Launch Show

A look ahead to this summer’s European Championship, which begins with Friday’s eagerly anticipated curtain-raiser between Turkey and Italy in Rome.

The tournament, which was delayed by a year because of Covid-19, will take place in 11 different cities across the continent, with the semi-finals and final taking place at London’s Wembley Stadium.

Portugal are the defending champions, but Cristiano Ronaldo and his team-mates have been handed a tough draw, with their group also including France and Germany – the two most recent World Cup winners – plus Hungary.

England have only ever won two knockout ties at the Euros, but hopes are high that Gareth Southgate’s side can improve that record. The Three Lions, who boast a formidable array of attacking options, begin their campaign against Croatia on Sunday. Scotland meet the Czech Republic in their opener, while Wales face Switzerland.