More stories

  • in

    England fans hint at possible good omen Three Lions will reach Euro 2024 semi-final after dramatic Slovakia comeback

    ENGLAND fans were delighted after finding out England’s quarter-final clash with Switzerland will be broadcast on the BBC.And that means the Three Lions will avoid the dreaded “ITV curse” that has historically plagued them.England fans hint at possible good omenCredit: RexThat England’s quarter-final face off with Switzerland will be broadcast on the BBCCredit: AFPThe Three Lions face the Swiss on Saturday looking to book their place in the last four after a less-than-convincing campaign.England’s latest calamity came in their 2-1 victory over Slovakia.Gareth Southgate’s side conceded inside 25 minutes and needed a 95th-minute bicycle kick from Jude Bellingham to push the game into extra-time.Harry Kane’s header within a minute of the additional 30 ensured England would not go home yet – with the game broadcast on ITV.read more football newsMany fans believe the channel is “cursed” when it comes to England because the Three Lions have struggled in matches shown by them.England have played on ITV 32 times in major tournaments since 1998, winning just eight.They have drawn 14 and lost 10 on the channel, including the 2022 World Cup quarter-final against France.The BBC on the other hand boast a far better record, and showed England’s 3-0 win over Wales and 6-2 victory over Iran in the Qatar World Cup.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe BBC also aired England’s first two Euros games, including the 1-0 win over Serbia and has broadcast 20 wins out of 29.Though perhaps more crucially for England, they will avoid Germany, France, Portugal and Spain until the semi-final stage.Taking to X, one fan wrote: “BBC has first pick of the quarter finals. Phew.”Another said: “Good news, the BBC have the first pick of the Euro 2024 quarter finals. We should win.”A third wrote: “Just been announced BBC will show the England game Saturday afternoon, so glad not to endure ITV.”The best of England vs SlovakiaCHECK out all the best action from England’s rollercoaster Euro 2024 last-16 win over Slovakia.The Rest is Entertainment podcast shed some light on how the BBC and ITV share coverage of the tournament.Co-host Marina Hyde explained: “ITV and the BBC share out games at the Euros and, in fact, all tournaments.”They take it in turns to pick matches but last time around it was ITV’s turn to pick first.”You can choose anything right from the start, it’s like a draft. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But ITV thought, ‘OK, we’ll do semi-final pick one because we think England will do well in this tournament’.”So, the BBC then counter with their next pick – and this is what happened in the room, we’re giving you the inside track here – they countered with quarter-final pick one.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

  • in

    Moment dejected England fans race BACK into Euros stadium after missing Bellingham’s wondergoal & shout ‘back in we go!’

    ENGLAND fans who walked out in disgust moments before Jude Bellingham’s last-gasp goal against Slovakia were eating their words amid ridicule last night.Hilarious footage showed them rushing back into the ground after missing Bellingham’s extraordinary equaliser against Slovakia.Fans ran back into the stadium and fumed as they missed Bellingham’s goal in GelsenkirchenCredit: Jam Press VidDejected fans were previously pictured leaving the stadium and ditching the Three LionsCredit: Jam Press VidFans rushed back into the stadium as Bellingham scored an equaliser in the England vs Slovakia game last nightCredit: Jam Press VidBellingham’s goal secured a dramatic 2-1 win that set up a quarter final with SwitzerlandCredit: RexVideo also caught the moment two other fans left earlier – saying they didn’t want to miss the tramCredit: X formerly twitter / @TJFrancisLiveThe deflated fans were seen leaving the Gelsenkirchen stadium early as they were left disappointed by the team’s performance, led by manager Gareth Southgate – but things quickly picked up at the end.England were saved from defeat in the 95th by Jude’s goal before extra time saw a Harry Kane header secure their spot in the quarter finals in the first minute of the added half an hour.Busy scenes erupted in the 36-second-long clip as several stunned men started to beam and run back into the arena.A couple of them are seen tightly clenching onto their cups as they made the exhilarating jog inside.READ MORE in Euros 2024They certainly regretted abandoning the Three Lions and were even earlier caught blasting the team on camera with an X-rated tirade as they walked off.Do you know the two men above who left early? Contact The Sun at exclusive@the-sun.co.uk or on Whatsapp at 07423 720 250.One fan – vaping as he walked briskly before Bellingham’s 95th minute overhead kick saved the day, initially described the performance as “sh**e” and added that Gareth Southgate had “gone”.It was unclear whether the middle-aged fan – walking briskly alongside a pal in an England shirt – heard the roar from the stadium as Bellingham’s kick hit the net.Most read in Euro 2024The quitters, who stopped cheering on England and left early to avoid travel hold-ups, missed the goals in one of our team’s most dramatic comebacks ever.The supporters were seen leaving Gelsenkirchen stadium early as the Three Lions trailed 1-0 in the last 16 Euro 2024 clash.But a huge roar erupted when the Real Madrid ace made it 1-1 in the 95th minute as fans missed the stunning bicycle kick in the final minutes of injury time.Later on an England fan could be heard asking: “Have we scored?”The supporters, all clutching beers – hastily dashed to get back in.One chanted: “Back in we go, back in we go.”Jude Bellingham defends controversial gesture ‘towards Slovakian bench’ after saving England’s Euro 2024 hopesAnother Three Lions supporter was caught on film leaving the stadium asking “Have England scored?”Told: “Yes, they’ve scored – an equaliser, Jude Bellingham”, the fan says: “Oh God!” and turned to reveal Bellingham’s name on the back of his England shirt.It remains unknown if they were allowed back into the stadium in for extra time but readmission is usually prohibited at football matches.And they will have paid thousands of pounds in travel, hotel and ticket charges to watch the 94 minutes of soccer dross which preceded the excellent turnaround.It sealed a dramatic 2-1 win to set up a quarter final with Switzerland next Saturday on July 6.The 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.Toney 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.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile 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 when they play Switzerland.Bellingham looked elated as he shocked the nation with the dramatic kick so late in the gameCredit: AlamyFans going wild at Boxpark Wembley Credit: Darren FletcherA fan celebrating at Boxpark Wembley Credit: PAThousands of fans cheered on at the stands as England celebrated victoryKane celebrating with Stones and Guehi close behind Credit: AFP More

  • in

    Portugal vs Slovenia: Get £50 in free bets for tonight’s Euro 2024 clash with Betfred

    CRISTIANO RONALDO and his Portugal side clash with Slovenia in tonight’s Euro 2024 last-16 showdown at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt.And brand new Betfred customers can claim a terrific £50 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the Euro 2024 encounter.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles herePortugal vs Slovenia: Get £50 free bets HERE*How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: SUMMER50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on Euro 2024 football, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsPortugal vs Slovenia: Get £50 free bets HERE*Portugal vs Slovenia: Get £50 free bets HERE*Betfred are offering some of the very best tournament specials with free bets and special offers galore. Check them out below!Build your own Bet Builder (3/1+) of 4+ legs on any England match at Euro 2024 and get 100% of your stake back in Free Bets if you lose – CLAIM HERENew to Betfred? Then you can claim this incredible offer.Simply visit the Betfred website using this link HERE* and register a new account using the Promo Code: SUMMER50.Then you just need to deposit and stake £10 on any Euro 2024 football market at odds of Evens or greater.When that first bet has settled — win or lose — Betfred will credit your account with the following free bets;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with SUMMER50 between 31/05/24 – 14/07/24. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

  • in

    Portugal vs Slovenia: Get £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on Euro 2024 with BetMGM

