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    England were so boring they put me to sleep – but I wasn’t expecting to be woken up the way I was, says Three Lions fan

    AN England fan pictured fast asleep during the goalless snore draw with Slovenia says he “wished he’d never woken up”.Freddie Hahn, 32, summed up the mood of legions of Three Lions supporters as he nodded off in the stands during the soporific stalemate.Freddie Hahn, 32, nodded off in the stands during The Three Lions’ match against SloveniaCredit: RexBut the England fan said he woke to the sound of booing and the dull scorelineCredit: GettyFreddie said: ‘There wasn’t much going on and I thought I was better off asleep’He told yesterday how he woke to the sound of booing — and the dull scoreline, which still secured top spot in our qualifying group.Freddie — a pensions manager from Crawley, Sussex — said he had a great day out, having a few pints with mates. But the only thing that ruined it was the football.He was enjoying his new-found fame yesterday after appearing sprawled in his stadium seat on yesterday’s Sun front page.And he pledged to continue to back manager Gareth Southgate — but only if his lions liven up and deliver the trophy in Germany.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe dad of one said: “It was a very dull game. There wasn’t much going on and I thought I was better off asleep.“There was a lot of booing at the end and that woke me up.“I was actually having a nice dream about England winning the tournament — but I woke up to the nightmare of England’s performance.“I’d been on the beers all day and just thought it’s better to close my eyes than see what was happening on the pitch.”Most read in Euro 2024Southgate was booed, given the thumbs down and pelted with plastic beer cups by a section of fans after the draw in Cologne on Tuesday night.It was just the latest in a dull campaign, which saw the one-time tournament favourites somehow grab top spot by scoring just two goals in three group games.Gareth Southgate reacts to England fans throwing cups and booing Three Lions team after drab drawFreddie paid just £25 for his match ticket and flew to Germany with pals from the local soccer team Crawley Devils — from Southgate’s home town.He said: “We actually attended the same secondary school. I didn’t boo him when I woke up because he’s from the same place as me and I didn’t want to be too harsh on him.“But to be honest, I could probably do a better job than him.”The England coach was yesterday battling to energise his £1.2billion superstar squad as they bid to lift their first footie silverware in 58 years.Freddie admitted seven or eight pints of beer knocked back in sunny Cologne before the game had him dozing in his seat even before kick-off.He said: “We came into the city very early, had a fantastic lunch and started drinking.’Good laugh’“There was a real party atmosphere and no trouble. It was a fantastic occasion. The only thing that ruined it was what happened on the pitch.”Freddie, who has a one-year-old son with his partner, Tash Copsey, said he is known for falling asleep, especially at parties. He said: “I didn’t realise a picture of me sleeping would become such a big thing. My partner and family are having a good laugh about it.“I’ve had lots of messages. People find it really hilarious, really funny.A lot of people know me as the bloke who falls asleep at parties, but I’ve never done it in a packed football stadium before”I’m the most famous England fan in the world at the moment.“A lot of people know me as the bloke who falls asleep at parties, but I’ve never done it in a packed football stadium before.“I put it down to my busy life and the fact that I’ve got a young child.“It was nice to get out to Germany and spend some time with the lads.” Freddie manages football team Crawley Devils in the Mid Sussex league and added: “I think I put my players to sleep sometimes with my team talks.“I love going to watch England away and I’ve had a great time and hopefully Gareth and the boys can turn it around. It was a frustrating game because we have so much talent at our disposal.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFreddie flew back to England yesterday — and has no plans to return to Germany.Freddie admitted seven or eight pints of beer knocked back before the gameJude Bellingham and Phil Foden were both excellent for their clubs this season but have struggled for EnglandCredit: ReutersHarry Kane has also struggled at Euro 2024Credit: GettyTwo beer cups were allegedly hurled towards Gareth Southgate after the draw with SloveniaCredit: GettyThe full time whistle was met with jeers by England fansCredit: Rex More

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    Gary Lineker fumes ‘the system is flawed’ and demands change after Ukraine make unfortunate Euros history

