The month has flown by and the Euros are now over. After an extra years wait it was always bound to be a tournament fans jumped straight into as anticipation was just growing and growing due to the delay. It was safe to say us England fans weren't sure what to expect due to how we have performed in previous competitions and the heartbreak we always seem to endure. It was safe to say though our performances had been brilliant and we finally brought hope and excitement to the nation which hasn't had much to cheer about lately just like the rest of the world.

Honestly I never expected to see England in the final of a major tournament in my lifetime as it has always felt we were cursed to fall just before we got there so to be able to experience them in the final was fantastic, let's just hope we don't have to wait as long next time for us to reach another (next year in the World Cup would be very nice). I think we were definitely going into this as the underdogs thanks to Italy's unbeaten run but honestly I was hopeful, some of the performances we had put in previously showed just how much we were capable of. 

England started off well getting Italy on the back foot and really pushing them, we saw how we could draw in their defence and create space straight away which led to Shaw scoring in under 4 minutes giving us the lead. Honestly Shaw is my player of the tournament as he seems to have been everywhere, defending really well, creating assists, linking up well with others and really getting us in some threatening positions. It was great to see how well he worked alongside Sterling too and this could be a great link up for years to come for England if they both stay fit and at the top of the game. I am really glad he finished off the competition with a goal for himself as he definitely deserved one.

I honestly don't think Italy looked their best throughout the game and in fact I think they looked scared of England for the majority of the first half. However, that definitely all changed in the second half and Italy has the upper hand whilst England looked shaky, I don't know what was said in the changing rooms at half time but it definitely worked in Italy's favour and totally changed the way England played. Italy got their goal in the form of a very scrappy one from a corner and to be honest England should have done better defensively to keep it out but it went in and we had to suffer through extra time. 

My nerves have never been as bad as they were for extra time as England looked poor and Italy were looking like they could go on and win the game if they really wanted to but we some how kept it at 1-1 and end up going to penalties... an outcome I had been dreading since we found out we were in the final. There were a few questionable decisions throughout the whole game though that could have really changed the outcome as should Italy have ended the game with all 11 players on the pitch? The pull back on Saka was absolutely ridiculous and clearly stopped him making what could have been a dangerous break. Then we had the 'stamp' on Grealish studs were shown and there was just no need, we have seen players sent off for a lot less recently. As soon as the game went to penalties I think everyone just knew Italy had won it and it is unfortunate as I don't think they really deserved to win like that. When it came to the penalties I don't think Southgate did it right either as I don't think he used the right players and leaving it all down to young Saka was too much, it should have been someone with more big game experience as this moment is always going to be in the back of his mind now but good on him for stepping up and taking it. It is easy to sit on your sofa and say how did a player miss that but when you are in that moment on the pitch with the whole nation on your back it is going to be totally different so credit should be given where it is due as it was the young ones who stepped up to that pressure and it just unfortunately didn't pay off for them but it took a lot to step up in the first place and face that pressure. 

I think throughout the whole of the game England were tactically behind, we took too long to get on the attack and we took far too long to make the changes that were needed which could have won us the game or at least had us looking a whole lot stronger.  We should have added pace in the first half of extra time by bring on Rashford and Sancho as that speed would have troubled Italy and with plenty of them having yellow cards it would really have piled on the pressure. Plus I don't think it is fair how Rashford and Sancho have barely played all month and got brought on just for the pressure of penalties, get them on sooner and give them chance to impact the game and actually get focused on what is happening first. I can't even being to imagine the pressure they were facing. 

Saka should honestly hold his head high as this was his first big tournament and he has shown us all the potential he possesses and the fact he is only 19 years old just lets us know he can only rise up from the occasion and become a better player from it. In fact the whole team can hold their heads high and be proud of the past month as they have got further than any other male England team since 66 and shown we are a force to be reckoned with. WE have shown just how much talent we have and to be honest with us being so young I think this could be a team we see for many more years and we have sent out a warning to other teams. The team managed to unite a nation and give us something to look forward to for a full month not just a few weeks and they brought the love of football back to people who were slowly drifting away. They have also inspired another generation to go out and kick the ball about either with friends or as part of a team which is brilliant to see and something that I hope to see for years to come. 

Overall the tournament was fantastic all month round with plenty of joy and excitement brought to the nations competing after such a long time of heartache and uncertainty due to the ongoing pandemic. We have seen some fantastic results that definitely have shocked everyone, like watching Switzerland come back to knock France out of the competition which I don't think anyone expected and at the start of the month who would have thought England would have been in the final? I know I definitely didn't. It has been a great tournament as nothing has been a given and results have been all over the place which I love as I hate it when you can call every game before kick off and it is always good to see underdogs doing well.  We have also seen a few nasty injuries and incidents which shocked the world... we had Castagne from Belgium with the nasty eye socket injury which could have potentially ended his career if it has been a few inches away from its final position. Then we saw the awful incident with Eriksen in the very early stages of the competition but what was great to see if he is making a full recovery and how the world of football came together to show support for not only him but his Danish team mates too, it was nice to see this touching moment from the football community. Denmark then had a great tournament and you could tell they were playing to prove themselves without Eriksen whilst also trying to win it for him.

It has been a nice change for a tournament not to be all about the big names too as it has actually been the smaller more unknown players who have stood out from the crowd and put in the best performances which is great as it has definitely brought a lot more players to our attention that we might not have possibly heard of previously. It is safe to say if these players manage to stay injury free then the future of football is in very good hands as there is a lot of potential on show. 

Seeing fans back in the stadium has been great too as it has definitely been missed due to the pandemic, granted stadiums weren't at full capacity like we wished they had been but it has just given us an extra glimpse of hope that things are slowly but surely returning to some normality. We have seen communities come together and a nation united now we just need to keep that up and put the same amount of support back into our local clubs at all levels as the new seasons begin as those clubs are going to need all the help they can get whilst recovering from the pandemic and we have shown as a nation just how good our support can be so it is time to show that locally too. Plus we have the Women from Team GB to cheer on before any of the seasons start and we have a really strong chance of bring back a medal from that competition too. 

I wish I wasn't ending the post as I am but England's defeat has gone to show once again why more action needs to be to kick racism out of the game. If those penalties that were missed went in everyone would be calling the players heroes today but as they were missed the comments they are receiving are absolutely disgraceful and aren't needed. Those players stepped up and did there jobs but unfortunately things didn't go their way, yes you might have an opinion but keep it to yourself there is no need to send it to those players who are feeling bad enough, we should be trying to lift them back up and get them on track to get back to winning ways. Those 'fans' sending abuse aren't fans at all and it is time we got rid of them from the beautiful game, social media needs to step up and do more to combat it and fans need to learn there is no place for it.

The Euro's might be over but there is plenty more football to come and we will be covering as much as possible over the coming months before the actual seasons start as this year it just seems like football never stops... but that definitely isn't a bad thing. 

Well it has been the quickest month in what feels like forever thanks to the Euros taking place, why is it that when you have waited for ages and are enjoying something it just ends up flying by and being over before you know it. This years final is certainly going to be extra special though as England are finally making an appearance. After far too many years of hurt they have finally broken what felt like a curse and they will be taking on Italy in the final. 

It is definitely going to be an interesting night with England seemingly going into the game as underdogs due to Italy's amazing run of form under the watchful eye of Mancini who has got the Italians playing as they used to and to be honest if not better than previously. England might be underdogs but they are also finally showing us what they are capable and us fans are being filled with hope rather than dread every time big games get underway.  They have put in some fantastic performances throughout the competition so far and have only conceded one goal so far so let's hope we can keep it like that. 

I think it is safe to say that to get the best result possible Southgate is going to have to put out his fittest and strongest side, tired legs are going to be worn out quickly against the Italians and we don't want to be caught out tracking back etc. Italy have picked up a few injuries throughout the competition but England seem to have managed to stay relatively injury free minus the few knocks they have picked up and they still seem to have the full squad at their dispersal so Southgate can switch up any positions that may need it and really give us that edge. England seem to be a much younger side than the Italians especially when it comes to defence so pace is definitely going to be something we need to use to put them under some real pressure as if we tire them out we are more likely to be able to breakthrough. We have seen in earlier games how our pace has worked to our advantage so we definitely need to be using it rather than sitting back which I have a feeling we could end up doing. 

Something I have noticed throughout the tournament is that the Italians go down pretty easily and try their best to get set pieces even if the challenge or lack of doesn't warrant it. The England defence definitely needs to watch out for this and need to try not to be drawn in as quite a few players could easily end up with a booking or two as we know they have tempers and can be easily drawn in and be on the receiving end of unfair decisions. I think the Italians could easily end up targeting the likes of Maguire and Rice as they know that their tempers could get the better of them. 

Just like Spain did the other day England need to make sure they have Immobile & Insigne blocked off and under control as they could easily be two of the Italians biggest threats. If England can keep these two at bay I think we could see Italy struggle to create chances as in my eyes they are two of their biggest play makers. 

The final for me is easily a game that could go either way with either team taking home the win as it is all going to be who can keep their nerves at bay and get off to the strongest start as I think that is going to be crucial in who settles into the game best and take every chance given, wasted chances could be really crucial in this game so lets hope England keep the wasted chances to a minimum and make the most of their time in front of goal. 

England might have the home field advantage with the game being played in Wembley but with the form both teams have been in I think this is going to be either sides biggest test of the whole competition with us fans in for a real treat it could very easily go either way and I think everyone is going to be on the edge of their seats come 8pm. 

Can England finally bring some joy to the country after the disruption of the pandemic and all the previous years of footballing hurt we have had to endure? Either way it is safe to say the nation is proud of this team and we have had a glimpse of their potential going into the world cup next year where due to the age of the players we are likely to be heading in with a very similar team to face not just Europe but the world.

It is safe to say the nerves are definitely building already but I can not wait for that whistle to blow and the game to begin. After so many years of disappointment fingers crossed things can turn around and football finally comes home. 

This definitely feels like a once in a life time opportunity for an England fan so I am definitely making the most of it. Just please England bring it home and don't put me through the pain of penalties as I really don't feel like I could cope. 

Is it coming home or going to Rome?

The nerves are definitely starting to kick in now as we are very quickly approaching the final of Euro 2020, the past month seems to have flown by and the competition is very close to being wrapped up for another 4 years. It seems like no round this competition has let us fans down and each one has provided us with some great games. The semi finals certainly weren't any different and we saw two great games over two nights and we saw some very hopeful performances. So here is a quick round up of the semi final games where we actually predicted the right winners but just not the correct scores...

Italy 1-1 Spain - Italy win on penalties

This game was definitely a whole lot closer than I expected and to be honest I thought Spain were going to end up coming out the other side as finalists and not Italy. To say Spain were the underdogs going into the game they pushed Italy and made them look weak in some areas which no other team has really been able to do. It was nice to see Italy been challenged though as it showed there was a potential to break through and beat them which we hadn't really seen before Tuesday night. You can tell Italy wasn't used to the pushing too as they looked scared and I don't believe they played half as good as they have done during other games in the tournament, cracks started to show and weaknesses could finally be seen. One thing that drove me mad was how easily Italy seemed to go down, the slightest touch that was it and they go actively looking for anyway they can gain a free kick etc and to be honest we haven't just seen it in the semis but we have seen it from them in all their games so England need to watch out for that in the final. 

As I say I was really shocked with the result as I thought Spain were the better side and they did really well blocking Immobile and Insigne out of the game and really limiting the chances Italy had. It is just a shame that Spain took such poor penalties as they just didn't seem confident in themselves at all when taking them but then again if they took all their chances during normal time extra time and penalties might not even have been needed. 

England 2-1 Denmark (After extra time)

It is safe to say that like many others I was very nervous for the build up to this game and those nervous only build up as the game got underway and progressed as England just didn't seem to be doing themselves any favours. There seemed to be a few players for England who had a shaky start and didn't fill me with confidence but Denmark also started the game really well which obviously didn't help, England did settle into the game eventually though and once they were settled they certainly were the biggest threat and Denmark started slipping away due to the constant pressure and roles were reversed with Denmark playing a lot of the game looking nervous and on the back foot. It was Denmark who initially took the lead though with what was an absolutely fantastic goal however, when it went in I did have to ask Liam if he thought the Danish players seemed a bit too close to the English which obviously they aren't allowed to do, plus it seemed like a very soft free kick to be given to start off with granted it was a very very good goal though.

Sterling once again had another great game and he did well to put pressure on to force the own goal that got England back to the game. He then ended up getting us the penalty that won us the game in extra time, now there has been a lot of controversy from a lot of fans of other nations saying we cheated and we shouldn't have had a penalty but the fact VAR was used and after various looks at various angles it was still given there was clearly some contact to warrant the penalty to be given, plus Denmark were lucky a lot more weren't given over the course of the game as England definitely had plenty of claims that could easily have been called. I am glad Kane managed to put away the rebound as my nerves were through the roof for extra time let alone if we had gone to penalties like the other semi final. One thing that really drove me mad during the game though was definitely England heading to the corner, I hate when teams do this as not only is it boring but it is also pretty risky all it takes is the opposition stealing the ball and breaking and you are on the back foot. Poor Foden was breaking into the box and could have possibly got us another 3 or 4 goals if we had pushed for more instead of going to the corner so I definitely feel for him as you could tell he just wanted to be on that score sheet. When that final blew though I don't think I have ever felt so relived... the curse has been broken and the mens team are finally back in a major final and hopefully they can bring it home. 

So that is our quick round up of the semi finals of the competition, I really can't wait for the final but at the same time nerves are definitely starting to kick in. Want to see our predictions for the final? Well check back tomorrow before the big game kicks off at 8pm... I think we are going to be in for a treat. What did you think to the semi final games?

Italy vs Spain

Honestly if I was putting a bet on this game my money would be going straight on an Italy win as they have been fantastic throughout the competition and look very hard to beat. In Spain's last game they played well but I just don't think they have what it takes to knock Italy out of the competition due to how strong the Italians seem to be lately. I think it is nice to see Italy doing so well this time out and I really do believe we are going to end up seeing them in the final. As for a scoreline it wouldn't surprise me if it ends 2-1 with Spain putting up a real fight to the end. 

England vs Denmark

I am really looking forward to seeing England take on Denmark as I think we are in for a real tough contest. England have the home advantage with the game being played at Wembley and I think that is going to really push them further however, we all know Denmark are out to prove themselves and bring home the victories for Eriksen so I think we are in for a treat of a game which could really go either way. I do think England could just edge a 1-0 victory though as Kane seems to be finding his feet and Sterling is constantly looking a threat, plus the English back line is doing brilliant and a lot better than I expected from them. This game is going to be one of those that could end up right to the wire though and it wouldn't surprise me if it ended up in extra time... just please no penalties. 

I can't wait to sit down and watch both these games as I think they are both going to be entertaining and showcase the potential of a lot of players. Check back later in the week for our round up post to see just how right or wrong we were... honestly it could go either way as nothing is set in stone this time around the underdogs could end up with a shock result. What do you think is going to happen in the semi finals? Come let us know over on our social media channels. 

How are we already at the semi final stage of euro 2020? It doesn't seem like two minutes ago since the tournament first kicked off but we have been spoiled with some great games and unexpected results and to be honest the quarter finals were no different. Here is how they went. 

Switzerland 1-1 Spain (Spain won 3-2 on penalties) 

This game was a bit of an end to end one and honestly it could have gone either way but no one had that stand out moment to stop the game going to penalties. This was the only game out of the four that went to penalties which was a bit of a surprise for me but I am glad it was as I can't cope with penalty shoot outs. Plus it wasn't exactly a spectacular penalty shoot out either with some looking weak from the tired legs and some really not challenging either goalkeeper. I honestly thought Switzerland were going to come out of this as semi finalists but it is nice to see Spain into the semis and doing well again. 

Belgium 1-2 Italy

Honestly Belgium were one of my favourites to win the competition and they were doing so well but Italy just seem to be next level during this tournament and they seem to be a tough team to crack as they are doing so well. This is one of the games I wanted to watch the most but I actually ended up missing it due to other things going on but it does sound like it was a good game from what I have heard. I am quite gutted that Belgium were knocked out but they have had a really good run and it was always going to be tough coming up against Italy. 

Czech Republic 1-2 Denmark

The Czech Republic team really surprised me this tournament as I honestly didn't expect them to get as far as they did before unfortunately being beaten by Denmark. The Czech team really put up a fight against Denmark and I really though a late comeback was on but unfortunately it wasn't to be and Denmark came out on top thanks to two pretty good goals. Denmark are a team that are really putting up a fight this competition and I am shocked they have got as far as they have due to the unfortunate incident that occurred in their opening game however, they are playing for Eriksen and you can tell, it is nice to see them doing so well though as they are showing us nothing can hold them back. 

England 4-0 Ukraine

Definitely the biggest shock for me was seeing England put four past the Ukraine, I really expected us to just put one past them and for the Ukraine to put us under a lot of pressure but the complete opposite seemed to happen. England came out fighting from the get go where as the Ukraine just never really seemed to get going which was a shock, key players never seemed to get into the game and the defence looked like it didn't know what hit it. I think we saw a lot more potential from the England side and a lot better performance from Kane who I think is going to just get better for the remainder of England's time in the tournament due to a confidence boost. I could just have done without the storms causing technical issues so I could have watched the full 90 minutes uninterrupted although this game filled me with a lot of confidence for England going into the next game. 

Now it is on to the semi's check back tomorrow for our predictions post before the games kick off but I am feeling hopefully for the next games and I am looking forward to seeing who progresses from the semis to the actual final on Sunday. What did you think to the quarter finals? 

Well the Euros finally kick off this Friday and I am definitely ready for a month of football. It might be year late but I think this years tournament is going to be a good one and honestly due to the delay, injuries and just how the groups have been drawn I think we are in for an interesting month where who knows who is going to walk away the winners. By now I normally have a few teams lined up who could make the final however, this time around I really aren't too sure. So here is a look at the groups for the competition and how I personally think they could play out...

Group A 

Italy 

Switzerland

Turkey 

Wales

I honestly think this group could be an interesting one, I think Italy could top it but honestly I think the second place is all to play for. For me though it could be down to Switzerland or Turkey for the 2nd spot and unless Wales can provide some fantastic performances I think that they are unfortunately going to end up bottom of this group although I really do hope I am wrong. 

Group B 

Belgium 

Russia 

Denmark 

Finland

For me I really do believe that Belgium are going to come away the winners of this group but with Denmark very close behind them in second place. I can imagine Russia coming in 3rd place and unfortunately Finland being the bottom of the group. I really do see this being a very close group between Belgium and Denmark and I am looking forward to seeing how it plays out. 

Group C 

Austria 

Netherlands 

North Macedonia 

Ukraine 

The Netherlands could very easily top this group even with Virgil Van Dijk missing through injury as they have a pretty good team with some quality players who are more than capable of stepping up to the plate to advance through the group stage. I think the rest of the group could be pretty hard to predict though but for some reason I think that the Ukraine might just end up in 2nd place but North Macedonia could very easily be pushing for that spot too. After seeing Austria against England the other day I really do think they could end up last but honestly this time around who really knows the 2nd to 4th place of this group could go either way. 

Group D

England 

Croatia

Czech Republic

Scotland 

Ah England's group, are Croatia going to be our bogey team again this tournament? Or can we get our own back for 2018? To be honest I would prefer for England to come second in this group due to the progression path throughout the rest of the tournament, I just think it is going to give us our best shot. I can see Croatia coming out on top of this group however, I think Scotland could really put up a fight too, I just wonder if their lack of tournament experience could end up biting them. I don't think they will come last though as I think Czech Republic will end up taking that spot, I aren't sure why but as soon as I saw the groups I thought this. 

Group E

Spain

Poland

Sweden 

Slovakia

I think Group E is going to be a pretty good group and I think the top spot is going to be contested by Spain and Sweden. I can see Spain just about creeping into the top spot with Sweden not that far behind them. I think Slovakia could just about beat Poland to the third spot but I really do think Poland are going to come in last spot of this group. 

Group F 

Germany

France

Portugal 

Hungary 

Group F is bound to be the hardest group with probably some of the best quality players exiting the competition at the early stages just due to the difficulty of the group. Honestly it is the hardest group to try predict too. I think France could end up topping this group and if Portugal can keep a fit squad and play the players correctly I think they could easily end up second. Germany just haven't looked like the team they used to be over the years so I think they may end up in third but only just missing out on second. Unfortunately though I think Hungary are going to end up struggling against the other 3 teams and will finish bottom of the group. 

So here is how I think each group could look by the end of the group stages...

Group A 

Italy

Switzerland 

Turkey 

Wales

Group B 

Belgium 

Denmark 

Russia 

Finland 

Group C

Netherlands

Ukraine

North Macedonia 

Austria 

Group D

Croatia 

England 

Scotland 

Czech Republic

Group E

Spain 

Sweden

Slovakia

Poland

Group F 

France 

Portugal 

Germany

Hungary

So that is how I think each group could end up looking at the end of the group stages but I guess only time will tell and we will find out if we guessed any of the teams correctly. I think we are in for a great competition and I am really looking forward to creating more Euro 2020 content throughout the month. Who do you think is going to top each group? 

The Euros are fast approaching and after the delay due to the Coronavirus pandemic I can't wait for the tournament to kick off. I know that my summer is going to be being spent watching game after game as I think it could be a very good tournament with possible shock results. I am really looking forward to seeing all the shirts in action too as there are going to be some brilliant shirts on show from all the Nations partaking in the tournament. 

Recently Adidas have released their Euro 2020 away kit collection and it hasn't dissapointed. The five shirts in this post are all really nice in their own way and there are a few which I would love to add to my collection. Fingers crossed these shirts get quite a few wears over the course of the tournament as I think a few are actually nicer than the home shirts this time around. So here are the five shirts that Adidas have released in the Euro 2020 away collection...

This Germany away shirt is definitely my favourite out of the 5 shirts in this post and I really need to add it to my collection. I love the blacked out badge and Adidas logo as it makes the shirt look really plain and simple. Even the 3 strips on the shoulders are blacked out, I think more shirts these days need to be as simple as this as it makes them look a whole lot smarter. The only bit of colour on the shirt is on the cuffs of the sleeves and even then it is still dark so it doesn't take away from the simplicity of the shirt.

Finally we have the Belgium away shirt which to be honest just looks a bit too much like the Spain shirt for me. The only difference is the use of the Belgium national colours instead of the Spanish ones and instead of the silver on the shirt and the 3 stripes are red. Maybe in person you might be able to see a few more differences but for now I think I definitely prefer the Spain one and if it came down to having to pick just one of the two to add to my collection it would certainly be Spain that is the winner. .

So those are the shirts in the Adidas Euro 2020 away collection, there are definitely some good shirts here but which would you add to your collection first?

Keep an eye out on the blog as we will be doing more posts about all the Euro 2020 kits in the near future as there really are some fantastic ones for the tournament and quite a few might be future pick ups if they reduce in price after the tournament. There is also plenty of other shirt content coming up too with shirt hauls, deeper looks at ones in my collection and so much more. Got any shirt content you would like to see? Let us know and we will see what we can do.