Euro 2024

EURO 2024 pundits have slammed England for yesterday’s snoozefest display against Slovenia.The Three Lions played out a bore 0-0 draw with Matjaz Kek’s side in Cologne.England were held to a 0-0 draw by SloveniaCredit: AlamyGareth Southgate’s decision making has been criticisedCredit: GettyIt was another uninspiring performance that left supporters far from satisfied.Even ex-England stars Alan Shearer and Jamie Carragher struggled to see the positives, while Manchester United legend Roy Keane slammed the “sloppy” showing.Speaking on his podcast, Shearer claimed that manager Gareth Southgate selected the wrong squad – even after dropping Trent Alexander-Arnold in favour of Conor Gallagher following his failed midfield experiment.The Newcastle legend said: “By his own admission, you can tell that. He took him [Gallagher] off at half-time.READ MORE ON EURO 2024″That didn’t work, I thought [Kobbie] Mainoo coming on was a positive. He did well. I thought he made his substitutions too late giving [Cole] Palmer, what, 20 minutes-ish?”What’s [Anthony] Gordon done against him? Because, giving him two or three minutes?”I think Gordon did more in two or three minutes on the left-hand side then we’ve shown in two-and-a-half games, I think, with forward passing, with a bit of energy, with a bit of class, bit of knowhow.”Shearer went on to admit that England’s lack of chances so far at Euro 2024 has been “pretty damning”.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEngland player ratings: Southgate’s Gallagher experiment fails miserably vs SloveniaENGLAND served up another underwhelming performance – but still managed to top Group C.England dominated the ball, but Southgate will have plenty of questions to answer after a third straight display that lacked inspiration.SunSport’s Tom Barclay has given his ratings of the England players.Jordan Pickford – 6Largely a spectator due to England’s dominance on the ball. Asked the touchline what the Denmark score was during one break in the second half.Kieran Trippier – 6The one positive of having a right-footed player playing left-back is that he can dispatch in-swinging crosses, and one such one should have been headed home by Conor Gallagher before the break.Marc Guehi – 7Cruyff turn early doors showed his confidence from excellent displays against Serbia and Denmark, and barring one loose pass was good again.John Stones – 6One of many to miss his target with his passing. He wasn’t bad but, like others, way off what he has produced for his club.Kyle Walker – 5Played so safe, rarely looked to get forward. Was lucky at one point that Pickford was alive to his blast of a pass-back. Sliced cross after break summed up his off-night.Conor Gallagher – 4Got the nod after the Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment ended, but was poor, particularly, in possession and replaced at half-time by Kobbie Mainoo.Declan Rice – 7Had promised an “in your face” performance from his team, but he was really the only one to produce it. Very good out of possession, much better than against Denmark.Phil Foden – 7Liveliest of England’s attacking four by a mile and went close with a stinging free-kick. Booked for dissent, summing up England’s frustration.Jude Bellingham – 5Cut a very frustrated figure as he and Harry Kane got in each other’s way at times, while he was often shunted wide left as Phil Foden moved into the middle.Bukayo Saka – 6Tapped home on 20 minutes, but it was ruled out for offside in the build-up. OK but once again subbed after the break, perhaps due to fitness concerns.Harry Kane – 6Insists he is 100 per cent fit and maybe he is. What is 100 per cent certain is that he has been nowhere near as effective in this tournament as he usually is for England, albeit he was marginally better here.SubstitutesKobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher at half-time) – 7Made a difference when coming on, making England much more positive in their play. So much more confident with his touch than Gallagher.Cole Palmer (for Bukayo Saka on 71) – 7Finally made an appearance at this tournament and one clever ball through for Mainoo showed what he can do.Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Kieran Trippier on 84) – 6Came on for the final few minutes at right-back, with Walker going to left-back.Anthony Gordon (for Phil Foden on 88) – 6Like Palmer, first minutes at the Euros, but too late to make an impact.He continued: “What he’s tried to do in the first three games hasn’t worked. His starting line-up in three games hasn’t worked, so big changes. For me, he has to play Gordon on the left-hand side.”Carragher also refused to shy away from berating Southgate’s squad, claiming that some players failed to back-up the fighting talk they used before Tuesday’s match.Gareth Southgate reacts to England fans throwing cups and booing Three Lions team after drab drawIn his column for The Telegraph, he wrote: “When Harry Kane and Declan Rice came out fighting after the criticism that followed the Denmark draw, no one was applauding them more than me.”They looked and sounded like the leaders they are. The trouble is, when you speak like that, you have to back it up where it really matters. To me, that made the Slovenia performance the worst yet.”He added: “The sum total of England’s contribution to Euro 2024 so far is 45 minutes against Serbia from Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka. That is it. We cannot dress it up any other way.”Like Shearer, the Liverpool legend insists Southgate needs to switch up his starting line-up.”Ripping up part of the team and starting again may be against Southgate’s instincts,” Carragher claimed.”He has never had to do it before in tournament football. Now he goes into every game knowing it could be his last as the England manager.”The alternative is more of the same, with players trying to paint a positive picture based on the fact England won the group and are unbeaten.”Ex-Ireland star Keane also had some strong words for the Three Lions.Speaking live on ITV, he said: “It has been too slow and too sloppy.”The one good moment was offside.”Pass it in front of somebody, and be brave enough to lose the ball.”Gary Neville echoed the sentiments and labelled the team “basic”.England failed to impress against SloveniaIt was harsh to hook Gallagher at half-time… but Mainoo showed he’s the answer, says Jack WilshereKOBBIE MAINOO was always my preference to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s midfield, writes Jack Wilshere.I think he showed why in the second half against Slovenia.But I still feel that it was harsh on Conor Gallagher that he was taken off at half time.Firstly because it was probably our best half of the tournament.And secondly, because it didn’t feel like a Gareth Southgate thing to do.It will knock Gallagher’s confidence for sure.He will have thought that this was his chance, but he only gets a half.Having said that, despite the disappointing result, the second half was better and Mainoo proved he is the man – or boy – to play there in future.Read Jack Wilshere’s post-match verdict in full.Or check out all of Jack’s Euro 2024 columns.Despite the criticism, England are still favourites to WIN Euro 2024.Yes, you read that right.The Three Lions somehow managed to top Group C with five points and now have a favourable potential route to the final.According to Ladbrokes, England are now 4/1 to win the tournament.Germany and Spain are both 6/2 while France are 5/1.England icon Gary Lineker was keen to look at the positives from Tuesday’s match despite the results.Having already been critical of the Three Lions at the European Championship, the ex-Leicester star changed his stance following the 0-0 draw.After branding the first half “really dreadful” on The Rest is Football podcast, he said: “In the second half, I thought you could see that if this team continue to play a high press, chances will come.”And we may have been playing that way because Slovenia knew that a draw would get them through. So, they were cautious and sat back a little bit. I understand that.”But I saw enough to suggest that England are improving slightly.”Now, I think there were downsides but I think there were real positives, particularly, I thought, when Cole Palmer came on.”We were still unbalanced on the left, no question about that, and I thought it was a little baffling that he waited so long for Anthony Gordon to come on, because I think [Phil] Foden was playing there but then he was switching with [Jude] Bellingham and I don’t think that really helped either of them in a way, because they were neither here nor there.”I’m trying to put a positive spin on it. What I did see in the second half was energy and I haven’t seen energy, apart from the first half an hour of the first game, in the other performances.”So, I think there’s enough there in the second half, enough there just to make me think for the first time this England team has some energy, which they hadn’t before.”Former England and Man Utd star Paul Scholes appeared to agree.After criticising Southgate’s decision not to start Kobbie Mainoo, he took to Instagram to write: “Might surprise a few… Very encouraged by that performance.”At some point during that game the right players were on the pitch at the same time… Think this team is ready to click.”England broke an unwanted European Championship record following Tuesday’s match against Slovenia.READ MORE SUN STORIESHaving topped Group C with five points and two goals scored, the Three Lions contributed to the joint lowest-scoring group in European Championship history.England are set to play in the round-of-16 on Sunday.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

PAUL SCHOLES has shocked fans after stating he was ‘encouraged’ by England’s performance during their goalless drew with Slovenia.England progressed to the last-16 of Euro 2024 as Group C winners and Scholes believes the Three Lions are heading in the right direction.Paul Scholes has found positives from England’s drab draw with SloveniaCredit: AlamyCole Palmer made an impact when he came on against SloveniaCredit: RexScholes had picked this starting XI before England faced SloveniaEngland have been roundly criticised for their performance as they laboured to a 0-0 draw with Slovenia, hardly threatening to score.But the Manchester United legend is one pundit who has offered some positives.Scholes, 49, was pleased that Southgate introduced different stars who had not previously played at Euro 2024.He wrote on his Instagram story: “It might surprise a few.READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWS”I’m very encouraged by that performance, at some point during that game the right players were on the pitch at the same time.”Think this team is ready to click. Goodnight!”While Scholes doesn’t specify who the ‘right players’ are, the Three Lions did improve during the second half.The gradual introductions of Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, and Anthony Gordon brought some much needed energy.