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      Belgium 2 Romania 0: Red Devils bounce back after horror Euro 2024 opener with all Group E sides level on three points

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      KEVIN DE Bruyne finally got the reward he deserved for a night of brilliance to lead Belgium back from their Slovakia nightmare.Skipper De Bruyne was simply everywhere for Domenico Tedesco’s side, urging them forward and refusing to countenance anything other than victory.Tielemans roars with relief and joy after his breakthroughCredit: GettyKevin De Bruyne bagged the second and celebrates with Amadou OnanaCredit: AFPPlaymaker De Bruyne slid in for what was more like a striker’s finishCredit: EPATielemans tumbles on the edge of the D as he nets Belgium’s openerCredit: ReutersBelgium’s Villa star Tielemans struck after just two minutesCredit: GettyAnd it was only fitting that KDB sealed victory as the Red Devils finally added to Youri Tielemans’ second minute strike to ensure a four-way last day shoot-out for Group E.Despite the perfect start, De Bruyne and his colleagues had been left frustrated time and again as a series of chances were spurned.A night of frenzied entertainment also left Romelu Lukaku cursing the VAR booth in Leipzig for the THIRD time in two matches after he had slotted home from a peerless KDB pass.But with 10 minutes to go, De Bruyne was the first to react as Keon Casteels’ goal kick bounced all the way through into the Romania box, getting there just before keeper Florin Nita to poke home. READ MORE TOP STORIESIt was the fitting end to a performance  of majesty from the Manchester City magician, justifying Tedesco’s brave selection calls.The manager shook things up with four changes, including a return for former Spurs veteran Jan Vertonghen and with Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard benched.It meant De Bruyne in a more advanced role, too.And within 73 seconds of the start, that adventure paid off.MOST READ IN FOOTBALLRomelu Lukaku celebrates after briefly thinking he’d doubled Belgium’s leadCredit: AFPLukaku stylishly finishes off a pass from Kevin De Bruyne but VAR ruled out what would have been Belgium’s second goal for offsideCredit: AFPEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSTielemans was involved, crucially, at both ends, winning the ball to send Lukaku driving forward.He fed Jeremy Doku, who took advantage of De Bruyne’s dummy run to return the favour.Ally McCoist fumes at Romelu Lukaku disallowed goal for Belgium and claims Euros are being spoiled Lukaku, back to goal, laid off, with Tielemans’ instant strike threading the gap between Romania’s two centre-halves and whistling past the keeper.Relief and delight for the Red Devils and their bellowing, raucous fans.Romania responded, only a flying fingertip save by keeper Koen Casteels denying Spurs defender Radu Dragusin an instant leveller from a fine header.Yet Belgium just kept on coming, five and six at a time flooding forward, and Lukaku could have put the game to bed when he was again found by Doku.Centre-back Andrei Burca simply bounced off the Chelsea man, no match for his sheer strength and it looked as if Lukaku would sweep home only for a desperate last-gasp block to deflect behind.Nita thwarted Dodi Lukebakio’s curler after De Bruyne surged forward with trademark menace, Vertonghen shooting over from the resulting short corner routine.This was Belgium, pressing high and hard, at their most persuasive.Doku was a constant fizzball of energy and threat on the left, too, especially when he dovetailed with De Bruyne, requiring another smart stop by Nita as he tried to squeeze into the near post.It was a wildly open game, both defences exposed under pressure, Romania equally willing to throw the dice.Romania right winger Dennis Man tested Casteels twice after coming off his flank while Valentin Mihaila burst through the middle to get the yellow throng leaping but failed to keep his effort down.From one end to the other, De Bruyne then fractionally wide of the far post from the edge of the box before bringing the keeper to his knees once more.Doku fired into the side-netting after another De Bruyne break before Lukaku looked to have finally capitalised on his captain’s brilliance, stroking home after a perfect through ball.Just as happened twice against Slovakia, the VAR call went against him again, Lukaku ruled offside – maybe by half a toenail – as he powered away. It was hard not to feel sympathy for the big man.Had Man capitalised on a lapse by left-back Arthur Theate, instead allowing Casteels to save when he looked odds-on to score, you wonder if Belgium might have capsized from sheer despair.But he did not, they did not, and De Bruyne then struck to take his side joint top of the table, although with everything on the line for all four teams on Wednesday.Belgium: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate (Debast 77); Tielemans (Mangala 72), Onana; Lukebakio (Trossard 56), De Bruyne, Doku (Carrasco 73); LukakuRomania: Nita; Ratiu (Sorescu 90), Dragusin, Burca, Bancu; R Marin, M Marin (Olaru 68), Stanciu; Man, Dragus (Alibec 81), Mihaila (Hagi 68)READ MORE SUN STORIESWho 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.Belgium Euro 2024 guideBELGIUM blend youth and experience as they look to win their first international trophy
      Romelu Lukaku has seen it all, and scored 14 goals in qualifying, while Man City’s Jeremy Doku, 21, will hope to announce himself on the international stage.
      MANAGER: Domenico Tedesco
      Maverick Italian coach impressed at club level with Schalke 04 and RB Leipzig.
      STAR MAN: Jeremy Doku
      The winger provided an extra dimension to Man City as they beat Arsenal to the title and should be an ever-present in the Red Devils’ line-up at Euro 2024.
      How Belgium attack
      Belgium look to ensure they have control of the ball before playing in more advanced areas of the pitch.
      One possession is secure, they will overload with as many as five players tasked with keeping the opposition defence occupied.
      How Belgium defend
      Belgium’s ageing Golden Generation will form a 4-3-3 mid-block and will not be overly aggressive in the press.
      They are comfortable dropping deep and looking to force the opposition to play wide.
      Read the full Belgium Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags More

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      Belgium 2-0 Romania LIVE RESULT – Euro 2024: Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans fire Red Devils to first Group E win

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      BELGIUM have beaten Group E rivals Romania 2-0 after a dominant performance in Cologne.Youri Tielemans bagged a stunning opener seconds into the game to give Domenico Tedesco’s side the lead.Kevin De Bruyne sealed the win for Belgium with 10 minutes to go as the Red Devils claimed their first three points of Euro 2024.
      Match result: Belgium 2-0 Romania
      Belgium team: Casteels, Theate, Vertonghen, Faes, Castagne, Onana, Tielemans, De Bruyne, Doku, Lukaku, Lukebakio
      Romania team: Nita; Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu; M.Marin, R.Marin, Stanciu; Man, Dragus, Mihaila
      EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSFollow our live blog below…That’s all from Cologne
      And that’s all for matchday two!
      It’s the end of the afternoon kick-offs at Euro 2024, but we now head for the final round group games we are still no closer to knowing many of the teams that will make up the Last 16.
      That’s none more the case than in Group E where all four sides have three points following Belgium’s beating of Romania.
      The focus turns to Scotland, who take on Hungary tomorrow. Only a win will do for Steve Clarke’s men, and we’ll by in Stuttgart to cheer them on.
      Until then, thanks for joining us and goodnight.

      Copy linkCopiedLeft flagging! Lukaku curse continues
      Romelu Lukaku has now had more goals disallowed at Euro 2024 than the top scorers have netted.
      Tonight’s effort was arguably the tightest call of the three too, the striker’s knee and big toe adjudged to have been ahead of the last defender before he slammed home brilliantly.

      Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from Cologne Stadium
      No player on the pitch had more shots (7), shots on target (3), made more tackles (4) or won more fouls (4) than Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne.

      Copy linkCopiedE sees four squeezed together
      After Belgium’s win in Cologne this evening, all four nations in Group E are locked together on three points apiece.
      It means that for the first time in the history of the European Championship group stage, all four teams in a single group will be level on points going into the final round of matches.
      Anything could still happen. Anyone could still top it.

      Slovakia v Romania (Wednesday, 5pm)
      Ukraine v Belgium (Wednesday, 5pm)

      Credit: uefa.com
      Copy linkCopiedFull time – Belgium 2-0 Romania
      Szymon Marciniak brings a brilliant football match in Cologne to an end.
      Belgium have bounced back from defeat to Slovakia to see off Romania thanks to an early strike from Youri Tielemans inside 73 seconds, and a late goal from Kevin De Bruyne.
      Copy linkCopiedBelgium 2-0 Romania
      90. The board goes up to signal four minutes of stoppage time.
      It’s enough time for another Romania substitution – Deian Sorescu for Andrei Ratiu – and another Lukaku mishap, as he fails to play De Bruyne in early.
      Copy linkCopiedBelgium 2-0 Romania
      89. Poor old Romelu Lukaku.
      He does everything right here, using pace and power to Andrei Burca and shoot fiercely across goal.
      It’s just unfortunate for the striker that Florin Nita is equal to it with an excellent stop with his right foot.
      Copy linkCopiedBelgium 2-0 Romania
      87. Leandro Trossard has achieved the impossible – he’s sent Ally McCoist into a rage.
      Twice in the matter of moments, the Arsenal forward escapes on the right with teammates unmarked in the middle.
      On both occasions, Trossard hangs on to the ball too long and then makes the wrong decision. Awful, awful play from the substitute.
      Copy linkCopiedBelgium 2-0 Romania
      85. Romania almost pull one back after further slack defending from Wout Faes.
      The centre-back allows Denis Alibec to sneak in to the box and poke past Koen Casteels with only alert play from Timothy Castagne keeping the ball from the back of the net.
      Copy linkCopiedBelgium 2-0 Romania
      84. It should be three!
      De Bruyne finds Trossard on the right, the substitute moves in on the keeper and spots Lukaku in space.
      All he needs to do is square the ball, but somehow he gets it wrong and passes straight to a defender.
      Copy linkCopiedBelgium 2-0 Romania – Romania substitution
      82. Following the goal, Romania change send on striker Denis Alibec in a like-for-like for Denis Dragus.
      Dragus will have a big role to play in Romania’s final group game.
      Copy linkCopiedBelgium 2-0 Romania
      80. Kevin De Bruyne seals victory for Belgium!
      It’s perhaps the most un-Kevin De Bruyne goal you’re ever likely to see, more reminiscent of 1980s Wimbledon than the world class playmaker.
      Koen Casteels’ long punt forward is flicked on by Romelu Lukaku, and the Manchester City midfielder races through to steer beyond Florin Nita.
      To the naked eye, De Bruyne looks much more offside than Lukaku was for the disallowed effort, but it doesn’t take long for VAR to green light the goal.
      The Red Devils have arrived at Euro 2024!

      Copy linkCopiedGame over!

      Copy linkCopiedBelgium 1-0 Romania
      78. Just over ten minutes remain, and this one is still in the balance.
      Copy linkCopiedBelgium 1-0 Romania – Belgium substitution
      76. Another change for the Red Devils.
      Copy linkCopiedBelgium 1-0 Romania
      74. Razvan Marin tries his luck with a speculative effort.
      That’s not one to trouble either Koen Casteels in the Belgium goal, nor the replay operatives in VT.
      Copy linkCopiedBelgium 1-0 Romania – Belgium double substitution
      71. Another two changes for Belgium sees goalscorer Youri Tielemans and the dangerous Jeremy Doku depart to great acclaim.
      Orel Mangala and Yannick Carrasco come on to play their part.
      Copy linkCopiedBelgium 1-0 Romania – Romania double substitution
      69. Edward Iordanescu rolls the dice…
      …and calls for Ianis Hagi and Darius Olaru.
      The pair replace the booked Marius Marin and Valentin Mihaila.
      Copy linkCopiedBelgium 1-0 Romania
      67. Huge chance for Dennis Man!
      Romania finally break the Belgian backline with the Parma man – Man – in ahead of the dawdling Wout Faes.
      On his right foot, the Romanian only has Casteels to beat but drills his shot straight at the goalkeeper.
      They won’t get (m)any better chances than that.
      Copy linkCopiedBelgium 1-0 Romania – Marius Marin yellow card
      65. The most obvious yellow card you’ll see this summer.
      Marus Marin fails to keep pace with an accelerating Kevin De Bruyne and so simply hauls the midfielder back with both arms.
      Copy linkCopiedBelgium 1-0 Romania
      63. Romelu Lukaku has his goal!
      After his two disallowed strikes against Slovakia, the Belgian forward finishes Kevin De Bruyne’s through ball with aplomb to double Belgium’s lead.
      The Red Devils celebrate wildly, and will be moving level with the other three teams in Group F on three points.
      But wait! Oh no!
      The word comes through that Lukaku – who had appeared to time his run perfectly – was offside. It’s not going to count!
      Never mind it not being his day, it’s not the striker’s summer.
      Copy linkCopiedBelgium 1-0 Romania – Bancu yellow card
      61. Trossard’s first involvement in the game is to be booted up in the air by Nicusor Bancu.
      As a result, the Romania defender has his name taken by the referee.
      Copy linkCopiedBelgium 1-0 Romania
      60. Chance for Romania! Wonderful defending from Vertonghen!
      Right-back Ratui pops up in the Belgium penalty area to control a clever pass, and looks primed to fire the Tricolours level.
      Until, that is, Belgium’s wily old defender bursts across to mop up.
      Copy linkCopiedBelgium 1-0 Romania
      58. Belgium want that second!
      Doku fails to finish off a move that he started, failing to read De Bruyne’s floated cross from the left.
      Moments later, Lukaku meets a drifted free-kick on the half-volley at the near post, but without the pace to trouble Nita.
      Copy linkCopiedBelgium 1-0 Romania
      56. Belgium do make a chance but it’s Dodo Lukebakio coming off rather than Jeremy Doku.
      Leandro Trossard is the replacement coming on, and the Arsenal man will likely take up position on the right flank.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      Jude Bellingham first showed off footie skills as four year old at nursery

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      ENGLAND ace Jude Bellingham first showed off his footie skills as a four year old – at a nursery called Twinkle Toes.The future star raced around the playground booting a ball about already showing signs of his future star potential.Jude Bellingham first showed off his footie skills as a four year old – at a nursery called Twinkle ToesEngland ace Jude raced around the playground booting a ball about already showing signs of his future star potentialCredit: GettyLuisa Mead-Blandford said: ‘We are all so proud of him and everything he has achieved’Credit: Roland LeonJude was one of the first ever kids to join Twinkle Toes nursery in the town when Luisa started itCredit: Roland LeonProud nursery manager Luisa Mead-Blandford, 54, said: “He will have been one of the better ones but that’s no surprise because his dad was a really good footballer as well.“We are all so proud of him and everything he has achieved.”Bellingham, 20, has gone on to forge a reputation among Three Lions fans as a twinkle-toed midfielder who can dance his way past defenders.But it all started almost two decades ago in Stourbridge, West Midlands.Read More on SportHe was one of the first ever kids to join Twinkle Toes nursery in the town when Luisa started it.She said: “He was one of our very first customers when I opened the nursery and then his brother Jobe joined.“It’s wonderful to see how he has grown and developed.“But it doesn’t surprise us because he had that natural ability and he was brought up so well.Most read in Euro 2024“His family are lovely. I remember his mum and dad well, they were always very friendly when they dropped off Jude and his brother and picked them up.”Dad Mark, 48, was a prolific non-league striker, netting 700 goals by the time he was 40.Why we love Jude BellinghamHe played for 15 different clubs and once described himself as “not very good”.But it was watching his dad that inspired Jude’s passion for the game in the years after he showed his first natural ability as a four year old at nursery.The England midfielder said of his dad: “I used to watch him play all the time, it’s where I started to get that love for football.”As he grew up in Stourbridge Jude developed an outstanding sporting ability not just on the football pitch – he also could have been a star cricketer.Mark Baker, 71, chairman of Hagley Cricket Club, Worcs, said: “His dad brought him along and he had a couple of years playing in our youth sides.“You could tell he was a natural-born cricketer from a really early age.“He was a very good player – especially because he didn’t have a lot of time for cricket because of his football commitments.“I remember he took a fantastic catch in a youth game. Most people wouldn’t have been able to get near it – but he did.“He had incredible coordination, it was just raw natural ability.“If he had focused on cricket, he could have gone far in the game. He’s just a special sporting talent.”Former cop Mark acts as agent for Jude and his younger brother, Sunderland’s Jobe, 18.And their mum is equally supportive – she moved to Germany to live with Jude when he signed for Borussia Dortmund in 2020 for £25million making him the most expensive 17-year-old ever.Instant impactShe did the same when he moved to Real Madrid for £115million last summer.He made an instant impact in La Liga and in November broke a club record after scoring 14 goals in his first 15 games, one more than club legends Alfredo Di Stefano, who played in the Fifties and Sixties, and Cristiano Ronaldo.Luisa is delighted that one of her former charges at the £79-a-day nursery is now one of the most famous footballers on the planet.The nursery has posted a snap of him on their Facebook page holding one of the many awards he has won in recent years with the words: “The Nursery of Champions– We are so proud of you Jude Bellingham.”Luisa said: “I’m not a huge football fan but I do watch Jude play.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When someone you know is playing then you want to watch it and he is on the television a lot now of course.“It’s wonderful to see, he is a lovely young man and deserves all of his success – we love him.” More

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      Psychic eagle Honey predicts resounding WIN for England against Slovenia at Euro 2024

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      HONEY the psychic eagle has landed again…and predicted a resounding WIN for England in their next Euros match.While the Danes gave pain to The Three Lions with a 1-1 draw this week, they are now set to soar back to success on Tuesday, according to the 23-year-old African Tawny Eagle who “never gets a prediction wrong”.Honey the psychic Eagle with birds of prey handler Brad HigginsCredit: John McLellanAfrican Tawny Eagle Honey selects England as her choice to winCredit: John McLellanAlex Leonard, pictured left, said: ‘Honey the eagle has landed and made her next psychic prediction and it’s a resounding win for the Three Lions against Slovenia’Credit: John McLellanAlex Leonard, director of Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation in Eynsford, Kent, said: “Honey the eagle has landed and made her next psychic prediction and it’s a resounding win for the Three Lions against Slovenia.“She flew without hesitation and landed next to the England flag.“It’s bad news for Slovenia. “Our boys are going to be back flying high. Read More on Sport”Honey never gets a prediction wrong.”Alex, along with bird of prey handler Brad Higgins each held a flag and let Honey fly through the air to choose who to land on.Eagle-eyed fans spot awkward moment between Cole Palmer and Gareth Southgate live on BBC as fans say ‘that’s not good’ More

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      Harry Kane called players’ summit after dismal display against Denmark to rally troops ahead of crunch Euro qualifier

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      ENGLAND skipper Harry Kane called a players’ summit after the dismal display against Denmark to try to rally his troops.The Bayern Munich ace put England ahead against the Danes only to see it cancelled out as England limped to a disappointing 1-1 draw.Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate in training yesterdayCredit: Paul EdwardsKyle Walker seems to row with Kieran TrippierCredit: Paul EdwardsPhil Foden steps in as peacemaker to calm down TrippierCredit: Paul EdwardsTrippier sees the funny side and peace is restored in trainingCredit: Paul EdwardsAnd he later decided that his teammates needed a rousing call to arms to lift them for their next match on Tuesday.Kane summoned the rest of the 26-man squad to a private meeting with no coaches present.He wanted them to thrash out any differences and bring the squad closer — as well as reminding them that they had the class to win the Euros.And it appeared from the players’ training session yesterday that more team bonding might well be in order.Read More on SportAt one stage, fellow full-backs Kieran Trippier, 33, and Kyle Walker, 34, had an exchange of words. They stood a few feet away from each other, both with their arms spread — clearly disagreeing about something.They had been laughing and joking moments earlier until Newcastle’s Trippier appeared to take exception to something Manchester City defender Walker said.Walker’s club teammate Phil Foden, 24, appeared to step in as peacemaker, putting his hands on Trippier’s shoulders in an apparent bid to calm him down. Most read in Euro 2024The players were all smiles again soon after.The exchange followed Kane’s attempts to rouse the squad, thought to have taken place on Thursday morning at the team’s camp in Blankenhain.Awkward moment when BBC commentator pulls up pal for shoehorning England scenario into match commentaryA source said: “Harry is a natural leader and wanted to gee the lads up after Denmark.“That game left the whole country feeling a bit flat, never mind just the players. Harry wanted to remind them how good they are. He urged them to pull together, to bond more, to express themselves.“They are world-class players. They don’t really need reminding of that but everyone needs a pick- me-up now and then. It was a really rousing speech from Harry.”All but Luke Shaw took part in training at the team’s camp yesterday — the first full session since the Denmark clash. Manchester United defender Shaw is still battling to regain fitness.The pitch was watered throughout the session. There had been complaints about the state of the surface on Thursday after match organisers insisted on watering it before kick-off — against the advice of Frankfurt’s specialist grass technicians.Kane said after the game: “It was tough out there with the heat and the pitch.”Three Lions fans will hope his speech to the players worked and Gareth Southgate’s men can improve for the last Group C game against Slovenia in Cologne.Meanwhile, Jarrod Bowen, 27, hailed his family, including partner Dani Dyer, for supporting him at the Euros — but said she does not give him tactical advice.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said her actor dad, Danny Dyer, had sent good luck ­messages, also telling him to “always play with a smile on your face”.Jarrod’s dad Sam, brother Harry and two mates are travelling to games in Sam’s campervan — and “just kind of park up somewhere”.Cab flag ban
      TAXI drivers have hit out at a ban on flying England flags during the Euros.
      The capital’s 125,000 cabbies and private hire drivers have been told they risk losing their licences if they show their support.
      Transport for London bosses say the St George’s Cross could distract other drivers.
      Cabbie Fred Perkins, 60, said: “Our society’s really gone woke when we can’t fly a little flag for England for the Euros.”
      David Lawrie, director of the National Private Hire Association, said: “Common sense should allow mini England flags. The ban should be overturned.” More

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      Now is the time to gee, gee up the Three Lions… I’d take the England lads racing but any fun day would do the trick

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      ENGLAND haven’t been at the races in their two games at Euro 2024 so far.But if I had my way, that’s exactly where Gareth Southgate and his players would be this weekend.Harry Redknapp is one of SunSport’s expert Euro 2024 punditsCredit: Darren FletcherSouthgate needs to persevere with his captain Kane, says RedknappCredit: GettyThe whole squad looks badly in need of a lift and there’s a long five days to fill between the match against Denmark and Tuesday’s game with Slovenia.So now it’s time for Gareth to start earning his money and raise spirits with some team-building.It may be a golf day, a meal out or a little day trip somewhere to break things up a bit.When I was West Ham manager I took my players to Cheltenham races for a day out to take their minds off a relegation scrap they were in.READ MORE IN footballWe got a coach for them, sorted a box at the course, probably lost a bit of money in most cases!But everyone had a great time.Then on the way back to London we stopped at an Italian restaurant for a bit of grub.It was a top day and did exactly what we hoped — because after that we went on a good run and stayed up.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt probably wasn’t possible to get the whole squad back home for a day at Ascot on Friday or Saturday — but something like that would have been ideal.Gareth has to do something to get them all pulling together again and free their minds.Poch in England frame The players will know the fans aren’t happy — in these days of social media you can’t avoid some of the things that are being said.And a lot of it has been bad. You can’t dwell on what happened against Denmark.You have to lighten things up rather than just spending it all out on the training pitch going through drills.We need the pressure off — we need to go out there and relax.Confidence is key so you’ve got to remind them how good they really are.I look at the squad and think there isn’t a team at the tournament who has a group of players like us, but now we’ve got to go out and show what we can do.When I think about the final group game against Slovenia on Tuesday, there are not many changes I’d make.There is one though — and that’s in the centre of midfield because it’s clear that the experiment with Trent Alexander-Arnold hasn’t worked out.For me it was a strange decision to pick him there — I said that before the first game had even kicked off.Don’t get me wrong, the lad is a fantastic right-back But how many games has he started in midfield?People might say he drifts in there from right-back but that’s different. Midfielders have to have a special awareness about you.They have to know what’s going on all around them and it’s a completely different game to playing right-back.I’d have to leave Trent out completely because for what we need, he’s not a better option than Kyle Walker at full-back either.So for me, Phil Foden has to come in from the left and play in behind Harry Kane — the position where he has been so good for Manchester City.Then alongside Declan Rice, I’d play Jude Bellingham.People say he should be in that No 10 role but he’s an all-round player — he can do absolutely everything.ENGLAND 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.

      That opens up the position on the left and I’d like to see Anthony Gordon there — mainly because of his pace, as that will worry defenders.Having said that, Cole Palmer must be wondering what he has to do to get a game after the season he’s had at Chelsea so he could play there, too.We are not in a good place at the moment, that’s for sure.It isn’t just these two games because Iceland in the friendly before the tournament was a shocker, too.But I like to think things could start to look very different in the knockout stages.When those come around, the best teams often come good and start turning in real performances because the pressure is different.Everyone expects us to beat Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia — and beat them well.But you come up against the big guns in the latter stages and it can be them feeling the heat.One good performance, a couple of goals and it could all turn. There would be a very different mood around the whole nation.We need to do something quickly though because at the moment it’s all so disappointing.I’VE taken Sandra out to Dubai for a bit of sunshine so I didn’t see the BBC coverage of England against Denmark.Out here it’s beIN Sports so it’s Richard Keys and Andy Gray leading the coverage.But I heard Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer had plenty to say after the game — and good on them.I’ve done a bit of TV punditry and you have to give your honest opinions and not pull any punches.Top players get so much praise so they have to be big enough to take it on the chin when the criticism comes their way.If they’ve been poor, you have to call it out — even if they are players you have worked with or know well.Big Mus-takeJAMAL MUSIALA is the one that got away for England. There’s been wonderful talent on show at the Euros so far — but not many have been better than him.The Germany and Bayern Munich attacker played for the Three Lions right through to Under-21 level and went to school in London, so we must be kicking ourselves for letting him slip through our fingers.Let’s hope we don’t end up getting the hosts in the last 16 — which is very possible if we don’t win our group.No doubt Musiala would be keen to show us exactly what we missed.And what a talent Lamine Yamal looks for Spain, by the way. It’s hard to believe he doesn’t turn 17 until next month.Jamal Musiala is the one that got away for EnglandCredit: ReutersMusiala is lighting up the Euros for GermanyCredit: ReutersAnybody’s gameI’VE WATCHED most of the matches — and I think Euro 2024 is wide open.And despite what we’ve seen so far from England, I still believe it’s there for us to win if we can come to life.Germany have looked good and France have been OK but I have to say they haven’t blown me away.Then there’s been the disappointments — you have to include England but others too, including Croatia.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs for my favourite game so far, I did enjoy Germany’s performance on the opening night — but as I wanted Scotland to win, I can’t say that one.So I’m going for Turkey against Georgia — a match I wasn’t expecting to enjoy as much as I did but it was probably the game of the tournament so far.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Portugal star Goncalo Ramos left limping after being slide tackled by panicking steward after chaotic Euro 2024 clash

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      UNUSED Portugal sub Goncalo Ramos was left limping – after a slide tackle when, where and from whom he least expected!The Paris Saint-Germain striker must already have been frustrated – after remaining on the bench in a 3-0 win over Turkey.Portugal players couldn’t believe it as Goncalo Ramos was downedCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskThe Portugal sub was sent flying when he least expectedCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskTeam-mates were shocked to see Ramos felledCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskIt made Portugal one of the first teams to win their group at Euro 2024 after a second victory in two games.But as Ramos walked on the pitch to congratulate his team-mates he was cleaned out… by a steward.And the face of Portugal hero Cristiano Ronaldo said it all.Al-Nassr star Ron as ambling off as his rival for a place up front strolled into view right on front of him.READ MORE TOP STORIESSuddenly a member of the security staff dashed across the pitch and upended Ramos.The steward appeared to be rushing on to help a colleague catch a pitch intruder.But instead he became one of the first people in Germany this summer to get to grips with Ramos, albeit accidentally.The ex-Benfica star hobbled away – while Ronaldo surveyed the scene looking bewildered as he tried to comprehend what he had just seen.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYPortugal’s second scorer Bruno Fernandes appeared equally shocked by Ramos’ misfortune – just as viewers were.One fan posted: ” You know, I shouldn’t laugh because he might have got injured. But that was funny. Did the referee book him by any chance?”Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with Portugal match-winner Conceicao… 21 years after making his debut alongside his dadAnother joked: “Got the ball ref.”And a third wrote: “Looked like it hurt that one.”At least it appears Ramos was not seriously hurt – except perhaps for a little damage to his pride.Portugal Euro 2024 guideCRISTIANO RONALDO remains the face of Portuguese football as the national team looks to win a second European Championship.
      But the days when Portugal’s hopes would hang on Ronaldo, 39, alone are over as they have a squad packed with talent across the pitch.
      MANAGER: Roberto Martinez
      Former Everton, Wigan and Belgium boss is trying to put a more attacking stamp on a team that became increasingly dull under Euro 2016-winning predecessor Fernando Santos.
      STAR MAN: Cristiano Ronaldo
      Al-Nassr star remains an ever-present but PSG’s Goncalo Ramos and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota are both world class backups.
      How Portugal attack
      Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio and Joao Palhinha are all capable of building attacks from the back, given Portugal a unique dimension to their attack.
      Attacking midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix can cause any defence problems as they look to feed Ronaldo and/or Ramos.
      How Portugal defend
      In contrast to the approach under Santos, Portugal will play with a medium-to-high block and look to win possession up the field.
      Players will press aggressively to provide support for Ronaldo, who clearly tends to do less work defensively.
      Read the full Portugal Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags More

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      Fans hail ‘worldy’ Laura Woods as ITV Euro 2024 host makes stunning entrance in bold outfit

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      LAURA WOODS won the hearts of fans for her bold entrance into ITV’s Euro 2024 coverage. The host was on TV duty ahead of Belgium’s second group stage match against Romania. Laura Woods won the hearts of fans for her bold entrance into ITV’s Euro 2024 coverageWoods had her knees on show in a classy charcoal dressWoods had her knees on show in a classy charcoal dress to leave fans in awe. One said: “Crikey, good evening Laura Woods.”One reacted: “She’s a worldy.”Woods, who has been a fans’ favourite throughout the Euros, recently opened up on the struggles of dealing with online critics. READ MORE ON Euro 2024She said on the Staying Relevant podcast: “Because I’m an Arsenal fan, everything I say about Arsenal is clipped up and put on social media.“I don’t really feel that qualified, I’m not a pundit. All of a sudden your words have all this weight, there’s such a big responsibility.” She added: “The amount of stick I got from Arsenal fans – one of them said ‘you’re not a real supporter’. It’s so frustrating.“There’s some really weird people on social media. Someone said ‘get back in the kitchen’ – the most boring one.” Most read in Euro 2024Meet Eva Murati, Albania’s answer to Laura Woods

      MEET Albania’s answer to Laura Woods.
      Glamorous Eva Murati, 28, has been fronting Champions League coverage in the country since 2017.
      Boasting nearly one million Instagram followers, gorgeous Eva is a triple threat – actress, host and model.
      Eva is fluent in Italian studied law at the University of Tirana.
      But her passion for showbiz led her into presenting at just 18.
      Eva is mad Juventus fan and was thrilled to meet legendary defender Fabio Cannavaro.
      As if she didn’t have enough strings to her bow, Eva is also a great singer and has hinted she might even release a song one day.
      Until then, she’ll continue lighting up screens with her Champions League coverage, in between modelling for lingerie brand Yamamay.
      Click here to see more of the glamorous Eva Murati…

      Woods has lit up ITV’s coverage and was recently hailed as a “queen” by Eni Aluko for doing her nails just five minutes before going on air. But the former talkSPORT presenter has had to leave former Love Island star boyfriend Adam Collard behind to cover the Euros. How Euro 2024 host Laura Woods finally tamed Love Island’s biggest bad boy Adam Collard who made Joey Essex look like a puppy More