08:50
VAR being used sensibly and sparingly? Referees who are letting the game flow rather than constantly blowing their whistles? Something is afoot at Euro 2020 – the officiating has been an unexpected highlight, writes Paul MacInnes:
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08:44
“Raheem Sterling’s remorselessness of spirit, his refusal to be cowed, has lit his path to the point where he has been England’s most important player at the European Championship.”
It’s David Hytner again – on one of England’s key men:
Updated
08:34
Patrik Schick of Czech Republic is one to watch in the race for the Euro 2020 Golden Boot: going into Saturday’s quarter-final against Denmark, Schick has four tournament goals to his name. Cristiano Ronaldo has five, but won’t be troubling the scorers any further after Portugal’s defeat by Belgium. Get the lowdown on the top-scorers here:
08:29
Harry Kane’s transfer saga looks set to rumble on, but (thankfully) another negotiation regarding a player in the England camp has been concluded, with Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United agreeing a £73million fee for Jadon Sancho:
08:23
Which side, on paper, has the edge going into Ukraine’s meeting with England? Marcus Christenson reckons it’s advantage England in most areas:
08:18
“I played with Alan in ’96, and the change in him once he got that goal [against Switzerland] … I remember being in China and Alan not scoring [in the final warm-up game against China]. It was another game without a goal and you could sense how it was for him. So Germany will be a high release for Harry – there is no question about that.”
The gaffer, Gareth Southgate, reckons Harry Kane is ready for lift-off after his strike against the Germans. Here is David Hytner:
08:15
Preamble
Good morning all and welcome to our Euro 2020 quarter-finals build-up live blog (England hype special). Expectations have gone through the roof following Tuesday’s 2-0 win against Germany – although there is still the minor inconvenience of seven other teams still in the hat, standing between Gareth Southgate’s men and European glory. Their journey continues with a tie against Ukraine in Rome on Saturday evening. News, previews and more for all four quarter-finals coming right up.
Euro 2020 quarter-finals
Friday
Switzerland v Spain (5pm)
Belgium v Italy (8pm)
Saturday
Czech Republic v Denmark (5pm)
Ukraine v England (8pm)
Updated