Club Football by Alchemy Contract Publishing

CLUBFOOTBALL JUNE 2021

www.clubfootball.org.uk

Calling club footballers! Time to enter the 2021 BT Sport Pub Cup UE FA E URO 2 0 2 0 S PE C IA L • F E S T I VA L O F C L U B S • C L U B T E CH NO L OGY

Score 50% off BT Sport With Budweiser Brewing Group. Simply add a draught Budweiser Brewing Group Brand to your bar to qualify. 12 month plan. New customers only. Call BT Sport now on

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BT Sport on 12 month contract: This offer is available, at BT’s discretion, to customers who have qualified for the BT/BBG Additional BBG Brand Offer or the BT/BBG New Customer Offer before 30th June 2021. This will be applied following confirmation that your additional BBG brand has been installed. Customers who take this offer must sign up to BT Sport Total with a 12 month minimum contractual period. If you terminate the service during the minimum period, you may incur early termination charges. If you are a Pub, Golf Club or club affiliated to Corca your subscription charges will be based on the rateable value of your premises. Please call to confirm your rateable value and BT Sport subscription price. Not available in conjunction with any other offers other than those mentioned above. This offer is subject to BT’s Agreement for BT Sport – Commercial Premises (Single Premises) which can be found at business.bt.com/terms/#sport, BT/BBG New BT Sport Customer Offer.

Contents NEWS, VIEWS, CLUB LIFE AND LEGISLATION

6 News Latest legislation, advice and updates.

8 Grass roots football So where will the next talent come from? An indepth look at grass roots football.

24 Club life Club Football takes a whirlwind tour of clubs around the country as clubs welcome members back into the club premises.

28 Welcome to the Festival of Clubs 2021 Get the diary out. From trade shows and workshops to dinners and beer festivals, join us as we celebrate getting back together again.

UEFA EURO 2020 13 Football’s coming home Wembley Stadium will be at the centre of the sporting universe this summer as the 24 competing nations aim for a place in the final of UEFA EURO 2020 on July 11.

15 The ones to watch Club Football profiles six players who may well catch your eye in June and July.

HQ BUILDING THE BUSINESS 18 Ready for kick off The low down on fixtures – who’s playing when and where?

20 Contenders ready Will there be a new name on the UEFA EURO 2020 trophy come July 11? We profile the 24 teams who will be competing for the title this summer.

10 Boosting trade post reopening Addressing the concerns and challenges around reopening, with top tips for boosting business.

36 Dreams can come true Research from amongst 2000 consumers reveals just how much the great British public has missed a pint in their favourite local venue.

39 Technology’s role in magical moments 32 Sports Fixtures What’s coming up? Top picks and latest listings for some dramatic viewing.

From arrival to departure, can digital solutions provide members with an even better experience as they head back through the club doors?

44 Product showcase Club Football brings you a showcase of latest products on the market, all aimed at boosting club business.

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WELCOME

Contributors

Hitting the back of the net In this issue you’ll find a special focus on the imminent UEFA EURO 2020, with many of us hoping that the ‘three lions on shirt’ England team will win it at Wembley. Enjoy the facts, figures and the ones to watch on pages 13-23. You’ll also see that BT Sport is inviting grassroots club footballers to engage with their local pub and to enter the 2021 Pub Cup. The deadline for entries is June 18. (You can find out how to enter on page 7.)

Ashley Cairns

Chris Colverd

Sean Ferris

Karen Foreman

David Foster

Larry Hardcastle

Jonathan Hardy

Toby Johansson

Hamish Maclean

Justin O’Regan

Nick Sellens

Jill Slingsby

At the other end of the scale, we’ve all witnessed the collapse of football’s socalled European Super League (ESL). This episode has highlighted the dangers of those who run sporting clubs at all levels but who do not ensure that their businesses are in tune with the needs, tastes, and attitudes of their customers. The ESL was motivated not so much by greed but by the desperation of club owners for a way out of self-inflicted financial carnage. It was stopped by a combination of government threatening to revoke work permits for English clubs’ overseas players, by the FA threatening not to sanction any of those clubs’ fixtures outside this country, but above all by the unanimous opposition to the concept by those clubs’ fans and those across football. Imagine for a moment a sports club somewhere in England, Scotland or Wales deciding to implement a development or go in a new direction without gauging the reaction of its members and users. It does happen from time to time, but whilst change is sometimes as good as it is hard for customers to understand, changes without meaningful engagement is never going to end well.

Guest Editor Mark Harris Design David Foster Editorial Chris Colverd, Caroline Scoular Events Karen Foreman, Jill Slingsby Display Advertising Margaret Doherty Sales & Marketing Leigh-Ann Ogilvie Circulation Jon Hardy Accounts Andrew Soles Publishing Director Sean Ferris

Club Football is published by Alchemy Contract Publishing (ACP) Ltd. Club Football is a sister title to ACP’s Club Mirror and Clubhouse Europe.

As any sporting club that relies on volunteers to undertake the 1001 tasks to enable that business to run knows, you must take your stakeholders with you. They might not always agree, but to press ahead regardless risks extreme damage to the bottom line. I hope you enjoy the issue. MARK HARRIS Guest Editor Chairman, Pitching In, Northern Premier League

ACP Gainsborough House 59/60 Thames Street Windsor Berkshire SL4 1TX UK t. +44 (0)1753 272022 f. +44 (0)1753 272021 e.info@clubrugby.org.uk www.alchemycontractpublishing.co.uk

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. Club Football does not verify the claims made by advertisers regarding their products.

CLUB FOOTBALL 5

CLUB NEWS

WANT MORE INFORMATION? More details are available at www.clubfootball.org.uk or at this QR Code.

Manchester tops England squad’s call-up list Manchester produces more England players per population than anywhere else in the country, according to new research from Bookmakers.tv The study analysed the birthplace of every player selected to represent England at a World Cup or European Championships since 1966, balancing the number of squad representatives against the population of each area. Greater Manchester was found to have the highest number of call-ups in comparison to its population, with England legends Sir Geoff Hurst, Nobby Stiles and Gary Neville amongst those to have been born in the area. Other locations disproportionately represented include Northumberland and Merseyside, while Berkshire and Tyne and Wear are also hubs for high quality English football. At the other end of the scale, those born in Norfolk, the West Midlands and Devon shouldn’t get their hopes up for an England call-up as they have the fewest members of World Cup and Euros squads, compared to population figures. Danny Mills and Trevor Francis are the sole representatives from the Norfolk and Devon respectively. Greater London may have the most call-ups in total, but its significant population means it only ranks 15th on the list. Newham is the London borough that can boast the best record for producing England squad members, with 14 selections including Sol Campbell and Jimmy Greaves. A spokesperson for Bookmakers.tv said: “Manchester has dominated club football in recent years, so our findings cement the area as the true home of English football. And, if you’re hoping your child grows up to play for their country, best move out of Norfolk or the West Midlands before it’s too late!” 6 CLUB FOOTBALL

Club Business 2021 announced As the club world begins reopening its doors, now is the time to embrace opportunities. Here’s one not to miss. Club Business 2021 sees clubs and clubsupporting suppliers, seizing the opportunity to network with their peers, club associations and industry experts, all with the aim of building club business, protecting the bottom line and ensuring that members can enjoy the best possible experience as they come back to their favourite club. The show takes place on Day 2 of the inaugural Festival of Clubs, alongside a series of events, including the Club Awards Celebratory Dinner, the Supplier Awards and workshops with our friends at the Club Managers Association of Europe as we plan

ahead, looking towards a successful 2022. Date: 25 November, 2021 Time: 10.30-17.00 Venue: Doncaster Racecourse, Leger Way, Doncaster DN2 6BB

Clubs, associations and broadcasters tackle abuse Clubs, associations and broadcasters including BT Sport and Sky Sports, boycotted social media between 3pm on Friday, 30 April and 11.59pm on Monday, 2 May in a unified attempt to call a halt to online abuse, calling for social media companies to protect people against online discrimination. A joint statement from English football’s governing bodies said that the boycott was a way to ‘emphasise that social media companies must do more to eradicate online hate’, while also ‘highlighting the importance of educating people’. Clubs playing in the Women’s Championship joined the boycott, along with the Football Supporters’ Association, Professional Footballers’ Association and League Managers’ Association.

England Rugby, the RFU and the England and Wales Cricket Board were also among the many sporting bodies to show strong solidarity. Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “Social media can play a very positive role in sport, widening its audience and connecting fans with their heroes in a way that was never possible before. However, players and supporters alike must be able to use these platforms safe in the knowledge they do not risk the prospect of facing appalling abuse.” UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: “There have been abuses both on the pitch and on social media. This is unacceptable and needs to be stopped, with the help of the public and legislative authorities and the social media giants.”

For more details on Club Business 2021 and to register your interest in attending, email info@clubmirror.com or call 01753 272022. Activities are complimentary to Club Football readers.

UK Sport launches inspiring mission UK Sport has unveiled a new strategic plan which is guided by a mission to create the greatest decade of extraordinary sporting moments, reaching, inspiring and uniting the nation. As part of the new plan, UK Sport has published the nation’s international event-hosting aspirations for the next decade, from the 2030 FIFA World Cup to over 40 World Championships from sports such as boxing and athletics to wheelchair rugby and taekwondo. The list includes 97 events across 44 sports and spans 46 World Championships. Collectively, said UK Sport. They represent a potential boost to the UK economy of close to £7bn (6.83bn), attracting over 13m fans with 95% of the UK population living within two hours of a hosting venue.

Results announced for Upward Club Movement The Upward Club Movement process within the Women’s Football Pyramid, which was opened via application in April, has now been determined by the Women’s Football Board following the curtailment of the 2020-21 season in Tiers 3-6. All clubs participating in Tiers 3 to 6 (inclusive) of the Women’s Pyramid were permitted to apply for upward movement, with successful clubs moving into the

league or division immediately above the Tier in which they currently operate. As a result, FA Women’s National League Northern Premier side Sunderland and FA

Women’s National League Southern Premier side Watford have been successful in applying for upward movement and will compete in the FA Women’s Championship next season. Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighouse Town will move up into Tier 3 (FA WNL Northern Premier), along with Southampton FC and Ipswich Town (FA WNL Southern Premier).

Festival of Clubs 2021 launches November 24-26, 2021 – join us for a celebration of clubland

With events now back on the hospitality agenda, we’re excited to announce the launch of the first ever Festival of Clubs, a series of events built around the prestigious annual Club Awards. For decades the Club Awards have created a unique opportunity for clubs to come together under one roof and to celebrate the best in the business. The last event saw nearly 700 guests enjoy meeting friends and industry peers with an

unparalleled night of food, drink and entertainment. Sadly due to the pandemic, like all events, they didn’t happen in 2020, so we’re making up for it in 2021 with the latest launch from the Club Mirror stable, the inaugural Festival of Clubs. The festival brings together a series of events across Clubland, from awards, lunches and dinners to the all-new Club Business 2021 trade show and businessbuilding workshops. These will take place over three days bringing together clubs, associations and suppliers, all coming together to network, celebrate and to join together to help the sector bounce back after lockdown. Plans are being put together in conjunction with the current Government guidelines for events coming out of lockdown.

BT Sport –calling all club footballers Clubs with a football following are invited to join up with their local pub to enter players into the 2021 BT Sport Pub Cup. A total of 80 pub teams will be drawn to take part in the competition – 64 men’s and 16 women’s – with regional semi-final tournaments taking place in the North and the South. The winners of the seven-a-side tournaments will progress to have the chance to play at Wembley in the 90,000 capacity stadium. Shane Coates-Jarman, licensee of the 2019 men’s champions CJs of Nuneaton, said: “We have fantastic memories and the lads loved it. They can’t wait to get together again to defend the title. They are so excited because it’s a dream to get to play

• Club Act of the Year • Club Mirror Raceday (restrictions permitting) • Updates will be posted on www.clubmirror.com and sent out via twitter

Suppor ted

All for charity Breast Cancer Now, the research and care charity, was launched in October 2019, created by the merger of specialist support and information charity Breast Cancer Care and research charity Breast Cancer Now.

The team from CJ’s won the 2019 title at Newcastle in a hard-fought 4-3 battle at St James’ Park, Newcastle.

somewhere like Wembley. We can’t wait.” Deadline: June 18, 2021 Click here for more details or use this QR code.

Budweiser predicts ‘summer of sport’ for clubs Budweiser Brewing Group is predicting 618 million pints of beer will be sold between May and July as the on-trade reopens and international sport returns. The brewer’s research shows that TV sporting occasions are a huge sales driver for venues, boosting footfall, frequency and spend. Sport fans spend 90 minutes longer in the bar than the average customer and boost rate of sales by 10%.

Events are set to include: • Club Awards Celebratory Dinner • Supplier Awards • Club Business 2021 • Club workshops • Beer Festival • Club Association Lunch • Hospitality Social Media Awards

• See pages 36-37in this issue for more details.

Put a spring in your step this month with friends and family and organise your own sponsored walk, says Breast Cancer Now. Choose your distance – before you start, have a think about how long you want the walk to be. Long walk or step counting – don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Go for something that you’ll be proud of when it’s all said and done. Pick the place – location is important, and the best part about a walking challenge is it’s all up to you. Go for something sentimental – maybe a stroll through where you grew up, or maybe something based on the sights you’ll see along the way. Remember, we’re always here to help you plan it out and make it happen. Track it – finding out how far you’ve gone or how many steps you’ve done has never been easier. Strava is a great app for a walking challenge – it tracks how far you’ve walked and how many steps you’ve

taken in real time. And it’s free, too! Look the part – don’t forget your Breast Cancer Now t-shirt! Let us know you’d like one at community@breastcancernow.org, and we’ll send it through to you to wear on the day. Good luck! Shout about it – make sure you share your walking challenge all over social media. Tell people what you’re doing, and share your JustGiving page so they can donate. On the day, tell everyone how far you’ve gone – screenshots showing your distance walked are always great! • https://breastcancernow.org/getinvolved CLUB FOOTBALL 7

NATIONAL LEAGUE SYSTEM

Discover the best kept secret in UK sport You don’t have to be a football fan to have heard of Manchester United, Manchester City or Liverpool. Not so Bowers & Pitney, Hornchurch, Witton Albion and the thousand-plus others from Hadrian’s Wall to Land’s End that make up one of the best kept secrets in sport. Mark Harris Chairman, Northern Premier League, explains.

arely written about and often unknown outside of their own villages, towns and cities, clubs in the National League System (NLS) nevertheless play an essential role in their local communities. The NLS is the umbrella term for the six levels of the English football pyramid below the English Football League (EFL), often dubbed ‘non-league’, despite every club belonging to one of 57 leagues across the country. The NLS pyramid The NLS pyramid is unique in the world of football. It enables any ambitious team to progress from parks football to the Premier League if they have the drive, facilities, and finance to do so. There is a single division at the apex of the pyramid, with the number of divisions doubling at each level downwards to Step 6. Promotion and relegation between the different steps are mandatory, with two clubs being promoted and relegated between Step 1 and League 2 every year. Different leagues manage the levels of the NLS. Each is autonomous but sanctioned by, and under the auspices of the Football Association (FA), supervised by the FA’s Alliance Committee (for Steps 1 – 4) and Leagues Committee (for Steps 5 – 6). For example, Steps 1 and 2 are managed by the National League, whilst Steps 3 and 4 comprise regional competitions – the Northern Premier, Isthmian and Southern leagues, known collectively as the Trident Leagues. The different levels of the English football pyramid can be confusing. The Premier League is the top tier of English football, so Step 1 of the NLS is the fifth tier; Step 2 is the sixth, and so on. We should probably standardise, but it sounds a lot better to say your club is playing at Step 3 than in the seventh tier! Non-league myths Most clubs who fall through the EFL trap door into the NLS look at their predecessors and shudder. After all, it took Barrow almost half a century to regain Football League status after dropping out in 1972. Southport, Workington, Bradford Park Avenue

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and, more recently, York City, are still trying. A spell in non-league can help turn clubs’ fortunes around. Bristol Rovers, Colchester United, Lincoln City and Shrewsbury Town are examples of clubs who accepted they were playing at a lower level, brushed themselves down, got on with the business of winning promotion – and succeeded. In times past, the main difference between professional football and non-league was that professionals got paid and no-league plays did it for the love of the game. This was always a fallacy but nowadays the distinction is even more blurred. Most National League clubs are full-time, and whilst all players at Steps 2 and below are part-time, some clubs like York City (National League North), South Shields (Northern Premier League and others have also gone full time in search of promotion to the higher levels of the pyramid. Laying solid foundations Although, sadly, money plays a big part in foot-

balling success at all levels, there is more to professionalism than money. The majority of NLS clubs may only get 100 fans attending games but they are often vibrant businesses. All clubs at Steps 1 – 4 are licensed to operate annually by the FA. They are required to demonstrate their viability via regular financial up-dates. They also have to up-grade stadium facilities as they progress upwards through the leagues. Thanks to financial support from the FA via the Football Foundation, hundreds of clubs have invested heavily in their facilities, up-grading spectator areas, installing 4G pitches and supporting infrastructure to generate additional income. In the NLS, twice-weekly games are just the tip of the operating iceberg. The Northern Premier League’s 81 clubs have around 3,000 adult, junior, women’s and disabled teams. Soccer schools, mental health initiatives and food banks are just a few examples of community engagement taking place now. Over 90% of our clubs have attained FA

South Shields Captain Robert Briggs signs a two-year contract extension. The 29-year-old was able to commit to the club’s full-time training regime thanks to the flexibility of his other employer.

“

Soccer schools, mental health initiatives and food banks are just a few examples of community engagement. Over 90% of our clubs have attained FA Charter Standard status, which recognises the role those clubs play in their local communities.

”

Charter Standard status, which recognises the role those clubs play in their local communities. Unique fan experience The collapse of the European Super League, thanks to a combination of government intervention, the FA taking a firm stance and, above all, football fans collectively making their opposition clear, highlights why hundreds of thousands of people watch NLS fixtures. The owners of the ESL clubs showed how disconnected they are with their fans. In non-league football, no club owner or director can afford to ignore their fans – quite literally. Whilst Premier League income through turnstiles and secondary spend from paying spectators makes up 20 – 25% of gross revenues, at Step 2 of the NLS downwards, fans contribute around 90% of all income. Outside Steps 1 and 2 there is no TV money to be shared, so food and beverage sales often make the difference between losing money and breaking even. Social clubs and bars are the focal point of every non-league club, second in importance only to the pitch! Enjoying a sensibly priced pie and pint in safe surroundings, mingling with the players after the game and feeling part of an extended family are all part of the unique fan experience in the NLS. After all, if Liverpool’s Mo Salah misses a sitter, most fans can’t approach him afterwards to find out how. At our level of the game, you can. It remains to be seen whether supporter disillusionment at the top level of the game translates into supporters turning instead to non-league football. But there is no doubt that it is a safer and significantly cheaper alternative. NLS post-pandemic Like the local communities they serve, NLS clubs have been hit hard by the pandemic. Both the 2019/20 and 2020/21easons were curtailed. Government regulations meant no paying fans

York City Football Club announces pre-season friendlies with Whitby Town and Championship side Middlesbrough. could be admitted to matches, thereby cutting off clubs’ primary income source. Live streaming of matches only generates a fraction of income from turnstiles and can never generate the same level of F&B income. When the new season kicks off on 14 August this year, the vaccination programme will hopefully enable us to mount a full season with limited interruption. Like the rest of the hospitality sector, we can’t wait to get fans back into our stadia – and not just for financial reasons. Fans are an essential part of the football product, and never more so than in the NLS. Thanks to social media, there is no shortage of keyboard warriors who believe that every stage of the pandemic should have been predicted and managed differently. That was never the problem. The real challenge lay in trying to predict the government’s response to COVID-19. So, what are we doing to make things better?

Witton Albion’s pre 2021/22 NPL Season kicks off on Saturday 24 July against Northwich Victoria. As administrators, we can put contingency plans in place, but there are so many factors that can impact on whether our clubs can stage football matches safely. In the meantime, we will encourage our clubs to maintain Coronavirus protocols and do all we can to keep fans, players, volunteers, and everybody who loves non-league football safe.

Bristol Rovers got on with the business of winning promotion and succeeded. This month, Under-16s playmaker Kyrie Pierre join Aston Villa in a record fee for the club’s Academy.

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HQ BUILDING THE BUSINESS

Top tips for boosting trade after club reopenings Heineken UK has commissioned research into the on-trade’s biggest concerns and challenges around the reopening of their venues across the UK. Here, the brewer shares its findings.

ootball clubs across the UK are determined make up for lost lockdown time as they welcome back members back through the club doors. Outdoor areas have of course proved invaluable, in the run up to lockdown lift-off, but being able to open the club doors is a landmark moment. Recent research from Heineken UK may provide some key pointers on boosting trade in the coming months. According to the research’s findings, there are three main challenges which will be concerning clubs and their hospitality colleagues. These are: attracting new custom (20%), retaining current customers (18%) and managing costs (17%). To this end, Heineken UK has put together the top-line advice for ‘future proofing’ your club, whether you’ve already re-opened or are still in the planning stages of throwing open the doors again. Attracting new people Even the most successful of clubs are keen to bring

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new members into their venues. Heineken recommends having a digital presence as the best way of helping people discover and visit your venue – especially when research shows that 87% of people search online before they choose where to spend their money.

If your club doesn't already have a website or your current one is looking a bit tired, Heineken recommends visiting Useyourlocal, which is accessible at a discounted rate via the Heineken Buying Club – one of the tools that sit within the brewer's Benefits Bar. Useyourlocal can help create a club website in just

20 minutes and once it is set up, your members can like or follow your club to receive newsletters and updates to encourage them to visit more often. You can also integrate your social media channels into the website in order to keep your members up to date with live entertainment dates and other upcoming events. Heineken also offers support on what type of content to share (and when) to connect with members, as well as free social media training for bar staff. Retaining current members After reopening, the vast majority of members are undoubtedly looking forward to a perfectly poured, quality pint from their club bar, but that is just one reason of many to visit the club. Reminding current members of all the reasons they love their club and showcasing the ways in which they will be kept safe in the post-pandemic era will boost confidence and encourage them back into your venue. This includes such things as displaying social distancing signage and sanitising tables regularly, to hosting fun events like quizzes, bingo sessions or meat draw nights. Re-establishing these types of activities and getting members back into the swing of the regular club schedule will help drive trade during the traditionally quieter periods, rather than the club having to rely so heavily on the weekend trade. Heineken has created its POS Direct service to help in this regard, so its customers can access professional point of sale and digital assets, from safety and reopening POS to personalised events and promotions. Meanwhile, Heineken points to recent research

which found that 42% of consumers are excited to try new drinks brands and 37% plan to make their on-trade visits more special by choosing more premium drinks. Managing costs From equipment to utilities, running a club isn’t cheap – and now more than ever you’ll want to make financial savings where you can. Simple measures like introducing more energyefficient light bulbs and better insulation for boilers and pipes can help to chip away at running costs. Reviewing your club's supplier base is always an opportunity to ensure you continue to get value for money, although this can take time to fully research and negotiate with suppliers.

Upgrading outdoor space Heineken’s research also revealed that venues with outside space can benefit from upgrading their outdoor facilities. First impressions are everything; you can drive footfall and promote dwell time with a smart, clean environment. Simple housekeeping like pressure washing the path up to your entrance or adding flowers and benches will make your space attractive to members and shows you care about safety and hygiene. If you have the necessary funds, it might also be worth investing in coverings, lighting and heating to weather-proof your space and encourage people to stay longer. • www.heineken.co.uk

CLUB FOOTBALL 11

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UEFA EURO 2020

Football’s coming home Wembley Stadium will be at the centre of the sporting universe this summer as the 24 competing nations aim for a place in the final of UEFA EURO 2020 on July 11. Club Football looks at the three teams who will be carrying British hopes in the tournament.

t’s a fair bet that Skinner and Baddiel’s seminal football anthem Three Lions is going to be getting some serious airplay on the nation’s radio stations this summer with football very much set to come home as the delayed 2020 European Championships kick off on June 11 and reaches its climax a month later under the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium. Clubs across England, Scotland and Wales will be expecting a major boost to trade as their national sides take part in the 24-team tournament which will play out in venues across 11 countries. At the time of writing, it is England who are among the bookies’ favourites to lift the trophy on July 11 and secure a major title for the first time since 1966, a scenario which seems all the more likely given that they will be playing the majority of their games at Wembley.

Gareth Southgate’s men enjoyed a near-perfect record qualifying for the tournament – their only defeat coming in October 2019 when they slumped to a 2-1 loss against Czech Republic – and they look to have a very effective blend of talent at their disposal. Their top scorer in the qualifiers was Tottenham’s Harry Kane and England fans will be hoping that the talismanic Spurs striker and national captain will remain fit throughout the tournament and build on his inspirational showing at the 2018 World Cup. The man himself is certainly looking forward to leading the Three Lions in the Euros and believes that the team will receive a major boost from the form shown by English teams in Europe this season. “We have a lot of English players playing at the top of their game,” said Kane. “That should only help us as a national side. You want them getting exposed

to the biggest games around the world.” “Our group has grown stronger year by year. We’ve got a good mix of experience and young talent and it’s important to have that, especially in a tournament environment. “I’m sure Gareth has got a bit of a headache of who to pick but that’s what we want. We want competition for places and that’s the only way we’re going to be one of the best teams in the world. “We had a great World Cup in 2018. We didn’t quite get over the line, so with the players we’ve got and the manager and the group of staff it’s a great opportunity for us and we’re excited for the challenge. We know it will be difficult but we’ve got enough ability to try and take it all the way.” England – who face Croatia, Czech Republic and Scotland in Group D – will be on familiar territory for much of the tournament. The Three Lions are

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UEFA EURO 2020 the top seeds in the group and all three of their games take place at Wembley. They certainly get off to an intriguing start to the tournament as they take on Croatia, who knocked England out of the 2018 World Cup in the semifinals. They will then face Scotland in a highly-anticipated meeting, before rounding off the group stage against Czech Republic. If they top their group, they will meet the runnersup of Group F – Portugal, Germany, France or Hungary – at Wembley in the Round of 16. If England finish second in their group, they will take on the winners of Group E, one of Spain, Poland, Sweden, Slovakia. There is another possibility for England – they could progress from the group stages as one of the six best third-placed teams. Whichever route they take, England are sure to have a massive groundswell of support behind them as they progress. Scotland As for England’s Group D opponents Scotland, this will be just the third time they have reached the finals of the European Championships, following on from 1992 and 1996 when they were eliminated during the group stages – and this is the first major championship they have been involved in since the 1998 World Cup. There were many edge-of-seat moments before they could qualify – including penalty shootouts in both the play-off semi-final and final – but this gave way to mass euphoria when Steve Clarke’s men successfully booked their place at Euro 2020. One of the key men for Scotland has been Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn who was in fine form for his country during the Euro qualifiers and has carried on in the same vein in the more recent World Cup qualifiers. McGinn believes that taking part in Euro 2020 could be a springboard to even greater achievements. “The excitement is a good thing but the manager stresses that we don’t want it to be a one-off,” he said. “The manager was stressing that we don’t want to be one-tournament wonders and we all share the same belief. “When the manager came in we just wanted to give the country a team to be proud of, we are not quite there yet but we are certainly building towards it.” “I think there has been anticipation building, we had to be professional and focus on these three World Cup qualifiers but it has been tough, we all have our eyes on something we have dreamed about for a long time, not only for us as players but as supporters, everyone involved. “We are just keeping everything crossed that things can develop, the vaccine can keep charging on and we can get some supporters in. “I know a lot of Scotland fans who travel everywhere and have experienced so much disappointment and so many near misses so it is more for them and for us as well.” Scotland’s tournament begins on June 14 at the home of Scottish football – Hampden Park – where

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Scotland host Croatia, before they make the trip to Wembley to face England on June 18 in a match which will rekindle memories of the fiery Euro ‘96 clash between the two rivals at the same venue. The Scots then return to Hampden on June 22 to play Croatia, as they look to book a place in the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time in their history. Wales Wales complete the triumvirate of British nations taking their rightful place on the big stage this summer and have a lot to live up to given their heroics in Euro 2016 when they reached the semi-finals where they were beaten 2-0 by eventual champions Portugal. It has not been the smoothest of build-ups to the

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If England finish second in their group, they take on the winners of Group E, one of Spain, Poland, Sweden or Slovakia. Another possibility – they could progress from the group stages as one of the six best thirdplaced teams.

tournament with manager Ryan Giggs replaced due to his ongoing legal issues by Robert Page but confidence will be high given the quality of the squad available for the tournament. Unlike England and Scotland, Wales will not enjoy any home comforts during the group stages with two of the games taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan and one in Rome in Group A. “From the staff’s point of view, we’re fully focused on what’s ahead and we’re all looking forward to it,” said Page. “It’s a great opportunity for the boys to compete against the best in Europe and show what we’re capable of doing.” “We have set a high bar from before and of course we want to match that, so we want to just continue along this path. “We have got a couple of tough friendlies, against France and Albania in June, and some great camps coming up to get us all together. Mentally and physically they will all be ready.” Wales’ fortunes in the tournament will undoubtedly rely heavily on their star players performing. Inevitably, the media spotlight will be on superstar Gareth Bale, who will be expected to put aside a fairly unsettled period at Spurs under now-sacked manager Jose Mourinho and turn on the style for his country. Wales open their Euro 2020 account against Switzerland in Baku on June 12, then take on Turkey four days later before heading to Rome for a showdown with Italy on June 20. Italy will undoubtedly be the favourites to top the group, especially given their home advantage in all three group games, but Wales have every chance of progressing to the knockout stages, particularly if they can recapture the indomitable spirit they showed in 2016. Whichever teams reach the showpiece final on July 11, the delayed Euro 2020 is sure to provide plenty of entertainment and drama for club members this summer. Altogether now: “It’s coming home, it’s coming home, football’s coming home!”

UEFA EURO 2020

Players to watch One of the pleasures of major tournaments such as the Euros is the chance to spot Premier League players performing for their national sides. Club Football profiles six players who could catch the eye in June and July. ENGLAND Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) The England captain has become a talismanic figure for the national side and is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career in club colours, despite the well-publicised problems experienced by Spurs over recent months. Winner of the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, England fans will be hoping that Kane’s rumoured wish to head to another club will not distract him from the job in hand. The 27 year old has not only been in scintillating goal-scoring form – he is currently on course to finish the domestic season as the Premier League’s top scorer – but has also demonstrated genuine creativity, threading inch-perfect cross through to team-mates Son Heung-min and Steven Bergwijn. Given his global reputation, Kane is sure to receive plenty of attention from defenders during the tournament, but the centre-forward appears to be far more robust this season than in previous years. Kane will be desperate to get his hands on the trophy this summer after the disappointment of England’s semi-final defeat in the last World Cup and will be straining every sinew to lead his men to glory at Wembley. SCOTLAND Andy Robertson (Liverpool) It hasn’t been a vintage season for the Reds but Robertson has never let his standards drop. No wonder then that the left-back has been an almost ever-present in Jurgen Klopp’s side this season. Admittedly, his statistics are not as stellar this time around as during the last season when Robertson’s ability to press forward and supply his strike force with perfectly placed balls was a key factor in Liverpool’s Premier League title win, contributing two goals and 12 assists during the season. Having performed at the highest level for his club, Robertson will relish the chance to appear for his country in a major tournament and has been an inspirational figure for Scotland since making his debut back in 2014 with an eye-catching appearing off the bench in the 1-0 victory over Poland. Robertson further cemented his place in the Scotland team by scoring his first international goal in a friendly against England at Celtic Park in November of that year scoring Scotland’s only goal as they were beaten 3–1. Robertson was duly appointed as Scotland captain by then manager Alex McLeish in 2018 and has continued to impress with his work rate, passing skill and ability to motivate his teammates.

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UEFA EURO 2020 WALES Daniel James (Manchester United) Regarded as a star of the future, Daniel James has been enjoying life during his debut season in the Premier League having cut his professional teeth at Swansea City. The 23-year-old winger signed for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in June 2019 and has become an established squad player in a highly competitive environment. Stats junkies will know that, in February, he scored United’s Premier League record-equalling goal in the 9–0 home win against Southampton. James received his first senior call-up for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Serbia in 2017 by manager Chris Coleman and subsequently made his full Wales debut under Coleman’s successor, Ryan Giggs, in a match against Albania in November 2018, playing the first 58 minutes of the game. James scored his first Wales goal in only his second cap, netting the only goal of the game in the opening minutes against Slovakiain in his competitive home debut. Welsh fans will be expecting James to make a giant leap forward during the summer. ITALY Jorginho (Chelsea) It is unfortunate that Brazilian-born Italy midfielder Jorginho was in the headlines for all the wrong reasons in May when his schoolboy error in the Premier League clash against Arsenal gifted the game to the Gunners. It was a fairly uncharacteristic mistake from

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a man who has been in excellent form for the Blues this season and who was instrumental in helping his team make it to the UEFA Champions League Final. He arrived at Stamford Bridge from Italy back in 2018 on a £50 million transfer and has settled into his versatile role in the squad. Making his international debut for Italy in 2016, Jorginho failed to make the

squad for Euro 2016 and with Italy failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, he will be aiming to make an impact in his first major tournament for his adopted country. The 29 year old is a specialist penalty taker, a skill that will undoubtedly come into play during the upcoming tournament.

DENMARK Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City) Schmeichel has almost become part of the furniture at the King Power Stadium such is the Denmark goalkeeper’s loyalty to Leicester City where he has been for the past 10 years. Now 34, Schmeichel continues to be a steadying force for the Foxes during what has been an excellent season for the men from the East Midlands. He was also a rock for Denmark during the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign, most notably in his man-of-the-match performance in the key win against Switzerland back in 2019. Previous to that, Schmeichel was in fine form during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he started in three group stage matches. His clean sheet in the opening match contributed to a Man of the Match award and helped Schmeichel set a new record for minutes without conceding a goal for Denmark, surpassing his father Peter’s record. During the Round of 16 match against Croatia, Schmeichel was named Man of the Match after saving a penalty kick taken by Luka Modric in extratime and two penalties during the subsequent shootout, although his opposing counterpart Danijel Subasic saved three penalties in that shootout to eliminate Denmark. In what will be his last major tournament for his country, Schmeichel will be going all-out to help Denmark challenge for the title.

FRANCE Paul Pogba (Manchester United) World Champions France have plenty of talent at their disposal and will be among the favourites to win the title. Among their dazzling stars is Manchester United’s Paul Pogba, who while much criticised in

the UK and France, looks to be hitting peak form just in time for the Euros. Pogba is certain to feature in United’s Europa League Final plans and will then have the chance to show his creativity for his country on the European stage. An integral part of the squad which finished as runners-up in Euro 2016

and then World Cup winners in 2018, Pogba played exceptionally well throughout both previous tournaments, indeed scoring in the 4-2 World Cup Final win over Croatia. Fans of Les Bleus will be hoping that the midfielder is back to his best during the summer to spearhead another success for France.

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UEFA EURO 2020

EURO 2020 – fixture facts UEFA EURO 2020 is set to be one of the most important sporting events ever for clubs and their members, coming as it does so soon after lockdown lift-off. Is your club ready for the action? Make sure your club is the go-to venue for all of these fixtures. Have a great tournament! Date

Time (GMT)

Team

Stage

Venue

11 June