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      Goalkeeper who was left in hospital after serious head injury wins ultimate trip to Euro 2024

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      A FORMER Sunday League goalkeeper who suffered a serious head injury is heading to Germany for Euro 2024.George Parkin, 25, netted himself a VIP trip this weekend when he won a Paddy Power Penalty Shootout competition.Former goalkeeper George Parkin is heading to Germany for Euro 2024Credit: paddy powerParkin joined thousands of other die-hard football fans to battle it out for the chance to watch England try and bring football home.Participants joined actor Danny Dyer, Tottenham legend Ledley King and ex-Southampton and Everton star James Beattie at Leyton Orient’s Brisbane Road to try and claim the title of England’s best penalty taker.The sudden death shootout saw the final five scoop themselves and three mates a VIP weekend to Germany with £5,000 spending money.And after being one of those winners, former shot-stopper Parkin explained how he has had an unusual route to the Euro 2024.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “I’m a goalkeeper, so I know more about how to save goals than score them. The pressure was mad!“I used to play quite a lot as goalie for Gorleston FC up in Norfolk, but I got a really bad head injury and stopped playing most 11-a-side games after that.”Parkin was left hospitalised after suffering a nasty head injury against Great Yarmouth Town in 2018.He added: “I came out the area to head it clear and got clattered by the striker. Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT”I ended up with a fractured eye skull and fractured skull in three places – and on Boxing Day of all days!”Luck wasn’t on Parkin’s side that day six years ago, but he certainly had bit more luck in the shootout last weekend.Play Foden & Bellingham centrally & go for it! | Jack Wilshere’s plan to win the EurosHe said: “I actually missed one of my penalties on the day, but I got a second chance. “I think no one scored in one round of the comp, so there was a PA announcement that anyone who missed could have another go and I was off like a shot to the front of the queue. “Even then I got lucky. I missed two penalties, but some other lad missed three so I got through to the final!”Now Parkin is heading to Germany and, like a lot of England fans, will be hoping his boss won’t be too mad about him missing some work in favour of the football.He explained: “I’m meant to be in work on Saturday all day, but I had warned them about this penalty competition and if I won it I’d not be able to work. “But I don’t think they thought I was going to actually win one of the seats on the plane!”England get their Euro 2024 campaign underway tonight with a Group C clash against Sebia.Parkin is taking his family over to Germany alongside himCredit: paddy power More

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      Poland 1 Netherlands 2: Weghorst the hero as former Man Utd star scores off the bench in Euro 2024 opener

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      MANCHESTER UNITED flop Wout Weghorst spared Dutch blushes – with the sort of impact he could only have dreamed of providing.The striker, who spent last season on loan from Burnley at Hoffenheim after failing to make much of an impact at Old Trafford, was Ronald Koeman’s emergency option after the Oranje looked to have run out of ideas.Wout Weghorst fires his side into a late leadCredit: APWeghorst, 31, celebrates his crucial winnerCredit: GettyAnd with his very first touch – and just seven minutes left in an increasingly nervy Volksparkstadion in Hamburg – Weghorst came up with the magic moment to take the points.United fans may not have seen Weghorst as a natural frontman during his half season under Erik ten Hag, failing to find the net in 17 Prem outings.Indeed, he was more of a laughing stock than the answer to their attacking woes, more carthorse than thoroughbred.But when Nathan Ake, not for the first time, drove to the edge of the box and slipped into the danger area, Weghorst reacted quicker than the Polish defence to crash low and first time past Wojciech Szczesny.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was instinctive and deadly, a moment of quality that had seemed unlikely as his side had huffed and puffed without looking like blowing the Polish house down. Weghorst was mobbed by his team-mates, Koeman danced in delight and the Dutch fans screamed with joy. Victory meant so much, relief and ecstasy combined.Bart Verbruggen’s late stop to foil Poland substitute Karol Swiderski ensured it capped a comeback win from a match that highlighted both Holland’s strengths and their evident weakness.Despite going a goal down from a sucker punch set-piece, as Adam Buksa somehow managed to elude four navy-shirted markers to find the back of the net, the Dutch dominated most of the game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTSome of their passing was excellent, clever triangles and quality movement.Yet even Virgil van Dijk looked shaky at times, Verbruggen was called into action more than Koeman would have wanted and when Poland did push they exposed raw nerves.Watch as German TV broadcast is interrupted by footie legend at Euro 2024 as he apologises for what he did 18 years agoEven after Cody Gakpo’s deflected effort put them back on terms before the half-hour mark, the longer it went on the more that failure to take their openings looked likely to frustrate them.That goal was down to Ake, too, as he intercepted a panicky clearance to feed Gakpo, delighted to see the deflection off defender Bartosz Salamon to wrong-foot Szczesny.Memphis Depay, whose own spell in United red was almost as underwhelming as Weghorst, was the main culprit, but the misses were spread around Koeman’s side.Credit should go to Poland’s resolve, especially with the absence of hamstring victim Robert Lewandowski a massive blow.But if Depay, Gakpo, Denzel Dumfries or Xavi Simons had kept their heads as well as Weghorst did in his moment of triumph the afternoon would surely have been a great deal less frantic.Depay’s brilliant white headband only served to exacerbate the limitations of his display as he became increasingly angst-ridden.Gakpo, despite having the freedom of the left flank and with that equaliser in his pocket, was equally wasteful.The Liverpool man’s worst miss came just before the break, scooping over the bar from six yards with the outside of his right foot after great work by Ake had teed him up.Adam Buksa heads Poland into the leadCredit: AFPBuksa celebrates his pinpoint headerCredit: ReutersEither side of that – after Szczesny made a great save from Van Dijk corner volley when the Anfield skipper went up to make amends for being outsmarted and outjumped by Buksa – Depay was the guilty party.Simons, found by the impressive Tijjani Reijnders, touched into his path 14 yards out with the target begging but Depay sent the ball almost into orbit as he opted for power over precision.A shocker, by any standards.And in stoppage time, picked out by another great Ake delivery, he scuffed wide of the target. Beyond poor.It was a pattern that was to continue in the second period, as Holland were the dominant force but lacking the courage of their own convictions.Szczesny rescued his side as he prevented Dumfries’ deft nod back finding Depay in front of the net after Gakpo’s searching delivery straight after the restart.Then when Gakpo broke from his own half to beat the offside trap, Simons thrashed across his shot and sent it sailing into the crowd behind Szczesny’s goal.Poland had been on the back foot but nearly caught the Dutch cold again when Jakub Kiwior – denied from similar range in the first half – stayed up from a free-kick and tested Bart Verbruggen from 14 yards, sparking a rare spell of attacking intent.Yet Holland came again.Dumfries was a fraction wide with an angled drive and then denied from closer range by the keeper’s legs, before Stefan de Vrij sent a free header soaring far too high.That miss appeared to be a killer, only for Weghorst, just on for Depay, to have the ultimate word.READ MORE SUN STORIESGood enough for three points, for sure. And after all, when the tournament was held in Germany in 1988, Holland won despite losing their opener.But they did not look like potential winners in Hamburg. Not even close. And next up, France.Cody Gakpo lets fly from the edge of the boxCredit: GettyGakpo is congratulated by his team-matesCredit: AFPRobert Lewandowski was stuck on the benchCredit: Getty More

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      Moment England & Serbia fans launch chairs in bloody clash ahead of Euros match as violence erupts in Gelsenkirchen

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      TROUBLE flared before England’s Euros curtain raiser against Serbia – leaving an English fan with blood pouring from a head wound.Sources at the scene said a group of yobs appeared to have started chaos in a restaurant near the venue city of Gelsenkirchen five hours before kick-off.England and Serbia fans clash in Gelsenkirchen throwing chairs and tables aroundCredit: Story Picture AgencyThe brawl took place in a street just off the town’s main squareCredit: Story Picture AgencyChaos erupted near the Aleppo Restaurant in ArminstrasseCredit: Story Picture AgencyRiot police are seen after fighting breaks out between Serbian and England football fansCredit: Story Picture AgencyAround 3.30pm, some 200 German riot police swiftly restored order as bottles and glasses filled the air during the brawl.A cop said: “The English turned up and we saw everything being thrown – chairs, tables, glasses – you name it.“Serbs hit back and chased the group down the street and one was caught.“He’s a lad from Birmingham who ended up with a nasty wound to the back of his head.Read more on Euro 2024Police at the scene said they believed the English had started the trouble – but English fans blamed the Serbs.Cops later confirmed that six Serbs had been arrested but there were no English arrests.Trouble centred on the Aleppo Restaurant in Arminstrasse, where the scene was littered with smashed glass, bottles and debris minutes after the clash.A source said: “All that’s confirmed at the moment is that English fans were definitely involved.”Most read in Euro 2024Video showing debris, bottles, chairs and projectiles flying in melee appeared to have been filed by a shocked English fan shouting: “It’s the Serbians!”It was unclear whether more fans had been hurt in the violent exchange and whether any had been arrested but the clash racked up tensions prior to kick-off.Hundreds of riot police later moved to a neighbouring bar amid suggestions that fans involved in the battle had taken refuge there.A mother and son enjoying their regular Sunday routine of coffee and cake at the Café Pabot opposite the Hirt Steakhouse said they were sat on the first floor when “all of a sudden bits of food and bottles started being thrown.”Café worker Petra Thiel said another person who was in the café at the time told her she had heard the attackers shouting something in Serbian. “In total, there were about 50 people involved”, she added.”I didn’t see any maskes.”England fan Matthew Simpson had been socialising with the Serbian group moments before the trouble erupted. He said he was told the attackers had been Albanians.The fans involved appeared to have disappeared into the crowds in the city as cops in helmets and riot gear took control.It is reported that 40,000 fans will travel from England for the first game alone, with 300,000 expected to travel to Germany throughout the entire tournament.The brawl comes just hours after cops closed in on a crazed axeman brandishing a Molotov cocktail near a busy Euros fan zone.Shocking footage showed the suspect with a golden pickaxe as cops drew their guns and deployed pepper spray moments before his arrest on the streets of Hamburg.Officers secured the area following the fightCredit: ReutersThe aftermath of the horror clashFood plates and napkins were seen on the floor alongside smashed glassA second video taken by a horrified passerby showed the moment police cornered the assailant before firing warning shots into the air.Cops shot the axeman and sealed off the Reeperbahn strip, not far from where thousands of Dutch supporters were gathering to watch their match against Poland.Some 40,000 fans were peacefully marching along the street filled with bars at around 12.30pm before the attacker’s terrifying rampage.Pictures showed a sea of football supporters dressed in orange just feet away as the chaos unfolded.Police say the man came out of a bar with the weapon before footage showed him wielding it at officers, Dutch outlet RND reports.Witnesses claim they heard four loud bangs as several riot police officers moved in to apprehend the suspect.Dramatic video showed cops warning him to drop his weapon but when he refuses, cops deploy pepper spray before shooting him in the leg.READ MORE SUN STORIESHamburg Police said the axeman was carrying an “incendiary device” as pictures from the scene showed a Molotov cocktail smashed on the floor.Police fear he intended to set it off in the middle of the crowd of supporters, according to German news outlet Bild.England fans and police in Gelsenkirchen today before the gameCredit: Jeremy Selwyn More

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      England fans would fork out nearly £1,500 to follow the Three Lions all the way to the Euros final

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      English football fans would be willing to fork out close to £1,500 to be in Berlin for the Euros final if the Three Lions go all the way.A poll of 1,000 football lovers revealed a quarter would be open to dropping everything to support their beloved team in Germany’s capital if England made it to the Euros final.Passionate footie fans would do everything in their power to witness an England triumphA quarter of fans would forget all their other commitments in favour of a Three Lions finalAfter so many years of hurt, 44 per cent wouldn’t want to miss what could be a historical moment for the Three Lions.As flight prices to Germany in flux, 30 per cent would consider flying to another country and hiring a car to drive to Germany to save on costs.The research was commissioned by Skyscanner, which ran additional insight to reveal the average cost of a direct flight from the UK to Düsseldorf for England’s opening game could set fans back £454.But by jetting from London to neighbouring country Luxembourg and hiring a motor to drive to Germany fans could save up to £278.Read more Football newsFor England’s final group match in Cologne against Slovenia, the average cost of flying direct would be £362, compared to catching a flight from Manchester to Amsterdam, and hiring a car for just £168 – over two and a half times cheaper than a direct flight.Laura Lindsay at Skyscanner said: “As the Euros kick off, we know many people will be following the action and wanting to travel to Germany.“Whether you are planning a midsummer’s dream trip to support your team or just want to be there to soak up the atmosphere, there are still ways for footie fans to get on the road and not miss out.“But shopping around and comparing your options has never been more important.Most read in Football“For savvy fans, flying to somewhere close to Germany instead of direct and picking up cheap car hire to drive to your destination will result in savings.”The research also found 33 per cent of fans would be up for travelling to Germany to follow the actions – and a quarter would be willing to drive all the way there.Poland’s hottest fan ‘Miss Euros’ reveals high hopes for England gloryBut they could save a staggering £453 if they were to do so for the opening game, travelling from Manchester to Amsterdam and completing their journey by car over flying direct.And of these, 42 per cent would rent and share a car with friends.In fact, 22 per cent would still want to travel to the Euros final regardless of whether their team is playing or not.As 35 per cent agree the atmosphere in Germany will be better than that of their local area.More than one in five would still be keen on travelling to the Euros final regardless of the participantsFinishing runners-up at the last Euro tournament in 2020 was England’s best-ever result More

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      Germany bring official hairdresser into Euro 2024 squad but he’s only allowed to trim stars’ barnets one day a week

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      EMRE CAN reckons Germany can be the cream of the crop after recruiting an official hairdresser to their squad.One of the criticisms of the World Cup campaign in 2022 was that the players brought in their own barber during their short stay in Qatar and he was available on demand at their luxury resort in the north of the desert country.Emre Can has revealed the German FA’s plans for players haircutsCredit: APBut the hairdresser is only allowed in one day a weekCredit: GettyIt led to claims that they were more concerned with their fringes than football after Germany crashed out in the group stage.The German FA have now appointed a team crimper but he is only allowed to cut the players’ hair on Saturdays so that the tournament comes first.Former Liverpool star Can was drafted into the squad late last week after illness struck Aleksandar Pavlovic.The midfielder said: “I had a haircut on Saturday. I didn’t get the chance on Thursday because everything was so quick.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“But I have to admit I never understood the discussion in the case of men’s haircuts. It doesn’t look good if you don’t have a regular haircut so I have to go every week.”Can, 30, was at home last Thursday having breakfast with his wife when Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann handed him the emergency call up via a phone call.Germany 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

      He was expecting the summer off after playing in the Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund – losing to Real Madrid at Wembley.Can said: “I was off for ten days and didn’t do anything. And I had a lot of food. I didn’t expect to come into a match on Friday against Scotland. I was surprised.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“Wembley was not easy for my head. Ten days off with no football were mentally important. My wife had her birthday during the match and was there, so I was very happy about that.“Of course I was disappointed that the coach didn’t call me in the first place but hopefully this is just the beginning.”How hosts Germany look to return to their best for Euro 2024Germany spanked Scotland 5-1 in the opening game and next face Hungary in Stuttgart on Wednesday.Can said: “We know Hungary very well. They are difficult to play against. But we have to focus on ourselves and take the energy from Friday with us.”EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTMeet Germany’s Euro 2024 Wags
      Germany’s Wags range from a glam architect to a leading equestrian and a fashion model.
      Dani ter Stegen (Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s wife)
      One of Germany’s most popular Wags with over 600,000 Instagram followers. Earned a degree in architecture after moving to Barcelona with her husband.
      Sara Gundogan (Ilkay Gundogan’s wife)
      Italian model was never shy to pop a dig at Manchester while Ilkay was at Man City, but has changed her tune and said she misses the city since his move to Barcelona.
      Jessica Kroos (Toni Kroos’ wife)
      Couple first met when Toni was 18 and she was 20. Jessica is credited with convincing the soon-to-retire Germany star to sign a new Real Madrid deal at a time when he was wavering.
      Candice Brook (Leroy Sane’s girlfriend)
      American model helped Harry Kane get used to Germany and overcome the language barrier following his move to Bayern Munich.
      Sophia Weber (Kai Havertz’s fiancee)
      Soon-to-be Mrs Havertz has struck up a close friendship with Martin Odegaard’s partner Helene Spilling. Sophia recently enjoyed a hen party in Ibiza.
      Lisa Muller (Thomas Muller’s wife)
      Lisa is a famous dressage rider in Germany and reportedly convinced her husband not to join Man Utd.
      Find out more about the Germany Euro 2024 Wags here More

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      Why isn’t Robert Lewandowski playing for Poland against Netherlands?

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      POLAND will be hoping they can reach the knockout stages of Euro 2024 later this month. They have a tough group with Holland, France and Austria also looking to make the round of 16. Robert Lewandowski has been Poland’s best player over the last decadeCredit: GettyPoland are up against Netherlands in their first game, but are without their star striker Robert Lewandowski. The Barcelona striker is Poland’s all-time top goal-scorer and has been a stalwart at major tournaments for them over the years. But he may miss the entirety of their Euro 2024 campaign in Germany. Why isn’t Robert Lewandowski playing for Poland against Netherlands?The former Bayern Munich man isn’t in Poland’s starting XI because of a thigh injury he picked up before the tournament started. “Lewandowski suffered a rupture of the biceps femoris muscle, which will exclude him from the first match of the tournament,’ Poland said in a statement.”We are doing everything so that Robert can play in the second match against Austria.”Lewandowski could miss remaining games against Austria and France if he fails to recover in time. With Group D being such a tricky one to navigate, the 35-year-old miss the entire tournament. Most read in Euro 2024Poland take on Austria on June 21 in their next game before finishing their group stages campaign against France on June 25. If Lewandowski does manage to get back to full fitness, it will be his sixth major tournament for Poland. More

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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

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      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

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      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