Euro 2020 LIVE: England vs Germany latest plus Wales v Denmark last 16 build-up

Keep track with all the latest Euro 2020 news and build-up to Wales v Denmark and Italy v Austria as the round of 16 matches begin

Bale prepares to down Denmark as Wales get set for last 16 clash

Keep up to date with all the latest news from Euro 2020 as England prepare to face Germany with Wales poised to kick off the round of 16 against Denmark on Saturday.

Leon Goretzka came on to their rescue Germany in the dying stages of Wednesday’s Group F conclusion, which of course means Germany travel to Wembley next Tuesday to take on England.

Though Die Mannschaft represent a tough first opponent in the knockouts, England can still count themselves lucky to have fallen on the favourable side of the draw. Wales on the other hand have a very tough run through to the latter stages of the tournament, with Denmark up first, but they also feature in the same side of the draw as France, Italy, Spain and Croatia, while Belgium take on Portugal in the standout fixture, with Cristiano Ronaldo fresh from breaking yet another international record.

Jordan Henderson, who banked a half of football in the Three Lions’ final game against Czech Republic, has moved to rally his teammates: “We’ve got quite a young squad but I think that can be a positive thing. A lot of these lads just go out and play, enjoy the game, play with no fear. And that’s what they need to do again on Tuesday. Go and enjoy it, go and show everybody how good they are. Use the emotion and passion in the right way to give you energy for the game, because that can be the difference really. As an experienced player I can help with that and make sure we’re in the right frame of mind going into the game and make sure training’s at the level it needs to be over the next few days to prepare for that one. Everybody’s confident, everybody’s feeling good and we’ve got a good few days to prepare for a huge game. But a lot of the lads have played in huge games already: Champions League finals, Champions League games, cup finals, big games for England. They’re used to big games even though they’re young and I’m sure they’re looking forward to this one.”

Follow all the latest news from the tournament as we build up to the first round of knockout games:

Euro 2020 latest news

• Euro 2020 team of the group stage
• England’s potential route to glory
• England to face Germany at Wembley
• Transfer news and rumours: Grealish to Man City once Euro 2020 ends?

[25 June 2021 14:48 · Adam Millington]

Gareth Bale speaking to the press now

Wales’ Gareth Bale is speaking to the media now ahead of tomorrow’s game against Denmark. Updates to follow.

[25 June 2021 14:30 · Adam Millington]

5 players to watch at Euro 2020

Euro 2020 has reached the knockout stage after the games recommence on Saturday with Croatia vs Denmark the first.

Here are five players to watch out for in the round of 16:

[25 June 2021 14:10 · Adam Millington]

Uefa refereeing chief believes VAR is working

Uefa’s refereeing chief Roberto Rosetti believes that doubling of penalty awards at Euro 2020 compared to 2016 shows that the technology is working.

Fourteen spot-kicks were given in the 36 group games, compared to seven at the same stage of Euro 2016.

Rosetti, the tournament’s chief refereeing officer, felt each one had been the correct call, but said the original principles of VAR – minimum intervention for maximum benefit – must never be forgotten.

[25 June 2021 13:59 · Adam Millington]

Lahn: Taking knee is an important join declaration that skin colour does not matter

Former Germany defender Philip Lahm has supported the decision of teams who are taking the knee in Euro 2020, saying that it is an important symbol of equality.

He wrote in his latest Guardian column: “An international debate also ignited over a political gesture. Teams from England, Wales and Belgium have been kneeling before their games, and at Wembley Scotland did too to show solidarity. With this symbolism from the Black Lives Matter movement, which originated with Colin Kaepernick’s protests against racism, they remind us that we all have equal rights and that these rights are violated again and again. Minorities are discriminated against all over the world...

“The gesture was criticised in some places. One Tory MP said he would boycott England games at the Euros over the gesture, the kneeling Belgians were booed in Budapest and St Petersburg, and some football officials called it “populism”. But the symbol is well established in team sports. It is a strong signal in dealing with other identities that everyone understands. It is an important joint declaration that skin colour does not matter. It is a sign to the outside world, but also a commitment to the inside. The gesture cannot therefore be populist.”

[25 June 2021 13:39 · Adam Millington]

United near Sancho agreement

Manchester United are nearing a deal to purchase Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund, reports David Ornstein of The Athletic.

United have been chasing Sancho for an extended period of time and are closing in on an agreement to bring the 21-year-old to Old Trafford. The deal is not yet done but he looks on course to join Ole Gunnar Solkjaer’s side.

There have been clamours from many in the footballing world – especially in Germany – for him to get more minutes with England, such is the level he is rated to be at. He has only managed a substitute appearance against the Czech Republic so far, but more game time may be on the horizon.

[25 June 2021 13:31 · Adam Millington]

All the latest on Jack Grealish to Manchester City

Thanks to Jack for filling in, I’m back with live updates of all the Euro 2020 news this afternoon until 5.

Manchester City are preparing a bid to sign Jack Grealish, though Aston Villa have opened talks with their captain over a new long-term contract.

Grealish is one of City’s priority targets this summer alongside Harry Kane, and Pep Guardiola has made no secret of his admiration for the 25-year-old.

City are expected to firm up their interest in Grealish in due course but there has been no formal contact between the two clubs yet, with a move only likely after England’s Euro 2020 campaign has concluded.

Here’s Northern Football Correspondent Mark Critchley with the latest:

[25 June 2021 13:02 · Jack Rathborn]

Taylor praised by UEFA for rapid response to Eriksen collapse

English official Anthony Taylor has been praised for his “perfect” handling of Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest during the Denmark v Finland match by UEFA’s referees chief.

The Danish playmaker collapsed just before half-time in the match on June 12. Taylor immediately recognised the seriousness of the situation and signalled for medics to come on within seconds.

His quick thinking, along with that of Denmark captain Simon Kjaer has been widely praised, and UEFA chief refereeing officer Roberto Rosetti said on Friday: “Everyone recognised that Anthony was perfect. He managed this difficult moment in a great way.

[25 June 2021 12:42 · Adam Millington]

The dentist giving Euros stars a smile

Here’s one last piece before I go for my lunch break.

A dentist who provides smiles for footballers and celebrities has said he feels “proud and privileged” to see his handiwork on display at Euro 2020.

A few weeks ago, he attended a private party with Chelsea players after they won the Champions League.

Read more here:

[25 June 2021 12:29 · Jack Rathborn]

Raphael Varane wants to join Man Utd

Raphael Varane wants to join Manchester United due to his belief that now is the time for a new experience in his career, reports Miguel Delaney.

The France centre-back’s decision comes as Real Madrid enter a period of transition.

The centre-half, 28, is United’s top defensive target, with Villareal and Spain star Pau Torres seen as an alternative.

One of the many stumbling blocks to sign Varane would be his wages, as he is pushing to earn as much as £400,000 a week.

United are wary of overpaying for contracts after issues with previous purchases such as Alexis Sanchez.

[25 June 2021 12:23 · Adam Millington]

Will England beat Germany

For your lunchtime dose of optimism, this piece from Alex Pattle argues that England should beat Germany on Tuesday. Whether they will is an entirely different matter, however.

“It is not a statement meant to cruelly tempt the fate of a desperate nation – not least because, right now, Germany are in their own unique state of desperation. It is not a hypocritical statement typed in disregard of the false hope that broke English hearts 11 summers ago,” he writes.