Getting ready for Euro 2020
Euro 2020 winners Italy secured their second win in Group A3 to stay in contention for the final phase as far as this season’s UEFA Nations League campaign is concerned. The Euro 2020 winners are in Group A3 alongside four-time world champions Germany, Hungary and Euro 2020 finalists England.
Aaron Ramsdale is set to get an opportunity to show what he can do as England’s No.1 later this month. The Arsenal goalkeeper only has three caps for his country, but he is set to add to that in the Three Lions’ upcoming Nations League fixtures against Italy and Germany. Pickford’s injury presents an opportunity for another goalkeeper to impress Gareth Southgate, and Ramsdale is the leading candidate. Newcastle United’s Nick Pope and Dean Henderson of Nottingham Forest will also be hoping for a chance in September’s international fixtures.
England international Marcus Rashford was on target as his Manchester United side recorded a big win over arch rivals Liverpool to reignite their season in the Premier League. The Euro 2020 participant was the recipient of the winning goal at the end of the game involving two of the biggest teams in English football. Rashford was part of the England squad to the Euro 2020 tournament as the Three Lions finished as runners-up. It must be pointed out that the Manchester United forward has rarely featured for his country since the Euro 2020 and he would be hoping to maintain his form with the World Cup tournament in Qatar a few months away.
Audiences and consumers alike are taking more notice of women’s football, and in doing so presenting key business opportunities, according to a new survey. A study by Footy.com has shown that sports fans are becoming more and more engaged with the women’s game off the back of the ongoing UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 – particularly from a commercial and retail perspective. Notably, 83% of surveyed fans said they ‘would consider’ buying a football shirt with a female player’s name on the back, with an additional 84% stating that they would be more likely to make a purchase following the tournament.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford believes England stars would not have received abuse after the Euro 2020 final if three white players missed penalties against Italy last summer. Rashford was targeted by trolls with vile racist messages on social media after he failed with his spot kick at Wembley Stadium, along with his fellow black team-mates Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, who also missed their efforts. The 24-year-old, who opened up on the episode to basketball icon LeBron James on his Shop YouTube series, said he did not feel white players would receive the same treatment from fans, claiming supporters ‘wouldn’t have noticed’.
England will be making their way to a luxury four-star hotel in London to make camp ahead of Euro 2022 this summer, which will go ahead on home soil. The Lensbury Resort has hosted a number of elite sports teams in the past, including rugby teams, tennis stars and football coaches and boasts some impressive credentials. The England stars will be staying at the hotel for the entirety of the tournament.
