Euro 2024

GARETH SOUTHGATE has provided a concerning update on Harry Kane’s fitness.The England skipper got on the scoresheet as the Three Lions were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw with Denmark.Gareth Southgate appeared concerned over Harry Kane’s fitnessCredit: AFPKane was subbed off and replaced by Ollie Watkins after 69 minutes as England struggled to create chances in the game.The move was part of a bold triple change made by Southgate as he was also hooked Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka for Eberechi Eze and Jarrod Bowen.Explaining the substitutions, Southgate said: “We just felt the whole front line put a lot of work into the game the other day [versus Serbia].”He’s only had one 90 minutes in the last five or six weeks – so the other night took a lot out of him.READ MORE ON EURO 2024″We could’ve stayed with it – but we thought to get speed in the front line and to get energy to be able to press was important.”That was the decision we took with all of the substitutes, basically.”There was concern over Kane’s fitness prior to the tournament as he missed the end of the season with Bayern Munich due to a back problem.It led to him missing the final two Bundesliga games of the campaign in May.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSTo help him recover in time for the Euros, he worked with Dr Alejandro Elorriaga Claraco, who also helped cure his long-standing ankle problems.Ex-Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel admitted last month: “Harry is receiving treatment from his personal doctor. He cannot travel. He was already at the limit in Madrid. It was a borderline decision for him to play.Gary Lineker ‘shows better movement than the England team’ as MOTD host delivers scathing Harry Kane verdict”He had a complete blockade in his back, it’s got worse and bothers him in everyday movements. There was no chance for him to participate in the game.”Southgate will be desperate for Kane to be fit as England face Slovenia on Tuesday.Avoiding defeat will see them qualify for the knockout rounds. 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. More

TWO England fans were left requiring medical treatment after celebrating the Three Lions’ opening goal against Denmark.Harry Kane put Gareth Southgate’s side ahead at a time when they looked in complete control of the game.England fans went wild as Harry Kane netted the opening goalCredit: AlamyBut Morten Hjulmand equalised for Denmark as the match ended in a disappointing drawCredit: GettyBut one fan was taken to hospital in an ambulance with strapping around his ankle after celebrating the goalEngland fan Chad Thomas before a previous away gameCredit: SuppliedBut Morten Hjulmand’s long range equaliser ensured a share of the spoils from a game where England didn’t get going again.However some England fans didn’t get to witness the full match as they were taken to hospital in an ambulance after wildly celebrating the opener.Chad Thomas, a fan of non-league side Frickley Athletic, told SunSport that he had rolled his ankle celebrating the 18th minute strike.And he tweeted a picture of himself from an ambulance with strapping around his ankle saying: “Goal injury celebration. 😂🥴”READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSBut fortunately, the Three Lions superfan confirmed in a Facebook post that he had not suffered any serious injuries.He wrote: “Good news, the X-ray came back all clear. Nothing is broken. Just €310 out of pocket.🤣(Yes I am covered) and high on painkillers now.”I blame Harry Kane for that madness. And judging by the 2nd half on my phone. I didn’t miss anything inside the stadium.”Another England fan meanwhile, did not appear to be so lucky.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe supporter tweeted a video of himself receiving treatment inside the stadium on what looked to be a severely swollen ankle.It was captioned: “So you’ve broken your ankle on international duty.”The Sun’s Charlie Wyett slams Woeful England after bland 1-1 draw with DenmarkClaiming that he’d fallen off a chair while celebrating the goal, he then wrote: “Snapped every ligament in my ankle.”England have yet to perform to their best ability during their matches with Serbia and the Danes.But they still sit top of the group on four points going into the final game against Slovenia.A draw would be enough for the Three Lions to be sure of qualification while a victory would ensure they finish top and likely mean they avoid a horror tie with Germany in the last 16.England legends were nevertheless quick to lay into the performance.Former captain Alan Shearer said: “You can see players lying on their back, they look absolutely shattered.”There’s no excuse for that. No energy, no pace to the game.”We didn’t run in behind until the last 10 or 15 minutes.”We got caught too many times on the ball, too many sloppy passes.”And in truth Denmark were the better team and deserved to win. There’s so much more to come. It’s really concerning.”Meanwhile, Gary Lineker put Harry Kane’s performance under the microscope.He said: “In all honesty, I think Harry Kane needs to do a lot better. I think his movement was minimal.“He didn’t look to go behind and he doesn’t often. But even when he comes short, he’s just drifting short very, kind of, lethargically.He’s plodding short. That’s not going to help.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When you’re a striker, your two jobs are, obviously to score goals which he’s brilliant at. He has been all his career, wonderful at that sort of thing.“But I think his manager to say ‘right, I need a little bit more from you Harry’. I would’ve expected that if I’d had that kind of performance.”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.

