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      Germany vs Denmark LIVE RESULT: Havertz and Musiala score as hosts win following long 20-minute lightning delay

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      KAI HAVERTZ and Jamal Musiala scored as VAR controversy and a long lightning delay interrupted Germany’s last 16 clash win over Denmark.The game had been SUSPENDED for over 20 minutes as heavy rain lashed the pitch and lightning struck close to the stadium.An early Nico Schlotterbeck header was disallowed by English referee Michael Oliver, before Denmark also had a goal disallowed for offside moments before the penalty was awarded via snickometer.TV/stream: ITV1 / ITVXGermany team: Neuer, Rudiger, Schlotterbeck, Raum, Kimmich, Andrich, Kroos, Gundogan, Sane, Musiala, Havertz.Denmark team: Schmeichel, Andersen, Christensen, Vestergaard, Bah, Delaney, Hojbjerg, Maehle, Eriksen, Olsen, Hojlund.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollow our live blog below…Full match report – Alex Smith What a spectacle we witnessed in that game, which saw Germany progress and Denmark dumped out of Euro 2024. You can read the full match report from our man in Dortmund, here: Copy linkCopiedWirtz, Lightning and MusialaNot quite Earth, Wind and Fire, but the elements played more than their fair share in tonight’s game. But that is what Denmark had to try and survive tonight, and tried they did. The Danes put up a valiant effort to try and fight back against the Germans after an early onslaught, when the game was suspended due to some awful weather conditions. Lightning stuck Dortmund and thunder crashed around the sky before it started to pour through the stadium roof, which leaked a la Old Trafford. Some took to dancing in the rain, including these two fans who made the most of the occasion. These two fans made the most of the rain in DortmundCredit: EPALightning struck Germany and the players had to evacuate the pitchCopy linkCopiedMagic MusialaJamal Musiala looked like he played the game at a different pace to the rest of the players out there at points tonight. The German maestro, who was raised on the streets of London and played academy football for Chelsea, was simply unplayable. He was at times a master puppeteer, who had the likes of Bah and Andersen on strings, as he weaved his way through the Danish defence with something of a cross stitch. Bayern’s boy has been Germany’s man at this tournament so far, and he currently sits joint top of the goal scoring charts with three goals, taking no penalties in the process. It’s easy to see why he was so highly rated across Europe before this game, but if you were not familiar with the name Jamal Musiala before Euro 2024, you will be after it. Germany’s Jamal Musiala was our man of the matchCredit: APCopy linkCopiedMatch stats This is how the match stats look at full-time. It was a game that quite literally had everything. Three disallowed goals, a thunderstorm interruption, and two goals that counted, both in the favour of the hosts. The match stats as Germany beat Denmark by two goals to nilCopy linkCopiedFULL-TIME: Germany 2-0 DenmarkIt’s all over here in Dortmund, and the tournament hosts will be advancing to the quarter-finals to play the winner of Spain vs Georgia tomorrow. Congratulations Germany! Commiserations Denmark…Copy linkCopiedGermany 2-0 Denmark90+4. Kai Havertz has another chance to shoot across goal, but he misses once more. Copy linkCopiedGermany 2-0 Denmark90+3. Confirmed, goal disallowed. Copy linkCopiedGOAL DISALLOWED! Germany 2-0 Denmark90+1. Florian Wirtz thinks he has made it three, but instead he makes it three disallowed goals in the game. However, it will be checked…Copy linkCopiedGermany 2-0 Denmark90. There will be five minutes of added time at the end of the game here. Copy linkCopiedGermany 2-0 Denmark88. A nice try from Benjamin Henrichs who lashes a shot from distance, but it flies wayyyyyyy over the bar. Worth a try, I guess. Copy linkCopiedGermany 2-0 Denmark85. The game has become somewhat chaotic now after the changes, Denmark are going hell for leather to try and get a goal to get back in the game, but that Germany defence is standing strong. Copy linkCopiedGermany 2-0 Denmark80. Changes galore here in Dortmund. Jonas Wind, Jacob Bruun Larsen and Mikkel Damsgaard are on for Denmark, replacing Rasmus Hojlund, Andreas Christensen and Christian Eriksen. For Germany, Bundesliga Player of the Season Florian Wirtz is coming on for Jamal Musiala, and Benjamin Henrichs is on in place of David Raum. Copy linkCopiedGermany 2-0 Denmark78. Another corner for Eriksen and Denmark, which is halted as Vestergaard shoves Joshua Kimmich to the floor. Kai Havertz clears the corner well – like an old-fashioned centre-forward in that sense, which I like. Copy linkCopiedGermany 2-0 Denmark76. Denmark have a corner after a lapse in concentration by Schlotterbeck. It is whipped in by Eriksen, but cleared well by Germany. Copy linkCopiedGermany 2-0 Denmark73. Germany have got a grip on the game again here, with Toni Kroos comfortable in bossing the game, Musiala picks it up and looks dangerous once more, but this time is stopped in his tracks by Andersen. Copy linkCopiedGermany 2-0 Denmark70. Toni Kroos slips a ball into Havertz who makes another dangerous run, but he is offside once more. You have to feel a bit for the Danes here…Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLLL! Germany 2-0 Denmark67. JAMAL MUSIALA MAKES IT TWO!He goes level at the top of the Euros goal scoring charts!A great ball is played over the top, and he takes a gorgeous first touch before slotting it into the bottom right corner with his right foot. Poetry in motion, Jamal Musiala. Copy linkCopiedGermany 1-0 Denmark65. Kai Havertz and Ilkay Gundogan are replaced by Niclas Fullkrug and Emre Can. Fullkrug has four tournament goals in six appearances, all from the BENCH. Noted. Copy linkCopiedGermany 1-0 Denmark62. Jamal Musiala the puppeteer here in Dortmund, as he moves with the ball on strings on the left-hand side. Kai Havertz runs through on goal and plays the ball into Leroy Sane, but the former is called as offside. Copy linkCopiedGermany 1-0 Denmark58. HUGE MISS FROM HAVERTZ!An absolute sublime touch from the Germany forward sees him through on goal as he waves Auf Wiedersehn to the Danish defence.He just does not have the finish to match as he tries to dink the keeper and puts it wide of the post. Oh Kai…Copy linkCopiedGermany 1-0 Denmark56. Germany finally have lift-off, and they have outscored but not necessarily outplayed the Danes here. Denmark come forward straight away, but Bah is booked after a clash of heads with Robert Andrich. Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLLL! Germany 1-0 Denmark53. KAI HAVERTZ SMASHES HOME THE PENALTY!Kasper Schmeichel went the right way but it is a brilliant strike from the Germany and Arsenal forward into the bottom right hand corner. Germany finally have the lead in this game!Copy linkCopiedPENALTY CHECK: Germany 0-0 Denmark51. Moments after the disallowed goal we have got a check for a potential handball by the man who scored it, Joachim Anderson!It was from very close range, but could well be a penalty here. IT’S GIVEN.Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLLL! NO! Germany 0-0 Denmark50. DENMARK STRIKE FIRST. JOACHIM ANDERSEN, HIS FIRST DENMARK GOAL!Hold on. This will be checked…The goal is ruled out for offside, and in a game that could easily have been 1-1, we are stuck at 0-0. Copy linkCopiedSECOND-HALF: Germany 0-0 Denmark45. We are back underway in Dortmund here, and we are crossing everything we have got that we can get to the end of this game safely and on time!Copy linkCopied More

