Euro 2024

UKRAINE produced a memorable comeback to reignite their Euros hopes in Dusseldorf – denting Slovakia’s chances of progressing to the last 16.After a dismal 3-0 capitulation to Romania in their Group E opener, the Ukrainians fought from behind to finally prove their mettle out in Germany.Roman Yaremchuk scores Ukraine’s late winnerCredit: ReutersYaremchuk celebrates his brilliant goalCredit: ReutersIvan Schranz – after his winning strike to down Belgium – netted again in the 17th minute to put the Slovaks within touching distance of the Euros knock-out rounds for the second time in their history.But Mykola Shaparenko sparked a second half turnaround in the 54th minute before substitute Roman Yaremchuk stepped up with a crucial 80th minute winner.It was a goal that has shaken an unpredictable Group E even further and silenced the doubters who felt Ukraine would end up being this tournament’s whipping boys, setting up an edgy group finale against Belgium while Slovakia must get a result against Romania.The Slovaks will be praying that lightning does not strike twice – having also won their opening group clash at Euro 2020 only to be knocked out after back-to-back defeats.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs promised in the build-up, Ukraine boss Serhiy Rebrov made wholesale changes from their Romanian collapse – four to be precise – the most intriguing coming in goal as Anatoliy Trubin replaced Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin in goal after his calamitous opening day outing.It looked to be a good decision early doors as 22-year-old Trubin made three important saves inside the opening 16 minutes with Slovakia carrying on where they left off against Belgium.But the Ukraine shot-stopper could do nothing to deny the Slovaks taking the lead soon after as some poor defending from the men in yellow was brutally punished.A quick throw was lobbed to the far post by Lukas Haraslin and as Oleksandr Zinchenko missed his header, Schranz connected with his for his second of the group.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYHe is just the second player in Slovakia’s history to net twice at one major tournament.It was the 30-year-old Slavia Prague winger’s fifth goal in 24 caps, one that had Ukraine fearing a second successive Euros group stage thumping.’I don’t want to be a part of it’ says Joe Hart as ex-England goalkeeper makes passionate defence of Three Lions stars Already, the Ukrainians looked out of ideas as Mykhailo Mudryk needlessly blazed a shot from range over the bar followed by a scream of frustration.You could see why it took them 77 minutes to have their first shot on target against Romania.Calmer heads soon prevailed as Chelsea’s Mudryk played a neat ball in behind for Artem Dovbyk only to be denied by some brilliant last-ditch defending.Mudryk was involved again with a curler blocked on the edge of the box, and after a one-two between Dovbyk and Andriy Yarmolenko, the post was rattled by Oleksandr Tymchyk.Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka looked to get a fingernail to the effort, and was alert again to smother and indecisive Mudryk after nodding a header past Slovak left-back Denis Vavro.Mykola Shaparenko fires Ukraine levelCredit: RexShaparenko celebrates his strikeCredit: GettyWho 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.

Slovakia reminded Ukraine of their attacking prowess just before the break, Haraslin pouncing on a loose ball and cutting inside to test the gloves of Trubin yet again.Yet Ukraine kept probing in the second half through more impressive play by Mudryk, darting down the wing and should have picked up an assist with Dovbyk fluffing his free header from six yards.There was nothing fluffed about Shaparenko’s finish moments later however, firing into the bottom corner from Zinchenko’s low delivery. You could feel the relief ooze from those yellow shirts.It went from bad to worse for Slovakia as David Hancko – an injury doubt before this one – was forced off with a groin injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESUkraine sensed an opportunity – Mudryk coming close with a stabbed shot at the near post.But it was Shaparenko at the heart of things to give Ukraine an emotional winner with 10 minutes remaining. A lobbed pass was toe-poked past Dubravka by Yaremchuk before watching the ball dribble over the line.Ivan Schranz puts Slovakia into a first-half leadCredit: GettySchrank celebrates his early goalCredit: AP More

GARETH SOUTHGATE knows something needs to change to turn England around.Four points after two group games is a positive – but the performances have been unbalanced, largely stale and a concern.England were held to a 1-1 draw by Denmark on ThursdayCredit: PAGareth Southgate’s troops looked devoid of ideas against the DanesCredit: REXAdam Wharton could be Southgate’s secret weaponCredit: GettyThe midfield must change. England look tired and short on ideas and miles off the more impressive sides at Euro 2024 so far – namely Spain and Germany.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s secondment to midfield will come to an end – but there are no obvious answers when it comes to re-balancing the middle of the park.Southgate’s first alternative so far, Conor Gallagher, brings energy but lacks the technical quality for England to dominate possession.Gallagher’s intense presence can add to the feeling that England are not in control of games. They need assurances.READ ON ENGLANDAdam Wharton, the Crystal Palace midfielder, did not have a single Three Lions cap before being called up for this tournament.When he made the move to Palace from Championship side Blackburn in January he would not have been expecting to spend his summer in Germany.But now Southgate may see him as the answer.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThe Rise of Adam WhartonBy Jack Rosser
TOP level football has been like a stroll in the park for Adam Wharton so far.
The 20-year-old cruised into the Premier League with Crystal Palace after they snatched him up from Blackburn in a £22.5million transfer in January and has since hit the ground running for England.
And just 16 league games later, Wharton is already drawing the attention of European giants Bayern Munich, who want to spend £60m on him.
A strong England display against Bosnia and Herzegovina gave the uninitiated a glimpse into what has the Eagles faithful squawking over him in south London.
Despite only coming on as a 62nd-minute sub, Wharton completed 37 successful passes, making him the first midfielder to attempt 30-plus passes and complete every single one on his England debut.
Even the man himself has been left stunned by his meteoric rise.
In an interview with SunSport, Wharton said: “I definitely didn’t think it would go as well as it has.
“I thought maybe I’d get a few appearances here and there because it is a big step up.
“You don’t know what is going to happen with a new team, new environment but the lads were great as soon as I came in.”
Yet to those who watched him growing up, it is par for the course.
Wharton’s nonchalant style had teachers at Moorland, the private school where Blackburn send players, comparing him to Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle – before he earned the nickname “Messi”.
Charlie Jackson, who taught Wharton at Moorland having previously worked with United star Scott McTominay, told SunSport: “All our sessions were pass and move and he’d jump all over them, it was meat and drink for him.
“He creates but sees the game, it’s like he has a crystal ball.
“When I played him for school, you wouldn’t see him for 20 minutes in the game – he’d just go missing – and then all of a sudden you’d see a pass which is Maradona-esque.
“Then he’s on it again and gets man of the match.”
Being small early on helped mould a technically gifted player before having a massive growth spurt.
Darragh Tuffy, who coached Wharton as a youth player at Blackburn, told SunSport: “He was always the smallest player in his age group coming through, a real late developer physically.
“In games that was never a problem for him. He was always able to stand out with his technical attributes which he still does now. He didn’t hit his growth spurt until 17.
“We knew he was going to come through that and as long as he carried on doing what he was good at we were going to have a really good footballer on our hands.”
And now paired with his towering figure and laid-back demeanour, it has created a recipe for an eye-catching midfielder with a complete arsenal to dominate any midfield battle.
Yet it is not just his technical and physical ability that has split him from his peers, but also a hardwired mentality to brush off criticism.
Wharton’s first game in England’s top flight was far from ideal, giving the ball away before Brighton grabbed their third in a 3-0 demolition of the Eagles.
Wharton said: “It wasn’t the best start, definitely. It was always going to happen, you’re never going to play every game perfect.
“I got caught on the ball and then they went on to score from that. It was a moment where you realise to switch on, you can’t spend that much time on the ball, play simple, play fast.
“It was a wake-up call. I knew after that I would be fine. I carried on with the game as usual.
“You can’t let if affect you in a negative way as it’s only going to get worse. I did alright.
“I definitely stepped on from there. It has helped me as much as it was a bad moment at the time. Without that I wouldn’t have learned that lesson.”
His response to the error impressed former boss Roy Hodgson, and since then Palace have witnessed a calm, composed and creative presence in midfield which has blown away new boss Oliver Glasner.
Tuffy added: “All through his age groups he had this weird ability to never be phased by anything.
“I watch him in the Premier League now and he is playing passes that he used to do in training. He doesn’t get phased by pressure, you just can’t teach that.
“He looks like he is in total control of what he is doing, takes the ball under pressure and looks like the calmest man on the pitch.”
An eye for a pass builds into Wharton being bright and intelligent and able to adapt to anything, whether it be moving to London or revising for GCSE’s.
Jackson said: “Oh, he didn’t even have to revise for GCSEs. I use him as an example to the GCSE boys. He was an all-rounder with his head screwed on. Adam could turn himself into anything.
“He lived near British Aerospace with his parents and I used to say he could be a rocket scientist and work there, that is how bright he was.”
His adaptability also helped smooth over his move from sleepy Lancashire to the Big Smoke, even if he rates his own cooking as “bang average”.
Comparing life in the capital compared to the family home, Wharton said: “I was five minutes from the training ground so it was nice and easy.
“Low rent, it was perfect. The rent is a lot more here and the traffic is a lot busier!
“I’ve settled really well. The lads made it easier. It’s a big change, living on my own. Sorting out all the bills, that is a lot of work. I am laid back and relaxed.
“I train, go back. Maybe go for a walk around London, watch football if it’s on – which it is most nights thankfully. Gives me plenty to do.
“I try to cook some food, that is bang average. My speciality… Pasta.
“I’m nothing special but I don’t mind too much. I like what I cook and I’m on my own so I don’t have to worry about anyone else judging me.”
While no one is running the rule over Wharton’s cooking, there have been plenty of eyes on his football, including England boss Gareth Southgate.
Asked about Wharton’s impact in his first senior call-up, a smiling Southgate said: “There is no question he has impressed us. “I’m really pleased.
“He showed in the cameo what we’ve seen in training in the last week and what we’ve seen with his club. “He is a very calm boy. He seems to have taken everything in his stride and when you talk to him, he is unflappable — as he was on the pitch.
“That ability to receive a ball and see a picture early and play it forward, that isn’t something you should underestimate.
“The other players have recognised his quality. There’s a lot still ahead of him.
“Players like Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have been around for a decade and know how to control the rhythm of a game.
“That’s a step beyond where we’re at with Wharton and Mainoo. They’re really tender in their development.
“They’re doing really well and we’re excited about working with them.
“But we’ve got to be realistic about what that’s going to look like in terms of controlling the tempo at the highest possible level — which is also a step none of them have seen.”

Wharton, as many have noted, has not been overwhelmed by any step up in his career so far – but this would be a gamble.Most read in Euro 2024Moving up to the Premier League is challenging, as is an England debut even in a friendly. JENA, GERMANY – JUNE 11: Adam Wharton of England poses for a photo at the Weimarer Land Hotel on June 11, 2024 in Jena, Germany. (Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)But nothing compares to stepping into the white heat of a tournament when the Three Lions are under pressure.The reaction to Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Denmark has been alarming.Gary Neville suggested Declan Rice cannot play as a holding midfielder – despite excelling in that role for years with club and country.Alan Shearer almost wrote Harry Kane’s England obituary on the BBC. So Wharton would be stepping into quite the cauldron, by far the biggest test for his cool head to date.But if, as he has done at every step to date, the midfielder can take another step up in his stride, there are plenty of positives to the gamble.Rice, who has effectively played as the sole defensive midfielder anyway due to Alexander-Arnold’s struggles, would not have to cover so much ground and could look to have an impact further up the pitch.Wharton does not charge around but reads the game well, is composed on the ball and positive in looking to play forwards.England have looked shaky in possession so far and something needs to change.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere would still be issues to solve further forwards, bringing in Wharton would mean keeping Phil Foden out on the left were Southgate to stick with the Footballer of the Year.But any move the manager makes now will be a gamble – so why not roll the dice on Wharton? More

ENGLAND fans have pointed out the performance that proves Anthony Gordon should start against Slovenia.The Newcastle winger, 23, is yet to play a single minute at Euro 2024.When you actually have runners off Kane… one of England’s best performances under Southgate. Build around your best player not hinder. pic.twitter.com/3gLkF2pJeq— Spurs ITK hub (@SpursITKhub) June 20, 2024

Harry Kane starred against Spain in 2018Credit: ReutersKane set up Marcus Rashford against the SpaniardsCredit: ReutersThe skipper also excelled alongside two-goal Raheem SterlingCredit: Getty Images – GettyFollowing the Three Lions’ 1-1 draw with Denmark, England’s misfiring attack has come under the microscope.Reigning Premier League Player of the Season Phil Foden is yet to shine on the left flank, while Bukayo Saka has not provided his best form on the right.After last night’s game, a clip from one of Gareth Southgate’s finest games in charge surfaced online.In 2018, the Three Lions beat Spain 3-2 in Seville.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn that occasion, Southgate’s men led 3-0 at half-time, having played some scintillating football on the counter.Skipper Harry Kane was involved in all three goals, dropping deep to find pacey runners in behind to devastating effect.With Kane’s form having come into question after the Denmark game, fans harked back to that Spain victory.Posting a clip of the three goals, one wrote: “When you actually have runners off Kane… one of England’s best performances under Southgate. Build around your best player not hinder.”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA second subsequently pointed out: “That means you have to play Bowen and Gordon really.”While a third commented: “Newcastle bias but how Gordon isn’t getting on or game time is incredibly shocking.”Gareth Southgate needs to take urgent action to avoid Euro 2024 disaster – here’s how England should line up vs SloveniaEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYPundits 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.”

And another claimed: “Been saying this, if you have to play Foden, play him in the 10, Jude as an 8 then Gordon off the left, in international football you need pace.”Against Spain, Kane lined up with Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford.Sterling produced two emphatic finishes on that night, following great work from Kane in the build-up.While Rashford also got his name on the scoresheet.In addition to Gordon, Cole Palmer is also yet to feature at all at Euro 2024.While West Ham star Bowen has made two cameos from the bench.Southgate, 53, has started Kane, Saka and Foden as his front three in both matches thus far.But he did raise eyebrows against Denmark by making a triple change in the 69th minute.The England boss removed his front three, throwing on Ollie Watkins, Bowen and Eberechi Eze.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis changes were in vain, however, with England failing to find a winner.England will next be in action on Tuesday, when they meet Slovenia in Cologne.Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon are yet to make it off the bench at Euro 2024Credit: GettyKane and Co are yet to hit top gear in GermanyCredit: Reuters More