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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

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      Jack Grealish dons hilarious shoulder-length blond WIG as he lets his hair down after England exile

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      JACK Grealish was today spotted letting his hair down after he was dropped from the Euros – by donning a WIG on his luxury St Tropez getaway.The Man City ace appeared to mock his signature highlighted curtains by sporting shoulder-length blond locks.Jack Grealish, 28, was spotted sporting a blond wig and black capCredit: BackGridThe Manchester City ace was having some fun in Saint-Tropez, FranceCredit: BackGridHe was seen smiling as he petted two dogs on SaturdayCredit: BackGridHe tucked them under a black cap and also wore a tank top, shorts and sliders while soaking up the sunshine with pals in the south of France.An onlooker said: “It all seemed like great fun. “Other people on the beach had to look twice as Jack looked more like his teammate Erling Haaland.”Grealish, 28, was seen smiling as he petted two dogs on Saturday as his partner Sasha Attwood looks after their cockapoo at home in Cheshire.The £100m winger will have to find somewhere to watch England’s crunch match against Slovakia after Gareth Southgate dropped him from the squad.It is his second trip abroad since the disappointment after the ex-Aston Villa captain was seen enjoying himself in Dubai.Axed from Euro 2024 England squadFORMER Arsenal star Paul Merson revealed his theory as to why the £100million Manchester City star was not brought to Germany.Appearing on Football’s Greatest Pod alongside legendary presenter Jeff Stelling, Merson was asked about the thoughts of Gordon and Palmer’s zero minutes so far, revealing a theory about avoiding conflict in the camp.The 56-year-old said: “That’s why they’re there and Jack Grealish is not there. Because Jack, I imagine, would be going mad now. I can’t imagine Gordon and Palmer saying anything.”I just imagine them sitting there, just saying to himself; ‘Well, maybe I should be getting on’.”I don’t see him saying anything to him. I could see a Grealish going to Gareth and going; ‘Why am I not playing?'”He continued: “I think he brings on Eze, who’s one of our most gifted players to do a job, he’s running back.”He puts Bowen on the other side, Bowen’s alright if you want to keep a lead, you know if we’re winning like we were last week [against Serbia].”We’re one-nil up, you put him out on the right, he’ll do what it says on the tin, get up and down, block crosses, get crosses in.”But you don’t put him on to win a game in my opinion. You know there’s horses for courses.”You’ve got to put Palmer on, he scored 20 goals this season. You know he can play with that bit of flair. Eze gets on and he doesn’t touch the ball hardly, there’s no plan.”You know I would play Watkins but I’d have to keep Kane in the team. I’d have to find a way because you know you have to keep world class players on the football pitch.”Meanwhile, Southgate said of his decision to chop Grealish: “I have just delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated. I think the world of him as a kid.”It certainly doesn’t get any easier. You put yourself in the shoes of a player, a parent.”You understand that for these players this is a devastating moment. We knew we had a couple of really difficult days coming up.”The whole period has been tough, going back to talking to Marcus Rashford and Hendo (Jordan Henderson). Lots of difficult calls. But we have worked through all of that.”It comes after Gareth Southgate did not select the player in his Euro 2024 England squad.Grealish was said to have been shocked by the decision to leave him out of the team, while Three Lions stars were also understood to have left taken aback by the call.Most read in FootballBut, the Man City winger has returned to the training pitch ahead of pre-season.He shared a video from Juventus’ academy training pitch at the weekend.Paul Merson reveals theory about why Jack Grealish was snubbed from England’s Euro 2024 squad And Grealish has since flown back to Manchester to continue pre-season preparations at City’s training ground.The former Aston Villa star took part in a session with personal trainer Jamie Reynolds on Tuesday and filmed a short video of himself for Instagram.Grealish posted the clip during England’s Euro 2024 match against Slovenia.The Three Lions played out a disappointing 0-0 draw with Matjaz Kek’s side in Cologne.After the match, England boss Gareth Southgate said: “I’m not going to back away from it, The most important thing is the supporters stay with the team.”He continued: “I understand the narrative towards me and that’s better for the team than it being towards them.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But it is creating an unusual environment to operate in. I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar.”I understand it, I’m not going to back away from it, but I’m very proud of the players for how they’re operating within it.”England player ratings: Southgate’s Gallagher experiment fails miserably vs SloveniaENGLAND served up another underwhelming performance – but still managed to top Group C.England dominated the ball, but Southgate will have plenty of questions to answer after a third straight display that lacked inspiration.SunSport’s Tom Barclay has given his ratings of the England players.Jordan Pickford – 6Largely a spectator due to England’s dominance on the ball. Asked the touchline what the Denmark score was during one break in the second half.Kieran Trippier – 6The one positive of having a right-footed player playing left-back is that he can dispatch in-swinging crosses, and one such one should have been headed home by Conor Gallagher before the break.Marc Guehi – 7Cruyff turn early doors showed his confidence from excellent displays against Serbia and Denmark, and barring one loose pass was good again.John Stones – 6One of many to miss his target with his passing. He wasn’t bad but, like others, way off what he has produced for his club.Kyle Walker – 5Played so safe, rarely looked to get forward. Was lucky at one point that Pickford was alive to his blast of a pass-back. Sliced cross after break summed up his off-night.Conor Gallagher – 4Got the nod after the Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment ended, but was poor, particularly, in possession and replaced at half-time by Kobbie Mainoo.Declan Rice – 7Had promised an “in your face” performance from his team, but he was really the only one to produce it. Very good out of possession, much better than against Denmark.Phil Foden – 7Liveliest of England’s attacking four by a mile and went close with a stinging free-kick. Booked for dissent, summing up England’s frustration.Jude Bellingham – 5Cut a very frustrated figure as he and Harry Kane got in each other’s way at times, while he was often shunted wide left as Phil Foden moved into the middle.Bukayo Saka – 6Tapped home on 20 minutes, but it was ruled out for offside in the build-up. OK but once again subbed after the break, perhaps due to fitness concerns.Harry Kane – 6Insists he is 100 per cent fit and maybe he is. What is 100 per cent certain is that he has been nowhere near as effective in this tournament as he usually is for England, albeit he was marginally better here.SubstitutesKobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher at half-time) – 7Made a difference when coming on, making England much more positive in their play. So much more confident with his touch than Gallagher.Cole Palmer (for Bukayo Saka on 71) – 7Finally made an appearance at this tournament and one clever ball through for Mainoo showed what he can do.Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Kieran Trippier on 84) – 6Came on for the final few minutes at right-back, with Walker going to left-back.Anthony Gordon (for Phil Foden on 88) – 6Like Palmer, first minutes at the Euros, but too late to make an impact.He tucked the blond locks under a black cap and wore a tank top, shorts and slidersCredit: BackGridGrealish paired the hilarious look with some navy shortsCredit: BackGridThe player looked in good spirits out with palsCredit: BackGridHe stopped to pet two dogs in Saint TropezCredit: BackGridGareth Southgate did not select the player in his Euro 2024 England squadCredit: Getty More

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      Switzerland 2 Italy 0: Holders dumped out of Euro 2024 by ruthless Swiss as England learn route to semi-finals

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      AT the home of one of their greatest ever nights, the reigning European champions fell to one of their worst ever defeats at a major tournament.It was 18 years ago at Berlin’s infamous Olympiastadion that Italy lifted their fourth World Cup, coming from behind and holding their nerve on penalties to see off France’s Galacticos.Gianluca Scamacca reacts as Italy are CRASH OUT of Euro 2024Credit: GettyAlessandro Bastoni reacts at the end Swiss defeatCredit: AFPRemo Freuler gave Switzerland a deserved leadCredit: GettyIt was the beginning of a brilliant night for the SwissCredit: GettyRuben Vargas’ hit a beauty just seconds in the second half after Italy lost possessionCredit: AFPSwitzerland gave their fans a show and are through to the quarter-finalsCredit: GettySwitzerland play England or Slovakia nextCredit: ReutersVargas produced a brilliant performance before being taken off to rest in the 71st minuteThe mark of champions, some would say. The mark of a stereotypical Italian team. Guile and grit, precision and passion, bravery and beauty.But look at them now. Gutless, clueless and downright ugly – outclassed by Switzerland with an embarrassing last 16 display, unworthy of the Euros title they hold from three years ago.READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSThe score line was the only thing respectable about this Italy performance. Never have the men in blue looked so timid. A team of nothingness.For all that, the Swiss were mightily impressive, toying with Spalletti’s wannabe contenders from the first minute before goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas settled it.England beware, this lot mean business, and look ready to dismantle another international giant should they meet the Three Lions in the quarter finals in Dusseldorf on July 6.Most read in footballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTheir team is settled and immensely efficient – manager Murat Yakin able to make just one change to a line-up that nearly topped a group containing hosts Germany.Suspended wing-back Silvan Widmer meaning a reshuffle that saw Vargas recalled, and boy did he take his chance.Swiss football team singing the nationalSpalletti has fought and dismissed allegations of a mole in the Italy camp throughout this competition, with rumours suggesting the players were making tactical decisions during an average group stage showing.But it was Spalletti who decided to make six changes from the XI that drew 1-1 with Croatia, dropping Jorginho and bringing in Gianluca Scamacca. In hindsight, a grave error.The warning signs were there inside the first 20 seconds, Breet Embolo beating the offside trap from Fabian Schar’s long ball before Bryan Cristante’s deflection had his own keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma scrambling.The Swiss were elegant on the ball, so confident, so aggressive, typified by former Arsenal man Granit Xhaka expertly and consistently dictating from deep.It was a day to remember for the Swiss fans who travelled to GermanyCredit: GettyThe mannequins in blue were being given the run around, and responded by kicking – Giovanni Di Lorenzo introducing his studs to Vargas’ midriff.That physicality spurred them on – briefly – winning a corner after some neat play from Cristante and Nicolo Fagioli. Unsurprisingly, it came to nothing.A near perfect half from Switzerland, the only criticism being that they were guilty of trying to score the perfect goal. One pass too many on too many occasions.But this Swiss team have more than one arrow in their quiver, Fabian Rieder dinking over the top for Embolo, who clearly thought he was offside given his lethargic effort that was saved by Donnarumma. The replays showed the striker had timed his run perfectly.With 30 minutes gone, Italy looked resigned to their fate, dropping deeper and deeper in fear of being picked off with Yakin’s men controlling 63 per cent of possession.In a below par tournament, after a several poor years since lifting the Euros back in July 2021, this was as bad a first half outing from any Italian side at a major tournament.It got worse in the 37th minute as Vargas lurked down the left and picked out Freuler in the box. His touch was dodgy, but so was the defending, giving him time to ripple the netting of Donnarumma’s near post.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYThe Swiss could smell blood and the Azzurri were bleeding out. Rieder’s whipped free-kick was pushed onto the post and out for a corner by a helpless Donnarumma.The half-time stats were grim reading. Switzerland had put together 32 attacks to Italy’s five, with 10 shots on goal to Italy’s one.Spalletti, a man known for using his voice as a weapon, would have read the riot act, and acted swiftly, hauling off Stephan El Shaarawy for group stage hero Mattia Zaccagni.It was Zaccagni’s 98th minute equaliser in Leipzig earlier this week that knocked out Croatia and sent the Italians into the last 16.Before he could even think about having a similar impact, Switzerland had doubled their lead.It was a peach of a strike, almost overshadowed by more shocking defending.Surrounded by three blue shirts, Michel Aebischer easily teed up Vargas, who jogged past his uninterested Italian markers and found the top corner over the giant Donnarumma.From there, the Swiss managed this game like tournament veterans, as opposed to a side who have never previously gone past the quarter final stage at a World Cup or Euros.READ MORE SUN STORIESScamacca hit the post late on, not that Italy ever came close to a late surge – more like a prolonged crawl to a miserable finish line.Not since the reign of ex-England boss Roy Hodgson in 1993 had Switzerland beaten Italy, an unwanted streak ended with one eye now on Gareth Southgate…England’s penalty shootout recordTHE dreaded penalty shootout.England’s nemesis at no fewer than SEVEN major tournaments since 1990, from the West Germany heartache at Italia 90 to Wembley woes on the brink of Euro 2020 final glory.But two shootout victories before the Italy defeat give some reason for optimism…1990 World Cup semi-final vs WEST GERMANY, 04/07/1990 – LOST 4-3Euro 1996 quarter-final vs SPAIN, 22/06/1996 – WON 4-2Euro 1996 semi-final vs WEST GERMANY, 26/06/1996 – LOST 6-5Friendly vs BELGIUM, 29/05/1998 – LOST 4-31998 World Cup last 16 vs ARGENTINA, 30/06/1998 – LOST 4-3Euro 2004 quarter-final vs PORTUGAL, 24/06/2004 – LOST 6-52006 World Cup quarter-final vs PORTUGAL, 01/07/2006 – LOST 3-1Euro 2012 quarter-final vs ITALY, 24/06/2012 – LOST 4-22018 World Cup last 16 vs COLOMBIA, 03/07/2018 – WON 4-3vs SWITZERLAND – Nations League third-place play-off, 09/06/2019 – WON 6-5Euro 2020 final vs ITALY, 11/07/2021 – LOST 3-2OVERALL: Played 11, Won 3, Lost 8 More

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      Clive Tyldesley reveals he ‘doesn’t know why’ ITV have axed him as legendary commentator narrates last game for channel

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      CLIVE TYLDESLEY has admitted he “doesn’t know why” he is being axed by ITV after 28 years with the channel.The veteran commentator, 69, will be on the mic for Germany’s round of 16 clash with Denmark this evening.Clive Tyldesley has been working alongside Ally McCoist in GermanyCredit: X / CliveTyldesleyTyldesley, who has been working alongside Ally McCoist at Euro 2024, is then set to leave ITV, after he was told that his contract will not be renewed.Speaking to the Mail, he revealed: “I’ve known for five to six weeks.”The ITV football editor phoned me to tell me I would be going home after the last 16.”I asked if there would be any other opportunities and he said that ITV would not be offering me another contract and so that will be it after 28 years.”READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSTyldesley worked as ITV’s lead commentator at five World Cups, five European Championships, nine FA Cup finals and 17 Champions League finals.He was dropped as the channel’s No1 commentator in 2020, replaced by Sam Matterface.The experienced broadcaster continued to work with ITV as their No2, but will now depart.On his exit, he added: “ITV has been very good for me and my career and I’d like to think I have been good for them.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It’s a shame it’s coming to an end but it’s a matter of opinion and their opinion is that this is the right call.”I don’t know why they think that. I’ve never fully understood but I have to accept it. I still think my work is strong enough to resonate with old and young.”Clive Tyldesley hilariously commentated on a REPLAY during North Macedonia vs HollandTyldesley believes he is still as good as ever, and has no intention of retiring.He added: “I think I am still at a level where I can commentate as well as I ever did.”I am conscious that that won’t last for ever. For personal pride and vanity I don’t want my levels to slip. If and when that happens I hope I’ll be first to see it and react accordingly but I think I can still do it.”I don’t wasn’t to use the word frustration, because I’m not particularly frustrated but this was not my decision.”Tyldesley is still set to commentate on Champions League matches for American broadcaster CBS Sports.While he has also launched his new “Football Authorities” podcast alongside Martin O’Neill.READ MORE SUN STORIESTyldesley could yet to return to UK broadcasts.He has confirmed that he is open to offers, although nothing has yet been confirmed.Tyldesley, 69, has launched a new podcastCredit: RexBBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in fullHere’s how each channel will line-up:BBC presenters:Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark ChapmanITV presenters:Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods BBC pundits:Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFaddenITV pundits:Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina UnkelBBC commentators:Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan PearceITV commentators:Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe SpeightBBC co-commentators:Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFaddenITV co-commentators:Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend More