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Ex-Harambee Star Innocent Mutiso has opined as to why AFC Leopards have consistently failed to achieve their target of consistently representing Kenya in Caf competitions.

Recently, the 13-time Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions failed to secure a ticket for the Caf Champions League despite getting several chances to get the same. The latest downfall was in the Shield Cup final where they lost to Gor Mahia and lost another opportunity to play in the Caf Confederation Cup.

It was a heartbreak for their supporters who were hopeful of seeing their team dining with the big boys on the continent.

Why do Ingwe fail to win when it matters most?

"Leopards are never short of talent every season but when it really matters they falter because of a combination of reasons like lack of self-belief, inferiority complex, and inconsistencies in management," Mutiso told Goal on Sunday.

"When you don't know if or when you will get your salary or allowances can also make players not be fully committed. Change of technical bench mid-season and end of the season really stagnates the development of the team that is why they will blow hot and cold in each season.

"In the 2020/2021 season they had a very good chance to win the KPL but those combinations restricted them to mere participants."

Will they put their disappointments aside and win the league?

"It comes to mental strength, they have to show that they have put their frustrations aside and push for the title," Mutiso continued.

"Winning the league is very possible, they can end their 23-year wait but again, they have Tusker and Gor Mahia and KCB as well to compete with. Consistency and purpose on the pitch will play a big role in helping the team get to the top by the end of the season."

In the league assignment, Ingwe emerged 2-0 victors against Bandari at Thika Stadium on Friday.  

Robert Mudenyu and Peter Thiong'o scored the goals that gave Ingwe the win that helped them keep third position on the league's log with 43 points.

The Brewers top the campaign with 50 goals with the Bankers coming second with four less.

England's run to the final of Euro 2020 captured the imagination of the English public, with Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane inspiring a new generation of supporters.

However, the behaviour of some of the Three Lions supporters - particularly the booing of national anthems - took the sheen off, leading to words of condemnation. The anthems of Scotland, Germany and Denmark were subjected to boos and jeers when England lined up against them, but why?

Goal takes a look at the reasons and the response to the booing of the anthems. 

Why do some England fans boo national anthems of opponents?

It is not clear exactly what the motives of some England fans are when they decide to boo the national anthems of opposition teams. Truly, only they can outline the rationale.

At the most basic level, however, it appears to be some sort of attempt to intimidate the opposing team by creating a hostile atmosphere in the stadium.

Some England fans have also infamously booed their own players for the gesture of kneeling in support of the fight for racial equality.

What has the response to England fans booing anthems been?

UEFA was prompted to charge and fine England for the behaviour of their supporters during the national anthems following their Euro 2020 semi-final victory over Denmark.

The European governing body specifically referenced "disturbance" caused by fans during the anthems, along with the lighting of fireworks and the use of a laser pointer. The Football Association was subsequently fined £26,000 as a result of UEFA's investigation into the matter.

England manager Gareth Southgate has expressed the view that the booing of a national anthem does not help his team.

"It's important our fans always respect the opposition," Southgate said ahead of the Euro 2020 final against Italy.

"We know that when we play abroad and fans boo our anthem it inspires them more. I don't think it will help the team. We can intimidate the team booing during the game, but it is different for the anthem."

Former England striker Gary Lineker, who now works as a television presenter, was much more critical of the fans who boo anthems than Southgate, describing it is an embarrassment.

"Booing? Really? Come on, we’re better than that," Lineker wrote in the Players' Tribune. "Sing songs, get drunk, throw pints, have fun. That’s what we do. That’s our culture.

"When you boo other national anthems and our own boys taking the knee, when you act out your worst impulses, often in the name of 'patriotism', honestly most of us are embarrassed by it."

Another former England international, Gary Neville, wondered if the booing of an anthem was really as much of a contentious issue as people have suggested.

The Manchester United legend wrote on Twitter: "When I played in the different countries and our [national anthem] was booed I always took it as the opposition fans trying to unsettle us, drown out our fans and never as some kind of attack on us as people. Same when we did it [to] other teams. Is it really that bad or disrespectful?"

In the aftermath of the Germany and Denmark games, England World Cup winner Geoff Hurst pleaded with supporters not to boo Italy's anthem in the final.

"We have seen that sadly over the years, disrespecting the opposition," Hurst said on ITV. "I do sincerely hope that the English fans can behave with great respect."

Overall, the reaction to the incidents of anthem booing have been met with disapproval, with other figures outside of football showing opposition to it.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "We don't want fans to be booing teams. We want fans to be showing support and being respectful."

More England news

Former Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has launched a stinging attack on Toni Kroos, saying the Real Madrid midfielder “no longer fits with today’s football”.

The 2014 World Cup-winner announced his retirement from internationals after Germany’s Euro 2020 elimination at the hands of England last month, bringing the curtain down on a glittering international career that saw him earn 106 caps over 11 years.

Hoeness was particularly critical of Kroos’ display against the Three Lions at Wembley and felt his inclusion contributed to their downfall  – but Kroos himself has since responded.

What did Hoeness say about Kroos?

Reflecting on Germany’s performances at the Euros, Hoeness told Sport1: “The first two games in the World Cup qualifiers were pretty decent with a back four, then he changed to a back three, it was completely unnecessary. Why? (Former Germany manager Joachim) Low wanted to integrate Kroos

"If we had played with Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Thomas Müller in midfield, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane on the wings and Kai Havertz upfront, we would be in a completely different position today. I'm 100% sure of that.

“I like Kroos, he showed world-class performances in the past. He was great for Bayern - but his way of playing is completely done. He no longer fits with today's football.

“We are 1-0 down against England in the last quarter of an hour, Kroos no longer crossed the halfway line. He played sideways, then sideways again, until the opposing defence had organized themselves

“Bayern players are super self-confident guys who had a big say with Hansi Flick. I know they were totally unhappy with the situation, with Low's tactics. Yet they accepted it. I don't understand, I didn't know them like that.

“They should have said ‘Toni Kroos no longer fits into this football with his sideways game. Our football is played vertically. The ball is played forward all the time’”.

How did Kroos respond?

Kroos reacted to Hoeness’ comments with a message of his own, taking a swipe at his short-lived stint as a pundit for broadcaster RTL.

He also referred to comments Hoeness made about Lothar Matthaus back in 2002, when he said the Germany legend would never return to Bayern as long as he was in charge, even as his gardener.

Kroos wrote on Twitter: “Uli Hoeness is a man with great knowledge of football (even if it wasn't enough for RTL), little interest in polemics and completely at peace with himself. Similar to his greenkeeper.”

Further reading

Gary Lineker has urged the England players to “treasure and enjoy" Sunday’s Euro 2020 final against Italy - but believes it is just the beginning and success will soon come even if they are beaten at Wembley.

Gareth Southgate’s side are preparing for their first major tournament final in 55 years, something not even Lineker achieved during his time as a Three Lions player.

The former Tottenham, Everton and Barcelona forward also praised the players for the showing a "shining social conscience" off the field which represents the "very best" of England.

What did Gary Lineker say?

In an open letter to the England team in the Players' Tribune, Lineker said: "I wish I was playing with you. This is the sort of occasion you dream about as a player. And honestly, it’s much less nerve-racking out on the pitch than in the stands. The adrenaline takes care of the nerves and the tiredness.

"It might sound strange to those who have never experienced it, but it was these knockout games, the really big-pressure moments, the extra time and even the penalties that I relished the most.

"That chance to do something that other people will never get a chance to do. Go places where mortals will never tread. Who ever gets that opportunity? What better chance to show off who you really are?

"Treasure it and, most of all, enjoy it — though, let’s be honest, you only will if you win.

