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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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      Uefa forced to make late change to stadium ahead of England vs Denmark clash to prevent ‘risk to life’

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      THE BAD WEATHER has forced Uefa into making a late decision regarding England’s upcoming Euro 2024 clash.The Three Lions face Denmark looking to confirm their place in the knockouts with a victory in Frankfurt on Thursday.The roof will be closed in Frankfurt for England’s clash with Denmark at the WaldstadionCredit: GettyHowever, the Group C showdown at the Waldstadion will be played with the stadium roof closed due to stormy conditions in the city.Uefa made the decision today ahead of the clash, which will kick-off at 5pm UK time tomorrow.The roof of the Waldstadion was closed prior to Denmark’s players training on the pitch tonight.The rain storms have already put a dampener on Euro 2024.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Both western and central regions of Germany were issued with weather warnings earlier.That has seen fan zones in Dortmund, Dusseldorf and Gelsenkirchen all being closed due to the harsh conditions.Now, with bad weather already having plagued Euro 2024, Uefa have opted to make an early decision to avoid the game potentially being played in the rain.Cologne was forced to axe a number of fan events on Tuesday due to the weather.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA statement confirmed: “Due to an official storm warning from late morning with expected heavy rain, hail and heavy gusts of wind, all events and functions of the Host City Cologne associated with the European Championships have to be cancelled for today.“The necessary talks with the security partners were already held yesterday evening and the preparatory measures to secure the venues were initiated.England player ratings: Jude Bellingham delivers masterful Euro 2024 performance but Phil Foden not at his sharpest“The decision to cancel all events was made on Tuesday morning after further consultation with the German Weather Service.”Meteorologist Dominik Jung told BILD stated the closures were necessary and that there had even been a potential “risk to life”.Speaking on Tuesday, he said: “There is a risk to life.“We don’t currently know every place that could get hit, but we do know the region where something could happen.“People will complain again: ‘We didn’t have anything.’ But better safe than sorry.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYEngland will be looking to secure their second win of the tournament tomorrow.Gareth Southgate’s side beat Serbia 1-0 on Sunday thanks to a Jude Bellingham header.And they know that a victory would ensure them a place in the knockouts with a game to spare.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Denmark are searching for their first triumph.They were held to a 1-1 draw by Slovenia in their opener and will be desperate to take all three points.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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      England shouldn’t panic about ‘perfect’ Harry Kane but MUST change tactically to make Phil Foden shine against Denmark

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      FEW nations, if any, match England when it comes to self criticism.The 1-0 win over Serbia would have been cause for celebration for many, but instead it only seemed to raise further questions against the Three Lions’ credentials of winning Euro 2024.Harry Kane had a reserved but effective role against EnglandCredit: RexPhil Foden left a lot to be desired from his displayCredit: RexGareth Southgate has a dilemma on his hands against DenmarkCredit: GettyA dominant opening 25 minutes gave way to a sluggish affair that saw Gareth Southgate’s side struggle for control of the match and dangerously teeter towards conceding.Jude Bellingham came out of the game widely lauded for his performance, but Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and even captain Harry Kane came in for criticism from fans and media. England face Denmark, who drew their opening group stage match 1-1 against Slovenia, in game two on Thursday at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, live on BBC One at 5pm.The Three Lions will come into the match looking to get six points out of six and secure a route into the knockout stages from Group C.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Denmark will not be easy opponents, and their 3-5-2 system with powerful and quick forward players in Jonas Wind and Rasmus Hojlund and the creativity of Christian Eriksen behind them will cause some problems. In this preview though we will concentrate on the lessons that Southgate may have learned from England’s opening match against Serbia.Do not panic about the Harry Kane roleKane only touched the ball in the penalty area once against SerbiaKane was often far away from the danger zones, instead picking up positions deeperDespite the emergence of Bellingham as a superstar on the world stage, Kane remains the talisman for the English national team. The 30-year-old comes into this tournament off the back of an incredible first season in German football with Bayern Munich where he netted 44 goals and 12 assists.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDespite the narrative surrounding the game that Kane barely touched the ball, he was in fact performing his role perfectly. While previously we have seen Kane drop into deeper to link the play with the midfield, his role in this England team is different and he is being asked to remain high to pin opposition defenders deep. Play Foden & Bellingham centrally & go for it! | Jack Wilshere’s plan to win the EurosKane’s higher starting position pins two defenders back deeper and allows England to attack isolated defendersThis pinning of the opposition central defenders is intended to create space between their defence and their midfield that can be exploited by the likes of Bellingham and Foden.In this setup we are seeing Kane play a very specific role, but the fact he is not looking to drop in to get the ball and play long-range passing does not mean that his performance has dropped off. Indeed, his movement and positioning were effective against Serbia as he forced them to defend in a deeper line than they would have wanted to.This created the space for the likes of Bellingham, Foden and Alexander-Arnold to occupy in the final third. Foden and jude Bellingham are able to rotate into space in midfield as Kane and Bukayo Saka keep their high lineBy pushing higher and maintaining this high position, we saw Kane create the platform for England’s more creative players to occupy and hurt the Serbians with their movement through the lines.It is also worth bearing in mind that had Kane’s header in the 76th minute found the net and not been touched on to the crossbar then the narrative may have been very different.Should Phil Foden start against Denmark?Foden played off the left against SerbiaYes, yes he should. While it is fair to say Foden did not have his best match against Serbia we have to remember his outstanding performances for Manchester City last season. While Foden may not be at his best when asked to play from the left in a rigid system, it is worth noting that he played a different role to Bukayo Saka played on the right wing. While Sake stayed wide and looked to isolate defenders 1v1 on the wing, we saw Foden drift around the pitch in and out of pockets of space and not stay wide.Part of the issues Foden had in the match was down to the fact that he was trying to come inside and occupy the same spaces that Bellingham was taking up in central spaces. Here as England try to build, Foden ends up occupying the same space as BellinghamFoden wanted to receive in these areas, but having another player, like Bellingham, also spaced centrally meant that it was too crowded.At Real Madrid, Bellingham often rotates outside to fill space on the left side of the attack as Vinicius Junior comes inside, but he typically stayed central in the final third against Serbia.So, how do England and Southgate solve these issues to get the best out of Foden? We believe adjusting the shape to have Bellingham starting from a deeper position, as the number 8 beside Declan Rice, and Foden then playing centrally as the 10 would be more effective in terms of finding the combinations and the angles to play through in the central areas. How England should line up to fix Foden dilemmaEngland were far too narrow in possession due to Foden coming insideThis would also allow Southgate to use a more direct winger on the left side to stretch the pitch and create space centrally for their best players.If Foden does play on the left side against Denmark then he will have to stay slightly wider, at the very least in the channels, in order to find the space to play.England Euro 2024 guideGARETH SOUTHGATE is under no illusions coming into this competition – it is win or bust.
      The Three Lions have never had a better opportunity to end their 58-year wait for a major international trophy given the talent and experience they have in their armoury.
      MANAGER: Gareth Southgate
      The former England star has come closer than anyone since Sir Alf Ramsey to ending the Three Lions’ trophy hoodoo.
      Southgate is aware that the nations expects, and has even suggested he will quit if he doesn’t deliver the European Championship.
      STAR MAN: Jude Bellingham
      The Real Madrid star is arguably the world’s best player at the moment and gives England the platform they need to dominate big games.
      How England attack
      England will look to dominate the ball against almost everybody.
      Declan Rice is crucial in progressing the ball, Bellingham, Saka and Foden will rotate to pull defenders out of position and Kane can both score and drop deep to provide chances for others.
      How England defend
      England press man-to-man with the midfield pushing up to support Kane when the ball is lost and look to win it as close to the opposition goal as possible.
      However, the left-back spot could be a cause for concern, particularly with Luke Shaw entering the tournament with fitness worries.
      Read the full England Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags.

      Have England solved their defensive problems?While England came into the tournament with fans and pundits alike praising their attacking options, there was real concern about the squad from a defensive perspective.While long-term Southgate favourite Harry Maguire was left out of the final squad there was a question mark as to who would start as the left-sided central defender in their back four?In the end, Southgate decided to go with Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, and the 23-year-old defender barely put a foot wrong. In possession, he was safe and secure but also displayed the ability to progress the ball through the lines.Marc Guehi had a strong display against SerbiaCredit: APGuehi was consistently brave and comfortable in possessionDefensively he was solid as he dealt with the threat of the dangerous Serbian forwards.Juventus ace Dusan Vlahovic, in particular, looked to play on Guehi’s side of the pitch.But we saw the defender play effectively whether he was defending tight or in space as he stopped Vlahovic from receiving the ball in dangerous positions.And this was key in helping earn a clean sheet.Here Guehi looks to fire the ball into the feet of Foden as he drops back to receive the ballKeeping the partnership of John Stones and Guehi at the centre of the defence might be one of the keys for England if they are to be successful in this tournament.Of course, different opponents will require different remedies. Denmark Euro 2024 guideTHE winners of Euro 1992 will be hoping for another unlikely surge to the latter stages under boss Kasper Hjulmand.
      The spirit of the squad cannot be questioned after they recovered from Christian Eriksen’s collapse to make it to the Euro 2020 semi-finals and give England a scare.
      MANAGER: Kasper Hjulmand
      Played in America for North Florida Ospreys and became Thomas Tuchel’s successor at Mainz in 2014. 
      KEY MAN: Rasmus Hojlund
      One of few bright sparks as Man Utd finished a dismal eighth in the Premier League. Can cause problems with his tireless work ethic and clinical finishing.
      How Denmark attack
      Denmark are very structured and patient in the way they attack.
      They will often push a midfielder up to join the three strikers and attempt to create a four-man overload.
      How Denmark defend
      While Denmark attack in a 4-3-3, or even a 4-2-2, they will drop into a deeper 5-4-1 out of possession.
      They will wait patiently for the right moment to press and recover quickly if the opposition attempt to play over the top.
      Read the full Denmark Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags

      Denmark will be dangerous oppositionDenmark have a tall and quick front line in Rasmus Hojlund and Jonas WindCredit: RexDespite only coming out of their opening group stage game against Slovenia with one point, Denmark will still be difficult opposition for England. Their strikers, Wind and Hojlund, are both over 6ft with pace and power and the ability to run in behind the defensive line. They have experience and technical quality throughout their squad and they will have studied the Serbia match to understand the threat England pose.The key for England will be in finding ways to apply pressure to the Danish build-up.The likes of Foden, Saka and Bellingham will have to be ready to join Kane in pressing high against the three-man Danish backline to prevent them from building their attack.READ MORE SUN STORIESConclusionAt the end of the day, England are the only side in Group C to come through the opening round of fixtures with three points and they have put themselves in the driving seat to secure qualification.Beating Denmark will see England through to the knockout stages, where the margins grow even finer. EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Putin CENSORS the Euros as Georgia fans’ VERY rude chant during Turkey clash is suddenly scrubbed from Russian broadcast

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      VLADIMIR Putin has censored a Euros broadcast to stop Russians from hearing a rude chant about him at the tournament.Georgian fans loudly chorused “Putin is a ****head” around the 38th minute of their team’s game against Turkey before it was scrubbed in a cowardly move.Putin censored a ‘very rude’ chant during a Euros matchCredit: Kommersant Photo / Polaris More

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      Croatia 2-2 Albania LIVE RESULT – Modric and Co’s Euro 2024 hopes hang by a thread after gruelling draw – updates

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      CROATIA’S Euro 2024 knockout stage qualification hopes are hanging by a thread after being held to a chaotic draw by Albania.Luca Modric and Co were stunned when they saw Qazim Laci sneak in behind their defence before nodding Albania ahead.But Andrej Kramaric’s tidy finish followed by a calamitous own goal saw Croatia close in on three crucial points.Until Klaus Gjasula scored an equaliser in the dying minutes of stoppage time.
      RESULT: Croatia 2-2 Albania
      FREE live stream: ITVX
      TV channel: ITV1
      Croatia XI: Livakovic, Juranovic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Perisic, Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Majer, Petkovic, Kramaric
      Albania XI: Strakosha, Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj, Ramadani, Asllani, Laçi, Asani, Manaj, Bajrami
      EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSFollow ALL the action from The Volksparkstadion with our live blog below…Good result for group favourites
      Both Spain and Italy will be pleased to see a draw in this game.
      While they play each other tomorrow, that result aside, it means that both Croatia and Albania would need to pull off unlikely victories.
      For Albania, this result is a huge positive but Croatia are facing the harsh reality of an early exit.
      Copy linkCopiedFalcons pick off their prey
      Albania have left Croatia feeling like they have suffered defeat there.
      Having worked so hard to turn the game around, the late equaliser from Gjasula left the ‘Checkered Ones’ dead on their feet.
      The Falcons meanwhile, have shown in this tournament that they are nobody’s pushovers.
      Credit: AP
      Credit: AP
      Credit: AFP
      Copy linkCopiedHamburg serves up meaty battle
      What a game of football we were treated to there.
      In different phases of the game, both of these sides were brilliant and looked sure to go on and dominate the game.
      However, we just saw how a game of football can change in an instant.

      Copy linkCopiedSome players cannot be replaced
      When Luka Modric steps away from international football, he will leave a huge hole in this Croatian side.
      Even at the age of 38-years-old, he continuously pulls the strings for Croatia.
      His vision, passing and composure was key for them to get back into this game and almost win it.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Croatia 2-2 Albania
      This is what tournament football is all about.
      Albania deservedly led before Croatia completely turned the game on its head in a matter of minutes.
      Deep into added time, The Falcons score to leave Croatian fans feeling sick to their stomach.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Croatia 2-2 Albania
      The referee brings a dramatic game to a close.
      Both sides had chances to win this after the equaliser late on.
      What a game of football we have witnessed.
      Copy linkCopiedCroatia 2-2 Albania
      90+6. Wow. Wow. Wow.
      What drama we are seeing in Hamburg.
      Albania continue to pressure and Broja does well down the left flank to get a cross into the box.
      Gjasula arrives at the edge of the box to slot home and make ammends for his earlier own goal.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Klaus Gjasula (Albania)
      Copy linkCopiedCroatia 2-1 Albania
      90+4. Wow. Seferi has two gilt-edged chances to score.
      The first is blocked by the defender but as the ball comes back to the Albanian, he blazes his effort over the bar.
      Croatia breath a sigh of relief.
      Copy linkCopiedCroatia 2-1 Albania
      90+2. Weirdly, the fourth official changes the added time to six minutes.
      The keeper has been receiving treatment for a phantom injury and now has his nose plugged with dressing.
      However, looking at the replay, there was no contact with his head from the Albanian player whatsoever.
      Copy linkCopiedCroatia 2-1 Albania
      90. If Croatia can hold onto this result, it will leave them with an intriguing last game against Italy.
      Albania get a shot in from the edge of the box but Likakovic makes a good stop.
      The Falcons are first to the follow up but once again the keeper gets a touch as the ball goes over the bar.
      No corner for Albania as the assistant raises his flag for offside.
      We are going to have five added minutes.
      Copy linkCopiedCroatia 2-1 Albania
      88. Modric rides a challenge and looks to drill one from outside the box.
      He drags it wide of the far post with the keeper at full stretch.
      Time is running out now for the Albanians.
      Copy linkCopiedCroatia 2-1 Albania
      86. Albania are starting to dominate possession now.
      As they look for a goal that could give them something from this game, Croatia are looking to hit them on the counter.
      The Falcons’ fans look dejected in the stands.
      Copy linkCopiedCroatia 2-1 Albania
      84. Perisic and Kramaric come off for Croatia.
      They are replaced by Baturina and Sosa.
      Albania are having to throw caution to the wind now.
      Copy linkCopiedCroatia 2-1 Albania
      82. Albania just do not have enough bodies in the final third whenever they come forward.
      They are not set up tactically to chase this game.
      Up until ten minutes ago, they were planning on defending their lead until the finish.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedCroatia 2-1 Albania
      80. Croatia look a completely different team in this second half.
      Whatever the manager said in the interval has definitely worked.
      The pressure is on Albania to get forward now.
      Copy linkCopiedCroatia 2-1 Albania
      78. Suddenly Croatia are in pole position once again.
      If they can hold on for victory, they stand a good chance of making it out of the group.
      They are not letting up here and continue to look for another goal.
      Copy linkCopiedCroatia 2-1 Albania
      76. Croatia have turned this game on its head in a matter of minutes.
      Looking at the replay the ball ricocheted off two Albanian players before ending up in the back of the net.
      Heartbreak for The Falcons.
      Copy linkCopiedOwn Goal – Klaus Gjasula (Albania)
      Copy linkCopiedCroatia 1-1 Albania
      74. Finally Croatia manage to break down the Albanian resistance.
      As Kramaric checks onto his right foot, the defender does that weird thing they do in the modern game.
      He stands side on to the attacker, not looking to tackle him, and the Croatian puts the ball through his legs leaving the keeper unsighted.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Andrej Kramaric (Croatia)
      Copy linkCopiedCroatia 0-1 Albania
      72. Albania are getting some pivotal last ditch tackles in.
      They are managing to frustrate the Croatians with time running out.
      The goalscorer comes off for Albania, replaced by Gjasula.
      Credit: EPA
      Copy linkCopiedCroatia 0-1 Albania
      70. It is an old cliche in football but Albania need to ‘stop the cross’.
      Perisic is getting some dangerous balls in and it seems only a matter of time before Croatia capitalise.
      Modric comes over to take a corner for the Croatians.
      Copy linkCopiedCroatia 0-1 Albania
      68. Perisic twists and turns out wide before getting a teasing cross in.
      Petkovic meets it with a header but it is not troubling the keeper.
      That is his last action of this game as he is replaced by Budimir.
      Copy linkCopiedCroatia 0-1 Albania
      66. First sight of goal for Bajrami in this second half.
      He jockeys the defender and gets a shot off at goal but it is well wide.
      As Croatia push forward more now, that break is always on.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      in Soccer

      Croatia 2 Albania 2: Plucky underdogs score dramatic late equaliser after calamity own-goal to leave Croats on the brink

      by

      ALBANIA salvaged a stunning last-minute point in a Euros epic against Croatia in Hamburg.Qazim Laci had given the Albanians a shock 11th minute lead to boost their chances of advancing from the group stages for the first time in their 94-year history.Albania grabbed an added time equaliserCredit: GettyCroatia were left heartbrokenCredit: RexYet with the Croats close to croaking, two goals in the 74th and 76th minute acted as a much-needed lifeline after a hellish performance.But it did not end there as this ballsy Albania outfit pushed for a leveller and got their rewards thanks to Klaus Gjasula’s 95th minute strike.Gjasula had initially handed Croatia the lead with a bizarre own goal two minutes after ex-Leicester man Andrej Kramaric’s equaliser.This topsy-turvy game had everything, but agonisingly for both nations, not the three points they needed as they sit with one a piece.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith Group B now tightly poised, a final day miracle from either side is required to reach the last 16.Croatia face Italy in Leipzig and Albania take on Spain in Dusseldorf on June 24.Albania will be heartbroken, and rightly so, having also taken the lead against Italy only to crumble in a similarly painful way. For large periods, they had Croatia on the ropes.And make no mistake, Croatia were woeful at times and should consider themselves lucky to still have a pulse in Germany.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThey are a shadow of the team that reached the World Cup final in 2018 and semi-finals in Qatar in 2022.Their starting XI average age of 30 years and one day points to the fact that their Golden Generation of talent looks to be at an end.Meet the ten Wags ready to stun at Euro 2024And skipper Luca Modric – who turns 39 in September – may well be retiring off the back of this miserable Euros campaign, perhaps sooner than expected.Before this one, the greatest Euros upset in terms of world rankings came on Monday, as Slovakia in 48th beat Belgium in third.Albania – the second lowest ranked in the competition in 66th – came agonisingly close to smashing that record out of the water against tenth-placed Croatia.What a job former Arsenal full-back Sylvinho has done since taking charge of Albania in January 2023. Guiding them here was success in itself, but taking Italy and Croatia all the way in the toughest of groups? Ludicrous.The Albanians were ahead against the Italians after just 23 seconds before losing 2-1.They could not replicate that speed against Croatia, but it was still a fast start via Laci – one of two changes Sylvinho made alongside Armando Broja dropping out for Rey Manaj.Laci drifted into the box unmarked and glanced Jasir Asani’s superb cross towards goal. Domink Livakovic was behind it but unable to stop it dribbling through his hands.A calamitous own goal put Croatia 2-1 upCredit: EPACroatia simply were not at the races, bizarre considering the magnitude of this result. Dalic had tried to spice things with three changes from the Spain disappointment.Ivan Perisic returned at left-back with Josko Gvardiol shifting to a more familiar centre back role while Bruno Petkovic led the line in place of Ante Budimir.There was experience and nous all over the park, but Albania were covering the grass like their lives depended on it, hitting Croatia on the counter and defending valiantly.While Croatia were toothless and lacking ideas, Albania should have doubled their lead in the 30th minute as Kristjan Asllani raced through but Livakovic stood firm.Remarkably, another chance went begging as Gvardiol clumsily lost the ball but Manaj’s subsequent header lacked power.Dalic responded at half time with two changes – Mario Pasalic and Luka Sucic on for Marcelo Brozovic and Lovro Majer.Croatia began to dominate proceedings with Albania dropping deep and defending their lead. Petkovic and Mateo Kovacic were denied by Thomas Strakosha.And then, the comeback. Kramaric was fed by another sub in Budimir, cutting inside before finding the bottom corner – a first Euros goal to celebrate his 33rd birthday.Gjasula’s own goal has to be seen to be believed, Budimir’s cut-back cleared by Berat Djimsiti but into his own man as it ballooned into his own net.Albania found a second wind, however, and Gjasula responded in the best possible way, belting past Livakovic with seconds remaining.READ MORE SUN STORIESDalic demanded the same amount of respect that England get before this game. Respectfully, this Croatian lot are no where near the Three Lions.Klaus Gjasula celebrated the last gasp equaliserCredit: AFPMORE TO FOLLOW…THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More