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France defender Benjamin Pavard ha admitted he was knocked out for "10 to 15 seconds" before returning to Tuesday's Euro 2020 match against Germany.

Germany's Robin Gosens crashed full-on into Pavard's head in the second half as the France defender ducked down to win a header in the box.

Pavard was treated on the pitch by France's medical staff and was allowed to return to the match, a 1-0 win for Les Bleus.

What was said?

“I took a real shock, yeah," Pavard told beIN Sports. "I was a little knocked out for 10, 15 seconds.

"It’s true that we came across a good team from Germany, which had possession, but we had a very good game defensively and offensively, and we were united.

"We feel good. Physically, we will gain even more power. It bodes well for the future. 

"We defended well collectively. It's a more than positive game. Yes, for sure it's special to win against the Germans. We knew that this first game was important. Now, we will quickly recover because there is the second match which will come quickly in Hungary."

What's next for France?

After starting Group F with a win, France will travel to Budapest to face Hungary on Saturday. Les Bleus will finish the pool with a repeat of the Euro 2016 final against Portugal next Wednesday.

Further reading

Germany centre-back Mats Hummels became the third player to score an own goal at  Euro 2020 when he turned the ball into the wrong net in the first half of their 1-0 defeat to France on Tuesday, equalling the record for an entire Euopean Championship tournament.

Poland's Wojciech Szczesny and Turkey's Merih Demiral had already scored own goals in the group stage - the latter inadvertently netting the first goal of Euro 2020 in the opening match - before Hummels' error in the first half of the match in Munich.

Euro 2016 also featured three self-inflicted wounds, but this year's competition now has plenty of time remaining to pass that tally as only 12 games have been played to this point.

Rare German mistake

The own goal on Tuesday was the first from Germany at a major tournament since 1978, when Berti Vogts erred at the World Cup against Austria.

For Hummels, it was his second own goal in the national team's jersey. He also put the ball past team-mate Manuel Neuer in 2015 in European Championship qualification against Scotland.

No blame for Hummels

"No reproach to Mats for the own goal," said Germany head coach Joachim Low to ZDF after the game. "It was difficult for him to clear.

"It was a brutally intense game. We fought until the end. I can't blame the team, we gave it everything we had. What was missing was a bit of penetrating power in the final third. We didn't do enough there."

Midfielder Toni Kroos said to ARD: "We did a lot of what we wanted to do. We had chances to score - I think no less than the French. An unfortunate goal decided the game."

Further reading

Football fans across the continent will be able to stream every match of the UEFA Euro 2020, which runs from 11 June to 11 July 2021, on Showmax Pro. 

Euro traditionally produces outstanding football, with many of the world's leading players given a grand stage. There will be spectator limits in place, and matches will be held in 11 cities across 11 countries to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the tournament.

Portugal will be defending the championship, although France, Belgium, and England are all rated higher, and will be playing with high expectations from fans.

Now football fans will be able to stream all the games of the tournament on Showmax Pro. Launched last year, Showmax Pro bundles the existing Showmax entertainment offering with music channels, news, and live sports streaming from SuperSport. 

Fans can watch online at www.showmax.com or get the Showmax app and watch on their phones.
 

Subscribe to Showmax Pro from N3,200 per month »  

What else is on Showmax?

Other live sports available on Showmax Pro include all the English Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, and PSL games as well as a wide range of live sports events including athletics, professional boxing, and the world’s biggest marathons. 

Sport documentaries available on Showmax include HBO’s gripping golfing documentary Tiger; What’s My Name: Muhammad Ali; and Klopp: The Inside Story.

Juventus have exercised their option to renew Alvaro Morata's loan from Atletico Madrid for a further season.

After Morata returned to the club last year the Bianconeri had an option to extend the deal by a further 12 months, buy the Spain international or terminate the agreement this summer.

Juventus have chosen to keep hold of the 28-year-old forward for another campaign, with the deal set to cost them a further €10 million (£8.5m/$12m).

Morata's return

The Spain international starred in Turin between 2014 and 2016, winning two Serie A titles in as many seasons while scoring in a losing effort in the 2015 Champions League final against Barcelona.

Morata joined Chelsea and then Atletico Madrid before he returned to Juve ahead of the 2020-21 season. 

The striker scored 20 goals for Juventus last term, the most he's scored in a single season in a top-five European league in his career.

Overall, Morata has scored 47 goals and recorded 27 assists in 137 appearances for Juventus.

Why is Morata staying?

The striker had a strong desire to stay in Turin, especially after the appointment of Massimiliano Allegri as head coach. 

Morata experienced plenty of success under Allegri during his first spell with Juve and will now have the chance to work under him again after he replaced Andrea Pirlo as manager.

Juventus attempted to secure a discount on the loan fee for Morata, but Atletico Madrid rejected that attempt and forced them to pay the full €10m fee.

Further reading

France star Paul Pogba furiously claimed Germany defender Antonio Rudiger bit him on the back during Tuesday's Euro 2020 match.

The two players came together near the end of the first half, with replays showing the Chelsea man putting his face close to Pogba's back before reaching his arms around his chest.

Pogba protested to the referee but there was no call on the field, nor was there a VAR review. 

What was said?

The incident generated plenty of reaction on social media, with more than a few people bringing up another man involved in past biting incidents, Luis Suarez.

On ITV at half-time, former France star Patrick Vieira said: "When you see Pogba's reaction, it felt like a bite. I don't see what Rudiger was doing there." Roy Keane replied: "It was more of a nibble than a bite."

Further reading

A parachuting protestor nearly crashed into fans at Allianz Arena ahead of Tuesday's Euro 2020 matchup between France and Germany.

With the teams on the field ahead of kickoff, the parachuter flew in and swung dangerously close to fans in the stands before landing on the pitch. 

The person was an activist from environmental organisation Greenpeace and had a message on their parachute saying "Kick Out Oil". They were taken away by stadium security and authorities after landing, and the kick-off of the game as not delayed.

What was said?

In a statement posted on Twitter, Greenpeace explained that the parachuter was aiming to protest Euro 2020 sponsor Volkswagen and their dependence on cars that use fossil fuels.

What happened?

According to German broadcaster ARD, the parachuter damaged technical equipment during his landing after getting tangled in wires connecting the spidercam to the stadium roof, and also injured a lighting technician, who had to be treated by paramedics on site.

Remarkable video footage from inside the Munich stadium shows the protestor flying over the pitch, suddenly changing direction and losing momentum after hitting an obstacle, and swinging very close to the stands before regaining control and landing on the playing surface.

Television footage also showed France manager Didier Deschamps having to take evasive action, ducking into his dugout to avoid falling debris.

Germany defenders Antonio Rudiger and Mats Hummels rushed to the parachuter upon landing, with security coming in shortly afterward to take the person into custody. 

Further reading

Andre Onana leaving Ajax and joining Arsenal would be “a good move” for the Cameroon international, according to former Nigeria U23 coach Imama Amapakabo.

The Gunners have held discussions with the 25-year-old’s representatives, albeit, they have yet to decide whether they will step up their chase of the goalkeeper.

Arsenal was on the lookout for a keeper following the departure of Emiliano Martinez in September 2020 and the underwhelming form of summer recruit Alex Runarsson.

Despite technical director Edu and Mikel Arteta being big admirers of Onana, financial issues prevented the North London outfit from making a firm offer, instead they opted to sign Mat Ryan on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Amapakabo – who was a goalkeeper during his active career – and was part of the Nigeria team that won the inaugural Fifa U16 World Championship in 1985, weighed in on his opinion on the Ajax star’s links to the Premier League side.

“Every player wants to make progress,” he told Goal. “And looking at Ajax, they are one of the big teams in Europe in respect of the Champions League and all.

“But I think the Premier League right now happens to be the best-rated league in Europe. So, if he is wanting to move from Ajax to Arsenal, I think it’s a very good move.

“As I have always said, career moves are always very important. He is first choice in Ajax, will he be the first choice there [at Arsenal]? Because every player wants to play all the time.

“Nevertheless, in terms of prestige, moving from the Dutch league to the Premier League is a plus.”

Should he eventually join the 13-time English kings, Onana would have to be at his best to displace Bernd Leno to become first-choice.

“It depends on what the manager wants in a goalkeeper. Another question that plays a big role is who is wanting him? Is it the coach or the club?” he continued.

“If it is Arteta that is pushing this move, then I feel he [Onana] should join the team because he is assured of playing time and he would get an opportunity to prove his worth.

“More importantly, doors would open for him if he comes to England because many people watch the league across the world.”

Amapakabo led Enugu Rangers to win the Nigeria Professional Football League diadem in 2016, despite being one of the youngest head coaches in the country at that time.

India took the lead against Afghanistan in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday minutes after skipper Sunil Chhetri was taken off in the 69th minute.

The Blue Tigers, however, also conceded, later on, to only come back home with a draw. Goalkeeper Ovays Azizi accidentally sent the ball off Ashique Kuruniyan's cross into his own net before substitute Hossein Zamani (82') denied India a win.

The Blue Tigers earned a direct spot in the third round of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on account of finishing third, behind Qatar and Oman, in Group. After the game, India assistant Venkatesh Shanmugham explained the decision to take off Chhetri when the game was goalless.

What was said?

On being quizzed on Chhetri's substitution when the score was 0-0, Shanmughan responded, "It's the [head] coach's (Igor Stimac) decision. According to the game, requirement of positions change. That's all. We were trying to score till the 90th minute, and some players were tired. It happens."

India had the better chances throughout the game, although Anoush Dastgir's men were successful in frustrating their opponents on the night.

2022 WCQ vs 2018 WCQ

India ended their 2022 World Cup qualification campaign with four draws, three losses and one win from their eight matches. They scored six goals and conceded only seven and had a very good opportunity to finish the group stage with a positive goal difference - which has been achieved only twice in history - had they won the tie.

"It's a long way to go. You can't compare with the last time (2018 WCQ)," Shanmugham insisted. "Now there are a lot of new players and we have to concentrate to increase our level. We are in a process and the players are responding well as compared to the first game till now. We are confident as coaches."

In the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, grouped alongside Iran, Oman, Turkmenistan and Guam in the second round, under former coach Stephen Constantine, India finished bottom of the group with one win and seven defeats and a goal difference of -13.

India successfully attained qualification to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup through the qualifiers, where the Blue Tigers finished bottom in the group consisting of UAE, Thailand and Bahrain in the tournament finals.
 

Democratic Republic of Congo forward Kadima Kabangu has revealed he will be joining the East African heavyweights Simba SC in the forthcoming transfer window.

The 21-time-league Tanzania Mainland League champions have struggled to find an effective attacker to combine with their captain John Raphael Bocco or to step in and consistently deliver for Wekundu wa Msimbazi. 

The Leopard has further revealed coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has insisted he is part of his plans for the new campaign.

"I have already spoken to Simba about joining them and we have agreed," Kabangu told Championi. 

"What I am just waiting for is for them to finish the league matches as well as the Tanzania Cup matches then I will complete my move which will enable me to travel to Tanzania.

"Coach Gomes [Da Rosa] has confirmed to me that I am in his plans for the new season. I am ready to join them and I am waiting for them to just complete the deal."

The 27-year-old has played for Saint-Eloi Lupopo and Motema Pembe, Budapest Honved, Shirak of Armenia as well as Moroccan side Maghreb de Fes.

Meanwhile, former Kagera Sugar left-back David Luhende has "welcomed" Wekundu wa Msimbazi to table an offer for him since he is ready to join them.

The defender is a free agent after his contract with the Sugar Millers expired, and he decided against extending it.

However, if Wekundu wa Msimbazi do not table an offer for him, the experienced defender has revealed he will be looking elsewhere for another deal.

"I am welcoming Simba to table their offer if they are interested in my services," Luhende told the same portal.

"They can come in and we negotiate because I believe I can play very well at Simba. It is all about getting a good contract and we negotiate. But we have to reach an agreement.

