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      German police hunting female fan after BITING Croatia supporter and leaving him with horror gash in fight for shirt

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      POLICE are hunting for a woman who allegedly BIT a fellow fan in a fight over Croatia star’s shirt.The bizarre incident that took place following Croatia’s 1-1 draw with Italy on Monday.A Croatia fan was bitten in a fight over a shirt on Monday nightCredit: RexA woman allegedly bit a 20-year-old fan to try and get Luka Ivanusec’s shirt from himCredit: ReutersThe bite left the young fan with a horror gash that required him to go to the hospitalEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYTravelling Croatia fan Lenard Barisic says he was BITTEN by a fellow matchgoer after Feyenoord and Croatia forward Luka Ivanusec threw his shirt into the crowd.The shirt was intended for Barisic who was then reportedly “fought” by three other fans who tried to steal it off him.A woman who was part of that group is said to have bitten the 20-year-old on the shoulder, forcing him to ditch the jersey and leave empty handed.The nasty squabble left Barisic with a horror gash that forced a trip to the hospital.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSaxony Police told The Mirror: “We can inform you that a robbery happened around 11:10pm. “A 20-year-old man caught the jersey of a player and unknown suspects tried to take it from him. “An unknown woman bit him on the shoulder, causing the 20-year-old to release the jersey and the suspects to steal it.”The 20-year-old was injured and taken to a hospital. The criminal police is now investigating on suspicion of robbery.”Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHowever Barisic won’t be left with nothing.It’s understood that Ivanusec has since reached out to the fan personally and will be sending him a signed shirt.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesThe Croatia star is said to have sent Barisic a message that read: “Greetings Lenard, I’m sorry for the situation that happened after the game!”I hope everything is okay. Let me know how we can solve it for you to get the jersey!”Unfortunately for both Ivanusec and Barisic, Croatia’s time in Germany at Euro 2024 came to a heartbreaking end on Monday.The Croats had looked as though they had booked a spot in the last-16 as they led 1-0 heading into the dying embers of the game.But a gut-wrenching 98th minute equaliser from Mattia Zaccagni meant Italy progressed and Croatia were heading home early.Croatia were heartbreakingly dumped from Euro 2024 at the hands of ItalyCredit: Getty More

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      Phil Foden the ultimate family man as he buys parents £3m house and even snubbed Prem title bash to go fishing with dad

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      PHIL FODEN has proven he is the ultimately family man after departing England’s Euro squad for the birth of his third child.The Manchester City star, 24, flew home yesterday for a “pressing family matter” as partner Rebecca Cooke, 22, prepares to welcome another kid to their household.England and Man City star Phil Foden has proven he is the ultimate family manCredit: Sophie Eleanor Photography / Go PR & EventsThe ace has left England’s Euro camp to be with partner Rebecca Cooke for the birth of their third childFans are now praying that Foden makes it back to Germany in time for England’s last-16 clash against Slovakia on Sunday.Along with teammates, the playmaker has come under fire for some underwhelming performances at this summer’s tournament.But Foden’s dedication and effort when it comes to his loved ones cannot be questioned.The Treble winner and Rebecca are childhood sweethearts from school who reportedly met at a party in Stockport.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey already share two children together in son Ronnie, 5, and daughter True, 2And the loved-up couple announced they were expecting a third kid with a baby shower in April.Foden has now raced to be by Rebecca’s side at her hour of need, when it is usually her making the arduous journeys around Europe to watch him play football.And he will be ready for another “special moment” after previously revealing he cried when first child Ronnie was born.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSFoden said: “I was there for the birth. I walked out of the room, gave it a little tear and then went back in like nothing happened.“I’m not one for crying in front of people. I like to be on my own but I was there in the room, watched it happen and it was a special moment.”Tom Barclay on Phil Foden temporary exit from England camp Foden and Rebecca are childhood sweethearts who met at a partyCredit: instagramThe loved-up couple share two children together in Ronnie, 5, and True, 2Credit: Instagram / @philfodenMeanwhile, son Ronnie is sure to pass the time in the hospital with his social media stardom, as the sprog boasts an incredible four MILLION followers on Instagram.He made headlines last month when he cheekily tried opening a bottle of champagne as City celebrated their latest title triumph.And grandparents Phil and Claire will likely lend a helping hand after Foden bought them a lavish £2.8million mansion in 2018.The trio all bunked together in the upmarket Cheshire house until Foden moved out in 2021.He then splashed £3m on another mansion in nearby Prestbury, where he now resides with Rebecca and their children.Ronnie is a social media star and hit headlines for trying to open a champagne bottleCredit: Sky SportsFoden has a strong relationship with his parents and bought them a £2.8m mansion in 2018Credit: Instagram @philfodenFoden and his family live just five minutes away from his parents, ensuring they remain a tight-knit unit.And it also means the Premier League Player of the Year can continue to enjoy a spot of fishing with his dad.From carp to catfish, the pair love reeling in anything with gills.And six-time title winner Foden even skipped City’s 2018 celebrations to go on a pre-planned fishing trip with his father.Indeed, the ace has taken his love for a rod and reel to England’s training base in Germany for the Euros.Foden claims to have caught a number of monsters in the nearby lakes, saying: “I’ve had a little bit of time to go fishing, so it’s been nice.Foden loves a spot of fishing and uses it to unwind from footballCredit: Instagram @philfodenHe often goes fishing with his dad and matesCredit: Instagram“(I’ve caught) some big ones, I’ve caught some nice fish.”However, Foden admits his love for fishing is not shared by teammates.He previously revealed: “Probably about 95 per cent of the football lads don’t enjoy it.“The odd one likes fishing, so when people find out they said ‘what a weird sport to enjoy’. They don’t understand why you enjoy it.“Obviously they need to go and try it. I think it’s the perfect hobby to rest your legs and have some down time.”But Foden insists he will never fall out of love with fishing as it gives him time to appreciate his relationship with dad Phil Sr.Foden’s family are in Germany to support his Euro endeavoursCredit: Paul EdwardsThe ace is hoping to return for the last-16 clash with SlovakiaCredit: GettyHe added: “I was probably about six or seven and my dad had a fishing rod of his dad’s, and said we should go and try it out.“I fell in love with it and we ended up going every weekend. I still remember my first catch.“It wasn’t very big, I was just learning. But it’s the excitement of when you get one for the first time.“I think that’s the buzz that makes you want to go again, but it’s also a chance to chill and relax and spend time with my dad.“I think it’s really good after games when you have to rest your legs and I just find it really enjoyable.“There’s tactics. Knowing in which spots to fish, knowing where the fish are, fishing at different lengths.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There’s a lot behind it but when I get the odd day off, I fish simple. I’m not a specialist at it but I still manage to catch.“I generally love all types of sport, but I don’t do any others apart from fishing.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      England double injury fears as Declan Rice and Kieran Trippier train away from squad ahead of Euro 2024 last 16 clash

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      ENGLAND is sweating on the fitness of Declan Rice and Kieran Trippier.The two stars were absent from training with the rest of the squad ahead of the round of 16 clash against Slovakia.Declan Rice and Kieran Trippier missed trainingCredit: ReutersPhil Foden was also missing from training, but that was due to him flying home for the birth of his third child.Rice and Trippier also missed training and have been doing their own individual programmes.The Arsenal midfielder has been a regular for England since breaking into the team during his West Ham days.Gareth Southgate has struggled to find a partner for Rice in midfield and could not have another problem if he is not fit.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The boss could now look to Adam Wharton or Kobbie Mainoo to step up and start in the midfield.In the draw against Slovenia, Southgate started with Rice and Conor Gallagher so one of the youngsters could line up next to the Chelsea man.Trippier’s potential injury from the clash against Slovakia could be softened by Luke Shaw.The Manchester United defender confirmed he is ready to play after missing the entire of the group stages.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTrippier had been filling in at left-back during Shaw’s absence but came under fire for his performances at Euro 2024.Shaw is the only recognised left-back in the Three Lions squad as Southgate refused to call up another as back-up.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesEngland take on Slovakia in the last-16 clash on Sunday at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen.The team have been fortunate enough to be on the side of the draw that avoids the likes France, Belgium, Germany, Portugal and Spain until the final.Should England get past Slovakia then they would face either Italy or Switzerland in the quarter-finals.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.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Georgia hero Georges Mikautadze unexpectedly leads best Dream Team Euros XI after three Matchdays

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      IT’S frankly unacceptable that there are no more Euro 2024 games until Saturday but this unwelcome break does allow us time to reflect on the action so far.Dream Team Euros managers were bored into submission by some teams during the group stage – *cough* England *cough* – and thrilled by others but the main focus should be points.Here we’ve assembled the best possible XI as determined by total points after three Matchdays – useful information given all gaffers have access to unlimited transfers ahead of the round of 16.GOALKEEPER: KOEN CASTEELS (£3.5m)Safe handsCredit: GettyWe tipped Belgium’s first-choice goalkeeper several times before the tournament got underway and he’s repaid our faith with 24 points.The Red Devils may have stumbled into a round of 16 meeting with France by finishing second in Group E but clean sheets against Romania and Ukraine ensured healthy returns for Casteels.Amazingly, the 32-year-old notched an assist in Matchday 2 when his long hoof upfield fell was poked home by Kevin De Bruyne (£7.5m).Casteels has also earned five points through saves – who needs Thibaut Courtois, eh?DEFENDERS: THEO HERNANDEZ (£5m), DANI CARVAJAL (£4m), ERIK JANZA (£1.5m)An asset at the back and a threat in attackCredit: GettyFrance are yet to concede a goal from open play with Robert Lewandowski’s (£5m) retaken penalty the only blemish on their defensive record.Most read in FootballAnd so it stands to reason that their dynamic left-back has justified his price tag with an unmatched return of 24 points among defenders, a tally supplemented by five bonus points.Hernandez is the most likely of Les Bleus’ defenders to provide an attacking return – he was a tad unlucky not to register an assist against Austria.Spain have kept three consecutive clean sheets but Luis de la Fuente rotated almost his entire team in Matchday 3 and so Carvajal missed out to some degree but his return of 22 points from two outings has made him a hugely popular recruit ahead of the knockout stage.The experienced right-back scored a rare goal (his only one at senior international level) against Croatia as part of a 16-point haul – the highest achieved by any defender to date.Slovenia’s streetwise left-back benefited from England’s insipid showing in Cologne to finish the group stage with 21 points to his name.Janza scored against Denmark in Matchday 1 and also banked three bonus points for his industrious all-round display.His team-mate, Zan Karninik (£1.5m), also has 21 points but misses out purely because he features in fewer teams – them’s the breaks!MIDFIELDERS: JAMAL MUSIALA (£4.5m), RAZVAN MARIN (£1.5m), FABIAN RUIZ (£3.5m), JUDE BELLINGHAM (£6m)Catch him if you canCredit: ReutersIt’s no surprise to see Germany’s No10 leading the way in the middle of the park as he sparkled in the hosts’ first two outings.A mesmerising dribbler, Musiala scored against Scotland and Hungary before a more subdued showing against an organised Swizterland outfit.The talented 21-year-old has earned 27 points and is currently the most-popular player in Dream Team Euros with an ownership of 55.4%.In stark contrast, Romania’s Marin features in just 0.6% of teams at the time of writing.Primarily a defensive midfielder, the 28-year-old has been deployed in a more advanced role at this tournament with surprisingly effective results.Marin scored against Slovakia and Ukraine and has been good value for his 23 points – the round of 16 might be a step too far but he deserves full credit for his efforts so far.Spain have undoubtedly played the best football in Germany and Ruiz has been a key contributor.The second most-popular recruit ahead of Matchday 4Credit: GettyThe PSG playmaker may not have a reputation equal to Rodri (£4m) or Pedri (£4m) but he’s comfortably outscored his team-mates in Dream Team Euros to this point – he’s level with Marin on 23 points.Ruiz produced three minutes of magic against Croatia that featured a pleasing assist plus a skilful goal and he was fully deserving of his nine-point haul for his classy performance against Italy.Rested in Matchday 3, La Roja’s No8 will surely start against Georgia in what looks the most one-sided match-up in the last 16 on paper.Perhaps surprisingly, Bellingham makes the cut having mustered 22 points.Kevin De Bruyne (£7.5m), Christian Eriksen (£3m), Ilkay Gundogan (£4m) and Marcel Sabizter (£3m) all boast the same total but the England man edges them out on ownership.The Real Madrid star looked fatigued and bereft of inspiration against Slovenia but his first half display against Serbia in Matchday 1 remains the brightest spark in an England shirt this summer.Bellingham has a habit of drawing fouls and his control in tight areas means he completes his fair share of successful dribbles too – hence how he’s accumulated seven bonus points despite his increasingly lethargic performances.Gareth Southgate will be hoping the 20-year-old rediscovers his form ahead of Matchday 4 – as will 47.3% of Dream Team Euros gaffers!FORWARDS: GEORGES MIKAUTADZE (£2m), CODY GAKPO (£4m), KYLIAN MBAPPE (£7.5m)Georgia’s hero!Credit: Dream TeamWho would have predicted that a Georgia forward would be leading the Golden Boot race after all the groups were