Euro 2024

KAI HAVERTZ has made silencing critics somewhat of a specialist subject.The forward was compared to his beloved donkeys at Chelsea, doubted when he was bought for £65million by Arsenal and has defied calls to be dropped for Germany.Kai Havertz is again proving his doubters wrongCredit: RexArsenal’s misunderstood magician is spearheading a German team which started their home Euros on fire and are reconnecting with a country which had little hope before the tournament.Toni Kroos may be the dictator of Die Mannschaft and Jamal Musiala its creator, but Havertz’s work is making their brilliance possible.The 25-year-old, an animal lover with a special affinity for donkeys, has two goals from four games at Euro 2024 – both under pressure from the penalty spot.But it is his tireless running at and battling with defenders which has created space for team-mates such as Musiala and Florian Wirtz to thrive.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite his impressive start there have, as always seems to be the case wherever Havertz goes, been doubts.Julian Nagelsmann resisted loud calls to start super-sub Niclas Fullkrug ahead of the Gunners forward in the last-16 tie against Denmark.Fullkrug, the Borussia Dortmund striker, also has two goals in two games – the second being a crucial extra-time equaliser against Switzerland which saw them top their group.A street close to Germany’s hotel in Dortmund was even renamed Niclas-Füllkrug-Allee ahead of the game as pressure built to make a change from the start.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBut that ignores Havertz’s role in Fullkrug’s impact. Had the former Bayer Leverkusen man not spent the previous 60 or 70 minutes tormenting and tiring the defenders, his replacement would find it far more difficult to have such an impact.But the fact Havertz has faced up to the scrutiny and questioning should come as no surprise.How hosts Germany look to return to their best for Euro 2024It was something Arsenal considered when they signed a struggling Havertz from London rivals Chelsea a year ago.He may have scored a winning goal in the Champions League final for the Blues, but their spiral under new ownership had seen confidence collapse at Stamford Bridge.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu privately knew they were forking out huge money for damaged goods.There was an understanding that, while there would be eyebrows raised and huge pressure on their new man, things could take time.Both the coaching staff and those upstairs were prepared to wait it out.It took seven games for Havertz to net his first Premier League goal, against Bournemouth, and another six before the second followed away at Brentford.Arteta persevered throughout, having found a witty and engaging character who was determined to improve and make a contribution.There were some tweaks to positioning, an injury to Gabriel Jesus seeing Havertz move further forward into the role he is now flourishing in with Germany.The patience and foresight – as well as the player’s hard work – paid off.Havertz ended the season with 14 goals and seven assists in all competitions, scoring a number of late goals to keep their title challenge rolling on.While there has been huge clamour since January for the Gunners to spend big on a striker, those within London Colney are relaxed about the situation as they effectively have Germany’s No9 on their books.There will undoubtedly be more questions as to whether that is the right call going into the new domestic season.READ MORE SUN STORIESEven if Havertz were to fire Germany to Euros glory in Berlin on July 14 he would still face the same doubts over whether he is the right fit.But one thing you can rely on is that, eventually, he will prove them wrong.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

KOBBIE MAINOO has left England fans purring with a silky goal in training ahead of the clash against Slovakia.The teenage midfielder is expected to make his first start of Euro 2024 in Sunday’s last 16 tie.Kobbie Mainoo scored a silky solo goal in England training ahead of the clash with SlovakiaCredit: X / @EnglandMainoo’s outside of the foot finish left fans in awe of the teenage midfielderCredit: X / @EnglandEngland face Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen, with the winner meeting Switzerland in the quarter-finals.Ahead of the match, the Three Lions shared footage of a solo goal from Mainoo in training to social media.After collecting a pass from Kieran Trippier, the 19-year-old rolled the ball past Conor Gallagher to set up a chance to shoot.Mainoo then slotted the ball into the bottom corner with the outside of this right foot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEngland fans were left in awe of the Manchester United youngster’s solo strike, with one commenting: “He’s cooking.”Another added: “Got to start.”A third fan also wrote: “What a talent.”Meanwhile, one more said: “Kid’s a joke. Has to start today.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMainoo’s goal comes after he sent United fans into meltdown with a separate training clip on Friday.A stunning turn left Joe Gomez for dead during another small-sided game drill during preparations for the match against Slovakia.Man Utd fans in meltdown over moment Kobbie Mainoo ‘sends Joe Gomez back to Charlton Athletic’ in England training Gareth Southgate is expected to start Mainoo in midfield for the last 16 encounter following his impressive display off the bench last time out.Mainoo replaced Gallagher at half-time against Slovenia on Tuesday, partnering Declan Rice in the England midfield.He also made a four-minute cameo in the opening match against Serbia, which England won 1-0.Despite his goal in training, Mainoo is yet to score in five senior international caps since making his debut in March.However, he has scored five goals in 35 appearances for United.All five have come with his right foot, with the most recent against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

SUN-loving Brits are getting ready for England’s first knockout game against Slovakia – with fans flocking to bars in Magaluf.Pub owners are pouring barrels of beer as holidaymakers sink pints before the big match.Beth Widdop, Alicia Clark (front) Summer Cox, and Morgan Watson (back) cheering for EnglandCredit: Louis WoodBrit bartender Carla Ingham said Three Lions will bring it home but her Slovakian coworker Lukas Betin disagreesCredit: Louis WoodAza, Tom, George, Freddie, Jed and Cameron predicted England will win 1-0Credit: Louis WoodPubs across Magaluf are gearing up for tonight’s clash against SlovakiaCredit: Louis WoodThree Lions supporters chanted “Come on England” before jumping into the water to cool down before the game – as temperatures in the island are rising.England’s squad are set to face Slovakia for the Euro 2024 last-16 in Gelsenkirchen after claiming top spot in Group C.The party vibe in Magaluf never stops – and bar owners are expecting their pubs to be filled with England fans by kick-off time.England fans are adamant the team will win tonight, with predictions suggesting Saka will be the most likely to score.READ MORE ON EUROSBut Slovakian bartender at Linekers Bar, Lukas Betin, is positive his country will do well.Pictured next to his Brit co-worker Carla Ingham, he told The Sun he thought Slovakia has a chance to win – even though he admitted ice hockey is the nation’s national sport.And Carla said she reckons the bar will be packed.She expects to go through a few barrels of beer throughout the day as hopeful Brits prepare to celebrate an England victory.Most read in Euro 2024She told The Sun: “We usually get rammed in here for the football. “Fingers crossed we’re going to win. Hopefully we’re going to be busy, we do get really busy for the football.”Sun mascot Harry Mane roared into Slovakia yesterday to discover the locals fear a gou-lashing off EnglandThe bartender, from Yorkshire, who moved to Spain 20 years ago, predicted the score will be 2-1 to England.A group of 18-year-old lads having a swim at Magaluf’s beach are also hoping for an England win. The boys from from Shenfield, Essex, said the game will be tricky – but they think the Three Lions will make it in the end.Aza predicts Saka will score – while his pal Cameron reckons Jarrod Bowen will be the one who’ll bring the victory.He said: “Don’t think I’ll be convincing, but I reckon we’ll get over the line, win the game. I reckon, so.”Pals Beth Widdop and Alicia Clark are also certain Gareth Southgate’s men will bring a good result tonight.”We’re gonna win. Obviously,” they said adding that Harry Kane will be the one to score.VAK IN ACTIONBack in the UK, thousands of people in England shirts are heading to pubs and fanzones for the knock-out match.And it’s no different in Germany, where Three Lions supporters have packed out the main square in Gelsenkirchen.Snaps show fans in St George costumes, lion onesies and patriotic hats posing with their pints as kick-off approaches.People are also flooding Boxpark Wembley – where pints could be sent flying if England score.Three Lions fans are hoping for victory after a drab start to the tournament – with only one win in three games.A potential quarter-final against an exciting Switzerland side awaits if England come out tops tonight – and glory will be one step closer.Gareth Southgate’s side came top of Group C after a 1-0 win against Serbia and draws with Slovenia and Denmark.Centre-backs Marc Guehi and John Stones and shotstopper Jordan Pickford have done well not to concede a single goal.But England will need to be more lively up front if they are to get past a talented Slovakia side in Gelsenkirchen this afternoon.READ MORE SUN STORIESStaff at Lineker’s bar said they’re expecting to be packed by kickoff timeCredit: Louis WoodCarla thinks Saka will score the winning goal tonightCredit: Louis WoodHolidaymakers have flocked to Brit-favourite MagalufCredit: Louis WoodCoworkers Carla Ingham and Lukas Betin posing with their flagsCredit: Louis Wood More

ENGLAND fans are holding their breath as the Three Lions kick off against Slovakia in a fight for a place in the quarter-final.It’s nervy already for England fans after Slovakia had two early chances.A couple supporting England at the AufSchalke ArenaCredit: EPAFour England fans in St George costumes in Gelsenkirchen earlier todayCredit: Jeremy SelwynOne fan is backing the Three Lions with his chest hair designCredit: ReutersAt home, a trio of fans show their support in LeedsCredit: NB PRESS LTDEngland fans are already in the stands at the AufSchalke ArenaCredit: PAFour fans on Wembley WayCredit: Darren FletcherFans gather at Boxpark Wembley to watch the gameCredit: LNPOne of the many England fans who have travelled to GermanyCredit: Jeremy SelwynEngland fans shared a laugh with Slovakia supporters in Gelsenkirchen’s main squareCredit: Paul EdwardsThe Hawkins family will be roaring in the standsCredit: Paul EdwardsA trio of young Three Lions fans in the German mining townCredit: Jeremy SelwynTennis ace Emma Raducanu sporting an England shirt at WimbledonCredit: PABut Three Lions supporters in the AufSchalke Arena are roaring despite the nervy start.At home, thousands of people in England shirts have headed to pubs and fanzones for the knock-out match.Snaps show fans in St George costumes, lion onesies and patriotic hats posing with their pints as the match kicks off.Earlier today fans had friendly chats with Slovakia fans or channelled their inner Judge Bellingham in kick-abouts.Read More EurosPeople have also flooded Boxpark Wembley – where pints could be sent flying if England score.And fans have also been enjoying the sunshine on Wembley Way and in cities and towns across the country.Tennis ace Emma Raducanu was spotted heading for her Wimbledon warm-up in an England shirt.Sun-loving Brits have packed out beaches and bars in Magaluf to watch the game.Most read in FootballThree Lions fans are hoping for victory after a drab start to the tournament – with only one win in three games.A potential quarter-final against an exciting Switzerland side awaits if England come out tops tonight – and glory will be one step closer.Gareth Southgate’s side came top of Group C after a 1-0 win against Serbia and draws with Slovenia and Denmark.Centre-backs Marc Guehi and John Stones and shotstopper Jordan Pickford have done well not to concede a single goal.But England will need to be more lively up front if they are to get past a talented Slovakia side in Gelsenkirchen this afternoon.SunSport pundit Jack Wilshere warned Slovakia are better than the Iceland side which knocked England out of the last-16 in 2016.Watch Rio Ferdinand get on the beers with rowdy England fans as BBC Euros pundit cheers on Three Lions against SlovakiaBut Three Lions legend Jack backed England’s young talent to weave between the tight Slovak lines and net a winner.Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo will make his first Euros start in England’s last-16 tie this afternoon.Mainoo, 19, will be rewarded by Gareth Southgate for his impressive showing off the bench in the goalless draw against Slovenia.Conor 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, Newcastle right-back Kieran Trippier has been passed fit to start in Gelsenkirchen.Southgate will stick with the same front-four for the game 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.England’s WAGs are so confident their men will beat Slovakia today they have booked private jets to visit them after the game.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Honey the psychic eagle has also predicted a resounding win for the Three Lions.Meanwhile, Man City ace Jack Grealish has been spotted donning a WIG on his St Tropez getaway after he was dropped from the Euros.Another fan came wearing a patriotic hatCredit: Jeremy SelwynA supporter channels his inner Jude Bellingham in the squareCredit: Jeremy SelwynFans trying out some new tunes along with classic England chantsCredit: ReutersOne lad is hoping for victory after a drab start to the tournamentCredit: ReutersAn English couple outside the AufSchalke ArenaCredit: PA More