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    Psychic eagle predicts glory for England as they start campaign against Serbia at Euros

    A PSYCHIC eagle said never to get anything wrong has predicted glory for England as they start their campaign at the Euros today.Honey, an African tawny eagle, has indicated a win for the Three Lions when they face Serbia in their opening match in Gelsenkirchen tonight.Honey the eagle has indicated a win for the Three Lions when they face Serbia in their opening match in GelsenkirchenCredit: Stewart WilliamsPrey handlers held up an England and a Serbian flag, with Honey then flying to her choiceCredit: Stewart WilliamsAlex Leonard, director of Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation in Eynsford, Kent, had bird of prey handlers hold up an England and a Serbian flag, with Honey then flying to her choice.Alex said: “Honey is our psychic eagle and she never gets anything wrong.”She correctly predicts if members of staff are going to head off to pastures new by giving them grief.“And she knows when members of the crowd don’t like birds by flying low and brushing a wing gently across their head to say ‘Hello’.Read More on Sport“She even predicts the weather and won’t come out if it’s going to rain heavily.“The team here is doing an accumulator based on Honey’s abilities and tonight she says it’s glory for England.”Gareth Southgate’s five headaches ahead of England v Serbia More

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    Watch brilliant moment German policeman FAILS miserably to consfiscate football from Scotland fans at Euro 2024

    THIS is the brilliant moment German police failed to confiscate a football from Scotland fans at Euro 2024.The hilarious scenes were caught on camera by SunSport as Scotland fans continued their party despite being hammered by the hosts last night.Scotland fans teased German police who tried to confiscate a footballCredit: The SunOne policeman saw his hat fall to the ground as the ball was passed between fansCredit: The SunOne supporter laid claim to the green ball as police questioned other fansCredit: The SunThey took the ball away from the scene as Scotland fans continued to partyCredit: The SunGermany romped to a 5-1 win at the Allianz Arena in the first game of the tournament.But Scottish fans appeared to be in good spirits as they enjoyed a kick-about in a public area.However, German police were not impressed with the crowd.And they attempted to break things up by confiscating their neon green football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnfortunately for the coppers, the Scottish fans had a plan to save their game.Instead of handing over the ball, cheeky supporters bounced it between various people.The police appeared flustered as they struggled to get near.And one even dropped his hat in an attempt to get the ball, leaving him scowling.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAs the policeman told several fans off, a female supporter grabbed the ball before quietly slipping away towards an adjacent bar.She chuckled as she watched the police with a relaxed manner.Fans ‘knew Scotland were in trouble’ after spotting Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson’s 3rd minute antics vs GermanyEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTAnd the game is sure to have continued in full swing after the coppers went on their way.Scotland fans will certainly be hoping for better fortunes in their next game against Switzerland.Steve Clarke’s side looked a shadow of their former selves against Germany, failing to put up a fight and only getting on the scoresheet thanks to an own-goal from Antonio Rudiger.Their next match, which will be without Ryan Porteous following his late red card, sees them take on Switzerland on Wednesday.And Scotland’s final group game occurs a week on Sunday against Hungary.Earlier today, Scotland’s two future opponents played out an entertaining match.Switzerland emerged 3-1 winners in the clash, but Hungary gave a good second-half performance to show they will be no pushovers.Speaking after the defeat to Germany, Scotland boss Clarke lamented: “Germany were outstanding, we couldn’t match them. Defensively, we weren’t very good and on the ball we weren’t very good.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The first half ran way from us very quickly, we didn’t give ourselves a foothold.”Now it’s all about reaction so let’s see how they react. Four points is the target. We didn’t get any tonight so it’s still the target from the next two games.”PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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    ‘I’m probably one of world’s top strikers’ – Harry Kane happily admits he has ‘aura’ ahead of England Euro 2024 opener

    NEVER before has Harry Kane looked so comfortable in his own skin — and spoken so freely.The England captain, looking to get his country off to a flyer against Serbia at the home of Schalke, believes he is finally commanding respect from around the world.Harry Kane believes he has a ‘different aura’ following his move to Bayern MunichCredit: PAHe talks about being surrounded by “an aura” and is clearly going into a fifth major international tournament with supreme confidence.While Kane, 30, might still be searching for a first trophy, leaving Tottenham was a wise decision in terms of his drive to become a proper superstar.That is what happens when you play for a club like Bayern Munich and bang in 44 goals in your first season.The fact that Bayern suffered a car crash season has not stopped Kane’s fame from rocketing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYou only have to witness the crowd reaction each time he steps off a bus in this country to realise that, maybe with the exception of Cristiano Ronaldo, he will be the most popular non-German at Euro 2024.Asked how different he feels now compared to the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, Kane remarked: “I’d say, from an outside point of view, that I’m probably respected more as one of the top strikers in the world.“When you’re at a club like Bayern Munich, that comes if you have a great season. Similar to Real Madrid, Barcelona and all the top, top clubs.“So from that point of view, maybe I have a different kind of aura.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTKane sets his sights on silverware
    Harry Kane is ready to set England on the road to Euro 2024 glory by insisting: I’m at the peak of my goalscoring powers.
    The Bayern Munich ace hit a whopping 49 goals in 52 games for club and country last term.
    Now the Three Lions skipper, 30, has his sights on a dream Euros start for Gareth Southgate’s side by downing Serbia in tonight’s Group C opener.
    Kane said: “I’m at the peak of my career. It is not just my physical peak where I am at. In terms of my mental peak, in terms of understanding the game, tactics.
    “Understanding where spaces are or where to run — all that has got better and better as I have played more games.
    “But as always in these tournaments, I will be judged on goals and how many I get so hopefully I will get a few. We’re excited to get going.
    “Winning a trophy for your country would be the pinnacle of every career.
    “It hasn’t quite happened yet but it makes me more determined and hungry to go out and do that — starting with this summer.
    “We have the opportunity to go out and do that and I’m looking forward to trying to make it happen.”
    Ex-Tottenham star Kane won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup in Russia with six goals.
    But the striker, who has scored 63 times in 91 England appearances, still has the same desire and hunger to be top dog on the big stage again.Kane added: “I have that same feeling. I know what I am capable of.
    “I know what I’ve done year after year. There is no reason why I cannot be the top scorer at this tournament.
    “If we do well, I expect myself to be up there. If I win the Golden Boot then fantastic.
    “To be scoring goals means I will be helping the team. That confidence is still there.”

    “But personally, nothing’s really changed in how I prepare, how I go into games. My confidence is still the same as it was throughout my career.“Maybe from an outside point of view, you get looked at in a different light. Which is good for me, because it raises my profile and helps me to really compete to be one of the best players in the world.Germany legend Jurgen Klinsmann discusses Euro 2024, his time at Tottenham and thoughts on Harry Kane“So that’s probably the biggest difference I’ve found.“The support I have had ever since I arrived in Germany has been incredible. Even going to away games in the Bundesliga, the support I get from opposition fans is at an amazing level. It has made me feel really appreciated.“I spent my whole career in the Premier League and there were a lot of Tottenham fans who enjoyed my work. But it’s been nice to show what I can do on a European level.“I played in the Champions League but to do it in another league, in front of another set of fans in a different country, has helped me as a player and helped my profile.“Playing against different teams with different tactics has helped me.“The teams we play against are a bit more open and the space is in behind on transition. It’s just helped me evolve in my understanding of football and how different teams work.“Here, it is going to be a tournament I should enjoy, because I’m going to have support not only from the England fans but from the Germany fans, which I’ll really appreciate.“Hopefully that will build my confidence and give me even more motivation.”Much is expected here of Jude Bellingham, who has enjoyed a brilliant first season at Real Madrid. But this will be his first major tournament where so much is expected of him.He should deal with it — but we cannot be entirely sure.Kane, though, is featuring in his fifth major tournament and that knowhow is vital.He admitted: “Experience is important. We try to create an environment with all the players where we’re in our own little bubble.“We know there’s going to be pressure from the fans but we try to create a togetherness that means we don’t let that affect us.“First and foremost, it’s about qualifying from the group, however you do it.“Three wins out of three would be perfect but also we know if we drop some points here and there, the most important thing is getting through — because at this stage that’s all that matters.”Despite three good tournament showings under Gareth Southgate, Kane admits near misses are no longer good enough.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “We have spoken a lot about having a great tournament and it doesn’t always mean that you win the tournament.“We’re all at that stage now where, yes, we want to have a great tournament — but we want to make everyone proud. We want to win.” More

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    Italy 2 Albania 1: Azzurri survive fastest goal in Euros history as they cling on for comeback win over minnows

    IT is never a good idea to score so soon against Italy – just ask England.The holders survived the scare of conceding the quickest goal in European Championship history after 23 seconds to start their defence with a win over Albania.Nedim Bajrami scored the fastest goal in Euros history after just 23 secondsCredit: ReutersAlessandro Bastoni equalised for Italy ten minutes laterCredit: AFPNicolo Barella fired his side in front shortly afterwardsCredit: EPAItaly, who beat England on penalties three years ago after conceding in the second minute, knew they needed a sharp start to the tournament.They had spent the build up watching their rivals make huge statements as Germany slapped the Scots and Spain put three past Croatia.So it was down to the reigning champions to show they could still mix it – with a new coach and new look squad.And despite being rocked by Nedhim Bajrami’s record-breaking opener for Albania, they lived up to the billing.READ MORE IN EUROSLuciano Spalletti’s side have been described as a work in progress, but bounced back quickly through Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella and showed plenty of tournament nous to see the game out.The Albanian fans, following their side led by former Arsenal and Manchester City man Sylvinho and his assistant Pablo Zabaleta, turned Dortmund’s Yellow Wall red and black.And they were even more raucous than that famous stand’s usual residents after just seconds – when the underdogs gave Italy the shock of a lifetime.It was sparked by an almighty mistake from Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco, sending an innocuous throw in straight to the feet of Bajrami in the box.Most read in Euro 2024Italy responded well to the early setbackThe Azzurri completely dominated the matchEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTThe No10, who plays in Italy with Sassuolo, took one touch before lashing the ball wonderfully into the roof of the net.It could well have condemned the Italians and sent them into spin right at the start of their title defence.SunSport’s Euro 2024 headlinesItaly have had a turbulent time since downing England on penalties at Wembley three years ago.The Azzurri failed to qualify for a second consecutive World Cup when they were beaten by North Macedonia in a play-off game ahead of Qatar.Manager Roberto Mancini resigned last year to chase the cash with a new job as the Saudi Arabia boss.Spalletti replaced him and is shaking things up – not only with his bans on PlayStation and players wearing headphones in camp.The ex-Napoli boss wants a more attractive, attacking Italy but is also having to develop the squad without the foundation so many of his predecessors have been able to rely upon.Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, the foundation of so much Italian success, are both gone.One of their replacements, Bastoni, was at fault for the opener, standing off Bajrami instead of moving towards the throw-in from Dimarco.Federico Chiesa starred for ItalyBarella ran the show in the middle of the parkHowever, he showed there is still some grit in the new generation of Italian defenders and quickly made up for the early error – pulling his side level on 11 minutes.Dimarco pulled a short corner back for Lorenzo Pellegrini who, given plenty of space, delivered a cracker of a cross to the back post for the unmarked Bastoni to nod in.It turns out Albania’s early goal did not rock Italy at all – it only angered them and five minutes later they were ahead.Barella, so crucial to Spalletti’s side and one of the five survivors from their Wembley triumph, was a doubt for the opener but was passed fit and made the most of it.A weak clearance fell perfectly for the Inter midfielder and he caught it wonderfully, firing past Brentford’s Thomas Strakosha from outside the box.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Bees stopper made a couple of fine saves before the break, keeping his side in it, though they could never find that sharpness up top.Italy then ticked their way through the second half to full-time and a fine start looking every bit as comfortable as holders should. More

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    Arsenal star William Saliba out to prove Didier Deschamps wrong as he’s lined up to start for France vs Austria

    WILLIAM SALIBA is set to be given a chance to shine for France and prove his manager wrong.The Arsenal defender, previously criticised by boss Didier Deschamps, is in line to start in Les Bleus Euro 2024 opener against Austria in Dusseldorf on Monday night.William Saliba is set to be given a chance to shine at Euro 2024Credit: GettySaliba has featured for Les Bleus in their warm-up matchesCredit: RexSaliba, 23, has never started a game at a major tournament for his country and will be out to prove to Deschamps that he can replicate his Arsenal form at international level.The former Saint Etienne man played every minute for Mikel Arteta’s title challengers but has rarely been given the chance to show his quality for his country.In March the France boss Deschamps hit out at Saliba’s performances for the national team.He said: “He is having a good season, but he also does things that I don’t like so much.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”For France, he has limited game time, but when he plays, that hasn’t necessarily gone well. The hierarchy doesn’t favour him at the moment, but he is here.”However, the Gunners defender has impressed in training since joining up with the squad last month and was paired alongside Dayot Upamecano in a behind closed doors session this week.Bayern’s Upamecano and Liverpool man Ibrahima Konate have been the preferred pairing for Deschamps since Raphael Varane retired from international football.However, Saliba appears to have moved ahead of Konate in the pecking order and his manager appears to have softened his stance somewhat.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFrance Euro 2024 guideFRANCE are the one nation all England fans are truly afraid of.
    They are many punters’ favourites after knocking the Three Lions out of the 2022 World Cup and will be hoping to do much better than at Euro 2020, when they lost to Switzerland in the last 16.
    MANAGER: Didier Deschamps
    Coming up to 12 years in the job, the only thing missing from his CV is a European Championship.
    STAR MAN: Kylian Mbappe
    Mbappe’s PSG may have underachieved on the European stage but he remains France’s most deadly threat, with a World Cup trophy and a World Cup final hat-trick to his name.
    How France attack
    Expect to see France play in a fluid 4-3-3 – which becomes 4-2-3-1 in possession – throughout the tournament.
    Giroud acts as the focal point in the attack with the two wide players and Griezmann as No 10 supporting.
    How France defend
    We can expect to see France defend high with an emphasis on winning back possession as far up the pitch as possible.
    France will stagger their defensive shape when the opposition are in possession.
    Read the full France Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags.

    Speaking to The Athletic ahead of the tournament, Deschamps said of Saliba: “William is one of the very best defenders in the Premier League.”I want him to do what he does very well at Arsenal. He had a very, very good season.How France can win Euro 2024EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT”He played many matches, especially with his partner Gabriel, and they were a fundamental part of what Arsenal did this season, particularly in the defensive aspect.”With us, he has not had the same playing time. There are automatisms which develop through playing matches together. You have repetition and understanding.”With a national team, we always have so little time, but now they have the possibility of living together for a few weeks and that is even better.”Deschamps’ Parisian coreSaliba is part of the vast Parisian core in Deschamps squad.
    The defender – whose first club was AS Bondy in the French capital, the same as captain and star Kylian Mbappe – is one of 13 players in the 25-man squad to have started their careers in the Ile-de-France region.
    It is not just this squad either, eight of the 2018 World Cup winners hailed from Il-de-France, where the likes of Thierry Henry, Paul Pogba and Nicolas Anelka also started out.
    List of 13 players from Ile-de-France (Paris) region in Euro 2024 squad and their first clubs
    Warren Zaire-Emery – FCM AubervilliersMike Maignan – JS Villiers-le-BelYoussouf Fofana – Esperance Paris 19eMarcus Thuram – Olympique de NeuillyN’Golo Kante – JS SuresnesFerland Mendy – EFC EcquevillyKingsley Coman – US Senart-MoissyAlphonse Areola – Es Petits Anges 7eAdrien Rabiot – US Creteil-LusitanosIbrahima Konate – Paris FCWilliam Saliba – AS BondyKylian Mbappe – AS BondyRandal Kolo Muani – FC Villepinte
    Past Parisian playersThierry Henry – CO Les UlisPatrice Evra – CO Les UlisLouis Saha – FC Soisy-Andilly-MargencyNicolas Anelka – Trappes Saint-QuentinPaul Pogba – Roissy-en-Brie More

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    Italy vs Albania LIVE RESULT: Defending champs survive scare to get campaign off to winning start in group of death

    DEFENDING champions Italy got their Euro 2024 campaign off to a winning start – despite suffering an almighty early scare.Group B is arguably the toughest in the competition and the Azzurri would have been keen to get three points on the board with games against Spain and Croatia coming up.Albania tore up the script just 23 SECONDS into the match, Nedim Bajrami scoring from a tight angle, but Alessandro Bastoni levelled and then Nicolo Barrella put Italy back in charge within 20 minutes.
    Kick-off: 8pm BST
    TV channel/ live stream: BBC One
    Italy XI: Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco, Barella, Jorginho, Frattesi, Pellegrini, Chiesa, Scammaca.
    Albania XI: Strakosha, Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj, Asllani, Ramadani, Bajrami, Asani, Seferi, Broja.
    EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThat’s all from Dortmund
    And it’s also the end of day two at Euro 2024.
    Italy have begun their European Championship defence just as they ended their victorious 2021 campaign – by fighting back from an early goal conceded to prevail.
    There are another three matches to look forward to tomorrow, and those include the arrival of England at this tournament.
    The Three Lions take on Serbia in Gelsenkirchen, and, as ever, we’ll be here with live coverage of every moment – you won’t miss a minute with at SunSport.
    Until then, thanks for joining us and goodnight.

    Copy linkCopiedAzzurri scoring streak continues
    Despite questions asking where the goals would come from, Italy extended their run of scoring in matches at the European Championship.
    The Azzurri have become just the third side to score in 10 successive games at the finals following England in June 2012 (11 games) and Portugal in 2004 (10 games).
    Copy linkCopiedBig guns hit the front
    Just as they have in Group A, the favourites to make their way out of Group B have begun with victories.
    After Spain eased past Croatia earlier today, reigning champions Italy have now defeated Albania after an intriguing contest in Dortmund.
    The top two will face each other on Thursday where the winner will likely confirm their progress to the knockouts.
    Next matches:

    Croatia v Albania (Wednesday)
    Spain v Italy (Thursday)

    Credit: uefa.com
    Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from BVB Stadion
    Nedim Bajrami’s goal after 23 seconds is the fastest goal ever scored at the European Championship finals…
    …while Alessandro Bastoni’s equaliser in the 11th minute is the third-earliest a Euros game has seen both teams score after Iceland v England in 2016 (6 mins) and Russia v Spain in 1964 (8 mins).

    Copy linkCopiedFull time – Italy 2-1 Albania
    The European champions begin their defence with a win – but they would made to work hard for it.
    Behind after 23 seconds, Italy fought back with two quick goals and then had ample opportunities to kill the game off.
    But Albania hung in there, and almost got their reward with seconds remaining, only for captain Gianluigi Donnarumma to deny substitute Rey Manaj at the death.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    90+5. In the game’s final attack, Mitaj gets caught in two minds as the ball is cushioned back to him inside the area.
    Curl a left footer into the top corner or step a cross up to a teammate at the back post? In the end, he does a combination of the two and the ball drifts behind for a goalkick.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    90+2. Inside four minutes of stoppage time, and the game is halted as the stewards deal incompetently with a one-man pitch invasion.
    The game will restart shortly, but for Albania, you feel their opportunity has just agonisingly passed them by.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    90. Manej in for the equaliser?!
    No! A vital touch from Donnarumma turns it the wrong side of the post!
    It’s a brilliant attack from Albania with the substitute taking down Asllani’s long pass on his chest to evade Calafiori inside the area.
    The flicked shot over the oncoming goalkeeper is good too, but credit to Italian stopper and skipper who gets a touch on the ball with his sliding body to divert it wide.
    The Albanian bench were up and celebrating, and to add insult to injury, the referee has awarded a goalkick.

    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    88. Luciani Spalletti, hands in pockets, is pacing about his technical area like an expectant father whose partner is in labour.
    He knows there is still work to do here to see victory out.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania – Albania substitution
    86. Sylvinho turns to Ernest Muci for the final minutes.
    The forward comes on for the man who is etched his name in football history with the fastest ever European Championship goal: Nedim Bajrami.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    84. Di Lorenzo is stopped in his tracks by an excellent Ramadani challenge.
    Will that start the late spur that Albania have been craving?
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania – Italy double substitution
    82. Spalletti opts for another two changes.
    He sends for more experience in the form of Matteo Darmian, and the intriguing forward that is Mateo Retegui.
    Taking a breather before the end are Gianluca Scamaca and Federico Dimarco.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    80. Inside the final ten minutes, and this is still very much in the balance.
    Italy have been the vastly superior side, but Albania still have hope and enthusiasm on their side – demonstrated by Manaj’s aggressive run into the box that has Bastoni under pressure.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania – Italy double substitution
    78. Luciano Spalletti makes his first changes of the night with a double switch.
    The Italy head coach sends on Bryan Cristante and Andrea Cambiaso in place of Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Pellegrini.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    76. Back in the international fold, Armando Broja has seen 76 minutes of action – which is probably more than he managed during five months at Fulham.
    The striker has done well in tough circumstances, and is replaced by Rey Manaj.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania – Hoxha yellow card
    74. If Arber Hoxha was sent on to make a nuisance of himself, then he’s done just that…
    …by planting his elbow in the back of Frattesi.
    It earns the substitute a yellow card.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    72. The game has not so much entered a lull, but an intriguing period where neither side are really sure where to focus their energy.
    Both teams seem content for the match to progress with the score at 2-1.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    70. Not only are Albania yet to have a shot on target since their first minute goal, they also haven’t recorded a touch inside the Italy penalty area in this second half.
    However, you get the feeling, they’re okay with this for now.
    If the game hits the 80-minute mark with the deficit still just one goal, we could well see an attack-minded Albania for the final stages.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania – Albania double substitution
    68. The Albanians make the first move with Qazim Laci and Arber Hoxha introduced into the action.
    The oncoming duo replace Taulant Seferi and the occasionally impressive Jasir Asani.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    66. Neither Sylvinho or Luciano Spalletti has made a move yet in terms of their substitutes’ bench, but that could all be about to change.
    Players are being readied down by the dugouts.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    64. A series of Italian corners are as threatening as a group of primary school children in a tuck shop queue.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    62. The boos are getting louder because Italy are once again having a dominant period in possession.
    In response, Albania appear to be alternating between a 4-2-3-1, a 5-4-1 and a 9-1-0.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    60. Albania’s only shot on target came after 23 seconds of the contest.
    Of course, I don’t have to tell you how it panned out.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    58. The art of defending is knowing when to get rid.
    Mario Mitaj does brilliantly to deter Chiesa inside the penalty area, but then overplays and is eventually dispossessed.
    The ball ends up back with Chiesa, who unleashes a left-footed curler that swerves just wide of the far post.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    56. Strakosha is out quickly to deny Frattesi with his feet after a clever pass through from Dimarco.
    As it happens, the linesman ended up raising his flag for offside but the Albanian goalkeeper wasn’t to know that, and replays show that it was – again – very tight.
    Copy linkCopied More

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    Cole Palmer sums up how I want England to play at Euro 2024 – he reminds me of myself, says Jack Wilshere

    COLE PALMER symbolises the fearlessness and the handbrake-off attitude that I want England to have at the Euros.When you are a young player and you’ve not really been exposed to  the pressures of representing your country, it lets you just play.England should follow Cole Palmer’s ice-cold example at Euro 2024Credit: GettyJack Wilshere reckons Palmer will have a big say for the Three Lions this summerCredit: Darren FletcherAnd, in any case, it looks like Chelsea star Palmer has that approach regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench. He radiates almost-cockiness — I love that about him.What gives you that confidence is your quality and self-belief.He shows he has that all the time. That ‘ice cold’ celebration of his seems to sum up his game and his mindset.At various times, including when I was playing, the England team has been screaming out for an identity, and for a player that had that football arrogance.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s a thin line with certain people. Sometimes you read it wrong. But I think he gets the balance just right.It’s not easy to do what Palmer has done . . . leaving Manchester City and going to another big club in Chelsea, who were struggling a little bit, and be the shining light. I’m aware of how highly thought of he was at City.It’s so difficult coming through at a place like that, just to get a chance in the first team. It speaks volumes that someone like Pep Guardiola backed him.But then he was sold and had to do it all again at Chelsea, a club that had spent more money trying to find ways of competing at the highest level.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSTo step into that scenario and produce what he has produced is exceptional.It says a lot about Palmer’s character  that, even at his age and in his first season at the club, he was prepared to be the main man. He takes responsibility. SunSport’s Euro 2024 headlinesWe’ve seen loads of technically gifted young players down the years but to have the guts to go and get on the ball is something else.I do see a bit of myself in Palmer. I was 22, like him, when I went to my first major  tournament, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.Like him, I also used to try to take responsibility. I wanted to get on the ball.One of my biggest strengths — which took people time to get used to — was that I wanted to receive the ball with people  around me.I wasn’t quick, I liked to beat people and dribble past people. Something Palmer is  good at, which I tried to do, is eliminating players with his first touch.You wouldn’t say he is blessed with top, top speed. It’s the way he manipulates the ball. Rice must step up to key roleBy Jack Wilshere
    ENGLAND may well find, especially in the group stage, that teams sit back and say: Break us down if you can.
    For most of my time at Arsenal, especially at home, we would have 70 per cent of the ball and have to take the game to opponents.
    There are two things I found you needed in that situation and they are a player who is going to drive at them and commit someone and, number two, ball speed.
    In the Iceland game, England did not move the ball anywhere near quick enough.
    If you have a team in a low block with two banks of four, or even five at the back, it can be too easy for them.
    Declan Rice needs to take responsibility in those situations because he has a really good understanding of when to speed the game up and when to slow it down.
    Against Iceland, we were sort of pressing but not really pressing.
    Dec is very intelligent. Sometimes he just goes and he presses and creates something, forces a decision, a moment like when the Iceland goalkeeper mucked up his clearance and Cole Palmer had a shot on goal that was blocked.
    Players like Phil Foden and Palmer, can they find those pockets of space and get on the half-turn?
     Can they make one of the centre-backs jump out and then link up? Or are they going to beat them?
    We mustn’t lose confidence in that way of playing.
    As games go on in major tournaments and it’s 0-0, you can start to panic a bit. We don’t need to do that.
    We must keep calm and wait for that one moment.

    He puts it in positions where they can’t win the ball and if they try, they are going to foul him.His game is attracting players to him,  beating them one-v-one or combining to beat them. And he does it anywhere on the pitch.So I see some similarities between Palmer and me but I also like the fact that there aren’t many players like him, with that tall, slim build and silky on the ball.Phil Foden has achieved and won so much at City but, in terms of the way he plays, I probably see myself as having been more  similar to Palmer.Yet Palmer can also go on his right foot  better than I did and he can definitely take a  penalty. He is much calmer in those situations than I was.He has so much quality. He can play left, he can play right, he can play inside. I love the way he sees the game and understands it.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt will be interesting to see what Gareth Southgate does with him because he has loads of options in that area of the pitch.But Palmer can be a really, really important player for England at this tournament.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTJack Wilshere’s England XI vs SerbiaSunSport columnist Jack Wilshere wants Engand to start with just one holding midfielder – Declan Rice.
    That means playing Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham in attacking midfield roles, with Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka on the wings, either side of Harry Kane up top.
    Wilshere said: “In the group stage against teams we should beat, we can  afford to be more expansive, let’s attack.
    “It wasn’t that long ago we were saying we didn’t have the Spanish-type of players who can dominate the ball, now we have.
    “So let’s try to utilise that, dominate the ball and go for goals.”
    And the ex-England midfielder wants Trent Alexander-Arnold to get the nod at right-back, with Kyle Walker centre-back.
    He added: “If you play Trent at right-back and he drifts in midfield, he can switch the play at speed. Walker’s pace will get you out of trouble.”
    Read more from Jack Wilshere during Euro 2024. More

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    Three Lions fans gather in Germany ahead of England’s opener as HUGE sum team will pocket if they lift trophy revealed

    THOUSANDS of Three Lions fans gathered in Germany yesterday ahead of England’s Euros opener — as it emerged the squad will pocket £14million in bonuses if they win.Supporters were in high spirits as they looked forward to today’s game against Serbia — with Gareth Southgate’s men favourites for the tournament.Harry Kane’s England squad will pocket £14million in bonuses if they win the EurosCredit: GettyHappy Jude Bellingham during an England trainingCredit: RexGareth Southgate’s men are favourites for the tournamentCredit: AFPAnd if they 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.Boss 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.Read More on SportHe said: “Of course, the players love playing for their country but football is huge business and they would fully deserve their bonuses.“Sponsorships and endorsements will go through the roof. Their transfer value will increase and they will have life-long fame. Unlike the class of 1966 their fame and rewards for winning will begin from day one and continue for many years to come.”Whatever the outcome, England fans thronging the bars and fan zones of Gelsenkirchen, where tonight’s game in being played, as well as in neighbouring Dusseldorf, Dortmund and Essen, made it plain they were in the mood to party.Some even hugged supporters from arch rival Germany.Most read in Euro 2024Fans in Three Lions shirts were spotted downing lager in bars from 11am — as authorities pulled back from a drinking crackdown.Full-strength beer has been banned at the 62,000-seat Veltins Arena for tonight’s game and only weak 2.8 per cent brews or Radler shandy will be served. England fans to embrace German tradition of sinking pints at corner shops at Euros as locals demand stores stay open lateBut officials confirmed 4.8 per cent Bitburger beer would be on sale in fan zones for £4.23 a pint.It delighted England fans who were forced to shell out £14 a pint at the Qatar World Cup in 2024.Company director Jamie Holbook, 49, from Grimsby, said as he drank a crisp lager beside a big screen in Essen: “As you can see, I’m not drinking shandy.“I’ve got tickets for the first two games and can’t wait to see what this England team can do. I’m sure the atmosphere will build over the next few days and England have a great chance if players like Jude Bellingham are on form.”Pal David Blake, a 57-year-old care manager, said: “Every England fan I’ve seen here is looking forward to the football and the beer — it’s going to be a great party.Building company boss Paul Taylor, 34, from Manchester, said: “It’s great to finally get here to get the England party started.COME ON ENGLAND!
    A MODEL dubbed “the world’s hottest football fan” has revealed her heartbreak that Jack Grealish was scrapped from England’s Euros team.
    Croatian beauty Ivana Knoll, 26, stole the limelight at the Qatar World Cup in 2022 and is in Berlin to support her team.
    She exclusively told The Sun on Sunday she would be sad not to see the England midfielder but was happy for Croatia.
    She said: “With big players not playing we have a better chance.”

    “The weather’s a bit too much like home at the moment but at least we’re getting away from the election and the beer is strong and cheap.”Bournemouth fan Alan Marsh, 41, his son Tommy, ten, Arsenal fan pal Aaron Drayton, 39, and his son Theo, eight, arrived in Gelsenkirchen after an 11-hour drive.Aaron said: “We haven’t got tickets for the match but we wanted the boys to experience being in the fan zone. “We are all really looking forward to it — hopefully, it will be a memory of a lifetime for them.”But loyalties will be divided for Julie Popple, 57, and her son Jack, 24, who flew from their home in Zug, Switzerland.Jack lives with his Serbian girlfriend Tatjana Stalovic, 23, and says she is convinced her team will triumph. Supporters Leah Ray, 21, and Astrid Wett, 23, in DusseldorfCredit: Paul EdwardsEngland fans enjoy a lager or two in EssenCredit: Paul EdwardsAn England and Germany fan raise a glass together in GelsenkirchenCredit: Story Picture AgencyBut Jack said: “It will be a tough game but I can’t see Serbia beating us.”Police were on alert for 500 Serbian Ultras hooligans threatening to cause trouble in Gelsenkirchen.At least 1,000 officers, including some drafted in from Cologne, Dortmund and Düsseldorf and backed by riot police with batons and shields, were standing by.Meanwhile, an estimated 17million armchair fans were gearing up to watch the game on BBC One.The game is likely to generate the highest TV ratings of the year.It has sent supermarket sales of beer, pizzas, burgers, St George’s flags and even TVs soaring.COME ON ENGLAND!
    MASKED thieves stole a giant 11ft decorative inflatable football worth £1,000 from outside a pub just hours before the Euro 2024 kick-off.
    The crooks pounced at the Duke of Cambridge pub in Mapperley, Nottingham.
    Landlord Simon Fyfe said they were caught on CCTV, adding: “I don’t know what they are going to do with it.”
    He is offering a free bar and food tab for an England game for anyone who helps return the outsize ball.

    Tesco beer buying manager James Renshaw said: “When England play, demand for beer, wine, pizzas and snacks rockets. “The tournament is creating a month-long carnival.”Fraser McKevitt, head of retail at analysts Kantar, said: “The Euros are having a big impact on grocery sales, particularly alcohol.”As well as £40million being spent by those staying at home, another £110million is likely to be spent in Britain’s 35,000 pubs.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey expect an extra 20million pints to be served during the Euros while two million pubgoers will down 14million pints tonight alone.Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “Fans cheering on the Three Lions this Sunday know that the pub is the best place to be.” More