Euro 2024

JUDE BELLINGHAM celebrated with his family after playing the hero as England edged past Serbia 1-0 in their Euro 2024 opener last night.The Real Madrid superstar, 20, crashed into the box to thunder home a 13th minute header from Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross.Jude Bellingham laughed with dad Mark in the stands after the gameCredit: PABellingham, 20, also caught up with brother Jobe and mum DeniseCredit: PAJobe and Denise watched on together in the standsCredit: RexBellingham cut a relaxed figure as he laughed with his dad MarkCredit: PAEngland’s No10 was the match-winner in GelsenkirchenCredit: GettyBellingham put himself about during the contest, and looked every inch the superstar as he became the youngest player to ever feature at three major international tournaments – eclipsing even Cristiano Ronaldo as he beat Michael Owen’s previous record.As was the case at the Champions League final earlier this month, Bellingham was roared on from the stands by dad Mark, mum Denise and younger brother and Sunderland star Jobe.A man in demand, the midfielder underwent plenty of media duties after the final whistle sounded in Gelsenkirchen.After completing them, with typical good grace, and taking a quick shower, Bellingham headed back out to celebrate with his thrilled family in the stands.READ MORE ON JUDE BELLINGHAMEngland’s superstar beamed with his retired policeman father Mark, while ex-HR professional and financial expert mum Denise also grinned.Little brother Jobe, 18, who has attracted interest from Prem duo Crystal Palace and Brentford, glanced down at his phone during the happy exchange.Jude moved to Real Madrid last summer in a blockbuster £115million transfer.The fit was instant, with the Madrid faithful immediately taking Bellingham to their hearts.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFans posed for selfies with the Bellinghams in the standsCredit: EPAThe humble star has credited his mum Denise with helping him take everything so gracefully in his stride.With his mum having moved with him to Madrid, where he has since begun dating Dutch model Laura Celia, he told the Mail last December: “My mum is there to just keep everything neutral really.Jude Bellingham reacts to match winning England display in euro 2024 opener against SerbiaEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY”Without my mum, sometimes I’d get too low with the lows or too high with the highs and I stay pretty humble because I’ve got her around.”It’s also great to have her there because she’s a great laugh as well. We get on so well and we’re always doing stuff together.”Dad Mark, meanwhile, has also been a driving positive force in his sons’ careers – dating back to both of them starting at boyhood club Birmingham as kids.While Denise headed to Madrid’s stunning La Finca neighbourhood to look out for Jude, Mark headed to Wearside with Jobe.Given Bellingham’s level of superstardom, his family were recognised in the stands at Arena AufSchalke last night.They could be seen posing for selfies with delighted England supporters while in attendance at the match.’Jude Bellingham is made up of amazing people’After the game, Bellingham paid tribute to his supportive family and friends.He said: “Jude Bellingham is made up of amazing people. It’s not just me.”It’s because I have such a great support network – my family, my friends, my team-mates. Playing football is the easiest part.”On the game itself, he added: “I have got used to getting into the box, getting wide and trying to do that. I got into that habit at Madrid and I wanted to carry my form into the Euros.”It’s a great start for me personally to get my confidence up, and to help the lads get the win is the most important thing.”Having received the adulation of the travelling England faithful, who serenaded him with The Beatles’ classic “Hey Jude”, Bellingham vowed: “I am willing to do whatever it takes and am ready to do everything to help the country win this football tournament.”He and his Three Lions team-mates are next set to be in action on Thursday, when they take on Denmark in Frankfurt.Meet Jude Bellingham’s stunning girlfriend, lingerie model Laura Celia ValkBy Jon Boon
LAURA CELIA VALK is the stunning Dutch fashion model who has stolen Jude Bellingham’s heart.
The Sun exclusively revealed that she’s been staying at his place in Madrid and is completely smitten with him.
Laura boasts a huge social media following and regularly travels the world, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.
From underwear modelling to showing off Pretty Little Thing’s latest wear, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the globe.
Wherever she is, Laura makes sure to drop into Chanel – her favourite designer.
She’s also quite the foodie, with pizza and strawberries being her favourites.
It won’t be long before we see her at the Bernabeu enjoying a prawn sandwich!
Find out more about Laura.
Or read all the latest Jude Bellingham news.

Other stars including skipper Harry Kane also entered the stands after the match to see their loved ones.Kane, 30, shared a kiss with wife Kate, before the pair also posed for a selfie.Conor Gallagher caught up with partner Aine May Kennedy.While Kyle Walker went to see wife Annie Kilner and the kids.READ MORE SUN STORIESOllie Watkins hugged girlfriend Ellie Alderson.And Jarrod Bowen shared an embrace with Dani Dyer.Harry Kane shared a kiss with wife KateCredit: GettyConor Gallagher caught up with girlfriend Aine May KennedyCredit: RexKyle Walker went up to see wife Annie Kilner and the kidsCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) – Serbia vs EnglandSubstitute Ollie Watkins hugged partner Ellie AldersonCredit: Instagram @ellsaldersonJarrod Bowen hugs partner Dani Dyer in the standsCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) – Serbia vs England More

HAVING finished a disappointing third in their group behind the Czech Republic and Albania, Poland needed a penalty shootout win over Wales in the play-offs to make the tournament.After such a stuttering qualifying campaign there is little hope back home that Poland can make it through a very tricky group.Poland saw off Wales to qualifyCredit: EPAAnd things got off to the worst possible start as they lost 2-1 to Holland in their group opener. Former Under-21s coach Michal Probierz was parachuted in during that qualification run to turn things around and managed to just sneak them through, but he has no experience of managing at a major tournament.The squad will hold plenty of interest for fans from English clubs, with Aston Villa’s Matty Cash, Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior, Southampton’s Jan Bednarek and Brighton midfielder Jakub Moder.Manager: Michal ProbierzHas managed 10 clubs, nine of them Polish, one of which lasted just two days.read more on the eurosMichal Probierz took over as Poland manager in 2023Credit: EPAKey man: Robert LewandowskiThere is no doubting that Poland’s fortunes will swing on whether Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski fires or not.However, he must improve on a record of just seven goals in 18 tournament outings.Robert Lewandowski has plenty of legs despite his ageLikely line-upThe Poles usually play with a three-man defence and wing-backs in a 3-5-2 formation.Lewandowski is the main focus of the attack, with support from Karol Swiderski who plays for Serie A club Hellas Verona, on loan from MLS club Charlotte FC.Most read in Euro 2024How Poland cold play in an 3-5-2 formationHow they attackExpect to see Poland line up for the tournament in a 3-5-2 shape.The wing-backs will combine with one of the deeper midfielders to try to take the ball out safely from the backline.They use intelligent rotations to move the ball – but they can at times be too slow to progress.The three central defenders spread across the pitch as the wing-backs move high. As the ball moves to the right-sided central defender, the right wing-back rotates back to receive it in spacePoland use the two wing-backs as their primary tactic for getting the ball up the pitch.When they receive the ball in space they are more likely to pass and move rather than dribble or drive forward with the ball. They will often look to combine and swap positions with the central midfielders.The left wing-back receives the ball and has time and space to turn and play forward into space centrally to release runners moving from the midfieldAs they open up spaces in the attacking phase we will see Poland become more aggressive with ball progression as they look to quickly release runners to attack space. They are not a side that we can expect to be heavily possession-based.Now the left wing-back makes a diagonal run into the penalty area. In possession, they will look to hit these spaces to attack as quickly as possibleHow they defendAs with many teams coming into this tournament we expect to see Poland work and press relatively high when the opposition are looking to play out from the back. Playing high and compact against the ball appears to be a real trend from the defensive side of the game amongst teams that have qualified for Germany.Poland will work to force the opposition to play either long passes, where they can contest second balls, or out wide where they can slide the block and trap the oppositionWhen the opposition are enticed into playing passes that are still relatively short but out and into the wide spaces, we can expect to see Poland quickly shift their block over to pin the opposition to the touchline and then force a turnover.The Wales goalkeeper plays the ball wide but Poland are quick to get over and to apply aggressive pressure on the man in possessionWhen they do drop and defend in more of a medium block we still see intelligent positioning from the Polish side against the ball. They will remain strong and compact centrally. With the two forward and three central midfielders and then the wing-backs will be positioned aggressively high.Here against Wales, we see Poland have dropped into a compact medium block to defend the long ballPredictionPoland are in a tough group with France, the Netherlands and potential dark horses Austria.If they manage to upset the odds and top the pile, the Poles will face the runners-up from Group F – the Czech Republic, Turkey and Georgia would be most likely but Portugal could slip up.Belgium and England would stand in the way of a surprise run to the final in the quarter and semi-finals respectively.If they finish second, the runner-up from Group E would be next, potentially Ukraine or Romania.Poland could also progress as one of the best third-placed teams but would then face a tough last-16 draw.READ MORE SUN STORIESLatest oddsPoland are not expected to make a deep run in the tournament.They are 1001/1 with William Hill, which places them in the bottom six of 24 countries.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. 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RONALD KOEMAN’S Netherlands finished second to France in qualifying, losing to Didier Deschamps’ men 4-0 and 2-1 during their campaign.They will have to improve before meeting the French again in Leipzig on June 21.The Netherlands lack the firepower of some powerhousesCredit: GettyBut they got off to a good start in their group with a 2-1 win over Poland thanks to Wout Weghorst’s late goal. The former Barcelona boss, who won this tournament as a player in 1988, has overhauled the playing style since returning for his second stint in charge of the national team.RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons is definitely one to watch out for after a fine season in the Bundesliga, while Virgil van Dijk finding his form once again is a huge boost.Their record against bigger nations, losing to Germany and Italy in the last year on top of those defeats to France, is a concern.read more on the eurosManager: Ronald KoemanKoeman was the scourge of England and Graham Taylor in 1994 when he escaped a red card in a qualifier, then went on to score.Now Holland boss, he led them to second in their qualifying group behind France. Koeman inherited a talented squad from Louis van Gaal after their impressive run to the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals and will be aiming to go further in Germany this summer.Ronald Koeman was appointed boss of the Netherlands last yearCredit: RexKey man: Virgil van DijkFrenkie de Jong may well have been the man the Dutch were pinning their hopes on until he lost his race to be fit for the tournament.Most read in Euro 2024With the Barcelona man gone, it will be more important than ever to stay tight at the back and Liverpool stalwart Van Dijk will be key to that.Van Dijk is the key man in the Dutch teamLikely line-upKoeman is likely to go with three at the back, with his talisman Van Dijk in the heart of the defence.Stefan de Vrij will probably get in ahead of Micky Van de Ven and Matthijs de Ligt based on experience.De Jong pulls the strings in midfield and is vital to their play but could be replaced by PSV’s Joey Veerman after losing his batte to be fit.Up front, Wout Weghorst often keeps big hitter Memphis Depay out the team and can provide to focal point of attack and gives the Netherlands the option to play the odd long ball.The Netherlands are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formationHow they attackOf all of the teams in this summer’s upcoming tournament the Netherlands are the most difficult to judge in terms of their chances of winning it all. While they have real quality in their squad they still have questions surrounding their depth in key positions and the way in which they are set up by coach Ronald Koeman.Expect to see the Netherlands look to begin their attack from the goalkeeper with a patient and possession-based build-up.By carefully staggering their positioning, they are then able to play through the lines.Scotland try to press high but the Dutch play through with comfortable one-touch passingThe Dutch will typically build in the first third of the pitch through patterns of play and one or two touch passes to break through the lines.Then when they move into the middle and final thirds, their structure can start to fall apart.In these cases, they start to rely on individual qualities of their players.Daley Blind is a master at keeping hold of the ballThe Dutch push foward in numbers as they squeeze the opposition and skillful players drag defenders out of positionAs they attack into the final third in particular we start to see more dynamic movement.They squeeze the opposition into the final third but there are gaps in the structure for the Dutch as players freely moving into one each other’s zonesThe likes of Memphis Depay, if he plays, Cody Gakpo and Simons in particular will be key for the Dutch in effectively breaking down opposition defences.Gakpo makes a late run into the area to finish off the move and scoreHow they defendFrom a defensive perspective, we would expect to see the Dutch defend across the midfield in a medium block.They will not typically look to press overly high.Instead they will allow the opposition to come out from the first line before then blocking the pitch as they try to enter into the middle third. Germany are coming out in possession of the ball. The Netherlands are positioned in a 3-4-3 against the ball that will protect the centre of the pitchThe key for the Netherlands against the ball in this tournament will be to try to protect the centre of the pitch. When the opposition do try to play down the wide spaces and into the final third we then see the Dutch quickly slide their defensive block across to block off any opportunities.Germany have played quickly and the near sided central defender and midfielder for the Dutch will then quickly look to engage and try to win the ball back wideThere can at times be issues for the Dutch with their defensive structure when they allow spaces centrally and between lines that can be exploited. They are missing a true defensively-minded player in the engine room and these areas can be taken advantage of by the opposition.It can leave gaps between midfield and defence that canny opposition can exploit.Hollandare positioned effectively across the width of the pitch but they have left space in the centre of their structure that can be usedPredictionIf the Dutch can win Group D, they’ll face the runner-up in Group F, which could be Turkey or Portugal.Then, they might meet Belgium in the quarter-finals, and could line up against England in the semis.If they finish second, which is likely given France’s formidable record in groups, they would be up against another runner-up – potentially Ukraine or Romania.Portugal could provide a huge stumbling block in the quarter-finals on that side of the draw where Spain, Italy and Croatia are all possible semi-final opponents.Latest oddsThe Netherlands are not among the group of favourites and a semi-final run would be a good finish.William Hill have them priced at 16-1.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
Wags and glam fansMikky Kiemeney, 24, is the long-term girlfriend of De Jong.She was a hockey player of some repute when she met the former Ajax star.De Ligt has been dating stunning model AnneKee Molenaar since 2018 and they tied the knot this year.Blind is married to Candy Rae-Fleur – a professional dancer who specialises in Jazz, street and modern dance.READ MORE SUN STORIESNathan Ake finally put a ring on it by marrying his long-term partner, Kaylee in a stunning ceremony in Majorca in 2022.And Van Dijk has two daughters with his wife Rike Nooitgedagt.Mikky Kiemeney is dating Frenkie de JongCredit: Instagram / @mikkykiemeneyFans are in agreement that Mikky is so fineCredit: Instagram @mikkykiemeneyThe couple have been together for several yearsCredit: Instagram @mikkykiemeneyMatthijs de Ligt is dating Annekee MolenaarCredit: Instagram @annekeemolenaarThe stunning model loves shares bikini picsCredit: Instagram @annekeemolenaarDe Light may have to wait until after the tournament for Annekee pankyCredit: instagram/annekeemolenaarKaylee Ake is married to stunning KayleeCredit: INSTAGRAM @kayleerm_Daley Blind’s Wag is a pro dancerCredit: Instagram @candy.rae.fleurRike Nooitgedagt has two kids with Virgil van DijkCredit: Getty More

THERE has been a major blunder at Euro 2024 as the wrong badge has been printed on Ukraine’s shirts.The Ukrainians are set to face Romania later today but could be wearing an inappropriate shirt due to the gaffe.The Belgium flag appears to have been printed instead of the Romania flagCredit: XThe team’s blue shirt for the match is supposed to have the two nation’s flags printed on the centre.The Ukraine flag has been successfully printed but Romania’s has not been so lucky.The Romanian flag has not been printed on the shirt at all in fact, as the Belgium flag has been printed instead.There is some similarity between the two flags as they both have yellow and red stripes.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Both flags have a third stripe – Romania’s is blue, but Belgium’s is black.The third stripe is too dark to be the Romanian flag and looks much more like a Belgium flag, as fans have pointed out on social media.One posted: “Someone at the Ukrainian FA has printed the Belgium flag on the team’s shirts for today’s game in Munich.”The only problem being that Ukraine are playing Romania today.”Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSA second commented: “Oh dear.”A third wrote: “Well, that’s unfortunate.”Jude Bellingham reacts to match winning England display in euro 2024 opener against SerbiaA fourth said: “Hopefully, someone can buy some paint at the last minute to solve the issue.”Another added: “Embarrassing.”The Group E fixture is set to kick off at 2pm, which means there is not a lot of time for the issue to be fixed.Belgium are also in the group and face Slovakia in their first match of the tournament at 5pm.The day’s action will be completed by the Group D fixture between France and Austria.Romania Euro 2024 guideFORMER World Cup quarter-finalists Romania are back after eight years without qualifying for a tournament.
They aren’t pretty to watch but they are effective and topped their qualifying group unbeaten ahead of Switzerland.
MANAGER: Edward Iordanescu
His father Anghel managed them at the 1994 World Cup where they reached the last eight. Tough act to follow.
STAR MAN: Radu Dragusin
Has struggled to win a first team place at Spurs but has been a stalwart at international level.
How Romania attack
Romania will play out from the back and play one or two-touch passes to break between the lines.
However, they can run out of ideas when faced with a low block.
How Romania defend
Romania do not tend to press high as a unit and their players can be dragged out of position up the pitch.
However, they are far more effective close to their own goal with the midfield dropping deep to support the back four.
Read the full Romania Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups and latest odds

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