England (National Football)

UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the England national team for three incidents during Wednesday's Euro 2020 semifinal against Denmark at Wembley Stadium in London.

ITV Sport reported Thursday the Three Lions could face punishment after fans booed the Denmark national anthem, used fireworks inside the stadium and shined a laser pointer toward Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel as he prepared to defend a Harry Kane penalty kick in extra time.

Schmeichel stopped the penalty from Kane, but the longtime Tottenham Hotspur star scored on the rebound to give England a 2-1 lead it wouldn't relinquish. It advances to face Italy in Sunday's final, which also takes place at Wembley.

Mikkel Damsgaard had opened the scoring for Denmark in the 30th minute, but a Simon Kjaer own goal nine minutes later tied the match for the Three Lions.

UEFA didn't provide a timetable for its investigation into the incidents involving English supporters.

"The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body [CEDB] in due course," the governing body said in a statement.

England are unbeaten in the tournament. It posted two wins and a draw during the group stage and has scored victories over Germany, Ukraine and Denmark during the knockout stages.

The Three Lions are seeking their first major tournament title since the 1966 FIFA World Cup.

Meanwhile, Italy won all three of its group fixtures but has been pushed to the brink throughout the knockout rounds. The Azzurri beat Austria in extra time during the round of 16, earned a one-goal win over Belgium in the quarterfinals and survived a penalty shootout against Spain in the semifinals.

It sets the stage for what should be a closely contested final Sunday at Wembley.

England national team head coach Gareth Southgate said Wednesday supporters "aren't quite understanding the message" after players were booed by some fans for taking a knee in support of racial equality ahead of a friendly against Austria.

Southgate told reporters after the Three Lions' 1-0 win he believes the fans at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough, England, who had a negative reaction believe it's a "political stand" that opposes their worldview:

I was pleased it was drowned out by the majority of the crowd but we can't deny it happened. It's not something on behalf of our Black players that I wanted to hear because it feels as though it is a criticism of them.

I think the majority of people understand it. Some people aren't quite understanding the message and I suppose we are seeing that across a number of football grounds at the moment.

England attacking midfielder Jack Grealish said during a post-match interview on Sky Sports the players were disappointed with the reaction and will discuss it further in the coming days.

"I obviously was aware of it. I heard it and I didn't like it at all. None of the players liked it," Grealish said. "I think that will get talked about in the next few days. It's a thing we don't want in football in general and especially in our games."

In April, clubs from the English Premier League held a social media boycott as a form of protest against abuse and racism on social media. 

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who quit social media in March, told CNN's Darren Lewis and Matias Grez he was happy to see Premier League clubs take a stand.

"I like the fact that people actually realize that when we come together, it's ... powerful. I realized that maybe me coming off it might create a little wave in the media and it did, and making people answer some questions," Henry said. "So now, when I saw what's been happening and what's going to happen at the weekend. I was like: 'OK, OK, it's a start, it's a start.'"

England returns to the pitch Sunday for another friendly against Romania, again at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium, which will serve as the side's final warm-up match before its Euro 2020 campaign kicks off June 13.

Southgate didn't say whether the team planned to kneel again before the fixture with Romania.

England manager Gareth Southgate has called on Three Lions fans to "look out for each other" during the coronavirus pandemic and said that "we shouldn't spend another moment" thinking about the postponement of UEFA Euro 2020.

In a letter posted on the England team's social media pages, Southgate wrote that "now is clearly not the moment for us to take centre-stage." He added the "responsibility lies with us all" to control the spread of the coronavirus:

pic.twitter.com/ii3EWbSRSf

— England (@England) March 20, 2020

England were scheduled to play international friendlies against Italy and Denmark later this month in preparation for Euro 2020.

Like most football across Europe, though, the games have been postponed along with the Euros, which will now take place in the summer of 2021.

Southgate added that it "will still be possible for all of our squad" to play in the Europe-wide tournament next year.

And in purely footballing terms, Southgate and England fans alike can stop sweating on the fitness of Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford:

They were doubtful to make Euro 2020, but now they'll be available for Euro 2021 pic.twitter.com/RlBiWlNBN0

— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 19, 2020

According to the BBC on Friday, the UK death toll has risen to 144. CNN reported the worldwide death toll has now surpassed 10,000, with at least 244,500 cases.

It was confirmed on Thursday that there will be no more 2019-20 Premier League action until May at the earliest:

🚨 The Premier League will not return until May at the earliest 🚨 pic.twitter.com/zNHKcEsK0y

— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 19, 2020

The destination of the title is effectively decided already. Liverpool have a 25-point lead over second-place Manchester City and are just two wins away from securing their first league title triumph in three decades.

The battle for European places is far from over, nor is the fight against relegation:

How the table looks ahead of the weekend... pic.twitter.com/Npke6wZ3c4

— Premier League (@premierleague) March 11, 2020

The likes of Manchester United—who are on an 11-game unbeaten run—Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sheffield United will all have ambitions of breaking into the top four and securing Champions League football next term. 

Meanwhile, even bottom-of-the-table Norwich City will have a chance of securing their Premier League future assuming the season is finished because they are only six points from safety. 

England manager Gareth Southgate has said he regrets criticising Chris Smalling and that the centre-back is under consideration for a call-up for the upcoming international break.

Smalling last played for England in June 2017, and most recent call-up for the Three Lions was in October that year.

Per Goal's James Westwood, after leaving him out of the squad for friendlies with Germany and Brazil in November 2017, Southgate said: "We want to play in a certain way, and the players I have brought in I want to see using the ball from the back and building it up in a certain way."

The England coach does not look back on his choice of words fondly:

"I've never ruled anybody out. I think that would be wrong.

"I think I said I probably regretted the way the message [came across]—by praising others for certain attributes, there was criticism for Chris.

"It was my fault and it was unfair on him. I think he's done well in Italy. He's playing at another big club.

"He was obviously playing at a big club before. We're watching everybody because we've got to make sure we make the right decision."

Since Smalling's last call-up, England have reached the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-finals—their best performance at the tournament since 1990—and finished third in the inaugural UEFA Nations League tournament.

However, the Three Lions have had issues at the back over the past 12 months.

Against the Netherlands in their Nations League semi-final, John Stones made errors leading to two goals in extra time.

England's defending was suspect again in a 5-3 win over Kosovo in September, in which Michael Keane gifted the visitors a goal inside the first minute with a wayward pass. They lost 2-1 to the Czech Republic in their following game in October.

While the Three Lions have been struggling at the back, Smalling has thrived while on loan with Roma from Manchester United this season:

A move to Rome has brought a career renaissance. ⚡️

Chris Smalling discusses moving to the Eternal City, playing for Roma, and defending in Italian football. #UEL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/R52mTNjnTm

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 27, 2020

The 30-year-old has been a key fixture in the Giallorossi's back line, making 28 starts in all competitions.

In February, he impressed as he helped Roma to record a 4-0 win over Lecce:

Chris Smalling’s game by numbers vs. Lecce:

100% defensive aerials won
94% pass accuracy
9 clearances
3 blocks
0 fouls committed
0 goals conceded

Another assured display. 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/ZlRy5JoROs

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 24, 2020

Football writer Kaustubh Pandey hailed him as one of the best centre-backs in Serie A this season:

Chris Smalling: The manner in which he's lifted the whole Roma defence is exceptional.

They were in tatters at the back last season. Before he came, Roma had let in three goals against Genoa in the 3-3 draw. But he's come in and shored up everything, along with Mancini.

— Kaustubh Pandey (@Kaus_Pandey17) February 7, 2020

The defender struggled to convince on a consistent basis at Old Trafford, but he's at his peak and arguably the most in-form centre-back option available to Southgate.

England are set to face Italy and Denmark in friendlies at the end of March, so those games would be the ideal time to bring him back into the fold ahead of UEFA Euro 2020 this summer.

Harry Kane has said that he will be at UEFA Euro 2020 with England "unless something pretty drastic happens between now and then."

The Tottenham Hotspur striker has been sidelined since January with a hamstring injury. The initial prognosis was that he would return to training in April, but there have also been concerns he might miss the rest of the season and the Euros.

The tournament gets under way on June 12, with England's first game against Croatia in Group D scheduled for June 14.

Three Lions captain Kane, who won the Golden Boot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, will be vital to England's prospects at Euro 2020.

He has given manager Gareth Southgate a big boost by telling Alastair Campbell of ES Magazine he firmly expects to be back fit again in time for the Euros (h/t the Evening Standard's Dan Kilpatrick):

"In my head, I am definitely at the Euros. Unless something pretty drastic happens between now and then, I'll be there. I'm still not back training with the first team, but I'm working hard in the gym, I'm getting stronger all the time. We're talking a few more weeks, and I'll be playing again. I don't want to make a prediction for which game I might be back, but I am hoping somewhere between the start and the middle of April."

Kane was enjoying another fine Premier League campaign before he was sidelined.

He had scored 11 goals in 20 appearances in the English top flight and six in five outings in the UEFA Champions League:

Harry Kane - who hasn’t played since the 1st of January - is still Tottenham Hotspur’s top scorer in the league this season (11).

Concerning. 🤔🤔🤔 pic.twitter.com/fwSAWMS88y

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 4, 2020

In his absence—and Heung-Min Son's—Spurs' form has collapsed. Jose Mourinho's side have lost their past three games, including the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie against RB Leipzig.

The Bundesliga side dominated the contest in north London, and Spurs were fortunate to escape with only a 1-0 loss. They play the return leg at Red Bull Arena on Tuesday.

Before that, they host Norwich City in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday and visit Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday.

Mourinho needs to find a way to engineer victories without Son and Kane or Spurs will have little to play for in the 2019-20 campaign by the time they return to fitness.

Fabio Capello believes Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has the ability to follow in his footsteps and become England boss one day.

Lampard, 41, has impressed in his first few months in charge at Stamford Bridge. In his first season as a Premier League manager, he has led the Blues to third in the table after 12 games:

A dramatic #PL weekend pic.twitter.com/4nNdSH0kPY

— Premier League (@premierleague) November 11, 2019

After a stuttering start to the campaign in which Chelsea lost 4-0 at Manchester United and drew at home to Leicester City and Sheffield United, the west London outfit are now on a run of six successive wins in the English top flight:

Chelsea are looking to win 6️⃣#PL matches in a row for the first time since May 2017, their last title-winning season#CHECRY pic.twitter.com/UXfZuYqP2z

— Premier League (@premierleague) November 9, 2019

Lampard played under Capello when the Italian was England manager between 2008 and 2012.

Asked if the former midfielder could possibly be Three Lions boss himself in the future, Capello said, per Greg Grimes of Sky Sports: "I don't know. Probably...because he can do it. He understands everything and has started without fear and put young players on the pitch."

Gareth Southgate is currently excelling in the England job.

After leading them to a first FIFA World Cup semi-final in 28 years in 2018, the 49-year-old has overseen a supremely confident qualifying campaign for UEFA Euro 2020, which culminated in Sunday's 4-0 thrashing of Kosovo:

FULL TIME:

"England qualify as one of the top 6 seeds for #EURO2020" - @Iandennisbbc 🎙@England put 4 past Kosovo and bring their total to 37 goals in 8 games during qualification ⚽️

Live reaction to #KOSENG ⬇️
📲🎧https://t.co/vfJgfeuTdD#bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/1ETVoHM3Ed

— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) November 17, 2019

However, a poor showing at next summer's Europe-wide tournament could spell the end for Southgate despite England's current good form.

Per the Guardian's David Hytner, Southgate himself recently said public opinion can quickly turn negative, and he is under no illusions his job is safe for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Capello was the second foreign manager ever to take charge of England after Sweden's Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Since his resignation in 2012, though, England have been helmed by three homegrown managers: Roy Hodgson, Sam Allardyce and Southgate.

If Lampard can continue to impress as Chelsea manager, he will surely be among the candidates to continue that pattern and succeed Southgate when he eventually leaves the job.

England defeated Kosovo 4-0 on the road in their final UEFA 2020 European Championship qualifying match on Sunday, marching to the finals as Group A winners.  

The visitors never appeared in trouble during the match and took the lead when Harry Winks netted his first international goal after 32 minutes.

Harry Kane settled the result with 12 minutes to play, and the England striker met Raheem Sterling's cross at the far post.

Marcus Rashford got his name on the scoresheet with seven minutes left on the clock, and Mason Mount scored his first England goal in stoppage time to complete an easy day for the Three Lions.

There was a lackadaisical feel about the first half with neither team having much to play for in terms of qualification.

Both sides failed to muster effective pressing from the front, and passing was stagnant and slow.

Callum Hudson-Odoi was handed a start by Gareth Southgate, but the Chelsea winger was sloppy on the ball before half-time.

The one moment of true quality in the first half was rewarded with a goal when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain created the perfect chance for Winks.

The Liverpool player fed his midfield partner into the box, and Winks slotted the ball past goalkeeper Arijanet Muric with ease.

⚽️Harry Winks scores his 1⃣st senior international goal

He is the 2⃣4⃣th different player to score for England under Gareth Southgate pic.twitter.com/HrliEDnfUI

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) November 17, 2019

Kosovo played on the front foot at the start of the second half. The hosts created chances but struggled to maintain their charge.

Amir Rrahmani spurned two good opportunities to score an equaliser, but the defender wasted his chances.

Rashford rose from the bench shortly before the hour mark, and the Manchester United forward replaced Hudson-Odoi.

England focussed on the counter-attack, and their low block allowed Kosovo room to keep possession. The Three Lions sunk deeper in defence, and the home team began to find routes in behind their opponents.

However, the English finished the match in style, scoring three in the final 12 minutes.

Kane's half-volley extinguished the hosts' threat, with the Spurs striker adjusting his body to fire home Sterling's cross.

Rashford made it nine in 10 for club and country, linking with Sterling for England's third, and there was time for Mount to net his first international goal.

England qualify as group winners after scoring an astonishing 37 goals in eight games and collecting 21 points.

Both England coach Gareth Southgate and forward Raheem Sterling came to the defence of Joe Gomez after the Liverpool man faced boos from some fans during the 7-0 win over Montenegro. 

Per the Times' Henry Winter, Southgate was disappointed in the fans:

Southgate on brief boos for Gomez: 'I am hugely disappointed for Joe. Joe had done nothing wrong. No #eng player should ever be booed when they are wearing the shirt. All the players are particularly disappointed with that.' Adds, 'I'm going to start Raheem on Sunday.'

— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) November 14, 2019

Sterling took full responsibility for the incident with Gomez that led to his being sidelined for the match and praised his team-mate for his hard work:

especially after a difficult week for him to be booed when he came on tonight was wrong.

I’ve taken full responsibility and accepted the consequence.
I felt as though I had to say this get home safe every one ❤️ #Euro2020

— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) November 14, 2019

Thursday's match was supposed to be a joyous occasion, marking England's 1000th international outing. The team also booked their spot in the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament with the win, which saw Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane net a hat-trick.

But instead, the match was overshadowed by the boos for Gomez, who came on as a second-half substitute.

The 22-year-old has been in the news since an incident between himself and Sterling one day after the 3-1 win for Liverpool over Manchester City. The two clashed during the match and had a row on Monday, resulting in Sterling's suspension. Gomez was pictured with a scratch on his face after the altercation.

The City man took to social media to explain to his fans he and Gomez had moved on, and he hoped supporters would do the same:

🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/gSfcf74fNp

— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) November 12, 2019

That wasn't the case, however, and BBC Sport's Phil McNulty couldn't believe some fans acted the way they did on Thursday:

Did I really hear some booing for Joe Gomez there? Pathetic.

— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) November 14, 2019

The Mirror's John Cross was surprised by the reaction, as he thought Gomez's behaviour in the aftermath of the incident has been impeccable:

I actually thought he'd get a great reception to show support. Shows what I know.

— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) November 14, 2019

England cruised to their most lopsided win of the qualifying campaign without Sterling, who has bagged eight Group A goals already this season and ranks among the team's most consistent performers.

The Three Lions will play their final qualifier against Kosovo on Sunday. 

England manager Gareth Southgate has said he would understand if Raheem Sterling wasn't "hugely enthusiastic" about him after a decision was made to drop the Manchester City man from the squad for the upcoming match. 

The Three Lions will be in action against Montenegro at Wembley in their 2020 UEFA European Championship qualifier on Thursday and a win would be enough for them to secure a place at the tournament finals next summer.

If England are to win, they will have to do so without Sterling, as he was dropped from the squad following a skirmish with Liverpool defender Joe Gomez on Monday. Southgate said he would understand if Sterling wasn't his biggest fan as a result, per BBC Sport:

"I wouldn't imagine that he's hugely enthusiastic—but I can understand that. He's with the group, that's the most important thing. He's a massive part of what we do—has been, will be.

"He's with us for the game tomorrow, he's back with the team on the training pitch enjoying his football. [He] trained superbly well, as he always does. So for me, the thing is finished."

Sterling and Gomez came head-to-head at the end of Liverpool's 3-1 win over City in the Premier League on Sunday. Here is the moment the duo clashed:

"Everyone knows what that game means to me."

Raheem Sterling has confirmed that he had an angry clash with Joe Gomez at England training yesterday following Liverpool's 3-1 win against Manchester City on Sunday.

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 12, 2019

Football journalist Patrick Barclay said he can see why Sterling was left annoyed by the incident:

What is Raheem Sterling’s grievance? If it’s the sneaky shoves two Liverpool players have him, then he’s right to be furious. As a neutral, I certainly was. Cowardly and dangerous.

— Inspect  (@lnspectxyz) November 12, 2019

Per Sky Sports, Sterling is said to have confronted his international team-mate at St George's Park on Monday and was reportedly ready to leave the camp before Reds skipper Jordan Henderson intervened.

Sterling and Gomez both trained with the team on Tuesday, with the latter sporting a scratch under his right eye. 

Defender Harry Maguire was also asked about the incident and whether or not the rest of the squad felt the decision to leave Sterling out was the right one:

"Definitely no cliques, we all share tables." 🤝

England and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire says the squad is united and remain 'solely focused' on their Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro on Thursday: https://t.co/LJZyrXdMuB pic.twitter.com/ZnNb0Of8nm

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) November 13, 2019

The call is unlikely to be one Southgate made lightly, as the City star has emerged as a key man for the team over the course of the previous year.

Regardless of where he's deployed on the field, Sterling's speed, quick feet and ever-improving goalscoring instincts make him a major threat in the final third. Per James Ducker of the Daily Telegraph, he is becoming incredibly consistent in front of goal:

As my learned friend @andyhampson next to me has just pointed it, that's 18 goals in 20 games for club and country for Sterling this season now #mcfc #eng

— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) November 6, 2019

England shouldn't have any major issues against Montenegro, regardless of who takes to the field. Their opponents have yet to win any of their qualifying games and were beaten 5-1 at home by the Three Lions on home soil.

Sterling's absence will likely open the door for Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho to play in support of captain Harry Kane up top. They will be seeking to do enough to keep their place in the side for Sunday's trip to Kosovo, when Sterling will be in contention again.

England will be expected to secure their place at the UEFA 2020 European Championship on Thursday, when they welcome Montenegro to Wembley for their penultimate Group A game.

The Three Lions know three points will be enough to book their place at the tournament, and after winning the previous meeting between the teams 5-1, they are anticipated to tot up a similarly heavy scoreline in front of their own supporters.

Preparations for the game haven't been perfect, though, with Raheem Sterling dropped for the fixture after an altercation with team-mate Joe Gomez.

       

Date: Thursday, November 14

Time: 7:45 p.m. (GMT), 2:45 p.m. (ET)

TV Info: ITV 1 (UK), 

Live Stream: ITV Hub (UK), ESPN+ (U.S.)

     

Odds

England win (1/20)

Draw (12/1)

Montenegro win (42/1)

Odds provided by Caesars.

        

Preview

During the previous international break, what had appeared to be a straightforward qualifying campaign for England was dealt a minor setback after they were beaten by the Czech Republic. However, it shouldn't have any real impact on their qualification.

Preparations for this encounter have not been ideal for manager Gareth Southgate nevertheless, with star man Sterling not considered after his tussle with Gomez. 

The England manager confirmed the flashpoint was a continuation of the pair's tangle in the Premier League meeting between Liverpool and Manchester City on Sunday:

Gareth Southgate decisive with late-night announcement that Sterling is dropped for England’s 1000th game against Montenegro for the “disturbance in a private team area” after report of row with Joe Gomez emerged pic.twitter.com/NG7YyZ2qUp

— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) November 11, 2019

Sachin Nakrani of the Guardian said he doesn't see the incident as a big deal:

https://twitter.com/SachinNakrani/status/1194170189669109760

Sterling's absence will likely open the door for Jadon Sancho to feature, although he has also had a rough buildup to the game. The winger was substituted in the first half of his team's loss to Bayern Munich on Saturday, with his manager Lucien Favre deeming his performance "not good enough."

Marcus Rashford will also likely get a chance in attack alongside skipper Harry Kane, and he can reflect on some strong displays for Manchester United coming into the international double-header.

The forward was on the scoresheet again on Sunday, as the Red Devils were 3-1 winners over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Per Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, Rashford has responded well to being dropped by Southgate earlier in the campaign:

Doesn't feel like it, but Rashford has got 10 goals in 17 starts this season for United and England. Should certainly have more. Can't be a coincidence his form was sparked by Southgate taking him out of the team, either. Responded resoundingly. #mufc

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) November 10, 2019

Elsewhere in the side, the manager will have a number of big decisions to make in regards to selection. In defence, it feels positions are up for grabs after poor displays against the Czech Republic and Kosovo recently; Chelsea's Fikayo Tomori will be pushing for a start after failing to make in the last international break.

The Three Lions will play their 1,000th game. Kane said he feels privileged to be part of the occasion:

https://twitter.com/HKane/status/1193928559460573185

Montenegro have yet to win a game in Group A, and as such their qualifying hopes are long over. They will at least be looking to finish their campaign with a positive performance at one of the most iconic football venues in the world.

But even without Sterling, England will have too much for their opponents, with the likes of Kane, Rashford and Sancho sure to be too hot to handle. It means Southgate's side should saunter to victory before they finish their group stage off in Kosovo on Sunday.

Prediction: England 4-0 Montenegro