Euro 2020 news LIVE: Jack Grealish gives England press conference ahead of opener with Croatia

Follow all the build-up to the Euros ahead of the opening game between Italy and Turkey this Friday

Countdown to Euro 2020: Daily briefing

The big kick-off for Euro 2020 is now just two days away with England and Gareth Southgate finalising their preparation for their first group stage game.

While Scotland and Wales, too, look to thrive on the big stage following the tournament’s opener between Italy and Turkey at the Stadio Olimpico.

It has been a week of disruption for the Three Lions with Ben White stepping in late for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold with the Brighton defender providing cover for Harry Maguire, who is contending with an injury just days out from the start of the tournament.

Croatia are up first, but Group D opponents Scotland will face Czech Republic off in the other first round of games on Monday.

Wales will be the first of the home nations to play in Euro 2020 when they kick off against Switzerland on Saturday.

There are now a series of late injuries for a number of contenders to cope with, including the Netherlands, who have lost Donny van de Beek.

Karim Benzema suffered a scare for the favourites and world champions France, limping off against Bulgaria. While there are Covid-19 cases, including Spain’s Sergio Busquets.

Euro 2020 news

• Euro 2020 sweepstake: Download and print
• England face Croatia this Sunday after Euro 2020 begins on Friday
• Rashford ‘mentally ready’ for Euro 2020 after phone call with Southgate
• Southgate admits defensive weakness and demands Croatia improvement
• France suffer Karim Benzema injury scare
• Diego Llorente tests positive for Covid as Spain’s concern grows

[9 June 2021 07:58 · Jack Rathborn]

Henderson insists he is fit to start England’s opener against Croatia

Jordan Henderson has declared himself fit to start in England’s opening Euro 2020 game against Croatia. That much is clear. The midfielder even intimidated that the extent of his injury has been overplayed, despite not playing club football since February.

What is a little less clear is how exactly Henderson feels about Roy Keane’s much-discussed comments on the Liverpool captain. The 30-year-old pays his former manager due respect as the man who gave him his Sunderland debut and says he found the comments funny, but he also keeps coming back to them and making reference to some of Keane’s lines. The ITV pundit wondered why Henderson was called up if he is not fit, making jibes about card tricks in the camp.

“To be fair to Roy, he can say what he wants about me,” the midfielder explains. “He gave us me debut and I wouldn’t be here without that. He can say whatever he wants about me. I found it quite funny, actually. So, yeah, listen, we know a little bit more detail, so does the manager, which Roy may not.”