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMainoo impressed after being offered his first minutes of Euro 2024 after replacing Conor Gallagher at half-time.And it was the first time Palmer left the bench in Germany as he replaced Bukayo Saka with 20 minutes remaining.Fans hail Anthony Gordon for ‘refreshingly raw’ TV interview after England’s bore 0-0 Euro 2024 draw with Slovenia The Chelsea star – who won Young Premier League Player of Year – completed 100 percent of his passes and had a shot on target.Scholes is not the only former England international to draw positives from the performance – Gary Lineker did as well. Lineker said: “I think there were signs in that performance that I quite liked.”In the second half, I thought you could see that if this team continue to play a high press, chances will come.”England player ratings: Southgate’s Gallagher experiment fails miserably vs SloveniaENGLAND served up another underwhelming performance – but still managed to top Group C.England dominated the ball, but Southgate will have plenty of questions to answer after a third straight display that lacked inspiration.SunSport’s Tom Barclay has given his ratings of the England players.Jordan Pickford – 6Largely a spectator due to England’s dominance on the ball. Asked the touchline what the Denmark score was during one break in the second half.Kieran Trippier – 6The one positive of having a right-footed player playing left-back is that he can dispatch in-swinging crosses, and one such one should have been headed home by Conor Gallagher before the break.Marc Guehi – 7Cruyff turn early doors showed his confidence from excellent displays against Serbia and Denmark, and barring one loose pass was good again.John Stones – 6One of many to miss his target with his passing. He wasn’t bad but, like others, way off what he has produced for his club.Kyle Walker – 5Played so safe, rarely looked to get forward. Was lucky at one point that Pickford was alive to his blast of a pass-back. Sliced cross after break summed up his off-night.Conor Gallagher – 4Got the nod after the Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment ended, but was poor, particularly, in possession and replaced at half-time by Kobbie Mainoo.Declan Rice – 7Had promised an “in your face” performance from his team, but he was really the only one to produce it. Very good out of possession, much better than against Denmark.Phil Foden – 7Liveliest of England’s attacking four by a mile and went close with a stinging free-kick. Booked for dissent, summing up England’s frustration.Jude Bellingham – 5Cut a very frustrated figure as he and Harry Kane got in each other’s way at times, while he was often shunted wide left as Phil Foden moved into the middle.Bukayo Saka – 6Tapped home on 20 minutes, but it was ruled out for offside in the build-up. OK but once again subbed after the break, perhaps due to fitness concerns.Harry Kane – 6Insists he is 100 per cent fit and maybe he is. What is 100 per cent certain is that he has been nowhere near as effective in this tournament as he usually is for England, albeit he was marginally better here.SubstitutesKobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher at half-time) – 7Made a difference when coming on, making England much more positive in their play. So much more confident with his touch than Gallagher.Cole Palmer (for Bukayo Saka on 71) – 7Finally made an appearance at this tournament and one clever ball through for Mainoo showed what he can do.Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Kieran Trippier on 84) – 6Came on for the final few minutes at right-back, with Walker going to left-back.Anthony Gordon (for Phil Foden on 88) – 6Like Palmer, first minutes at the Euros, but too late to make an impact.But Gary Neville admitted he was saddened by what he was witnessing.Neville said: “There’s no real in-built patterns that they do off the cuff. “At international football that sometimes can happen through familiarity but you need to work on that. “We look really basic. Honestly, we look really basic.”But Neville also found some solace from the second-half display.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “Every time Gareth made a substitution, we got better. Even moving Trent to right-back and Kyle Walker to left-back.”While captain Harry Kane said: “We came top in the group and control our own destiny. Tonight was a tough game, I thought we played a lot better than the first two games.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

CONOR GALLAGHER was consoled by his girlfriend after being brutally hooked by Gareth Southgate in England’s final Euro 2024 group match.The Chelsea midfielder started the Three Lions’ final Group C match against Slovenia ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.Conor Gallagher was consoled by his girlfriend Aine May Kennedy having been subbed at half-time against SloveniaCredit: GettyKennedy managed to put a smile on the midfielder’s faceCredit: GETTYThe couple appeared to pose for a selfie after the matchCredit: PAUL EDWARDSGallagher looked devastated when he took his seat on the bench in the second halfCredit: GettyBut he was substituted at half time after failing to make the impact manager Gareth Southgate had hoped for.England were held to a 0-0 draw, a result which prompted some angry fans to boo and throw BEER at Southgate.Gallagher, like several players, cut a dejected figure after the final whistle.Although he was briefly cheered up by his girlfriend, Aine May Kennedy, who embraced him after the final whistle.READ MORE ON ENGLANDKennedy was one of several Wags in attendance at the Cologne Stadium to cheer on their other halves.Bukayo Saka’s partner Tolami Benson was in the friends and family section and rocked an England tracksuit top.Megan Davison and Ellie Alderson, the wife and girlfriend of Jordan Pickford and Ollie Watkins, posed for a selfie together in their matching home Three Lions shirts.Jarrod Bowen, Luke Shaw, Anthony Gordon and John Stones were cheered on by their girlfriends Dani Dyer, Anouska Santos Annie Keating and Olivia Naylor.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHarry Kane enjoyed some time with his family after another frustrating gameCredit: ReutersKarry hugged wife Kate in the crowdCredit: GettyKobbie Mianoo looked at home in midfield in the second half and was congratulated afterwards by his familyCredit: GettyDeclan Rice also enjoyed some family timeCredit: GettyJarrod Bowen chilled with partner Dani DyerCredit: RexOllie Watkins sought out his long-time girlfriend Ellie Anderson after the final whistleCredit: RexSkipper Harry Kane was supported by his wife Katie Goodland, who wore his No.9 shirt.Watkins, who replaced Kane in last Thursday’s draw with Denmark, was quick to find long-time girlfriend Anderson after the final whistle.Charlie Wyett slams ‘massively disappointing’ England after drap 0-0 draw with Slovenia in final Euro 2024 group gameEngland player ratings: Southgate’s Gallagher experiment fails miserably vs SloveniaENGLAND served up another underwhelming performance – but still managed to top Group C.England dominated the ball, but Southgate will have plenty of questions to answer after a third straight display that lacked inspiration.SunSport’s Tom Barclay has given his ratings of the England players.Jordan Pickford – 6Largely a spectator due to England’s dominance on the ball. Asked the touchline what the Denmark score was during one break in the second half.Kieran Trippier – 6The one positive of having a right-footed player playing left-back is that he can dispatch in-swinging crosses, and one such one should have been headed home by Conor Gallagher before the break.Marc Guehi – 7Cruyff turn early doors showed his confidence from excellent displays against Serbia and Denmark, and barring one loose pass was good again.John Stones – 6One of many to miss his target with his passing. He wasn’t bad but, like others, way off what he has produced for his club.Kyle Walker – 5Played so safe, rarely looked to get forward. Was lucky at one point that Pickford was alive to his blast of a pass-back. Sliced cross after break summed up his off-night.Conor Gallagher – 4Got the nod after the Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment ended, but was poor, particularly, in possession and replaced at half-time by Kobbie Mainoo.Declan Rice – 7Had promised an “in your face” performance from his team, but he was really the only one to produce it. Very good out of possession, much better than against Denmark.Phil Foden – 7Liveliest of England’s attacking four by a mile and went close with a stinging free-kick. Booked for dissent, summing up England’s frustration.Jude Bellingham – 5Cut a very frustrated figure as he and Harry Kane got in each other’s way at times, while he was often shunted wide left as Phil Foden moved into the middle.Bukayo Saka – 6Tapped home on 20 minutes, but it was ruled out for offside in the build-up. OK but once again subbed after the break, perhaps due to fitness concerns.Harry Kane – 6Insists he is 100 per cent fit and maybe he is. What is 100 per cent certain is that he has been nowhere near as effective in this tournament as he usually is for England, albeit he was marginally better here.SubstitutesKobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher at half-time) – 7Made a difference when coming on, making England much more positive in their play. So much more confident with his touch than Gallagher.Cole Palmer (for Bukayo Saka on 71) – 7Finally made an appearance at this tournament and one clever ball through for Mainoo showed what he can do.Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Kieran Trippier on 84) – 6Came on for the final few minutes at right-back, with Walker going to left-back.Anthony Gordon (for Phil Foden on 88) – 6Like Palmer, first minutes at the Euros, but too late to make an impact.And the Aston Villa hitman embraced the mother of his two children with a kiss on the lips.Despite back-to-back draws against Denmark and Slovenia, England ended up running out Group C winners with five points to their name.After the final whistle, Southgate said: “I thought we were much improved with the ball.”We have created some good openings and at the moment it is hard work for us.”We are not quite getting that break in front of goal. I think the players who came on did well.”I understand the reactions but it is a tough environment”We tried to win the game by the changes we made. We put attacking players on the pitch.”Kane was supported by his wife KatieCredit: ALAMYTolami Benson, Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend, was also at the Cologne StadiumCredit: GettyJordan Pickford’s wife Megan Davison also showed her supportCredit: REXWhen pressed on having cups of beer thrown at him, he said: “I understand it. “I’m not going to back away from it. “The most important thing is the supporters stay with the team.”I understand the narrative towards me and that’s better for the team than it being towards them.”But it is creating an unusual environment to operate in. I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I understand it, I’m not going to back away from it.”But I’m very proud of the players for how they’re operating within it.”England need superhero Bellingham back to have any chance of winning Euro 2024JUDE BELLINGHAM delivered a masterful, super-hero performance in the opening 45 minutes at Euro 2024, writes Charlie Wyett.Yet we have not seen much from the boy wonder since.Maybe he left his cloak in the dressing room at Gelsenkirchen and is still looking for it.But he needs to discover in time for the last 16 tie this weekend otherwise England are knackered.Approaching the serious part of Euro 2024, this team really does need to get a grip and start showing some personality.At times against Slovenia, Bellingham just looked lost.Let’s hope he can sprinkle some stardust in the knockout stages because Gareth Southgate certainly needs something.Bellingham should come good. This could still be HIS tournament.Read Charlie Wyett’s England vs Slovenia verdict in full.Or check out all of Charlie’s Euro 2024 stories. More

HARRY KANE has issued a rallying cry to England fans after yet another uninspiring performance.The Three Lions stumbled their way to the top of Group C with a 0-0 draw against Slovenia.Harry Kane has given a rallying nine-word statement to England fansCredit: GettyGareth Southgate’s side have looked far from their best in Germany so far, but have still managed to secure a place in the last 16.And it hasn’t come without criticism as fans and pundits have taken aim at the side’s lack of creativity across their three stale matches.However, captain Kane has looked to ensure fans there is plenty to be excited about as the tournament continues, while focusing on the positives of their Euro 2024 campaign so far.Writing on his social media, he posted: “Top of the group. Our best is still to come…”READ MORE ON ENGLANDEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYEngland fans will certainly be hoping there is more to come as they have seen their side score just two goals in three games.While the Three Lions managed only four shots on target during their goalless draw against Slovenia, despite dominating the ball with 74 per cent possession.Gareth Southgate offered a similar view of his team’s efforts at the tournament, focusing in on the positives.Speaking to ITV after the match, he said: “I thought we were much-improved with the ball. Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS”We’ve created some good openings and, at the moment, it’s hard work for us.”We’re not quite getting that break in front of goal. I thought the boys that came on had a really good impact on the game.England vs Slovenia Player Ratings”And we’ve had the discipline to keep a clean sheet, which has meant we’ve topped the group.”He went on to explain that he understands some of the criticism he and the players has come in for, but is concerned over the atmosphere it could be creating in the camp.He added: “I understand the narrative towards me. That’s better for the team than it being towards them.”But it’s creating an unusual environment to operate in. I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar.”England player ratings: Southgate’s Gallagher experiment fails miserably vs SloveniaENGLAND served up another underwhelming performance – but still managed to top Group C.England dominated the ball, but Southgate will have plenty of questions to answer after a third straight display that lacked inspiration.SunSport’s Tom Barclay has given his ratings of the England players.Jordan Pickford – 6Largely a spectator due to England’s dominance on the ball. Asked the touchline what the Denmark score was during one break in the second half.Kieran Trippier – 6The one positive of having a right-footed player playing left-back is that he can dispatch in-swinging crosses, and one such one should have been headed home by Conor Gallagher before the break.Marc Guehi – 7Cruyff turn early doors showed his confidence from excellent displays against Serbia and Denmark, and barring one loose pass was good again.John Stones – 6One of many to miss his target with his passing. He wasn’t bad but, like others, way off what he has produced for his club.Kyle Walker – 5Played so safe, rarely looked to get forward. Was lucky at one point that Pickford was alive to his blast of a pass-back. Sliced cross after break summed up his off-night.Conor Gallagher – 4Got the nod after the Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment ended, but was poor, particularly, in possession and replaced at half-time by Kobbie Mainoo.Declan Rice – 7Had promised an “in your face” performance from his team, but he was really the only one to produce it. Very good out of possession, much better than against Denmark.Phil Foden – 7Liveliest of England’s attacking four by a mile and went close with a stinging free-kick. Booked for dissent, summing up England’s frustration.Jude Bellingham – 5Cut a very frustrated figure as he and Harry Kane got in each other’s way at times, while he was often shunted wide left as Phil Foden moved into the middle.Bukayo Saka – 6Tapped home on 20 minutes, but it was ruled out for offside in the build-up. OK but once again subbed after the break, perhaps due to fitness concerns.Harry Kane – 6Insists he is 100 per cent fit and maybe he is. What is 100 per cent certain is that he has been nowhere near as effective in this tournament as he usually is for England, albeit he was marginally better here.SubstitutesKobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher at half-time) – 7Made a difference when coming on, making England much more positive in their play. So much more confident with his touch than Gallagher.Cole Palmer (for Bukayo Saka on 71) – 7Finally made an appearance at this tournament and one clever ball through for Mainoo showed what he can do.Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Kieran Trippier on 84) – 6Came on for the final few minutes at right-back, with Walker going to left-back.Anthony Gordon (for Phil Foden on 88) – 6Like Palmer, first minutes at the Euros, but too late to make an impact.Gareth Southgate has defended his teamCredit: Getty More

GEORGIA boss Willy Sagnol delivered an angry X-rated denial when quizzed on whether his Euro 2024 team selection is influenced by political interference.There has been huge political turmoil since the controversial “foreign influence” legislation came in earlier this month in the former Soviet Union.Georgia boss Willy Sagnol hit back in X-rated fashion at suggestions of political interferenceCredit: GettyThat was after weeks of protests against the Georgian Dream party that brought it in.Georgia face Portugal tomorrow in their final Group F game after losing to Turkey and drawing with Czech Republic.Ahead of their must-win showdown, their French manager Sagnol, who was a 2006 World Cup finalist with his country, faced the media.He was furious when he was asked if striker Budu Zivzivadze’s playing time had been restricted due to politics.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The 30-year-old, who plays for Karlsruher SC, slammed the law, which many say is modelled on Russian legislation used to stifle dissent.And Sagnol delivered a foul-mouthed tirade when that was put to him at the press conference in Gelsenkirchen.The ex-Bayern Munich man raged: “It’s funny because I remember six, seven months ago I was insulted by a big amount of people when I was putting (Georges) Mikautadze on the bench, and when I was letting Budu play.“And now I’m insulted, every day, by some t*** – and I can say it, I say it again, t*** – because for absolutely no football reasons. And I can’t accept that any longer.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I’m a football coach, I’m nothing else. That is clear to everyone. Who plays and who doesn’t play it’s my entire decision. That’s it.”Sagnol, who has been in charge of Georgia since 2021 after previously coaching Bordeaux, added: “If I had to listen to every one of you then we would have to change the rules and play with 25 players on the pitch.”Putin CENSORS the Euros as Georgia fans’ VERY rude chant during Turkey clash is suddenly scrubbed from Russian broadcastGeorgia have just a point from their first ever two matches at a major international and are bottom of Group F.However, a win over Portugal, who are already certain of top spot, would guarantee them a place in the knockouts as one of the four best third-placed teams.And star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 23, has every faith that they will advance.He said: “We’re confident that we can win because we went close against Turkey and the Czech Republic.“Anything can happen at any moment, you can create something that can be a turning point in any match.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYGeorgia Euro 2024 guideTOURNAMENT rookies Georgia have absolutely nothing to lose as they step onto the big stage for the first time.They held their nerve to qualify with a penalty shootout win over former European champions Greece in the play-offs.MANAGER: Willy SagnolFormer France star and Bayern Munich legend took over in 2021 after a stint as Bayern’s interim boss.STAR MAN: Khvicha KvaratskheliaThe Napoli winger has been linked with almost every top club in Europe and Georgia will need him to shine if they are to perform at the Euros.How Georgia attackGeorgia may be underdogs but they’re a country that produced highly technical players and that will be reflected in their approach.They may play longer at times, but their players are confident in playing out from the back and Kvaratskhelia will glide around the pitch looking to get on the ball as often as possible.How Georgia defendGeorgia will drop off and crowd the middle with a medium defensive block.However, they are vulnerable in wide areas and can be caught out with balls over the top.Read the full Georgia Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags More