Euro 2020 LIVE: England fans go wild as Three Lions reach final, Southgate’s side to face Italy – latest updates

GREAL DEAL

Jack Grealish was reportedly lured away from the Ireland setup after a secret meeting with then England boss Roy Hodgson.

Grealish has been one of England's stars en route to the semis - where they take on Denmark at Wembley on Wednesday night.

The Aston Villa man, and midfielder Declan Rice, both made their international breakthroughs with Ireland before switching allegiance.

Grealish played for Ireland up to under-21 level while Rice was capped three times at senior level, all of them in friendlies.

The Athletic have revealed how the FA managed to convince the two Premier League stars to switch away from Ireland.

England boss Roy Hodgson had a confidential meeting with a 19-year-old Grealish at Villa Park to tell him he could be part of England's future.

Hodgson refused to allow Grealish have an agent present, insisting the meeting be conducted one to one.

HARRY'S READY

England fans are excited for tomorrow's Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark at Wembley.

And skipper Harry Kane to raring to go.

'BRINGING FAMILIES TOGETHER'

England manager Gareth Southgate is aiming to 'bring families and communities together' when the Three Lions play Denmark tomorrow night at Wembley.

He told the BBC: "England matches bring families and communities together," said Southgate.

"The opportunity to bring happiness and create brilliant nights for our fans, our nation, is a very special one that you have when you play with England.

"They are matches that you remember where you were and some of the nicest messages you get are that people appreciate how the players have been - that they feel they can connect with them - they should be very proud of that."

GET THE CHEERS IN - EXCL by Harry Cole

Pubs will be allowed to open until 11:15pm on Sunday night - in case the Euros final goes to extra time and penalties, The Sun can reveal.

Boris Johnson this morning signed off plans for extra drinking time this weekend regardless of whether England make Sunday night's Wembley showdown.

An emergency tweak of the law will be put forward to the Commons imminently to allow pubs to open for an extra 45 minutes serving on Final day.

Normally they have to shut at 10:30pm on a Sunday but that risked fans - hopefully Three Lions ones - being turfed out if the showdown goes long.

And the change to the law will happen regardless of whether England make the final after their crunch Semis clash with the Danes tomorrow evening.

If the Three Lions are victorious tomorrow evening they will meet the winner of tonight's last four decider between Spain and favourites Italy at Wembley on Sunday evening at 8pm.

GLOVE STORY

Kasper Schmeichel could be a thorn in England's side in the Euro 2020 semi-final on Wednesday.

The Denmark goalkeeper will be no easy prey for Harry Kane and Co thanks to his Adidas Predator gloves.

In a game that could come down to the finest of margins, he could have the secret weapon to deny England at Wembley.

Leicester shot-stopper Schmeichel, 34, has 288 spikes in his gloves for this summer's tournament.

The spikes - also worn by Italy's Gianluigi Donnarumma - are to help him punch the ball.

The Predator Pro gloves are priced at £100 and fitted with 288 spikes to help goalkeepers punch crosses.

They're currently being worn by the likes of Manchester United star David de Gea and England youngster Aaron Ramsdale.

WEMBLEY AWAITS

Spain and Italy take to the hallowed turf this evening hoping to book their place in the Euro 2020 final.

Italy have captured the imagination of fans with their brilliant performances, while Spain have had a topsy-turvy ride to the semis.

Which will be able to conjure another moment of magic like these below?

KRAIN HIRE

Arsenal are reportedly locked in battle with West Ham and Wolves to sign Ukraine forward Roman Yaremchuk.

The 25-year-old striker was one of the shining lights in Ukraine’s run to the Euro 2020 quarter-finals – where they were thrashed by England.

And his club Gent are now fielding calls over a summer transfer from multiple Premier League teams.

Belgian outlet RTBF quote Gent sporting director Michel Louwagie as saying the club want in excess of £13million for his services.

Speaking before the Euros quarter-final in Rome, he said: “I never speak of financial amount, but indeed, we expect to touch a large amount for Yaremchuk – 15 million euros?”

SAK IN BUSINESS

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is back in contention for England’s Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark tomorrow night.

The 19-year-old missed the quarter-final triumph over Ukraine in Rome due to a minor injury.

But he has trained as normal on Monday and is raring to go.

Manager Gareth Southgate said: “He should be fine.

“He did declare himself available for the game but we had not really had the chance to see him on the pitch and working at the level we felt would vindicate that decision.

“He will go back into full training with the group (on Monday) and he should be fine.”

HAR HA LAND

Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire is 'in a great place' ahead of England's Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark at Wembley tomorrow night.

He said: "Yeah, I have great support around me. Great family, great friends and a great club as well who have helped me along the way.

“I look back and obviously it was a challenging time. I think every international player has been through ups and downs in their career. That’s part and parcel of being a footballer. It was a challenging time but I’m proud of the way that I handled it and the way I’ve come through it.

“Now I’m in a positive place and everything’s good at the moment and long may it continue.

“I wouldn’t say it’s extra motivation because of that [defeat],” he continued. “I think the motivation is there: it’s the semi-final of a European Championship.

“The semi-final loss at the World Cup hurt a lot so when it comes on Wednesday night we need to make sure we get a positive feeling, rather than the one that we got against Croatia [in 2018].”

ROBBED

Italy boss Roberto Mancini believes that it is 'unfair' that his side and Spain won't be backed by their own fans at Wembley tonight.

He said: "It is unfair that there are no fans from Italy and Spain. But it is better to play in front of the public than in front of a few people - that is the beauty of sport."

Opposite number Luis Enrique hopes that UK-based Spanish and Italian fans can make themselves heard in London tonight.

He added: "It is a strange situation. I hope there are Spanish and Italians more than English fans, but they are things we cannot control. I am not going to waste any energy on it. We wish it was different but we accept it."

ROBBED

Italy boss Roberto Mancini believes that it is 'unfair' that his side and Spain won't be backed by their own fans at Wembley tonight.

He said: "It is unfair that there are no fans from Italy and Spain. But it is better to play in front of the public than in front of a few people - that is the beauty of sport."

Opposite number Luis Enrique hopes that UK-based Spanish and Italian fans can make themselves heard in London tonight.

He added: "It is a strange situation. I hope there are Spanish and Italians more than English fans, but they are things we cannot control. I am not going to waste any energy on it. We wish it was different but we accept it."

WEMBLEY AWAITS

England star Mason Mount can't wait to play in front of 60,000 fans at Wembley against Denmark tomorrow night.

The midfielder said: "This is going to be next level.

"Those little moments just get you even more hyped-up for the game and, as Dec said, we are ready to perform."

COLD AS RICE

England star Declan Rice is confident that the Three Lions are going to 'thrive' on the occasion when they face Denmark at Wembley tomorrow night.

The midfielder said: "Denmark is a massive chance to create history — the first England team since 1966 to play in a final if we get there.

“To get one step beyond would be unbelievable and I’ve never seen a group of lads so focused on the job.

“We’re going to thrive on it and go out there and do the business."

NO PRESSURE

Spain star Pedri insists he's not feeling any tension ahead of his country's Euro 2020 semi final against Italy.

The Barcelona ace has received widespread praise for his performances in the competition.

But the 18-year-old prodigy revealed he isn't feeling any pressure as it's a group effort, not an individual one.

He said: "The pressure suits me, but it’s not Pedri’s Spain. We are a great team and the group has determined our place in the semi-final.

"I just want to see if I can play in these games and do my best. I want to give my all for the team and work like everyone else."

HAPPY HEROES

Gareth Southgate says that his England team have a special chance to make the country proud when they take on Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-finals.

The Three Lions go up against the Danes on Wednesday who stand in their way of the European final.

Former Lions defender Southgate revealed that reaching the final is more for the country than it is for him.

He said: "It’s what it means to the country really. England matches bring families and communities together.

"The opportunity to bring happiness and create brilliant nights for our fans, our nation.

"Is a very special one that you have when you play with England. They are matches that you remember where you were."

MERS NOT KEANE

Paul Merson has labelled comments made by Roy Keane about Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson before Euro 2020 as 'nonsense'.

Before the start of the tournament, Keane had questioned Henderson's inclusion in Gareth Southgate's final 26-man squad.

The pundit claimed Henderson's situation was a "distraction" and asked whether he had been selected for a "sing-song".

But after the Liverpool captain came off the bench to score in England's Euro 2020 quarter-final 4-0 win over Ukraine, Merson leaped to his defence.

The ex-Arsenal ace said: "[Henderson's] a proper pro, isn’t he, he’s a real professional. He has got on with it.

"He hasn’t been in the team and fair play to him. I know Roy Keane said ‘is he going because he’s playing karaoke’.

“It’s nonsense. He goes because he’s a quality player. Great for the team and he’s not a moaner. For me, outstanding.”

GLOVE ISLAND

Peter Schmeichel has vowed son Kasper will be ready and waiting if Denmark’s Euro 2020 semi-final against England goes to penalties.

Manchester United legend Schmeichel was the spot-kick hero in 1992 when he saved from Marco van Basten to earn the Danes a semi-final win over the Netherlands on the way to European Championship glory.

And he says Kasper, 34, will be just as switched on should Wednesday’s clash with England go all the way to penalties at Wembley.

The 57-year-old said: “I am sure he would feel the same as I did – that it is yet another challenge.

“You have to deal with that and it is part of the job you’ve chosen to do. You know how significant is it and how big it is but at the end of the day you can only do so much as a goalkeeper and he will be prepared for it.

“I think one thing he will think of is the last time Denmark was in the European Championship semi-finals, Denmark did win on penalties so he can bring that into it.”

ITALIAN JOB

Italy's stars landed at Luton Airport for their huge Euro 2020 semi-final with Spain at Wembley.

All the squad's players wore matching outfits as they bid to reach Sunday's final.

Roberto Mancini's squad jetted in to Luton Airport with the Italians looking typically slick.

Italy booked their place in the semi-final after defeating top ranked Belgium in the last-eight.

It has been a remarkable transformation under Mancini after reviving Italy's fortunes.

The Azzurri failed to qualify for the last World Cup but Italy have surged into the last-four after a brilliant 32-game unbeaten run.

TAG TEAM

BEST pals Declan Rice and Mason Mount enjoyed their downtime by recreating wrestling moves with an inflatable shark.

Boss Gareth Southgate is eager to let his Three Lions stars relax before their Euros semi-final showdown with Denmark on Wednesday.

After their victory over Ukraine in Rome, England have jetted back to their St George's Park training base ahead of their date at Wembley.

A number of the players have been taking full advantage of the facilities on offer including the indoor swimming pool.

But none more so than Rice and Mount who paid tribute to WWE legend Edge and left Twitter users in stitches with their antics.

Footage from the BBC shows Rice setting his England team-mate up with the spear move as he tackles the shark into the water.

Rice is heard shouting: "And it's Edge… he's coming off the top rope…"

Mount then flies into shot before Mount launches himself at the inflatable.

VERY SUPERSTITIOUS

IT'S already being compared to THAT waistcoat.

During the 2018 World Cup, fashionable Gareth Southgate made a certain M&S item a must-have and it completely sold out.

Now, British designer Percival will be hoping the Southgate-effect does the same for their polka-dot tie.

The England boss has been seen wearing the silk blend number with his £680 Percival suit for every Three Lions games, EXCEPT the drab draw with Scotland.

For that reason, it has been dubbed a 'lucky tie' by fans and pundits on social media.

Incredibly, England have won EVERY game Southgate has worn the tie.

Costing £49, it is navy with white polka dots on.

Pervical confirmed to SunSport the tie will be available on their website on Monday evening.

SOUTH’S THE WAY

Harry Maguire has thanked Gareth Southgate for his support on and off the pitch.

The United captain went through a tumultuous time last year and revealed Southgate was with him every step of the way.

He said: “Gareth’s support of me has been brilliant ever since I made my debut for England.

“I wouldn’t say any specific moments, there’s numerous of them.

“Lots of conversations, lots of texts, lots of phone calls. And then speaking to him when I’ve come into camp he’s always there to help.”

NO BON-TER

Ciro Immobile has been getting it in the neck from his Italian team-mates for his Euro dramatics.

But veteran defender Leonardo Bonucci is refusing to kick his much maligned team-mate while he is down.

Striker Immobile was the subject of global mockery when he went down as though he had been seriously assaulted by Jan Vertonghen during Italy’s quarter-final win against Belgium last week.

But the second that Nicolo Barrella fired Italy ahead, Immobile rose like Lazarus to join in the mass celebrations.

Bonnucci explained: "Ciro felt contact and he went down, but the joy and excitement of such an important goal means that you don’t experience any more pain.

“We all had a bit of a laugh about that and took the mickey out of him. But that was the end of it.

"Ciro is a wonderful guy, a very upstanding man, and things like that can happen on the pitch."

LION KING

England captain Harry Kane insists winning Euro 2020 'would surpass anything at club level' ahead of Wednesday's semi-final against Denmark.

The Three Lions star will lead the line again following his deadly double in Saturday's 4-0 quarter-final win over Ukraine.

And Kane admits he is desperate to get his hands on the ultimate prize in front of a roaring home crowd at Wembley.

The superstar striker, who is also eyeing a second successive international Golden Boot, told TalkSport: “I think it would mean everything.

“I’ve always said winning a trophy with England would always surpass anything at club level, in my opinion.

“It has been so long, what 55 years, since we won something as a national side.

"Just to be a part of that history and put our stamp on history would be something we’d never forget.

“We have a great opportunity now to achieve that. We have to grab it with both hands and not let it go.”

SEMI-CONSCIOUS

England go into Wednesday night's Euro 2020 semi-final knowing they face not only Denmark - but the demons of the past, too.

The Three Lions booked a spot in the Euro 2020 semi-finals with a crushing 4-0 win over Ukraine in Rome on Saturday night.

Gareth Southgate's squad return to Wembley on Wednesday taking on a resurgent Denmark in the last-four.

But Southgate knows more than anyone else in the squad how tough England's challenge will be.

In an horrendous stat for the 'It's Coming Home' brigade, the Three Lions have only ever won ONE of their five major tournament semi-finals.

EVRA JIBE

MANCHESTER UNITED legend Patrice Evra has been entertaining fans on social media by singing into some fish and chips.

The hilarious ex-footballer was dressed as one of the Gallagher brothers and joked dinosaurs were alive the last time England won a major trophy.

The 40-year-old posted a video on Twitter of him singing to support England ahead of their Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark.

Evra was part of the French squad that lost the Euro 2016 final to Portugal but is an England fan after spending nine seasons at United and West Ham.

The video starts with Evra wearing an Oasis-style wig and sunglasses, similar to what he wore to troll Liam Gallagher and Manchester City after their Champions League final defeat to Chelsea in May.