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      Germany’s England love-in ahead of Euro 2024 is very concerning – they are definitely up to something

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      THERE is something concerning about the new-found affection for England among the Germans.After years of rubbing our noses in it on the football field and generally looking down theirs at us, suddenly we are their brothers from another mother.Scotland fans will face Germany in Munich tomorrowJurgen Klinsmann told this newspaper just days ago that should we go all the way at Euro 2024, the whole of Germany would raise a two-pint stein of beer in celebration.And those things are bloody heavy.Back in the 1990s, Klinsmann embodied much of what us Anglo- Saxons resented about our neighbours from across the North Sea.On the pitch he was crafty, slick and not averse to falling over rather easily.read more football newsHe was also annoyingly successful and even danced on Wembley’s hallowed turf after winning Euro 96, while rejoicing in our demise —  along with 82 million of his countrymen. Now it has gone full circle with Herr Klinsmann and his mates thinking that England are wonderful.Germany’s midfield legend Toni Kroos actually wants Jude Bellingham to have a “decisive tournament”.Not just that. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOver here they are now modelling their country on ours.This week is a prime example of how Germany is doing its level best to be more English, while also  shattering a few illusions about their ingrained superiority.Watch adidas’ Jude Bellingham advert that leaves England fans with ‘goosebumps’ and features cameo from Laura Woods For a start, German trains are dreadful. The locals say “scheisse”. You don’t need to look it up.Forget this long-held notion that they are punctual to the second.If an inter-city “ICE” train turns up at all, let alone within 20 minutes of its scheduled arrival, you may hear spontaneous applause from despairing passengers on the platform.This Wednesday, my 3.30pm connection from Nuremberg to Munich was cancelled without explanation.The approachable young girl in her smart maroon Deutsche Bahn uniform informed the crowd that the next train would depart at 4pm. The immediate response from one weary, cynical  traveller, ground down by years of this anguish, replied: “Today? Or Tomorrow?”My first German joke. Ultimately, it didn’t matter.German fans welcome England stars to GermanyCredit: RexAt 3.55pm DB decided to send it to Bremen anyway. Which if you don’t know (and I didn’t) is 369 miles in the opposite direction to Munich.One battle-scarred individual told me this is normal, as 500 people scrambled to switch platforms in a bid to make a later service.Just last weekend, Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug told assembled media how he made the mistake of taking the train back to camp after a weekend visit to family.After three were cancelled, the Borussia Dortmund centre-forward squeezed on to the fourth and found himself unwittingly becoming a temporary member of a school trip in a jam-packed carriage trundling through Bavaria at half speed.The fact Fullkrug could chuckle about it is heartwarming, yet a characteristic more associated with us.They are not famous for laughing at themselves in these parts, yet it is becoming part of the national make-up.Kroos, a five-times winner of the Champions League with Real Madrid, poked fun at the German national team’s recent disasters — joking that his kids have become used to watching successful teams, so obviously they haven’t seen much of “Die Mannschaft”.And the media themselves? This week some of my Teutonic colleagues expressed disappointment that Jack Grealish will not be at Euro 2024,  saying that they see him as “kind of German”.When I asked if that’s because he has a terrible hairstyle, they actually saw the funny side and agreed even Stevie Wonder could get a job as a barber out here.Then take the weather. It’s been largely dull, wet and chilly this week in Munich and I could see my breath on Wednesday morning.The heating is on at my hotel. Much more Barnsley than the Bavarian summer ideal we have been sold.READ MORE SUN STORIESSomething is happening to Germany.Instead of looking down at us, they like us and want to be more like us — haphazard, flawed and not quite as good as people think. More

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      Turkey vs Georgia – Euro 2024: Turks take on big underdogs in tricky Group F clash – Stream FREE, kick-off time, teams

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      TURKEY will kickstart their Euro 2024 campaign with a clash against underdogs Georgia.The team will have the chance to redeem themselves after being tipped as dark horses for Euro 2020.Georgia will be making their Euro bow in GermanyCredit: ReutersThey face Turkey in their opening matchCredit: GettyTurkey disappointed at the tournament as they exited the group stage without winning a single match.This time around, they will face Portugal, the Czech Republic and, of course, Georgia in Group F.Massive underdogs Georgia will be Turkey’s first game of the tournament on Tuesday.Turkey come into Euro 2024, having topped their qualification group ahead of the likes of Croatia and Wales.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVincenzo Montella’s side, however, is not in the best form, having lost three of their last four fixtures.This run includes a 6-1 hammering by Austria back in March.Georgia caused a massive shock by sealing qualification to the tournament.Willy Sagnol’s side reached the finals after finishing fourth in Group A.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHowever, they managed to win their playoff qualifiers against Greece and Luxemburg to book their ticket to Germany.It is the nation’s first appearance at the Euros in its history and is currently ranked no.75 in the world.Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024Georgia should not be underestimated, however, as they have a few stars in their team.Key players include Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.Team news?Bournemouth striker Enes Unal will miss the tournament for Turkey.Other big misses will be former Premier League stars Caglar Soyuncu and Ozan Kabak.Georgia however appear to have a clean bill of health with the main focus being on stars Kvaratskhelia and Mamardashvili.The duo have attracted a lot of interest in the transfer market and could put themselves in further in the shop window with a good performance.What has been said? Georgia talisman Kvaratskhelia has insisted that the team’s aim is to make it out of the group stages.He said: “Preparations are at maximum intensity because there is not long to go before our dream – the first match in the EURO for Georgia’s national team, and we are loaded with emotions.”But we are trying to control these emotions. We are preparing as best as we can for the first game, which is the most important because we will keep on going with the same mood as we begin.”Our first goal, just like every other team probably, is to go past the group stage and we will do everything to achieve this.”I hope the game ends in our favour and our goal will be achieved.”Turkey boss Montella believes that this edition of the Euros will be even harder than in 2021.He said: “In my opinion, this competition is more difficult than previous ones because the bar has been raised and even the mid-level teams have improved their level.”So the team must do its best and have conviction but absolutely not arrogance.”SunSport prediction?Turkey 1-1 GeorgiaPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      When is Turkey vs Georgia?
      Turkey’s big clash with Georgia takes place on Tuesday, June 18.
      The game will kick off at 5pm BST.
      Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany will host the game.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      Romania vs Ukraine will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
      You can live stream all the action from the BBC iPlayer app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Can I watch for FREE?
      Yes, you can watch the game for FREE on the BBC so long as you have a valid TV licence.
      READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
      Turkey – 4/5
      Draw – 13/5
      Georgia – 15/4
      *Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication. More

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      Man Utd Treble winner fears England don’t have key trait to win Euro 2024 and admits ‘I wouldn’t have been scared’

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      JAAP STAM pinpointed a “lack of winning mentality” as a reason both England and Holland struggle to win major tournaments.The Manchester United 1999 Treble winner never lifted an international trophy during Holland’s Golden Generation, either side of the new millennium.England are the favourites to win Euro 2024Credit: GettyEx-Manchester United defender Jaap Stam feels England are lacking in one areaCredit: GettyWhile the Three Lions’ drought stretches all the way back to 1966, the Netherlands have yet to add to their 1988 Euro glory.And all that despite both nations being blessed with some of the world’s finest footballers.Former centre-back Stam, 52, told SunSport: “If you want to win a tournament, it’s totally different to winning a league because you need to have a certain mentality in your team.”The Italians have it, the Argentinians have it. England, I don’t know if they have it — they are similar to us!READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Holland is lacking it and that’s why we never won a tournament. We have a lot of quality but not always that mentality to finish it off.”We Dutch always seem to lose or lack a little bit of that winning mentality at the end.”We got very close. In the 2010 World Cup we were in the final and in 2014 the semi-final.”Other countries don’t start off well but get through the first phase then they’ve got that mentality within that they want to win everything, they want to kill it.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd for Stam, who was regarded as one of the greatest defenders of his generation, you either have that winning culture from an early age or it is too late.He added: “It’s not a thing that you can just say ‘OK, we need to have that so we’re going to work on it and now it’s there’.Four omens that could predict Euros winnerEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT”It needs to start from a young age, it needs to get drilled into your mentality when you’re a young player.”Asked whether Holland or England have a better chance of triumphing in Germany, Stam said: “I think both have a lot of quality.”If you compare the two teams and look at the names, you can say, ‘Maybe England has more potential’.”But Holland have a very good squad as well.”And bullish Stam says he would have fancied his chances against England aces Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham in his pomp.He said: “They are different players. Kane is a No 9 who occasionally drops in while Bellingham is wandering around.”As a defender you have to respect them but I’d not have been scared.”Meet the ROBOT waiter looking after England stars at the Euros
      ENGLAND stars will be served by a ROBOT called Robbie at the Euros.
      Robbie is a key part of 160-strong staff at the vast 350-acre leisure site at Blankenhain, eastern Germany, where Gareth Southgate’s squad will be staying for the tournament.
      The real-life WALL-E – kitted out in a Germany shirt with the name Kehrbart and the squad number 24 on it – helps out in the restaurant.
      Robbie, with flashing blue eyes, says phrases in German including “Excuse me” and “Please let me get on with my work” as he collects dishes from guests at one of the hotel’s six restaurants.
      A source told The Sun: “Robbie is usually a slate grey colour with flashing blue eyes and helps staff deliver plates and dishes.
      “But the German team stayed at the hotel recently so he was given a new look and new name to support them.
      “I’m not sure whether the England team will want to change his look when they arrive but a Three Lions shirt and an English name might be a good idea.”
      Find out all about Robbie the robot waiter… More

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      Gareth Southgate spotted wearing England’s Euro 2024 secret weapon loved by Kim Kardashian and Prince Harry

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      WHAT do you do if you are Gareth Southgate and firmly believe in marginal gains to get England ahead for Euro 2024?You wear a secret weapon smart ring loved by Kim Kardashian and Prince Harry.Gareth Southgate has left no stone unturned in terms of Euro 2024 prepCredit: PAAfter the England boss was spotted wearing an ‘Oura ring’ on his left index fingerCredit: � 2024 PA Media, All Rights ReservedThe ring is used by celebrities such as Kim KardashianCredit: GettyThe ring is the most cutting edge technology for wellness trackingThree Lions’ players and staff have turned to a celebrity-endorsed wellness tracking ring in their bid to become Euro 2024 champions.The smart gadget reportedly monitors sleep, body temperature, stress and heart health.England stars, including Conor Gallagher and Marc Guehi, have been spotted wearing the high tech jewellery during training this week.Meanwhile defender John Stones has already worn the ring, according to The Telegraph.read more football newsHe told Face Magazine in 2023: “The first thing I do once I’m out of bed is check my Oura Ring to see how I’ve slept – it’s addictive.”Southgate has been open to introducing various developing technologies during his eight year spell as England manager.Earlier this year the FA took up a partnership with Google Cloud to add interactive ‘Player Profiling System’ technology to England’s preparations, which profiles how players react to being substituted or benched.Meanwhile Oura Rings are priced up to £500, with the cheapest set at £277.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile some players have worn them during training, it appears unlikely that they would be asked to wear them during matches.The ring is popular with some of the most high profile celebrities on the planet.Euro 2024 – Prince William gives England team a royal send-off before Southgate’s 26 hopefuls jet off to GermanyIn addition to Kardashian and Prince Harry, Gwenyth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston have all been pictured wearing the sophisticated tracker.Explaining how the ring can boost performance, the Oura website writes: “Whether you’re managing a professional sports organisation or training elite forces, ensure your team is always performing at the highest level with precise biometrics.”Use accurate, continuous data to prioritise rest, adjust training schedules, monitor recovery, and detect signs of illness, injury, and fatigue.”Marc Guehi was also pictured with the ring on his left index fingerCredit: GettyJack 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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      Harry Kane reveals note from Bayern Munich team-mate after England arrive at Euro 2024 base where Germany stayed

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      HARRY KANE received a note from Bayern Munich team-mate Thomas Muller after arriving at England’s base camp for the Euros.The Three Lions are staying at the five-star Spa & Golf Resort Weimarer Land which is where Germany were based last week.Harry Kane received a message from his Bayern Munich team-mate after arriving at England’s base campCredit: GettyThomas Muller wrote ‘All the best’ on the back of a photo of himselfCredit: Instagram / DFB-TeamHe gave a thumbs up to the camera after writing the messageCredit: Instagram / DFB-TeamHe showed that the envelope was for Bayern pal KaneCredit: Instagram / DFB-TeamMuller also showed the photo as he prepared to leave England’s residence for the tournamentCredit: Instagram / DFB-TeamAnd Kane revealed he was left a message by Bayern pal Muller.Kane said: “Tommy left me a little note, because they were here just a couple of weeks ago. He texted me saying the golf course is great but the weather has not been so good.”It looks fantastic, the hotel is incredible, and to be in Germany is a bit of a home from home.”The reception I’ve had since I’ve been at Bayern has been incredible, and ever since I’ve been in the hotel, I’ve had some of the staff come up and say hello.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m not saying they want England to win, but I think they have a little soft spot for us now I’m here, and that’s fantastic.”Striker Kane reckons the Three Lions deserve their tag as one of the tournament’s favourites and is convinced Gareth Southgate’s team can do it.And he believes the talent of wide men Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon and Jarrod Bowen could destroy England’s opponents – starting with Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.Kane said: “Gareth had a really tough decision and some really tough calls to make because we have some really good attacking players for England.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe stunning resort is playing host to Gareth Southgate’s squadCredit: Darren FletcherIt also boasts a stunning view of the German countrysideCredit: Darren FletcherJack 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.

      “But, for me personally, it’s fantastic. I want to be playing with players who can provide assists, can score goals and have good movement and can get on the ball in tight areas – and we have all of that.”As for being one of the favourites, he said: “I think we’ve earned the right to have that status through the previous tournaments we’ve had. But we’re also a team that hasn’t won a Euros before, so we’re trying to make history here.Four omens that could predict Euros winner”That’s a target we’ve set out to try to achieve, but we know there’s going to be a long, hard road ahead. We need to make sure we get it right because, in these tournaments, if you’re not quite on it 100 per cent, you can be punished.”I think this squad is one of the best, if not the best, we’ve had, going on form and the domestic seasons a lot of us have had. We have incredible young talent coming through who are fearless and just want to get on the ball and play.”I hope that the guys can lean on me and ask me questions, and if I can help them get through anything, then great.”But we have such a good togetherness, we’re always talking or having dinner together and there’s always conversations being had, so that helps us.”England also received a boost yesterday when defender John Stones returned to training after missing Wednesday’s session due to illness. More

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      Austria vs France – Euro 2024: Mbappe aiming to get Les Bleus off to flyer – stream FREE, kick-off time, team news

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      FRANCE start their Euro 2024 campaign with a clash against Austria.Les Blues will be hoping to improve on their efforts in the previous tournament.France start their Euro 2024 campaign against AustriaCredit: AFPRalf Rangnick will be in charge of the AustriansCredit: GettyPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      France were knocked out in the round of 16 by Switzerland on penalties despite leading the match 3-1.The Swiss scored two goals in the final ten minutes to tie the match and force penalties.France also suffered heartbreak in the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.They lost in the final to Argentina again following a penalty shootout.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCoach Didier Deschamps’ side come into the competition as hot favourites due to the abundant quality in the squad.The team eased through qualification and have been boosted by the return of N’Golo Kante to the squad.However, Raphael Varane will not be playing part following his retirement from international football.The match against against Austria will not be straightforward.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFormer Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has got the Austrians playing some brilliant football.The team is unbeaten in their last seven games, a run that includes wins over Germany and Turkey.BBC VS ITV: Who wins in battle of Euro 2024 teamsFrance, on the other hand, has not lost since September and has won six of their last eight matches.Team newsFrance will be without Lucas Hernandez who picked up a knee injury before the tournamentKingsley Coman is a doubt after suffering from illness during the week.Austria will not have star David Alaba as he picked up a knee injury during the season.Midfielder Xaver Schlager will also miss the match due to injury.Austria Euro 2024 guideFORMER Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has transformed Austria since taking the job two years ago.
      But they face a tough task to get out of a group containing France, Holland and Poland.
      MANAGER: Ralf Rangnick
      Played for Southwick in the Sussex County League and ended up managing Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford.
      STAR MAN: Christoph Baumgartner
      The RB Leipzig midfielder has excelled under Rangnick and scored the quickest goal in international history after six seconds against Slovakia in March.
      How Austria attack
      Austria are one of the most interesting tactical teams at the tournament.
      They will play aggressively and take risks in possession, rotating the midfielders and also playing longer passes to the target man/
      How Austria defend
      Austria will play Rangnick’s trademark aggressive gegenpressing style as they look to win the ball high up the pitch.
      However, they will also set traps and encourage the opposition to use the ball in central areas before surrounding them.
      Read the full Austria Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups and latest odds

      What has been said?Kylian Mbappe has insisted that he is keen to complete an international hat-trick of tournament wins with France.He told CNN Sport: “I want to win the Euros. I have to be honest. I won the World Cup. I won the Nations League.”That’s the only one that missed me with the national team after I did everything with the national team. I really want to win this.”My first competition as captain, so it’s really important for me and it’s always important for the country and we want them to be proud of us.”[It’s] another opportunity to write the history of my country.”Austria coach Rangnick is aware of the challenge his side faces when coming up against France.He said: “With France we might have the strongest opponents of all right at the start [of the tournament].”They are the absolute favourites for the title, not only at this EURO, but also in two years at the World Cup.”France surely must be the nation with the highest quality.”Even if the starting XI are injured, the 11 substitutes are not much weaker.”So the first match will be a huge challenge.”SunSport prediction?France 3-1 AustriaPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      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.

      When is Austria vs France?
      France’s clash with Austria will take place on Monday, June 17.
      The game will kick off at 8pm BST.
      The Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany will play host to the big game.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      Austria vs France will be shown live on ITV 1 and ITV 1 HD in the UK.
      You can live stream all the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Can I watch for FREE?
      Yes, you can watch the game for FREE on ITV 1 and the ITV X app, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
      READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
      Austria – 11/2
      Draw – 7/2
      France – 1/2
      *Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

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      Kylian Mbappe in stitches as he catches France team-mate Griezmann having ‘suspicious’ massage in Euro 2024 camp

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE and Antoine Griezmann have undeniable chemistry.And the France stars have been sharing a laugh off the field as they prepare for Euro 2024.Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe shared a laugh in France campCredit: FFFTVMbappe was getting an extreme close-up of his palCredit: FFFTVMbappe will be France’s main man this summerCredit: AFPEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTMbappe, who missed training today as a bug ravaged the French camp, walked in on Griezmann having a massage.Griezmann, 33, said: “Little massage warming up my hamstrings””Well from my angle, it looks a little suspicious,” was the cheeky response from Real Madrid’s latest superstar.Mbappe, 25, had a camera on hand and grabbed Griezmann’s reaction as the duo enjoyed their down time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe speedster also left fans amazed after delivering an interview in perfect English.One wrote on social media: “Kylian Mbappe’s English is impeccable.”While a second commented: “This is great. Speaks like he stayed in England.”Mbappe had been speaking to CNN’s Amanda Davies in Sardinia, having just been named the “Best Men’s Player” at the Globe Soccer Awards Europe Edition last month.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFrance 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.

      He said: “I want to win the Euros. I have to be honest.”I won the World Cup. I won the Nations League. That’s the only one that missed me with the national team after I did everything with the national team.Six maddest moments at the Euros”I really want to win this. My first competition as captain, so it’s really important for me and it’s always important for the country and we want them to be proud of us.”[It’s] another opportunity to write the history of my country.” More

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      Fans think they know who will win Euros as 2023/24 season boasts four eerie similarities with another year

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      EURO 2024 kicks off on Friday with several teams tipped to go all the way in Germany.England are hoping to end their 58-year trophy drought as they head into the tournament as favourites.England are hoping to claim a first major trophy in nearly 60 years this summerCredit: GettyLosing World Cup finalists France also boast a strong case, along with a talented Portugal squad.Hosts Germany could prove tough to beat with home support behind them, while defending champions Italy are outsiders but can never be counted out.It is an incredibly difficult competition to call… but SunSport has identified FOUR parallels with 2016 that point towards one team lifting the trophy in Berlin.Here are the similarities between the two points in time which could prove to be an omen as to who will triumph come July 14.READ MORE ON EURO 2024England lose to IcelandOne of the lowest points for England at a major tournament came in 2016 when they were humbled by Iceland.Roy Hodgson’s side were beaten 2-1 in the last-16 – one of the most remarkable upsets in the competition’s history.Fast forward eight years and England were on the end of another defeat to Iceland last week as they lost 1-0 at Wembley.This time it was merely a pre-Euros friendly, but still not ideal preparation for what lies ahead.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland were humiliated by Iceland at Euro 2016Credit: GettyThe Three Lions lost to Iceland in their final warm-up game ahead of Euro 2024Credit: RexMan Utd win FA CupAnother similarity with 2016 is Manchester United’s FA Cup success.The Red Devils lifted football’s oldest trophy under Louis van Gaal eight years ago after beating Crystal Palace 2-1 in the final.Cristiano Ronaldo’s love affair with the EurosEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTHeading to Wembley this time around, Erik ten Hag’s men were overwhelming underdogs against Premier League champions and bitter rivals Manchester City.But they stunned Pep Guardiola’s side to claim a 2-1 victory and save an otherwise dismal season.Manchester United won the FA Cup under Louis van Gaal in 2016Credit: GettyMan Utd also won the FA Cup this season after stunning Manchester City at WembleyCredit: ReutersReal Madrid win Champions LeaguePerhaps not the most incredible omen given Real Madrid’s six Champions League triumphs over the last decade… but it remains one nonetheless.The Spanish giants claimed the first of three successive Champions League titles in 2016 with a penalty shoot-out win over Atletico Madrid.Having won the trophy another three times between then and a fortnight ago, Real then clinched their 15th European crown earlier this month with a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund.Real Madrid claimed the first of three consecutive Champions Leagues eight years agoCredit: Getty Images – GettyJude Bellingham helped Real clinch a 15th European crown earlier this monthCredit: PALeicester win league title under ItalianBoth 2016 and 2024 saw Leicester scoop league titles under Italian managers, albeit in different divisions.The Foxes’ fairytale Premier League triumph goes down as one of the great underdog stories in sporting history.This season, having suffered a surprise relegation in the 2022/23 campaign, they returned to the top flight at the first time of asking by winning the Championship.And the parallels do not end there as they achieved both feats under Italian managers – Claudio Ranieri and Enzo Maresca.Leicester won the Premier League title under Claudio Ranieri in 2016Credit: PAEnzo Maresca led Leicester to the Championship title this seasonCredit: GettyPortugal win Euros?All these omens point towards PORTUGAL triumphing once again at the Euros – just like they did back in 2016.Under Fernando Santos, Cristiano Ronaldo and Co claimed the country’s first major trophy when they beat hosts France 1-0 in the final.READ MORE SUN STORIESEight years on and a number of footballing similarities are occurring in 2024.Could this prove to be another one?The omens are pointing towards Portugal winning the Euros this summerCredit: Getty More