Euro 2020 matchday one: Delayed tournament kicks off in Rome

Twelve months after it had been due to kick off, Euro 2020 finally gets under way in Rome on Friday night when Italy take on Turkey in the opening game of the tournament in Group A.

A new-look championship is in store – and not only because of the coronavirus-enforced postponement and ongoing Covid-19 restrictions limiting the number of fans who can attend matches.

For the first time the event will be held across the continent, with 11 host cities from London to Seville to Baku staging games.

Three home nations – England, Wales and Scotland – are among the 24 qualified teams and the former two get their campaigns under way over the first weekend.

Tweet of the day

The centre-back gave England a key fitness boost as he returned to training following the ankle ligament damage he suffered playing for Manchester United last month.

Kick-off

Roberto Mancini takes training ahead of Italy's match with Turkey
Roberto Mancini takes training ahead of Italy’s match with Turkey (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)

Wales on the road

Wales’ Gareth Bale during training in Baku ahead of their opening match with Switzerland
Wales’ Gareth Bale during training in Baku ahead of their opening match with Switzerland (Darko Vojinovic/AP)

England eye revenge

Harry Maguire (centre) joins in training with his England team-mates
Harry Maguire (centre) joins in training with his England team-mates (Nick Potts/PA).

Fans are back

Wembley will stage England's match with Croatia on Sunday
Wembley will stage England’s match with Croatia on Sunday (Nick Potts/PA).

Quote of the day

June 11: Group A, Rome: Turkey v Italy (2000GMT).

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