southgate, i love you! it is on its _ them tonight? 10096! southgate, i love you!southgate, i love you! it is on its way, it - them tonight? 10096! southgate, i love you! it is on its way, it will i love you! it is on its way, it will soon be here. _ love you! it is on its way, it will soon be here. do _ love you! it is on its way, it will soon be here. do you _ love you! it is on its way, it will soon be here. do you think i love you! it is on its way, it will i soon be here. do you think gareth southuate soon be here. do you think gareth southgate will _ soon be here. do you think gareth southgate will use _ soon be here. do you think gareth southgate will use the _ soon be here. do you think gareth southgate will use the same i soon be here. do you think gareth| southgate will use the same 3-4-3 southgate will use the same 3—6—3 formation he used on tuesday against germany? he formation he used on tuesday against german ? . formation he used on tuesday against german ? , germany? he will use the same formation. _ germany? he will use the same formation, yeah. _

southgate manaued behind our country. southgate managed to — behind our country.thgate managed to find _ behind our country. southgate managed to find something i behind our country. southgate i managed to find something that behind our country. southgate - managed to find something that has brought— managed to find something that has brought the togetherness and it seems — brought the togetherness and it seems like they can do it this time. 55 years _ seems like they can do it this time. 55 ears. , . , seems like they can do it this time. 55 ears. , .,, ., ., ., 55 years. this was our moment to reresent 55 years. this was our moment to represent our _ 55 years. this was our moment to represent our time. _ 55 years. this was our moment to represent our time. the - 55 years. this was our moment to represent our time. the near - 55 years. this was our moment to i represent our time. the near misses and the tournaments that haven't gone so well were important for this team. their resilience and experience as a team have prepared them for this moment. this experience

he's very complimentary about southgate's input.ish everything goes their way. and gareth is that quy- goes their way. and gareth is that guy. gareth was engaged right at the early stages. you know, eight or nine years ago. gareth was there at 7am when we were having monday morning meetings. he wasn'tjust turning up and doing his coaching session had been part of the camps with the 21s. he was involved at every level. he was involved in recruitment he was involved in sport science, and performance analysts. you know he was genuinely interested in the whole dna concept, and he was part of these discussions. so him understanding every element of what we did, and what was being done... there's no surprise, now, that he understands what makes the players tick and he understands what happens, you know, in terms of what will create a successful england winning team and he's been fundamental and central to that without a doubt. certainly, southgate's impact on england runs much deeper than his time in charge of the senior men's team. team

the team-mates and their manager, gareth southgate.— manager, gareth southgate.oing to be a date with _ manager, gareth southgate. is going to be a date with destiny, _ manager, gareth southgate. is going to be a date with destiny, a - manager, gareth southgate. is going to be a date with destiny, a huge - to be a date with destiny, a huge moment— to be a date with destiny, a huge moment in— to be a date with destiny, a huge moment in the first time in 55 years they've _ moment in the first time in 55 years they've gotten to the stage in a major— they've gotten to the stage in a major tournament and we are hoping that the _ major tournament and we are hoping that the boys can bring it home like they did _ that the boys can bring it home like they did it— that the boys can bring it home like they did it 66 when the queen presented that world cup trophy to bobby— presented that world cup trophy to bobby moore, but it is going to be a very tough— bobby moore, but it is going to be a very tough match, let's make no mistake — very tough match, let's make no mistake ab

i hello, mr southgate.e. it is important that _ anthem. yes, of course. it is important that our _ anthem. yes, of course. it is important that our fans i anthem. yes, of course. it is i important that our fans always respect the opposition and we know that in actual fact when we play abroad and fans blew our anthem it probably inspires us even more. so i don't think it will help the team. i think we can intimidate the team with moving during the game, but it is different for the anthem. i think we should be respectful. {30 is different for the anthem. i think we should be respectful. go again. follow u- we should be respectful. go again. follow up their _ we should be respectful. go again. follow up their equipment - we should be respectful. go again. follow up their equipment no i follow up their equipment no worries _ follow up their equipment no worries biza— follow up their equipment no worries. ~ , , ., follow up their equipment no worries. g , ., ., , ., worries. my question now is for harry kane- _

gareth southgate has put. that gareth southgate has put through — that gareth southgate has put through through the beginning of the i through the beginning of the tournament— through the beginning of the tournament is— through the beginning of the tournament is about - through the beginning of the . tournament is about inclusivity through the beginning of the - tournament is about inclusivity with the fans _ tournament is about inclusivity with the fans and — tournament is about inclusivity with the fans and the _ tournament is about inclusivity with the fans and the players _ tournament is about inclusivity with the fans and the players with - tournament is about inclusivity with the fans and the players with the i the fans and the players with the same _ the fans and the players with the same mentality. _ the fans and the players with the same mentality. it— the fans and the players with the same mentality. it is— the fans and the players with the same mentality. it is really- the fans and the players with the i same mentality. it is really helped to drive _ same mentality. it is rea

