Euro 2024

KEVIN DE BRUYNE stormed out of an interview after a “stupid” question following Belgium’s defeat to France.De Bruyne & Co crashed out of Euro 2024 in the group stages. Kevin De Bruyne stormed out of an interview after a ‘stupid’ questionDe Bruyne was fuming after Belgium’s loss to FranceJan Vertonghen’s own goal split the sides and saw Belgium bail out with more international heartache. And captain De Bruyne did not take kindly to a question over Belgium’s so-called “golden generation” of players.He was asked: “How does it feel that your golden generation never reached a final?”The Manchester City star said: “And you say that France and England and Spain and Germany is not a golden generation? OK, thank you.” READ MORE ON EURO 2024De Bruyne, 33, then walks off and mutters “stupid”.Journalist Tancredi Palmeri, who asked the question, hit back: “Ahah DeBruyne just called me stupid.”Hey Kevin, little memo for you: the golden generation you mentioned of France, England, Germany and Spain they ALL REACHED A FINAL!”Usual footballer that wants only question telling him how good they are. Spoiled brat.”Most read in FootballFormer Belgium manager Roberto Martinez, who led the Red Devils from 2016 to 2022, famously had stars including Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld, Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens in his squad.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDe Bruyne ‘stops Belgium flops from acknowledging fans’ after they’re booed off following dire draw at Euro 2024Jan Vertonghen, De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Axel Witsel and Yannick Carrasco still remain from their heyday and make up some of the star-studded Euro 2024 squad.Belgium came third in the 2018 World Cup – their best finish in a major tournament and were Fifa’s highest-ranked team that year.But they were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Euros three years later before failing to make it out of the group stage in the 2022 World Cup. And following even more misery, De Bruyne’s international future will now be in question after six trophyless tournaments.The Premier League and Champions League winner, who has 28 goals from 104 caps, said: “It’s too early to answer.”Let me process this loss. It’s a been a very long season. I need to rest my body. I will make my decision after the summer.”The midfielder also came under fire after telling his team-mates not to acknowledge disgruntled Belgium fans following a 0-0 draw to Ukraine. Vertonghen saw Randal Kolo Muani’s shot deflect off him for France’s winnerEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

DECLAN RICE passionately defended Gareth Southgate following England’s 2-1 win over Slovakia.The Three Lions just about managed to book a spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals thanks to late goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.Declan Rice has jumped to the defence of Gareth SouthgateCredit: PASouthgate was heavily criticised throughout England’s match against SlovakiaCredit: AlamyIvan Schranz fired Slovakia into an unprecedented 1-0 lead midway through the first half.England struggled to find a breakthrough, but managed to equalise thanks to a last-gasp Bellingham bicycle kick.It then took just a few minutes for Kane to complete the comeback in extra time.Southgate faced criticism from England fans inside the stadium and on social media for the performance.Read More in FootballBut Rice was eager to jump to the manager’s defence at full-time.He told BBC Sport: “There’s that inner-fight and spirit in us, a few Slovakian players before the game said we didn’t have.”We’ve got that togetherness. We proved that tonight.”We’ll die for each other out there. We’ll do anything to protect this manager, to protect each other.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland ratings: Bellingham rescues woeful Three Lions as big names, and manager, have a shockerJUDE BELLINGHAM’S majestic overhead kick deep into stoppage time saved England from a humiliating Euros exit.Gareth Southgate’s side had been utterly woeful and looked to be heading home thanks to Ivan Schranz’s clever finish.But Bellingham came to the rescue in the 96th minute, brilliantly firing into the corner after Marc Guehi had flicked on Kyle Walker’s long throw.Remarkably, it was England’s first shot on target, summing how poor they had been.But another one came soon after, as 53 seconds into extra-time, Harry Kane headed home from close range to set up a quarter-final with Switzerland.It was as close a shave as it comes, and if they play like this against the Swiss, then they will be toast.Here’s how Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… and manager Southgate.Jordan Pickford: 5Appeared to hurt his left