Last night, Gareth Southgate’s men did it. They took their place amongst the final 16 teams remaining in Euro 2020 – and they didn’t even need to kick a ball to get there.
The structure of this year’s international tournament means that whilst the top two teams in each group automatically go through to the next round, four of the best third-placed teams also accompany them.
Monday’s results saw Ukraine surrender Group C’s second spot to Austria, whilst Finland were leapfrogged by Denmark in Group B.
This meant Ukraine and Finland finished third in their respective groups on three points apiece.
England, meanwhile, already have four points.
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What this all means is that Southgate’s men can – at worst – finish third and still go through.
England will join Wales, France, Switzerland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Denmark, Italy, Austria, Netherlands and Belgium in the next round of the tournament – having already amassed enough points in their own group to book a spot in the knockout stages.
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But where exactly they will end up in the final group table – and who they will play in the final 16 – is not so certain.
CONFIRMED: Belgium beating Finland means we’re through to the Last 16. It is so coming home 🏴 pic.twitter.com/zRlZdpf60l
England’s next fixture will be determined by their result against group leaders Czech Republic tonight (June 22) – who are also through.
An England win would see them top the group – meaning they would face the Group F runner-up at Wembley next week. This could be world champions France, reigning Euros champions Portugal, Germany or Hungary.
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No easy games there.
If England fail to beat Czech Republic, they could finish second – meaning a fixture against the runners-up from Group E in Copenhagen.
That would be either Spain, Slovakia, Sweden or Poland.
If the Three Lions finish third, they could also end up meeting any of those same four nations. Other possible opponents include the Netherlands and Belgium.
Results on Monday mean #ENG have secured their spot in the #Euro2020 last 16 – the #ThreeLions will at worst be one of the best third placed teams
Elsewhere in their group, England’s neighbours Scotland square off against Croatia – knowing that anything less than a win will signal the end of their Euros campaign.
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Both England and Scotland are reeling from a positive COVID-19 test from Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour, who is judged to have been in close contact with Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount during the 0-0 draw between the home nations last weekend.
All three players now have to isolate and may be unavailable for selection.
England play Czech Republic tonight at Wembley in the final Group D game. Kick-off is 8pm and the match will be broadcast on ITV.
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons
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Rodri has been fined for his comments about referees following Man City vs Spurs game
Danny Jones
Manchester City star Rodri has been fined a large sum for his comments about recent refereeing following the Blues’ game against Tottenham Hotspur last month.
The Man City midfielder and Spanish international has avoided a match ban, as many supporters first feared, but will still pay £80k as punishment for the remarks.
While perhaps not a huge figure for a Premier League footballer, he still admitted to questioning the officiating on the day, but did submit evidence to the board in arguing his case.
The Euro 2024 winner had already been charged by the FA following the comments a fortnight after the frustrating home draw, but was given until 18 February to respond/appeal.
BREAKING: Rodri has been fined £80,000 and warned about his future conduct over comments made following Man City's draw with Tottenham Hotspur last month. pic.twitter.com/wdP4slCNef
At the time, little detail was revealed about what exactly was said to the ref, with Rodri accusing Rob Jones of not being neutral and acting in an ‘improper manner’, but it was his comments in the post-match zone that shone an extra spotlight on the situation.
Speaking to the media after the game, the 29-year-old said: “I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral. It’s not fair because we work so hard.
“When everything is finished, you are frustrated. It’s one game and another game and another game – and it’s not possible. Honestly, I never speak about referees; I respect their job massively, but they have to pay attention to these things.”
Rodri was referring to the equaliser by Dominic Solanke, who scored his brace in the 70th-minute to bring his team level, but City and many other football fans believed kicked through defender Marc Guehi’s leg to do so.
As a result, instead of a foul being given, the goal stood, the game ended 2-2, and Pep Guardiola’s side went on to drop crucial points in this year’s title race.
In case you missed any of it, you can see the challenge/controversial goal in question HERE, and listen to Rodri’s response in the immediate aftermath down below.
As you can see, he went on to insist that the incident was “so clear”, as well as intimating that this wasn’t the first time.
He and others around the club believe he and his teammates had been on the receiving end of some incorrect decisions for “two, three games in a row”, adding, “I don’t know why.”
What do you make of the choice to fine Rodri for his comments about referees, or do you think the central Man City cog should have even been punished?
Featured Images — Sky Sports (screenshot via YouTube)
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Medlock Square: Manchester’s new £300 million entertainment destination on the Etihad Campus
Danny Jones
Manchester’s newest entertainment destination, located over at the ever-growing Etihad Campus, has finally been given a name ahead of its launch later this year.
Alongside the recently announced and Radisson-run hotel, Medlock Square will see the Manchester City-partnered mini leisure district aim to become a new must-visit part of the city.
Hoping to draw in crowds beyond just matchdays and those heading to concerts across the way, approximately £300 million is being pumped into the project.
With Co-op Live having already brought huge revenues into Greater Manchester, it isn’t just set to be a pricey development, but one that will look to serve as yet another money spinner for the wider City Football Group (CFG) and the City Region.
Credit: CFG (supplied)
Unveiling the first CGIs of the square this week, this new area will essentially see attractions and activities spill out of the Etihad Stadium, Co-op Live and the soon-to-open Medlock hotel and on to the campus as a whole.
With other parts of Sportcity already revolving around the footballing epicentre, such as the Manchester Regional Arena and National Squash Centre, this will not only see even more sporting events and supporters brought to the roughly 80-acre plot, but also fans of various other forms of entertainment.
For instance, within the plans that already include the food and drink offerings you would expect – with Radisson Blu backing more of the relaxation and indulgent side of things – other activities include everything from “an adrenaline-fuelled sky walk experience”, as well as zip-wire and abseiling.
We already knew about some of these from the details in Man City’s stadium expansion plans (including the likes of The Medlock and rooftop bar), and glimpses of the impending hotel opening gave us a better idea of the overall look, but there looks to be plenty more in the pipeline.
You can see a trailer for what they have in mind for Medlock Square down below.
Welcome to Medlock Square. Manchester’s newest entertainment destination. A place where mouthwatering cuisine and world class entertainment, experiences and events converge. Coming soon! pic.twitter.com/4bC7NQbMHT
As per an official press release by the fledgling team, more information on further business and employment opportunities has also now been confirmed, centring around the new ‘One Medlock Square’ structure that will be built on the campus.
“Designed to accommodate up to 300 employees, the state-of-the-art workspace will offer high-quality, modern office facilities alongside access to shared event spaces and wellness amenities, uniquely positioned within Manchester’s most exciting new destination”, the statement reads.
There’s certainly some ambitious stuff in the works, put it that way.
And, of course, these will also slot into a renovated club shop turned meagstore, an all-new Man City museum, the Co-op arena, live music and other open-air events, just to name a few. A specific opening date is yet to be scheduled, but you can guarantee it’ll be a big deal when it does launch.
The Manc -
22nd June 2021 
