Euro 2024

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

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

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

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

SCOTTISH football fans have drunk airport bars dry BEFORE 9AM as they jetted off to Euro 2024.The supporters are travelling to Germany ahead of the tournament opener against the hosts in Munich.Scotland fans have been enjoying themselves on route to Euro 2024Credit: GettyThey have drank multiple airport bars dryCredit: GettyThey will be rooting for Scotland against Germany in MunichCredit: PAEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTThe Tartan Army have been in good spirits ahead of their flights to the continent.Reports online claim that airport bars have run out of booze early in the morning.One claim suggested that Glasgow Airport had run out of Tennents.Another claimed that Aberdeen Airport had to change kegs at 5am.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is not just in Scotland that the nation’s fans have been making themselves known.Many flying from Manchester Airport have also been enjoying themselves.The pub at the airport ran out of both Mahou and San Miguel at 10.33am.Fans have reacted to the news on social media.Most read in FootballOne posted: “Never been so proud.”A second commented: “Unbelievable. Some achievement that.”BBC VS ITV: Who wins in battle of Euro 2024 teamsA third wrote: “Tell me that Scotland are heading to the Euros without telling me that Scotland are heading to the Euros!”A fourth joked: “A moment of silence for the cabin crew.”A fifth said: “Makes you proud to be Scottish.”Another added: “Scottish heritage.”Fans in Munich already have reportedly been drinking pubs dry too.Scotland face Germany on Friday evening at the Allianz Arena in the Euro 2024 curtain raiser.Steve Clarke’s team then face Switzerland and Hungary in the final two group games.Scotland Euro 2024 guideQUALIFYING for back-to-back Euros is an achievement in itself and the Tartan Army are sure to make the most of it.
The Scots recorded a famous 2-0 win over Spain in qualifying, but come into the Euros off the back of seven games without a win.
MANAGER: Steve Clarke
Only Jock Stein, Andy Roxburgh and Craig Brown have managed Scotland in more games than Jose Mourinho’s former assistant.
STAR MAN: John McGinn
The Aston Villa star has reached new levels under Unai Emery’s tutelage and is crucial to a midfield that provides most of Scotland’s goals.
How Scotland attack
Scotland’s three-man midfield will be crucial with the likes of McGinn and Scott McTominay providing lung-busting runs and coming up with most of the goals.
Target man Lyndon Dykes is set to be a big miss with Che Adams likely to step in as the lone striker in a 5-4-1 formation.
How Scotland defend
Scotland will put ten men behind the ball in a deep 5-4-1 block out of possession.
They will work extremely hard to deny the opposition central spaces between the lines, forcing them to resort to wide play and crosses which the Scots feel more comfortable defending.
Read the full Scotland Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags More