2020 Euro Championship

Finlandia

Finnish Troll
Nov 8, 2019
34
0
6
Finland
It's a to next summer Championship.

This time it's very big time for Finland first ever.

It's wanted with Armenia or Bosnia or Finland with Italy.

Netherlands and Germany and Ukraine and Spain clear up.

More to follow in the mixed qualification Groups then the Championship.

 

Finlandia

Finnish Troll
Nov 8, 2019
34
0
6
Finland
Chances for the champion role:

Poland - 30
Netherlands - 22
England - 20
Ukraine or Greece - 9
Russia - 8
Belgium - 7
Sweden or Denmark - 4
 

Blackleaf

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England's Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro at Wembley on Thursday night will be its 1000th match since it was founded in 1870.
 

Blackleaf

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The Anglophile little nation of Kosovo is experiencing great excitement as the multimillionaire superstars of England visit today for only the second meeting between the two nations since Kosovo became independent in 2013 in the last Euro 2020 qualifier for each side...

Kosovo v England: Excitement for final Euro 2020 qualifying game

By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer
BBC Sport


Banners of England players can be seen across capital Pristina

The neon sign towering above one of the main squares in Pristina reflected the excitement and anticipation surrounding England's arrival in Kosovo for their final Euro 2020 qualifier.

It shows Raheem Sterling in action, in full England kit, accompanied by words that lit up the night in this bustling city: "Welcome, brother."

This has been a theme of the build-up to a game regarded as one of the most important showcase moments in the history of this country, with other posters echoing the same message and banners stretching across streets here emblazoned with "welcome and respect" flags - with the red poppy helping to make up the word "welcome".

This is a very Kosovan demonstration of the fact England's players will be welcomed here in a way they were not in Montenegro and Bulgaria, where members of manager Gareth Southgate's squad were subjected to racist abuse.

The hashtag #equalgame is also seen around this vibrant, emerging place once you navigate through the rush-hour traffic logjam that clogs the routes into the centre, where those populating the many bars, restaurants and cafes have waited eagerly for this game since the draw was made.

It is also a reminder of the gratitude still felt in this city and in the rest of Kosovo for the United Kingdom's involvement in the country's liberation after the Kosovo war.

The England party were greeted with flowers at Pristina airport and by British troops based in Kosovo - and Southgate revealed some locals were out to greet them on the route to their hotel.



"It has been a really warm welcome," said the Three Lions boss. "I think this game is a celebration for Kosovo. It is a shame they were not able to qualify. I know for the players the pressure is off to an extent and they will put in a really strong performance.

"They have the chance to create a historic result and we are very confident we are going to receive a brilliant reception."

The compact Fadil Vokrri Stadium, named after the country's greatest player who also became a key administrator, will be the place to be on Sunday night, with 300,000 applications to find a place inside this 13,500-capacity stadium bringing the ticketing system crashing down.

Facebook was still awash in Kosovo on Saturday evening with pleas for tickets, offers ranging from exchanging a kidney to an apartment - light-hearted but a graphic illustration of the fever and demand here.

It is also understood Kosovo were happy to vacate their usual hotel base on the outside of the city to allow England to make it their headquarters - although the evidence from their first meeting at Southampton in September suggests life could well get more uncomfortable for Southgate and his players when the action starts on Sunday.


England fans have been the focus of fond attention in Pristina, including from the media

England recovered from losing an early goal to lead 5-1 at half-time. Kosovo threatened an unlikely comeback before Southgate's side ran out 5-3 winners.

Kosovo defender Amir Rrahmani explained the wider significance of this game, one that stretches far beyond simply football - and why there is a palpable sense of anticipation here in Pristina.

"We are friendly people and of course our relationship with England and English people is very good. This is not only political but also we like the people," he said.

"I know there has been racism at England games. I don't know the reason but in our country that cannot happen, not just because we are friendly but because these players are idols to our people.

"Everyone is fans of Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and other Premier League clubs. The people here have idols in those teams - so that will not happen here."

This is England's 1001st match and Kosova's 30th

There will be disappointment this game now has nothing riding on it for the home team after Thursday's 2-1 loss in the Czech Republic ended their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2020, a game Kosovo were leading with 19 minutes left.

Despite this, there will also be a sense of celebration surrounding this game as Kosovo's team - exciting, positive and ambitious in that loss at St Mary's - can measure its progress against one of the main hopes for Euro 2020 in front of their own fervent support.

England will want to finish off with the victory that will ensure they are a top seed for the Euro 2020 draw on 30 November and avoid a hazardous group, with Thursday's 7-0 win over Montenegro at Wembley confirming qualification for a tournament in which all three group games will be at home - with the semi-finals and final also on their own turf.

A point will also do that particular job but Southgate will want to end the campaign in style.

Southgate's aim was to ensure the momentum and feel-good factor engendered by the surprise run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals was not wasted - and they arrived here in Pristina on Saturday night with that mission accomplished.

It has not been without its difficult moments, such as that racial abuse in Montenegro and Bulgaria and the disturbance at St George's Park last Monday that saw Manchester City's Raheem Sterling dropped for the Montenegro game after his confrontation with Liverpool defender Joe Gomez.

Sterling returns here although Gomez stayed behind after suffering an accidental knock to the knee in a tackle with Kieran Trippier.

England have had no problems scoring goals, as proved by the tally of 33 in seven games, but it was Kosovo's bold approach at St Mary's that once again exposed the defensive frailties, probed further in the defeat by the Czech Republic in Prague the following month, which will snuff out their hopes next summer if they are not addressed.

Kosovo's animated and charismatic coach Bernard Challandes underlined the difference in experience between the countries as England prepared for their 1,000th game - "we have only played 29" - but Southgate will still want to learn further lessons in their final competitive game before Euro 2020.

In the absence of Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson through illness, can Tottenham's Harry Winks build on his good impression? And how will Southgate eventually weigh up the respective claims of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Trippier at right-back?

Harry Maguire's place in central defence looks assured, despite his own moments of discomfort in this campaign, but Southgate will want to monitor the rehabilitation in form and fitness of Manchester City's John Stones and discover if Aston Villa's Tyrone Mings can build on the excellent impression he made in extreme circumstances in Bulgaria, with a mature performance on and off the pitch after he was one of the players subjected to racial abuse.

Southgate may even be tempted to ponder experimenting once more with a back three, a system he used so effectively at the World Cup in Russia to improve England in possession.

He knows he has a potent attack and must now work out how best to serve them, while also bolstering that suspect defence.

For now, the immediate priority is finishing with a flourish on Sunday in a city where England's every move is followed with intense interest and their players are sporting icons.

This will be a night all Kosovo's population has been waiting for - for more than just footballing reasons.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50448139
 
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Blackleaf

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'England are Euro 2020 favourites'

Kosovo v England (17:00 GMT)




Kosovo manager Bernard Challandes to ITV: "We have seen all this campaign, England has the best offensive team in the world. They are the favourite for the European Championship.

"There is big enthusiasm within the team. People are very proud of the team. The good feeling with the support can help, particularly today.

"We have never lost here but we have never played against such a team as England."

England XI: Pope, Alexander-Arnold, Chilwell, Rice, Maguire, Mings, Winks, Sterling, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Kane, Hudson-Odoi

Subs: Pickford, Henderson, Trippier, Rose, Stones, Tomori, Mount, Maddison, Sancho, Rashford, Wilson, Abraham

Kosovo boss Bernard Challandes makes one change from the side that narrowly lost to the Czech Republic on Thursday. Heerenveen defender Ibrahim Dresevic comes in for Anel Rashkaj.

Kosovo XI: Muric, Hadergjonaj, Aliti, Rashica, Celina, Rrahmani, Berisha, Vojvoda,Kololli Dresevic, Nuhiu

Subs: Ujkani, Bekaj, Voca, Shala, Rashkaj, Halimi, Muslija, Rashani, Hasani, Paqarada, Zhegrova, Xhemajli

Who has qualified so far?

Who has qualified? Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine

Who else is in a top-two spot? Denmark, Hungary, Switzerland

Who else can qualify automatically? Republic of Ireland, Slovakia, Wales

Who are in the play-offs as things stand?

Path A: Iceland, two of Bulgaria, Israel, Romania, one of Wales, Slovakia, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland

Path B: Bosnia-Herzegovina, three of Wales, Slovakia, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland

Path C: Scotland, Norway, Serbia and one of Bulgaria, Israel, Romania

Path D: Georgia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Belarus
 

Blackleaf

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Kosovo fans waving English flags during God Save the Queen. And then they flipped them over to reveal Kosovo flags for their anthem!


And a huge banner thanking England is flying over the ground with balloons attached.
 

Blackleaf

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England inflict Kosovo's first ever home defeat

By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer in Pristina
BBC Sport

Kosovo 0-4 England

Winks (32'minutes), Kane (79'minutes), Rashford (83'minutes), Mount (90'+ 1 minutes)


Harry Winks opened his account for England on his sixth start

England concluded their successful Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a victory over Kosovo that ensures they will be among the top six seeds in next summer's tournament.

Despite the emphatic scoreline, it was an unconvincing performance by Gareth Southgate's side but they were still able to end as comfortable winners in a remarkable atmosphere in Pristina.

It was a celebratory occasion where the visitors received a heroes' welcome as icons in this country and for the part the United Kingdom played in its 1999 liberation following the Kosovo War.

Needing to avoid defeat to make sure they are in the top pot when the draw is made, England took a first-half lead as Harry Winks produced a composed finish for his first international goal.

Captain Harry Kane effectively wrapped things up with his 32nd goal for England from close range late on - maintaining a superb record of scoring in all eight qualifiers, before substitute Marcus Rashford got in on the act with a smooth finish.


Kane volleys home at the back post to double the Three Lions' lead in the 79th minute at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium



Marcus Rashford shoots to make it 3-0 after being played through on goal by Manchester City star Raheem Sterling


Mason Mount made it 4-0 in injury time

Mason Mount rounded things off in the closing moments for his first goal for his country at senior level.

Kosovo, who were out of automatic qualifying contention but still played with great heart, had opportunities to make it even more of a gala night when trailing by a single goal but missed the chances that presented themselves, captain Amir Rrahmani headed wide of an open goal and Valon Berisha was inches off target.

England, however scrappy in spells, got the job done and can now start planning for Euro 2020.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50160458
 

Blackleaf

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For the last 44,000 to 150,000 years the Solar System has been travelling through the Local Interstellar Cloud. At approximately 30 light years across, we will leave it between 10,000 and 20,000 years from now. And it's hot - in fact, at 12,140 °F, it's about as hot as the surface of the Sun. However, we don't feel the heat as the atoms are so far apart.

And then Jose Mourinho became Spurs manager.
 

Blackleaf

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England will be in Group D at Euro 2020 alongside Croatia (who they played in the 2018 World Cup semi-final), Czech Republic (who were in the same qualifying group as England) and either Scotland, Norway, Serbia or Israel.

Wales will be in Group A with Turkey, Italy and Switzerland.

Portugal, Germany and France have been drawn together in Group F, inevitably dubbed the "Group of Death."

Euro 2020 draw: England drawn against Croatia, Wales in group with Italy


BBC News
30 November 2019


England manager Gareth Southgate with his two known opponents in Group D - Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic and Czech Republic coach Jaroslav Silhavy

England have been drawn against Croatia and the Czech Republic at UEFA EURO 2020, with Wales alongside Italy, Switzerland and Turkey in Group A.

Germany will face world champions France and reigning European champions Portugal in Group F.

The winners of Scotland's play-off path, which includes Norway, Serbia and Israel, will join England in Group D.

Gareth Southgate's World Cup semi-finalists will begin their campaign against Croatia at Wembley on 14 June.

The tournament's opening game will see Italy host Turkey in Rome on 12 June.

Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland all feature in the play-offs next March, where 16 teams will compete to fill the final four places.

The tournament, which will take place in 12 cities across Europe, will be hosted across the continent for the first time to mark the 60th anniversary of the competition.



Where and when do England play?

England manager Gareth Southgate singles out Croatia as key opponents at Euro 2020 England, joint bookmakers' favourites along with France to win the tournament, will benefit from hosting all three of their group games at Wembley.

Southgate's side already knew they would be placed in Group D, with the qualified countries of the 12 host cities purposefully placed in specific groups to ensure at least two home games.

England's tournament begins against Croatia in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, which was won by Zlatko Dalic's side.

Sunday 14 June: England v Croatia (Wembley)
Friday 19 June: England v Path C play-off winners (Wembley)
Tuesday 23 June: Czech Republic v England (Wembley)

If England win their group, their last-16 tie would be in Dublin against the runner-ups in a hugely competitive looking Group F - which already includes Germany, France and Portugal - with a potential quarter-final in Rome.

Should they finish second, it would be a trip to Copenhagen against the runner-ups from Group E, which features Spain, before a quarter-final in St Petersburg. There are other possibilities if they are one of the best third-place finishers.

Reacting to the draw, England manager Southgate said: "I'm never sure whether it's a good draw. We have played two of the teams before and for us to play at Wembley is something special. We are looking forward to the tournament.

"We have to accept that expectations have changed from where we were. We are very critical of ourselves. We would rather be a team that are fancied than a team with no chance."

Where and when will Wales play?

Ryan Giggs says Wales will be a match for anyone at Euro 2020 Wales, semi-finalists in 2016, land in Group A alongside 1968 winners Italy, who won all 10 of their qualification matches and conceded just four goals.

They are joined by Switzerland, winners of their qualification group, and a Turkey side that earned a win and a draw against world champions France.

Italy will play their three group games at Rome's Stadio Olimpico, with the other venue in the group Baku's Olympic Stadium.

Guaranteed to face at least one trip to Azerbaijan or Russia prior to the draw, Wales boss Ryan Giggs will be pleased with his side's travel plans which sees them play twice in Baku before a final group match in the Italian capital.

Saturday 13 June: Wales v Switzerland (Baku)
Wednesday 17 June: Turkey v Wales (Baku)
Sunday 21 June: Italy v Wales (Rome)

On his side's draw, Giggs said: "Logistically looking at it, it's Baku, Baku, Rome, rather than having Rome in the middle - so for the fans it's much better. Switzerland are a good team, talented. Turkey were in a group with France and Iceland so have done well to come through that. And Italy have won every game so that will be tough.

"I'll get around and watch the players as much as I can. You hope that come June you have a group of healthy players to choose from and if we have that, we're a match for anyone. We want to take our chance, just like in 2016."

What do Scotland and Northern Ireland need to do?

Triumph in the Euro 2020 play-offs in March, and Steve Clarke's Scotland would end a 22-year wait for major tournament football.

That wait would come to an end against the Czech Republic in Glasgow on 15 June, with a trip to face England at Wembley following on 19 June and a final group game at Hampden Park against Croatia four days later.

But first, Clarke's side must find a way past Israel at home on 26 March.

Succeed, and they will then face an away tie against the winner of Norway's play-off semi-final with Serbia five days later to battle for qualification.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland are away to Bosnia-Herzegovina in their play-off semi-final, with the winner at home to the Republic of Ireland or Slovakia in the Path B final.

Saturday's draw means Spain, Sweden and Poland would await Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland in Group E should they qualify.

However, with the play-off winners not being decided until 31 March, there remains a bit of a wait yet for the final groups to be confirmed.

The most difficult group ever?

World champions France, European champions Portugal and the previous World Cup winners Germany are all together with one play-off team in Group F.

This is only the second major tournament where the world champions and the European champions will have met in the group stage - after Euro 1992, when the Netherlands beat Germany.

Germany, who won the 2014 World Cup, will host their three group games in Munich, with the other matches in Budapest. If Hungary win their play-offs, they will be in the group, hosting two games.

One big boost for the trio is that four of the tournament's six third-placed teams go into the last 16.

"This is a group of death," said Germany boss Joachim Low.

"The games in Munich will be football festivals. The expectations will be quite high. For our young team, this will be a huge challenge but also a big motivation. This is the reward for winning the qualifier group."

Would England be better finishing second?


In a similar vein to the 2018 World Cup, England may well be better off finishing second in their group.

The winners of England's Group D will face the runners-up in Group F - probably Germany, France or Portugal - in Dublin.

But if England finish as runners-up, they would face the team who finish second in the group containing Spain, Poland, Sweden and possibly Northern Ireland or the Republic in Copenhagen.

However, the quarter-finalists either way are likely to be difficult - possibly Spain in St Petersburg if they win their group, or the winners of Group F in Russia if they finish second.

"If you can win and be top seeds then you have to take control of your destiny," England boss Gareth Southgate told BBC Sport. "Let's hope we have the decision to make. We will take on whoever comes. Everyone will be thinking the same about playing us."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50616341