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      ‘They’ll get the shock of their lives’ – Gary Neville hands England stars stern warning after Slovenia bore draw

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      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

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      Slovenia star explains how England could have won Euro 2024 game as he reveals Three Lions tactic that ‘helped’ his side

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      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

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      Slovenia star reveals Jude Bellingham’s classy gesture after England draw despite disappointing Euro 2024 performance

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      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

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      Who is Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan Davison and does she have any children with the England goalkeeper?

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      JORDAN Pickford is well known as a England footy hero.Wife Megan Davison is a regular fixture at the goalkeeper’s matches – and she’s set to support her man in Germany for Euro 2024. Megan Davison is the stunning wife of Jordan PickfordCredit: ReutersWho is Megan Davison?Megan, the wife of Jordan Pickford, graduated from the University of Sunderland in 2021.The pair met when they were at school and have reportedly been together since they were 14 and 16 — Megan, who is now 28, is two years younger than her man.Following Pickford’s transfer to Everton in 2017, she moved to Liverpool with him.In June 2022, the couple married in a lavish ceremony in the Maldives, having initially tied the knot in March 2020 during Covid lockdown restrictions. Jordan Pickford tied the knot with Megan Davison for the second time in a romantic ceremony in the MaldivesThe Maldives ceremony was held on a picturesque at sunset in front of a small crowd of 13 friends and family.After the big day, Megan wrote on Instagram: “Worth the wait for the most magical day with my soulmate. Introducing The Pickfords.”Shortly tying the knot, Megan changed her Insta handle from Megan Davison to Megan Pickford.The newlyweds received a string of congratulations, with Kate Kane, wife of England skipper Harry, posting: “Incredible!!!!!”She travelled to the 2022 World Cup to support her fella and was spotted in the stands at every match. Megan with her husbandShe even dug out her England jersey for the final group stage match.Megan was snapped wearing a huge diamond ring, before the couple finally married in March 2020.Most Read in FootballShe was also pictured with Anouska Santos, the girlfriend of Luke Shaw, enjoying some food and drink before England’s crunch final Euro 2024 Group C clash with Slovenia.While there wasn’t too much for Three Lions fans to cheer about other than finishing top of the group, Megan will have been happy to see her man keep a clean sheet.Megan would have been delighted to see the Everton star keep a go unbeaten in game one against Serbia, making him a joint record holder which Peter Shilton for most cleans sheets at major tournaments.When she’s not cheering on the goalkeeper, she is bombarding her Instagram followers with stunning snaps.The blonde stunner has amassed over 100,000 followers on the social media site.Do they have any children?Yes they do — a boy and a girl.On February 17, 2019, Megan gave birth their son Arlo George.The couple once shared a touching and hilarious photo of the newborn’s baby grow, which read “My daddy likes to… ‘Get the rave on!’, a catchphrase that has stuck with Pickford since his days at Burton Albion in 2013.They welcomed their daughter in September 2023 — a little girl named Ostara.Although Megan regularly posts pics of her young family on social media, she keeps most of their personal information out of the public spotlight and hides their faces for privacy reasons. More

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      Euro 2024 third place table: How every team is looking in crucial final standings – latest results

