Euro 2024

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s best players who missed out on playing in major tournaments including Le Tissier, Gazza and Grealish

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE isn’t the first England manager to have made some brutal selection decisions.The Three Lions boss, 53, raised eyebrows last week by leaving the likes of Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire out of his final Euro 2024 squad.Jack Grealish was surprisingly cut from the England squadCredit: GettyWhenever a major tournament comes around, fans eagerly pick over which stars should and shouldn’t get the nod from the powers that be.Last time out in Qatar, Fikayo Tomori, Jarrod Bowen and James Ward-Prowse suffered the heartache of falling at the final hurdle.While at Euro 2020, it was Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard who received the last-minute chop.Along with Grealish and Maguire, Jarell Quansah, Jarrad Branthwaite, James Maddison, Curtis Jones and James Trafford also missed out on this summer’s tournament.Read More on FootballWith Euro 2024 kicking off, let’s take a walk down memory lane to consider seven previous stars who surprisingly missed out.RIO FERDINANDIn 2012, aged 33, it’s fair to say Rio was past the peak of his powers.However, he did still offer a wise and experienced head at the back, and had come off a decent season for Manchester United.But Ferdinand was left “gutted” to have been left out of England’s Euro 2012 squad.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSManager Roy Hodgson explained the decision was made for footballing reasons, but Ferdinand’s omission did avoid any potential conflict with the selected John Terry, who months later faced allegations in court that he racially abused Rio’s brother, Anton.”I admire Rio Ferdinand as a player,” Hodgson explained. “I think he’s a fine footballer and I respect him, but I had to pick a squad with defenders I wanted to take to the Euros.”Phil Jones and Joleon Lescott got nods ahead of Ferdinand.Meet the ten Wags ready to stun at Euro 2024Rio Ferdinand was snubbed from the Euro 2012 squadCredit: Getty Images – GettyPAUL GASCOIGNEEx-England boss Glenn Hoddle once described it as the “saddest thing he ever had to do.”After Gazza was instrumental in helping his country in the qualifiers, he was told he wouldn’t be going to France ’98.The hero two years earlier at Euro ’96, Gascoigne was given an ultimatum about his fitness. But Hoddle felt he just wasn’t up to it.According to reports, Gazza smashed up Hoddle’s hotel room when he was told the news.The mercurial midfielder was never picked for England again.Gazza was reportedly furious when Glenn Hoddle told him he wouldn’t be picked for the 1998 World CupCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTPAUL MERSONAlthough Merse got the nod ahead of Gazza for France ’98, he could count himself unlucky not to have gone to Italia ’90.In fine fine form at Arsenal, and only 22, the ‘Magic Man’ won the PFA Young Player of the Year Award in 1989.But Bobby Robson only picked three forwards for the World Cup, with the striking positions being taken by Gary Lineker, Peter Beardsley and Steve Bull.Nine midfielders were selected, including Bryan Robson, who struggled with injury and missed the majority of the competition. and a relatively unknown Gazza.England Euro 2024 guideGARETH SOUTHGATE is under no illusions coming into this competition – it is win or bust.
      The Three Lions have never had a better opportunity to end their 58-year wait for a major international trophy given the talent and experience they have in their armoury.
      MANAGER: Gareth Southgate
      The former England star has come closer than anyone since Sir Alf Ramsey to ending the Three Lions’ trophy hoodoo.
      Southgate is aware that the nations expects, and has even suggested he will quit if he doesn’t deliver the European Championship.
      STAR MAN: Jude Bellingham
      The Real Madrid star is arguably the world’s best player at the moment and gives England the platform they need to dominate big games.
      How England attack
      England will look to dominate the ball against almost everybody.
      Declan Rice is crucial in progressing the ball, Bellingham, Saka and Foden will rotate to pull defenders out of position and Kane can both score and drop deep to provide chances for others.
      How England defend
      England press man-to-man with the midfield pushing up to support Kane when the ball is lost and look to win it as close to the opposition goal as possible.
      However, the left-back spot could be a cause for concern, particularly with Luke Shaw entering the tournament with fitness worries.
      Read the full England Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags.

      In 1989 Paul Merson was the best young player in the country, but that didn’t get him an England call-up a year later for Italia ’90Credit: GettyPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.

      MATT LE TISSIERArguably the most talented footballer of his generation, it’s criminal Matt Le Tissier didn’t get the international recognition he deserved.Possibly because he played for an unfashionable club in Southampton at the time – that might’ve been why he was overlooked.But the Saints legend only managed eight caps in his career, despite scoring 209 goals for his club.Had England qualified for the 1994 World Cup, he might’ve had a chance of being selected.He was also overlooked for the 1998 World Cup, even after impressing in an England B game against Russia – scoring a hat-trick.A hat-trick playing England B against Russia wasn’t enough to earn Matt Le Tissier a place in the squad for the 1998 World CupCredit: Times Newspapers LtdTONY ADAMSExperience, perhaps, wasn’t on Mr Arsenal’s side when Bobby Robson was selecting his Italia ’90 squad.And the formation wouldn’t have been to the Gunners legend’s strengths – playing in a back three, when he was used to a flat back four in North London.Adams’ spot went to Mark Wright, a more cultured sweeper who could bring the ball out of defence better than his counterpart.At Euro ’92, Martin Keown and Des Walker were the preferred two. However, Adams was restored to the first team before Euro ’96, where he had an outstanding tournament.Tony Adams wasn’t selected for Italia ’90 or Euro ’92, but was picked in subsequent tournaments afterCredit: GettyJERMAIN DEFOEIn 2014, it was a close call in the striking positions for a partner for Wayne Rooney.In fairness to Roy Hodgson, Jermain Defoe didn’t do himself any favours by moving to the MLS to play for Toronto months before the squad was decided.Rickie Lambert, Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge were picked instead, leaving Defoe devastated.”I don’t think I’ll ever be at peace [with the decision],” the striker said at the time.Jermain Defoe was omitted from the 2014 World Cup squad by Roy Hodgson in favour of Rickie LambertCredit: Getty Images – GettyLAURIE CUNNINGHAMGood enough for Real Madrid, but not for England.Winger Laurie Cunningham, whose life was tragically cut short at 33 in a car crash, joined Los Blancos after starring at West Brom for £950,000 in 1979.In doing so, he became the first British footballer to move to the LaLiga giants.However, Ron Greenwood completely snubbed him from his Euro 1980 squad.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe following season, Cunningham made the squad for the qualifiers, after bitter negotiations with Real Madrid.But after appearing as a sub in a 2-1 defeat to Romania, he would never wear an England jersey again.The late Laurie Cunningham found himself on the periphery of the England squad, despite starring for Real MadridCredit: PAJack 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

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Belgium vs Slovakia – Euro 2024: Red Devils get campaign underway against Slovaks – stream FREE, TV channel, team news

      by

      BELGIUM kick off their Euro 2024 game with a tough but winnable game against Slovakia.The Red Devils launch their bid for glory in Frankfurt against a Slovakia side managed by former Napoli caretaker boss Francesco Calzona.This is likely to be Kevin De Bruyne’s last EurosCredit: AFPBut the Belgium squad still features several starsCredit: RexSlovakia now play a more attacking brand of footballCredit: GettyIt’s a case of a ‘last dance’ for many of the stars of Belgium’s golden generation with the likes of Jan Vertonghen, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku seeing this as their final chance to win something for the Red Devils.Gone are stars such as Eden Hazard, Axel Witsel and Toby Alderweireld but there is a feeling of renewal for the Belgians.Previous boss Roberto Martinez, who guided Belgium to a World Cup semi-final in 2018, a quarter-final at Euro 2020 and a group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup, has gone, and so has his three at the back system.Former RB Leipzig coach, Domenico Tedesco, who plays a high-pressing brand of football, has come in and introduced a 4-3-3 system.The side have not been beaten under his stewardship.Not only has the system changed but the Italian has introduced fresh blood to the ailing golden generation.Johann Bakayoko, 21, Dodi Lukebakio, 26, and Orel Mangala, also 26, have all become important members of the side.Jeremy Doku, who was introduced to the squad by Martinez, is also flourishing into a great player at Manchester City and will be a key man for the Belgians.Most read in Euro 2024Tedesco has been in charge since March 2023 with the side collecting 20 points from 24 in a qualifying group that included Austria and Sweden.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBelgium come into the tournament as eighth favourites with the bookies but are ranked fourth in the men’s Fifa rankings.Slovakia are light on stars but could be a decent watch under Calzona, after developing a reputation for disciplined football under previous managers. Inside the ten stunning Euro 2024 stadiums including historic final venueHe is a disciple of Maurizio Sarri, having previously been his assistant at Napoli so expect pretty-passing patterns and possession-based football.PSG’s Milan Skriniar and Napoli’s Stanislav Lobotka are the side’s stand-out players.Path to the EurosBelgium arrive at the tournament unbeaten in qualification and without a loss so far under Tedesco.They opened qualifying with a statement 3-0 win over Sweden and also beat Germany 3-2 away in a friendly in his second game in charge.Slovakia’s qualifying form was also impressive, winning seven, drawing two and losing one.Both of those losses came against Portugal, which could be indicative of how this game will go against quality opposition.Team NewsThibaut Courtois, 32, is the most glaring omission from the Belgium squad.Felt by many to be the best goalkeeper in the world, he misses out through a combination of injury and bad blood between him and Tedesco. The keeper tore his ACL in August last year and declared himself out of the Euros then, but returned for Real Madrid as they won LaLiga and the Champions League.Courtois was angered not to have been made captain during Belgium’s home qualifier against Estonia which would have celebrated his 100th Belgian cap – he has not spoken to Tedesco since.Elsewhere they are struggling greatly to field a defence, with Thomas Meunier, Jan Vertonghen and Arthur Theate all doubts.Slovakia enter the tournament with a clean bill of health.Ones to watchThere can only be one answer for Belgium and that’s Kevin De Bruyne.At 32, this could be his final Euros tournament and he’s coming off the back of a Manchester City season where he missed the first half with injury – meaning he should be fresh for this tournament.He’ll be spoilt for choice when threading balls through to the front line, with Tedesco being able to pick a front-line from Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard, Johan Bakayoko and Romelu Lukaku.Slovakia’s strongest player is Milan Skriniar, who was a rock for Inter Milan but has struggled at PSG, but there’s nothing very interesting about a star centre-back.Stanislav Lobotka is a lovely central midfielder in the Jorginho mould and will keep things ticking over – he’s the sort of midfielder England could really do with.Hellas Verona winger Tomas Suslov is tricky if a bit too mercurial – his lack of tracking back has angered Calzona in the past but who doesn’t love a maverick?Head-to-HeadBelgium and Slovakia have only met twice in their history with both of those coming in friendlies.The two drew 0-0 in their first meeting in 2006.Belgium got the better of the Slovaks in 2013 with a 1-0 win.SunSport predictionDespite their two previous meetings yielding one goal in 180 minutes of football – Tedesco’ pressing football and wonderful attack should be too much for Slovakia.Prediction: 3-0PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      When is Belgium vs Slovakia?
      Belgium’s opening group game against Slovakia will take place on Monday, June 17.
      The game will kick off at 5pm BST.
      Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany will host the clash.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      Belgium vs Slovakia 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 on to your mobile or tablet device.
      Can I watch for FREE?
      Yes, the game is available to watch for FREE on ITV 1, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
      READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
      Belgium – 1/2
      Draw – 7/2
      Slovakia – 11/2
      *Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Italy vs Albania – Euro 2024: Sign up and get £30 in free bets to spend on football with talkSPORT BET

      by

      talkSPORT BET are offering new customers the chance to bag themselves £30 in free bets for the Euros!That’s right, brand new customers who register an account HERE* and stake £10 will be rewarded with £30 in free bets that can be used on Euro 2024!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereYour first £10 stake could be placed on Saturday’s 8pm kick off in Group B between Italy and Albania!talkSPORT BET: Get £30 in free bets – CLAIM HERE*talkSPORT BET bonus: Sign up and get £30 in free bets to spend on Euro 2024What’s the talkSPORT BET offer?Brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim a welcome bonus of £30 for Italy vs Albania on Saturday when they register an account and stake £10 on any sports market.How to claim?Simply visit the talkSPORT BET website on your mobile device and create an account. Opt in to this promotion via the OFFERS tab and then make a deposit via debit card or Apple Pay.Stake £10 or more on any sports market – including the Euros – at odds of at least Evens. Remember, you must do this within 7 days of opening your account.What happens next?Once your bet has settled — win or lose — you will receive £30 in free bets to spend on the following:
      £5 Football Bet Builder Free Bet
      £5 Euro 2024 Lucky Dip Free Bet
      £5 Any Sports In-Play Free Bet
      And the following free bets, which will be credited 24 hours after the first bonus funds:
      £5 Football Bet Builder Free Bet
      £5 Euro 2024 Lucky Dip Free Bet
      £5 Any Sports In-Play Free Bet
      EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS*18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile & bet £10+ on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:
      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
      Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
      Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Wetherspoons’ major rule change ahead of Euro 2024 after boozer slammed for harsh ban during World Cup frenzy

      by

      WETHERSPOONS has reversed a controversial ban for its boozers on the eve of Euros footie festivities.The proud pub chain in 2018 controversially rolled out bunting featuring every competing nation’s colours – but restricted staff when it came to another key decoration. Punters can expect a more patriotic pub experience for the 2024 EurosCredit: GettySt George’s Cross is set to be welcomed back to Spoons boozersCredit: AlamyThe St George’s Cross, along with all other flags, were barred from being flown in Spoons watering holes during the 2018 World Cup – but patriotic pubs are now being given the go-ahead. Spokesman Eddie Gershon said the previous restriction was an effort to keep each Spoons pub consistent.He explained at the time: “What we aren’t looking for is individual pubs putting extra flags up, so that one pub in Leeds might have a big England flag but another might not.”We have sent this morning bunting to all our pubs, but staff can’t go willy-nilly adding anything they want to it.”Read more sport newsA Worcester barman slammed the move as an “absolute joke”, The Sun reported in 2018.The employee wrote online: “Absolute joke that we have to take our England flags down at work. We are an English pub chain.”The bunting featuring every competing nation will again be handed to all Spoons pubs for the Euros.But now bar staff are being told they can also fly flags at their discretion as the nation cheers on Gareth Southgate’s boys in Germany.Most read in FootballSpokesman Eddie Gershon confirmed to The Sun: “Wetherspoon pubs can put out flags and bunting for the Euros if they wish to do so.”It comes after Spoons moved to end the peculiar “phenomenon” of single-file queuing at its bars.How Wetherspoons brought in strict new ordering rule A Merseyside boozer was snapped putting up a sign that read: “please stand at the bar to be served.”It went viral on social media amid a brewing “campaign to end the recent phenomenon of queuing in single file in pubs” led by @QueuesPub on X.The trend is speculated by some to be a byproduct of Covid times, when punters were forced to stand in lines socially distanced. Spoons chief Tim Martin told The Sun: “On balance, Wetherspoon would opt for the traditional anarchy of the pub non-queue.”It appears tradition is back in vogue at Spoons just in time for Euros footie fever. Spoons’ rules
      KIDS
      Wetherspoons welcomes under-18s during permitted hours, which vary from pub to pub.
      Kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
      If alcohol is ordered, some pubs may ask that all members of that party also order a main meal.
      The serving of alcohol is at the manager’s discretion and the purchase or consumption by under-18s is never permitted.
      DOGS
      The pub chain has a blanket ban on canines.
      They aren’t allowed in the pub, in beer gardens or even the car park.
      “Even well trained dogs can sometimes behave unpredictably,” the rules say.
      The only exception to this is for assistance dogs, but Wetherspoons asks that they are clearly marked with a recognisable leash or collar.
      DRESS CODE
      Patrons must be fully dressed at all times – this means no taking off your shirts or footwear.
      The website also stipulates that clothing slogans, accessories or tattoos must not be offensive.
      SMOKING AND VAPING
      This is only allowed in designating smoking areas.
      Wetherspoons warns that rule applies in hotel rooms and external areas.
      BEHAVIOUR
      The pub chain urges all patrons to be considerate to both fellow punters and employees.
      Rules say boozers will work with the cops to prosecute those physically or verbally abusing employees.

      Spoons boss Tim Martin has clarified a few controversial issues in recent timesCredit: AFPExpect a sea of England flags at Spoons pubs throughout the tournamentCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Banning England fans from drinking strong lager at Euros is ‘discriminatory’….‘we’re being picked on’, minister says

      by

      SERVING England fans shandy beers instead of full-strength booze at the Euros is “discriminatory”, a Government minister has blasted.Policing Minister Chris Philp declared offering Three Lions followers “watered-down” pints at England’s opening game against Serbia on Sunday was “completely unfair”.Policing Minister Chris Philp told The Sun on Sunday’s Kate Ferguson that the booze measures were ‘completely unfair’Full strength beer at the England versus Serbia game has been banned and replaced with low alcohol boozeCredit: GettyThe heavy-handed security measures threatened to spark a diplomatic incident with the minister fuming: “We should not be getting picked on in that way.”It comes after tournament mandarins in Germany scrapped full-strength booze amid fears Serbian yobs are planning to face off with tipsy English footy followers at the 62,000-seater Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen.England fans had been looking forward to throwing back the 4.8 per cent strength Bitburger Premium in stadium bars but the brew will now be replaced by the much weaker 2.5 per cent “Radler-style” beer — half lager and half citrus soda.Speaking to our Never Mind The Ballots election countdown show, Policing Minister Chris Philip blasted: “If England fans have somehow been picked out or singled out and served watered-down beer based on their nationality, that sounds to me completely unfair.Read more about Euro 2024“And probably discriminatory – we should not be getting picked on in that way.”Risk ratings were ramped up from “high” to “very high” for Sunday’s clash with Serbia amid fears 500 hardcore pro-Putin footy yobs will travel to spark clashes with England fans.[embedded content]Worries were amplified by a UEFA ban on segregation in the stadium — putting rival supporters next to each other in mixed seating.Gelsenkirchen police spokesman Stephan Knipp told The Sun: “It is just the England game which will have the low-strength beer. The other games at the stadium will have 4.8 per cent.”Most read in Euro 2024England fans will also be subjected to a last-minute booze ban in the city centre before the kick-off at 8pm UK time.Watch our daily politics show
      Watch The Sun’s new DAILY Never Mind the Ballots Election Countdown show on our brand new YouTube channel here.
      Every weekday Sun Political Editor Harry Cole brings you the latest news and analysis from the election campaign trail.

      England’s last Euros opener abroad was in 2016, when highly organised Russian yobs — believed to be state-sponsored — put scores of Three Lions fans in hospital in Marseille, France.An estimated 40,000 England fans are expected to travel to Sunday’s game, along with 8,000 Serbs, plus more from Serbian communities in Germany.Speaking about the safety of England fans in Germany, he said: “It’s really important that these games pass off peacefully.“I know there are UK police officers over in Germany, helping the German police, targeting and looking at monitoring fans that might cause a problem.“Fans that are violent and might cause a problem are not allowed to travel because they have banning orders.”Heavy-handed German cops have also said they will step in and fine anyone wearing a fake footy top under strict counterfeit and trademark laws.Police officers will reportedly be able to issue fines of up to £4,000 – although it is unclear if authorities are actually planning to enforce the law.Mr Philp said the matter was “something you wouldn’t expect the police to get involved in”.He went on: “I don’t know the details but it does sound quite heavy-handed.“Certainly as far as a ban is concerned, they might get involved in stopping people selling fake shirts – that would be a usual thing for them to be involved in.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I obviously in no way condone using (fake) shirts. I think you should buy shirts from legitimate vendors because that money goes back into the grassroots.“So people should not be buying fake shirts.”The minister added England footy fans should not be ‘picked on’ for their nationalityCredit: PA More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s Wags send secret packages to surprise players ahead of Euro 2024 opener against Serbia

      by

      ENGLAND’S Wags sent secret parcels to their heroes ahead of Sunday’s Euros opener against Serbia, we can reveal.The surprise packages were placed on the players’ beds before they arrived at the team’s five-star Weimarer Spa training base in Blankenhain.England’s Wags sent secret parcels to their heroes ahead of Sunday’s Euros opener against Serbia (pictured: Harry Kane’s wife Kate)Credit: World Cup News Pool (WCNP) – England vs FrancePlayers with children also got notes from their kids wishing them luck (pictured: Megan Pickford)Credit: Dan CharityThey included sealed letters from Wags that are to be opened on specific days during the tournament in Germany.Players with children also got notes from their kids wishing them luck.Special teddies, family photographs and meaningful keepsakes that smell of home were also included.A source said: “Each Wag made up a box containing special items.read more on euros”They wrote letters which are to be opened on set days during the tournament to give the players that extra boost.”They also include photographs of family and friends that they can stick on the wall of their hotel room.”Teddies and pillows laced with perfume are in the bundle too.”The package is designed to make them feel more at home at their training base.Most read in Euro 2024″The players will hopefully be away from their loved ones for over a month – so every little detail has been seen to.”At previous tournaments, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has rewarded the players for getting out of the group stage with a family day.MYSTIC WAG ‘Super spiritual’ England star Phil Foden and his Wag Rebecca Cooke visit PSYCHIC in bid to help England win Euro 2024He is expected to follow the same approach in Germany as England bid for glory.The Wags are expected to roar on the Three Lions inside Gelsenkirchen’s 62,000-seat Veltins Arena as they kick off their campaign on Sunday.They will include Jordan Pickford’s missus, Megan, skipper Harry Kane’s wife, Kate, and John Stones’s other half, Olivia Naylor.England face Denmark on June 20 before ending the group stages against Slovenia on June 25. More

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s Euro 2024 dream spearheaded by little-known Welshman who quit football at 27

      by

      THERE is strong competition for the most famous name among Richard Evans’ phone contacts.He knows that he can always dial Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry and Romelu Lukaku — and many more stars — for a chat.Richard Evans is a key part of Portugal’s backroom teamCredit: GettyEvans describes legend Cristiano Ronaldo as a ‘prankster’Credit: GettyAnd he insists superstar Ronaldo is just “one of the lads”.Evans played for Bristol Rovers and Exeter, among other lower league sides, before he joined his boyhood club Swansea as a physiotherapist in 1999.It was there that he met Roberto Martinez,  forming a close friendship and working with the Spaniard at Wigan, Everton and the Belgium national team.And now Evans is part of Martinez’s Portugal backroom staff, as their performance manager.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLIt has been some journey for a boy from the South Wales valleys who quit the professional game aged just 27 to study for a sports science degree at Loughborough University.Evans, who is preparing the Portuguese for their opening  game against the Czech Republic on Tuesday, said: “I always said I’d be happy if I played just one league game and score one league goal, which I did.“I never thought that I’d go on to work with the best players in Europe, if not the world.  I am thankful for all  the great people I’ve worked with.”Among those greats is Ronaldo, with the football icon hoping to inspire Portugal to a second Euros title, having won it in 2016.Most read in Euro 2024Performance director Evans is confident of Euros success with PortugalCredit: GettyEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      He bagged another two international goals against the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday to take his tally to a remarkable 130.And Lisbon-based Evans revealed that Ronaldo, 39, is always up for some mischief.The Sun’s Tom Barclay gives live update from England training and John Stones MISSES session through illnessHe said: “The first time we met, he picked up straight away on my Welsh accent, which he now takes off, as well as (first-team coach) Anthony Barry’s Scouse accent.“Ronaldo is a prankster who likes to play practical jokes — he is just one of the lads.“I did have a few butterflies before I was introduced to him, but he was so normal and fantastic that we hit it off straight away..”Boyhood Swansea supporter Evans, 56, hoped to follow in his father Brian’s footsteps.Evans Sr, who died in 2003, played more than 400 games for the Swans and turned out seven times for his native Wales. But his son’s passion for fitness led to his university degree, which he added to with a second in physiotherapy at Brunel University.Evans could see that Martinez had something about him when he joined Swansea in 2003.The Spaniard helped the Swans avoid relegation to the Conference and, after returning as boss in 2007, led them to the League One title.When he moved to then-Premier League Wigan in 2009, Evans followed for a successful time which culminated in their shock FA Cup final win over Manchester City in 2013.Evans then went with Martinez, now 50, to Everton until they left in 2016.Next up was Belgium with Martinez, who took over just after Euro 2016, where Evans’ beloved Wales stunned the Belgians.Roberto Martinez has taken Evans all the way from Wigan to PortugalCredit: APIt led to a humorous first meeting between Evans and Belgium No 1 Thibaut Courtois.Evans said: “I watched the Wales v Belgium game at my parents-in-laws.“I didn’t think we would win, especially as Belgium had Romelu Lukaku, who I had worked with at Everton.“A few weeks later I met Thibaut and he asked me, ‘Where are you from?’. I said, ‘I’m from Wales’, to which he replied, ‘I hate Wales’.“Then he asked me where in Wales I was from, which I was worried about because Chelsea, where Thibaut played at the time, had struggled against Swansea.“I told him, ‘I’m from Swansea’ — and he said, ‘I hate Swansea, too’.Evans’ time with Belgium, whose coaching staff included Arsenal legend Henry, saw them reach the World Cup semi-finals in 2018.He joined the Portuguese set-up when Martinez was appointed in January 2023.And Evans hopes that veteran Ronaldo can inspire the squad to victory.He said: “We have a talented group, and a blend of experience and youth, which is what you need in a major tournament.“The squad is are winners by nature and culture but they are also great human beings.”READ MORE SUN STORIESRonaldo himself added: “The Portuguese expect a lot from Portugal. There is no margin for error, nothing, they always want Portugal to win, because of the generation, because of the talent that exists.“We have to have our feet on the ground and our thoughts in the sky dreaming of the European Championship.”Portugal Euro 2024 guideCRISTIANO RONALDO remains the face of Portuguese football as the national team looks to win a second European Championship.
      But the days when Portugal’s hopes would hang on Ronaldo, 39, alone are over as they have a squad packed with talent across the pitch.
      MANAGER: Roberto Martinez
      Former Everton, Wigan and Belgium boss is trying to put a more attacking stamp on a team that became increasingly dull under Euro 2016-winning predecessor Fernando Santos.
      STAR MAN: Cristiano Ronaldo
      Al-Nassr star remains an ever-present but PSG’s Goncalo Ramos and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota are both world class backups.
      How Portugal attack
      Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio and Joao Palhinha are all capable of building attacks from the back, given Portugal a unique dimension to their attack.
      Attacking midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix can cause any defence problems as they look to feed Ronaldo and/or Ramos.
      How Portugal defend
      In contrast to the approach under Santos, Portugal will play with a medium-to-high block and look to win possession up the field.
      Players will press aggressively to provide support for Ronaldo, who clearly tends to do less work defensively.
      Read the full Portugal Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags More

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Euro 2024 set for major rule change with cricket technology entering the tournament

      by

      FOOTBALL chiefs have turned to cricket for a new spin on vital decisions at Euro 2024.Technology will switch from the three stumps to the Three Lions in the latest push to help referees get the tightest calls right.Football’s version of snickometer decided Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t touch this, meaning the 2022 World Cup goal went to Bruno FernandesCredit: Sunday TimesCricket has long used snicko as well as hotspotCredit: Sky SportsInstead of monitoring flicks down the off-side, broadcasters will monitor flicks through for offside – thanks to a special version of the snickometer.The device is most commonly used in cricket for marginal judgements on catches and LBW appeals.Frame-by-frame replay measures whether the ball hits something, such as a batting pad.In contrast, it will be deployed at the Euros for handballs and offsides.MOST READ IN FOOTBALLVAR officials at the 2022 World Cup used the motion-sensing microchip in real time.Cristiano Ronaldo famously had a “glancing header” taken off his goal slate in Qatar and awarded to Portugal team-mate Bruno Fernandes – as snicko suggested the five-time Ballon d’Or winner hadn’t touched the ball.TV viewers might be delighted to hear Euro 2024 broadcasters will be sent “touch detection” graphics used by refs on what could include some key decisions.The posh name for football’s snicko is “connected ball” technology.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThe innovation is the latest in a series of high-tech features at the Euros.VAR itself leads the way, of course – with a slight amendment.Wayne Rooney claims Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘can’t defend’ and says he ‘shouldn’t be near’ England’s midfieldEach match will get one Video Assistant Referee and two assistant VARs, compared to three assistants per game at Euro 2020.Meanwhile, a semi-automated system for checking offsides should mean an end to the line-drawing and endless angles that frustrate many viewers.Instead the technology in Germany will instantly rule on the point of ball contact and the offside judgement – thanks to ten cameras monitoring 29 different body points on players.Qatar 2022, as well as the Champions League, have used this device – and successfully so.There are also two major changes that have nothing to do with technology.A new rule aims to stop players crowding around refs – with only captainS allowed to approach the official.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere’s just one exception – if the stopper himself is the skipper then he can nominate an outfield player to do the approaching for him.The other alteration is already done ‘n dusted – the increase in squad sizes from 23 to 26.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More