hand when taking a big whack in the warm-up, but still played. Fired a lot of long balls and was lucky not to be lobbed by David Strelec’s 45-yard strike.Kyle Walker: 4England’s second-most experienced player had a shocker. He looked uncharacteristically slow, his touch was heavy and his crossing was nowhere near good enough. But it was his long throw that led to Bellingham’s magic.John Stones: 4Said it was time for the senior pros to step up in the build-up to the game, but there was little sign of that until Bellingham did his thing, and he is only 21. Stones fired aimless long balls, gave it away and it was his mistake that almost led to Strelec’s trying his luck from range.Marc Guehi: 5Booked early after Kieran Trippier’s underhit pass meant he had to take out the excellent David Strelec, meaning he is out of the quarter-final. Ivan Schranz bamboozled him for Slovakia’s opener but his flick-on to Bellingham brought the leveller.Kieran Trippier: 4When Jude Bellingham’s good ball found Trippier on the edge of the box early doors, on his favoured right foot, you thought, ‘Here we go’. He smashed it into Row Z.Declan Rice: 5An old-school reducer on Juraj Kucka was a fair tackle, even if it left the 37-year-old hobbling. His curling effort with ten minutes to go cracked against the post.Kobbie Mainoo: 6FIRST start at a major tournament and our only decent performer in an horrendous first half from England. Blasted a volley over but was also booked for a late tackle.Bukayo Saka: 5We all know what a fantastic player Saka is for Arsenal, and for England in games gone by, but he rarely threatened here. Did go the distance though, and in a number of positions.Jude Bellingham: 7 and STAR MANCometh the hour, cometh the man. He had underwhelmed again until the 96th minute, but who cares when you step up like that.Phil Foden: 4Thought he had levelled early in the second half but his tap-in was ruled out by VAR after he was caught being, inexplicably, offside. Just off it all night, in danger of being dropped.Harry Kane: 6Still way off his best – he was nowhere to be seen in the first half and missed a free header after the break – but got it right when it counted in extra time.SUBSTITUTIONSCole Palmer (on for Kieran Trippier, 66): 7FANS were on their feet applauding when Southgate finally made a change and brought him on. So lively and with a lovely delivery, must be in with a chance of starting against the Swiss.Eberechi Eze (on for Kobbie Mainoo, 84): 6Did enough to put off Slovak full-back Peter Pekarik from turning home at close range in extra-time. Looked like he had been hit by a train when Denis Vavro walloped into him.Ivan Toney (on for Phil Foden, 90): 7GRABBED the assist for Kane’s winner by flicking on after a free-kick – which he had won with his strength – had been cleared.Conor Gallagher (on for Harry Kane, 105): 6Southgate rolled the dice in extra-time by trying to shut the game out, taking his captain off for the Chelsea midfielder.Ezri Konsa (on for Jude Bellingham, 105): 6Ditto to Gallagher as Konsa got his first minutes of the tournament in place of the hero Bellingham, which felt a risky strategy.MANAGERGareth Southgate: 3.A lucky, lucky man. Tactically, his team were all long ball, lacked any movement, and did not conjure up a shot on target until Bellingham’s wonder strike – and that came from Walker chucking it in the mixer. Subs took ages in the 90 and then felt risky as he sought to see the game out in extra-time.”Keep going, keep fighting. And what we’ve got as a group tonight I think showed out there.”It’s an honour to be a part of it. We’re going to keep going, we’re going to keep giving it everything.”The Sun’s Charlie Wyett gives his thoughts as England scrape passed Slovakia by ‘skin of their teeth’England qualified for the last-16 after topping Group C with five points from a possible nine.The Three Lions beat Serbia 1-0 before dropping points to Denmark and Slovenia.Some fans threw plastic cups at Southgate following the Slovenia match, which ended goalless.In response, the manager said: “I understand it. I’m not going to back away from it. The most important thing is we stay with the team. I understand the narrative towards me.”That’s better for the team than it being towards them but it is creating an unusual environment to operate in. I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar. I’m not going to back away from it.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

THIS is the shocking moment a raging driver goes on a punching rampage attacking rowdy England fans in Benidorm.Joyous Three Lions supporters were chanting in the streets of the Spanish holiday hotspot and banging on cars after Gareth Southgate’s side sealed a place in the Euro 2024 knockout rounds.The moment a Benidorm driver swung a punch at an England fan after his car was slapped by boozy BritsCredit: Jam Press Vid/@footbalIfightsThe local ended up going on a punching rampage on the streetCredit: Jam Press Vid/@footbalIfightsEngland supporters were seen slapping the man’s car as he tried to drive pastCredit: Jam Press Vid/@footbalIfightsThe fuming bloke quickly squared up to a number of England fansCredit: Jam Press Vid/@footbalIfightsThe boozy England supporters were partying after the tense match against Slovenia last Thursday with many topless or sat on people’s shoulders. One local had grown tired of the streets being blocked as he tried to drive his car through the jubilant crowds.Footage shows the motorist squeezing past the herds of people as football fans banged on the roof of his silver car.The angry man quickly got out the car and squared up to a group of the fans outside the Queens Arms English Pub.read more in Euro 2024After a brief shouting match erupted between the frustrated driver and a man in an England shirt a quick slap was thrown followed by a sharp jab from the Benidorm local.He then turned his rage onto the rest of the shocked blokes who had formed a circle around the carnage.Two more men were whacked before the man whipped off his glasses and returned to the original lad he had thumped. He delivered another three clubbing blows as the young man backed away.Most read in Euro 2024By this point the circle had opened up with the aggressor still baying for revenge for his car being tapped.After more punches were thrown a second scrap breaks out between another group of men on the street.Pints go flying as Jude Bellingham scores last minute leveller for England against SlovakiaA motorbike was knocked over in the ensuing melee.The viral video quickly did the rounds online with one England fan joking: “I would rather be in a pile of horse poo for a week than in Benidorm right now.”Another said: “Picked on wrong bloke there.”After the bore draw with Slovenia in England’s final group stage match last week they went on to play Slovakia Sunday night.A lackluster performance left Southgate’s men on the brink of elimination before a last gasp Jude Bellingham overhead kick took the game to extra time.Just seconds into the added on time, Harry Kane sent a header flying into the back of the net to seal the victory. They now face Switzerland on Saturday July 6 in the quarter finals.Spain has been a haven of footy fans since Euro 2024 kicked off last month.Sun-loving Brits flocked to bars in Magaluf over the weekend to watch England’s first knockout game against Slovakia.Pub owners were happily seen pouring barrels of beer as holidaymakers sank huge numbers of pints before the big match.Thousands of people in England shirts also headed to pubs and fanzones across the UK.READ MORE SUN STORIESSnaps showed fans in St George costumes, lion onesies and patriotic hats posing with their pints before kick-off.One of the busiest venues was Boxpark Wembley where pints were sent flying when England scored their crucial two goals.Another group of fans were hit by the angered driverCredit: Jam Press Vid/@footbalIfightsThe brute of a man ended up whacking several England supportersCredit: Jam Press Vid/@footbalIfightsEngland fans went crazy at Boxpark Wembley when England scored two late goals against Slovakia on SundayCredit: Darren FletcherEngland’s Jude Bellingham scored a wondergoal to help take his side through to the quarter finals of Euro 2024Credit: PA More

CAN that be the eureka moment France have been searching for?Les Bleus had chopped and changed and still wasted a monumental amount of chances before one finally found a way in.Randal Kolo Muani’s strike deflected off Jan VertonghenCredit: AFPFrance are now through to the quarter-finalsCredit: PAFrance had 19 shots but just two were on targetIt was not attractive, deflecting off of Randal Kolo Muani’s standing leg before going in off of Jan Vertonghen. Own goals are having a fine tournament for France.But at this stage, who cares? It was enough to send France through and the last remaining vestiges of Belgium’s golden generation back over the border.Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku could have done so much more here, but fell short once again.France stumble on, scoring with their 19th effort of what had until then been another deeply frustrating afternoon.The two-time champions are into the last eight without scoring a goal from open play.But, true to Didier Deschamps mantra, they can reset once more, move on to the quarter-finals in Hamburg and go again.Deschamps is often criticised for his conservative approach but when it comes to finding a fix for France’s troubles in front of goal he is hardly sticking with what he knows.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKylian Mbappe struggled to find the targetCredit: GettyMomentum was in France’s favour for the majority of the matchThe boss has become le bricoleur – the tinkerman – in Germany, with this being his fourth different forward line in four games.Griezmann and striker Marcus Thuram were restored in Dusseldorf with Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola dropping out – though it was sub Kolo Muani who got them over the line.Kylian Mbappe reveals how he is adapting to mask as France star says it’s ‘like wearing 3D glasses’Belgium’s Domenico Tedesco also mixed things up, pairing Lukaku and Lois Openda together up top for the first time in the tournament.The first 25 minutes provided what hipsters would call an intriguing tactical battle. For the rest of us it was plain dull.France flirted with moving forwards on a couple of occasions and Belgium appeared to have decided De Bruyne’s best role was as a holding midfielder.But it was the Manchester City man’s free-kick which finally added some life to this tie.His effort from wide almost caught out Mike Maignan, bouncing and forcing an awkward save from the keeper.The Red Devils seemed to realise then that they too could try and create things – a fine move minutes later teeing up Yannick Carrasco, who saw his effort blocked by Theo Hernandez.Jules Kounde was proving a threat for the French down the right and bent a delicious cross towards Thuram, whose header went narrowly wide.The striker would have had a tap in from Hernandez’s cutback moments later too had Belgian keeper Koen Casteels not pounced on the cross just before it reached Thuram’s boot.France were starting to take a firm grip, but still wasting their openings.William Saliba impressed once againAurelien Tchouameni flashed a shot wide from 30 yards before incredibly blasting over the bar inside the box when he should have hit the target at the very least.It was another 45 minutes during which Deschamps will have been pleased with almost all aspects but the most important one – finishing.The trend which has blighted them throughout their time in Germany continued after the break.Real Madrid midfielder Tchouameni continued to cause problems – his deflected strike tipped wide by Casteels at full stretch before Thuram headed over from Kounde’s cross.Belgium were still playing within themselves. Lukaku left to feed on scraps with De Bruyne trapped in his baffling deeper role. Imagine having one of the world’s greatest midfielders and opting to lump it over his head.Some like to poke fun at Lukaku for his misfortune but it was hard not to feel sorry for him at times here, no one helping out by backing up his selfless work.For all the French chances that were stacking up, Mbappe remained on the fringes.But the masked man finally entered the fray – beating Carrasco before skipping inside De Bruyne only to send his strike narrowly over the bar.Kounde then picked out his captain in the box, only for the No10 to mistime his strike well wide – another good chance spurned by Les Bleus.Belgium decided now was the time to try and make France pay for their profligacy.De Bruyne finally advanced up the pitch, stealing the ball from N’Golo Kante’s toes and opening his legs up before feeding a fine ball through for Carrasco who was only stopped by Hernandez’s last ditch challenge.That opening prompted Tedesco to change things, push De Bruyne up behind Lukaku and see what they could muster.France were still creating – Tchoumeni sent another high over the bar – but Belgium looked more dangerous – Lukaku getting space in the box and firing at Maignan.You wondered at what point Deschamps might start simply laughing at the chances coming and going, as William Saliba found space after a set piece but also missed the target before Mbappe sent another high and wide.It was feeling ripe for a sucker punch – and De Bruyne almost delivered it with a low drive, though Maignan managed to deny him.READ MORE SUN STORIESJust two minutes later the breakthrough finally arrived.Despite their wasted chances, France were still doing things properly, moving the ball well and not rushing and they were finally rewarded with a touch of luck as Vertonghen’s deflection leg sent the ball in and Les Bleus through.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

KYLIAN MBAPPE was labelled “classless” for taunting Jan Vertonghen over his own-goal woe – after the duo clashed earlier in France’s 1-0 win over Belgium.Masked marauder Mbappe celebrated his coutry’s Euro 2024 last-16 victory over Belgium by racing over to have the final word with the ex-Spurs defender.Vertonghen clashed with Mbappe after the French striker went downCredit: PAThe exchange came as tensions rose before France broke through late onCredit: GettyVertonghen saw Randal Kolo Muani’s shot deflect off him for France’s winnerCredit: APMbappe then took time out to confront VertonghenTrouble between the two had first flared midway through the second half of a tie that rarely lived up to high expectations.Mbappe tumbled in the box under a challenge from Vertonghen and appeared furious with the 37-year-old’s response.The Anderlecht centre-back had sneaked out a leg from behind and got the ball just before the Real Madrid new boy tried to turn.Mbappe went crashing down but Vertonghen seemed to reckon the ex-PSG striker’s fall was a little late, a little too theatrical.READ MORE ON EURO 2024In turn, the hitman was unhappy with whatever words were swapped and continued to verbally snap at his rival as they walked away.Referee Glenn Nyberg intervened to cool the situation. But for Vertonghen things only got worse in a scrappy contest.And if he was in the right place for his tackle on Mbappe, he was in the wrong position later for the defining moment of the match.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt was Vertonghen who deflected a late French winner into his own goal, following a fierce shot from Randal Kolo Muani.He stuck out a knee as Kolo Muani fudged a left-footed attempt – and the resulting ricochet wrong-footed Belgian No1 Koen Casteels for the only goal.Mbappe appeared to think he had a decent shout for a penaltyCredit: GettyEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYBut fans on social media demanded to know if Uefa will “investigate” Mbappe for then appearing to mock Vertonghen.The 25-year-old chose to run over to the ex-Prem ace first before joining his team-mates rejoicing behind the goal. SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesOne viewer posted: “That’s embarrassing. Unprofessional, especially from the captain.”Other online verdicts included “No need” and “stay classy”.The icon’s action was also compared to controversial behaviour from fellow superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Jude Bellingham earlier in the tournament.Ronaldo, 39, pumped his fist towards Czech Republic stopper Jindrich Stanek and shouted in the ear of midfielder Petr Sevcik as Portugal completed a 2-1 comeback win in their group opener. And Uefa are investigating Bellingham for appearing to make a crotch-grabbing gesture towards the Slovakian bench after his wonder goal sparked England’s dramatic 2-1 triumph in the last 16 on Sunday.  Deschamps says Kylian vision affected by mask KYLIAN MBAPPE is struggling to see under his mask as France’s goal scoring struggles continue, writes JACK ROSSER.It took another own goal for Les Bleus to get past Belgium into the quarter-finals, the second one they have scored from in Germany.Didier Deschamps side are yet to score from open play all tournament and Mbappe was on the fringes as he returned to the stadium where he broke his nose on the opening day.Asked how the mask is impacting his star man, Deschamps said: “He is getting used to it, what is important is that he is able to consolidate wearing a mask.”He is getting more used to it, you’ve got the sweat aspect and we know it can get into his eyes.”He is getting used to it, it is his vision. I haven’t tried it on but from what he said he feels like he is seeing images in 3D.”Even if it is tenths of milliseconds the vision is off.Everything in front of him is fine, but there’s a delay with his peripheral vision. But he’ll have to get used to it over the coming weeks or months.”France had 19 shots against Belgium but just two found the target and it took a deflection off of Belgium’s Jan Vertonghen for them to sneak into the last eight.The France boss said he will always take an own goal sending his side through but knows there must be an improvement.There is confidence things will change considering chances are still being created, but Deschamps was frustrated with the number of punts from range.He added: “If it is deflected, even if it is an own goal someone had to shoot. If it finishes in the back of the net so be it.”The best teams are here, even when there are differences on paper on the pitch there is high intensity.”Even if today the goal is enough we’ve always got the capacity and capability to score more.”The number of shots we had, some of them were punts, that is the only thing we want to work on.”It was another case of huge talent falling short for Belgium. Eden Hazard may be gone but Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are still here and offered too little.Manchester City star De Bruyne, 33, has refused to rule out retiring from international football after the latest disappointment.He said: “It’s too early to answer. Let me process this loss.“It’s a been a very long season, I need to rest my body. I will make my decision after the summer.” More