Euro 2024

ENGLAND star John Stones is in contention to start against Serbia.The Three Lions kick-off their Euro 2024 campaign on Sunday night.John Stones is fit for the clash with SerbiaCredit: GettyJordan Pickford praised Stones in his press conferenceCredit: AFPStones, 30, missed a training session earlier this week due to illness.To prevent the bug spreading through England’s camp in Blankenhain, the 72-cap Manchester City star was kept in quarantine away from his team-mates.He started mixing with the rest of the squad and returned to full training yesterday.And Jordan Pickford has now revealed that the centre-back is “fit and ready to go”.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSAsked about Stones’ importance, he said: “I remember playing with him at Under-19s level and he made the step up early.”I’ve known him for a long time and he is a top player – what he’s won for his club.”Yeah, he is fit and ready to go. “He is one of the best centre-backs in the world and for England he has been quality with the amount of caps he has won.”Most read in Euro 2024PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
Stones’ return is a huge boost for Gareth Southgate, who has a defensive selection dilemma to solve.England are without Stones’ usual centre-back partner Harry Maguire as he did not make the squad due to injury.England fans’ must watch guide to Gelsenkirchen ahead of Three Lions’ Euro 2024 clash vs SerbiaMarc Guehi is expected to start in the Manchester United skipper’s place.And left-back Luke Shaw is sidelined with injury – but he is set to return for the Three Lions’ second match versus Denmark.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTWhat Southgate said about axed England stars
WHAT Gareth Southgate said about his axed England stars after confirming his 26-man England squad for Euro 2024.
Harry Maguire
“The decision on Harry [Maguire] is totally about his physical condition and his recovery from the injury. There is no other reason as he is one of our strongest centre-backs.
“Harry has made some progress, but it’s been complicated and we wouldn’t have had him in the group stages. There were too many hurdles to get through without being clear where we might get to.
“Knowing we haven’t got a clean bill of health across the rest of the backline, we need players who are fit and ready to go from the start.
“It was a really difficult call, you know how I feel about Harry, what he’s done for England and for me as a manager. ”
Jack Grealish
“I have just delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated.
“I think the world of him as a kid.“It certainly doesn’t get any easier.
“You put yourself in the shoes of a player, a parent. You understand that for these players this is a devastating moment.
“We knew we had a couple of really difficult days coming up.”
James Maddison
“Madders [Maddison] and Jack [Grealish] would have provided us with something different as well and they’ve been tough calls.
“They’re calls we’ve gone over and over and over as a group of staff to try to be fair and to try to use the right rationale.
“We back our decisions but we recognise we could have gone a different route. The boys are big characters, fabulous team-mates and great boys to work with.
“It’s sad to have to deliver that news to them.”
Jarrad Branthwaite
“It’s a bit early for Jarrad [Branthwaite]. He has had a fabulous season, it was good to get him on the pitch the other night.
“But of course, in an ideal world, you’d like that balance of left-footers. For him to be in ahead of the others, I don’t think it would have been the right call at this stage.”
Jarell Quansah
“Jarell Quansah has stayed with us. He’s not had the experience of an England international at Wembley. It’ll be great for him to be us for the game.
“Hopefully we’re not needing to call anyone else in.” More

SERBIAN ultras conducted a night time raid on their own stadium and repainted seats with an offensive message.The break-in was inspired by a protest against Partizan Belgrade’s board.Fans have sent a message to their clubs’ boardCredit: https://informer.rs/The ultras broke into their home Terazije Česma stadium to deliver a message to the boardroom.The seats of the stadium are usually black, but the ultras painted certain seats white.That spelled out a message saying: “Management f*** off”.It comes ahead of a further protest scheduled for 4pm on Sunday.READ MORE SERBIA NEWSThe ultras, called “Grabari” have released a statement justifying their actions.They said: “After the action of Partizan fans during the night, the east stand of the popular “JNA” dawned remodeled and with a clear message and an invitation to a rally on Sunday, June 16 at 4 p.m. “We are attaching photos of the “work in progress” as well as a photo of how that’s what it looks like now, with the view from the renovated central box of the Partizan stadium. “When the morning dawns, I count the days, when Sunday will come…”Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSMeet Serbia’s Euro 2024 Wags
Serbia’s Wags include a former Versace model, a warlord’s daughter and the country’s answer to Dua Lipa.
Sofija Milosevic (Luka Jovic’s girlfriend)
Leggy model who rocked up at the catwalk in Milan used to date Jovic’s team-mate Adem Ljajic.
Vanja Bogdanovic (Dusan Vlahovic’s girlfriend)
Belgrade native Vanja is said to have known Vlahovic since the couple were teenagers. They briefly broke up before reuniting.
Natalija Ilic (Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s wife)
Perennial Man Utd transfer target is married to a qualified doctor.
Anastasija Gudelj (Nemanja Gudelj’s wife)
Midfielder’s wife is the daughter of one of Serbia’s most popular singers, Ceca, and a warlord, Arkan, who was assassinated in 2000.
Tea Tairovic (linked to Uros Racic)
Serbia’s equivalent to Dua Lipa has over 800,000 Instagram followers but denied links to midfielder Racic in 2023.
Read more about Serbia’s Euro 2024 Wags here

Serbia Euro 2024 guideSERBIA have qualified for three of the last four World Cups but been non-existent on the European front in the past 24 years.
When they last appeared at the Euros, back in 2000, they were still called Yugoslavia and played in blue, as opposed to the red they wear today.
MANAGER: Dragan Stojkovic
Captain, leader, legend of the old Yugoslavia. Was named in the team of the tournament at Italia 90.
STAR MAN: Dusan Tadic
His best years may be behind him, but the 35-year-old is still capable of controlling games in midfield with a creative spark that cannot be ignored.
How Serbia attack
Serbia have a slow and patient build-up as they look to work the ball into the middle of the pitch.
But when they reach those areas they will rapidly change the pace and look to find foxes in the box, Aleksandar Mitrovic and/or Dusan Vlahovic.
How Serbia defend
Serbia’s striker tends to press high while the rest of the team sit deeper.
But their press can be inconsistent, leaving them easy to pass through or beat with a ball over the top.
Read the full Serbia Euro 2024 guide, including predicted line-up, odds and Wags

It comes after Serbian ultras have already caused trouble at Euro 2024.8,000 ultras attempted to storm their nation’s open training session ahead of their opener against England.Full strength beer at England vs Serbia AXED and replaced by low alcohol brew amid threat of boozed-up ultras violenceFans were seen lighting flares from the stands as the Serbian team trained, with only 3,000 being allowed entry.It comes as officials have already banned fans from drinking full strength beer ahead of England’s opener as they fear drunken violence between fans.England fans are invited to have a lemon shandy or zero per cent option instead.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

GARETH SOUTHGATE will not name any substitutes for England’s Euro 2024 opener against Serbia.The Three Lions get their tournament underway on Sunday night. Gareth Southgate has a new name for his subsCredit: GettyEberechi Eze has revealed they are now called ‘finishers’Credit: PASouthgate will have 15 players at his disposal off the bench – but he is not calling any of them subs. He is instead using the word “finishers” to make those not in the starting XI feel more involved.Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is likely to be one of the “finishers” for the clash against Serbia.And he explained to The Mail: “It’s not just about the 11. It’s about the whole team, the culture, the collective. You win the tournament as a collective.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS”It’s putting your ego to the side and being able to focus on what’s important for the team. “If you have that type of culture, which we do, you’ve got the best chance. “The manager spoke about ‘finishers’. We call them finishers, we know that. “The players that come on to the pitch, there is a mentality about it, there’s a way to go about it.Most read in FootballPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
“There’s importance in that role, it’s not just about the 11.”England fans are split over the term, with some liking it and others calling it “absolute nonsense”.Jack Wilshere previews England’s Euro 2024 chances and praises Wayne Rooney while remembering his time as part of Three Lions squadOne fan said: “I get the intent but it’s a bit cringe.”Another added: “Never go full LinkedIn.”A third joked: “Is he naming the ones he will sub off ‘quitters’?”Others thought it was a good idea, saying: “I’ve never liked calling them substitutes. Fresh vs tired legs plays a key part.”More commented: “It’s to change the mentality of players coming off the bench.”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

OLIVIER GIROUD is embracing his role as the father, or even grandfather, of the French team.But that doesn’t mean the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea man, France’s all-time top goalscorer, has his slippers and pipe out in Germany.Olivier Giroud is France’s all-time leading goalscorerCredit: GETTYGiroud is still going strong at the ripe old age of 37Credit: GETTYThe former Arsenal hitman has been imparting advice to the likes of Kylian MbappeCredit: APGiroud is embracing his role as the elder statesman of France’s star-studded squadCredit: GETTYGiroud has confirmed that this will be his final major tournament with France before heading off into the twilight of his career with LAFC in Major League Soccer.The suave talisman, 37, has won the World Cup, Champions League, Europa League, four FA Cups and titles in France and Italy across a stellar career in Europe.Giroud, hailed as the father of the French by captain Kylian Mbappe, said: “I am happy he said father not grandfather.”People look at me like a big brother or father figure for sure, I’ve been like that for a couple of years now.READ MORE ON EURO 2024″I am quite young in my head, I like laughing. I kind of like the music they listen to. We have a lot of things in common.”I try and stay myself. I am there for the younger players if they need someone to talk to.”I ask questions and get them to talk, make them feel comfortable. “These things are necessary to welcome the new players and help them integrate as well as possible.”Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSTeammate Benjamin Pavard added: “When I arrived in the French team he welcomed me in, helped me integrate.”Most people have a very good relationship with Olivier. He is somebody that is an extraordinary person.”Kylian Mbappe in stitches as he catches France team-mate Griezmann having ‘suspicious’ massage in Euro 2024 campBut Giroud is not just here to make everyone else feel comfortable.He is challenged by Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani for a starting spot and will not back down when it comes to competition.Now he wants to earn a starting spot and go out in a blaze of Euros glory before heading Stateside.He added: “I am full of excitement, nostalgia.”I still have the desire to win, the objective is to go as far as possible. We lost 2016 at home, that stays in the back of my mind. I still dream of winning that cup.”I wouldn’t change anything about my career, I am proud of everything with the French team and my clubs. “It has surpassed my dreams. It would be even greater if we could win the Euros.”I am happy he said father not grandfather.Olivier GiroudEnding his international career by adding a European Championship to the 2018 World Cup victory would go a long way to silencing any remaining critics.Despite scoring 57 goals for France, more than any other player, Giroud is still seen as unfashionable by many in his home country.He was even once compared to a “go-kart” by teammate Karim Benzema – who dubbed himself a Formula 1 car.Emmanuel Petit, who won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with France, told SunSport: “He is the example of humility, hard work and concentration.”He has been through so much criticism, for ten years. It didn’t matter what he did on the pitch he was always receiving criticism.France Euro 2024 guideFRANCE are the one nation all England fans are truly afraid of.
They are many punters’ favourites after knocking the Three Lions out of the 2022 World Cup and will be hoping to do much better than at Euro 2020, when they lost to Switzerland in the last 16.
MANAGER: Didier Deschamps
Coming up to 12 years in the job, the only thing missing from his CV is a European Championship.
STAR MAN: Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe’s PSG may have underachieved on the European stage but he remains France’s most deadly threat, with a World Cup trophy and a World Cup final hat-trick to his name.
How France attack
Expect to see France play in a fluid 4-3-3 – which becomes 4-2-3-1 in possession – throughout the tournament.
Giroud acts as the focal point in the attack with the two wide players and Griezmann as No 10 supporting.
How France defend
We can expect to see France defend high with an emphasis on winning back possession as far up the pitch as possible.
France will stagger their defensive shape when the opposition are in possession.
Read the full France Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags.

“I was always one of the few defending him because for me, I have a huge respect for Olivier Giroud.”It is sad it will be his last competition, he has already broken a lot of records in France.”You will find people who dislike him because they don’t like the way he plays.”Giroud’s record with France is even more impressive given that he was such a late bloomer, not making his debut until the age of 25 back in 2012.Even though Giroud started late, he has continued to evolve his game but says the fundamentals are still there, while also revealing that former Gunners boss Arsene Wenger predicted his long career.Giroud said: “My qualities are still the same, still explosive, Arsene Wenger said I could play late in my career because I work on my speed. I have progressed in my game on a technical level.”Petit, speaking on behalf of Betway, added a parting message for the France great: “Thank you very much, Olivier.”You have been an example, mentally in terms of showing composure all the time, being strong mentally and that is what sport is.”The definition of sport is always having to put away your own limits, doesn’t matter what people say you have to get targets and do everything you can to reach that target.”That is exactly what Olivier did all the way through his career.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBetway have created the ultimate guide for fans travelling to Germany for the Euro’s. So whether you’re looking for the best places to eat and drink, or looking for the best nightlight or just want to brush up on your local phrases, their guide has you covered! More