Euro 2024

KYLIAN MBAPPE could not mask France’s finishing issues.Despite returning to the side with a goal from the spot – his first at a Euros – the superstar could not help his side to the dominant score they should have earned as they were held to a draw by Poland.Kylian Mbappe scored from the spotCredit: PAHe sent Lukasz Skorupski the wrong wayCredit: GettyRobert Lewandowski equalised from the spotCredit: AFPIt was his second attempt to convertCredit: AFPRobert Lewandowski pulled earned their point from his own spot kick, which means the French finish second in Group D.It is the first time since 2012 that they have not claimed top spot in their group at a major tournament and they are now dumped into the same side of the draw as Germany, Portugal and Spain.Should they progress from the Round of 16, they would most likely play Portugal in the quarter-finals, before then taking on Germany or Spain in the semi-finals.Mbappe was sharp and created plenty, but once again France failed to finish off the chances they racked up.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The French skipper returned in place of Marcus Thuram, while Antoine Griezmann – guilty of missing the two best chances on Friday – was replaced by Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, making his first-ever start for France.Poland were already out, but were able to call Lewandowski into the starting XI for the first time in Germany.Despite having not scored a goal of their own in the two games so far – the winner against Austria being an own-goal – Les Bleus kicked off knowing they were already into the last 16.The hopes for sorting out their form in front of goal rested on how well Mbappe adapted to his mask – something a hoard of photographers lined up to get a shot of after the national anthems.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFrance made a shaky start.Most concerning for Didier Deschamps was that, having been so solid in the first two games, his men were now giving up as many chances as they were conceding.Kylian Mbappe’s new mask revealed as France training mask is bannedTheo Hernandez and Ousmane Dembele had early chances, both sent straight at the goalkeeper, but so did Poland.Piotr Zielinski and Kacper Urbanski both tested Mike Maignan before Lewandowski, back at the ground where he spent four years as a player a decade ago, sent a free header wide.Mbappe had been quiet early on, but was picking his moments – just as he always does.He should have been allowed to run free down the left after being pulled back by Nicola Zalewski, but ref Marco Guida did not play advantage.The talisman was also twice denied by Polish keeper Lukasz Skorupski, both attempts teed up by Barcola before the break.Having come into the game late in the first half, Mbappe tried to take the initiative from the restart.In the space of a minute he sent one effort over the bar with his left, drew a diving saving with his right before rolling another just wide of the far post.While Mbappe was taking centre stage, he still needed teammate Dembele to win him a spot kick to get his goal.Dembele was cut down just inside the box by Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior, allowing the No10 to mark his return with his first goal of the summer – slotting low to the right with the keeper sent the wrong way.There were further chances to add to the lead, Barcola saw an effort saved at the near post after a run from deep in his own half having won possession.Hernandez sent another low cross through the box with no one to meet it – more costly mistakes.After wasting chances in Leipzig France were let off thanks to an offside decision supported by VAR, but the tech punished them here.Italian ref Guida waved away Polish protests when sub Karol Swiderski was brought down by Dayot Upamecano, but he was sent to the screen and changed his mind.The problems did not stop there. Maignan saved Lewandowski’s first attempt, but VAR pointed out he had stepped off his line too early.READ MORE SUN STORIESPoland were ordered to go again and this time, in the same spot, Lewandowski got the job done.France are through, but the all-conquering side in Europe of the last few years head into the knockouts with plenty of problems.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.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

AUSTRIA put on a Total Football masterclass to stun the Netherlands in Berlin and top Group D.The Dutch in contrast were Total Rubbish – a shadow of the great Oranje sides of Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten that entertained the masses with finesse.Marcel Sabitzer fires Austria into a late leadCredit: GettySabitzer celebrates his brilliant winnerCredit: EPATheir punishment? A potential last 16 meeting with England on June 30 in Gelsenkirchen – dependent on other results – after ending Group D in third place.Meanwhile, thanks to Robert Lewandowski’s late penalty to salvage a 1-1 draw for Poland against France, the Austrians are likely to face one of either Turkey or Czech Republic on July 2 in Leipzig as group winners.Ralf Rangnick admitted he was a huge admirer of the late Cruyff as a child, and his Austrian underdogs put on a performance to honour the great man himself.The Dutch netted the earliest own goal in Euros history via winger Donyell Malen in the sixth minute to give Austria the lead.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo levelled the scores in the 46th minute only for the Austrians to hit back just before the hour mark via Romano Schmid.Memphis Depay made it 2-2 in the 75th minute with a superb instinctive volley, yet it could not compare to Marcel Sabitzer’s wonderful winning finish five minutes later.Having started the day atop the group, Ronald Koeman will be left bewildered by his Dutch dawdlers, having made three changes from the 0-0 draw with the French.Lutsharel Geertruida came in for Denzel Dumfries, Joey Veerman in for Xavi Simons and Malen in for Jeremie Frimpong.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSImmediately, Geertruida found himself in trouble at right-back as Alexander Prass found space on the flank on several occasions.It soon led to the opener, Prass cutting back for Marko Arnautovic, only for Malen to lunge in and divert past his own keeper Bart Verbruggen.Euro 2024’s sexiest players revealedFor the first time ever in the Euros, the Dutch had scored an own goal, and it left them rattled, as did Austria’s high tempo, high press approach.What made it even more impressive was that Rangnick had dropped several starters for this one, including Christoph Baumgartner and Konrad Laimer – both at risk of missing the last 16 with another booking.The Netherlands were creating half chances – Tijani Reijnders scuffing a decent opening inside the box and Malen dragging a one-on-one just wide – but Austria remained in control.Koeman responded with a 34th minute substitution, hauling off Veerman for the more attacking Simons, not that it upset Austria’s rhythm to begin with.A clever corner routine three minutes later had Verbruggen scrambling to save Sabitzer’s low drive before Arnautovic fumbled a chance to shoot from six yards.The half time whistle was a welcome one for the Dutch and 75 seconds into the restart they were level from a rare moment of brilliance at the Olympiastadion.Romano Schmid heads Austria 2-1 in frontCredit: GettySchmid celebrates his brilliant goalCredit: AFPGeetruida won the ball in midfield and Simons galloped away before feeding Gakpo down the left. The Anfield man cut in and stung the side-netting.Momentum had shifted, but not for long. Some more brilliant build-up play around the Dutch box by Austria saw Florian Grillitsch’s chipped cross tee up Schmid with a header.Stefan de Vrij was lucky not to have an own goal next to his name as well, his attempt at clearing the ball off the line failing miserably.On came the Netherlands’ saviour Wout Weghorst in the 72nd minute, fresh from scoring the winner to down the Poles in their group opener.Three minutes later, he provided another Oranje lifeline, winning a header in the box before Depay volleyed into the top corner.A long, pointless VAR check for a non-existent handball dampened the celebrations somewhat, but dismissed after referee Ivan Kruzliak checked the monitor.READ MORE SUN STORIESYet the Netherlands continued to shoot themselves in the foot, allowing Sabitzer to drift onto the byline untouched with ten minutes left before he fired into the roof of the net from the tightest of angles.Incredibly, Austria could have had a fourth through Baumgartner but for an offside flag, the footballing gods suggesting the Dutch had been through enough already.Cody Gakpo curls home a 47th minute stunnerCredit: ReutersCody Gakpo celebrates his equaliserCredit: AFPDonyell Malen turned into his own netCredit: ReutersAustria celebrate their early goalCredit: EPAMemphis Depay scores the Dutch’s secondCredit: ReutersMemphis celebrates his impressive strikeCredit: AP More

LIONEL MESSI could have played for two nations at Euro 2024.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is currently representing Argentina at the Copa America.Lionel Messi had talks about switching his allegiance as a youngsterCredit: AFPMessi, 37, won the tournament in 2021 and lifted the World Cup a year later.But in a parallel universe, the Barcelona legend could have been lining up to the Spanish national anthem instead of the Argentinian one.Messi signed for Barca at the age of 13 and lived there for five years before making his La Albiceleste debut.And, during that period, the Spanish FA reportedly tried to get him to switch allegiances.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMessi is eligible for Spain via his great grandfather, who was born in Catalonia, and he had relatives already living there when he first touched down in Barcelona.Despite “informal talks” with Spain’s FA, he opted for Argentina.Meanwhile, reports claim that Messi is also eligible for Italy.He supposedly would have qualified for an Italian passport through a great grandfather who lived there centuries ago.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHis relative left Italy for the Argentine city of Rosario in 1883.There was never any talks with Azzurri chiefs about pulling on the iconic blue shirt.Shock moment Lionel Messi’s bodyguard charges ‘faster than Mbappe’ on to pitch in the middle of Inter Miami clashWho 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.It may be painful for both Italy and Spain not to have Messi in their side.But both have won the World Cup during his international career in 2006 and 2010 respectively.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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

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

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