Euro 2024

FOOTBALL fans rejoiced after Belgium wore their Tintin-inspired kit against Ukraine.The Red Devils showed off their home red and black strip for their opening two games of Euro 2024.Beligum wore their Tintin-inspired kit for the first time at the Euros on WednesdayCredit: ReutersTintin was a series of comics inspired by Belgian cartoonist Georges Remi who went under the pen name HergeCredit: GettyIn those colours they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Slovakia, but then recovered to win 2-0 against Romania.Ahead of their final Group E match against Ukraine, all four teams were level on three points.But more than the permutations surrounding the group-game deciders, fans were more interested in Belgium’s away kit.The blue shirt and brown shorts are a nod to Tintin, the famous character created by Belgian cartoonist Georges Remi – who went by the pen name Herge.READ MORE ON EURO 2024And viewers were quick to hail the look as it made its Euros debut.One said: “The first outing of #Euro2024 for the Belgium Tintin kit. We’ve dreamt of this day.”Another added: “This is awesome.”A third replied: “Best kit I’ve seen this euros!”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile a fourth responded: “Nice kit 🔥.”And a fifth said: “This is to deceive De Bruyne into believing that he is playing for City.”Play Foden & Bellingham centrally & go for it! | Jack Wilshere’s plan to win the EurosIt comes after Belgium’s home strip was criticised for leaving their players covered in sweat during their defeat to Slovakia. More

GARY NEVILLE has warned England what awaits them if they do not find their feet at Euro 2024.The Three Lions limped into the last 16 as group winners despite three poor performances.Jude Bellingham looks gutted after England’s draw with SloveniaCredit: APGary Neville has not enjoyed what he’s seenAnd Neville, 49, says they must get their act together or they are in for a rude awakening with the Netherlands potentially lying in wait.He told Sky Sports: “There’s one fortunate element of our group. “It has been the poorest group to watch and that has helped us, when we’ve been below par, to get through as group winners. “What will happen is now is that we’ll rise to the occasion of the knockout phases and playing against a better team will mean there’s more space and our players will naturally just thrive in that sort of environment, or they’ll carry their performances through from the group into the knockout phase and they’ll get the shock of their lives.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS”Because if they carry on playing like they are one thing I can guarantee you they will get beat.”Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Gareth Southgate have urged the media to be more positive in their coverage.But Neville thinks the press, fans and squad are singing from the same hymn sheet.He added: “They know they have to step it up. I actually think what the media are saying, what the players are saying in their interviews and what Gareth is saying are exactly the same things.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Declan Rice – before the game I think – said that he was poor against Denmark and the team were poor.”Gareth admitted that they keep the ball and that they didn’t press well and they didn’t do the defensive part of the game high up the pitch well.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYPlay Foden & Bellingham centrally & go for it! | Jack Wilshere’s plan to win the Euros”Obviously they’re defending well at the back when they go into a sort of shape.”But I think we’re saying the same things, the fans are seeing the same things, but obviously with a lot more emotion and that’s the difference here.”What we have to do is get our performance level up a level or two if we’re going to get past a country like Holland.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.”Because I think if we play like we have been, we’ll struggle and it could be a disappointing ending.”But we’ve got the capability to step up because those players proved in the second half last night that they are capable of fantastic football and playing far better than they have done.”There’s another level on the back of that second half last night that’s still to come as well.”England 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. More

SLOVENIA midfielder Timi Max Elsnik admitted Gareth Southgate’s decision not to put Cole Palmer on until the 71st minute “helped” his side hold on for a draw.England produced another unimpressive performance on Tuesday night as they were held to a goalless draw in Cologne.Slovenia midfielder Timi Max Elsnik, seen here closing down Cole Palmer, said the Chelsea star was a handful for SloveniaCredit: GettyAnthony Gordon also impressed off the bench for Gareth Southgate’s sideCredit: GettyThe only change to Southgate’s starting line-up from the draw with Denmark was to bring Conor Gallagher in for Trent Alexander-Arnold.He then waited until just 19 minutes were left before Palmer came on for Bukayo Saka.Alexander-Arnold and Anthony Gordon were then thrown on for a handful of minutes at the end.And ex-Derby man Elsnik, 26, has revealed his side were pleased the introductions of Palmer and Gordon did not come sooner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on talkSPORT, he said: “Palmer, definitely he caused us some problems.”He is a very specific player and for us luckily it didn’t happen earlier because also our left-back was on a booking from early on and going one v one with him every time he has to be careful.”Luckily Palmer came on – I don’t know how long was left – but in my opinion it was good it was not earlier because it definitely helped us.”Our level of energy dropped, it’s hard to be that level of energy for 90+ minutes so when they bring in fresh players with this quality it’s really hard to control them.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”And they have a point to prove, they’ve been waiting for two games now to get the chance and we all know what he’s capable of, him and Gordon.”I think [they] did well and I think they can help this English team a lot to be honest.”Charlie Wyett slams ‘massively disappointing’ England after drab 0-0 draw with Slovenia in final Euro 2024 group gameEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYThe draw booked Slovenia’s place in the last-16 as one of the four best third-place sides.They were pipped to second in Group C by Denmark by virtue of their disciplinary record, with England top despite struggling in all three games.Elsnik also detailed a classy post-match gesture from England man Jude Bellingham after the Real Madrid superstar had promised at half-time to give the Slovenian his shirt at the end of the game.England 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. More

JUDE BELLINGHAM was hailed as a “class act” for his gesture to Slovenia’s Timi Max Elsnik.Bellingham started in England’s midfield for the final group stage match of Euro 2024.Jude Bellingham looks on in England’s draw with SloveniaCredit: GettyBut he struggled throughout the 90 minutes as Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw. Still, England topped the group while Slovenia also progressed to the last 16 despite their third-place finish. Elsnik – whose had loans with Swindon, Mansfield and Northampton while signed to Derby – has been key to Slovenia’s success. The midfielder joined talkSPORT to discuss his nation’s progression into the knockout stages. READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSAnd he revealed how classy Bellingham went out of his way to fulfil a promise made at half-time. Elsnik said: “I asked him for the shirt and I actually asked him at half-time and we agreed at the end of the game in the tunnel.”Then obviously we went to celebrate with the fans and one of my team-mates he went to him and took it off him.”I went, ‘OK, he’s got the Bellingham shirt now, I’m not going to get it.’Most read in FootballEngland 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.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”And then in the interview area I waited for Stones and yeah John gave me his shirt so I actually swapped with John Stones.”And then one of our analytics when we were up in the stands with our families, he came to me and said, ‘I have a shirt for you, you agreed with a player.’Gareth Southgate reacts to England fans throwing cups and booing Three Lions team after drab draw”I said, ‘With who?’ And he said, ‘It’s Jude Bellingham’s shirt.’ So he remembered that he promised me. “I was really surprised, I thought the moment was gone and he had given it to someone else.”Class act from him that he didn’t forget… obviously it’s going to be a massive piece in my collection.”Bellingham scored England’s winner in their opening game of the Euros – though he has had a dip in form since. But Elsnik said: “It’s not easy for him, the season he’s had and the star he has become. “One of the top footballers in the world he’s gonna get judged on every touch, every pass that he makes.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s going to have bad games like everybody else but the consistency through the whole season that’s what you have to base him on.”Maybe he’s going to be the key man in the knockout stages and be the hero for England in the end.”Timi Max Elsnik battling with Jude BellinghamCredit: Alamy More