EURO 2020 is finally here!
Italy and Turkey get the party started tonight, before the countdown begins to England's opener against Croatia on Sunday.
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.
- 🏆WIN £50,000! Dream Team Euros – FREE fantasy football game
- ⚽️Euro squads: All of the players picked so far
- 🏴Euro 2020 betting special: England 35/1 to beat Croatia
- ⚽️Fixtures: When to watch all your Euro 2020 matches
- 🏴Betting special: Get England at 20/1 to wear home kit vs Croatia
- ⚽️Build-up LIVE: Latest news and updates from around the teams
Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
- Ian Tuckey
‘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.
- Ian Tuckey
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.”
- Ian Tuckey
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.
- Ian Tuckey
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."
- Ian Tuckey
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.
- Ian Tuckey
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.
- Ian Tuckey
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.”
- Ian Tuckey
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.
- Ian Tuckey
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."
- Ian Tuckey
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.
- Ian Tuckey
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."
- Ian Tuckey
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.
- Ian Tuckey
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.”
- Richard Forrester
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.
- Richard Forrester
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."
- Thomas Blow
MORE ON SCOTLAND'S DECISION TO TAKE THE KNEE
Manager Steve Clarke added: "We remain committed to our principles of taking a stand but we must also be unequivocal in condemning the opportunistic false narrative being presented by some.
"We have therefore agreed that we will show solidarity with our counterparts in England, many of whom are team-mates of our own players, and who have found themselves on the receiving end of abuse from fans in recent international matches.
"We will continue to take a stand – together, as one – for our matches at Hampden.
"For our match at Wembley, we will stand against racism and kneel against ignorance."
- Thomas Blow
BREAKING – SCOTLAND WILL TAKE KNEE AGAINST ENGLAND
Scotland have confirmed they WILL take the knee before their group match against England in a show of solidarity.
A statement from captain Andy Robertson reads: "Our position was – and remains – that the focus must be on meaningful change to fight discrimination in football and wider society.
"In Scotland, the football family has stood against racism all season. It was our collective view that the national team would do the same.
"Our stance is that everyone, players, fans, teams, clubs, federations, governing bodies and governments must do more. Meaningful action is needed if meaningful change is to occur.
"But it is also clear, given the events around the England national team, taking the knee in this tournament matters as a symbol of solidarity."
- Thomas Blow
‘HIGH FIVE, POPPY’
Scotland ace John McGinn has applauded a schoolgirl who won a bid to have the Euro 2020 games screened in class with an adorable letter.
The Aston Villa midfielder gave a video shoutout to Clydebank youngster Poppy Lord for her ‘amazing’ note which netted backing from the headteacher.
Poppy argued the clashes are ‘more than just a game’ and will inspire her St Stephen’s Primary School classmates to achieve their dreams.
Click here to read more
Scotland ace John McGinn applauds Clydebank schoolgirl who won bid to screen Euro 2020 games in class with cute letter
- Thomas Blow
PICKED EUR WINNERS
Euro 2020 kicks-off TODAY!
And players, pundits, managers and our very own Sun readers have had their say on who they think is going to win Uefa's flagship international competition this summer.
England fans are desperate to end 55 years of hurt while French supporters are hoping Les Bleus can add to their 2018 World Cup glory with back to back major honours.
And SunSport has collated the thoughts of the great and good of British football including YOU our readers.
So here is who Jose Mourinho, Alex Scott, Gary Neville & Co think is going to win this summer.
Click here to read more
- Thomas Blow
RUSS BACK
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."
- Thomas Blow
RAM RACE
Aaron Ramsey drafted in his own medical team to ensure he can play a full part in another Wales Euro fairytale.
The Juventus midfielder arrived at the Dragons camp last month suffering from muscle fatigue – a problem he had encountered five times in the Italian season.
So during a warm weather training trip to Portugal, and in Cardiff, he brought in his trusted people to nurse him back to fitness.
Former Arsenal favourite Ramsey gave fans a scare when he sat out training yesterday – but he is confident the extra lengths he has gone to will pay off.
Wales take on Switzerland in their opening game in Baku tomorrow and he is hoping to play some part.
Click here to read more
Credit: Getty Images – Getty
- Thomas Blow
SAY NO MOUR
Ex-Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that he texted Harry Kane to wish him luck ahead of Euro 2020.
Mourinho, 58, told talkSPORT: "I did message yesterday. Now it’s time to [stand back].
"Now it’s time to close the door and leave them in their room with family and close friends.
"From my side, when a player is my boy, he’s my boy even when we don’t work together."
- Thomas Blow
JOSE PICKS ENGLAND TEAM
Speaking to talkSPORT, Jose Mourinho has picked his England side to face Croatia on Sunday.
Thoughts?
- Thomas Blow
SCOTLAND WON’T TAKE THE KNEE
Scotland’s players have decided not to take the knee at Euro 2020.
The team held a meeting earlier this week to discuss what they should do.
Skipper Robertson said: “It is important we continue to tackle the issue of racism and raise awareness of the need to change people’s mindsets but also their behaviours.
“Prior to our World Cup qualifiers in March we spoke as a group and felt that taking a stand was the best way for us to show solidarity and also to reinforce the need for meaningful change in society.”
- Thomas Blow
IRISH LIONS
A giant mural of England stars Jack Grealish and Declan Rice has appeared – in Ireland.
The two players featured the the Irish in the junior national sides – Rice even making three appearances in friendlies.
But the two Premier League stars opted to switch allegiance to England, and are key components of Gareth Southgate's Euro 2020 squad.
Leading bookmaker Paddy Power could not resist having a cheeky pop at the par commissioning a stunning artwork in Dublin’s Fenian St.
The mural is emblazoned with the words 'Come On You Boys In White' and features paintings of the players.
But it is ultimately all for a good cause – the bookie has a special 'Backstabber Bonus' where they will donate £20,000 to Irish football for each goal scored by the two.
And they will also hand over £10,000 every time England score a goal in the tournament – with a minimum payout of £100,000.
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