Jonathan Liew's Blog, page 89

How Pep Guardiola and Marcelo Bielsa primed England for glory

Elite coaches from around the world have aided Gareth Southgate by skilfully shaping the destiny of his players

The resurrection of Raheem Sterling began with a phone call. As England relaxed at their Euro 2016 base in Chantilly, Sterling was perhaps in the biggest slump of his career: out of form, spitefully singled out by the media and fans, an increasingly marginal presence at Manchester City.

Yet if many were content to write Sterling off, his new manager Pep Guardiola was not. And so Guardiola rang his despondent winger, assured him of his place, and began devising a plan.

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Published on July 09, 2021 14:39

Fans on buses and viral videos: would winning Euro 2020 change England?

Benefit of World Cup victory in 1966 was minimal and however good Euro 2020 has been, what will be left after it?

A curious and strangely moving sight presented itself outside Wembley stadium in the early hours of Thursday morning. England’s semi-final against Denmark had been over for more than two hours; the players had completed their press duties; the bulk of the crowds had already dispersed to the underground station and the car parks.

And yet for all this, many had stayed. Perhaps several hundred at least, some drinking, some smoking, some chatting with friends. Quite a few, however, were simply staring: gazing reverently up at the illuminated arch as if transfixed by its beauty, unable to avert their gaze, still somehow magnetised by this stadium and the spectacle it had just contained, as if possessed by a quiet religion. As if the moment they walked away, all this would end.

On the face of things, this seems a bit silly. In fact, apply just a modicum of perspective and it all begins to feel a bit silly: the flying pints, the painted faces, the sudden resurrection of Atomic Kitten as a cultural force, the endless viral videos of grown men and women hurling themselves across beer gardens in celebration of a Denmark own goal, people climbing on buses and lampposts, people falling down things, people shouting things.

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Published on July 08, 2021 11:03

England’s dreaming: Euro 2020 final offers chance to scratch 55-year itch | Jonathan Liew

After a close, tense tussle with Denmark, England are into their first major men’s tournament final since 1966

At 10.11pm on a cool Wednesday night at a febrile, fevered Wembley Stadium, Harry Kane stepped forward. It had been a tightly-knotted, impossibly close semi-final: the kind where the tension winds itself around your guts like a sickness, where the picture seems to blur a little at the edges, where everything feels real and not real at once. England and Denmark were locked at one-all. Thirteen minutes into extra time, Kane had the key.

Kane stepped up to take his penalty: sturdily, not confidently, almost as if the baggage of 55 years was tethered to him as he ran. The penalty was saved by Kasper Schmeichel but ran free; Kane buried the rebound, and in that moment England were coming home. For the first time in men’s football, they are European Championship finalists; their game against Italy at Wembley on Sunday evening certain to be one of this country’s biggest ever sporting occasions.

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Published on July 07, 2021 15:47

Italy into Euro 2020 final after Jorginho penalty settles shootout against Spain

In the end, it all came down to one kick. One kick to put Italy into the final. One kick to erase the years of underachievement, one kick to quench a nation’s longing, one kick for everything. The kick fell to Jorginho. With his customary hop and skip, and a composure verging on the ridiculous, he sent Unai Simón the wrong way and rolled the ball into the corner.

That one kick ended almost three hours of the highest tension, as well as Spain’s flawed, valiant campaign to regain the trophy they won in 2008 and 2012. For Pedri, the brilliant 18-year-old midfielder who ran the game and completed 98% of his passes, the tears flowed and would not stop. But once the sadness has ebbed there will be real pride for Luis Enrique and his team: progress to build on, a new generation of fearless young stars to fete and nurture. Judge this team not too harshly. Dani Olmo – one of their best players – put a penalty over the bar. Álvaro Morata – whose goal forced extra time in the first place – had his saved. It is no kind of margin at all.

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Published on July 06, 2021 14:59

Andy Murray: time for us to end the reverential glow and face the truth | Jonathan Liew

The fierce desire that has been the driving force behind a brilliant career is fading and it is best to accept that reality

He looks tired. But then he always looks tired. Those slumped shoulders, the pained grimace, the pallor of cold, hours-old sweat on his furrowed brow: this is Andy Murray whether he is winning or losing, whether he is surfing the crest of a wave or getting thrashed by a 22-year-old on live television in front of his loved ones. Even in his finest moments, Murray always had the habit of making tennis look like the hardest sport in the world.

This, however, is different. He looks weak. The constituent parts of shot-making in tennis are many and complex: talent, timing, touch, tactics, agility, musculature. But perhaps the most important ingredient of all is conviction. A great player in a great moment plays a shot in the absolute certainty that it will go exactly where he or she wants it to. It may not always come off, but that conviction powers the stroke, from conception to flourish. And even in his lowest moments, Murray always had that burning black lump of coal inside him, a smouldering kernel of something unbreakable and immortal that you may as well call pure desire. Now, under the blinking lights, it is going out.

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Published on July 05, 2021 23:15

England played like a dream but this is reality for Southgate's assured side | Jonathan Liew

Lightly carrying the weight of expectation, Harry Maguire and his teammates defeated Ukraine with surreal ease in Rome

When did it start getting weird for you? Perhaps it was the moment when the German referee committed the ultimate act of patronising mercy: ending the game on 90 minutes, without injury time. Perhaps it was when Gareth Southgate executed an effortless triple substitution midway through the second half, thus sealing this game’s noncompetitive exhibition status. Perhaps it was when Jordan Henderson – no, really, Jordan Henderson – scored his first ever international goal to put England 4-0 up in a major tournament quarter-final and celebrated with the impromptu fist-pump of a man who, if we’re going to be brutally honest, hadn’t remotely prepared for this moment.

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Published on July 03, 2021 16:04

Euro 2020: Jadon Sancho in line to start for England against Ukraine – as it happened

All the latest news and reaction to Friday’s matches in the countdown towards Saturday’s quarter-finals

3.31pm BST

That concludes the blog for the day as the football action will on us soon enough. Thanks for reading.

3.25pm BST

A rerun through the day’s stories.

3.20pm BST

Before England’s dreaming can begin, there’s another game to be played in Baku, and Barry Glendenning is building up to it.

3.16pm BST

Mary Waltz is in touch: “Emma Raducanu, 18 year old Brit into the round of 16 at Wimbledon. A good omen for the England footballers?” It may well be; she was brilliant.

3.02pm BST

Andy Lynam, an England fan, is in Rome: “I’m in Rome too, having made an unwise 2am drunken visits to a secondary ticketing site, after the Germany game. I live in Zurich. Drove down Thursday. In my Rome hotel there are Brits living in Sweden, Austria and Poland. All quite jolly. Heard plenty of English accents in Central Rome today too so expect to see a reasonable turnout.”

2.48pm BST

More from Lars in Denmark: “Hi again, John. Just an early match report from Copenhagen, where tensions are brewing more than two hours before kickoff. Czech beer sold out, streets full of people in the national teams colours, Danish flags - “Dannebrog” - hanging out the windows and the old 1986-World Cup battlesong “Re-Sepp-Ten” blasting from cars everywhere. It’s 50/50 for me - as it was before the Wales-game. Hope I am exactly as wrong as I was a week ago!”

2.10pm BST

Jimmy Maloney: “With the only travelling English fans coming from places in continental Europe, I’m looking forward to the reaction to the English flags in the stadium reading ‘Helmstedt’, ‘Bremen’ ‘Brussels’ etc.”

Yes, Skipton, Paignton, Kettering and Chelmsford will be missed.

1.41pm BST

A gathering of the English tribes from all over the EU.

Some fans have managed to get tickets for the game as they live outside of the UK. Luke Curner, originally from Folkestone, Kent, was able to avoid isolation as he travelled from Helmstedt, Germany, where he lives with his wife and children. The 36-year-old bought tickets for the match in 2019 as it falls on his birthday weekend and said: “I feel very privileged to be here, I’m usually on the wrong end of these kind of situations.”

Jack Francis, 20, from Southampton, travelled to Rome from France and said he feels “lucky” to be able to go. “It feels very surreal, and hopefully it will be a memorable game which will be talked about for years to come if we go all the way,” he added.

1.38pm BST

Few doubts over the smoothest operator at Euro 2020. Glory is in sight.

1.30pm BST

At least it’s not Wonderwall.

The Azzurri in the bus after the win

️ IG/pessinamatteo pic.twitter.com/iz9GHdRGfD

1.15pm BST

Rick Harris gets in touch: “Looks to me like Southgate has perhaps decided he can use tonight’s game to give valuable playing time to others in the squad if the rumoured starting place for Sancho is true. Surely it would be an even better idea to put Dortmund club mate Jude Bellingham in the team as well and leave out Rice or Phillips – both of who looked leggy against Germany and could do with a rest?

“Henderson and Bellingham as the ‘double pivot’ gives England greater forward passing ability than the pair used so far. I see Bellingham as the future of English international football and quite why Southgate is reluctant to play him is a mystery.”

12.46pm BST

David Wall revives Points of View: “I don’t know about anyone else, but i’m pleased that England - Ukraine is on BBC rather than ITV. They have a natural assuredness that allows them to take it seriously while recognising that it’s really just a game. ITV are far too earnest. Could you imagine Mark Pougatch teasing Roy Keane in the way that Lineker takes a hand out of Shearer at every opportunity? And ITV really don’t make the most of their assets. As your colleague Michael Butler wrote earlier in the week, Emma Hayes has been the break-out star among pundits. But she’s only been given the games that ITV expect fewer people to watch, and i wonder if we’ll hear from her again this tournament. In contrast, the Beeb realised long ago that they’re on to a winner with the charming Jurgen Klinsmann when they first hired him a few competitions ago, and seem keen to involve him as much as possible despite Germany going out.”

12.27pm BST

Club news, Tottenham club news, in fact. Per PA Media.

Nuno Espirito Santo has filled out his Tottenham backroom staff with some familiar faces as Ian Cathro, Rui Barbosa and Antonio Dias have joined the club.

All three worked with Nuno at Wolves until the end of last season, and have a longer association with the Portuguese dating back to his previous clubs.

12.25pm BST

What a cameo that was last night; he did almost set up a goal.

4 – Nacer Chadli (#BEL ) became the fastest substitute to be subbed off in EURO history, leaving the pitch exactly 4 minutes after coming in. Unlucky. #BELITA #Euro2021 pic.twitter.com/pcIdJAMQ9m

12.24pm BST

Hypocrisy watch. Some discussion that seats were not filled, even in those stadia with reduced capacity. And that comes as little surprise considering the economic conditions the tournament is being played in.

Uefa in April: slams “disgraceful, self serving” ESL plan “motivated by greed”.

Uefa in July: that’ll be 475 Euros each for a restricted view seat at the semi final please… pic.twitter.com/htt90OqRMa

11.57am BST

Lars Bøgegaard gets in touch: Greetings from Copenhagen This must be an omen: Just like the Danish players were at the beach before being called to win the Euro 1992, Christian Eriksen enjoyed the white sands at Tisvildeleje, Denmark, on Friday.
Here Eriksen met 11 year old Bjørn Bindzus whose mother documented it. The text on the Instagram post says: “Lucky me and the world’s most mentioned man”.

11.51am BST

Pertinent thread from the New York Times’ Tariq Panja.

Kevin de Bruyne playing with a torn ankle ligament shows grit and courage etc but such decisions can have catastrophic impact on rest of career and even post career. So many ex-pros limping around in excruciating pain.

Spoke to a couple of former Premier League players summer before last and they talked about constant need for pain killers, particularly anti inflammatory medication, throughout their careers. Did a real number on digestive system.

11.46am BST

And that’s all from me - I will hand over to the estimable John Brewin to guide you through this afternoon’s Euros excitement.

11.42am BST

“I would have thought it would make sense to rest one of Phillips or Rice to avoid losing both for a potential semi final,” comments jayaess. “We have Henderson there as a perfect replacement. Losing one is fine but both would be more painful.”

Well, Southgate has explicitly stated that he is only focused on winning this match and will not consider leaving players out purely to guarantee their availability for a potential semi-final. And that is surely the right approach. Nothing would scream ENGLISH ARROGANCE more than resting players who have contributed so much to the progress thus far.

11.37am BST

One thing I noticed during England’s match against Germany is how much space there was in the middle of the park: Leon Goretzka charged through for Germany in the early minutes, leading to that booking for Declan Rice, when England were lucky not to concede a penalty and maybe even worse, a red card. Thomas Müller did likewise when he missed that chance to level it with the score at 1-0. And Raheem Sterling’s run to create and then score the opener was straight down the middle, too. Amid all this talk of the wide players being the key (especially in view of the importance of Gosens and Kimmich for Germany) it was notable how many of the key moments unfolded down the middle.

11.31am BST

“I like starting with Sancho,” comments JohnBarnesOnToast.

“It signals a positive intent and gets fresh legs on to the pitch. And in some ways it’s a more pragmatic way of taking a look at him than bringing him off the bench. If for some reason he doesn’t work he can be taken off for a more tried and trusted option - it would be bigger risk looking to introduce him into a situation where you were chasing the game and asking his first contribution in the tournament to be a game-changing one.”

11.22am BST

“Every player goes through periods of ups and downs,” Harry Maguire said. “That’s where you really show your character to overcome that period and that’s something I’m really proud of within myself. When you play for Manchester United every bad game you have is made into a real bad period of form ...

“It’s about how you deal with it, how you bounce back. First and foremost you work hard off the pitch and you take that on to the pitch and that gives you confidence to go and play well.”

11.13am BST

“Can anyone remember the World Cup in 1990,” asks Guardian_Rick in the comments. Yes, we can!

“One thing it wasn’t was a celebration of 10 years of Thatcher,” he adds. “Plus she was gone a few months after. Likewise John Major in 1996. I really think many people can’t understand that supporting the English football team does not equate to supporting the current UK Government.”

11.07am BST

“I’m going to be controversial now and say that I’m really enjoying the Euros and I think England have played really well,” comments Paulomaroc.

“Most controversially of all, I’m going to say that the teams England have beaten weren’t shit. I know! I know! I know that modern fans are supposed to think every team England beat are shit, but I disagree.”

11.05am BST

Oleksandr Zinchenko has stated he and his Ukraine teammates will have to play the “game of our lives” to knock out England in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals. The 24-year-old is conscious that Gareth Southgate’s side are strong favourites to progress on Saturday in Rome but is clear Ukraine believe they can win.

11.00am BST

Euro 2020 Football Daily klaxon!

Dropping late last night - Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nicky Bandini and Simon Burnton to discuss Switzerland v Spain and Belgium v Italy:

10.54am BST

The Ukrainian community in the UK is gearing up for tonight’s quarter-final, reports Amelia Hill, with cabbage rolls and vodka at the ready:

“This match has made a lot of Ukrainians remember what their country and culture are, and realise that they can feel proud of it,” he said. “It’s one of those rare moments when Ukraine is in the news and Ukrainians get a chance to say to the outside world: ‘Hey look, we’re a real country with something to be proud of.’”

10.51am BST

Ukraine and England meet in Rome tonight - but it was all about the Azzurri in the Italian capital last night, as is only right.

10.42am BST

Jadon Sancho is poised to make his first start of Euro 2020 when England play their quarter-final against Ukraine at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday night.

The 21-year-old winger has been a peripheral figure during England’s run to the last eight, with Gareth Southgate preferring to use Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden on the right flank so far. Sancho, who is close to joining Manchester United for £73m from Borussia Dortmund, had to be content with a solitary six-minute substitute appearance during the group stage and he was an unused substitute during the last-16 victory over Germany.

10.37am BST

“Going into England’s quarter-final against Ukraine, Jordan Pickford is the only goalkeeper yet to have conceded a goal (with the exception of Italy’s Salvatore Sirigu, who made a ceremonial two-minute appearance against Wales).”

Via Reuters: a bit of Belgian reaction after last night’s 2-1 defeat by Italy:

Kevin de Bruyne: “We had opportunities. After the break, possession was still in their favour, but we were better. Yes, there will be people angry and disappointed, but the supporters will have seen that we wanted to give everything.”

10.32am BST

“There is no question he is a prodigy, but let’s not put too much pressure on him.” (Claudio Ranieri)

Marcus Christenson here, on Denmark’s dynamic youngster Mikkel Damsgaard:

10.23am BST

Speaking of Czech Republic, Patrik Schick’s goal against Scotland isn’t going to be bettered at this tournament, is it?

4 goals in 4 #EURO2020 games for Czech Republic star Patrik Schick! @Alipay | #EUROTopScorer pic.twitter.com/ToJjg7kC8s

10.18am BST

Enough about England, I hear you cry. What about Czech Republic v Denmark, which kicks off in Baku at 5pm UK time?

Lukas Vrablik reports on the Czech Republic’s progress into the last eight. A tornado in Moravia caused carnage a few days ago, leaving five people dead:

10.12am BST

“I remember sitting down with him and from day one it was clear I was working with a player who had huge ambitions and a lot of courage ... I asked him the question: ‘What do you want to do?’ And at 13 years of age he looked me dead in the eye and said: ‘I want to represent England and make my family proud of me.”

10.04am BST

“An emotional literacy and a willingness to take on challenges outside football has been developed by the manager Gareth Southgate. “He encourages the players to step beyond their roles as footballers and not see it as a distraction but something that helps their game,” says John Mousinho, new chair of the players’ union, the PFA.”

A good news story here about Gareth Southgate’s new, enlightened England - by Paul MacInnes:

9.54am BST

An email from Alexander Pirie, on potential pandemic-related complications for ticket-holding/UK resident fans in Rome tonight:

“As an Englishman who’s been staying in Italy with family for the past two months, it looks like there’s a very real possibility that they will not let me into the stadium today as I arrived before the ‘test-to-release’ and do not have proof of EU residency. The latter being a rule which has only just been announced by Uefa this morning via the ticketing app. It seems that there will be quite a few who have fallen through the policy cracks and will be at the mercy of UEFA marshals when arriving at the stadium. What a mess this whole thing is!”

9.51am BST

Word in Rome is that Jadon Sancho makes his first start of the tournament when England face Ukraine tonight.

9.49am BST

Copa América newsflash!

I don’t think Gabriel Jesus can have any complaints in receiving a carta roja for this:

RED CARD FOR JESUS

Gabriel Jesus gets sent off with the ugly challenge. pic.twitter.com/nLpxuE8uDb

9.46am BST

As David Hytner wrote last night, Mason Mount seems to be in line for a recall against Ukraine, and there is talk of Jadon Sancho also getting a game.

England have an embarrassment of riches in attack considering the likes of Sancho has been kept in reserve until this point of the tournament. On top of the talent England clearly possess, Southgate (much like Mancini with Italy) has made playing for England fun again, which I’d say is a big reason for their run to the World Cup semi-final in 2018 and their encouraging run at these Euros.

9.39am BST

“The thought that we can be resting players to get through to a semi-final … I can’t think of a nation that would do that,” said Southgate. “I have never seen it happen and it is not in our thinking. It would be a bad message for our players and it would be the wrong message for Ukraine. I don’t think we can fiddle around.”

Our chief football correspondent, David Hytner, reports from Rome on England’s build-up to the big one against Ukraine:

9.33am BST

“It’s a shame that I can’t support England in the tournament,” comments bluebirds. “The England team are a likeable bunch, multi-cultural, vibrant and supporters of social justice issues. Both the team and manager are supporters of anti-discrimination. The fans on the other hand have demonstrated their knuckle-headed yobbery again. Booing their own team taking the knee. Booing the opposition’s national anthem. Cheering the sight of a little German girl crying ... Johnson is already on the bandwagon. This will be painted as a Brexit Britain win.”

I don’t disagree with any of that, the behaviour of some of the England fans has been very poor, particularly around the Germany game. On the other hand, should it stop the fans who don’t behave in that way from enjoying England’s run? I think the answer is no, it should not, even if it makes it more difficult.

9.27am BST

Important question: what’s taken Ukraine to the quarter-finals? Jonathan Wilson takes a look:

“Our principles,” Shevchenko explained, “are compactness, balance between attack and defence, playing through short- and medium-range passes. We want to control the ball.”

9.23am BST

Via Reuters, some quotes from goalscorer Lorenzo Insigne on Roberto Mancini’s fun house:

“I’m really having a lot of fun. I’ve never played with such a big smile on my face, it’s like playing with my mates back home when I play during the week,” Insigne said. “The head coach deserves credit for that because he really has allowed us to produce our best football. And everyone, myself included, is really playing with a smile on their faces. And that’s our secret. I’m very pleased for the team as a whole because we’re proving that we’re a great squad and the head coach deserves a lot of credit for that. We simply need to kick on because we haven’t achieved anything yet. We still have plenty to do. We need to kick on ... we haven’t achieved anything yet. We need to put in this last effort, keep our head down and graft.”

9.20am BST

“Ukraine looked like a good side in the one match I’ve watched them play this tournament (vs. Sweden),” comments maysha. “Compact at the back, decent keeper, variety in attack. All their players look technically sound. Dangerous in transition, good width in their attacking play. I think this is going to be a tough match for England.”

“To paraphrase Walter from ‘The Big Lebowski’, the Sassenachs could be about to enter a world of Ukraine-pain,” adds RawSharkTest.

9.16am BST

Theoretical question: A ball bounces up in England’s penalty area during the match tonight: Roman Yaremchuk and Harry Maguire contest a full-blooded 50-50 challenge and crash into each other at full pelt. Who comes off worse?

9.12am BST

The downside of Italy’s win against Belgium last night was Leonardo Spinazzola’s injury - which it turns out is a torn achilles tendon. A sad way for his tournament to end, although he will have been cheered by his teammates singing for him on the flight home, while testing the structural integrity of the aircraft:

The team's tribute to #Spinazzola on the plane home #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/GVrkrDVktI

Leonardo Spinazzola broke his Achilles tendon, @SkySport just reported. He’ll be out for many months. One of the best players of the Euros so far. #Spinazzola pic.twitter.com/kWQ6VPfetm

9.03am BST

Here’s a thoughtful piece by Barney Ronay to enjoy over your tea and toast / soy latte and croissant (delete as applicable).

Where have all the stars gone at Euro 2020?

8.57am BST

“In a Euro 2016 Roy Hodgson and Ray Lewington throwback, can you confirm that Gareth Southgate and Steve Holland have actually spent the day sightseeing in Rome; Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, The Colosseum because ‘Steve has never been to Rome before’?” asks Sean Boiling on email.

8.48am BST

“Re Italian cheating, theatrics and time wasting - it’s one thing doing it in an empty German stadium, but it’s totally another when doing it in front of 60 odd thousand fans v England at Wembley,” comments Borucs.

“Yes it will be even better,” replies Dejowhddnk.

8.36am BST

All roads lead to Rome.

It’s matchday in Rome!

Ukraine
#EURO2020 quarter-final
Stadio Olimpico
8pm BST
@BBCOne pic.twitter.com/BAXw2g8iag

8.35am BST

An image that popped up in my photo library from last Tuesday: A sign in a Hamburg market advertising fish and chips, on the day of the big England v Germany match: “Today we eat England.”

I wonder if food stalls in Ukraine are indulging in similar Euros banter before today’s meeting?

8.30am BST

Sid Lowe reports on Unai Simón’s redemption: the Spain goalie made that embarrassing howler against Croatia in the last 16, allowing a backpass to roll gently into his own net. Now he’s the hero after saving penalties from Fabian Schar and Manuel Akanji in a shoot-out with Switzerland:

8.24am BST

Spain’s build-up to the tournament was far from ideal - a Covid-19 positive in the camp sent the players into isolation, with a team of Under-21s called up as emergency cover to fulfil one of their warm-up matches. “Not ideal but no excuse,” was Luis Enrique’s verdict on their preparations for a group including Poland, Slovakia and Sweden.

No excuse indeed: here they are, in the semi-finals:

8.18am BST

“You could accuse him of being too predictable, but like Arjen Robben in his prime, Lorenzo Insigne has learned that it does not matter if defenders know what dance you’re doing if they still cannot match your steps.”

Nicky Bandini writes about the Napoli forward, whose wonderful curling finish proved to be the winner for the Azzurri against Belgium last night:

8.13am BST

Before we tuck into previewing today’s matches, let’s take a moment to consider last night. Italy were back to their sublime best against Belgium, attacking and defending as a unit, scoring a couple of superb goals, and rounding it off with a bit of textbook time-wasting at the end. Jonathan Wilson reports:

8.05am BST

Welcome to quarter-finals day, part two. Spain and Italy are through to the last four after a night of high drama on Friday - today we’ll discover which of Czech Republic, Denmark, Ukraine or England will be joining them.

The Czechs v the Danes is up first, at 5pm, before England’s latest moment of truth arrives in Rome against Andriy Shevchenko’s Ukraine, from 8pm UK time. We’ll be looking ahead to both today’s quarter-finals, although I have to admit, we’ll probably be focusing on England. News, previews, reaction to last night’s matches, and guaranteed accusations of English arrogance coming right up!

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Published on July 03, 2021 07:31

Euro 2020: Jadon Sancho in line to start for England against Ukraine – live!

All the latest news as we count down to the quarter-finalsKaren Carney: why England have not conceded so farAnd you can contact John by email, on Twitter or post BTL

1.41pm BST

A gathering of the English tribes from all over the EU.

Some fans have managed to get tickets for the game as they live outside of the UK. Luke Curner, originally from Folkestone, Kent, was able to avoid isolation as he travelled from Helmstedt, Germany, where he lives with his wife and children. The 36-year-old bought tickets for the match in 2019 as it falls on his birthday weekend and said: “I feel very privileged to be here, I’m usually on the wrong end of these kind of situations.”

Jack Francis, 20, from Southampton, travelled to Rome from France and said he feels “lucky” to be able to go. “It feels very surreal, and hopefully it will be a memorable game which will be talked about for years to come if we go all the way,” he added.

1.38pm BST

Few doubts over the smoothest operator at Euro 2020. Glory is in sight.

1.30pm BST

At least it’s not Wonderwall.

The Azzurri in the bus after the win

️ IG/pessinamatteo pic.twitter.com/iz9GHdRGfD

1.15pm BST

Rick Harris gets in touch: “Looks to me like Southgate has perhaps decided he can use tonight’s game to give valuable playing time to others in the squad if the rumoured starting place for Sancho is true. Surely it would be an even better idea to put Dortmund club mate Jude Bellingham in the team as well and leave out Rice or Phillips – both of who looked leggy against Germany and could do with a rest?

“Henderson and Bellingham as the ‘double pivot’ gives England greater forward passing ability than the pair used so far. I see Bellingham as the future of English international football and quite why Southgate is reluctant to play him is a mystery.”

12.46pm BST

David Wall revives Points of View: “I don’t know about anyone else, but i’m pleased that England - Ukraine is on BBC rather than ITV. They have a natural assuredness that allows them to take it seriously while recognising that it’s really just a game. ITV are far too earnest. Could you imagine Mark Pougatch teasing Roy Keane in the way that Lineker takes a hand out of Shearer at every opportunity? And ITV really don’t make the most of their assets. As your colleague Michael Butler wrote earlier in the week, Emma Hayes has been the break-out star among pundits. But she’s only been given the games that ITV expect fewer people to watch, and i wonder if we’ll hear from her again this tournament. In contrast, the Beeb realised long ago that they’re on to a winner with the charming Jurgen Klinsmann when they first hired him a few competitions ago, and seem keen to involve him as much as possible despite Germany going out.”

12.27pm BST

Club news, Tottenham club news, in fact. Per PA Media.

Nuno Espirito Santo has filled out his Tottenham backroom staff with some familiar faces as Ian Cathro, Rui Barbosa and Antonio Dias have joined the club.

All three worked with Nuno at Wolves until the end of last season, and have a longer association with the Portuguese dating back to his previous clubs.

12.25pm BST

What a cameo that was last night; he did almost set up a goal.

4 – Nacer Chadli (#BEL ) became the fastest substitute to be subbed off in EURO history, leaving the pitch exactly 4 minutes after coming in. Unlucky. #BELITA #Euro2021 pic.twitter.com/pcIdJAMQ9m

12.24pm BST

Hypocrisy watch. Some discussion that seats were not filled, even in those stadia with reduced capacity. And that comes as little surprise considering the economic conditions the tournament is being played in.

Uefa in April: slams “disgraceful, self serving” ESL plan “motivated by greed”.

Uefa in July: that’ll be 475 Euros each for a restricted view seat at the semi final please… pic.twitter.com/htt90OqRMa

11.57am BST

Lars Bøgegaard gets in touch: Greetings from Copenhagen This must be an omen: Just like the Danish players were at the beach before being called to win the Euro 1992, Christian Eriksen enjoyed the white sands at Tisvildeleje, Denmark, on Friday.
Here Eriksen met 11 year old Bjørn Bindzus whose mother documented it. The text on the Instagram post says: “Lucky me and the world’s most mentioned man”.

11.51am BST

Pertinent thread from the New York Times’ Tariq Panja.

Kevin de Bruyne playing with a torn ankle ligament shows grit and courage etc but such decisions can have catastrophic impact on rest of career and even post career. So many ex-pros limping around in excruciating pain.

Spoke to a couple of former Premier League players summer before last and they talked about constant need for pain killers, particularly anti inflammatory medication, throughout their careers. Did a real number on digestive system.

11.46am BST

And that’s all from me - I will hand over to the estimable John Brewin to guide you through this afternoon’s Euros excitement.

11.42am BST

“I would have thought it would make sense to rest one of Phillips or Rice to avoid losing both for a potential semi final,” comments jayaess. “We have Henderson there as a perfect replacement. Losing one is fine but both would be more painful.”

Well, Southgate has explicitly stated that he is only focused on winning this match and will not consider leaving players out purely to guarantee their availability for a potential semi-final. And that is surely the right approach. Nothing would scream ENGLISH ARROGANCE more than resting players who have contributed so much to the progress thus far.

11.37am BST

One thing I noticed during England’s match against Germany is how much space there was in the middle of the park: Leon Goretzka charged through for Germany in the early minutes, leading to that booking for Declan Rice, when England were lucky not to concede a penalty and maybe even worse, a red card. Thomas Müller did likewise when he missed that chance to level it with the score at 1-0. And Raheem Sterling’s run to create and then score the opener was straight down the middle, too. Amid all this talk of the wide players being the key (especially in view of the importance of Gosens and Kimmich for Germany) it was notable how many of the key moments unfolded down the middle.

11.31am BST

“I like starting with Sancho,” comments JohnBarnesOnToast.

“It signals a positive intent and gets fresh legs on to the pitch. And in some ways it’s a more pragmatic way of taking a look at him than bringing him off the bench. If for some reason he doesn’t work he can be taken off for a more tried and trusted option - it would be bigger risk looking to introduce him into a situation where you were chasing the game and asking his first contribution in the tournament to be a game-changing one.”

11.22am BST

“Every player goes through periods of ups and downs,” Harry Maguire said. “That’s where you really show your character to overcome that period and that’s something I’m really proud of within myself. When you play for Manchester United every bad game you have is made into a real bad period of form ...

“It’s about how you deal with it, how you bounce back. First and foremost you work hard off the pitch and you take that on to the pitch and that gives you confidence to go and play well.”

11.13am BST

“Can anyone remember the World Cup in 1990,” asks Guardian_Rick in the comments. Yes, we can!

“One thing it wasn’t was a celebration of 10 years of Thatcher,” he adds. “Plus she was gone a few months after. Likewise John Major in 1996. I really think many people can’t understand that supporting the English football team does not equate to supporting the current UK Government.”

11.07am BST

“I’m going to be controversial now and say that I’m really enjoying the Euros and I think England have played really well,” comments Paulomaroc.

“Most controversially of all, I’m going to say that the teams England have beaten weren’t shit. I know! I know! I know that modern fans are supposed to think every team England beat are shit, but I disagree.”

11.05am BST

Oleksandr Zinchenko has stated he and his Ukraine teammates will have to play the “game of our lives” to knock out England in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals. The 24-year-old is conscious that Gareth Southgate’s side are strong favourites to progress on Saturday in Rome but is clear Ukraine believe they can win.

11.00am BST

Euro 2020 Football Daily klaxon!

Dropping late last night - Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nicky Bandini and Simon Burnton to discuss Switzerland v Spain and Belgium v Italy:

10.54am BST

The Ukrainian community in the UK is gearing up for tonight’s quarter-final, reports Amelia Hill, with cabbage rolls and vodka at the ready:

“This match has made a lot of Ukrainians remember what their country and culture are, and realise that they can feel proud of it,” he said. “It’s one of those rare moments when Ukraine is in the news and Ukrainians get a chance to say to the outside world: ‘Hey look, we’re a real country with something to be proud of.’”

10.51am BST

Ukraine and England meet in Rome tonight - but it was all about the Azzurri in the Italian capital last night, as is only right.

10.42am BST

Jadon Sancho is poised to make his first start of Euro 2020 when England play their quarter-final against Ukraine at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday night.

The 21-year-old winger has been a peripheral figure during England’s run to the last eight, with Gareth Southgate preferring to use Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden on the right flank so far. Sancho, who is close to joining Manchester United for £73m from Borussia Dortmund, had to be content with a solitary six-minute substitute appearance during the group stage and he was an unused substitute during the last-16 victory over Germany.

10.37am BST

“Going into England’s quarter-final against Ukraine, Jordan Pickford is the only goalkeeper yet to have conceded a goal (with the exception of Italy’s Salvatore Sirigu, who made a ceremonial two-minute appearance against Wales).”

Via Reuters: a bit of Belgian reaction after last night’s 2-1 defeat by Italy:

Kevin de Bruyne: “We had opportunities. After the break, possession was still in their favour, but we were better. Yes, there will be people angry and disappointed, but the supporters will have seen that we wanted to give everything.”

10.32am BST

“There is no question he is a prodigy, but let’s not put too much pressure on him.” (Claudio Ranieri)

Marcus Christenson here, on Denmark’s dynamic youngster Mikkel Damsgaard:

10.23am BST

Speaking of Czech Republic, Patrik Schick’s goal against Scotland isn’t going to be bettered at this tournament, is it?

4 goals in 4 #EURO2020 games for Czech Republic star Patrik Schick! @Alipay | #EUROTopScorer pic.twitter.com/ToJjg7kC8s

10.18am BST

Enough about England, I hear you cry. What about Czech Republic v Denmark, which kicks off in Baku at 5pm UK time?

Lukas Vrablik reports on the Czech Republic’s progress into the last eight. A tornado in Moravia caused carnage a few days ago, leaving five people dead:

10.12am BST

“I remember sitting down with him and from day one it was clear I was working with a player who had huge ambitions and a lot of courage ... I asked him the question: ‘What do you want to do?’ And at 13 years of age he looked me dead in the eye and said: ‘I want to represent England and make my family proud of me.”

10.04am BST

“An emotional literacy and a willingness to take on challenges outside football has been developed by the manager Gareth Southgate. “He encourages the players to step beyond their roles as footballers and not see it as a distraction but something that helps their game,” says John Mousinho, new chair of the players’ union, the PFA.”

A good news story here about Gareth Southgate’s new, enlightened England - by Paul MacInnes:

9.54am BST

An email from Alexander Pirie, on potential pandemic-related complications for ticket-holding/UK resident fans in Rome tonight:

“As an Englishman who’s been staying in Italy with family for the past two months, it looks like there’s a very real possibility that they will not let me into the stadium today as I arrived before the ‘test-to-release’ and do not have proof of EU residency. The latter being a rule which has only just been announced by Uefa this morning via the ticketing app. It seems that there will be quite a few who have fallen through the policy cracks and will be at the mercy of UEFA marshals when arriving at the stadium. What a mess this whole thing is!”

9.51am BST

Word in Rome is that Jadon Sancho makes his first start of the tournament when England face Ukraine tonight.

9.49am BST

Copa América newsflash!

I don’t think Gabriel Jesus can have any complaints in receiving a carta roja for this:

RED CARD FOR JESUS

Gabriel Jesus gets sent off with the ugly challenge. pic.twitter.com/nLpxuE8uDb

9.46am BST

As David Hytner wrote last night, Mason Mount seems to be in line for a recall against Ukraine, and there is talk of Jadon Sancho also getting a game.

England have an embarrassment of riches in attack considering the likes of Sancho has been kept in reserve until this point of the tournament. On top of the talent England clearly possess, Southgate (much like Mancini with Italy) has made playing for England fun again, which I’d say is a big reason for their run to the World Cup semi-final in 2018 and their encouraging run at these Euros.

9.39am BST

“The thought that we can be resting players to get through to a semi-final … I can’t think of a nation that would do that,” said Southgate. “I have never seen it happen and it is not in our thinking. It would be a bad message for our players and it would be the wrong message for Ukraine. I don’t think we can fiddle around.”

Our chief football correspondent, David Hytner, reports from Rome on England’s build-up to the big one against Ukraine:

9.33am BST

“It’s a shame that I can’t support England in the tournament,” comments bluebirds. “The England team are a likeable bunch, multi-cultural, vibrant and supporters of social justice issues. Both the team and manager are supporters of anti-discrimination. The fans on the other hand have demonstrated their knuckle-headed yobbery again. Booing their own team taking the knee. Booing the opposition’s national anthem. Cheering the sight of a little German girl crying ... Johnson is already on the bandwagon. This will be painted as a Brexit Britain win.”

I don’t disagree with any of that, the behaviour of some of the England fans has been very poor, particularly around the Germany game. On the other hand, should it stop the fans who don’t behave in that way from enjoying England’s run? I think the answer is no, it should not, even if it makes it more difficult.

9.27am BST

Important question: what’s taken Ukraine to the quarter-finals? Jonathan Wilson takes a look:

“Our principles,” Shevchenko explained, “are compactness, balance between attack and defence, playing through short- and medium-range passes. We want to control the ball.”

9.23am BST

Via Reuters, some quotes from goalscorer Lorenzo Insigne on Roberto Mancini’s fun house:

“I’m really having a lot of fun. I’ve never played with such a big smile on my face, it’s like playing with my mates back home when I play during the week,” Insigne said. “The head coach deserves credit for that because he really has allowed us to produce our best football. And everyone, myself included, is really playing with a smile on their faces. And that’s our secret. I’m very pleased for the team as a whole because we’re proving that we’re a great squad and the head coach deserves a lot of credit for that. We simply need to kick on because we haven’t achieved anything yet. We still have plenty to do. We need to kick on ... we haven’t achieved anything yet. We need to put in this last effort, keep our head down and graft.”

9.20am BST

“Ukraine looked like a good side in the one match I’ve watched them play this tournament (vs. Sweden),” comments maysha. “Compact at the back, decent keeper, variety in attack. All their players look technically sound. Dangerous in transition, good width in their attacking play. I think this is going to be a tough match for England.”

“To paraphrase Walter from ‘The Big Lebowski’, the Sassenachs could be about to enter a world of Ukraine-pain,” adds RawSharkTest.

9.16am BST

Theoretical question: A ball bounces up in England’s penalty area during the match tonight: Roman Yaremchuk and Harry Maguire contest a full-blooded 50-50 challenge and crash into each other at full pelt. Who comes off worse?

9.12am BST

The downside of Italy’s win against Belgium last night was Leonardo Spinazzola’s injury - which it turns out is a torn achilles tendon. A sad way for his tournament to end, although he will have been cheered by his teammates singing for him on the flight home, while testing the structural integrity of the aircraft:

The team's tribute to #Spinazzola on the plane home #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/GVrkrDVktI

Leonardo Spinazzola broke his Achilles tendon, @SkySport just reported. He’ll be out for many months. One of the best players of the Euros so far. #Spinazzola pic.twitter.com/kWQ6VPfetm

9.03am BST

Here’s a thoughtful piece by Barney Ronay to enjoy over your tea and toast / soy latte and croissant (delete as applicable).

Where have all the stars gone at Euro 2020?

8.57am BST

“In a Euro 2016 Roy Hodgson and Ray Lewington throwback, can you confirm that Gareth Southgate and Steve Holland have actually spent the day sightseeing in Rome; Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, The Colosseum because ‘Steve has never been to Rome before’?” asks Sean Boiling on email.

8.48am BST

“Re Italian cheating, theatrics and time wasting - it’s one thing doing it in an empty German stadium, but it’s totally another when doing it in front of 60 odd thousand fans v England at Wembley,” comments Borucs.

“Yes it will be even better,” replies Dejowhddnk.

8.36am BST

All roads lead to Rome.

It’s matchday in Rome!

Ukraine
#EURO2020 quarter-final
Stadio Olimpico
8pm BST
@BBCOne pic.twitter.com/BAXw2g8iag

8.35am BST

An image that popped up in my photo library from last Tuesday: A sign in a Hamburg market advertising fish and chips, on the day of the big England v Germany match: “Today we eat England.”

I wonder if food stalls in Ukraine are indulging in similar Euros banter before today’s meeting?

8.30am BST

Sid Lowe reports on Unai Simón’s redemption: the Spain goalie made that embarrassing howler against Croatia in the last 16, allowing a backpass to roll gently into his own net. Now he’s the hero after saving penalties from Fabian Schar and Manuel Akanji in a shoot-out with Switzerland:

8.24am BST

Spain’s build-up to the tournament was far from ideal - a Covid-19 positive in the camp sent the players into isolation, with a team of Under-21s called up as emergency cover to fulfil one of their warm-up matches. “Not ideal but no excuse,” was Luis Enrique’s verdict on their preparations for a group including Poland, Slovakia and Sweden.

No excuse indeed: here they are, in the semi-finals:

8.18am BST

“You could accuse him of being too predictable, but like Arjen Robben in his prime, Lorenzo Insigne has learned that it does not matter if defenders know what dance you’re doing if they still cannot match your steps.”

Nicky Bandini writes about the Napoli forward, whose wonderful curling finish proved to be the winner for the Azzurri against Belgium last night:

8.13am BST

Before we tuck into previewing today’s matches, let’s take a moment to consider last night. Italy were back to their sublime best against Belgium, attacking and defending as a unit, scoring a couple of superb goals, and rounding it off with a bit of textbook time-wasting at the end. Jonathan Wilson reports:

8.05am BST

Welcome to quarter-finals day, part two. Spain and Italy are through to the last four after a night of high drama on Friday - today we’ll discover which of Czech Republic, Denmark, Ukraine or England will be joining them.

The Czechs v the Danes is up first, at 5pm, before England’s latest moment of truth arrives in Rome against Andriy Shevchenko’s Ukraine, from 8pm UK time. We’ll be looking ahead to both today’s quarter-finals, although I have to admit, we’ll probably be focusing on England. News, previews, reaction to last night’s matches, and guaranteed accusations of English arrogance coming right up!

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Published on July 03, 2021 05:41

Jordan Pickford, England’s ultimate tournament animal, has come to play | Jonathan Liew

Everton goalkeeper endured a troubled start to last season but has now proved he can thrive when the going gets tough

Five months ago, Jordan Pickford walked out at Anfield into the eye of a storm. His form for Everton had been poor for several months. He had been briefly dropped in November by manager Carlo Ancelotti, ending a proud run of 120 consecutive league games. Plenty of Everton fans wanted him gone. Plenty of England fans felt the same way.

Plus, it’s fair to say Pickford and Liverpool had history. Back in 2018 his 96th-minute howler had gifted a winning goal to Divock Origi. Earlier on last season, a reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk at Goodison had brought death threats from Liverpool fans and turned him into a figure of public ridicule for weeks. Now, with the resentment still simmering, at the lowest point of his professional career, at a ground that held only bad memories, there would be no hiding place.

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Published on July 02, 2021 11:00

The big quarter-final preview – Euro 2020 Football Daily

Max Rushden, Jonathan Liew, Barney Ronay and Jordan Jarrett-Bryan look ahead to England’s date with Ukraine in Rome and the three other ties. Also, there’s reaction to Everton and Tottenham’s appointments

We start by previewing England’s upcoming quarter-final with Ukraine on Saturday evening in Rome, as Gareth Southgate prepares his team for their first game away from Wembley in this tournament. Will it be a case of after the lord mayor’s show, or is this England made of sterner stuff?

Then we move on to the other three last-eight ties. Italy v Belgium is the stand-out match, and in the other two, Switzerland and Czech Republic will be looking to upset the odds again against Spain and Denmark, respectively.

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Published on July 01, 2021 05:28

Jonathan Liew's Blog, page 89

July 9, 2021

How Pep Guardiola and Marcelo Bielsa primed England for glory

July 8, 2021

Fans on buses and viral videos: would winning Euro 2020 change England?

July 7, 2021

England’s dreaming: Euro 2020 final offers chance to scratch 55-year itch | Jonathan Liew

July 6, 2021

Italy into Euro 2020 final after Jorginho penalty settles shootout against Spain

July 5, 2021

Andy Murray: time for us to end the reverential glow and face the truth | Jonathan Liew

July 3, 2021

England played like a dream but this is reality for Southgate's assured side | Jonathan Liew

Euro 2020: Jadon Sancho in line to start for England against Ukraine – as it happened

Euro 2020: Jadon Sancho in line to start for England against Ukraine – live!

July 2, 2021

Jordan Pickford, England’s ultimate tournament animal, has come to play | Jonathan Liew

July 1, 2021

The big quarter-final preview – Euro 2020 Football Daily

Jonathan Liew's Blog