    GARY LINEKER labelled the Euros system “flawed” after Ukraine made unwanted history after being eliminated from the tournament.Sergei Rebrov’s men followed up a 3-0 defeat to Romania in their opening game with a 2-1 win over Slovakia.Gary Lineker feels the Euros system is ‘flawed’ as Ukraine were eliminatedCredit: BBCUkraine had four points after their three games but still finished bottom of Group ECredit: GettyHeading into the final round of fixtures all four Group E teams – Romania, Belgium, Slovakia and Ukraine – were level on three points.With Romania and Slovakia drawing, Ukraine knew only a win over Belgium would prevent them from finishing bottom and being knocked out on four points.But they could only muster a goalless draw, despite going close on several occasions late in the game.It means they are out of the Euros, while teams in other groups have advanced with four points.READ MORE ON EURO 2024They are the first team to be knocked out of the Euros with four points since the tournament was expanded for the 2016 edition.And an unhappy Lineker was quick to bring this quirk up as he criticised the format.Speaking on the BBC, he said: “Well, Belgium have got themselves through but you feel for Ukraine.”They did everything towards the end there, probably the better side overall but it’s heartbreak for them.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The first team to not make it through with four points, I do think this system is flawed at the moment.”They need to look at it, I suspect, at some point.”SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesSecond AND third place both went through with three points in Group C as Denmark and Slovenia progressed.Meanwhile, Ukraine’s draw with Belgium forces The Red Devils into a blockbuster last-16 showdown with France.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYEngland need superhero Bellingham back to have any chance of winning Euro 2024JUDE BELLINGHAM delivered a masterful, super-hero performance in the opening 45 minutes at Euro 2024, writes Charlie Wyett.Yet we have not seen much from the boy wonder since.Maybe he left his cloak in the dressing room at Gelsenkirchen and is still looking for it.But he needs to discover in time for the last 16 tie this weekend otherwise England are knackered.Approaching the serious part of Euro 2024, this team really does need to get a grip and start showing some personality.At times against Slovenia, Bellingham just looked lost.Let’s hope he can sprinkle some stardust in the knockout stages because Gareth Southgate certainly needs something.Bellingham should come good. This could still be HIS tournament.Read Charlie Wyett’s England vs Slovenia verdict in full.Or check out all of Charlie’s Euro 2024 stories. More

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    Euro 2024 Group F LIVE TABLE: Final standings as Turkey, Czech Republic and Georgia look to join Portugal in last 16

    PORTUGAL became the first team from Group F to progress to the Euro 2024 last-16.Cristiano Ronaldo and Co sealed their spot in the knockout stages with a comfortable 3-0 win over ‘dark horses’ Turkey.Portugal have already booked their spot in the last-16Credit: RexBut the Portuguese were stunned by Georgia – allowing the football minnows to qualify ahead of the Czech Republic, who lost to Turkey.LIVE Group F table below…What happens if teams are tied on points?If two or more teams are level on points at the end of the group stage, a head-to-head record is used as the first tie-breaker to determine their final rankings.This is followed by goal difference and goals scored in the matches between the teams in question, followed by most wins and then disciplinary records across the group as a whole.Should two teams be tied on points, goals scored and conceded at the end of the group stage – with no tiebreaker separating them from any other team – a penalty shootout will dictate their final placings.Group F fixtures and resultsJune 18Turkey 3-1 GeorgiaPortugal 2-1 Czech RepublicJune 22Georgia 1-1 Czech RepublicTurkey 0-3 PortugalJune 26Czech Republic 1-2 TurkeyGeorgia 2-0 PortugalRound of 16June 29Germany vs Denmark (Dortmund, 8pm)Switzerland vs Italy (Berlin, 5pm)June 30Spain vs 3E/F (Cologne (8pm)England vs 3D/E (Gelsenkirchen, 5pm)July 1Portugal vs 3A/C (Frankfurt, 8pm)France vs Belgium (Düsseldorf, 5pm)July 2Romania vs 3C/D (Munich, 5pm)Austria vs 2F (Leipzig, 8pm)Quarter-finalsJuly 5W39 vs W37 (Stuttgart, 5pm)W41 vs W42 (Hamburg, 8pm)July 6W43 vs W44 (Berlin, 8pm)W40 vs W38 (Dusseldorf, 5pm)Semi-finalsJuly 9W45 vs W46 (Munich, 8pm)July 10W47 vs W48 (Dortmund, 8pm)FinalJuly 14W49 vs W50 (Berlin, 8pm) More

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    De Bruyne ‘stops Belgium flops from acknowledging fans’ after they’re BOOED off following dire draw at Euro 2024

    EAGLE-EYED fans noticed the moment Kevin de Bruyne stopped his team-mates from acknowledging supporters amid a chorus of boos.De Bruyne’s Belgium were held to a bore 0-0 draw against Ukraine to finish second in their group. Kevin de Bruyne stopped his team-mates from acknowledging supporters amid a chorus of boosCredit: BBCBelgium players were booed after drawing to UkraineCredit: BBCBut despite qualifying, Belgium fans made their feelings known by booing the players at full-time.Some of De Bruyne’s team-mates went over to thank fans for their support but the Manchester City star was spotted telling them to retreat. The moment was picked up by fans online as one said: “THIS IS SAD.”Another added: “After their performance wonder what did he expect. At least should have addressed them or shown good leadership.”READ MORE IN football One said: “They’re booing for a reason.” But another argued: “He did the right thing.” Belgium now face 2018 World Cup winners France in the last 16 – and De Bruyne wants fans back on side. He said: “We just need them, I don’t know what else to say. We will need them against France. Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY”We needed them in the last three games so that is it.”Belgium progress into the next round with a win and draw in the group following their shock opening loss to Slovakia.’They’ll get the shock of their lives’ – Gary Neville hands England stars stern warning after Slovenia bore draw More

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    Five positives for England heading into knockouts, from Mainoo and Palmer to their best player so far at Euro 2024

    I DON’T think you can hide away from the fact that the 0-0 draw with Slovenia was deeply disappointing.Even though England have won the group.England were held to a drab 0-0 draw by Slovenia on Tuesday nightCredit: GETTYFans in Cologne and those watching at home were left disappointed by the resultCredit: RexBut there are plenty of positives to take from the matchCredit: REXAnd it’s not a surprise that there’s been lots of chatter from England supporters, over the last few hours expressing their dismay at how the team have been playing at the Euros.We all know they can play a lot better. I think they will do, and I think there are a few reasons to be positive.Reason OneFirst of all, I’m starting with the defence. Mark Guehi, I think, has been outstanding. I think he’s been England’s best player over the three games.READ MORE ON ENGLANDThere was a worry for me that they might miss Harry Maguire, purely because of his experience in the last three tournaments.But Guehi, he’s come in and he’s developed a good partnership with John Stones.He’s been confident and I have absolutely no doubts that he will continue to play well in the last 16 on Sunday.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEngland 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.Reason TwoDeclan Rice has impressed me. He’s played like a captain. Most read in Euro 2024Charlie Wyett slams ‘massively disappointing’ England after drab 0-0 draw with Slovenia in final Euro 2024 group gameHe spoke positively ahead of the Slovenia game and I thought for the first 20 to 25 minutes that he really was outstanding.He didn’t do everything right, he’s had a few difficult moments. But he really does look a class act.And he’s leading by example and I’ve absolutely no doubt he’ll do the same on Sunday.Marc Guehi and Declan Rice were two bright lights in an otherwise dismal displayCredit: GETTYReason ThreeThis brings me on to number three and that’s Rice’s partner next to him. It’s not going to be Trent Alexander-Arnold. And it’s not gonna be Conor Gallagher. But Kobbie Mainoo came on in a difficult situation at half time.And I thought the Manchester United teenager was excellent again. He knows he can do better.I’m sure he’ll do better, but it was still an accomplished performance from him and he’s going to be a huge player over the next few years.I wasn’t so sure that he was totally ready to be thrown in at the deep end, but I thought he did well against Slovenia and I’m sure that he will keep his place.Kobbie Mainoo turned in a display well beyond his years against the SloveniansCredit: REXReason FourThat brings us to Cole Palmer again. He had 20-odd minutes against Slovenia and he looked like he’s really ready to take the Euros by storm.There’s a lot more to come from him, but I thought it was the right decision to play him.And I would start him now on Sunday because I feel that Bukayo Saka, as excellent player as he is, still doesn’t look 100 per cent.So I would put Palmer in for Bukayo Saka.Cole Palmer should be in contention to start in the last 16Credit: GETTYReason FiveThat brings us on to Harry Kane.There’s been a lot of criticism of the captain over the last day or so, but I think it’d be absolutely ludicrous to put him on the bench.And there’s absolutely no chance of that happening, even though some fans are demanding it.You only have to look at his international record to justify his place in the starting XI. He’s only scored once so far, he could have scored one or two others.But the key thing for me is I thought he was better against Slovenia. His movement was better.And I think if you look at Kane’s performances over the years when he has suffered an injury, he normally does take a few weeks, even if he’s only out for a couple of weeks, he normally takes three or four weeks to get back to his best.So I’m sure that he will be back to his best. He needs to be back to his best on Sunday.Harry Kane turned in a better display against Slovenia – despite not scoringCredit: GETTYAnd finally,Just a shoutout to the England fans. There was concern over how they behaved over here. I think they’ve behaved pretty well at the last few tournaments when England had been abroad.But, of course, you can’t hide the fact that some of them acted disgracefully at Wembley three years ago, even though most of them, or none of them, weren’t really proper England fans.And while there were problems in Marseille, in Euro 2016 those who have come out to Germany, have enjoyed themselves.There have been a few idiots singing about German bombers, but certainly, ahead of the game in Cologne, there were what, over 10,000 fans wasn’t a single incident, let alone an arrest.And I know that’s what you should expect from all football fans. But that’s not been the case over the years.But I think the demographic has changed a bit with the England fans and they’re not coming out to pick fights with the police and the security – famous last words.READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland fans have given a great account of themselves throughout the tournamentCredit: PAHopefully, that’s not the case. Hopefully, they’ll enjoy their return to Gelsenkirchen.But most important of all, let’s hope they’ll watch a much better England performance and that they’ll all be able to prepare for a quarter-final in Dusseldorf.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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    Wayne Rooney announces he’s LEAVING BBC Euro 2024 coverage live on TV after Ukraine vs Belgium clash

    WAYNE ROONEY has confirmed he is leaving his role as a BBC pundit at Euro 2024 to take charge of pre-season with new club Plymouth.The Manchester United and England legend, 38, took the job with the Championship outfit ahead of the tournament.Wayne Rooney confirmed live on the BBC he is leaving punditry duties to take charge of PlymouthCredit: BBCHe then flew to Germany to link up with fellow Three Lions icons Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer in the BBC studio for the Euros.But after analysing Belgium’s goalless draw with Ukraine on Wednesday night, he revealed it would be his final game as he prepares to fly back to England.He said: “I fly home tomorrow, the lads are back in on the third of July, so I’ll be home and straight down to Plymouth.”It was confirmed on Wednesday morning that his first game in charge of the second-tier side will be against Sheffield Wednesday on August 11.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen Lineker asked him about the excitement of returning to coaching after the fixture announcement, Rooney added: “The excitement was there today when you see the fixtures.”You look through the opening games, your Christmas schedule and stuff so yeah really excited.”Shearer then joked they are the pundits that will “start criticising you”.Lineker then hilariously took aim at former Portugal international Jose Fonte who wore a white striped shirt as a special guest in the studio.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWayne Rooney’s managerial recordA look at Wayne Rooney’s time in the dugout…2020 – 2022: Derby CountyGames in charge: 84Wins: 25Draws: 21Losses: 382022 – 2023: D.C UnitedGames in charge: 53Wins: 14Draws: 13Losses: 262023 – 2024: Birmingham CityGames in charge: 15Wins: 2Draws: 4Losses: 9Referencing his choice of top, Lineker added: “Jose is off to play in the cricket for England tomorrow.”Rooney has signed a three-year deal with Plymouth – who narrowly avoided relegation from the Championship last season.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYHe penned the deal just four months after being sacked by Birmingham after a nightmare stint in the Midlands.Rooney’s time with Birmingham was catastrophic, winning only two of his 15 games in the dugout.His 83-day stint at St Andrews went some way to cementing the club’s fate of relegation at the end of the season.When Rooney arrived at the club they sat in sixth place in the Championship but his terrible run of results, coupled with similar form from his replacement Tony Mowbray, saw the club tank to 22nd place.But Rooney, who has also managed Derby and DC United, has been given another chance by Plymouth.In an announcement on the official club website, Rooney said: “Taking this role at Plymouth Argyle feels like the perfect next step in my career – and I would like to thank the Chairman and Board for the faith they have shown in me. “This is an opportunity to be part of an exciting project. I look forward to helping to build a squad of players to play expansive football – and to entertain the Green Army. “I have experienced first-hand how talented the existing group of players is here – and also the incredible atmosphere at Home Park.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The club is on an exciting long-term journey, with a progressive plan in place. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of it. “I can’t wait for the Championship season to start in August.”BBC 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

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    Slovakia 1 Romania 1: Both sides qualify with the draw everyone expected as Slovaks face potential England clash

