Twenty-five years after England's dramatic Euro 96 campaign revived the nation's love affair with football, Gareth Southgate's side aim to emulate the golden summer when football came home.

England manager Southgate leads his team into their opening match of the European Championship against Croatia at Wembley on Sunday.

It should be a memorable occasion as England play on home turf at a major tournament for the first time since Euro 96.

For Southgate, England's role as one of several hosts of the delayed Euro 2020 offers a chance for redemption after his penalty miss condemned the country to Euro 96 semi-final heartache against Germany.

If England can create the same wave of national enthusiasm that Terry Venables' team surfed 25 years ago, Southgate will have a chance of winning a first major title for the country since the 1966 World Cup.

English football was undergoing a long-awaited rebirth by the time Euro 96 arrived, recovering from a dark period in which its image was badly damaged by hooligan gangs who clashed in decaying stadiums.&nbsp;

The Premier League had been established four years earlier, with&nbsp;Britpop bands Blur and Oasis and even future prime minister Tony Blair jumping on the bandwagon to broaden the game's appeal.

Capturing the optimistic "Cool Britannia" mood, comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner teamed up with The Lightning Seeds to write England's Euro 96 anthem "Three Lions".

With its "Football's Coming Home" chorus, the song became the soundtrack to England's summer.

Yet, while there were unforgettable days ahead, England started Euro 96 in disarray.

Celebrating Paul Gascoigne's birthday during a pre-tournament trip to Hong Kong, England players found themselves on the front pages after a drunken evening at the China Jump bar.

The debauchery peaked in the "dentist's chair" -- a drinking game in which the footballers sat with their mouths open as tequila and vodka were poured in.

Gascoigne and other players were also involved in a heated dispute that led to televisions being damaged on a Cathay Pacific flight back to London.

Rather than read the riot act as tabloid headlines screamed "Disgracefool", Venables fostered a seige mentality among his squad.

<h2>- 'We had a lot of fun' -</h2>

Venables' ploy nearly backfired when England were held to a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their opening game at Wembley.

But England's tournament turned in the grudge match against Scotland, an opponent who&nbsp;lie in wait for Southgate's men in their Euro 2020 group.

Alan Shearer headed England into the lead and David Seaman saved Gary McAllister's penalty before Gascoigne repaid Venables' faith with a sublime goal that showcased his maverick genius.

Gascoigne celebrated by lying on the ground while Teddy Sheringham squirted a water bottle into his open mouth in a nod to their "dentist's chair" antics.

"Gazza saw the dentist's chair in the middle of this bar. From that moment it turns into chaos," former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp recalled.

"One of the great nights. And Gazza's like 'I'm going to score against Scotland and when I do, I'm going to do the dentist chair'.

"Apart from Bobby Moore lifting the World Cup, that's the best picture I've seen of anyone in an England shirt."

England produced one of their greatest performances to crush the Netherlands 4-1 in their final group game.

But after surviving a tense shootout to beat Spain in the last eight, England's infamous penalty demons resurfaced when they faced Germany in a pulsating semi-final.

Stefan Kuntz cancelled out Shearer's opener and, after Gascoigne was inches away from an extra-time winner, it was Southgate who played the villain with his shoot-out miss.&nbsp;

Southgate wept on Venables' shoulder, while Germany went on to beat the Czech Republic in the final.

Despite the painful denouement, Euro 96 remains an iconic moment in English football, one that Southgate would love to recreate with his team over the next month.

"It was not only that we reached the semi-finals, it was that we had a lot of fun along the way, and I think the whole country did too," Shearer said.

Twenty-five years after England's dramatic Euro 96 campaign revived the nation's love affair with football, Gareth Southgate's side aim to emulate the golden summer when football came home.

Twenty-five years after England's dramatic Euro 96 campaign revived the nation's love affair with football, Gareth Southgate's side aim to emulate the golden summer when football came home. England manager Southgate leads his team into their opening match of the European Championship against Croatia at Wembley on Sunday. It should be a memorable occasion as England play on home turf at a major tournament for the first time since Euro 96. For Southgate, England's role as one of several hosts of the delayed Euro 2020 offers a chance for redemption after his penalty miss condemned the country to Euro 96 semi-final heartache against Germany. If England can create the same wave of national enthusiasm that Terry Venables' team surfed 25 years ago, Southgate will have a chance of winning a first major title for the country since the 1966 World Cup. English football was undergoing a long-awaited rebirth by the time Euro 96 arrived, recovering from a dark period in which its image was badly damaged by hooligan gangs who clashed in decaying stadiums. The Premier League had been established four years earlier, with Britpop bands Blur and Oasis and even future prime minister Tony Blair jumping on the bandwagon to broaden the game's appeal. Capturing the optimistic "Cool Britannia" mood, comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner teamed up with The Lightning Seeds to write England's Euro 96 anthem "Three Lions". With its "Football's Coming Home" chorus, the song became the soundtrack to England's summer. Yet, while there were unforgettable days ahead, England started Euro 96 in disarray. Celebrating Paul Gascoigne's birthday during a pre-tournament trip to Hong Kong, England players found themselves on the front pages after a drunken evening at the China Jump bar. The debauchery peaked in the "dentist's chair" -- a drinking game in which the footballers sat with their mouths open as tequila and vodka were poured in. Gascoigne and other players were also involved in a heated dispute that led to televisions being damaged on a Cathay Pacific flight back to London. Rather than read the riot act as tabloid headlines screamed "Disgracefool", Venables fostered a seige mentality among his squad. - 'We had a lot of fun' - Venables' ploy nearly backfired when England were held to a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their opening game at Wembley. But England's tournament turned in the grudge match against Scotland, an opponent who lie in wait for Southgate's men in their Euro 2020 group. Alan Shearer headed England into the lead and David Seaman saved Gary McAllister's penalty before Gascoigne repaid Venables' faith with a sublime goal that showcased his maverick genius. Gascoigne celebrated by lying on the ground while Teddy Sheringham squirted a water bottle into his open mouth in a nod to their "dentist's chair" antics. "Gazza saw the dentist's chair in the middle of this bar. From that moment it turns into chaos," former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp recalled. "One of the great nights. And Gazza's like 'I'm going to score against Scotland and when I do, I'm going to do the dentist chair'. "Apart from Bobby Moore lifting the World Cup, that's the best picture I've seen of anyone in an England shirt." England produced one of their greatest performances to crush the Netherlands 4-1 in their final group game. But after surviving a tense shootout to beat Spain in the last eight, England's infamous penalty demons resurfaced when they faced Germany in a pulsating semi-final. Stefan Kuntz cancelled out Shearer's opener and, after Gascoigne was inches away from an extra-time winner, it was Southgate who played the villain with his shoot-out miss. Southgate wept on Venables' shoulder, while Germany went on to beat the Czech Republic in the final. Despite the painful denouement, Euro 96 remains an iconic moment in English football, one that Southgate would love to recreate with his team over the next month. "It was not only that we reached the semi-finals, it was that we had a lot of fun along the way, and I think the whole country did too," Shearer said.

'Football's Coming Home': England aim to emulate spirit of Euro 96

Forward Karim Benzema was substituted after suffering a knock on the knee in the first half of France's Euro 2020 warm-up game against Bulgaria on Tuesday.

ALSO&nbsp;READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-virus-cases-spike-in-russian-euro-host-city-390204" hreflang="en">Football: Virus cases spike in Russian Euro host city</a>

The Real Madrid striker came off four minutes before halftime having seemed to land awkwardly following a header.

Benzema, who last week made his comeback with France after not playing for the national team for more than five years, stayed on the bench after being tended to by the world champions' medical staff.

"It's a knock on the knee, which also affects the muscle. He felt he was getting stiff so he asked to be subbed," coach Didier Deschamps told TF1.

"The medical staff are taking care of him."

Forward Karim Benzema was substituted after suffering a knock on the knee in the first half of France's Euro 2020 warm-up game against Bulgaria on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Football: Virus cases spike in Russian Euro host city The Real Madrid striker came off four minutes before halftime having seemed to land awkwardly following a header.

Forward Karim Benzema was substituted after suffering a knock on the knee in the first half of France's Euro 2020 warm-up game against Bulgaria on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Football: Virus cases spike in Russian Euro host city The Real Madrid striker came off four minutes before halftime having seemed to land awkwardly following a header. Benzema, who last week made his comeback with France after not playing for the national team for more than five years, stayed on the bench after being tended to by the world champions' medical staff. "It's a knock on the knee, which also affects the muscle. He felt he was getting stiff so he asked to be subbed," coach Didier Deschamps told TF1. "The medical staff are taking care of him."

Football: Benzema suffers knee 'knock' injury against Bulgaria

Spain have set up a "parallel" squad of 17 reserves for Euro 2020 who may have to play if the Covid-19 infections among its players spread, team management said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

In a decision announced just hours after Spain defender Diego Llorente became the second player to test positive for Covid-19,&nbsp;the Spanish football federation (RFEF) announced in a statement posted on its website that it was setting up a "parallel bubble".

The RFEF said it had called in 11 players to join six backups who were already acting as cover for the coronavirus-hit first-choice squad.&nbsp;

Captain Sergio Busquets tested positive on Sunday, just a week before Spain open their Euro campaign on Monday, playing Sweden in Group E in the southern city of Seville.&nbsp;

Sweden's Euro 2020 squad has also been hit by infections, with two players, star forward Dejan Kulusevski and midfielder Mattias Svanberg, testing positive, its federation said Tuesday.

Since Busquests tested positive, Spain's entire Euro squad has been in isolation.&nbsp;

The 11 newcomers were part of an Under-21 team that thumped Lithuania 4-0 on Tuesday evening in Spain's final warm-up match ahead of the Euro.

"The coaching staff of Spain's national team have decided 11 internationals initially called up for the match against Lithuania will remain part of the senior national team," it said.&nbsp;

"This group of internationals will join their teammates... within a parallel bubble, created in anticipation of the possible consequences that could result from the positives of Sergio Busquets and Diego Llorente."

The players are Alvaro Fernandez, Oscar Mingueza, Marc Cucurella, Bryan Gil, Juan Miranda, Gonzalo Villar, Alejandro Pozo, Brahim Diaz, Martin Zubimendi, Yeremy Pino and Javi Puado.&nbsp;

They join six players already drafted in by coach Luis Enrique as insurance against any more positives among his squad: Rodrigo Moreno, Pablo Fornals, Carlos Soler, Brais Mendez, Raul Albiol and Kepa Arrizabalaga.&nbsp;

The 17 reserves in their separate bubble will have no contact with the main Euro 2020 squad.&nbsp;

Players on the first-choice squad were all to be vaccinated against Covid-19 later on Wednesday, the Spanish sports ministry said.

Spain are also scheduled to play Poland and Slovakia in Group E, with all their group stage matches at the Cartuja stadium in Seville.

&nbsp;

Spain backup squad

Alvaro Fernandez (Huesca), Oscar Mingueza (Barcelona), Marc Cucurella (Getafe), Bryan Gil (Eibar), Juan Miranda (Betis), Gonzalo Villar (Roma/ITA), Alejandro Pozo (Eibar), Brahim Diaz (AC Milan/ITA), Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Javi Puado (Espanyol), Rodrigo Moreno (Leeds/ENG), Pablo Fornals (West Ham/ENG), Carlos Soler (Valencia), Brais Mendez (Celta Vigo), Raul Albiol (Villarreal), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea/ENG)

Spain have set up a "parallel" squad of 17 reserves for Euro 2020 who may have to play if the Covid-19 infections among its players spread, team management said on Wednesday.

Spain have set up a "parallel" squad of 17 reserves for Euro 2020 who may have to play if the Covid-19 infections among its players spread, team management said on Wednesday. In a decision announced just hours after Spain defender Diego Llorente became the second player to test positive for Covid-19, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) announced in a statement posted on its website that it was setting up a "parallel bubble". The RFEF said it had called in 11 players to join six backups who were already acting as cover for the coronavirus-hit first-choice squad. Captain Sergio Busquets tested positive on Sunday, just a week before Spain open their Euro campaign on Monday, playing Sweden in Group E in the southern city of Seville. Sweden's Euro 2020 squad has also been hit by infections, with two players, star forward Dejan Kulusevski and midfielder Mattias Svanberg, testing positive, its federation said Tuesday. Since Busquests tested positive, Spain's entire Euro squad has been in isolation. The 11 newcomers were part of an Under-21 team that thumped Lithuania 4-0 on Tuesday evening in Spain's final warm-up match ahead of the Euro. "The coaching staff of Spain's national team have decided 11 internationals initially called up for the match against Lithuania will remain part of the senior national team," it said. "This group of internationals will join their teammates... within a parallel bubble, created in anticipation of the possible consequences that could result from the positives of Sergio Busquets and Diego Llorente." The players are Alvaro Fernandez, Oscar Mingueza, Marc Cucurella, Bryan Gil, Juan Miranda, Gonzalo Villar, Alejandro Pozo, Brahim Diaz, Martin Zubimendi, Yeremy Pino and Javi Puado. They join six players already drafted in by coach Luis Enrique as insurance against any more positives among his squad: Rodrigo Moreno, Pablo Fornals, Carlos Soler, Brais Mendez, Raul Albiol and Kepa Arrizabalaga. The 17 reserves in their separate bubble will have no contact with the main Euro 2020 squad. Players on the first-choice squad were all to be vaccinated against Covid-19 later on Wednesday, the Spanish sports ministry said. Spain are also scheduled to play Poland and Slovakia in Group E, with all their group stage matches at the Cartuja stadium in Seville. Spain backup squad Alvaro Fernandez (Huesca), Oscar Mingueza (Barcelona), Marc Cucurella (Getafe), Bryan Gil (Eibar), Juan Miranda (Betis), Gonzalo Villar (Roma/ITA), Alejandro Pozo (Eibar), Brahim Diaz (AC Milan/ITA), Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Javi Puado (Espanyol), Rodrigo Moreno (Leeds/ENG), Pablo Fornals (West Ham/ENG), Carlos Soler (Valencia), Brais Mendez (Celta Vigo), Raul Albiol (Villarreal), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea/ENG)

Football: Spain sets up 'parallel' Euro 2020 team over virus worries

Russian health authorities said Tuesday that coronavirus cases in Saint Petersburg were on the rise with days to go before the city co-hosts the postponed Euro 2020 football championship.&nbsp;

Authorities in Russia's second city have set up additional hospital beds while assuring the spike in cases was due to a "cyclical" phenomenon.&nbsp;

For the past month, the city recorded an average of 700 cases a day,&nbsp;but the number of daily infections has exceeded 800 for the last two weeks, according to a government tally.&nbsp;

The Health Committee of Russia's second city said Tuesday that coronavirus cases were "on the rise".

"The past week has shown that we recorded an increase in Covid-19 infections," the city's governor Alexander Beglov said in a radio interview on Monday.&nbsp;

"It is connected to the cyclical nature of the activity of the virus," he said, adding that his team was taking "all the necessary measures".&nbsp;

Also on Tuesday, local authorities said that a hospital for veterans with some 876 beds will be converted to a coronavirus ward. It will open its doors to patients by the end of the week.&nbsp;

In late May, another temporary hospital for coronavirus patients was reopened in Saint Petersburg after being shut since February.