players. | that city might've helped gareth southgate's players.— southgate's players.ate's players. i could not help thinking at the start of the | help thinking at the start of the match of that phrase from shakespeare in henry v — now sits expectation in the air — and the weight of expectation that was on so many young soldiers, on their on that pitch tonight, was its ordinary. and if messed with their heads a bit, given that for some of them into the first and only tom davies poorest football at this level, never mind in a final, in this competition, you would forgive them that —— the first time of experience football at this level. absolutely, and i think with harry leadin: , absolutely, and i think with harry leading. once _ absolutely, and i think with harry leading, once more _ absolutely, and i think with harry leading, once more into - absolutely, and i think with harry leading, once more into the - leading, once more into the breach... i thought tony lived in a grand mansion near anfield. breach... i thought tony lived in a grand mansion nearanfield. i'm surp

what southgate has done is he's got these player— southgate has done is he's got these player to _ southgateazed by his stream. _ got this team not to be fazed by his stream. not — got this team not to be fazed by his stream, not to be concerned about all the _ stream, not to be concerned about all the pressures that used to come on and _ all the pressures that used to come on and forced england to play badly. actually. _ on and forced england to play badly. actually, to play for each other and produce _ actually, to play for each other and produce the goods. i give it to southgate forjust getting to where he's got _ southgate forjust getting to where he's got to. i think he's a super leader~ — he's got to. i think he's a super leader. ~ ., ~ he's got to. i think he's a super leader. ~ . ,, , , ., ., leader. we will take this up again with real front _ leader. we will take this up again with real front pages _ leader. we will take this up again with real front pages in _ leader. we will take this up again with real front pages in about - leader. we will take this up again with real front pag

gareth southgate. as for his| management style, what will gareth southgate.he devastation on the faces of the team at the end of the match. , ,., ., match. the first thing he said to the players _ match. the first thing he said to the players who _ match. the first thing he said to the players who missed - match. the first thing he said to the players who missed the - match. the first thing he said to . the players who missed the penalty kicks, this is not on them, england when as a team and lose as a team and it is not theirfault. immediate priority to let those three players because it will be going through a very difficult evening. he would want to reemphasise how proud he was of the team, their performance at the euros, outdone expectations by getting this far, and the next priority is to prepare to complete the qualification and desperately hoping that england can go one step further in the world cup in 16 months. we will come back to that in a minute, in terms of the tactics last night, the strategy and the decisions around who would take the penalties,

southgate, and i think we as fans want _ southgate, and i think we as fans want to— southgate, and i we as fans want to see as in the _ southgate, and i think we as fans want to see as in the final- southgate, and i think we as fans want to see as in the final really. | want to see as in the final really. i want to see as in the final really. i want _ want to see as in the final really. i want to— want to see as in the final really. i want to be _ want to see as in the final really. i want to be optimistic— want to see as in the final really. i want to be optimistic really- want to see as in the final really. i want to be optimistic really andj i want to be optimistic really and think. _ i want to be optimistic really and think. we — i want to be optimistic really and think. we are _ i want to be optimistic really and think, we are going _ i want to be optimistic really and think, we are going to _ i want to be optimistic really and think, we are going to beat - i want to be optimistic really and - think, we are going to beat denmark and meet _ think, we are going to beat denmark and

it is a huge disappointment and i am gutted for gareth southgate and i am gutted for gareth southgateargins. people will moan about tactics and selections, gareth southgate got everything spot on on this tournament and got to the final for the first time. no manager has done it before. we have lost to iceland in this tournament. let's try and remember that. in this tournament. let's try and rememberthat. how in this tournament. let's try and remember that. how far away we were from the situation. he made great tactical decisions, penalties, again, why are these people taking penalties? young players who were put forward. because they wanted to. they were senior players who did not want to take the penalty. that is up to the players. that is their choice. nobody wants to miss. no one messes deliberately. it is a sad occasion. these young players are very, very good and talented and they will bounce from this. one, hats off to those players, the younger players who took those penalties. it was a really brave thing to do, to step up with so much hope and expectation on their shoulders. d

there's a lovely picture _ gareth southgate. there's a lovely picture of — gareth southgate.a lovely picture of gareth _ picture of gaza and a lovely picture of gareth southgate on opposing side of gareth southgate on opposing side of the _ of gareth southgate on opposing side of the page. of gareth southgate on opposing side ofthe nae. , ., _ of the page. obviously everyone has their fingers — of the page. obviously everyone has their fingers crossed _ of the page. obviously everyone has their fingers crossed that _ of the page. obviously everyone has their fingers crossed that england i their fingers crossed that england beats the uk. it's a gift, really, a good england football story particularly for the tabloids. tote particularly for the tabloids. we are particularly for the tabloids. - are reaching peak heroes. if a win tomorrow it'll crack the country up again. it's an exciting time to be an english person. he again. it's an exciting time to be an english person.— again. it's an exciting time to be an english person. he almost said an anule and an english person. he al

you're a team—mate of gareth southgate. tickets through the emotions that night. molar southgate. wow there was a lot of emotion. _ emotions that night. wow there was a lot of emotion, such _ emotions that night. wow there was a lot of emotion, such a _ emotions that night. wow there was a lot of emotion, such a big _ emotions that night. wow there was a lot of emotion, such a big game, - lot of emotion, such a big game, semifinal. football is coming home reverberating around the stadium before the game. everyone remembers the national anthem that night, it was so special. an incredible occasion. unfortunately, we got the only goal to go 1—0 up early in the game then they equalised. we had a couple of really good chances, myself and gascoigne so close to getting the golden goal but it went to penalties. we were very confident of them because we had beaten spain on penalties a few days earlier but it was not meant to be. a really strange feeling when that last penalty kick went in for the germans, not a good feeling. you know how gareth _ germans, not a good feeling. you know how g

gareth southgate across about 1000 or so words. _ southgate across about 1000 or so words. very— southgate_ words, very patiently and eloquently explained why he supported the players — explained why he supported the players taking a knee and why they were patriotic and why they weren't trying _ were patriotic and why they weren't trying to— were patriotic and why they weren't trying to signal virtually and why you should get behind them because it's all— you should get behind them because it's all about monitored england. it looks— it's all about monitored england. it looks forward and not back, and i think— looks forward and not back, and i think that's — looks forward and not back, and i think that's the blue that's brought these _ think that's the blue that's brought these players together, and that was reflected _ these players together, and that was reflected in the comment i'm seeing on social— reflected in the comment i'm seeing on social media this evening. english — on social media this evening. english people of all backgrounds, hu-e english people of all backgrounds, huge face,

gareth southgate's had this message for them.

tonight, gareth southgate said they're here to win.ry time we've played, it seems. so, we've done that, the players have done that, and, yeah, we're looking forward to the challenge. millions of england fans are getting ready to cheer on their team, as they face italy at wembley. doctors warn that people should remain cautious when covid restrictions ease in england, as cases continue to rise. world number one ashleigh barty wins her maiden wimbledon final, becoming the first australian women's champion for 41 years. i didn't sleep a lot last night. i was thinking of all the what ifs, but i think when i was coming out on this court i felt at home in a way, and i think being able to share that with everyone here, to share with my team is incredible. good evening. the queen has sent a message of support to the men's england football team, ahead of their euro 2020 final against italy tomorrow night. her majesty said she hoped history would record the team's success, but also "the spirit, commitment and pride" with which they had conducted

yes, gareth southgate with the only issue being phil foden.heirfinal training today for their final training session. we understand today for theirfinal training session. we understand that today for their final training session. we understand that was just precautionary, so all being well gareth southgate should be able to pick from his full 26. they are heading from their training base to their hotel in hertfordshire where they will stay tonight. gareth southgate will do his final press conference before the game tomorrow. they will arrive here sometime tomorrow afternoon. we know that the italian side have departed their florence training base, flying into luton airport around lunchtime today. they will train at tottenham's training ground to light, theirfinal session before light, their final session before the light, theirfinal session before the beginning tomorrow. it will be hard to split between these two teams when you consider it is italy who have the pedigree. they won this tournament back in and have got one final since then. italy

southgate is in they didn't pick me! southgate is in the papers — they didn't pick me!hey need to keep calm, i do not know— saying how they need to keep calm, i do not know how you managed to do that at— do not know how you managed to do that at such — do not know how you managed to do that at such occasions. there were some _ that at such occasions. there were some quotes from southgate's biography, he had mr spit in 1996 in the euros _ biography, he had mr spit in 1996 in the euros semifinals, he was thinking _ the euros semifinals, he was thinking at that moment about how it could go— thinking at that moment about how it could go wrong, not the things he could _ could go wrong, not the things he could control —— he missed in 1986. you have _ could control —— he missed in 1986. you have to — could control —— he missed in 1986. you have to focus, keep calm, —— i996 _ you have to focus, keep calm, —— 1996 he — you have to focus, keep calm, —— 1996 he said _ you have to focus, keep calm, —— 1996. he said in his pre—torquay will not — 1996. he said in his pre—torquay will

southgate. thank you very much indeed. southgate. thank you very much indeed- john _ southgate.'s _ southgate. thank you very much indeed. john watson's thoughts | southgate. thank you very much i indeed. john watson's thoughts on england super subjack grealish. 0ne lucky fan who managed to get a ticket for the game tonight isjeff pedley — he's a teacher based in belgium — and he's now in rome for the match. thank you forjoining us today. congratulations, you have got your ticket. how are you feeling? excited, nervous, privileged to be here. we are looking for on the ground at the minute, very thin on the ground. tell ground at the minute, very thin on the ground-— the ground. tell us, what did it take to get _ the ground. tell us, what did it take to get to _ the ground. tell us, what did it take to get to where _ the ground. tell us, what did it take to get to where you - the ground. tell us, what did it take to get to where you are? l the ground. tell us, what did it. take to get to where you are? you obvious he travelled from belgium, but talk us through the steps. i was ver

southgate mcsweeney! may be a middle name! ithink southgate mcsweeney! may be a middle name!k there is a _ southgate mcsweeney! may be a middle name! i think there is a bit _ southgate mcsweeney! may be a middle name! i think there is a bit of— name! i think there is a bit of compromising _ name! i think there is a bit of compromising to _ name! i think there is a bit of compromising to be - name! i think there is a bit of compromising to be done i name! i think there is a bit of. compromising to be done here. name! i think there is a bit of- compromising to be done here. if it is ago, we could be in trouble, i was looking at some of the surnames, what about shaw or cody because make cody�*s a good name. all kane? cane might work for a girl. brute cody's a good name. all kane? cane might work for a girl.— might work for a girl. we might be able to make _ might work for a girl. we might be able to make it _ might work for a girl. we might be able to make it work, _ might work for a girl. we might be able to make it work, that - might work for a girl. we might be able to make i

gareth southgate, we spoke so many about his disappointments as a player and his penalty miss at euroked out against germany. but signs of progress, signs are perhaps things were changing when they made it through to the semifinal at the last world cup in 2018. they came through that penalty shoot—out victory against colombia, we've seen them win knockout matches at this tournament already. they won their opening match of the european championship against croatia what seems like an eternity ago. all the steps taking them to this huge moment and now they stand 45 minutes away from emulating those achievements of that 1966 world cup winning side. very few players have enjoyed this occasion, they have tonight and we wait to see whether it will be england climbing the steps later on to lift the european championships for the very first time. you can watch the second half to come, it's on bbc one live tonight, will be following it all from here as well, all direction to come on the bbc news channel a little later on but for now, that is just about it from me, enjoy the match wherever you'r

this class of 2021 under gareth southgate is perhaps the best chance yet.n closer. this was our moment, to represent our time. the near misses, and the tournaments that have not gone so well, are so important for this team. over the last four years, they've knocked down so many barriers, they have come through so many different challenges, different ways to win matches. had to come back from being behind, had to go through extra time, had to go through extra penalty shoot—out. so their resilience and experiences as a team have really prepared them well for this moment. 0n the journey to london yesterday, the players were reminded just what this means to the nation. from the local villages in staffordshire, turning out to line the route as they left their training base, to the welcome they received as they arrived at their hotel. cheering and applause. the players even received a good luck message from tom cruise yesterday — the captain knows that this mission will be all the more possible with home support. to see the fans on the street like they have been,

england, gareth southgate, they train this morning at saint georges park. the last training session before tomorrow. the players were put through their paces. they've only had two days preparation for the book of the squad. —— book of the squad. they left and the part it on a coach for birmingham airport and took off early on this afternoon and have now touched down here in rome. there will be heading to the team hotel in gareth southgate and harry kane will be speaking to the media as is customary before the matches at euro 2020 so far. what will they talk about? the preparation and the workday gareth southgate has done, talking about that harry kane will be talking about his delight of finally getting off the mark at this european championship. his goal and raheem sterling providing the goals so far so for this team. let's hear from gareth southgate who says despite the differences and the fact that he won't be seeing as many fans inside the stadium, he is not worried about those external factors and he knows thejob worried about those external factors an

the attention now for gareth southgate turned to - gareth southgate turned to qualification for nextexpected to feature. we have seen in my opinion is this kind of conditional love for our players, which should not be there. as long as they are performing and scoring and getting results, then of course we are all england, all behind you. the minute that does not happen, the abuse comes out. we should back them and support them no matter the outcomes. last should back them and support them no matter the outcomes.— matter the outcomes. last night after the gained _ matter the outcomes. last night after the gained him _ matter the outcomes. last night after the gained him of- matter the outcomes. last night after the gained him of this - matter the outcomes. last night. after the gained him of this mural of marcus rashford defaced. football once again at the centre of a wider societal issue. well, instead of coming home, it's going to rome. italy won the penalty shoot—out with keeper gianluigi donnarumma saving two spot kicks and being awarded player of the tournament. the italians went

but none have come as close as gareth southgate.following message to england supporters. thank you to everybody for the incredible support we've received throughout this tournament. we hope that we've represented you in the right way. we hope that you've enjoyed watching us play. but of course we know now we've got to deliver for you, so we'll be doing everything we can. your support and energy has given us a huge lift. standing in the way, however, the toughest of opponents. unbeaten for three years, italy a sterner test than anything england have yet faced at these euros. whatever today's result, england have already made great strides under southgate, a talented generation of players reaching a first—ever european championship final. and today, the fa president paid this tribute to a team that's given the country a lift when it was needed most. gareth, harry, and to every member of the england team on and off the pitch, just want to wish you the very best of luck for tonight. what a team performance it's been. every member of the

well, england manager gareth southgate said he felt like his stomach had been ripped out.ed with so much hope and positivity for england — unbeaten in the group, then who could forget the euphoria of winning against germany, and then eventually making it to the final of a major tournament. but, last night, euro 2020 ended with disappointment as england went out on penalties again. italy were the victors in the final of the european championship after extra time and spot kicks, with england missing three. it led to racism directed at some of the players so it has been an emotionaljourney for some fans the players so it has been an emotional journey for some fans and the squad with a somewhat ugly ending off the pitch. joe lynskey looks back over england's tournament. at the end, it came down to one kick. it at the end, it came down to one kick. , ., , ., , kick. it is saved and it is italy who are the _ kick. it is saved and it is italy who are the champions - kick. it is saved and it is italy who are the champions of. kick. it is saved and it is italy - who are the champio

gareth southgate — england on their way! gareth southgate finds _ england on their way!ate finds himself - england on their way! gareth southgate finds himself and | england on their way! gareth - southgate finds himself and verified country company. on the second manager after the 1960 world cup winning ralph ramsey, made it to the european championship. it is winning ralph ramsey, made it to the european championship.— european championship. it is an honour to _ european championship. it is an honour to be — european championship. it is an honour to be in _ european championship. it is an honour to be in that _ european championship. it is an honour to be in that sort - european championship. it is an honour to be in that sort of- honour to be in that sort of company. i know how high i am held in esteem and get the results that are putting our country on the football map again, really. if there been any nerves _ football map again, really. if there been any nerves against _ football map again, really. if there been any nerves against the - football map again, really. i

gareth southgate has got all the big decisions right. he has been criticised for a defensive line—up throughout the games, he starts jadon sancho who has impressed playing in germany, he gets his first start. so there is a slightly more attacking feel to the team that starts against ukraine later. feel to the team that starts against ukraine later-— feel to the team that starts against ukraine later. gareth southgate also said he thinks _ ukraine later. gareth southgate also said he thinks playing _ ukraine later. gareth southgate also said he thinks playing at _ ukraine later. gareth southgate also said he thinks playing at the - ukraine later. gareth southgate also said he thinks playing at the stadio l said he thinks playing at the stadio 0limpico rather than wembley will be an advantage tonight, what do you think the key challenges will be for the team against ukraine? i think the key challenges will be for the team against ukraine?- the team against ukraine? i think professionalism _ the team against ukraine? i think professionalism

how does he compare to garrett southgate? i would say they com are in garrett southgate? would say they compare in being quite modern i garrett southgate? i would say they compare in being quite modern in l compare in being quite modern in their— compare in being quite modern in their approach to being a manager of a nationai— their approach to being a manager of a national team and he took a lot of inspiration — a national team and he took a lot of inspiration from how england in 2018 inspiration from how england in 2018 in the _ inspiration from how england in 2018 in the world cup committed to the country— in the world cup committed to the country in — in the world cup committed to the country in a — in the world cup committed to the country in a way we have not seen for years — country in a way we have not seen for years because that has been the bil for years because that has been the big ambition for us to to be similar with the _ big ambition for us to to be similar with the danish national team and during _ with the danish national team and during this tournament

gareth southgate, he was your team—mates, we know what happened in that penalty shoot—out, southgatearried out for a long time and even the other day when they lifted that semifinal curse against denmark. he nodded towards david seaman in the stands, and he still carried that with him. with gareth southgate, how impressed are you with how he has carried that on the team in the last five years? we were uuite team in the last five years? we were quite surprised _ team in the last five years? we were quite surprised that _ team in the last five years? we were quite surprised that gareth _ team in the last five years? we were quite surprised that gareth had - team in the last five years? we were | quite surprised that gareth had come out with that because as players and the management, nobody blamed gareth in any way shape or form for what happened in 96. we looked at it as though he had the courage to step up there and try and take one of those penalties. so i was quite surprised myself. i've spoken to gareth a few times over the years, and a lot recently. he has done a magnificent job,

southgate is much more defensive. _ say is the more defensive? southgate is much more defensive.re defensive. there is an i is much more defensive. there is an irony there because italy have built all of their success through the decades on having a sound defensive base and being very difficult to beat. mancini has made them really attractive, lovely attacking football, it's the kind of football you want your team to play. england can play and could play because they have at attacking policy, but southgate has built a secure foundation and all of the successes we've had since he has come in are based on that, on making england difficult to beat. which is going to be a challenge for italy. so there is a kind ofjuxtaposition of where the teams have previously been on the teams have previously been on the way they play football, and what we will see tomorrow when they face up. i think you will see from england a very secure defence minded, pragmatic style, and hopefully we will have to rely on the quality of people like harry kane and raheem sterling. yes. now, we have got — kane an

southgate applauding the fans at the finalwhistle.he now, after that disappointment of euro 96, has a shot of glory and the fans will be packing here again in the hope that at long last, england can emulate the achievements of that 1966 world cup winning side.— 0lly foster is at england's training base, have you seen them today? they are hidden away — have you seen them today? they are hidden away from _ have you seen them today? they are hidden away from us, _ have you seen them today? they are hidden away from us, jane. - have you seen them today? they are hidden away from us, jane. it - have you seen them today? they are hidden away from us, jane. it is - hidden away from us, jane. it is perfect, an oasis of calm after the cauldron of wembley stadium as these players prepare for what is going to be the most important match of their lives. they only got away from wembley at about midnight, they got back here at 2:30 a:m.. what did they do? the restaurant staff were waiting for them and they had chips and pasta and roast chicken wait

, who has been on his_ man, gareth southgate, who has been on his own _ man, gareth southgate, who hasain— on his ownjourney. 1996, he felt the pain of— on his ownjourney. 1996, he felt the pain of missing the penalty in germany— the pain of missing the penalty in germany but this is a man, you track a story— germany but this is a man, you track a story from — germany but this is a man, you track a story from the time he was 13 and a story from the time he was 13 and a half— a story from the time he was 13 and a half playing for southampton. they dropped _ a half playing for southampton. they dropped him from the squad and said he would _ dropped him from the squad and said he would never be a professional foothaller— he would never be a professional footballer and then he took up a contract — footballer and then he took up a contract with crystal palace when he was 15 _ contract with crystal palace when he was 15 and _ contract with crystal palace when he was 15 and they said after his first season— was 15 and they said after his first season that he should be a travel agent _ season

told bbc five live he is a doubt _ southgate told bbc five live he is a doubt and — southgate told bbc again— doubt and we will have to check again later but he has got a fairly minor— again later but he has got a fairly minor fool — again later but he has got a fairly minor foot injury. it isjust going to be _ minor foot injury. it isjust going to be one — minor foot injury. it isjust going to be one that clears up in time to take part — to be one that clears up in time to take part in— to be one that clears up in time to take part in the game so we have to assess— take part in the game so we have to assess that — take part in the game so we have to assess that again later. so... when the squad _ assess that again later. so... when the squad left st. george's park, there _ the squad left st. george's park, there were — the squad left st. george's park, there were lots of fans here at the hotel— there were lots of fans here at the hotel and — there were lots of fans here at the hotel and lots have gathered again to give _ hotel and lots have gathered again to give them a welcome. rober

that won't matter for gareth southgate, willie? i don't think so. good _ gareth southgate, willie?o. good afternoon - gareth southgate, willie? i don't think so. good afternoon from i gareth southgate, willie? i don't - think so. good afternoon from rome. southgate has been very clear that they will not worry about external factors, i'll be at the stadium is a different one, the fans as well. there will be reduced numbers here, very different to the atmosphere at wembley in that brilliant victory over germany. all he is worried about is a performance from his team. the temperature here and the climate might be a factor. that will be very different to what they have experienced before. about 30 degrees here in rome at the moment. it could be between 27 or 28 degrees for kick off tomorrow. so he might be aware off tomorrow. so he might be aware of that and that is something that is coming to the thinking of the squad and the coaches with regards to managing their workload and the training schedules off the back of what has been a long domestic season. this is theirfourth what has bee

where would ou be under gareth southgate. where would you be watching _ under gareth southgate.ould you be watching the _ under gareth southgate. where would you be watching the game? _ under gareth southgate. where would you be watching the game? i'm - you be watching the game? i'm ho efull you be watching the game? t“n hopefully going to be inside, victoria. inside wembley? yes! sham t victoria. inside wembley? yes! am i liked to ask — victoria. inside wembley? yes! am i liked to ask any _ victoria. inside wembley? yes! am i liked to ask any follow—up questions, or not? tt’s liked to ask any follow-up questions, or not? it's one of the erks of questions, or not? it's one of the perks of the _ questions, or not? it's one of the perks of the job- _ questions, or not? it's one of the perks of the job. i _ questions, or not? it's one of the perks of the job. i have _ questions, or not? it's one of the perks of the job. i have been - perks of thejob. i have been fortunate to see the match against denmark, the match against germany and all the great games, as well, so i would feel v

that is for gareth southgate to decide, we will hear from that is for gareth southgate to decide, weinal pre—match news conference. the team we have here at about four o'clock the hertfordshire base before that match —— the team leave here. the talking is almost over, we just can't wait to find out what happens on the pitch at eight o'clock tomorrow evening. pitch at eight o'clock tomorrow evenina. . ~ pitch at eight o'clock tomorrow evenina. ., ~ ,, ministers are considering lifting the need for fully vaccinated nhs staff in england to self—isolate if they've been in close contact with someone who's tested positive for the coronavirus. hospital trusts have warned of staff shortages unless action is taken. it comes as medical leaders says case numbers are rising dramatically, and that people should continue to act with care. here's our health correspondent, katharine da costa. some hospitals in england and scotland are extremely busy with record numbers of patients in a&e, several have already had to postpone 1's operations. and with a sharp rise in covid infections, growing numbers

it will be interesting to see who southgate �*s place tomorrow.d on the opposition he's facing in a particular match. i'll be raring to see the team opening tomorrow, but southgate has a lot of depth of talent on the bench. i won't make a prediction, but fingers crossed it's going to be a comprehensive whim. i crossed it's going to be a comprehensive whim. crossed it's going to be a comrehensive whim. ~ comprehensive whim. i think you can aet a 'ob comprehensive whim. i think you can get a job on — comprehensive whim. i think you can get a job on match _ comprehensive whim. i think you can get a job on match of _ comprehensive whim. i think you can get a job on match of the _ comprehensive whim. i think you can get a job on match of the day - comprehensive whim. i think you can get a job on match of the day is - get a job on match of the day is abundant. i get a job on match of the day is abundant-— get a job on match of the day is abundant. ., , ., ., _ abundant. i was going to say i might watch it if he — abundant. i was going to say i might wat

gareth southgate _ now. everything crossed for that. gareth southgate said _ now.gate said at - now. everything crossed for that. gareth southgate said at those . gareth southgate said at those players will be better for what they have gone through in this championship. john, lovely to talk to you, thank you very much for that. so much discussion of gareth southgate, so much discussion around the italy manager roberto mancini has well and what he has done with this team. last�*s when means they have gone for a 3k matches undefeated. —— last night's win. it was i was going to be tough for england going into this match last night. let's get some more reaction from italy after the result last night, filippo conticello is a italian football journalist for the gazzetta dello sport newspaper. good to have you with us today. you along with other italians must be celebrating a win that was all the sweeter because, as i mentioned a moment ago, italy did not qualify for the last world cup and it was 1968 the last won the european championships a victory last night all the be

southgate needs to on wednesday? a southgate needs to on wednesday? similar side.talk about the solution is having more attacking players, those two players of the reason why we've done what we've done. yes, of course, stirling, and kane, may score chances and score goals. but the two midfielders have kept a back seat. i don't think you'll see much difference to that. might like to be told that you are the favourites, how much extra pressure does that add? there is always pressure on england. the fact that they are favourites, there is no more favourites. 0f favourites, there is no more favourites. of course they are the favourites. of course they are the favourites. portugal have gone out, germany have gone out. that was our hardest game, we came through. now, we are expecting to beat denmark, because they are well organised team. in the final, if we get there, i would much rather us play in spain than italy, because italy are looking very confident. they haven't played for a long time —— they have at for a long time. let's get through denmark first. how do you co

— will be a lot of criticism of gareth southgate and the possession was 'ust southgate and the possessions that he made today, he seemed to — executions that he made today, he seemed to make them very late and there _ seemed to make them very late and there will— seemed to make them very late and there will be questions raised about all of— there will be questions raised about all of that— there will be questions raised about all of that but nevertheless, but i think— all of that but nevertheless, but i think the — all of that but nevertheless, but i think the team has to learn. i think the young — think the team has to learn. i think the young players in the team have great _ the young players in the team have great faith — the young players in the team have great faith in the manager and what they will— great faith in the manager and what they will learn is that they are going — they will learn is that they are going somewhere. that it is not a cul-de-sac — going somewhere. that it is not a cul—de—sac. a penalty defeat does not mean — cul—de—sac. a penalty defeat does not mean that this

gareth southgate. 1966. so what to do with all that adulation. there is this. a tattoo that is now a permanent feature on the backside of england super fan alex smith. who is with us. that is quite a tattoo. when did you haveit that is quite a tattoo. when did you have it done? the that is quite a tattoo. when did you have it done?— that is quite a tattoo. when did you have it done? the middle of 2019. it was 'ust have it done? the middle of 2019. it was just before _ have it done? the middle of 2019. it wasjust before we _ have it done? the middle of 2019. it wasjust before we beat _ have it done? the middle of 2019. it wasjust before we beat sweden - have it done? the middle of 2019. it wasjust before we beat sweden in l was just before we beat sweden in the quarterfinals of the world cup. then we went out and the semifinal to osha. ., . ~ , to osha. correct. laughter. the reason i to osha. correct. laughter. the reason i had — to osha. correct. laughter. the reason i had it _ to osha. correct. laugh

southgate seems very good at navigating these tricky waters.imself in the press, media, public, and as we know, he has rebuilt that relationship with the fans. he is very astute in this role and she continues to do so, he never gets too high, he never gets too low and continues to conduct himself in a very admirable manner and i can only think that is going to fare england well as this hype, the pressure, the tour, isn't no doubt going to build as we head into the semi final and inevitably look beyond that to the final to become —— to come, such has been a disappointment at major tournaments, it is inevitable that we do that but with gareth southgate at the helm, as i say, he has conducted himself well, he gets decisions right on and off the pitch and, yes, denmark, you have got to appreciate what they will bring, and they had been swept along through this wave of emotion after what happened to them and their player christian eriksen in the opening match, they certainly produced the goals, knocking out wales in the last 16 and progressing throu

john — what's southgate been saying? he said today it was business as usual.e as they have done for any other match, possibly walk around the team hotel tomorrow ahead of travelling to wednesday. he praised the challenge and experience of facing his side and experience of facing his side and said the team cannot lose focus ahead of such a big game. he showed his lighter side when asked about the three lion song he said he could not listen to it for 15 years after his penalty miss at euro 96, saying it brought back bad memories. showing he was in a relaxed mood. he spoke about the energy of playing here at wembley in front of the fans, the unity between fans and players and said this will be a huge motivating factor ahead of the game tomorrow and said he's not allowed himself to think too far down the line about potentially winning for the very first time. he confirmed that phil foden remains an injury doubt but said this will be a special moment and the players now built up huge resilience and are prepared for whatever will be thrown at them. this was a moment

not such a huge blow to gareth southgate because his position is one that he's rotated. this tournament, against croatia and scotland, he came off the bench in extra time in the semifinal the other night against denmark, which england obviously won with that penalty from harry kane in extra time, but that position... bukayo saka is the man in possession at the moment, the teenager, barely a man at all, but he has really impressed. but jadon sancho will also be vying for a start up top there with harry kane and raheem sterling. and jack grealish a huge push from the public to see him more involved. that is all from gareth southgate over the next 2a hours or so, but his players have done what they had to in this final training session to try and get a place into the starting 11. gareth southgate has told us from the very start that that is the difficult part of hisjob, leaving out some magnificent players in this squad. perhaps this is the difference with previous england generations. the depth that he has at his disposal. yes, it is becoming more settled over the last cou

this class of 2021 under gareth southgate has never been closer to sporting immortality.nown chant of football is coming home is rising up from ground level on wembley way. it could be coming home, it is certainly knocking on the door of wembley, but already inside isjohn watson. it has been a long tournament, but for this england generation, this is uncharted territory. you have to go back 55 years for the last time an england team went the distance at a major championship. yes. england team went the distance at a major championship.— major championship. yes, that is ri . ht, major championship. yes, that is right. good _ major championship. yes, that is right, good afternoon _ major championship. yes, that is right, good afternoon from - major championship. yes, that isj right, good afternoon from inside wembley, here we are, the day has finally arrived and as we know, a tournament like no other, a year later than planned and it was delayed because of the pandemic, but one month after that opening match of the tournament, which has been staged in cities across the conti

manager garrett southgate has been praising | garrett southgate has been praising his team's performanceke to bbc sport a short time ao. , ., , , ., he spoke to bbc sport a short time auo. , .y , ., , ago. the players have been fantastic. _ ago. the players have been fantastic. to _ ago. the players have been fantastic. to play _ ago. the players have been fantastic. to play as - ago. the players have been fantastic. to play as well i ago. the players have beenj fantastic. to play as well as ago. the players have been - fantastic. to play as well as they did in a game where there is so much resting on it was really impressive. it's a strange feeling, actually come at this moment i'm thinking about the lads we didn't get on the pitch, because the likes of ben show al, aaron ramsdell, they are the ones that are making this team successful because the spirit of the group is phenomenal. whoever comes and does thejob. whoever group is phenomenal. whoever comes and does the job. whoever isn't in, which is really difficult, three out of the squad every time have to be left out, and a squad ment

southgate has got to get his tactics correct _ southgate has got to get his tactics correct no— southgater said. it has been vastly— game like peter said. it has been vastly different, really excited the game _ vastly different, really excited the game as _ vastly different, really excited the game as well asjust being able to support— game as well asjust being able to support everyone and kind of have that feeling of a community in the hospital~ — that feeling of a community in the hospital~ it — that feeling of a community in the hospital. it has been really nice. there _ hospital. it has been really nice. there have — hospital. it has been really nice. there have been people who are perhaps not fans of football, you have patients were not into it, but they have been swept away. yes. have patients were not into it, but they have been swept away. yes, with they have been swept away. yes, with the kind of community _ they have been swept away. yes, with the kind of community we _ they have been swept away. yes, with the kind of community we have - they have been swept away. yes, with the

we will wait to see what gareth southgate does in regards to team selection.— gareth southgate does in. there has been a lot of speculation as _ team selection. there has been a lot of speculation as to _ team selection. there has been a lot of speculation as to who _ team selection. there has been a lot of speculation as to who he - team selection. there has been a lot of speculation as to who he might. of speculation as to who he might select. do you have any clues to who he might go for on his starting line—up? he might go for on his starting line-u - ? , he might go for on his starting hne-u-? , , , he might go for on his starting line-u - ? , , , ., line-up? yes, it is interesting to note that i guess that there is i note that i guess that there is one injury concern and that is around the forward who started against germany and played so impressively in the game before that. with him at being a potentially an opportunity for mason mount to come back into the team after his period of self isolation ended and he linked back into the squad once again. will be interesting to see what

we heard from southgate today, and he spoke about how players are not in a bubble.ow the impact they are having on the nation and so does he. england matches bring families and communities together, and they are matches that you remember where you were. some of the nicest messages you get other people appreciate how the players have been, that they feel they can connect with them. they should be very proud of that. and it's lovely that certain generations of fans are seeing england for the first time and these are their formative memories. england for the first time and these are theirformative memories. bless them, they think it's always like this! maybe over a period of time, they were no different. gareth southgate was in good form and all the players had smiles on theirfaces going into and all the players had smiles on their faces going into the final stretch, being in the last four at the european championship. in the last hour, declan rice whizzed by on a golf buggy, honking his horn. they travel to london tomorrow after their final training session here at st