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      9 things every Dream Team Euros gaffer needs to know before tournament begins

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      WITH just two days until Germany and Scotland get proceedings underway, Dream Team Euros managers should be close to a confirmed XI.Before you lock in you strategy for Matchday 1 once and for all, we want to ensure you’re fully clued up on the game rules and format.Here’s nine things you need to know before the action kicks off…Every manager should be fully prepared for the Euros… especially you, Gareth!Credit: Dream Team1. Penalty shootouts don’t countNo points will be scored during penalty shootouts once the tournament reaches the knockout stages.This means your goalkeepers won’t earn points for any saves they make in shootouts and your outfield players won’t be rewarded with a goal if they convert a spot-kick after extra time (or penalised for a miss).Penalties during normal time and extra time will count as normal.All scoring stops at the end of extra time – just like in our season fantasy game.2. Player prices will not change during the tournamentIn our season fantasy game, player prices fluctuate based on each individual’s form but that’s not the case in our Euros fantasy game.Every single player will remain at the same price no matter how many (or few) points they earn.Penalty shootouts don’t impact Dream Team Euros – which is handy for those backing England…Credit: AFP3. There are just seven Matchdays in totalMatchdays effectively work the same way as Gameweeks in our season fantasy game.Each Matchday, a term also used by Uefa, represents a different ’round’ of the tournament.
      Matchday 1 – first round of group fixtures (12 games)
      Matchday 2 – second round of groups fixtures (12 games)
      Matchday 3 – third round of group fixtures (12 games)
      Matchday 4 – round of 16 fixtures (8 games)
      Matchday 5 – quarter-finals (4 games)
      Matchday 6 – semi-finals (2 games)
      Matchday 7 – final (1 game)
      To be absolutely clear, the tournament is 31 days long but only seven Matchdays long.If in doubt, consult the Match Centre.4. Transfer allocation Now you know the exact definition of a Matchday, familiarise yourself with the transfer allocation for each stage of the tournament.
      Matchday 1 – unlimited transfers (prior to deadline)
      Matchday 2 – three transfers
      Matchday 3 – three transfers
      Matchday 4 – unlimited transfers (before round of 16)
      Matchday 5 – five transfers
      Matchday 6 – five transfers
      Matchday 7 – five transfers
      Channel your inner Didier Deschamps to take your XI deep into the tournamentCredit: AFP5. The deadline for each Matchday is one hour before the first fixtureMake sure your team is set up in advance of each Matchday deadline.Germany v Scotland kicks off at 8pm on Friday to get Matchday 1 underway which means you should have your XI locked in for the entire first round of group games by 7pm.The deadline for Matchday 2 is 1pm on Wednesday June 19th as that’s one hour before Croatia v Albania – the first fixture of the second round of group games.And so on.EUROS SCORE PREDICTOR IS HERE! CLICK PLAY FOR FREE NOW – £5,000 PRIZE POT!6. Each Booster can only be played once and never in combination with anotherEach of your three Boosters lasts the duration of one Matchday and since they can only be played one at a time, you’ll have a Booster active in three of the seven Matchdays overall.Here’s a reminder of each Booster’s effect:
      Goal Bonus – each goal scored by your players earns TEN points (instead of the usual six)
      12th Man – select an additional player from any position for free to score points for your team
      Max Captain – the player who earns the most points for your team will automatically be selected as captain, doubling their score
      Goal Bonus, you say?Credit: AP7. Goals are worth six points and assists are worth three pointsAttacking returns are more valuable than ever with an extra point for each goal and assist compared to previous Dream Team fantasy games.We’ve also improved the bonus point system for goalkeepers.More information on scoring, bonus points and player performance marks here.8. Your formation will automatically adapt to your player selectionsIf you initially opted for a 4-3-3 formation but later decide you want to switch to 3-4-3 then simply transfer out a defender and replace them with a midfielder – your formation will automatically change to accommodate your new recruit.As long as you’ve got at least three defenders, three midfielders and one striker, any formation you select will be valid.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      9. Beware unavailable players!We tried our best to predict the final squads for all 24 nations at the tournament well in advance of the deadline so that you could start tinkering with your XI as early as possible.While we correctly identified the vast majority of selected players, we obviously didn’t get it 100% correct – it’s impossible to predict late injury pullouts.It goes without saying that you should stay clear of the players who didn’t make the final cut at all costs – Jack Grealish, Francesco Acerbi, Frenkie de Jong, etc.Additionally, it you should endeavour to avoid injured players.Dominik Szoboszlai, Robert Lewandowski, Luke Shaw and Nicolo Barella are among the high-profile names currently considered unavailable or doubtful for Matchday 1.Please be aware the warning icons that appear next to player names in app and on site are advisory only – it’s always best to seek out more specific updates.If you’re still unsure of anything, you can read the full game rules here.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, GREAT FUN!Germany Legend Jurgen Klinsmann reveals which stars he’d pick in Dream Team Euros More

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      Poland vs Holland – Euro 2024: Koeman’s men handed timely boost with Lewandowski OUT for opener – stream FREE, team news

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      POLAND kick off their Euro 2024 campaign with a challenging fixture against Holland on Sunday.The two sides are set to meet at Volksparkstadion in Hamburg.Poland qualified for Euro 2024 through the play-offsCredit: APHolland booked their spot at the Euros after finishing second in their qualifying groupCredit: AFPPoland became the final team to qualify for this summer’s tournament after beating Wales in the play-offs.Meanwhile, Holland booked their spot back in November with a 1-0 win over Ireland.Both teams have been drawn in Group D, arguably one of the most difficult groups in the competition.They will also have to face two-time champions France and Ralf Rangnick’s Austria in a bid to qualify for the knockouts.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Managers Michal Probierz and Ronald Koeman will both be eager to kick off Euro 2024 with a win, with every point sure to be crucial in the group.However, Probierz has been handed a major setback with captain and top goalscorer Robert Lewandowski set to miss the team’s opening match.Path to the EurosHaving finished third in Group E qualifying behind Albania and Czech Republic, Poland had to book a spot through the play-offs.The Eagles defeated Estonia 5-1 in the semi-finals before beating Wales 5-4 on penalties in the final following a 0-0 draw.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, Holland finished second in Group B with 18 points from eight games to book an automatic qualification spot.Oranje beat Greece, Ireland and Gibraltar along the way and only struggled against France.Jack Wilshere, Jurgen Klinsmann and Gordon Strachan pick their ultimate Euro 2024 Dream TeamTeam NewsCaptain Lewandowski will not feature for Poland against Holland due to a thigh injury.The 35-year-old suffered the issue during a warm-up match against Turkey on Monday and was forced off after just 33 minutes.Robert Lewandowski has been ruled out of the matchCredit: GettyFrenkie de Jong will not feature at Euro 2024 due to injuryCredit: EPAAn official statement from the national team read: “Lewandowski suffered a rupture of the biceps femoris muscle, which will exclude him from the first match of the tournament.”Defender Pawel Dawidowicz and striker Karol Swiderski are also doubts for Sunday’s match due to injury.Meanwhile, Frenkie De Jong has been ruled out of the tournament for Holland due to an ankle issue.Midfielder Teun Koopmeiners will also be absent after suffering a groin injury just minutes before the team’s final warm-up match against Iceland on Monday.Ones to watchWith Lewandowski out injured, Sebastian Szymanski could be expected to create a spark from midfield.The 25-year-old scored 13 goals and provided 19 assists in 55 appearances for Fenerbahce this season and reportedly attracted interest from both Manchester United and Tottenham.As for Holland, Xavi Simons could be a standout star this summer.The 21-year-old enjoyed an impressive campaign at RB Leipzig on loan from Paris Saint-Germain this season, scoring 10 goals and providing 15 assists in 43 appearances.If he keeps up the good form, Simons could be in with a shout for Young Player of the Tournament.Head-to-HeadThese two sides have met 19 times in the past, with seven of those occasions ending in a draw.Poland have won just three times, with Holland taking nine wins.SunSport predictionLewandowski’s injury will be a huge blow to Poland and his absence could dramatically reduce the team’s goalscoring threat.The Eagles will also be coming up against a very strong defence armed with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake, Micky van de Ven and Matthijs de Ligt.Holland’s attack is also strong, so for that reason the Dutch could be in a good position to see out the game with a win.Prediction: Poland 0-2 HollandPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      When is Poland vs Holland?
      Holland’s opening game against Poland will take place on Sunday, June 16.
      The game will kick off at 2pm BST.
      The Volksparkstadion in Hamburg will play host to the big game.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      Poland vs Holland will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Can I watch for FREE?
      Yes, the game is available for FREE on BBC One, so long as you have a TV licence.
      READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
      Poland – 4/1
      Draw – 3/1
      Holland – 4/6
      *Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication. More

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      Euro 2024: Millions of footie-mad workers ‘could be sacked’ for pulling sickie on Monday after first game, expert warns

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      MILLIONS of footie-mad workers could be sacked for pulling a sickie after the first match of the Euros, a legal expert warns.The tournament – hosted in Germany – kicks off on Friday, with England’s opening game on Sunday as they bid to win their first major trophy in 58 years.Many fans are likely to try pull a sickie after England’s opening game on SundayCredit: GettyA legal firm has warned employers could be within their rights to take disciplinary actionCredit: GettyNina Farooqi was sacked after skipping work to go watch England in Euro 2020Credit: NINA FAROOQIHer bosses spotted her on TV celebrating Harry Kane’s winner against DenmarkCredit: NINA FAROOQI/ITVWith many Three Lions fans expected to watch the match down the pub, many could be tempted to stay in bed on Monday with a hangover.However, employment lawyers at Richard Nelson LLP have encouraged football supporters to think twice before faking illness.It comes after office worker Nina Farooqi was sacked after her bosses spotted her on TV celebrating a Harry Kane goal at Wembley during Euro 2020.Jayne Harrison, head of employment law at the firm, said with England this year’s favourites, excitement is likely to “reach fever pitch over the coming days”. Read more sport newsBut she warned people to be careful.”If an employer thinks their employee has called in sick and it is not genuine – such as to recover from a hangover – then they can investigate the case and may take disciplinary action over unauthorised absence,” she said.“For those wanting to indulge on Sunday night we’d encourage you to book annual leave for the following Monday, avoiding not turning up for work at all or worse being dismissed.”She added: “Over the last few years companies across the country have embraced flexible working and we’d encourage them to do so during the Euros.” Most read in FootballThis has included companies allowing staff to finish early or work remotely.Full strength beer at England vs Serbia AXED and replaced by low alcohol brew amid threat of boozed-up ultras violenceNina, then-37 had wrapped an England flag around her and was seated right behind the goal for the magical moment as the Three Lions defeated Denmark. But she was brought back down to earth with a bump when her boss called her the morning after to fire her for going to the historic game. Nina, from Ilkley, Bradford, had pulled a sickie to go to the game with her pal who had won a last minute ticket in a ballot. Speaking to The Telegraph, Nina said: “It’s mixed emotions: we’re through to the final, I’m still on that high, but I’ve also lost my job.”Footie fans were given similar warnings ahead of the World Cup in Qatar in November 2022.One in three Brits planned to “pull a sickie” for England’s opening game – which fell during the working day, according to a poll of 2,000 people.How England are likely to line up on Sunday
      England kick off Euro 2024 on Sunday. But how are they likely to line-up?
      Key Man: Jude Bellingham
      Arguably the best player on the planet right now.
      His world class performances at Real Madrid give England the perfect platform to dominate big games.
      Likely line-up
      Southgate doesn’t experiment much, so the team is certain to play 4-2-3-1, with many of the players locked in.
      The only real doubts are who plays at left-back, where Luke Shaw will play if fit or if not it will probably be Kieran Trippier.
      And alongside Declan Rice in midfield where Kobbie Mainoo and Trent Alexander-Arnold will be the main contenders, along with Conor Gallagher.
      Much will depend on just how daring Southgate decides to be.
      Prediction
      England are firm favourites to top the table after their very friendly draw, and would be set to play the best third placed team from Group D/E/F.
      SunSport reckon that it could be one of Austria, Czech Republic or Slovakia.
      Progressing from the last 16 would set up a predicted tie against Italy in the quarter-final on July 6.
      The game would be a rematch of the Euro 2020 final, which the Italians won on penalties.
      England could then play France in the semi-final, giving Harry Kane a chance to get revenge on Les Bleus after his missed penalty in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final.
      In the final, the likes of Germany, Spain, Portugal could be the opponents. England will do well to equal their run to the final of Euro 2020

      If correct, it meant a third of workers really do call in sick that means 11 million fans could be dodging their jobs to watch the Three Lions.England will be based in Blankenhain in the east German countryside for the tournament, and are set to stay at the five-star Weimarer Land Spa and Golf resort.Boss Gareth Southgate made the controversial decision to drop Manchester City winger Jack Grealish, 28, along with Tottenham playmaker James Maddison, 27, from his squad ahead of the tournament.Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, 31, has also not travelled with the team, due to ongoing injury recovery.However, the Three Lions have been boosted today with all players, including injury-doubt Luke Shaw – taking part in the first training session.Southgate has taken inspiration from Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann in his preparation.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat’s seen England borrow a big screen from RB Leipzig to help with their sessions.The screen will allow Southgate to forensically analyse videos from training and lecture his players after sessions.Gareth Southgate looks on during a training session at Spa & Golf Resort Weimarer LandCredit: GettyHarry Kane and Kyle Walker playfully tussle in front of manager SouthgateCredit: GettyJude Bellingham, Lewis Dunk and Southgate sign autographs for fans following a training sessionCredit: Getty More

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      John Stones forced to miss England training with illness just days before Euro 2024 opener against Serbia

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      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

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      England stars loving video producer who is Ben Chilwell doppelganger as they give him new nickname

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      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

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      Former England star Joe Hart reveals plans for career change to ‘educate people’ ahead of new job at Euro 2024

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      FORMER England goalkeeper Joe Hart has announced that he will become a pundit ahead of Euro 2024 this summer.The 37-year-old retired from professional football last month following his final match for Celtic.Joe Hart is set to become a pundit ahead of Euro 2024Credit: GettyHart wants to ‘educate’ people about goalkeepingCredit: PAHe is now set to try his hand at a new career – talking about the game from a goalkeeper’s perspective.Hart will work for the BBC at Euro 2024 starting this month.The Manchester City icon has revealed he wants to “educate people” about goalkeeping and give them an improved understanding on the position.In a column for BBC Sport, he wrote: “The reason I wanted to get into punditry is to educate people who are interested in goalkeeping, and hopefully I can help people understand the position a bit better.READ MORE ON EURO 2024″I’ll be trying my best to do that by giving a goalkeeper’s perspective, which can be very different to that of an outfield player.”Sometimes when a goal goes in, the analysis you see on TV is about how the keeper should have done better, or has made a mistake.”That can be the case, of course, and I am not here to protect goalkeepers from criticism, but part of the way I analysed my own performances during my career was to work out exactly why things happened.”He went on to add: “I am going to listen to everyone around me, make the most of their experience and take in as much as possible – I am open-minded, open-eyed and looking forward to everything the next few weeks might bring.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in fullHere’s how each channel will line-up:
      BBC presenters:
      Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman
      ITV presenters:
      Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods 
      BBC pundits:
      Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden
      ITV pundits:
      Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina Unkel
      BBC commentators:
      Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce
      ITV commentators:
      Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight
      BBC co-commentators:
      Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFadden
      ITV co-commentators:
      Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend

      Hart also revealed that he deliberately decided against taking any coaching badges.He wrote: “I haven’t taken any coaching badges, which was a deliberate decision.The Sun’s Nick Parker reports from England’s first training session in Germany ahead of Euros 2024″For some people, coaching or managing is the obvious option when they stop playing, but it is not something that has ever been ingrained in me.”Hart kicked off his professional career with Shrewsbury Town in 2004 before joining Man City two years later.He went on to spend 12 years with the Sky Blues, making 348 appearances.The goalkeeper then joined Burnley in a £3.5million transfer and spent two seasons at Turf Moor before completing a move to Tottenham, where he became the club’s back-up keeper.Hart ended his playing career with Celtic last month after a three-season spell in Scotland.On top of his club career, he was also capped 75 times for England.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

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      Gareth Southgate takes leaf out of Jose Mourinho’s book with England training tactic ahead of Euro 2024

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      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

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      Jurgen Klinsmann backs hosts Germany to deliver Dream Team Euros glory – take him on with £50,000 up for grabs!

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      IS Jurgen Klinsmann’s selection “sehr gut” or can you do better?If you think you can, you might just win BIG because Dream Team Euros is BACK with a colossal £50,000 in prize money up for grabs!Play Dream Team Euros NOW!Jurgen Klinsmann has selected both Harry Kane and Kylian MbappeCredit: GETTYThat’s right, our legendary free-to-play fantasy football game returns with the winner set to pocket a stunning £25,000!There’s £5,000 for the runner-up and £1,000 each for gaffers who finish between 3rd to 22nd.It’s well worth a go, and that’s what Germany hero Jurgen Klinsmann has done.The former Tottenham and Bayern Munich striker, 59, has even gone as far as to set up his own Celebrity League, which you can join right now using the PIN: EUJURGENPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      Immediately there looks to be an opportunity for gaffers to get the edge over Klinsmann with the German having selected Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario (£3m) between the sticks.There’s no doubting Vicario’s ability, but it does seem unlikely that Gianluigi Donnarumma (£4m) will be dropped from Italy’s starting XI.Klinsmann has opted for three at the back with Germany’s attacking full-back Maximilian Mittelstadt (£3.5m), Italy’s Alessandro Bastoni (£4m) and Spain’s Alejandro Grimaldo (£4.5m), who enjoyed a stunning campaign with Bayer Leverkusen (12 goals and 14 assists).Jurgen Klinsmann has included three from hosts GermanyCredit: DREAM TEAMAge is clearly just a number for Klinsmann, who’s selected 38-year-old Luka Modric (£4m) and 32-year-old Christian Eriksen (£3m) in his midfield – although both are set-piece takers for their respective nations.They’re joined by Spanish midfield maestro Rodri (£4m), and flanked by attacking German duo Jamal Musiala (£4.5m) and Florian Wirtz (£4.5m).It’s not too difficult to see where the majority of Klinsmann’s budget has gone. He’s spent a lofty £15million on blockbuster strikers Harry Kane (£7.5m) and Kylian Mbappe (£7.5m), who could fire him to glory in Dream Team Euros.Think you could do better? Come and play Dream Team – and join Jurgen’s league using PIN: EUJURGEN and prove it!Dream Team’s Nick Elliott previews this summer’s Euros fantasy game More