"But I’m confident you will win things. This is only the beginning, and this special group has many more years ahead. I really believe that, regardless of what happens tonight.

"It’s mad, almost ridiculous, how much this game, this tournament, means to us. But it does matter.

"If you win tonight, even if it’s just for a night, a week, or a month, it will stop us all in our tracks to focus on something good.

"To celebrate the best of England. And we’ll all go absolutely bonkers together."

'Thoughtful, empathetic and articulate'

As well as for their performances on the field, the England squad have also been praised for their charitable and societal efforts off it.

The squad continue to kneel before every match to raise awareness of racial injustice, Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson have been praised for their efforts to combat child hunger and raise funds for the NHS respectively, while Raheem Sterling has set up a charitable foundation to help disadvantaged young people.

Lineker believes they symbolise England at its best and that they have helped to unite the nation.

"In their brilliance on and off the field, this team represents the very best of England in its diversity, dignity and shining social conscience," he added.

"To a man, they are thoughtful, empathetic and articulate. And they are changing what it means to be an England footballer.

"It’s incredible, really, especially when you consider how young they are — they're just kids! Though I can’t claim any part in their development, watching them I feel like a proud father.

"When I was in my 20s, I wouldn’t say boo to a goose, let alone do the things that Marcus Rashford — though it should never have to be his responsibility — is doing to help underprivileged youth.

"The same goes for the amazing work of Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and many more."

Further reading

Yanga SC have come out to explain why they didn't camp outside Dar es Salaam ahead of their Kariakoo derby against rivals Simba SC last week.

In the past, whenever Yanga and Simba were about to meet, the two teams would travel outside Dar es Salaam to prepare for the game but it was not the case in the recent derby, as Yanga pitched camp in the capital city for the second round fixture.

The two teams could travel as far as Zanzibar for residential camping and return to Dar es Salaam a day before the game.

Yanga vice-chairman of the registration committee Hersi Said has since explained the reason they did not go for their hideout in the recent derby, which they won 1-0 courtesy of a first-half goal from Zawadi Mauya.

What has been said?

“In the past, what used to force us to go outside Dar es Salaam was lack of a conducive atmosphere where players could relax and fully concentrate on the big game coming ahead,” Said told Goal.

“You know that a match involving these two sides always put the country on the standstill that is why players and technical bench members are supposed to have ample preparations before heading to the battlefield.

“As such, with the best training facilities available at our new camping site Avic Town, there is no need for the team to go elsewhere and everything is done within the camp.

Said has further said with Yanga owning the Aviv Town training facility, the club does not need to train elsewhere since the camp is among the best in East and Central Africa.

How good is Aviv Town facility?

“There is every training facility like a good pitch, good houses for the players to live with quality kitchen set-up, swimming pool, gym and many other vital things as such, no need to go to other places for further drills ahead of epic derby assignments,” Said continued.

Said has also revealed their plans to invest more on the technical bench, saying it will be the only way to grind out positive results.

“We still remember the words said by former president Jakaya Kikwete during the recently held Annual General Meeting when he reiterated that we must invest a lot in the technical bench and not the technical committee,” Said added.

“Getting such encouraging words from the former president is a big challenge to us and I can assure you that we will work hard to improve our technical panel.”

Yanga are currently second on the 18-team table with 70 points from 32 matches while rivals Simba are top with 76 points from 31 matches, and a draw against Coastal Union will hand the Msimbazi giants the title at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Sunday.

Kaizer Chiefs forward Leonardo Castro has described how they managed to make history by reaching the Caf Champions League final for the first time ever despite a plethora of challenges they faced as a “huge achievement”.

The Soweto giants meet nine-time African champions and current title holders Al Ahly at Stade Mohamed V Stadium on July 17.

In a season Chiefs were forbidden from signing players by Fifa, endured long-term injuries to key players like Khama Billiat and Dumisani Zuma while also recording some Covid-19 cases in their camp, Amakhosi appeared to have punched above their weight by reaching the Champions League final. 

Chiefs also defied what could have come as a psychological setback from struggling on the domestic front, to post positive results on the continent. 

They are unbeaten at home in the Champions League and never conceded a goal at FNB Stadium.

“Being part of the team in this competition is good. The Champions League is a huge achievement for the team Kaizer Chiefs as well as for each and everyone; the players and technical staff because it is the first time we have reached this far in the competition,” Castro told Chiefs’ media. 

“We are making things happen so it was not really easy. We faced so many things during the campaign like injuries, Covid-19, suspensions and the transfer ban. So we faced all these things and we are coming out of it.  

“I am really proud of the team because coming this far is not that easy. All of us contributed to be where we are now, so the most important thing is we realised what Champions League means for the team, for the country and for the continent. We put all our efforts to get where we are now. Definitely, we want to put a star on the badge.” 

Castro was instrumental in Chiefs' continental campaign and most notable was his goal in the 1-0 away win at Primeiro Agosto which sent them into the group stage. 

The Colombian was also on target in Chiefs’ 4-0 victory over Simba SC in the first leg of the quarter-finals. 

“The goal in Angola was a tough game against a good away team. The goal was a counter-attack and my partner Khama Billiat did almost 70 percent of the job,” added Castro. 

“I was positioned in the box to get it done. That goal took us into the group stage and we came step by step in that moment.

"About the Simba game, in that game I think we had a  good performance and we capitalised on our chances. That’s what was very important to make such a big difference in terms of goals.” 

Castro would be hoping to feature on July 17 after missing the 2016 final during his Mamelodi Sundowns days due to injury. 

PSL heavyweights Kaizer Chiefs are still optimistic about securing Stuart Baxter's work permit in order for him to be on the bench when they take on Al Ahly in the Caf Champions League final next weekend.

Amakhosi announced the return of the 67-year-old on June 9, two weeks after axing Gavin Hunt.

He signed a two-year contract with an option to extend it by a further two years, with Arthur Zwane and Dillon Sheppard, who were interim co-coaches after being part of Hunt's backroom staff, serving as his assistants.

However, the tactician has not yet secured his work permit and his assistants did the job in the semi-finals to ensure Chiefs sealed their place in the final.

The Soweto giants have since provided an update regarding the tactician's status.

"You can work on the status quo as it has been for the last two matches," Kaizer Chiefs communications officer Vina Maphosa told SportUnlocked.

"We are hoping that we’ll get the work permit before we travel to Casablanca and have the coach on the bench.

"But as things stand we are covered. If on the bench or not on the bench, we are good."

Amakhosi are keeping their cards close to their chest to avoid giving their opponents hints on who will be involved in the final to be played in Casablanca, Morocco.

"All the players are travelling to Morocco and on the day before the final we will reveal who will be available and who will not be available," Maphosa continued.

"We will keep our cards close to our chest. It’s intelligent to keep the cards to our chest and not to give away to the opposition. People like Pitso [Mosimane] know our players."

Chiefs finished the just-ended Premier Soccer League season eighth on the table after a difficult domestic campaign in which they missed out on the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup trophies.

In the 30 matches they played, Chiefs managed only eight wins, 12 draws, and 10 losses. They further scored 34 goals and conceded 37, ending the campaign with 36 points. 

They hope to end the season on a high by winning the Champions League for the first time in their history.

Roberto Mancini insists he is feeling calm and focused ahead of Sunday’s Euro 2020 final and has urged his players to follow suit as they prepare to take on England at Wembley.

The Azzurri have been one of the most impressive teams of the tournament and go into the game unbeaten in 32 matches – a national record – stretching back to September 2018.

However, they take on a buoyant England side in its first major final for 55 years at their national stadium in front of a crowd that is likely to be dominated by Three Lions supporters.

What did Mancini say?

Italy went into Euro 2020 with a point to prove having endured the humiliation of failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

They had the honour of opening the tournament on an emotional night in Rome four weeks’ ago, with Italian opera tenor Andrea Bocelli giving a moving rendition of Nessun Dorma before kick-off to evoke memories of World Cup 1990 – the last time Italy hosted a major tournament.

When the action kicked-off the Azzurri justified their tag as one of the pre-tournament favourites, with an own goal by Merih Demiral and strikes by Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne sealing a 3-0 win over Turkey.

Asked whether he was more nervous before the Turkey game than he is now, Mancini said: “The first match was difficult, but this is the final, it's different.

“I'm not agitated, maybe tomorrow (Sunday) I'll be more. This moment will be important for me, I hope to have the success that I did not have as a player in blue.

"We have to be calm, we know it will be difficult but we have to be focused on our game. We have to have fun, it's the last game. To do it we have to perform for the 90 minutes.

"I am happy with the work that (Ciro) Immobile, (Andrea) Belotti, (Giacomo) Raspadori and the others have done. They have given more than 100%. We need one last effort, we hope to have fun and then go on holiday."

Mancini wary of England threat

July 11 is already a special date in Italian football history as it is the day they won the World Cup in 1982, thanks to a 3-1 victory over West Germany at Santiago Bernabeu.

Mancini hopes that proves a good omen for the current generation, but he is more than aware of the threat posed by England.

"I hope that the date will be important for the second time for the Italians," he added. "We hope to hear from our fans at the end of the match, we will think of something else during the match.

"England are strong, they have many strong players on the bench. Raheem Sterling is very fast, we will need to pay attention not just on him but also who will play on the right. Harry Kane is also strong. They have a great attack.”

Further reading

Former Kenya international Boniface Ambani believes the current form of England attackers Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling will prove too difficult for Italy to handle when the two sides face off in the Euro 2020 final.

The Three Lions made it to their first major final in 55 years after defeating Denmark 2-1 in the semi-finals, while Italy booked their place in the final to be staged at Wembley after eliminating Spain 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time in the other semi.

Ahead of the final on Sunday, Ambani, who also featured for AFC Leopards and Tusker in Kenya's FKF Premier League, has stated in-form Kane and Sterling will prove difficult for Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini and company to handle, and further predicted a slim 1-0 win for Gareth Southgate's charges.

What has been said?

“There is no doubt about it, the trophy is coming home,” Ambani told Goal. “The battle will be on the defence, Harry [Kane] is on fire, Raheem [Sterling] is on fire too, it is going to be hard for Giorgio [Chiellini] and his charges at the back.

“The defence of Harry [Maguire], John [Stones] and Luke [Shaw] has been superb for England, not conceding a single goal in the run of play, only a set piece that Jordan [Pickford] could have stopped, but he made a late decision to move to his right and was beaten to the ball.

“With an English record of the clean sheet until that goal, I know he is ready now for another shot, England will win 1-0, and that will be the scoreline.”

What did Polack say on the final?

In an earlier interview, former Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack revealed the key areas that will decide the final, explaining the team that takes full control of the midfield and have a solid defensive line will carry the day.

“I believe the final will be won in the midfield and solid defending,” Polack told Goal. “The team that will perform well in those areas will win the day.

“England with the attacking players they have will cause Italy problems with the speed of the attackers making intelligent runs down the side of Leonardo [Bonucci] and [Chiellini], but it is not going to be easy, as they are very experienced and good defenders.

“England have to be patient and focused because Italy are a well-organised team and are dangerous on counter-attacks but they also have a good pressing game.”

Victor Moses has been named in the Spartak Moscow squad for the Parimatch Premier Cup that will be staged from July 11 at the Otkritie Bank Arena.

According to the club’s official website, Spartak have named a strong squad of 28 players and the former Nigeria winger has been included, just a few weeks after he signed for the club on a permanent deal from Chelsea.

