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

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      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.
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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

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      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

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      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

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      Gareth Southgate picks England’s four-man leadership team for Euro 2024 as two stars join Harry Kane and Kyle Walker

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      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

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      Minnows Albania stun Italy with fastest goal in European Championship history after just 23 seconds

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      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

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      Jakub Kiwior’s stunning twerk queen Wag shakes bum in the sea in Greece as he prepares to star for Poland at Euro 2024

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      JAKUB Kiwior’s twerk queen Wag showed off her amazing talents in the sea on a break in Greece.Claudia Kowalczyk has made her name as a twerking champion, winning various dance competitions around the globe.Twerk queen Claudia Kowalczyk shows off her amazing dance moves in the seaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/claudia.redheaded_babe/Claudia has won various dance competitions around the globe twerkingJakub Kiwior and Claudia Kowalczyk got maried last yearGoing under the moniker ‘Claudia Redheaded’, she shares her dance moves on social media.While she also teaches classes to wannabe twerkers.However, her latest share has drawn plenty of reaction on Instagram.Wearing a bikini, gorgeous Claudia can be seen shaking her bum towards the camera in the sea.Read more football news She hinted where she was posting the flag of Greece in her caption.Claudia wrote: “Song added later, not bad✌️”The video has received over a 1,000 likes since it was uploaded.And plenty of fans have reacted online. One wrote: “You’re the best dancer.”Most read in Euro 2024A second posted: “Oh my goodness.”A third added: “Amazing.”Meet the ten Wags ready to stun at Euro 2024Meanwhile, as Claudia frolicks in the sea her husband Kiwior is preparing for Poland’s clash with the Netherlands.It could be a potentially tricky Euros for the Poles, who are already in a tough group with favourites France and Austria.Meet 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

      A hamstring injury to Robert Lewandowski has also hampered their plans.Kiwior is expected to start for his country, but he could be on the move this summer.Various reports have tipped the defender to leave Arsenal during the transfer window.A return to Serie A has been touted, with AC Milan considering a swoop.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

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      Euro 2024 to be wokest tournament yet with vegan food & unisex loos with floodlights switched off after final whistle

