Euro 2024

GARETH SOUTHGATE will be forced into at least one change for England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final – but could make a handful.Impressive performances from the substitutes against Slovakia in Sunday evening’s thrilling comeback could make the boss rethink the way he wants to set up against Switzerland.Gareth Southgate has plenty to think about ahead of England’s clash with SwitzerlandCredit: GettyJude Bellingham’s spectacular overhead kick helped spare England’s blushes against SlovakiaCredit: EPAEngland advanced into the next round in dramatic fashion after Jude Bellingham’s acrobatic finish levelled the scores in the dying embers of added time.Southgate tinkered with his system in extra time to force a winning goal, playing two up top with Ivan Toney partnering Harry Kane.And his gamble worked as Kane nodded home the crucial goal to make it 2-1 off the back of a Toney assist.There were also positive substitute cameos from Ezri Konsa, Eberechi Eze and Cole Palmer.READ MORE ON ENGLANDHowever, there were some blows to Southgate’s plans too as suspensions, and potentially injuries, could hamper England’s chances against the Swiss.Marc Guehi, arguably England’s best player at the tournament so far, picked up his second yellow card in Germany and will subsequently miss the Switzerland clash through suspension.And Kieran Tripper limped off the Gelsenkirchen pitch in 66th minute, raising concerns over an injury.Here’s three ways that Southgate could chop and change his side for Saturday’s quarter-final…Most read in Euro 2024Marc Guehi will miss the quarter-final through suspensionCredit: GettyKieran Trippier is a doubt for the Switzerland game through injuryCredit: GettyEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSIF IT AIN’T BROKEMost England fans would suggest that the way the Three Lions have been playing isn’t good enough.But regardless of the style, England have done their job and advanced to the quarter-finals.England vs Slovakia player ratingsSouthgate has been stubborn with his lineups before and should Kieran Tripper be fit to play, then it’s likely that he will make just one change to his starting lineup against Switzerland.Guehi has to come out of the squad and the most likely replacement for him in central defence is Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa after he picked up his first minutes of the tournament – something Joe Gomez and Lewis Dunk are yet to taste.Konsa looked assured when he came on against Slovakia and could occupy the left central position with ease, having played there – as well as right-back, at times – under Unai Emery last season.Of course, Southgate would have to hope that Trippier passes a fitness test for this lineup.Ezri Konsa will likely come in for GuehiCredit: PASET THE TONEToney was arguably one of England’s best performers last night, despite playing just over 30 minutes of football.The Brentford bagsman won three free-kicks and set up a goal in his short cameo.While he was on the pitch he shared the spotlight with captain Kane, and Southgate may look at a way of getting both stars on the field at the same time for the full 90.A back five could facilitate that as an option with England using wing-backs to provide width instead of out-and-out wingers.The best of England vs SlovakiaCHECK out all the best action from England’s rollercoaster Euro 2024 last-16 win over Slovakia.Obviously this would mean England lose out on having Foden and Saka on the pitch, but it would allow for more direct goal-scoring threat with two strikers up top.Playing with a five would also allow the Three Lions to re-introduce Trent Alexander-Arnold to the fold – utilising his long balls to find Toney and Kane in the box.Luke Shaw would be the perfect fit on the left side, but if he isn’t fit enough to start then Tripper could also play that role.Should Tripper also be injured, England can gamble on playing Saka at left wing-back to add even more attacking threat, as he did for a chunk of the win over Slovakia.It’s worth noting that Switzerland play a back five themselves and matching them man-for-man might not be the worst idea.Luke Shaw is back in full training for England, but is yet to feature at Euro 2024Credit: AlamyKEEP PALM AND CARRY ONOne final option for England would be to swap out the wide men but keep the back four.Fans have been clamouring for Cole Palmer to start at this tournament and the Chelsea wonderkid could replace Saka on the right hand side.Another quiet night for Foden could see Southgate take a chance on Anthony Gordon on the left wing after his promising, albeit short, cameo against Slovenia.Kobbie Mainoo seems guaranteed to keep his spot next to Declan Rice after he impressed from the off last night.Southgate may have to think about who he plays at left-back for this lineup if both Tripper and Shaw are absent.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn a back four it would most likely mean Konsa comes in for Guehi at left centre-back and Gomez plays as a more defensive left-back.Gomez’s defensive tendencies would give even more reason to play a more direct winger ahead of him in Gordon.Fans are keen to see Cole Palmer start for EnglandCredit: PAJoe Gomez could come into the squad at left-backCredit: Rex More

KYLIAN MBAPPE thought his Euros was over after breaking his nose — but intends to keep putting his body on the line for France.Les Bleus and their captain return to Dusseldorf today for their last-16 tie against Belgium — in the stadium where Mbappe snapped his schnozz late on against Austria in their group opener.France’s Kylian Mbappe admits he he ‘hates’ his maskCredit: ReutersThe star has tried on various masks but has still been unable to find one that he’s comfortable withCredit: APThe Real Madrid-bound star, 25, has admitted he thought he could be going home after realising how serious his injury was — and revealed just how much he hates playing with a mask.Mbappe said: “When I took the blow to the face I didn’t understand what was going on — I didn’t feel my nose was broken. But I saw the goalkeeper’s face and thought: ‘Something is wrong.’“I thought I was going home. I looked in the mirror and thought it was a bad thing to send me home.“It was difficult, I spent two nights without sleeping.READ MORE ON EURO 2024“I wasn’t able to play against ­Holland and it was very difficult to sit on the bench. I felt helpless. But I could play against Poland so I am very happy.”Mbappe has trained with five different masks — and tried on even more at the French hotel — but cannot wait to get it off.He added: “It is horrible playing with a mask.“I keep changing because there is something that bothers me.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“It is ­difficult to play because it limits vision, the sweat clogs up. The first few days felt like I was wearing 3D glasses — as soon as I can get it off I will but I don’t have a choice.“I hate it, it is really annoying. You have seen pictures of five masks but in the evening I’ve had different trials.Kylian Mbappe’s new mask revealed as France training mask is banned“This is not an excuse for me as it is the only way I can play.”The fact Mbappe has not had his nose operated on — which would have ended his Euros — means he runs the risk of hurting it even more.Poland’s Robert Lewandowski caught him in the face in their final group game — prompting an X-rated response from the France star.But Mbappe knows his weak spot will make him a target for some rough treatment.He added: “It is a possibility when you are playing with a broken nose and haven’t had it operated. You are a target. He didn’t do it on purpose. It hurt me.“I knew what I was signing up for when I decided I wasn’t going to go home, not going to get the operation done and stay and play.“Is it easy? No. But I know what I signed up for.“I will give everything I can for France to go as far as possible. If I get hit my nose is already broken. What else can someone do?”The same mentality applies to solving France’s issues in front of goal. Les Bleus are yet to score from open play in Germany.While Mbappe has not headed a single ball since breaking his nose, the talisman is ready to put himself in harm’s way once again if needed.He said: “I always want to score goals but the most important thing is for the team to score goals, not me.“Can I head the ball? I am not going to lie, I haven’t headed the ball since I broke my nose but if I need to I will do it.”Mbappe has been involved in both of France’s goals so far.His cross was turned in by Austria’s Maximilian Wober to win the opener here in Dusseldorf before he netted from the spot against Poland.The captain could do with a helping hand from his fellow forwards against Belgium — who have also failed to hit top gear in Germany.But Mbappe has told his teammates they must not get hung up on missed chances.He said: “We’re not scoring because we’ve got chances and are not hitting the back of the net.“From my experience, we need to get out of our heads.“What is most important is to create chances, and of course score the goals but I don’t think any of the players got in front of the ­goalkeeper and thought ‘I am going to miss.’READ MORE SUN STORIES“It was problematic for us in the group but we are in a different competition now.“We need to pull our socks up and create . . . but also score.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

GARETH SOUTHGATE has claimed that Ivan Toney was “disgusted” by the decision to substitute him on so late against Slovakia.England advanced to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals in the most dramatic fashion possible after forcing extra-time with a 95th minute equaliser.Gareth Southgate has claimed that Ivan Toney was ‘disgusted’ at being brought on so late in the England vs Slovakia game last nightCredit: GettyJude Bellingham’s stunning overhead kick levelled things just one minute after Toney’s introductionCredit: EPAThe Three Lions were 1-0 down and looked destined for an early exit before Jude Bellingham popped up with a moment of magic, scoring a stunning overhead kick to force an extra 30 minutes.Despite England being desperate for a goal before Bellingham’s spectacular contribution, Southgate had done very little in the way of trying to force the issue with substitutions.He brought Ivan Toney on in the fourth minute of injury time, with England a goal behind and having just two minutes left on the clock.Fortunately Bellingham found the back of the net just a minute after Toney’s introduction.READ MORE ON ENGLANDBut according to Southgate, the Brentford striker was less than pleased with how late he was being subbed on to make a difference.Speaking to the BBC after the game, the England boss said: “I had belief that we would get a goal.”The boys that come on, Ivan Toney plays a big part. I think at the moment I put him on, he was disgusted with me for putting him on at that moment.”But we were just thinking there was a possibility of just something where his presence might make the difference.”Most read in Euro 2024The pair have certainly made up sinceCredit: RexEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSToney certainly did make a difference too.After England were handed a lifeline by Bellingham’s individual brilliance, Toney helped make sure they took advantage of it.Harry Kane reveals genius tactic England worked on before Slovakia that helped pull off epic Euro 2024 comebackThe best of England vs SlovakiaCHECK out all the best action from England’s rollercoaster Euro 2024 last-16 win over Slovakia.A long throw-in in the first minute of extra-time bounced around in the box before the 28-year-old popped up and got his head on the end of it.His looping header back into the danger zone was attacked by Harry Kane who nodded home to put England 2-1 up, booking their spot in the quarter-finals.Southgate had explained that he understood Toney’s attitude when speaking to ITV too.He said: “I think we have made up now. But he has had a big impact in the second goal.“You put a sub on at that time then it is a last throw of the dice and he maybe does not even touch the ball, so I completely understand it. Toney’s header set up Harry Kane to nod home the winnerCredit: Getty”I do not like putting a player in that position but I just had a feeling he might be able to cause the bit of chaos that happened.”While Toney told ITV that he was well prepared to make a difference when he was given his chance to shine.He explained: “Obviously I didn’t play in the first three games [of the tournament].”You have to be ready, you don’t know when your chance is going to come.”I was in the right place at the right time to flick it to the back post where H [Harry Kane] was. “We literally spoke about that before the game kicked off, and he put it in the back of the net.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSouthgate’s lions haven’t quite got roaring yet, but they continue to squeeze through and make it count when it matters most.England will now face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Dusseldorf.England 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. More

KOBBIE MAINOO has shown he is the player that England need to build their midfield ­— and their team — around.That’s what I felt as it looked like we were slipping to defeat.Jack Wilshere insists England should build around Manchester United ace Kobbie MainooCredit: GettyMainoo was one of the better performers in a game England were very lucky to winCredit: GettyArsenal hero Jack Wilshere believes Mainoo would give Declan Rice a better role in midfieldCredit: GettyRice has yet to control games for England the way he does for ArsenalCredit: GettyThe best of England vs SlovakiaCHECK out all the best action from England’s rollercoaster Euro 2024 last-16 win over Slovakia.I know he was not on the pitch when our goals went in.But until that unbelievable comeback, Mainoo was our best player.He has a fearlessness and an instinct to do the right things at the right times that seemed to be lacking for so much of the game.Mainoo alongside Declan Rice gives England better structure. In theory, at least, because for so long it didn’t look like that.Read More on FootballYou can have any structure you like but if a team, individually and collectively, lacks confidence, you cannot use that structure effectively.A fear can creep in. A fear of failing. A fear of losing the ball.It is partly because of his age that Mainoo does not have that, or appears not to have it.This was his first start in a major tournament. He does not know what it is like to have a bad one.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut it is also because of how he has been coached and you can see those hours of work, combined with his talent, in how he plays.If Mainoo receives the ball under pressure, he can pop it off with one touch.Harry Kane reveals genius tactic England worked on before Slovakia that helped pull off epic Euro 2024 comebackIf there is time to take a second, then he will. He is happy to give, to receive, to play the one-two. To hold, or to make forward runs.He just seems to make the right choices most of the time.It took Mainoo a while to grow into the first half. His early  yellow card won’t have helped but he coped with that well, too.You could see his confidence grow and it was great to see him taking responsibility at the end of a poor first half for England.Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick rescued England against the SlovaksCredit: EPABellingham and Kane went wild after the last gasp goalCredit: GettyHe ran with the ball, tried to make something happen and had one of our few  shots of the half.Mainoo is happy to give and receive the ball but England weren’t being brave enough. It is a theme of the tournament so far and brings us back to the lack of confidence.Mainoo impactWhen you are feeling that, it is easy to play the safe ball rather than risk giving it away.But sometimes it is OK to lose the ball because Slovakia or other teams think they have possession and open up a bit.That’s when counterpressing comes in, you win the ball back quickly and exploit the spaces.We have the profile of players to do it. Rice and Mainoo are really good at that side of the game.But our pressing was not working properly again.In the first half especially, we were pressing up front but our backline was sitting too deep.Need to control gamesYou have to keep the distances between your players smaller. It left a huge amount of space for Rice and Mainoo to cover and Slovakia exploited that really well.Slovakia also defended brillliantly until stoppage time and England just didn’t look like scoring.We had lots of set pieces but without Harry Maguire, we didn’t look a threat.Jude Belligham’s equaliser, even though it was brilliant, came from a desperate last-gasp long throw.If we want to win this tournament, starting with the quarter-final against Switzerland, we will need to control games better.How Mainoo helps RiceMainoo has the qualities to give us that — provided those around him can match his bravery and composure.He can be a great foil for Rice and allow him to play the more attacking role he does for Arsenal.In a team where Harry Kane wants to drop into midfield, and Phil Foden wants to cut inside, he offers the ability to pick a pass, or to run in behind himself.READ MORE SUN STORIESMainoo is the kind of midfielder England have been crying out for for a long time.He can be the glue that holds together this team for the rest of the tournament and well into the future.England 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.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More