      ENGLAND icon Stuart Pearce saluted Gareth Southgate’s young lions last night — saying they are more world-class than   the Euro ’96 heroes.The steely defender — dubbed “Psycho” in his heyday — roared: “Now go on and lift the cup.”
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      England legend Stuart Pearce saluted Gareth Southgate’s young lions last night — saying they are more world class than  England’s Euro 96 heroesCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate celebrates after his Three Lions team drubbed UkraineCredit: Reuters
      England skipper Harry Kane adds to his Euro 2020 goal tally against UkraineCredit: EPA
      He reckons the current squad is stronger and better equipped than the side both he and Gareth played in 25 years ago.
      Stuart, 59, told The Sun: “They have the same fire and will to win we had back in ’96 — but this squad is stronger with even more world-class players.
      “I’m sure we have enough to beat the Danes — and Italy or Spain in the final — but we should steel ourselves for two tight, tense and nerve- jangling games if we go all the way.
      “People said I was passionate but I see the same spirit in every single one of that squad and it will take a hell of a lot to stop them now at Wembley.
      “I have the honour and the pleasure to work with some of these lads when they were younger and can tell you that they will give absolutely everything they have for their country.
      “They’re as proud as I was to wear the shirt and are blessed with incredible talent which is blossoming at exactly the right time.”
      Stuart said he has been talking tactics with  Gareth before games and sending good luck messages.
      He also paid tribute to Southgate’s man management and the faith he had shown in stars who had faced criticism on the road to the semi-final against Denmark.
      He explained: “Gareth has been a great friend for years and I am so proud of what he has done for the team and for the nation.
      “I have been phoning him occasionally as it’s sometimes good to be able to bounce opinions around.
      “But his team selection so far has been impeccable, as shown by the fact that we have yet to concede a single goal at the Euros.
       “Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling have come in for some stick from some quarters but Gareth knows they are great players and has shown great faith in them.
      “And they have rewarded him by coming alive at the business end of the tournament.
      “We have a great blend of youth, experience and professionalism as well as the passion you need to win when the chips are down.
      “In my day we probably had 11 players in the squad who were truly world-class but Gareth has at least 16 with fantastic options on the subs bench.
      “I was England’s Under-21 coach from 2007-13 and worked with Raheem, Harry McGuire, Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker who are all great, mature talents.
      ‘I love to see the mentality of players like Harry Kane who will never settle for second best’Credit: Getty
      England’s Harry Maguire celebrates after seeing the team sail through to the semi-finalsCredit: AP
      England’s Jordan Henderson scores the fourth goal
      “When you add young stars like Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho and Phil Foden to the mix, you know you have something very special.
      “I expect them to come good at this tournament and they have a great chance of lifting the cup — we’re in great shape right now. But just you watch us go at the World Cup next year — I’m sure Gareth has one eye on that prize as well.
      “I love to see the mentality of players like Harry Kane who will never settle for second best.
      “Having come this far he doesn’t want heroic failure or a fall at the final fence — he wants to get out there and win and lift the cup for England and our fantastic fans.
      “Our team will also have the huge advantage of 60,000 home fans cheering them on at Wembley — I’ve played in that atmosphere and can tell you it’s something you never forget. I’m sure a lot of emotion will be pouring out after the difficult days we’ve been through.”
       The Three Lions are aiming to end 55 years of hurt by lifting their first trophy since the World Cup Final in 1966.
      Stuart and Gareth were in the Euro ’96 team — alongside the likes of Paul Gascoigne and Alan Shearer — which heartbreakingly crashed out on penalties in the semi-final against Germany.
       Southgate missed the spot kick which sent the Germans through. Hardman Stuart is remembered for his screamed celebration when he scored in a penalty shoot-out against Spain in the Euro ’96 quarter-final. It was the moment he atoned for missing a spot kick against Germany at the Italia ’90 World Cup.
      Stuart said: “I can assure every England fan that there is now no better team in the world than ours if games come down to a penalty shoot-out.
      “Gareth has incredible talent to choose from in this squad and will shuffle the pack to secure a win in normal time if possible. But his players will be well drilled and determined to cope with any situation — and if it goes to penalties they’ll be ready.”
      TalkSPORT radio star Stuart has been thrilled by the outpouring of joy England’s success has generated as we look forward to the end of Covid restrictions.
      Reflecting on England’s last-16 win over Germany and the quarter-final thrashing of Ukraine in Italy, he said: “What has happened at Wembley and in Rome could not possibly have come at a better time for our country. We’ve had 18 months of hell, living in fear of our lives and heard stories of tragedy.
      The current Three Lions squad is ‘better’ than Stuart Pearce’s Euro ’96 teamCredit: Getty
      Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane celebrate
      The Three Lions now face Denmark in the semi-finalsCredit: Reuters

      “We’ve been locked in our homes, locked out of football stadiums and pubs and seen our lives change like never before.
      “But our football team has come alive at the same time as our country. I can’t tell you what a lift it will give to everyone to see us win at Wembley in a week’s time.
      “It will make me so proud and pleased for Gareth and the squad — every last one of them will have played their part. We’ve waited a long time for this and I know they won’t let us down.”
      Raheem Sterling is ‘world class’ and England’s’ ‘most effective player’ beam Ferdinand and Lampard More