The judge sentenced Jonathon Best, 52, from west London to 10 weeks in prison at Willesden magistrates court on Tuesday.

He pleaded guilty to sending by public communication network a grossly offensive or indecent or obscene or menacing message.

Elaine Cousins, from the Crown Prosecution Service, told PA Media:

“Jonathon Best took to Facebook to live stream a barrage of racist abuse at the three players who missed penalties during the game.

“He used social media to publicly vilify these three young men who tried to score for England. When approached by a Facebook friend asking him to remove the grossly offensive content, Best replied: ‘It’s my profile, I can do what I want.’

“There is absolutely no room in the game, nor elsewhere, for racism. The CPS is committed to bringing perpetrators of hate crime to justice where there is the evidence to do so.”

Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka called up to the England squad. #AFC pic.twitter.com/TOqxLFwx9E

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) November 4, 2021

The abuse took place after the Euro 2020 final this summer. Best used social media to insult the players after they missed the final three penalties. This led to the Three Lions losing the final.

The court heard that the individual, who was a work colleague and Facebook friend of Best’s, reported the 18-second Facebook video. The friend made the report to the social media platform and the police after Best refused to remove it.

Facebook eventually took the post down after three days.

“I would like to thank the individual who reported this appalling hate crime and I hope this prosecution goes some way in educating and deterring people from posting hate on social media,” Cousins added.

An inspiration. A hero. A baller. And only 24.

Happy birthday, @MarcusRashford pic.twitter.com/yHQcyupTMF

— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 31, 2021

To read more from this writer, click here.

And to read more in-depth and up-to-date Premier League and international club football news, click here.

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Jannik Vestergaard will leave Southampton after three years at the club and a total of 79 appearances for the Dane.

He had moved to St. Mary’s in the summer of 2018 from Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach for £22.5 million.

Vestergaard will travel to Leicester to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms before the deal is finalised.

The Foxes have been interested in signing a centre-back since Wesley Fofana was ruled out until 2022 through injury in pre-season.

The French defender fractured his right fibula after he was on the receiving end of a tackle from Villarreal attacker Fernando Nino.

The 20-year-old’s leg was caught underneath Nino’s as the tackle occurred and he went down immediately.

The Marseille-born centre-back was stretchered off the pitch and was replaced by Ben Nelson.

Fofana played 38 times for the team over the course of his debut season and was part of Leicester’s historic FA Cup-winning run, playing in the final.

Rodgers recently spoke about the possibility of signing a centre-back to step in for Fofana this season in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports.

Rodgers told Sky Sports: “Hopefully we can. It’s an area where we are a little light with Jonny out as well for a period of time with a foot injury.

“With all the games we’re going to have over the course of the season, we need to have cover in those positions.

“It is something the club are currently looking at.”

Vestergaard played 32 times for Ralph Hassenhuttl’s side across all competitions last season and scored three times as they finished the league in 14th.

The 29-year-old was also involved in all six of Denmark’s games at Euro 2020 as they made an impressive run to the semi-finals after their talisman, suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch.

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Uefa announced a team of the best players at this year’s European Championships. There have been some notable exclusions such as top goalscorer, Cristiano Ronaldo.

As expected, fans across the world have shown their frustration with some of the decisions made in the team.

If you’ve missed the squad, here it is below:

The UEFA Euro 2020 Team of the Tournament is here! pic.twitter.com/R2XuCBsGSl

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 13, 2021

The squad includes five of Italy’s title winning team: Donnarumma, Bonnuci, Spinazzola, Jorginho and Chiesa. The team won the tournament after beating both Spain and England on penalties.

England had three players named in the side after they came second, only conceding two goals in the entire tournament. Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling and Kyle Walker were in the team with Manchester United captain Harry Maguire.

The team was rounded off with Spain’s Pedri, Denmark’s Emile Hojbjerg, and Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku.

Congratulations to @sterling7, @HarryMaguire93 and @kylewalker2, who have all been named in the #EURO2020 Team of the Tournament!

Well done, lads pic.twitter.com/cC0jRE3gc2

— England (@England) July 13, 2021

Why are some fans unhappy with the team?

Many fans have voiced their disdain for the team on social media after some of the competition’s top performers were left out of the side.

The competition’s two joint top scorers, Patrik Schick and the before mentioned Ronaldo were neglected for Lukaku in striker. This seemed surprising after the Czech Republic’s shock performance at Euro 2020 getting to the quarterfinals, mainly down to Schick’s five goals.

Steven Zuber also finished the competition with the most assists. But his country, Switzerland, losing in the quarter-finals was not seen as good enough.

England’s Jordan Pickford also finished the tournament with more clean sheets and saves than his counterpart, Donnarumma. This decision was likely down to the Italian’s performance in the penalty shootouts, saving England’s last two shots.

Cristiano Ronaldo – Euro 2020 Golden Boot Winner.
Patrik Schick – Euro 2020 Silver Boot Winner.
Karim Benzema – Euro 2020 Bronze Boot Winner.

NONE OF THEM MADE IT TO THE EURO 2020 TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT. pic.twitter.com/eqDoaahdmp

— AZR (@AzrOrganization) July 13, 2021

The Italian shot-stopper ended up winning Best Player of the Tournament for his goalkeeping while Pedri was also named Best Young Player at the tournament.

There is no doubt that the 11 players named by UEFA played very well at Euro 2020 and deserve the praise that they are given. Football will continue to be a subjective and divisive topic for many passionate and opinionated fans.

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On paper, England player for player has a stronger side, with more depth off the bench, while also boasting strength in every position.

Italy has a great starting xi, managed by the tactical prowess of Roberto Mancini that has seen them reach new heights after their 2018 World Cup debacle.

Coming into this match, we decided to see what an England and Italy combined XI would look like.

Combined Starting XI

4-3-3

Defence

GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma

The 20-year-old Italian giant has been a revolution since his debut in 2015 at the age of 17 for AC Milan. He is currently a free agent, with reports suggesting he is on his way to French outfit PSG.

Performance-wise Donnarumma has been levels above the Everton keeper at this tournament. Commanding in his box from set-pieces and making crucial saves against Austria and Spain has seen his team reach their first Euro final since 2012.

RB: Kyle Walker

While Giovanni Di Lorenzo has done well this tournament and has laid a claim for a team of the tournament, he falls in comparison to Kyle Walker, who overall, is a much better player at right-back. Boasting pace, an attacking threat and has incredible passing, he has to get into this team. Although his tackling and defensive awareness at times can come into question.

CB: Giorgio Chiellini

At the heart of the Italian defence, the 36-year-old veteran does not play like a player of his age should. Lacking in pace, he makes up for it in experience, leadership and gives the Italian side a presence at the back along with his partner. Never diving into tackles and with a world-class ability to deliver picture-perfect long balls from the back is an underrated attribute the Juventus man has. He is simply a colossus at the back.

CB: Leonardo Bonucci

The Ying to Chiellini’s Yang, Bonucci has been a mainstay in the Italian defence for years. Playing all six matches this tournament, he has shown no signs of slowing down. His technical ability is one of his best attributes, often playing the ball on the ground with great passing.

Along with being strong defensively and a presence for set-pieces, his partnership with Chiellini cannot be questioned.

LB: Luke Shaw

Based on form Luke Shaw is the best left-back in the world, having an exceptional season with Manchester United, he has played every game of the tournament since his exclusion from the opening game against Croatia.

His ability to constantly overlap helps England stretch teams out wide with his pace. He has also contributed to a couple of England’s goals, the Ukraine game in particular, notching up two assists.

Midfield

CDM: Jorginho

The deep-lying midfielder has carried on his late-season from Chelsea with solid performances all throughout the tournament.

Referred to as a ”regista” by many, the Champions League winner has been a stalwart in the Italian defence, attempting 426 passes and completing 399, giving him an incredible return of 93% passing accuracy.

He scored the winning penalty in the Italian’s semi-final win over Spain and is one of the first names on Roberto Mancini’s team sheet.

CM: Marco Verratti

Mancini’s main man for creativity, Verratti’s dribbling and acute ability to progress the ball forward from tight spaces have seen him provide two assists from his four tournament appearances.

One of the best-performing midfielders in the world last season, he is in contention for Player of the Tournament.

CM: Jack Grealish

The Aston Villa captain has been discussed at length this tournament, opinions sway on if his inclusion is warranted with the vast amount of talent at England’s disposal, and if he fits Southgate’s style.

He should be one of the first names on the team sheet and going by his performances in an England shirt when he has been selected, you can see why there has been an outcry from fans.

His professionalism has been one of his greatest feats this tournament, reliable off the bench and opening up defences with his ability to find space from deep. He has provided two assists from four games.

He has to start.

Attack

LM: Raheem Sterling

England’s Player of the Tournament thus far, Sterling has proved many doubters wrong with his performances.

He has played all six matches, scoring three goals and assisting one. Most of his goals have been game-winning goals.

He will be most remembered for his controversial fall in the semi-final against Denmark which saw him win a penalty that saw them make the final on Sunday.

RM: Lorenzo Insigne

On the right flank of the attack is the pacey and skilful Lorenzo Insigne. He has been in tremendous form for Gli Azzurri.

Notching up two goals in five matches, while attempting 14 shots from open play, six of which were on target.

His highlight of the tournament is his wonder-goal versus Belgium in the quarter-final, a goal that is in contention for the goal of the tournament.

ST: Harry Kane

No questions can be asked with Kane’s inclusion. The Tottenham striker is on par if not better than Robert Lewandowski as an out-and-out striker.

Kane is a goal-machine, and after a timid start, has notched up four goals from three games and is in contention to win his second back-to-back Golden Boot at a major tournament.

He could be rewarded his first-ever major team honour on Sunday.

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RTE 2 and RTE Player will televise the match at 20:00 on Wednesday, 7^th July. Build up will start at 19:30 for the game in Wembley.

The winner of this match will face Italy or Spain in the Euro 2020 final also on in Wembley on Sunday evening.

England is presently ranked 4^th in the FIFA World Rankings and has been one of the favourites for this competition since it kicked off.

Gareth Southgate’s squad made it this far after winning their group and beating Germany and Ukraine. They managed to be the only team left in the competition yet to concede a single goal.

They will have great confidence in reaching their first major final since 1966 but can Denmark cause an upset.

After narrowly making out of their group they beat the Czech Republic and Wales in the knockout rounds. Denmark was considered heavy underdogs when they won Euro 1992 so could lightning strike twice.

Kasper Hjulmand has a very well-rounded Danish squad and they are now ranked 10^th in the world.

These two last faced each other nine months ago in the UEFA Nations League where Denmark beat England 1-0 away from home.

Both sides like to score with them having 4-0 victories in the knockouts, but can this Danish attack break down England’s defence?

Denmark receive a heroes' welcome!

Next stop: London! #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/5rWlmI0UUw

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) July 5, 2021

Predicted Line-ups

England

Formation

4-2-3-1

Predicted Starting 11

Pickford (GK), Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Henderson, Rice, Sterling, Mount, Grealish, Kane

Injuries/Suspensions

None

Roberto Carlos to PA on @LukeShaw23: “You can see he’s very motivated, his performance against Ukraine was very good. He’s been improving each game. I think he’s got everything to get to the top. He’s the left-back for England – that in itself says a lot" #ShawbertoCarlos #ENG pic.twitter.com/fLW1ki5X8r

— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) July 6, 2021

Denmark

Formation

3-4-2-1

Predicted Starting 11

Schmeichel (GK), Vestergaard, Kjaer, Christensen, Maehle, Delaney, Hojbjerg, Larsen, Damsgaard, Braithwaite, Dolberg

Injuries/ Suspensions

Eriksen

Betting

England, playing in their home stadium are favourites to win in normal time with odds of 7/10.

The odds of the game going to extra time are 12/5.

Denmark to pull off an upset within 90 minutes are 4/1.

Score Prediction

Although many Irish fans will wish differently, this looks to be the end of the road for Denmark. They will be outmuscled and outclassed by this strong English side.

The Danes will put up a fight and they will finally break England’s clean sheet record, but it won’t be enough. Kasper Schmeichel will be kept busy by Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling at the other end.

Expect the game to end after 90 mins with England heading into the final with a 2-1 win.

Gareth Southgate is urging his England side to end their semi-final hoodoo by beating Denmark and reaching their first final since 1966.

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 5, 2021

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This be the last quarter-final of the competition and RTE 2 will be showing the match at 20:00, today, Saturday 3^rd July, and on RTE Player.

Both nations will have to travel the same distance to the game in the Olympic Stadium in Rome, Italy.

Ukraine has been a relatively decent side in the competition with a narrow loss to the Netherlands and wins over Austria and Sweden. Their Round of 16 victory will give them confidence but they needed a red card and 121st-minute winner to do it.

Andrey Shevchenko’s team has some very talented players but there is no doubt that this will be their biggest challenge to date.

England has now cemented itself as one of the biggest favourites of the competition with France, Portugal and the Netherlands all knocked out. They also managed to professionally defeat Germany by two goals.

They are now on the ‘easier’ side of the knockout rounds, but this valiant Ukraine team will throw everything at them

These countries very rarely face each other with their last game being a 0-0 draw in World Cup qualifying in 2013. They also faced off in Euro 2012 with England won 1-0.

Both squads are very different from the ones nearly ten years ago, expect fluid passing and attacking chances for both sides, but more for the English.

Scored Ukraine's first ever goal at the Euros
Ukraine's all-time top goalscorer
Only Ukrainian to ever win the Ballon d'Or
Took Ukraine to 2006 World Cup quarterfinals
Leads Ukraine to EURO 2020 quarterfinals for the very first time

Andriy Shevchenko IS Mr Ukraine! pic.twitter.com/EKO7mdOKGz

— Startimes Ghana (@startimesghana) July 2, 2021

Predicted Line-ups

Ukraine

Formation

3-5-2

Predicted Starting 11

Buschan (GK), Zabarnyi, Krivtsov, Matviyenko, Karavaev, Sydorchuk, Stepanenko, Malinovsky, Zinchenko, Yarmolenko, Yaremchuk

Injuries/Suspensions

Biesiedin, Popov, Zubkov

Fled his country & Left club in fear of war at 17

Rejected by 2 clubs & played for free for 6 months

Signed by City at age 19
Became City 1st choice LB
Became captain of Ukraine
Leading his country to #EURO2020 Quarter finals

What a journey it's been for Zinchenko pic.twitter.com/AZSYtF7n0f

— Football Factly (@FootballFactly) July 1, 2021

England

Formation

3-4-3

Predicted Starting 11

Pickford (GK), Maguire, Stones, Walker, Shaw, Henderson, Rice, Trippier, Sterling, Kane, Grealish

Injuries/Suspensions

None

Betting

With the English believing that the trophy is ‘Coming Home’ they are also this games favourites with odds of 2/5 to win in normal time.

A stalemate after 90 mins, needing extra time has odds of 10/3.

Ukraine would give a great payout with odds of 8/1 to win in 90 mins making them major underdogs.

Score Prediction

Zinchenko and Ukraine have been entertaining to watch at some instances of this Euros, but this will be a bridge too far for them. They have been lucky in the tournament to get all this way, but England’s quality will beat them.

This will be another good confidence booster for Gareth Southgate’s men with a chance for Raheem Sterling to add a few more goals to his tally. Expect a 3-0 victory for the three lions.

Just 1 day to go until we take on Ukraine in the European Championships quarter finals! Come on England! #Eng #ThreeLions pic.twitter.com/wGuhaRORog

— England Fans (@EnglandFansTwi) July 2, 2021

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This be the third quarter-final of the European Championships and RTE 2 will be showing the match at 17:00, today, Saturday 3rd July, and on RTE Player.

Denmark will have a slightly longer journey to reach the Olympic Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan for the match.

The Czech Republic is now the lowest-ranked team remaining at the Euros being 40^th in the FIFA World Rankings. But with the magic this team has created in the competition already rank does not matter.

The Czechs produced the upset of the tournament by beating the Netherlands 2-0 in the Round of 16. They will be relying on striker Patrik Schick to continue his great form in front of the goal as he aims for the tournament’s golden boot.

Patrik Schick for the Czech Republic:

1⃣5⃣
3⃣0⃣#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/wCmeJV49zQ

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 27, 2021

Denmark have been the team that every neutral has supported in this competition and they also have the talent and quality to garner that support.

After narrowly making it out of their group on the last day, they comprehensively beat Wales in the Round of 16, 4-0. This team likes to attack scoring nine goals in their last three games, Tomas Vaclik will be busy in the Czech goal.

The last time this pair faced each other was a friendly in 2016 which ended 1-1. Both teams struggle to dominate in this fixture with three of their last four games ending in draws.

Denmark and Czech Republic both like to have rigid defenses with strong ball winners in the attack. This game will come down to a little spark of creativity that can break open a backline.

Predicted Line-ups

Czech Republic

Formation

4-2-3-1

Predicted Starting 11

Vaclik (GK), Coufal, Boril, Celustka, Kalas, Holes, Soucek, Masopust, Darida, Sevcik, Schick

Injuries/Suspensions

Pavlenka

RESULT

Did you see that coming?

Holeš & Schick on target as the Czech Republic book their place in the quarter-finals
Netherlands exit after defeat in the round of 16#EURO2020

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 27, 2021

Denmark

Formation

3-4-2-1

Predicted Starting 11

Schmeichel (GK), Vestergaard, Kjaer, Christensen, Maehle, Delaney, Hojbjerg, Wass, Poulsen, Braithwaite, Damsgaard

Injuries/Suspensions

Cornelius, Eriksen

Betting

Denmark is the clear favorite in this tie with odds of 11/10 to win after 90 mins.

The odds of this game needing extra time are 21/10.

The Czech Republic is the underdog with odds of 11/4 to win.

Score Prediction

Both teams have made it further in the competition than they would have hoped to be, so be sure that neither of them will want to lose this. Nerves will be high, and this might turn into a slow and cautious game.

At least extra time will be needed to split the two teams with Denmark having the advantage of just a bit more experience. A low-scoring game that will end 1-0 to Denmark after 120 minutes.

One of these sides will make the Euro semifinals:

Denmark
Czech Republic

Incredible pic.twitter.com/Lb3NnRm4fR

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 27, 2021

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This be the second quarter-final of the tournament and RTE 2 will be showing the match at 20:00, today, Friday 2^nd July, and on RTE Player.

This game takes place in between the two countries in the Munich Stadium in Germany.

Belgium comes into this game with five straight wins, topping Group B and beating Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16.

The Belgians made a problem for this game are the injuries to two of their main players, Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne. Both players are doubtful for this game after both picked up leg injuries in their win against Portugal.

Italy outshines their opponents having won their last 12 games but are yet to face a Euros title contender in the competition. Their most challenging game was the Round of 16 win over Austria needing extra time.

The Italians will come full force into this game hoping that their strike force of Lorenzo Insigne and Ciro Immobile will keep scoring.

These two last faced each other at the last Euros in 2016 when Italy beat the Belgians in a group stage match 2-0.

These are two of the ‘teams to beat’ at the Euros and hopefully, this game will become a clash of the titans.

Giaccherini & Pelle scored when Italy beat Belgium 2-0 at EURO 2016!

Who'll come out on top tonight? #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/iOXHpyUCva

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) July 2, 2021

Predicted Line-ups

Belgium

Formation

3-4-2-1

Predicted Starting 11

Courtois (GK), Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Meunier, T. Hazard, Witsel, Tielemans, Mertens, Carrasco, Lukaku

Injuries/Suspensions

1. Hazard, De Bruyne, Mignolet, Castagne

Italy

Formation

4-3-3

Predicted Starting 11

Donnarumma (GK), Spinazzola, Florenzi, Chiellini, Bonucci, Veratti, Jorginho, Barella, Insigne, Immobile, Chiesa

Injuries/Suspensions

None

Matchday : Italy Vs Belgium pic.twitter.com/lN9HDWs6hV

— HuyGraphic (@phdzn901) July 2, 2021

Betting

Italy looks to be narrow favorites with bookmakers’ odds of 13/10 to win.

For those who can’t choose who will win in 90 mins, a draw has odds of 2/1.

Belgium is the slightest of underdogs in this match with odds of 23/10.

Score Prediction

This is probably Belgium’s last chance with their golden generation, but it seems like they will not overcome this hurdle. With injuries to key players and with Italy have some of the best forms in recent football history, the Belgians will need courage and luck to win.

The Azzuri defense may know Lukaku very well but they won’t manage to keep him scoreless. Instead expect the full-time score to be 3-1 to Italy but Belgium will keep pushing until the end.

BELGIUM Vs ITALY, SWISS Vs SPAIN. Hello out there, Football is back once again. Good morning the footballing world, EURO2020. pic.twitter.com/uEFBaFlqmA

— Jogoo la Shamba Mjini (@JMariotz) July 2, 2021

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This be the first Euro 2020 quarter-final and RTE 2 will be televising the match at 17:00, today, Friday 2^nd July and also on RTE Player.

Both sides have to travel a long distance to St Petersburg Stadium in Russia for this game.

Switzerland comes into the match with a mixed bag of form but with great confidence after coming back to beat the World champions France on penalties. They also have Steven Zuber on the wing who has the most assist so far in the Euros.

One major worry for the Swiss is that they will be without their captain Granit Xhaka for the game. The Arsenal man will most likely be replaced by young Bundesliga player Denis Zakaria or Newcastle defender Fabian Schar.

Although being involved in one of the games of the tournament so far, the 5-3 win over Croatia, Spain have only won one match comfortably in their last six games.

Spain has no injury concerns, but they hope that striker Alvaro Morata has his confidence in front of goal back. He scored his second goal of the competition in the last game to make up for his penalty miss in the group stage.

These teams faced each other twice in last year’s UEFA Nations League with their latest match ending in a 1-1 draw in Basel.

This game could be full of surprises with both teams being very unpredictable at the Euros so far.

Spain step up the preparations

Who'll have the biggest impact vs Switzerland? #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/NF8ufXvvBV

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) July 1, 2021

Predicted Line-ups

Switzerland

Formation

3-4-1-2

Predicted Starting 11

Sommer (GK), Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez, Widmer, Feuler, Zakaria, Zuber, Shaqiri, Embolo, Seferovic

Injuries/Suspensions

Xhaka

NEW: Xherdan Shaqiri will captain Switzerland in the absence of the suspended Granit Xhaka against Spain. #awlive [mail] pic.twitter.com/IvnUVEfIH3

— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) July 1, 2021

Spain

Formation

4-3-3

Predicted Starting 11

Simon (GK), Alba, Azpilicueta, Laporte, Garcia, Pedri, Busquets, Koke, Torres, Sarabia

Injuries

None

Betting

Spain is the bookies’ heavy favorite for this tie with odds of 8/13.

A draw after 90 mins seems very possible with the bookmakers’ odds of 27/20.

Switzerland are given a very slim chance of progressing with odds of 9/2 to win.

Score Prediction

Spain is hoping to replicate their 5-0 win over Slovakia, but it will not be so easy with the Swiss.

Switzerland showed that they can have a strong, rigid defensive structure and that they can come back from certain defeat.

This is not a strong Spain side so expect that this game will go to extra time. Spain will only overcome the Swiss with their greater squad depth to bring on talented substitutes. It will be a tight and stubborn affair with a final scoreline of 2-1 to the Spanish.

Croatia vs Spain
France vs Switzerland

these games proved that football is the BEST sport in the world #EURO2020 #CROESP #FRASUI pic.twitter.com/cDMqbUhaOT

— LFCfooty (@_FootballTwts) June 28, 2021

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It was the national side’s first knockout win over the Germans in a major tournament since their 1966 World Cup win.

The two sides went head-to-head in front of 45,000 England fans in their national stadium.

To clarify, England were the only side with home advantage in the last 16.

Both sides set up in 3-4-3 formations with the Germans opting for an attacking variant of the formation and Gareth Southgate choosing to set his side up in the opposite.

However, Southgate’s plan worked quite well as wing-backs Trippier and Shaw locked down the ever-so-dangerous duo of Joshua Kimmich and Robin Gosens.

The first half was a tense, cagey affair with both sides having the ability to attack but not the ability to finish.

Timo Werner missed a golden opportunity to put his country in the lead but Harry Kane outdid his miss, failing to convert from inside the six-yard box.

Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels was the reason he could not, putting in a fantastic last-ditch tackle to keep the side’s level and scoreless at the break.

Mats. Maschine. Mega. pic.twitter.com/kscfXM5A2p

— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) June 29, 2021

Germany dominated possession for much of the second half but failed to fashion a quality chance.

Southgate’s defensive structure irritated the German’s with seven defensive-minded outfield players on the pitch for England.

Jack Grealish was brought on for Bukayo Saka in the 69th minute and suddenly England were able to threaten the German back three.

It must be said that Saka’s energy for those 69 minutes helped the situation as he tired defenders out with his pace.

The Matthias Ginter – Mats Hummels axis was exposed by Grealish, who worked well with Kane and Shaw to stretch them while Raheem Sterling ran into space to slot home the opener in the 75th minute.

Sterling’s ability to get in behind defenders with ease has led to all three of his goals in the competition so far.

His tendency to receive the ball from deep and dribble inside started the move he finished off.

Chelsea wonderboy Kai Havertz put Thomas Muller through in a quick counter-attack just minutes later but the Bayern star put his shot wide.

Shaw and Grealish were involved in the killer blow for Germany after Muller’s miss, with Shaw finding Grealish in the position the wing-back was in earlier and the Villa star finding Kane who headed the ball in.

Ginter’s positioning for both goals was abysmal and he gave too much space to the goalscorers.

Germany failed to break through the English defences and reply to the two unanswered goals, ending their Euro 2020 run as it began – with a timid loss.

The curtains have closed on Joachim Low’s Germany reign after the exit.

In contrast, Southgate and his men march on with an increased chance of going all the way after their performance.

England will face Ukraine at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, July 3rd at 20:00.

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