Euro 2024

JUDE BELLINGHAM has been selected as part of a four-man leadership group for England.Boss Gareth Southgate wants a player who is in touch with the younger members of his 26-man squad.Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are two chosen by Southgate to form part of a leadership teamCredit: GettyDeclan Rice and Kyle Walker make up the four stars hand pickedCredit: The SunReal Madrid superstar Bellingham, 20, has got the nod, joining Declan Rice, vice-captain Kyle Walker and skipper Harry Kane in the quartet.Southgate said: “We’ve put a small leadership group together for this tournament now with Harry, Kyle, Declan Rice and Jude Bellignham”Because there is a different dynamic to this group, there’s a lot of younger players.“I want to make sure the voices of the younger players, that I’m really in touch with that as well.read more football news“I don’t want to leave here with any stone unturned, I don’t want to have missed anything.”It’s always important to know what the players are thinking, they have good views, they have good experiences.“Also there will be some decisions that I will take without talking to any of them.”Bellingham only turns 21 in a fortnight but has a wealth of experience already.Most read in footballEngland 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.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe won the Champions League and the La Liga this term in his maiden season with Real, and was also named the Spanish league’s best player.The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder also has 29 caps and three goals for his country and is set to play a huge role at this summer’s Euros, starting with the opening match against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.Watch adidas’ Jude Bellingham advert that leaves England fans with ‘goosebumps’ and features cameo from Laura Woods Southgate added: “I want the opinions of the four boys but also they are involved with different age groups in the squad.“They’ll be able to pick up what’s going on with different areas of the squad. We’ve got 26, it’s not easy to keep track of how everybody is every day.“I think you want to open up that dialogue. Sometimes with younger players they are normally going to be a little bit more reluctant to approach the manager and talk about what they are thinking.“You want a sense-check over what’s going on on the ground.“For those two boys Bellingham and Rice, they’re leaders, the squad is taking on a younger dynamic and so it’s important that they start to embrace more responsibility in those areas.“It shouldn’t just be for the older players to lead. A lot of our younger players have a lot of caps and a lot of big-match experience.“I could have put more into the group, but I think four is enough. We’ll meet regularly and feed back on everything.”EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTMeet England’s Euro 2024 Wags
England Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.
Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)
The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.
Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)
The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.
Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)
Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.
Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)
England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.
Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)
Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.
Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)
Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.
Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)
The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.
Read more about the Wags who will be supporting England at Euro 2024 here More

ALBANIA created Euros history after Nedim Bajrami scored the fastest ever tournament goal after just 23 seconds.The winger stunned Italy by opening the scoring with a powerful near post finish.Nedim Bajrami scored the fastest goal in Euros history against ItalyCredit: EPAHe pounced on Federico Dimarco’s mistake before firing in at the near postCredit: ReutersThe goal had a touch of good fortune about it too as Italy defender Federico Dimarco made an astonishing mistake.He had a throw-in deep in his own half and bizarrely decided to throw the ball into the penalty area.But he underhit the throw and his team-mate Alessandro Bastoni reacted too slowly, allowing Bajrami to pounce.Bajrami took a touch past Bastoni before firing past a helpless Gianluigi Donnarumma.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn doing so he created a piece of Euros history – smashing the previous fastest goal record.That was a record held by former Russia star Dmitri Kirichenko, who scored against Greece after just one minute and six seconds in Euro 2004.However Albania’s joy was short lived as Bastoni stole in at the back post to head in an equaliser in the 11th minute.Five minutes later Albania picked up the ball out of their net again after Nicolo Barella fired in from the edge of area to give the defending champions the lead.Most read in Euro 2024Alessandro Bastoni equalised ten minutes laterCredit: AFPNicolo Barella put Italy in front with a shot from the edge of the boxCredit: GettyEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTAlbania Euro 2024 guideALBANIA will be playing at a tournament for the first time in their history, and don’t expect them to roll over despite being drawn against Croatia, Spain and Italy.
The Albanians stunned Poland and Czech Republic to finish top of their qualifying group and will be looking to spring more surprises.
MANAGER: Sylvinho
The former Arsenal, Man City and Barcelona star has Pablo Zabaleta as his assistant manager.
STAR MAN: Elseid Hysaj
Chelsea’s Armando Broja will be the main goal threat, but the experienced Lazio full-back will be expected to rally the troops as captain.
How Albania attack
Albania favour a slow build-up from deeper positions with a midfielder typically dropping deep to build from the defence.
They are not a team that look to cross the ball, but rather favour intelligent passes through to the striker or wide players.
Read the full Albania Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags

It has been a goal fest at the Euros so far with 13 goals scored in the first three games.The tournament exploded into life as Germany thrashed Scotland 5-1 in the opening game.Meet glam Champions League host Eva Murati More

JARROD BOWEN hilariously revealed that his ‘tight’ dad will drive a campervan to watch him play in his first major tournament for England.The West Ham star is hoping to be included when Gareth Southgate names his squad to take on Serbia on Sunday at Euro 2024.Jarrod Bowen says his dad will drive his campervan to GermanyCredit: TikTok / @bbcsportAfter West Ham star hilariously revealed his dad is ‘very tight’Credit: Instagram / @jarrodbowenAnd Bowen Sr and co will be taking a rather unusual route to get to the game – in a pimped out campervan.The entourage have already set off from Hereford, England to travel across Europe to watch the Three Lions compete against the continent’s finest. Bowen, 27, comically explained how his dad doesn’t like to spend unnecessarily on flight tickets – so much so that he’s prepared to drive the 1003 mile round trip.Bowen told the BBC on Friday: “He’s not the most conventional man my dad.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”He got a campervan a couple of years ago because he does a lot of canoeing and a lot of rafting, so he can take it away with him.”It’s got everything it needs in there and he’s a very tight man my dad so he doesn’t want to pay for the flights, he doesn’t want to do anything else.”He’s got his campervan, he’ll fill it up with fuel and him, my brother and my two mates are coming as well.”They’ll set off from Hereford, drive down to Dover and get on the crossing. Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Drive over to France, then to Germany, park it up, get the bus to the game, watch the games, get the bus back.”And he’s going to do that for every match, before driving back to Hereford, so he tells me.”Play Foden & Bellingham centrally & go for it! | Jack Wilshere’s plan to win the EurosAnd it could be rather long month for his father as England are favourites to bring the European Championship home.Bowen is understood to be paid £120,000 a week, after signing a new seven-year contract with West Ham last October.He is the first Hammer since Paolo Di Canio to reach double digits in both goals and assists in a Premier League season, which saw him pip Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford to selection for Euro 2024.Meanwhile, Bowen’s partner Dani Dyer won’t be making the road trip and will instead be flying over for games periodically.The former Love Island star will balance watching her partner and looking after their twins, Star and Summer, who were born in May last year.Jarrod Bowen reveals ‘very tight’ dad is driving campervan to watch him at Euro 2024Credit: Instagram / @jarrodbowenJack 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

GARY NEVILLE was left stunned by Croatia’s tactics against Spain as he spotted the bizarre positioning of £77million Manchester City star Josko Gvardiol.The two sides clashed in Saturday’s Euro 2024 group stage battle in Berlin, with Croatia losing 3-0 to their rivals.Gary Neville was left stunned by Josko Gvardiola’s positioning in Croatia’s 3-0 loss to SpainCredit: ITVThe Man City star was up the wrong end of the field as Spain countered to score their firstThe left-back had a torrid day as he played a bizarre hybrid No10 roleCredit: AFPAlvaro Morata took advantage of the free space to score Spain’s openerCredit: GettyAnd it was Spain who drew first blood after half an hour when Alvaro Morata broke clean through to fire home.Croatia’s defence was split wide open as the ex-Chelsea man put Spain on their way to glory.He latched on to a through-ball from deep before hitting the target.And ITV pundit Neville was left bemused by the positioning of City ace Gvardiol, who was still up the opposite side of the field as the ball went in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe left-back had strayed miles from his usual position and appeared to be operating almost like a No10 when Croatia lost possession.He did not move quick enough to defend, allowing Spain to take control and ping the ball for Morata to finish.Fans reacted to Gvardiol’s error, with one saying: “Gvardiol fighting for his life.”Another declared: “Cooked Gvardiol.”Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSOne noted: “I still can’t understand Gvardiol’s position, is he playing as a winger or midfielder.”Another added: “Gvardiol been shocking at left-back today.”Meet Spain’s stunning WagsMorata’s goal inspired Spain to a second moments later, with Fabian Ruiz dancing his way through Croatia’s defence to double his side’s lead.Dani Carvajal then headed Spain into a 3-0 lead before half-time.But they were given a fright late on when they conceded a penalty with 10 minutes to play.It was saved by Unai Simon but the rebound was put away.However, the goal was disallowed entirely after replays showed Croatia players encroaching in Spain’s box as the penalty was struck.And the whistle blew on a 3-0 win for Morata and Co, putting them top of Group B ahead of Italy’s clash with Albania.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTBBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in fullHere’s how each channel will line-up:
BBC presenters:
Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman
ITV presenters:
Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods 
BBC pundits:
Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden
ITV pundits:
Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina Unkel
BBC commentators:
Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce
ITV commentators:
Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight
BBC co-commentators:
Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFadden
ITV co-commentators:
Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend More

TIKI TAKA is dead, all hail the new Spain.Luis de la Fuente’s fresh blend of experience and youth made Luka Modric and Croatia look their age in a devastating display of intent.Alvaro Morata fires Spain into the leadCredit: GettyMorata celebrates his Spain openerCredit: ReutersOn paper, this match looked like a good bet to be the first competitive and compelling clash of the tournament.Instead Spain brutally ripped the game away from the Croats with three deadly thrusts in 16 first-half minutes.The goals from Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal were different in type but shared two key characteristics.They were all, in their own way, brilliant.READ MORE ON THE EUROSBut more importantly, they all came from Spain seeing an opening and instantly trusting themselves to make the most of it.No more keeping the ball for the sake of it. No more trying to walk it into the net. No more inflicting death by a thousand cuts on the opposition.Why bother when you can knock them out with good, firm punches?It also felt significant that Lamine Yamal played his part in two of those big moments.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn the stadium where Jesse Owens made Olympic history in 1936, much to the disgust of Adolf Hitler, the 16-year-old Barcelona star set a new record as the youngest player in European Championship finals history.Yamal showed plenty of flashes to suggest he can go on to light up a tournament in which Spain must be considered serious contenders.Croatia cannot say they were not warned.Boss Zlatko Dalic had noted before the match how De La Fuente’s side played a quicker, more vertical and sometimes plain more direct game than the Spanish sides that won three major tournaments in a row between 2008 and 2012.Substitute Bruno Petkovic thought he had given his team hope but his “goal”, after his initial penalty was saved by Unai Simon, was chalked off for encroachment.The fan battle was the only one that Croatia won.The red and white checks covered more than three quarters of the stands.Pre-match talk of there being 50,000 people supporting the Croats felt, if anything, like an understatement.The rendition of the Croatian national anthem, “Our Beautiful Homeland”, and some of the early chants made it like a religious rite as much as a football match.Would Spain be spooked?Er, no.Boss De La Fuente sprang only one mild surprise with his line-up, picking Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella at left back ahead of Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga-winning Alex Grimaldo.Croatia were as expected, with a midfield three boasting a combined age of 99 and 372 appearances between them.But Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic barely had a kick in the opening stages as Spain came out hard and fast, with early chances for Morata and Yamal.After a scrappy spell, the breakthrough came just before the half hour.A Croatian attack broke down and it was no time for tiki-taka ball retention. With one, straight through-ball, Ruiz took out half the Croatian team.Fabian Ruiz nets a brilliant second for La RojaCredit: GettyRuiz celebrates his fine effortCredit: APMorata’s first touch was excellent, taking the ball away from Marin Pongracic. With his second, he rolled it past Dominik Livakovic.Morata, after a week in which he said he felt Spain, if not the world, was against him, suddenly looked much more perky.Kovacic could have equalised immediately, but after taking a while to decide to shoot, he scuffed his effort and Simon saved easily.Punishment came swiftly.The opening goal seemed to have freed something in Yamal. He worked the ball to Pedri, who touched it on to Ruiz.The Paris Saint-Germain star sent Modric for a copy of the Berlin Echo with a chop back, side-stepped Brozovic, and found the bottom corner.Croatia once more had the chance to hit back straightaway.But Lovro Majer sliced the rebound into the side-netting after Simon saved from Brozovic.Dani Carvajal puts Spain three upCredit: ReutersThe full-back was overcome with joyCredit: EPAJosko Gvardiol also went close before Carvajal killed the game in first-half stoppage time.The full back timed his run perfectly to meet Yamal’s lovely cross and applied a striker’s volleyed finish. What a couple of weeks for Carvajal, a man not renowned for his goals.First he grabs the opener in Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph at Wembley, then two weeks later he scores in another major European capital.Finally, the Croatian hordes were quiet.It almost got worse soon after half-time. But Livakovic saved a shot that Yamal should probably have buried, before the youngster dashed into the box and saw his cross/shot deflect off Morata to safety.Then came Croatia’s best chance of the game.But right-back Josep Stanisic’s shot was blocked by Cucurella. When Ante Budimir headed the ball back across goal, Simon pushed it off the head of Andrej Kramaric.Little else of significance happened before a Simon error led to Rodri fouling Petkovic in the box and just about escaping a red card,The Spain goalkeeper diverted Petkovic’s spotkick on to the post, then fellow sub Ivan Perisic crossed for Petkovic to find the net.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut VAR Stuart Attwell ruled Perisic had been in the penalty area when the initial kick was taken.So Croatia were denied even consolation and Spain’s triumph was complete.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTRodri got away with just a yellow card for preventing a Bruno Petkovic tap-inCredit: RexMichael Oliver was involved in late controversyCredit: Rex More