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      Netherlands star brutally hauled off in 33rd minute after ‘worst performance from a player this Euros’

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      JOEY VEERMAN was brutally hauled off against Austria after just 33 minutes.The Netherlands midfielder put in a shocking performance as his side fell 1-0 behind in their final Group D match.Joey Veerman was hauled off against AustriaCredit: BBCThe midfielder was slammed for his performance on social mediaVeerman, 25, was replaced by manager Ronald Koeman before the break as he turned to Xavi Simons.During his time on the pitch, he misplaced ten of his 19 passes and won one of his four ground duels.He also lost the ball 15 times and completed no dribbles.As Veerman made his way off, he looked visibly upset as he covered his face.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans were critical of the PSV Eindhoven star’s performance on social media.One posted: “Yeah get off Veerman. The worst performance from a player this Euros.”A second commented: “Veerman played almost every ball to Austria. Fair change.”A third wrote: “Has Veerman ever played such a bad game?”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA fourth said: “This tournament ain’t been it for him so far.”Another added: “Sorry Joey Veerman, but this is not RKC away in the Eredivisie.”Euro 2024 fan in ‘unhinged’ act towards Antoine Griezmann during Netherlands clash with France The Netherlands found themselves behind in the match inside just seven minutes.Borussia Dortmund ace Donyell Malen put through his own net while trying to intercept Alexander Prass’ cross.Austria could have doubled their lead before the break but were saved by Bart Verbruggen’s goalkeeping.Veerman was once scouted by Manchester United and will have to improve if he wants a move to the Premier League.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Nagging Germans tell England fans to stick to BOOZE-FREE beer during 30C heat ahead of Slovenia group decider

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      GERMAN authorities are urging Brits to go booze-free for tonight’s clash match as temperatures soar. Water and sun cream are being handed out to fans as Cologne is set to reach nearly 30C before the big game tonight.German authorities have called for Brits to avoid boozeCredit: ReutersThree Lions fans are eager for tonight’s game but don’t seem too willing to go teetotalCredit: APFans are seen dancing before tonight’s matchCredit: APThe calls to avoid booze comes not from hooliganism worries but from fears of intense dehydration from the fierce heat.Footy supporters are reportedly “sweltering” in the German city of Cologne with the Euros organisers urging fans to drink non-alcoholic lager.The temperature is forecast to be 25C during the clash game of England versus Serbia tonight.While it doesn’t sound shockingly high, the 56per cent humidity will make it feel more like 29C – and that’s not including the heat radiating off other fans in the stadium.read more in sportJohn Maslen-Jones, a 60-something fan, told The Times: “I won’t drink no-alcohol beer, I’d rather drink water,”My son and his mates are in the fan zone. They won’t be drinking alcohol-free beer.”Another fan, James Kaylow, 40, said: I’ll try and moderate but I can’t see any fans sticking to that.”Jutta Doppke-Metz, a local government spokeswoman has urged the 50,000 England fans to look out for shops “selling anti-alcohol drinks”.Most read in Euro 2024She said: “Our aim is to enable the residents and visitors to our city to celebrate a peaceful and joyful football festival that they will remember for a long time to come. “That’s why we already took the climatic conditions of the summer into consideration when planning for Uefa Euro 2024 and created offers to counteract these in the fan zones and in the entire city centre area.”She also said drinking water is being offered at numerous “service and information points” throughout Cologne.British and German police have praised Lion supporters for their behaviour so far. The police said: “There were no reports of disorder and no arrests of any England fans were made. “This is indicative of what we have seen across Germany so far, with the vast majority of England fans behaving extremely well.”This comes after fears of hooligan clashes at England’s first group match led to an initial crackdown by German authorities.Fans at Gelsenkirchen’s 62,000-seat Veltins Arena were only allowed to sup a 2.5 per cent Bitburger Radler shandy and buy two at a time.But at England’s last game at Frankfurt’s Waldstadion — with a capacity of 58,000 — a 4.8 per cent Bitburger lager was available.Cologne fan guideENGLAND fans are heading to Cologne in their tens of thousands to cheer on the Three Lions against Slovenia.StadiumSunSport says: The game will be played at the RheinEnergie Stadion – the 50,000-capacity home of FC Koln.The arena was built for the 2006 World Cup where Joe Cole scored his iconic long-range chest-and-volley goal in a 2-2 group stage draw with Sweden.Fan zoneSunSport says: The official fan zone is at The Heumarkt, just a short walk from the iconic 13th century Cologne Cathedral.The square is surrounded by bars and pubs and will show every Euros match. England’s game with Slovenia will also be shown at the riverside Tanzbrunnen public viewing zone.Best place for England fans to gatherMatt says: “Head to Alter Markt.”The market square in the centre of the old town is in the shadow of the cathedral, full of nice green spaces with lots of bars and pubs. England fans will definitely be happy there.”Best pubs for England fans in CologneDanny says: “There are lots of different Kölsch beers in Cologne and Brauhaus Paffgen is the best so head to the Paffgen brewery in the centre of town.”Maurits says: “Barney Vallely’s Irish Pub is in the old town but is smaller and not as crowded.”Best restaurants for England fans in CologneMatt says: “Lommerzheim is one of the oldest restaurants and beer halls in Cologne.”It doesn’t look the best from the outside but once you get inside a good Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) will sort you out.”Maurits says: “Max Stark is perfect for football fans.”Must drink German beerMatt says: “Every Kolsch is 4.8 per cent and they all traditionally get served in 0.2 litre glasses.”But don’t underestimate it because, trust me, within an hour you will have forgotten how many you’ve had and that’s when things start to get very dangerous!”Must eat German foodMatt says: “Mettbrotchen is mashed raw meat spread on a bread roll and dipped in onions.”Maurits says: “Frikadelle is sliced meat, like a hamburger made of meatballs.”Must visit tourist attractionMatt says: “Definitely head to Cologne Cathedral.”You can see the two spires on top of the 13th-century Kölner Dom from miles away. It’s the symbol of the city and the place to go.”Mautits says: “Take a boat trip along the river. And if you’re here with children, go to the zoo, it’s one of Europe’s best.”A football fan drinking a beer ahead of tonight’s gameCredit: Jeremy SelwynA fan is caught wearing a Sir Winston Churchill maskCredit: GettyFans don’t seem to want to stop the booze ahead of England v SerbiaCredit: Reuters More

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      How Euro 2024 last-16 ties are decided with third-place teams explained as England’s potential opponents revealed

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      SIXTEEN of the 24 Euro 2024 teams will make it through to the knockout stages. Simply enough, the winners and runners-up of the six groups advance through. England will face a third-placed team in the last 16 should they top Group CCredit: GettyThis is how the third-placed teams will fit into the last-16 drawBut then the best four teams to finish third in their group also advance.This is decided on points then goal difference, goals scored, wins, disciplinary record and lastly qualification performance if level.However, things get a bit complicated when working out where the four third-placed teams fit into the last-16 knockout draw.Third-placed teams will go into the third, fourth, sixth and seventh last-16 ties.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The winners of Groups B, C, E and F will meet them in the opening knockout match – and cannot face a team in their group. Spain won Group B, England can secure top spot in Group C tonight, Group E remains wide open and Portugal advance as Group F winners. Things then get even more complicated when working out which third-placed teams go into each slot – and it all comes down to which groups’ third-placed teams go through.For example, if the third-placed teams come from Groups A, B, C and D, then the pairings will be Winner of Group B (WB) vs third-place of Group A (3A), WC vs 3D, WE vs 3B and WF vs 3C. Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAs it stands going into Tuesday’s matches, the current best four third-placed teams are Austria (Group D), Slovakia (Group E), Hungary (Group A) and Slovenia (Group C) with Croatia (Group B) and Czech Republic (Group F) the bottom two. That would see the following last-16 ties – WB vs 3E, WC vs 3D, WE vs 3C and WF vs 3A. SunSport’s Dan King on why Luke Shaw’s return is so big for EnglandEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYIn fact, due to Italy’s last-gasp equaliser against Croatia, Luka Modric’s team and the results in England’s groups they are now out of the competition.Out of the 15 possible permutations for the various combinations of four best third-placed teams, only six are still possible ahead of the last games in Group D and C today.They are: ABDE, ACDE, ACDF, ACEF, ADEF and CDEF.Spain, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland and Italy are already in their slots in the last-16.Spain know they will play a third-placed team from Group D, E or F on Sunday in Cologne while Portugal’s opponents on Monday in Frankfurt will have finished third in Group A, B or C.Should England top Group C, their last-16 game on Sunday will be in Gelsenkirchen.England have turned into a long-ball team, that has to change, says Jack WilshereENGLAND need to find the courage and confidence to start playing out from the back again, writes Jack Wilshere.That was the approach that brought them success and they seemed to be getting better at it.But in the last two games they have tried it less and Jordan Pickford has been going long more often.England’s lack of structure and playing out from the back was dictated by how the first two games went. The opponents grew in confidence and started to press a little bit higher.And, as England have made mistakes, they have ended up trying to eliminate risk by playing it longer.We’ve been looking for solutions and ended up going back to Jordan and there’s no option, we’re under a bit of pressure and he has to go long.But, more often than not, playing out through the thirds is the way to go.Let’s do it, let’s go and be brave and dominate the ball. Read Jack Wilshere’s tactical analysis in full.Or check out all of Jack’s Euro 2024 columns.As it stands, the Three Lions now only have two possibilities left following their 0-0 draw with Slovenia.They will face a third-placed team, which will either be the Netherlands, who finished third in Group D.Or the they could still face any of Romania, Belgium, Slovakia or Ukraine as Group E is perfectly set up with all teams on three points.Got that? Great!The expansion to 24 teams for Euro 2016 prompted the additional knockout round – and required the four best third-placed teams to join the group winners and runners-up. READ MORE SUN STORIESPortugal took full advantage, drawing their three group games to scrape through before going on to win the tournament. At Euro 2020, Portugal could only manage third in their group once again but lost in the last 16 but Czech Republic, Switzerland and Ukraine fell in the quarter-finals. Gareth Southgate’s side will face a team that finished third in their groupCredit: Getty More

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      Bizarre moment Albania fans appear to fight among themselves in mass stadium brawl as team is knocked out of Euro 2024

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      SHOCKING footage shows Albania fans appearing to fight among themselves at last night’s clash with Spain.Sylvinho’s side went into the match desperate to keep their Euro 2024 dreams alive.Albania fans clashed in the standsCredit: Indeks OnlineStewards tried to break things upCredit: Indeks OnlineAlbania were eliminated from Euro 2024Credit: GettyIt was not to be, as a 1-0 defeat to La Roja saw them finish bottom of Group B.Plenty of Albania fans could be seen decked out in red at the match.In footage shared on social media by Indeks Online, a group of supporters appeared to be brawling at the front of the stand.Several punches were thrown, with stewards clad in fluorescent jackets trying to break things up.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFerran Torres’ 13th minute goal was enough to settle matters on the pitch.The Barcelona forward, 24, slotted home with his left foot after being played in by Dani Almo.Try as they might, Albania could not find a leveller.Their 1-0 defeat saw them finish bottom of Group B on one point, having lost 2-1 to Italy and drawn 2-2 with Croatia.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn last night’s other game, Italy drew 1-1 with Croatia following late drama.Luka Modric and Co had led 1-0 going into stoppage time, courtesy of the midfielder’s goal.Meet the ten Wags ready to stun at Euro 2024EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYThey were pegged back in the cruellest of fashions, however, when Mattia Zaccagni levelled in the 98th minute.The result saw Italy finish second on four points, with Spain top on nine.Croatia finished third on just two points, and were left hoping for miraculous results elsewhere in order to keep their hopes alive.BBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in fullHere’s how each channel will line-up:BBC presenters:Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark ChapmanITV presenters:Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods BBC pundits:Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFaddenITV pundits:Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina UnkelBBC commentators:Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan PearceITV commentators:Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe SpeightBBC co-commentators:Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFaddenITV co-commentators:Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend More

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      Kim Kardashian, 43, ‘has a crush on Jude Bellingham’ and if England star, 20, became single ‘she’d be there’

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      KIM KARDASHIAN reportedly has a “crush” on Jude Bellingham.The England star has recently been made a brand ambassador for her Skims company.Kim Kardashian apparently has a crush on Jude BellinghamCredit: GettyThe England star has modelled for her brand SkimsCredit: GettyHe stripped down to his pants for the photoshootCredit: SkimsBellingham is dating Laura Celia ValkCredit: PrettyLittleThingKim, 43, shared multiple pictures of Bellingham, 20, on her social media pages as he modelled for the company.She also said in a statement: “I’m thrilled to unveil Jude as the face of our new Skims Men’s campaign.”He has always been a rising star within the football world but this year he’s truly cemented himself as an icon, and his influence on the next-generation of players and fans is undeniable!”This is such an exciting time for the brand, and this campaign is another example of Skims’ ability to create global cultural moments, especially within sports.”READ MORE ON EURO 2024A source has told Heat Magazine that the socialite is not only wowed by his influence.It is said that she also has a crush on the Real Madrid star and that id he was not in a relationship she “would be there”.They revealed: “Getting Jude on board with Skims was a huge deal.”He’s one of the hottest properties in the game at the moment, so it’s a major coup for her.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He lives in Madrid and she’s heard he’s in a relationship, but it’s no secret that if he were to become available, Kim would be there.”The source also claimed that Kim “can not stop talking about how hot Jude is.Meet the ten Wags ready to stun at Euro 2024″Jude is hot and she sees nothing wrong with her crush.”Bellingham is currently dating Dutch influencer Laura Celia Valk.They kept their relationship under wraps for the first few months until Laura, 25, let slip to makeup artists at a modelling gig in April.However, Kim is not worried about being labelled as a “cougarKim is not worried about being called a cougarCredit: GettyShe sees nothing wrong with her crushCredit: GettyLaura let their relationship slip to a make-up artistCredit: PrettyLittleThingLaura is a Dutch influencerCredit: InstagramEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Netherlands 0 Austria 1 LIVE SCORE – Euro 2024: Dutch face Austrians in thrilling battle for top two spots in Group D

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      NETHERLANDS are taking on Austria in Berlin in their final Group D clash RIGHT NOW!The Dutch go into the game top of the table, while the Austrians are third but are currently the highest-ranked third-placed side at Euro 2024 with three points.Regardless of tonight’s result, both sides have a strong chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.Kick off time: 5pm BSTTV channel: BBC TwoFREE live stream: BBC iPlayerNetherlands team: Verbruggen, Geertrudia, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake, Schouten, Veerman, Reijnders, Malen, Gakpo, DepayAustria team: Pentz, Posch, Wober, Lienhart, Prass, Seiwald, Grillitsch, Schmid, Wimmer, Sabitzer, ArnautovicEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSFollow our live blog below…Netherlands 0-1 Austria6. Austria have the lead that their start deserves!Copy linkCopiedOwn goal!Copy linkCopiedNetherlands 0-0 Austria5. Austria continue to make the running, and swarming all over the Dutch when out of possession.Ronald Koeman is already out in his technical area, urging his side to come out of their deep, defensive shape.Copy linkCopiedNetherlands 0-0 Austria3. Austria have started very well, troubling the Dutch with some decisive play down the left flank.Prass asks questions of the Netherlands defence with two successive crosses – one low, one high – but Van Dijk and co. stand up to the task.Copy linkCopiedKick-off – Netherlands v Austria1. The supporters inside the Olympiastadion countdown from ten, Slovakian referee Ivan Kruzliak blows his whistle, and Austria – all in white – get the contest underway.The Dutch, meanwhile, are all in orange, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.Copy linkCopiedHere come the two teams!Two of Germany’s nearest neighbours in the Netherlands and Austria have descended on Berlin for this crucial Group D encounter.A wall of orange at one end of the Olympiastadion, the atmosphere has reached fever pitch as the players make their way out.The national anthems are belted out, and then both teams head off for one final huddle. It’s now time for the action.Copy linkCopiedKoeman explains Netherlands switch upAhead of kick-off, Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has revealed his reasons for making specific changes to his side.The former Everton boss believes the speed of Donyell Malen in attack, and full-back Lutsharel Geertruida’s desire to play off the right flank can be particularly useful in breaking down the Austrians.This – for me – is the best team I can put out to match the way Austria will play. The players I brought in can bring something slightly different. For example, Malen and his speed, Geertruida and his ability to come inside. This shows the level of detail we apply.Ronald KoemanEuro2024.comCopy linkCopiedVan Dijk clear of restVirgil van Dijk once again captains the Dutch this evening from the heart of defence.The Liverpool man made eight clearances in the Netherland’s 0-0 draw against France on Friday night.It is the most by an Oranje player in a group stage game at the European Championship since John Heitinga made 13 and Wilfried Bouma nine against Romania at Euro 2008.Copy linkCopiedOranje boom in BerlinGraham Taylor famously once remarked that he didn’t like orange, but on this evidence it’s hard to agree with the late, great of the game.Copy linkCopiedDutch faves to beat BurschenThe Netherlands are unbeaten in their last 11 group stage matches at major tournaments, winning nine, so it’s no surprise that the bookies have them as favourites this afternoon despite Austria catching the eye this past fortnight.Netherlands win 5/6Draw 5/2Austria win 18/5Odds from William Hill correct at time of post publication.Copy linkCopiedRangnick reshuffles Austrian XIAustria need a win if they are to be guaranteed a spot in the Round of 16, and in the circumstances Ralf Rangnick has rolled the dice with four.From the side that beat Poland on Friday, Christoph Baumgartner, Konrad Laimer, Phillipp Mwene and the injured Gernot Trauner drop out.In their place come Alexander Prass, Romano Schmid, Patrick Wimmer and Maximilian Wober slot into the starting line-up.Austria (4-2-3-1): 13 Pentz; 5 Posch, 2 Wober, 15 Lienhart, 8 Prass; 6 Seiwald, 10 Grillitsch; 23 Wimmer, 9 Sabitzer, 18 Schmid; 7 ArnautovicSubs: 1 Lindner, 12 Hedl, 3 Trauner, 4 Danso, 11 Gregoritsch, 14 Querfeld, 16 Mwene, 17 Kainz, 20 Laimer, 21 Daniliuc, 22 Seidl, 24 Weimann, 25 Entrup, 26 GrullCredit: @oefb1904 on XCopy linkCopiedAll change for the OranjeRonald Koeman makes three changes to his Netherlands side that deadlocked with France – and were denied a late win by some officious English adjudicating.The Dutch head coach brings in Lutsharel Geertruida at right-back, Joey Veerman in midfield, and Donyell Malen in attack.The trio replace Denzil Dumfries, Xavi Simons and Jeremie Frimpong.Netherlands (4-3-3): 1 Verbruggen; 2 Geertruida, 6 De Vrij, 4 Van Dijk, 5 Ake; 14 Reijnders, 24 Schouten, 16 Veerman; 18 Malen, 10 Depay, 11 GakpoSubs: 13 Bijlow, 23 Flekken, 3 De Ligt, 7 Simons, 8 Wijnaldum, 9 Weghorst, 12 Frimpong, 15 Van de Ven, 17 Blind, 19 Brobbey, 20 Maatsen, 21 Zirkee, 22 Dumfries, 25 Begwijn, 26 GravenberchCredit: @OnsOranje on XCopy linkCopiedNetherlands targeting more Dutch delightToday’s encounter in the Germany capital will be third meeting at a major tournament between the Netherlands and Austria – with the Dutch having prevailed in each of the previous two.The nations first met on the biggest stage at the 1978 World Cup with Ernst Happel’s classy Holland team thrashing Austria 5-1 on route to a final with Argentina.They didn’t cross paths in competition again to Euro 2020 when a penalty from Memphis Depay and a second half goal from Denzil Dumfries did for Franco Fodo’s side.In fact, Austria have lost their last seven matches against the Netherlands, their longest current run of defeats against a single opponent; Austria’s last victory dates back to May 1990 in a Vienna friendly when they prevailed 3-2.Copy linkCopiedAustria aiming to follow Dutch throughThe Netherlands and France’s route through to the Last 16 was confirmed on Monday evening by Spain’s victory over Albania. So now the focus is on Ralf Rangnick’s Austria, who will claim one of the top two spots in Group D with a win over the Dutch this afternoon.Poland, who face the French in Dortmund, are already out following two defeats from two.Netherlands v Austria (5pm)France v Poland (5pm)Credit: uefa.comCopy linkCopiedGood afternoon from BerlinWelcome to live coverage of Netherlands against Austria on the final matchday of Group D at Euro 2024.The Dutch have already done enough to ensure their spot in the knockouts, but Ralf Rangnick’s impressive Austria will be hoping to follow them through.It’s a 5pm kick-off in the German capital, and team news is on the way.Copy linkCopied More

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      France vs Poland LIVE SCORE – Euro 2024: Kylian Mbappe STARTS as Les Bleus look to claim top spot – latest updates

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      FRANCE take on Poland this afternoon as Les Bleus look to secure top spot in Group D.Kylian Mbappe has returned to the starting line-up after the French skipper was an unused sub against the Netherlands due to him breaking his nose during the Austria win last week.Poland are already out of Euro 2024 but fans will be excited to see their star man Robert Lewandowski from the off this afternoon.Kick off time: 5pm BSTTV channel: BBC OneFREE live stream: BBC iPlayerFrance team: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot, Tchouameni; Dembele, Mbappe, BarcolaPoland team: Skorupski; Bednarek, Dawidowicz, Kiwior; Frankowski, Slisz, Szymanski, Moder, Zalewski; Lewandowski, ZielinskiEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSFollow our live blog below…France 0-0 Poland7. Some great build up play sees Poland create their first chance of the game.Lewandowski is involved with a brilliant lay-off that finally sees Zielinski strike a volley from outside the box.Maignan does well to get down and save in the bottom corner of the goal.Copy linkCopiedFrance 0-0 Poland5. France a patiently wating to find some gaps.Barcola drops his shoulder and looks to get to the byline before trying to cut it back to a teammate.It is blocked at the expense of a French corner.Copy linkCopiedFrance 0-0 Poland3. Both sides are looking to close down their opponents in possession.They are giving no time on the ball whatsoever.Kounde wins a free out wide on the halfway line.Copy linkCopiedFrance 0-0 Poland1. It is another packed house in Westfalenstadion today.Poland are looking to keep the ball and make the French chase the ball early on.Looking to thread a pass through to Lewandowski, it runs harmlessly through to Maignan.Copy linkCopiedKick-off: France vs PolandWe are underway in Dortmund.Les Bleus look to kick-start their Euro 2024.Poland get the match started.Copy linkCopiedFrance hoping to keep records in tactLes Bleus are now unbeaten in eight European Championship games under Didier Deschamps.In those matches, they have won four and drawn four.Ngolo Kante has never lost a game in regulation time at a major tournament (W12, D5).Copy linkCopiedMan in the mask returnsKylian Mbappe will be hoping that he can be France’s superhero once again at the home of Borussia Dortmund today.Wearing a mask to protect the nose he broke in the opening group fixture, he will be keen to not engage in the physcial element too much at the moment.One thing is for sure, his pace and skill are enough to give any defence a torrid time.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedPoles looking to turn back clockThe last time Poland beat France in competitive football was some 42 years ago.That win came in the form of a 1982 World Cup third-placed play-off.After two defeats in their opening group games, the Poles will be hoping they can upset the odds today at Westfalenstadion.Copy linkCopiedLes Bleus needing to find another gearThe only goal France have scored in Euro 2024 to date is thanks to a Max Wober own goal in their 1-0 win over Austria.Against Netherlands, they struggled to create much in the way of clear-cut chances.Les Bleus need to address this if they are to have any hope of clinching the trophy.Copy linkCopiedDeschamps looking to make it troisFrance have previously won the Euros on two occasions.Didier Deschamps will feel he has enough quality at his disposal to go all the way and get his hands on that trophy this time around.The main aim for today is to try and usurp the goals scored by Netherlands so they finish top of Group D.Copy linkCopiedFans ready for group finaleAs we head towards the last round of fixtures in Group D, fans of both sides are in party atmosphere.The weather is perfect for this showdown and stadium is already becoming a sea of colours.Let’s hope the football lives up to the pre-match hype.Credit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPoland starting XI:For their final game in Euro 2024, Polish fans will be pleased to see Robert Lewandowski back in the starting line-up.12. Skorupski, 14. Kiwior, 3. Dawidowicz, 5. Bednarek, 21. Zalewski, 10. Zielinski, 8. Moder, 20. Symanski, 19. Frankowski, 26. Urbanski, 9. LewandowskiCredit: @P_F_AlmanacCopy linkCopiedFrench starting XI:The big news from the Les Bleus camp is that Kylian Mbappe starts in the final group game against Poland.16. Maignan, 22. Hernandez, 17. Saliba, 4. Upamecano, 5. Kounde, 14. Rabiot, 8. Tchouameni, 13. Kante, 25. Barcola, 10. Mbappe, 11. DembeleCredit: @equipedefranceCopy linkCopiedVAR saves French unbeaten recordNetherlands fans, players and coaching staff were left fuming after they had a goal ruled out from a debatable VAR decision.They felt Xavi Simons’ strike should have stood, which would have seen them inflict Les Bleus first defeat in Euro 2024.France on the other hand, have the chance now to put that let off behind them and show the watching world why they are one of the favourites to take the trophy home.Copy linkCopiedPoles looking for more firepowerIt has been a gruelling Euro 2024 if you are a Polish fan.Almost a glimpse into the not so distant future as they struggle to score goals without Robert Lewandowski, who has been working his way back from an injury.Michal Probierz will be hoping to utilise him today as Poland look to sign off from the tournament by upsetting the odds against the French.Copy linkCopiedLes Bleus looking to talismanThere is no doubting that Kylian Mbappe is the jewel in the crown of this French team.Without his presence against Netherlands, they did not look as much of an attacking threat.Having him back in the side today is integral as they look to cut the goal difference between themselves and Netherlands at the top of the group.Copy linkCopiedLegend hoping to sign off in stylePoland’s star striker has spoken about how he hopes their last game in Euro 2024 will pan out:I hope we will play our best match of the tournament. Although we have only pride to play for, I hope we will play good football, create opportunities and score goals. We know we cannot fall apart even if things get tough. We need to have a plan and stick to it from start to finish regardless of the outcome.Robert LewandowskiPolandCopy linkCopiedDeschamps confident Mbappe is ready for actionThe French manager addressed the elephant in the room with the media when it comes to their prized asset:He is doing better today than yesterday and the day before that. That is obvious because he has been training. The bruising has come down and he is getting used to the mask. He is as eager to play tomorrow as he was eager to play against the Netherlands. He does not find that the mask limits him but it does restrict his vision a little. He needs to get used to it, even though the technology nowadays allows these masks to be as thin as possible.Didier DeschampsFrance managerCopy linkCopiedFrance with last chance to secure top-spotSitting second in the group heading into this game, Les Bleus trail the Netherlands on goal difference.With Poland having already been eliminated, it seems the perfect match for Didier Deschamps side to go all out attack and try and rectify that.As a result, this is no doubt why the French manager will be keen to get Mbappe back in his starting line-up for their final group game.Copy linkCopiedWelcome to France vs PolandLes Bleus face already eliminated Poland in their final group game, hoping to usurp Netherlands for top spot in Group D.France are likely to bring Kylian Mbappe back into the starting line-up today after he sat out their last game due to a broken nose he sustained against Austria.While Deschamps took a cautious approach to his star striker in that game, he has taken part in a behind-closed-doors friendly in which he scored twice and produced two assists.The manager will need to decide whether Aurelian Tchouameni or Adrien Rabiot make way in order to accommodate Mbappe’s return to the side.It will be a tough choice for Deschamps as both players have been integral to Les Bleus in and out of possession but it is thought Rabiot will drop to a deeper position to partner Kante while Tchouameni has to settle for a place on the bench.As for Poland, they have concerns about centre-back Bartosz Salamon due to an ankle injury that forced him to miss the defeat against Austria.Given that this is likely to be his last chance to don the Poland shirt in a major tournament, it is expected that Robert Lewandowski will be reinstated to the team for this one.The Poles have nothing to play in this game apart from personal pride but they will certainly want to put in a good shift against France to help Lewandowski sign off on a positive note from his illustrious international career.Copy linkCopied More

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      Watch smiling England hero Sir Geoff Hurst brilliantly shoehorn advertising plug into live TV interview on Sky Sports

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      ENGLAND legend Sir Geoff Hurst brilliantly used a live TV appearance to give Budweiser some free advertising.The hero of the 1966 World Cup final appeared on Sky Sports News to preview The Three Lions’ final group match of Euro 2024.England icon Sir Geoff Hurst was a recent guest on Sky Sports NewsCredit: REXThe 1966 World Cup winner bizarrely used his time on air to plug BudweiserHurst, 82, was quizzed about his ongoings hours before England’s final Group C match against Slovenia.And he bizarrely decided to use time on the silver screen to plug his American sponsor.After being asked about his pre-match antics, Hurst replied: “What I’m up to? Supporting England.”I just finished off an advert for Budweiser, which has been very interesting.READ MORE ON EURO 2024″And I think one of the great things about supporting England is you can support England from all over the country.”Not just at the games, but in pubs and bars. Just enjoying a nice glass of Budweiser.”Footage of Hurst spectacularly filling his role as a brand ambassador for the famous American beer company went viral and blew footie fans away.One commented on X: “F***ing hell, Geoff. How much did they pay you for that?”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWho 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.Another said: “Budweiser staff just out of frame threatening to kill Geoff’s dog if he doesn’t mention them every 8 seconds.”And another said: “World-class brand ambassadoring.”Gary Lineker pokes fun at Harry Kane ‘s***’ row with cheeky quip live on BBC during Euro 2024 coverageOne jokingly remarked: “Hi, Geoff Budweiser here.'”Another jokingly in: “I think we can dominate the midfield Martin, in the same way, the foam from a cool glass of Budweiser can lather on top of the sumptuous chilled beer.”Hurst, who received his knighthood in 1998, is no stranger to giving free publicity to companies he’s working with.During the 2006 World Cup, the former striker did some outrageous product placement in an interview on Radio 5 Live.He said: “I am on the banks of the Rhine with the McDonald’s escort programme, er, the player escort programme we are having a great time.”And he sensationally signed off with McDonald’s famous slogan, saying: “I’m lovin’ it!” More