    THE result we all expected.A draw that sent both teams through. Romania players celebrate their progression to the knockout stagesCredit: ReutersThe joy was shared by the SlovaksCredit: GettyRazvan Marin’s VAR-awarded penalty, cancelling out Ondrej Duda header for Slovakia, ensured parity and progression.But it was only in the final few minutes, as the sweltering afternoon made way for a torrential storm straight from a Roger Corman horror film, that the heat went out of this one. And nobody, NOBODY, should throw even a finger of suspicion at either side after they went at it hammer and tongs for at least 85 madcap minutes.The final whistle brought celebrations from every corner of the Waldstadion, with Romania finally aware they had ended up top of the group on goals scored.READ MORE IN football Joy all round, manic leaps of delight on the pitch and in the stands.Justifiably, too. For both sides, getting to the last 16 was a triumph, coming top of group E a true feat for Romania and their yellow wall of sound.And where the conspiracy theorists had enjoyed a field day beforehand, it was the fans who watched a real match that could not be quibbled with.It was a good one, too, Slovakia setting the pace with two blocked shots inside the first 13 seconds.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYCASINO 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.Romania responded, blue-haired right back Andrej Ratiu wriggling through to take aim for the far corner, his shot parried by Newcastle’s Martin Dubravka before Ianis Hagi, son of Romanian legend Gheorghe, blazed the rebound off target.But Slovakia went in front after 24 minutes.’They’ll get the shock of their lives’ – Gary Neville hands England stars stern warning after Slovenia bore drawThe ball was spread right and Juraj Kucka, a veteran of the 2010 World Cup win over Italy, swung in a high, hanging ball that Duda gleefully headed down and past keeper Florin Nita.So much for the “agreed nil-nil”. Briefly, Slovakia were going through as group winners – and Romania were heading home.Not for long. Hagi tumbled as he tried to go past left-back David Hancko, with German ref Daniel Siebert initially deeming the foul outside the box.The first contact certainly was but there was another on the other side of the line, spotted by the VAR booth in Leipzig.Ondrej Duda opened the scoring for SlovakiaCredit: ReutersIt sent them on their way to qualificationCredit: AFPAfter an age, the spot-kick was given, drilled into the top corner by Marin. The chances continued. Romania striker Denis Dragus prodded wastefully wide while Haraslin did the hard work but fired straight at Nita.Dubravka saved from goalscorer Marin at full-stretch and then was relieved as Dragus’ effort flashed over the top before Nita denied David Strelec with his left boot and Haraslin was a whisker wide.By now it was apocalyptic as the rain lashed down, accompanied by thunder and lightning.As that eased, so did the tempo. The price of a mistake was now outweighing the rationale for gambling.READ MORE SUN STORIESFair enough. They had both given their all. No deals, no pact. Just shared delight.Razvan Marin levelled the scoringCredit: ReutersRomania topped the group with the drawCredit: AFP More

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    Ukraine 0 Belgium 0: Boos at full-time as wasteful Red Devils face France test in last 16 after bore draw

    BORING Belgium’s stars were forced into retreat at the final whistle as they faced mutiny from their own fans.An abject display in which they only just avoided exit and huge embarrassment by the narrowest of margins ended in open defiance by vast numbers of travelling supporters.Belgium booked their place in the knockout stages but laboured against UkraineCredit: APThe Red Devils will now place France in the last 16Credit: ReutersHeorhiy Sudakov had a great chance for Ukraine towards the end but fired his effort straight at Belgium keeper Koen CasteelsCredit: GettyUkraine were cruelly eliminated despite accumulating four pointsCredit: APCaptain Kevin de Bruyne had to lead his team-mates into the dressing room when they hit a wall of verbal protest as they walked over to acknowledge the crowd.The jeers grew louder when the Manchester City forward was named Man of the Match.It follows less than 24 hours after England were barracked by their supporters in the wake of an identical result against lowly Slovenia.Belgium finished second in Group E and now meet France on Monday for a place in the quarter finals.READ MORE ON EURO 2024But they failed to press home their superiority on paper and almost came a cropper in the closing minutes against limited opponents.Ukraine sub Ruslan Malinovskyi spotted a gap at the near post as he sized up to take a corner.Instead of planting a traditional cross into the box he went for goal and almost got one.Belgium keeper Koen Casteels had to make an emergency save and parry the ball clear when it was halfway over his line.Most read in FootballBelgium had the majority of the ball but failed to convert that into chancesLukaku struggled up front for Belgium but still managed two shotsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt summed up the lethargic approach by Belgium who lost their opening game to Slovakia and are facing similar issues to those dogging England.De Bruyne in particular cut an increasingly frustrated figure as the game wore on.Euro 2024’s sexiest players revealedBut he was as guilty as anyone for failing to secure what should have been a routine win and easy passage into the knockout stages.And several times Ukraine broke through and had they enjoyed the kind of quality up front in the Belgian ranks would surely have won the match and claimed a momentous victory.As it stands they ended up bottom of Group E and are heading out despite racking up four points from three group games.Denmark, in England’s group, have progressed to the last 16 on only three.Belgium managed four shots on target – but so did Sergei Rebrov’s soccer nomads who play home games in Poland because of their country’s war with Russia.De Bruyne and his scattering of Premier League stars face a tougher test against France, although they have managed just two goals so far this Euros – and one of those was a penalty.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