"However, if Simba cannot come, then I will not mind playing for any other team since football is my life. All I want is a team that we can have an agreement with and play."

Simba are on the verge of winning their fourth league title in a row.

Kaizer Chiefs vice-captain Bernard Parker is keen to add the Caf Champions League winners' medal to his cabinet as he celebrates 10 years with the Soweto giants. 

The experienced forward is expected to lead Amakhosi when they take on Wydad Casablanca in the Caf Champions League semi-final first-leg match in Morocco on Sunday.

Having joined Amakhosi from Dutch side FC Twente in June 2011, Parker has won all trophies domestically and he has now set his sights on continental glory. 

“I feel great. Time flies. It’s been 10 years already. I think I have won every trophy [domestically]. I’ve represented the country with over 70 caps," Parker told Chiefs' media department.

"It’s been a wonderful career and what a way to be blessed, with being part of the Kaizer Chiefs team that’s going into the semi-finals of the Caf Champions League."

The former Bafana Bafana international explained they will need to face the Moroccan giants with clean minds and fresh bodies. 

"This is massive. This is where, as a team, we can make history and it would be lovely for me to be part of this history in my 10th year," he continued. 

“We need to go in wholeheartedly, with a clean mind and a fresh body and everything else will follow, in terms of our quality, techniques and dynamics. It’s exciting and happy times.”

Parker played some of his best football at Chiefs under Stuart Baxter between 2012 and 2015 as the Soweto giants clinched two PSL titles, the Nedbank Cup and MTN8 trophy. 

Baxter recently replaced Gavin Hunt as Amakhosi's head coach and Parker revealed that the players are happy to have their old mentor back. 

“The change has brought life out of the squad, not only on the field but in the dressing room as well. The guys are happy," he added.

"Whenever there’s a change, we all want to impress the boss. This is what the guys want to do – they want to impress the boss.”

Wydad are set to play hosts to Chiefs at Stade Mohamed V on Sunday and the second-leg encounter is scheduled to take place at FNB Stadium on June 26. 

The much sought after win in the land of United Arab Emirates (UAE) was finally achieved in the final Group G of the joint 2022 World Cup/2023 Asian Cup qualification second round, a 1-0 win over the War Elephants which seals third spot in the group and with that a spot in the next qualifying group stage that is solely for the Asian Cup.

This final day win gives Harimau Malaya a 100% winning record against the Thais having already beaten them 2-1 in the corresponding fixture way back in 2019 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium which is also Malaysia's fifth overall win in the group to give them a total of 12 points, three less than second place Vietnam.

In a battle between two sides with collared home kits, it was obvious this was a meeting between two teams aiming to be the next best in Southeast Asia with Vietnam fast disappearing beyond the horizon and unlike what was seen in the previous game against Vietnam, Malaysia are on equal footing with Thailand, if not better.

Changes were rung by Tan Cheng Hoe brought upon by a combination of suspensions to Mohamadou Sumareh, La'Vere Corbin-Ong and Syamer Kutty Abba as well as dire individual performances in the first two matches against UAE and Vietnam with Aiman Arif, Syahmi Safari and Nazmi Faiz taking over those unavailable while Khairulazhan Khalid, Nor Azam Azih and Akhyar Rashid were also given starts.

Chances were few and far in between in the first period with both teams focussing their attacks down the wings, Thailand in particular electing to put pressure on Syahmi in the unfamiliar left back berth, often times finding space behind the Selangor man but just couldn't get their final pass right.

With Nor Azam back in the base of midfield and Nazmi in front of him, there were more control shown from the boys in yellow and in fact it was the former who produced Malaysia's best effort in the first half with a rasping drive from distance which Chatchai Bootprom had to push over the bar.

Sensing a real opportunity at the break, Cheng Hoe brought on Safawi for the ineffective Arif and Syafiq Ahmad for the lacklustre Brendan Gan, and the response was immediate. Malaysia pushed on with higher intensity and quickly found themselves ahead after just six minutes played in the second half.

