[VIDEO] England fans - how confident are you of winning Euro 2020?

[Rajdeep]

Amazing day..congrats to all England fans. Its coming home.

 

[OldWarHorse]

People paid too much detail to England's play in the group stages. They like teams coming at them and their 2 DMs work well in such games.

Real challenge up next with the trip to Rome and Sweden maybe, who will force them to play. Mount or Foden need to be brought back

 

[MenInG]

England struck twice late on to end a 55-year wait for a knockout tie victory over Germany amid scenes of huge tension and elation to reach the Euro 2020 quarter-finals at Wembley.

Gareth Southgate's side battled hard to earn the statement victory that has so often eluded England, and it was their talisman of this tournament, Raheem Sterling, who made the decisive breakthrough.

Sterling, who scored the winners against Croatia and the Czech Republic in the group stage, steered in Luke Shaw's cross after 75 minutes to send England's fans, with more than 40,000 inside Wembley, into wild celebrations.

The win was secured with another moment of significance four minutes from time when captain Harry Kane, who had once again struggled to influence the game, headed in from substitute Jack Grealish's perfect delivery for his first goal of Euro 2020.

England were once again thankful for the brilliance of Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who has yet to concede a goal in the tournament and saved crucially from Timo Werner and Kai Havertz in each half, while Thomas Muller missed a glorious chance to equalise before Kane struck.

BBC

 

[ElRaja]

best chance england will have in ages of winning a major tournament, also great to see sterling as the leading scorer after all the crap certain elements of the media have given him historically.

 

[Double Trouble]

Fantastic win for England
They have the easier of 2 routes to the final if they win the next 2 games.

Best chance in years to win a major tournament.

I feel it’s Southgate who will be the weak link in this tournament if England don’t win.

 

[MenInG]

Poll added for true England fans.

 

[IMMY69]

It's coming home

 

[PetroDollars]

It coming home!

 

[MenInG]

"England will never, ever have a better opportunity to win the Euros."

That was former captain Alan Shearer's verdict after the Three Lions' 2-0 win over Germany in the last 16.

This was the round - where England knew they would have to play the runners-up of the group containing France, Germany, Portugal and Hungary - that was was seen by many as the major obstacle for Gareth Southgate's side en route to a potential final.

In fact, going into their last group game against the Czech Republic, there were suggestions England would be better off finishing as runners-up and entering the other side of the draw.

But with Germany eliminated and the Netherlands too, England are now clear favourites to reach the final.

"If you could have picked something like that draw then you would have," Shearer said on BBC One. "We've beaten Germany and we've done it in an impressive way.

"The draw is decent I would say. They're at Wembley - I know they go away for the next game - but if they're lucky enough to get to a final that would have been six games at Wembley and you can't ask for any more than that with an atmosphere like this."

The other half of the draw, the one which England have avoided, contains Belgium, the world's number one ranked team, and two more of the top seven in Spain and Italy.

No-one in England's half is ranked above them. Denmark (10th) are the only other side in the top 10 with Ukraine next in 24th.

Rio Ferdinand was equally upbeat, adding: "There's nobody left that England will fear. They'll all be tough but everyone in this draw, England will feel comfortable they will beat."

So while England's route looks appealing on paper, how are their potential opponents shaping up and what is the record of Southgate's men against them?

Who will England face in the quarter-finals?

Ukraine
World ranking - 24
Odds of winning the tournament - 80/1
Best finish at the Euros - group stages (2012 & 2016)
Last three games against England - Drew 0-0 (2013), Drew 1-1 (2012), Lost 0-1 (2012)
England's chances of beating them - 70%
Ukraine reached their first quarter-final of a major tournament since 2006 thanks to a last-gasp winner in extra time against Sweden.

Artem Dovbyk was the hero, heading in from close range in the 121st minute against a Sweden team who had impressed in the tournament, topping a group that included Spain, Poland and Slovakia.

Ukraine began the finals on the wrong side of a thrilling 3-2 loss to the Netherlands. But they turned their form around to edge past North Macedonia 2-1 before a 1-0 defeat against Austria.

It meant Andriy Shevchenko's team claimed the final third-placed qualification spot and a last-16 meeting with Sweden, a side ranked just six places above them.

Now they face England for a place in the semi-finals, a team they have beaten once in seven attempts, a 1-0 World Cup qualifying success in 2009.

They were beaten by the Three Lions 1-0 in the group stage of the 2012 tournament through a second-half strike from Wayne Rooney.


Who could England face in the semi-finals?

Czech Republic
World ranking - 40
Odds of winning the tournament - 25/1
Best finish at the Euros - winners 1976 (as Czechoslovakia)
Last three games against England - Lost 0-1 (2021), Won 2-1 (2019), Lost 0-5 (2019)
England's chances of beating them - 75%
The Czech Republic pulled off one of the shocks by defeating the Netherlands 2-0 to book their place in the last eight.

They silenced those in orange at the Puskas Arena in Budapest thanks to goals from Tomas Holes and Patrik Schick, who has now scored four times.

The Czechs have already faced England this summer, losing 1-0 in the group stage as they finished third in Group D.

Should they beat Denmark in the quarters, a side they beat 3-0 in the last eight of Euro 2004, they could be facing the Three Lions in the last four at Wembley.

And the Czechs have fond memories of semi-finals in England, having beating France on penalties at Euro 1996 before losing to Germany in the final.

Denmark
World ranking - 10
Odds of winning the tournament - 10/1
Best finish at the Euros - winners 1992
Last three games against England - Won 1-0 (2020), Drew 0-0 (2020), Lost 0-1 (2014)
England's chances of beating them - 67%
Denmark have already defeated one home nation, thrashing Wales 4-0 at the last 16.

The Danes have shown admirable resolve to reach this stage, responding brilliantly after the trauma of midfielder Christian Eriksen's on-pitch cardiac arrest during their opening defeat by Finland.

The 1992 winners were sensational in their 4-1 victory against Russia in their final group match, finishing runners-up in Group B despite also losing to Belgium.

The Danes will fancy their chances if they beat the Czech Republic and set up a showdown with England, with one win and a draw against them in last year's Nations League.

Who could England face in the final?
If England reach their first European Championship final they will be roared on by at least 60,000 supporters at Wembley.

Home advantage is having an impact at this tournament, according to sports data analysts Gracenote.

Of England's possible final opponents, they would be favourites against all of them - except Belgium.

England would still have a 48% chance of winning that game though.

Against Switzerland that figure would be 70%, while it would be 61% against Spain and 57% if they were to face Italy.

BBC

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">GET IN <a href="https://twitter.com/England?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@England</a>!!! &#55358;&#56705;&#55358;&#56705;&#55358;&#56705; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Euro2020?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Euro2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ItsComingHome?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ItsComingHome</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZFbRuhizvy">pic.twitter.com/ZFbRuhizvy</a></p>— England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket/status/1409935803225100289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[bones]

People paid too much detail to England's play in the group stages. They like teams coming at them and their 2 DMs work well in such games.

Real challenge up next with the trip to Rome and Sweden maybe, who will force them to play. Mount or Foden need to be brought back

People paid too much detail because historically England play rubbish in the group stages and then play rubbish in the knockout stages.

 

[Mamoon]

confident in the team, but none in the management.

If sterling is selected over foden, grelish, mount, rashford or sancho, then they might as well give up now.

)

And yet Sterling is the one scoring the crucial and decisive goals in every game. The anti-Sterling agenda has resulted in nothing but humiliation. He has shown a lot of character & determination in this tournament.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Semi failure incoming

 

[OMB]

England is a good team but predicting Semi final heartbreak. Mainly because Harry Kane hasnt set the stage alight unlike the lead strikers from other teams. Right now, Kane is performing at the level of Timo Werner

 

[Manunited18]

)

And yet Sterling is the one scoring the crucial and decisive goals in every game. The anti-Sterling agenda has resulted in nothing but humiliation. He has shown a lot of character & determination in this tournament.

Yes, can't understand the anti sterling brigade, the guy is one of the best forwards in Europe.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Fantastic win by England!

Germany started better but couldn't capitalise. England then had good control of the match.

Amazing atmosphere in England atm, the whole country is buzzing and most are expecting glory now!

Im not so convincied, any team can beat another team from now on.

Belguim and Italy favourites imo, England 3rd. However one of those will be out, if England can get to the final, being at Wembley they will have a great chance.

Ukraine cannot be underestimated esp since the match will take place in Rome.

 

[Saj]

Ukraine, then Denmark, then Italy or Belgium in the final.

Job done, easy.

 

[PetroDollars]

)

And yet Sterling is the one scoring the crucial and decisive goals in every game. The anti-Sterling agenda has resulted in nothing but humiliation. He has shown a lot of character & determination in this tournament.

Harry kanes poor scoring form is mainly due to sterling not ever wanting to pass the ball to him.

Sterling is taking home the scraps from others hand work, but when its his turn to put in a ball to a player in space inside the box, he decides to run into 5 players and get his Maradona.

People would over rate players for goals, without looking at who is contributing to them, when it comes to sterling he offers his team mates nothing.

The guys over achieved, hes not even in englands top 5 best wide men.

 

[Mamoon]

Harry kanes poor scoring form is mainly due to sterling not ever wanting to pass the ball to him.

Sterling is taking home the scraps from others hand work, but when its his turn to put in a ball to a player in space inside the box, he decides to run into 5 players and get his Maradona.

People would over rate players for goals, without looking at who is contributing to them, when it comes to sterling he offers his team mates nothing.

The guys over achieved, hes not even in englands top 5 best wide men.

Nonsense.

Sterling has 15 goals and 10 assists in his last 20 matches for England. That is Southgate showed faith in him and he has repaid that faith with his performances in the Euros.

He has been England’s most decisive player and the single biggest reason they are in a very strong position to qualify for the final.

You can hate on him all you want, but it does not change the fact that he is a great player who is having a great career and has proved his critics wrong.

Your statement that England have no chance if Sterling features in the playing XI did not age well, pretty much like every statement that you make.

 

[Manunited18]

Harry kanes poor scoring form is mainly due to sterling not ever wanting to pass the ball to him.

Sterling is taking home the scraps from others hand work, but when its his turn to put in a ball to a player in space inside the box, he decides to run into 5 players and get his Maradona.

People would over rate players for goals, without looking at who is contributing to them, when it comes to sterling he offers his team mates nothing.

The guys over achieved, hes not even in englands top 5 best wide men.

Sterling been England's most effective player for the last 2 years. Southgate paid no attention to the anti Sterling brigade the media and rightfully picked him.

 

[PetroDollars]

Nonsense.

Sterling has 15 goals and 10 assists in his last 20 matches for England. That is Southgate showed faith in him and he has repaid that faith with his performances in the Euros.

He has been England’s most decisive player and the single biggest reason they are in a very strong position to qualify for the final.

You can hate on him all you want, but it does not change the fact that he is a great player who is having a great career and has proved his critics wrong.

Your statement that England have no chance if Sterling features in the playing XI did not age well, pretty much like every statement that you make.

Again nonsense is expected from you.

No.1 - sterling has only been effective when hes been put through on goal by others, Englands best player this tournament is clearly Grealish, as when ever he comes on the goals start flowing.

No.2 - Sterlings issue is, hes incredibly selfish which has meant kane has struggled, this is the player of the season who cant get in the game, because when ever he makes good movement and gets into positons, sterling doesnt feed him in, like he and others do to sterling.
Sterling is the single reason why Kane is struggling and why england failed to break down scotland.

No. 3 - you obviously have shown before that you dont know anything about football, but goals are not everything there is to it, Sterling does nothing all match but has picked up some lucky pokes infront of goal, the real work is done by those who set up the goals, when its sterlign jobs to do it, he instead decides to run into 5 players rather then pass to someone in space.

 

[PetroDollars]

Sterling been England's most effective player for the last 2 years. Southgate paid no attention to the anti Sterling brigade the media and rightfully picked him.

Southgate obviously has his favorites and will pick them even on bad form, so it doesnt matter what he says.

As for sterling, hes not been englands most effective, same as my post above, hes the reason why they struggle to break teams down because hes a poor passer, its Grealish who has been englands most effective this tournament, as when ever he comes on chances and goals start flowing left, right and center.

 

[shaz619]

Haven’t paid much attention to Sterling’s form before the Euro’s but he has surprised me, he has been impactful but so have Shaw and especially Lord Grealish! England have had a great tournament regardless of tomorrows result.

 

[shaz619]

Southgate obviously has his favorites and will pick them even on bad form, so it doesnt matter what he says.

As for sterling, hes not been englands most effective, same as my post above, hes the reason why they struggle to break teams down because hes a poor passer, its Grealish who has been englands most effective this tournament, as when ever he comes on chances and goals start flowing left, right and center.

I don’t know anymore about the Southgate and his favourites, England are blessed with a strong bench and competition is fierce, and with Grealish am a massive fan but I think Southgate bought him on at the right time to deliver the KO blows

 

[Manunited18]

Southgate obviously has his favorites and will pick them even on bad form, so it doesnt matter what he says.

As for sterling, hes not been englands most effective, same as my post above, hes the reason why they struggle to break teams down because hes a poor passer, its Grealish who has been englands most effective this tournament, as when ever he comes on chances and goals start flowing left, right and center.

Take sterling's goals out then there's no England in the knockouts.

 

[Saj]

Whilst Sterling and the likes have got credit, the defence has looked solid.

I've always though that Walker was a weak link but even he has had a good tournament so far. I wasn't sure about Pickford also, but he's made some good saves.

 

[PetroDollars]

Take sterling's goals out then there's no England in the knockouts.

Not really, Sterling goals have been nothing major, other players have put it on the plate for him.

Anyone else would be scoring those goals, you can make an argument for him being in the right position but the fact is that england would have scored many more goals had he not been selfish upfront.

Take Harry Kanes missed chance at the end of the first half against Germany, he was free in space and all 3 german defenders were in the centre, all sterling had to do was slot Kane in, but he decides its time to be maradona and take all three on, then when he couldn't he just swings a leg for a shot which luckily deflects to Kane who then misses.

Luke Shaw struggled in the first half, despite getting into promising positions again and again, because once the ball got to Sterling he decided everytime he was going to dance through the german defence only to lose it, then when Grealish came and Sterling moved to the right, Luke Shaw exploded to life because of his team work with grealish and they both made the 2 goals, which would not happen had grealish not come on, Shaw would have also been poor had sterling remained on the left.

 

[Manunited18]

Not really, Sterling goals have been nothing major, other players have put it on the plate for him.

Anyone else would be scoring those goals, you can make an argument for him being in the right position but the fact is that england would have scored many more goals had he not been selfish upfront.

Take Harry Kanes missed chance at the end of the first half against Germany, he was free in space and all 3 german defenders were in the centre, all sterling had to do was slot Kane in, but he decides its time to be maradona and take all three on, then when he couldn't he just swings a leg for a shot which luckily deflects to Kane who then misses.

Luke Shaw struggled in the first half, despite getting into promising positions again and again, because once the ball got to Sterling he decided everytime he was going to dance through the german defence only to lose it, then when Grealish came and Sterling moved to the right, Luke Shaw exploded to life because of his team work with grealish and they both made the 2 goals, which would not happen had grealish not come on, Shaw would have also been poor had sterling remained on the left.

Can't agree with that at all

 

[Abdullah]

Though the manager got it tactically spot on, Im still not convinced.
Players and use this is the best squad since 2006.

He has got a damn amazing draw again, so we need to get to the final and see what happens.
We will need a bit of luck to beat Italy.
They are Playing a different game to all the other teams in this tournament.

Let's not worry about them for now, just focus on tomorrow and then hopefully Wednesday

 

[Giannis]

I think Ukraine is England's biggest challenge - this is the first and only game they will play away from home, all the way in Rome and thousands of England fans just had their tickets cancelled last minute meaning England won't be having much support at this match, Ukraine are a good team and they can win this but if England end up winning this then I think they will go on to win the last two games at Wembley - whether it be Denmark, Italy, Czech Rep or Spain, England can beat them all.

 

[Mamoon]

Again nonsense is expected from you.

No.1 - sterling has only been effective when hes been put through on goal by others, Englands best player this tournament is clearly Grealish, as when ever he comes on the goals start flowing.

No.2 - Sterlings issue is, hes incredibly selfish which has meant kane has struggled, this is the player of the season who cant get in the game, because when ever he makes good movement and gets into positons, sterling doesnt feed him in, like he and others do to sterling.
Sterling is the single reason why Kane is struggling and why england failed to break down scotland.

No. 3 - you obviously have shown before that you dont know anything about football, but goals are not everything there is to it, Sterling does nothing all match but has picked up some lucky pokes infront of goal, the real work is done by those who set up the goals, when its sterlign jobs to do it, he instead decides to run into 5 players rather then pass to someone in space.

You will obviously clutch at straws because your statement regarding Sterling did not age well.

You clearly did not expect him to play such a vital role for England in this tournament and the idea that England have no chance if he plays proved to be nonsense.

You will obviously put down his performances and will not accept that he has been the main man for England (and has been for a while) simply because it is not what you expected.

And I don’t need footballing lessons from a guy who claimed that Sterling would flop at City, Maguire is better than VVD and also stated back 3-4 years back that United have a better squad than City.

 

[OMB]

Euro 2020 quarter-final: Ukraine v England

Date: Saturday, 3 July. Kick-off: 20:00 BST. Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome. Coverage: Live on BBC One with build-up starting at 19:00, iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

England will attempt to qualify for their first European Championship semi-final for 25 years when they face Ukraine at Euro 2020 on Saturday.

Having ended a 55-year wait for a knockout-tie victory over Germany at an ecstatic Wembley on Tuesday, Gareth Southgate's side will face the Czech Republic or Denmark at the national stadium if they win in Rome.

After playing their first four games at Wembley, Saturday's match in Italy's capital - at 20:00 BST - is England's first away from home at Euro 2020.

Covid travel restrictions mean fans in the UK have been told not to travel to the game, so there are likely to be more Ukraine fans in the Stadio Olimpico than England supporters.

Southgate, who guided England to the semi-final of the World Cup in 2018, said: "Our players were used to playing in front of no fans last season and having to create their own atmosphere.

"You need leadership on the pitch in these moments and we have got some very good leaders."

Should England win, they would reach the semi-finals of the European Championship for the first time since Euro 96.

They are undefeated at Euro 2020 and have yet to concede a goal.

Team news, selection dilemmas and tactics
Winger Bukayo Saka suffered a "slight knock" in training on Friday but other than that the Three Lions have a fully-fit squad.

However, Southgate has to decide whether to keep the same starting line-up that played against Germany or make changes.

He implemented a 3-4-3 formation for the win against Germany and he must decide whether to revert to a back four.

Midfielder Jack Grealish came on as a substitute in that win with the score 0-0 before laying on the assist for Harry Kane to make it 2-0 after Raheem Sterling had opened the scoring.

Midfielder Mason Mount was an unused substitute after only just completing self-isolation, and could return to the side.

Life before goalline technology - England v Ukraine in 2012
Four players would miss a potential semi-final if they receive a yellow card against Ukraine, including defender Harry Maguire and midfielders Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice.

All three were booked against Germany and a second yellow would trigger an automatic ban for the next game. Forward Phil Foden was booked in the first group game against Croatia but did not play against Germany.

"We won't make any decisions based on yellow cards," added Southgate. "It would be an insult to Ukraine."

Ukraine will be without forward Artem Besedin for approximately six months after suffering a knee ligament injury in the last-16 win over Sweden.

Captain Andriy Yarmolenko, who has scored two goals in four games at Euro 2020, was forced off in that game with an apparent injury but is hoping to be fit.

Yarmolenko is one of four players on a yellow card, with the other three Artem Dovbyk, who hit the 120th-minute winner against Sweden, Mykola Shaparenko and fellow midfielder Serhiy Sydorchuk.

'We have changed our future' - Ukraine at Euro 2020
Whatever happens in Rome, Ukraine have already made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time.

Managed by one of their greatest players - and 2004 Ballon d'Or winner - Andriy Shevchenko, they lost two of their three group games but advanced as one of the best four third-placed nations at the 24-team tournament.

They were involved in a dramatic last-16 tie against Sweden, Artem Dovbyk scoring in added time in extra time to set up a quarter-final with England.

"We are here and this was our chance to change the future and we did it," said former Chelsea forward Shevchenko. "England are a great team, a lot of great players and a great manager. It will be a hard game for us."

Ranked 24th in the world, 20 places below England, they have beaten the Three Lions just once in seven attempts, a 1-0 World Cup qualifying success in 2009.

Ukraine's team features two players who play for clubs in the Premier League - West Ham's Yarmolenko and Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has won three Premier League titles, four League Cups and one FA Cup since joining Manchester City five years ago.

Southgate said: "Ukraine have got a threat with their forwards and they have tremendous sprit. They showed that against Sweden."

Lawro's prediction - 'Semi-finals beckoning for England'
England have done well so far. They've been cautious, but it has worked.

Ukraine got a great result against Sweden in the last round but the thing about this tournament is that you are only as good as your worst player.

They have got some very good players, but they have got some ordinary players too.

England haven't conceded a goal yet and Southgate knows his side will always get chances in games - a return to Wembley for the semi-final is beckoning them.

Prediction: 2-0 England win.

'England favourites to win Euro 2020'
According to Simon Gleave, head of sports analysis at data company Nielsen's Gracenote, England are now favourites to win Euro 2020.

"Ukraine are the lowest ranked team to make it this far at Euro 2020 as they are currently ranked 30th in the world by Gracenote's world ranking," said Gleave.

"In our pre-tournament forecast, England were second favourites to win Euro 2020 with an estimated chance of 13.6%.

"Having reached the quarter-finals and with potential home advantage to come later in the competition, this has grown to 26.5%, making England favourites to win Euro 2020."

MATCH STATS
Head-to-head

England have lost just one of their seven meetings with Ukraine in all competitions (W4 D2), a 1-0 defeat in October 2009 in a World Cup qualifier. The last two games between the sides have finished level, with this the first meeting since September 2013.
England and Ukraine have met at a major tournament once before, with the Three Lions winning 1-0 in the group stages of Euro 2012, thanks to a Wayne Rooney goal.
Ukraine

Ukraine's only previous quarter-final appearance in a major tournament ended in a 3-0 defeat by Italy at the 2006 World Cup. Ukraine have won two of their last three European Championship matches, more than they had in their first seven in the competition (W1 L6).
Ukraine's West Ham winger Andriy Yarmolenko has either scored or assisted five of Ukraine's eight goals at the European Championship.
At Euro 2020, Ukraine have won two and lost two of their four matches. They have scored six goals including two headers.
England

Each of England's previous three quarter-final matches at the European Championship have gone to extra time and penalties. After progressing from the first of these against Spain in 1996, England lost in penalty shootouts against Portugal in 2004 and Italy in 2012.
The Three Lions are only the second side in European Championship history not to concede in any of their first four games of an edition of the tournament, after Germany in 2016.
Forward Raheem Sterling has scored three of England's four goals at Euro 2020 so far, while only two players have ever scored more for England in a single edition at the tournament - Alan Shearer in 1996 (5) and Wayne Rooney in 2004 (4).
All four of England goals at Euro 2020 have come from inside the penalty area, including two headers.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51198691

 

[OMB]

Mason Mount is expected to return to England's starting line-up against Ukraine for Saturday's Euro 2020 quarter-final, but Bukayo Saka is an injury doubt after suffering a knock in training on Friday.

Mount was forced into precautionary isolation for over a week along with Ben Chilwell following close contact with club team-mate Billy Gilmour, who subsequently tested positive for Covid-19 following the goalless Group D draw with Scotland at Wembley.

The pair were free from quarantine at midnight on Monday and having trained with the rest of the squad since Wednesday, Mount is in line to return to Gareth Southgate's side in Rome.

 

[OldWarHorse]

Sancho set to start tonight. Big change that, hope he delivers.

This will be a tricky one for England, almost an away game with the locals supporting the Ukrainians.

 

[Technics 1210]

If England can conquer Rome; it's their tournament to lose.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

I think this is their year. They have "easier" matches than one would expect for the quarterfinal and semifinal stage of the Euros. The semifinal and Final will be in London. They have a very good team.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

Yes, can't understand the anti sterling brigade, the guy is one of the best forwards in Europe.

He did not perform well for the City this year, especially later in the season. He was benched for Foden. Him starting in the Champions League Final was one of the reasons City lost.

I know he has performed well for England, but the anti Sterling sentiment has not come out of the blue.

 

[shaz619]

He did not perform well for the City this year, especially later in the season. He was benched for Foden. Him starting in the Champions League Final was one of the reasons City lost.

I know he has performed well for England, but the anti Sterling sentiment has not come out of the blue.

It’s not even that, his record in major tournaments for England prior to this may have contributed to the sentiment on Sterling and the memories of the last World Cup to, but to his credit he has taken his chances and enjoyed playing at Wembley. On the other hand Harry Kane had largely flopped, hope he does well but I’d have gone with Vardy instead.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Though the manager got it tactically spot on, Im still not convinced.
Players and use this is the best squad since 2006.

He has got a damn amazing draw again, so we need to get to the final and see what happens.
We will need a bit of luck to beat Italy.
They are Playing a different game to all the other teams in this tournament.

Let's not worry about them for now, just focus on tomorrow and then hopefully Wednesday

England have had a great draw for this round, although let's not forget they had to beat Germany to get here. However it will take more than luck to beat Italy from what I saw yesterday. Italians look very strong. If they have a weakness it is no real world class striker.

 

[PetroDollars]

You will obviously clutch at straws because your statement regarding Sterling did not age well.

You clearly did not expect him to play such a vital role for England in this tournament and the idea that England have no chance if he plays proved to be nonsense.

You will obviously put down his performances and will not accept that he has been the main man for England (and has been for a while) simply because it is not what you expected.

And I don’t need footballing lessons from a guy who claimed that Sterling would flop at City, Maguire is better than VVD and also stated back 3-4 years back that United have a better squad than City.

No it aged perfectly well thats why he dropped out of peps team and he wants to put him up for sale.

I think most people expected England to have no chance regardless if Sterling played or not, other then some dreamers,

Sterling is just an overhyped Theo walcott, who has benefited from the players around him. Had any player been in his place they would have performed better, as clearly your ignoring the main points because you have nothing to say about it, that its grealish who brings the team alive when ever he comes on and shaw becomes a different player without sterling.

You need football lessons especially considering how you overhyped Arteta as the best manager in the world, theres nothing else more humiliating even when you make up lies about what i have said.

 

[PetroDollars]

England have had a great draw for this round, although let's not forget they had to beat Germany to get here. However it will take more than luck to beat Italy from what I saw yesterday. Italians look very strong. If they have a weakness it is no real world class striker.

True, Itlay have been let down upfront, they could have scored alot more just cant be clinical. Which is a suprise considering Immobile is a goal machine usally.

 

[PetroDollars]

It’s not even that, his record in major tournaments for England prior to this may have contributed to the sentiment on Sterling and the memories of the last World Cup to, but to his credit he has taken his chances and enjoyed playing at Wembley. On the other hand Harry Kane had largely flopped, hope he does well but I’d have gone with Vardy instead.

Vardy has retired, you cant blame Kane, when he has no service, at times he has to drop so deep, he played next to maguire at times.

 

[Mamoon]

No it aged perfectly well thats why he dropped out of peps team and he wants to put him up for sale.

I think most people expected England to have no chance regardless if Sterling played or not, other then some dreamers,

Sterling is just an overhyped Theo walcott, who has benefited from the players around him. Had any player been in his place they would have performed better, as clearly your ignoring the main points because you have nothing to say about it, that its grealish who brings the team alive when ever he comes on and shaw becomes a different player without sterling.

You need football lessons especially considering how you overhyped Arteta as the best manager in the world, theres nothing else more humiliating even when you make up lies about what i have said.

And Sterling provides a brilliant assist to Kane )

Your humiliation continues. Swallow your ego and accept that you got it wrong in spectacular fashion.

 

[Saj]

England in control so far.

Patient and plenty of possession

Good goal by Kane.

 

[Mamoon]

Southgate obviously has his favorites and will pick them even on bad form, so it doesnt matter what he says.

As for sterling, hes not been englands most effective, same as my post above, hes the reason why they struggle to break teams down because hes a poor passer, its Grealish who has been englands most effective this tournament, as when ever he comes on chances and goals start flowing left, right and center.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dream start for England with a Harry Kane goal <a href="https://t.co/1aL1zLvr7N">pic.twitter.com/1aL1zLvr7N</a></p>— FUT Yams (@YamsFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/YamsFootball/status/1411401137983524869?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>



PetroDollars continues to amaze us with his enthralling analysis.

 

[Saj]

The only time Ukraine are getting chances are when England's defenders make mistakes.

Walker the weak link once again.

 

[shaz619]

And Sterling provides a brilliant assist to Kane )

Your humiliation continues. Swallow your ego and accept that you got it wrong in spectacular fashion.

By the end of the first half, as well as assisting the goal, no player completed more dribbles (3), won more fouls (3) or had more touches in the opposition's box (5) than Raheem Sterling.

 

[Saj]

2-0

Probably the best set-piece team in the tournament.

You give free kicks away against them and they will hurt you.

 

[Rajdeep]

2-0

Probably the best set-piece team in the tournament.

You give free kicks away against them and they will hurt you.

4-0 now....its coming home

 

[ElRaja]

4-0 now, havnt seen an england team look so fluid in a knockout game in ages.

 

[OldWarHorse]

England's depth gives them massive advantage. So many options and well rested players to bring on. And really no drop in quality either. Sancho coming in doing well today.

Today Ukraine were on their last legs, couldnt keep up in the second half. Denmark are also a high energy team, will be interesting to see if they can go toe to toe

 

[gazza619]

Cant believe England is playing this brand of football! So many players who want to score a goal.

 

[Mamoon]

By the end of the first half, as well as assisting the goal, no player completed more dribbles (3), won more fouls (3) or had more touches in the opposition's box (5) than Raheem Sterling.

Everyone knows [MENTION=130076]PetroDollars[/MENTION] knows nothing about football. However, even for someone as clueless as he is, it is not difficult to realize that Sterling has been excellent for England for a while and has had an amazing tournament.

But of course, when you have an agenda, no one can help you. Watch him go into hiding now or continue to make lame excuses.

 

[Saj]

4-0 now....its coming home

Indeed it could be although Italy might have something to say about that.

Another clean sheet and the attackers looking good too.

 

[SangasCoverDrive]

Solid at the back. Pickford did not have much to do so far but they could be in a spot of bother against Italy but if it's Spain, hand over the trophy to England after 1st semi.

 

[SangasCoverDrive]

Indeed it could be although Italy might have something to say about that.

Another clean sheet and the attackers looking good too.

Depends, if Spain somehow defeats Italy, then England will win. I don't see Spain scoring against this defence.

 

[PetroDollars]

And Sterling provides a brilliant assist to Kane )

Your humiliation continues. Swallow your ego and accept that you got it wrong in spectacular fashion.

It was Ukraine not peak spain, get a grip on yourself i know you embarrassed yourself when you predicted sterling will become the best player in the world better than ronaldo and messi when he moved to City. now you try to hard to pick out as assist or goal poke here and there to justify your pridiction on him, which was itself utter humiliation.

 

[PetroDollars]

Everyone knows [MENTION=130076]PetroDollars[/MENTION] knows nothing about football. However, even for someone as clueless as he is, it is not difficult to realize that Sterling has been excellent for England for a while and has had an amazing tournament.

But of course, when you have an agenda, no one can help you. Watch him go into hiding now or continue to make lame excuses.

I dont need to hear anything from a guy that gets humiliated from his own fans for calling Arteta the best manager in the world, among the other rubbish you have said and ran away from,

 

[PetroDollars]

Depends, if Spain somehow defeats Italy, then England will win. I don't see Spain scoring against this defence.

Spain will find it incredibly difficult to break down Italy, it would be a good match up between italy and england but first ofcourse they have to get through denmark.

 

[PakEngFan]

It was Ukraine not peak spain, get a grip on yourself i know you embarrassed yourself when you predicted sterling will become the best player in the world better than ronaldo and messi when he moved to City. now you try to hard to pick out as assist or goal poke here and there to justify your pridiction on him, which was itself utter humiliation.

What? Please tell me you made that up Sterling being better then Ronaldo and Messi. Sterling has had a solid tournament buts let’s not forget he’s a serious bottler. People are getting ahead of them self regarding Sterling.

 

[PetroDollars]

What? Please tell me you made that up Sterling being better then Ronaldo and Messi. Sterling has had a solid tournament buts let’s not forget he’s a serious bottler. People are getting ahead of them self regarding Sterling.

Mamoo predicted sterling will become the best player in the world when he moved to Man City, now he tries to save his face every time he gets a toe poke in,

He wants to over hype his assist, without mentioning how he almost got an assist for thomas muller the other day that could have knocked england out the cup,

Hes now going to run away and wait till he scores another toe poke and come back with a post full of smiles and emojis telling us hes humilated us.

He does the same with with Arteta in the arsenal thread, clearly his football knowledge is worse than a frogs.

 

[Manunited18]

Looooool @sterling better than Ronaldo and Messi

 

[shaz619]

I have never seen England perform so convincingly and full of positivity during a key KO game in a major tournie during my lifetime , it was entertaining to watch and refreshing. The Danes are dangerous, it will be a close game

 

[IMMY69]

What a night!!!

Possible the best England Performance in a knock out match!

Bring on the Danes at Wembley

 

[Bewal Express]

Put Mount back into MF as part of a 2 and bring in Grealish and unleash the beast.

 

[James]

England deserved to beat Germany, and their performance last night against the Ukraine was phenomenally good. The first five minutes of the second half was utterly ruthless.

Just two games left now.

The main obstacle to winning the tournament for England will be Italy, who have arguably looked the best team all along.

 

[Saj]

Stick to the topic guys.

 

[Technics 1210]

20 Million tuned in yesterday; wicked!

This is what we need, positivity, England through to SF, in a Euro comp, nation united, nation in euphoria, football crazy nation, BUT no - covid sensationalism in the news is still in full swing.

Never been this excited before for English football. Never seen them play with such intent.

Come on Lions - no fear!

As Del Boy says - He who dares!

Cornered Lions!

 

[DeadlyVenom]

England have done fantastically well...they have had a bit of luck but still put away a couple of decent teams.

Southgate seems a great bloke, the racists have stopped booing, young Raheem is on fire and proving his doubters wrong so even as a somewhat neutral its hard not to get behind England.

I hope they bring it home.

 

[ssuhaide]

Sterling has been excellent. 17 International goals already same as David Beckham. Can't deny that this England squad is deep with riches. I do think Denmark are on the crest of a wave and we don't yet know how England will react to going a goal down.

 

[sweep_shot]

England should win Euro 2021. Final is scheduled to be in London. Home advantage.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Home advantage often never materialises but when your opponents are making 300+ mile roundtrips, it's evident in this competition and England's only excursion was to Rome. They have to win otherwise it's a massive failure and Italy gonna get covid tests come back

 

[Manunited18]

He did not perform well for the City this year, especially later in the season. He was benched for Foden. Him starting in the Champions League Final was one of the reasons City lost.

I know he has performed well for England, but the anti Sterling sentiment has not come out of the blue.

The reason city lost the champions league final was because Tinkerman lost the balance of his midfield, no fernandinio, no Rodri, he deployed Gundogan as the 6 which he clearly isn't.

 

[OMB]

I am surprised y England's showing against Ukraine.
Englanders get ready to have your Monday off and celebrate.

 

[Firebat]

Gareth Southgate says England will benefit from tournament for 'a generation to come'

England players are having fun, winning over fans and enjoying a European Championship run that could benefit the Three Lions "for a generation to come", says manager Gareth Southgate.

England face Denmark at Wembley on Wednesday in the Euro 2020 semi-finals.

Victory would see them reach the final of a major tournament for the first time since winning the 1966 World Cup.

"We'll get more out of their talent if we can keep that relationship with the fans," Southgate said.

A 4-0 quarter-final win against Ukraine in Rome on Saturday sent Southgate's side through to the last four.

They now return to Wembley, the site of their last semi-final appearance in the men's European Championship 25 years ago.

While Euro 1996 ended in a defeat by Germany on penalties, with Southgate missing the decisive spot-kick, it is a tournament remembered for being "a magical experience for their players and fans".

It took 22 years for the England men's team to reach the last four of a major international tournament again after the summer of 1996, with Southgate guiding the Three Lions to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

"We've replicated what we did there, but that won't be enough to fulfil the [players]. That's a positive sign," Southgate said.

"The other thing that is so positive, these young players - 18, 19, 20, 21 - are getting more experiences of England that are positive and enjoyable and they're feeling what it can be like to be in an England shirt and have fun and win matches and have a relationship with the fans that is positive.

"That's so important for a generation to come."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57718200

 

[MenInG]

England can use the "hurt" from their 2018 World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia as motivation for their last-four clash against Denmark at Euro 2020, says Harry Maguire.

The Manchester United defender played the full 120 minutes in Moscow three years ago as Gareth Southgate's side were beaten 2-1 and Maguire does not want a repeat result at Wembley on Wednesday.

He told a news conference: "The motivation is there. It's the semi-final of the European Championship. 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 rather than the one we got against Croatia."

Maguire believes Southgate's squad have improved markedly since their 2018 World Cup exit.

"I think we're in a lot better place than we were," he said.

"The experience of that, we've learnt from it and also the experience of the games in between as well, for example the Nations League.

"We've had a lot of big games in that period to improve and a lot of time spent together on the training pitch, friendlies and qualifiers. Every game we play we feel we improve.

"In this tournament, from the first game to the Ukraine game, there's a lot of differences in the principles that we're demanding from each other.

"Of course we're in a better place now, but we've still got a long way to go."

Maguire praised Southgate and said he had all the players' trust when it came to team selection.

"Well ever since I made my England debut I think Gareth has been brilliant for this team," Maguire said. "He sits here and gives us all the plaudits.

"But we appreciate the job he's doing and the way that he sets us up and his man-management skills, so I can't speak highly enough of Gareth and his coaching staff and the way that he's gone about his business over the last four years.

"He's proved over the last four years that as an England manager it's always hard to please everyone, especially the public, in terms of the way he sets up and selection.

"But we trust him. Whatever team he picks or whatever style of play he wants to go with, it's the best one for the job."

And Maguire stressed England would not be underestimating Denmark, who took four points off England in their two Nations League clashes last September and October.

"It's been really inspiring, their journey," said Maguire, referring to Christian Eriksen's collapse and subsequent recovery from a cardiac arrest in Denmark's opening game of Euro 2020.

"First and foremost our thoughts have always been with Christian and his recovery and we're all right behind that.

"They're a good team. They've proved that for years, they're a top team, the highest-ranked team we will have played in this competition.

"They're a strong team with great leaders in their team, great experience. We know it will be a tough game, but we're really focused on ourselves."

The winner of Wednesday's match will face either Italy or Spain in the Euro 2020 final on Sunday.

SKY

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

The reason city lost the champions league final was because Tinkerman lost the balance of his midfield, no fernandinio, no Rodri, he deployed Gundogan as the 6 which he clearly isn't.

Yea i would agree, the loss was on Pep. He always overthinks, that's his big flaw. I like him but, at least for that day, the Bald Fraud nickname seemed apt.

 

[Saj]

Spain and Italy are good sides, but I'm pretty sure England will fancy their chances against either of them if they get into the final.

 

[Junaids]

I have problems with Gareth Southgate.

He may well win this tournament, with the draw having opened up nicely with France and Spain and the Netherlands and Belgium and Portugal taking one another (and in some cases themselves) out.

But lightning won't strike twice - they won't have such an easy ride in Qatar, despite the USA being the only decent non-European team (and no, I haven't forgotten Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, I just think they are all very weak currently).

Southgate would make a great Italian catenaccio coach. He can pretty effectively stop the opposition from scoring by playing three centre-backs, two full-backs (Shaw attacks occasionally, Walker doesn't, so they are not wing-backs) and two defensive midfielders.

But that restricts creativity to Sterling, Mount and Kane. And Kane is rather slow for this level of football.

I would at least have a Plan B on the pitch, with the skill of Jack Grealish backed up by using James Ward-Prowse as one of the two defensive midfielders but mainly as a Jonny Wilkinson-style set-piece specialist. In effect, Grealish would be there to win free-kicks for Ward-Prowse to turn into chances.

So we see that Southgate can effectively prevent the opposition from scoring by playing 3 central defenders, 2 full-backs and 2 defensive midfielders. And it works.

But he is the anti-Kevin Keegan. Keegan could make any team fluent going forward but couldn't organise a defence. Southgate is the opposite.

Funnily enough, Scotland's Steve Clarke shows us how Southgate could use his resources so much better.

Clarke has the dilemma of having 2 world class left-backs, and not much else. So he came up with an ingenious solution: Andy Robertson plays as left wing-back with Kieran Tierney on the left of a defensive three, and before Tierney got injured on the eve of Euro2020 it was confusing all opposition and working well. This has worked before too - Nigeria briefly did it with Babayaro and Udeze two decades ago.

Gareth Southgate plays a defensive three, with the erratic John Stones as the ball player who can pass the ball out.

But he has the world's best five right backs (Alexander-Arnold, James, Walker, Wan-Bissaka and Trippier). And two excellent left-backs (Chilwell and Shaw).

If Southgate wants to play 5 defenders, why not use Chilwell and Alexander-Arnold as right wing-backs - not full-backs - with Shaw as the left centre-back of 3 and Walker (or Wan-Bissaka) as the right centre-back of 3?

Opposition teams find it hard enough to cope against the Robertson-Tierney left flank double up. But Southgate could do this on BOTH flanks and really disorientate opposition wide players!

That's the thing about a 5 man defence. It can be either a locked door, or a springboard to hurt the opposition.

But I'm not sure that Southgate can do that. He is a lovely man, but he's the male Theresa May: a deeply conservative southern Englishman.

 

[MenInG]