Euro 2024

KYLIAN MBAPPE scored twice in a behind-closed-doors friendly as he continues his recovery from his nose break.The forward broke his nose during France’s narrow win over Austria at Euro 2024 on Monday.Kylian Mbappe scored twice in a behind-closed-doors friendlyCredit: RexHe broke his nose during the 1-0 win over AustriaCredit: AFPThe injury has left Mbappe, 25, needing to wear a mask while training.He also missed France’s 0-0 draw against the Netherlands on Friday at the Leipzig Stadium.However, Mbappe is closing in on his return to the pitch and impressed in a friendly match.France played in a practice match against German club Paderborn’s under-21s.READ MORE IN EURO 2024The game was made up of two 30-minute halves of which Mbappe played the full match.While wearing his mask, the Real Madrid man bagged two goals as he picked up his form, and also provided two assists.France return to action in Euro 2024 to face Poland in their final Group D match on Tuesday.Poland have already been knocked out of the tournament following their 3-1 defeat to Austria.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFrance have so far struggled to show their enormous quality in terms of performances.In their first match, Les Bleus could only manage a 1-0 win thanks to Maximilian Wober own goal.Goncalo Ramos left limping after being slide tackled by panicking steward after chaotic Euro 2024 clashHow Kylian Mbappe’s incredible seven-year body transformation propelled skinny teen into world’s best playerBy Etienne Fermie
KYLIAN MBAPPE has entered his physical prime as he has FINALLY rubber-stamped his free transfer move to Real Madrid.
The 25-year-old has grown from a boy to a man in Ligue 1, first with Monaco and then with current side Paris Saint-Germain.
Mbappe debuted for Monaco as a skinny 16-year-old in 2015.
He even featured as a scrawny youngster against Tottenham at the old White Hart Lane that year, before fans realised what an icon he would become.
The following season, Mbappe really rose to superstardom as Monaco reached the Champions League semi-finals.
In a throwback snap shared earlier this week, an 18-year-old Mbappe could be seen chatting to a reporter after grabbing a Champions League brace against Borussia Dortmund in April 2017.
Read more on Mbappe’s incredible rise on and off the field.

And against the Netherlands the team was toothless upfront and lucky to escape defeat after Xavi Simons’ goal was ruled out by VAR.Boss Didier Deschamps claimed that he was not worried about the absence of Mbappe.He said: “I am not concerned.”It is just the name of the game. Sometimes you have countless chances and don’t hit the back of the net and sometimes it is the other way round.”I would be worried if there were not any chances.”Efficiency at high-level football is important and it is something we can work on.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

CRISTIANO RONALDO’S selfless assist for Bruno Fernandes has a more sentimental reason behind it, fans have claimed.Portugal comfortably beat Turkey 3-0 on Saturday to win Group F and qualify for the knockout stages at Euro 2024.Cristiano Ronaldo laid on Bruno Fernandes’ goal rather than trying to score himselfCredit: RexThe pair embraced in a touching moment after the goalCredit: AlamyRonaldo was wearing green boots in the first half but switched for the second periodCredit: APRonaldo’s boots for the second half had Fernandes’ daughter’s name Matilde on themThe name of Fernandes’ daughter Matilde is on his bootsCredit: Instagram brunofernandes8But many viewers were surprised to see Ronaldo, 39, pass up the opportunity to score his side’s third goal as he opted to lay it on a plate for ex-Manchester United team-mate Fernandes instead.The pair had burst in behind the Turkish defence and had just the keeper to beat as Ronaldo played it across for Fernandes to finish into an empty net.The assist was Ronaldo’s eighth at the Euros, moving him joint-top in the competition’s history alongside Karel Poborsky.But a more emotional theory has now emerged as to why Ronaldo opted to set up Fernandes, 29.READ MORE ON CRISTIANO RONALDOEagle-eyed fans spotted that Fernandes’ daughters name, Matilde, was written on Ronaldo’s pink boots for the second half.Viewers on Reddit have claimed the Real Madrid legend was lent the pair by Fernandes at half-time – as he was wearing green boots in the first period.The two Portugal superstars then combined for their side’s third goal with Fernandes’ six-year-old daughter’s name on both their boots.One fan said: “Ah that’s why he assisted Bruno for the third goal instead of just scoring by himself.”Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWhile another reacted: “Top 10 wholesome moments.”Ronaldo, who has scored five goals more than any other player in Euros history, as not found the back of the net in Portugal’s opening two games of Euro 2024.Cristiano Ronaldo’s love affair with the EurosAnd he could be rested for Goncalo Ramos in their final group game against Georgia.Portugal securing top spot in Group F means they will face third place in Groups A, B or C.Heading into the final round of fixtures, they are Scotland, Albania and Slovenia. More

KIERAN TRIPPIER has named his perfect rondo squad from all the players he’s lined up with across his half century of England caps.Rondos are a popular training exercise where attacking players form a circle and pass the ball to each other, while two defenders inside the ring try to intercept it.Kieran Trippier revealed the eight best players when it comes to rondosCredit: ReutersRondos have become a regular exercise in England trainingCredit: GettyWhat is a rondo?
A rondo is when a group of players form a small circle or box around two or more players in the middle.
Those around the outside pass the ball around while those in the middle attempt to press and win it back.
If a player on the outside misplaces a pass or has there attempt intercepted then they replace their team-mate in the middle.
A number of factors often differ between rondos including the number of players, the number of touches allowed, the size of the circle and even sometimes the addition of goals to the box.

Newcastle star Trippier revealed they are a firm favourite with the Three Lions squad, particularly with John Stones, Kyle Walker and captain Harry Kane.The 33-year-old explained: “The first thing before training every morning, the one thing we love to do is rondos.”It’s the one thing that we really look forward to, me, Stonesy, Walks, Harry Kane.”But the most annoying person is John Stones for sure.READ MORE ON EURO 2024″Stonesy knows how to wind me up. I try my best not to react but he knows me best so it’s hard not to react to him.”Trippier clocked up his 50th cap in Thursday’s drab draw against Denmark, seven years after making his debut against France.Asked for his ideal eight-man rondo team from his time with England, the ex-Spurs man replied: “John Stones, Kyle Walker, Harry Kane, Danny Rose, Harry Maguire, Jordan Pickford – Pickford is certainly one of those you can get under his skin and wind up – Phil Foden, because he’s technically so gifted, and Aaron Ramsdale.”Meanwhile, Trippier insisted the England camp remains calm despite a disappointing performance in their 1-1 draw with Denmark.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTrippier named ex-Tottenham and England team-mate Danny Rose in his rondo sideCredit: Times Newspapers LtdKieran Trippier’s all-time rondo line-upThe eight players in Kieran Trippier’s all-time rondo side:

John Stones
Kyle Walker
Harry Kane
Danny Rose
Harry Maguire
Jordan Pickford
Phil Foden
Aaron Ramsdale

Ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Slovenia, he said: “We’re all positive in the camp.”We could be more happy, but the most important thing is that we stay together. [After the game] the dressing room was calm and relaxed.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYThe Sun’s Charlie Wyett slams Woeful England after bland 1-1 draw with Denmark”Gareth [Southgate] and H [Harry Kane] had a few words. We’ve been in this situation before and it’s all about just staying calm, staying positive, because we’re going to need everybody.”There’s a lot of noise but internally we stick together, as H said and as Gareth said.”Pundits 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.” More

HARRY REDKNAPP says Gareth Southgate must stick with Harry Kane to deliver Euro 2024 glory.England hero Stuart Pearce called for the skipper to be axed for Tuesday’s Group C decider against Slovenia.Harry Kane scored against Denmark but offered little elseCredit: GettyHarry Redknapp has slammed calls to drop Kane for England’s clash with SloveniaCredit: PAKane did not contribute much aside from his goal against DenmarkKane scored in the 1-1 draw with Denmark but looked off the pace and was subbed by Southgate.But SunSport columnist Redknapp reckons he will “come alive” in Germany.He said: “I don’t think Harry should be left out and I can’t see a situation where Gareth will.”He’s started slowly before and then suddenly he’s come alive.READ MORE ON ENGLAND”Harry is a team player, the best centre-forward in the world. So you don’t take him out of the team.”Redknapp also wants Phil Foden to play as a No 10 behind Kane with Jude Bellingham deeper in midfield and Anthony Gordon on the left flank.He added: “We have to find a way to get the best out of Kane and Gordon could cause problems down the wing with his pace.”Redknapp’s comments come after ex-England left-back took the adverse view about dropping Kane.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHow Redknapp wants England to line up against SloveniaPundits 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.”

He told talkSPORT: “I think I would [drop Kane]. To get more energy in the team, to get someone to run in behind the opposition’s defence and then you review it again when you get to the knockout stage.”Where he [Southgate] goes from here, I don’t know. This is a tough one for Gareth and his coaching staff.Gary Lineker ‘shows better movement than the England team’ as MOTD host delivers scathing Harry Kane verdictEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY”It might be making some tough calls, it might be leaving the captain out. It might well be, ‘How do I solve the left-back issue?'”How do we get more delivery from the left-hand side with no natural left-back? Potentially put Bukayo Saka there.”Redknapp wants Gareth Southgate to bring Anthony Gordon into the sideCredit: AFPENGLAND vs DENMARK RATINGSENGLAND stumbled to a drab 1-1 draw with Denmark.

Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions team.
Jordan Pickford: 6
Looked a little jittery early doors, though there was nothing he could do about Morten Hjulmand’s corker and he made a decent parry after the break.
Kyle Walker: 7 
Made England’s opener by racing round a sleeping Victor Kristiansen – he’ll be having nightmares of that forevermore – and teeing up Kane via a deflected cross.
John Stones: 6
OK but you have got to wonder how fit he feels having barely played for Man City in the second half of the season, plus his injury and illness issues over the last month.
Marc Guehi: 8 and my star man
Really encouraging again from the Crystal Palace centre-back, looking sharp with his interceptions and assured in distribution.
Kieran Trippier: 6
Like Stones, he was fine, but England really need Luke Shaw back ASAP because having no natural left-footer at left-back is a problem.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 5
This experiment of playing Trent in midfield is far from convincing, especially when his passing was off it like it was here, barring one good ball to Saka. Subbed on 54 minutes.
Declan Rice: 5
Had to cover so much ground as England dropped worryingly deep in the first half and also lost it a few times in front of his back four.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Not quite as electric as his first half against Serbia, but another solid showing from our right winger who has been our most consistent attacker across the two games.
Jude Bellingham: 6
Nowhere near the majestic display he put in against Serbia and one of many who looked tired.
Phil Foden: 7
Was far more involved than against Serbia – although that was not hard – and had a few dangerous efforts from range, including one that smacked the post after the break.
Harry Kane: 6
Netted his 64th goal for his country with an opener he could not really miss, but then gave the ball away from Denmark’s leveller. Surprisingly subbed.
SUBS:
Conor Gallagher (on for Trent, 54): 7
Vital clearance on the stretch when Christian Eriksen was lurking and was not afraid to put his foot in.
Ollie Watkins (on for Kane, 70): 6
Played in by Bellingham’s lovely ball after coming on but could not finish from an acute angle.
Jarrod Bowen (on for Foden, 69): 6
Copped a nasty tackle which saw Joakim Maehle booked.
Eberechi Eze (on for Saka, 69): 6
On for his tournament bow though he was rarely involved. More