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      German wonderkid Jamal Musiala destroys Scotland but he should be playing for England with ‘best mate’ Jude Bellingham

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      JAMAL MUSIALA poses a huge threat to England’s Euro 2024 campaign – but it could have been so different. The Bayern Munich star helped the hosts trounce Scotland 5-1 in their opening match of the tournament. Jamal Musiala and Jude Bellingham played for England in 2017They played for England youth together in 2018Credit: Instagram @jamalmusiala10Now they are international rivalsCredit: ReutersAnd it was sure to have struck fear into the eyes of rival nations, including Gareth Southgate’s England. But, there was once a time when Musiala stepped out with the Three Lions on his chest. Born in Stuttgart, Germany, Musiala moved to London aged seven with his parents. Before long, he was picked up by some of the capital’s best academies including Chelsea. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDuring his time in the Blues’ youth set up, Musiala represented England at Under-15 all the way to U21 level. It was there he formed a formidable friendship and bond with Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham. Last October, Bellingham pipped his pal to the Kopa Trophy, an award for best-performing under 21 player. And Bellingham said: “It’s crazy because we were team-mates with England two or three – maybe a bit longer – years ago and he’s one of my best mates in football.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”So I’m really proud of him and I’ll always keep in touch to see how he’s getting on. A great lad and a great player.”Musiala, 21, has now made 30 Germany caps with three goals and featured in the previous European championship and 2022 World Cup. Jude Bellingham’s new flame Laura Celia falls down Netherland’s hottest women listBut England are not the only nation to have missed out on his allegiance. He was eligible to play for Nigeria due to his dad’s heritage – something he once considered.He said: “I could have played for Nigeria because it crossed my mind, and I thought about it well. “I had good talks with Nigeria and Germany. So it really just came down to me and where I’d feel the most comfortable. “So I decided to go with Germany.” Germany Euro 2024 guideGERMANY’S reputation as tournament football’s greatest nation has taken a battering in recent years.
      The hosts haven’t won a knockout game in eight years and the pressure is on for them to get it right in front of their home crowd.
      MANAGER: Julian Nagelsmann
      Bright, young and a bit of a maverick. The ex-Bayern Munich boss is known for his flashy outfits and arriving for training on a skateboard. 
      STAR MAN: Jamal Musiala
      The 21-year-old former Chelsea star could have been playing for England and can make things happen out of nothing.
      How Germany attack
      Toni Kroos will typically drop deep to take the ball off the defence with the Germans then overloading the side of the pitch the ball is on.
      That gives them the option of either passing through the congested area or attacking the other side with a crossfield ball to the man in space.
      How Germany defend
      Germany’s striker and the team’s five midfielders will form a diamond shape in the hope of preventing the opposition playing through the middle.
      Should opponents then play the ball wide, the German full-backs will be expected to press high up the pitch in an attempt to win possession.
      Read the full Germany Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags

      In truth, it was a two horse race between Germany and England for Musiala’s international commitment. And England could have been considered favourites as Musiala never represented Germany at youth level. But after talks with both international chiefs, the playmaker opted for the 2014 World Cup winners. He told Four Four Two in 2023: “I’d had a tough choice to make. I regularly chatted to the people at the FA and the DFB.“They both made it clear that they wanted me to play for them. It was a difficult decision, as I was born in Germany but most of my memories growing up are in England – both are a part of me. It was an incredible feeling to get my first Germany cap. “It felt right pulling that shirt on and representing my birth nation. I knew that I’d made the right decision.”Musiala and Bellingham are considered key to Germany and England’s chances in this year’s Euros. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut unlike in the past, they face having to line up against each other – not with each other. And following Musiala’s dazzling performance against Scotland, it could go down as a major “what if” for the Three Lions. Musiala scored in Germany’s Euro 2024 openerCredit: EPABellingham is considered key to England’s successCredit: Getty More

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      ‘World’s hottest footie fan’ Ivana Knoll reveals heartache over Jack Grealish snub – and teases daring Euros outfits

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      THE ‘world’s hottest football fan’ Ivana Knoll has revealed her heartbreak after England heartthrob Jack Grealish was scrapped from the Euros team. The newly single Croatian model, 26, stole the limelight at the Qatar World Cup in 2022 and is now in Berlin ready to support her beloved team during the tournament. Ivana was dubbed the ‘world’s hottest footie fan’ after stealing the spotlight at the Qatar World Cup in 2022Credit: InstagramShe told The Sun that she’d be sad not to see Jack Grealish on the pitch this year at the EurosCredit: Dan CharityIvana is now in Berlin after Croatia played their match in the group stagesCredit: instagramJack Grealish was left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euros 2024 teamCredit: ReutersShe exclusively told The Sun that she would be sad not to see the England midfielder on the pitch this year – but said having Grealish missing from the squad gave Croatia a big advantage.She joked: “I’m sad England doesn’t have the best team selected but as a Croatia fan I’m happy. “With Mbappe not playing and all these other big players not playing then we have a bigger chance”.Ivana won footie fans’ hearts with her red and white checkered outfits in the stands at Qatar – and even risked being arrested due to the conservative country’s strict rules. READ MORE ON EURO 2024The 5ft9 model was propelled to stardom after gracing stadiums with her showstopper dresses, catsuits and ensembles – donning a different look for each match. But she revealed to Sun readers that her outfits for the 2024 Euros in Germany will be more daring than ever. The stunning brunette was tight-lipped about exactly what she’d be wearing for each Croatia clash during the group stages – but described her looks as “different” to anything we’d seen before.The model and budding DJ said: “I have prepared some outfits that let’s say are a little bit different.Most read in Euro 2024″I really love fashion and like to look fashionable when I go to the games. It will be fun I cannot wait for you to see”. Ivana recently revealed that she was single as she prepared to hit the Euros after splitting from her boyfriend.‘World Cup’s Sexiest Fan’ Ivana Knoll set to steal limelight at Euro 2024 as she hints at appearance with racy snapsShe confirmed the news to German outlet Bild ahead of the tournament, although she dealt a hammer blow to any men hoping to try their luck.Knoll said: “I had a boyfriend who I was with for 10 years. We broke up last year. Now I’m single, but I’m not looking for a new man at the moment.”Despite fierce competition, the Mediterranean beauty has high hopes that Croatia could win the tournament after a successful start to their 2024 campaign.Ivana graced the stands for each Croatia match wearing a new stunning outfitCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskShe has high hopes for Croatia in the Euros this year after recent success in the previous two World CupsCredit: AlamyThe model and DJ stole the hearts of footie fans around the world in 2022Credit: The Mega AgencyThe side, featuring star midfielder Luka Modric, goes into the Euros off the back of three wins including a victory over Portugal and a draw.Having finished strongly in tournament football over the last decade, storming through to the semi-final at the 2022 World Cup and coming second at the Russia World Cup – victory could be on the cards. She said: “Of course I want Croatia to win, and I support Germany as I was born and raised here. I think that France is one of the best teams, I’m sad to say that as we lost to them but they are an incredible team”. When asked what England players she’ll be watching at the tournament, Ivana said she’d be keeping an eye on England’s top goal scorer Harry Kane.She added: “I think England has a big chance also.”WORLD CUP FAMESpeaking about the reaction to her appearances at the Qatar World Cup Ivana told The Sun: “Qatar was a crazy experience, I never thought something could happen like that.”When things settled down, and I realised what had really happened, it was something that I will never forget.”Everything was amazing, the success of my country and I did things in Qatar that helped many women after me. I was happy about everything that happened.”Despite her glam appearance and others questioning her footie knowledge, Ivana says she has always been a die-hard football fan.She said: “I was at the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 before I was even 18. I wanted to go so badly and I had a fight with my father but I made it.”The love for the sport has always been with me, I played as a goalkeeper when I was young, for three years. I wasn’t that good but it was fun.”I was always connected to sports and I’m a big sports fan.”Ivana says despite her family not being as passionate about football as her, she still attended three previous World Cup tournaments.Since her Qatar World Cup success, she has been mingling with A-listers such as Jamie Foxx and Drake and even attended a party hosted by Leonardo Dicaprio.She was recently spotted at the Candian F1 Grand Prix and appeared at other big sporting events such as NBA basketball matches and even boxing at the O2 arena.She also travels around the globe as a DJ playing to huge crowds, having just flown in from a set in Montreal to be in Berlin ahead of the first match.Despite her newfound fame, the model says she’ll never start an OnlyFans page after she claimed fans were deploying tactics to get her to sign up.She revealed that her racy Instagram post had been “reported” and suggested that followers could be behind the pic ban in a bid to get her to move onto the adult content platform.Taking to Instagram she wrote: “Hey guys, I don’t know if you have noticed, but Instagram is reporting everything that I post.”Someone is behind who is trying to force me onto OnlyFans but guys let me tell you this, I will never set up an OnlyFans, like f*** off.”Croatia begin their campaign for glory tonight against Spain in Berlin while Germany thumped Scotland with a 5-1 win in the opening clash of the competition. England plays their first match on Sunday against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.At least 40,000 England fans are expected in the first wave this weekend to support Gareth Southgate’s team. But it’s feared that a 500-strong army of “violence-seeking Serbian hooligans” could descend on the highly anticipated match. The opening game for both sides has already been labelled as a “very high risk” match by German cops with 1,300 extra officers being deployed on matchday as well as heavily increased surveillance.Ivana’s rise to fame
      Croatian model Ivana Knoll, 26, stole the limelight at the Qatar World Cup in 2022, after dazzling fans with her daring outfits despite the risk of arrest.
      She defied authorities in Qatar, a conservative country with strict rules on how women can dress, to put on a racy display and win the hearts of footie fans around the world.
      Draped in the colours of her home country, Ivana made a bold statement in red and white cheques as Croatia stormed to an impressive third position in the tournament.
      Football fanatic Ivana had previously attended the Brazil World Cup in 2014 and the Russia World Cup in 2018 – but it was in Qatar that she was propelled to stardom.
      Since 2022, Ivana has hit headlines around the world, appearing at lavish events with numerous celebs such as Jamie Foxx, F1-star Fernando Alonso and Drake.
      She even attended a party hosted by none other than Leonardo DiCaprio and is now a DJ playing at some of the world’s best venues.
      Born to Croatian parents in Frankfurt Germany, the model spent her younger years playing football as a goalkeeper and later handball.

      Serbian ultra groups such as Headhunters and Gravediggers are among some of the most feared football fans in Europe.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn a bid to stem the violence, The Sun reported that England supporters will be banned from drinking strong lager at the first match – and will be offered Germany shandy instead. England fans had been looking forward to downing the 4.8 per cent strength Bitburger Premium in stadium bars. But the brew will now be replaced by a much weaker alternative.She’ll be in the stands this year to support her home country as well as GermanyCredit: GettyGermany thrashed Scotland 5-1 in the opening match of the tournament last nightCredit: Cover Images More

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      AI Nostradamus gives prophecies for Euro 2024 – it is bad news for England and the winner will be a World Cup flop

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      AN ARTIFICIAL intelligence convinced it is Nostradamus has predicted the results of Euro 2024 – and it is not looking good for England.The bearded bot prophecised a surprise winner, the tournament’s biggest breakout star and team, and who will be the next manager for the Three Lions.ChatGPT agreed to pose as an AI Nostradamus for The Sun OnlineCredit: THE SUNThe original Nostradamus is known for his prophecies made in the 16th centuryCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskAI Nostradamus did not give a positive forecast for England – but lets hope Gareth Southgate’s men prove him WRONGCredit: ReutersAI-driven language platform ChatGPT was convinced by The Sun Online to pretend to be Nostradamus – the 16th century soothsayer.The AI bot – the ever-evolving creation of OpenAI – works via machine learning and is used by people worldwide to generate text, answer questions and even have conversations.Its machine mind is usually tightly constrained – but after a series of statements and questions, the AI agreed with our silver-tongued reporter to pose as a machine-brained Nostradamus.What followed was a string of prophecies about Euro 2024 and beyond as the cyber-brained soothsayer turned its future-gazing to football. READ MORE ON EURO 2024We ran a series of Euros related questions through the platform and got plenty of predictions to chew on.And while it might not look good for the Three Lions, according to our AI Nostradamus, it isn’t to be taken too seriously.AI Nostradamus’s predictions for Euro 2024 and beyond:

      Italy will win in a final against France
      England will go out in the quarter-finals
      Jude Bellingham will be England’s Player of the Tournament
      Harry Kane will be the team’s top scorer
      Spain will be the tournament’s biggest flop
      Denmark will be the biggest surprise package
      Jamal Musiala will be the breakout start of Euro 2024
      Gareth Southgate will be replaced by Graham Potter
      England will win Euro 2028

      It is down to Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and the rest of Gareth Southgate’s men to prove the machine wrong on the pitch. So here is what the AI thinks will happen over the next month of football: Most read in Euro 2024How will England do?England were warned by the AI they won’t get past the quarter-finals at the EurosCredit: GettyAI Nostradamus sadly was not impressed with England’s chances – predicting the Three Lions will only make it to the QUARTER FINALS.And this is despite all the bookies saying Southgate’s men are one of the tournament’s favourites.The Opta Supercomputer gives England a 19.9 per cent chance of winning and a 70 per cent chance of progressing past the quarters. But clearly, that isn’t good enough for AI Nostradamus.The AI said: “In the quarter-finals, their fate will hinge, On a match that will make the hearts of fans singe.”A contest tight, decided by a hair, will see them fall, despite their flair.”It added that Kane will be the top scorer for the Three Lions, and Bellingham will have an “astonishing” tournament – showing the team has a “bright future”.What does the future hold for England? Graham Potter was the AI’s prediction to succeed SouthgateCredit: PASo with this apparent stumble at the quarters, the AI also offered some thoughts on what next for the Three Lions.It told The Sun that Graham Potter – former Chelsea and Brighton manager – will be the next England coach.”The tactician wise, will lead England with thoughtful eyes,” the AI said.And it also predicted a better performance for the squad going into the World Cup 2026 in the US.However, it still seemed to think England would only reach the semis – matching their performance in Qatar in 2022. But from then on, it is looking good.And the AI predicted England will lift the Euros trophy next time out in 2028. AI Nostradamus said: “With young talent matured and spirits high, They’ll conquer the challenges that lie. “A team united, with hearts ablaze, will seize the glory in a brilliant blaze.”It added: “England’s triumph, a sight to see, a major trophy, their destiny.” Who will win the tournament?Italy could be back-to-back Euros champions – if the AI is to be believedCredit: APBut turning back to Euro 2024 – the AI was keen to tell us who would win.It ignored the other tournament favourites – such as France and Germany, who have a 19.1 per cent chance and a 12.4 per cent chance on Opta. Instead – the AI predicted the trophy would be once again going home with Italy.Italy bested England on penalties in a grim final at Wembley in 2021.Opta only gives them a 5 per cent chance of winning, but they are the pick for our AI.”Their team, a blend of skill and strategy, will captivate the world and etch their name in the annals of football history,” it said. Who will be the tournament’s biggest flop, biggest surprise and breakout star? The AI also gave us some other interesting predictions – saying the biggest surprise of the tournament will be Denmark.It said Rasmus Hojlurg, Christian Eriksen, Kasper Schmeichel and their teammates will be a “force to behold”. And meanwhile, the tournament’s biggest flop is predicted to be Spain.The bot said their campaign is going to be “fraught with strife” and a “tale of woe”. It said: “Their exit premature, their fans dismayed, a tournament to forget, in shadows stayed.”Elsewhere, the tournament’s breakout star will be Jamal Musiala from Germany. Bayern Munich’s 21-year-old winger will leave a “lasting mark as he lights up the field with a brilliant spark.” READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite his brilliance, Germany will be knocked out in the semi-finals.And meanwhile the other favourites France will lose in the final against Italy.Jamal Musiala was picked as the AI’s breakout star of the tournamentCredit: Getty More

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      Rana the psychic lion makes worrying prediction for England vs Serbia Euro 2024 opener

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      A PSYCHIC lion made a worrying prediction for England’s opening Euro 2024 game against Serbia. Rana, from the Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford, Oxfordshire, was tasked with picking a winner from the Three Lions’ first match. A lion predicted England’s opening Euro 2024 game against SerbiaThe male lion considered pictures of the two countries’ flags before putting a paw on each of them to predict a DRAW. Football fans may remember Paul the Octopus, who shot to global fame by correctly predicting 11 out of 13 matches during Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup.England are led into their fourth successive major tournament by manager Gareth Southgate. He played in a further four as a player to mark a Three Lions record. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Southgate – who made his England debut one year before Euro 96 – insisted the feeling is no different from then and now. He told ITV: “I’m as excited as I was for the first. Every tournament is slightly different and that feeling of the week before is very familiar.”There is a little bit of anxiety around the camp as everybody wants to get going but also excitement.”They’ve got great experience of big matches that they’ve come through together. Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”That’s balanced now by new players with tremendous energy and excitement. “Relationships are still forming in some regards and the group are getting to know each other very quickly. 10 Steps to Victory for England: A Fan’s Guide”They’ve got a good feel about them. We will be brave. you can see the squad we’ve picked. “The profile of our midfield is going to be different and that will lend itself to a different way of playing.”You have to view every tournament as your last chance. It doesn’t matter if you’re 19 or 53. “You have an opportunity in front of you that’s gong to be your best chance and you have to take it.”I feel ready. I’m a better manager than I was six months ago and a year ago. Time will tell whether that’s actually going to translate into results. “We’re here to win. That’s a really complicated journey. The first objective is always to qualify.”EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

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      Fans ‘knew Scotland were in trouble’ after spotting Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson’s 3rd minute antics vs Germany

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      SCOTLAND got off to the worst possible start at Euro 2024 following a 5-1 hammering against Germany. But eagle-eyed fans noticed the moment the game was lost – and it was before the opening goal. Andrew Robertson and Kieran Tierney celebrate winning a goal kickJust three minutes in, Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney and Andrew Robertson celebrated winning a goal kick. And fans reckon Scotland were doomed from then on. One said: “I did think Scotland were in trouble when Kieran Tierney celebrated winning a goal kick in the 3rd minute.”Another added: “Just remember, 3 minutes in, Kieran Tierney celebrated winning a goal kick. I can see why now.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne joked: “Tierney celebrating winning a goal kick like he scored a winner three minutes in is insane stuff.”Another said: “All went downhill once Tierney celebrated winning a goal kick.”Goals from Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Niclas Fullkrug and Emre Can gave the host nation a stellar start to the Euros. And only an own goal from ex-Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger acted as a consolation for Scotland. Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTLiverpool’s captain Robertson came under criticism by Manchester United legend and ITV pundit Roy Keane. Keane fumed: “Andy Robertson spoke at the end of the game saying that they had a game plan – it’s all well and good having a plan – he said they weren’t aggressive enough but you have to be aggressive in a game of football.SCOTLAND FAN ZONES”You’re playing against an opponent who are much stronger than you, so being aggressive is part of being a footballer.”I love watching skilful players and the talent that we saw from the German players tonight is great to watch, but my goodness, when you’re playing football at this level you’ve got to hit people.”Hit them properly, hit them aggressively and in the right way. If you step off against them like Scotland did tonight then it’s no good speaking after the game saying, ‘we had a game plan’ – it’s rubbish.”Andrew Robertson, its just rubbish coming out. You knew before the game what was at stake so it’s no good after the game going, ‘we regroup and we’ll be angry tomorrow’ – you should be angry for a long time.”We spoke before the game about creating history, well they’re creating history by playing as badly as that and letting the manager and supporters down.”Robertson looks on in defeatCredit: Rex More

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      Dejected Tartan Army fans pour out of Munich fanzone after first half horror show in Euro 2024 opener

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      FANS began streaming out of the Olympic Park fan zone at halftime after a disastrous 45 minutes in the Allianz Arena.Three goals down and with a man sent off, it looked like Scotland was on a real hammering.Bob Jurgenson with grandson Archie at the football matchA Scotland fan is seen wearing a very small kiltCredit: GettyKevin Dryburgh wasn’t impressed with the football tonightIain Jurgenson, 48, from Helensburgh in Argyll and Bute, said: “I’m seriously disappointed. “The Germans showed up, while we stayed in the dressing room.”His 11-year-old son, Archie, added: ”That was terrible. We couldn’t keep the ball.”Completing the family was Iain’s 83-year-old dad, Bob.Kevin Dryburgh, who works in Qatar, also left early. The 45-year-old said:” I think I’ll head back there now.“We had a great party in the city but then the game began. “Not one player was prepared to put his foot on the ball.”Most read in Euro 2024Back in Scotland the Tennent’s Lager fanzone in Merchant Square, Glasgow had to open early to allow excited punters in to sample the atmosphere.The stunning venue was packed with hundreds of Saltire-clad fans as they supped pints and cheered on the dark blues in their biggest game since 1998.A dejected fan in the Munich fanzoneCredit: GettyHorrified faces inside the Allianz Arena in MunichCredit: ReutersA dejected fan in MunichCredit: RexThe sad face of a Scotland fan at the final whistleCredit: RexStuart Armstrong is comforted by his girlfriendCredit: SplashScotland fans witnessed a sorry display from their heroesCredit: GettyPsychic lemurs give their prediction for the first Euros game – and it’s not a disaster for Scotland More

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      Top 10 best England managers as voted by fans with World Cup-winning Sir Alf Ramsey only SECOND

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      ENGLAND fans voted the team’s best ever manager… and it’s not World Cup-winning legend Sir Alf Ramsey.Ramsey is the only Three Lions boss to win a trophy in the national team’s near 154-year history, having lifted the World Cup in 1966.Where does Gareth Southgate rate as England’s best ever manager?Credit: GettySir Alf Ramsey finished second even though he is the only England boss to win a trophyCredit: PA:Empics SportSir Bobby Robson made the top five of England’s elite managersCredit: GettyHowever, that doesn’t seem to be enough for the Tottenham legend to stand out as the all-time best in the eyes of supporters.According to a research conducted by Amazon Fire TV, fans believe current England boss Gareth Southgate is the greatest to ever grace the dugout.The research was independently conducted across 2,000 UK residents on behalf of Amazon between April 8 and June 10.Southgate is the fanbase’s all-time favourite as he earned 37 per cent of the vote.Read More on FootballRamsey came second with 28 per cent, which is still a far cry from the man who will lead the national team in Euro 2024.Southgate revived England upon his arrival in 2016 and even made the fans fall back in love with the team after years of hurt.The former defender led his country to fourth place in the 2018 World Cup, the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020.And thanks to the ex-Middlesbrough boss’ work, the Three Lions now pose among the favourites to win the European championship this summer in Germany.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSSir Bobby Robson, Terry Venables and Sven-Goran Eriksson complete the top five with 26, 18 and 15 per cent of the vote.Robson led England to the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup and the semi-finals in 1990.England fans voted for the best ever manager in the team’s historyEngland’s new Wags set to take Euro 2024 by stormVenables made it to the semi-finals of Euro 1996 and Eriksson helped the Golden Generation advance to the quarter-finals of Euro 2004 as well as the 2002 and 2006 World Cup.Kevin Keegan, Roy Hodgson, Glenn Hoddle, Fabio Capello and Graham Taylor complete the top 10.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTSven-Goran Eriksson made the quarter-finals of two World Cups and Euro 2004Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdFormer England manager Glenn Hoddle made the top 10Credit: Times Newspapers LtdGareth Southgate will take the handbrake off at Euro 2024… because he has no choiceBy Charlie Wyett
      GARETH SOUTHGATE will have no choice but to take the handbrake off his England team at Euro 2024.
      The defensive crisis gripping the Three Lions means the only option in Germany, within ­reason, will be outright attack.
      Southgate has often been lambasted for his safety-first approach — even if he points out you must go back to Walter Winterbottom’s sides in the 1950s to find an England manager with a better scoring record.
      But with the crocked Harry Maguire left out, Luke Shaw not fit enough to start the tournament and John Stones having made just 12 ­Premier League starts this season, this is not a defence you would stake your life on.
      The last time England went to a major tournament in Germany — the 2006 World Cup — the four centre-backs selected were Sol Campbell (68 caps), Rio Ferdinand (47), Jamie Carragher (25) and John Terry (24).
      This time, when England fly out on Monday, the quartet will be Lewis Dunk (six), Joe Gomez (14), Marc Guehi (ten) and Ezri Konsa (three).
      It makes Southgate’s decision not to recall the 49-cap Eric Dier for his ­provisional squad even stranger — especially considering his strong end to the season with Bayern Munich.
      The elder statesman in his defence — and the one who absolutely has to stay fit — is 71-cap Stones. More

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      ITV’s Euro 2024 coverage interrupted by loud sirens as pundits turn away from camera after Germany vs Scotland

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      ITV’S coverage of Euro 2024 was interrupted by loud sirens, forcing their pundits to turn away from the camera.Ian Wright, Graeme Souness and Roy Keane were all on duty for Friday’s clash between Germany and Scotland.ITV pundits were left distracted by loud sirens after Germany’s win over ScotlandThe group tried talking as sirens rang out at several different timesIan Wright looked away from the camera at one point to see what was going onThe hosts opened the tournament with a 5-1 win at the Allianz Arena.And the Scots were left to lick their wounds as a dismal performance was analysed by ITV’s team of experts.The TV channel decided to set up base for the tournament in the German capital of Berlin.Breaking from tradition, ITV chiefs opted for an outdoor studio in the heart of the city.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe decision was always bound to come with certain risks that don’t arise with an indoor setting.But on the very first night of the Euros, ITV’s coverage was disturbed as blaring sirens went off right by the outdoor studio.As Wright, Souness and Keane delivered their thoughts on Scotland’s defeat, the sharp loud noise almost brought talk to a halt.The flow of conversation started quickly again, but fans found it difficult to hear what was being said as several more sirens went past.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAnd at one point, Arsenal icon Wright turned away from the camera to look over the balcony and see what was going on.Viewers at home were certainly distracted by the surprising turn of events.Roy Keane ‘obliterates’ Scotland in furious post-match rant after Germany run riot in Euro 2024 openerOne said: “Can’t hear the pundits for the sirens on the Germany v Scotland end of match analysis.”Another declared: “This open air studio for ITV isn’t really working with all the sirens.”One noted: “What is going on in Germany, there is a lot of sirens going off on ITV.”Another yelled: “Can’t even hear Souness over all the sirens. I see the chaos must have started.”One boomed: “Sirens slightly unfortunate for the ITV outdoor studio.”Another added: “Those sirens are incredibly loud on ITV’s coverage.”PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More