decided?Mikautadze scored against Turkey, Czechia and Portugal (plus an assist against the latter) to book his nation’s place in the round of 16.He’ll have to produce something truly magical to get past Spain in Matchday 4 but the Metz striker deserves his flowers for amassing 34 points from his first three outings – he’s the outright top performer in Dream Team Euros right now!Gakpo has provided a potent threat from the left flank for the Netherlands, as evidenced by his return of 32 points.The Liverpool forward scored against Poland and Austria but that only tells half the story – he bagged the maximum of five bonus points against the former and has earned tackle points in all three outings.Ronald Koeman’s side are set to face Romania in the round of 16 so Gakpo owners will be hopeful of further returns with the Oranje on the more favourable side of the draw.Masked avengerCredit: GettyLast but by no means least, France’s superstar captain has racked up 26 points despite the fact he missed a game due to a broken nose.Mbappe didn’t appear to be hindered by his mask at all against Poland as he pocketed 18 points in one fell swoop via a goal, five shots on target, and five bonus points for the biggest Matchday haul among all assets so far.Real Madrid’s new Galactico probably should be the outright top performer in Dream Team Euros as he missed a gilt-edged one-on-one chance versus Austria.READ MORE SUN STORIESFrance v Belgium may appear to be the most-competitive last 16 match-up but some players are essentially immune to the schedule and Mbappe falls into that exclusive category.Remember to lock in your transfers, captain and any Boosters you wish to play for Matchday 4 before Saturday’s 4pm deadline. 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      Laura Woods reunites with Love Island star boyfriend Adam Collard as ITV presenter takes break from Euro 2024 coverage

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      LAURA WOODS has been reunited with her partner Adam Collard after nearly a fortnight away from home.The veteran sports presenter has been helping head up ITV’s coverage of Euro 2024 in Germany.Laura Woods has been dating former Love Island star Adam Collard since last SeptemberCredit: INSTAGRAMThe 36-year-old left her other half behind earlier this month to cover Euro 2024Credit: REXThe pair were reunited this week as Woods jetted home from GermanyCredit: INSTAGRAM@ADAMCOLLARDWoods and Collard have been the picture of happiness since going publicCredit: INSTAGRAM@LARUAWOODSYWoods and Collard, 36 and 28 respectively, have been smitten ever since they got together last September.And they enjoyed an emotional reunion on Thursday after Woods briefly jetted home from the tournament.Former Love Island star Collard was as happy as Larry to have his other half back home.The personal trainer posted a selfie of them enjoying the sunshine in the garden on his Instagram story on Thursday.READ MORE ON LAURA WOODSThe caption written across the snap read: “Home x @laurawoodsy.”Woods returned to our screens this month – a little over four weeks after suffering a freak accident that prevented her from covering Tyson Fury’s undisputed straightener with Oleksandr Usyk.Woods was left with horror gashes on her face and arm after accidentally smashing a glass lampshade above her head.Collard rushed the presenter to an emergency clinic so she could receive treatment for her injuries.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSLaura Woods has been helping head up ITV’s coverage of Euro 2024Credit: ITVWoods was crestfallen to have not covered the historic fight in person, saying: “Just wanted to explain my absence from the telly for a little while, to be totally transparent and avoid any speculation.”I had an accident last weekend at a holiday cottage. Fans hail ‘worldy’ Laura Woods as ITV Euro 2024 host makes stunning entrance in bold outfitEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY”I swung a pillow and hit a large, glass lampshade hanging from the ceiling above me, which shattered and cut my face and arms, but luckily missed my eye.”I wanted to say a couple of thank yous, firstly to Adam, for being my hero that day, acting so quickly and not leaving my side since and to his family for taking care of me in a time when I was petrified.”To my agents Alex Maguire and Matthew Odonohue at CAA who searched for the best help immediately.”To Dr Yannis Alexandrides and his wonderful medical assistant Zuzanna at 111 who opened their emergency surgery and came in on their days off, they were so gentle and have already worked magic that I didn’t think was possible to reduce the damage.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.”I’ve added in the photos from then to now to show that even though it may look rough, it’s such a wonderful improvement already and I’m so grateful.”It was a hell of a shock and I’ve been a bit sad, but I’m feeling very lucky it wasn’t worse. “So a big thanks to my eyebrow too, for taking the brunt of it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m gutted I can’t cover the fight in Riyadh tomorrow anymore, but wishing the brilliant TNT boxing team all the best. “Be back soon xx.” More

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      Inside BBC and ITV’s tense Euro 2024 TV negotiations with mind-games over England matches ‘like extreme cold war’

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      ITV and the BBC went head-to-head in a heated battle to determine this summer’s Euro 2024 TV picks.The UK’s two leading broadcasters both secured rights to this year’s tournament, meaning fixtures had to be distributed evenly.ITV had the rights for England vs Slovenia and will be showing the Slovakia clashCredit: RexThe BBC selected two of England’s group gamesCredit: BBCITV believe England will go the distanceCredit: APITV sealed the opening match as Germany cruised to a 5-1 win over Scotland, while BBC executives bagged the first two England games.The two also had to fight it out for specific knockout stage fixtures.But what factors into these decisions? And how is each match allocated?Journalist Marina Hyde lifted the lid on the process, revealing that each broadcaster operates on a ‘you-pick we-pick’ basis.READ MORE ON EURO 2024ITV kicked off the process this time around, selecting the first choice of semi-final having predicted England to go the distance.However, the BBC took a slightly different approach.On The Rest is Entertainment podcast, journalist Hyde explained: “ITV and the BBC share out games at the Euros and all tournaments.”They take it in turns to pick matches, but this time round it was ITV’s turn to pick first.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBBC 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”You can choose anything right from the start, it’s like a draft, but they thought ‘okay we’ll do semi-final pick one’ because they thought England will do well in this tournament.”So, when the semi-final line-up is finally decided, ITV will get to choose first… hopefully with England in it.Gary Lineker pokes fun at Harry Kane ‘s***’ row with cheeky quip live on BBC during Euro 2024 coverage”The BBC then counter, so their next thing – and this is what happened in the room for this particular Euros – the BBC then countered with quarter-final pick one.”It’s honestly like game theory. It’s like extreme cold war.”ITV went on to select the round-of-16 pick one, before the BBC chose England vs Serbia due to its prime-time 8pm slot on a Sunday.England’s bore draw with Slovenia on Tuesday was subsequently snatched by ITV – also in the 8pm slot.Hyde continued: “But then the big dilemma, ITV could’ve had the second semi-final at this stage and they are sitting there thinking ‘what do we do?’ And then the BBC will be shut out of the final week of the tournament until the actual final.”But then if England are gone, the level of interest is gone.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So ITV chose game one of the whole tournament.”The decision to show the first match of Euro 2024 certainly paid off for ITV, with more than 10million viewers tuning in – the highest peak audience of any opening to a major football tournament in a decade.The BBC & ITV’s bidding processITV pick one: Semi-final first pickBBC pick one: Quarter-final first pickITV pick two: Round-of-16 first pickBBC pick two: England vs SerbiaITV pick three: England vs SloveniaBBC pick three: England vs DenmarkITV pick four: Germany vs ScotlandEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Switzerland vs Italy – Euro 2024: Italians kick-start knockout stage against Swiss – FREE stream, team news

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      ITALY will kickstart the knockout stages of Euro 2024 as they take on Switzerland at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.The Azzurri scrapped through the group stages with a last-gasp equaliser against Croatia.Mattia Zaccagni netted a dramatic goal against CroatiaCredit: GettyDan Ndoye netted in Switzerland’s draw against GermanyCredit: GettyMattia Zaccagni’s late goal broke the hearts of Croatia who looked set to make it to the later stages after Luka Modric’s opener.The point helped Luciano Spalletti’s side finish second in Group B, five points behind Spain.Italy started the Euros with a 2-1 win over Albania before they were outclassed by Spain 3-0.The current holder’s inconsistent form does not reflect their achievement in Euro 2020 at the same stage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey had won all of their group games on their course to winning the title at Wembley by beating England on penalties.Switzerland impressed during the group stages as they went unbeaten to seal second place behind host nation Germany.Murat Yakin’s side beat Hungary in their first game before picking up 1-1 draws against Scotland and Germany.Former Nottingham Forest flop Remo Freuler has also shone at the tournament with two assists in his three appearances.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Swiss almost signed off the group stages with a stunning victory over Germany.Dan Ndoye gave his side a shock lead in the first half before Die Mannschaft striker Niclas Fullkrug scored in the 92nd minute.Euro 2024’s sexiest players revealedItaly will face Switzerland on Saturday in the first round of 16 fixture of the tournament.They faced each other in Euro 2020, with the Italians running out 3-0 winners.Team newsSwitzerland could be boosted by handing Breel Embolo his second start of the tournament.The striker made his first start after injury against Germany.However, they will be without Silvan Widmer, who picked up a suspension.Italy will be without Ricardo Calafiori. The defender is suspended after his yellow card against Croatia.This could see Gianluca Mancini be handed a starting place by Spalletti.What have the managers said?Following the draw against Croatia, Luciano Spalletti said: “There’s no denying it, we were below our usual level in the first half,’ he said.”If we don’t create very much, we’re not going to score very much. You can see we were thinking about bringing a result home, without really believing that we needed a win.”It was involuntary, but I expect more from my players, because they show it in flashes.”They do have the quality, but at times we make really banal errors. We have better capabilities than what we saw today.”Jorginho played well today, so did [Nicolo] Barella, [Riccardo] Calafiori is a top player who knows how to do everything. We have ways of playing out from the back, but we’ve got to do better.”Swiss coach Murat Yakin said: “Italy have some great players, so it will be a big challenge.”We’re staying focused on ourselves, but also need to make sure we’re prepared for the strengths and weaknesses that Italy have.”What makes them dangerous is that they can play in a number of different ways.”But, they will also be worried about us. We’re in good form, are unpredictable and will try to come out on top of this game.”SunSport predictionItaly 2 Switzerland 1When is Switzerland vs Italy?Switzerland vs Italy will take place on Saturday, June 29.Kick off will be at 5pm BST.The Olympiastadion Berlin will host.What TV channel is Switzerland vs Italy and can it be live streamed FREE?Switzerland vs Italy will be broadcast live on BBC One.You can live stream the match for FREE via BBC iPlayer.Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.What are the odds?Match resultREAD MORE SUN STORIESSwitzerland – 21/10Draw – 19/10Italy – 8/5*Odds courtesy of William Hill and are correct at the time of publication.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Luke Shaw declares himself ready to play for England in Euro 2024 knockouts in huge boost to Gareth Southgate

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      LUKE SHAW has declared himself fit finally for England at Euro 2024.The Manchester United star, 28, has not played since February due to injury.Luke Shaw is finally ready to return to England in a huge boost for Gareth SouthgateCredit: GettyThe left-back has not played since February due to injuryCredit: PADespite that, Gareth Southgate still selected him as the only recognised left-back in his Three Lions squad for Euro 2024. Shaw has been unable to feature yet in Germany with right-footer Kieran Trippier stepping in to play on the opposite side.But now Southgate and England have received a huge boost after Shaw was deemed fit to make an appearance.And that means that he could feature in the last-16 clash with Slovakia on Sunday.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Southgate views the 28-year-old defender as a crucial part of his plans which led to his “calculated risk” to select him in his squad.But England’s attack has been destabilised and looked out of sorts without a natural left-footer at full-back, even though Trippier’s defensive abilities have been on full display.The Three Lions were held to a stalemate by Slovenia on Tuesday in their final group game, which ensured top spot.However, both Phil Foden, who has returned to the UK for the birth of his third child, and Jude Bellingham, who were deployed to rotate between the left and central in the game, were both spotted venting their frustrations at Trippier after he failed to pass to them down that side.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut now the return of Shaw will bolster England’s attack as well as their backline.The ex-Southampton ace produced three assists and scored in the final of the last Euros.Five reasons for England to be positive after Slovenia drawAnd he followed that up by creating the most chances of any England player at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.Having missed the 1-0 opening win over Serbia, the plan was originally for Shaw to get some minutes in the second match against Denmark.But he failed to make the bench for the 1-1 bore draw and only made his training comeback on Monday, meaning that it was too late for him to feature versus Slovenia.That means that Shaw has been unable to build up any minutes to ensure he is fully match fit for the knockouts.After Tuesday’s match, when asked on whether he was fit, Shaw replied “next game” to journalists to show that he believes he can still play a big role for his country at the tournament.There will still be big worries over Shaw considering that he only played 15 times last season.READ MORE SUN STORIESA muscle injury forced him to miss the first three months for United before he was sidelined again with a hamstring issue for four weeks at the start of 2024.Shaw then only played five times before the hamstring injury against Luton ended his domestic campaign.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More