Syafiq and Safawi combined well down the right hand side to send the latter driving into the penalty box before being dragged down by Ernesto to give Malaysia a spot kick. Chatchai did well to guess the right way but still allowed Safawi's ensuing penalty to slip in under him to give Malaysia the lead.

Undeterred, Thailand could have gotten themselvs a quick equaliser just four minutes later when a static Malaysian defence left Thitiphan Puangjan completely free inside the box but the Thai captain saw his header only crashing against the crossbar, much to Khairulazhan's relief.

From that moment on, Malaysia closed shop and defensively more compactly to deny Thailand space. Even after Akira Nishino brought on a raft of midfielders and attackers, the backline still could not be breached and Malaysia hung on for a slim but sweet victory.

Premier League taking the knee against racism has been a regular sight for almost a year, with the England squad deciding to continue the show of solidarity at Euro 2020.

However, some England fans have booed the gesture during Euro 2020 warm-up fixtures against Austria and Romania. There were more boos at Wembley during England's Euro 2020 opener against Croatia as well, though they were eventually drowned out by applause from other supporters.

So why are England being booed for taking the knee, and what have the team said about it? Goal takes a look.

Why are England being booed for taking the knee?

Some England fans have booed the gesture of taking the knee as they believe it to be a political act.

The FA, however, have stated that taking the knee in solidarity with the fight to achieve racial equality is not related to any singular political school of thought.

“They are doing this as a mechanism of peacefully protesting against discrimination, injustice and inequality," the FA said in a statement to fans.

"This is personally important to the players and the values the team collectively represents. This gesture of unity and fighting against inequality can be traced back as far as the 18th century.

“It is not new, and English football has made it very clear that it does not view this as being aligned to a political organisation or ideology. There can be no doubt as to why the players are taking the knee and what it represents in a footballing context.”

Other fans also erroneously believe that taking the knee and Black Lives Matter is linked to the radical left-wing ideas of Marxism.

What is the significance of taking the knee?

Historically, kneeling has been a way to show silent solidarity in support of human rights amid political turmoil.

Colin Kaepernick was inspired by Martin Luther King Jr when he kneeled during the U.S. national anthem as a means to protest police brutality and anti-Black racism within the United States.

The murder of George Floyd at the hands of police officer Derek Chauvin in May 2020 incited strong support and solidarity from athletes and sports figures worldwide, with players across the Premier League, Bundesliga, MLS and more following in Kaepernick's lead and taking a knee.

What have the England managers & players said?

The likes of Southgate and several England players such as Jordan Henderson, Tyrone Mings and Marcus Rashford have defended taking the knee.

“I did hear it,” Southgate said when asked if he heard England fans booing the gesture before their pre-Euro 2020 friendly against Austria.

“It’s not something on behalf of our Black players I wanted to hear because it feels as though it’s a criticism of them. I think we have got a situation where some people seem to think it’s a political stand that they don’t agree with. That’s not the reason the players are doing it. We’re supporting each other. I was pleased that was drowned out by the majority of the crowd.

“I think the most important thing for our players to know is all their team-mates and all the staff are very supportive. I think the majority of people understand it. I think some people aren’t quite understanding the message.”

Tyrone Mings said in a press conference before the fixture against Scotland: "At the same time, at Wembley, there was a hugely positive reaction to us taking the knee as well and I don't think that should be overshadowed by the minority that refuses to accept what the reasons are or don't agree with them."

England midfielder and Liverpool captain Henderson said that the booing highlighted a bigger problem within society: “If there’s still people booing because we’re standing together against racism, then there really still is a problem and we’ve still got to fight it and stand together on that.

“It shows even more that we have to keep going, keep fighting it. From our side, it’s about being together and doing what we think is right – and that’s what we feel is right.

“I think, as players, we’ve made it very clear that we all stand together against racism. That’s the reason that we continue to take the knee, and have done over the last few weeks."

Meanwhile Rashford, who has been active in his fight in combating racism and who has also been a repeated target of online abuse, said of the boos overshadowing the game: “It’s something that we can’t control. For us we believe it’s the right thing to do so we’re going to continue to do it.”

United Soccer League (USL) club Rochester Rhinos have announced that Leicester City star Jamie Vardy has become a co-owner.

The New York-based outfit have not played since 2017 after establishing themselves as a fixture in the American lower divisions. 

With Vardy now on board, the Rhinos will look to return to the field in the near future.

What was said?

“It’s going to be a lot different to what I’ve been used to for the last 10 years, but I’m looking forward to getting stuck into it," Vardy told The Athletic. “I think it kind of resonates with me because of what they’ve achieved in the past — the only lower-league club to win the U.S. Open Cup, the only team to have ever done it who’s outside MLS.

"It’s all about bringing that back and trying to replicate it — but we also want to bring it back even better than it was before.”

Rhinos co-owners David and Wendy Dworkin added on the club's Twitter account: "This is a huge coup for Rochester and the Rhinos. Jamie is known throughout the soccer world and we are delighted that he has chosen to join us as a co-owner. Hopefully this fantastic news will give everyone connected with the club the belief that there are good times ahead.”

Who are the Rhinos?

The Rhinos became one of the most well-known names in the American lower leagues after their establishment in 1996, regularly drawing crowds that were larger than some of their MLS counterparts.

Perhaps the pinnacle of Rhinos history came in 1999, when they became the first – and still only – non-MLS team to win the U.S. Open Cup.

The club competed in the now-defunct A-League before then joining USL Pro. In 2017 the Rhinos went on hiatus but are now eyeing a return to the field in 2022.

Further reading

Tusker coach Robert Matano has admitted the team’s shock 1-0 defeat against struggling Posta Rangers has slowed the Brewers down in their quest to clinch the FKF Premier League title.

The Brewers knew ahead of the fixture they needed to win to move five points clear ahead of second-placed KCB, but despite dominating the home clash they failed to take their chances and they were punished in the 79th minute when Josephat Lopaga scored for the Mailmen.

The veteran Matano has now blamed his players for giving their opponents a “gift goal”.

What has been said?

“It was a gift goal, we gave out a gift goal and there is nothing we could do, so we are going back to the drawing board to work hard again to see how we can respond in our next match,” Matano told Goal after the game.

Asked about their chances to be at the top of the 18-team table by the end of June 30, Matano explained: “We are going to fight, we still have some three matches to go, we will fight on, we will not give up, we will fight on.”

On the defeat against Rangers, Matano admitted it had slowed down their progress and plans but maintained there was nothing permanent and what matters is how they will respond in their next assignment.

“The defeat has slowed down our progress, that is for sure, but now nothing is permanent and we have to move on, all we want to see is a good response in our next match.

“It was unfortunate we could not score [against Rangers] and that is why we didn’t win, but we are going to work on that and bounce back in a better way.”

Okumbi happy to earn revenge

On his part, Rangers coach Stanley Okumbi said he was happy to earn revenge against the side that beat them 4-1 in the first-round meeting.

“It is a fair share because they beat us in the first round meeting and we have earned revenge, it was my first game when I signed for Rangers and so they beat us, so I am happy now we have revenged,” Okumbi told Goal.

“When they beat us last time out, we were still struggling I was yet to get to know my players but today [Tuesday] our plans worked well, I am happy my players got it right and I am happy they also managed a clean sheet against the league leaders, it shows there is a great improvement in the squad.”

Okumbi continued: “We have also struggled to score goals even when we dominate matches but today we managed one which is a positive sign, and also the most important thing keeping a clean sheet, and it is something we have really been working on.”

After all the missed chances, the Brewers were punished in the 79th minute after sloppy defending saw Lopaga make a good solo run with the ball and fire it into the bottom left corner for maximum points.

Tusker will remain on top with 36 points from 19 matches but AFC Leopards have a chance to overtake them to 39 points if they beat Sofapaka in another top-flight match at Wundanyi Stadium on Wednesday.

England centre back Tyrone Mings is confused at British home secretary Priti Patel's lack of support for the players taking the knee in protest against racism.

The kneeling gesture became known worldwide through the Black Lives Matter movement following the murder of George Floyd, and England's players continue to do so before every game.

After a full Premier League season where footballers have taken the knee before matches, England's players chose to extend their protest in Euro 2020. It has been met with boos from sections of the crowd since they returned to action and there have been mixed views from within Government.

What did the England defender say?

"To the Home Secretary, I don't really have a direct message," Mings said ahead of his side's match with Scotland. "I mean we spoke, actually she invited me onto a Zoom call once, where she seemed interested and engrossed in the players' point of view and what we could do more to tackle these sort of issues.

"At the same time, everybody is entitled to their own opinion and the home secretary is one of many, many people that oppose us taking the knee or refuse to defend it.

"So, we have our own set of beliefs and what we think we can do to help and there will be players that can be influential and can stand up for what we believe in. Understandably, when you have such strong beliefs there will be opposition to that.

"We spoke about it a lot, we spoke about trying to educate or trying to inform the minority who refuse to acknowledge why we're taking the knee and want to do it.

"At the same time, at Wembley, there was a hugely positive reaction to us taking the knee as well and I don't think that should be overshadowed by the minority that refuses to accept what the reasons are or don't agree with them."

What is the Government view?

“I just don't support people participating in that type of gesture politics,” Patel told GB News. She went onto say it was “all well to support a cause and make your voices heard”, but with regards to the BLM protests that have taken place in the UK, “the impact on policing was devastating”.

She said: “I just don't subscribe to this view that we should be rewriting our history – pulling down statues, the famous Colston statue [the Bristol-based slave trader], and what's happened there.

“Toppling statues is not the answer: it's about learning from our past, learning from our history and actually working together to drive the right outcome.”

Can we talk about football now?

Mings was one of the top performers in England's 1-0 win over Croatia to open their campaign in the European Championship, although many expect he will be dropped soon with Manchester United defender Harry Maguire nearing fitness.

Mings isn't concerned at the prospect of losing out, and said: "Harry is a fantastic defender with a lot of credit in the bank.

"At the same time there is absolutely competition for places and I think he's somebody that I look up to in terms of a centre back and somebody that is so consistent with a lot of pressure on his shoulders being captain of Man Utd and being one of the main players for England.

"He’s a person I take a lot of inspiration from. So to be mentioned in the same breath of as he is a compliment in itself."

Further reading

African football powerhouse Senegal have been named as guest contestants at this year’s Cosafa Cup tournament. 

It will be the 20th edition of the Cosafa Cup which will be staged in Gqeberha from July 7 to 18. 

The draw for the tournament is expected to be held on Thursday with 12 teams participating.  

“And there will be plenty of excitement with the addition of West African powerhouse Senegal to the field this year as they make a guest appearance in what is a landmark tournament for Cosafa,” said Cosafa in a statement. 

“Senegal is the top-ranked side in Africa and sit at number 22 in the world and will make their debut in Cosafa competition. Guest nations from outside the region have, over the years, provided excellent entertainment and a contrast in styles that makes for fascinating viewing.”

No guest participants have won the Cosafa Cup before but Wafu Cup of Nations reigning champions Senegal could be fancying making history in Southern Africa. 

Zambia are the defending champions after winning their fifth Cosafa title in 2019 to get closer to Zimbabwe who are record holders after winning it six times. 

This year’s Cosafa Cup has a new format and so far 11 teams have confirmed their participation as Madagascar and Mauritius have not yet committed to take part. 

But the regional football governing body says “the 12th team will be confirmed in the coming days with a number of interested parties.” 

“The competition will take on a new format for 2021 with the 12 teams split into three groups each containing four teams. This ensures each side will play a minimum of three matches,” Cosafa said.

“The top team in each pool, as well as the best second-placed finisher, will advance to the semi-finals. There will be no Plate competition.”

Uganda were guest participants at the last edition of Cosafa.

Next month’s competition will see some teams using it to prepare for September’s Fifa World Cup qualifiers as Zimbabwe did in 2019 to gear up for the Africa of Nations finals.