Euro 2024

GARY LINEKER has accused Gareth Southgate of “hanging Trent Alexander-Arnold out to dry” amid England’s midfield experiment.Southgate chose to play Liverpool right-back Alexander-Arnold alongside Declan Rice in midfield for England’s first two Euro 2024 matches.Gary Lineker has criticised Gareth SouthgateCredit: BBCSouthgate has been playing Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield as an ‘experiment’Credit: GettyThe Three Lions clinched a 1-0 win over Serbia before holding Denmark to a 1-1 draw last week.However, both performances failed to impress.Following England’s drab display against the Danes, Southgate admitted that playing Alexander-Arnold in midfield was an “experiment”.And now the Liverpool star is set to be dropped in favour of Conor Gallagher when the Three Lions take on Slovenia tonight.Read More on EnglandEx-England striker Lineker believes Alexander-Arnold has been “hung out to dry” as a result.He said: “I do feel a bit for Trent Alexander-Arnold. I feel he’s been hung out to dry a little bit.”His manager says it’s an experiment and now it looks like the experiment doesn’t work.”It’s very hard to play in a new position even when a team’s playing well.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS”But when a team’s struggling and a team’s disjointed, not together and not getting up the pitch, it becomes very difficult.”I do feel for him because he’s an unbelievably talented player.”SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesPundits and legends lay into EnglandENGLAND’s lifeless display in the 1-1 draw with Denmark left pundits and legends queuing up to take a dig at Gareth Southgate’s team. Here’s the best of what was said…ALAN SHEARER“Awful performance, particularly after going up in the game.“I don’t think one England player can look at themselves and say, ‘I’ve done my job tonight’.“England were all over the place, far too sloppy in possession, gave the ball away too much and got caught too many times.“There was no energy, no pace, no guile — Southgate is simply not getting the best out of England’s best players.“It’s concerning and Gareth will get some serious questions.“You saw England players lying on their backs — they look absolutely shattered but there’s no excuse for that.”GARY LINEKERThe BBC host called the performance “lifeless and tepid”.On Harry Kane he said: “He needs his manager to ask more of him. I would have expected that if I’d put in that kind of performance.”RIO FERDINAND“The players don’t look the same as they do for their clubs. It is a big concern.”ROY KEANE“Courage and bravery, we’re not really seeing it.“There’s something amiss with the balance. Bellingham is waving his arms.“This is a big test for Gareth. It looks like he’s overthinking things.”JAMIE CARRAGHER”My big worry watching this and for the rest of the tournament?”England look absolutely knackered. They can’t get close to the ball.”The surest sign of fatigue is dropping deep.”Declan Rice is having to cover so much ground. No-one can convince me this is a strategy.”JACK WILSHERE”It’s strange that we have taken the lead in both games so far, yet instead of it settling us down and giving us the confidence to play, we have failed to take control.”But what was most worrying was that Denmark had a clear way of playing — while we didn’t.”Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney believes Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton would be better options in midfield.He said: “Yeah, I’ve been quite critical of Trent. “I love Trent as a player as a full-back or as a right-back coming in at the right time but I think to play him in the middle of the pitch in international football, it’s so different to playing as a full-back.”I’ve said it many times, I wouldn’t have played him there. But he’s [Southgate] got [Kobbie] Mainoo, he’s got [Adam] Wharton.”For me, I play Jude [Bellingham] in the middle next to [Declan] Rice and you get your width with [Anthony] Gordon and [Phil] Foden.”‘We’re struggling with and without the ball’, admits Harry KaneHARRY KANE admits England “haven’t been good enough” at the Euros.Here’s what skipper Kane said after the disappointing 1-1 draw with Denmark:”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).”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.”It wasn’t our greatest game but we got away with draw.“We are starting games well. But when the teams are dropping a few players deeper we are not quite sure how to get the pressure on, and who is the one who is supposed to be going.”“In the second half, we changed it with me and Jude (Bellingham)  playing in front of their two midfielders. But it was difficult.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

ENGLAND’S Euro 2024 fate could come down to yellow cards with a horror clash against Germany waiting in the wings.The Three Lions top their group after two games following a 1-0 win over Serbia and a 1-1 draw with Denmark.England’s fate in the Euro knockout stages could come down to disciplineCredit: PAThe Three Lions have just one yellow card so far as they await a potential clash with GermanyCredit: RexGareth Southgate’s men have already sealed their spot in the next round ahead of tonight’s game with Slovenia.But what position England finish in is yet to be decided.If they seal top spot, a clash against a best third-place team awaits.Those sides at the moment include the likes of Austria and Hungary.READ MORE ON EURO 2024A third-place finish for England sets up a brutal tie against group winners like Spain or Portugal — with Belgium another option.But a second-place finish is little better for Harry Kane and Co, as it would pair England with tournament hosts Germany.England know they can avoid the issue by getting the job done against Slovenia tonight.However, there is a scenario where the Three Lions would have to rely on their disciplinary record to pip Denmark to top spot.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSShould England draw 1-1 with Slovenia, and should the Danes beat Serbia 1-0, it would leave the two nations on equal points, goal difference, goals scored and a deadlocked head-to-head record.That would mean the rarely-seen disciplinary record would need to be used to separate the sides.The Sun joins in with the celebrations with crowds ahead of England v SloveniaAnd it spells good news for England right now, as they have only picked up one yellow card in the tournament.Conor Gallagher was booked after coming off the bench against Denmark, who have five yellows of their own.Each booking accumulates one point per team, while a red card receives three points.Therefore the Danes have the higher score of 5-1, meaning England must get at least four tonight to make it a contest.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYShould the two sides finish on equal disciplinary points, then their respective rankings in the overall European qualifiers will be used to determine who finishes top.That would hand an easy win to England, who finished third with 21 points from eight games — five points ahead of 15th place Denmark.And the final resort, which doesn’t apply as it is only used when the host nation is involved, would see the drawing of lots.The disciplinary record head-to-head was seen at the World Cup in 2018.Senegal finished on equal standings in every criteria with Colombia.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut they crashed out at the group stage after picking up six yellows to Colombia’s two.The South Americans advanced to the next round where they faced England, losing on penalties.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. More

HUNGARY forward Barnabas Varga has been pictured for the first time since he was knocked unconscious and broke multiple bones in his face during his side’s win over Scotland.The Ferencvaros star, 29, was severely injured in a collision with keeper Angus Gunn during the Group A clash on Sunday night.Barnabas Varga was sat up in hospital with his girlfriend and members of the Hungary staffHungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai helped carry the stretcher onto the pitchCredit: RexSheets were put up around Varga following the horror collision with Angus GunnCredit: GettyHe was stretchered off with sheets held up to hide Varga, before medics rushed him to hospital.He was then confirmed to be stable and has now been pictured in a hospital bed with his girlfriend Laura Skrapits and members of the Hungary staff.Alongside the post was a caption from the Hungary Football Federation which read: “Led by Marco Rossi, some members of the professional staff and represented by the players, Endre Botka visited Varga Barnabas in the Stuttgart hospital.”The visitors interpreted the wishes of the whole team to Fradi’s player.”It comes after Laura shared an emotional message on social media on Varga’s behalf.It read: “Thank you for your kind, supportive messages.”Barni is over the surgery. A little rest is waiting for him but he’ll be fine!”Ferencvaros doctor Gergely Panics confirmed the extent of Varga’s injuries after he was assessed in hospital, revealing he suffered skull fractures, as well as broken and dislocated bones in his face.Most read in Euro 2024Inside Barnabas Varga’s rise from semi-pro to Euro 2024BARBABAS VARGA has enjoyed a meteoric rise from semi-pro leagues of Austria and Hungary to the Euro 2024 finals.The Hungary striker played for six seasons, between 2010 and 2016 for SV Eberau in the Bergenlandliga – the regional fourth tier of Austrian football.A record of over a goal every other game earned Varga a shot at the big time with with SV Mattersburg in the Austrian Bundesliga.However, he scored only once in just 16 games over the next three seasons before dropping down to the second tier with SV Lafnitz.After a mixed spell, Varga’s next step was to his homeland, again in the second tier, with Gyirnot in 2020.That’s where it began to click for Varga and his eye for goal saw top division Paksi FC swoop.Varga scored almost a goal a game in his first season with Paksi, finishing as the top scorer in the Hungarian league.That earned the late bloomer an international debut, at the age of 28, in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Bulgaria.One his third cap, away to Serbia, he netted his first Hungary goal.Last summer, Varga joined Hungarian giants Ferencvaros and again got the golden boot as his side won the league, the first silverware of his career. He told Hungarian news outlet Magyar Nemzet: “Barni suffered a concussion during the collision and lost consciousness.”By the time he reached the ambulance, he had already regained consciousness, after which he was taken to the clinic in Stuttgart, where, after the examination, a therapeutic plan was drawn up, according to which he would be operated on.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY”Our striker suffered multiple facial skull fractures, several smaller and larger bones were broken in his face, and some were even dislocated.”After the operation, he will be kept in for two days. If everything goes well, he will be released on Wednesday.”Varga’s dad then confirmed his son had undergone facial surgery.Furious Hungarian players were angered by the time it took the walking medics to reach the stricken Varga and start treating him in the penalty area, with stewards holding up blankets to create a screen.Captain Dominik Szoboszlai believes Uefa should make a change to ensure players in a similar situation receive treatment as quickly as possible.The Liverpool midfielder said: “I don’t really know the protocols or how it works, but if our doctors say we need someone immediately to help, then I don’t think they should walk.”It’s not my decision, but I think we need to change something.”Even if someone is on the ground, and you know that it was a big collision, then just go on [the pitch].”Even if the referee is saying don’t go on, just go on. And if you can see it’s nothing serious, then you can just go down and it’s finished. But seconds can help a lot.”Hungary players posed with Varga’s shirt after beating ScotlandCredit: GettyDominik Szoboszlai was critical of the medical team’s reaction to the incidentCredit: GettyPanics refused to be drawn on the reaction of the medical team.He added: “Regarding the German protocol and first aid, I do not want to comment, as I do not know it in detail and I am not responsible for it.”However, I can say that I had the opportunity to visit Barna in the hospital, and I saw that he is in expert hands and is receiving a lot of attention.”Uefa, however, defended those who treated Varga and insisted all the guidance was followed as they reached him within 15 seconds.The BBC were forced to apologise because the Uefa live feed showed a replay of the incident despite the severity of the collision.Hungary players looked visibly distraught after witnessing their team-mate’s horror injury.Following a lengthy delay, the game carried on and Kevin Csoboth scored a 100th-minute winner to keep Hungary’s hopes of qualification for the knockout stages alive.READ MORE SUN STORIESPlayers celebrated by holding up and wearing a “Varga 19” shirt for their striker.Varga, though, will play no further part in the tournament as he begins his recovery. More

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