Euro 2024

JORDAN PICKFORD suffered an injury scare ahead of the Euro 2024 clash against Slovakia.But the goalkeeper still made the starting XI for the last-16 game in Gelsenkirchen this evening.Jordan Pickford seemed to pick up a problem in the warm-upCredit: ReutersHe was spotted holding his hand in pain after making a saveCredit: itvThe goalkeeper walked off the pitch earlyCredit: itvPickford played after seemingly hurting his left wrist or hand as he went down to make a save in the warm-up. The 30-year-old was seen grimacing as he sat on his knees in pain.He then got back to his feet and was spotted talking to a physio or a member of the England coaching setup as they discussed the knock.Pickford appeared uncomfortable as he tried to soldier on before leaving the warm-up early.The Everton stopper walked off the pitch with a look of disappointment written across his face.And the Three Lions’ No1 then gave back-up keeper Aaron Ramsdale a hug as he trudged away.But with concern mounting, Pickford appeared in the tunnel and was ready to go for kick-off.However, the brief moment of panic left fans worried, with one saying: “We might be doomed.”Most read in Euro 2024Another reacted: “Uh oh, Pickford hurt?”Before relieved fans said: “Thank God he is okay.”THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

GARETH SOUTHGATE has explained why he picked Kobbie Mainoo to start against Slovakia.The England manager opted for the Manchester United youngster as his only change to the team for the Euro 2024 last-16 clash.Gareth Southgate has explained why he picked Kobbie Mainoo against SlovakiaCredit: X formerly Twitter / @itvfootballThe midfielder has replaced Conor GallagherCredit: GettyMainoo, 19, replaced Conor Gallagher in the starting line-up in the centre of midfield alongside Declan Rice.The midfielder featured in the games against Serbia and Slovenia previously in the tournament.In these two appearances he has only spent 50 minutes on the pitch in total.However, that has been enough to convince Southgate that he is worthy of a starting place in the team.READ MORE IN EURO 2024The coach insisted that Mainoo has looked “really comfortable” while representing the nation.He told ITV: “He used the ball really well.”We know that the way he plays and he will help us get through their high pressure.”He’s looked really comfortable in an England shirt.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He has played some huge games for his club and looks comfortable in our environment.”England face Slovakia at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesThe Three Lions finished top of their group with one win and two draws.However, there has been a lot of criticism of the team’s style of play and laboured results against Denmark and Slovenia.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

RIO FERDINAND get on the beers with England fans “taking over Dusseldorf” ahead of tonight’s Euro 2024 clash – and enjoyed a reunion with an ex-Manchester United team-mate. The Three Lions are preparing for the last-16 showdown with Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen tonight.Rio Ferdinand is getting on the beers ahead of England’s clash with SlovakiaCredit: X @rioferdy5The Man Utd legend was pictured in the stands watching the draw with SloveniaCredit: GettyFerdinand shared a clip of him and supporters on the ale in DusseldorfCredit: X @rioferdy5Ferdinand won 81 caps for the Three Lions during his playing daysCredit: GettyEngland were held to a stalemate by Slovenia on Tuesday but still managed to claim top spot in Group C to reach the knockouts.After initially struggling to a 1-0 win over Serbia before last week’s dour 1-1 draw with Denmark, the performance against Slovenia failed to excite supporters.However, that has not stopped them from assembling to cheer on Gareth Southgate’s side today.And former England defender Ferdinand, who has been working as a pundit for the BBC out in Germany, has got right in amongst it.READ MORE ON EURO 2024He was around 26 miles away from Gelsenkirchen in Dusseldorf.The Manchester United legend, who won 81 caps for his country and played at three World Cups, shared a clip of himself, pint of beer in hand, singing along with a group of other supporters.Ferdinand captioned the video clip on X with: “ENGLAND taking over Dusseldorf… love it!”And as kick off approached, he then shared a clip of himself and Ashley Young, who played with him at both United and England and who is now at Everton, grabbing a hug and selfie together.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland received a boost on the fitness front yesterday as all 26 members of Southgate’s squad trained.Left-back Luke Shaw has now returned to full training after being sidelined throughout the whole group stage.Sun mascot Harry Mane roared into Slovakia yesterday to discover the locals fear a gou-lashing off EnglandBut the 28-year-old is not ready to start, meaning that right-footed Kieran Trippier looked set to continue filling in for him.But the Newcastle ace, 33, was having his own fitness issue and is said to have missed training on Friday due to a calf problem that he battled through to face Slovenia.Fortunately, there was relief to see him involved yesterday even with reports stating that Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, 26, would deputise as makeshift left-back if needed.Declan Rice also did not train with his colleagues on Thursday.The star enjoyed a reunion with ex-Man Utd pal Ashley YoungCredit: X @rioferdy5Rio grabbed his ex team-mate and pulled him in for a selfieCredit: X @rioferdy5EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYBut he was also out on the field on Saturday as Southgate looked to put the finishing touches to his plans to help seal a spot in the quarters.England already know who awaits them in the last-eight if they can get past Slovakia.They will take on Switzerland on Saturday in Dusseldorf after the Swiss dumped holders Italy out last night with a 2-0 victory.It was harsh to hook Gallagher at half-time… but Mainoo showed he’s the answer, says Jack WilshereKOBBIE MAINOO was always my preference to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s midfield, writes Jack Wilshere.I think he showed why in the second half against Slovenia.But I still feel that it was harsh on Conor Gallagher that he was taken off at half time.Firstly because it was probably our best half of the tournament.And secondly, because it didn’t feel like a Gareth Southgate thing to do.It will knock Gallagher’s confidence for sure.He will have thought that this was his chance, but he only gets a half.Having said that, despite the disappointing result, the second half was better and Mainoo proved he is the man – or boy – to play there in future.Read Jack Wilshere’s post-match verdict in full.Or check out all of Jack’s Euro 2024 columns. More

KAI HAVERTZ has made silencing critics somewhat of a specialist subject.The forward was compared to his beloved donkeys at Chelsea, doubted when he was bought for £65million by Arsenal and has defied calls to be dropped for Germany.Kai Havertz is again proving his doubters wrongCredit: RexArsenal’s misunderstood magician is spearheading a German team which started their home Euros on fire and are reconnecting with a country which had little hope before the tournament.Toni Kroos may be the dictator of Die Mannschaft and Jamal Musiala its creator, but Havertz’s work is making their brilliance possible.The 25-year-old, an animal lover with a special affinity for donkeys, has two goals from four games at Euro 2024 – both under pressure from the penalty spot.But it is his tireless running at and battling with defenders which has created space for team-mates such as Musiala and Florian Wirtz to thrive.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite his impressive start there have, as always seems to be the case wherever Havertz goes, been doubts.Julian Nagelsmann resisted loud calls to start super-sub Niclas Fullkrug ahead of the Gunners forward in the last-16 tie against Denmark.Fullkrug, the Borussia Dortmund striker, also has two goals in two games – the second being a crucial extra-time equaliser against Switzerland which saw them top their group.A street close to Germany’s hotel in Dortmund was even renamed Niclas-Füllkrug-Allee ahead of the game as pressure built to make a change from the start.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBut that ignores Havertz’s role in Fullkrug’s impact. Had the former Bayer Leverkusen man not spent the previous 60 or 70 minutes tormenting and tiring the defenders, his replacement would find it far more difficult to have such an impact.But the fact Havertz has faced up to the scrutiny and questioning should come as no surprise.How hosts Germany look to return to their best for Euro 2024It was something Arsenal considered when they signed a struggling Havertz from London rivals Chelsea a year ago.He may have scored a winning goal in the Champions League final for the Blues, but their spiral under new ownership had seen confidence collapse at Stamford Bridge.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu privately knew they were forking out huge money for damaged goods.There was an understanding that, while there would be eyebrows raised and huge pressure on their new man, things could take time.Both the coaching staff and those upstairs were prepared to wait it out.It took seven games for Havertz to net his first Premier League goal, against Bournemouth, and another six before the second followed away at Brentford.Arteta persevered throughout, having found a witty and engaging character who was determined to improve and make a contribution.There were some tweaks to positioning, an injury to Gabriel Jesus seeing Havertz move further forward into the role he is now flourishing in with Germany.The patience and foresight – as well as the player’s hard work – paid off.Havertz ended the season with 14 goals and seven assists in all competitions, scoring a number of late goals to keep their title challenge rolling on.While there has been huge clamour since January for the Gunners to spend big on a striker, those within London Colney are relaxed about the situation as they effectively have Germany’s No9 on their books.There will undoubtedly be more questions as to whether that is the right call going into the new domestic season.READ MORE SUN STORIESEven if Havertz were to fire Germany to Euros glory in Berlin on July 14 he would still face the same doubts over whether he is the right fit.But one thing you can rely on is that, eventually, he will prove them wrong.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

KOBBIE MAINOO has left England fans purring with a silky goal in training ahead of the clash against Slovakia.The teenage midfielder is expected to make his first start of Euro 2024 in Sunday’s last 16 tie.Kobbie Mainoo scored a silky solo goal in England training ahead of the clash with SlovakiaCredit: X / @EnglandMainoo’s outside of the foot finish left fans in awe of the teenage midfielderCredit: X / @EnglandEngland face Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen, with the winner meeting Switzerland in the quarter-finals.Ahead of the match, the Three Lions shared footage of a solo goal from Mainoo in training to social media.After collecting a pass from Kieran Trippier, the 19-year-old rolled the ball past Conor Gallagher to set up a chance to shoot.Mainoo then slotted the ball into the bottom corner with the outside of this right foot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEngland fans were left in awe of the Manchester United youngster’s solo strike, with one commenting: “He’s cooking.”Another added: “Got to start.”A third fan also wrote: “What a talent.”Meanwhile, one more said: “Kid’s a joke. Has to start today.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMainoo’s goal comes after he sent United fans into meltdown with a separate training clip on Friday.A stunning turn left Joe Gomez for dead during another small-sided game drill during preparations for the match against Slovakia.Man Utd fans in meltdown over moment Kobbie Mainoo ‘sends Joe Gomez back to Charlton Athletic’ in England training Gareth Southgate is expected to start Mainoo in midfield for the last 16 encounter following his impressive display off the bench last time out.Mainoo replaced Gallagher at half-time against Slovenia on Tuesday, partnering Declan Rice in the England midfield.He also made a four-minute cameo in the opening match against Serbia, which England won 1-0.Despite his goal in training, Mainoo is yet to score in five senior international caps since making his debut in March.However, he has scored five goals in 35 appearances for United.All five have come with his right foot, with the most recent against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More