Euro 2024

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

JACK GREALISH has reportedly cut his summer holiday short to return to Manchester City early for pre-season.The playmaker, 28, was a surprise shock exclusion from Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man England squad for Euro 2024.Jack Grealish is planning to get back to Manchester City pre-season earlyCredit: GettyHe has been working hard in the off-season while on holidayCredit: Instagram / @jackgrealishGrealish shared a video after a training session at Juventus’ academyCredit: Instagram / @jackgrealishGrealish responded to the snub by going on holiday to Dubai where he was given a helping hand after letting his hair down.He then headed to Sardinia with his girlfriend Sasha Attwood.As well as relaxing with his glamorous partner, Grealish ensured he did not switch off completely. He shared a topless selfie after getting a sweat on during a workout before then using Juventus’ academy training facilities to keep sharp.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut now the Daily Star state the £100million man will head back to Manchester early. City’s players not involved in the Euros or Copa America are not due to report for pre-season until July 9.But Grealish is expected to return a full week earlier than that in an attempt to prove his form and fitness to Pep Guardiola.Grealish endured an incredibly tough 2023-24 campaign on and off the pitch.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd he even admitted it was a “write-off” of a season, which was rocked personally by a break-in at his home while Attwood and his family were watching him play on TV over Christmas. The ace managed just three goals in 36 appearances – all coming in a hot streak in December – and a total of ten Premier League starts.Watch scary moment Jack Grealish nearly FALLS OFF Man City title parade bus TWICE as he’s caught by team-mateTalk 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.

Injuries also played their part – but it was his attitude in training that frustrated Guardiola most come the end of the campaign.So much so that the winger did not play a single minute in the last four matches of City’s season – including the FA Cup final. Transfer links suggested he could head out the Etihad exit door this summer, with Bayern Munich said to be keen.Harry Redknapp told SunSport he thinks Grealish needs to focus on his own form rather than celebrating silverware after his Euros snub.Redknapp said: “Jack Grealish is a big loss. Maybe he needs to get back to concentrating on his football. “His form this year has gone to pieces. I’m not sure he’s Gareth Southgate’s cup of tea.”But Grealish is clearly desperate to prove his worth and fight for his place in the City team.Speaking after securing a third Premier League title, he said: “I don’t feel like I’ve performed well this season at all.”Pep’s an unbelievable guy.”I’ve had times where I’ve struggled off the pitch, you know, I’ll openly say that and he’s been there for me so much, I can only thank him.”He’s a brilliant manager on the pitch but when I’ve been in his office he’s helped me.”Guardiola, meanwhile, is confident he can get the best out of Grealish once again.He said: “Jack will be back.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s struggled this season and Jeremy Doku has made an incredible step forward as everyone has seen in the last games.”But Jack will be back at the level of last season, I’m pretty sure.”Grealish is desperate to impress Pep GuardiolaCredit: ReutersMan City’s five key moments this seasonA look at the five key moments in Man City’s title winning campaign…

Luton 1 – 2 Man City: City bounce back from a run of four games without a win to kick-start their unbeaten run.
Newcastle 2 – 3 Man City: Kevin De Bruyne returns from injury to come off the bench and inspire a late turnaround against the Magpies.
Man City 3 – 1 Man Utd: Phil Foden puts on a masterclass as City lay down a marker on their title ambitions and breeze past their local rivals in the process.
Man City 0 – 0 Arsenal: A goalless draw that, although disappointing, meant City were still keeping pace with the teams around them and could maintain their spot in the title race. A loss could have put Arsenal out of sight of the Cityzens.
Man City 4 – 1 Aston Villa: Following consecutive draws against title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, City bounce back with a thumping of Unai Emery’s high-flying Villa to keep the pressure on the Gunners. More

AND so it ends for Scotland. As it always ends.With a lament for what might have been, a tale of near misses.Scotland are out of the EurosCredit: GettyScotland thought they deserved a penalty when Stuart Armstrong was brought down by Victor OrbanCredit: ReutersKevin Csoboth celebrates Hungary’s winnerCredit: GettyThere were worrying scenes with Barnabas Varga treated after a collission with Angus GunnCredit: GettyAnd the long march back to base for the Tartan Army, bedraggled and frustrated, accompanied by the drone of the forlorn bagpipes.This time they were within seconds of having to hang around, waiting for the guillotine to fall, a living Euro 2024 death, drawn-out limbo but with only one likely outcome.Maybe, then, it was better to suffer the killer blow as Kevin Csoboth slid home with Steve Clarke’s men horribly exposed in the 100th minute.Scotland lacked the quality, the belief, the conviction they needed, the victory they required.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Indeed, if you don’t have a shot on goal until deep in stoppage time, you are unlikely to win.For Scotland it was the same familiar story against Eastern European opponents.Those draws against Yugoslavia in 1974, the Soviet Union four years later, the Hampden humbling by Croatia in 2021.Now 12 tournaments reached, 12 failures to go past the group stage, 28 years and counting since the last win at a finals.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSScotland failed to produce a shot on targetThey failed to convert their possession into chancesTo be fair to Clarke, fate dealt him and his team a horror hand here in Germany.The pre-tournament losses of Lyndon Dykes and Ben Doak were compounded by Ryan Porteous’ red card against Germany and then Kieran Tierney limping out of the draw with Switzerland.Scotland vs Hungary suspended as medics rush to help and player surrounded by sheets in concerning scenesYet on a night when they needed to be more than the sum of their parts, Scotland once again came up short, the only conviction coming from the stands.This was a team with as much menace as a plastic dirk. No threat. No penetration.Yes, they did dominate possession in the opening phase, with Billy Gilmour and Callum McGregor pulling the strings.But they never looked like causing issues for Peter Gulacsi, Che Adams’ limitations all too clear.The first 45 minutes saw more bookings than shots on goal, with the only save coming from Angus Gunn, dealing with a bouncing long-range strike by Bendeguiz Bolla, created by Hungary’s Bury-born Callum Styles.Midfielder Styles, who opted for Hungary through his grandparents, then picked up the first caution for an ugly lunge on John McGinn in the centre circle.The contrasting emotion was clear to see in the standsCredit: GettyKevin Csoboth struck an incredible late winnerCredit: PAHungary will hope a win is enough to reach the last 16Credit: GettyAndy Robertson’s starting position high on the left showed faith in Scott McKenna, who replaced Tierney in the only change from the side which drew with the Swiss.Yet the longer it went on, the more confident the Magyars looked.Dominik Szoboszlai wasted one free-kick chance and when Adams transgressed again on the edge of his own box, the Liverpool playmaker nearly conjured the opener.Scotland expected a shot, switching off completely as Szoboszlai picked out the back post, relieved when defender Willi Orban’s header flicked off the bar.Che Adams struggled in attackSzoboszlai had squandered another shooting chance just before the break yet it was, in truth, an absolutely awful game, zero quality on display, Adams’ 53rd-minute scoop over the top Scotland’s first attempt.That came after McTominay had ruled himself out of a potential last-16 game with his second booking of the tournament, while soon after McGinn scampered away down the right but had no options.Neither side had shown anything like enough, although Scotland had another escape when Martin Dardai, up from the back, headed against his own shoulder and over the bar.With 22 minutes left, a collision in the Scotland box left Hungary striker Barnabas Varga down and clearly in a serious condition.Some of the Hungarian players were in tears, forming a protective shield before screens were put around the player – in scenes reminiscent of Christan Eriksen’s collapse three years ago – as he was carried off on a stretcher.But there was still a match to be won and Scotland pleaded for a spot-kick when Stuart Armstrong, just on for McGinn, went down in the box after tangling with Orban.Argentine ref Facundo Tello shook his head, the VAR did not intervene.The injury meant 10 extra minutes. Time for hope but not salvation, Gunn denying Szoboszlai before substitute Csoboth smacked against the post as Scotland ran empty.READ MORE SUN STORIESScotland pushed for the winner but were caught on the counter by Scoboth.Not to be. Once again. Maybe it never will be. More

LAST-GASP super-sub Niclas Fullkrug pounced with a header to break Swiss hearts.Two minutes into added time Germany’s goal machine rose brilliantly to head home on the night Scotland exited the Euros.Niclas Fullkrug hails his crucial late goal for the hostsCredit: ReutersFullkrug rose brilliantly to flash home a crossCredit: GettyDan Ndoye arrived perfectly to flash Switzerland in frontCredit: ReutersNdoye stunned the hosts with a breakthrough against the tide of playCredit: ReutersKai Havertz leapt for one of several German chances before they levelledCredit: AFPMurat Yakin’s side thought they’d won it courtesy of a first half Dan Ndoye strike and were ready to celebrate a first competitive win over them for 86-years.But then Borussia Dortmund ace Fullkrug – unlucky not to be starting ahead of Kai Havertz – had his say to secure top spot in Group A for Germany and a last 16 tie in Dortmund on Saturday.Switzerland, though, still clinched second spot and they will now play in Berlin the same day.For the third game in a row Julian Nagelsmann named the same Germany team which was a little surprising given that they’re already comfortably through to the knockout stage.READ MORE TOP STORIESThere had been a thought the Germany head coach might want to rest one or two of his top men.But, no, Nagelsmann’s stressed the need for rhythm – and there was the need also to wrap up things as group winners.Swiss boss Yakin didn’t mind seeing legend Xherdan Shaqiri net a beauty midweek against Scotland, making him the only player to score at the last three Euros and World Cups.But it also didn’t stop him from dropping the Chicago Fire attacker – bringing back frontman Breel Embolo for his first international start in 18-months after recovering from knee and hamstring injuries.MOST READ IN FOOTBALLAntonio Rudiger, Robert Andrich and Jonathan Tah show German frustration before they were rescued at the deathCredit: GettyEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSIt was a frantic opening five minutes with some meaty tackles flying in.After just 18 seconds Germany left-back Maximillian Mittelstadt was clattered late by Fabian Rieder.England fans face a beer drought in Cologne after Scotland’s Tartan Army fans drank bars dry – knocking back a million pints in three daysAndrich netted past Yann Sommer, whose blushes were spared by VARCredit: GettyThere was plenty of muscle from the aggressive Swiss.But it would be the Germans – dazzling in their opening victories over Scotland and Hungary – who would produce the first moment of class…and it would come from their top man Jamal Musiala.Two tournament goals had helped electrify Germany’s bid to end a 28-year wait to become Euro champions and he delivered stunning second minute skill to lose a marker deep in his own half and then storm up the pitch.Musiala then dinked what looked a superb ball into the box for Ilkay Gundogan only for Fabian Schar to make a desperate lunging clearance for a corner.From Toni Kroos’ delivery Havertz rose first at the near post but could only head straight at Yann Sommer.It looked as if the Germans had the Swiss clocked – pinning them back with relentless pressure.It needed a magnificently timed penalty box tackle by veteran defender Ricardo Rodriguez on Havertz, from a Mittelstadt cross, to deny the host nation.Referee Daniele Orsato ruled out Robert Andrich’s early openerCredit: GettyGermany Euro 2024 guideGERMANY’S reputation as tournament football’s greatest nation has taken a battering in recent years.

The hosts haven’t won a knockout game in eight years and the pressure is on for them to get it right in front of their home crowd.
MANAGER: Julian Nagelsmann
Bright, young and a bit of a maverick. The ex-Bayern Munich boss is known for his flashy outfits and arriving for training on a skateboard. 
STAR MAN: Jamal Musiala
The 21-year-old former Chelsea star could have been playing for England and can make things happen out of nothing.
How Germany attack
Toni Kroos will typically drop deep to take the ball off the defence with the Germans then overloading the side of the pitch the ball is on.
That gives them the option of either passing through the congested area or attacking the other side with a crossfield ball to the man in space.
How Germany defend
Germany’s striker and the team’s five midfielders will form a diamond shape in the hope of preventing the opposition playing through the middle.
Should opponents then play the ball wide, the German full-backs will be expected to press high up the pitch in an attempt to win possession.
Read the full Germany Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags

Then Germany thought they’d grabbed a 17th minute lead – Andrich making Sommer look stupid with a weak 20-yard shot which bounced over the Swiss No1 who could only push it into the net at his near post.But, only seconds before Musiala had caught Michel Aebischer late in the box from another Mittelstadt cross and VAR official Massimilliano Irrati spotted it to instruct ref Daniele Orsato to disallow it.How the gloating Swiss fans cheered.And they were absolutely ecstatic in the 28th minute as their heroes took a stunning lead.Ndoye burst into the box to clinically volley home an excellent Remo Freuler cross – and silence the home support.Brilliant combination play from the Bologna team-mates.Just a few minutes later Ndoye almost did it again, striding away from Toni Rudiger and firing a left shot from the far side of the box which beat a diving Manuel Neuer and was inches past the post.Germany were in a daze – going behind for the first time – and the rock solid Swiss would see out things until half time.Yakin’s men had gone into this unbeaten in their last three meetings with Germany but with only one victory in 21 games going back to 1959 and that was a friendly in 2012.They were performing well, stifling the Germans and dangerous on the counter.History also told you they’d only lost once before in the Euros after taking the lead, back in 2008.Five minutes into the second half, though, they needed Sommer to fist away a powerful Musiala shot with Gundogan making a hash of a rebound volley.German legend Toni Kroos reflects on a missCredit: AFPSwitzerland Euro 2024 guideIN RECENT years, the Swiss national team have been as reliable as one of their watches.

They’ll always be at tournaments and always go out in the last 16 – with the exception of Euro 2020 when they stunned France to win on penalties and reach the quarter-finals.
MANAGER: Murat Yakin
Former Basel coach who had a brush with Jose Mourinho in 2013, beating Chelsea in the Champions League.
STAR MAN: Granit Xhaka
The Swiss captain makes everything tick and is coming off the best season of his career, winning the double at Bayer Leverkusen.
How Switzerland attack
Switzerland are comfortable playing out from the back and can launch quick attacking moves with a pass from defence.
They will then quickly get the ball wide or to the strikers’ feet before pushing multiple players forward to occupy space.
How Switzerland defend
Switzerland are versatile in the way they defend and comfortable hanging back in a low block.
But at times they will completely change their approach to press high and catch the opposition off-guard.
Read the full Switzerland Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags

Meet 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

Then Kroos shot narrowly wide as the Germans pushed for an equaliser.But it was deep frustration for them as the Swiss continued to thwart them.Sub David Raum and Havertz had efforts but the Germans went into the closing stages looking powderpuff after previously looking deadly in Munich and Stuttgart.Nagelsmann threw on Leory Sane and Fullkrug in a desperate bid to find a breakthrough.But the Swiss remained stout at the back as the Germans, for the first time in the competition, struggled to create.Sane volleyed wide from outside the box as the minutes evaporated for them.Swiss sub Ruben Vargas thought he’d made it 2-0 on the break only to be flagged offside.Seconds later an under-performing Havertz headed over from six yards.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut it would be the Swiss again who went closest to another goal – Neuer producing a brilliant full-stretch 89th minute save to deny Granit Xhaka’s shot from distance.Deep into added time, however, Fullkrug dramatically levelled with a close range header. More