Euro 2024

JOSE MOURINHO and Sir Alex Ferguson linked up at Euro 2024 as they enjoyed the opening night together.The former Manchester United managers took their seats for Germany’s 5-1 win against Scotland at the Allianz Arena.Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho were spotted together at Germany vs ScotlandThe pair looked to be deep in conversation ahead of the Euro 2024 openerThe pair were all smiles as they posed togetherCredit: Instagram / josemourinhoThere were plenty of football legends present for the game, including SunSport Euro pundit Jurgen Klinsmann.But only the fans watching from home will have seen Premier League royalty in the stands.13-time title winner Fergie and three-time title winner Mourinho were spotted next to each deep in conversation ahead of kick-off.The duo appeared engaged as they no doubt discussed all things football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey then cracked wide smiles as they posed together for a picture.Mourinho said: “With the Scottish legend. I have to be with them! Great Man.”And having both managed Man United, they may have even talked about their respective times in the Old Trafford dugout.Ferguson certainly had the better of it up north, winning numerous trophies during a 26-year stay.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHe’s widely regarded as the greatest manager of all time.And Sir Alex even had a stand named after him following his retirement in 2013.Aberdeen Fanzone: silence after Germany scoreEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTAfter chatting to Jose, he received a huge cheer from the travelling Scotland fans as he gave them a personal address before the start of the game.As for Mourinho, he enjoyed relative success at the Theatre of Dreams after following on from David Moyes and Louis van Gaal.He won a Carabao Cup, Community Shield and Europa League during a two-and-a-half year stay at United.But Mourinho was sacked in December 2018 after a dismal run of form and was replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.Afterwards, the Special One had spells at Tottenham and Roma, and will take charge of Turkish side Fenerbahce this summer.But he has enjoyed success in England with two spells at Chelsea, with his second one ending six months before taking the United hotseat.As for tonight’s Euro opener, Scotland endured a shocker against Germany.The hosts raced into a 2-0 lead in the opening 20 minutes.And Scotland went down to 10 men before the break while also conceding a penalty for 3-0.READ MORE SUN STORIESGermany then made it 4-0 in the second half before Scotland pulled one back with minutes left.But the hosts ensured there was little joy to be gained as they scored a fifth at the death. More

THERE are those who say the best shot in the arm is sometimes a kick up the backside — and England certainly took a size nine to theirs last week.I’m sure a Wembley defeat to ­Iceland wasn’t how Gareth Southgate hoped to head into the Euros.England are readying themselves to begin their Euro 2024 campaign on SundayCredit: PAThe Three Lions suffered a shock 1-0 loss to Iceland in their final friendly before the tournamentCredit: GettyBut while it seems the glass went from half-full to half-empty for half the nation, mine is still bubbling over . . . I couldn’t be more confident.Iceland might even have done England a favour with their shock 1-0 victory. It could actually be a blessing in disguise.All we’ve had in the run-up to the Euros has been: “We’ve got to win, we’ve got to win.”But now the pressure is off a bit and people realise it’s not that easy.No one in the England camp ever thought it would be.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIceland — who didn’t even qualify — simply proved the point.Suddenly, though, the expectations from the outside have dipped a bit. But inside, believe me, they will be as high as ever.With good reason, too, as far as I’m concerned, because I look at Gareth’s squad and wouldn’t swap it for any other in Germany.Why would I?Harry Kane, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham were all named Player of the Year in three of the toughest leagues in Europe — so that’s not a bad start.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBukayo Saka and Declan Rice had great seasons. Kyle Walker is the best right-back around. If Luke Shaw is fit — which we hear he should be — there’s no one to touch him on the left.John Stones has won four titles on the run plus a Champions League, while Cole Palmer would walk into any other side but will probably only make the bench.Tom Heaton reveals phone call from Gareth Southgate that saw Man Utd goalkeeper join up with England’s Euro 2024 squadSo would the likes of Jack ­Grealish and Marcus Rashford — and they didn’t even make Southgate’s 26-man squad. That’s how much talent we’ve got.I look around and there is honestly nothing that scares me. There’s no side packed with stars like we’ve seen in the past with, say, that great Spanish bunch from a few years back.Yes, I know France have Kylian Mbappe but Kane’s not too shabby either.And the French back-up includes Olivier Giroud, who would struggle to even make Gareth’s squad.If Southgate is positive and has a go, we’ve got the players to scare everyone.It’s shutting up shop where we aren’t so clever.With so many brilliant attacking options, let’s have a go.With so many who can really play, let’s get after them. Don’t go into the opposition too much, don’t think about how we can stop them. This is us — this is England.We have got the best players . . . so let’s show everyone what we can do instead.And although everyone’s on about who to pick alongside Rice, do we really need two defensive midfielders? I’m not so sure.Manchester City put people in all sorts of weird and wonderful ­positions because they’re capable on the ball.Bernardo Silva has played a load of games at left-back.When I was Tottenham manager I would put Luka Modric alongside Tom Huddlestone.It’s all about people who are good on the ball, at keeping the ball. They make things happen.England are awash with them, so let’s have the belief and have a go.There’s no debate, we have got the team to win this tournament.But before anyone accuses me of getting ahead of myself, don’t for one minute think I’m saying it will be easy, because there’s no chance of that.England have got a squad stacked with talentCredit: GettyHarry Kane will captain England this summer after a free-scoring campaign with Bayern MunichCredit: GettyEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTSerbia won’t be a pushover in tomorrow’s opening game, for a start, any more than Denmark in the next game. Remember, England only edged past the Danes in extra-time of their semi-final at the last Euros.There might even be the odd ­hiccup in there.But if they make heavy weather of the group games, it’s no reason to get on their case.People look back at the Qatar World Cup and remember Argentina beating France in the final — not losing against Saudi Arabia in their first game.Portugal won the 2016 Euros after three draws meant they scrambled into the last 16 from third place in their section.It was hardly the group of death either — against Hungary, Austria and Iceland.And I have lost count of the ­tournaments in which Germany have started slowly but then peaked when it matters.So if it doesn’t all go to plan for England right from the off, just bear that in mind.It’s not about how you start but how you finish . . . and finishers don’t come any better than Kane.I’m sure Germany will be tough nuts on home soil, France are always there or thereabouts, and Portugal have got a decent squad.Those three are the biggest dangers in my book.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut I’m certain of one thing . . . they’ll be a hell of a lot more worried about us than the other way around.And with good reason, too.Jack 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

SCOTLAND’S evening went from bad to worse as Ryan Porteous was sent off for a crazy challenge on Ilkay Gundogan in their Euro 2024 opener.The defender lunged in and landed high on Gundogan’s ankle in the box as Scotland tried to stop a wave of German attacks.Ryan Porteous was sent off in the first half for ScotlandCredit: RexThe defender lunges at Ilkay Gundogan in the boxCredit: APHis horrific challenge landed high on Gundogan’s ankleCredit: APBoth players required medical assistance after the foulCredit: ITVScotland’s players’ pleaded with the referee to no availCredit: ITVScotland already found themselves two goals down after just 19 minutes after goals from Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala put Germany ahead in front of their home crowd.But the Scots misery was compounded when Porteous made the rash decision to leap with both feet off the ground to try and stop Barcelona star Gundogan from getting a shot away in the 42nd minute.The Watford centre-back’s lunge saw him dismissed after a lengthy VAR check.And to make matters worse, Germany were also handed a penalty.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUp stepped Arsenal star Kai Havertz who comfortably dispatched past Angus Gunn and put Germany 3-0 up before the half-time whistle had sounded.Fans couldn’t believe the moment of madness from Porteous and took to social media to share their thoughts.One wrote: “That might be the worst tackle I have ever seen!”While another added: “Leg-breaker that. Deserved red.”Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSA third labelled the foul as: “Disgusting”.And a fourth posted: “That’s a ridiculous tackle from Porteous”.Aberdeen Fanzone: silence after Germany scoreScotland got away with a penalty scare earlier in the first half too.Jamal Musiala had gone down on the edge of the box under a sandwiched tackle from Kieran Tierney and Ryan Christie.But fortunately for Steve Clarke, the VAR ruled that the foul was committed just outside the box and gave a free kick instead of a penalty.Things didn’t get much better in the second half either as Germany added a fourth through Niclas Fullkrug.There were pockets of cheers from the travelling Tartan Army support in the 87th minute when Antonio Rudiger headed into his own net to make it 4-1.But that excitement was short lived when Emre Can went back up the other end in added time and secured a 5-1 victory for Germany in their home opener.Scotland have had a torrid start to life at Euro 2024Credit: ReutersGermany ran riot over the Scots in the first half in MunichCredit: Reuters More

WHAT’s better than an extravagant and inspiring opening ceremony to kick off the world’s biggest sporting tournaments?Certainly not the one witnessed in Munich – as footie fans scrambled to MUTE their TVs after watching a rather bizarre Euro 2024 opening show as hosts Germany prepared to take on Scotland.Fans have slammed the Euro 2024 opening ceremonyThey took to social media to blast the routineThe dancers wore the colours of Euro 2024Some compared it to drama class at GCSE levelCredit: GettyEuro 2024 organisers in Germany chose not to have any famous performers to kick off the host’s campaign against Scotland.Instead the hosts opted for a more low-key and pretty standard opening ceremony of flags, dancers and dry ice.Compared to previous efforts witnessed at the African Cup of Nations or pretty much any Olympic Games it looked pretty mediocre.It was a school assembly vibe and then – let’s get on with the football. read more football newsBut footie fans took no time to SLAM the bizarre opening routine.One wrote: “Time for the standard bats*** mental opening ceremony.”Another said: “If you want an insight into how I am, I’m watching the opening ceremony on mute… I don’t even know why.”A third chimed in: “I’m afraid that opening ceremony has already ruined the tournament for me.”Most read in Euro 2024There were some fireworksCredit: GettyDozens were involved in the colourful displayCredit: GettyThe ceremony began 15 minutes before kick off at the AlIianz ArenaEuros 2024 featured a musical dance performanceBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA fourth wrote: “The opening ceremony is like watching the Eurovision.”One other fan declared: “This opening ceremony is GCSE drama at best. Is this the worst opening ceremony of all time?”Aberdeen Fanzone: silence after Germany scoreThe whole affair last for 10 minutes before the Germany and Scotland players took to the pitch for the national anthems.German football star Franz Beckenbauer, who passed away earlier this year, was honoured just before the ceremony.The former defender – widely regarded as one of the best ever – captained his country to glory at the 1972 European Championship and 1974 World Cup, and led Germany to success at the 1990 World Cup as manager.Things didn’t get much better for Scotland fans either as Germany went onto humble them with a 5-1 victory in the Euro opener.It took only 10 minutes before the three-time European champions took the lead through Florian Wirtz.Before goals from Jamal Musiala, Niclas Füllkrug, Emre Can and a first-half Kai Havertz penalty saw the hosts start Euro 2024 with a bang.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

FRANZ BECKENBAUER’S widow Heidi led an emotional tribute to her late husband ahead of Germany vs Scotland at Euro 2024.The German legend and former European Championship winner passed away in January of this year.Heidi Beckenbauer paid tribute to her late husband Franz Beckenbauer at the Euro 2024 openerCredit: AFPHeidi carried the trophy out on the pitchCredit: ITVShe blew a kiss to the sky after placing the trophy downCredit: ITVFranz Beckenbauer died in January of this yearCredit: APWith Germany hosting the Euros this summer a tribute was paid to ‘the Kaiser’, who is one of the country’s greatest ever players.Prior to kick off in the tournament opener between the Germans and Scotland, Beckenbauer’s wife Heidi was tasked with bringing out the Henri Delaunay trophy.Heidi fought back tears as she headed out onto the pitch at the Allianz Arena while fans clapped her in appreciation.Images of Beckenbauer could be seen displayed on the big screen as she made her way out on the field.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile a tribute read: “Thank you for everything you’ve done for football, we will never forget you.”Heidi then heartbreakingly looked up to the sky and blew a kiss.Heidi Beckenbauer was joined in the tribute by Germany’s two living European Championship winning captains – Bernard Dietz and Jurgen Klinsmann.Klinsmann was the man with the armband in 1990, while Dietz led the German’s to European success in 1980.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTBeckenbauer’s glittering careerBy Etienne Fermie
Franz Beckenbauer began his legendary career with hometown club Bayern Munich after catching their eye aged just 14.
The defender went on to debut with Bayern at 18 in 1964.
He would play over 500 times for the Bundesliga giants, winning everything there was to win in the game.
Having stacked up four Bundesliga titles, four German Cups, three European Cups and a Cup Winners’ Cup, the man dubbed “Der Kaiser” left Bayern after 18 years to move Stateside with New York Cosmos in 1977.
Beckenbauer starred alongside the likes of Pele and Carlos Alberto in the Big Apple, winning the North American Soccer League three times before returning to Germany in 1980, subsequently adding yet another Bundesliga title with Hamburg.
In addition to his sensational club career, Der Kaiser starred for his country, playing 103 times for West Germany and scoring 14 goals.
He became West Germany captain in 1972, and subsequently skippered them to Euros glory before lifting the World Cup two years later.
Beckenbauer also enjoyed great success as a manager, guiding his country to further World Cup glory at Italia 1990, Marseille to Ligue 1 success in 1991 and Bayern to Bundesliga and Uefa Cup trophies between 1993 and 1996.

Beckenbauer, who passed away at the age of 78, was the captain when Germany won the Euros in 1972.The two-time Ballon d’Or winner also led Germany to World Cup glory in 1974.Bayern Munich pay emotional tribute to Franz Beckenbauer​, At club level Beckenbauer won four league titles and three Champions League’s with Bayern Munich.Beckenbauer and Heidi married in 2006 and were together until his death earlier this year.During their time together they welcomed two children, daughter Francessca in 2000 and son Joel on October 28, 2003.Franz Beckenbauer led Germany to European success in 1972Credit: Getty – ContributorHeidi and Franz married in 2006 and had two childrenCredit: Getty More

LAURA WOODS was hailed by fans as “the one” as she stunned in a smart outfit for the Euro 2024 opener between Germany and Scotland.Supporters flocked to ITV on Friday for the first match of the tournament, with hosts Germany facing a tough ask against a highly-motivated Scottish side.Laura Woods stunned at Euro 2024 in a smart outfitCredit: ITVFans hailed the ITV pundit as ‘the one’ ahead of Germany vs ScotlandCredit: ITVFellow star Ally McCoist was also praised for his commentaryCredit: ITVWoods will be leading ITV’s coverage of the EurosCredit: ITVAnd viewers were left delighted as Woods hosted the occasion at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.The fan favourite combined glamour and style as she opted for a smart blazer and top.Woods was joined by good pal Ally McCoist for the occasion.And the duo’s fluid banter, mixed with informative analysis, hit the nail on the head for many supporters.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIndeed, many flocked to social media to sing Woods’ praises.One said: “Laura Woods is the one.”Another declared: “Isn’t Laura Woods a brilliant presenter? It’s like she’s just chatting with mates.“There’s always a lot chat of men vs women, but she is exemplary.”Most read in FootballOne noted: “Laura Woods and Ally McCoist are a brilliant duo for broadcasting.”Another boomed: “God bless Laura Woods.”Watch adidas’ Jude Bellingham advert that leaves England fans with ‘goosebumps’ and features cameo from Laura Woods PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.

One yelled: “I love Laura Woods.”Another added: “Woods and Super Ally on TV.”Earlier in the day, Woods partied with Scotland fans while showing off her scar after suffering a horror injury.She sustained cuts to her face and arm after accidentally shattering a chandelier while on holiday.Woods underwent emergency surgery after being rushed to hospital and was off air for several weeks, missing the Champions League final and Tyson Fury’s defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.But she appeared to be in top form as she danced and sang with Scottish fans, who are hoping for an epic win over Germany tonight.Inside Laura Woods’ glamorous life as football, boxing and NFL presenter…Laura is the new face of TNT Sports’ Champions League coverageLaura regularly hosts DAZN’s boxing coverage as wellCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe has gathered a huge social media following in recent yearsCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyLaura presented coverage of Anthony Joshua’s bout with Jermaine FranklinCredit: RexShe has become TNT Sports’ main Champions League anchor this seasonCredit: GettyLaura also likes to let her hair down when not workingCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyLaura went Instagram official with her romance with Adam CollardCredit: InstagramLaura is dating former Love Island star Adam CollardCredit: InstagramThe presenter is ITV’s host for Lionesses coverageCredit: GettyShe also works for ITV on their coverage of the NFLCredit: InstagramWoods previously hosted the talkSPORT Breakfast alongside great pal Ally McCoistCredit: InstagramShe loves a day at the races during the summerCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyLaura has an enviable lifestyle and fans regularly go wild for her outfitsCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy More