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      Scotland fans’ ‘touch of class’ spotted as they help elderly man in walking frame during rain storm washout in Cologne

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      IT take a lot to dampen the spirits of the Tartan Army.And no amount of torrential rain could harm their good nature either.Two Scotland fans gave an elderly local gentleman some assistance during the stormsThe Scotland fans performed a mass exodus from Munich over the last few days after Friday’s 5-1 loss to Germany in the opening match of Euro 2024.Next up for Steve Clarke’s men is Switzerland, with the crucial must-not-lose clash taking place in the city of Cologne tomorrow night.Despite thunderstorms creating chaos in the fan zones, the thousands of travelling supporters have been in party mode.Some even took over one of the city’s most famous landmarks.A few famous faces have been spotted enjoying the atmosphere too.Today as the rain poured down, there was time for a heartfelt moment that showed why the Tartan Army is so popular.Video footage has emerged on social media of two Scotland supporters lending a helping hand to an older gentleman, believed to be a local, as he made his way across the busy square.Two men in kilts and Scotland tops walked alongside the pensioner and held an umbrella above his head to keep him dry, as the “No Scotland, No Party” chant could be heard in the background.Most read in FootballThe man was using a walking frame to navigate the cobbled streets of the plaza which no doubt would have been slippery due to the wet conditions.Fans on social media praised the Tartan Army men for their conduct.FC Koln fan swaps shirt with Tartan Army foot soldierOne said: “A touch of class from The Tartan Army.”Another comment read: “Imagine if we all looked out for each other like this how much better the world would be. Respect.”A third fan said: “Love it well done lads.”A German observer commented: “The Scottish fans are absolutely top class. The Scottish team has to stay in the tournament. I wish you all the best.”While this fan added: “No Scotland no party… that’s so kind of them.”Another described it as “the most wholesome moment of Euro 2024”.Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton also noticed the video, saying “this is lovely.”And the official FC Koln Twitter (X) account said: “Scotland fans, we knew we’d love having you here for the Euros. You’re always welcome.”READ MORE SUN STORIESNew YouTube channelSubscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and videos as Scotland heads to the Euros.
      Watch our daily GoBallistic podcast with Roger Hannah and our SunSport team in Germany as the Tartan Army marches on Munich in search of glory.
      Subscribe now and don’t miss a moment. Herr we go!

      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Serbia captain Dusan Tadic forced to apologise after telling coach ‘I’m the best player and should be starting’

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      SERBIA skipper Dusan Tadic has been forced into a humiliating apology after slamming coach Dragan Stojkovic.Former Southampton star Tadic, 35, was furious after only starting on the bench for the defeat by England in Gelsenkirchen.Dusan Tadic has apologised for comments he made after Serbia’s defeat to EnglandCredit: RexTadic, who made a late appearance as Serbia attempted to get back in the game, moaned after the match: “I am the captain and leader, the best player of the team and I should be starting.”Now, though, Tadic has been forced to backtrack after being criticised by his team-mates.In a statement, the Serbian FA disclosed: “In the hotel Maximilian in Augsburg, where the Serbian national team is staying during the European Championship in Germany, a meeting was held between the professional staff of the team, led by the selector Dragan Stojkovic, and the Serbian national team members.”There was talk about upcoming obligations, and among other things, national team captain Dusan Tadic used the opportunity to apologise to coach Stojkovic and his teammates for his reckless statements after the match with England.READ MORE ON EURO 2024″According to the plan and program, the Serbian national team continues preparations for the second match at the European Championship.”Tadic appears to have been put in his place by squad-mates.Fiorentina centre-half Nikola Milenkovioc said: “Football is a collective sport and we are all on the same task.”It’s the coach’s decision and it should be respected, just like every player of the national team respects that decision.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJude Bellingham scored a first-half header to condemn Serbia to a defeat in their opening game of the Euros.Next up for Serbia is a clash with Slovenia on Thursday, before they take on Denmark in their final group-stage match on June 25.England fans stranded in Gelsenkirchen for hours after Euro 2024 win over Serbia as they slam ‘absolute disgrace’ EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYThey have failed to make it into the knockout stages of their last three major tournaments, all of which were World Cups.Meet Serbia’s Euro 2024 Wags

      Serbia’s Wags include a former Versace model, a warlord’s daughter and the country’s answer to Dua Lipa.
      Sofija Milosevic (Luka Jovic’s girlfriend)
      Leggy model who rocked up at the catwalk in Milan used to date Jovic’s team-mate Adem Ljajic.
      Vanja Bogdanovic (Dusan Vlahovic’s girlfriend)
      Belgrade native Vanja is said to have known Vlahovic since the couple were teenagers. They briefly broke up before reuniting.
      Natalija Ilic (Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s wife)
      Perennial Man Utd transfer target is married to a qualified doctor.
      Anastasija Gudelj (Nemanja Gudelj’s wife)
      Midfielder’s wife is the daughter of one of Serbia’s most popular singers, Ceca, and a warlord, Arkan, who was assassinated in 2000.
      Tea Tairovic (linked to Uros Racic)
      Serbia’s equivalent to Dua Lipa has over 800,000 Instagram followers but denied links to midfielder Racic in 2023.
      Read more about Serbia’s Euro 2024 Wags here More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo climbs through bushes to take selfies with adoring Portugal fans

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO was spotted climbing through bushes to take photos with fans ahead of Portugal’s Euro 2024 opener against Czech Republic.The 39-year-old is hoping to lead his country to glory this summer in what could be his final European Championship.Cristiano Ronaldo climbed through a bush to take a picture with fansCredit: X / Alpriv1998The Real Madrid legend took the photo through a metal fenceCredit: X / Alpriv1998Ronaldo has been at the centre of fan attention since arriving in Germany, with thousands flocking to Portugal’s open training sessions in the hope of catching a glimpse.He was grabbed by one person at the team’s first session last week before several others stormed the pitch.However, he took the time to meet three patient fans before tonight’s match against Czech Republic.Ronaldo climbed through a bush to get to the adoring supporters, who were standing on the other side of a metal fence.READ MORE ON RONALDOPortugal Euro 2024 guideCRISTIANO RONALDO remains the face of Portuguese football as the national team looks to win a second European Championship.

      But the days when Portugal’s hopes would hang on Ronaldo, 39, alone are over as they have a squad packed with talent across the pitch.
      MANAGER: Roberto Martinez
      Former Everton, Wigan and Belgium boss is trying to put a more attacking stamp on a team that became increasingly dull under Euro 2016-winning predecessor Fernando Santos.
      STAR MAN: Cristiano Ronaldo
      Al-Nassr star remains an ever-present but PSG’s Goncalo Ramos and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota are both world class backups.
      How Portugal attack
      Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio and Joao Palhinha are all capable of building attacks from the back, given Portugal a unique dimension to their attack.
      Attacking midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix can cause any defence problems as they look to feed Ronaldo and/or Ramos.
      How Portugal defend
      In contrast to the approach under Santos, Portugal will play with a medium-to-high block and look to win possession up the field.
      Players will press aggressively to provide support for Ronaldo, who clearly tends to do less work defensively.
      Read the full Portugal Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags

      He then took a phone and posed for a selfie with the trio before joining the rest of his team-mates.The Real Madrid legend is expected to start for Portugal tonight.He enjoyed an impressive campaign for Al-Nassr this season, scoring 44 goals and providing 13 assists in 45 appearances.Ronaldo issued a message to his team-mates and fans on social media ahead of Portugal’s Euro 2024 opener.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHow Portugal have performed at the Euros with Cristiano Ronaldo
      CRISTIANO RONALDO has been a model of longevity for more than two decades in an outstanding international career.
      Euro 2004
      After making his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo’s first Euros came in 2004.
      Ronaldo marked his Euro debut with a goal in a 2-1 defeat to Greece – his first for Portugal.
      He scored his second in the semi-final win over the Netherlands, but Portugal met Greece again in the final, losing 1-0 in shock result.
      Euro 2008
      Ronaldo was Portugal captain four years later but Euro 2008 was the least impactful tournament he’s had.
      There was still time for a standout performance, though, as Ronaldo scored once and set up two more in a group-stage win over the Czech Republic.
      Euro 2012
      Playing at Real Madrid at the time, Ronaldo was the top goalscorer at Euro 2012, with three goals, including a brace in the group stage against the Netherlands.
      Portugal’s quarter-final against Czech Republic was heading towards a stalemate with 10 minutes to go and they needed a special moment from him.
      His powerful header in the dying minutes took Portugal to the semi-finals where they lost on penalties to Spain.
      Euro 2016
      Ronaldo scored three goals in Euro 2016, with Portugal crowned CHAMPIONS after defeating France 1-0 in extra time in the final.
      After suffering an injury inside the opening 16 minutes against France, he was forced to watch from the sidelines.
      Yet the Portugal captain became a cheerleader, and helped coach his team-mates to the historic victory.
      He matched Michel Platini’s record of nine goals by the end of Euro 2016.
      Euro 2020
      Ronaldo made history again with FIVE goals at Euro 2020, the most of any player at a Euros.
      Yet it was arguably Portugal’s least exciting affair, as they exited in the Round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.
      With his goals in this tournament, Ronaldo became the top goalscorer at the European Championship with 14 goals.

      He wrote: “Portuguese, today begins another chapter in our history.“I fondly remember my first day with the national team, a journey full of challenges and victories.Ultimate Euro 2024 rich list reveals England’s top earning stars – and how Cristiano Ronaldo’s salary is worth OVER TEN times more than Kylian Mbappe’s“Now I have the honour of being alongside a team of champions, full of talent and determination.“With everyone’s strength and support, we can turn dreams into reality.“Let’s fight together for another triumph. United we are unstoppable. Go Portugal.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      ‘He was great, just not for me’ – Micah Richards opens up on Euro 2024 manager who he called a ‘d***head’ on first day

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      MICAH RICHARDS admitted a former manager he called “d***head” on his first day at the club was “just not for me”.The ex-Manchester City and England right-back, 35, discussed his old coach live on the BBC on Tuesday.Micah Richards admitted one of his old managers was not for himCredit: BBCIt came during a pre-match discussion about the Euro 2024 clash between Turkey and Georgia.Describing him, Richards said: “He’s a really tactical coach.”He likes to play on the front foot, he likes to press really high. He wants his full-backs or wing-backs to go at every opportunity.”He was a forward wasn’t he so his mindset was ‘get the ball forward and score goals’. But he was a brilliant coach, he was.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen pressed on how he treated defenders, Richards then added: “We had a few problems, Mark [Chapman]. Do you want to delve into that?”When presenter Chapman then attempted to move on, the ex-defender then said: “He was great, just not for me.”The manager in question is Italian Vincenzo Montella who coached Richards during his one-season loan spell at Fiorentina.Richards was talking about his old boss as Montella is now Turkey manager – who Georgia played at the Euros on Tuesday night.MOST READ IN FOOTBALLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEx-Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella is now Turkey head coachCredit: GettyAnd there is a hilarious story Richards has told in the past about meeting his Italian boss for the first time.Former Man City team-mate Mario Balotelli had told Richards to say a certain phrase to Montella in Italian – a language the English defender did not speak.’Why did you have to say that?’ says Micah Richards as Wayne Rooney destroys him with hilarious quip live on BBCLittle did he know this translated to “f***ing d***head”.Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast last year, Richards explained: “I went to Fiorentina on the last day of the transfer window and obviously I don’t speak Italian – I’ve got ‘Si’ – yes, basically.”Like the absolute idiot that I am, I spoke to Balotelli to say ‘What should I say when I’m greeting someone?’ Because he’s normally good.”I’ve gone up to the manager and called him a f***ing d***head. What an idiot.”You know what, why didn’t I just check? You can just Google it. For some reason, I just believed Balotelli. He set me up, he got me a kipper.”And to be fair to Montella he just started laughing.”Richards played just 19 times for Fiorentina before he returned to parent club Man City and was sold to Aston Villa.Richards spent just one season on loan at FiorentinaCredit: GettyBBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in fullHere’s how each channel will line-up:

      BBC presenters:
      Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman
      ITV presenters:
      Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods 
      BBC pundits:
      Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden
      ITV pundits:
      Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina Unkel
      BBC commentators:
      Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce
      ITV commentators:
      Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight
      BBC co-commentators:
      Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFadden
      ITV co-commentators:
      Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend More

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      England star Anthony Gordon asks his fiancée to bring self help book Cristiano Ronaldo swears by to Euro 2024

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      ANTHONY GORDON has asked his missus to bring a self-help book out to Germany with her that Cristiano Ronaldo swears by.England winger Gordon is a big reader of non-fiction as part of his holistic approach to maximising his potential.Anthony Gordon is a big believer in a holistic approachCredit: AlamyKnowing Cristiano Ronaldo read Tony Robbins’ Life Force impressed GordonCredit: GettyHere’s the new reading for Three Lions’ wideman GordonCredit: AmazonSo his ears pricked up when Three Lions training goalkeeper Tom Heaton revealed at dinner that Portugal megastar Ronaldo, 39, is a huge fan of Life Force by Tony Robbins.Gordon, 22, then told fiancee Annie to buy it so he can add it to the other two reads he has with him at the Euros.The Newcastle forward revealed to BBC Radio 5 Live: “Tom Heaton was talking about Ronaldo at the table the other day and said that was the book he was reading and had suggested to the Man Utd lads.“I was earwigging about the stuff he was saying, what’s good for the body, and I was thinking, ‘If Ronaldo reads it, I’m going to have a little read and see if I can pick anything out!’”READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSGordon has already brought The Art of Winning: Ten Lessons in Leadership, Purpose and Potential by New Zealand rugby union icon Dan Carter.As well as Never Finished: Unshackle Your Mind and Win the War Within, a memoir by retired NAVY Seal and ultra-marathon specialist David Goggins, designed to unlock the true power of your grey matter.The content of all three and Gordon’s interest in them speaks to the Liverpudlian’s obsession with self-improvement.He is a huge believer in the merits of visualisation and meditation, as he divulged to Gary Neville on his fascinating recent episode on Sky Bet’s The Overlap.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThe book Gordon claims has made the biggest impact on his life so far is called Winning: The Unforgiving Race to Greatness by elite performance coach turned bestselling author, whose clients included basketball legends Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.Though it does not sound like there will be too many of the current England squad taking Gordon up on any of his reading recommendations.Gary Neville says ‘I’m struggling to see how we go the whole way’ as he reveals England’s major weakness at Euro 2024The former Everton man said: “Have we got a book club? We definitely do not have a book club!“I’m not sure how many of us read, everyone is into different things.“I think there’s a few of us who read, but I wouldn’t be able to tell you who.“It’s sort of like a meditation for me, now.“I like self-help books, a lot of psychology things. I feel like I’m going to read it and be better or come out of it knowing something that I didn’t before.”Gordon is the type of professional athlete that will turn to sources outside football to help his game.He grew up boxing and claims the sweet science has helped with his physicality and durability on the pitch.While he taught himself chess during last summer’s Under-21 Euros in Georgia – a competition he ended up winning and being named player of the tournament.It was also where he started scribbling down his life goals in the past tense.He explained: “I write them as if they have already happened. That gives me no time to debate them and it’s a clear path to follow.Success stories don’t come much greater than Dan Carter’sCredit: AmazonLong-distance runner David Goggins wrote about brain powerCredit: Amazon“I started doing it in the Under-21 Euros. I came off a season when I was struggling. I had just joined Newcastle and I couldn’t really get in the team.“I went to the Under-21 Euros and my main goal was to win player of the tournament and to win the tournament, which I did.“They were two massive goals that have gone on to change my life really, because my trajectory (since then) has gone upwards.”Gordon’s goal last term was to score ten goals for Newcastle, which he surpassed, and become Eddie Howe’s most valued player, which arguably he was, along with Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes.It led to him being included in the England squad this summer, but declared his Euro targets as “private”.Gareth Southgate has been hugely impressed with the Toon star, though he did not use him in Sunday’s 1-0 opening win over Serbia.Gordon sees a similarity between his national boss and Carlo Ancelotti, who managed him at Everton.The explosive attacker said: “They are both very good man-managers, they are very approachable.“They take the pressure off the football a lot. They’re not too tense during pre-match game and around training .READ MORE SUN STORIES“They’re always quite light-hearted, and I like that as a player because if everyone is tense during training and we can all feel the pressure – because we’re all nervous, we all feel pressure – so the more people can make the environment comfortable the better.“They’re very similar in that way.”Meet the grumpy ROBOT waiter looking after England stars at the Euros
      ENGLAND stars will be served by a grumpy ROBOT called Robbie at the Euros.
      Robbie is a key part of 160-strong staff at the vast 350-acre leisure site at Blankenhain, eastern Germany, where Gareth Southgate’s squad will be staying for the tournament.
      The real-life WALL-E – kitted out in a Germany shirt with the name Kehrbart and the squad number 24 on it – helps out in the restaurant.
      Robbie, with flashing blue eyes, says phrases in German including “Excuse me” and “Please let me get on with my work” as he collects dishes from guests at one of the hotel’s six restaurants.
      A source told The Sun: “Robbie is usually a slate grey colour with flashing blue eyes and helps staff deliver plates and dishes.
      “But the German team stayed at the hotel recently so he was given a new look and new name to support them.
      “I’m not sure whether the England team will want to change his look when they arrive but a Three Lions shirt and an English name might be a good idea.”
      Find out all about Robbie the robot waiter… More

