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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Carl Froch slams ‘pathetic’ John Fury after bust-up at Darren Till press conference
Danny Jones
Former fighter Carl Froch has branded boxing patriarch John Fury “pathetic” following the chaotic scenes at the recent Darren Till press conference.
‘Big’ John was at the centre of some pre-bout bedlam earlier this week after tempers flared during the presser between his son Tommy Fury and his next opponent, Darren Till.
For anyone who didn’t see it, a reaction from the Fury father following a lengthy foul-mouthed exchange sparked a massive on-stage brawl, requiring both parties to be separated and the face-off cut short.
Offering his thoughts on the incident, the ex-middleweight and multi-time champion called out the 59-year-old for what he now says is just the “usual pathetic childish behaviour from a grown man.”
Carl Froch back in 2010, four years before his retirement.‘Big’ John seeing red at the Fury vs Till press conference.Credit: Pasi (via Wikimedia Commons)/Fight Hub TV (via YouTube screenshot)
Speaking to sports media and betting company, Action Network, Froch said: “Darren Till did have a lot to say and he was very vocal but at the end of the day it’s not about him, it’s about Darren Till and Tommy Fury so why is Big John Fury, the fighting man, getting involved?…
“Has he been sacked by Tyson Fury? Did Tyson tell him to f*****g do one and now he’s with Tommy Fury trying to get some of the limelight? I don’t know but same old s***. Darren Till totally wrote him off.
Froch went on to say of Fury junior – who has flirted with the idea of an exhibition match with the retired British, Super Middleweight, Commonwealth and WBC champ in the past – “For me, I don’t give it any credibility but when he mentions my name and puts my name in the mix, I’m obligated to respond.
“It’s like Jake Paul. He doesn’t like the way I give Jake Paul stick because I’m honest. He’s not a fighter or a pro boxer, he’s a YouTuber, TikTok dancer and content creator […] All of these guys like Jake Paul and ‘Big’ John Fury – when they start talking bull***t, I just tell it how it is, give my honest opinion and sit back to watch the parade go by because they all get upset.”
The 47-year-old also speculated that there is a serious possibility that older brother Tyson has dismissed his dad from his current entourage, at least during media events, noting that he isn’t helping promote fights by “headbutting children at press conferences” as we saw before the Fury vs Usyk fight.
“That kid he headbutted didn’t even look like he could have a shave”, added Froch. “He might’ve been a young man, but he picked on the smallest person there and dropped the headbutt on him. It’s not the kind of behaviour you want to see, it’s bad for boxing.
Offering his final thoughts on the ever-controversial John Fury, Froch signed off by saying: “At the end of the day, he is a guy who wants some attention. He’s a man who has never achieved anything. His son Tyson Fury is obviously very good, he’s a top fighter and we know what he’s all about.”
As for 25-year-old Tommy, he takes on fellow North West fighter Darren Till at the Co-op Live arena early next year. You can find out more HERE.
Manchester United are offering fans the chance to play at Old Trafford as part of a dream competition
Danny Jones
Manchester United fans are being offered the chance to live out their childhood dreams and play at Old Trafford as part of an exciting new competition by the club.
For anyone who has grown up a Red, the idea of playing under the lights at the Theatre of Dreams is a fantasy most can only ever fantasise about – even being a ball boy or a mascot would suffice for some – but Man United are taking things even further.
Teaming up with hotel partners, Marriott Bonvoy, not only is the club prepared to give supporters the opportunity to walk out onto that pitch and play a real game of footy, but they’re also hoping to give those fortunate enough to win the ultimate stay in Manchester city centre.
Fancy playing in red, watching the match at the weekend, enjoying a lavish hotel room and much more?
As part of this limited-time-only competition, United are giving away the perfect hospitality package in collaboration with Marriott Bonvoy, the hotel group’s loyalty programme which specialises in helping members redeem points towards extra perks like activities, spending and free stays at luxury resorts.
So, not only will the 10 lucky winners get to part in the exclusive ‘Play on the Pitch’ event, but they will also receive a pair of tickets to watch the Manchester United vs Aston Villa game on 25 May 2025 and (get this) a FOUR-night stay for two at the Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly.
It doesn’t stop there either…
As well as round-trip flights for those flying into Manchester from abroad and full train coverage for anyone travelling into the city, those selected will also be treated to a group dinner with a Man United legend and no, we can’t tell you who it is: that would spoil the surprise!
Come on, that’s a pretty incredible deal, right?
We’ve been met a few Reds past and present in our time.Your kit is waiting for you…It’s the shared dream of millions all over the world to play at Old Trafford (Credit: The Manc Group)
As if all this wasn’t enough, if selected, you will also receive a variety of personalised gifts from the club and Marriot Bonvoy to remember the experience – not that you’ll be forgetting it any time soon.
To have a chance at winning this unreal competition, all you need to do is simply complete the entry form HERE before 23:59 on the closing date, which is 31 March, 2025.
Entry is currently open (18+ only), so don’t waste any more time if you want to win the opportunity of a lifetime. You can find the full terms and conditions online but, other than that, we just really hope you score a proper screamer right in front of the Stretford End.
The Manc -
22nd June 2021 
