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    England fans draped in flags down pints as they get ready to cheer on Three Lions in first Euro 2024 clash with Serbia

    THOUSANDS of England fans are gearing up to cheer on the Three Lions in their first Euros clash.With 300,000 Brits travelling to Germany to watch the game, some are starting the celebrations early by sinking pints in the glorious sunshine.English fans draped in flags downed pints in Gelsenkirchen ahead of the Serbia clashCredit: RexThree Lions fans continued to sink pints on a glorious afternoonCredit: RexPints are being sunk in numbers at Gelsenkirchen before the big clashCredit: Jeremy SelwynFace painting in the main square in GelsenkirchenCredit: RexEngland fans in Heinrich-Konig-PlatzCredit: PAThree Lions fans proudly flew the flag in Gelsenkirchen as the build up continuesCredit: PAEngland fans in Germany are getting ready for the big clash tonightCredit: APEngland will begin their Euros campaign at 8pm tonight as Gareth Southgate leads his men out at Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen.Three Lions fans in red and white descended on the centre of the German city during the early afternoon.Supporters were in high spirits as they looked forward to today’s game against Serbia.Excited fans were spotted sinking pints on a glorious sunny day as the atmosphere for England’s opener ramped up.Read More in Euro 2024And footy lovers were also seen singing songs arm-in-arm before the opening clash.Many Three Lions fans were covered head to toe in England colours as they represented the country.Cops in Germany, England and Serbia have deemed the match “high-risk,” with fans served lower-alcohol beer in the stadium and banned from drinking in the stands.Stay-at-home fans will down an estimated 30 million pints in pubs and in their houses.Most read in Euro 2024England have got achingly close to finally ending 58 years of hurt in the last few tournaments.The side crashed out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar following a 2-1 loss to France in the quarter finals.It came just two years after the Three Lions heartbreakingly lost on penalties to Italy in a devastating Wembley final at Euro 2020.Gareth Southgate’s five headaches ahead of England v SerbiaEngland remain firm favourites in the competition but must first face Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia in their group.Southgate has already faced questions after leaving a number of big names out of his squad – including Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford.Harry Maguire is also missing due to injury, while Arsenal ace Ben White, Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling, Tottenham’s James Maddison and Jordan Henderson also failed to make the cut.But Southgate’s men are boosted by the likes of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, City’s Kyle Walker and Phil Foden and star skipper Harry Kane.Thirsty fans are expected to sink 300million pints during the tournament as they flock to pubs across the country.The British Beer & Pub Association estimates pubs will pour an extra 20million pints worth £94million.Three Lions fans have made themselves heard in GelsenkirchenCredit: ReutersEngland fans gather at the official UEFA Fan Zone at TrabrennbahnCredit: GettyEngland fans at the fan park near the groundCredit: PAFooty supporters arriving in Gelsenkirchen before today’s gameCredit: Jeremy SelwynThere was a strong English presence in Germany todayCredit: ReutersA Three Lions supporter decked head to toe in England coloursCredit: PABrewery Greene King expects to sell seven million pints at its venues – including 37,000 pints tonight in London alone.A £2.7bn spending spree is also predicted – surpassing the £2bn spent during the World Cup in Qatar – as fans take advantage of the sociable game times and warmer weather.Those watching the Three Lions at home are expected to send supermarket sales soaring.Tesco predicts it will flog 33million packs of beer and cider over the coming month.While Asda is expecting to sell 14million units of Budweiser over the tournament.The amount is enough to cover 3,000km – the distance from Leeds to Gelsenkirchen where England play their first game.Jeff Moody, Commercial Director of Bira Group, said: “The Euros arriving in the summer months is fantastic timing for independent retailers after a challenging period.”With favourable kick-off times aligning with the sunshine, we’re expecting pubs, hospitality businesses, convenience stores and electrical retailers in particular to cash in as fans flock to watch the matches.”If the Three Lions do go on to lift the trophy on July 14, the squad has negotiated a bumper share of the £24million the FA will receive.Stars such as captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham will share a £9.6million chunk of the prize pot.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoss Southgate is in line for a £4million windfall, with assistant manager Steve Holland also promised a hefty bonus.Sponsorship consultant Nigel Currie said Kane and co would rake in millions more in big money deals for the rest of their careers.England Euro 2024 guideGARETH SOUTHGATE is under no illusions coming into this competition – it is win or bust.
    The Three Lions have never had a better opportunity to end their 58-year wait for a major international trophy given the talent and experience they have in their armoury.
    MANAGER: Gareth Southgate
    The former England star has come closer than anyone since Sir Alf Ramsey to ending the Three Lions’ trophy hoodoo.
    Southgate is aware that the nations expects, and has even suggested he will quit if he doesn’t deliver the European Championship.
    STAR MAN: Jude Bellingham
    The Real Madrid star is arguably the world’s best player at the moment and gives England the platform they need to dominate big games.
    How England attack
    England will look to dominate the ball against almost everybody.
    Declan Rice is crucial in progressing the ball, Bellingham, Saka and Foden will rotate to pull defenders out of position and Kane can both score and drop deep to provide chances for others.
    How England defend
    England press man-to-man with the midfield pushing up to support Kane when the ball is lost and look to win it as close to the opposition goal as possible.
    However, the left-back spot could be a cause for concern, particularly with Luke Shaw entering the tournament with fitness worries.
    Read the full England Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags. More

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    Watch as German TV broadcast is interrupted by footie legend at Euro 2024 as he apologises for what he did 18 years ago

    THERE was an awkward moment on German TV when Alessandro Del Piero gatecrashed the broadcast.The former Juventus striker was responsible for knocking Germany out at their previous tournament on home soil.A German TV presenter ushered Del Piero onto the screenCredit: XHe then apologised for knocking Germany out of the 2006 World CupCredit: XDel Piero’s goal knocked Germany out of the 2006 semi-finalsCredit: ReutersThe former forward scored Italy’s second goal as they beat Germany 2-0 in extra time of the 2006 World Cup semi-final.He was at the BVB Stadion Dortmund to cover Italy’s opener against Albania.Italy won the game 2-1 thanks to goals from Nicolo Barella and Alessandro Bastoni.Those goals came after Nedjm Bajrami opened the scoring after just 23 seconds.READ MORE ON THE EUROSThat was the record for the fastest goal ever scored at the Euros.And Del Piero was able to make an appearance on German TV and “apologise” for his role in knocking out the hosts in 2006.The former forward walked on screen while the presenter said: “Do you want to say sorry for 2006?”He replied: “Yeah. More than sorry. I mean, I’m really sorry guys!”Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHe then laughed awkwardly and walked off screen.Del Piero, 49, was seen wearing some snazzy electric blue eyewear to go with his pale blue blazer.Phil Foden invites Del Piero on to the pitch for warm-down as worried Italy icon asks ‘am I safe here?’ They are a part of his glasses collection, which he has launched as a business since retiring from football in 2014. More

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    Poland’s hottest fan ‘Miss Euros’ reveals high hopes for England glory – and her favourite Three Lions star

    POLAND’S hottest football fan dubbed “Miss Euros” has revealed her prediction for England ahead of the tournament – including her favourite Three Lions star.Model and football fan Marta Barczok has backed Gareth Southgate’s exciting young squad to finally bring football home after decades of pain and misery at major tournaments. Poland’s hottest football fan Marta Barczok has revealed her prediction for England ahead of the EurosCredit: Instagram/@martabarczok.officialDubbed ‘Miss Euros’ Marta has backed England to go all the wayCredit: Instagram/@martabarczok.officialShe will be in Germany to follow Poland in the tournament and is hoping they will make it out of the groupsCredit: AlamyThis will be the models fourth Euros that she has attendedCredit: Instagram/@martabarczok.officialThe influencer has attended various tournaments in the past including Euro 2016 and 2020.And she’s set to jet off to Germany in just days to be apart of another blockbuster summer of football.Despite her supporting Poland and wanting them to steal the show by bringing home the illusive winner’s trophy, Marta also rates England’s chances at European glory.Harry Kane and co were just a trio of penalties away from winning the whole tournament in the rescheduled 2021 event as Italy managed to dash away the nation’s hopes.read more in football fansBut Marta feels they could finally conquer that final step this time around. She told The Sun: “My favourite for this tournament is England – I believe they have a real chance of winning and I expect them to go far.”She also revealed her favourite Three Lions star – captain and Bayern Munich top scorer Harry Kane.Marta dubbed him “the best English player” – but has a sneaky feeling another man may steal the Euros spotlight just like in the past.Most read in Euro 2024″However, I think the biggest star of this tournament will be Kylian Mbappe and I predict he will leave a significant mark on this Euro,” she said.Marta says the Euros always provide three things to make them such special times – excitement, drama and unforgettable moments.England’s new Wags set to take Euro 2024 by stormShe added: “This time, the tournament is in Germany, which is great since it’s close by and I can get there quickly, though getting tickets wasn’t easy. “The atmosphere at Euro is always electric, and I’m excited to be part of it again.”It’s a great opportunity to explore some incredible German cities.”And especially excited to visit Dortmund, home to the best stadium and most passionate fans.”Marta was less hopeful about Poland’s chances, saying: “I think Poland will make it out of the group stage.”But it will be tough due to several injuries in our squad.”One of their biggest injuries is to main man Robert Lewandowski who is set to miss their crunch clash with the Netherlands.Defender Pawel Dawidowicz and striker Karol Swiderski are also out for the opening match.Seeing our team play live, feeling the energy of the crowd, and being part of the sea of white and red supporters is an experience like no otherMarta BarczokPoland’s hottest fanMarta is still thrilled to cheer along the Eagles even though they face a tricky three matches to qualify.Sat in Group D, Poland face the Netherlands in their first game which many feel will be the crucial decider for the runner-up spot and automatic qualification.This is due to Mbappe’s France – the tournament favourites – also being in the group.The French squad have made it to three of the last four major international finals and won the World Cup in 2018.Poland also face Austria in a tricky tie which could be pivotal in deciding which nation qualifies in third place and has a chance to progress. Marta said: “I can’t wait. Seeing our team play live, feeling the energy of the crowd, and being part of the sea of white and red supporters is an experience like no other.”The latest news is disappointing – Robert Lewandowski will not be playing against the Netherlands. “This is a big blow to our chances, but I still believe in the team’s ability to fight hard and perform well.”My favourite for this tournament is England – I believe they have a real chance of winning and I expect them to go farMarta BarczokPoland’s hottest fanMarta is already looking ahead to the next Euros in 2028 which is set to be held in the UK and Ireland as she lives in London.”It will be incredibly convenient and thrilling to have such a major tournament right at my doorstep,” she added.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt comes as Croatia’s stunning fan, Ivana Knoll has already rocked up in Germany and is ready to watch Croatia battle their way through the predicted “group of death”.Knoll is known for her particularly revealing outfits and has left fans dying to know whether she has any tricks up her sleeve for her trip to Germany.Marta is confident that Harry Kane will have a good tournament even calling him her favourite England playerCredit: Instagram/@martabarczok.officialMarta’s Poland will have to face a formidable France side with her pick for player of the tournament Kylian Mbappe set to starCredit: Instagram/@martabarczok.officialMarta lives in London and is a regular fan favourite at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: Instagram/@martabarczok.official More

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    Germany have own NAKED national team and want to challenge England to bare all in clash during Euro 2024

    GERMAN football fans have given ‘Die Mannschaft’ a whole new meaning with their own naked national team.And they are challenging 11 brave English souls to strip off and face them as Mother Nature intended in a one-off match during Euro 2024.A naked German football team have challenged England to a one-off matchGermany’s ‘Nacktionalmannschaft’ want to take on 11 English souls wearing mother nature’s wardrobeSquad numbers are painted on players backsThe team was set up in 2015Their last match in May drew 1,000 fansThey have already had games against HollandThe leaflet being handed out by the team as their challengeGermany’s ‘Nacktionalmannschaft’ – or ‘naked team’ is run by photographer Gerrit Starczewski.He will be at England’s opening game in Gelsenkirchen today looking for hardy players to form a starkers Three Lions squad willing to bare all in a game next Sunday.Starczewski, 37, told SunSport: “Our dream is to play England. And this is the best moment to challenge Germany. We are waiting.“I am driving to Gelsenkirchen and will be handing out leaflets to see if the English are up for it.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGermany’s naked team was set up in 2015 by a group of fans growing disillusioned by the growing commercialism within the game.Their last match was in May and it drew a crowd of around 1,000 fans.They also played against Holland – or the appropriately named ‘Nether’ lands in 2021 and they held out for a ballsy draw.The team includes women. Squad numbers are painted on the players’ backs and the only kit worn is socks.Most read in FootballIt was set up by a group of fans disillusioned with growing commercialism within the gameOrganiser and photographer Gerrit Starczewski said it was their dream to play EnglandSocks and football boots are the only pieces of kit allowedStarczewski said ‘football should be natural, simple… Not all about money, money, moneyStarczewski said: “Maybe the England players can wear red and we will wear black or white. We don’t mind.“To us football should be natural, simple. Not all about money, money, money. So this is why we play naked.SunSport’s Euro 2024 headlines“And it is fine for men and women to hug each other when a goal is scored because we are about body positivity too. There is nothing sexual in it.“I know it is funny to see people play naked but honestly, after about one minute the fans forget that nobody is wearing any clothes.He joked: “And in a normal game you get booked for taking your shirt off to celebrate. With us, you get booked if you put one on.”England Euro 2024 guideGARETH SOUTHGATE is under no illusions coming into this competition – it is win or bust.
    The Three Lions have never had a better opportunity to end their 58-year wait for a major international trophy given the talent and experience they have in their armoury.
    MANAGER: Gareth Southgate
    The former England star has come closer than anyone since Sir Alf Ramsey to ending the Three Lions’ trophy hoodoo.
    Southgate is aware that the nations expects, and has even suggested he will quit if he doesn’t deliver the European Championship.
    STAR MAN: Jude Bellingham
    The Real Madrid star is arguably the world’s best player at the moment and gives England the platform they need to dominate big games.
    How England attack
    England will look to dominate the ball against almost everybody.
    Declan Rice is crucial in progressing the ball, Bellingham, Saka and Foden will rotate to pull defenders out of position and Kane can both score and drop deep to provide chances for others.
    How England defend
    England press man-to-man with the midfield pushing up to support Kane when the ball is lost and look to win it as close to the opposition goal as possible.
    However, the left-back spot could be a cause for concern, particularly with Luke Shaw entering the tournament with fitness worries.
    Read the full England Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags.

    Germany are rumoured to be experts at dead-ball situations but Sarczewski reckons his team is just made up of eager fans trying to make a point.He added: “Most England fans go to games almost naked anyway with their shirts off so why not take everything off?”Starczewski even has a pitch ready and waiting. A field near Cologne, where England play their last group match on Tuesday week, has been earmarked to host the unique game.He said: “On the flyer will be a QR code for all the details to play in the match. It will be great.”The team champions body positivity for men and women playersStarczewski will be handing out flyers to England fans in Gelsenkirchen to playThey have a field ready in Cologne for the match after the Three Lions final group gameThey are rumoured to be experts at dead ball situationsEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTGermany Euro 2024 guideGERMANY’S reputation as tournament football’s greatest nation has taken a battering in recent years.
    The hosts haven’t won a knockout game in eight years and the pressure is on for them to get it right in front of their home crowd.
    MANAGER: Julian Nagelsmann
    Bright, young and a bit of a maverick. The ex-Bayern Munich boss is known for his flashy outfits and arriving for training on a skateboard. 
    STAR MAN: Jamal Musiala
    The 21-year-old former Chelsea star could have been playing for England and can make things happen out of nothing.
    How Germany attack
    Toni Kroos will typically drop deep to take the ball off the defence with the Germans then overloading the side of the pitch the ball is on.
    That gives them the option of either passing through the congested area or attacking the other side with a crossfield ball to the man in space.
    How Germany defend
    Germany’s striker and the team’s five midfielders will form a diamond shape in the hope of preventing the opposition playing through the middle.
    Should opponents then play the ball wide, the German full-backs will be expected to press high up the pitch in an attempt to win possession.
    Read the full Germany Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags More

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    Poland vs Holland LIVE SCORE: Weghorst comes off the bench to save Dutch again with late winner – latest updates

    HOLLAND have beaten Poland 2-1 in their opening game at Euro 2024. Robert Lewandowski replacement Adam Buksa bagged the opening goal of the game for the Poles with a brilliant header. Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo levelled soon after with a deflected strike. But ex-Man Utd man Wout Weghorst came on with 10 minutes to go and scored his side a winner just two minutes after coming on.
    Kick-off time: 2pm BST
    Stream/TV: BBC One/BBC iPlayer
    Poland XI: Szczesny, Frankowski, Bednarek, Salamon, Kiwior, Urbanski, Romanczuk, Zielinski, Zalewski, Szymanski, Buksa
    Holland XI: Verbruggen, Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake, Reijnders, Schouten, Veerman, Gakpo, Simons, Memphis
    EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS”Tough match”
    Netherlands star Cody Gakpo: “It was a tough match and a tough opponent.
    “They scored first and it was a little more difficult, but we created a lot of good opportunities and we had to be more clinical – overall I think we performed pretty well.
    “We have to analyse the game and see where we could hurt them more. Obviously we are a team that never gives up.”
    Credit: GETTY
    Copy linkCopiedWhat’s next?
    Well, you’ve got about 40 minutes of rest before we’re straight back to it, folks.
    Up next is Slovenia vs Denmark at 5pm, before the big one as England get their tournament underway against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.
    I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve copy and pasted Gelsenkirchen this week.
    Gareth is readyCredit: GETTY
    Copy linkCopiedSpot on
    Patrik Schick nailed on to score for the Czech Republic against Portugal on Tuesday then…
    Credit: X
    Copy linkCopied”He is clinical”
    BBC pundit Ashley Williams: “Wout Weghorst is anticipating before the defender that the ball will where he needs it to, on his left foot and that’s a good finish.
    “That’s exactly what he brought him on for. Just one moment.
    “We were talking at half-time that they had a few half chances that hadn’t been put away. He gets his half chance and he is clinical with it.”
    Copy linkCopiedMr 100%
    Wout Weghorst has scored with his past three shots at major tournaments. If you remember, he got two against Argentina at the World Cup.
    Copy linkCopiedGroup D
    It’s early days, but Netherlands lead Group D.
    France and Austria are in action tomorrow with Didier Deschamps fancied to get their competition up and running in style.
    Here’s what the remaining fixtures look like;

    17 June: Austria vs France
    21 June: Poland vs Austria
    21 June: Netherlands vs France
    25 June: Netherlands vs Austria
    25 June: France vs Poland

    France are in action on MondayCredit: UEFA
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-2 Holland
    FT: The Dutch clinch three points!
    They’ve not exactly struck fear into the hearts of the likes of France, England, Germany and Spain – but Ronald Koeman’s side did well to comeback from a goal down in Hamburg.
    Good character and very impressive strength in depth sees them to a nervy 2-1 win over Poland. The Poles were far better than expected, especially without talisman Robert Lewandowski.
    But… Wout Weghorst off the bench is simply inevitable.
    Wout Weghorst celebratesCredit: GETTY
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-2 Holland
    94: Poland now pushing a few more into the Dutch half. Obviously goal difference isn’t hugely important with the H2H record the first decider in this competition.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-2 Holland
    92: Not a huge amount coming from Poland in these dying minutes. Holland slowing things down and trying to take the sting out of proceedings.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-2 Holland
    90: Five minutes added time.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-2 Holland
    89: Kind of a win for strength in depth. Ronald Koeman has plenty of options to choose from on his bench, hugely important in long competitions like the Euros.
    Obvious statements aside, Bart Verbruggen is tested when saving from Karol Swiderski before Jakub Piotrowski slams the rebound into the side netting.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-2 Holland
    87: Bartosz Bereszynski comes on for Bartosz Salamon for Poland. Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven also replaces Nathan Ake for the closing stages.
    No sign of a late fightback, yet.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-2 Holland
    85: The Oranje fans are going ballistics inside the Volksparkstadion. No idea what they are singing but it must be along the lines of Wout Weghorst being the best player of all time. I’m sure…
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-2 Holland – Weghorst
    82: And there it is! Would you believe it, Wout Weghorst gives Holland the lead with his first touch!
    That’s surely going to be the winner for Ronald Koeman’s side. It took him less than 120 seconds!
    Nathan Ake spots the run inside the penalty area and finds Weghorst with a slick diagonal pass and the big man converts at the first time of asking. That’s his seventh goal in his last 11 international caps.
    Wout Weghorst of the Netherlands celebratesCredit: GETTY
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    81: Unleash the Wout! Battering ram Wout Weghorst arrives to replace Cody Gakpo. Memphis Depay also departs with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong. He’s no stranger to late goals for Xabi Alonso’s side…
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    80: Skipper Piotr Zielinski is off. Jakub Piotrowski comes on as the armband is given to goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
    Final 10 minutes in Hamburg.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    77: The Dutch have had 20 shots so far in this contest, which is their most in a game at a major tournament since 2014 against Costa Rica. I suspect there’ll be a few more before the day is over.
    Just three of those on target, mind.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    74: Chance! An unmarked Stefan de Vrij heads over from a corner. He shouts at himself for not at least getting that on target.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    73: Ronald Koeman’s changes have made a difference. Substitute Donyell Malen has given Poland something different to think about with his movement, and they are sitting extremely deep to combat his introduction.
    Not clinging on, but Poland aren’t comfortable.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    70: Just a half-chance for Memphis Depay, whose touch lets him down. Jerdy Schouten finds him inside the penalty area but the ball bounces off his shin and straight to goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
    But there’s no rest for Szczesny, who then makes himself big to deny Denzel Dumfries after a good overlap on the right channel.
    Bartosz Salamon holds back Memphis DepayCredit: GETTY
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    68: Donyell Malen creates some space on the edge of the penalty area but Denzel Dumfries’ cross/shot goes wide. Karol Swiderski then goes on a mazy run forward but doesn’t really have any options alongside him.
    There’s a goal left in this, folks. Maybe a couple.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    65: Just over 25 minutes left. We remain all-square at Volksparkstadion but this one really could go either way.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    63: Poland have clearly lulled us all into a false sense of security. They’ve let off the handbrake over the last five minutes and have created two or three half chances.
    Nicola Zalewski smashes the latest one over after some good work from Jakub Moder.
    Ronald Koeman’s reacts by sending on Donyell Malen and Georginio Wijnaldum for Joey Veerman and Xavi Simons.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    60: Save! That’s a very solid chance for Poland to regain the lead. The ball is worked over to the unmarked Jakub Kiwior at the back post, who controls and draws a good save from Bart Verbruggen with his legs.
    Karol Swiderski fights for the ball with Netherlands’ defender Stefan de VrijCredit: GETTY
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    58: Karol Swiderski and Bartosz Slisz replace Nicola Zalewski and Kacper Urbanski for Poland. That’s Swiderski who injured himself when celebrating a goal in Poland’s most recent friendly with Turkey.
    Copy linkCopied More

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    Who was Uefa General Secretary Henri Delaunay and why is the Euro 2024 trophy named after him?

    HENRI Delaunay was such an influential footballing figure that he had one of the most coveted cups in the beautiful game named after him.With Euro 2024 already lighting up our summers, here’s everything you need to know about the former Uefa general secretary.The late Henri Delaunay is often referred to as the founder of the EurosCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskWho was UEFA General Secretary Henri Delaunay?Henri Delaunay was the first general secretary of Uefa and one of the biggest advocates for the European Championship.Often referred to as the founder of the Euros, his vision and dedication were instrumental in the competition’s creation.Born in Paris in 1883, he embarked on his football career when he was 20, taking on the role of secretary at French side Etoile des Deux Lacs.In 1906, at the tender age of 23, he was named as general secretary of the forerunner of the French Football Federation (FFF) — the French Interfederal Committee.read more on euro 2024By the age of 26 he was the club’s president and a big player in the FFF.In 1920, he was appointed by Fifa to help establish the Referees Committee.He was also heavily involved in the founding of Uefa in 1954, spearheading a move towards forming a group of Europe’s national football associations.Why is the Euro 2024 trophy named after Henri Delaunay?Throughout Henri’s life, he dreamt of an international competition comprised of just European nations.Most read in Euro 2024Few men have left such a distinct mark, by the sheer force of their personality, on such a universal activity as football, as Henri Delaunay50 Years of Uefa (2004)But before his dream came to fruition, he passed away in 1955 at the age of 72 — three years before the inaugural Euros (then called the European Nations’ Cup).This is why both versions of the trophy have been named after him.As the 50 Years of Uefa book published in 2004 put it: “Few men have left such a distinct mark, by the sheer force of their personality, on such a universal activity as football, as Henri Delaunay.” Who designed the Henri Delaunay cup?The original Henri Delaunay trophy was created by French jeweller Michel Chobillon in 1958.In 2008, Uefa commissioned a new version of the trophy, which was redesigned in 2008 by Asprey, London.Despite being bigger and heavier than its predecessor, the redesign retained the classic design elements of the original.It weighs in at 8kg, stands 60cm tall and features a wider base than the previous incarnation to support the extra weight.The new Henri Delaunay cup was first awarded in 2008 when Spain won the title.READ MORE SUN STORIESHeidi Beckenbauer blew a kiss to the sky after placing the trophy down before the Euro 2024 opener between Germany and ScotlandPrior to kick off in the Euro 2024 opener between Germany and Scotland in Munich, the late, great Franz Beckenbauer’s wife Heidi was tasked with bringing out the Henri Delaunay trophy.She fought back tears as she headed out onto the pitch at the Allianz Arena while fans clapped in appreciation.How England will line up after big names axed from Euros More

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    I’m England’s sexiest fan – I’ve got huge plans if we win Euro 2024… but my Premier League star admirer won’t like them

    ENGLAND’S sexiest football fan has huge plans if the Three Lions win Euro 2024 – but her secret Premier League star admirer might not like it.OnlyFans model and TikTok influencer Alexia Grace has promised to post a fully naked snap on X (formerly Twitter) if Gareth Southgate’s men lift the trophy on July 14.Alexia Grace has made a big promise if England win the EurosCredit: @itsalexiagrace/InstagramShe is hopeful favourite player Ollie Watkins gets some game timeCredit: @itsalexiagrace/InstagramAlexia, from Birmingham, makes £60,000 a month from her OnlyFans contentCredit: @itsalexiagrace/InstagramThe former Jet2 flight attendant launched her subscription modelling career during the pandemicCredit: @itsalexiagrace/InstagramThe 25-year-old former Jet2 flight attendant, from Birmingham, is heading out to Germany with a pal next week in a bid to make the most of the knockout stages of the tournament.She told The Sun the pair don’t have any match tickets but are hoping to snag some re-sells while “soaking up the atmosphere”.”We’re just going to stay out there for the duration and see. I’ve never watched an England game live,” said Alexia.Meanwhile, she’ll be touching down in Turkey for a mini break just hours before the Three Lions’ first game on Sunday, and will have to race to find somewhere to watch it.Read more sport newsAsked if there’s any players she’s most excited to see, Alexia said: “I’m just looking forward to seeing the whole team play.”I’m an Aston Villa fan but I’m more of a country fan, if that makes sense.”I’m more excited about actually watching the Euros. It’s more fun, everyone comes together.”However, she is hopeful Ollie Watkins gets some game time.Most read in Euro 2024The forward, 28, from Torquay, Devon, bagged 19 goals and racked up 13 assists last season, with Villa finishing fourth and snatching the final Champions League spot.”I love Ollie Watkins,” Alexia admitted.Astrid Wett releases England song for Euro 2024 with fellow OnlyFans star as fans say ‘why does it actually sound good?’She is not so fond, however, of homegrown star Jack Grealish, 28, who moved to Manchester City for £100 million in 2021 but was not named in Southgate’s squad for the Euros.“I see him as a bit of a traitor, to be honest,” she said laughing, before admitting she’d welcome him with open arms if he ever re-signed for the club.Alexia started her OnlyFans account during the Covid pandemic in 2020 and now earns an estimated £60,000 a month from posting racy snaps.The influencer also boasts 1.2 million followers on TikTok, having only opened her account last year.She’s previously spoken about obsessive fans, who have hounded her with messages, but said there’s a particular footballer who she doesn’t mind seeing drop into her DMs.”I’m not going to say who it is,” she teased, but said they are a current Premier League footballer.“They just messaged me off the back of my content, I post a lot of football content, and now I speak to them quite regularly.”How England are likely to line up against Serbia
    England kick off Euro 2024 against Serbia. But how are they likely to line-up?
    Key Man: Jude Bellingham
    Arguably the best player on the planet right now.
    His world class performances at Real Madrid give England the perfect platform to dominate big games.
    Likely line-up
    Southgate doesn’t experiment much, so the team is certain to play 4-2-3-1, with many of the players locked in.
    Stalwart defender John Stones is, however, a possible doubt after going down with a bug.
    To stop him from passing any germs onto team-mates, the 30-year-old has been confined to his room in quarantine.
    The only other real question marks are who plays at left-back, where Luke Shaw will play if fit or if not it will probably be Kieran Trippier.
    And alongside Declan Rice in midfield where Kobbie Mainoo and Trent Alexander-Arnold will be the main contenders, along with Conor Gallagher.
    Much will depend on just how daring Southgate decides to be.
    Prediction
    England are firm favourites to top the table after their very friendly draw, and would be set to play the best third placed team from Group D/E/F.
    SunSport reckon that it could be one of Austria, Czech Republic or Slovakia.
    Progressing from the last 16 would set up a predicted tie against Italy in the quarter-final on July 6.
    The game would be a rematch of the Euro 2020 final, which the Italians won on penalties.
    England could then play France in the semi-final, giving Harry Kane a chance to get revenge on Les Bleus after his missed penalty in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final.
    In the final, the likes of Germany, Spain, Portugal could be the opponents. England will do well to equal their run to the final of Euro 2020.

    She went on to say: “When I started out I never really planned to do football [content], I just eventually started posting about it and it blew up.“I’ve always been a football fan since I was a kid, I used to go to the park with my mum and dad when I was younger. “I used to play with the lads when I was very young, but not anymore. I don’t think I could kick a ball for the life of me.”At the turn of the New Year, she left fans gobsmacked when she promised to post a fully nude snap on X if Villa had gone on to win the league.”I will do the same thing if England win,” she promised.I’m just looking forward to seeing the whole team play. I’m an Aston Villa fan, but I’m more of a country fan, if that makes sense. I’m more excited about actually watching the Euros. It’s more fun, everyone comes together.Alexia GraceEngland’s sexiest fanAsked what she would say to the players if she was in the dressing room prior to Sunday’s kick-off against Serbia, she said: “That I will be their biggest motivation.”Alexia may not be much of a footballer herself these days but she has made a bit of a splash with multiple bouts for KSI’s Misfits boxing platform.“I do a lot of influencer boxing so that’s what mainly put my name out there,” she explained.She made her debut last October against fellow OnlyFans model and Cheslea fan Astrid Wett in a bid to finally settle the pair’s beef with each other.“Me and Astrid were meant to fight on a different promotion but it never happened,” Alexia said. Serbia’s fiercest hooligan ‘Ivan the Terrible’By JOSH SAUNDERS
    GERMAN police are bracing themselves for violence at England’s Euro 2024 opener after claims that up to 500 Serbian hooligans could descend on the game.
    This Sunday’s clash, where 40,000 Three Lions supporters and up to 8,000 from Serbia are expected to attend, has been branded one of four “high-risk” ties by UEFA.
    It follows fears of an onslaught from Serbian ultras, including one notorious thug known as “Ivan the Terrible” and “the Beast of Genoa”. 
    Heavily-tattooed Ivan Bogdanov – who has been linked to far-Right paramilitaries – was jailed for starting a riot during a 2012 Euro qualifier, which led to the game being abandoned. 
    On that fateful night back in 2010, he was pictured sitting on a fence that separated Serbian supporters from their Italian hosts at the Genoa Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris stadium.
    Brazen Bogdanov, who wore a balaclava, had a pair of wire cutters in one hand, which had been used to slice open the barrier, and a flare in another.
    The game had to be abandoned after just six minutes due to Serbian thugs lobbing flares and launching fireworks both onto the pitch and towards Italian fans. 
    At the time, The Guardian reported that Bogdanov “kept urging other fans to take part in the violent act” and “did not seem to fear the police or care for the consequences”.
    The match had already been delayed by 40 minutes due to violent clashes with Italian police and later officials confirmed 17 arrests were made – all but one was Serbian.
    Bogdanov, who was among them, spent nearly three years between Italian and Serbian jails for his involvement in the violence, which injured 17, and other crimes.  
    A few months after the clash, he said: “That evening, the Serbian national team needed to be punished because they hadn’t been up to par for too long.
    “It had nothing to do with the game, it was a matter of attitude and respect towards people. I apologize to Genoa, I have nothing against Italy. If I don’t like something I say so.”

    After switching to Misfits she said promoters were impressed when they brought in hundreds of thousands of views.Most recently she fought Nikki Hru in April, and plans to fight again later in the summer – though doesn’t have a confirmed opponent.“I had no interest in boxing,” she admitted. “I only started boxing when I went on Misfits. I’d never put a pair of gloves on in my life until this.”But she’s found a talent for it.”You zone out, you almost become on autopilot,” she said of being in the ring. “I don’t know how to explain it, the adrenaline is so strong. “Everyone’s different, but I don’t feel it [getting punched]. Everyone says I’ve got a granite chin because I can take a hell of a punch. “I just don’t feel it when I’m in the ring. I do afterwards,” she added, laughing.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut is she scared boxing may eventually damage her modelling career?“If someone broke my nose I could afford to get it fixed,” she joked.The influencer boasts 1.2 million followers on TikTokCredit: @itsalexiagrace/InstagramThe life-long Aston Villa fan is hoping Ollie Watkins gets some game timeCredit: @itsalexiagrace/InstagramAlexia says a secret Premier League footballer has been messaging her latelyCredit: @itsalexiagrace/InstagramShe used to play football ‘with the lads’ in her youth, but is now just a supporterCredit: @itsalexiagrace/InstagramAlexia is jetting off to Turkey before heading to GermanyCredit: @itsalexiagrace/InstagramShe is confident England can win the tournament at long lastCredit: @itsalexiagrace/Instagram More

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    Is he Sean Dyche in disguise? Alan Shearer’s croaky voice goes viral during the BBC’s live coverage of Euro 2024

    FANS couldn’t believe what they were hearing during the BBC’s coverage of Euro 2024 last night.The Beeb broadcast their first game of the tournament yesterday as Italy beat Albania 2-1 in Dortmund.Alan Shearer’s voice had fans confused during the BBC’s coverage of Euro 2024 last nightShearer was compared to Everton boss Sean DycheCredit: GettyEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTThe usual BBC suspects of Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards led the coverage alongside Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas.But there was something different about the tones of Newcastle and England legend Shearer during his analysis.The 53-year-old was unusually croaky during his post-match analysis, leading fans to compare him to Everton boss Sean Dyche.Dyche is known for his deep gravelly voice and has famously joked that his signature sound comes from “smoking exhaust pipes” and “eating gravel for breakfast”. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Shearer’s inadvertent impression was more likely due a frog in his throat.Fans took to social media to joke about the remarkable similarity between the pair’s voices – although Shearer’s certainly had more of a Geordie twang.One wrote: “Alan Shearer sounds like he’s been hanging out with Sean Dyche! Eating all the gravel and smoking all the Benson’s!”While another added: “Alan shearer has gotta get on the Strepsils he sounds like Sean Dyche!”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third joked: “How many beers has Alan Shearer had while he’s been in Germany? Voice absolutely shot to bits!”.And a fourth even renamed Shearer as “Alan Dyche”. Gary Lineker & Alan Shearer pay emotional tribute to Alan Hansen on live TVShearer seemed to return to his usual tones later in the broadcast and will have been able to rest his vocal cords ahead of England’s start this evening.Shearer will be back on fans’ screens as the BBC show coverage of England’s opener against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen. Gareth Southgate’s brave lions will be hoping to get off to a winning start in Group C as they aim to go one strep further than their Wembley heartbreak at Euro 2020. More