Euro 2024

ANTHONY GORDON was gifted with a pair of stabilisers from a cheeky photographer at his meeting with the press at Euro 2024.Gordon fell off an electric bike while at England’s camp in Germany, gashing his chin and cutting his hands in the process.A cheeky photographer gave Gordon a new set of stabilisersCredit: PAAnthony Gordon has finally spoken out about his fall off an e-bike in GermanyCredit: GettyAnd the England star saw the funny side after crashing off a bike in GermanyCredit: PAHe suffered some nasty injuries on his hands and armsCredit: GettyThe 23-year-old was spotted with nasty injuries following a high-speed crash during an England “recovery” session on Wednesday.The evening before, Gordon was a rare positive as a late substitute in the bore draw with Slovenia, leading to calls for him to start against Slovakia on Sunday.And now a journalist has cheekily awarded him with a pair of bike stabilisers after the crash was made public on Thursday.Gordon received his jested gift at England’s press conference base, where stars often play darts before answering reporter questions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Newcastle winger saw the funny side of his embarrassing blunder before recounting the incident to a room full of journalists.Gordon said: “We went on what was meant to be a recovery bike ride.”It was a lovely day yesterday and I was going down and trying to take a quick video for my family. “Before I knew it, I was face first on the floor. I have a few cuts and bruises. Nothing painful. It was electric so it was a lot faster.Most read in Euro 2024Gordon plays darts before the press conferenceCredit: ReutersBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”In England the front brake is on the left and the next minute, it had not slowed down and I was 10 feet in the air.”I just carried on and finished the bike ride. When I got back to camp, no-one saw me.”I definitely did not press record so there are some positives.”I will get back on, It did not bother me. It was a lovely day but I ruined it for myself.”The worst thing about it was because I was on my phone, I did not know I was falling off until I hit the floor.”The moral of the story is that we spend too much time on our phone. Enjoy the moment rather than go on the phone.”Gareth Southgate laughed at first. It was not that serious. Just a few scratches.”It was harsh to hook Gallagher at half-time… but Mainoo showed he’s the answer, says Jack WilshereKOBBIE MAINOO was always my preference to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s midfield, writes Jack Wilshere.I think he showed why in the second half against Slovenia.But I still feel that it was harsh on Conor Gallagher that he was taken off at half time.Firstly because it was probably our best half of the tournament.And secondly, because it didn’t feel like a Gareth Southgate thing to do.It will knock Gallagher’s confidence for sure.He will have thought that this was his chance, but he only gets a half.Having said that, despite the disappointing result, the second half was better and Mainoo proved he is the man – or boy – to play there in future.Read Jack Wilshere’s post-match verdict in full.Or check out all of Jack’s Euro 2024 columns.How England rated vs Serbia… as Bellingham shines but TWO big names get 5sJUDE BELLINGHAM was England’s head boy as Gareth Southgate’s side made a winning start in Germany.The Real Madrid superstar oozed class throughout and broke the deadlock with only 13 minutes played thanks to an excellent header, dispatching Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross.But, despite the brilliant start, it was a nervy affair here in Gelsenkirchen.Serbia exerted significant pressure in the second half, with a few narrow escapes for Southgate’s men.Harry Kane barely had a kick and the Premier League’s player of the year Phil Foden struggled to have any influence on the left of the Three Lions’ front three.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… with TWO stars getting just a 5. More

MANCHESTER UNITED fans have gone into meltdown after seeing Kobbie Mainoo in England training.The Three Lions midfielder showed off his skills in preparation for Sunday’s last 16 clash with Slovakia.Kobbie Mainoo sent Manchester United fans into meltdown with his skills in England trainingCredit: x / @EnglandSupporters claimed Mainoo ‘sent Joe Gomez back to Charlton Athletic’Credit: x / @EnglandFootage from the session showed Mainoo in possession during a small-sided game.Under pressure from Liverpool’s Joe Gomez, the teenager remained composed before flicking the ball backwards through his team-mates legs.Mainoo followed up the skill by tapping in from close range later in the clip.United fans were quick to react to the video on social media as they hailed their young midfielder.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan commented: “Sent him back to Charlton Athletic.”Another added: “Cooking wherever he goes.”A third supporter also wrote: “Kobbie Mainoo is just too good.”Meanwhile, one more said: “Kobbie is something else.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMainoo has been tipped to start against Slovakia after impressing off the bench in England’s final group stage match.He replaced Conor Gallagher at half-time to partner Declan Rice in midfield.England Euro 2024 ace Anthony Gordon shows off gruesome, bloodied cuts on his face after falling off bike in trainingSlovakia Euro 2024 guideSLOVAKIA qualified automatically as runners-up behind Portugal and boast a decent spread of high-profile names in the squad.This will be their third European Championship and they have a surprisingly good record of making it to tournament knockout stages.MANAGER: Francesco CalzonaThe only Euro 2024 manager to come into the tournament off the back of a dual role. He was Napoli’s interim boss from February to the end of the season.STAR MAN: Martin DubravkaThe Newcastle goalkeeper travels to Euro 2024 with plenty of practice behind him after injured Nick Pope missed the bulk of the season.How Slovakia attackSlovakia are not particularly interested in retaining possession and will look to get the ball forward quickly.They are very keen to play out wide and create chances from crosses.How Slovakia defendSlovakia play a medium block and do not typically press high, but nor do they form a compact and structured defensive shape.This can lead to plenty of gaps for an opposition that is able to move the ball quickly.Read the full Slovakia Euro 2024 guide, including predicted line-ups and latest oddsThe appearance followed a four-minute cameo in the opening match against Serbia.Mainoo has already impressed across his five England caps, having only made his debut against Brazil in March.He followed his maiden appearance with a man of the match display against Belgium three days later.The 19-year-old also played the full 90 minutes in England’s final Euro 2024 warm-up match against Iceland earlier this month.Meet England’s Euro 2024 WagsEngland Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.Read more about the Wags who will be supporting England at Euro 2024 here More

EURO 2024 is set to be affected by severe thunderstorms this weekend.Extreme weather has been forecast to hit host country Germany, including the threat of a TORNADO, with Dortmund set to be particularly affected.Dortmund has been hit by torrential rainCredit: GettyGeorgia fans were drenched earlier in the tournamentCredit: EPADortmund has been hit by a downpourCredit: GettyJulian Nagelsmann’s hosts will face Denmark at Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park tomorrow night.Elsewhere, Switzerland play Italy in Berlin on Saturday afternoon, before England’s Schalke clash with Slovakia and Spain’s Gelsenkirchen meeting with Georgia on Sunday.Speaking to German paper Bild, a meteorologist warned of extreme weather.Dominik Jung said: “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.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”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.”Dortmund has already experienced torrential rain during the tournament.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGermany could be hit by a tornadoPrior to the clash between Turkey and Georgia, water poured from the roof of Signal Iduna Park, at one point risking a delay to kick-off, with fans getting drenched in the stands.While Dortmund is at risk of adverse weather, the other host cities this weekend should be okay.The Tartan Army start to sing in Colonge after earlier heavy rainBerlin is expected to be unaffected, with sunny skies forecast.England’s match in Schalke is likely to be played under light rain at most.While Spain vs Georgia is anticipated to be played under an overcast sky, although rain is not forecast.Fans may have to dress for torrential rainCredit: AP More

PAUL SCHOLES has given Declan Rice two pieces of advice for England’s Euro 2024 last 16 tie.The Three Lions face Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday evening for a place in the quarter-finals.Paul Scholes has given Declan Rice advice ahead of England’s last 16 tieCredit: GettyRice played every minute of the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 group stage campaignCredit: RexFormer Manchester United midfielder Scholes has shared his thoughts on England’s keys to success ahead of the clash.He also took aim at fans and ex-players on social media, though, even telling supporters to “p*** off”.Taking to his Instagram story, Scholes wrote: “Mainoo will make you play, Foden and Bellingham will win you games, think forward and take less touches pls Dec. Laters.”His next post then read: “Keep hearing drop Bellingham back next to Rice… P*** right off!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRice played every minute in the group stage for England, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Gallagher and Kobbie Mainoo all appearing alongside him.Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham has featured further forward for Gareth Southgate’s side and scored in the opening win over Serbia.Scholes concluded his string of posts by writing: “Making me p*** these Arsenal legends trying to get Saka in at left-back because they’re afraid he’s gonna be left out for Palmer.”Ian Wright has called for Bukayo Saka to start at left-back if Cole Palmer is brought in on the right wing.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWho is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.But who is the sexiest?Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story.The Chelsea star impressed off the bench against Slovenia on Tuesday and could start in the last 16.Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand previously argued Saka should be deployed at full-back in the absence of Luke Shaw.Slovenia star who suffered with depression reveals heartwarming moment with Declan Rice before England clashKieran Trippier has filled in for Shaw so far in the tournament, with the United man in line for a return in the knockout stages.Shaw has declared himself fit for the Slovakia clash, despite not playing since February.Scholes featured for England at two separate Euros as a player, scoring twice across seven appearance in 2000 and 2004.However, his final international appearance came aged just 29 at his second Euros in Portugal.At the time, Scholes cited his family life and club career with United as more important as he announced his international retirement.Prior to the decision, he scored 14 goals in 66 caps for the Three Lions.Southgate has made strange decisions… he should have brought Henderson and Maguire, write Charlie WyettIN the space of a week, we seem to have lost the Gareth Southgate who brought the feel-good factor back to English football, writes Charlie Wyett.Here is a man who now looks battered and bruised from the fierce criticism he has received not only back home but also from a couple of former England players.We live in a world where too many pundits are cheerleaders and while Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer were correct in their evaluation of the Three Lions after the 1-1 draw with Denmark, it has nevertheless gone down badly with Southgate.The manager says he is on a mission to protect his players from all the s*** that is flying around but he must also ensure he does not lose focus.In his eight years as England manager, he had never appeared so chilled going into the opening two games.The mood was upbeat around the team’s Euro base in Blankenhain. Southgate was in good humour during all of his media duties.Here was a man confident in the knowledge he had a group of players capable of winning Euro 2024.But in the fall-out of the two draws against Denmark and Slovenia, his mood has darkened spectacularly. He has had some tough spells but none like this.One of the 53-year-old’s big strengths has been the ability to tap into each and every England fan and create positivity.No supporter will ever forget the summer of 2018 when they finally fell in love with the England football team.Yet Southgate knows he has lost the trust of virtually the entire English supporting public.He suffered abuse and ridicule after England lost 4-0 to Hungary in the Nations League in 2022 but this is at a different level.Southgate is acutely aware how the whole mood of the nation has changed.Over these last few weeks, Southgate has made some strange decisions.It was a mistake to take Luke Shaw as his sole left-footed defender and only now is he anywhere near to being fit.Marc Guehi has been England’s best player over the three matches so far but Ezri Konsa and Lewis Dunk are not ideal back-ups.Southgate should have picked either Harry Maguire, despite his short-term injury issues, or Bayern Munich’s Eric Dier.Jordan Henderson — despite not having a great end to the season with Ajax — should have been included as he would have had a month to get up speed in terms of sharpness.Even if he was not ready to start, he is a winner  — as he proved with Liverpool — and he would have been a steady,  experienced influence in the dressing room. As for Southgate’s team selections, the Trent Alexander-Arnold experiment did not work.Neither did putting Conor Gallagher next to Declan Rice against Slovenia.Although Marcus Rashford and James Maddison could not have too many complaints over missing out, Jack Grealish should have been included even if it was to come off the bench.Southgate went too far with his mixing and matching. Now, he is left with a squad lacking balance but equally, one which could go deep into this tournament.Southgate needs his big players like Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Phil Foden to play without fear.Those same players need Southgate to try not to be affected by public opinion, even if this includes some of his mates.Also, Southgate needs to get all of his team selections right. And maybe then, he will leave the England job on a high.Read all of Charlie Wyett’s Euro 2024 articles. More

ENGLAND have landed in the easier half of the draw but there’s no way Gareth Southgate will be taking it for granted against Slovakia on Sunday.Slovakia qualified from the tightest group in the competition where all four sides in Group E finished on four points. They beat Belgium, lost to Ukraine and drew with Romania to take their place in the next round.While they have a host of talent players, Slovakia are arguably one of the weaker sides to have qualified.Slovakia operate in a 4-3-3 system and will generally look to maintain a tight and disciplined defensive unit and punish England on the counter.SunSport explores three key weaknesses of Slovakia and how England can exploit them.read more euro 2024 newsStones stepping into midfieldAt club level one of the most interesting developments in recent seasons has been Pep Guardiola’s decision allow John Stones to step into the midfield from centre back. And Stones has been widely successful since making the tactical switch. In the 2022/23 season, this tactical adjustment at Man City was one of the keys behind them winning the Champions League.Teams simply could not defend against the forward movement from Stones and the runs that he would make into the midfield. Most read in Euro 2024Man City therefore often form a back-three to allow Stones to press into the middle of the park.Against Slovenia, Stones predominately passed sideways. Moving into the midfield would draw opposition players and create space for teammatesSlovakia play with a lone striker, likely to be either Boavista player Robert Bozenik or David Strelec of Slovan Bratislava, and do not typically press aggressively. Instead, they will be content to sit back in a deeper to block off the centre of the pitch.So far this tournament, England have struggled to break-down side’s who sit in.Stones stepping into midfield could solve this issue and mitigate against Slovakia’s likely set up.Five reasons for England to be positive after Slovenia drawPlaying for England, Stones has plenty of the ball but drops deep and passes sideways most oftenFor Man City, Stones plays further up the pitch and is looking to be much more aggressive with his distributionWith Marc Guehi as the other centre-back and with Kyle Walker at right-back, England already have enough pace to cover for Stones should he step forward. This movement and Stones’ technical ability would create overloads and space centrally for England.Gareth Southgate should free up Stones and allow him to play with more freedom.Here, against Slovenia, Stones has carried the ball into the midfield and pulls opposition players towards him. It creates space for his teammatesBukayo Saka against the left-backSo far this tournament Slovakia have started Feyenoord defender David Hancko, 26, at left-back. While Hancko is by no means a bad player, he has been heavily linked in recent weeks to Premier League clubs, he is not a natural left-back. He typically plays centre-back for Feyenoord.He is not comfortable, however, when asked to defend isolated 1v1 against fast and direct attacking wingers such as Bukayo Saka.Southgate should start Saka on the right where he will look to stretch the pitch and directly take on Hancko.And Saka could well welcome the opportunity after having failed to make his imprint on Euro 2024 in the group stage.Saka’s movements could well prove difficult for Hancko to defend against.Bukayo Saka could prove crucial for EnglandCredit: GettyHere, Saka moves it inside to midfield before making a run in behindLikewise, on the other flank England’s left wingers should take advantage of veteran right-back Peter Pekarik who is 37 years old. Bringing an energetic Anthony Gordon or Eberechi Eze on with 30 minutes to go could prove vital in running Pekarik tired.While Saka will look to get isolated 1v1 against Hancko, it will be important for England to support Saka in midfield areas to offer inside.There is some doubt as to which midfielder Southgate will choose to play alongside Declan Rice.But whether the position goes to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kobbie Mainoo or Conor Gallagher they will have to work in order to support Saka’s forward momentum.Targeting a player who is essentially playing outside of his best position could provide England with their best chance to break down a stubborn defensive system from the Slovaks.David Hancko fills in at left-back for SlovakiaCredit: GettySaka played his best game of England’s group against Denmark while attacking usual centre-back Andreas ChristensenEngland must press LobotkaThere is little doubt that the key player for Slovakia in this tournament has been the 29-year-old Slovakia midfielder Stanislav Lobotka. He has been playing as the deepest midfield player in Slovakia’s 4-3-3 system sitting as the single pivot in the ‘6’ position. Everything that Slovakia do well comes through the Napoli star as he consistently receives and links the attack for his team.He often receives the ball deep and spins to look for opportunities to play forward and into areas that will hurt the opposition. Lobotk finds ways to unpick sides and move his team through the final third and into dangerous areas.Lobotka moves intelligently to create space and is keen to get the ball forwardWhether Southgate plays Jude Bellingham or Phil Foden in as the No10, they must maintain close contact with Lobotka to contain him.Lobotka is the main attacking threat and stunned Wembley after three minutes in England’s 1-1 draw with Slovakia in 2017.Stopping him from dictating the game will hurt the Slovakians and disrupt their gameplan in possession.If England are able to stop Lobotka from playing effectively – they will give themselves an excellent opportunity to progress to the next stage.READ MORE SUN STORIESHere Lobotka receives the ball from the back and quickly turns Ukraine’s midfieldLobotka is Slovakia’s playmakerCredit: GettyConclusionWhen international tournaments get to the knockout stage then they really get going. Even though England have yet to impress in this tournament they have still given themselves a chance to win the competition with a favourable draw going forward.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More