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      England boffins targeting Slovakia’s biggest weakness as Newcastle goalkeeper Dubravka’s major flaw emerges

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      ENGLAND have identified Martin Dubravka’s poor penalty record as a potential Slovakia weakness ahead of tomorrow’s round of 16 clash.Gareth Southgate’s side will look to put a series of underwhelming group stage performances behind them as they take on Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen.Martin Dubravka is set to start against EngCredit: GettyWhile the Three Lions boss’ various selection dilemmas have dominated discussions among fans, those behind the scenes are also looking to find any weaknesses in their opponents that they can exploit.Among them is Dubravka’s poor record when facing shots from 12 yards.According to Newcastle World, England’s data team have identified the Toon goalkeeper’s struggles while facing penalties.Dubravka has faced 34 penalties in his career, preventing just six from going in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis gives him a save percentage of just 17.6, which could serve to encourage England stars should the match go to penalties.The 35-year-old has already conceded a spot kick at Euro 2024, with Romanian Razvan Marin converting beyond him.In fact, he has never stopped a penalty low to his right in his entire career.He has saved two spot kicks in the last six years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRazvan Marin converted beyond Dubravka during the group stageCredit: GettyOne came against Mohamed Salah during a Prem clash with Liverpool last term.While the other was from Alvaro Morata at Euro 2020.Anthony Gordon given cheeky gift by photographer after bike crash as England star reveals what caused high-speed crashEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYSouthgate, 53, is set to make a change to his midfield for the Gelsenkirchen clash.Conor Gallagher will drop out, to be replaced by Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo.At left-back, Kieran Trippier has been suffering with a calf issue.But he is expected to be available for tomorrow’s match, while Luke Shaw has also returned to full training.Gareth Southgate has a full compliment of players to choose fromCredit: PA More

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      How England stars are keeping busy in camp, from sauna contest to Harry Potter lego and copying BBC game show

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      ENGLAND stars have been keeping themselves busy in their Euro 2024 camp in many different ways.The Three Lions are currently preparing for the round of 16 clash against Slovakia on Sunday evening.England stars have found ways of keeping themselves entertained at Euro 2024Credit: GettyBukayo Saka is one star that has embraced dartsCredit: PAKobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer have played poolCredit: GettyEzri Konsa and Ollie Watkins have played TeqballCredit: GettyThe players have developed multiple ways to keep themselves occupied when they are not training.While at their Blankenhain training base, the stars have come up with different games to relax.One activity involves a 6,000-lego piece set of Hogwarts Castle from Harry Potter.Lewis Dunk has admitted that he has been building the castle along with team masseur Ben Mortlock.READ MORE IN EURO 2024The Brighton captain said: “It’s going to be Hogwarts. It’s not just me. Me and Ben the masseuse, we’re working on it.”To be fair, he has done more than me so far. He’s loving it.”I’ve done a little bit. I’m just glad my kids ain’t here to smash it up!”The players have also made a game to be played at the spa and wellness centre.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTheir competitiveness has come into play as they do a last-man-standing game in the wood-panelled sauna.It is believed that Liverpool’s Joe Gomez is often the winner and the best at withstanding the heat.Anthony Gordon given cheeky gift by photographer after bike crash as England star reveals what caused high-speed crashAnother popular game among the players is called “wolf” which is based on BBC gameshow Traitors.The England stars have adapted it into a card-playing game in which a large group have to snuff out a small team of wolves.The game came to the forefront after Jude Bellingham’s celebration following his goal against Serbia.There have also been some more activity-based games, as a clip of Declan Rice, Aaron Ramsdale and Kieran Trippier playing cricket emerged online.The England players’ game of ‘wolf’ inspired this celebration against SerbiaCredit: AlamyHarry Kane has been practising his NFL skillsCredit: GettyMarc Guehi is one player that has enjoyed a bike rideCredit: GettyPlayers have also hit the padel courts to take part in mini-tennis matches.The game became popular after the Qatar World Cup and the likes of Phil Foden, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer and Adam Wharton have been spotted taking part.Cycling has also been embraced by a number of the players, such as Marc Guehi, Ivan Toney and Anthony Gordon.The Newcastle star, however, suffered an unfortunate accident as he fell off his bike, which left him with some cuts and scraps.Gordon was lucky not have done any more damage as Czech Republic midfielder Michal Sadilek was ruled out of Euro 2024 after falling off his bike just days before the tournament started.Harry Kane has been snapped enjoying multiple different sports such as American football, golf and darts.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile other such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Palmer and Gordon have also been playing pool.Aston Villa stars Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins have also been playing Teqball at the camp.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Switzerland vs Italy LIVE SCORE: Defending champions kick off last 16 against in-form neighbours – latest updates

