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Colors: Yellow Color

UK Athletics (UKA) has launched a long-term Operational Plan following a year of planning and consultation with the sport. The plan follows on from the launch of ‘Athletics Unified’ last November, a shared vision of the sport jointly created alongside the Home Country Athletics Federations (HCAFs) Athletics Northern Ireland, England Athletics, Scottish Athletics and Welsh Athletics.

England’s Euro 2020 defender Tyrone Mings has accused the home secretary, Priti Patel, of pretending to be disgusted by racist abuse, after she previously described taking the knee as "gesture politics". Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho were targeted after they missed penalties in the Euro 2020 final. Patel was quoted as saying that she was disgusted by the online abuse directed at the trio.

Mings said that she ‘stoked the fire’ by refusing to criticise fans who booed the England team for taking the knee. Patel declined to comment on his tweet, but Downing Street said she was "working every day to clamp down on hate crime, racism and violence".

The Aston Villa star was angered by a perceived lack of action by the government when some fans booed the players taking the knee before the tournament. Taking the knee has become a prominent symbol in sport and during anti-racist protests in recent years, and England players have been adopting the stance at the start of their matches.

In June, Patel said that she would not support people participating in that type of “gesture politics". When asked if she would criticise fans who booed England players taking the knee she said: "That's a choice for them, quite frankly."

Writing on Twitter, Mings said: "You don't get to stoke the fire at the beginning of the tournament by labelling our anti-racism message as 'Gesture Politics' and then pretend to be disgusted when the very thing we're campaigning against, happens".

The government defended Patel, but saying: "There is no place for racism in this country and she is backing the police to hold those responsible for this abuse accountable." Health Secretary Sajid Javid, on the other hand, said that he fully respected players who took the knee, adding that everyone should show respect to those who did so.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson was due to discuss online abuse, but former Premier League footballer Anton Ferdinand, himself a victim of racist abuse during his career, told the government: "Sort your own house out before going after social media platforms.”

He said there was no point in the government talking about what it was planning to do when, as the people that run this country, they are not condemning those who boo players taking the knee. How can you not condemn that, but then come out and say it's about social media?"

After apologising for missed his penalty in a statement posted on Twitter, Rashford added: "I will never apologise for who I am and where I came from." A mural of him in his hometown of Withington was defaced after his penalty miss - but it was later covered in hundreds of messages of support and solidarity.

He said that he was on the verge of tears when he saw the supportive messages – before the mural has since been repaired. England captain Harry Kane said that Rashford, Saka and Sancho deserve support and backing, not the vile racist abuse they received.

"If you abuse anyone on social media you're not an England fan and we don't want you," he added.

England manager, Gareth Southgate, called the racist abuse issued after the defeat "unforgivable", with the English Football Association also condemning it. The Metropolitan Police is investigating the abuse and said that it will not be tolerated, while the UKFPU (UK Football Policing Unit) has also launched an investigation.

Tyrone Mings's intervention comes after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer accused PM Johnson of having "failed the test of leadership" by not condemning fans who booed England players taking the knee. Ahead of Euro 2020, after England's final warm-up game, Downing Street stopped short of condemning fans who had booed players who took part in the anti-racism protest.

Seemingly stopping short of declaring to support the taking of the knee, Johnson later said he wanted supporters to cheer England players, and not boo them.

Addressing those who sent abuse, the prime minister said: "Shame on you - I hope you will crawl back under the rock from which you emerged." Sir Keir said Mr Johnson's comments had come too late, adding: "The actions and inactions of leaders have consequences, so I'm afraid the prime minister's words today ring hollow."

The home secretary was also criticised by Baroness Sayeeda Warsi - a former Conservative minister - who said: "If we 'whistle' and the 'dog' reacts we can't be shocked if it barks and bites. It's time to stop the culture wars that are feeding division. Dog whistles win votes but destroy nations."

Another Conservative MP, Fay Jones, said that she supported players trying to fight racism. However, she said that “taking the knee is a political symbol. I think that's the problem that certain people have had with it".

The abuse received in the aftermath of the defeat against Italy also raised questions about the role of social media companies, with the home secretary saying: “Social media companies could no longer ignore some of the appalling, vile, racist, violent and hateful content that appears on their platforms.

"We have been clear that if they do not stamp this out we will take action against them in the Online Safety Bill." The proposed legislation is yet to be published but it could give the media watchdog Ofcom powers to fine social media companies up to £18m if they fail in their duty of care.

The Football Association has also urged social media companies to ban abusers from their platforms, as well as gathering evidence to make prosecutions easier. In a statement, Facebook said it had removed comments and accounts directing abuse at England's footballers.

Following England stars Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka’s missed spot-kicks, for them to be so severely targeted on social media after the game seemingly proves that the vile stigma that has been the Bain of football – in particular, and British society – in general – looks like, in no way, to be at an end.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford apologised for his penalty shootout miss, but said he that he will never apologise for who he is after he – and his two other teammates were subjected to a torrent of racist abuse following England's Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.

In his Withington hometown, a mural of striker, Rashford, was defaced after his penalty miss - before it was covered in messages of support. Captain, Harry Kane, openly criticised the England fans who racially abused the three stars, whilst manager, Gareth Southgate, said that the racist abuse was unforgivable. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Football Association also expressed their condemned it.

Racial abuse in football is proving to be an issue of “pandemic” proportions – so, there’s nothing different there – that’s the reason why they feel the need to have to ‘take a knee.’ And, that in itself created the ‘tone’ of what was expected from the Wembley terraces, as when both England and Italy players paid their respective respect to the equal lives for the culturally oppressed – and, indeed, all-round equality – the shameful booing was load and palpable.

In the 1970s and 80s, racial abuse was rife in football. There was the ‘regulation’ “Monkey chanting,” fans would throw darts, banana skins, and unpeeled bananas, at Black players on the pitch – whichever side he played for.

When former England great, John Barnes, scored his ‘Brazil-esq’ wonder-goal, against Brazil, in the Maracanã Stadium in 1984, it was the major highlight of a famous 2-1 for the Three Lions then. But, some England ‘fans’ declared the result as a 1-1 draw – dismissing one of the greatest ever goals by an England player. It was that blatant. It was also that regular back then.

Nearly 40-years on, dot much has changed. Following England’s defeat, defender Tyrone Mings hit out at Home Secretary Priti Patel following her condemnation of the racist abuse faced by his teammates. This previously calling players taking the knee “gesture politics.”

