More stories

  • in

    Czech Republic vs Turkey – Euro 2024: Montella’s side look to bounce back from Portugal thrashing in Group F finale

    CZECH REPUBLIC end their group stage with a huge clash against Turkey in Hamburg.A win for either side would likely secure their spot as runners-up behind Portugal in Group F.Czech Republic forward Patrik Schick is a doubt for Wednesday’s clashCredit: GETTYThe Czechs secured their first point of Euro 2024 following a 1-1 draw with Georgia after Patrik Schick’s 60th-minute equaliser.Turkey are currently second in Group F with three points but will be aiming for a much-improved performance in their group stage finale.Vincenzo Montella’s side were thrashed 3-0 by Portugal last weekend, ending their hopes of securing top seed.When is Czech Republic vs Turkey?
    Czech Republic vs Turkey will take place on Wednesday, June 26.
    Kick off will be at 8pm BST.
    Volksparkstadion in Hamburg will host.
    READ MORE IN eurosWhat TV channel is Czech Republic vs Turkey on and can it be live streamed FREE?
    Czech Republic vs Turkey will be broadcast live on ITV4.
    The match will be available to live stream for FREE via the ITVX app/website.
    Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action.
    Team newsThe headline team news from the Czech camp is that striker Patrik Schick is a doubt after he limped off against Georgia last time out.Turkey will be without Abdulkerim Bardakci after he picked up his second booking of the group stage.Merih Demiral is a likely contender to replace the suspended defender.Most read in Euro 202419-year-old Real Madrid wonderkid Arda Guler could come back into Turkey’s starting eleven after he began the Portugal clash on the bench.OddsMatch result
    Czech Republic – 6/4
    Draw – 23/10
    Turkey – 15/8
    *Odds courtesy of William Hill and are correct at the time of publication. More

  • in

    Croatia vs Italy preview: Free betting tips, odds and predictions for Euro 2024 clash

    THE stakes are high as Croatia and Italy do battle at the Leipzig Stadium for a place in the knockout stages of Euro 2024.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 showdown.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereFree bets for Croatia vs Italy from our partners
    William Hill: Get your £60 in free bets when you stake a tenner on Croatia vs Italy – CLAIM HERE*

    Betfred: Free bets – Get £50 in free football bets when you bet on Croatia vs Italy – CLAIM HERE*

    BetMGM: Get £60 in free bets to spend on football, including Croatia vs Italy – CLAIM HERE*

    talkSPORT BET: Get £30 in free bets to spend on Euro 2024 when you stake a tenner on Croatia vs Italy – CLAIM HERE*

    Tote: Bet £10 on Croatia vs Italy to get £30 in free bets and 50 free spins – CLAIM HERE

    Ladbrokes: Bet £5 on Croatia vs Italy to get £20 in free bets – CLAIM HERE*
    Already have these accounts? Don’t worry, we’ve got loads more terrific deals with our partners!Offer of the day!William Hill £60 bonus
    William Hill are celebrating Euro 2024 in style with a fantastic welcome bonus for brand new customers. 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*

