Euro 2024

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

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

ENGLAND have one final group game to restore confidence among the fan base before they participate in the Euro 2024 last-16 – and the action unfolds VERY SOON!Gareth Southgate’s side have Spain to thank as La Roja’s 1-0 win against Albania helped the Three Lions secure a spot in the knockout stages.And England will be determined to finish as Group C winners so they can avoid a really difficult test in the round of 16.GROUP C LIVE TABLEEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSFollow ALL the action from the RheinEngerieStadion with our live blog below…Get stuck EngEngland started positively in their opener when they took an early lead over Serbia, but then retreated and limped over the line.Against Denmark, many Three Lions fans were then left concerned as they relinquished a lead to draw 1-1 and were on the back foot for much of the game.But they now have the chance to restore some confidence among the fan base tonight against Slovenia.Copy linkCopiedSouthgate expected to ring the changesConor Gallagher is set to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s starting XI to face Slovenia.Gareth Southgate‘s team selection and tactics have been criticised after two below-par displays at Euro 2024.But after bemoaning the physical condition of the squad and the absence of Kalvin Phillips, Southgate now looks set to change the formula in the hopes of sprucing up the displays.SunSport understands Chelsea midfielder Gallagher, 24, will be the player trusted with that responsibility.Alexander-Arnold, 25, was thrust into midfield despite his usual position playing right-back for Liverpool.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWelcome to England vs Slovenia!England can top Group C tonight with a win over Slovenia as they head towards the knockout stages of Euro 2024!The Three Lions have received much criticism after letting a 1-0 lead slip and retreating into their own half for much of their second group game.However, it threatens to be another challenging game for Gareth Southgate‘s men.But there will be less pressure on England after Albania’s loss to Spain last night meant that they have already qualified for the last-16 without kicking a ball.Slovenia have not lost either of their opening two matches despite being the unfancied team in this group.They came from behind to draw 1-1 with Denmark, before they were denied a first win at the tournament in stoppage time as they were held to another 1-1 scoreline by Serbia.A win for Slovenia would see them leapfrog England and book their place in the knockout stages.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More