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      Turkey 3 Georgia 1: Arda Guler wonderstrike breaks Cristiano Ronaldo record as Turks beat brave minnows in thriller

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      ARDA GULER’S rocket strike on his Euros debut leaves him following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo. The 19-year-old Real Madrid prodigy produced the 65th minute winner in a jaw-dropping game full of screamers and chaos to become the youngest player to score on his debut in the competition. Arda Guler scored a stunning strike to fire Turkey to a 2-1 winCredit: GettyThe teenager curled his effort into the top-right cornerCredit: APIt was a close encounter between the two teamsGuler (19yrs and 114 days) surpassed Ronaldo’s previous record of 19-years and 128 days set against Greece in 2004 so there’s no surprise why he has been hailed by Jude Bellingham as the “most talented player he has ever seen.”Guler, who became a Champions League winner two weeks ago as an unused substitute, hit the stunning strike on 65-minutes in a match marred with violent scenes between fans before kick-off. Georgia, who are in their first-ever major tournament, can keep their heads held high after a gut-busting show saw Georges Mikautadze cancel out Mert Muldur’s opener for Turkey. Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu wrapped things up with a third for Turkey in the 97th-minute as Georgia’s goalkeeper was miles out of position. Read More on Euro 2024There had been an Old Trafford roof scenario at both ends as the rain lashed onto fans in the lower tiers at Signal Iduna Park. A blistering start saw Turkey hit the post on 11-minutes after Kaan Ayhan waltzed into space and drilled an attempt from 25-yards. On 25-minutes Turkey had lift-off as Arsenal transfer target Ferdi Kadioglu’s cross was only partially cleared by Georgia. Mert Muldur stepped up on the edge of the penalty area and smashed a peach of a sliced volley beyond Mamardashvili into the Georgia goal. Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSMert Muldur opened the scoring with a spectacular strikeCredit: AlamyGeorges Mikautadze equalised in the 32nd minute, scoring Georgia’s first-ever goal at a major tournamentCredit: AlamyOnly a minute later and Turkey thought they had doubled the lead but Kenan Yildiz was judged just offside after a VAR check. On 32-minutes Georgia were in dreamland as they scored their first goal of a major tournament. 10 Steps to Victory for England: A Fan’s GuideGiorgi Kochorashvili produced a stepover before crossing to Georges Mikautadze who squeezed a strike in at the near post. Turkey goalkeeper Mert Gunok could have done better but Georgia couldn’t care less. Georgia emerged from the restart with a fire in their bellies and Khvicha Kvaratskheila teed up Mikautadze who spun and shot but Abdulkerim Bardakci and Samet Akaydin put their bodies on the line. There were shouts for a Turkey penalty when 19-year-old Real Madrid prodigy Guler hit the deck after being crowded by three Georgia players but only a free-kick was given. Hakan Calhanoglu lashed the 30-yard free-kick and stung the hands of Mamardashvili in goal. Both sides were relentless but hero Guler produced a moment of magic and raised the shoddy Dortmund roof with a corker into the top corner on 65-minutes. Georgia hit back strongly though and Giorgi Kochorashvili pounced on the ball and cracked one off the crossbar. READ MORE SUN STORIESGeorgia hit the post as Samet Akaydin produced a potential match-saving headed clearance to deny Budu Zivzivadze.Turkey charged with Georgia’s goalkeeper miles out of position and Akturkoglu slotted home.Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu scored Turkey’s third by passing the ball into an empty netCredit: GettyEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Spain vs Italy – Euro 2024: La Furia Roja take on defending champs in tasty match-up – stream FREE, TV, team news

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      SPAIN face reigning European champions Italy in their second group game this week.The two sides meet at Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen on Thursday.Spain cruised to a 3-0 win over Croatia in their opening matchCredit: GettyItaly managed a narrow 2-1 winCredit: GettyLa Furia Roja kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Croatia at the weekend.First-half goals from Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal gave Luis de la Fuente’s side the best possible start to the tournament.Meanwhile, Italy overcame an early scare to beat Albania in their opening match.Nedim Bajrami came out of nowhere to score the fastest goal in European Championship history just 23 seconds into Saturday’s match, but Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella responded by netting back-to-back goals in five minutes to seal the win.Read More on Euro 2024Both teams will be eyeing the top spot in Group B ahead of the knockouts.And a win could see either side all-but guarantee qualification.What is their form like?Both teams got off to a winning start in Germany at the weekend.Spain cruised to a 3-0 win over Croatia, while Italy clinched a 2-1 victory over Albania.Most read in Euro 2024The Azzurri suffered quite the scare in their opening match after going 1-0 down within the opening minute, so they will have to up the performance levels on Thursday.Team newsAlvaro Morata was forced off in the latter stages of Spain’s match against Croatia, but the striker has since insisted that he just suffered a knock.10 Steps to Victory for England: A Fan’s GuideRodri was also withdrawn during the match due to fatigue.Aymeric Laporte was not involved at the weekend due to a muscle issue and it remains to be seen whether or not he will return in time for the match against Italy.Nicolo Fagioli will likely be in contention after missing the opening match due to a bruised fibula.Aside from that, Italy have no significant injury concerns.Alvaro Morata walked off with a knock, but he is expected to be okay for Thursday’s matchCredit: GettyOnes to watchLamine Yamal became the youngest footballer to play in a European Championship match when he started for Spain against Croatia.The 16-year-old provided an exciting spark among the team and managed to set up Dani Carvajal’s goal on the brink of half-time.Ahead of Thursday’s clash, Italy midfielder Davide Frattesi admitted Yamal is destined to become a “top-class” player.Lamine Yamal was a bright spark for SpainNicolo Barella was a key player for Italy against AlbaniaAs for Italy, Nicolo Barella is a threat.The midfielder scored the winning goal for the Azzurri against Albania last week. And after the match he was likened to Kevin De Bruyne and Toni Kroos by former Italy Under-21s manager Luigi Di Biagio.He told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Barella has a different physicality, but he is a mix between the first version of Kevin De Bruyne, who used to play more in central midfield and the first version of Kroos, who made more late runs.”What has been said?Following his team’s win over Croatia, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said: “We have the ability to continue to impose our style. We played very well with a high press, which allowed us to get the ball back.Luis de la Fuente was thrilled with his team’s resultCredit: Getty”But one of the characteristics of Spain is our ability to change approaches and that variety is our strength. We have different qualities, different tactical approaches, and that’s an extra difficulty for opponents.”If you have players with the speed of Lamine [Yamal] or Nico [Williams] or Ferran [Torres], that gives you something else. And the players know that. I have always tried to communicate that.”Meanwhile, Italy boss Luciano Spalletti wasn’t best pleased with his team’s performance against Albania.He said: “We saw many good things, but they need to actually take us somewhere, otherwise they are pointless.”There was the possibility to hurt them several times and we didn’t go for it. We prepared the move well, then passed it backwards. We changed our minds too quickly.”SunSport predictionSpain 3-1 ItalyEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWhen is Spain vs Italy?
      Spain’s huge game with Italy at Euro 2024 will take place on Thursday, June 20.
      The Group B clash will kick off at 8pm BST.
      Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen will play host to the match.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      Spain vs Italy will be shown live on ITV1 and ITV1 HD in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Can I watch for FREE?
      Yes, Spain vs Italy will be available to watch for FREE on the ITV X app, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
      READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
      Spain – 5/4
      Draw – 12/5
      Italy 9/4
      *Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication. More

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      Former boxer who broke nose 15 TIMES fires warning to Kylian Mbappe after horror injury in France’s Euro 2024 opener

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      A BOXER who broke his nose 15 TIMES fired a warning to Kylian Mbappe after the France star’s horror injury against Austria. The newly-signed Real Madrid forward was rushed to hospital after an aerial collision with Kevin Danso left him covered in blood. Kylian Mbappe suffered a horror nose injuryCredit: APEx-boxer Jero Garcia gave a grim warning to Mbappe after the injuryCredit: GettyFormer boxer Jero Garcia gave a grim assessment on Mbappe’s injury having experienced it himself through his own fight career. He said on on El Partidazo de COPE: “It’s clear, it’s a broken bone with deviation. It’s complicated. “His nose is going to be congested for a few days. The recovery is going to be complicated.” Mbappe now faces a fight to be fit for the knockout stages in early July after being ruled out of the remaining group stage matches. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGarcia added: “Now, the mask and a good anti-inflammatory treatment. The first thing is for the nose to go back in place. “The more it gets inflamed, the worse it is going to be for you to breathe. It’s going to be hard to breathe for a few days.”Spaniard Garcia had an 11-1 boxing career with his last bout coming in 2003 – which followed on from over a dozen nose breaks. He said: “Out of those 15 times when I broke my nose, I fixed it myself twice. Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFrance 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.

      “When inflammation goes away, if you can breathe properly, it’s all good. If not, then surgery is needed.”Mbappe has not yet had surgery on his nose but France’s medical team remain monitoring the situation. Jack Rosser reports on France training and Mbappe absence from PaderbornHe had a part to play in his side’s winning goal after his byline cross was inadvertently put in by Austria defender Maximilian Wober. Mbappe, 25, will wear a protective mask by the time he does return as France boss Dider Deschamps discussed the situation. Deschamps said: “He’s not doing well. He’s with the medical staff. I cannot tell you anything else. “His nose got badly hit. We need to check that out. It is just really unfortunate right now.”Mbappe faces a fight to get fitCredit: Getty More