The former imperial capital will host seven Euro matches -- including a quarter-final -- in June and July after the tournament was postponed for a year due to the pandemic.

Earlier in June, the city hosted the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, which despite being smaller than in previous years brought together thousands of participants.

By number of virus cases, Saint Petersburg is the second-most affected city in Russia, surpassed only by the capital Moscow.

Russia imposed a strict lockdown when the pandemic first swept across the country last spring, but authorities lifted most virus measures within several months, opting to protect the struggling economy.

They also pinned hopes on Russia's coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik V, which was registered in August.

But while Russia's domestic vaccination campaign started in early December ahead of most countries, the country has struggled to innoculate its citizens.

Russian health authorities said Tuesday that coronavirus cases in Saint Petersburg were on the rise with days to go before the city co-hosts the postponed Euro 2020 football championship.

Russian health authorities said Tuesday that coronavirus cases in Saint Petersburg were on the rise with days to go before the city co-hosts the postponed Euro 2020 football championship. Authorities in Russia's second city have set up additional hospital beds while assuring the spike in cases was due to a "cyclical" phenomenon. For the past month, the city recorded an average of 700 cases a day, but the number of daily infections has exceeded 800 for the last two weeks, according to a government tally. The Health Committee of Russia's second city said Tuesday that coronavirus cases were "on the rise". "The past week has shown that we recorded an increase in Covid-19 infections," the city's governor Alexander Beglov said in a radio interview on Monday. "It is connected to the cyclical nature of the activity of the virus," he said, adding that his team was taking "all the necessary measures". Also on Tuesday, local authorities said that a hospital for veterans with some 876 beds will be converted to a coronavirus ward. It will open its doors to patients by the end of the week. In late May, another temporary hospital for coronavirus patients was reopened in Saint Petersburg after being shut since February. The former imperial capital will host seven Euro matches -- including a quarter-final -- in June and July after the tournament was postponed for a year due to the pandemic. Earlier in June, the city hosted the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, which despite being smaller than in previous years brought together thousands of participants. By number of virus cases, Saint Petersburg is the second-most affected city in Russia, surpassed only by the capital Moscow. Russia imposed a strict lockdown when the pandemic first swept across the country last spring, but authorities lifted most virus measures within several months, opting to protect the struggling economy. They also pinned hopes on Russia's coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik V, which was registered in August. But while Russia's domestic vaccination campaign started in early December ahead of most countries, the country has struggled to innoculate its citizens.

Football: Virus cases spike in Russian Euro host city

Ahead of the start of Euro 2020 on Friday, AFP Sport selects six of the continent's brightest young stars to watch at the month-long tournament:

<h2>- Phil Foden -</h2>

The player of the tournament when England won the Under-17 World Cup in India in 2017, Foden is now set to be unleashed on a full international competition for the first time at the age of 21. He is coming off a superb season at Manchester City in which he starred in Pep Guardiola's Premier League title-winning side, regularly cutting in from the left flank and contributing 16 goals in all competitions.

Foden, who likes to spend his free time fishing with his father, made his full England debut last September and scored his first goals against Iceland in the Nations League in November.

<h2>- Pedri -</h2>

Following in the footsteps of the likes of Juan Carlos Valeron, David Silva and Pedro Rodriguez before him, Pedri is the latest star to emerge from the Canary Islands and break into the Spain set-up.

The slight 18-year-old midfielder with the silky touch, who comes from Tenerife, joined Barcelona last year from Las Palmas. Growing up he modelled himself on Andres Iniesta and he wasted little time establishing himself at the Camp Nou, playing in all but one game in La Liga for Barca in the season just finished. He made his Spain debut in a World Cup qualifier against Greece in March.

<h2>- Jamal Musiala -</h2>

The 18-year-old Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder was born in Stuttgart but could have been lining up for England at the Euro. His father is British-Nigerian and he moved to England with his family aged seven. He has represented both Germany and England at youth level too. "I have a heart for Germany and a heart for England," he told The Athletic earlier this year.

However, he left the Chelsea academy set-up to join Bayern in 2019 and committed his international future to Germany in February, just before signing a new five-year deal at his club. Shortly after that he was given his full Germany debut in a World Cup qualifier against Iceland.

<h2>- Matthijs de Ligt -</h2>

Centre-back De Ligt is still just 21 but his importance to the Netherlands cannot be understated, especially with Virgil van Dijk ruled out of the Euro. That explains the concern for his fitness when he appeared to suffer a groin injury in training at the weekend.

Dutch coach Frank de Boer needs De Ligt, who captained Ajax in the Champions League aged just 19, starring in the side that got to the semi-finals of that competition in 2019 before being sold to Juventus in a world-record deal for a defender, the fee an initial 75 million euros ($84.2m).&nbsp;

A symbol of the new Dutch generation after the Oranje missed both Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, De Ligt made his full international debut as a 17-year-old.&nbsp;

<h2>- Jeremy Doku -</h2>

The Belgian squad is full of established stars these days, but amid concern for the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne and the form of Eden Hazard, Doku could have a notable role to play for Roberto Martinez's side.&nbsp;

The winger who only recently turned 19 broke through at Anderlecht and made his full Belgium debut last September, just before Rennes paid a club record 26 million euros ($31.6m) to sign him. Doku needed time to adapt to his new surroundings but finished the season strongly in France and can be a threat on either flank.

<h2>- Joao Felix -</h2>

Felix, 21, became one of the five most expensive players in history when still a teenager after Atletico Madrid agreed to pay 126 million euros ($142m) to sign him from Benfica in 2019.

Capable of playing on either flank or through the middle in attack, Felix broke through at Benfica and is fresh from helping Atletico win La Liga. He is also a symbol of the new Portuguese generation that will support Cristiano Ronaldo at this Euro as Fernando Santos' team defend the title they won in France in 2016.

Ahead of the start of Euro 2020 on Friday, AFP Sport selects six of the continent's brightest young stars to watch at the month-long tournament: - Phil Foden - The player of the tournament when England won the Under-17 World Cup in India in 2017, Foden is now set to be unleashed on a full international competition for the first time at the age of 21.

Ahead of the start of Euro 2020 on Friday, AFP Sport selects six of the continent's brightest young stars to watch at the month-long tournament: - Phil Foden - The player of the tournament when England won the Under-17 World Cup in India in 2017, Foden is now set to be unleashed on a full international competition for the first time at the age of 21. He is coming off a superb season at Manchester City in which he starred in Pep Guardiola's Premier League title-winning side, regularly cutting in from the left flank and contributing 16 goals in all competitions. Foden, who likes to spend his free time fishing with his father, made his full England debut last September and scored his first goals against Iceland in the Nations League in November. - Pedri - Following in the footsteps of the likes of Juan Carlos Valeron, David Silva and Pedro Rodriguez before him, Pedri is the latest star to emerge from the Canary Islands and break into the Spain set-up. The slight 18-year-old midfielder with the silky touch, who comes from Tenerife, joined Barcelona last year from Las Palmas. Growing up he modelled himself on Andres Iniesta and he wasted little time establishing himself at the Camp Nou, playing in all but one game in La Liga for Barca in the season just finished. He made his Spain debut in a World Cup qualifier against Greece in March. - Jamal Musiala - The 18-year-old Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder was born in Stuttgart but could have been lining up for England at the Euro. His father is British-Nigerian and he moved to England with his family aged seven. He has represented both Germany and England at youth level too. "I have a heart for Germany and a heart for England," he told The Athletic earlier this year. However, he left the Chelsea academy set-up to join Bayern in 2019 and committed his international future to Germany in February, just before signing a new five-year deal at his club. Shortly after that he was given his full Germany debut in a World Cup qualifier against Iceland. - Matthijs de Ligt - Centre-back De Ligt is still just 21 but his importance to the Netherlands cannot be understated, especially with Virgil van Dijk ruled out of the Euro. That explains the concern for his fitness when he appeared to suffer a groin injury in training at the weekend. Dutch coach Frank de Boer needs De Ligt, who captained Ajax in the Champions League aged just 19, starring in the side that got to the semi-finals of that competition in 2019 before being sold to Juventus in a world-record deal for a defender, the fee an initial 75 million euros ($84.2m). A symbol of the new Dutch generation after the Oranje missed both Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, De Ligt made his full international debut as a 17-year-old. - Jeremy Doku - The Belgian squad is full of established stars these days, but amid concern for the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne and the form of Eden Hazard, Doku could have a notable role to play for Roberto Martinez's side. The winger who only recently turned 19 broke through at Anderlecht and made his full Belgium debut last September, just before Rennes paid a club record 26 million euros ($31.6m) to sign him. Doku needed time to adapt to his new surroundings but finished the season strongly in France and can be a threat on either flank. - Joao Felix - Felix, 21, became one of the five most expensive players in history when still a teenager after Atletico Madrid agreed to pay 126 million euros ($142m) to sign him from Benfica in 2019. Capable of playing on either flank or through the middle in attack, Felix broke through at Benfica and is fresh from helping Atletico win La Liga. He is also a symbol of the new Portuguese generation that will support Cristiano Ronaldo at this Euro as Fernando Santos' team defend the title they won in France in 2016.

Football: From Foden to Felix - Six young stars to watch at Euro 2020

Sergio Busquets has left Spain's pre-Euro 2020 training camp after testing positive for Covid-19, the country's football federation (RFEF) announced on Sunday.

In a statement, the RFEF said Spain captain Busquets, 32, tested positive earlier on Sunday, with the rest of the squad all testing negative.

The RFEF added that those who have been in close contact with Barcelona midfielder Busquets "will remain isolated" as a preventative measure.

The squad will carry out individual training programmes in the build-up to the Euro, which begins on Friday.

Spain's first match is against Sweden on June 14 and coach Luis Enrique has until Saturday to make changes to his squad ahead of their opening fixture in Seville.

"Appropriate sporting measures will be assessed according to the situation of the national team captain," the RFEF said.

Busquets has played over 120 times for Spain and helped his country to triumphs at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.

He has also won eight Spanish league titles and three Champions Leagues with Barcelona, as well as a host of other trophies.

Sergio Busquets has left Spain's pre-Euro 2020 training camp after testing positive for Covid-19, the country's football federation (RFEF) announced on Sunday. In a statement, the RFEF said Spain captain Busquets, 32, tested positive earlier on Sunday, with the rest of the squad all testing negative.

Sergio Busquets has left Spain's pre-Euro 2020 training camp after testing positive for Covid-19, the country's football federation (RFEF) announced on Sunday. In a statement, the RFEF said Spain captain Busquets, 32, tested positive earlier on Sunday, with the rest of the squad all testing negative. The RFEF added that those who have been in close contact with Barcelona midfielder Busquets "will remain isolated" as a preventative measure. The squad will carry out individual training programmes in the build-up to the Euro, which begins on Friday. Spain's first match is against Sweden on June 14 and coach Luis Enrique has until Saturday to make changes to his squad ahead of their opening fixture in Seville. "Appropriate sporting measures will be assessed according to the situation of the national team captain," the RFEF said. Busquets has played over 120 times for Spain and helped his country to triumphs at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012. He has also won eight Spanish league titles and three Champions Leagues with Barcelona, as well as a host of other trophies.

Football: Spain captain Busquets tests positive for Covid-19, leaves Euro training camp

Spain coach Luis Enrique implored fans not to boo players after they were left frustrated by Friday's 0-0 draw with Portugal.

With fans back in attendance at an international game in the country for the first time in over 15 months, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced matches to be played behind closed doors, they wasted little time in getting their voices heard.

But when they started to sing songs criticising forward Alvaro Morata after he missed a gilt-edged chance to win the game in stoppage time, it did not go down well with the Spanish coach.

Luis Enrique was also on the receiving end of some criticism and acknowledged it was part of the job - but asked the fans to get behind the squad ahead of the European Championship, which kicks off next Friday.

"(Morata) gave his all, pressing high and creating a lot of danger. What he did was for getting off your seat and applauding," Luis Enrique told a news conference.

"He ran 40 metres, gave the keeper the eyes and just had a bit of bad luck that he hit the bar. Your hands should be hurting from applauding him.

"I love it when fans boo me, but I really don't like it when they do it to the players."

Spain coach Luis Enrique implored fans not to boo players after they were left frustrated by Friday's 0-0 draw with Portugal. With fans back in attendance at an international game in the country for the first time in over 15 months, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced matches to be played behind closed doors, they wasted little time in getting their voices heard.

Spain coach Luis Enrique implored fans not to boo players after they were left frustrated by Friday's 0-0 draw with Portugal. With fans back in attendance at an international game in the country for the first time in over 15 months, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced matches to be played behind closed doors, they wasted little time in getting their voices heard. But when they started to sing songs criticising forward Alvaro Morata after he missed a gilt-edged chance to win the game in stoppage time, it did not go down well with the Spanish coach. Luis Enrique was also on the receiving end of some criticism and acknowledged it was part of the job - but asked the fans to get behind the squad ahead of the European Championship, which kicks off next Friday. "(Morata) gave his all, pressing high and creating a lot of danger. What he did was for getting off your seat and applauding," Luis Enrique told a news conference. "He ran 40 metres, gave the keeper the eyes and just had a bit of bad luck that he hit the bar. Your hands should be hurting from applauding him. "I love it when fans boo me, but I really don't like it when they do it to the players."

Football: Spain coach Luis Enrique wants fans to stop booing players

&nbsp;Wales forward Gareth Bale has said he expects to discuss his future at Spanish giants Real Madrid with the team's new manager Carlo Ancelotti after the European Championship starts this month.

Bale is supposed to return to Madrid following a season-long loan spell at English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur but with one year left on his contract at the La Liga team, media speculation about his future has increased in recent weeks.

Ancelotti, who left Everton this week and returned to Madrid for a second spell as coach, was in charge when they signed Bale in 2013 and enjoys a good relationship with the 31-year-old.

"I know Carlo's returned and I get on with him really well, and I'm not denying that, but I'm just concentrating on now," Bale told Sky Sports.

"I'm sure I'll have a conversation with him at some point and I'll go from there when that happens. As soon as the Euros finishes then I'll go from there."

Bale won the first of his four Champions League titles under Italian Ancelotti in 2014 and described the manager as a "great guy."

"We had a great time together at Real, I'm sure he's going to be amazing in charge there," Bale added. "I spoke to him when we played Everton at the start of the season, we hugged and had a little chat which was nice.

"But I'm still in the same boat and haven't thought about it too much. I'm concentrated on our preparation and what's going to happen in the Euros. I'll sort the rest of it after."

Wales, who take on Albania in a friendly later on Saturday, begin their Euro 2020 campaign against Switzerland on June 12.

Wales forward Gareth Bale has said he expects to discuss his future at Spanish giants Real Madrid with the team's new manager Carlo Ancelotti after the European Championship starts this month.

Wales forward Gareth Bale has said he expects to discuss his future at Spanish giants Real Madrid with the team's new manager Carlo Ancelotti after the European Championship starts this month. Bale is supposed to return to Madrid following a season-long loan spell at English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur but with one year left on his contract at the La Liga team, media speculation about his future has increased in recent weeks. Ancelotti, who left Everton this week and returned to Madrid for a second spell as coach, was in charge when they signed Bale in 2013 and enjoys a good relationship with the 31-year-old. "I know Carlo's returned and I get on with him really well, and I'm not denying that, but I'm just concentrating on now," Bale told Sky Sports. "I'm sure I'll have a conversation with him at some point and I'll go from there when that happens. As soon as the Euros finishes then I'll go from there." Bale won the first of his four Champions League titles under Italian Ancelotti in 2014 and described the manager as a "great guy." "We had a great time together at Real, I'm sure he's going to be amazing in charge there," Bale added. "I spoke to him when we played Everton at the start of the season, we hugged and had a little chat which was nice. "But I'm still in the same boat and haven't thought about it too much. I'm concentrated on our preparation and what's going to happen in the Euros. I'll sort the rest of it after." Wales, who take on Albania in a friendly later on Saturday, begin their Euro 2020 campaign against Switzerland on June 12.

Football: Bale to discuss Real Madrid future with Ancelotti after Euro 2020

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez shrugged off a disappointing home draw with Greece in Thursday’s friendly international as the after-effects of a long season for his players.

The top-ranked Belgians, one of the favourites for the European Championship that kicks off next week, produced a laboured display in a 1-1 stalemate in Brussels with their visitors, who did not qualify for the tournament.

“We need to be disappointed because anything we do is aimed at winning but we need to also measure the benefits we took, away from the scoreline,” Martinez said in his analysis of the performance in the first of two warm-up internationals for the Belgians.

“We need to get our competitive intensity back; I don’t think we had that competitive nature we usually have. It happens after finishing a really demanding season. You have a release after a long club season and now it takes time to activate again.”

Martinez said game time would iron out the wrinkles and he would look for improvement when Belgium host Croatia in their next warm-up in Brussels on Sunday.

“These are things we cannot sort out in training, which you need to see against an opponent, so I’m glad we had an opponent like Greece because they are competitive in any game they play. We showed we didn’t have the same intensity to defend dead ball situations.

“But I’m glad we had no injuries and we got a lot of players out onto the pitch who got an opportunity to move towards their best level,” he added

Belgium did rest several regulars and after going up when Thorgan Hazard scored in the 20th minute, dominated play as they suggested they would go on and post a comfortable win.

But they allowed the Greeks to fight back in a feisty second half and, in the end, the draw seemed an appropriate outcome.

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez shrugged off a disappointing home draw with Greece in Thursday’s friendly international as the after-effects of a long season for his players.

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez shrugged off a disappointing home draw with Greece in Thursday’s friendly international as the after-effects of a long season for his players. The top-ranked Belgians, one of the favourites for the European Championship that kicks off next week, produced a laboured display in a 1-1 stalemate in Brussels with their visitors, who did not qualify for the tournament. “We need to be disappointed because anything we do is aimed at winning but we need to also measure the benefits we took, away from the scoreline,” Martinez said in his analysis of the performance in the first of two warm-up internationals for the Belgians. “We need to get our competitive intensity back; I don’t think we had that competitive nature we usually have. It happens after finishing a really demanding season. You have a release after a long club season and now it takes time to activate again.” Martinez said game time would iron out the wrinkles and he would look for improvement when Belgium host Croatia in their next warm-up in Brussels on Sunday. “These are things we cannot sort out in training, which you need to see against an opponent, so I’m glad we had an opponent like Greece because they are competitive in any game they play. We showed we didn’t have the same intensity to defend dead ball situations. “But I’m glad we had no injuries and we got a lot of players out onto the pitch who got an opportunity to move towards their best level,” he added Belgium did rest several regulars and after going up when Thorgan Hazard scored in the 20th minute, dominated play as they suggested they would go on and post a comfortable win. But they allowed the Greeks to fight back in a feisty second half and, in the end, the draw seemed an appropriate outcome.

Football: Belgium coach Roberto Martinez shrugs off disappointing draw with Greece

Lionel Scaloni has referred to injury and fitness worries as the explanations behind not picking Juventus star Paulo Dybala in the international squad for the forthcoming World Cup Qualifiers.&nbsp;

In an interview with a Juventus-based website, Lionel Scaloni said he feels frustrated about excluding Dybala from his crew. Nonetheless, Dybala's absence of structure and injury concerns were too gigantic to even consider disregarding. He said:

"There’s no one more sorry for Dybala than me. Paulo is a player that I adore. But we need people who are ready and in a good shape. He had a difficult season, injuries prevented him from playing continuously. He came back too late, among other things in a complicated moment for Juve."

With Dybala out of Argentina's crew for the World Cup Qualifiers, it is safe to expect that Lionel Scaloni won't pick the 27-year-old forward for the impending Copa America all things considered.&nbsp;

Regardless of not picking Dybala in his squad, Scaloni said that he had the freedom to pick a 26-man Argentina crew he would have chosen the assailant as he actually rates the Juventus forward rather exceptionally. Scaloni added:&nbsp;

“If we had 26 players I would have brought him, but faced with such a narrow and complicated list we had to make this decision. But his value remains out of the question. I hope he’ll soon recover his form and return to the national team."

Lionel Scaloni is dazzled by the number of Argentine players who are right now playing in Italy's first class. Scaloni accepts that Serie A will be an extraordinary way to quantify the footballing nature of Argentinians as there are such large numbers of them playing in Italy. Scaloni said:&nbsp;

"As an Argentine, I can tell you that the Italian championship is always a point of reference for me. In Italy, we have many Argentines who perform at a good level and that’s why we call them, in addition to the fact that all of us on the staff are attracted by the model and culture of Serie A."

Serie A has a gigantic measure of Argentinian ability available to it. Alongside Paulo Dybala, the association additionally has energizing players like Rodrigo de Paul and Cristian Romero who are at present a piece of the Argentina crew. 
&nbsp;

Lionel Scaloni has referred to injury and fitness worries as the explanations behind not picking Juventus star Paulo Dybala in the international squad for the forthcoming World Cup Qualifiers.

Lionel Scaloni has referred to injury and fitness worries as the explanations behind not picking Juventus star Paulo Dybala in the international squad for the forthcoming World Cup Qualifiers. In an interview with a Juventus-based website, Lionel Scaloni said he feels frustrated about excluding Dybala from his crew. Nonetheless, Dybala's absence of structure and injury concerns were too gigantic to even consider disregarding. He said: "There’s no one more sorry for Dybala than me. Paulo is a player that I adore. But we need people who are ready and in a good shape. He had a difficult season, injuries prevented him from playing continuously. He came back too late, among other things in a complicated moment for Juve." With Dybala out of Argentina's crew for the World Cup Qualifiers, it is safe to expect that Lionel Scaloni won't pick the 27-year-old forward for the impending Copa America all things considered. Regardless of not picking Dybala in his squad, Scaloni said that he had the freedom to pick a 26-man Argentina crew he would have chosen the assailant as he actually rates the Juventus forward rather exceptionally. Scaloni added: “If we had 26 players I would have brought him, but faced with such a narrow and complicated list we had to make this decision. But his value remains out of the question. I hope he’ll soon recover his form and return to the national team." Lionel Scaloni is dazzled by the number of Argentine players who are right now playing in Italy's first class. Scaloni accepts that Serie A will be an extraordinary way to quantify the footballing nature of Argentinians as there are such large numbers of them playing in Italy. Scaloni said: "As an Argentine, I can tell you that the Italian championship is always a point of reference for me. In Italy, we have many Argentines who perform at a good level and that’s why we call them, in addition to the fact that all of us on the staff are attracted by the model and culture of Serie A." Serie A has a gigantic measure of Argentinian ability available to it. Alongside Paulo Dybala, the association additionally has energizing players like Rodrigo de Paul and Cristian Romero who are at present a piece of the Argentina crew.

Football: 'No one is more sorry for Dybala than me': Lionel Scaloni on the striker's omission

England manager Gareth Southgate said on Tuesday his side will be considered to have failed if they do not reach the semi-finals of Euro 2020.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-need-investment-man-city-chairman-on-finding-sergio-agueros-replacement-388910" hreflang="en">Football- 'Need investment': Man City chairman on finding Sergio Aguero's replacement</a>

England made the last four of the 2018 World Cup in Russia and London's Wembley Stadium will host the semi-finals and final as well as some group stage games.

Asked if going out before the semis would be seen as a failure, Southgate told reporters: "Yes, it probably will. I think we're realistic about that, we have to live with that expectation.

"We know the excitement around the team and it’s great, we’re now relevant.

"We've been to two semi-finals so the next step is to try to go further."

England also made it to the semi-finals of the Nations League in 2019 as well as Euro 1996, played in England.

Southgate, speaking after announcing his final squad, said expectations were greater now than during the last World Cup, even with England having one of the youngest squads.

"I've got to try to manage the expectations for the players. I accept the situation as a manager there's expectation, I have to deliver. We have to deliver as a group of staff, it's not about me in terms of if we can be successful," he added.

"Of course it's about me if we fail, so no problem. That's the gig."

England manager Gareth Southgate said on Tuesday his side will be considered to have failed if they do not reach the semi-finals of Euro 2020. ALSO READ: Football- 'Need investment': Man City chairman on finding Sergio Aguero's replacement England made the last four of the 2018 World Cup in Russia and London's Wembley Stadium will host the semi-finals and final as well as some group stage games.

England manager Gareth Southgate said on Tuesday his side will be considered to have failed if they do not reach the semi-finals of Euro 2020. ALSO READ: Football- 'Need investment': Man City chairman on finding Sergio Aguero's replacement England made the last four of the 2018 World Cup in Russia and London's Wembley Stadium will host the semi-finals and final as well as some group stage games. Asked if going out before the semis would be seen as a failure, Southgate told reporters: "Yes, it probably will. I think we're realistic about that, we have to live with that expectation. "We know the excitement around the team and it’s great, we’re now relevant. "We've been to two semi-finals so the next step is to try to go further." England also made it to the semi-finals of the Nations League in 2019 as well as Euro 1996, played in England. Southgate, speaking after announcing his final squad, said expectations were greater now than during the last World Cup, even with England having one of the youngest squads. "I've got to try to manage the expectations for the players. I accept the situation as a manager there's expectation, I have to deliver. We have to deliver as a group of staff, it's not about me in terms of if we can be successful," he added. "Of course it's about me if we fail, so no problem. That's the gig."

Football: Missing semis would be seen as failure for England, says Southgate

Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood has been withdrawn from England's provisional squad for the European Championship due to an underlying injury, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday.

Greenwood was part of England's 33-man provisional squad named last month as manager Gareth Southgate played for time before whittling the numbers down.

Southgate is set to trim his squad down to 26 players later on Tuesday.

United said Greenwood had pulled out to recover fully from the injury that also forced him out of the Under-21 European Championship in March.

"Mason's club appearances were managed carefully to maintain his availability through the intensive 2020-21 Premier League and Europa League schedules," the club said in a statement.

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Manchester United have confirmed that <a href="https://twitter.com/masongreenwood?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@masongreenwood</a> has withdrawn from the provisional <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThreeLions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThreeLions</a> squad due to an underlying injury. 
 
Hope to see you back to full fitness soon, Mason! 💪 <a href="https://t.co/CAmNuaEY9A">pic.twitter.com/CAmNuaEY9A</a>
— England (@England) <a href="https://twitter.com/England/status/1399653805747322883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"But a further spell of tournament&nbsp;football&nbsp;would not be beneficial and Mason will remain at United to recuperate and prepare for pre-season training."

The June 11-July 11 Euro 2020 is being held across Europe, with the semi-finals and the final at London's Wembley Stadium as well as some group stage games.

England plays Austria in a friendly on Wednesday and meet Romania on Sunday before their Euro 2020 Group D campaign starts with games against Croatia, Scotland, and the Czech Republic.

Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood has been withdrawn from England's provisional squad for the European Championship due to an underlying injury, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday.

Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood has been withdrawn from England's provisional squad for the European Championship due to an underlying injury, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday. Greenwood was part of England's 33-man provisional squad named last month as manager Gareth Southgate played for time before whittling the numbers down. Southgate is set to trim his squad down to 26 players later on Tuesday. United said Greenwood had pulled out to recover fully from the injury that also forced him out of the Under-21 European Championship in March. "Mason's club appearances were managed carefully to maintain his availability through the intensive 2020-21 Premier League and Europa League schedules," the club said in a statement. Manchester United have confirmed that @masongreenwood has withdrawn from the provisional #ThreeLions squad due to an underlying injury. Hope to see you back to full fitness soon, Mason! 💪 pic.twitter.com/CAmNuaEY9A — England (@England) June 1, 2021 × "But a further spell of tournament football would not be beneficial and Mason will remain at United to recuperate and prepare for pre-season training." The June 11-July 11 Euro 2020 is being held across Europe, with the semi-finals and the final at London's Wembley Stadium as well as some group stage games. England plays Austria in a friendly on Wednesday and meet Romania on Sunday before their Euro 2020 Group D campaign starts with games against Croatia, Scotland, and the Czech Republic.

Football: England's Mason Greenwood out of Euro 2020 due to injury

Wales will go into Euro 2020 without their beleaguered boss Ryan Giggs, putting the spotlight on Gareth Bale's bid to silence critics who say he has lost his appetite for success.

Giggs' absence following his arrest on charges of assaulting two women last year will cast a shadow over Wales during the Euro.

The former Manchester United star faces a trial in 2022 after being accused of butting his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville and controlling her throughout their relationship.

Giggs is also charged with the common assault of Greville's sister Emma in the same incident.

The 47-year-old had taken charge of Wales in 2018 and made a positive impression as he led them to the European Championship, just their second major tournament appearance since the 1958 World Cup.

But Giggs, who denies the charges, has been on leave since November last year, with caretaker boss Robert Page stepping into the breach.

Page has won four of his six games since replacing Giggs, with Wales' only loss in that time coming against the world's top-ranked side, Belgium.

If Wales are to thrive in Giggs' absence, the onus is on Bale to prove his erratic loan spell with Tottenham Hotspur this season was not further evidence that his love for the game is dwindling.

Although he scored 16 goals, Bale was unable to make a consistent impact on his return to Tottenham despite the hope that escaping his miserable time at Real Madrid would reinvigorate the Wales captain.

Hampered by fitness issues and a frosty relationship with Jose Mourinho before his sacking, Bale hardly disproved the theory he no longer has the drive required to dominate at the highest level.

Having celebrated Wales' Euro qualification by waving a flag that read 'Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order', Bale has an opportunity to show that swipe at Real was more than hollow patriotism.

<h2>- Bale burden -</h2>

Despite the exit of his Real nemesis, coach Zinedine Zidane, Bale is reportedly considering negotiating a pay-off to avoid returning to Madrid.

It was also suggested the four-time Champions League winner could quit football altogether and try his hand at professional golf, a claim rejected by his agent, Jonathan Barnett.

Bale fuelled speculation over a potential bombshell announcement when he was asked about his future following his brace in Tottenham's final Premier League game of the season at Leicester City.

"I know what I'm doing, but it'll just cause chaos if I say anything. It will have to happen after the Euro," Bale said.

"I'm not thinking about anything else other than Wales."

After their fairytale run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, Wales will need Bale at his best to get anywhere near repeating that success.

"We'd love to replicate what we did at Euro 2016 but we are realistic. It's a different team, a different tournament," Bale said.

Page's side kick off against Switzerland in Baku on June 12, with games against Turkey and Italy rounding off their group schedule.

The bulk of Page's squad ply their trade in England's second tier, with 19-year-old midfielder Rubin Colwill a surprise inclusion after only making his Cardiff City debut in February.

"He blew us all away with how he was and how he conducted himself. He's a top professional already," Page said of Colwill.

Wales won just four of their eight qualifying fixtures, with two of those victories coming against Azerbaijan, as they finished second in qualifying Group E behind Croatia.

They scored only 10 goals in eight qualifying games, putting pressure on Bale to shine.

Finding a way for Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey to overcome his fitness issues will also be crucial.

"Ryan's key principles when he first took over are no different and whether he is here or not, the lads know exactly how we expect them to play," Page said.

Wales will go into Euro 2020 without their beleaguered boss Ryan Giggs, putting the spotlight on Gareth Bale's bid to silence critics who say he has lost his appetite for success.

Wales will go into Euro 2020 without their beleaguered boss Ryan Giggs, putting the spotlight on Gareth Bale's bid to silence critics who say he has lost his appetite for success. Giggs' absence following his arrest on charges of assaulting two women last year will cast a shadow over Wales during the Euro. The former Manchester United star faces a trial in 2022 after being accused of butting his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville and controlling her throughout their relationship. Giggs is also charged with the common assault of Greville's sister Emma in the same incident. The 47-year-old had taken charge of Wales in 2018 and made a positive impression as he led them to the European Championship, just their second major tournament appearance since the 1958 World Cup. But Giggs, who denies the charges, has been on leave since November last year, with caretaker boss Robert Page stepping into the breach. Page has won four of his six games since replacing Giggs, with Wales' only loss in that time coming against the world's top-ranked side, Belgium. If Wales are to thrive in Giggs' absence, the onus is on Bale to prove his erratic loan spell with Tottenham Hotspur this season was not further evidence that his love for the game is dwindling. Although he scored 16 goals, Bale was unable to make a consistent impact on his return to Tottenham despite the hope that escaping his miserable time at Real Madrid would reinvigorate the Wales captain. Hampered by fitness issues and a frosty relationship with Jose Mourinho before his sacking, Bale hardly disproved the theory he no longer has the drive required to dominate at the highest level. Having celebrated Wales' Euro qualification by waving a flag that read 'Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order', Bale has an opportunity to show that swipe at Real was more than hollow patriotism. - Bale burden - Despite the exit of his Real nemesis, coach Zinedine Zidane, Bale is reportedly considering negotiating a pay-off to avoid returning to Madrid. It was also suggested the four-time Champions League winner could quit football altogether and try his hand at professional golf, a claim rejected by his agent, Jonathan Barnett. Bale fuelled speculation over a potential bombshell announcement when he was asked about his future following his brace in Tottenham's final Premier League game of the season at Leicester City. "I know what I'm doing, but it'll just cause chaos if I say anything. It will have to happen after the Euro," Bale said. "I'm not thinking about anything else other than Wales." After their fairytale run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, Wales will need Bale at his best to get anywhere near repeating that success. "We'd love to replicate what we did at Euro 2016 but we are realistic. It's a different team, a different tournament," Bale said. Page's side kick off against Switzerland in Baku on June 12, with games against Turkey and Italy rounding off their group schedule. The bulk of Page's squad ply their trade in England's second tier, with 19-year-old midfielder Rubin Colwill a surprise inclusion after only making his Cardiff City debut in February. "He blew us all away with how he was and how he conducted himself. He's a top professional already," Page said of Colwill. Wales won just four of their eight qualifying fixtures, with two of those victories coming against Azerbaijan, as they finished second in qualifying Group E behind Croatia. They scored only 10 goals in eight qualifying games, putting pressure on Bale to shine. Finding a way for Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey to overcome his fitness issues will also be crucial. "Ryan's key principles when he first took over are no different and whether he is here or not, the lads know exactly how we expect them to play," Page said.

Football: Giggs' absence puts pressure on Bale to deliver for Wales at Euro 2020

Italy coach Roberto Mancini announced a provisional 28-man squad for Euro 2020 on Sunday as he prepares for their final pre-tournament friendly against the Czech Republic.

Paris Saint-Germain striker Moise Kean was the biggest name to be dropped by Mancini, who kept Kean's PSG teammate Marco Verratti and Inter Milan midfielder Stefano Sensi despite the pair being injured.

The latest squad is not final as it will need to be whittled down to 26 by midnight on Tuesday, a day before Mancini's players are set to meet to prepare for the match against the Czech Republic, which kicks off on June 4.

Compared to the 33-man squad Mancini selected ahead of Friday's 7-0 thumping of San Marino, Sunday's squad list also excluded Cagliari goalkeeper Alessio Cragno, Lazio defender Manuel Lazzari, Vincenzo Grifo, Cristiano Biraghi and Gian Marco Ferrari.

Veteran Juventus defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci were called up, as well as Jorginho and Emerson Palmieri who are fresh from Champions League victory with Chelsea.

Matteo Politano, Matteo Pessina and Atalanta defender Rafael Toloi also get the nod after good displays against San Marino.

The Azzurri are a team reborn under Mancini after their shock failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and are undefeated in 26 games.

Italy are in Group A at the Euro and will face Turkey in the tournament's opening match on June 11 in Rome. They will also play Switzerland on June 16 and Wales on June 20, also in the Italian capital.

<h2>Italy squad announced on Sunday:</h2>

Goalkeepers:&nbsp;Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan), Alex Meret (Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (Torino)

Defenders:&nbsp;Francesco Acerbi (Lazio), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Emerson Palmieri (Chelsea/ENG), Alessandro Florenzi (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), Leonardo Spinazzola (Roma), Rafael Toloi (Atalanta)

Midfielders:&nbsp;Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Jorginho (Chelsea/UK), Manuel Locatelli (Sassuolo), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Matteo Pessina (Atalanta), Stefano Sensi (Inter Milan), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA)

Forwards:&nbsp;Andrea Belotti (Torino), Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo), Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus), Federico Chiesa (Juventus), Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Matteo Politano (Napoli).

Italy coach Roberto Mancini announced a provisional 28-man squad for Euro 2020 on Sunday as he prepares for their final pre-tournament friendly against the Czech Republic.

Italy coach Roberto Mancini announced a provisional 28-man squad for Euro 2020 on Sunday as he prepares for their final pre-tournament friendly against the Czech Republic. Paris Saint-Germain striker Moise Kean was the biggest name to be dropped by Mancini, who kept Kean's PSG teammate Marco Verratti and Inter Milan midfielder Stefano Sensi despite the pair being injured. The latest squad is not final as it will need to be whittled down to 26 by midnight on Tuesday, a day before Mancini's players are set to meet to prepare for the match against the Czech Republic, which kicks off on June 4. Compared to the 33-man squad Mancini selected ahead of Friday's 7-0 thumping of San Marino, Sunday's squad list also excluded Cagliari goalkeeper Alessio Cragno, Lazio defender Manuel Lazzari, Vincenzo Grifo, Cristiano Biraghi and Gian Marco Ferrari. Veteran Juventus defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci were called up, as well as Jorginho and Emerson Palmieri who are fresh from Champions League victory with Chelsea. Matteo Politano, Matteo Pessina and Atalanta defender Rafael Toloi also get the nod after good displays against San Marino. The Azzurri are a team reborn under Mancini after their shock failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and are undefeated in 26 games. Italy are in Group A at the Euro and will face Turkey in the tournament's opening match on June 11 in Rome. They will also play Switzerland on June 16 and Wales on June 20, also in the Italian capital. Italy squad announced on Sunday: Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan), Alex Meret (Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (Torino) Defenders: Francesco Acerbi (Lazio), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Emerson Palmieri (Chelsea/ENG), Alessandro Florenzi (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), Leonardo Spinazzola (Roma), Rafael Toloi (Atalanta) Midfielders: Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Jorginho (Chelsea/UK), Manuel Locatelli (Sassuolo), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Matteo Pessina (Atalanta), Stefano Sensi (Inter Milan), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA) Forwards: Andrea Belotti (Torino), Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo), Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus), Federico Chiesa (Juventus), Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Matteo Politano (Napoli).

Football: Mancini names new 28-man Italy squad as Euros approach

France may need to change their usual slow-burn approach to tournaments at Euro 2020, but with the unexpected inclusion of Karim Benzema in the squad, the world champions have what it takes to go all the way.

Les Bleus traditionally stutter in their opening matches, but will have no such luxury at Euro 2020 where they start their campaign against Germany in Munich in Group F, which also features holders Portugal and Hungary.

Failure to win their first encounter would put huge pressure on the team and likely lead to a must-win last game against Portugal, who beat them in the Euro 2016 final in France.

"Playing against Germany in Munich, we know what to expect. We'll have to be at our very best from the start," said coach Didier Deschamps.

When they won the World Cup in 2018, France had to dig deep to beat Australia in their first game, and needed a last-gasp Dimitri Payet winner in another lacklustre performance to defeat Romania in the curtain-raiser for Euro 2016.

France have, however, acquired massive amounts of experience from their Euro 2016 and 2018 World Cup campaigns under Deschamps, himself a Euro 2000 and World Cup 1998 winner with Les Bleus in his playing days.

In a surprise move by Deschamps, France bolstered their attacking options by calling up Benzema for the first time since 2015. It will be the Real Madrid striker's first tournament with France since the 2014 World Cup.

A blackmail scandal - over which Benzema faces trial in October - and his 2016 comment that Deschamps had "bowed to the pressure of a racist part of France" when leaving the player, a Muslim of Algerian descent, out of the European Championship squad that year had put his international career into a deep freeze.

Yet Deschamps ended the player's exile by including him in a squad that will give nightmares to their opponents' defences.

Since Benzema last featured for France, Kylian Mbappe has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in recent years, Olivier Giroud has proved reliable despite a lack of playing time at his club Chelsea while Antoine Griezmann has developed into a key player in attack.

One of them, probably Giroud, will have to make way for Benzema, who scored 30 goals for Real Madrid in all competitions this season.

"I'm not going to complain that I have a lot of choices," said Deschamps, who also has the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Kingsley Coman, Marcus Thuram and Wissam Ben Yedder at his disposal.

"I have a lot of attacking players because I think that it's where we can make a difference. We'll have to find the right balance."

Deschamps is certainly hoping that firepower up front can compensate for the defence's potential weaknesses.

Raphael Varane had a tough season at Real Madrid while Presnel Kimpembe and Clement Lenglet's performances have not been convincing enough to make either one of them a certain starter in central defence.

They will, however, be shielded by a dominant midfield, which should feature the indefatigable N'Golo Kante and a wiser Paul Pogba, who are equipped to weather any storm that might come at them.

France may need to change their usual slow-burn approach to tournaments at Euro 2020, but with the unexpected inclusion of Karim Benzema in the squad, the world champions have what it takes to go all the way.

France may need to change their usual slow-burn approach to tournaments at Euro 2020, but with the unexpected inclusion of Karim Benzema in the squad, the world champions have what it takes to go all the way. Les Bleus traditionally stutter in their opening matches, but will have no such luxury at Euro 2020 where they start their campaign against Germany in Munich in Group F, which also features holders Portugal and Hungary. Failure to win their first encounter would put huge pressure on the team and likely lead to a must-win last game against Portugal, who beat them in the Euro 2016 final in France. "Playing against Germany in Munich, we know what to expect. We'll have to be at our very best from the start," said coach Didier Deschamps. When they won the World Cup in 2018, France had to dig deep to beat Australia in their first game, and needed a last-gasp Dimitri Payet winner in another lacklustre performance to defeat Romania in the curtain-raiser for Euro 2016. France have, however, acquired massive amounts of experience from their Euro 2016 and 2018 World Cup campaigns under Deschamps, himself a Euro 2000 and World Cup 1998 winner with Les Bleus in his playing days. In a surprise move by Deschamps, France bolstered their attacking options by calling up Benzema for the first time since 2015. It will be the Real Madrid striker's first tournament with France since the 2014 World Cup. A blackmail scandal - over which Benzema faces trial in October - and his 2016 comment that Deschamps had "bowed to the pressure of a racist part of France" when leaving the player, a Muslim of Algerian descent, out of the European Championship squad that year had put his international career into a deep freeze. Yet Deschamps ended the player's exile by including him in a squad that will give nightmares to their opponents' defences. Since Benzema last featured for France, Kylian Mbappe has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in recent years, Olivier Giroud has proved reliable despite a lack of playing time at his club Chelsea while Antoine Griezmann has developed into a key player in attack. One of them, probably Giroud, will have to make way for Benzema, who scored 30 goals for Real Madrid in all competitions this season. "I'm not going to complain that I have a lot of choices," said Deschamps, who also has the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Kingsley Coman, Marcus Thuram and Wissam Ben Yedder at his disposal. "I have a lot of attacking players because I think that it's where we can make a difference. We'll have to find the right balance." Deschamps is certainly hoping that firepower up front can compensate for the defence's potential weaknesses. Raphael Varane had a tough season at Real Madrid while Presnel Kimpembe and Clement Lenglet's performances have not been convincing enough to make either one of them a certain starter in central defence. They will, however, be shielded by a dominant midfield, which should feature the indefatigable N'Golo Kante and a wiser Paul Pogba, who are equipped to weather any storm that might come at them.

Football: Slow-burn approach not an option for France, but Benzema adds fire up front

Turkey beat Azerbaijan 2-1 with goals from Halil Dervisoglu and Kaan Ayhan in an international friendly on Thursday as they built on their preparations for the Euro 2020 tournament.

Midfielder Emin Mahmudov gave the visitors a surprise lead in the 28th minute, running into the penalty area onto a cross from the right wing and firing a shot into the left corner beyond goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

Playing in Alanya on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, Turkey pulled level from a free kick six minutes later thanks to a glancing header from striker Dervisoglu.

Ayhan put the home side ahead from a corner in the 44th minute, tapping the ball in from close range as the ball saved by the Azeri goalkeeper Emil Balayev fell into his path.

Turkey face Italy, Wales and Switzerland in Group A at the June 11-July 11 Euros, led by captain Burak Yilmaz who played a key role in Lille winning their first Ligue 1 title in 10 years this season.

Turkey coach Senol Gunes is looking to repeat the success of his 2002 World Cup campaign, when he led the team to an unexpected third-place finish.

Turkey beat Azerbaijan 2-1 with goals from Halil Dervisoglu and Kaan Ayhan in an international friendly on Thursday as they built on their preparations for the Euro 2020 tournament.

Turkey beat Azerbaijan 2-1 with goals from Halil Dervisoglu and Kaan Ayhan in an international friendly on Thursday as they built on their preparations for the Euro 2020 tournament. Midfielder Emin Mahmudov gave the visitors a surprise lead in the 28th minute, running into the penalty area onto a cross from the right wing and firing a shot into the left corner beyond goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. Playing in Alanya on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, Turkey pulled level from a free kick six minutes later thanks to a glancing header from striker Dervisoglu. Ayhan put the home side ahead from a corner in the 44th minute, tapping the ball in from close range as the ball saved by the Azeri goalkeeper Emil Balayev fell into his path. Turkey face Italy, Wales and Switzerland in Group A at the June 11-July 11 Euros, led by captain Burak Yilmaz who played a key role in Lille winning their first Ligue 1 title in 10 years this season. Turkey coach Senol Gunes is looking to repeat the success of his 2002 World Cup campaign, when he led the team to an unexpected third-place finish.

Football: Turkey beat Azerbaijan 2-1 in buildup to Euro 2020

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema said he's targeting a trophy with France after he was recalled to their provisional Euro 2020 squad following a controversial, six-year international exile.

The prolific star, sidelined by Les Bleus since 2015 over his alleged role in a blackmail plot, missed out on France's 2018 World Cup win and their run to the Euro 2016 final on home soil.

Benzema, 33, told L'Equipe he was "proud" of his call-up, which followed talks with France coach Didier Deschamps earlier this month.

"I want to win a trophy with the French team," he said, adding that he hoped to "bring a little bit extra" to the World Cup-winners.

Benzema, who has 27 goals in 81 international appearances, was last week named as this season's best French foreign-based player by the country's players' association.

He top-scored for Real Madrid with 29 goals this term, passing 20 league goals in all three seasons since Cristiano Ronaldo left for Juventus in 2018.

Benzema has repeatedly criticised Deschamps and the French Football Federation for being dropped, citing racism as a factor in his axing from the Euro 2016 squad.

But he said those differences were in the past after his conversation with the coach.

"We said many things. Things that we needed to say for a long time. It was a good explanation, with important words," Benzema said.

He added: "I'm not coming to the French team to overshadow anyone or to take anyone's place. ... I am here to bring what I know."

France kick off their Euro 2020 campaign against three-time winners Germany in Munich on June 15, and also face Hungary and holders Portugal in Group F.

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema said he's targeting a trophy with France after he was recalled to their provisional Euro 2020 squad following a controversial, six-year international exile.

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema said he's targeting a trophy with France after he was recalled to their provisional Euro 2020 squad following a controversial, six-year international exile. The prolific star, sidelined by Les Bleus since 2015 over his alleged role in a blackmail plot, missed out on France's 2018 World Cup win and their run to the Euro 2016 final on home soil. Benzema, 33, told L'Equipe he was "proud" of his call-up, which followed talks with France coach Didier Deschamps earlier this month. "I want to win a trophy with the French team," he said, adding that he hoped to "bring a little bit extra" to the World Cup-winners. Benzema, who has 27 goals in 81 international appearances, was last week named as this season's best French foreign-based player by the country's players' association. He top-scored for Real Madrid with 29 goals this term, passing 20 league goals in all three seasons since Cristiano Ronaldo left for Juventus in 2018. Benzema has repeatedly criticised Deschamps and the French Football Federation for being dropped, citing racism as a factor in his axing from the Euro 2016 squad. But he said those differences were in the past after his conversation with the coach. "We said many things. Things that we needed to say for a long time. It was a good explanation, with important words," Benzema said. He added: "I'm not coming to the French team to overshadow anyone or to take anyone's place. ... I am here to bring what I know." France kick off their Euro 2020 campaign against three-time winners Germany in Munich on June 15, and also face Hungary and holders Portugal in Group F.

Football: 'I want a trophy' - Benzema eyes silverware after long France exile

Gareth Southgate on Tuesday announced a provisional 33-member squad for Euro 2020 as the England manager&nbsp;bought time to finalise the 26-man squad for the finals which start on June 11.<o:p></o:p>

Uncapped defenders Ben Godfrey and Ben White were named in the provisional England squad while the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Eric Dier and Danny Ings missed out on a call-up.<o:p></o:p>

The England boss will hope to avoid further injuries, with 12 of the squad members involved in the European finals this week. While Manchester United take on Villarreal in the final of the Europa League, Manchester City and Chelsea lock horns in an all-English Champions League final on Saturday.<o:p></o:p>

Harry Maguire, Jordan Henderson found their place in the squad along with Kalvin Phillips and Trent Alexander-Arnold following speculations that the Liverpool right-back might miss out on the final squad despite return to form in the final weeks of the season.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-cristiano-ronaldo-says-achieved-his-goal-at-juventus-387256" hreflang="en">Football: Cristiano Ronaldo says achieved his goal at Juventus</a>

<o:p></o:p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ahead of naming his final <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2020</a> squad next week, Gareth Southgate has selected 33 players to join up with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThreeLions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThreeLions</a> from this weekend as our preparations for this summer's tournament get under way.
— England (@England) <a href="https://twitter.com/England/status/1397160519316897793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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England face Austria on June 2 and Romania four days later in pre-tournament friendlies at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium.<o:p></o:p>

The Three Lions begin their Euro 2020 campaign against Croatia on June 13 before facing Scotland and the Czech Republic in Group D.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-hansi-flick-named-new-germany-head-coach-to-succeed-joachim-loew-after-euro-2020-387259" hreflang="en">Football: Hansi Flick named new Germany head coach, to succeed Joachim Loew after Euro 2020</a><o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Provisional England squad for Euro 2020:<o:p></o:p></h2>

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Manchester United), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Aaron Ramsdale (Sheffield United)<o:p></o:p>

Defenders: Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Ben Chilwell, Reece James (Chelsea), John Stones, Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Conor Coady (Wolves) Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Ben Godfrey (Everton), Ben White (Brighton)<o:p></o:p>

Midfielders: Declan Rice, Jesse Lingard (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund/GER), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)<o:p></o:p>

Forwards: Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood (Manchester United), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

Gareth Southgate on Tuesday announced a provisional 33-member squad for Euro 2020 as the England manager bought time to finalise the 26-man squad for the finals which start on June 11.

Gareth Southgate on Tuesday announced a provisional 33-member squad for Euro 2020 as the England manager bought time to finalise the 26-man squad for the finals which start on June 11. Uncapped defenders Ben Godfrey and Ben White were named in the provisional England squad while the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Eric Dier and Danny Ings missed out on a call-up. The England boss will hope to avoid further injuries, with 12 of the squad members involved in the European finals this week. While Manchester United take on Villarreal in the final of the Europa League, Manchester City and Chelsea lock horns in an all-English Champions League final on Saturday. Harry Maguire, Jordan Henderson found their place in the squad along with Kalvin Phillips and Trent Alexander-Arnold following speculations that the Liverpool right-back might miss out on the final squad despite return to form in the final weeks of the season. ALSO READ: Football: Cristiano Ronaldo says achieved his goal at Juventus Ahead of naming his final #EURO2020 squad next week, Gareth Southgate has selected 33 players to join up with the #ThreeLions from this weekend as our preparations for this summer's tournament get under way. — England (@England) May 25, 2021 × England face Austria on June 2 and Romania four days later in pre-tournament friendlies at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium. The Three Lions begin their Euro 2020 campaign against Croatia on June 13 before facing Scotland and the Czech Republic in Group D. ALSO READ: Football: Hansi Flick named new Germany head coach, to succeed Joachim Loew after Euro 2020 Provisional England squad for Euro 2020: Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Manchester United), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Aaron Ramsdale (Sheffield United) Defenders: Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Ben Chilwell, Reece James (Chelsea), John Stones, Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Conor Coady (Wolves) Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Ben Godfrey (Everton), Ben White (Brighton) Midfielders: Declan Rice, Jesse Lingard (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund/GER), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton) Forwards: Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood (Manchester United), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

Football: Trent Alexander-Arnold included as England announced provisional squad for Euro 2020

Outgoing Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick will succeed his former boss Joachim Loew in the Germany squad after the Euro 2020, the German FA (DFB) announced on Tuesday.<o:p></o:p>

Flick expressed his delight in penning the contract as he said he is “very happy” to become the head coach of the Germany football team. Flick was an assistant to current head coach Loew at Euro 2008 and 2012 while also being a part of the Germany camp that won the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil. The outgoing Bayern Munich manager has signed a three-year deal through to 2024.<o:p></o:p>

"It's all gone surprisingly quickly, but I am very happy to be Germany coach from the autumn," said Flick, 56, after signing a three-year contract to succeed Loew, who will leave the job after 15 years in charge later this year.<o:p></o:p>

The 56-year-old guided Bayern Munich to six major titles during his tenure at the Allianz Arena. Notably, Loew will be stepping down from the national team post after the conclusion of Euro 2020 – bringing an end to his 15-year-stay with the Die Mannschaft.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-pep-guardiola-wins-lma-manager-of-the-year-387233" hreflang="en">Football: Pep Guardiola wins LMA Manager of the Year</a><o:p></o:p>

"I'm really looking forward to it because I can see the great quality of the players, especially the young players in Germany. That's is why we have every reason to approach the upcoming tournaments with optimism, for example, the European Championship at home in 2024.<o:p></o:p>

"In addition, I know from experience of working with [DFB National Teams and Academy director] Oliver Bierhoff that I have a strong, trustworthy partner by my side and who will behind the scenes so that the team, we trainers and staff can get started without a long start-up time,” Flick added.<o:p></o:p>

Flick went on to pass on his best wishes to Loew and his team for the European championship, set to commence in June as he said that the German boss deserved a big end to his career as national coach.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-i-want-a-trophy-benzema-eyes-silverware-after-long-france-exile-387224" hreflang="en">Football: 'I want a trophy' - Benzema eyes silverware after long France exile</a><o:p></o:p>

"I am also looking forward to contributing my ideas and ideas beyond the national team to the academy and the other national teams. <o:p></o:p>

"The important thing now is not what will happen in September - I will contact you in detail in August - but the upcoming European Championship, for which I wish Jogi Löw, Marcus Sorg, Andy Köpke and the team the greatest possible success. <o:p></o:p>

"Jogi Löw has more than deserved a big end to his career as national coach."<o:p></o:p>

Outgoing Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick will succeed his former boss Joachim Loew in the Germany squad after the Euro 2020, the German FA (DFB) announced on Tuesday.

Outgoing Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick will succeed his former boss Joachim Loew in the Germany squad after the Euro 2020, the German FA (DFB) announced on Tuesday. Flick expressed his delight in penning the contract as he said he is “very happy” to become the head coach of the Germany football team. Flick was an assistant to current head coach Loew at Euro 2008 and 2012 while also being a part of the Germany camp that won the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil. The outgoing Bayern Munich manager has signed a three-year deal through to 2024. "It's all gone surprisingly quickly, but I am very happy to be Germany coach from the autumn," said Flick, 56, after signing a three-year contract to succeed Loew, who will leave the job after 15 years in charge later this year. The 56-year-old guided Bayern Munich to six major titles during his tenure at the Allianz Arena. Notably, Loew will be stepping down from the national team post after the conclusion of Euro 2020 – bringing an end to his 15-year-stay with the Die Mannschaft. ALSO READ: Football: Pep Guardiola wins LMA Manager of the Year "I'm really looking forward to it because I can see the great quality of the players, especially the young players in Germany. That's is why we have every reason to approach the upcoming tournaments with optimism, for example, the European Championship at home in 2024. "In addition, I know from experience of working with [DFB National Teams and Academy director] Oliver Bierhoff that I have a strong, trustworthy partner by my side and who will behind the scenes so that the team, we trainers and staff can get started without a long start-up time,” Flick added. Flick went on to pass on his best wishes to Loew and his team for the European championship, set to commence in June as he said that the German boss deserved a big end to his career as national coach. ALSO READ: Football: 'I want a trophy' - Benzema eyes silverware after long France exile "I am also looking forward to contributing my ideas and ideas beyond the national team to the academy and the other national teams. "The important thing now is not what will happen in September - I will contact you in detail in August - but the upcoming European Championship, for which I wish Jogi Löw, Marcus Sorg, Andy Köpke and the team the greatest possible success. "Jogi Löw has more than deserved a big end to his career as national coach."

Football: Hansi Flick named new Germany head coach, to succeed Joachim Loew after Euro 2020

Head coach of Spain national football team, Luis Enrique on Monday confirmed the 24-member squad for the upcoming Euro 2020 as he left Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos out of the team.

Ramos, who has won many accolades with Spain including World Cup and Euro, will miss out on the tournament after playing 180 matches for La Roja.

The iconic defender has played every major international tournament for Spain starting from Euro 2004 but the streak comes to an end after his omission from the Spain squad for Euro 2020.

Spain will play in Group E and will play Slovakia, Sweden and Poland at Seville's La Cartuja Olympic stadium with a limited number of spectators allowed to attend the games.

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Meanwhile, Aymeric Laporte gets his first call-up for Spain since switching allegiance from France. Recently, Laporte got his Spain nationality as he completes his switch from France.

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets was named in the squad and is likely to lead the team in the absence of Ramos. Surprisingly, Iago Aspas misses out despite having a brilliant season in LaLiga.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-andrea-pirlo-explains-cristiano-ronaldo-omission-against-bologna-387029" hreflang="en">Football: Andrea Pirlo explains Cristiano Ronaldo omission against Bologna</a>

<h2>Spain Euro 2020 squad:</h2>

Goalkeepers: Unai Simón, De Gea, Robert Sánchez

Defenders: Gayà, Jordi Alba, Pau Torres, Laporte, Eric García, Diego Llorente, Azpilicueta, Marcos Llorente.

Midfielders: Busquets, Rodri, Pedri, Thiago, Koke, Fabián.

Forwards: Dani Olmo, Oyarzabal, Morata, Gerard Moreno, Ferran Torres, Adama Traore, Pablo Sarabia.

&nbsp;

Head coach of Spain national football team, Luis Enrique on Monday confirmed the 24-member squad for the upcoming Euro 2020 as he left Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos out of the team.

Head coach of Spain national football team, Luis Enrique on Monday confirmed the 24-member squad for the upcoming Euro 2020 as he left Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos out of the team. Ramos, who has won many accolades with Spain including World Cup and Euro, will miss out on the tournament after playing 180 matches for La Roja. The iconic defender has played every major international tournament for Spain starting from Euro 2004 but the streak comes to an end after his omission from the Spain squad for Euro 2020. Spain will play in Group E and will play Slovakia, Sweden and Poland at Seville's La Cartuja Olympic stadium with a limited number of spectators allowed to attend the games. ALSO READ: Football: Sergio Aguero close to Barcelona move, reveals Pep Guardiola Meanwhile, Aymeric Laporte gets his first call-up for Spain since switching allegiance from France. Recently, Laporte got his Spain nationality as he completes his switch from France. Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets was named in the squad and is likely to lead the team in the absence of Ramos. Surprisingly, Iago Aspas misses out despite having a brilliant season in LaLiga. ALSO READ: Football: Andrea Pirlo explains Cristiano Ronaldo omission against Bologna Spain Euro 2020 squad: Goalkeepers: Unai Simón, De Gea, Robert Sánchez Defenders: Gayà, Jordi Alba, Pau Torres, Laporte, Eric García, Diego Llorente, Azpilicueta, Marcos Llorente. Midfielders: Busquets, Rodri, Pedri, Thiago, Koke, Fabián. Forwards: Dani Olmo, Oyarzabal, Morata, Gerard Moreno, Ferran Torres, Adama Traore, Pablo Sarabia.

Football: Sergio Ramos left out as Spain announce squad for Euro 2020

Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic is confident he will have a fully fit squad to choose from when he settles on his final 26-man list for the European Championship on June 1.

Only Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Djibril Sow was struggling with a slight injury ahead of the start of the team’s preparations in Bad Ragaz next Wednesday.

“It isn’t a major problem,” said the coach at a news conference on Friday.

Key midfielder Granit Xhaka missed two games for Arsenal with a groin strain this month but returned as a substitute in Wednesday’s 3-1 win at Crystal Palace in a boost for the Swiss.

“He's in a good condition. The two-week break was good for him, even if you can never be happy about an injury. But Granit will come to us fully fit,” Petkovic said.

Petkovic named 29 players in a preliminary squad on Wednesday and intends to wait until the day of the deadline to submit his final selection when he will have to cut three players.

He called up three uncapped players among the 29 -- Gregor Kobel (Stuttgart), Dan Ndoye (Nice), and Andi Zeqiri (Brighton) -- and said they all had a chance to win a place in the final selection.

“These young players can get coaches in trouble - if they do their job well. I want to give new players the opportunity to gain experience," said Petkovic.

Before the last European Championship in France five years ago, he also chose a handful of youngsters to train with the squad in the build-up and was so impressed with the attitude of the then-teenage Nico Elvedi and Denis Zakaria, that he included them in the final squad list.

“It is important that everyone is ready for the first game and gives 120 percent. Then we just want to stay in the tournament as long as possible,” the coach added, admitting that missing out on the last 16 would be a disappointment.

Switzerland faces Group A games against Wales, Italy, and Turkey.

“We want to try to dominate and win - regardless of the opponent,” Petkovic said.

Their first game is against Wales in Baku on June 12.

Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic is confident he will have a fully fit squad to choose from when he settles on his final 26-man list for the European Championship on June 1.

Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic is confident he will have a fully fit squad to choose from when he settles on his final 26-man list for the European Championship on June 1. Only Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Djibril Sow was struggling with a slight injury ahead of the start of the team’s preparations in Bad Ragaz next Wednesday. “It isn’t a major problem,” said the coach at a news conference on Friday. Key midfielder Granit Xhaka missed two games for Arsenal with a groin strain this month but returned as a substitute in Wednesday’s 3-1 win at Crystal Palace in a boost for the Swiss. “He's in a good condition. The two-week break was good for him, even if you can never be happy about an injury. But Granit will come to us fully fit,” Petkovic said. Petkovic named 29 players in a preliminary squad on Wednesday and intends to wait until the day of the deadline to submit his final selection when he will have to cut three players. He called up three uncapped players among the 29 -- Gregor Kobel (Stuttgart), Dan Ndoye (Nice), and Andi Zeqiri (Brighton) -- and said they all had a chance to win a place in the final selection. “These young players can get coaches in trouble - if they do their job well. I want to give new players the opportunity to gain experience," said Petkovic. Before the last European Championship in France five years ago, he also chose a handful of youngsters to train with the squad in the build-up and was so impressed with the attitude of the then-teenage Nico Elvedi and Denis Zakaria, that he included them in the final squad list. “It is important that everyone is ready for the first game and gives 120 percent. Then we just want to stay in the tournament as long as possible,” the coach added, admitting that missing out on the last 16 would be a disappointment. Switzerland faces Group A games against Wales, Italy, and Turkey. “We want to try to dominate and win - regardless of the opponent,” Petkovic said. Their first game is against Wales in Baku on June 12.

Football: Switzerland confident of fully fit squad for Euro 2020

Russia will allow foreign ticket holders for Euro 2020 matches in St. Petersburg to enter the country without a visa to attend the tournament, the local organizing committee said on Thursday (May 20).

Russia has limited foreigners' entry into the country because of the COVID-19 pandemic, only allowing citizens of countries with which it has resumed international flights to cross its borders.

"In the current difficult conditions, the movement of people has been severely reduced, and we were met with understanding by the federal authorities and were able to open the border to those who are coming to St. Petersburg for a soccer holiday this summer," local organizing committee CEO Alexei Sorokin said in a statement.

Sorokin added that tournament officials and participants would still need to comply with safety regulations and test negative for COVID-19.

St Petersburg residents interviewed by Reuters on Thursday were divided on the decision. One of them said that it could be good as long as fans are following the coronavirus safety rules, and the other said that during the global pandemic it could be better for supporters to watch games online.

The organizing committee also said that visa procedures for foreign officials from European soccer body UEFA, volunteers, media representatives and other tournament participants would be simplified.

St. Petersburg, which has confirmed it will fill its stadium to 50% of capacity for the European championship, is set to host seven matches, including a quarter-final. The 24-nation tournament kicks off next month after it was postponed by a year because of the pandemic.

Russia will allow foreign ticket holders for Euro 2020 matches in St. Petersburg to enter the country without a visa to attend the tournament, the local organizing committee said on Thursday (May 20).

Russia will allow foreign ticket holders for Euro 2020 matches in St. Petersburg to enter the country without a visa to attend the tournament, the local organizing committee said on Thursday (May 20). Russia has limited foreigners' entry into the country because of the COVID-19 pandemic, only allowing citizens of countries with which it has resumed international flights to cross its borders. "In the current difficult conditions, the movement of people has been severely reduced, and we were met with understanding by the federal authorities and were able to open the border to those who are coming to St. Petersburg for a soccer holiday this summer," local organizing committee CEO Alexei Sorokin said in a statement. Sorokin added that tournament officials and participants would still need to comply with safety regulations and test negative for COVID-19. St Petersburg residents interviewed by Reuters on Thursday were divided on the decision. One of them said that it could be good as long as fans are following the coronavirus safety rules, and the other said that during the global pandemic it could be better for supporters to watch games online. The organizing committee also said that visa procedures for foreign officials from European soccer body UEFA, volunteers, media representatives and other tournament participants would be simplified. St. Petersburg, which has confirmed it will fill its stadium to 50% of capacity for the European championship, is set to host seven matches, including a quarter-final. The 24-nation tournament kicks off next month after it was postponed by a year because of the pandemic.

Football: Russia to allow foreign fans to attend Euro 2020 in St. Petersburg

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic named a 26-man squad for Euro 2020 on Monday, comprising players who won silver at the 2018 World Cup and their younger peers and led by veteran Luka Modric.

"Our latest results were not the best, but I'm an optimist. Our first goal is to get out of the group," Dalic told reporters.

Croatia have been drawn in Group D, and will play England in London on June 13.

Dalic described that opening match as the toughest in the group stage as England "have good quality and we play at Wembley".

Croatia then travel to Glasgow where they will face the Czech Republic on June 18 and Scotland four days later.

"We have difficult opponents, but I believe in us. We are at our best when the going gets tough," Dalic said.

Captain Modric, 35, is among several players who took part in Croatia's wonderful run at the World Cup in Russia in 2018 where they beat England in the semi-final before losing 4-2 to France in the final.

That group of experienced players &nbsp;includes defenders Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren and Sime Vrsaljko, midfielders Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic and Milan Badelj as well as attackers Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric and Ante Rebic.

While expectations from the team at home are high, Dalic is cautious.

"The bar is set too high, our ambitions are not realistic," he said in an interview with Sportske Novosti daily Monday.

"We are still among the 10 strongest (teams) in Europe, but there are many candidates for the throne who are ahead of us."

Young players like midfielder Nikola Vlasic, forward Josip Brekalo and goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic bring a new energy, but they need time to reach their maximum, he said.

Dalic's squad includes also uncapped 19-year-old Dinamo Zagreb defender Josko Gvardiol.

The squad includes a stand-by list of eight players. It must be officially declared to UEFA by June 1 at the latest.

<h2>Croatia squad</h2>

Goalkeepers (3): Lovre Kalinic (Hajduk Split), Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Simon Sluga (Luton Town/ENG)

Defenders (9): Domagoj Vida (Besiktas/TUR), Dejan Lovren (Zenit Saint Petersburg/RUS), Sime Vrsaljko (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Borna Barisic (Rangers/SCO), Duje Caleta-Car (Marseille/FRA), Josip Juranovic (Legia Warsaw/POL), Domagoj Bradaric (Lille/FRA), Mile Skoric (Osijek), Josko Gvardiol (Dinamo Zagreb)

Midfielders (7): Luka Modric (Real Madrid/ESP), Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea/ENG), Marcelo Brozovic (Inter Milan/ITA), Milan Badelj (Genoa/ITA), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta/ITA), Nikola Vlasic (CSKA Moscow/RUS), Luka Ivanusec (Dinamo Zagreb)

Forwards (7): Ivan Perisic (Inter Milan/ITA), Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim/GER), Ante Rebic (Milan/ITA), Josip Brekalo (Wolfsburg/GER), Bruno Petkovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Mislav Orsic (Dinamo Zagreb), Ante Budimir (Osasuna/ESP)

Stand-by list (8): Filip Uremovic (Rubin Kazan/RUS), Marko Livaja (Hajduk Split), Toma Basic (Bordeaux/FRA), Marin Pongracic (Wolfsburg/GER), Kristijan Lovric (HNK Gorica), Lovro Majer (Dinamo Zagreb), Ivica Ivusic (Osijek), Nikola Moro (Dynamo Moscow/RUS)

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic named a 26-man squad for Euro 2020 on Monday, comprising players who won silver at the 2018 World Cup and their younger peers and led by veteran Luka Modric.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic named a 26-man squad for Euro 2020 on Monday, comprising players who won silver at the 2018 World Cup and their younger peers and led by veteran Luka Modric. "Our latest results were not the best, but I'm an optimist. Our first goal is to get out of the group," Dalic told reporters. Croatia have been drawn in Group D, and will play England in London on June 13. Dalic described that opening match as the toughest in the group stage as England "have good quality and we play at Wembley". Croatia then travel to Glasgow where they will face the Czech Republic on June 18 and Scotland four days later. "We have difficult opponents, but I believe in us. We are at our best when the going gets tough," Dalic said. Captain Modric, 35, is among several players who took part in Croatia's wonderful run at the World Cup in Russia in 2018 where they beat England in the semi-final before losing 4-2 to France in the final. That group of experienced players includes defenders Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren and Sime Vrsaljko, midfielders Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic and Milan Badelj as well as attackers Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric and Ante Rebic. While expectations from the team at home are high, Dalic is cautious. "The bar is set too high, our ambitions are not realistic," he said in an interview with Sportske Novosti daily Monday. "We are still among the 10 strongest (teams) in Europe, but there are many candidates for the throne who are ahead of us." Young players like midfielder Nikola Vlasic, forward Josip Brekalo and goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic bring a new energy, but they need time to reach their maximum, he said. Dalic's squad includes also uncapped 19-year-old Dinamo Zagreb defender Josko Gvardiol. The squad includes a stand-by list of eight players. It must be officially declared to UEFA by June 1 at the latest. Croatia squad Goalkeepers (3): Lovre Kalinic (Hajduk Split), Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Simon Sluga (Luton Town/ENG) Defenders (9): Domagoj Vida (Besiktas/TUR), Dejan Lovren (Zenit Saint Petersburg/RUS), Sime Vrsaljko (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Borna Barisic (Rangers/SCO), Duje Caleta-Car (Marseille/FRA), Josip Juranovic (Legia Warsaw/POL), Domagoj Bradaric (Lille/FRA), Mile Skoric (Osijek), Josko Gvardiol (Dinamo Zagreb) Midfielders (7): Luka Modric (Real Madrid/ESP), Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea/ENG), Marcelo Brozovic (Inter Milan/ITA), Milan Badelj (Genoa/ITA), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta/ITA), Nikola Vlasic (CSKA Moscow/RUS), Luka Ivanusec (Dinamo Zagreb) Forwards (7): Ivan Perisic (Inter Milan/ITA), Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim/GER), Ante Rebic (Milan/ITA), Josip Brekalo (Wolfsburg/GER), Bruno Petkovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Mislav Orsic (Dinamo Zagreb), Ante Budimir (Osasuna/ESP) Stand-by list (8): Filip Uremovic (Rubin Kazan/RUS), Marko Livaja (Hajduk Split), Toma Basic (Bordeaux/FRA), Marin Pongracic (Wolfsburg/GER), Kristijan Lovric (HNK Gorica), Lovro Majer (Dinamo Zagreb), Ivica Ivusic (Osijek), Nikola Moro (Dynamo Moscow/RUS)

Football: Veteran Luka Modric to lead Croatia at Euro 2020

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema looked poised to be included in France's squad for next month's European Championship in a surprise move by coach Didier Deschamps on Tuesday.

Benzema, who has scored 29 goals in all competitions for Real this season, has not played for Les Bleus since 2015 following a blackmailing scandal - over which he faces a trial in October.

He also said in 2016 that Deschamps had "bowed to the pressure of a racist part of France" when leaving the player out of the Euros squad that year.

French newspaper Le Parisien reported on Tuesday that the 33-year-old, who scored 27 goals from 81 caps, would feature in Deschamps's 26-man squad.

Deschamps will unveil his list of players later on Tuesday, around 1820GMT.

Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Kingsley Coman, Olivier Giroud, Ousmane Dembele, Wissam Ben Yedder, and Anthony Martial should feature, with Benzema now being "considered" to be added, according to a report in Tuesday's L'Equipe sports daily.

While Deschamps has not picked him since October 2015 and said he would "never forget" Benzema's comments, he has never stated that he would not call him up again.

Benzema was named best French player in a foreign league by the French professional&nbsp;footballers' union on Sunday.

The European Championship, which was delayed by a year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, will start on June 11.

France are in Group F with Germany, Hungary, and Portugal.

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema looked poised to be included in France's squad for next month's European Championship in a surprise move by coach Didier Deschamps on Tuesday.

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema looked poised to be included in France's squad for next month's European Championship in a surprise move by coach Didier Deschamps on Tuesday. Benzema, who has scored 29 goals in all competitions for Real this season, has not played for Les Bleus since 2015 following a blackmailing scandal - over which he faces a trial in October. He also said in 2016 that Deschamps had "bowed to the pressure of a racist part of France" when leaving the player out of the Euros squad that year. French newspaper Le Parisien reported on Tuesday that the 33-year-old, who scored 27 goals from 81 caps, would feature in Deschamps's 26-man squad. Deschamps will unveil his list of players later on Tuesday, around 1820GMT. Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Kingsley Coman, Olivier Giroud, Ousmane Dembele, Wissam Ben Yedder, and Anthony Martial should feature, with Benzema now being "considered" to be added, according to a report in Tuesday's L'Equipe sports daily. While Deschamps has not picked him since October 2015 and said he would "never forget" Benzema's comments, he has never stated that he would not call him up again. Benzema was named best French player in a foreign league by the French professional footballers' union on Sunday. The European Championship, which was delayed by a year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, will start on June 11. France are in Group F with Germany, Hungary, and Portugal.

Football: Karim Benzema set to feature in France Euro 2020 squad - Reports

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez on Monday named a 26-member squad for the Euro 2020 as he included Axel Witsel but omitted Marouane Fellaini.<o:p></o:p>

Notably, Witness underwent surgery on his Achilles tendon in January and has resumed running just a few days ago. While he is expected to be fully fit by the time Euro 2020 starts, his availability for the June 11-July 11 tournament is still in doubt. <o:p></o:p>

"With a squad extended to 26 (instead of 23), I can take this risk (on Witsel), he's a unique player," said Martinez.<o:p></o:p>

Whereas Fellaini has not been called up from international retirement after last playing for Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2018, following which he left for China.

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The squad includes a list of 11 stand-by players, must be officially declared to UEFA by June 1.<o:p></o:p>

Belgium have been drawn in Pool B and will lock horns with Russia on June 12, Denmark five days later and Finland on June 21.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wont-mind-pulling-off-an-alisson-becker-if-required-gurpreet-singh-sandhu-385597" hreflang="en">Won't mind pulling off an Alisson Becker if required: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu</a><o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Belgium squad<o:p></o:p></h2>

Goalkeepers (3): Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid/ESP), Simon Mignolet (FC Bruges), Matz Sels (Strasbourg/FRA)<o:p></o:p>

Defenders (5): Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham/ENG), Dedrick Boyata (Hertha Berlin/GER), Jason Denayer (Lyon/FRA), Jan Vertonghen (Benfica/POR), Thomas Vermaelen (Vissel Kobe/JPN)<o:p></o:p>

Midfielders (11): Timothy Catagne (Leicester/ENG), Yannick Carrasco (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Nacer Chadli (İstanbul Basaksehir/TUR), Leander Dendoncker (Wolverhampton/ENG), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City/ENG), Thorghan Hazard (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Thomas Meunier (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Dennis Praet (Leicester/ENG), Youri Tielemans (Leicester/ENG), Hans Vanaken (FC Bruges), Axel Witsel (Borussia Dortmund/GER)<o:p></o:p>

Forwards (7): Mitchy Batshuayi (Crystal Palace/ENG), Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace/ENG), Jeremy Doku (Rennes/FRA), Eden Hazard (Real Madrid/ESP), Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan/ITA), Dries Mertens (Napoli/ITA), Leandro Trossard (Brighton/ENG)<o:p></o:p>

Stand-by list (11): Thomas Kaminski (Blackburn/ENG), Alexis Saelemaekers (Milan AC/ITA), Albert Sambi Lokonga (Anderlecht), Bryan Heynen (RC Genk), Thomas Foket (Reims/FRA), Adnan Januzaj Real Sociedad/ESP), Brandon Mechele (FC Bruges), Jordan Lukaku (Antwerp), Zinho Vanheusden (Standard Liege), Yari Verschaeren (Anderlecht), Charles De Ketelaere (FC Bruges)<o:p></o:p>

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez on Monday named a 26-member squad for the Euro 2020 as he included Axel Witsel but omitted Marouane Fellaini. Notably, Witness underwent surgery on his Achilles tendon in January and has resumed running just a few days ago.

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez on Monday named a 26-member squad for the Euro 2020 as he included Axel Witsel but omitted Marouane Fellaini. Notably, Witness underwent surgery on his Achilles tendon in January and has resumed running just a few days ago. While he is expected to be fully fit by the time Euro 2020 starts, his availability for the June 11-July 11 tournament is still in doubt. "With a squad extended to 26 (instead of 23), I can take this risk (on Witsel), he's a unique player," said Martinez. Whereas Fellaini has not been called up from international retirement after last playing for Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2018, following which he left for China. ALSO READ: Over 80 per cent in Japan oppose Olympics this year: poll The squad includes a list of 11 stand-by players, must be officially declared to UEFA by June 1. Belgium have been drawn in Pool B and will lock horns with Russia on June 12, Denmark five days later and Finland on June 21. ALSO READ: Won't mind pulling off an Alisson Becker if required: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu Belgium squad Goalkeepers (3): Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid/ESP), Simon Mignolet (FC Bruges), Matz Sels (Strasbourg/FRA) Defenders (5): Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham/ENG), Dedrick Boyata (Hertha Berlin/GER), Jason Denayer (Lyon/FRA), Jan Vertonghen (Benfica/POR), Thomas Vermaelen (Vissel Kobe/JPN) Midfielders (11): Timothy Catagne (Leicester/ENG), Yannick Carrasco (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Nacer Chadli (İstanbul Basaksehir/TUR), Leander Dendoncker (Wolverhampton/ENG), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City/ENG), Thorghan Hazard (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Thomas Meunier (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Dennis Praet (Leicester/ENG), Youri Tielemans (Leicester/ENG), Hans Vanaken (FC Bruges), Axel Witsel (Borussia Dortmund/GER) Forwards (7): Mitchy Batshuayi (Crystal Palace/ENG), Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace/ENG), Jeremy Doku (Rennes/FRA), Eden Hazard (Real Madrid/ESP), Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan/ITA), Dries Mertens (Napoli/ITA), Leandro Trossard (Brighton/ENG) Stand-by list (11): Thomas Kaminski (Blackburn/ENG), Alexis Saelemaekers (Milan AC/ITA), Albert Sambi Lokonga (Anderlecht), Bryan Heynen (RC Genk), Thomas Foket (Reims/FRA), Adnan Januzaj Real Sociedad/ESP), Brandon Mechele (FC Bruges), Jordan Lukaku (Antwerp), Zinho Vanheusden (Standard Liege), Yari Verschaeren (Anderlecht), Charles De Ketelaere (FC Bruges)

Football: Kevin de Bruyne headlines Belgium squad for Euro 2020

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been ruled out of the Euro 2020 after sustaining a knee injury during AC Milan vs Juventus clash, as Swedish&nbsp;coach Janne Andersson has said on Saturday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-conducts-disciplinary-investigation-against-remaining-clubs-in-eurpoean-super-league-384540" hreflang="en">UEFA conducts disciplinary investigation against remaining clubs in European Super League</a>

Fans were excited to see Zlatan donning the Sweden jersey after almost 5 years as he came out of&nbsp;international retirement in March. He was set to be named as part of the Sweden squad on Tuesday. However, the injury has put brakes on the hopes and the Swedish fans will have to wait till the prolific striker recovers.&nbsp;

"Today I have spoken to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has unfortunately communicated that his injury will prevent him from taking part in the Euros this summer," Andersson said in a statement.

"It is of course very sad, mostly for Zlatan but also for us. I hope to see him back on the pitch again as soon as possible," he added.

Earlier, ace Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk ruled himself out of the Euro 2020 to be fit for the start of the Premier League season 2021-22.&nbsp;

Van Dijk, the skipper of the Netherlands, has been out of action for seven months after undergoing surgery on a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee.

The Dutch brute admitted to being in a “bad place” at the start of his recovery process but added he is now more positive about returning to light running.

"I've just progressed nicely," he told Liverpool's website. "In this latest stage for myself, I have come to a decision that I had to make -- would I be involved in the Euros, yes or no?

"With everything that is going on, I feel physically it is the right decision that I've decided not to go to the Euros and to go into my last phase of rehab during the off-season.

"So the full focus will be on pre-season with the club and that's a realistic goal, so I am looking forward to that."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been ruled out of the Euro 2020 after sustaining a knee injury during AC Milan vs Juventus clash, as Swedish coach Janne Andersson has said on Saturday.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been ruled out of the Euro 2020 after sustaining a knee injury during AC Milan vs Juventus clash, as Swedish coach Janne Andersson has said on Saturday. ALSO READ: UEFA conducts disciplinary investigation against remaining clubs in European Super League Fans were excited to see Zlatan donning the Sweden jersey after almost 5 years as he came out of international retirement in March. He was set to be named as part of the Sweden squad on Tuesday. However, the injury has put brakes on the hopes and the Swedish fans will have to wait till the prolific striker recovers. "Today I have spoken to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has unfortunately communicated that his injury will prevent him from taking part in the Euros this summer," Andersson said in a statement. "It is of course very sad, mostly for Zlatan but also for us. I hope to see him back on the pitch again as soon as possible," he added. Earlier, ace Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk ruled himself out of the Euro 2020 to be fit for the start of the Premier League season 2021-22. Van Dijk, the skipper of the Netherlands, has been out of action for seven months after undergoing surgery on a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee. The Dutch brute admitted to being in a “bad place” at the start of his recovery process but added he is now more positive about returning to light running. "I've just progressed nicely," he told Liverpool's website. "In this latest stage for myself, I have come to a decision that I had to make -- would I be involved in the Euros, yes or no? "With everything that is going on, I feel physically it is the right decision that I've decided not to go to the Euros and to go into my last phase of rehab during the off-season. "So the full focus will be on pre-season with the club and that's a realistic goal, so I am looking forward to that."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic out of Euro 2020 plans after sustaining injury: Andersson

UEFA said Tuesday it would allow expanded 26-man squads at Euro 2020, meeting a demand from coaches who feared they could lose players due to coronavirus.

European football's governing body said it had agreed the increase from 23 players "to mitigate the risks of teams facing a shortage of available players for certain matches due to possible positive Covid-19 test results and subsequent quarantine measures".

France coach Didier Deschamps and Belgium boss Roberto Martinez were among those who had called for the change while England manager Gareth Southgate had been opposed.

Matchday squads will still be limited to 23 players.

UEFA clarified that the current regulations that allow coaches to change their squads after the cut-off point of June 1 up until their first match in the case of "serious injury or illness" will include players who test positive for Covid-19 or who are declared as "close contacts" of a positive Covid-19 tested person.

The new regulations will also allow goalkeepers to be replaced before each match during the tournament in case of physical incapacity even if one or two goalkeepers from the player list are still available.

A player that has been replaced on the player list will not later be allowed to return to the competition.

UEFA had already decided that teams would be allowed to make up to five substitutions in games at the delayed Euro 2020 instead of the usual three, in line with current rules across many club competitions.

National teams have named squads of 23 players at the World Cup and European Championship ever since the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

Euro 2020 was postponed last year because of the pandemic but is due to take place at venues across the continent, from June 11 to July 11.

It was set to be held in 12 hosts cities in 12 countries but Dublin and Bilbao were forced to drop out as they could not guarantee the presence of fans at the Aviva Stadium in the Irish capital and the San Mames.

The four matches due to be held in the Basque Country -- three from Group E and a last 16 game -- were kept in Spain by moving them to Seville's La Cartuja stadium.

The three Group E matches originally scheduled to be held in Dublin were shifted to Saint Petersburg, which had already been assigned three Group B matches and a quarter-final, while London's Wembley Stadium took the last 16 match.

UEFA said Tuesday it would allow expanded 26-man squads at Euro 2020, meeting a demand from coaches who feared they could lose players due to coronavirus. European football's governing body said it had agreed the increase from 23 players "to mitigate the risks of teams facing a shortage of available players for certain matches due to possible positive Covid-19 test results and subsequent quarantine measures".

UEFA said Tuesday it would allow expanded 26-man squads at Euro 2020, meeting a demand from coaches who feared they could lose players due to coronavirus. European football's governing body said it had agreed the increase from 23 players "to mitigate the risks of teams facing a shortage of available players for certain matches due to possible positive Covid-19 test results and subsequent quarantine measures". France coach Didier Deschamps and Belgium boss Roberto Martinez were among those who had called for the change while England manager Gareth Southgate had been opposed. Matchday squads will still be limited to 23 players. UEFA clarified that the current regulations that allow coaches to change their squads after the cut-off point of June 1 up until their first match in the case of "serious injury or illness" will include players who test positive for Covid-19 or who are declared as "close contacts" of a positive Covid-19 tested person. The new regulations will also allow goalkeepers to be replaced before each match during the tournament in case of physical incapacity even if one or two goalkeepers from the player list are still available. A player that has been replaced on the player list will not later be allowed to return to the competition. UEFA had already decided that teams would be allowed to make up to five substitutions in games at the delayed Euro 2020 instead of the usual three, in line with current rules across many club competitions. National teams have named squads of 23 players at the World Cup and European Championship ever since the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. Euro 2020 was postponed last year because of the pandemic but is due to take place at venues across the continent, from June 11 to July 11. It was set to be held in 12 hosts cities in 12 countries but Dublin and Bilbao were forced to drop out as they could not guarantee the presence of fans at the Aviva Stadium in the Irish capital and the San Mames. The four matches due to be held in the Basque Country -- three from Group E and a last 16 game -- were kept in Spain by moving them to Seville's La Cartuja stadium. The three Group E matches originally scheduled to be held in Dublin were shifted to Saint Petersburg, which had already been assigned three Group B matches and a quarter-final, while London's Wembley Stadium took the last 16 match.

UEFA allows 26-player squads for Euro 2020

UEFA on Friday dropped Dublin and Bilbao as Euro 2020 hosts over a failure to guarantee fans' attendance and held fire over any reprisals it might mete out to the 12 clubs involved in the failed Super League project.

The four matches destined for Dublin will now be held in St Petersburg and London while Seville steps in to replace Bilbao, UEFA announced.

Munich was confirmed as a venue at the eleventh hour, the German city joining Budapest, Baku, Amsterdam, Bucharest, Glasgow, Copenhagen and Rome.

Held over from 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the European Championship will now be held in 11 different countries from June 11-July 11.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin welcomed being able to "guarantee a safe and festive environment" with fans "at every match".

Dublin and Bilbao lost out after the Irish government and Basque region officials were unable to assure UEFA of fans despite the pandemic.

"We just think June is too soon," Irish Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar had said on Wednesday.

Dublin's three group matches go to St Petersburg, with Wembley the new venue for its round of 16 game.

Seville gets Bilbao's three matches and round of 16 tie after its regional authority pledged the Estadio La Cartuja could be filled to 30 percent capacity.

UEFA said it had forced the switch "simply to allow fans to attend the games after a year of not being able to watch live football in stadiums".

Budapest, St Petersburg, Baku, Amsterdam, Bucharest, Glasgow, Copenhagen, Rome and London had all promised crowds at between 25 percent and 100 percent of capacity in the run up to UEFA's deadline this month.

Munich, venue for world champions France against Germany on June 15, got the go-ahead for their four matches after confirmation from local authorities they would be able "to welcome a minimum of 14,500 spectators", UEFA's statement confirmed.

However, Munich mayor Dieter Reiter said: "There have been no promises of any kind to guarantee spectators."

While there will be disappointment in Dublin and Bilbao for missing out, UEFA expressed its "appreciation and gratitude" to the two cities, saying "both are considered as good venues to host future UEFA events".

"While today is a disappointing day for football fans in the city and country, public safety must always come first," said Owen Keegan, chief executive of Dublin City Council.

One man who will definitely miss the Euros is Wales manager Ryan Giggs who faces a court appearance after being charged with assaulting two women.

The Football Association of Wales said caretaker boss Robert Page, who has overseen matches since November, would remain in charge for Euro 2020.

<h2>- Super League 'options' -</h2>

Also on UEFA's agenda at Friday's virtual meeting was the matter of punishment, if any, for the so-called 'dirty dozen' architects of the doomed Super League designed to supplant the Champions League.

European football's governing body said it had examined its "options" without announcing any sanctions.

"The UEFA executive committee has been informed of the latest developments in relation to the 'Super League', in particular regarding the options available to UEFA and the measures it plans to take," said UEFA.

In the space of 48 hours this week beginning on Sunday evening, UEFA, aided by fans and politicians, quelled a mutiny by the English, Spanish and Italian clubs who presumed to form their own quasi-closed tournament.

Nine clubs, including all six in England, subsequently withdrew and even if Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid, whose president Florentino Perez led the attempted secession, are still refusing formally to capitulate, their proposal no longer appears credible.&nbsp;

US investment bank JPMorgan, which agreed to financially back the breakaway Super League, said Friday it had "clearly misjudged" the failed project's impact.

Among the many punishments being considered by UEFA would have been the possible exclusion of Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid, all of whom signed up for the Super League, from the Champions League semi-finals which begin next week.

Such a drastic measure appeared to have been ruled out by Ceferin who told Slovenian television Pop TV on Wednesday: "There is relatively little chance that next week's matches will not be played... If we cancelled the matches, television stations would have compensation demands."

It remains to be seen what the "consequences" promised Wednesday by Ceferin to the dissident clubs and their leaders will look like, the UEFA boss not having specified whether they would be judicial, disciplinary or sporting.&nbsp;

UEFA on Friday dropped Dublin and Bilbao as Euro 2020 hosts over a failure to guarantee fans' attendance and held fire over any reprisals it might mete out to the 12 clubs involved in the failed Super League project.

UEFA on Friday dropped Dublin and Bilbao as Euro 2020 hosts over a failure to guarantee fans' attendance and held fire over any reprisals it might mete out to the 12 clubs involved in the failed Super League project. The four matches destined for Dublin will now be held in St Petersburg and London while Seville steps in to replace Bilbao, UEFA announced. Munich was confirmed as a venue at the eleventh hour, the German city joining Budapest, Baku, Amsterdam, Bucharest, Glasgow, Copenhagen and Rome. Held over from 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the European Championship will now be held in 11 different countries from June 11-July 11. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin welcomed being able to "guarantee a safe and festive environment" with fans "at every match". Dublin and Bilbao lost out after the Irish government and Basque region officials were unable to assure UEFA of fans despite the pandemic. "We just think June is too soon," Irish Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar had said on Wednesday. Dublin's three group matches go to St Petersburg, with Wembley the new venue for its round of 16 game. Seville gets Bilbao's three matches and round of 16 tie after its regional authority pledged the Estadio La Cartuja could be filled to 30 percent capacity. UEFA said it had forced the switch "simply to allow fans to attend the games after a year of not being able to watch live football in stadiums". Budapest, St Petersburg, Baku, Amsterdam, Bucharest, Glasgow, Copenhagen, Rome and London had all promised crowds at between 25 percent and 100 percent of capacity in the run up to UEFA's deadline this month. Munich, venue for world champions France against Germany on June 15, got the go-ahead for their four matches after confirmation from local authorities they would be able "to welcome a minimum of 14,500 spectators", UEFA's statement confirmed. However, Munich mayor Dieter Reiter said: "There have been no promises of any kind to guarantee spectators." While there will be disappointment in Dublin and Bilbao for missing out, UEFA expressed its "appreciation and gratitude" to the two cities, saying "both are considered as good venues to host future UEFA events". "While today is a disappointing day for football fans in the city and country, public safety must always come first," said Owen Keegan, chief executive of Dublin City Council. One man who will definitely miss the Euros is Wales manager Ryan Giggs who faces a court appearance after being charged with assaulting two women. The Football Association of Wales said caretaker boss Robert Page, who has overseen matches since November, would remain in charge for Euro 2020. - Super League 'options' - Also on UEFA's agenda at Friday's virtual meeting was the matter of punishment, if any, for the so-called 'dirty dozen' architects of the doomed Super League designed to supplant the Champions League. European football's governing body said it had examined its "options" without announcing any sanctions. "The UEFA executive committee has been informed of the latest developments in relation to the 'Super League', in particular regarding the options available to UEFA and the measures it plans to take," said UEFA. In the space of 48 hours this week beginning on Sunday evening, UEFA, aided by fans and politicians, quelled a mutiny by the English, Spanish and Italian clubs who presumed to form their own quasi-closed tournament. Nine clubs, including all six in England, subsequently withdrew and even if Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid, whose president Florentino Perez led the attempted secession, are still refusing formally to capitulate, their proposal no longer appears credible. US investment bank JPMorgan, which agreed to financially back the breakaway Super League, said Friday it had "clearly misjudged" the failed project's impact. Among the many punishments being considered by UEFA would have been the possible exclusion of Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid, all of whom signed up for the Super League, from the Champions League semi-finals which begin next week. Such a drastic measure appeared to have been ruled out by Ceferin who told Slovenian television Pop TV on Wednesday: "There is relatively little chance that next week's matches will not be played... If we cancelled the matches, television stations would have compensation demands." It remains to be seen what the "consequences" promised Wednesday by Ceferin to the dissident clubs and their leaders will look like, the UEFA boss not having specified whether they would be judicial, disciplinary or sporting.

UEFA drops Euro hosts Dublin, Bilbao, mulls Super League reprisals

The Spanish&nbsp;city&nbsp;of&nbsp;Seville&nbsp;is to be named as a&nbsp;host&nbsp;venue for the&nbsp;rescheduled&nbsp;Euro 2020 soccer tournament after Bilbao was dropped, a source close to the decision told Reuters on Friday (April 23).

European soccer's governing body UEFA could not confirm whether or not&nbsp;Seville&nbsp;had been named, stating only that a final decision on the 12&nbsp;host&nbsp;cities would be revealed after its executive committee meets later on Friday.

Bilbao was dropped as a venue on Wednesday (April 21) after it was unable to guarantee organizers it could&nbsp;host&nbsp;fans in the stadium for matches.

As well as choosing&nbsp;Seville&nbsp;to replace Bilbao, UEFA will make a final decision on whether Dublin and Munich can&nbsp;host&nbsp;matches. All other nine&nbsp;host&nbsp;cities have confirmed they will be able to accommodate supporters at games with limited capacity.

Seville's 60,000-capacity&nbsp;La Cartuja Stadium, which has this year&nbsp;hosted two Copa del Rey finals plus the Spanish Super Cup final, is expected to be named as the venue.

The stadium is set to&nbsp;host&nbsp;all three of Spain's Group E games plus a last-16 match.

The 2020 European Championship was postponed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Spanish city of Seville is to be named as a host venue for the rescheduled Euro 2020 soccer tournament after Bilbao was dropped, a source close to the decision told Reuters on Friday (April 23).

The Spanish city of Seville is to be named as a host venue for the rescheduled Euro 2020 soccer tournament after Bilbao was dropped, a source close to the decision told Reuters on Friday (April 23). European soccer's governing body UEFA could not confirm whether or not Seville had been named, stating only that a final decision on the 12 host cities would be revealed after its executive committee meets later on Friday. Bilbao was dropped as a venue on Wednesday (April 21) after it was unable to guarantee organizers it could host fans in the stadium for matches. As well as choosing Seville to replace Bilbao, UEFA will make a final decision on whether Dublin and Munich can host matches. All other nine host cities have confirmed they will be able to accommodate supporters at games with limited capacity. Seville's 60,000-capacity La Cartuja Stadium, which has this year hosted two Copa del Rey finals plus the Spanish Super Cup final, is expected to be named as the venue. The stadium is set to host all three of Spain's Group E games plus a last-16 match. The 2020 European Championship was postponed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seville to be a host city for rescheduled Euro 2020: Reports

Rome's Stadio Olimpico has been "fully confirmed" as a venue for Euro 2020 matches after the Italian government guaranteed the presence of at least 25 percent of fans, UEFA announced on Wednesday.

Rome was one of four of the 12 host cites threatened with having its matches removed because it could not give assurances that spectators would be allowed into grounds given the ongoing Covid-19 situation.

"The authorities have guaranteed at least 25 percent of the stadium’s capacity will be filled," European football's governing body said.

"As a result, UEFA considers Rome to be fully confirmed as a venue for the tournament."

Three other cities -- Munich, Bilbao and Dublin -- have until April 19 to provide UEFA with additional information on their plans for spectators.

Rome is set to host the opening fixture for the tournament, between Turkey and Italy, on June 11.&nbsp;

It was also picked to host Italy's other group matches against Switzerland and Wales, as well as a quarter-final.

"Fans with tickets for matches in Rome should note that there will be no exemptions granted, to any travel restrictions that will be in place at the time, for people arriving from outside Italy," UEFA added.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has warned that countries that failed to offer guarantees on supporter numbers could be dropped as hosts.

Dublin's Aviva Stadium is scheduled to host three group matches and a last-16 game but there are growing doubts over the issue of fan attendance.

The Football Association of Ireland said last week it was "not in a position at this point to provide assurances on minimum spectator levels at the UEFA Euro 2020 matches due to be held in Dublin in June".

Rome's Stadio Olimpico has been "fully confirmed" as a venue for Euro 2020 matches after the Italian government guaranteed the presence of at least 25 percent of fans, UEFA announced on Wednesday.

Rome's Stadio Olimpico has been "fully confirmed" as a venue for Euro 2020 matches after the Italian government guaranteed the presence of at least 25 percent of fans, UEFA announced on Wednesday. Rome was one of four of the 12 host cites threatened with having its matches removed because it could not give assurances that spectators would be allowed into grounds given the ongoing Covid-19 situation. "The authorities have guaranteed at least 25 percent of the stadium’s capacity will be filled," European football's governing body said. "As a result, UEFA considers Rome to be fully confirmed as a venue for the tournament." Three other cities -- Munich, Bilbao and Dublin -- have until April 19 to provide UEFA with additional information on their plans for spectators. Rome is set to host the opening fixture for the tournament, between Turkey and Italy, on June 11. It was also picked to host Italy's other group matches against Switzerland and Wales, as well as a quarter-final. "Fans with tickets for matches in Rome should note that there will be no exemptions granted, to any travel restrictions that will be in place at the time, for people arriving from outside Italy," UEFA added. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has warned that countries that failed to offer guarantees on supporter numbers could be dropped as hosts. Dublin's Aviva Stadium is scheduled to host three group matches and a last-16 game but there are growing doubts over the issue of fan attendance. The Football Association of Ireland said last week it was "not in a position at this point to provide assurances on minimum spectator levels at the UEFA Euro 2020 matches due to be held in Dublin in June".

Rome 'fully confirmed' as host city for Euro 2020: UEFA

UEFA have given four European Championship host cities, at risk of being replaced, ten days to come up with further details of their plans for fan access to games after they failed to commit to allowing supporters into the stadiums. 
 
Munich, Rome, Bilbao, Dublin have been given the extra time to come up with more details before a final decision is made at UEFA`s executive committee meeting on whether they will remain hosts at Euro 2020. 
 
"The remaining four cities have until 19 April to provide additional information on their plans and final decisions will be made on that date regarding the staging of matches in those four venues," European soccer`s governing body said in a statement. 
 
The eight other host venues for the tournament, which starts on June 11, had given varying levels of planned or expected capacity as part of their plans. 
 
"Currently, eight host countries have confirmed stadium capacities based on their projections of an improved health situation in their countries in June and July due to a number of factors, including a country’s vaccination rollout, its planned measures for reopening the economy and the projected slow-down in the virus due to warmer season," UEFA said. 
 
Only one city, Budapest, has said it is aiming to have its stadium at full capacity -- the 67,000 capacity Puskas Arena -- albeit with "strict" entry requirements. 
 
St. Petersburg confirmed to UEFA a capacity of 50%, with the possibility of increasing that by the end of April. 
 
Baku has told UEFA if it can offer a capacity of 50%, with the travelling fans of the participating teams required to present a negative COVID-19 test result to enter Azerbaijan. 
 
Amsterdam, Bucharest, Copenhagen and Glasgow have confirmed a capacity of 25%-33%, with all but the Scottish city keeping open the option open to raise their levels depending on the development of their mass testing programmes and the overall pandemic situation. 
 
London has confirmed a minimum capacity of 25% for the three group matches and last 16 game it will host but the UK government`s `roadmap` could allow for a much higher capacity for the semi-finals and July 11 final. 
&nbsp;

UEFA have given four European Championship host cities, at risk of being replaced, ten days to come up with further details of their plans for fan access to games after they failed to commit to allowing supporters into the stadiums.

UEFA have given four European Championship host cities, at risk of being replaced, ten days to come up with further details of their plans for fan access to games after they failed to commit to allowing supporters into the stadiums. Munich, Rome, Bilbao, Dublin have been given the extra time to come up with more details before a final decision is made at UEFA`s executive committee meeting on whether they will remain hosts at Euro 2020. "The remaining four cities have until 19 April to provide additional information on their plans and final decisions will be made on that date regarding the staging of matches in those four venues," European soccer`s governing body said in a statement. The eight other host venues for the tournament, which starts on June 11, had given varying levels of planned or expected capacity as part of their plans. "Currently, eight host countries have confirmed stadium capacities based on their projections of an improved health situation in their countries in June and July due to a number of factors, including a country’s vaccination rollout, its planned measures for reopening the economy and the projected slow-down in the virus due to warmer season," UEFA said. Only one city, Budapest, has said it is aiming to have its stadium at full capacity -- the 67,000 capacity Puskas Arena -- albeit with "strict" entry requirements. St. Petersburg confirmed to UEFA a capacity of 50%, with the possibility of increasing that by the end of April. Baku has told UEFA if it can offer a capacity of 50%, with the travelling fans of the participating teams required to present a negative COVID-19 test result to enter Azerbaijan. Amsterdam, Bucharest, Copenhagen and Glasgow have confirmed a capacity of 25%-33%, with all but the Scottish city keeping open the option open to raise their levels depending on the development of their mass testing programmes and the overall pandemic situation. London has confirmed a minimum capacity of 25% for the three group matches and last 16 game it will host but the UK government`s `roadmap` could allow for a much higher capacity for the semi-finals and July 11 final.

Euro 2020: UEFA give four host cities 10 days for more detail

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