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      Germany 2 Hungary 0: Hosts first team through to Euro 2024 last 16 as captain Gundogan scores one and sets up another

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      GERMANY are in the pink – and they are the first team into the last 16 of Euro 2024.Sporting their popular new away kit despite hosting the tournament, coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team made it two wins from two in Group A.Germany continued their perfect start to Euro 2024Credit: GettyHungary look destined for an early flight homeCredit: APEven though the final placings are still up for grabs, with six points in the bag and a goal difference of plus six, there is no way the home team is going out in the group stage.That might sound routine for three times European champions but recent struggles means it is a signal that the boys from Berlin are back.In two of the last three major tournaments they have crashed out in the group stage.But while this was significantly harder work than brushing Scotland aside 5-1 in last Friday’s tournament opener, it is job done as far as restoring belief is concerned.READ MORE IN EURO 2024EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYThat was coach Nagelsmann’s main concern before a ball was kicked. On the back of this result in Stuttgart, he can tick that off.Jamal Musiala put Germany ahead in the 22nd minute and the 21-year-old now has a goal in each of his Euro games.The former Chelsea academy forward was perfectly positioned inside the box to collect a pass from captain Ilkay Gundogan and poke the ball in with a drilled finish.And the one-time England youth team pal of Jude Bellingham went agonisingly close with a shot on the stroke of half time.Most read in Euro 2024Jamal Musiala is now the top scorer in Euro 2024Credit: EPAEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBut the victory was just as much, if not more down to the stunning athleticism of veteran keeper Manuel Neuer.Neuer, 38, is likely playing in his last international tournament. But before and after Germany took the lead, he kept Hungary at bay.How hosts Germany look to return to their best for Euro 2024Twice in the first half he made superb reaction saves.One was from Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai from a spectacular, curling free kick that was heading for the top corner.And barely a minute into the game he defied Bendeguz Boila from close range when Germany cocked up their kick off routine and surrendered possession within four seconds of the first whistle.Captain Gundogan – formerly of Manchester City – added the second goal that sealed victory when he neatly turned in a cut back from left back Max Mittelstadt with 23 minutes to go.Gundogan also provided the assist for Musiala’s first half strike and was rewarded with a standing ovation when he was subbed in the second half.Germany face Switzerland in their final group game on Sunday. Their new kit has only been worn three times in total now and is the fastest selling in history.Ilkay Gundogan netted and provided an assist in a dominant performanceCredit: Getty More

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      Netherlands vs France – Euro 2024: Group D titans go to battle with Mbappe expected to miss huge clash – team news

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      WHEN giants collide, sparks fly. And that is exactly what we will be hoping for once again when the Netherlands take on France this Friday.Wout Weghorst was the hero for the Netherlands against PolandCredit: AFPFrance will likely be without Kylian Mbappe for the gameCredit: GettyThe two nations favoured to progress from Group D will lock horns with the hopes of topping the group.Both sides came away with victories in their opening games and can take control of the group with a win here. The Netherlands triumphed 2-1 over Poland after Wout Weghorst made his mark from the bench after 83 minutes.Their performance was not becoming of a team who represent total football, with sloppy finishing their main Achilles heel, but getting off to a good start was the main concern in the game.Read more on Euro 2024Meanwhile, France laboured to a 1-0 win over a tough Austria team courtesy of an own goal from Max Wober.Kylian Mbappe’s dangerous wing play and cross left Wober with no chance to react as the ball pinged off his head and into the net, but France are not expected to have their trump card for this game.That is because Mbappe suffered a broken nose against Austria.While he is expected to return for their final group match against Poland, game two will likely come too soon for the new Real Madrid star.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSNetherlands Euro 2024 guideRONALD KOEMAN has overhauled Holland’s playing style after returning for a second stint in charge.
      Captain Virgil van Dijk will be expected to be a stalwart in defence while Xavi Simons will be hoping for a breakout tournament. But they may miss injured Frenkie de Jong.
      MANAGER: Ronald Koeman
      Ex-Barcelona and Everton boss was the scourge of England as a player when he knocked Graham Taylor’s side out of World Cup qualifying in 1994.
      STAR MAN: Virgil van Dijk
      Liverpool star has won everything there is to win at club level and will be counted on to keep things tight at the back.
      How Holland attack
      The Netherlands will play with a typically Dutch patient possession-based build-up.
      They will stagger their positions to play through the lines, but can be overly individualistic in the final third.
      How Holland defend
      The Dutch will play with a medium block, allowing the opposition to break the first line before engaging in the midfield area.
      They can run into problems when they fail to protect the middle of the pitch.
      Read the full Netherlands 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags

      France Euro 2024 guideFRANCE are the one nation all England fans are truly afraid of.
      They are many punters’ favourites after knocking the Three Lions out of the 2022 World Cup and will be hoping to do much better than at Euro 2020, when they lost to Switzerland in the last 16.
      MANAGER: Didier Deschamps
      Coming up to 12 years in the job, the only thing missing from his CV is a European Championship.
      STAR MAN: Kylian Mbappe
      Mbappe’s PSG may have underachieved on the European stage but he remains France’s most deadly threat, with a World Cup trophy and a World Cup final hat-trick to his name.
      How France attack
      Expect to see France play in a fluid 4-3-3 – which becomes 4-2-3-1 in possession – throughout the tournament.
      Giroud acts as the focal point in the attack with the two wide players and Griezmann as No 10 supporting.
      How France defend
      We can expect to see France defend high with an emphasis on winning back possession as far up the pitch as possible.
      France will stagger their defensive shape when the opposition are in possession.
      Read the full France Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags.

      What does their form look like?The Netherlands have won eight of their last ten games.The only blots on their record have come against France and Germany.France have lost just two of their last ten games, which included a win over the Netherlands, won six.However, those two defeats both came against Germany, who themselves had an impressive start to the tournament.Les Blues also have a major head-to-head advantage in their favour, winning six of the last seven games between the nations.Overall, France have 16 wins to 11 in their favour, with another three draws between them.What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?For the Oranje there are no fresh injury concerns, only the selection dilemmas of whether to start Weghorst up front or to change up personnel out wide. The likes of Jeremie Frimpong and Donyall Malen looked dangerous off the bench so may be moved in to offer a more dynamic threat than what Xavi Simons offered in the first match.The big news for France is the likely absence of Mbappe.It throws up the question of who will replace him, and the potential answer to that could be Kinglsey Coman or Randal Kolo Muani.Didier Deschamps has the option to move Marcus Thuram up front in place of Mbappe while adding Coman on to the wing.Alternatively, Thuram could remain on the wing with Kolo Muani up front, or possibly even old favourite Olivier Giroud.Who will be the star men?Virgil van DijkCaptain Virgil van Dijk will be tasked with keeping a clean sheet against one of the best attacks in the world, even without Mbappe.He largely impressed against Poland in the opener, and his experience will be needed to ensure the Dutch have a chance this game.N’Golo KanteTalking of experience, there are not many with more than ex-Chelsea and Leicester star N’Golo Kante.He is back in the national team after a two-year absence, but his engine is enough to dominate any midfield battle in world football, and with potentially no Mbappe for France his role will be even more important.What have the managers said?Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman bemoaned his sides missed chances against Poland and said they were “lucky” to get away with it.He said: “It should have been 4-1 to us after an hour. We played very well but were not able to find the net. “It was dangerous for us but we were lucky and we scored a second goal… I think the final result increased our confidence today.”He added: “I’ve not been thinking of the next line-up, it’s weird to think about that, we’ve just finished this match.”I don’t know the line-up for the next match. We had to play for about an hour, then we tried with Donyell and Jeremie, fast and pacy. We decided we wanted to have new players like Donyell and Jeremie.”France have more qualities than Poland, they play with a different style, spaces will be different. That match of course we want to win as well, we want to beat them and that will be our focus.”Dutch boss Ronald Koeman said his team were ‘lucky’ against PolandCredit: GettyFrance boss Didier Deschamps called on his players to improve in certain areasCredit: GettyDeschamps was pleased enough with the opening win, even if he admitted they could have done better.He said: “It’s always good to start off with a win against an opponent that is very good, with a lot of athletic qualities, who put a lot of pressure on us.”We could have managed certain situations better, but overall I would assess the match as a positive. “We had to fight. And this is important. We need to keep that up for the rest of the tournament. “I’m satisfied with our first victory. We have 36 hours now to recuperate. “I don’t think the computer was very nice to us.”SunSport predictionFrance could find it difficult to find the back of the net without their talisman, though we expect that talent to still come to the fore.That being said, the Dutch are no pushovers and will make a fair go of it, we just don’t see them having enough to get a result.Netherlands 1-2 FranceWhen is Netherlands vs France?
      France’s huge game against the Netherlands will take place on Friday, June 21.
      The clash will kick off at 8pm BST.
      The Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany will host the Group D match.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      Netherlands vs France will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
      You can live stream the action on the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Can I watch for FREE?Yes, the game is available to watch for FREE on BBC One and the iPlayer, so long as you have a valid TV licence. READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
      Netherlands – 16/5
      Draw – 13/5
      France – 10/11
      *Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Scotland vs Switzerland LIVE RESULT: Tartan Army secure vital point but left to rue missed chances – latest updates

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      SCOTLAND drew with Switzerland in their second group game at Euro 2024. Scott McTominay opened the scoring via a deflection off Newcastle defender Fabian Schar to send the Scotland end into bedlam. But ex-Prem cult hero Xherdan Shaqiri equalised with a brilliant goal, curling in from outside of the box.
      Kick-off time: 8pm BST
      Stream/TV: BBC One/BBC iPlayer
      Scotland XI: Gunn; Ralston, Hendry, Hanley, Tierney; Robertson, McGinn, McGregor, Gilmour, McTominay; Adams
      Switzerland XI: Sommer; Widmer, Akanji, Schar; Rodriguez, Freuler, Xhaka, Ndoye; Vargas, Aebischer, Shaqiri
      EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThat’s all from Cologne
      Day six of Euro 2024 is over – but Scotland’s campaign is not.
      Steve Clarke’s men and the Tartan Army are still dreaming of the knockout stage after a battling 1-1 draw against Switzerland.
      The Scots’ first point of the Championship has them in third place ahead of Hungary, who they play on Sunday in Stuttgart; win and they have a great chance of making it to the Last 16.
      Attention turns to England tomorrow with the Three Lions facing Denmark in Frankfurt at 5pm.
      We’ll be back with all the action plus live coverage of Slovenia verus Serbia, and Spain against Italy.
      See you then. Goodnight,

      Copy linkCopiedScotland showing brings rare Clarke smile
      It’s not often that Steve Clarke affords himself a laugh and a joke with a pitchside reporter, but the Scotland head coach was all smiles with Eilidh Barbour as he analysed his side’s draw with Switzerland.
      We didn’t turn up in the first game, but we’re a good team when we play. You have to put the first game off as a really bad night. Tonight we were determined to make sure we went pressing, after the ball and higher up the pitch. And it was against a very good Switzerland side, I have to say.Steve ClarkeBBC

      Copy linkCopiedShaq back to punish Scotland
      Fans and followers of Scotland are rightly praising a much-improved performance, but know deep down that it could have been so much better had Anthony Ralston’s misplaced pass not fallen at the feet of Xherdan Shaqiri.
      The 32-year-old was back in the Switzerland side this evening, and rolled back the years with an incredible finish just inside the top left corner of Angus Gunn’s goal.
      In scoring, Shaqiri has become the only European player to have scored in each of the last six major tournaments since the 2014 World Cup.
      And by netting in those, the former Stoke and Liverpool star has scored in twice as many competitions as any other Swiss player in history,

      Copy linkCopiedRobertson: Performance more like us
      Scotland captain Andy Robertson saluted his teammates for the committed showing they put in, just five days after their mauling in Munich.
      The Liverpool defender admitted that Switzerland had their chances, but insisted he was delighted with the intensity and intent the Scots showed across 90 minutes.
      That was much more like us. We were aggressive, on the front foot and couldn’t have got off to a better start. We had our chances but so did they.Andy RobertsonBBC Sport

      Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from Cologne Stadium
      The very essence of a tight contest.

      Copy linkCopiedRejuvenated Scots make their point
      Scotland are off the mark in Group A with a hard-fought point against the Swiss, and now have a huge opportunity when they play Hungary next; win that and they could likely qualify in third place.
      Credit: uefa.com
      Copy linkCopiedFull time – Scotland 1-1 Switzerland
      It’s all over in Cologne!
      A intense, nail-biting 90 minutes comes to a close; Scotland are bruised and battered, but still alive.
      Steve Clarke affords himself a fist bump before embracing counterpart Murat Yakin, and the mission is now clear: beat Hungary.

      Copy linkCopiedScotland 1-1 Switzerland
      90+2. Scotland are pushing hard in stoppage time, but the ball just won’t fall kindly for them.
      A Robertson header across the face of the goal has a nation on its feet, but nobody in blue can get themselves on the end of it.
      Copy linkCopiedScotland 1-1 Switzerland
      90. Amdoui gets up and must score! Wide!
      Rieder’s free-kick from the right is met by the perfect fun of the Swiss substitute, who looks certain to head in a last-minute winner.
      Somehow, it bounces up and wide of the far post with Angus Gunn stranded.
      A huge moment at the end of his contest!

      Copy linkCopiedScotland 1-1 Switzerland
      88. Robertson fouls Rieder on the near touchline, and Switzerland have the opportunity to pack the penalty area.
      The Scotland fans inside the stadium can’t bare to look.

      Copy linkCopiedScotland 1-1 Switzerland – Switzerland double substitution
      86. That’s the end of the night for Dan Ndoye, who departs with four shots and a disallowed goal to his name.
      Also off is Silvan Widmer with Burnley forward Zeki Amdouni on along with defender Leonidas Stergiou.
      Copy linkCopied Scotland 1-1 Switzerland – Sierro yellow card
      84. Che Adams has been on the receiving end of a few kicks this evening, and this latest one leaves him sprawled out on the pitch.
      It earns Swiss midfielder Vincent Sierro a yellow card.
      Copy linkCopiedScotland 1-1 Switzerland
      82. Breel Embolo breaks through from halfway, and finishes beautifully over Angus Gunn!
      But the flag is up on the near side and the striker’s celebrations are cut short.
      The immediate consensus was that the sub had gone too early, but – once again – replays show the decision was much closer than first assumed.
      It would have been cruel on Scotland, especially as it came seconds after Scott McTominay’s volley in the other box had been blocked at close quarters.

      Copy linkCopiedScotland 1-1 Switzerland
      80. Into the final ten minutes, and this is so finely poised.
      One moment of magic could win it.
      More worryingly, one lapse in concentration could lose it.
      Copy linkCopiedScotland 1-1 Switzerland
      78. Dan Ndoye tries his luck again, but he’s no closer to finding the target. If anything, his shots are getting further away.
      Still, the forward is a constant danger, and cannot be afforded such space.
      Copy linkCopiedScotland 1-1 Switzerland
      76. McKenna fouls again. The sub will have to be careful considering his earlier booking.
      Meanwhile, Gilmour gets up inside the area for a cross, but comes off second best in his duel with Schar.
      Copy linkCopiedScotland 1-1 Switzerland – Switzerland double substitution
      74. A double change for the Swiss.
      Off goes the dangerous Ruben Vargas and midfielder Remo Freuler. The duo are replaced by Vincent Sierro and Fabian Rieder.
      Copy linkCopiedScotland 1-1 Switzerland – McGinn yellow card
      72. Now John McGinn goes into Ivan Kruzliak’s book.
      The midfielder is cautioned for leaving one on Fabian Schar after the Swiss defender sent a long ball upfield.
      Copy linkCopiedScotland 1-1 Switzerland
      70. Euro 2024 has been brilliant so far. Six days packed full of thrilling games, wonderful football and outstanding goals.
      But on the whole, the set-pieces have been rubbish.
      Andy Robertson is the latest culprit, faltering again with another right-wing corner.
      Copy linkCopiedScotland 1-1 Switzerland – McKenna yellow card
      69. Scotland substitute Scott McKenna goes into the book for fouling Breel Embolo.
      It’s an unsteady start for the defender, but at least stopped what could have resulted in a swift Swiss counter.
      Copy linkCopiedScotland 1-1 Switzerland
      67. Hanley heads against the post!
      Robertson’s free-kick on this occasion is perfect, floated perfectly into the six-yard box where Hanley had wrestled from Schar.
      The defender only had to keep it on target to score but instead helps it on to the woodwork.
      Was that the moment?
      Copy linkCopiedScotland 1-1 Switzerland
      65. Scott McTominay beats Manuel Akanji to the ball just to the right of the Switzerland penalty area, and wins a free-kick in a dangerous position.
      Victory to United in the Manchester derby.
      Copy linkCopiedScotland 1-1 Switzerland
      63. Scotland need to refocus themselves on the job at hand.
      Still adjusting to Tierney’s injury, they find themselves up against it as Vargas skips inside from the left wing and smashes wide with his right foot.
      Copy linkCopiedScotland 1-1 Switzerland – Scotland and Switzerland substitutions
      61. Scott McKenna is on in place of the stricken Tierney and will slot into the back three.
      Meanwhile, another player who knows about distressing injuries is Breel Embolo.
      The striker, out for most of last season after rupturing his ACL, is on for goalscorer Xherdan Shaqiri.
      Copy linkCopiedScotland 1-1 Switzerland
      60. It’s a sad sight for Scotland, and for football fans everywhere.
      Kieran Tierney departs the pitch on a stretcher with his hands covering his face, visibly distraught at his setback.
      It’s the latest in a long line of injury concerns for such a classy performer, and he is surely set for another spell on the sidelines.

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      James Maddison’s Wag stuns in bikini and cowboy hat on glamorous holiday after Tottenham star’s England Euro 2024 axe

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      KENNEDY ALEXA stretched the imagination of her eager fans as the bikini-clad model labelled herself a “cowgirl”.But although it didn’t take true grit to pose in the exotic waters of Turks And Caicos, James Maddison’s partner did look in magnificent heaven.Kennedy Alexa didn’t look much like a ‘cowgirl’ except for one accessoryCredit: instagram @kennedyalexaThe model looked proud to show off her figureCredit: instagram @kennedyalexaKennedy had twins with partner Maddison last JulyCredit: InstagramShe was praised for sharing bikini pics just months after giving birthCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexaKennedy wore a cowboy hat as she posed for front and side snaps in the coral island resort close to the Bahamas.It looked just the type of idyllic escape that might help Tottenham playmaker Maddison get over his omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad.Kennedy took that dreamy setting a step further by posting pics in the crystal-clear Atlantic Ocean wearing a thong bikini under the shade of her wide-brimmed hat.”Long live cowgirls,” she told her 69,000 Instagram followers.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe glamorous pictures with a slight Western theme made her fans giddy – if not quite giddy up.”Yes mam!!!” whooped one enthusiast, while another called Kennedy “the prettiest cowgirl”.Her choice of Turks And Caicos, a British Overseas Territory, also drew praise as fast as a gunslinger whips out their weapons.One fan raved: “One of my favourite places ever.”MOST READ IN FOOTBALLEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYMeet 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

      Meanwhile, assessments of Kennedy included: “You’re so stunning” … “Bodyyyyyy” … and “so gorgeous”.She also won praise last summer for sharing bikini photos soon after giving birth to twins.Meet the ten Wags ready to stun at Euro 2024Rome and Delilah were born in July 2023, three years after the birth of their first child, Leo.Kennedy was called “such an inspiration” for showing her stretch marks.In a long message on social media, she revealed she had been “learning to love my new body”.Kennedy added: “I keep reminding myself of the positives and how I’m SO grateful for how my body carried and nurtured 3 healthy babies….and two at once!!!”Bromances in England squad
      CLIQUES that were commonplace in the England camp in tournaments gone by have been well and truly consigned to history.
      Declan Rice and Ivan Toney? They have never played together at club level and only a handful of times for England, but are thick as thieves.
      Lewis Dunk and Dean Henderson? They play for arch-rivals Brighton and Crystal Palace, but that has not stopped an unlikely alliance from forming.
      Phil Foden and Cole Palmer have relished spending time together again, having done so for years for Manchester City before Palmer was sold to Chelsea for £45million last summer.
      NFL nuts Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon were chucking an American football to each other ahead of a light training session on Monday.
      John Stones and Kieran Trippier gatecrashed Jordan Pickford’s presser to see how their good mate fared, finding it hilarious as he slumped to defeat against talkSPORT.
      Conor Gallagher and Marc Guehi also have a long-standing friendship and have been besties since they were little playing in the Chelsea academy.
      Jude Bellingham and Liverpool man Trent Alexander-Arnold have also become close – evident in the Werewolf celebration they performed against Serbia.

      She gave birth to twins Delilah and Rome last year, with the couple already having a son named LeoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kennedyalexa/?hl=enKennedy has neasrly 70,000 followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramFans called Kennedy the Wag ‘queen’ after this picCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexaIt’s understood the couple began dating in 2020Credit: Instagram / @kennedyalexa More

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      Kylian Mbappe spotted for first time with nose protector after France star’s worrying injury against Austria

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has been spotted for the first time with a nose protector on as he returned to training following his broken nose.France defeated Austria 1-0 to kick off their Euro 2024 campaign on Monday – but the win came at a cost.Kylian Mbappe has been spotted wearing his nose protectorCredit: ReutersThe French captain was covered in blood after breaking his nose against AustriaCredit: GettyThe star has not undergone surgery yet while French chiefs try to get him a specialised maskCredit: AFPMbappe looks certain to miss Friday’s game with Netherlands due to the injuryCredit: ReutersStar man Mbappe, 25, was forced off late on after suffering a broken nose following a horror collision with defender Kevin Danso that left him covered in blood.The forward – who has joined Real Madrid – was rushed to hospital straight after the game as fears mounted of the French talisman.But he was seen training individually for the most part of Les Bleus session on Wednesday before taking part in a finishing drill with his fellow forwards.Mbappe was wearing a strap across his broken nose and did not take part in any parts of training which involved contact.READ MORE ON EURO 2024France are still sourcing a specially made mask for their talisman, who is not expected to take part in Friday night’s clash with the Netherlands.Manager Didier Deschamps has confirmed that tests will continue to be carried out and that, while surgery was not necessarily immediately after the incident, it will have to happen at some point.The France boss said: “Even if there is not surgery immediately, he will have to do it after the tournament.“This morning he was already a little better, so we will see.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“We will follow it closely every day.”Despite losing their talisman, there is confidence France can continue – with midfielder Adrien Rabiot backing those lower down the pecking order to step up.He said: “A fractured nose isn’t the end of the world so he should be with us pretty soon.“Playing without Kylian could be tough, he is a very important player, the captain.“It will have an impact on us but for the opponents it will be a different way for them to play their game.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY“We definitely want him to play but looking at who we have on the bench we have what it takes to replace Kylian.“We have to count on the group.“If he is not there then it is going to be more tough but I trust the great players we have on the team.”France Euro 2024 guideFRANCE are the one nation all England fans are truly afraid of.
      They are many punters’ favourites after knocking the Three Lions out of the 2022 World Cup and will be hoping to do much better than at Euro 2020, when they lost to Switzerland in the last 16.
      MANAGER: Didier Deschamps
      Coming up to 12 years in the job, the only thing missing from his CV is a European Championship.
      STAR MAN: Kylian Mbappe
      Mbappe’s PSG may have underachieved on the European stage but he remains France’s most deadly threat, with a World Cup trophy and a World Cup final hat-trick to his name.
      How France attack
      Expect to see France play in a fluid 4-3-3 – which becomes 4-2-3-1 in possession – throughout the tournament.
      Giroud acts as the focal point in the attack with the two wide players and Griezmann as No 10 supporting.
      How France defend
      We can expect to see France defend high with an emphasis on winning back possession as far up the pitch as possible.
      France will stagger their defensive shape when the opposition are in possession.
      Read the full France Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags. More

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      Incredible omen that means Harry Kane is set to be back in the goals for England in crunch Euro 2024 clash vs Denmark

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      AN INCREDIBLE omen should mean that Harry Kane will be back amongst the goals for England against DenmarkThe Three Lions clinched a 1-0 win over Serbia thanks to a goal from Jude Bellingham in their opener on Sunday.Harry Kane is no stranger to scoring past Kasper SchmeichelCredit: Free SportThe Danish goalkeeper has faced the striker for both club and countryCredit: GettyKane’s display against Serbia has come under scrutiny as he barely had a touchCredit: AlamyThe England captain scored the winner against Denmark in the semis of the last EurosCredit: AFPNow Gareth Southgate’s side face Denmark on Thursday looking to confirm their place in the knockouts with a victory in Frankfurt.And one player who could be vital to that is the England skipper.Kane came into Euro 2024 on the back of an incredible first campaign in Germany.He scored 44 goals in 45 appearances for Bayern Munich last season and is our country’s all-time top scorer with 63 in 92 caps.READ MORE ON EURO 2024However, there has been a lot of talk about Kane’s performance against Serbia and his lack of involvement in the game.Even though he hit the crossbar late on with a header, that was the only shot he managed all game.Despite his stunning scoring record, some fans have been left concerned after the striker’s stats from Sunday were revealed.As well as his one shot, Kane only touched the ball 24 times in total and made nine accurate passes. Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut the omens are looking for both him and England going into the Denmark game if history is anything to go by.And that is because our talisman just loves scoring past Dane goalie Kasper Schmeichel, 37.Play Foden & Bellingham centrally & go for it! | Jack Wilshere’s plan to win the EurosIn fact, Kane scored more Premier League goals, 14, against the former Leicester man than any other keeper.Coincidentally, England No.1 Jordan Pickford conceded the second most to the 30-year-old in the top-flight.The Everton ace was beaten 13 times by Kane while he was in attack for Tottenham.And his scoring record against Schmeichel, who is now at Anderlecht, is not only restricted to club level.Kane drew a blank in his first two internationals against him and the Danes.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYHowever, despite having his initial spot-kick saved, he slotted home the rebound to seal a 2-1 win over Denmark in the semi-final of the last Euros.Meanwhile, Alan Shearer has explained why Kane played a “different role” against Serbia.The ex-England captain claimed that the striker was forced to keep away from much of the action in order to create more space for his team-mates in midfield.That’s because he was being man-marked by Serbia’s back three.He said: “Harry Kane’s role in Sunday’s Euro 2024 win against Serbia was different to what we are used to seeing him do for England, but it was just as important for the team.“We know Kane can drop deep and play wonderful passes forward for runners to get behind the opposition but, whether we were on top in the game or under pressure, he had another job to do in Gelsenkirchen.“As he explained afterwards, he stayed high early on because Serbia were defending deep and marking man-to-man.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If he had dropped into midfield he would have brought a defender back with him, when we wanted to give our midfielders and other forwards as much room and time on the ball as possible.“The plan was to leave the midfield to it because, although Kane was not getting the ball, he was still drawing defenders to him, which allowed our other players more space.”Bromances in England squad
      CLIQUES that were commonplace in the England camp in tournaments gone by have been well and truly consigned to history.
      Declan Rice and Ivan Toney? They have never played together at club level and only a handful of times for England, but are thick as thieves.
      Lewis Dunk and Dean Henderson? They play for arch-rivals Brighton and Crystal Palace, but that has not stopped an unlikely alliance from forming.
      Phil Foden and Cole Palmer have relished spending time together again, having done so for years for Manchester City before Palmer was sold to Chelsea for £45million last summer.
      NFL nuts Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon were chucking an American football to each other ahead of a light training session on Monday.
      John Stones and Kieran Trippier gatecrashed Jordan Pickford’s presser to see how their good mate fared, finding it hilarious as he slumped to defeat against talkSPORT.
      Conor Gallagher and Marc Guehi also have a long-standing friendship and have been besties since they were little playing in the Chelsea academy.
      Jude Bellingham and Liverpool man Trent Alexander-Arnold have also become close – evident in the Werewolf celebration they performed against Serbia. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with Portugal match-winner Conceicao… 21 years after replacing his dad

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S staggering longevity continues to create jaw dropping moments.The 39-year-old shared the pitch with the son of the the star he replaced in the Portuguese national side during last night’s Euro 2024 win over the Czech Republic.Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated Portugal’s win over the Czech Republic with match-winner Francisco ConceicaoCredit: AFPConceicao is the son of former Portugal international Sergio ConceicaoCredit: GettyA young Cristiano Ronaldo effectively replaced Sergio Conceicao in the Portugal team back in 2003Credit: AFPRonaldo, who is representing Portugal in his 11th major tournament, celebrated as his side grabbed an injury time winner through Porto winger Francisco Conceicao.And the 21-year-old’s last gasp goal will have been a strange moment for Ronaldo who actually replaced Conceicao’s father when he broke into the Portuguese national side back in 2003.Sergio Conceicao, 49, made 56 appearances for the Portuguese national side bringing his international career to an end in 2003 after a new right winger burst onto the scene and took his place.That right winger was an 18-year-old Ronaldo who made his debut just two months before Conceicao Sr played his final game.READ MORE IN EURO 2024However, despite their international careers lapping over by a few games, the pair never got the chance to play together.Conceicao Sr retired from football altogether in 2010 and has since gone on to have a successful career in management.The former Inter Milan and Lazio star has just left the role as Porto manager where he occupied the dugout for seven years – winning three league titles and eight domestic cups in Portugal.And last season he even had the help of his son Francisco Conceicao whose performances earned him a call-up to the Portugal national team in April.Most read in Euro 2024Sergio Conceicao has gone on to have a successful managerial careerCredit: GettyEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSConceicao Jr is now playing for Roberto Martinez’s Portugal side alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.But there is clearly no bitterness about the star stealing hid dad’s place in the team some 21 years ago, with Ronaldo ans Conceicao smiling together in celebration after the late winner against the Czech Republic.’Says it all’ – Fans fume at Cristiano Ronaldo’s unsportsmanlike gesture at end of Portugal Euro 2024 clash Ronaldo has maintained an unbelievable level of fitness to see his career span such a long period of time.And the goal scoring machine has racked up over 200 Portugal caps in the process.His participation in Euro 2024 this summer is his sixth European Championships, making him the player to have played in the most Euros in history.While his standards across those four competitions have also seen him earn the title as the all-time European Championship top scorer with 14 goals to his name.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYHe will be hoping to extend that record this summer and could have some help from Conceicao Jr, who registered a hat-trick of assists in his second ever Portugal cap – a 4-2 win over Finland.One record Ronaldo has had to wave goodbye to this year is the title he held as the youngest player to ever score on their European Championship debut.That title was snatched off him by Turkey’s rising star Arda Guler (19yrs and 114 days) whose wonder strike against Georgia surpassed Ronaldo’s previous record of 19-years and 128 days set against Greece in 2004.Ronaldo will be hoping to set even more records this summerCredit: GettyFrancisco Conceicao could be key to helping him achieve those goalsCredit: Getty More

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      Germany vs Hungary LIVE SCORE – Euro 2024: Kai Havertz STARTING as hosts look to close in on Last 16 – latest updates

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      GERMANY are taking on Hungary in their second game of Euro 2024 RIGHT NOW!The hosts hammered Scotland 5-1 to lay down a marker to their European rivals.Meanwhile, Hungary were beaten 3-1 by Switzerland in their first match of the tournament.Germany could secure qualification to the last-16 of Euro 2024 with a win in Stuttgart this afternoon.
      Kick off time: 5pm BST
      TV channel: BBC One
      FREE live stream: BBC iPlayer
      Germany team: Neuer; Kimmich, Rudiger, Tah, Mittelstadt; Andrich, Kroos; Musiala, Gundogan, Wirtz; Havertz
      Hungary team: Gulacsi; Fiola, Orban, Dardai; Bolla, Nagy, Schafer, Kerkez; Sallai, Szoboszlai, Varga
      EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSFollow our live blog below…Germany 0-0 Hungary
      7. Szoboszlai’s inswinger did hit the first man, but Hungary somehow kept the opportunity alive.
      It’s switched across the area to Bolla, whose shot is deflected behind for another corner.
      Copy linkCopiedGermany 0-0 Hungary
      5. Hungary force the first corner of the game, and all eyes turn to Dominik Szoboszlai.
      The captain can fire in a mean set-piece when he’s not putting them straight at the first man/defensive wall.
      Copy linkCopiedGermany 0-0 Hungary
      3. Up the other end, and Kai Havertz tries to make room for himself in the box – only to find himself crowded out by four quick-thinking Hungarians.
      Scotland should probably have tried some of that.
      Copy linkCopiedKick-off – Germany v Hungary
      1. It’s the host nation that get us underway, playing in their flamboyant changed strip of pink and purple.
      And they almost make the perfect argument for complacency after Friday night’s breeze in Munich.
      A loose header has the defence in trouble, and it needs some alert reactions from old man Neuer in nets to deny Roland Sallai an extremely early goal.
      Copy linkCopiedHere come the two teams!
      It’s been an exhilarating afternoon in and around the stadium with the two sets of fans creating an incredible atmosphere.
      But now it’s the turn of the players.
      Led out by captains Ilkay Gundogan and Dominik Szoboszlai lead out their respective countries, matchday two in Group A is now just moments away.
      Dutchman Danny Desmond Makkelie is the man in charge, and kick-off comes next.
      Copy linkCopiedLive from the Stuttgart Arena
      Andy Dillon is our man in the stadium this evening, and he’s been in touch ahead of kick-off to tell us…
      Seven of Hungary’s starting XI here either play in Germany or have done.
      That is how close the connection is between these two nations.
      Germany has struggled in recent years against their near neighbours from the east.
      They are winless in three matches against the so-called Magyars. Coinciding with a lean spell for the Germans all round.
      The atmosphere is pumped in the sun. Germany will be wearing pink and the replica shirts stand out in the crowd on a warm early evening.
      Copy linkCopiedMannschaft sharing the goals around
      All five of Germany’s goals against Scotland in their opening game were scored by different players – Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Niclas Fullkrug and Emre Can.
      It’s already two more different goalscorers than they had in the entirety of Euro 2020 (3), while only in 1996 (6), 2016 (6), and 2012 (8) have they had more in a single edition of these finals.

      Copy linkCopiedVarga the danger for Magyars
      There’s no doubting where Hungary’s attacking threat lies.
      Twenty-nine-year-old Barnabas Varga has scored seven goals in just nine starts for the Magyars in all competitions.
      The striker could become only the second player to score in both of his first two European Championship appearances for the nation, following in the footsteps after Ferenc Bene in 1964.

      Copy linkCopiedSensational scenes at the Stuttgart Arena
      There may still be 25 minutes until kick-off, but the atmosphere inside the Stuttgart Arena something else.
      Fans of the hosts and Hungary have had this place packed out for the past hour, and now can’t wait for the action to get underway.

      Copy linkCopiedWriting off the Germans?
      More like the writing on the wall.
      After beating Scotland 5-1 on Friday night, Germany are looking to win both of their opening two matches at a European Championship tournament for the fifth time.
      They did so previously in 1972, 1980, 1996, and 2012, eventually going on to win the competition in three of those instances; they only failed to do so in 2012, losing out to Italy in the semi-finals.
      Prevail this evening, and the rest of Europe may as well pack up and go home.
      Copy linkCopiedGoals guaranteed when pair meet
      This afternoon’s Stuttgart showdown will be the fourth encounter between Germany and Hungary at a major tournament.
      They pair met twice at the 1954 World Cup with the Hungarians – Puskas et al – triumphing 8-3 in the group stages.
      However, West Germany got their revenge on the biggest stage, prevailing 3-2 in the tournament’s final.
      They countries also played in the group stages of EURO 2020, battling out an exciting 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena.
      Copy linkCopiedRossi shakes up Hugary defence
      Hungary were pulled apart by Switzerland in the first half at the Cologne Stadium on Saturday, and so it’s no surprise that Marco Rossi makes a couple of changes.
      Adam Lang and Attila Szalai drop out of the defence with Bendeguz Bolla and Marton Dardai coming in; Bolla may operate on the right with Attila Fiola moving back into the centre.

      Hungary (3-4-3): 1 Gulacsi; 5 Fiola, 6 Orban, 24 Dardai; 14 Bolla, 8 A. Nagy, 13 Schafer, 11 Kerkez; 20 Sallai 19 Varga, 10 Szoboszlai
      Subs: 12 Dibusz, 22 Szappanos, 2 Lang, 3 Balogh, 4 Szalai, 7 Nego, 9 Adam, 15 Kleinheisler, 16 Gazdag, 17 Styles, 18 Z. Nagy, 21 Botka, 23 Csoboth, 25 Horváth, 26 Kata
      Credit: @MLSZhivatalos on X
      Copy linkCopiedGermany unchanged for Hungary test
      Julian Nagelsmann sticks with the same XI that started against the Scots on Friday.
      Arsenal’s Kai Havertz leads the line, Ilkay Gundogan captains the team and Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala will be out to impress again in attack.

      Germany (4-2-3-1): 1 Neuer; 6 Kimmich, 2 Rüdiger, 4 Tag, 18 Mittelstadt; 23 Andrich, 8 Kroos; 10 Musiala, 21 Gundogan, 17 Wirtz; 7 Havertz
      Subs: 12 Baumann, 22 Ter Stegan, 3 Raum, 5 Gross, 9 Fullkrug, 11 Fuhrich, 13 Muller, 14 Beier, 15 Schlotterbeck, 16 Anton, 19 Sane, 20 Henrichs, 24 Koch, 25 Can, 26 Undav
      Credit: @@DFB_Team on X
      Copy linkCopiedMannschaft making the running
      It didn’t take hosts Germany long to find themselves at the top of Group A.
      Their 5-1 opening night thumping of Scotland has marked them down as the ones to watch this summer, and they could essentially seal their spot in the knockout stages with another success today.
      As for Hungary, they disappointed against the Swiss, and will be eager to show some of the ability that had them being talked up pre-tournament as a side capable of upsetting the big boys.
      Credit: uefa.com
      Copy linkCopiedGood afternoon from Stuttgart
      Welcome to live SunSport coverage of Germany against Hungary at Euro 2024.

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