Euro 2024

WELL, there’s good news and there’s bad news. The good news is that we will soon be experiencing the blessed sound of bagpipes retreating into the distance. Germany made the perfect start to their home European ChampionshipsCredit: GettyIt was a rough way for Scotland to start their campaignCredit: GettyFlorian Wirtz gave Germany an early lead in MunichCredit: PAJamal Musiala rifled Germany 2-0 up before the 20-minute markCredit: GettyRyan Porteous was sent off after a VAR review for a bad challenge on Ilkay GundoganCredit: EPAPorteous’ shocking tackle also earned Germany a penaltyCredit: RexKai Havertz sent Angus Gunn the wrong way from the penalty spotCredit: GettyHavertz played a part in two of Germany’s goalsThe Tartan Army can start packing their bags in preparation for yet another group-stage exit after an utter humiliation in this Euros opener. Give them a wee medal for having the best fans, by all means, because the Scots have certainly enjoyed a proper hooley in Munich this week. At least until the first whistle was blown and the actual football started.But the bad news for those of an English persuasion is that Germany are looking seriously, ominously good. READ MORE ON EURO 2024The shower of Scotland were only as bad as Julian Nagelsmann’s side made them look. By half-time, Steve Clarke’s side were 3-0 down and reduced to ten men – with Germany’s wunderkinds Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala handing Scotland’s backsides to them on a plate. Scotland have qualified for 11 previous tournaments and never reached the knock-out stage.It is difficult to imagine them garnering the four points they are likely to need against Hungary and Switzerland in their remaining Group A fixtures in order to progress this time.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSScotland were undone inside 10 minutesCredit: RexMusiala’s accomplished finish put Germany in complete controlCredit: ReutersGermany, eliminated at the group stage at the last two World Cups, had been largely overlooked by those tipping winners of this competition. But they must surely be part of the argument after this ruthless demolition job.   SCOTLAND FAN ZONESEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTMusiala, the Bayern Munich playmaker who has so much in common with Jude Bellingham, was majestic here.The Germans are expecting him to emerge into genuine world-class status and that is precisely where he looked here. Before kick-off, there had been a carnival atmosphere on the U-bahn – men in skirts and men in leather shorts joining forces against a common foe with chants of ‘We hate England more than you!’The Tartan Army had spent most of the previous 48 hours getting piddled in the Marienplatz, with its vast beer halls. Few of them were optimistic about this match but the ‘No Scotland, No Party’ vibe ensured that they were going to savour this occasion – a first overseas tournament appearance in 26 years – no matter what. Sir Alex Ferguson appeared on the big screen, urging his countrymen to enjoy themselves whatever the result – never a sentiment he’d have expressed in his heyday. After a low-rent opening ceremony and a couple of stirring national anthems, we had us a first authentic summer footballing shebang in six years.  The Germans went straight for the jugular and were ahead inside ten minutes. Musiala was everywhere for Germany on Friday nightToni Kroos played a trademark crossfield pass out to Josh Kimmich, who squared for Wirtz to drill a low first-time shot which Angus Gunn could only turn onto the inside of the post on its way in.  The former England Under-21 keeper has clearly picked up the ancient traditions of Scottish glovemanship. Germany were so dominant, it was like watching Real Madrid against QPR. Soon Ilkay Gundogan sliced open the Scottish defence with a surgical pass, Kai Havertz cut inside and cut back for Musiala to swivel and ram a shot into the roof of the net.And it might have been three inside 25 minutes, but for VAR. Musiala was shoved in the back by Ryan Christie and Kieran Tierney lunged in on him. Ref Clement Turpin pointed to the spot but his VAR said Christie’s offence had come fractionally outside the area.It was a massive let-off but there was still no sign of Scotland actually joining in. This was so one-sided that the German supporters started a Mexican Wave after less than half an hour. Iconic Scottish manager Sir Alex Ferguson and legendary Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho were in attendance at the gameCredit: RexBefore the break, it got far, far worse for the Scots. Gunn pulled off an excellent save from a Gundogan header but from the rebound, Ryan Porteous lunged and caught the former Manchester City man on the shin. Turpin had given nothing but after he was sent to his screen by his VAR, the French ref awarded a penalty and dismissed the Scottish defender.Havertz casually sent Gunn the wrong way and a first half from hell was complete for Clarke’s men. At half-time, there was no Braveheartery as Clarke opted for damage limitation, taking off his lone striker Che Adams and bringing on Grant Hanley in defence.Gundogan was unable to continue after his maiming by Porteous.  As a lone piper played a blood-curdling lament in the away end, Wirtz skied a close-range volley after some bewitching work from Musiala. Nagelsmann began resting some key men, including Wirtz and Havertz, before the hour mark – although the sight of Leroy Sane emerging from the bench must have felt like a cruel joke to the Scots.Niclas Fullkrug, who had just replaced Havertz, then stole the ball off the toes of Hanley and walloped it into the far corner for the fourth before he had another effort ruled out for offside.  Musiala was withdrawn to make way for veteran Thomas Muller. We are going to see plenty more of this young fella over the next month – quite possibly all the way until the final in Berlin on July 14. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Scottish support erupted in joy three minutes from time when Toni Rudiger diverted a Scott McKenna header into his own net.But just when the ten men thought hey had the satisfaction of drawing the second half, Emre Can thumped home Germany’s fifth with the last kick of the game.Mark Halsey on penalty and red card

SCOTLAND can have no arguments with Germany’s first-half penalty or Ryan Porteous’ red card.
Watford defender Porteous made a dangerous lunge at Ilkay Gundogan and the officials finally came to the correct decision.
It was tough for French referee Clement Turpin to see the challenge in real-time but VAR was quick to intervene for a review at the monitor and he immediately pointed to the spot.
This is how VAR should work and the technology was also used efficiently when Turpin awarded a penalty but Jamal Musiala was caught by a combination of Ryan Christie and Kieran Tierney just outside the box.
It was refreshing that Scotland captain Andy Robertson followed the protocol and was the only player to approach Turpin following his decisions.
I said in my Euro 2024 preview that we would see fast games due to the direction of Uefa refs’ chief Roberto Rosetti and Germany’s easy win in Munich was a positive start. More

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