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GARETH SOUTHGATE should be brave and play Declan Rice as our sole holding midfielder.But if England manager Southgate doesn’t want to do that — and he probably doesn’t ­— then he needs to give Rice the chance to play more like he does for Arsenal.Declan Rice can be England’s sole holding midfielderCredit: RexJack Wilshere says England look well short of going all the way to the finalCredit: Darren FletcherLet’s be absolutely clear here. Rice was so important for us again during that first half against Denmark.The fact that he had a difficult second 45 minutes showed how much England were struggling.Rice himself would hold his hands up and say he gave away the ball too often.But what I took overall from his performance is that he needs more help in the engine room.READ MORE ON EURO 2024 He needs England to have a better structure, a better game plan, so that he does not have to use so much time and energy trying to tidy up a messy performance like this.Rice does that job — brilliantly. That’s why I think he could anchor the whole team on his own.With Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden playing centrally ahead of him, that would put England and Rice on the front foot, higher up the pitch and playing to our strengths.Bellingham had showed in the opening game against Serbia last Sunday that he can drop in as an extra defensive midfielder when England don’t have possession. Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBut if Gareth is unwilling to take that risk, then Conor Gallagher should have the chance against Slovenia to stake his claim to be Rice’s partner.Of course, by not having Trent Alexander-Arnold in there, you will lose something in possession — in theory, at least, because England were really poor with the ball against Denmark even while Trent was on the pitch.Gary Lineker ‘shows better movement than the England team’ as MOTD host delivers scathing Harry Kane verdictWhat Gallagher brings is energy and the ability to jump out in the press, break up play higher up the pitch.He wasn’t perfect after he came on and gave the ball away a few times. But his booking — England’s first yellow card of the tournament — showed the kind of aggression that had been missing and we were at least better out of possession.Having someone like Gallagher alongside him should give Rice the freedom to make the forward runs that he does for Arsenal.There’s a reason why last season was his best ever for scoring goals and making assists.He could do that for England, too. Versus Denmark, though, his main job was trying to hold together a pretty ragged England performance.The first problem was giving the ball away. That’s not a tactical thing, that’s not a coach thing.I don’t know whether the England players were nervous or what the reason was. It’s also 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.They were pressing high, trying to win the ball and forcing mistakes.Although an individual error led to their equaliser, it had been coming.We didn’t seem to know what to do about it. We were sitting too deep.Sometimes Harry Kane and Bellingham pressed but the midfield didn’t back it up.The distances between the England players were just too big.Denmark are a good team and they were passing the ball around us.Christian Eriksen was finding so much space in that pocket for the Danes, like we wanted Foden and Bellingham to do for us.Rice was everywhere in the first half. He had to be. Making big tackles, winning important headers, always in the right place at the right time to make an interception.He is constantly talking, too, encouraging or demanding more — but even he was feeling it in the second half,There’s been a lot of chat about how to bring the best out of England’s attacking players like Foden.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut I believe getting even more out of Rice is also crucial to our chances of doing something special at this tournament.Right now, we look well short.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.

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GARY LINEKER did not shy away from criticising Harry Kane following England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark.The Three Lions dropped points to the Danes following a disappointing performance in Frankfurt.Gary Lineker did not hold back in his criticism of Harry KaneCredit: AlamyThe former Three Lions star leapt off his seat to show the movement he wanted to see from the England captainCredit: BBCHarry Kane failed to impress despite scoringCredit: PACaptain Harry Kane broke the deadlock with his first Euro 2024 goal in the 18th minute following a Kyle Walker cross.But Morten Hjulmand equalised just before half-time with a great strike from outside the box.England struggled to get back into the game with several players dropping deep.And despite getting on the scoresheet, Lineker believes Kane needed to do more.Read More on EnglandSpeaking on BBC One, the Three Lions legend said: “In all honesty, I think Harry Kane needs to do a lot better. I think his movement was minimal.”He didn’t look to go behind and he doesn’t often. But even when he comes short, he’s just drifting short very, kind of, lethargically.”He’s plodding short. That’s not going to help.”When you’re a striker, your two jobs are, obviously to score goals which he’s brilliant at. He has been all his career, he’s wonderful at that sort of thing.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSKane’s touch map vs Denmark”But I think he needs his manager to say ‘right, I need a little bit more from you Harry’. I would’ve expected that if I’d had that kind of performance.”Fans took to social media to react to Lineker’s passionate rant, with one person writing: “Gary Lineker showing great movement off the ball here. More so than the entire England team.”The Sun’s Charlie Wyett slams Woeful England after bland 1-1 draw with DenmarkWhile another commented: “You can tell Lineker was reluctant to go at Kane too.”Speaking after the match, England captain Kane admitted: “We’re struggling with and without the ball.”The pressing in both games hasn’t been quite right. We haven’t been good enough, from top to bottom, from me to Picks (Jordan Pickford).”Everyone is dropping below their level a bit, in terms of retaining the ball, playing under pressure.”A draw was enough to see England remain at the top of Group C.However, the Three Lions will need a win against Slovenia on Tuesday to go through as group winners.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

ROY KEANE reckons England’s Euro 2024 camp has much bigger problems than two poor displays.The Manchester United legend claims “something is amiss” after worrying displays in a 1-0 win over Serbia and then a 1-1 draw with Denmark.Jude Bellingham, seen fending off Denmark scorer Morten Hjulmand, showed troubling hints of frustration, says Roy KeaneCredit: GettyBoss Gareth Southgate has substituted converted full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s first two Euro 2024 group gamesCredit: RexRoy Keane spoke out on ITVKeane singled out the body language of England’s most-feared player, Jude Bellingham, as a potential sign of trouble following their Dane pain.The ITV pundit also gave a brutal verdict on Southgate’s “huge gamble” of playing Liverpool wing-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield.Keane said: “There’s something amiss. I’m talking about the balance. Bellingham is waving his arms.”This is a big test for Gareth, a big challenge.”READ MORE TOP STORIESThe former midfield hardman was impressed with Southgate’s unusual decision to take off goalscorer Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden midway through the goalless second half.But Keane added: “It looks like he’s over-thinking things. “He’s made a few substitutions, which I admire – a bit of bravery there, making the three changes.”But there’s something amiss with this group.”MOST READ IN FOOTBALLAlexander-Arnold has produced two iffy displays, according to criticsEngland stars including Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold didn’t look too happy after subsiding to a 1-1 stalemate with DenmarkCredit: AlamyEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSTAA’s match stats show he was involved everywhere outside the two boxesEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYKeane was even more blunt in his assessment of Alexander-Arnold, who twice now has been chosen ahead of workhorse Conor Gallagher and link-player Adam Wharton in the centre.The ex-Sunderland and Ipswich chief, 52, said: “When you’ve been taken off in both games it’s not a good sign.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.

“I thought it was always a huge gamble to play someone where he doesn’t play week in week out for his club.”A lot of people say he drifts in there for Liverpool. But drifting in and starting there are two completely different things.England stars Jordan Pickford and John Stones admit ‘we could’ve played better’ but happy with crucial point in Euro 2024 clash with Denmark”It’s a tough position. He’s come up short in the two games. It’s not all down to him.”It’s a huge gamble to throw a full-back into the middle of the park.”Keane also believes that, as Alexander-Arnold struggled against Serbia and Denmark, he would be in deeper trouble against Europe’s major nations.He said: “This isn’t again the French or the Spanish of the Germans. This was in two games we thought would be fairly comfortable.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s a big ask for him and he’s not up to it.”Meet England’s Euro 2024 Wags
England Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.
Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)
The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.
Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)
The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.
Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)
Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.
Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)
England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.
Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)
Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.
Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)
Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.
Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)
The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.
Read more about the Wags who will be supporting England at Euro 2024 here More

THE matadors are back, just with a new cast list.Swirling their capes, bringing colour and adventure and the “oles” of the crowd – and then going for the kill.Riccardo Calafiori scored an own goal as Spain secured a 1-0 winCredit: APSpain have now secured their spot in the knockoutsCredit: GettyIf there was any doubt over Spain’s claims to be potential Euro 2024 winners, they were surely ended as Luis de la Fuente’s men served up the holders on a plate.A decade ago it was Xavi and Andres Iniesta who had the world at their feet, leaving football swooning.Now it is different faces, a more direct style, but still with that sense of complete belief, poise and purpose.Twin wing wonders Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal led Italy a merry dance all night, Rodri set the tempo.Read More on Euro 2024And with quality in every area of the park, this was a statement performance, if not a statement margin of victory.It may have needed an unfortunate own goal from Riccardo Calafiori to finally find a way past an inspired Gianluigi Donnarumma.But Italy were chasing shadows from the outset, beaten hollow and unable to get close to the men in red as Spain laid down a real marker in their bid to win the European title for an unprecedented fourth time.Spain had looked good in their opener against Croatia.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSSpain had more shots than Italy and more possessionThe momentum swung in Spain’s favourTonight, from the very beginning, they were even better.Williams had full-back Giovanni di Lorenzo on toast and Pedri, unmarked 12 yards out, should have scored with a second minute header from his perfect cut-back, although Donnarumma deserved credit for the fingertip save.Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024There was a swagger about Spain, with Rodri commanding in the manner so familiar to Manchester City fans and Italy struggled to contain them.The Azzurri were let off again when Williams, popping up untenanted on the six yard box as Alvaro Morata drifted wide left to curl in, flashed his header off target.  Two chances gone begging inside 10 minutes, Italian frustrations with pernickety Slovenian ref Slavko Vincic seeing Donnarumma, despite his armband, picking up an early yellow for dissent.The holders were feeding on scraps, Federico Dimarco messing up a rare counter when he played in behind four white shirts hungrily waiting inside.Normal service soon resumed. Yamal’s turn away from Demarco was a thing of beauty, matched by his driving run into the box before poking in to Morata.Donnarumma was equal to the task as the former Chelsea striker worked an angle to shoot.And the Italy captain saved his side once again with a flying leap and top hand stop to turn Fabian Ruiz’ rising 25-yarder behind for a corner. It felt as if a Spain opener was inevitable as the Italian back line rocked under the punches being thrown, blows to open them up for the potential knock-out, with di Lorenzo enduring a torrid night at the hands of Williams.Lamine Yamal impressed once again for SpainCredit: GettyNico Williams was also a bright sparkCredit: GettyTime and again, just  as they seemed set to break, Italy found a block, a tackle, a barge, hoping against hope that the storm would eventually subside, Donnarumma holding firm under fire from Fabian once more.At the break, despite parity, the Italians were shaking their heads as if they were seeking answers.Luciano Spalletti sought to find them by hooking Jorginho and Davide Frattesi, although Bryan Cristante’s first act was to pick up a booking for a naughty foot-cruncher on Rodri.Not that it stopped Spain, who were only missing the finishing touch.Pedri was wasteful again when he side-footed wide from 10 yards after glorious interplay between Williams and Marc Cucurella had sliced Italy apart once more.But if Spain could not find a way past the holders, Italy would do it for them.Spain Euro 2024 guideSPAIN’S team may not be a patch on the one that dominated world football 15 years ago – which had superstars coming out of its ears.
But they still topped a qualifying group consisting of Scotland and Erling Haaland’s Norway by winning nine out of ten games.
MANAGER: Luis de la Fuente
Surprise choice as coach but won the Under-21 Euros in 2019 and an Olympic silver medal a year later.
KEY MAN: Rodri
Rodri is arguably the greatest holding midfielder the Premier League has ever seen. But will he have enough left in the tank after complaints of tiredness at Man City?
How Spain attack
Spain will be a different side to that which we have seen in recent years, with the 4-3-3 replaced by a more structured 4-2-3-1 formation.
The full-backs, attacking midfielders and wingers are all ready to push forward while Rodri and Fabian Ruiz sit deep in the quarterback role.
How Spain defend
Spain’s two deep midfielders allow the rest of the team to push forward and press high up the pitch.
Their focus will be on either dispossessing the opposition defence or forcing opponents to play long by cutting off the short pass option.
Read the full Spain Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags

Williams, once more, destroyed Di Lorenzo, Morata got a flick and Donnarumma’s desperate lunge only diverted against Califiori’s left knee and back over the line.Unlike some teams we could mention, Spain did not sit back on their lead.Donnarumma denied Morata’s long-ranger, with half-time replacement Andrea Cambiaso hooking Robin Le Normand’s header off the line from the resulting corner.As the Spanish fans roared, Yamal was a whisker wide before Williams cut it from the left to send the angle of post and bar shuddering after a stunning strike that left even Donnarumma for dead.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey only lacked  a second to put the game to bed, Donnarumma making two more great saves to foil late sub Ayoze Perez in stoppage time.Yet the gulf in class was cavernously wide. And the real worry for England, Germany and the rest, is that these Spaniards are only going to improve over the years to come.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More