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      THE group stages of Euro 2024 are almost OVER as we close in on the knockout rounds – which will include FOUR third-placed teams.The top four third placed teams from the groups will go into the Last 16 – find out how they are currently ranking in the third-place table below with the Netherlands’ place now confirmed after their defeat by Austria.The Netherlands are going through as a third-placed side – and could face EnglandCredit: RexThe format is be the same as for Euro 2020.The top two in each of the six final tournament groups will proceed to the round of 16 along with the four best third-placed finishers.Third place table below (as of June 25 following the Group C matches)…Final round of fixturesGroup A (Sun 23 June, 8pm)Switzerland 1-1 GermanyScotland 0-1 HungaryGroup B (24 June, 8pm)Albania 0-1 SpainMost read in Euro 2024Croatia 1-1 ItalyGroup C (25 June, 8pm)England 0-0 SloveniaDenmark 0-0 SerbiaGroup D (25 June, 5pm)Netherlands 2-3 AustriaFrance 1-1 PolandGroup E (26 June, 5pm)Slovakia vs RomaniaUkraine vs BelgiumGroup F (26 June, 8pm)Georgia vs PortugalCzech Republic vs TurkeyRound of 16June 29Germany vs 2C (Dortmund, 8pm)Switzerland vs Italy (Berlin, 5pm)June 30Spain vs 3D/E/F (Cologne (8pm)England vs 3D/E/F (Gelsenkirchen, 5pm)July 1Portugal vs 3A/B/C (Frankfurt, 8pm)France vs 2E (Düsseldorf, 5pm)July 21E vs 3A/B/C/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)READ MORE SUN STORIESFinalJuly 14W49 vs W50 (Berlin, 8pm) More

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      Euro 2024 Group E LIVE TABLE: Latest standings as Belgium, Ukraine, Slovakia and Romania ALL fight for spot in knockouts

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      GROUP E has emerged as one of the most exciting tables to look out for during the group stage as ALL four teams can still book a Euro 2024 last-16 spot.Goals from Youri Tielemans and Kevin de Bruyne fired Belgium to their first three points of the Euros last time out.Romelu Lukaku has had three disallowed goals this tournamentCredit: RexAnd as a result, it has now put the Red Devils on the same points as the rest of their Group E rivals – Ukraine, Slovakia and Romania going into matchday three.LIVE Group E table below (as of June 23)..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 E fixtures and resultsJune 17Romania 3-0 UkraineBelgium 0-1 SlovakiaJune 21Slovakia 1-2 UkraineJune 22Belgium 2-0 Romania June 26Slovakia vs Romania (Frankfurt, 5pm)Ukraine vs Belgium (Stuttgart, 5pm)Round of 16June 291A vs 2C (Dortmund, 8pm)2A vs 2B (Berlin, 5pm)June 301B vs 3A/D/E/F (Cologne (8pm)1C vs 3D/E/F (Gelsenkirchen, 5pm)July 11F vs 3A/B/C (Frankfurt, 8pm)2D vs 2E (Düsseldorf, 5pm)July 21E vs 3A/B/C/D (Munich, 5pm)1D 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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      Ukraine 0-0 Belgium LIVE SCORE – Euro 2024: Trossard STARTS as Red Devils look to finish top of Group E – latest updates

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      BELGIUM are taking on Ukraine RIGHT NOW in their Group E finale.All four teams head into the final match day level on three points as Slovakia and Romania play at the same time in Frankfurt.England’s last-16 opponents could be whichever team ends the day third in Group E.TV channel: BBC OneFREE live stream: BBC iPlayer Ukraine team: Trubin, Tymchyk, Zabarnyi, Svatok, Matviyenko, Mykolenko, Shaparenko, Brazhko, Sudakov, Yaremchuk, DovbykBelgium team: Casteels, Castagne, Vertonghen, Faes, Theate, Onana, Tielemans, De Bruyne, Trossard, Doku, LukakuGROUP E TABLE LIVEEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSFollow our live blog below…Ukraine 0-0 Belgium5. Anthony Taylor asks Ukraine keeper Anatoliy Trubin for a feel of the football, presumably checking that it is suitably inflated.Either that or he has itchy feet for a kickabout himself like when you walk past a game in the park.Copy linkCopiedUkraine 0-0 Belgium3. It’s Ukraine making the fast start here.Serhiy Rebrov’s men won the game’s first corner within 23 seconds – well delivered and well defended – and now Mykolenko is getting at the Belgians down the left flank again.His low cross is confidently claimed by Casteels.Copy linkCopiedKick-off – Ukraine v Belgum1. Here we go! Anthony Taylor gives the signal, and it’s Belgium – such fast starters against Romania – that get the game underway.Domenico Tedesco’s team are in beautiful Tintin inspired away kit of light blue shirts and brown shorts; Ukraine are in their traditional all yellow.Copy linkCopiedHere come the two teams!We’ve had blistering sun, we’ve had heavy rain, but now the clouds have cleared – and hopefully the picture in Group E will begin to clear over the next two hours too.Captains Mykola Matviyenko and Kevin De Bruyne lead their respective sides out at the Stuttgart Arena, the pair flanking English official Anthony Taylor.The national anthems are belted out with real emotion – so often the case when Ukraine are involved – but now there’s a job for the players to focus on.The Ukrainian players remove the blue and yellow flags draped over their shoulders, and come together in a huddle for some final words of inspiration and encouragement.It’s time for kick-off.Copy linkCopiedLeandro gets the nodLeandro Trossard has a questionable cameo against Romania on Saturday, guilty of failing to play in well-placed teammates on at least two occasions.However, Domenico Tedesco has opted for the Arsenal man to replace the suspended Dodi Lukebakio ahead of the impressive Yannick Carrasco.Ahead of kick-off, the Belgium head coach has been explaining his reasons why.It wasn’t easy to leave Carrasco out of the team, but Trossard fits better in our plan to attack Ukraine.Domenico TedescoUefa.comCopy linkCopiedBelgian experience against Ukrainian YouthDomenico Tedesco has once again packed his Belgian team with experience.The Red Devils’ spine of Koen Casteels, Jan Vertonghen, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are all in their thirties.In contrast, the Ukraine starting XI has the youngest average age of Euro 2024 so far at 25 years and 189 days.It is also the most youthful side that the Blue and Yellow have ever named at a major tournament.Copy linkCopiedSuper sub bringing good ChukThe Ukrainian hero on Friday was Roman Yaremchuk.Off the bench with 23 minutes remaining, the Valencia striker conjured up the winning goal late on with a majestic first touch and finish – just when his country needed it most.Yaremchuk has now been involved in five goals in his last seven appearances for Ukraine in all competitions, scoring three and assisting another two.Four of those goal involvements have been as a substitute with the 28-year-old averaging a goal or assist every 53 minutes across those seven games.Copy linkCopiedEuros form just like KevinKevin De Bruyne sealed a superb individual performance with a late goal to seal a 2-0 success against Romania last time out.It meant that the influential midfielder has now been directly involved in 31 goals in his last 32 appearances for Belgium in all competitions (12 goals and 19 assists).The 32-year-old has scored three goals in his last five games for his country – as many as he had in the previous 17 beforehand.Copy linkCopiedTrossard in for suspended LukebakioIt’s just a single change to Belgium following their impressive performance against Romania in Cologne four days ago.Wide man Dodi Lukebakio is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament, and so his place is taken in the attack by Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard.Otherwise it’s the same starting line-up for Domenico Tedesco, who has 31-year-old Romelu Lukaku up top; 32-year-old Kevin De Bruyne in midfield, and 37-year-old Jan Vertonghen at the back.Belgium (4-3-3): 1 Casteels; 5 Vertonghen, 4 Faes, 3 Theate, 21 Castagne; 7 De Bruyne, 24 Onana, 8 Tielemans; 22 Doku, 10 Lukaku, 9 TrossardSubs: 12 Kaminski, 13 Sels, 2 Debast, 11 Carrasco, 16 Vranckx, 17 De Ketelaere, 18 Mangala, 19 Bakayoko, 20 Openda, 23 Vermeeren, 25 De CuyperCredit: @BelRedDevils on XCopy linkCopiedRebrov reshuffles pack without MudrykSerhiy Rebrov makes three changes to the side that started against Slovakia – with two of his Premier League stars missing out, and another returning to the fold.There’s no sign of Mykhailo Mudryk in the squad at all while Oleksandr Zinchenko is only on the bench.But Everton’s Vitaliy Mykolenko is back in at left-back following his recent injury concern.Also in for Ukraine is Oleksandr Svatok and goalscoring hero from the last game, Roman Yaremchuk.The other play to miss out for the Blue and Yellow is 34-year-old captain Andriy Yarmolenko.Centre-back Mykola Matviyenko takes the armband, and looks set to be part of a new-look back three.Ukraine (5-3-2): 1 Trubin; 24 Tymchyk, 13 Zabarnyi, 3 Svatok, 22 Matviyenko, 16 Mykolenko; 19 Shaparenko, 18 Brazhko, 14 Sudakov; 9 Yaremchuk, 11 DovbykSubs: 1 Bushchan, 23 Lunin, 2 Konoplia, 4 Talovierov, 5 Sydorchuk, 6 Stepanenko, 7 Yarmolenko, 8 Malinovskyi, 17 Zinchenko, 20 Zubkov, 26 MykhailichenkoCredit: @uafukraine on XCopy linkCopiedNations set for debut contestToday’s encounter at the Stuttgart Arena will be the first ever meeting between Ukraine and Belgium.Serhiy Rebrov’s Blue and Yellow should be wary though; the Red Devils are unbeaten in their last 22 matches when facing a side for the first time (W13 D9).The last defeat in such a game was a 1-0 international friendly loss to Egypt in March 1999.Copy linkCopiedGroup incredibly E-ven StephenIt could not be closer in Group E with all four sides locked together on three points and numerous permutations possible on a final afternoon of football.Perhaps the most ominous one is the fact that a draw between Slovakia and Romania will take both of those nations through to the knockout stages.It would mean the outcome of the game here in Stuttgart becomes particularly important; if Belgium win or draw, they will progress regardless of the result elsewhere while Ukraine must win in the scenario of a carve-up tie in Frankfurt.Ukraine could progress with a draw, but it would require a winner in the Slovakia – Romania match in order for them to seal a route as one of the best third-place finishers.Slovakia v Romania (5pm)Ukraine v Belgium (5pm)Credit: uefa.comCopy linkCopiedGood afternoon from StuttgartWelcome to live SunSport coverage of Ukraine against Belgium at Euro 2024.It’s matchday three in Group E and it could not be tighter.All four nations involved are locked together on three points with one game to play, bringing goal difference into play.Belgium bounced back from opening match defeat to beat Romania on Saturday, and they will cement their place in the Last 16 by avoiding defeat here.However, if they wish to top the group and book the supposedly easier path to the final then a win is essential; an outcome that Ukraine need themselves if they are to realistically prolong their Euros campaign.Serhiy Rebrov’s side have also fought back to give themselves a real chance of progression.A 3-0 defeat to Romania first up was shambolic, but the Blue and Yellow dug deep at the weekend to record a 2-1 comeback victory against Slovakia.It’s all set up for a dramatic and emotional early evening of football.It’s a 5pm kick-off in Stuttgart, and confirmation of the two teams is imminent. 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      Slovakia 0-0 Romania LIVE SCORE – Euro 2024: Group E clash on NOW as battle for last-16 spots heats up – latest updates

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      SLOVAKIA are taking on Romania RIGHT NOW as the race for a spot in the last-16 of Euro 2024 heats up.All four teams in Group E are sat on three points as Belgium take on Ukraine in  Stuttgart at the same time.Whichever country ends the day third placed could potentially face England in the last-16 on Sunday.TV channel: BBC TwoFREE live stream: BBC iPlayerSlovakia team: Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Strelec, HaraslinRomania team: Nita; Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu; M Marin, R Marin, Stanciu; Coman, Dragus, HagiGROUP E TABLE LIVEEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSFollow our live blog below…Slovakia 0-0 Romania 3 mins: Romania have their first expedition into the Slovakian half as they look to put themselves on top.The threat is dealt with, neither team look like they are playing for a draw just yet…Copy linkCopiedSlovakia 0-0 Romania 1 min: A quick start from Slovakia as they pump the ball forward.There were a couple of opportunities to let fly from range but both were blocked by the Romanian defenders. Copy linkCopiedPEEP PEEP Off we go, Slovakia gets us underway.Copy linkCopiedKick off nearsThe match will get started at the Frankfurt Arena in the next two minutes.Group E has already served up some brilliant matches, hopefully we will see another one today.Copy linkCopiedCopy linkCopiedHow the teams are set upHere is how the teams have been set up for the crunch match.Credit: UEFACopy linkCopiedHow the group looksHere is a reminder of how close Group E is ahead of the match.With Hungary and Croatia already finishing third with three and two points respectively, it is now GUARANTEED four points will be enough for both Romania and Slovakia to make it through.Credit: XCopy linkCopied30 mins to goCopy linkCopiedA view from SunSport’s Martin Lipton from the Frankfurt ArenaA draw puts both teams through, defeat will see one go out if Belgium and Ukraine draw. What would you do? I think we could have 20 minutes of footballing infamy. Fifa moved to play the final group games simultaneously after the “Disgrace of Gijon” in 1982, when West Germany and Austria agreed a 1-0 win for Die Mannschaft, eliminating Algeria and putting both through.But with third place teams progressing, we have a situation when a mutually beneficial result is clear.There are other elements at play, though.If Belgium are winning easily, then the jeopardy of defeat goes out of the window. In that case, a Slovakia win would give them the group on the head to head rule – making the top half of the draw even more lop-sided, with Belgium playing France in the last 16.Unless Belgium do not win, Romania can only come second at best – meaning France. And finishing third means Spain or Portugal. Hobson’s choice.By the way, it’s hot in Frankfurt. Baking hot. Stultifyingly hot. Brutal.Not that it has stopped the fans coming to party. And, if it goes as I suspect it will, they will both be partying long into the night.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedSlovakia in high spiritsSlovakia assistant coach Marek Hamšík has insisted that the team in is high spirits ahead of facing Romania.The mood is really good.We are ready to fight. Everybody knows how important a game we have in front of us and we will do everything to be successful.Regarding the line-up, there is one change: instead of Róbert Boženík we will start with David Strelec up front.Marek Hamšík Copy linkCopiedOdds?Here are the odd for Slovakia vs Romania…Slovakia – 15/8Draw – 10/11Romania – 3/1Provided by Betfair.Copy linkCopiedHistory for RomaniaA result for Romania could see them progress to the Euro knockout stages for just the second time in its history.The last time the team made it that far was 24 years ago in Euro 2000.Romania beat England in their final group game to qualify for the latter stages.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedRomania have ‘no fear’Nicolae Stanciu has insisted that Romania does not fear anybody and is determined to qualify for the Euro 2024 knockouts.We reached a point where there was nothing and nobody to fear.We know what we can do for Romania and what we can offer.We know our strengths as a team and, as such, good things are bound to come.We have players with tremendous quality and when everyone works for the team, we are all conscious of what we can achieve together.There are no reasons to be fearful.Nicolae StanciuCopy linkCopiedLine ups announcedHere is how Romania and Slovakia line up today.Slovakia team: Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Strelec, HaraslinRomania team: Nita; Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu; M Marin, R Marin, Stanciu; Coman, Dragus, HagiCopy linkCopiedForm so farBoth Romania and Slovakia have won one game and lost one.Romania stunned the Ukraine in their opening match with a 3-0 win.However, they were then dispatched by Belgium 2-0.Slovakia beat Belgium 1-0m in their first Euro 2024 match before being beaten by Ukraine 2-1.Credit: SplashCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedHow the group looksHere is a look at Group E in full…Credit: GoogleCopy linkCopiedSlovakia vs Romania!Welcome to SunSport’s coverage of Slovakia vs Romania in Group E.The group is finely poised with all four teams on three points heading into the final match.Copy linkCopied More