Euro 2024

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

N’GOLO KANTE was given a hero’s welcome by his France team-mates after his masterclass against Austria. The Chelsea legend was the standout in the 2018 World Cup champion’s group stage opener in Germany. N’Golo Kante was given a hero’s welcome by his France team-matesKante was the standout against AustriaAnd even his team-mates were gobsmacked with the performance as they cheered Kante’s arrival into the dressing room. But the famously shy and humble Al-Ittihad star did not say a word and instead cut a gleeful look as he took his seat with fans in awe. One said: “Is there a more likeable player than Kante?”Another added: “Love him man.”READ MORE ON EURO 2024Kante partnered with Adrien Rabiot in the 1-0 victory and rolled back the clock to cover every blade of grass on the pitch. The former Blue left London last summer for Saudi Arabia after a period of the sidelines for Chelsea. But this season he has got back to full fitness with over 40 appearances – just in time for France manager Didier Deschamps. Deschamps said after victory over Austria: “I brought him for that. Once I was sure that he had rediscovered his athletic means. Most read in Euro 2024France 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.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY”He has tactical intelligence, the ability to win the ball back and then go forward. He shone. He was well partnered by Adrien Rabiot.” Despite Kante’s rise in form, France are sweating on Kylian Mbappe following his horror nose injury. Mbappe – recently signed by Real Madrid – faces missing the group stage matches. But there is hope he will be able to return in time for the knockout stages wearing a protective mask. Mbappe faces a fight to be fit for the Euros knockout stagesCredit: Getty More

RIO FERDINAND reckons Gareth Southgate should deploy Bukayo Saka at LEFT BACK against Denmark.Kieran Trippier was forced to swap wings and fill in for the injured Luke Shaw in England’s Euro 2024 opener against Serbia but is a doubt for Thursday’s match.Luke Shaw is a doubt for England’s clash with Denmark on ThursdayCredit: PAKieran Trippier deputized for the Manchester United man in the Three Lions’ win over Serbia but is a doubt for tomorrow’s matchCredit: AlamyRio Ferdinand reckons Bukayo Saka should start at left back if Shaw is still outCredit: GETTYFirst-choice left-back Shaw is doubtful for the dust-up with the Danes, with his absence prompting former Three Lions defender Ferdinand to call for Saka to fill the void left by the Manchester United man.During the latest episode of his Vibe with Five podcast, he said: “If Shaw’s not fit then 100 per cent, we’re bang in trouble.”We would have to put Saka at left-back. I’d play Saka at left-back then I would.”If you ain’t got Shaw and you ain’t got Trippier then I would play Saka at left-back. READ MORE ON EURO 2024″I’d play it where as soon as we get possession Saka is a left winger.”Saka, of course, initially broke into Arsenal’s first-team as a left back – filling in for Sead Kolasinac – in 2018.The then 18-year-old impressed former manager Unai Emery and would eventually become a permanent fixture in the starting XI in a more advanced role.Saka shone at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup playing on the right wing and cutting inside with his wand of a left foot.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBy Tom Barclay
BUKAYO SAKA feels it is his responsibility to help England’s less experienced players – despite being just 22.
The Arsenal winger is competing in his THIRD major tournament already and earned his 34th cap in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Serbia.
He does not feel like a veteran but is aware of the role he can play given 12 of Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad are at their first major tournament this summer in Germany.
Gunners star Saka told ITV Football: “No, I don’t feel like a veteran. I think I’ve got a lot to improve on and a long way to go.
“But I do feel like I have a lot more experience now and especially in the team, I have a bit more experience than some other players.
“So it’s my responsibility to help the players coming in.”
Marc Guehi made his major-tournament bow with his assured display against the Serbs.
Conor Gallagher, Jarrod Bowen and Kobbie Mainoo also made debuts at this level when coming off the bench in Gelsenkirchen.
Chelsea man Gallagher does have tournament experience having gone to the 2022 Qatar World Cup, but did not actually play a minute.
While squad-members Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze, Joe Gomez, Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins, Anthony Gordon, Cole Palmer, Lewis Dunk and Ivan Toney are all at their first one.
Saka, who played at the last Euros and in Doha two years ago, added: “It’s about making everyone feel comfortable, speaking to everyone and making everyone feel included and helping create an environment where they feel like they can express themselves and be confident.
“Everyone is here because they are exceptional at football.”
Saka’s first major tournament came at Euro 2020, which was delayed by a year due to Covid.
England came so close to triumphing but lost out to Italy in the final on a penalty shootout, with Saka one of the Three Lions players to miss his spot-kick.
He played in that campaign with a maturity that belied his teenage years – but feels he is on a different level now.
Saka, who has 28 goal involvements in his 34 caps (11 goals, 17 assists), added: “I’d say I’ve matured a lot, on and off the pitch.
“Of course, my game has gone to another level. I feel like I’m a better player as well.
“(Looking back, the overriding feeling from Euro 2020 is) still disappointment at losing a final.
“But we’ve gained experience from that and are hoping to go one step further.”
Arsenal academy product Saka feels his dribbling, finishing and work-rate are his strong points – but is still working on his heading.
He dovetailed beautifully with Jude Bellingham on Sunday, teeing up the Real Madrid superstar to head home the only goal of the game in the first 13 minutes.
Saka has played with the 20-year-old for almost the last four years now, as his one and only Under-21s cap was alongside Bellingham in a 6-0 win in Kosovo in September 2020.
Yet even the Gunners winger has been blown away by what Bellingham has achieved this term, winning La Liga, the Champions League and the Spanish league’s player of the year.
Asked to sum up the ex-Borussia Dortmund man, who was sublime against Serbia, in one word, Saka replied: “Wow.
“Since he was 17, he was always so mature. He just knew how to carry himself on and off the pitch.
“What he’s done this season has been special.
“So I would say, yeah, I was a bit taken aback because 20 years old, going to Madrid and doing what he’s done, it’s unbelievable.
“But it’s no surprise when you know him as a person.”
An attack of Saka, Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane has England fans salivating if the latter two can produce what are capable of after quiet displays in Gelsenkirchen.
Saka summed up that excitement when discussing the awesome foursome by simply saying: “Everything is possible with that.”

The 22-year-old tormented Serbia left-back Strahinja Pavlovic throughout the first half of the Three Lions’ Group C opener and set up Jude Bellingham’s 13th-minute winner.Ferdinand said of the winger’s display: “I thought Saka was really good.Saka gives two-word response after being asked if goal was ‘world class’ just days after Ferdinand questioned talents”First 45, the wing-play he showed… you know what I liked about it? He mixed it up.”He didn’t always come inside. He went on the outside a couple of times.”The defender didn’t know which way he was going to go but second half, when they put pressure on us, that was the problem.”We didn’t respond well to that.” More