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      EURO 2024 is set to be the wokest tournament yet with vegan food, unisex toilets, gender-neutral searches – and floodlights switched off STRAIGHT after final whistles.UEFA is implementing the changes as part of a major “diversity and inclusion” drive and has outlined its moves in a 36-page edict.The 2024 EURO is set to be the wokest tournament yetCredit: AFPFans will be allowed to pick who searches them with the new gender-neutral security searchesCredit: RexThe tournament will also offer vegan food options, which could include vegan kebabsCredit: GettyCrowds will also have access to gender-neutral loosCredit: AlamyTournament organisers have demanded all stadiums in Germany have unisex toilets and offer up “healthy” vegan food – despite being in meat-mad Germany.Gender-neutral security means fans will be allowed to pick who searches them.In other major moves, floodlights will be used sparingly outside game action – and staff at stadia will even have their electricity consumption limited.England fan Danny Moss, 38, of Nottingham, is heading to Germany on Saturday and has tickets for the group stages.More on Euro 2024 He said: “I suppose this is football in 2024 for you. It will be a very different feel to previous tournaments, that’s for sure.”I actually don’t mind vegan food, but I hope the usual burgers and pies will be on offer too, as well as some German sausage, which I’m really looking forward to trying at the games.”As for picking who searches you – can you imagine that at some of the tougher grounds in England? “The same goes for gender-neutral toilets. It is hard to picture happening back home, but I guess this is what they call progress, and they will come in one day.”It all sounds very ‘woke’, and I’m not quite sure how England fans cope with it all to be honest. But we like to have a laugh and I’m sure everyone will just take it in their stride.””Reporting points” will be set up for spectators to record incidents of discrimination and staff working at Euro 2024 must “advocate diversity and inclusion”.Bill Leckie and Robert Grieve dissect last night’s 5-1 defeat to GermanyFloodlights will be switched off straight after the final whistlesCredit: AFPCrowds will be monitored closely under widespread CCTV, AI and plain-clothed officersCredit: GettyUefa’s Euro 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance Strategy states: “Environmental aspects are one of the core priorities for the organisation of the event.”As an organiser, we are aware that the organisation of such a major event, gathering football stakeholders and fans from all over the world, involves a significant footprint.”We are therefore determined to be part of the solution to reduce as much as possible our impacts on the environment.”A Uefa spokesman said: “Gender-neutral entrances represent one dedicated channel at the stadium entrance, where ticket holders can decide if the security check is performed by a male or female steward and no questions will be asked.“Male and female stewards voluntarily agreed to search people of any sex or gender identity.“Gender neutral public toilets can be used by people of any sex or gender identity.”Germany will secure the opening Euros game with a robust ring of steel made up of thousands of armed cops to shield against potential attacks.Security expert Will Geddes, who has worked with Premier League clubs, told The Sun 22,000 cops will be dispatched for today’s match alone.The UEFA Euro 2024 championship presents a “wide spectrum of potential risks and issues” amid a “very high level of risk” from ISIS, he warned.Will explained that the country’s special forces, intelligence services and armed police will be called up to help prepare for and defend against any possible attacks.Crowds will be monitored closely under widespread CCTV, AI, the watchful eye of “super spotters” and plain-clothed officers, he said.Will, who leads a team of security experts at International Corporation Protection (ICP), closely monitors ISIS chatter.Working with analysts who have experience in military, intelligence and law enforcement, his team have seen ISIS make “very specific references to Germany”.The prolific death cult has hurled out repeated threats against events like the Euros, Champions League and Paris Olympics in recent months.Will explained that the mammoth security op will range from snipers spread around the stadium to “super spotters” hidden in amongst the public.”There’s going to be a number of different layers of security”, he said.”You have some 22,000 federal police that will be assigned particularly to the games… including hostile behaviour detection personnel.”These are specialists looking for those indicators for individuals that may have malintent.”Scotland crumbled before a blistering display from Germany as Steve Clarke’s 10-man team lost badly in Munich to start Euro 2024.After barely ten minutes, Florian Wirtz waltzed on to the ball to steer in the first goal, setting the tone in an electrifying Allianz Arena.Nine minutes later, Jamal Musiala’s fierce strike nearly tore through Angus Gunn’s net and the hearts of the startled Scots behind the goal.And with Ryan Porteous’ red card, Kai Havertz scored the third goal from the spot just before the half ended, leaving Scotland with the highest mountains to climb.After Antonio Rudiger’s own goal deflected late in the game, Germany’s fourth goal was scored by replacement Niclas Fullkrug, who struck high into the goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe suffering Scotland supporters were ecstatic at the strike, but as the game approached injury time, Emre Can silenced them.That made it certain that this would be the largest victory in a Euros opening game.’Acute’ terrorist threat across Europe
      By Jessica Baker, Foreign News Reporter
      THE threat of terrorism to the security of Europe is “acute”, the EU’s law enforcement agency has warned.
      Europol said the top concern of EU countries is “jihadist terrorism” and foreign terrorist fighters who travel from conflict zones.
      Some fear the terror group ISIS could be looking to leverage conflict in the Middle East to launch a fresh of attacks across Europe.
      Ten jihadist attacks have been foiled by cops in Europe in the past 12 months alone, according to Dutch intelligence agency AIVD.
      The agency claimed attacks planned and intercepted included stabbing rampages at major events and assaults on specific groups and venues.
      Israel’s spy agency meanwhile alleged Iranian terror cells are plotting attacks across the continent ahead of the Paris Olympics.
      The Olympics chief has promised a ring of steel at the Games’ opening ceremony and insisted “security is the priority” to ensure the safety of an expected 15 million fans and more than 10,000 athletes.

      German cops take part in an operational drill to prepare for the Euros at a football stadium in MayCredit: EPA More

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      Jarrod Bowen reveals ‘very tight’ dad is driving campervan to watch him at Euro 2024 as he refuses to pay for flights

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      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