Euro 2024

IF Scotland’s exit from the football pitches of Euro 2024 was far from graceful, their departure from their training camp was even less so.Scotland were sent packing from Germany after a last-gasp 1-0 defeat to Hungary that left them rock-bottom of Group A on just one point.Steve Clarke’s Scotland left their training camp with a Bavarian band playingCredit: X/BBCSportScotThe local band played an upbeat song despite the early exitCredit: X/BBCSportScotPlayers were seen with glum faces as they left their hotel in Garmisch-PartenkirchenCredit: X/BBCSportScotThey were beaten 5-1 by Germany in their opener before a 1-1 draw with Switzerland gave them hope of progressing into the knockouts.But those dreams were crushed in injury time on Sunday.Steve Clarke’s side left their training camp at the Obermuhle Hotel in the Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen the following day.With the exceptions of Callum McGregor, Angus Gunn, Scott McTominay, Che Adams, Tommy Conway and John McGinn, who had made their own travel plans, Scotland stars were given a “Bavarian goodbye” by a local band who played music as they departed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe band’s music was upbeat and more suited to a local carnival, even though Scotland stars had a completely contrasting mood pinned on their faces.Fans seeing the video online commented on the stark differences between the tone of music and player’s faces.Taking to social media, one fan couldn’t contain their laughter and said: “This is genuinely like something from a sitcom. Why on earth did they ever think this was a good idea? So SO good 😂.”A second said: “Brilliant lol.”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother said: “It’s like watching the ending of ‘Allo ‘Allo all you need is the ‘You have been watching’ with the players names appearing at the bottom of the screen as they walked out.”A fourth added (Harry Potter spoilers): “My mind immediately went to that part at the end of the Goblet of Fire where they’re playing joyful music til they realise Cedric’s dead lmfao.”Steve Clarke, Negative Normans and the players who didn’t perform to their best as Scotland’s Euro 2024 dream turned into a nightmareA fifth said: “Absolutely savage 🤣.”While Scotland’s exit from Euro 2024 came with a cheerful tune from their hosts, who loved having the Tartan Army with them, the nation’s major tournament record remains nothing to laugh at.In 12 attempts they are yet to reach the knockout phase of a major tournament, whether that be a World Cup or European Championship.Their last win at the Euros came in 1996 when Scotland beat Switzerland 1-0 courtesy of an Ally McCoist goal.For the World Cup you would have to go back to 1990 for their last win.They will hope to fare better in their next games when the Uefa Nations League rolls around in September.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

EAGER England supporters have packed out pubs and bars in Germany to cheer on the Three Lions in tonight’s crunch Euros clash against Slovenia.Dedicated fans are roaring their support for the team ahead of the 8pm kick-off in Cologne for their final group game.England fans have swarmed Cologne for tonight’s match against SloveniaCredit: APThree Lions supported decked out in red and white packed out Cologne todayCredit: Jeremy SelwynThe beers were flowing in the city as supporters try to calm their nervesCredit: APFans were seen flocking to the pub with hours to go stillCredit: MirrorpixThese England fans got into the spirit in CologneCredit: PASupporters are kitted out in their best bucket hatsCredit: Jeremy SelwynTwo fans beam in the sunshine ahead of tonight’s gameCredit: Jeremy SelwynA lad kicks a ball around Cologne’s Old Market as Three Lions fans descend on the cityCredit: PAThe bars in Cologne are proving popular with England fansCredit: ReutersAround 50,000 fans began arriving in Cologne yesterday with more expected to file in for tonight’s key game.And the thirsty supporters will be thrilled to learn Germany has rushed in extra beer for them after Scotland drank the city dry.Fans have already turned Cologne into a sea of red and white as they pose up in flags against the city’s dramatic cathedral.Back at home, around 16million people are planning to tune in to ITV to show their support from their living rooms.Read more newsA staggering 12million pints will also be sunk in England’s pubs as temperatures soar to 28C.Bosses have already been told to brace for a wave of workers calling in sick tomorrow.England have already secured a place in the last-16 thanks to Spain’s 1-0 win over Albania yesterday.But tonight’s game is still an important one as the Three Lions will lose their much-needed top spot if they lose.Most read in Euro 2024A win for Slovenia would see them leapfrog England and take first place thanks to their decent form in the tournament so far.They have not lost either of their opening two matches despite being ranked underdogs in the group.Harry Kane bites back at Lineker and Co over ‘s***’ Denmark jibes and reminds ex-England stars they never won anythingEven a draw would not necessarily be enough for England as Denmark beating Serbia would leave us equal on points.In that case, the winner of Group C will go down to goal difference – meaning Gareth Southgate’s men will need a high-scoring game.If we go through second, a harder path awaits, with England forced to face old rivals Germany for a place in the quarter-finals.But a first-place spot guarantees a match against one of the best third-places sides from Group D, E or F.They are Austria, Slovakia and Czech Republic as it stands.A dreaded slump into third means England face the winners of Group E or F, which are Romania and Portugal with one game to go.All eyes will now be on Southgate, who has so far faced criticism for his team’s lacklustre opening two games.He is reportedly planning to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose midfield “experiment” has failed to take off.An England fan enjoying the atmosphere before the gameCredit: GettyA beer shortage had threatened to ruin the funCredit: PABut thirsty fans have managed to sniff some outCredit: Jeremy SelwynA supporter boots a football in the city centreCredit: APThe Old Market has been turned into a sea of red and whiteCredit: PAThese supporters get on the beers earlyCredit: Jeremy SelwynSupporters were seen enjoying the party atmosphereCredit: APChelsea star Conor Gallagher is likely to come into the England starting XI in his place ahead of other options such as Kobbie Mainoo or Adam Wharton.Elsewhere, Luke Shaw is back in training and debate over Phil Foden’s form in the competition is raging on.The manager pulled no punches in his post-match assessment of England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark last week.He said: “We didn’t press the ball with our intensity and we kept conceding possession too cheaply and when you do those two things it’s hard to have control in the game.”It led to an anxious performance the longer we game went on and we understand that that’s got to be better if we want to progress to the stages of the tournament that everybody’s expecting and delivering what we need to deliver.”Three Lions skipper Harry Kane also admitted England “haven’t been good enough” following the disappointing draw.He said: “We’re struggling with and without the ball. The pressing in both games hasn’t been quite right. “We haven’t been good enough, from top to bottom, from me to Picks (Jordan Pickford).READ MORE SUN STORIES”Everyone is dropping below their level a bit, in terms of retaining the ball, playing under pressure.”We know there’ll be a bit of noise and disappointment back home. But it’s a time to stay calm and we’ll get there step by step.”The beers are already flowing as supporters soak up the atmosphereCredit: Jeremy SelwynThe sunny weather has attracted fans to the city’s bars and pubsCredit: Jeremy SelwynTwo fans pose up ahead of the crunch 8pm matchCredit: Jeremy SelwynSupporters are hoping for a better England performance tonightCredit: PAEngland will need to win their group to avoid meeting Germany nextCredit: PAFans fly the flag against the dramatic backdrop of Cologne CathedralCredit: PAEngland have faced criticism over their lacklustre performance More

ITALY are through to the last 16, just – but all is not well in the Azzurri camp.A dramatic 98th-minute leveller from Mattia Zaccagni snatched back second spot in Group B after briefly being leapfrogged by Luka Modric’s 55th-minute strike for Croatia.Luciano Spalletti launched into a passionate rant following allegations of a mole in the dressing roomCredit: GettyMattia Zaccagni scored a stoppage-time equaliser to send Italy into the knockout stages against CroatiaCredit: GettyThis sets up a fascinating knock-out tie with an in-form Switzerland in Berlin on Saturday as the reigning European champions look to become the first nation to successfully defend their title.And yet, for those fortunate enough to be present for Italy boss Luciano Spalletti’s post-match press conference on Monday night, you get the sense there is a crisis brewing.The first question from an Italian journalist suggested that the Italian players had held private tactical discussions before the Croatia clash without Spalletti’s knowledge.Spalletti’s team selection was then revealed to be something of a surprise, switching to a three-man defence and dropping several big names like Federico Chiesa and Gianluca Scamacca. Had the Italy boss been influenced by unrest from some of his players?READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis sparked an incredible, impassioned rant from Spalletti – a man known for wearing his heart on his sleeve and unable to hold his tongue when he feels he has been betrayed – and accusations of a mole in the squad.Spalletti, 65, hit back at the journalist: “There is obviously someone in the team who is passing on the information and that person is damaging the team.“You have been told that, you haven’t interpreted that. Don’t claim this is your poetic license.“I always try to talk to my players. I have to listen to my players. And what’s wrong with that if the starting line-up was the result of conversations?Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS“I actually did my dissertation on playing 3-5-2 so it’s only natural I sometimes use it. We speak to one another and try to sort things out.“Why must there have been a pact? Everyone could see we had a shape, even when we had six attackers on the pitch by the end.”Play Foden & Bellingham centrally & go for it! | Jack Wilshere’s plan to win the EurosEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYSpalletti took over from Roberto Mancini on September 1, 2023 – replacing the man who guided Italy to just their second Euros title in their history back in July 2021 before missing out on the 2022 World Cup.It was a controversial choice, despite Spalletti’s record with the likes of Roma and Inter Milan, most recently lifting the Serie A title with Napoli in 2023.Since his first match in charge of the national team – a 1-1 draw away to North Macedonia in Euros qualifying – Spalletti’s position has been severely questioned, scraping into the Euros finals ahead of Ukraine in Group C on goal difference, behind table-toppers England.He continued: “Everyone is trying to get us out. I’m asked if I am afraid. What am I afraid of? Otherwise, I would have simply done another job and watched the games. I wouldn’t have even needed to buy my way in.“It’s only natural that there is pressure and responsibility. I have lost so many matches in my lifetime. When I took charge of Empoli in the Italian fourth tier, I couldn’t sleep.“Then at Parma, I was a zombie, but that’s the level. Croatia could have won this game, but don’t take the p**s out of us because we nearly lost.“I just want to do my job without the load up of pressure already on my shoulders. There is venom coming from all sides, and I inject the venom inside me myself if it doesn’t, because I need to be at the level and I react. Don’t worry about that.“I set up the team because there is a logic. Everyone there saw that.”READ MORE SUN STORIESShould Italy beat the Swiss, they are teed up to potentially face the Three Lions in the quarter finals in Dusseldorf on July 6, a repeat of the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.But for Spalletti to get there, talk of moles and plotting within his own squad needs to be urgently addressed.Italy Euro 2024 guideTHEY are reigning champs and have a habit of defying the odds – yet little is expected of this Azzurri side.At least they qualified, given a nasty recent habit of missing major tournaments.MANAGER: Luciano SpallettiThe 65-year-old who, in 2023, led Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years will not stand for any nonsense.STAR MAN: Gianluigi DonnarummaThe PSG goalkeeper is Italy’s only genuine goalkeeping superstar, as England know to their cost after losing the Euro 2020 final on penalties.How Italy attackSpalletti’s Italy will be dogged from a defensive perspective but also flexible and fun to watch in possession.They can be patient and composed on the ball but also attack in a much more direct way when the opportunity comes.How Italy defendItaly no longer play the deep, defensive football they were known for in the past.They will look to press high out of possession, led by their two wide forwards – likely Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Pellegrini.Read the full Italy Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags More

GROUP winners Portugal are expected to make big chances but will hope to keep their winning run going against Georgia on Wednesday.SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest, and carefully selected our best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our partners for the Euro 2024 contest.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereFree bets for Georgia vs Portugal from our partnersWilliam Hill: Get your £60 in free bets when you stake a tenner on Georgia vs Portugal – CLAIM HERE*Betfred: Free bets – Get £50 in free football bets when you bet on Georgia vs Portugal – CLAIM HERE*BetMGM: Get £60 in free bets to spend on football, including Georgia vs Portugal – CLAIM HERE*talkSPORT BET: Get £30 in free bets to spend on Euro 2024 when you stake a tenner on Georgia vs Portugal – CLAIM HERE*Tote: Bet £10 on Georgia vs Portugal to get £30 in free bets and 50 free spins – CLAIM HERELadbrokes: Bet £5 on Georgia vs Portugal to get £20 in free bets – CLAIM HERE*Already have these accounts? 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William Hill are offering punters a whopping £60 in free bets and bonuses when you register and stake a tenner on football!Get £60 in free bets and bonuses when you stake a tenner on football at Euro 2024 – CLAIM HERE*Georgia vs Portugal previewPortugal might have already wrapped up top spot in Group F, but there’s still plenty to play for in the final matchday with Georgia.Cristiano Ronaldo and co needed a stroke of fortune to see off Turkey last time out but they again looked a top side with a real depth in their attacking arsenal.That depth will likely be on show here given they’ve won the group, so it’s a chance for those to impress and give Roberto Martinez a selection headache.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBut it’s also a huge opportunity now for Georgia, who are still in with a chance of qualification for the next round having avoided defeat last time out.They promised they were coming to have a go in the tournament and they’ve stuck to their word, with their games so far bringing excitement with both teams to score backers equally pleased.That approach has them still in the equation coming into matchday three, where they need a win to guarantee themselves a spot in the last-16.Georgia vs Portugal oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.Georgia vs Portugal betting tipsJoao chanceThe depth of this Portuguese squad is pretty ridiculous, especially when you consider someone like Joao Felix can’t get a kick.He’s had to watch on from the bench so far in these championships but is likely to get his opportunity here.He’ll be keen to take it too and averaged 1.43 shots on target per 90 minutes in La Liga last term.Joao Felix over 1 shot on target at 13/8 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREGoals in itBoth teams have scored in both of Georgia’s games so far and they’ll be hoping the expected Portugal changes will just nudge them off stride.There’s just too much firepower in the Portuguese attack for the Georgians to cope.Both teams to score – no draw at 7/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HERERub of the yellowRuben Neves got the second half the other night as Joao Palhinha sat on a yellow card.With the threat of suspension, Palhinha is likely to sit out this one and Neves can come in from the start.Rusty from not getting a kick after a season in Saudi? 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