"I can take critique of my performance all day long,” Rashford (23) said. “My penalty was not good enough. It should have gone in, but I will never apologise for who I am and where I came from.

"I've felt no prouder moment than wearing those Three Lions on my chest and seeing my family cheer me on in a crowd of 10s of thousands." In their defence, England captain, Kane, said: "They deserve support and backing, not the vile racist abuse they've had since last night.

"Three lads who were brilliant all summer had the courage to step up and take a pen when the stakes were high. If you abuse anyone on social media you're not an England fan and we don't want you."

"I'm Marcus Rashford, 23-year-old Black man from Withington and Wythenshawe, South Manchester.

“If I have nothing else I have that. For all the kind messages thank you. I'll be back stronger. We'll be back stronger." The Metropolitan Police is investigating the abuse and said that it will not be tolerated, while the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) has also launched an investigation.

Back in 1984, the powers-that-be back then said that they will not “tolerate racial abuse” that was a “fast-growing” trait back then – and more overt.

Just how much has things changed since Barnes. ‘worldy’strike?

The British team secured four medals on the final day of the European U23 Championships in Tallinn, Estonia to bring the total to eight medals. Molly Caudery [pole vault], Lucy Hadaway [long jump], Thomas Randolph [800m] and Erin Wallace [1500m] all reached the podium as the Championships rounded off at the Kadriorg Stadium.

It was a silver medal for Molly Caudrey in the pole vault after going neck and neck with the eventual winner, Amalie Svabikova (CZE). With both women clearing 4.45m, a season’s best for the British Athletics Futures Academy athlete, she passed at 4.50 metres to try and win it with a height of 4.55m. However, after two fouls at that height the victory went to the Czech athlete. 

A delighted Caudrey said, “I am really really happy with that. It is slightly bittersweet with that ending as I took two follow throughs at 4.55 but it is great to get a medal. 4.45 is a great height and it was a very long competition.” There were three bronze medals for the British team in the space of ten minutes at the start of an exciting final session. 

First, Erin Wallace fought hard on the final straight and threw herself over the line to secure the bronze in the 1500m in 4:14.85. The race had been a tactical battle all the way through with all the athletes still in the race as the bell went. As they entered the home straight, Wallace was in contention for bronze and despite the last-ditch efforts of Spain’s Agueda Munoz, Wallace just had enough to secure her place on the podium.

After the race she said, “I thought I am not going to make it if I don’t throw myself at the line so that’s what I did and I am glad I did.  It was worth it for the medal.  I think I ran the race well although the last lap really hurt but I am so so glad I got a medal.  I saw a wee space at 200m so took my chance and then pushed on to the line.” 

Meanwhile an exceptionally high-class long jump competition was coming to its conclusion. Lucy Hadaway leapt a PB in round four of 6.63m (+1.7) following a 6.55m personal best in round three to take the bronze medal. She matched the 6.63m leap in the final round to further consolidate her impressive result. The competition was won by Hungary’s Petra Farkas with a best of 6.73m.

Hadaway was happy with her consistency during both the final and qualification, “It is my first medal for GB and I still haven’t processed it. I wasn’t completely happy with any of the jumps (in qualification), but I knew there was something bigger. To get PB after PB and jump over 6.60m for the first time, especially as I have had limited training following injury and covid, so I am so happy to have come into form and come away with a bronze medal today. The standard in the long jump is just insane, so it is really special to be involved in it.”

The three British athletes in the men’s 800m final were looking to continue Britain’s great history at this event over recent years. In a very exciting and hard-fought race with six runners still in with a chance of a medal in the final few metres remaining, Thomas Randolph dipped at the line to secure third place and the bronze medal in a PB of 1:46.41 with Ben Pattison a whisker behind him in fourth in 1:46.48 and Finlay McLear sixth in 1:47.52. 

Afterwards an elated and bloodied Randolph said, “This season has been amazing. I aimed for the time, got that, got selected and aimed for the final thinking anything can happen and it has!  You can’t beat a PB in a tactical race like that and to come away with a bronze medal is special. I was happy to start in lane eight so I see people. On the bend I could see a space and took it and thought I could get the win, but the legs couldn’t quite manage that.”

It was an excellent fourth place for Joel Khan in the high jump final. With four athletes clear at 2.17m he was agonisingly close with his final jump at 2.20m and had to settle for fourth place on the countback after one foul at 2.17m.

The British Championships silver medallist, said, “It is a difficult position to be in as I know I could have won it but I’m not disappointed because I enjoyed that final jump so much. To know I was so close to winning with that jump with the crowd behind me is exactly why I do this sport.  It was fantastic to get that international experience that I need.” 

During the morning session, the women’s javelin final took place with Bekah Walton finishing in fifth place with her first throw in the series of 53.46m. The British champion couldn’t quite match her PB of 54.27m from the qualifying on Friday but was happy with the consistency of her performance in Tallinn. 

The Loughborough student said, “I came in ranked 22nd and came out fifth so I shouldn’t be disappointed but having sat in a medal position for so long, you really want a taste of it, so it is little bittersweet. I’ll walk away happy and keep looking to improve for the rest of the season.” In the final of women’s 4 x 400m relay, Britain finished in fifth position in a time of 3:33.06.

Hannah Kelly got the team off to a solid start, handing over to Zoe Pollock who impressed in the 400m hurdles earlier in the Championship. She handed over to heptathlon bronze medallist Holly Mills in a tie for fifth position, which Mills maintained as she handed over to Isabelle Boffey for the anchor leg. The 800m champion, who has starred in the 4x400m relay at previous championships, brought the team home, as Czech Republic sealed the gold.

The British outfit ultimately finished sixth in the men’s 4 x 400m relay final as a collision between a number of teams saw the British and Swiss athletes floored as they entered the home straight, which would later see the Dutch team, who crossed the line in gold medal position, disqualified.

Lewis Davey had put the British team in the lead after leg one as he handed to Alex Haydock-Wilson. He ran well to exchange the baton to Aidan Leeson in second before the incident on third leg unfolded. Leeson showed real determination to get back to his feet to handover to Alastair Chalmers who brought the team home in 3:09.28.

Mid-session, the 5000m women had been ready to start when the stadium experienced a power cut forcing an interruption in competition. Once resumed, Izzy Fry competed hard to finish eighth in 16:01.30. 

She said afterwards, “It felt like we waited for 20 minutes, and I tried to stay calm and not use too much energy.  Once the race started, I stayed with the pack for a long while but chopped and changed positions a bit so maybe used too much energy. Then when the break went, I couldn’t go with it but the gap never changed so that was frustrating.”

In the 4 x 100m women’s relay final the British team saw Alisha Rees pull up with an injury on the second leg, so were unable to finish.

The British quartet of Ellie Booker, Alisha Rees, Georgina Adam and Kristal Awuah had cruised through their heat in a European U23 record of 43.62 to see off strong challenges from France and Italy.

In the men’s sprint relay final, the team of Dominic Ashwell, Jeremiah Azu, James Hanson and Brandon Mingeli did not finish after an unsuccessful baton change at the first handover.

Earlier, the British team of James Hanson, Jeremiah Azu, Dominic Ashwell and Destiny Ogali had qualified comfortably.

Results:

British team medals:

GOLD (2): 

Jeremiah Azu – Men’s 100m

Isabelle Boffey – Women’s 800m

SILVER (1):

Molly Caudery – Women’s Pole Vault

BRONZE (5):

Kristal Awuah – Women’s 100m

Lucy Hadaway – Women’s Long Jump

Holly Mills – Women’s Heptathlon

Thomas Randolph – Men’s 800m

Erin Wallace – Women’s 1500m

Following an early first-half Luke Shaw volley, then a second-half Leonardo Bonucci equaliser, it was the dreaded penalty shoot-out that proved, once again the downfall of a brave, young England, in last night’s epic Euro 2020 final battle against eventual winners, Italy, at Wembley.

The Three Lions' wait for their first Euros title and, indeed first major tournament victory since World Cup in 1966 will continue onto Qatar, next year, but the nation’s ‘hurt,’ obviously palpable, following last night’s event, the group of young, now seasoned England talents will take their collective experiences, gathered, especially over the past 4-weeks, with, in good time, a view to bringing the Jules Rimet Trophy back to these shows – with the experiences of July 11 2021 a ‘stepping stone’ to the ultimate ‘goal.’

A first-half of end-to-end football saw full-back, Shaw, convert a stunning volley past Azzurri goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma – the fastest in Euro history - before Bonucci stabbed in a deserved equalizer following a goal-mouth scramble, in the second-half. Unbeaten in 33 matches before this final, it was after a tense period of extra time failed to find a winner, that the dreaded penalty shoot-out, again, was the defining factor – and the bain of the Three Lions.

With Marcus Rashford, Jaden Sancho missing their penalties, despite Jordan Pickford saving from Andrea Belotti and Jorginho, it was Bukayo Saka’s missed spot-kick which saw England lose a nerve-shredding shootout 3-2 to the Italians. Gareth Southgate's bid to end their 55-year wait for a major trophy ended in the familiar agony of defeat in a penalty shootout as the Azzurri claimed a European crown for a second time.

They made history by reaching a major final for only the second time in their history, but, nevertheless, they made history, and brought the nation together – in time for the FIFA World Cup – in 18 months.

Jaguar UK’s mission to bring a taste of Wimbledon to the whole country continues this week with Jaguar retailers up and down the nation donating crucial tennis equipment to local schools, families and communities.

The series of ‘Kit Drops’ up and down the country was kicked off last week with a pop-up Centre Court experience at Malmesbury Primary School in Merton, London, arranged by Jaguar UK and attended by tennis ambassador Kyle Edmund and TV presenter, author and mental health advocate Frankie Bridge. Edmund and Bridge led an introductory tennis session for the School’s Year 6 pupils with the All England Lawn Tennis Club’s Dan Bloxham, to bring some fun and inspiration to their PE lesson.

Now, Jaguar UK retailers are doing their part to bring the Wimbledon Spirit to the whole country, with the latest handover completed by Sturgess Jaguar Leicester today. The retailer arrived in a fully-electric Wimbledon-branded I-PACE at the Matt Hampson Foundation, a charity that helps to rehabilitate and support beneficiaries seriously injured through sport. Included in the ‘Kit Drop’ were rackets, balls, nets, Jaguar water bottles and more.

Jaguar Leicester joins retailers in London, Brighton, Swansea, Crewe, Glasgow and many more who have generously donated equipment to organisations in their local areas. It’s one small part of Jaguar UK’s mission – as Official Partner of The Championships, Wimbledon in 2021 –  to put into place an out-of-tournament community programme to build a tennis legacy.

The Championships continued today, with a number of VIP guests arriving in SW19 by all-electric I-PACE, just as many players and VIPs have throughout the tournament so far. Among them were Billie Piper, Dr. Alex George, Naomi Smart, Sarah Anne Macklin and Laura Haddock, who each took their seats in Centre Court for the latest action from Wimbledon.

Rawdon Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover UK added: “The recent pandemic has brought huge disruption to children and young people’s lives. In many cases children are much less active than before. With everything unlocking, we at Jaguar are wanting to encourage children to return to regular exercise and enjoy playing sport collectively. Through our partnership with The All England Lawn Tennis Club, we are proud to be delivering a national programme that will help build a tennis legacy to communities who need support the most.”

It was 800m gold for Isabelle Boffey (coach: Luke Gunn, club: Enfield & Haringey), while there were a host of fourth and fifth places on an exciting third day of action at the European Athletics U23 Championships in Tallinn, Estonia.

Boffey won the 800m in some style, after going through at the bell in third place she made a decisive move to the front of the field down the backstraight and after that there was only ever one winner as she pushed on to another European title.

Boffey, who is on the British Athletics Futures Academy programme, now has the full set of age-group championship gold medals with today’s victory adding to her titles from the European U20s in 2019 and U18s in 2016.

The University of Birmingham student, who finished today’s race in 2:01.80, said, “I am buzzing. I showed that as I crossed the line. I have run 2:01 a few times this season and I really wanted to bring my best to the champs. I tried to stick to my plan, and I knew if I did that, I could secure the gold. I now want to get into some quick races to get these times down and get a time for next season’s championships.”

She added, “The middle distances in the UK just now is insane and I just need to train hard to get on their level next year.”

Khahisa Mhlanga (Mick Judd, Herts Phoenix) came in a strong fourth place in 2:04.05 overtaking three others in the home straight.  She was delighted with her performance, “I am pleased. It went out very quick, but I hung on in there and I managed to pick off a few in the last lap. I really enjoyed it.”

Shemar Boldizsar (Stephen David Loft, Harlow) was looking to retain his European U23 200m title, but in the final he could not match his exploits from 2019. As he approached the line, he was in contention for the bronze medal but there was a late shuffle in the placings as athletes dipped to the line, and he ultimately finished in sixth place in a time of 20.84 (0.3). Swiss athlete, William Reais, was a clear winner in a European U23 record of 20.47. 

Earlier in the day, Boldizsar had made no mistake qualifying from his semi-final in 21.28 (w-2.6). After the final he said, “It was a very fast race. I felt strong going into the final, but I just got taken in the last 10 metres. I think I was too tense in the race, but I will learn from that.”

In a 17-man 1500m final it was always going to be a tactical and scrappy affair, but the British pair of   George Mills (Jon Bigg, Brighton Phoenix) and Joshua Lay (Anthony Love, Rugby & Northampton) did well to negotiate the field to finish in fifth and eighth respectively.

Mills, the 2016 European U18 champion, battled through traffic in the closing stages to post a time of 3:40.91. He summarised post-race, "It was a super, messy race and you had to try and be patient and position yourself as best you could. Unfortunately, today that wasn’t possible and although I would have liked to finish in the medals after a couple of rough weeks with results in races, I am happy to come away with fifth here.”

Lay, who clocked a time of 3:41.29 said, “I am disappointed after executing well for the first 3 laps, and I got in good positions but then I let people come past on the backstraight and I was back in fourth by the 100m, but I didn’t have it in my legs today.”

Anna Purchase (Rob Careless, Notts) and Tara Simpson-Sullivan (Robert Halliwell, Wigan & District) finished fourth and fifth respectively in the women’s hammer final. 

Purchase, the Berkeley University student, throwing her second furthest ever with her second round of 65.11m was delighted with her performance, saying, “It has been a really hard year, so I am very proud today. I had to quarantine for 17 days after going to and fro from the US so to do this is really special.”

Simpson-Sullivan also achieved the longest throw of her series in round two with 64.84m but was left slightly disappointed after her final throw, which looked to have gone over 65m, just clipped the cage so was marked as a foul. 

She said, “I didn’t do too well in the qualification, so I was looking to do better today. But I am so pleased to be here and have my first GB vest.  Next year is going to be very competitive with lots of good girls coming through. The big goal is to be the second British woman over 70m.”

In the men’s 110m hurdles, co-captain Tade Ojora (Caryl Smith-Gilbert, Windsor Slough Eton and Hounslow) was just pipped into fourth place by one-hundredth of a second, finishing in 13.45 (-1.6) with Josh Zeller (Adrian Brown, Bracknell AC) coming home in sixth in a time of 13.76.

Ojora, the British Champion, “My start was good but towards the end I really started worrying about people each side of me instead of focusing on my own race which is upsetting. I didn’t come here for fourth, but I’ll be back.”

The women’s 100m hurdles final was another quick race on the fast Tallinn track with Anastasia Davies (John Blackie, Blackheath & Bromley) finishing in eighth place in 13.53 (-0.9).

In an extremely competitive men’s 400m hurdles final, the first five finishers all achieved personal bests including Alex Knibbs (Nick Dakin, Amber Valley & Erewash) who was fourth in a PB of 49.37, just three-tenths outside the medal places.

British champion, Alastair Chalmers (Matt Elias, Guernsey) finished sixth in a season best of 49.80, while the winner, Alessandro Sibilio of Italy, finished in a European U23 lead time of 48.42.

Knibbs, who improved upon his eighth place at the Euro U23s two years ago, said afterwards, “That race was fast. I am amazed with that PB. I gave it my best, so I am happy with a PB.”

The women’s 3000m steeplechase was run in very high temperatures with Sarah Tait (Linda Smith, Lasswade) and Elise Thorner (Wells City) keeping with the leading group with three laps to go. Unable to stay with that pace especially in the heat, the 20-year-old Scot, Tait finished in an excellent fifth in 10:04.53, while the Wells City athlete worked hard to cross the line in eighth in 10:12.41.

Even at 8pm in the evening it was still more than 30 degrees in the stadium for the men’s 5000m race. In the A race, Tom Mortimer (Christopher Brown, Stroud) ran a determined first 3k, taking it on after seven laps until German, Mohamed Mohumed took the lead and pushed the pace.

The Briton was closed down by Icelandic and Spanish pair, Magnusson and Las Heras just before the bell so Mortimer would finish the contest in fourth place in 13:48.67, which would stand after the B race.

He said, “Knowing there was another race I needed to take it on. I knew we needed to do sub-14. I was pleased Mohumed took it out, but I couldn’t handle it in the end.”

Isaac Akers (Bill Boyd, Crosby) finished tenth in the A race (adjusted to 13th overall after the second race) in 14:07.07. Unfortunately, Rory Leonard (Morpeth) retired after seven laps.

In the women’s 200m final, Kiah Dubarry-Gay (Clarence Callender, Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets) ran 23.32 (-0.4) from lane eight to finish fifth overall in her first European final. During the morning session she enjoyed a superb semi-final to achieve a PB of 23.29 (-1.3) and ensure her final place.

Running in the second semi-final earlier in the day, Georgina Adam (Joe McDonnell, Loughborough Students) had a long wait to see if her 23.57 (-1.2) would be sufficient to advance as a fastest non-auto qualifier but with a very fast final heat it was not be. 

Earlier this morning, Lucy Hadaway (Matt Barton, City of York) secured her place in Sunday’s long jump final with a leap of 6.48m in the third and final round which gave her automatic qualification and the second longest jump from both qualification groups. 

Afterwards she said, “It was a very early start so it took me a couple of rounds, but I don’t feel too tired after it and I feel I can go bigger in the final. Each jump today can be improved on technically, so I am confident tomorrow.”

The European Athletics Under 23 Championships runs from 8 to 11 July in Tallinn, Estonia.  It will be streamed live on the European Athletics website with events getting underway at 7:40am BST on Sunday.

Results:https://tallinn21-u23results.european-athletics.com/en/results/athletics/daily-schedule.htm

British team medals:

GOLD (2): 

Jeremiah Azu – Men’s 100m

Isabelle Boffey – Women’s 800m

BRONZE (2):

Kristal Awuah – Women’s 100m

Holly Mills – Women’s Heptathlon

As Italy take on England in the UEFA Euro 2020 final, at Wembley Stadium, the 33-game unbeatable Azzurri (33 games) come face-to face with the Three Lions – who, themselves, have only conceded once throughout the whole tournament.

Have met on 27 previous occasions the 4-times World Cup winners hold the edges in the head-to-head meetings - Italy with ten victories to England's eight. With very little to separate them again when they reconvene for tonight’s, after two epic semi-finals, London now hosts a decider which, for the first time in the competition’s history, will feature the host. After hurdled Germany, Ukraine and, in extra time, Denmark to earn their chance to end ‘55 years of hurt,’ Italy, who beat Spain on penalties in their own thrilling semi-final, are looking to lift the trophy for the first time since their only previous success – in 1968.

They (Italy) didn’t even qualify for the 2018 World Cup, in Russia, but are more than ready for what promises to be an epic encounter of two of the most refreshing, entertaining and passionate teams who both are deserved of their respective positions as the two best teams in what has been an ‘epic’ Euro 2020 – despite their, and the competition it self’s myriad of complications (some of which, mainly, i.e. the weirdly distanced venue that only some had to undertake) this, the zenith of a month of continent-wide encounters is set to be the best yet.  

The Queen recalled the 1966 World Cup victory as she wished the England team well saying that she hoped that history would record the team's success but also the spirit, commitment and pride with which you have conducted yourselves. The monarch said she had seen what it meant to the players to win a major tournament 55 years ago.

Her Royal Highnesses’ message reads: “Fifty-five years ago I was fortunate to present the World Cup to Bobby Moore and saw what it meant to the players, management and support staff to reach and win the final of a major international football tournament.

“I want to send my congratulations and that of my family to you all on reaching the final of the European Championships, and send my good wishes for the game, with the hope that history will record not only your success but also the spirit, commitment and pride with which you have conducted yourselves.”

Southgate responded, saying: "It has been fantastic to have the letter from the Queen and the prime minister to all of the team - and the recognition the players have gone about this in the right way. But we're in a final and we're here to win. Now we want to go and bring the trophy home."

So, for Southgate and Mancini, Sterling and Jorginho, Kane and Di Lorenzo, and the rest, all is set for a showdown that will captivate two of football’s most passionate, adoring, and demanding of fans for this – a final deserved of its elevated stature.

As a footnote, UEFA has fined the English FA following incidents during the country’s win over Denmark after television pictures showed a green light on Danish keeper Jasper Schmeichel's face just before Harry Kane took an extra-time penalty.

The Football Association has been fined 30,000 euros (£26,600) for three incidents during the tie including a laser pointer being shone at the Leicester City keeper’s face. The FA and UEFA officials searched for the source of the laser pointer when they were first made aware of it being used during the first half of extra time. However, they were unable to find those responsible.

Italy v. England kicks-off at 20:00 (GMT).

Former England striker Paul Mariner, who won the FA Cup and UEFA Cup with Ipswich Town, has died aged 68.

Mariner began his league career at Plymouth Argyle and also played for Arsenal and Portsmouth. He made 35 appearances for England, scoring 13 goals.

"We regretfully inform you that Paul passed away peacefully on 9 July surrounded by his family, after a brief battle with brain cancer," said a statement from Mariner's family. "We would like to thank all the people who came to see him through his illness for their support and the messages that were sent to him; they meant a great deal to him and us.

"A special thank you must go to the NHS and the unbelievable care that he received when he most needed it and for that we, as a family, will be forever in your debt. Paul lived a full life and was fortunate enough to represent a group of fantastic football clubs as well as his country, all of which meant the world to him.

"Anyone who knew Paul will attest to his fantastic sense of humour, his passion for life and his work. He will be sorely missed by everyone who was ever around him and by those most close to him."

Lancashire-born Mariner made 155 appearances and scored 61 goals for Plymouth, who signed him from non-league Chorley in 1973. He moved to Ipswich in 1976 and was part of the side who won the FA Cup in 1978 and UEFA Cup in 1981 under manager Sir Bobby Robson.

He scored 135 goals in 339 appearances for the Portman Road side before joining Arsenal in 1984. He joined Portsmouth two years later and finished his playing career in the United States.

Making his England debut in 1977 and playing at the 1982 World Cup, Mariner also had spells as manager of Plymouth and Major League Soccer side Toronto FC. "The Argyle family is devastated to learn of the passing of legendary former striker and manager, Paul Mariner," said the Pilgrims.

Ipswich Town inducted Mariner into the club's hall of fame in 2011. The club’s chief executive, Mark Ashton, said: "It's incredibly sad news and the thoughts of everyone at the club are with Paul's family and friends at this very difficult time."

He was 68.

Boxer Chris Eubank's son Sebastian has died days before his 30th birthday, his father's representatives have said.

Sebastian had followed his father's footsteps and become a professional boxer. The British middleweight Eubank Snr said he and his family were "devastated" to hear of his son's death in Dubai, where he lived.

And Chris Eubank Jnr tweeted: "Sorry I wasn't there to watch your back like a big brother's supposed to." Sebastian, the third-eldest of Eubank Snr's children, leaves behind his wife Salma and son Raheem who was born a month ago, Eubank Snr said.

It was reported that Sebastian had been found dead on the beach after drowning. In a statement, Eubank Snr, who held the WBO middleweight and super-middleweight titles between 1990 and 1995, said: "Sebastian grew up in Hove in England but in the last few years made his life in Dubai where he had a wide circle of friends and was a leader in the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and of alternative therapies.

"As well as being a personal trainer and professional boxer, Sebastian was also a deep thinker who liked to challenge accepted wisdom. He was loved and respected by all who knew him and will be forever in the thoughts of friends and family. As a family we now kindly ask to be given space and privacy to celebrate his life and remember the son, the brother, the husband, the friend."

Sebastian's mother Karron Meadows said: "Our whole family is grieving at the huge loss of our son and brother, Sebastian." And in a series of emotional tweets, Sebastian's brother, Eubank Jnr, wrote: "I haven't cried since I was 12 years old… yesterday I cried the whole day.

"Can't believe you're really gone man but you'll always be in my heart, mind and spirit." He added Sebastian would live on "through your beautiful new born son and I will treat him like my own".

Former world boxing champion Joe Calzaghe and the YouTuber and boxer KSI were among those to pay tribute to Sebastian. "Really Saddened to hear the news of the passing of Seb Eubank,” Calzaghe said.

“Thoughts and Prayers to Chris and family." Sebastian's promoters and agents, Kalle and Nisse Sauerland, described him as a "true gentleman and a sincere human being". Promoter Eddie Hearn added: "So saddened by the news of the passing of Seb Eubank. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."

The Hungaroring, home of the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix, is thrilled to welcome fans back for the first time since 2019 when the pinnacle of motorsport arrives in Budapest on the weekend of July 30th – August 1st, 2021.

Having hosted a race behind closed doors in 2020 – helping to successfully kickstart F1’s delayed, Covid-affected season in the process – the famous circuit on the outskirts of Budapest is now ready to open its gates again in a move that is sure to delight sports fans around the world.

Indeed, with less than one month to go, the Promoter of one of the most popular and established races on the F1 calendar is calling on all EU fans to get their tickets for the final race before the F1 summer break now; with all ticketholders from the block simply needing to provide an EU Green Pass - the newly launched digital Covid certificate which facilitates free movement for EU citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic within the European Union – to gain entry to the  2021 Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix.

In order to ensure a safe event for all attendees, the traditional Pit Lane Walk for fans will not take place this year, while the post-race ‘podium rush’ will also not be permitted, with fans asked to celebrate the winners from the stands.

In addition to being able to attend the F1 race weekend, fans with the Green Pass will also be entitled to move about freely in Budapest and enjoy the many amazing restaurants, bars and cultural landmarks this stunning city has to offer.

As of 7th July, 5.51 million people in Hungary had received their first Covid-19 vaccination (and more than 4 million people had received both), which means Hungary is the country in the EU with the second-highest vaccination rate and one of the safest travel destinations in the current climate.

The success of its vaccination roll-out has already seen Budapest play host to four spectacular EURO 2020 football matches, which saw the full capacity Ferenc Puskás stadium cheer the national team on in their games against Portugal & France, as well as host the action-packed group game between Portugal & France and the Round of 16 tie between the Czech Republic & Holland.

It’s safe to say that Dutch fans will be hoping for a better outcome than their national football team experienced in Budapest when their hero Max Verstappen lines up on the Hungaroring grid on August 1st.  The young superstar has opened up a commanding 32-point lead over his rival – and 7-time World Champion – Lewis Hamilton, which guarantees that he will enter the race in Hungary top of the driver charts, irrespective of what happens at next week’s British Grand Prix in Silverstone.

It will therefore be a race of huge significance for the Dutch icon - and his thousands of adoring fans - as he will be aiming to extend his lead going into F1’s traditional summer break. With ease of access assured, there is every reason for Dutch fans to start booking their race weekend in Budapest now and support the Red Bull ace from the grandstands with their usual orange-fuelled passion.

In what is already shaping up to be one of the most closely fought title battles in F1’s recent history, there is no better time to get your ticket and join the greatest drivers on the planet as they battle it out at the famous Hungaroring.

Sport is nothing without fans and the Hungaroring can’t wait to welcome you back to the 2021 Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix for one of the biggest and best sporting experiences of the year.

The Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) - Promoter of the 2021 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – was delighted to welcome a selection of the region’s key sports, news & lifestyle media to the site of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, as the newest venue on the F1 calendar nears completion ahead of the inaugural F1 race weekend in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia later this year.

With just 5 months until the greatest drivers in the world land in Jeddah for the first ever 2021 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the lucky group of media were treated to an exclusive tour of the newest track in F1 – idyllically located on the banks of the stunning Red Sea - by HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF).

Featuring no less than 27 corners, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit stretches to 6.175km in length, making it the longest street circuit in the sport. Moreover, with average speeds expected to reach at least 250km/h, the newest addition to the pinnacle of motorsport is due to establish itself as the fastest street circuit on the planet and in the top 5 fastest F1 circuits altogether.

During the tour, media were given exclusive access to the various sectors of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit that already mark it out as the most hotly anticipated new track on the F1 calendar, including the site of the futuristic 280m-long, four-storey, cutting-edge Pit Building - due to be finalised by October - that will become one of the most unique and innovative structures of its kind, guaranteeing spectacular views of the racing action as well as of the breath-taking Jeddah waterfront.

Furthermore, media were able to inspect the spectacular 12-degree bank at Turn 13 that is currently under construction, providing a tantalising glimpse of the near-future when the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen will take on this remarkable section of the track in their battle for F1 supremacy. They also got to examine progress at the rapid, DRS-enabled, sweeping stretch that follows the exit from T23, where cars are expected to hit speeds of 322km/h as they head into the crucial final turn of the lap (T27), as well as the beautiful, state-of-the-art Media Island, where the world's press will cover the race from and which looks directly on to this spectacular high-speed section of the circuit. 

Developed in partnership by Tilke Engineers and F1’s own Motorsports Division, the circuit design has made strong use of the long, sweeping roads along the Corniche area, utilising this feature and existing roads as much as possible along the narrow stretch of coastal land, resulting in one of the most unique and challenging circuits yet to feature in Formula 1. 

An atypical street circuit, fast flowing with high speed esses and chicanes as well as long full throttle sections, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is designed to deliver spectacular racing and is sure to generate huge excitement for F1 fans around the world and pose a stern examination of the drivers' strength and skills.

Speaking after the tour, HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) said: “We were delighted to invite our friends from the media to the site of the newest street circuit in Formula 1 to witness for themselves the progress that has been made since we first broke ground in March. It is incredibly exciting to consider that in 5 months we will see the greatest drivers in the world race here under the lights on what will become the fastest street circuit on the planet.

“It is my sincere hope that this tour has enabled our media guests to see just how much combined effort and planning from our highly educated, talented and diverse workforce is going into the construction of this world-class racing venue and that it will help them experience the same level of anticipation and excitement as we are ahead of the arrival of the pinnacle of motorsport in Jeddah in a few months’ time.

“This modern, exhilarating and high-speed circuit stands as a physical representation of the goals we have set for ourselves as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 programme that aims to build a better country, fulfil our nation’s dream of prosperity and unlock the talent, potential, and dedication of our young men and women. We can’t wait to see this magnificent track come to life to the beautiful sound of roaring engines and passionate fans in December.”

Holly Mills and Tade Ojora have been named as co-captains of the British team at the European U23 Championships taking place between in Tallinn, in Estonia.

The recently crowned British champion in the men’s 110m hurdles, Tade Ojora will be looking to build on this great form in Tallinn. The NCAA athlete reached the semi-final at the European U23 championships in 2019 at just 21 years of age so will be looking to go all the way this time.

He was delighted at being named captain; “It is a great honour to have been bestowed that position. I came to the U23 champs in Gavle, Sweden and it was a great experience although it didn’t go exactly to plan as I was disqualified on a technicality in the second round, but I really learnt a lot from that. But some of what I learned about how to manoeuvre through championships with heats, semis and a final, helped me reach the NCAA final and the British Championships final and hopefully back here at the Euro U23s.  

“I think my journey and understanding the mentality of an elite athlete will really help others in the team. I didn’t come just to participate; I came here to win, and I think the rest of the team are in that space too.” 

Co-captain, Holly Mills, the European U20 long jump bronze medallist of 2019, goes in the heptathlon which begins on Thursday with the 100m hurdles. 

Reflecting on the responsibility of being named captain she said: “It is an absolute honour especially as I am only in my second year as an under 23 and it is a really large team. This is one of the many stepping stones for me as I have made every age group team champs since 2016 and I have been on the Futures Academy at British Athletics has been so useful for me. It also means I have grown up with many of the coaches and athletes here. This feels like the last stepping stone for me before becoming a proper senior. This will also be so beneficial for me as captain.  

“I feel I am approachable, and I can talk to anyone, and I know so many on the team. It is great that I can relate to almost every event - the sprints, the distance, the throws and the jumps - so being a heptathlete really has its advantages.”

Michael Afilaka, Team Leader, said: “Both Holly and Tade are mature beyond their years and are great examples to the rest of the team as to what can be achieved. Holly has been on the British Athletics Performance Pathway and really represents all the advantages that this programme brings to the athletes supporting them on their journey toward future Olympic success. She has also progressed through the age group championships including being captain at the European Junior Championships in 2019. 

“Tade is such a promising talent who really came to the fore at the recent British Championships. He has bounced back so well from the disappointment of a DQ at the European U23s in 2019 and this is a great example that resilience and perseverance can pay off.

“The whole team is excited about the championships, and we are really looking forward to competition getting underway on Thursday.”

The European Athletics Under 23 Championships will be streamed live on the European Athletics website with events getting underway at 10:00am (0800 BST) on Thursday.

Jona Efoloko has been called up to 4x100m relay squad for the Olympic Games with Joe Brier also headed to Tokyo as a travelling reserve in the 4x400m so neither will be competing in Tallinn. James Hanson joins the men’s 4 x 100m relay team.

The British team for the European Athletics U23 Championships:

Men

100m

Dominic Ashwell (Marvin Rowe, Shaftesbury Barnet)

Jeremiah Azu (Helen Patricia James, Cardiff)

Brandon Mingeli (Ryan Freckleton, Cambridge Harriers)

200m

Shemar Boldizsar (Stephen David Loft, Harlow)

400m

Alex Haydock-Wilson (Michael Baker, Windsor Slough Eton and Hounslow)

800m

Finlay McLear (Exeter)

Ben Pattison (Dave Ragan, Basingstoke and Mid Hants)

Thomas Randolph (Craig Winnow, Tamworth)

1500m

Tiarnan Crorken (Andy Bibby, Preston)

Josh Lay (Anthony Love, Rugby & Northampton)

George Mills (Jon Bigg, Brighton Phoenix)

5000m

Issac Akers (Bill Boyd, Crosby)

Rory Leonard (Morpeth)

Tom Mortimer (Christopher Brown, Stroud)

10,000m

David Melville (Harvard Uni)

110m Hurdles

Tade Ojora (Caryl Smith-Gilbert, Windsor Slough Eton and Hounslow)

Josh Zeller (Adrian Brown, Bracknell AC)

400m Hurdles

Alastair Chalmers (Matt Elias, Guernsey)

Alex Knibbs (Nick Dakin, Amber Valley & Erewash)

High Jump

Joel Khan (Deidre Elmhurst, Worcester)

Hammer

Ben Hawkes (Adrian Palmer, Cardiff)

4 x 100m Relay

Dominic Ashwell (Marvin Rowe, Shaftesbury Barnet)

Jeremiah Azu (Helen Patricia James, Cardiff)

Shemar Boldizsar (Stephen David Loft, Harlow)

Brandon Mingeli (Ryan Freckleton, Cambridge Harriers)

Destiny Ogali (Winston Thomas, Dacorum & Tring)

James Hanson (Jake Awe, Woking)

4 x 400m Relay

Alex Haydock-Wilson (Michael Baker, Windsor Slough Eton and Hounslow)

Alex Knibbs (Nick Dakin, Amber Valley & Erewash)

Alastair Chalmers (Matt Elias, Guernsey)

Lewis Davey (Newham & Essex Beagles)

Ethan Brown (Clarence Callender, Bromley & Blackheath)

Aidan Leeson (Glyn Hawkes, Rugby & Northampton)

Women

100m

Kristal Awuah (Matthew Thomas, Herne Hill)

Alisha Rees (Leon Baptiste, Edinburgh AC)

200m

Georgina Adam (Joe McDonnell, Loughborough Students)

Amber Anning (Denis Shaver, Brighton & Hove)

Kiah Dubarry-Gay (Clarence Callender, Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets)

400m

Yasmin Liverpool (Stewart Marshall, Coventry)

800m

Izzy Boffey (Luke Gunn, Enfield & Haringey)

Khahisa Mhlanga (Mick Judd, Herts Phoenix)

1500m

Erin Wallace (Andy Young, Giffnock North)

5000m

Eleanor Bolton (Chris Barnes, Ribble Valley Harriers)

Izzy Fry (Mick Woods, Newbury)

10000m

Eleanor Bolton (Chris Barnes, Ribble Valley Harriers)

100m Hurdles

Jenna Blundell (Bristol & West)

Anastasia Davies (John Blackie, Blackheath & Bromley)

400m Hurdles

Zoe Pollock (Nick Dakin, Oxford City)

3000m Steeplechase

Sarah Tait (Linda Smith, Lasswade)

Elise Thorner (Wells City)

Pole Vault

Molly Caudrey (Stuart Caudery, Thames Valley)

Long Jump

Lucy Hadaway (Matt Barton, City of York)

Javelin

Bekah Walton (David Turner, Blackheath & Bromley)

Hammer

Anna Purchase (Rob Careless, Notts)

Tara Simpson-Sullivan (Robert Halliwell, Wigan & District)

Heptathlon

Holly Mills (Laura Turner-Alleyne, Andover)

Jade O’Dowda (Newham & Essex Beagles)

Jodie Smith (Laura Turner-Alleyne, Windsor, Slough, Eton & Hounslow)

4 x 100m Relay

Georgina Adam (Joe McDonnell, Loughborough Students)

Kristal Awuah (Matthew Thomas, Herne Hill)

Ellie Booker (Lewis Samuel, Rotherham)

Kiah Dubarry-Gay (Clarence Callender, Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets)

Cassie-Ann Pemberton (Sharon Morris, Birchfield Harriers)

Alisha Rees (Leon Baptiste, Edinburgh AC)

4x 400m Relay

Amber Anning (Brighton & Hove)

Izzy Boffey (Luke Gunn, Enfield & Haringey)

Hannah Kelly (Les Hall, Bolton)

Yasmin Liverpool (Stewart Marshall, Coventry)

Zoe Pollock (Nick Dakin, Oxford City)

More than half of the British team for this summer’s Olympics will fine-tune their preparations for the Tokyo Games by competing in the Müller British Grand Prix in Gateshead on Tuesday July 13.

Start lists have gone live for next week’s Wanda Diamond League in the North East of England and there is plenty of home interest with world champions Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Dina Asher-Smith leading the way. In total, 41 Tokyo-bound members of Team GB will be in action including pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw, sprint hurdler Andrew Pozzi and middle-distance runners Jake Wightman and Elliot Giles.

Athletes in the line-ups have a combined number of 148 global outdoor world and Olympic medals between them. Olympic gold medallists at Gateshead include sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica, pole vaulter Katerina Stefanidi of Greece, javelin thrower Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad & Tobago, high jumper Erik Kynard of the United States and sprint hurdler Omar McLeod of Jamaica.

There are 18 world champions in Gateshead too including Johnson-Thompson and Asher-Smith, plus javelin thrower Johannes Vetter and long jumper Milaiko Mihambo of Germany, Dutch middle-distance runner Sifan Hassan and British relay gold medallists from London 2017 CJ Ujah, Adam Gemili and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake.

Ujah, Gemili and European champion Zharnel Hughes take on the world No.1 in 2021, Trayvon Bromell of the United States, together with Olympic medallist Andre De Grasse of Canada in a men’s 100m race where the competitors own a combined total of 21 global senior medals.

Asher-Smith is set to face Olympic 100m, 200m and 4x100m gold medallist Thompson- Herah plus in-form Jamaican Sherika Jackson and Commonwealth 100m champion Blessing Okagbare of Nigeria in the women’s 200m.

Returning to fitness following an Achilles injury, Johnson-Thompson is joined in the long jump by Tokyo-bound Brits Jazmin Sawyers and Abigail Irozuru as they take on Mihambo who, in addition to being reigning world champion, has been in fine form on the Diamond League circuit with victory in Oslo last week.

After improving her British record to 4.90m at the Müller British Athletics Championships in Manchester last month, Bradshaw takes on Stefanidi, world indoor champion Sandi Morris of the United States and another in-form American, Katie Nageotte, in a big pre-Olympic test.

World 1500m and 10,000m champion Hassan leads the field in the Millicent Fawcett Mile for women, whereas Wightman and Giles are part of the Emsley Carr Mile line-up. Fresh from his Oceania record in the mile in the Svein Arne Hansen Dream Mile in Oslo last week, Stewart McSweyn of Australia will race in Gateshead in a strong 3000m field that includes Mohamed Katir, the Spanish runner who won the 5000m when the Diamond League was held at Gateshead in May.

Femke Bol of the Netherlands went No.4 on the world all-time rankings for the women’s 400m hurdles when she narrowly beat Shamier Little of the United States in Stockholm last weekend – and the duo are set to clash again in Gateshead.

The women’s sprint hurdles sees British sister act Cindy Sember and Tiffany Porter take on world No.1 Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico. In the men’s sprint hurdles, meanwhile, Britain’s world indoor champion Pozzi faces reigning Olympic and former world champion McLeod.

The men’s javelin could see the in-form Vetter challenge Jan Zelezny’s 25-year-old world record, but he has stiff competition from Walcott and the reigning world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada.

Para races in the programme see several members of the Tokyo-bound British squad in action including Sophie Hahn, Maria Lyle and Thomas Young, plus Paralympic champion Jonnie Peacock.

Finally, the event will give sprinters a good chance to practise baton changes ahead of the Olympics and next year’s Commonwealth Games in relay races that are on the programme.

A two-thirds full Wembley stadium saw England reach their first competition final since 1966 as Gareth Southgate’s young Lions roared relentlessly to face Italy in Sunday’s Euro 2020 climax – the likes of which has, for this, and, indeed, many of the previous generation has never witnessed before.

From Sterling to Pickford, Phillips to Shaw, and every player with the Three Lines on their shirt last night, the victory over an overwhelmed Denmark team was something to behold…and then some.

As people gathered in living rooms, pubs, fan zones and around the wireless, this uniquely special night was just that – very, very special.

With social distancing rules meaning that up to six people from six households, or two households of any size, were able to sit together inside or 30 out, this was the perfect ‘fillip’ for a nation that has gone through so much in the last 15 months.

A brave Denmark provided stern opposition for the home nation, so, for Southgate’s Young Lions, this time, it was tears of joy after generations jeers of being emotionally destroyed by expectation.

Following the 2-1 extra-time win, which secured England’s place in Sunday’s Euros final for the first time ever, a joyful England boss Gareth Southgate said: "I’m so proud of the players. It's an incredible occasion to be a part of.

“We knew it wouldn’t be straightforward. The game in Rome was straightforward. We said to the players we have to show resilience and come back after setbacks and we did that.

"I felt we’d get there but I knew we’d have a different sort of battle. Denmark are so underrated as a team and they caused us a lot of troubles. When you’ve waited as long as we have to get through a semi-final, the players - considering the limited international experience some of them have - have done an incredible job.

"The most pleasing thing is we've given the fans and nation a fantastic night and the journey carries on for another four days. We suffered in Moscow on a night like this and we've managed to put that right.”

England forward Raheem Sterling said: "It was a top performance. We had to dig in deep. It was the first time we conceded but we responded well and showed good spirit. We knew it would be difficult. We stayed patient and we knew the legs and aggressiveness we have in the team we'd be okay.

"It's another step in the right direction. We have to focus on the weekend now. It's step-by-step. We know what football means to this country.

“The energy, the atmosphere...It was top. Now we have Italy. We will celebrate a little bit then focus on Italy."

"Finals are there to be won,” Southgate added. “It's taken a lot physically and mentally. Italy, too, have had that."

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