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      England Euro 2024 security blow after star’s dad has Rolex stolen from hotel room while watching son play

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      ENGLAND star Ivan Toney’s father had a  Rolex watch  stolen  from his hotel room  while watching his son at the Euros.The Brentford striker’s dad, Ivan Snr, left the designer timepiece in his room on a matchday while in Germany supporting the Three Lions.Ivan Toney’s father had a Rolex watch stolen from his hotel roomThe type and value of his missing Rolex is not known but Ivan Toney was pictured wearing a £53,350 Rolex Day Date watchMr Toney found his watch had gone when he returned to his £400-a-night room  at Dusseldorf’s  Melia Hotel.He reported it to the  hotel and a police investigation was launched.The type and value of his missing Rolex is not known but his footballer son has been pictured wearing a £53,350 Rolex Day Date watch.It vanished between June 15 and June 16 – the date of England’s 1-0 curtain-raiser win over Serbia at Euro 2024, when Ivan was an unused substitute.READ MORE ON IVAN TONEYA Düsseldorf police spokesman said: “A watch was stolen from the hotel room.“It happened some time between the evening of the 15th and the morning of the 16th of June and was a particularly serious case of theft“As this is a very valuable watch containing a serial number, it is very likely that we will find it soon – at least as soon as the thief tries to put it up for sale.”A spokesman for the Melia Hotel said: “The matter was promptly reported to the authorities, who are now undertaking the pertinent investigation.Most read in Euro 2024“We are fully cooperating with the police in all necessary aspects of their inquiry and, on our part, have no further comments to provide while the investigation is in progress.”Inside Ivan Toney’s Life As A FootballerA source said: “It’s being taken very seriously because of the very high value of the property taken – and is a matter of serious concern to the hotel management.”Several players’ families were staying at the Melia Hotel – a 45-minute drive from Gelsenkirchen Stadium – over the weekend of England’s Euro 2024 opener.Star Ivan  is close to both his parents, who split up during his childhood.He spoke emotionally of how his mum Lisa struggled to make ends meet as he grew up in Northampton and skipped meals to ensure he was well fed as he chased his soccer dream.Ivan Snr – aged in his 50’s – supported him during his youth career at Northampton Town, Newcastle United, Barnsley, and Peterborough United.And the proud dad made sure he was in Germany to see his son’s first appearance in an England squad abroad.The Football Association declined to comment yesterday. More

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      Slovakia are better than Iceland were at Euro 2016, here’s what Southgate must do for England to avoid another upset

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      I was in the England team the last time we played Slovakia at a major tournament.The circumstances were very different. It was the last group game at Euro 2016 and a 0-0 draw was enough for us to get through to the knockouts.England are hoping to impress on Sunday after a 0-0 draw against Slovenia last time outCredit: GettyEuro 2016 saw England knocked out by IcelandCredit: AFP or licensorsThen we played Iceland and everyone knows what happened. Sunday’s game against Slovakia could present similar challenges and we don’t want a repeat of the result.The most important job for Gareth Southgate and his coaches is a psychological one. Because of the way the team has struggled in the group games against teams playing in a block, it is understandable players might feel concerned.It’s human nature, that if you overthink things, you go into worst-case scenarios. Gareth and his backroom team will do all they can to not allow that to happen.READ MORE ON EURO 2024They need to focus on what it will take to win, not talking or thinking about what happens if we don’t win.The Iceland game might be on a few players’ minds, especially those like Harry Kane, Kyle Walker and John Stones who were actually there.But one of the main things Gareth has done well is build a culture and an environment that can manage situations like this, with leaders in the team.Since Iceland, we have played in knockout games against teams we should beat and we have beaten them. This team know they can do it because they have done it before.Most read in FootballHarry Kane was part of the England side who lost to Iceland in 2016Credit: AFP – GettyEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSIt was different back in 2016. There was a lingering feeling from the years of the Golden Generation that had not won something when people thought they should. The perception was a little bit, “These big players, do they really care? They don’t really play for England like they do for their clubs”.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesAt the 2014 World Cup we had gone out in the group stage. There was pressure on us going into Euro 2016.Sometimes it felt like people were waiting for England to fail. But a lot of the time we did!Under Gareth, we have broken that cycle. We don’t want to slip back into it, despite the negativity there is around the team at the moment.The manager and his coaches need to strike a careful balance between highlighting Slovakia’s strengths and where they can hurt us, and emphasising that we are superior in most positions.Slovakia are almost certainly better than Iceland were in 2016. They will have their chances in the game. But England are superior and I’m confident they can avoid a repeat of the Iceland game.Looking at this current England team, back then we had similar struggles when we faced a team that just sat in a block. There was no space to play between the lines. We had a lot of possession in front. We missed that final pass and final moment of quality.But although there are similarities, the outcome should be different today.England were a bit better against Slovenia at playing through the lines with speed.There was a move towards the end where Anthony Gordon punched through the lines to Kobbie Mainoo and combined. We have to do that more.Kobbie Mainoo is set to start against SlovakiaCredit: GettyLuke Shaw is back in full training for EnglandCredit: RexIt 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.If Luke Shaw is fit enough, I would like to see him get 60 minutes so he is ready if we get through.I would like to see Declan Rice holding on his own, with Anthony Gordon playing wide left, Bukayo Saka on the right, with Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham in the middle.But it seems the only change will be to start Mainoo. That in itself will make a difference. He can be the player who makes that pass, or the one who receives it, and there were signs, in the second half against Slovenia, of a good understanding between him and Rice.We will have to be patient to earn those opportunities to play the key pass. We have to move the ball side to side and make their lines shift across a little bit quicker. Then, when the moment comes, go through, because we have the quality to do that.If it doesn’t happen, with the success of the changes in the last game when Cole Palmer and Gordon came on, I’d have them ready earlier, maybe at half-time.Gareth will be trying to highlight the progress they had in the last game.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis is about taking the next step. If you look at previous winners of the tournament, they weren’t always firing from the start.We will have to peak at some point and hopefully that will be in the final.Gareth Southgate’s side can still burst into lifeCredit: PA More

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      England’s WAGs so confident their boys will beat minnows Slovakia they have booked jets for quarter finals

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      ENGLAND’S WAGs are so confident their men will beat Slovakia today they have booked private jets to visit them after the game.Some are flying from Manchester to the match in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, and have then chartered the plane for Tuesday to take them to the team hotel in Blankenhain.England’s WAGs have chartered the plane to take them to the team hotel the day after the gameCredit: BackGridThe WAGs travel plans suggest they do not expect to see the England team loseCredit: InstagramA source told the Sun on Sunday: “They are flying out to Germany for the match, but as it’s a knockout stage there’s obviously no guarantee England will still be in the Euros after the final whistle.“But they are confident their men can do the business. “The onward flight has already been booked to take them to the England camp. “They are not expecting the team to lose today.READ MORE ON WAGS“It’s been a long haul already, with all the travelling, but they are hugely supportive and love spending what time they can with players.”While the WAGs fly across Germany to the team camp at the luxury Weimarer Land hotel and spa, it is thought England star Phil Foden could be heading in the opposite direction, back to England.The 24-year-old flew home on Wednesday to be at partner Rebecca Cooke’s side as she gave birth to a baby boy, their third child.He then returned to the camp to resume training ahead of today’s game, but is thought to be planning another brief visit home if England make it to Saturday’s quarter finals.Most read in Euro 2024Foden — the Premier League’s player of the Year — already has children Ronnie, four, and True, one, with childhood sweetheart Rebecca, 22.’Super spiritual’ England star Phil Foden and his Wag Rebecca Cooke visit PSYCHIC in bid to help England win Euro 2024Players’ families have had the opportunity to visit the team camp after each match so far.But the remote setting of the five-star hotel complex in Blankenhain means the total distance they travelled through the group stage was around 3,200 miles.The FA laid on a family fun day after the second game, with bouncy castles and burger trucks.An FA source confirmed any families who want to visit after today’s game — should England win — are welcome. Jarrod Bowen’s partner Dani Dyer has been seen watching the England gamesCredit: GettyBukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson was snapped watching the teamCredit: GettyIt comes as fans are set for a beer and barbecue celebration today as they pray the Three Lions finally get the Euros party started after a dull start to the tournament.Supermarkets have seen a huge boost in sales of booze, barbecues and burgers ahead of the match.Fans will knock back around 32million pints today — six million more than a normal Sunday — giving a £28.8million boost to pubs.At home, an expected TV audience of around 16million will tune in, with thousands more watching in bars and in fan zones.Asda has seen the sale of barbecues rocket by 44 per cent and have sold nearly 400,000 burgers. Tesco is expecting this weekend to be its best for barbecue sales all year.Tens of thousands of England fans are in Gelsenkirchen for today’s game. Only 6,500 tickets have been made available to England by UEFA, but Three Lions fans are expected to take up around three-quarters of the ground.READ MORE SUN STORIESTesco worker Alan Pearcy, 51, of Newcastle, said: “If you look at the last Euros it was very similar.“We started off playing poorly, but then we got better as it went on.”Captain Harry Kane embraced partner Katie Goodland after England’s openerCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) England vs Slovenia More

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      Germany vs Denmark clash suspended after LIGHTNING strikes at Euro 2024 stadium as players sent to dressing rooms

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      GERMANY’S Euro 2024 clash against Denmark was halted due to lightening and a heavy downpour.A huge thunderstorm hit Dortmund after an extreme weather warning was issued yesterday.Lightning flashed above the stadium in DortmundCredit: itvTorrential rain poured downCredit: RexGermany and Denmark players rushed off the pitchCredit: AFPAnd they went to the dressing rooms for 20 minutes as they waited for the conditions to easeCredit: itvSome fans loved the rainCredit: ReutersEnglish referee Michael Oliver kept play going for five minutes before suspending the last-16 match with 36 minutes on the clock.German and Danish players appealed it was not safe to continue as hailstones then bounced off the pitch. The drenched English official eventually blew his whistle and signalled that the game was suspended.Oliver ushered the teams off the field and the stars briefly took shelter in the dugout.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey were then told to go to their dressing rooms and wait for the rain to ease.The stadium announcer then read out a message to supporters, saying: “Due to adverse weather conditions the match has been suspended. Further information will follow shortly.”And the rain continued to pour down for another 15 minutes as fans took cover in the concourses.However, some braved the adverse conditions and were spotted singing in the rain with their tops off.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSMeanwhile, in a desperate attempt to not have the game called off, stadium staff tried to sweep rain off the side of the sidelines.Fortunately, the weather eased and the match continued after a 24 minute delay in total.How hosts Germany look to return to their best for Euro 2024Players then reappeared to complete the first-half, with Uefa protocol allowed them five minutes to warm-up.The game was restarted with a drop ball to Germany.VAR controversy also overshadowed the match, which the hosts eventually won 2-0 via goals from Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala.Yesterday, German meteorologist Dominik Jung warned: “From Saturday evening and into the night on Sunday, there is a risk of severe thunderstorms from the south west and west to the middle of Germany.”These could bring extremely heavy rain, with amounts of between 40 and 80 litres per square meter within a few hours.”Large hail with a diameter of around 3 cm is also expected, as are strong storm or hurricane gusts with speeds of between 100 and 140 km/h.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Tornadoes cannot be ruled out either.”It is the second time a huge downpour has hit Dortmund at Euro 2024 after heavy rain fell prior to the Turkey vs Georgia group stage clash.Water was flowing off the roof above the Danish endCredit: EPAFans were drenched in the standsCredit: PASupporters at the front rushed inside for coverCredit: APStadium staff swept water off the sidelinesCredit: APEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Fans claim ‘English refs have struck again’ as Germany goal is controversially disallowed by Michael Oliver

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      GERMANY were controversially denied an early goal during their Euro 2024 round of 16 clash by English referee Michael Oliver.Nico Schlotterbeck rose to head home Toni Kroos’ fourth minute corner, only for Oliver to blow up for a supposed foul by Joshua Kimmich.Nico Schlotterbeck headed beyond Kasper SchmeichelCredit: APJoshua Kimmich was adjudged to have fouled Alexander Skov OlsenMichael Oliver explains his decision to Ilkay GundoganCredit: EPASchlotterbeck, 24, wheeled away in celebration, with pandemonium in the stands.Oliver broke German hearts, however, by adjudging Kimmich to have blocked off Alexander Skov Olsen, who has been trying to chase Schlotterbeck.Many fans slated the decision, taking to social media to vent.One fumed: “English refs ruining games as always.”READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSWhile a second moaned: “These English refs absolutely stink, this competition has made it very apparent to everyone else.”A third posted: “England’s squad and the English refs seemingly having a competition to see who can stink up this tournament the most.”Another added: “I see Michael Oliver is already trending less then 5 minutes into the game. The English refs never fail to disappoint, do they?”In the 36th minute, Oliver was forced to take players off due to extreme weather.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHost city Dortmund was hit by a storm, with torrential rain, thunder and lightning.Oliver allowed play to continue for around five minutes after the storm began, before stopping following complaints from players that it was not safe to continue.Huge brawl breaks out at full-time of Czech Republic vs Turkey as referee forced to give red card AFTER final whistleEarlier in the week, weather experts warned of a potential tornado.Meteorologist Dominik Jung told Bild: “From Saturday evening and into the night on Sunday, there is a risk of severe thunderstorms from the south west and west to the middle of Germany.”These could bring extremely heavy rain, with amounts of between 40 and 80 litres per square meter within a few hours.”Large hail with a diameter of around 3 cm is also expected, as are strong storm or hurricane gusts with speeds of between 100 and 140 km/h.”Tornadoes cannot be ruled out either.”After a few minutes of waiting by the dugouts, players were taken back inside.Denmark went on to feel aggrieved in the second half, when Joachim Andersen had a goal disallowed for offside following a VAR check.Things then went from bad to worse for Andersen moments later, when he conceded a penalty for handball following another VAR check.Kai Havertz then converted the spot kick to put Germany into a controversial lead.Jamal Musiala then doubled his side’s lead 15 minutes later, with the hosts going on to win 2-0.READ MORE SUN STORIESEarlier in the tournament, Anthony Taylor and his team of officials were criticised for disallowing Xavi Simons’ strike during Holland’s 0-0 draw with France.He adjudged Denzel Dumfries to have interfered with play from an offside position, despite the ball whizzing in way out of Mike Maignan’s reach.The match was suspended due to a torrential downpourCredit: EPA More

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      ‘Streets ahead of us’ – England fans terrified of potential Euro 2024 final after seeing how good Switzerland are

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      ENGLAND fans are worried after seeing Switzerland cruise past Italy 2-0.Should the Three Lions beat Slovakia, Gareth Southgate’s side will face the Swiss in the quarter-finals.Switzerland comfortably beat Italy 2-0Credit: ReutersAnd the performance has England fans worriedCredit: GettyEngland will play the Swiss if they beat Slovakia tomorrowCredit: GettyDespite three underwhelming displays in the group stage, England remain favourites to win in Gelsenkirchen tomorrow.Meanwhile, the Swiss rolled on as they comfortably sent the holders Italy home via goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas.In the group stage, they beat Hungary 3-1 before drawing with Germany and Scotland 1-1.And their solid recent performances have left England fans concerned their road to Euro 2024 glory could end in the last eight.READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSOne supporter said: “This Switzerland team easily beat England if they’re to get through btw.”Another added: “Switzerland genuinely better England at this rate.”A third panicked: “People keep saying England have an easy route to the final. Don’t fancy us much against this Switzerland side.”More said: “England should be very worried about the prospect of playing this Switzerland side should we beat Slovakia tomorrow. Tactically they are streets ahead of us.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEven BBC pundit Micah Richards is concerned, admitting: “I was excited before but I’m not so confident now.Gary Lineker added: “They will take some beating for sure.”Watch as Switzerland supporter is smacked in face by ball but fans can’t get over Scot’s reaction in front of himBut Rio Ferdinand remains hopeful, saying: “If I was in that England squad now and this draw came out I would not be able to sleep with excitement. “I would be respecting all the other teams but we have got the chance and the best chance to get to the final.”Switzerland Euro 2024 guideIN RECENT years, the Swiss national team have been as reliable as one of their watches.They’ll always be at tournaments and always go out in the last 16 – with the exception of Euro 2020 when they stunned France to win on penalties and reach the quarter-finals.MANAGER: Murat YakinFormer Basel coach who had a brush with Jose Mourinho in 2013, beating Chelsea in the Champions League.STAR MAN: Granit XhakaThe Swiss captain makes everything tick and is coming off the best season of his career, winning the double at Bayer Leverkusen.How Switzerland attackSwitzerland are comfortable playing out from the back and can launch quick attacking moves with a pass from defence.They will then quickly get the ball wide or to the strikers’ feet before pushing multiple players forward to occupy space.How Switzerland defendSwitzerland are versatile in the way they defend and comfortable hanging back in a low block.But at times they will completely change their approach to press high and catch the opposition off-guard.Read the full Switzerland Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and WagsEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Watch Italy take ‘worst kick-off in history’ as Switzerland embarrass Luciano Spalletti’s side

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      ITALY have been slated for taking the “worst kick-off in history” during their Euro 2024 round of 16 defeat to Switzerland.The under-par reigning champions went in at half-time trailing 1-0 via Remo Freuler’s 37th minute goal.Italy lined up eight players on the halfway line for kick-offCredit: BBC Ruben Vargas curls Switzerland into a 2-0 leadCredit: AFPVargas, 25, celebrates his second goalCredit: GettyLuciano Spalletti’s side kicked off for the second-half with six players lined up on the halfway line, in addition to the two takers.As they piled forward, Italy attempted to pump the ball up the park.The long punt was woefully under-hit, however, and easily cut out.With BBC co-commentator Danny Murphy muttering “oh dear”, Switzerland quickly looked to counter.READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSThey swarmed forward at pace, with Italy all over the place.Michel Aebischer teed up Ruben Vargas, who then aimed the ball towards the top corner.Gianluigi Donnarumma got a hand to the ball, but was unable to keep it out – with Switzerland doubling their lead just 27 seconds into the second half.Ripping into the Italians, one fan wrote on social media: “That’s the worst kick-off I’ve seen all tournament from Italy, gave the ball away immediately.”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYWhile a second echoed: “Worst kick off routine of all time by Italy? Could be.”Another added: “Italy with probably the worst kick-off I’ve ever seen.”Meet the ten Wags ready to stun at Euro 2024Spalletti’s side went on to lose 2-0, failing to get back into the game.Switzerland, meanwhile, will face England in the quarter-finals, should Gareth Southgate’s side beat Slovakia on Sunday.Italy crashed out of Euro 2024 at the hands of SwitzerlandCredit: Reuters More