    PORTUGAL clash with Slovenia in tonight’s Euro 2024 last-16 showdown at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt.And bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a whopping £60 in free bets when YOU register an account and stake a tenner on the European Championship encounter.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles herePortugal vs Slovenia: Get £60 in free bets to spend on Euro 2024 with BetMGMCredit: BETMGMHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsPortugal vs Slovenia: Get £60 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. Remember, you must do this within seven days of opening your account.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Portugal vs Slovenia: Get £60 in free bets — claim yours here**BetMGM. New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

  • in

    Portugal vs Slovenia preview: Free betting tips, odds and predictions for Euro 2024 clash

    PORTUGAL clash with Slovenia in tonight’s Euro 2024 last-16 showdown at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt.SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest, and carefully selected our best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our partners for the Euro 2024 showdown.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereFree bets for Portugal vs Slovenia from our partnersWilliam Hill: Get your £60 in free bets when you stake a tenner on Portugal vs Slovenia – CLAIM HERE*Betfred: Free bets – Get £50 in free football bets when you bet on Portugal vs Slovenia – CLAIM HERE*BetMGM: Get £60 in free bets to spend on football, including Portugal vs Slovenia – CLAIM HERE*talkSPORT BET: Get £30 in free bets to spend on Euro 2024 when you stake a tenner on Portugal vs Slovenia – CLAIM HERE*Tote: Bet £10 on Portugal vs Slovenia to get £50 in bonuses – CLAIM HERELadbrokes: Bet £5 on Portugal vs Slovenia to get £20 in free bets – CLAIM HERE*Already have these accounts? Don’t worry, we’ve got loads more terrific deals with our partners!Offer of the day!William Hill £60 bonusWilliam Hill is celebrating Euro 2024 by offering new customers a generous welcome bonus. Register and stake £10 on football to receive £60 in free bets and bonuses.Get £60 in free bets and bonuses when you stake a tenner on football at Euro 2024 – CLAIM HERE*Portugal vs Slovenia previewRoberto Martinez and his new Golden Generation are strong favourites to defeat Slovenia and advance to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the France vs Belgium match.Portugal began the tournament with two consecutive victories, securing the top spot in Group F. However, they suffered a surprising 2-0 loss to Georgia, which was statistically the biggest upset in Euros history.The result was somewhat excusable as Martinez made significant changes to the lineup. But for the match against Slovenia tonight, Portugal will be at their strongest with the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva returning to the starting XI — both of whom scored in the 3-0 win against Turkey.Portugal, the 2016 European Champions, are confident given their 51-place advantage over Slovenia in FIFA’s world rankings.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHowever, Slovenia handed Martinez his first defeat as Portugal manager in March. Slovenia can also take heart from remaining undefeated in the tournament, having drawn against Denmark, Serbia, and England in the group stages.Managed by Matjaz Kek, Slovenia have not lost in 2024, with three wins and five draws from eight matches. Their last defeat was against Denmark in November 2023.Portugal have always progressed from the group stage in all nine of their Euro campaigns. However, Cristiano Ronaldo is experiencing a goal drought, having failed to score in his last seven major tournament appearances for Portugal despite making 19 attempts. That’s his longest such run without a goal.Portugal vs Slovenia preview: Betting tips, odds and predictions for Euro 2024Portugal vs Slovenia oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.Portugal vs Slovenia betting tipsSaves!Slovenia have done a pretty good job of defending their goal in this tournament with goalkeeper Jan Oblak having made an average of three saves in each fixture.To put that in perspective, Georgia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili made 29 saves in his four encounters at Euro 2024.But it could be a busy assignment for the Atletico Madrid superstar tonight against a Portugal side who’ve registered the third-highest number of shots at the tournament (54) having played a game less than Germany (71) and Spain (84).Jan Oblak Over 4 Saves at 6/4 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREShotsAnd if we think that goalkeeper Jan Oblak will be busy tonight, chances are it’ll be Cristiano Ronaldo testing him.The iconic Portugal forward, 39, fired off more efforts at goal than any player in the group stage at Euro 2024 (12) despite being withdrawn with 25 minutes remaining against Georgia.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner holds the honour of the most EURO finals appearances (25) and goals (14), and he’ll be desperate to add to that tally tonight against old foe Oblak.Cristiano Ronaldo Over 4 Shots at Evens with William Hill – CLAIM HEREThe assisterWhere there is goals, there is assists and that’s more often than not comes from the feet of Bruno Fernandes.The Manchester United star, 29, provided 13 assists in a difficult campaign for the Red Devils and boasts 20 in 69 appearances at international level.In fact, Bruno has NINE assists in his last 15 games for Portugal and seven key passes into the penalty area for his colleagues at Euro 2024.Bruno Fernandes to provide an assist at 7/4 with William Hill – CLAIM HERERemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk *Ladbrokes. 18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £/€5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*New customers only. Register with SUMMER50 between 31/05/24 – 14/07/24. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.*TalkSPORT BET: 18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile & bet £10+ on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly.*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G50 on registration. £/€10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £/€10 Place). Receive £/€20 Tote Credit, £/€20 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.*Tote Euro 2024. Online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Opt-in required. £5 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater each England game of the Euros 2024 to qualify each time. One entry per customer per match. For each England goal scored within a 90-minute match throughout the tournament (extra time and penalties do not count), qualifying customers will be credited (within 24 hours) £1 Tote Credit to use on placepot. Free placepot subject to 7-day expiry. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. More

  • in

    Kyle Walker given his second 3/10 rating by L’Equipe after Slovakia horror show and boss Southgate given shock score

    KYLE WALKER was given a brutal 3/10 rating by French outlet L’Equipe following England’s narrow 2-1 win over Slovakia on Sunday.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.Kyle Walker was given a 3/10 rating for his performance against SlovakiaCredit: AlamyGareth Southgate was given a rating of sixCredit: GettyIvan Schranz fired Slovakia into an unprecedented 1-0 lead in the first half.England were 30 seconds from crashing out of the tournament when Bellingham scored an injury-time bicycle kick to level the score.It then took just a few minutes for Kane to complete the comeback in extra time.Bellingham, Kane, Kobbie Mainoo and Declan Rice were considered England’s best players by L’Equipe, all receiving a six.Read More on Euro 2024Meanwhile, Walker – who appeared to be out of position when Slovakia scored in the first half – was given a three.It was his second 3/10 in less than week as he received the same rating for his performance during England’s bore 0-0 draw with Slovenia.Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Marc Guehi and Jordan Pickford all received fives, while Kieran Trippier and John Stones were given a four.And manager Gareth Southgate, despite England’s poor performance overall, was handed a six.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSL’Equipe player ratings vs SlovakiaThe Three Lions next face Switzerland in the quarter-finals.But they will be without star centre-back Guehi, who received his second yellow card of the tournament at the weekend.England vs Slovakia player ratingsTrippier could also be absent for Saturday’s match after picking up a knock.And with Luke Shaw yet to return from his injury, Southgate could be forced into a defensive reshuffle.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

  • in

    Alan Shearer urges Gareth Southgate to make THREE changes to starting XI for Switzerland after Slovakia rollercoaster

    ALAN SHEARER has urged Gareth Southgate to start Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa against Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-final.The Three Lions faced a humiliating last 16 exit at the hands of Slovakia before the heroics of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.Alan Shearer has begged Southgate to make changesCredit: GettyAnthony Gordon is one of named changes Shearer wants to seeCredit: AlamyEzri Konsa will likely replace the suspended Marc GuehiCredit: GettyThe only two to have scored for England at Euro 2024, again sparred Southgate’s blushes with a last-gasp 2-1 victory on Sunday.England have therefore set up a last eight showdown with Switzerland on Saturday.But a lack of cohesion, creativity and energy has been levied against the squad and manager who repeatedly fails to make substitutions. And now Shearer has called on Southgate to make drastic changes to his starting XI.read more football newsThe former England striker told The Rest is Football podcast: “I would keep Palmer in and I would bring Gordon in. “I would keep Mainoo in because he’s done enough.’Konsa will likely get the nod after Marc Guehi’s third minute booking against Slovakia left him suspended for the quarter-final.Shearer added: “I would go with Konsa. He is the one who has been involved a little bit more so I would bring him in.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Left-back, that’s another problem. Shaw won’t be able to play, he didn’t even come on for a few minutes so he can’t start, he hasn’t played for months.”Southgate’s substitutions, or lack of, have been a talking point among fans and pundits throughout the competition.The Sun’s Charlie Wyett gives his thoughts as England scrape passed Slovakia by ‘skin of their teeth’Ivan Toney, Conor Gallagher and Konsa all entered the fray late on to help push the Three Lions through.Shearer also insisted there can be “no excuses” for the ”no energy, no pace” that was displayed.Gary Lineker, 63, said: “Not at one point did I think England wouldn’t win that game. Late, late drama, of course. And England, I think it’s fair to say, scraped through against Slovakia in the round of 16.“I don’t think any of us really expected what we saw, to be perfectly honest. God, it was so stressful watching it, wasn’t it?”The minutes played by the three England starsAnthony Gordon has played ONE minute at Euro 2024. Gordon was brought on in the 89th minute in England’s dire goalless draw with Slovenia in the final group game.Cole Palmer also did not feature in England’s first two group games.The Chelsea star has played 73 minutes in the tournament, across four matches.Palmer received 19 minutes against Slovenia and 54 minutes of England vs Slovakia.Ezri Konsa nine minutes of extra-time in the 2-1 clash on Sunday.The best of England vs SlovakiaCHECK out all the best action from England’s rollercoaster Euro 2024 last-16 win over Slovakia. More

  • in

    Meet Spain wonderkid Lamine Yamal, who has taken Euro 2024 by storm and is Barcelona’s youngest player this century

