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With the rescheduling of this year’s Euro 2020 tournament meaning, we will now have to wait until next year for the coveted European Championship, this still hasn’t stopped kit manufacturers from releasing the uniforms that each country will wear at next years tournament.

Adidas and Puma both released their array of kits for the countries they supply for back during the usual time they would have if the Euro’s was still taking place this year, which was November 2019. Nike, however, chose to hold off on its release due to the COVID-19 pandemic and released their kits for the tournament this week. We are also still awaiting Hummel’s kits for Denmark and Joma’s kits for Ukraine.

There has been a great show from the manufacturers this year, with the ditching of many templates for most, giving us fresh and unique kit designs for each country, with some fantastic away kits to choose from. So, here is our top 10 Euro 2020 away kits…

10. Netherlands

I didn’t realise I was reviewing Fred Perry polos? I’m a fan of a button collar, usually, but this just doesn’t work in my opinion. The colour scheme is fine, there nothing wrong with that, and works for a Netherland’s away kit, but it’s just really plain and boring and there is virtually nothing to say about it.

Swap the Nike and Netherland’s badge for a laurel wreath and I’d probably wear it down the pub, but aside from that, I wouldn’t go for a kick about in it. Much to my disbelief, there are other kits released for the Euro’s that are actually worse, but this was the best of a bad bunch and is last in the top 10.

9. Germany

Again, it is very plain and very simple, but this time in a slightly more effective way. Adidas may have stuck with a template for this, but I like the use of the same cuffed sleeves for the away as they did with the home, and have opted for a stealthy all black for the rest of the kit, including the federation badge and Adidas logo.

The fact that the whole base colour is black helps to make the sleeves stand out evermore – making for an effective contrast, and I actually prefer the countries away kit compared to their home. Die Mannschaft have been given a simple but complimentary design here.

8. Sweden

The first and only pinstripe design on the list – Sweden and Adidas have produced a classy approach for their away kit for the Euro’s, and I am very much a fan. A dark navy blue base colour features the yellow pinstripe vertically down the kit, along with the yellow trim on the sleeves and collar – it is a simple design but it works well, and I am a sucker for a pinstripe, especially when it is done well.

Adidas have strayed away from the usual template for this one, and thank you to them for doing so – I don’t feel the pinstripe design would have worked on the template design, so I’m glad they opted away from that.

7. Austria

In keeping with Puma’s Crafted from Culture series, a theme they have introduced for all of their kits for Euro 2020 – Austria’s away kit is something very interesting, and something that I like. The colour scheme and design across the kit is inspired by the Art Nouveau that dominated Austria at the turn of the 19th and 20th century, as stated by Puma.

The colours of the black and teal work incredibly well together, and along with the new federation badge which fits the aesthetic and overall provides the country with a great away kit.

6. Belgium

This one is extremely lovely – and is on trend with Adidas’ kits they have provided for the Belgian Red Devils for the Euro 2020 tournament. Featuring an off-white/beige base colour, the red and black cuff sleeves, and the new federation badge – an interesting feature is also the brushstroke design across the kit, much like the home kit.

Again, despite the use of the template, the design and colour scheme carries it off well – and unlike the home kit, the print carries on around the back, another team that doesn’t need to change the design because of a certain UEFA regulation.

5. Italy

Yes – a big old Renaissance yes. Italy and Puma again following the renaissance era kit designs for the country, with the white base colour featuring a slightly greyed out design across the kit make for a great show from the German manufacturer.

The away kit features a different design compared to the home, giving it a different angle rather than using the same template and just changing the colour which is something Puma should be applauded for.

Overall the Azzuri have been dealt a cracking away kit for next year’s tournament, and I love the renaissance inspired patterns that have featured.

4. France

Oh boy, simplicity really is key sometimes, isn’t it? Nike and France have teamed up well and produced a fantastic away kit along with their barnstormer of a home jersey.

The simple white may elude most, but the bright electric blue that has been used for the Nike logo and federation badge just hits you in the face in the best way possible. Another great touch is the Blue, White, and Red stripe down both sides of the kit which really stands out if caught from the right angle – but that is all you can say about the kit. For some, this may be a bad thing not having much to delve into or talk about, but that is what makes it beautiful.

It is VERY close to the country’s 2015 kit, but almost an upgrade with some detail changes, but I like it, a lot.

3. Switzerland

For some strange reason, I have seen a lot of negative reactions towards Switzerland’s away kit for next year’s Euro’s, but I guarantee that if you stick a Nike swoosh on this kit, opinions will instantly sway.

In keeping with Puma’s Crafted from Culture approach, the multicolour mountain range that features on the front pays homage to the countries four official languages, as well as the infamous Swiss mountain ranges that dominate the country’s landscape. I think it works fantastically well and really complements the base white colour, as well as the simple Swiss flag – all in all it has made for a beautiful away kit for the Swiss.

2. Portugal

Another opinion splitter, but for me, a kit that will go down in history for all the right reasons. The bright teal base colour is met with the three panels built of the country’s flag colours in horizontal stripes, which I think looks great.

One interesting feature is that, due to the aforementioned UEFA regulation where the back of the kit must be kept clear enough to see the player name and number prints, only the bottom panel carries on around the back of the kit, but it actually makes for a very interesting and different design – almost in an asymmetrical type of way. I love it, and it goes almost top for me…

1. Norway

Despite the country not having actually qualified yet, facing two playoff games against Serbia – I just could not ignore this beauty. Norway has been gifted with quite possibly one of the best away kits in international football history, let alone just for next years Euro’s.

The kit design and colours are inspired by that or Norwegian nature, reminiscent of icebergs, in celebration of the countries cold and icy terrain. The collar and sleeve trims feature a darker shade of blue for contrast, but it is the Nike zig-zag down the side of the kit that helps for the design to stand out even more, due to the black standing out so much against the design and colour scheme.

It is very similar to Liverpool’s away kit for next season, and as you can probably guess that was my favourite Premier League away kit too.

MatériaMais Notícias

O lateral-esquerdo Carleto recebeu o terceiro cartão amarelo na rodada passada e, suspenso, não enfrenta o ABC, na próxima sexta-feira, no Estádio Mané Garrincha, em Brasília. Sem poder contar com o titular, o técnico Ricardo Gomes pode optar por Diego Giaretta. O defensor atuou como zagueiro, entre os titulares, contra o Santa Cruz.

Jean aparece como outra opção para a lateral, mas Giaretta foi o escolhido nas últimas vezes em que Carleto não pode atuar.

Por outro lado, Ricardo Gomes contará com os retornos de Daniel Carvalho e Renan Fonseca. O meia não enfrentou o Santinha devido a dores musculares, enquanto o zagueiro estava suspenso.

Apesar da derrota de 3 a 0 para o Santa Cruz, o Botafogo pode ser campeão já nesta próxima rodada, caso vença o ABC, em Brasília, independentemente do resultado dos jogos de América-MG e Vitória, adversários na luta pelo título.

Michael Owen believes Jack Grealish would fit Manchester United’s midfield like a glove, and would be a smart replacement for Paul Pogba.

The Red Devils have been linked with several mega money transfer targets this year, including Bundesliga superstar Jadon Sancho. United could also be ready to offer Aston Villa’s star player a lifeline, and club icon Owen is all for it.

Despite the current financial climate, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to drop his name amongst the big fish who will demand high eight-figure sums for their services. If United continue their pursuit of Grealish, he will cost the club £80 million, which the Midlands club will not budge on even if they are relegated, according to The Mirror.

Owen recently discussed the situation of having both Pogba and Bruno Fernandes fighting for a spot in the United midfield.

“I think it’s taken a huge bit of pressure off him [Solskjaer] that Fernandes has done fantastically well. Now he doesn’t necessarily have to put Pogba in straightaway because there’s going to be questions about whether they can play together,” the former England international told Premier League Productions (via Metro).

After leaving Man United in 2012 for Juventus and then rejoining in 2016, Pogba could be on the move again after struggling to perform consistently in the Premier League. The Serie A giants are once again interested in the Frenchman joining their ranks (via Sky Sports).

Owen feels the time is right for United to replace Pogba and thinks Grealish would be a good asset to the team.

“If I was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer I could get big money bearing in mind they’ve got Fernandes now and then you could go and invest in someone like Grealish,” the 40-year-old said. “He might have the style that compliments Manchester United better than Pogba does at the moment.”

The midfielder has registered nine goals and eight assists across all competitions this season (via Transfermarkt), solid numbers to join up with a side looking to expand their attack.

United fans, should the club move for Jack Grealish this summer? Join the conversation in the comments below!

According to Football.London journalist Alasdair Gold, Tottenham face the prospect of a summer in which they have “no sizeable transfer budget” to play with.

What did he say?

Despite the welcome news of the Premier League restarting next month, the upcoming summer transfer window is likely to be relatively low-key as clubs search for ways to try and strengthen their squad with limited amounts of money.

And as per Gold, the uncertainty still surrounding football and the top-flight in England has all added to Spurs having very little to spend in the transfer market should Jose Mourinho wish to do so.

Is it Mido or Pedro Mendes? This Spurs quiz will separate the loyal from the fake…

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

He said: “Right now as it stands, there’s a massive hole in finances so yes there’s no sizeable transfer budget. What happens next with TV money and lost receipts will define whether that continues to be the case, hence why there’s been no agreement with the players to cut/defer their wages yet.

“Hopefully today’s meeting and the talk of a June 17 start will have brought some answers.”

Worrying

Gold’s assessment is hardly the most surprising of news considering the current climate. But even still, it’s something that Mourinho will surely be concerned about.

The current Spurs boss will be heading into his first summer in charge at Spurs, and would no doubt have wanted to make some major changes to the squad that he inherited from his predecessor, Mauricio Pochettino.

Given that he was used to spending big money at his previous clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea, having to make do with a shoestring budget may hearken back to his glory days back at Porto.

Unless he can weave some magic with the players he already has at his disposal, next season may be a difficult one for Mourinho try and navigate through without any new faces of his own.

Aston Villa’s eventual 5-0 scoreline against Liverpool can be seen as fairly deceiving, as it implies that the home side was comfortable throughout the evening’s proceedings.

That sense is added to even further when it is considered that Dean Smith’s side was 3-0 up and out of sight by half time.

Watch Villa vs Norwich Live and Free with Amazon Prime on Boxing Day

However, things could have looked very different in the Carabao Cup quarter-final if it wasn’t for Orjan Nyland.

The Norwegian stopper made a total of eight saves during the match, which included those from a strong Harvey Elliott effort and a long-range strike from Tony Gallacher.

This has left plenty of Villa fans impressed by the 29-year-old’s showing, after SofaScore named him as their Man of the Match with a rating of 9.1.

It seems as though the supporters have agreed with that judgement, as one stated he was “Man of the Match for me”.

It can be suggested that Nyland’s status at the club makes this showing come across as even more impressive.

Since signing for the club in the summer of 2018, he has played 25 games, though only two of those have come this campaign, as he has dropped behind Tom Heaton and Jed Steer to become third-choice.

Red Herring or Real Hero: Only hardcore Villa fans will get all of them right….

One fan admitted “I’ve slated this guy many times”, but there were definitely no complaints this time around.

In other news, Villa fans were buzzing about their 23-year-old’s big moment against Liverpool.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets… 

Liverpool fans will have enjoyed the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night.

The Reds brushed aside their opponents, winning 5-2 thanks to a brace from Divock Origi, as well as goals from Sadio Mane, Xherdan Shaqiri and Georginio Wijnaldum. As such, they have now extended their unbeaten Premier League run to 32 matches in a row – a new club-record – whilst they also restored their lead at the top of the table to eight points.

In this match, Jurgen Klopp tried out a new formation, using a 4-2-3-1 set-up for the first time in the league this season (the only other occasion in which he used this tactic was in the EFL Cup thriller against Arsenal). In the middle were James Milner and Wijnaldum, and it seemed to get the best out of the latter.

Defensively, the £45m-valued Netherlands international was as solid as ever. As per Sofascore, he made three clearances, two interceptions and one tackle, whilst he also won nine of the 14 duels he took part in. Whilst the tackling statistic was similar to the number he has produced so far this campaign (1.1 per game), he was even better in regards to his season averages for the other two defensive aspects (1.1 clearances and 0.7 interceptions per game respectively).

However, it was going forward where he looked particularly impressive though. He managed two shots – more than his 1.3 average this campaign – and his goal was just his third strike of the season in all competitions. Not only that, he attempted three dribbles, and completed two of them – again, far more than his 0.8 this season. He even managed a key pass, which represented another increase compared to what he has usually managed this term (0.3).

No clues: Can you name the season these iconic Liverpool images belong to?

So far this campaign, the 29-year-old has been restricted in regards to what he can do. His form for the Netherlands – he scored eight goals during Euro 2020 qualifying, which was the most for the Oranje – led to some fans urging Klopp to let him loose for his club, too. Playing as part of a two in midfield against the Goodison Park outfit, Wijnaldum was given far more responsibility, both defensively and offensively, and he appeared to relish it. Whilst it remains to be seen whether this is a formation we will see more regularly of in the future, the former Newcastle man may be hoping it becomes a frequent occurrence.

In other news, Liverpool fans love one man’s display against Everton.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola “fears the threat” of Liverpool’s goal machine Sadio Mane, says pundit Jamie Redknapp.

What did he say?

Liverpool and City are set to clash this Sunday at Anfield in what is looking like being the biggest game of the season so far. A loss for the champions would put the Reds nine points clear with just 12 games gone.

Looking ahead to the crucial fixture, Redknapp believes that City boss Guardiola is fearful of the threat from Jurgen Klopp’s main man in Sadio Mane.

Redknapp wrote in his Daily Mail column: “Hearing Pep Guardiola mention Sadio Mane and diving was surprising.

“It is unusual to hear a manager say that about a rival player, but I don’t think it was Guardiola trying to wind up Mane ahead of this Sunday’s showdown at Anfield. It wasn’t an attempt at mind games, or a deliberate dig.

“I believe Guardiola genuinely fears the threat of Mane. The Manchester City manager has him on his mind.

“He knows the 27-year-old is now Liverpool’s most important player. He is Jurgen Klopp’s No 1 man, as proven on Saturday.”

Mane’s magic the difference

The former Southampton man has been the main attacking threat for the Reds this season. Mane’s six goals in the league so far put him ahead of Mohamed Salah on five and Roberto Firmino’s three.

Not only does the 27-year-old lead the way as top scorer, his goals have also come at huge moments, such as his 94th-minute winner against Aston Villa.

His two goals against Newcastle United earlier in the season equalised and then sealed all three points for the Reds that day. He also netted the opener recently against Leicester City in a tough game at Anfield a few weeks back.

Without his goal in the dying seconds against Villa and his goals against Newcastle and the Foxes, there is a good chance City would already be ahead of Liverpool right now.

Mane’s importance is simply unrivalled right now.

Former Everton man Michael Ball believes West Ham United will be lucky to finish in the top half of the table, despite talkSPORT’s claim that they stand a better chance than the toffees of reaching the top four.There’s no end to the tripe that talkSPORT (though some have a different name for it, which we’ll leave to your imagination) spew out on a daily basis.From sensationalist claims to questionable fan interaction, Jamie O’Hara, the exploding Alan Brazil, and a less than healthy dosage of Danny Mills, you can bet your bottom dollar that five minutes spent listening to our misguided friends on the air will leave you scratching your head.Watch Everton Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

While Everton aren’t exactly flying this season themselves, with just one Premier League win in their previous five games, which came against the Hammers, their performance on the day was considerably more promising than that of the side predicted to finish ahead of them.

In fact, with Everton having 19 shots in total, ten of which were on target, some might even argue 2-0 was flattering scoreline – especially with their second goal coming so late on.

Ball issued a simple response to talkSPORT’s claims…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s In The Pipeline series, which takes a look at some of the most promising young talent either linked with clubs or emerging from their academies…

Aston Villa have been faced with a bit of a lull spell as the international break has taken over for the best part of two weeks, so it seems like an ideal time to take a dip into the goings-on within the club itself.

Their academy has several promising youngsters in its ranks with much of them being loaned out this season as seen with Callum O’Hare at Coventry City, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy at Tranmere Rovers and Jake Doyle-Hayes at Cheltenham Town.

Those that remain could be lucky enough to feature in their Carabao Cup campaign as Dean Smith’s men eased into the fourth round with a 3-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Watch Aston Villa Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Jacob Ramsey was one player who managed to earn some game time in that match, someone Football FanCast have previously tipped for greatness.

The England U19 international has a knack for scoring goals from midfield, bagging 16 in 37 appearances for the U18s, before surpassing his age group to feature for the U23s, where he has already scored three goals in six matches in the Premier League 2 this term.

But he also has two brothers in the academy ranks with Aaron being named in the Guardian’s ‘Next Generation 2019’ list, which is their take on the best young players at every Premier League club born between September 2002 and August 2003.

Aston Villa’s summer signings’ performances so far this season are rated in the video below…

He is described as a ‘technically gifted attacking midfielder’ who has ‘the ability and vision to create chances for others.’

These two could well emulate past links to brothers that have played in the claret and blue, like Bruce and Neil Rioch in the early 1970s, or Stefan and Luke Moore in the early 2000s.

Craig and Gary Gardner are another pair to play for the club, but they both featured at different times during their career.

The Ramsey’s are certainly an exciting duo and could well be next in line if they continue to progress at this rate.

Crystal Palace are having a cracking season thus far.

The Eagles are soaring as they sit in sixth place in the Premier League after eight matches, and there is a lot for the fans to be happy about.

Watch Crystal Palace Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Despite their good form however, pundits aren’t keen to give them too much credit, as Bleacher Report listed them in their top three overperforming teams in Europe so far this season.

The panellists branded the Selhurst Park outfit as huge overachievers this term, discussing teams who are currently sitting in a “false position”.

According to the league table based on xG, Palace are actually three places higher than they should be.

Their overachieving may not last for much longer anyway, as their next five fixtures pit them against the five sides that are currently ahead of them in the league table.

It remains to be seen how many points Roy Hodgson’s side pick up over the next few weeks, but it looks as if their time in the top six could be over very soon as their fixture list looks as tough as can be.