Euro 2024

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

GARETH SOUTHGATE claims England are struggling without Kalvin Phillips in midfield.The manager has started right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in the centre of the pitch in the 1-0 win over Serbia and 1-1 draw with Denmark.Gareth Southgate was questioned after playing Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield againCredit: GettySouthgate shockingly blamed the lack of Kalvin Phillips for the reason behind England’s strugglesCredit: GettyBut his decision to play the Liverpool star out of position has been questioned after an underwhelming team performance against the Danes.He was hooked off just 54 minutes into the game as recognised midfielder Conor Gallagher came on.After the final whistle, Southgate said the team’s drab displays have been partly down to difficulty pressing and keeping the ball.And on whether the new role for Alexander-Arnold is working, he added: “He’s had some moments where he has delivered what we thought he would.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We know it is an experiment – we don’t have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips – but we are trying some different things.”At the moment, we are not flowing as we would like, that’s for sure.”On subbing on Gallagher, Southgate explained: “I wanted to get Conor on, we needed some energy to press better and Conor does that very well.”Phillips failed to make the England squad after struggling for minutes at Manchester City and failing to impress during a nightmare loan spell at West Ham.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBut before his drop in form, the 28-year-old was a key man for his country and one of the team’s stars at Euro 2020 as the Three Lions made the final.Phillips has 31 caps for England but has not represented his country since November 2023.The Sun’s Charlie Wyett slams Woeful England after bland 1-1 draw with DenmarkSouthgate also opted not to select stalwart Jordan Henderson for the Euros – instead giving youngster Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton a place on the plane.The Manchester United wonderkid, 19, played four minutes against Serbia and the Crystal Palace ace, 20, is yet to come off the bench.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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HARRY KANE admitted England are “struggling” all over the pitch after their dispiriting draw with Denmark.The skipper poached a quick opener but the Three Lions faded even before Morten Hjulmand thundered the Danes’ point-saver on 34 minutes.Boss Gareth Southgate took Harry Kane off during the second halfCredit: RexKane slide the Three Lions in front early on but they could only drawCredit: RexIt was another step down following a mediocre 1-0 win over Serbia in England’s Euro 2024 opener, when Jude Bellingham’s early scoring header offered false hope of a powerful performance.The Three Lions are still strong favourites to go through as they lead Group C by two points ahead of next Tuesday’s clash with Slovenia.But Kane told the BBC: “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).READ MORE TOP FOOTBALL”Everyone is dropping below their level a bit, in terms of retaining the ball, playing under pressure.”Boss Gareth Southgate summed up his problems by replacing the famed front three of Kane, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden midway through a tame second half.And England’s record scorer is well aware his side will face criticism.New Bayern Munich hero Kane said: “We know there’ll be a bit of noise and disappointment back home.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLENGLAND 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.

EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS”But it’s a time to stay calm and we’ll get there step by step.”However, Kane accepted that the Three Lions have fallen away both times after two promising starts in Germany this week.The Sun’s Charlie Wyett slams Woeful England after bland 1-1 draw with DenmarkHe added: “It wasn’t our greatest game but we got away with draw.”We are starting games well. But when the teams are dropping a few players deeper we are not quite sure how to get the pressure on, and who is the one who is supposed to be going.”In the second half, we changed it with me and Jude (Bellingham)  playing in front of their two midfielders. But it was difficult.”Alan Shearer explains how England can get the best out of Harry Kane More

ENGLAND were held to a drab 1-1 draw by Denmark following another disappointing display in Germany.It was a repeat of the same old story – score, sit back and hope for the best.England were held to a disappointing draw by DenmarkCredit: ReutersIt was an uninspiring performance from the Three LionsAlthough this time it didn’t work.Captain 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 fantastic strike.England failed to up the tempo, while Denmark gave Jordan Pickford and Co some frights.Read More on EnglandGareth Southgate’s side appeared to drop very deep after breaking the deadlock, almost forcing central midfielder Declan Rice into the back four alongside John Stones and Marc Guehi.The Arsenal star’s average position was almost identical to that of Guehi’s, distinguishing the lack of space between lines across the 90 minutes.Rice also spent most of the match in the defensive third along with the two centre-backs.Plenty of fans on social media noticed the change of position, with one person writing: “Every England player has been horrid, but I am completely baffled by Declan Rice. For a guy who’s a midfielder, his positioning has been really bad, sitting so deep that he might as well be a CB.”Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSDeclan Rice was forced to drop deepThe midfielder was playing in an identical position to Marc GuehiENGLAND 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.

While another commented: “Declan Rice should convert to his default position which is CB.”Even Kane was susceptible to dropping deep – despite being England’s sole No9.The striker was in line with England’s penalty area when he gave the ball away in the build-up to Denmark’s equaliser.Discussing Kane’s positioning and style of play after the match, Three Lions legend Alan Shearer told BBC Sport: “When I got into my thirties and I lost a yard of pace, I needed legs around me.The Sun’s Charlie Wyett slams Woeful England after bland 1-1 draw with Denmark”I needed pace around me. I could still hold the ball up, I could still head it, I still had a good touch, I could still score goals.”But the one thing I constantly couldn’t do was run in behind.”So he needs players around him to do that. I would do that, that’s why I’d have [Anthony] Gordon in the team. He has the energy, he has the ability to run in behind he has the ability to get up near him.”Whereas [Phil] Foden wants to be tight in the No10 role very much like Harry Kane does.”He’s a brilliant goalscorer, he will always score goals. But what he does lack is that energy. Someone else can do that alongside him.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA 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.Harry Kane also dropped deep and gave away the ball on one occasionEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More