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      Boost to touring England fans as strong beers are BACK for Euro 2024 clash against Denmark

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      ENGLAND fans will be back on the strong beers at the Denmark game tomorrow — after being forced to down shandies for the Serbia win. They will also be allowed to drink while watching the match — a pleasure that has been banned at home for 40 years.Fans at England’s next Euros clash will be able to enjoy stronger beers as well as take them to their seatsEngland fans celebrate at the official UEFA Fan Zone during England’s win over SerbiaFears of hooligan clashes around England’s first group match led to a crackdown by German authorities.Fans at Gelsenkirchen’s 62,000-seat Veltins Arena were only allowed to sup a 2.5 per cent Bitburger Radler shandy and buy two at a time.But at Frankfurt’s  Waldstadion — with a capacity of 58,000 — a 4.8 per cent Bitburger lager is available.Police and security analysts predict a party atmosphere at the stadium before and after our second Group C game kicks off at 5pm.READ MORE ON THE EUROSEngland will qualify for the tournament’s knock-out stages if they win.Around 40,000 England fans are expected to flood into the city,  even though the FA was allocated just 10,000 seats for the game.Company director Jamie Holbrook, 49, from Grimsby, said: “Frankfurt is really busy with fans from all over Europe and this is great news.“It will be a treat for fans who haven’t watched footie with a beer for years in English grounds.”Most read in Euro 2024Spurs fan Paul Meadows, a 38-year-old roofer from West London, added: “I can’t wait to get the beers in at the game. Full strength beer at England vs Serbia AXED and replaced by low alcohol brew amid threat of boozed-up ultras violence“And I don’t mind getting soaked by beer when Jude Bellingham scores again!”Drinking alcohol in sight of the pitch has been banned in the top five tiers of English football since a 1985 hooligan crackdown. Rules are relaxed in Germany’s Bundesliga. The Football Supporters’ Association hailed the ale sale move, announcing: “Alcohol is expected to be back to normal for this game, with no restrictions on sale and normal beer percentages available.“And you should be able to drink in the stands — Frankfurt is a great city with plenty of options for England fans.”Bars in the city have been stocking up on lager and local speciality apple wine. The cider-like drink is around five per cent proof and is proving popular with visiting fans.A city spokesman said: “We don’t expect any riots and rampages.“We’ll also sell Frankfurt’s beloved national drink, apple wine, which isn’t just alcohol — it’s our cultural heritage!”England fans dodged the strong beer ban in the stadium at Sunday’s game by pre-loading with extra booze for hours before kick-off.But the Frankfurt city spokesman declared: “If the English want to knock back eight beers before the match, they will.“We’ve already got many Scots around who give us an impression of what to expect from the English in the following days.”Meanwhile, Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo, 19, hailed the fans in Germany and back home.He said: “All the support is appreciated, you feel it most in the stadium. “It was amazing against Serbia.“I just hope everyone tunes in and supports us. “Everyone dreams of scoring big goals for their country. “It’s always been a big dream.”Rice’s on SongEngland’s Declan Rice has been described by his team as the best singer and dancerMIDFIELDER Declan Rice is the England squad’s best singer and dancer — says his teammates.Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford named the £100million Arsenal ace, 25, as top of the pops among the Three Lions.And when Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo was asked to rank the team’s skills on the dancefloor, he said: “Dec’s got a bit.” Rice is known to enjoy singing along to music with his teammates.He has named Pawsa’s Pick Up The Phone as a favourite — and also gave a brief rendition of Dexta Daps’ Shabba Madda Pot.’Yob’ fan bailPolice are to seek a football banning order against Gordon Thomas, 39AN ENGLAND fan appeared in court yesterday after trouble broke out before our opening Euros match against Serbia.Gordon Thomas, 39, was held at Manchester Airport after he returned to the UK from Germany on Monday night.READ MORE SUN STORIESProsecutors said police will seek a football banning order against him. Thomas, from Bolton, is accused of being involved in violence in the streets of Gelsenkirchen before Sunday’s 1-0 victory.The HGV driver was bailed at Manchester magistrates’ court and the case adjourned until August 23 to allow him to seek legal advice. More

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      Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic LIVE RESULT – Euro 2024: Supersub Conceicao spares Ronaldo and Co’s blushes in frantic clash

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’s Portugal kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a late comeback win!Ronaldo started for Portugal and became the first player to appear in six European Championships.But Roberto Martinez’s side needed a 92nd minute winner from super-sub Francisco Conceicao to seal three vital points.
      Kick-off: 8pm BST
      TV channel/ live stream: BBC One/ BBC iPlayer
      Portugal XI: Diogo Costa; Cancelo, Pepe, Dalot, Ruben Dias, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Leao, Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo
      Czech Rep XI: Stanek; Holes, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Soucek, Provod, Sulc, Doudera; Kuchta, Schick
      EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThat’s all from Leipzig
      And the end of another dramatic day at Euro 2024.
      We may have only had two matches to enjoy, but they served up stunners and storyline by the bucketload.
      Wins for Portugal and Turkey have them in charge of Group F yet it could all change in the coming days as the tournament takes in Matchday Two.
      We’ll be back for three more matches tomorrow that include a chance for Scotland to make amends for their awful opener when they face Switzerland in Cologne.
      See you then. Goodnight.

      Copy linkCopiedHasek hails ‘dangerous’ old goat
      Czech Republic head coach Ivan Hasek was incredibly disappointed that his young side couldn’t make it through to the final whistle without conceding a winner.
      However, magnanimous in defeat, the 60-year-old took time in his press conference to praise the record-breaking Cristiano Ronaldo, who played and threatened for the whole match at the age of 39.
      It is really unbelievable how dangerous a player Cristiano Ronaldo is in every game at his age. He showed his genius again, he knows how to get involved in chances. My hat goes off to him; he is one of the best players in football history. Truly a fabulous man.Ivan HasekUefa.com

      Copy linkCopiedEuro 2024 going the distance
      Lukás Provod sensational opening goal for the Czech Republic this evening was the 11th scored from outside the box at this European Championship.
      The 11 goals – many of them stunners – is a total just one fewer than the amount of long range efforts scored in the entire group stage at the 2020 finals (12).
      Copy linkCopiedPortugal up and running in F
      They left it late, but Portugal secure a huge three points to move level with Turkey at the top of Group F.
      The frontrunners face each other in Dortmund on Saturday while Czech Republic and Georgia will be hoping to kickstart their campaigns in Hamburg.
      Credit: uefa.com
      Copy linkCopiedConceicao makes his mark
      Francisco Conceicao’s introduction as the clock raised 90 minutes raised eyebrows from many who wanted Roberto Martinez to make attacking alterations much earlier in the game.
      But just 111 seconds later, the Portugal head coach was vindicated and his 21-year-old substitute was in dreamland.
      In the process, Conceicao became the first Portugal player to score as a substitute at the European Championship since Eder’s winner in extra-time of the 2016 final.

      Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from Leipzig Stadium
      Czech Republic took the lead when scoring with their only shot on target, but soon succumbed to Portugal and their 707 passes.

      Copy linkCopiedFull time – Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic
      Portugal prevail in a game that came to life in the last half hour.
      For an hour, the Selecao failed to break down the Czech Republic despite plenty of possession, and then were stunned into life by Lukas Provod’s stunner.
      And even then, the Portuguese needed a helping hand to get them going, literally in the case of Jindrich Stanek, who spilled the ball on to his own defender’s shin for an own goal.
      Portugal kept searching for a winner, and eventually it came in dramatic style in stoppage time, young sub Francisco Conceicao thumping in at the near post.

      Copy linkCopiedPortugal 2-1 Czech Republic
      90+4. Lingr has the Leipzig Stadium holding its breath with seconds left on the clock…
      …but before he can loop his header agonisingly wide, he is flagged for offside.
      That will be enough for Portugal.
      Copy linkCopiedPortugal 2-1 Czech Republic – Conceicao yellow card
      90+3. Twenty-one-year-old substitute Francisco Conceicao was booked for his celebrations in removing his shirt after scoring.
      I don’t think he’s going to care one bit.
      Copy linkCopiedPortugal 2-1 Czech Republic
      90+2. Unbelievable!
      On the pitch for little over 100 seconds, and young Francisco Conceicao has won it for the Portuguese!
      Another sub in Pedro Neto makes it, bursting down the left, sitting down his marker, and fizzing in a low cross.
      It takes a touch off one defender, and that’s enough to befuddle Robin Hranac.
      The Czech centre-back slips, and inadvertently tees it perfectly into the path of Conceicao, who slams it straight back under Jindrich Stanek.
      What a moment for the youngster!

      Copy linkCopiedWon at the death!

      Copy linkCopiedPortugal 1-1 Czech Republic – Portugal triple substitution
      90. The Czechs will have four further minutes to hold on for
      Meanwhile, young Francisco Conceicao is on for his competitive debut in stoppage time as one of three last-gasp Portugal subs.
      Also on for the Selecao are Nelson Semedo and Pedro Neto; off go Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes and Vitinha.
      Copy linkCopiedPortugal 1-1 Czech Republic
      87. Ronaldo against the post! Jota header! Goal!
      Portugal have turned it around thanks to their super sub!
      The Portuguese players, fans and staff celebrate wildly but…
      …but…
      …but there is a goal check going on for a possible offside.
      And it doesn’t take long at all with the semi-automated decisions at these finals.
      The goal is chalked off after Ronaldo drifted ahead of his marker as the cross came in from the right.
      We remain all-square at 1-1 with three minutes to go.

      Copy linkCopiedPortugal 1-1 Czech Republic
      85. A crunching tackle from Mendes put the ball out play and knocks the wind from the sails of Coufal.
      You don’t get this at the London Stadium, he thinks.
      Copy linkCopiedPortugal 1-1 Czech Republic
      83. It’s been a while since we’ve seen it, but there’s the classic Cristiano tantrum.
      Hands up in the air and then thrown downwards in frustration after he failed to get a pass from his teammate.
      Copy linkCopiedPortugal 1-1 Czech Republic
      81. A half-chance for the Czechs!
      Substitute Sevcik quickly finds himself with room on his left foot in the box, but the snapshot is blocked by Dias.
      Following up, Soucek is off target with the rebound.
      Copy linkCopiedPortugal 1-1 Czech Republic – Czechia double substitution
      79. Another two switches for the Czechs.
      Among those departing is goalscorer Lukas Provod, along with Pavel Sulc.
      The oncoming Petr Sevcik and Antonin Barak will have some work to do in the final ten minutes plus.
      Copy linkCopiedPortugal 1-1 Czech Republic
      77. Vitinha works Stanek again with a fizzer from long range.
      It’s fierce, it’s low and it skids off the surface in front of the Czech goalkeeper, who does the right thing in turning it behind.
      Copy linkCopiedPortugal 1-1 Czech Republic
      75. Many of these Czech players are flagging, and that’s unsurprising given how much of the game they have played out of possession.
      Quarter of an hour remains.
      Copy linkCopiedPortugal 1-1 Czech Republic
      73. A welcome moment for Stanek, who shows a safe pair of hands in dealing with a Bernardo Silva effort.
      The goalkeeper has done well this evening, but will undoubtedly dwell on that single error.
      Copy linkCopiedPortugal 1-1 Czech Republic
      71. The own goal may be just the inspiration that Portugal needed.
      From looking flat after the Czech opener, the Selecao have a new lease of life, pouring forward at every opportunity.
      Copy linkCopiedPortugal 1-1 Czech Republic
      69. The Czech Republic lead did not last long – and they only have themselves to blame.
      Nuno Mendes heads down a right-wing cross at the far post, and it should be meat and drink for Jindrich Stanek.
      However, the goalkeeper fails to grasps the ball fully in the wet conditions, instead pushing it up and on to the shin of the unwitting Robin Hranac.
      The ball bounces up off the defender, over Stanek and into the inviting net.
      Level in Leipzig!

      Copy linkCopiedAll square!

      Copy linkCopiedPortugal 0-1 Czech Republic
      67. Among the Portuguese fans in the stadium, we may have just seen the first tears of Euro 2024. Somewhat premature.
      Meanwhile, Provod’s goal was already the 11th from outside the penalty area at these finals.
      Copy linkCopiedPortugal 0-1 Czech Republic – Portugal double substitution
      64. Roberto Martinez responds to the goal with a double change of his own.
      Liverpool Diogo Jota and Goncalo Inacio are on for Rafa Laeo and Diogo Dalot.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      Portugal 2 Czech Republic 1: Super-sub Francisco Conceicao spares blushes of Cristiano Ronaldo and co in stoppage time

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      FRANCISCO CONCEICAO struck in stoppage-time to stop Portugal suffering a reality Czech.Just when it seemed Cristiano Ronaldo and co were going to be given the cold shoulder in their opening game, substitute Conceicao scored from close range to spark delirium in rain-lashed Leipzig.Francisco Conceicao scored a dramatic winner for PortugalCredit: AFPThe 21-year-old netted just a few minutes after coming off the benchCredit: ReutersPortugal dominated possession and had the most shots by farJust moments earlier, the top of Ronaldo’s arm had been adjudged offside as he headed against the post before Diogo Jota nodded in the rebound.But in the end Portugal were not to be denied.And so Ronaldo’s sixth Euros began with the reverse of the scoreline in the opening game of his first.It was 20 years ago that he made his major tournament debut at Euro 2004.Read More on Euro 2024And although the then teenager grabbed his first international goal, hosts Portugal lost 2-1 to Greece.A few weeks later, they suffered even worse agony when the same opponents beat them in the final.And Czechia were heading for a similar smash and grab raid when Lukas Provod gave them the lead with their first meaningful shot.An unfortunate Robin Hranac own goal soon brought Portugal level but Ivan Hasek’s side came agonisingly close to denying them victory.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSLukas Provod fired Czech Republic ahead with a fantastic strikeCredit: ReutersRobin Hranac scored an own goal to cancel out Czech Republic’s openerCredit: GettyThe oldest swingers in town both started for Portugal.Pepe, at 41, overtook former Hungary and Crystal Palace goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly as the oldest player to appear at a European Championship finals.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’sRonaldo, at a mere 39, became the first man to contest six Euros. He was also extending his record number of appearances to 26. But the question was whether he could also add to his all-time landmarks of 14 goals and 12 wins. So eager was the great man to get going that he was already several yards inside the Czech half when his team kicked off.And Portugal also came out of the traps fast, playing in a fluid 3-4-3 formation with Nuno Mendes as left centre back and Joao Cancelo often inverting from wing back into a midfield role.But for all their domination of possession and territory, they struggled to create clear-cut chances.In between Ronaldo’s early mistimed header and his shot in first-half stoppage-time that Czech goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek beat away, they did not have another effort on target.Unless you count Ronaldo’s effort from a Bruno Fernandes through ball that Stanek also saved, but the Portuguese captain looked to have been just offside.Rafael Leao was Martinez’s man most likely and was agonisingly close to meeting a Fernandes cross on the only occasion that the resolute Czechs were really carved open.Diogo Jota thought he had fired Portugal in front, but the goal was chalked offCredit: APCristiano Ronaldo was deemed to be offside in the build-upCredit: GettyLeao himself became frustrated enough to earn a yellow card for diving from no-nonsense Italian referee Marco Guida.Meanwhile Portugal ‘keeper Diogo Costa had absolutely nothing to do except watch Patrik Schick fail to connect properly with Vladimir Coufal cross in a very rare Czech attack.Nothing changed after the break. Fantastic headers by Tomas Holes and Tomas Soucek stopped Ronaldo nodding Portugal in front.Stanek made a routine save from a less-than-vintage free kick from guess who. The Czech defending bordered on the heroic.And then, incredibly, they scored. Coufal tidied up after an attack broke down and teed up Provod to curl a delicious shot into the net off Costa’s right-hand post.At last Martinez made use of his star-studded bench, bringing on Diogo Jota, and the equaliser was not long in coming.But it came from an unusual and, for the Czechs, unfortunate source. Stanek saved Nuno Mendes’ back-post header but the ball ricocheted back into the net off Robin Hranac.Stanek saved from Bernardo Silva and Vitinha. Soucek fired just wide at the other end as the game entered the final 10 minutes.READ MORE SUN STORIESJota celebrated prematurely after grabbing what he thought was the winner.But Conceicao, son of former Portugal star Sergio, did the family proud with his late strike.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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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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      in Soccer

      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