The 30-year-old has already featured for the side and celebrated his arrival with a goal as his side settled for a 2-2 draw against Slovenian PrvaLiga side NK Bravo in a friendly at Landskron Stadium on July 2.

On leaving Chelsea, Moses said: “I’ve loved every moment playing for Chelsea and leave with memories that I will cherish forever, including winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Europa League.

“I’ve always appreciated the love and support shown to me during my time at Stamford Bridge and would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody connected with the club, with a special mention to the incredible Chelsea fans who have always been brilliant with me.”

Spartak have also confirmed fans will not be allowed to attend the tournament because of the strict guidelines aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Spartak will play all the matches of the tournament at the Otkritie Bank Arena and due to the difficult epidemic situation in Moscow, the games will be held without spectators,” the statement continued.

During the tournament, Spartak will play their first game against Sochi on July 11, then take on Rubin Kazan on July 14 before winding up with a clash against Khimki on July 18.

Goalkeepers - Alexander Maksimenko, Artyom Rebrov, Alexander Selikhov.

Defenders - Ayrton, Ilya Gaponov, Georgy Dzhikia, Andrey Eshchenko, Samuel Zhigo, Ilya Kutepov, Ruslan Litvinov, Nikolay Rasskazov.

Midfielders - Zelimkhan Bakaev, Maxim Glushenkov, Daniil Denisov, Roman Zobnin, Mikhail Ignatov, Alex Kral, Alexander Lomovitsky, Reziuan Mirzov, Victor Moses, Quincy Promes, Artyom Timofeev, Nail Umyarov, Jorrit Hendrix.

Forwards - Jordan Larsson, Georgy Melkadze, Pedro Rocha, Alexander Sobolev.

Kaizer Chiefs forward Khama Billiat has described their Caf Champions League campaign as a “movie” he has seen before while declaring his keenness to recreate the memory of being African champions.

Billiat played an instrumental role in helping Mamelodi Sundowns clinch the 2016 Champions League title when they beat Zamalek in the final. 

Now, the Zimbabwean will be facing another Egyptian giant Al Ahly when Chiefs clash with the defending champions on July 17 in the final at Stade Mohamed V Stadium. 

“We are 90 minutes away from the biggest trophy any club in Africa would want to have. We are still down to earth, we are still maintaining our professionalism and want to do the best way the coach wants us to do,” Billiat told Chiefs’ media.  

“At training we are working on one or two things that can make a difference during the game. It’s looking good. 

“We didn’t see this coming but to be where we are right now, me being part of it and being in the final again I give credit to God. Everything happens for a reason.

"I am in the right place at the right time and surrounded by the right people, right management and I am in the right club. 

“I have had this journey before and I know how difficult it is. I know how great the feeling can be at the end, so it’s a movie that has happened before.

"I’m glad to be where I am right now and I’m looking forward to going all the way with the team and creating great memories again with this great club.” 

Due to injury, Billiat has not featured for Chiefs in the Champions League knockout stage but he is back for the final. 

He was instrumental in sending them to the quarter-finals after his goal denied Horoya victory in their last group game which ended 2-2 in Conakry.  

“It was not easy, remember all the games that we have played if you go back [you will see] there was nothing for free. We worked for it,” continental Billiat. 

“We want to make sure we stick to the plan the coach is showing us at training and we believe the plan is going to give us a great result. It’s a good side we are facing in the final.

"We can only give it away if we don't apply certain things which can make a difference in a game.” 

Interestingly, Billiat will be facing Al Ahly, a club reported to be interested in his services. 

Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane is said to be keen to take advantage of the fact that Billiat will be a free agent at the end of July. 

Africans have taken to social media to celebrate with Lionel Messi after he finally laid his hands on a senior international trophy with Argentina following a 1-0 Copa America win against Brazil in Saturday's final.

It was Paris Saint-Germain forward Angel Di Maria who scored in the first half after confusion in Brazil's defence allowed him to beat Ederson in goal, and it turned out to be the game-winner.

The win finally saw Messi - who finished the tournament level with Colombia's Luis Diaz with the most goals (four) - get a hand on an international trophy after four defeats in major finals.

Below is how Africans reacted on Twitter to celebrate Messi’s success.

Sergio Ramos insists new club Paris Saint-Germain are not far away from claiming their first Champions League title.

Victory in Europe's premier knockout competition has continued to elude the French side despite the huge investment from the club’s Qatari owners over the last decade.

The closest they have come is a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the 2020 final, but Ramos believes they are now ready to make the next step.

What did Ramos say?

Ramos knows what it takes to win the Champions League having lifted the trophy four times during his glittering 16-year career at Real Madrid.

The 34-year-old believes everything is in place for his new side to do the same and hopes his vast experience can be the final piece in the jigaw.

"What I noticed the most about this club is its strength,” he told PSG TV. “The thirst for winning that the players have. They want to come to a club like this.

“They have already played in the Champions League final, they are very close to being able to win it and that is something that attracts me. It can only be a perfect marriage.

“If I can contribute to it, that would be wonderful for me. It is a dream to think about win my fifth Champions League and the first for our club.”

The bigger picture

PSG have already flexed their financial muscles this summer as they look to reclaim the Ligue 1 title they lost to Lille last season and finally end their wait for a Champions League trophy.

Inter full-back Achraf Hakimi has been the most expensive signing so far, with the Morocco international costing in the region of €60 million (£52m/$71m).

Georginio Wijnaldum has arrived from Liverpool, while goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is also expected to join on a free transfer from AC Milan.

There have also been links with Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, as well as Lazio forward Joaquin Correa, while PSG are one of only a handful of clubs who could afford to sign Lionel Messi.

Further reading

After a glorious tournament of football across the continent, Euro 2020 comes down to Sunday’s showdown—a titanic battle between giants Italy and England.

The two heavyweights have been the outstanding teams in the tournament, with the Azzurri starting strongly while the Three Lions have grown into the competition and have momentum on their side heading into the final.

One of these two will be left disappointed come full-time on Sunday, but will it be England or Italy who clinch the grandest prize in European football?

Italy vs England: Team news

Gareth Southgate, speaking after the Three Lions’ semi-final victory over Denmark, expressed confidence that there would be no residual effects from that testing encounter.

"It seems like everybody's come through the game OK in terms of injuries,” he told journalists after the encounter.

However, he will still have some difficult selection decisions to make across his team where, given Italy’s quality going forward, he may be tempted to revert to a back five—drafting in either Kieran Trippier or Reece James to play alongside Kyle Walker.

Further up the field, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling are sure of their starting berths, but who will play in support?

Southgate may opt to retain faith in Bukayo Saka, who started the semi, while Mason Mount, Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho and Phil Foden will all be pushing for starts.

Left-back Leonardo Spinazzola is a big loss for Italy following the Achilles tear he suffered in their quarter-final victory over Belgium.

In his absence, Giovanni Di Lorenzo started at full-back and appears on course to deputise again.

Further up the field, Roberto Mancini, like Southgate, has ample options, even if the likes of Manuel Locatelli, Lorenzo Insigne, Ciro Immobile, Nicolo Barella Matteo Pessino and Domenico Berardi struggled to ignite against Spain.

Live stream world-class sport with Showmax Pro, including every spectacular tackle and save of the Euro 2020 games. Sign up at showmax.com.

Italy vs England: Key facts & stats

While both of these two are former World Cup winners, Italy’s success in major tournaments dwarves that of their rivals on Sunday.

While Italy have featured in 10 major finals—four Euros and six World Cups—this is only the second final in England’s history and their first since 1966.

They have never before reached the finals of the European Championships and will aim to end 55 years without silverware this weekend.

Encouragingly for the Three Lions, only three of the previous 12 debuting finalists lost out in the final itself—Portugal in 2004 being the most recent—although of concern to the last two hosts to reach the final (France and Portugal) were both defeated.

Catch every second, every tackle, and every defining save of the Euro 2020 games. Stream live on Showmax Pro. Sign up for  showmax.com today.

Italy vs England: Predictions

With momentum and home advantage on their side, England are approaching this final in fine fettle.

They demonstrated, after falling behind against Denmark, that they can combat adversity and still come out the other side, and that come-from-behind victory should serve them well against Italy.

Admittedly, this Azzurri side has been excellent at the tournament so far, but with Southgate’s sturdy defence and wealth of attacking options, football’s surely coming home…isn’t it!?

Prediction: Italy 1 – 1 England (England win after extra time)

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Lionel Messi spoke of his “immense happiness” after the Argentina star finally ended his long wait for international glory with victory in the Copa America final against Brazil.

Despite his dizzying array of domestic medals, an international honour with the Albiceleste has eluded the 34-year-old – until now.

A first-half goal from Angel di Maria was enough to secure a 1-0 victory against Brazil at Maracana and secure Argentina’s first Copa America title since 1993.

What did Messi say?

Messi was named player of the tournament after scoring four goals and laying on five assists in what was his 10th tournament appearance for his country.

The striker sunk to his knees at the final whistle before being mobbed by his ecstatic team-mates.

Speaking to reporters after the game a clearly emotional Messi attempted to comprehend the scale of his achievements.

"It's crazy, the happiness the feeling is inexplicable. I knew that at some point it was going to happen," he said. “The objective was clear and we were able to be champions. The happiness is immense. Many times I have dreamed of this.

"I told Fideo (Di Maria) that today he was going to have his revenge and that's how it was. I want to share this with those team-mates who were so close so many times and it was not given to them. This is also for them.

"I feel that God was saving this moment for me, against Brazil in the final and in his country. Great credit has to go to (coach) Lionel (Scaloni). He always wanted the best for the national team. He knew how to put together a winning team and he deserves your appreciation.

"I needed to get rid of the thorn of being able to achieve something with the national team, I had been very close for many years. I knew that at some point it was going to go wrong, it was going to happen and I think there is no better moment than this."

Further reading

Lionel Messi scripted history as Argentine edged past Brazil 1-0 at the famous Maracana Stadium. The 34-year-old redeemed himself at Rio de Janeiro, a city where Christ The Redeemer stands tall as he guided Argentina to win their first international competition after 28 years. Interestingly, it was at the Maracana Stadium that Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany in the 2014 World Cup.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni later revealed that Messi played with hamstring problem in the semi-final and final against Colombia and Brazil respectively.

Messi, who has often been criticised for not having won any silverware with Argentina, and saving his best for FC Barcelona where he has won several laurels.

In fact, the Argentina skipper hung up his boots after the disappointment in Copa America 2016 finals where he missed a penalty in the finals against Chile.

Since then, he has made a strong comeback and in Copa America 2021, his steely determination to get Argentina over the line was visible from the very first game against Chile where he scored a sublime free-kick.

Over the course of seven matches, Messi scored four goals and provided five assists. Of the 12 goals scored by Argentina in the competition, Messi directly had a hand in nine – which highlights how influential the dimunitive star had been for La Albiceleste.

Argentina’s triumph on the international stage saw the whose who of the world take to social media and congratulate Lionel Messi for his performance in the competition.

Leading the way was none other than Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai, who hailed him as the ‘best ever’ in the history of the game.

Pichai had met Messi when he visisted FC Barcelona training facility back in 2017 when he took some time off from the Annual Mobile World Congress.

He had mentioned back then that the twin goals scored by Messi against Bayern Munich in 2014-15 UEFA Champions League was impressive. For one of the goals, Messi twisted and turned Jerome Boateng in what is one of the iconic goals scored by the Argentine star.