Euro 2024

DECLAN RICE urged England’s critics to think before they speak.Harry Kane reminded the likes of Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer that they never won anything in a Three Lions shirt in a press conference this afternoon.Declan Rice thinks England deserve more positive punditryCredit: RexEngland have made the last 16 despite not being at their bestCredit: GettyAnd Rice, 25, echoed his skipper’s comments as he called on pundits to get behind the team.Asked if he was disappointed with the criticism of England’s Euro 2024 campaign, he told ITV: “No, I’m not disappointed because I’ve played football long enough now, I know how they work.“That’s why I really do not get bothered about it at all.“Look, they’re entitled to their opinion, they’re on the TV. They’re saying whatever they want.Most read in Euro 2024“I know some of them personally, they’re great guys, but like I said, they’ve been in our shoes as well.“Sometimes just to have that thought of process, just before they speak that they have been where I’m sat and where our other players have sat and not done well at tournaments.“So look… I don’t know why we feel like it’s such a negative thing. We’re talking like we’re going out the tournament here.“We’re top of the group, we need to stay positive, stay upbeat.Most read in Euro 2024“Let’s have some positivity going into games.“Let’s give players the best confidence in the world. Your players like your Phil Fodens, your [Bukayo] Sakas, your Jude Bellinghams. Tell them they’re the best players in the world.‘I’ll have to talk to my agent’ says Harry Kane as England star offered transfer from Bayern during press conference“Make them read that and think, ‘I’m going to go out there and perform and give it absolutely everything’.“Rather than reading the negative comments, [having it] sitting on their mind and then thinking that they can’t play a certain way. That’s the way I think about it.“I’m sure we have enough of them people as well which is good.”🗯️ “They’ve been where I’m sat, where our other players have sat and not done well at tournaments.”💪 “We need to stay positive, stay upbeat!”🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Declan Rice spoke to @GabrielClarke05 about criticism from former players over England’s #Euro2024 so far pic.twitter.com/NwrsDVRs2v— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 23, 2024

Lineker called England’s performance against Denmark “s**t” and Kane decided to make his voice heard. He said: “I’d never want to be disrespectful to any player, especially a player that’s worn the shirt and knows what it’s like to play for England.”What maybe ex-players, ex-players who are pundits now have got to realise, it’s very hard not to listen to it now, especially for young players who are not used to it or some players are new to the environment.”I always feel like they have a responsibility, I know they’ve got to be honest and have their opinion but they have a responsibility as an ex-England player that a lot of players looked up to, people do care about what they say and do listen to them.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Everyone has got their opinion, but the bottom line is we haven’t won nothing as a nation for a long, long time and a lot of these players were part of that, and they know how tough it is.”It’s not digging anyone out, but it’s just the reality that they do know it’s tough to play in these major tournaments and tough to play for England.”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

NO manager in the world will really care about how many touches their centre-forward has.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.Harry Kane’s place should not be in doubt, says Jurgen KlinsmannCredit: Paul EdwardsWhatever the stats, axing the striker would be a load of bullCredit: RexKane is still working his way back to full fitnessEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYIt’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.In England’s opening game against Serbia, Harry had just 24 touches of the ball and one effort on goal, a header which was brilliantly saved.And his only touch inside the Denmark box in Thursday’s 1-1 draw was the shot which gave England an early lead.READ MORE FOOTBALLBut this is part of a centre-forward’s life.There will be games when you are hardly involved and score twice.There will be other games when you are on the ball far more but don’t find the net.As long as my team won, I’d always rather score goals and be involved less.Most read in FootballKlinsmann has explained why England must keep faithCredit: Getty’We’re struggling with and without the ball’, admits Harry Kane
HARRY 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 FREE BETS AND OFFERSI think all strikers would say the same.As a striker, you live for goals because goals give you energy and confidence going forward.Gary Neville begs Gareth Southgate to ‘disrupt’ England’s starting XI as he names TWO stars who must play vs Slovenia You live with that and it’s sometimes down to the opponent and how much attention they pay to you.If they sacrifice two players to keep you quiet then you don’t get many touches and you’ll be going back to the halfway line just to get a touch.But Harry has scored one goal and so nearly two in two games. It’s not as if he hasn’t been involved at all.What matters to a manager on the touchline is his feeling for a player, his knowledge of that player and whether he feels he is connected to the team.If you feel Harry is connected, that he is with the team, even if he only gets a few touches, that is what’s important.A centre-forward can have 60, 70 or 80 touches, just playing short square balls left or right, without being properly connected.What matters is the overall dynamic and that the moves you are involved in are decisive ones.England will always look for Harry, he will always have chances to score.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.If Southgate did that, he’d risk the entire chemistry of his team.I was surprised by the criticism about England’s performance. It was disappointing but maybe expectations have got a bit too highYou don’t want to mess with your star players during a tournament.Harry is a leader and also a giver who can contribute hugely to the overall team performance — if he’s out of the team it will give the opposition so much confidence.Since he joined Bayern Munich last summer, people throughout Germany cannot believe how much he does for the team.Jamal Musiala, who has started this tournament so well for Germany, has really benefited from that more than most at Bayern.That intense workrate is what they adore and admire about him in Germany, they have never seen a No 9 doing so much work for the team and still scoring all these goals — 44 in his first season at the club.Sure, Harry is not at his peak level right now.He had a back injury at the end of the season and he is working his way back to his sharpest form.I don’t think it’s a big deal that he was subbed after 70 minutes against Denmark — my only concern with that was, ‘What if a penalty comes up?’ because Harry is 99 per cent likely to score from the spot.No player is ever at the top of his game for seven matches in a month-long tournament. Everyone has off days.But the longer you’re in the tournament, the more things will connect and fall into place.Overall, I was surprised by the strength of criticism about England’s performance against Denmark.Sure, it was disappointing but maybe expectations have got a bit too high and people were expecting three convincing wins in the group stage — which doesn’t necessarily do you any good in the long term.Meet England’s Euro 2024 Wags
England Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.
Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)
The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.
Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)
The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.
Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)
Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.
Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)
England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.
Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)
Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.
Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)
Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.
Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)
The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.
Read more about the Wags who will be supporting England at Euro 2024 here

It’s all part of the normal ups and downs going through a tournamentA tournament is made up of two chapters.First, the group stage, where you just have to figure out a way to get through — and England will get through.Then the next chapter, the knockouts. Everything that happens in the group stage which is a bit rocky prepares you for the rollercoaster of the knockout stage.During a tournament teams develop their own character and spirit. England still have it in their own hands, they are the drivers of their own destiny.There is very little time to look back during a tournament, analysing what’s happened in the last game can give you a few clues but the only real focus can be on preparing for the next match.It was fine that England experimented with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield but it doesn’t seem to work — and you don’t want to be experimenting in the knockouts.Southgate’s biggest problem is finding a solution at left-back, with Luke Shaw struggling to be fit.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat is tricky and it seems strange England don’t have another left-back in their 26-man squad.But as for the captain, please stop worrying. He will come good. He always does.Slovenia Euro 2024 guideTHE SCOTLAND of the Balkans – Slovenia have qualified for three tournaments since independence in 1990 but never reached the knockout stages.
However, striker Benjamin Sesko is touted as the next Erling Haaland and gives the Slovenes reason to be more optimistic this time.
MANAGER: Matjaz Kek
In his second spell as boss and has been in charge since 2018 – lost just two qualifying games despite having to overcome the death of his father.
STAR MAN: Jan Oblak
The Slovenes will hope that Sesko can provide the goals at one end while Oblak, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, can keep them out at the other.
How Slovenia attack
Slovenia will be one of few teams at the Euros to play a 4-4-2, with Sesko partnering former Middlesbrough striker Andraz Sporar up front.
When Slovenia attack, the two wingers will come inside to play as makeshift attacking midfielders in a front four. They are also dangerous on the counter-attack.
How Slovenia defend
Slovenia will play in two banks of four and drop deep to deny the opposition space.
They will not break out of their shape to press under almost any circumstances.
Read the full Slovenia Euro 2024 guide, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags More

PHIL FODEN is still searching for his best form at the Euros – but has caught a few big fish at England’s training base!The keen angler has made the most of the lakes at the Weimarer Land Spa and Golf resort in the picturesque Blankenhain, east Germany, where the Three Lions are situated.Phil Foden is hooked on improving his performancesCredit: INSTAGRAM/phil fodenFoden’s starting place could be under threatCredit: PAPaul Gascoigne was angler just as Foden is nowCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdENGLAND’S BREAM TEAM FANTASY XIHere’s how Gareth South-Bait’s men might line up with Three Lionfish on their shirt.

Jordon Pike-fordAaron Rams-whaleShark GuehiSturgeon StonesBrill FodenTrout Alexander-ArnoldCoddie MainooJude BellingHammerheadShoal PalmerSkipjack GrealishOllie Wat-fins(Four-four-tuna formation)Guest appearance: Paul Gas-Koi

Foden is the only player in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad to get his rod out and follows in the footsteps of former England star – and passionate fisherman – Paul Gascoigne.The Manchester City superstar, 24, told FA show Lions’ Den: “I’ve had a little bit of time to go fishing, so it’s been nice.“(I’ve caught) some big ‘uns, yeah! I’ve caught some nice fish.”England fans are still waiting for Foden to catch fire at this summer’s tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was poor in the 1-0 win over Serbia in the first group game, but better in Thursday’s 1-1 draw versus Denmark and struck the post in the second half.But he is still some way off showing the amazing form he produced for City this season, which earned him the PFA Player of the Year award.Former England captain Alan Shearer would like to see him play centrally as he does for his club, rather than coming in off the left as Southgate has deployed him in the first two matches.John Stones, a team-mate for club and country, agreed that is where Foden prefers to play – but has sympathy with his manager’s selection headache.MOST READ IN FOOTBALLFoden was deceptively busy in the last group gameEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThe centre-back, 30, told talkSPORT: “I think Phil, personally, loves playing through the middle.“He’s played every position up top for us at City. It’s a difficult one and I’m glad I’m not the manager to make those decisions.Gary Neville begs Gareth Southgate to ‘disrupt’ England’s starting XI as he names TWO stars who must play vs Slovenia 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.

“Wherever Phil plays, he’s incredible, he’s a top player.“Obviously, everyone has their strengths in different positions. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion again and I’m sure it brings up some good debates.“I just want Phil to enjoy his football, that’s when he’s at his best.”Few players came out of the dire Denmark draw with much credit, barring Stones’ centre-back partner Marc Guehi, who was excellent.Foden looked a bit more dangerous but Stones is certain it will not be long until his good mate shows he is the reel deal for England this summer.Inside humble Phil Foden’s family lifeBy Jon Boon
PHIL FODEN may be flashy on the pitch, but the Premier League’s Player of the Year is a humble family man off it.
The Man City superstar earns an astonishing salary believed to be £11.7million-per-year.
But the Stockport kid is frugal with his cash as he enjoys his down time with childhood sweetheart Rebecca and their two kids.
Foden only passed his driving test last year… and turns up for training in City’s glittering club car park in a £40k VOLKSWAGEN.
And in his spare time he loves nothing more than a FISHING trip.
He celebrated his first big City contract by buying his mum and dad a Cheshire mansion and lives with them until 2021.
But Foden has now splashed out on a luxury £3million mansion for his own growing family.
Click here for to find out all about Foden’s glamorous life…

Defender Stones, who has 74 caps, added: “I don’t think any of us can walk off the pitch and say we played our best game ever.“It’s about us improving and giving everything. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But with Phil, if he keeps working hard as he is in training, scoring the screamers he does, eventually it’ll come out on the pitch.“He drifts a lot anyway, he finds pockets of spaces. I hope he continues to be himself and impose himself on games. I’m sure it’ll come very soon.”Meet England’s Euro 2024 Wags
England Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.
Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)
The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.
Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)
The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.
Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)
Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.
Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)
England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.
Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)
Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.
Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)
Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.
Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)
The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.
Read more about the Wags who will be supporting England at Euro 2024 here More

ENGLAND are facing a possible injury crisis with Kieran Trippier nursing an injury ahead of the final group game.The defender has featured at left-back in both games so far as cover for the injured Luke Shaw.Kieran Trippier has been carrying a calf injuryCredit: ReutersEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYBut it is possible he will have to sit out of the final game against Slovenia because of a calf problem.Trippier struggled with a calf injury a few weeks ago and missed eight Premier League games for Newcastle.He returned last month but made just one start for Toon before joining up with the England squad for the Euros.And he has been carefully managed by Gareth Southgate.READ MORE ON ENGLANDThe England boss has swapped him in and out of training sessions with Joe Gomez, who is also capable of playing left-back.Southgate was keen to substitute Trippier during matches too but the tight encounters with Serbia and Denmark meant that was not possible.The defender even required medical treatment after suffering cramp in the opening match and drank pickle juice to combat the issue.Liverpool star Gomez could now be brought in to play at left-back with Southgate expected to make changes.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJack Wilshere: Southgate must be brave with RiceBy Jack Wilshere
GARETH SOUTHGATE should be brave and play Declan Rice as our sole holding midfielder.
But if England manager Southgate doesn’t want to do that — and he probably doesn’t ­— then he needs to give Rice the chance to play more like he does for Arsenal.
Let’s be absolutely clear here. Rice was so important for us again during that first half against Denmark.
The fact that he had a difficult second 45 minutes showed how much England were struggling.
Rice himself would hold his hands up and say he gave away the ball too often.
But what I took overall from his performance is that he needs more help in the engine room.
Read here how Jack Wilshere would resolve the Declan Rice dilemma.

Ezri Konsa is another option after reportedly impressing in training.Luke Shaw has been ruled out of the Slovenia clash and is a doubt for the second round as he is still yet to overcome a hamstring injury that has kept him out since February.Gary Neville begs Gareth Southgate to ‘disrupt’ England’s starting XI as he names TWO stars who must play vs Slovenia 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