Euro 2024

JOHN STONES has MISSED England training through illness just days before the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 opening game against Serbia.Gareth Southgate has been left with a selection headache after he was forced to axe Harry Maguire from his squad through injury.John Stones has missed England training through illnessCredit: PAStones’ absence may cause a big selection headache for Gareth SouthgateCredit: GettyEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTBut he may now be forced into another selection change if Stones does not recover from his illness before Sunday’s game.All 26 players from Southgate’s squad were able to train on Tuesday, which was their first session after arriving at their camp in Germany.Stones went off of the Three Lions final warm-up game against Iceland with an injury. And while he appears to have avoided aggravating the knock, the Manchester City defender has now fallen foul of illness.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe remaining 25 players present in Germany all trained with no issue as preparation for the match against Serbia continues. Stones, 30, has played 72 times for England, scoring three goals.If Stones is deemed not well enough to play on Sunday evening, Southgate, 53, has a number of alternatives at his disposal.Marc Guehi is set to feature in the absence of Maguire, while three natural centre-backs in Lewis Dunk, Ezri Konsa and Joe Gomez were selected as well.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, these options are not without their problems.Brighton star Dunk has often seemed to struggle with the weight of the Three Lions shirt on his back, leading to some critical errors in his displays.England stars spend thousands boosting their home security to foil burglary gangs while they are at Euro 2024Konsa impressed at Aston Villa this season, but Southgate has preferred to use him as a right-back, while Gomez mainly played as a full-back for Liverpool throughout the season.Declan Rice is another centre-back option for Southgate, though Rice is most at home in centre-midfield.A third option could prompt Southgate to return to a three-man defence, with Kyle Walker operating as a right-sided centre-back alongside Guehi and one other.Reports earlier this week suggested Trent Alexander-Arnold was set to start in midfield, but Southgate may now see fit to change his system if his No1 defender is out.Here’s how England could line up against Serbia without John StonesAn alternative look at an England xi with an old Southgate favourite More

BEN CHILWELL did not make Gareth Southgate’s 33-man provisional squad for Euro 2024 this summer, let alone the final 26.But there is still a much-beloved figure within the England camp in Germany getting called “Chilly”.Brendan Modini has been likened to Ben ChilwellChilwell, 27, featured for England in March but has missed out on Euro 2024Credit: GettyModini has been called ‘Chilly’ in the England campBrendan Modini is the FA’s video producer, putting in plenty of work behind the scenes.He can often be seen with a video camera on the training ground, working hard to deliver access to fans with his content.According to the Telegraph, Modini’s likeness to Chilwell has not gone unnoticed in the camp.They claim that even England’s players are calling him “Chilly” behind the scenes.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Chilwell, 27, has earned 21 international caps but a late season knee issue prevented him from impressing Southgate sufficiently to earn a place in the Euros squad.The left-back made just nine Premier League starts during the 2023-24 campaign.And he was limited to just 10 minutes of action across the Blues’ last 12 Prem games.Chilwell started both of England’s Wembley friendlies in March, against Brazil and Belgium.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSModini produces plenty of behind the scenes content from the England campEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTFormer Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino was unhappy with the situation, revealing that Chilwell had picked up his knee issue on international duty.The Argentine said at the time: “We still need to assess a few players like Chilwell after playing two games. I think he got a knock in his knee.Tom Heaton reveals phone call from Gareth Southgate that saw Man Utd goalkeeper join up with England’s Euro 2024 squad”Today, he wasn’t ready to train. We will see what will happen tomorrow if he can be in the squad.”When asked if it was a surprise that Chilwell played in both friendlies, Pochettino, 52, said: “Surprised, not surprised, I don’t know.”If he cannot play for us or be available, and because he didn’t play after Brentford with us, he only played a few minutes against Leicester in the FA Cup.”Yes, it was a situation that he started two games, maybe it’s a surprise for us.”But it’s bad luck because he got a dead leg in the last moment in the game against Belgium. That’s another bit of bad luck we have because we need to assess whether he can be available.”Following his disappointing end to the season, Chilwell was surprisingly linked with Manchester United.Should he make the shock switch, the former Leicester star would be in direct competition with England colleague Luke Shaw.Chilwell suffered an injury on England duty in MarchCredit: RexThe defender has earned 21 England caps to dateCredit: RexChelsea’s vice-captain endured a difficult end to the campaignCredit: Getty More

ENGLAND are renting a massive outside TV screen from RB Leipzig to help with their Euro 2024 preparations.The screen has been left by Germany who used it directly next to their training pitch during their stay at the Spa & Golf Resort Weimarer Land last week.Gareth Southgate is turning to the big screen to help deliver Euro 2024 successCredit: GettyThis is the massive screen that the Three Lions manager is rentingCredit: RexGerman boss Julian Nagelsmann borrowed it from his former club Leipzig.And he used it for analysis during his sessions to help his players.England boss Gareth Southgate has decided not to have the high-tech equipment next to the training pitch.But it has been moved elsewhere at the Three Lions’ base camp to be used for analysis with the players.READ MORE ON EURO 2024We revealed previously how Jose Mourinho used screens to help him in training at Roma – although he had his pitchside.In another change to England’s approach, he also used drones so that players did not have long to wait before being shown their mistakes.That was because his huge screen was installed next to the pitch so that Mourinho could provide instant analysis on his routines.Southgate’s squad will train at their Blankenhain HQ this morning for the first time as yesterday, they staged an open session in the city of Jena.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland will also train at the resort tomorrow, Friday and Saturday.They will then head to Gelsenkirchen for Sunday’s opening match against Serbia.The Sun’s Nick Parker reports from England’s first training session in Germany ahead of Euros 2024Former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick had the hump after England beat his Austria squad to their five-star Euro 2024 base in Blankenhain.Rangnick used to play golf at the resort In his four years as Leipzig coach.It was his favourite course in the region and he wanted to remain there all the time during Euro 2024 campaign.But Rangnick failed in his bid to have Austria stay there as England got to it first.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTJose Mourinho used the big screen during his Roma training sessionsCredit: GettyMeanwhile, former Barnsley and Red Bull Salzburg boss Gerhard Struber revealed he snubbed a job offer from Rangnick – but backed him to cause a shock with Austria in Germany.He told Sun Sport: “He did a great job the last few years with Austria. He implemented the ideal football to bring the group together and also it brings results.“We have got a good collective but not the biggest stars – and I think that with this style of play, against any team in the world, we will get good chances.“They are unbeaten in seven and have won six, so the spirit in the team is outstanding.“Every single player is happy when they come together to play for Austria and this is a new move.“The old legends say ‘we need an Austrian coach, only an Austrian coach can bring this fire’ – and he’s shown it’s absolutely not necessary.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Ralf has shown in the last few years that he is outstanding as he’s brought this fire to the group but also a clear identity for Austria to be successful against teams with a completely different quality of players.”Austria face France on Monday in their opening group game before then taking on Poland and Netherlands.This is a bold changing of the guard from Southgate… he’s never been afraid to be ruthless
GARETH SOUTHGATE has made a habit of taking ruthless calls during his eight years as England boss, writes Dave Kidd.
And his decision to axe Jack Grealish, as well as James Maddison, is further evidence of the Three Lions chief being unafraid to take big decisions with big-name players. 
Harry Maguire is also among the seven players left out for the squad to travel to Germany for the Euros, although the decision to omit the Manchester United centre-back is based on his failure to recover from injury. 
Southgate is, more than ever, picking on form.
Attacking midfielders such as Eberechi Eze, Jarrod Bowen, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon have been rewarded with call-ups for their excellent Premier League form, while Marcus Rashford, Maddison and Grealish all get the chop.
While the England boss is often regarded as an over-cautious nice guy, he took big decisions in getting rid of the likes of Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Chris Smalling at the start of his reign. 
Southgate also jettisoned Raheem Sterling last year after the Chelsea man had been a regular starter throughout most of his reign. 
And Jordan Henderson was left out of the 33-man preliminary squad having been a stalwart for Southgate throughout his previous three tournaments.  
Grealish has been a cause celebre for England fans – who have often accused Southgate of holding an agenda against him. 
But he has struggled for game-time with Manchester City all season, just as Maddison has been off-form since returning from injury at Spurs.
This is a bold changing of the guard from Southgate, who has relied heavily on Maguire, Henderson, Sterling and Rashford throughout his time in charge, while Grealish and Maddison are both popular flair players who fully expected to make the 26-man party for Germany.
Burnley keeper James Trafford, the Liverpool duo of Curtis Jones and Jarrell Quansah and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite make up Southgate’s seven-man cull along with Grealish, Maddison and Maguire.  More

CRISTIANO RONALDO scored twice including a sensational curling strike as Portugal beat Republic of Ireland 3-0 in their final friendly before Euro 2024.Roberto Martinez’s side are tipped as one of the sides that could go all the way in Germany alongside the likes of England and France.An absolute rocket into the top corner from Cristiano Ronaldo to double Portugal’s lead! 🚀Caoimhin Kelleher left rooted to the spot in the Irish goal 😱 pic.twitter.com/x9L0c2Hkah— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) June 11, 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo whipped a brilliant strike past Ireland keeper Caoimhin KelleherCredit: SportsfileRonaldo has now scored 130 international goals for PortugalCredit: APHe is looking to extend his record as the Euros’ top scorer in Germany this summerCredit: GettyThe 2016 European champions, who are in Group F with Czech Republic, Turkey and Georgia, have won 13 out of 15 games since the World Cup when they were eliminated by Morocco in the quarter-finals.And they said farewell to the Portuguese fans in style with a comfortable victory over an Ireland team led by caretaker boss John O’Shea.Once again, it was Ronaldo front and centre for his country as he took his international tally to 130 goals in 207 matches.The first was particularly stunning as he cut inside and rifled a left-footed shot into the top corner after Joao Felix had given the hosts the lead.READ MORE ON EURO 2024And 10 minutes later, on the hour mark, Ronaldo made it three with another accomplished finish from inside the area passed Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher.The Real Madrid and Manchester United legend, 39, heads to a sixth Euros having already scored 14 goals in the tournament, five more than any other player ever.It remains unclear whether he will start the opening game as he fights with Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Ramos to lead the line.But that has not stopped fans from believing he will still top the goalscoring charts for a second successive Euros, having shared last tournament’s Golden Boot with Patrik Schick.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne said: “Fairs, he’s winning another Euros golden boot isn’t he?”Another added: “CRISTIANO RONALDO WHAT A GOAL! 🤯”Watch Cristiano Ronaldo laugh as he savages Arsenal when asked about making controversial transferWhile a third replied: “No way he’s 39 😭😭😭.”And a fourth responded: “Nah he’s actually gonna be playing in the 2026 World Cup 😭😭❤️❤️.”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

FOR Joe Hart, there is one reason that England do not have to worry about the man between the sticks.Five letters that sum up why Jordan Pickford is unchallenged as Gareth Southgate’s No 1.Joe Hart believes Jordan Pickford will be key for England at the EurosCredit: GettyThe former Three Lions goalie reckons Pickford has not put a foot wrong for his countryCredit: RexHart said: “It’s about trust. Jordan’s been exceptional for England, he really has.“I could go into the technicalities and things but the biggest compliment that could be paid is that the England manager trusts him, the England team trust him.“As a goalkeeper, that’s an incredible feeling and it’s one that’s not given out easily, it really isn’t.“If you look at the top keepers who have won things over the years, they have always been trusted by their team-mates.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“And Jordan is trusted by the fans as well, which is important for this England team. You want to feel liked, you want to feel loved. And I think he fully deserves that label.”Hart knows all about the pressure of being England’s last line of defence.First choice for Roy Hodgson in 2012, 2014 and 2016 — while Manchester City’s No 1 — Hart is the last keeper before Pickford to play tournament football for the Three Lions.This summer, after hanging up his gloves following a Treble in Scotland with Celtic — “I loved every moment of my three years there” — he will be in Germany as a  BBC pundit.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBut Hart has no doubts about Everton ace Pickford, even if some people think he gets too animated.Hart, now 37, was no shrinking violet himself but he added: “We’re all our own people. And Jordan does what’s right for him, to make him play his best.Tom Heaton reveals phone call from Gareth Southgate that saw Man Utd goalkeeper join up with England’s Euro 2024 squad“I’ve watched him through the years and I’d imagine people will pick up that he can have his own tendencies, when something goes well or something doesn’t.“But what matters is what works for him. No matter how you behave, you can’t fake anything. That he has the status he has means he’s doing something right.“Every single day his attitude is bang on. It sounds strange for that to be the biggest compliment I can give a goalkeeper.“But I promise you, as a feeling, to know you’re around people who believe in you, it allows you to be free and express yourself.“You’ve got to exude confidence to your defence.“When I was growing up I wanted to save everything and anything. But then I evolved as a person and a keeper. Goals will go in, mistakes happen.“We’re human. Stuff will happen, s*** will happen, sometimes — that’s life. But if you put yourself in the best position over and over you can feel  comfortable in a one-on-one situation, in a swerving shot situation — and bad things happen less.”While Hart knows what Pickford goes through every session, he has also had a close-up view of the bloke at the other end of Southgate’s team.Hart spent 2020-21 at Tottenham as Harry Kane won the Prem’s assist crown as well as the Golden Boot.And he recalled: “I have seen just how much he puts into every training session and I love it.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…

“I know  his qualities but what I really love is how he is spoken about by the people that really matter.“I don’t think anyone can speak highly enough of him as a player and as a professional and to hear those sorts of things — even someone like Harry Kane — that will feel good.“Harry is sensational. But what I love is he’s just THAT guy.“He’s improved and improved. From being very good, from being exceptional, from being beyond exceptional.“That’s really not an easy thing. It’s not down to talent. It’s down to attitude, down to will and desire and he’s an absolute example to every single footballer.”The big question, though, is whether this time it will come right for Kane and England. Hart said: “The optimism is  really high. But it’s backed by tournament performances, by guys who play at such a high level, repeatedly winning trophies.“The players put themselves under that pressure because they’re elite.“When you say ‘under pressure’, it sounds like a negative. But it’s a  positive. It’s a buzz.“It’s why they’re are playing at this level, because they can handle it.“They’ll say they feel like they’re going to win because that’s how they are, that’s how they’re built. I don’t see the harm in that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Sometimes you fall short. But it’s not through lack of effort, preparation, lack of desire or belief. There’s just millions of people around Europe who are trying to do the same thing.”JOE HART will be part of the BBC team in Germany.  Coverage of Uefa Euro 2024 will be available across BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, Radio, BBC Sounds and online.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More