    Croatia vs Italy previewIt’s win or bust for perennial underdogs Croatia in Leipzig tonight.Zlatko Dalic’s side risk exiting the competition at the group stage following a 3-0 defeat to Spain and a heartbreaking late equaliser against Albania.Group B was always going to be a difficult one to navigate but Croatia have got out of tougher situations, and generally save their best for when it’s hardest.Croatia can usually depend on defensive stability but it’s been a different story in this tournament. They backline has already been breached five times and there’s been 26 efforts on their goal.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThat’ll need to change if they’re to overcome Italy.The Italians have an easier assignment. They simply need to avoid defeat against neighbouring Croatia to ensure progress at the European Championships.Luciano Spalletti’s team survived an early scare against Albania before being thoroughly outclassed bt Spain with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma keeping the score respectable.Italy have, however, only lost one of their final group games in their last nine appearances at the Euros.Croatia vs Italy: Free betting tips, odds and predictions for Euro 2024 clashCredit: THE SUNCroatia vs Italy oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.Croatia vs Italy betting tipsResultYou would have to imagine that Italy will be playing for a draw tonight.Luciano Spalletti’s side will secure progression to the knockout phase with a point and they know they’ll be facing a beatable Switzerland if they do clinch second position in Group B.Ok, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini aren’t at their disposal but they are still capable of grinding out a result and stifling their opponents.The last three meetings between both sides have ended 1-1, and that could be the case again tonight with the Azzurri booking their place in the last 16.
    The match to be drawn at 11/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
    SavesGianluigi Donnarumma to make 4+ saves looks a good shout at 6/4 with William Hill.As mentioned above, Croatia have no choice but to go for victory tonight and that should see shots flying in from all distances and angles.Donnarumma made eight saves against Spain in Italy’s last contest, while Croatia have drawn a combined 13 (5 + 8) saves from opposition goalkeepers in their two matches at the competition.
    Gianluigi Donnarumma to make over three saves at 6/4 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
    FoulsAjax’s Josip Sutalo isn’t afraid of a challenge and looks a reasonable enough price at 19/10 to commit 2+ fouls against Italy tonight.The defender, 24, has made a total of five tackles at Euro 2024 and has committed four fouls in his 180 minutes of action.With Croatia pushing higher up the field and Italy looking to play on the counter, we could see Sutalo forced to commit at least a few tactical fouls. The same could be said if Zlatko Dalic’s side take the lead.
    Josip Sutalo to commit over one foul at 19/10 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
    Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:
    Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
    Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
    Never chase their losses
    Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
    Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
    Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
    For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk *Ladbrokes. 18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £/€5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*New customers only. Register with SUMMER50 between 31/05/24 – 14/07/24. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.*TalkSPORT BET: 18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile & bet £10+ on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly.*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G30PLUS50FS on registration. £/€10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £/€10 Place). Receive £/€10 Tote Credit, £/€20 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.*Tote Euro 2024. Online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Opt-in required. £5 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater each England game of the Euros 2024 to qualify each time. One entry per customer per match. For each England goal scored within a 90-minute match throughout the tournament (extra time and penalties do not count), qualifying customers will be credited (within 24 hours) £1 Tote Credit to use on placepot. Free placepot subject to 7-day expiry. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. More

  • in

    Croatia vs Italy: Get £50 in free bets for tonight’s Euro 2024 clash with Betfred

    CROATIA and Italy clash at the Leipzig Stadium for a place in the knockout stages of Euro 2024.And brand new Betfred customers can claim a terrific £50 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the Euro 2024 encounter.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles here
    Croatia vs Italy: Get £50 in free bets HERE*
    How to claim..Betfred welcome offer

    Visit the Betfred website HERE*
    Register an account using the Promo Code: SUMMER50
    Deposit £10 using a Debit Card
    Place your first bet of £10 or more on Euro 2024 football, at odds of Evens or greater
    Once that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free Bets

    Croatia vs Italy: Get £50 in free bets HERE*

    Croatia vs Italy: Get £50 in free bets HERE*
    Betfred are offering some of the very best tournament specials with free bets and special offers galore. Check them out below!
    Build your own Bet Builder (3/1+) of 4+ legs on any England or Scotland match at Euro 2024 and get 100% of your stake back in Free Bets if you lose – CLAIM HERE
    New to Betfred? Then you can claim this incredible offer.Simply visit the Betfred website using this link HERE* and register a new account using the Promo Code: WELCOME50.Then you just need to deposit and stake £10 on any Euro 2024 football market at odds of Evens or greater.When that first bet has settled — win or lose — Betfred will credit your account with the following free bets;
    3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets
    2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)
    EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:
    Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
    Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
    Never chase their losses
    Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
    Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
    Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
    For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with SUMMER50 between 31/05/24 – 14/07/24. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

  • in

    England players in air con nightmare at luxury hotel which cost £800,000 as stars wake up ‘boiling hot’

    ENGLAND players have been struggling with the air conditioning at their luxury hotel.Some of the stars have been waking up boiling hot – others freezing cold.The FA spent £800,000 booking out all 94 rooms at the 350-acre Weimarer Golf Hotel and Spa at BlankenhainCredit: Cover ImagesEngland players have been struggling with the air conditioning at the luxury hotelCredit: GettyIt raises worries that not all of them have been getting a perfect night’s sleep at the five-star luxury golf resort where the England squad is based.A source said: “The air con seems to have a mind of its own and keeps disturbing players’ sleep. “They are waking up baltic or boiling.”The FA spent £800,000 booking out all 94 rooms at the 350-acre Weimarer Golf Hotel and Spa at Blankenhain where 160 staff are attending to the players’ every need.Read More on SportThe hotel complex is the most luxurious in that region of Germany, but players have been struggling to get the temperature right in their rooms.It is not known if the problem is down to a fault with the AC system or user error.Another problem with some hotel residents has been hay fever. The grass pollen count has been ‘very high’ and some FA staff have been suffering due to grass cutting on the resort’s three golf courses.Most read in Euro 2024An FA spokesman said the issues had not been raised as a major concerns.The hotel has been contacted for comment. More

  • in

    Barnabas Varga health update: Hungary star to miss rest of Euro 2024 as manager confirms injury after worrying collision

    HUNGARY star Barnabas Varga will miss the rest of Euro 2024 after suffering a serious injury against Scotland.The striker collided with Scottish No1 Angus Gunn, fracturing bones in his face before medics rushed onto the field to help him.Hungary manager Marco Rossi confirmed Barnabas Varga will miss the rest of Euro 2024Credit: GettyVarga lies on the ground and is assisted by teammates after the shocking collisionCredit: GettyKevin Csoboth celebrates with his team-mate’s shirt after Hungary’s late winnerCredit: GettySheets were brought out to cover Varga with several team-mates including Dominik Szoboszlai seen in tears.Hungary head coach Marco Rossi has now confirmed the striker will miss the rest of Euro 2024 in his post-match interview.But Varga will undergo an operation after suffering a fracture in his face.Rossi said: “Barnabás Varga’s life is not in danger.Read More in Football“He will undergo an operation after fracture in his face and he won’t be available for the rest of Euro 2024”.Uefa showed a wide angle replay during their coverage of Scotland’s 1-0 defeat but did not show any close-ups of the incident.The BBC apologised for the clip being shown – they use the feed from the host nation.Varga was carried off the field on a stretcher, which Szoboszlai helped carry onto the field, as both sets of fans applauded.Most read in Euro 2024He was reportedly conscious and communicating with medical staff on his way to hospital.And Gabby Logan confirmed after the game that Varga was in a stable condition in a Stuttgart Hospital.Martin Adam came onto the field to replace Varga, 29, who plays for Ferencvaros in his homeland.The game was paused for five minutes before resuming after a VAR check for a potential penalty was waved away.Former Scotland international Pat Nevin insisted Gunn had every right to go for the ball.Frustrated Scotland fans WALK OUT of Glasgow fanzone due to technical issuesHe told BBC 5 Live: “We have seen it before if a keeper comes out and he doesn’t get the ball but takes a player it is a foul.”I actually think Angus Gunn got some of the ball there.”Hungary scored via Kevin Csoboth in the 100th minute after a lightning counter to break Scottish hearts and send the Tartan Army tumbling out of the Euros.They will now face an anxious wait to see if three points will be enough to see them go through as one of the best third-placed teams.Scotland pushed hard towards the end and could have had the ball in the net via a goalmouth scramble before being caught late.The Scots felt they should have been given a penalty for a foul on Stuart Armstong by Willi Orban and BBC pundit Alan Shearer agreed.He said: “Clear penalty for me. Orban takes him out, his right knee onto his left calf, a clear, clear penalty.”Asked about the incident, Gunn said:  “That was a bit of a blur.”I had to come and I thought I done well, it was a bit painful, hopefully, the guy is alright.”He added: “It’s hard to speak to be honest. I thought everyone gave their best out there.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The goal at the end was because we were going for it, but I think the effort we gave today showed the fans and the country what it means to us.”They managed to counter at the end and it was a bit of a suckerpunch because I thought we defended very well for most of the game.”Dominik Szoboszlai helps bring the stretcher onto the fieldCredit: GettyVarga battling against Scotland’s Billy Gilmour earlier in the matchCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Watch moment England fans at European Darts Tour celebrate after finding out Scotland have been knocked out of Euro 2024

    ENGLAND fans went darts ‘n barmy over the latest misfortune of the Tartan Army.A large group of supporters at the European Darts Open in Leverkusen interrupted their enjoyment of finals’ night to celebrate something else more more – news of Scotland’s Euro 2024 exit.A large group of darts-loving England fans enjoyed Scotland’s exitScotland players acknowledge fans after their Euro 2024 anguishCredit: RexThe uncharitable fans showed they weren’t backing the whole of Britain in Europe.Many waved beers or even tops above their heads as the Scots saw both Group A results go against them – when they needed both in their favour.The first leg of their double strop came as Germany nicked a late equaliser but not the victory required against Switzerland.The Scots’ latest unwanted check-out was then confirmed soon after.MOST READ IN SPORTKevin Csoboth slotted home a Hungary winner 10 minutes into stoppage time added for a worrying injury to Barnabas Varga.Many England fans at the darts tournament in Germany responded with whoops of delight.A chorus of “Scotand’s going home and England’s on the p***” rang round the venue.And reaction online from revellers apparently in Leverkusen included: “Absolutely superb night!”Most read in footballEngland fans face a beer drought in Cologne after Scotland’s Tartan Army fans drank bars dry – knocking back a million pints in three daysMeet Germany’s Euro 2024 Wags
    Germany’s Wags range from a glam architect to a leading equestrian and a fashion model.
    Dani ter Stegen (Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s wife)
    One of Germany’s most popular Wags with over 600,000 Instagram followers. Earned a degree in architecture after moving to Barcelona with her husband.
    Sara Gundogan (Ilkay Gundogan’s wife)
    Italian model was never shy to pop a dig at Manchester while Ilkay was at Man City, but has changed her tune and said she misses the city since his move to Barcelona.
    Jessica Kroos (Toni Kroos’ wife)
    Couple first met when Toni was 18 and she was 20. Jessica is credited with convincing the soon-to-retire Germany star to sign a new Real Madrid deal at a time when he was wavering.
    Candice Brook (Leroy Sane’s girlfriend)
    American model helped Harry Kane get used to Germany and overcome the language barrier following his move to Bayern Munich.
    Sophia Weber (Kai Havertz’s fiancee)
    Soon-to-be Mrs Havertz has struck up a close friendship with Martin Odegaard’s partner Helene Spilling. Sophia recently enjoyed a hen party in Ibiza.
    Lisa Muller (Thomas Muller’s wife)
    Lisa is a famous dressage rider in Germany and reportedly convinced her husband not to join Man Utd.
    Find out more about the Germany Euro 2024 Wags here

    EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYSuch responses don’t don’t bode well if the Three Lions were hoping for support from the rest of Britain on Tuesday and beyond.Gareth Southgate’s men need to beat Slovenia in their own group finale to avoid facing Germany in the last 16.England fans face a beer drought in Cologne after Scotland’s Tartan Army fans drank bars dry – knocking back a million pints in three daysEngland fan’s brutal forfeit for finishing last in fantasy football league as fans say ‘that is genius’And after the reception from one section of Three Lions’ fans they can expect an even more ‘arrowing experience at the hands of some Scottish counterparts if they contrive to mess it all up!Meanwhile, Dave Chisnall notched his seventh European Tour title – edging out fellow Englishman Ross Smith 8-6 in Sunday’s final.Smith roared back to level from 6-3 down, including a 144 checkout.But Chisnall moved 7-6 up with a 132 finish and wrapped up his triumph with a two-dart 100 kill.The Morecambe star now lies behind only Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price and Peter Wright for Euro titles.“This means everything,”  Chisnall said – which also seemed to sum up the attitude of England supporters nearby to Scotland’s misfortune. Inside Littler’s massive riseLUKE LITTLER has taken the darts world by storm since exploding onto the scene at the PDC World Championship. More

  • in

    Harry Kane passionately responds to critics as England captain vows to silence doubters in Euro 2024 knockouts

    HARRY KANE has launched a bullish defence of his own form and fitness.The England skipper and all-time record scorer has been widely criticised for sub-standard performances against Serbia and Denmark in his side’s opening two group matches.Harry Kane insists his fitness is certainly not the issueCredit: Paul EdwardsBoss Gareth Southgate and skipper Kane have discussed England’s strugglesCredit: GettyThe Three Lions revved up for Slovenia by training in BlankenhainCredit: GettyKyle Walker hopes to stop England’s form sliding further as he challenges Adam Wharton in practice at the Spa & Golf Resort Weimarer LandCredit: GettyEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYBut Kane insists he is ‘as fit as I’ve been all season’ – and pointed out that he has scored one more goal than at this stage in England’s previous two tournaments.Kane was substituted midway through the second half of Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Denmark, despite having opened the scoring.But in response to criticism of his overall contributions, after a back injury at the end of the domestic season, Kane insists he feels as good as he did while scoring 44 goals in his maiden campaign with Bayern Munich.He said: “In the games at this tournament I’ve felt as fit as I have all season.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALL“I know I came off in the second game but that was down to the manager wanting to see something different and freshening up the front players.“From my point of view I am fit, I am getting better and better in each game.“In previous tournaments I’ve spoken about trying to make sure you come into your peak for the knockouts. Time will tell but it’s important to go into this knockout stage feeling 100 per cent and I feel I am there.“Have I played the best that I know I can? No. But I didn’t score in the group stage at the World Cup, I didn’t score in the group stage at the last Euros.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSKane, seen hailing his opener in the 1-1 draw vs Denmark, points out his start to the tournament is better than usual in terms of goalsCredit: GettyPundits 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 LINEKER
    The 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.”

    “So from that point of view, it’s a bonus to be one goal ahead.”Ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Slovenia, Kane claims England have been feeling their way into the tournament. Former England manager Sam Allardyce hints he’d return to management for international job after recent sackingHe said: “It is not a time to panic but a time to improve. In these tournaments at this early stage it is almost like a boxer in the first couple of rounds seeing how everything is at and how they feel.“Or a golfer in a major tournament in the first round – ‘don’t play yourself out of the tournament. Be calm’.”England must defeat Slovenia to ensure they finish top of Group C and avoid a likely last-16 clash with hosts Germany.And Kane, 30, said: “We definitely want to win the group. I don’t think it’s just to avoid anyone.It is not a time to panic but a time to improve. In these tournaments at this early stage it is almost like a boxer in the first couple of rounds seeing how everything is at and how they feel.Harry Kane“Of course Germany have had a fantastic start to the tournament, but I think it’s more the momentum that a win will give us going into the knockout stages.“People expected us to finish top and we expect to finish top, in the position we’re in now especially.“We want to go out there on Tuesday and put a marker down for the rest of the tournament.”Talk of dropping Harry Kane is absurd, says Jurgen Klinsmann
    NO manager in the world will really care about how many touches their centre-forward has, writes Jurgen Klinsmann.
    It’s being widely flagged up that Harry Kane has not seen much of the ball in England’s first two matches but this is not, in itself, going to be a concern for Gareth Southgate.
    It’s a nice thing for the stats fanatics to go on about — and there are obviously more and more of them in and around football.
    But not all statistics are helpful and this one doesn’t mean a great deal.
    Harry has scored one goal, and so nearly two, in two games. It’s not as if he hasn’t been involved at all.
    Everybody in England needs to calm down a little about the captain.
    Some are even suggesting that he should be dropped or rested for tomorrow’s final group game against Slovenia — but that is totally absurd.
    Please stop worrying. He will come good. He always does.
    Read Jurgen Klinsmann thoughts on Harry Kane’s struggles in full.
    Or check out all of Jurgen’s Euro 2024 columns.

    Kane believes he will keep improving during the Euros More

  • in

    BBC apologise for showing replay of worrying Barnabas Varga collision as Gabby Logan criticises Uefa protocol breach

    THE BBC apologised after viewers were showed a replay of Barnabas Varga’s shocking injury during Scotland’s Euro 2024 defeat to Hungary.The Hungarian striker, 29, was rushed to hospital following a collision with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn.Gabby Logan explained Uefa broke their own protocol by showing a replayHe received lengthy medical treatment on the pitch, with members of security staff holding a privacy screen around him as he lay on the floor.Despite concerns for Varga’s condition, a replay of the sickening incident was screened to fans across the continent – including millions of Brits watching on BBC 1.The BBC, as well as ITV, uses Uefa’s global feed when showing games from the tournament.That means they have limited control over what is shown.READ MORE IN EURO 2024And after the incident was replayed, UK TV screens instead cut away to a wide angle shot out of respect for the stricken player.Speaking after full time, BBC presenter Gabby Logan explained Uefa broke their own protocol by showing the replay.She said live on air: “We were as shocked as you when they replayed that incident. “There are protocols around this kind of thing after Christian Eriksen three years ago and we were very surprised that Uefa decided to show that replay, which is why we cut away immediately to a wide angle as soon as we could.”Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYLogan later revealed Varga was in a stable condition after being taken to a Stuttgart hospital.Sheets were brought out to cover Varga with several team-mates including Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai seen in tears.Declan Rice hits back at Gary Lineker and Co after England stars slammed over dismal Denmark draw at Euro 2024Inside Barnabas Varga’s rise from semi-pro to Euro 2024

    BARBABAS 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.

    Varga was carried off on a stretcher and was reportedly conscious and communicating with medical staff on his way to hospital.The lengthy delay resulted in ten minutes added time, with Kevin Csoboth proving the hero for Hungary with a 100th minute winner.The substitute held up Varga’s shirt as he celebrated with his team-mates.Hungary head coach Marco Rossi said in his post-match interview: “Barnabas Varga’s life is not in danger.”He will undergo an operation after fracture in his face and he won’t be available for the rest of Euro 2024.”Hungary Euro 2024 guideA DECADE ago Hungary’s glory days seemed gone forever, but they’ve now qualified for three European Championships in a row.
    A 4-0 win away to England and an unbeaten qualifying campaign shows how dangerous the Hungarians can be on their day.
    MANAGER: Marco Rossi
    One of five Italian coaches at Euro 2024, Rossi has been granted Hungarian citizenship after revitalising the national team during his six years in charge.
    STAR MAN: Dominik Szoboszlai
    Hungary’s captain had a fine start to life at Liverpool before getting injured and losing his form.
    How Hungary attack
    Hungary will slow things down in possession as they look to draw an opposition press.
    From there, they will then tend to his a longer ball over the top of through the opposition defence.
    How Hungary defend
    Hungary will tend to split their press with three players engaging the opposition defence on the ball and the rest sitting deep.
    When this is unsuccessful, it can lead to the opposition finding plenty of space to attack.
    Read the full Hungary Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags More