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      I hope England and Croatia go far – but I can’t cope with both in the final

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      THANK God, or hvala Bogu, that’s out the way.The best team won, but no one’s heartbroken; no one’s been humiliated. I’d have settled for that.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Watching England play Croatia yesterday, my heart was as split as the light and dark areas of the Wembley pitchCredit: Getty
      From the anthems to the final whistle, it was an hour and a half of hell during which my heart was as split as the light and dark areas of the Wembley pitch.
      Early on the commentary said: “Croatia are all over the place.” Quite right, but it still enraged me; it felt like he was criticising my mum.
      Then Croatia improved, which was a relief but only led me to start feeling bad for England.
      I looked at Tyrone Mings playing so well and wondered how I could possibly have wanted anything other than for him to be on the winning side.
      In the interview I did for The Sun with Tony Adams, Tony said how much he rated him.
      Tyrone Mings played so well, I was convinced I was just on his sideCredit: Getty
      I shared this with Tyrone by text and he responded immediately, saying how appreciative he was.
      “I’m just an England fan, but actually playing,” he added, evidently still pinching himself. Well played, my man.
      Croatia can at least console themselves that they won the fans’ beauty contest hands-down.
      Every shot of England fans seemed to feature pale, shirtless blokes ­leaping about, bellies a-wobbling.
      Croatia’s fans seemed, as usual, to be mainly female supermodels.
      I’ve made enquiries in the past as to whether agencies are flying them in especially from Zagreb or Split, but this has always been denied. Loving their work, anyway.
      Just like his shirt, Adrian is half-English, half-Croatian

      And I’m loving the thought that I can now go crazy for two different teams in at least four more games.
      Hopefully they’ll both go further than that, but please not both of them as far as the final.
      That would finish me off.
      Raheem Sterling’s immediate reaction to England’s victory over Croatia More

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      Raheem Sterling gets England off to winning start with goal in his ‘back garden’

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      HOTSHOT Raheem Sterling got England off to a winning start at the Euros yesterday — scoring a goal just a stone’s throw from where he grew up.The Manchester City star gave “football’s coming home” a meaning of his own as he netted at Wembley — the area where he was raised.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Raheem Sterling got the Three Lions off to a winning start yesterdayCredit: AFP
      Fans around the country celebrated England’s 1-0 win against CroatiaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Raheem netted the winning goal at Wembley – the area he was raised in
      Raheem, who was awarded the MBE two days earlier for services to racial equality in sport, was the only scorer as England beat Croatia 1-0 in front of thrilled fans.
      It was the Three Lions’ first opening game triumph in a Euro tournament in 53 years and sent them roaring into Friday’s crunch clash with Scotland.
      Raheem, 26, lived in Neeld Crescent in the shadow of the stadium in the North West London borough of Brent.
      As a kid he dreamed of football glory as he gazed up at its iconic arch being built.
      Before yesterday’s match he posted a picture of himself as a boy clutching a trophy with the words: “Never forget where it started. #boyfromBrent.”
      England’s glory overshadowed a moment of controversy before kick-off when their players took the knee in an anti-racism gesture.
      Some fans booed but they were drowned out by massive cheers for Gareth Southgate’s team.
      He paid tribute to his boyhood dream with this throwback snap
      Raheem said if he ever played a major tournament at Wembley, he’d be scoring in his own ‘back garden’Credit: AFP
      Last night Raheem said: “It’s a great feeling for me playing at Wembley, not far from where I grew up as a young boy and seeing the stadium being built.
      “I’ve always said, if I played at Wembley in a major tournament I’m scoring at Wembley, in my back garden. I said I have to score — and it’s great to finally do that.”
      A noisy Covid-reduced 22,500- strong crowd watched the tight match in blistering 30C heat.
      I’ve always said, if I played at Wembley in a major tournament I’m scoring at Wembley, in my back garden. Raheem Sterling
      They — and millions watching on TV — erupted in celebration early in the second half when Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips sent an inch- perfect pass through for Sterling to blast home.
      Some people had queued outside pubs and restaurants from 7am to bag their spots for the 2pm kick-off — with table service still in force.
      Harry Leach, who waited outside The Distillery, in Birmingham, said:: “When I started queuing there were already 120 people in front of me and I would say about 120 behind.
      “Everyone was excited, they were all singing England chants.”
      It comes just two days after Raheem was made an MBECredit: AFP
      Manager Gareth Southgate said he was thrilled for RaheemCredit: EPA
      Millions of others gathered in homes, gardens and fan zones.
      Huge screens were put up in Trafalgar Square.
      Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who was hosting key workers as a “thank you”, said the excitement of the Euros was needed after “the darkness and trauma” of the pandemic.
      James Wright, 43, of Great Cornard, Suffolk, who was at Wembley, said: “The atmosphere was electric. When that goal went in you would have had no idea Wembley was three quarters empty and full of fans in masks. It was deafening.”
      Boris Johnson, at a press conference at the end of the G7 summit in Cornwall, sidestepped calls to condemn fans who booed. He said: “Everybody should cheer for England”.
      The PM tweeted congratulations on the team’s “fantastic start”.
      England boss Southgate said: “It’s lovely to have given our fans and our country a really enjoyable afternoon.”
      Wayne Rooney and his family were spotted in the crowdCredit: AFP
      Brits queued outside bars and pubs from 7am to bag their Euros seatsCredit: SWNS
      Huge screens were erected in many city centresCredit: PA

      Skipper Harry Kane said: “Massive performance to start the Euros with a win in the sun at Wembley. Raheem Sterling on fire — perfect.”
      The result was payback after Croatia beat England in the World Cup semi-final in 2018.
      Richard Wilson, 60, watching in Teddington, West London, said: “What a start — just what the country needs.”
      England beat Croatia to win their Euro 2020 opener after Raheem Sterling scores winning goal More

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      Tyrone Mings’ performance against Croatia proves England do not need to rush back Harry Maguire at Euro 2020

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      TYRONE MINGS put in a performance to put England fans’ minds at rest in the 1-0 win against Croatia.After a shaky performance in the 1-0 friendly win against Romania, it might have seemed the injured Harry Maguire would be a huge loss in the Euro 2020 opener.
      Tyrone Mings was a man-of-the-match contender for England against CroatiaCredit: Getty
      England didn’t really miss Harry Maguire at the backCredit: Getty
      But the Aston Villa centre-half put in a mature and confident performance that justified boss Gareth Southgate’s selection.
      Here, SunSport’s Dan King analyses how Mings fared as the Three Lions got off to a flier.
      DECISIONS
      First things first, there was no repeat of his crazy forearm smash on Austria’s Sasa Kalajdzic in England’s Euros warm-up game.
      Mings was still aggressive — but in the right way. Inside the first minute, he decided to step out to challenge Ante Rebic, who was playing as Croatia’s central forward.
      It set the tone for England’s good start. When Mings took the initiative, he generally did well, including producing a good headed clearance midway through the first half.
      When he didn’t, there were concerns, such as a cross he left that found its way to Ivan Perisic. But he closed the first half with an important tackle on Luka Modric in the box.
      After a couple of nervy moments at the start of the second half, Mings regained his calm and steady level.
      He even contributed at the other end, nodding the ball back from a free-kick, only for Raheem Sterling to fire wastefully off target.
      Mings seemed to have everything under control for EnglandCredit: The Sun
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      COMMUNICATION
      Harry Kane was wearing the Three Lions armband — but proud Mings seemed to be playing the captain’s role.
      From the opening minute, the Aston Villa star was talking to his team-mates, especially centre-back partner John Stones, and pointing to where they needed to be.
      England needed someone playing further back from Kane, with a view of the whole pitch, to be a leader — especially with Liverpool’s vocal skipper Jordan Henderson on the bench.
      Mings’ organisation of the defence worked pretty well at preventing openings for Croatia.
      But it would have been good to see him take charge of what was going on at goal kicks, with Jordan Pickford going long too often and usually surrendering possession cheaply.
      That improved after the break and Mings continued to direct operations like a captain.
      Mings had good communication with his fellow defenders and Jordan PickfordCredit: APWIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!

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      DISTRIBUTION
      Ridiculous as it sounds when talking about elite footballers, having a naturally left-footed centre-back can make a real difference.
      Especially when you pick a right-footed left-back, as Lions boss Gareth Southgate did with Kieran Trippier.
      But if the hope was that Mings’ presence would help ensure the ball found its way quickly and often to Phil Foden on the right, it did not turn out that way.
      Mings seemed reluctant to switch the play rapidly and most of England’s attacks came down the left flank.
      Yet the Villa man’s passing was precise for the most part and he resisted the temptation to overplay, which has cost him in the past.
      His clipped passes down the line for Sterling did not always come off but, when they did, they caused problems.
      There was one loose pass at the start of the second half, but otherwise he looked assured.
      The centre-half looked assured as he brought the ball out of defenceCredit: Reuters
      VERDICT
      Mings’ displays in pre-tournament friendlies made supporters worry about his capacity to fill Harry Maguire’s shoes.
      And Southgate seemed concerned, too, judging by Ben White’s call-up to replace the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold.
      But this performance was a good response to the doubters and a reward for the manager in persevering with Mings.
      On this evidence, there is no need to rush Maguire back from injury and the Villa man gives England options if they switch to a back three during the tournament.
      There was the odd moment of concern, but no glaring errors, no loss of discipline — nothing to make you think he could be a weak link.
      And there were plenty of positives in what was, let’s not forget, his debut at a major finals. A good afternoon’s work for Mings and Southgate.
      Gareth Southgate had his trust fully rewarded with MingsCredit: Getty
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      England beat Croatia to win their Euro 2020 opener after Raheem Sterling scores winning goal More

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      Euro 2020: England aces’ heart tests revealed after horror collapse which felled Christian Eriksen

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      ENGLAND’S stars all had cardiac screening tests to reduce the risk of the ­horror collapse which felled Christian Eriksen, it was revealed yesterday.The FA ordered thorough heart checks on the football aces leading the charge towards Euro 2020 glory.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      England players underwent cardiac screenings prior to the EurosCredit: Reuters
      Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest during Saturday’s matchCredit: Reuters
      The Denmark player had to be revived before being carried off the pitchCredit: AFP
      They would not be allowed to play unless they had passed specialist electrocardiogram tests, checking for ­abnormalities, within the last year.
      The players also had to have a detailed echocardiogram ultrasound scan within the last two years.
      FA sources said it is now ­policy to regularly monitor England’s top men’s senior stars — and also England players across every age group.
      ‘NO CHANCES TAKEN’
      Precautions and training were ramped up after the horror collapse of Bolton star Fabrice Muamba during an FA Cup match against Tottenham in 2012.
      In addition, all England medical staff are now required to have an Advanced Trauma Medical Management In Football certificate.
      That means all medics will be ready to act to save lives should a player suffer a collapse or serious injury.
      It is now policy to regularly monitor England stars’ heart healthCredit: AFP
      Eriksen’s team-mates looked distraught as they formed a protective ring around the stricken starCredit: Getty
      He was taken off the pitch on a stretcher after 13 minutes of intense medical treatment
      A source told The Sun: “All England medical staff also have the highest standard of medical equipment with them pitchside to quickly and efficiently manage incidents.
      “They’re ready to react quickly and effectively should the worst kind of incident occur, both in a match and training scenarios.
      “It’s an issue which is taken incredibly seriously in the light of what happened to both Fabrice and Christian. No chances are taken.”
      Denmark’s team doctor Morten Boesen confirmed that Eriksen was “gone” before being revived. He said: “We did cardiac resuscitation, it was a cardiac arrest.
      “When I got to him he was on his side, he was breathing, I could feel a pulse but suddenly that changed and we started to give him CPR.
      “The help came really fast from the medical team and the rest of the staff with their co-operation, and we did what we had to do and managed to get Christian back. How close were we to losing him?
      “I don’t know, but we got him back after one defibrillation so that’s quite fast. The examinations done so far look fine. We don’t have an explanation why it happened.”
      In 2012 Bolton’s Fabrice Muamba collapsed during an FA Cup matchCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Muamba’s heart stopped for 78 minutes but he miraculously survived after a doctor ran on the field to help resuscitate himCredit: Getty
      Denmark head coach Kasper Hjulmand revealed Eriksen said: “I don’t remember much but I’m more concerned about you guys. How are you doing? I think you’re feeling worse than I am. I feel as if I’m about to go training now, boys.”
      Hjulmand said: “That’s typical Christian. It was good to see him smile. Christian is in good spirits and it’s a huge relief for the players. We’ve been on the ropes.”
      Former Spurs boss Jose Mour­inho, who coached Eriksen before the player left for Inter Milan, said: “I prayed yesterday, I cried yesterday. God was looking at football.”
      Prior to England’s game against Croatia, fans at Wembley applauded Eriksen as the stadium announcer wished him a speedy recovery.
      Skipper Harry Kane tweeted: “Chris. I’m sending all my love to you and your family. Stay strong mate.”
      Meanwhile, the BBC removed footage of Eriksen’s collapse from its iPlayer yesterday as broadcasting regulator Ofcom prepared to launch a probe.
      Ref’s wife ‘proud’By Richard Moriarty
      THE wife of the English ref at the centre of the Christian Eriksen health scare yesterday told of her pride at his actions.
      Premier League ref Anthony Taylor was widely praised for his quick action in halting the game within three seconds of the ex-Spurs star collapsing during Saturday’s clash between Denmark and Finland.
      Taylor, 42, born in Wythenshawe where Marcus Rashford also grew up, was congratulated by Prince William for “calm and swift action”.
      And his wife Anne-Marie told The Sun: “I am very proud of him.”
      Asked if he was upset by what happened, she said: “I have spoken to him. He is fine now. He is good.”

      England won their first ever Euro opener yesterdayCredit: Getty

      Hundreds of viewers complained after live footage of the frantic attempts to revive him was beamed into millions of homes.
      They branded the Beeb “shameful” for not cutting away from the upsetting scenes.
      Host Gary Lineker later apologised in a tweet.
      Denmark head coach gets emotional at post-match press conference after Christian Eriksen collapsed More

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      Burnley striker Ashley Barnes hit with £13k fine & ban after drink-drive arrest

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      FOOTBALL star Ashley Barnes has been hit with a £13,000 fine and a ban for drink-driving.The Burnley striker was arrested after he and his teammates enjoyed a boozy coach trip home from London.
      Ashley Barnes has been banned from drivingCredit: PA
      They were celebrating securing their Premier League status by beating Fulham 2-0 in May.
      But Barnes, 31, then got behind the wheel of a £55,000 Mercedes Viano and was pulled over by police at 3am close to his £1.5million home in Wilmslow, Cheshire.

      Clarets boss Sean Dyche was fuming with Ashley BarnesCredit: EPA
      The Sun told last month how his arrest sparked fury from his manager Sean Dyche.
      A source said at the time: “Sean is a strict disciplinarian and expects a lot from his senior players like Ashley.”
      Barnes last week admitted drink-driving and was fined £13,725 with a 12-month driving ban by Stockport magistrates.
      Premier League star Ashley Barnes arrested for drink-driving following 4-hour booze up after avoiding relegation More

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      Christian Eriksen: England’s Harry Kane ‘numb with shock’ after pal and former team-mate’s horror collapse

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      ENGLAND skipper Harry Kane was “numb with shock” after pal and  former team-mate Christian Eriksen’s horror collapse.  Other Three Lions players and boss Gareth Southgate were distressed  by TV images of  medics battling to save the Danish ace, 29, a dad of two young children.
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      Harry Kane and Katie Goodland at a Bruno Mars gig with Christian Eriksen and Sabrina
      A source said: “They’re all numb and very upset. You have to appreciate many of them have played with or against Christian. Harry is  particularly devastated.”
       After it was confirmed Eriksen was awake in hospital, a message from Southgate was posted on the England  team Twitter feed saying: “We are encouraged by the update from [the Danish FA] this evening.  
      “On behalf of The English FA, our players and staff, we send our very best wishes to Christian and those close to him.
      “We pay tribute to those who went to his aid with such care to give the support he received. 
      Harry and Christian as Tottenham team-mates in 2018 matchCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “Our thoughts remain with Christian and his family tonight.”
      Kane, 27, and Eriksen became  friends during seven years together at Spurs from 2013, with partners Katie  and  Sabrina also close.

      It comes as…

      An England press conference with Kane and Southgate due to take place at 6.30pm yesterday was cancelled as the drama unfolded, with FA sources saying neither was in the right frame of mind.  
       Manchester United star Marcus Rashford, part of the England squad at St George’s Park, Staffs,  earlier tweeted the Denmark flag and a pair of hands in prayer.
      Sabrina and Eriksen with son  AlfredCredit: EPA
      The Three Lions’ opener against Croatia at Wembley at 2pm today had appeared in the balance in the immediate aftermath of Eriksen’s collapse.  
      But the Denmark versus Finland match resumed around 90 minutes after the horror — with Finland winning 1-0 — and Belgium versus Russia also went ahead last night. 
      Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku, a club team-mate of Eriksen at Inter Milan, dedicated his goal against Russia to his pal  by sprinting to a camera and shouting: “Chris, Chris, I love you.”
      Jesse Lingard was just one of the many players and pundits who posted messages of support for EriksenCredit: TWITTER
      Fabrice Muamba, 33, who suffered a cardiac arrest playing in a televised FA Cup match for Bolton against Spurs in March 2012  tweeted earlier: “Please God.”
      Rashford’s  England and Man Utd team-mate  Jesse Lingard wrote: “Thoughts and prayers go out to Christian Eriksen and his family . . . praying everything is OK.”
      Devastated team-mates Thomas Delaney and Andreas ChristensenCredit: AFP
      England and Manchester City star Raheem Sterling, expected to start against Croatia today, said: “Thoughts and prayers go out to Christian Eriksen and his family.”
      Inter Milan’s Ashley Young, a former England player, wrote: “Please bro, please” followed by praying hands. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who also plays in Italy for  Inter’s rivals Juventus,  posted a pic of the pair playing against each other in an international match.
      He said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Christian and his family. The world of football stands together hoping for good news.
      “I’m counting on finding you soon back on the pitch, Chris! Stay strong.”
      Shocked Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark, at the matchCredit: Reuters
      Love Island doctor Alex George praised the stadium  medical team. 
      He said: “Absolutely incredible response by the medics on the field. If reports are correct, then their actions have saved Christian Eriksen’s life. I hope he makes a good and swift recovery.”
      England  player turned pundit Alex Scott was in tears in the BBC studio.  She  said: “I’m just sitting here and praying. I actually just got on my phone, I messaged my mum and told her I love her. 
      “I think it is a reminder of how quickly life can change.” 
      Host Gary Lineker added: “Football doesn’t matter.” 
      Fabrice Muamba, 33, who suffered a cardiac arrest playing in a televised FA Cup match for Bolton against Spurs in March 2012  tweeted: ‘Please God’Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Ex-Spain and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas said on the same BBC coverage: “All that matters is family, football doesn’t matter. My body is shaking. All I can think about is Christian’s family and what they must be going through.”
      Former BBC Football Focus presenter Dan Walker hailed the reaction of the Danish  players who were seen comforting Sabrina at the side of the pitch.
      Walker said: “His Denmark  team-mates deserve the highest praise and respect. 
      “They demanded immediate medical help, screened him from the cameras and preserved his dignity and consoled his family.” The official Tottenham Twitter account said: “All of our thoughts are with Christian  and his family.” 
      Stunned fans could not believe what they were witnessing

      Spurs’ Spanish defender Sergio Reguilón said simply: “Eriksen” followed by prayer emoji and  heart.
      Broadcaster and Arsenal fan Piers Morgan commented on images of the stricken player appearing to be conscious as he was wheeled from the pitch.
      The ex-Good Morning Britain host said: “Very encouraging development after the desperate earlier scenes. Hope and pray he’s OK.”   There were also messages of support from the Premier League, France’s Paris St Germain, managed by former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, and the Scotland team.  
      Fans comfort each other after Eriksen’s horror collapse
      Alex Scott fights back tears and reveals she text mum to tell her ‘I love you’ after watching Christian Eriksen collapse More

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      England urged to drop Grealish, Foden or Mount for willing runners Rashford & Sterling in Euro 2020 tilt by Emile Heskey

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      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.

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      Emile Heskey believes Gareth Southgate must bench one of his big stars to achieve Euro gloryCredit: RexWIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!

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      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.
      A key reason why Heskey won 62 caps was because his selfless style of play brought out the best in strike partner Michael Owen.
      The big man in the Liverpool and England little-and-large pairing may have had an inferior goals record to other forwards.
      But his combination with Owen, as well as Wayne Rooney and Jermain Defoe, made him a favourite for numerous national bosses.
      Heskey, 43, told SunSport: “You’ve seen it before, having all the best players on the pitch  doesn’t necessarily mean you have the best team.
      “It’s got to gel, it has to flow, it’s got to have some fluency. It will be interesting to see how Gareth does it.
      “Mine and Michael’s partnership blossomed because we understood what each other wanted.
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      “We worked on it. We understood if one was coming in, then the other was going long. You definitely need to have those runners to stretch the game.
      “Raheem is always making runs in behind, which is great because that stretches it. It gives you options. We have three great players in Mount, Foden and Grealish, for two places.”
      England kick off their Euro 2020 campaign tomorrow against Croatia, who beat them in the World Cup semi-final three years ago.
      Sterling started that game alongside Harry Kane — but this time round his spot is no longer guaranteed.
      That is due to the emergence of a number of players, including his Manchester City team-mate Foden.
      Heskey had his ups and downs during his international career —  suffering criticism for his displays at Euro 2004.
      But the ex-Leicester star reckons England could benefit from Sterling’s limited game-time with City.

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      Raheem Sterling’s lack of game-time for Man City could benefit England this summerCredit: Getty
      Heskey added: “It’s great for England that he’s possibly fresher.
      “It’s not physical, it’s mental tiredness you suffer from when you’re playing time and again. You want a little bit of a break.
      “I think it would be great for him coming into a major tournament.
      “For him, it’s about getting his head down and doing the things that have got him to where he is now. Why is he in the team?
      “What is it that Gareth wants from him? Go and do that.
      “His best thing is running in behind, getting out wide and taking people on.
      “As long as he does that, nine times out of ten you’d put him in.
      “Yes, you’ve got other young players emerging now — so he needs to be on his toes.
      “But you can’t take away what he brings to the team. Having Raheem,  you don’t realise how much fear that puts into opponents.”
      Marcus Rashford would 100 per cent be starting in attack for Emile HeskeyCredit: Getty
      Whether he picks Sterling or not, Southgate will likely be searching for a way to get Foden in too after his brilliant campaign.
      The PFA Young Player of the Year looks ready to catch the eye if his new ‘Gazza Euro 96’  blond hairdo is anything to go by.
      Heskey knows what it is like to have a fearless whizkid come into the squad and light up their first major tournament.
      For that is exactly what a teenage Rooney did in 2004.
      Heskey recalled: “When you’re going into the national team, you can’t be shy. You’ve got to go out there and showcase what you’ve got, especially in training.
      “That’s what Wayne did. He was never one to shirk responsibility, he was never one to shy away from anything.
      “You’d have conversations with Wayne and he would say, ‘If I was a centre-back, I’d be the best centre-back in the world’.
      “This is where you’re drawing the comparison — because you’re wanting these lads to go out and express themselves, to play with no fear.
      Emile Heskey was part of the Euro 2004 squad when Wayne Rooney burst onto the sceneCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      “Phil Foden, dying his hair, is it a case of him saying, ‘I’m the man to step up to the plate because I’m going to be the next Gazza’?
      “We’ve been touting everyone to be the next Gazza, can he be the real next Gazza?”
      Southgate has copped flak for including big injury doubts Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire.
      Roy Keane was particularly critical, jokingly suggesting the Liverpool skipper was only included to do card tricks and organise team quizzes.
      But Heskey feels there is genuine merit in taking senior pros, even if they do not kick a ball — particularly with the squad being boosted to 26.
      He said: “Imagine as a younger player who is quite shy and doesn’t really feel he can step into certain places and own it, you have senior players who help you with that.

      “I had Martin Keown and I had Gareth. I had players like that.
      “There are more young players in this squad, so you need the senior players to help them.”
      David Beckham played a similar role at the 2010 World Cup, when he travelled with the team despite being ruled out with a ruptured Achilles.
      Heskey added: “We took Becks more as an ambassador.
      “But he was around us all the time. Having him there, eating with us and having a little chat, even just playing table-tennis or watching the games, it was great.”
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      How the top pundits of the two channels stack up against each other
      England vs Croatia live stream, TV channel and kick-off time and team news for Euro 2020 match More

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      Bark of the net as UK’s cleverest dog tips England to beat Croatia

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      ENGLAND will beat Croatia in their Euro 2020 group opener tomorrow — according to the nation’s most intelligent dog.Willow the wonder pooch can count to ten, spell her own name and identify shapes — and she has form for correctly predicting results of major events.
      Willow the wonder dog is predicting an England victoryCredit: Glen Minikin
      Now, after studying The Sun’s football guide, the clever cockapoo has picked out Harry Kane’s England side to win at Wembley tomorrow afternoon.
      She made her prediction yesterday, in strictly controlled scientific conditions, after we presented her with three bowls, each containing a football.
      On the front of each bowl we stuck a flag for England, Croatia and then a third had both for a draw.
      Willow’s owner Charlotte Price, 30, then asked her: “Who will win on Sunday, or do you fancy a draw?”
      Willow’s owner Charlotte says she is ‘never wrong’Credit: Glen Minikin
      After a moment’s paws, Willow pounced on England’s bowl — and with her track record, that is good news for manager Gareth Southgate.
      Special needs teacher Charlotte said: “This should be a great relief for England fans. She’s never wrong about these things.”
      Charlotte proudly revealed Willow has form for predicting major events — including last year’s US presidential race between Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
      She added: “She’s so clever that we’ve often wondered if she might be able to predict things.
      “Me and my husband have often had a little giggle with stuff — like last year’s run-off between Biden and Trump and she was right behind Biden.
      Willow predicts Harry Kane’s England will win at WembleyCredit: Getty
      “We also asked her to pick between Jeremy Corbyn and Boris Johnson at the last General Election. She didn’t need long to think about that one and pounced on Boris.
      “And she did the same with this year’s Champions League final. Most people backed Manchester City but she went for Chelsea. She’s not been wrong yet.”
      A pun-tastic England doggy XI
      Her skills echo those of tentacled tipster Paul the Octopus, who successfully predicted the results of Germany’s seven matches at the 2010 World Cup.
      The patriotic cockapoo was wearing an England shirt at home in Baildon, West Yorks.
      The property is also decked out in England bunting, flags and balloons.
      Charlotte started training Willow as a pup in 2018 and quickly moved on to tricks.
      She chose between her teddy and a ball — and letters and numbers.
      Willow has been training for this moment for three yearsCredit: Glen Minikin

      Willow gets a treat for every five she identifies. She also picks out shapes, including her favourite, the pentagon.
      Weather symbols are also her thing but we didn’t need her to tell us it will be sunny.
      BBC radio host Rachel Burden got her dog Mae to predict tomorrow’s winner — but she picked Croatia.
      Willow could be a good luck charm for England at Euro 2020Credit: Glen Minikin
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