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

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

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

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