    ANOTHER star turn at the Euros, ANOTHER coming of age performance.Spain’s wonderkid Lamine Yamal, 16, has turned heads not just because of his tender years, but his outstanding ability.Lamine Yamal has been a sensation for Spain at the EurosCredit: ReutersAged just 16, Yamal has made history and is tipped to be the next world record transferCredit: GettyAlongside Arsenal target Nico Williams, he has provided his country’s attacking threat from the wings – as they have slowly edged their way towards being the people’s favourites to lift the Euro 2024 crown.And he’s done this all alongside his school work.Yamal revealed: “I’ve brought my homework with me because I’m finishing high school. I have classes on the web and I’m doing well, I hope the teacher doesn’t fail me.”It’s no wonder that PSG are considering smashing the previous world transfer record they set when they paid £199million for Neymar on the teenage sensation.Read more football newsAt just 15, Yamal made his debut for Barcelona in LaLiga – coming off the bench for a lively cameo.In doing so, he became the Catalan giants’ youngest ever player this century.And Yamal keeps on breaking the standards.He is Spain’s youngest ever goalscorer, and the youngest player to play at the Euros in the 64-year history of the competition.Most read in Euro 2024His story begins as a Barcelona native.Growing upBorn to a Moroccan father and Guinean mother, Yamal grew up in the suburb of Mataro.He is fiercely proud of his roots – donning the flags of both of those countries on his Adidas F50 boots, the same worn by his idol Lionel Messi, who he has been compared to, and told GQ that the same people who call him the ‘next Messi’ are also likely to criticise him.His mum and dad split when he was young, so he divided his time between two homes – using a train pass to get around.Meet Spain’s stunning WagsHowever, a young Yamal was always drawn to his mother’s cooking – and his favourite dish, rice with peanut sauce.A love of his grandma’s pastries is also another guilty pleasure.Getting scoutedYamal was scouted by La Masia talent spotters at the age of just five.Such was his talent early on, he would play for three age groups as his development was carefully managed.The winger progressed through the ranks – standing out for the U16 side aged just 13.He tore through the youth league with ease, with the club very aware of the unique talent they had on their hands.In 2022, he skipped an entire age group to play for the U19 side, where he continued to blossom.Teen sensation Yamal appeared as a cover star in the Spanish GQWhen Yamal was jut 15, he was already training with Barcelona’s first teamCredit: GettyGrowing up, Yamal idolised Lionel Messi and has been compared to the ArgentineCredit: Getty”He is always asking questions, he has a very good predisposition to evolve. You have to treat him calmly and not rush,” his former youth coach Oscar Lopez revealed.By that point, ex-Barça boss Xavi deemed the prodigy good enough to train with the first team squad – integrating the generational talent into his sessions.It was a matter of time when the LaLiga giants couldn’t hold Yamal back anymore and had to unleash him into the world.Making his debutOn the 29 April, 2023, fans were given their first glimpse of Yamal as he made his debut for the club against Real Betis.Aged just 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days he ran onto the pitch in the 83rd minute to replace another wonderkid, Gavi with the score at 4-0.The wide forward became the youngest player to appear for Barcelona’s first team since the 15-year-old Armando Sagi in 1922, over a century before.And he soon made an impact. In those limited minutes on the pitch, Yamal registered a shot at Betis’ goal.Ex-Barcelona coach Xavi gave Yamal his LaLiga debut last yearCredit: ReutersYamal made an instant impact from the bench during his brief cameoCredit: AFPread more sport featuresHe also would have had an assist, if not for better finishing from a teammate.At the final whistle, his former coach’s words echoed what the fans saw.”I told him to try things and he did,” Xavi said. “At 15 years old, just imagine it… He is special and he could have even scored tonight, but [Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva] saved.”He played with confidence and he showed what he is about. He has no fear and bags of talent. Some of his passes in the final third were really good.”The justified hype began.He just keeps shattering recordsJust a few months after setting the world alight, Spain made Yamal a full international.He earned his first cap against Georgia in a 7-1 win back in September, finding the net in the rout.Again, he made history. He is now La Roja’s youngest ever player and goalscorer at just 16 years and 57 days old.Better still, he shattered Gareth Bale’s long-standing Euro qualifier record, who scored at the age of 17 years and 83 days old.Spain Euro 2024 guideSPAIN’S team may not be a patch on the one that dominated world football 15 years ago – which had superstars coming out of its ears.But they still topped a qualifying group consisting of Scotland and Erling Haaland’s Norway by winning nine out of ten games.MANAGER: Luis de la FuenteSurprise choice as coach but won the Under-21 Euros in 2019 and an Olympic silver medal a year later.KEY MAN: RodriRodri is arguably the greatest holding midfielder the Premier League has ever seen. But will he have enough left in the tank after complaints of tiredness at Man City?How Spain attackSpain will be a different side to that which we have seen in recent years, with the 4-3-3 replaced by a more structured 4-2-3-1 formation.The full-backs, attacking midfielders and wingers are all ready to push forward while Rodri and Fabian Ruiz sit deep in the quarterback role.How Spain defendSpain’s two deep midfielders allow the rest of the team to push forward and press high up the pitch.Their focus will be on either dispossessing the opposition defence or forcing opponents to play long by cutting off the short pass option.Read the full Spain Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and WagsYamal terrorised the Italian defence in the group stages at the EurosCredit: EPASpain are one of the favourites because of Yamal’s blistering speed and abilityCredit: APAlongside Nico Williams, La Roja have become a team to be feared with Yamal in attackCredit: ReutersIt was no surprise that a month after his exploits, Barcelona tied Yamal up to a new that should keep him to the club until 2026.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnyone who wants to sign him will have to cough up his release clause – which stands at a staggering £1billion.PSG, you have been warned. More