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      ITALY and Switzerland will kick start the knockout stages of Euro 2024 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin NEXT!The Azzurri scrapped through the group stages with a last-gasp equaliser against Croatia.Switzerland had an impressive group stage campaign as they went unbeaten to seal second place behind host nation Germany.Murat Yakin’s side beat Hungary in their first game before picking up 1-1 draws against Scotland and Germany.TV/stream: BBC1 / iPlayerSwitzerland team: Sommer; Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez; Aebischer, Freuler, Xhaka, Rieder; Vargas, Ndoye, Embolo.Italy team: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni, Darmian; Fagioli, Cristante, Barella; Chiesa, El Shaarawy, Scamacca.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollow our live blog below…Switzerland 0-0 Italy5. Half the pitch is covered by the shadow of the Olympiastadion, but the rest is bathed in the early evening sunshine.”I’m surprised to see Italy press so quickly in this heat,” notes Danny Murphy on BBC co-commentary.Copy linkCopiedSwitzerland 0-0 Italy3. The Swiss have made a strong start here.Embolo had a shot blocked after just 14 seconds, some nine seconds quicker than the record-breaking goal the Italians conceded against Albania.That’s not the end of the early Switzerland pressure either. A Freuler shot from outside the box loops up and goes for a corner, that is eventually well defended by Mancini.Copy linkCopiedKick-off – Switzerland v Italy1. Peeeeeeeep! Polish referee Szymon Marciniak blows his whistle and Switzerland – all in red – get this knockout match underway in Berlin.The Italians, World Cup winners in this stadium 18 years ago, are all in blue, and eager to defend their European title.Copy linkCopiedHere come the two teams!The aperitif that was the group stage has been dealt with, and now it’s time for the main course.And first up, it’s the pasta masters of Italy and the hot chocolate of Switzerland.Gianluigi Donnarumma was crowned Player of the Tournament at the last European Championship, and he’s front and centre as captain three years later in leading the reigning champions out.Across for him at the Olympiastadion is Granit Xhaka, the Swiss skipper and their Mr Reliable in midfield. Over the next two hours – maybe more – one of these two will lead their nations into the last eight with many of their teammates taking on starring roles.This historic venue is the perfect setting to get the Round of 16 underway, and the weather conditions look equally adept for tournament football.Kick-off comes next.Copy linkCopiedEl Shaarawy’s shock selectionFew expected to see Stephan El Shaarawy’s name in the Italian line-up this afternoon, but Luciano Spalletti has trusted him with an important role it the Azzurri attack.This evening will be only the forward’s second appearance for Italy at an international tournament after appearing against the Republic of Ireland at Euro 2016, eight years and seven days ago.It is the second largest gap between appearances for an Italian player at a major competition after Ciro Ferrara in June 2000 (9 years and 348 days after his first appearance).Copy linkCopiedHow the sides shape upCopy linkCopiedAzzurri faves for final eightReigning European Champions Italy are expected to make it through to the quarter-finals of this year’s edition but they will be given a game by the Swiss. That’s the view of the bookies, who have the Azzurri as odds-against favourites while their opponents are a touch bigger than 2/1.Switzerland win 21/10Draw 15/8Italy win 13/8To reach the quarter-finals:Switzerland to qualify EvensItaly to qualify 8/11Odds from William Hill correct at time of post publication.Copy linkCopiedItalian feel to Swiss squadLong gone are the days of international football pitting two unfamiliar sets of players and cultures against each other.Six of Switzerland’s 26-man squad currently play their football in Serie A, five of whom start today.Yann Sommer (Inter), Ricardo Rodriguez (Torino), Remo Freuler (Bologna), Michel Aebischer (Bologna) and Dan Ndoye (Bologna) are all well known to fans of the Italian game.Copy linkCopiedDon’t bet against extra-timeIf you’re expecting a straightforward evening of knockout football that lasts little more than 90 minutes, then you might want to think again.And that’s because 15 of Italy’s last 26 knockout matches at major tournaments have gone to extra-time, including four of their last five.Overall, the Azzurri have had more games go to extra-time than any other nation at World Cups and European Championships, and have contested the joint-most penalty shootouts along with Spain (11).Copy linkCopiedSpalletti switches up AzzurriAfter changing things up for the group game with Croatia, Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti again rotates his squad.Federico Dimarco is injured and Riccardo Calafiori suspended, and they join Jorginho, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Giacomo Raspadori and Mateo Retegui in dropping out of the starting XI.Gianluca Mancini comes into a defence which is now a back four, while Nicolo Barella is now joined in midfield by Bryan Cristante and Nicolo Fagioli.Up front, former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca plays in between the supporting Federico Chiesa and Stephan El Shaarawy.Italy (4-3-3): 1 Donnarumma; 2 Di Lorenzo, 17 Mancini, 23 Bastoni, 13 Darmian; 16 Cristante, 21 Fagioli, 19 Barella; 14 Chiesa, 9 Scamacca, 22 El ShaarawySubs: 12 Vicario, 26 Meret, 3 Dimarco, 4 Buongiorno, 6 Gatti, 7 Frattesi, 8 Jorginho, 10 Pellegrini, 11 Raspadori, 15 Bellanova, 19 Retegui, 20 Zaccagni, 24 Cambiaso, 25 FolorunshoCredit: @Azzurri on XCopy linkCopiedVargas starts for SwissMurat Yakin makes one enforced change to the Switzerland side that pushed hosts Germany all the way to the final whistle last time out.Silvan Widmer is suspended after collecting two yellow cards in the group stage, and so he is replaced n the right by the more attacking Ruben Vargas.It’s a switch that’s likely to see Michael Aebischer playing in behind Vargas with Fabian Rieder operating back out on the left.Breel Embolo continues in attack following his recent injury woe while Granit Xhaka captains the team from the heart of midfield.Switzerland (3-4-3): 1 Sommer; 22 Schar, 5 Akanji, 13 Rodriguez; 20 Aebischer, 8 Freuler, 10 Xhaka, 26 Rieder; 17 Vargas, 7 Embolo, 19 NdoyeSubs: 12 Mvogo, 21 Kobel, 2 Stergiou, 4 Elvedi, 6 Zakaria, 9 Okafor, 11 Steffen, 14 Zuber, 15 Zesiger, 16 Sierro, 18 Duah, 23 Shaqiri, 24 Jashari, 25 AmdouniCredit: @nati_sfv_asf on XCopy linkCopiedAssured Azzurri dominating SwissThis evening’s encounter in Berlin will be the fifth meeting between Switzerland and Italy in a major international tournament.The Swiss won the first two games, both at the 1954 World Cup – 2-1 in the group and then 4-1 in a group play-off – but that’s as good as it’s got for the Red Crosses. The Italians have been 3-0 group stage victors in each of the last two such fixtures, at the 1962 World Cup, and – more recently – Euro 2020.In fact, since prevailing 1-0 in a May 1993 World Cup qualifier, Switzerland are winless in 11 matches against Italy in all competitions (D6 L5).They are only currently on a longer winless run against England (13) and Russia (12), while Italy are only on longer unbeaten streaks against Finland (14) and Turkey (13).Italy celebrate after victory against Switzerland at Euro 2020.Copy linkCopiedGood afternoon from BerlinWelcome to live coverage of Switzerland against Italy in the Last 16 of Euro 2024.It’s the first day of the knockout stage, and so it is fitting that we begin with the reigning champions.Mind you, they nearly didn’t make it this far in their defence at all.Had it not been for Mattia Zaccagni’s 90+8th minute equaliser against Croatia in Leipzig on Monday, then the Azzurri would already be back home having failed to make it out of Group B as one of the best third-placed teams.But the Italians are renowned slow starters, and a test against the Swiss this evening could prove the perfect opportunity to kickstart this summer’s campaign.In contrast, the Rossocrociati eased their way out of Group A – and almost beat hosts Germany to top spot until an injury time goal from Niclas Fullkrug denied them at the last six days ago.Murat Yakin’s men are now eager to at least replicate their quarter-final showing of the last Euros when they sparkled at this stage of the tournament with an epic comeback against France before prevailing on penalties.So which nation will be the first to book a place in the quarters? It’s almost time to find out.It’s a 5pm kick-off in the German capital, and team news is on the way.Copy linkCopied More

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      England team for Euro 2024 last-16 tie with Slovakia REVEALED with Man Utd star Kobbie Mainoo set for first start

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Kobbie Mainoo will make his first Euros start in England’s last-16 tie with Slovakia tomorrow.Mainoo, 19, will be been rewarded by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate for his impressive showing off the bench in the goalless draw against Slovenia.Kobbie Mainoo is set to start against Slovakia tomorrowCredit: GettyConor Gallagher, who Mainoo replaced at half-time on Tuesday, drops to the bench in the only change from England’s final Group C match.Meanwhile, Kieran Trippier has been passed fit to start in Gelsenkirchen.The Newcastle right-back, 33, has been nursing a calf injury this week but trained with the rest of the 26-man squad today and is ready to start again.With Luke Shaw, who has not played since February, lacking match sharpness, Ezri Konsa had been on standby.READ MORE ON EURO 2024But the versatile Aston Villa defender will have to wait for the time being at least to make his Euros bow.Southgate has also resisted temptation to bring Cole Palmer into the starting XI despite his promising cameo off the bench against Slovenia.With Bukayo Saka expected to make his fourth start at the tournament.PFA Player of the Year Phil Foden will keep his place on the left despite returning home earlier this week for the birth of his third child.Most read in Euro 2024Luke Shaw is back in full trainingCredit: RexPhil Foden has also returned after heading home for the birth of his third childCredit: PAGareth Southgate seems to still be tinkering with his midfieldCredit: PAEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSSouthgate will therefore stick with the same front-four for the fourth game running with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane in line to start once again.Regulars Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker and John Stones will also start, along with Marc Guehi, arguably England’s best performer so far at the Euros.Play Foden & Bellingham centrally & go for it! | Jack Wilshere’s plan to win the EurosIt 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.Anthony Gordon remains an option on the bench despite his bike incident earlier this week.The Newcastle winger escaped serious injury after crashing an electric bike during a recovery session on Wednesday.Gordon was left with a huge graze on his chin and a number of nasty cuts all over is hands and arms.But the gashes are superficial, meaning he will still be an option to Southgate if called upon.Fans will be hoping England will be able to play some more exciting football to get the better of Slovakia tomorrow.The Three Lions have left fans wanting more with their uninspiring performances so far at Euro 2024.However, they have got the job done and finished top of Group C – giving them a great chance at going deep in the tournament.England’s full squad trained todayCredit: ReutersKieran Trippier is expected to keep his place at left-back after a late fitness testCredit: PAAnthony Gordon is fit to play despite falling off his bikeCredit: GettyGordon showed off his nasty cuts in his press conferenceCredit: APSpirits seem high in campCredit: Paul EdwardsEzri Konsa and Kyle Walker wrestled with each other on the grassCredit: Getty More

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      Watch Micah Richards belt out Bob Marley song with Danny Murphy and Alan Shearer as fans hail ‘nation’s treasure’

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      FANS have hailed Micah Richards as a “national treasure” after he belted out a Bob Marley song.The pundit is in Germany for Euro 2024 and has been working alongside BBC stars Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.Micah Richards was filmed singing along to Bob MarleyCredit: Instagram / garylinekerFans hailed the pundit as a ‘national treasure’Credit: Instagram / garylinekerAlan Shearer also joined in on the sing-a-longCredit: Instagram / garylinekerDanny Murphy also showed off his dance movesCredit: Instagram / garylinekerThe trio had an evening off duty between the end of the group stages and the knockout stages.They were joined by Danny Murphy for a night out at a restaurant.The evening then saw Richards start singing along to Bob Marley’s 1977 song Three Little Birds.Richards was joined in his rendition by Murphy and Shearer.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The moment was filmed by Lineker, who posted the clip to his Instagram account.He captioned the video: “We’re all singing from the same song sheet.”Lineker’s 1.2million followers loved the video as they flooded the comment section.One fan posted: “Just a lads holiday isn’t it really.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second wrote: “Not enough words for this man. He’s the nation’s treasure.”A third commented: “Micah always bringing the energy.”BBC VS ITV: Who wins in battle of Euro 2024 teamsA fourth said: “Some job these have.”A fifth joked: “Proper Brits abroad.”Another added: “Haha, love it big Meeks!”Meanwhile, Richards has claimed that Portugal could go all the way to Euro 2024, but they have a problem with Cristiano Ronaldo.He is also expecting England to “kick into gear” following the group stages, which left many fans underwhelmed.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Kylian Mbappe forced to get new mask after problems emerge with France star’s nose protection 

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has trained wearing a new mask after growing frustrated with the thickness of the one he wore against Poland.The Real Madrid-bound star tried the new thinner model in a session on Friday after complaints over his peripheral vision being impacted in the final group game.Kylian Mbappe suffered a number of problems with his mask against PolandCredit: RexThe star was spotted wearing a new type of mask at training today ahead of the Belgium clashCredit: InstagramMbappe, 25, has also had to regularly wipe sweat away from his eyes during the Poland game and sessions at their Paderborn base.But after the national side’s official Instagram account shared a snap of him in the new one, suspended Paul Pogba jumped into the comments and jokingly said: “This is Batman it’s more Donatello.”The France captain is having to wear the mask after breaking his nose in their Euros opener against Austria in Dusseldorf.Mbappe sat out the second group game against the Netherlands, a 0-0 draw in which his teammates missed a host of chances.READ MORE ON EURO 2024He returned to start against Poland, scoring the only goal from the penalty spot.The skipper has been the only France player involved in a goal so far at the tournament, his cross forcing Austria’s own goal in the first Group D game.Les Bleus also expect Kingsley Coman to be available to face Belgium after the Bayern Munich winger left the camp on Friday to attend the birth of his fourth child in Sweden.Coman has made just one appearance from the bench in Germany so far and has been struggling with illness and injury knocks throughout the group stages.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAntoine Griezmann is expected to return to the starting line-up having been dropped for the final group game against Poland.Teammate Eduardo Camavinga said of the Atletico Madrid star: “He’s a model of longevity. He’s a very calm person.Kylian Mbappe’s new mask revealed as France training mask is banned”So he’s certainly set a good example for the young players to try and emulate what he does and take the next step like he did.”Meanwhile, Belgium have been forced to apologise to Mbappe after midfielder Amadou Onana said he would tackle the France captain “in the shin”.Red Devils fans have started a new chant about the Everton man tackling Mbappe.And the 22-year-old has repeated it on video ahead of their last-16 meeting on Monday.In a clip published by the Belgian FA, Brussels-based comedian, Pablo Andres, says “Who will kick Mbappe in the shin?” before Onana chants his own name.Ahead of their press conference on Saturday, Belgium’s press officer Stefan Van Loock issued an apology and said the clip had been removed from their social media.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Premier League cult hero, 56, in tears during Georgia’s national anthem as he watches on the stands at Euro 2024

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      A FORMER Premier League fan favourite has gone viral after footage of him crying at Euro 2024 emerged.Newcastle United cult hero Temuri Ketsbaia enjoyed three years on Tyneside between 1997 and 2000.Temuri Ketsbaia produced one the best-remembered goal celebrations in Premier League historyCredit: AlamyHe has gone viral after watching Georgia in action at Euro 2024Credit: europopKetsbaia wiped away tears as during the national anthem as he sat with Shota ArveladzeCredit: europopTemur Ketsbaia is now the manager of the Cyprus national teamCredit: ReutersThe Georgian’s passionate displays won him many admirers in the North East.But he will always be remembered for his wild goal celebration after coming off the bench to score the winner against Bolton in 1998.The now 56-year-old is in charge of the Cypriot national team but missed out on leading them to the Euros.However, that has not stopped him from heading to Germany himself to watch his home nation in action.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Ketsbaia, who scored 17 times in 52 caps, was pictured alongside his fellow ex-Georgia ace Shota Arveladze, 51, during their 2-0 win over Portugal on Wednesday.And as the country’s national anthem was played prior to kick off, Ketsbaia was spotted wiping away tears as the emotion got the better of him.“Ketsbaia gave us some truly magical memories,” recalled one fan after watching the footage.Another declared that both he and Arveladze, who was waving a Georgia flag throughout, were “legends”.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third said: “A great character and he was an amazing talent.”While a fourth said: “Great to see they still have the passion and love for the game and their country.”Watch classy moment Georgia star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia cuts short Euro 2024 celebrations to console Cristiano Ronaldo Footie fans across the continent have fallen in love with Georgia at this summer’s tournament.Even though they lost 3-1 to Turkey in their opening game, Willy Sagnol’s side have since gone above and beyond expectations on their tournament debut.Georgia drew 1-1 with Czech Republic before earning a historic 2-0 win over Euro 2016 champions Portugal.That meant that they progressed to the knockouts as one of the best third-placed teams.Georgia will now look to continue that fairytale when they face much-fancied Spain in the last-16 tomorrow.Ketsbaia scored 14 goals in 107 appearances during his time at St James’ Park.He also played for Wolves in England before a stint at Dundee was followed by him finishing his playing career at Anorthosis Famagusta in Greece.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Belgium in grovelling apology to Kylian Mbappe over now-deleted video posted by FA ahead of Euro 2024 clash

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      BELGIUM have been forced to apologise to Kylian Mbappe after midfielder Amadou Onana said he would tackle the France captain “in the shin”.Red Devils fans have started a new chant about the Everton man tackling Mbappe, and the 22-year-old has repeated it on video ahead of their last-16 meeting on Monday.Kylian Mbappe was the subject of a new chant from Belgium fansCredit: APA clip shared by the Belgian FA showed Amadou Onana singing a chant about kicking MbappeIn a clip published by the Belgian FA, Brussels-based comedian, Pablo Andres, says, “Who will kick Mbappe in the shin?” before Onana chants his own name.Ahead of their press conference on Saturday, Belgium’s press officer Stefan Van Loock issued an apology and said the clip had been removed from their social media.He said: “It was not the intention to attack anyone.”We have been working with comedian Pablo Andres for a long time, this video also had to be funny.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But we misjudged that and also took the video offline.”We would like to apologise to anyone we may have offended with this. For us, this is the end of the matter.”The clip will add extra spice to a tie which is already viewed as somewhat of a derby given the two counties share a border.It is also a repeat of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, which France edged thanks to Samuel Umtiti’s goal on their way to winning the tournament.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBelgium captain Kevin De Bruyne has insisted that his side are the underdogs going into their first knockout game – though there is still confidence a result can be pulled off.Johan Bakayoko, the PSV Eindhoven winger, said: “Honestly, I don’t think there is a favourite.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlines”We have strengths and weaknesses, just like they do. Both teams fear each other.”I only saw their match against the Netherlands and it was evenly matched. So I can’t really comment on their team.”But the key will lie in our own game. If we play well together as we already did and based on our strengths, we can of course win.”Despite this being the first step into the knockouts, which can be settled by extra time or penalties, Bakayoko also revealed that Domenico Tedesco’s side had not been practising spot-kicks.Mbappe training with new maskBy Jack RosserKYLIAN MBAPPE has trained wearing a new mask after growing frustrated with the thickness of the one he wore against Poland.The Real Madrid-bound star tried the new thinner model in a session on Friday after complaints over his peripheral vision being impacted in the final group game.Mbappe has also had to regularly wipe sweat away from his eyes during the Poland game and sessions at their Paderborn base.The France captain is having to wear the mask after breaking his nose in their Euros opener against Austria in Dusseldorf.Mbappe sat out the second group game against the Netherlands, a 0-0 draw in which his teammates missed a host of chances.He returned to start against Poland, scoring the only goal from the penalty spot.The skipper has been the only France player involved in a goal so far at the tournament, his cross forcing Austria’s own goal in the first Group D game.Les Bleus also expect Kingsley Coman to be available to face Belgium after the Bayern Munich winger left the camp on Friday to attend the birth of his fourth child in Sweden.Coman has made just one appearance from the bench in Germany so far and has been struggling with illness and injury knocks throughout the group stages.Antoine Griezmann is expected to return to the starting line-up having been dropped for the final group game against Poland.Teammate Eduardo Camavinga said of the Atletico Madrid star: “He’s a model of longevity. He’s a very calm person.”So he’s certainly set a good example for the young players to try and emulate what he does and take the next step like he did.”France began practising them this week, but the Belgian winger said: “Have we trained penalties? No. Coincidentally, Lois Openda kicked one. Whether it went in, you’ll have to ask him.”Bakayoko, 21, came into the Euros off the back of a stellar season with PSV Eindhoven – bagging 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions as they won the Dutch title.That has seen the winger linked with a move to Arsenal in the Belgian media – but he remained coy on his future.Bakayoko added: “I don’t know if I’m going to leave PSV. I never said that.”Other people said that before me. But now I’m definitely focused on my performance at the European Championship.”While his fine form has resulted in links to the Premier League, Bakayoko has had to settle for limited time in Germany so far – coming off the bench in two of the three group stage games and sitting out the 2-0 win over Romania.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “I was disappointed that I was not yet in the starting line-up.”But I am not frustrated, because the coach makes the best decisions. We are also through, so he is right.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More