Euro 2024

FEARLESS youngster Cole Palmer needs to be handed a starting spot to liven up England’s timid attack – just like Michael Owen did at World Cup ’98.That is according to former Three Lions star Darren Anderton, who played alongside an 18-year-old Owen as he took the game by storm in France all those years ago.Cole Palmer impressed with his brief cameo against SlovakiaCredit: RexDarren Anderton (R) wants to see him unleashed like Michael Owen (L) was in 1998Credit: ReutersLiverpool striker Owen did not start the first two group games of that tournament.But he was so good off the bench against Romania that boss Glenn Hoddle then pitched him from the off, ahead of Teddy Sheringham, in the final group game over Colombia.Anderton netted in that match, as did David Beckham with a glorious free-kick, as England ran out 2-0 winners.Teenager Owen showed he was not scared of anyone – exemplified by his wonder goal against Argentina in the knockouts – and Anderton sees a similar quality in Chelsea starlet Palmer, 22.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Tottenham legend saw enough in Palmer’s exciting cameo in the drab 0-0 over Slovenia – where he played with a freedom that his team-mates did not – to start him in the last-16 against Slovakia.Anderton, 52, told SunSport: “I remember walking into the stadium for the Colombia game and a lot of the boys were in shock that Teddy wasn’t going to play and that Michael was going to come in.“Then, of course, he was unbelievable. He was fearless and that’s exactly how Palmer looked against Slovenia.“Palmer’s got that swagger, a bit of arrogance. He deals with pressure unbelievably like he’s playing in the park with his mates.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“In Cologne, he showed exactly what England have been missing.“Does Palmer play instead of Bukayo Saka? Who would have through that after the last couple of years Saka has had.Roy Keane singles out ‘unpredictable’ England star who ‘has X-factor’ and always makes things happen’“But even Saka feels like he’s getting drawn into that style of play where he’s just getting it and giving it, not taking chances.“Our style of play is shackling the team, there’s no doubt about it.“Palmer came on and just went, ‘B******s to that, I’m going to play how I want to play’. That was brilliant, that’s what you want to see.”Anderton, like Wayne Rooney and SunSport columnist Jack Wilshere, would love to see Jude Bellingham as a No8 alongside Declan Rice, allowing Phil Foden to play No10 – but does not think his former England team-mate Gareth Southgate will actually do that.The ex-Spurs man wants to see Anthony Gordon come in on the left to provide some pace in behind, as well as the creative Palmer on the right.Anderton branded England’s displays so far as “lethargic”, lacking in movement and “almost like walking football” which is “easy to defend against”.He played with boss Southgate at Euro 96 and at that World Cup 26 years ago – and expects his former team-mate to remain “calm” due to his intelligence and temperament.But Anderton does not believe Southgate is enjoying himself, despite the England boss’s claims to the contrary after Slovenia – which saw beer cups chucked in his direction by fans at full-time.Speaking on behalf of William Hill, Anderton added: “The question asked of him as to whether he’s enjoying it, I would look at it and think that he’s not.“He’s managing with fear, almost. He’s scared for us to get beat.“The Gareth that took over and gave those players the freedom that they didn’t have under previous managers to express themselves was amazing. We’ve seen the team be successful because of it.“I feel like at the moment he’s scared to let them go play.“For me, Bellingham should play alongside Rice. But Gareth doesn’t seem to want to trust him in there.“Does he not trust him enough defensively? I don’t know why not. Bellingham can do it all. Let Foden play in behind Harry and put Gordon out wide because he will run in behind and scare teams with his pace.“At the moment everybody is coming towards the ball and it’s so easy to play against.“I just want Gareth to say to the boys, ‘Go and play’ and really give them some freedom. But I don’t see that happening.”England may have underwhelmed but ultimately they finished top of the group.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd with France coming second in their group, suddenly the teams on the Three Lions’ side of the draw look more beatable – provided Southgate’s men can lift themselves for the knockouts.Anderton concluded: “We’ve had some pretty nice draws in the last three or four tournaments. We need to make it count this time.” More

PHIL FODEN has returned to England training ahead of Sunday’s round of 16 clash with Slovakia.The Manchester City star, 24, and his partner Rebecca Cooke, welcomed their third child yesterday.Phil Foden has returned to the England campCredit: GettyThe attacker was welcomed back to England trainingCredit: GettyFoden joined in training with his team-matesCredit: GettyThe Man City star is back in contention for Sunday’s matchCredit: X formerly Twitter / @EnglandFoden has started all three of England’s matches at Euro 2024 thus far.He left the Three Lions camp on Wednesday to be there for the birth of his third child.Rebecca gave birth to a baby boy yesterday, with England star Foden by her side.He has since returned to the England camp and could be in contention to play in the round of 16 on Sunday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGareth Southgate’s side will take on Slovakia in Schalke.Foden already has two children – Ronnie, four, and True, one, with his childhood sweetheart Rebecca.He announced that he was expecting a third child back in April, when he threw a Man City-sky blue themed baby shower.Anthony Gordon, a potential alternative to Foden in the starting line-up, is sporting a shiner on his chin after suffering a freak injury.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFoden, 24, has started all three of England’s Euro 2024 games so farCredit: PAAnthony Gordon suffered a nasty graze after falling off his bikeCredit: GettyThe Newcastle winger, 23, fell off his bike during a recovery session.He has since been spotted sporting nasty grazes on his chin and nose, as well as red marks on his chin and hands.England Euro 2024 ace Anthony Gordon shows off gruesome, bloodied cuts on his face after falling off bike in training More

DANI DYER posed with some of England’s glam wives and girlfriends ahead of England’s crunch clash with Slovakia.England face the Slovaks in the round of 16 in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.Dani Dyer shared a snap with her fellow England Wags from left to right: Tolami Benson, Ellie Anderson, Megan Davison, Anouska Santos, Dani DyerCredit: InstagramDani joined partner Jarrod Bowen after the Slovenia gameCredit: RexDani and Jarrod’s family waited for the player to arrive after the gameCredit: Bradley Collyer/PA WireIt’s been a disappointing start to the tournament so far for England, with the side finishing top of their group despite some poor performances.But the players’ partners have been supporting them every step of the way.Following England’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia, the players joined their partners and family in the stands as they celebrated topping the group.Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend Dani took to Instagram today to post a photo of her joined by some of England’s Wags after The Three Lions’ draw with Slovenia.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDani was flanked by Luke Shaw’s girlfriend Anouska Santos, Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan Davison, Ollie Watkins’ girlfriend Ellie Anderson and Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson.Each of the Wags were wearing England merch as they cheered on their partners.Anouska’s partner Luke Shaw has not been included in any matchday squad this tournament as he continues to struggle with a hamstring issue.He said to journalists last week that he is fit to play in the last 16 as he continues to work on his rehabilitation.Most read in Euro 2024Anouska showed her support for Luke after the gameCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) England vs SloveniaTolami wore an England warm up jacket as she watched on in CologneCredit: Mark Large/Daily MailMegan Davison was there to support husband Jordan PickfordCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) – Serbia vs EnglandEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSLeft-back has been of particular concern for England with Kieran Trippier filling in during Luke Shaw’s absence.His tendency to cut inside to use his stronger right foot has caused England’s attacks to look stilted with Phil Foden also not offering width.Man Utd star Luke Shaw’s partner Anouska throws baby shower for third child with Molly-Mae Hague among guests 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 hereFoden returned to England from Germany this week for the birth of his third child with partner Rebecca Cooke.The player has now returned to the England camp.Who 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.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

A KIT MAN for Slovakia showed off his BEATBOXING skills in a press conference after losing a bet- and he weren’t half bad.Group C winners England face Slovakia in the Euro 2024 last-16 on Sunday in Frankfurt.Watch moment Slovakia kit man BEATBOXES during press conference after losing bet ahead of England clash at Euro 2024Kit man Marek Kosan bravely displayed his skills to the world after Slovakia qualified for the knockouts after finishing third in Group E.Slovakia and Romania drew 1-1 in final group game, with both teams qualifying for the last-16, alongside Belgium.And while Kosan must have been overjoyed – he was forced to live up to his word and willingly accept his forfeit after losing a bet.Kosan promised that if Slovakia advanced to the last-16, he would show the media his beatboxing mastery.read more on Euro 2024The 17-second clip shows Kosan stand in front of a room full of eager-eared journalists as both England and Slovakia prepare for Sunday.Reporters in the room can be heard laughing and clapping before Kosan thanks them for watching the show.Slovakia failed to qualify from the group stage at Euro 2020 after Spain thumped them 5-0 in the last-16 of Euro 2016.Before that, Slovakia had never qualified for the Euros after becoming an independent country in 1993.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEXCLUSIVE: Slovakia’s sexiest supporter Veronika Rajek warns England fans to watch out for her school friend in Euro 2024 showdownSouthgate 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