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      Full strength beer at England vs Serbia AXED and replaced by low alcohol brew amid threat of boozed-up ultras violence

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      GERMANY has axed full strength beer from all menus inside the stadium set to host the huge England against Serbia clash on Sunday.Fans have also been banned from drinking in their seats in a major shake up just days before the tournament begins amid fears of boozy bust-ups between England fans and Serbian ultras.Full strength beer at the England versus Serbia game has been banned and replaced with low alcohol boozeCredit: GettyThe ban comes amid fears over surging fan violence between boozy England fans and Serbian hooligansCredit: ReutersSerbian ultras have been known to cause chaos on the international stage by causing fires in the stands, brawls with rival fans and even pitch invasionsCredit: PAGerman cops have said that a 500-strong army of ‘violence-seeking ­Serbian ­hooligans’ could descend on Sunday’s gameCredit: AlamyThe Three Lions opening match at the Veltins-Arena is already set to be a feisty affair after German cops labelled the match “very high risk”.Peter Both, the chief of police in Gelsenkirchen where the game will be played, also claimed “up to 400 or 500 ­violence-seeking ­Serbian ­hooligans will travel to ­Germany” ahead of the game.Euro 2024 security operations have drastically been forced to tighten over the last few days in light of the fan violence revelations.With limiting the number of drunk supporters being a top priority. read more Euros 2024The Veltins-Arena will now only be allowed to serve beer that is less than one per cent in strength, say reports.Chief Inspector Christof Burghardt told Sky News: “Serbia has many hooligans. The English guys, with alcohol, they are sometimes very aggressive.”Roughly 500,000 Serbs live in Germany and there are fears some may travel to Gelsenkirchen specifically to cause trouble.With one East European media platform already vowing daily updates from the Euros “where we will cover the matches and, above all, events outside the stadium”.Most read in Euro 2024A special focus will be at the Trabrennbahn racecourse where there is a 40,000 fan zone set to host Three Lions fans for the Serbia game.Both told The Guardian: “I guess the biggest challenge for us will be to identify violent, disruptive groups at an early stage, to separate them from peaceful and law-abiding fans, that will be our biggest challenge.”Shocking moment Red Star hooligans storm Man City bar and beat supporters with sticks ahead of Champions League clashOver 50,000 litres of lager was originally expected to be sold to fans going to the game on June 16. Officials wanted to ban booze altogether for the Serbia clash before German cops stepped in and agreed to sell lager.The UK Foreign Office has been warning fans over their alcohol consumption out in Germany after it was revealed their booze is up to one per cent stronger than in the UK.They told Brits: “Beer can be stronger than in the UK, so drink responsibly, know your limits and respect local laws. “You may not be let into the stadium if you drink too much.”Serbian ultra groups such as Headhunters and Gravediggers are among some of the most feared football fans in Europe.They have regularly caused riots on the streets and fierce fights up in the stands at international matches – even by pitch invading and attacking rival players.With England fans also being known for causing havoc at football matches through distasteful chants, alcohol-fuelled ventures and their undying arrogance over the team’s ability on the pitch.Rowdy Three Lions fans and ruthless Serbian ultras are flocking to Germany over the weekend to take part in what could be one of the most volatile games of the tournament.However, Germany’s experience with hosting major widescale sporting events before means they are well prepared for issues.A UK law enforcement source told the i: “If you were going to hold this tournament at this time anywhere apart from the UK, then you would choose Germany.”They have a lot of experience at this kind of thing and they are putting in place a comprehensive system.“But it’s a complex picture and unfortunately England fans are still regarded as fair game, or even desirable targets, by opposing hooligan groupings.”There is particular concern about the Serbia game.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAround 22,000 federal police officers will be on duty every day of the tournament across Germany.With officers from across the continent being on high alert for any potential suspects at borders and train stations.Are the Serbs the most notorious football fans?FROM pitch raids to mass brawls and death threats, Serbian hooligans are known wreak havoc and create carnage during football games.
      Die-hard groups of hooligans are intertwined with football in Serbia – and they are known for ruthlessly attacking players on the pitch and storming opposition stalls when the match turns against them.
      Hooligan firms in the Balkan state have chilling names such as The Gravediggers, Head Hunters, Zulu Warriors, and the Red Devils.
      And one of their most vicious leaders is known as “Ivan the Terrible”.
      In 2012, Ivan – who has been linked to Serbian far-right paramilitaries – forced a Euros qualifying match between Serbia and Italy in Genoa to be abandoned after trying to attack rival fans and police.
      He rallied supporters to lob live flares and bangers onto the pitch as players warmed up and ordered them to break down barriers separating them from Italian fans while taunting police.
      Tracing their lineage back to the Balkan war of the 1990s, Serb football hooligans are renowned for their tough-as-nails attitude and love of violence.
      They are known for throwing live bangers at players who have switched sides and invading the pitches when games don’t go their way.
      In the past, the Ultras have killed rival fans – including a Toulouse supporter in 2009 who was beaten to death with iron bars and bicycle chains.

      England fans run from tear gas thrown by cops after they were ambushed by Russian supporters at the 2016 EurosCredit: Getty Images – GettyThere will also be a tightened police presence at the game as there is at many Serbian games due to their fansCredit: EPABeer around the stadium has also been placed under strict rules, claim reportsCredit: Alamy More

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      England’s Euro 2024 rivals Denmark fly into pitch storm after arriving in Germany with major disruption to training

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      ENGLAND’S group opponents Denmark flew into a pitch storm as they arrived in Germany.A new surface was laid at the Danes’ training ground in Freudenstadt, near Baden-Baden in the south-west of Germany, earlier this month.Denmark arrived in Germany for Euro 2024 on MondayCredit: GETTYThe Danes are far from happy with the new turf laid down at their training baseCredit: GETTYBut panicking Uefa chiefs ordered parts of the pitch to be ripped up and relaid on Monday over worries that the newly laid grass had not set properly.Large areas of the pitch had been discoloured and were peeled off and replaced with new rolls of grass imported from Holland.The pitch was supposed to be relaid in April but that was delayed because of a late covering of snow, meaning hurried work on June 2.Yet even as Kasper Hjulmand’s squad – including Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund, his Old Trafford team-mate Christian Eriksen and Spurs midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – were leaving Copenhagen yesterday morning, work was still taking place to try to get the training ground fit for purpose.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Karsten Paaske, head of the Danish Groundsman Association, warned: “When you build a new grass pitch, it must have time to settle.“That usually takes several weeks, not just a few hours.”And with the team training straightaway then the pitch will not have enough time to rest. “If it were me, I’d have a stomach ache!”Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSDenmark Euro 2024 guideTHE winners of Euro 1992 will be hoping for another unlikely surge to the latter stages under boss Kasper Hjulmand.
      The spirit of the squad cannot be questioned after they recovered from Christian Eriksen’s collapse to make it to the Euro 2020 semi-finals and give England a scare.
      MANAGER: Kasper Hjulmand
      Played in America for North Florida Ospreys and became Thomas Tuchel’s successor at Mainz in 2014. 
      KEY MAN: Rasmus Hojlund
      One of few bright sparks as Man Utd finished a dismal eighth in the Premier League. Can cause problems with his tireless work ethic and clinical finishing.
      How Denmark attack
      Denmark are very structured and patient in the way they attack.
      They will often push a midfielder up to join the three strikers and attempt to create a four-man overload.
      How Denmark defend
      While Denmark attack in a 4-3-3, or even a 4-2-2, they will drop into a deeper 5-4-1 out of possession.
      They will wait patiently for the right moment to press and recover quickly if the opposition attempt to play over the top.
      Read the full Denmark Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags

      Denmark will be looking to United hitman Hojlund to fire them to the last-16 of Euro 204 and beyond.But the 21-year-old’s tournament looked to be in limbo when he was on the receiving end of a nasty tackle from Leo Ostigard in Denmark’s 3-1 win over Norway last Friday.Watch Rasmus Hojlund’s boozy dancing with Scott McTominay’s girlfriend as new video emerges from Man Utd’s FA Cup partyHojlund, however, walked away from the tussle unscathed.In an interview with Bold, the former Atalanta man said of the incident: “I got to tell Leo quietly that I think it’s fine.”He says sorry to me, but I just tell him it’s fine. I have no problem with that.“It was the others who wanted to defend me,” adds Man United’s number 11, his incensed Denmark team-mates rushing to protect their biggest goal threat.“And that just shows how close we are here in the squad. “Full respect to both my team-mates and Leo; he wants to go to the limit.“[But] we are so close to something that is important. It would be a real pity to go out [of the Euros] with an injury.” More

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      We reveal our Bracket Challenge predictions for the Euros – take us on and compete for iPhone 15 Pro Max!

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      Euro 2024 is fast approaching which means time is running out to enter our free-to-play game BRACKET CHALLENGE.It couldn’t be easier to play, simply predict the standings for the group stage and the resulting outcomes of the knockout fixtures before the action gets underway at 8pm on June 14th.You’ll earn points for accurate predictions and if you rack up more than any other user, you’ll win an iPhone 15 Pro Max* (worth £1,199).PLAY EUROS BRACKET CHALLENGE NOW – FREE TO PLAY, IPHONE 15 PRO MAX UP FOR GRABS!Enter before Germany v Scotland gets underway at 8pm this Friday!Credit: Dream TeamIn the spirit of transparency, we’re prepared to reveal our own Bracket Challenge predictions (not that we’re experts).GROUP A
      Germany
      Hungary
      Scotland
      Swizterland
      Hungary went unbeaten in qualifying and have produced impressive performances against England, Germany and Italy in recent times so we’re backing them to finish as runners-up to the hosts – sorry, Scotland!There’s a bit of dissension in the Swiss ranks and a sense that they lack inspiration up top – Xherdan Shaqiri is still a key player for them in attack which doesn’t seem ideal in 2024.GROUP B
      Spain
      Croatia
      Italy
      Albania
      An ultra competitive group and one that could get rough for Albania in a hurry.Spain looked better in qualifying than Italy and Croatia with La Roja also buoyed by success in the most recent Nations League.Luka Modric and company tend to prefer World Cups to Euros but a 2-1 win over Portugal in a pre-tournament friendly served as a reminder of their potential.Group B looks very competitive on paperCredit: GettyGROUP C
      England
      Denmark
      Serbia
      Slovenia
      Defeat to Iceland at Wembley served as a reality check for England but the quality of their attacking options (Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, etc) should serve them well in Germany.We found it difficult to rank the other three teams in this group but Denmark have several good centre-backs and a solid spine.Serbia are dangerous but unpredictable while Slovenia will probably rely on Benjamin Sesko to score their goals. GROUP D
      France
      Netherlands
      Austria
      Poland
      Ralf Rangnick has stirred optimism among Austria fans who believe their side could upset the odds but we’ve decided to play it safe and back France and Netherlands in the automatic places.Poland have had a couple of good friendly results and in Robert Lewandowski they have what many other nations lack, a world-class goalscorer, but they’re a tad uninspiring if truth be told.EUROS SCORE PREDICTOR IS HERE! CLICK HERE TO PLAY FOR FREE – £5,000 PRIZE POT!England have the talent but question marks in defenceCredit: AFPGROUP E
      Belgium
      Ukraine
      Romania
      Slovakia
      Belgium have seemingly been dealt a favourable group and for all their struggles against top teams, they tend to get the job done against lower-ranked sides without too much stress.Ukraine finished level on points with Italy in qualifying in a group that also included England – they’ve gone toe-to-toe with several fancied countries in recent times so they get the nod over Romania and Slovakia.GROUP F
      Portugal
      Turkey
      Czechia
      Georgia
      Portugal dominated qualifying (most goals scored, fewest goals conceded, ten wins from ten) albeit in a friendly group and Roberto Martinez has selected balanced squad bursting with talent.The last time Turkey were labelled ‘dark horses’ they capitulated entirely so we won’t go that far but they did finish above Croatia in qualifying.That being said, they’re without a win in their last five games which is a concern.To complete the round of 16 line-up we need to select the four best third-place finishers:
      Scotland
      Italy
      Austria
      Romania
      Love you really, Scotland!Credit: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty ImagesOnto the knockouts now and we’ve highlighted our predicted winners in bold…ROUND OF 16
      SPAIN v Austria
      GERMANY v Denmark
      PORTUGAL v Italy
      NETHERLANDS v Ukraine
      BELGIUM v Scotland
      FRANCE v Turkey
      ENGLAND v Romania
      Hungary v CROATIA
      A safe set of predictions across the board with Portugal v Italy being the standout match-up.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      QUARTER-FINALS
      SPAIN v Germany
      PORTUGAL v Netherlands
      Belgium v FRANCE
      ENGLAND v Croatia
      We tossed a coin for Spain v Germany.Pessimistic England fans certainly wouldn’t look forward to a meeting with Croatia in the last eight – the ghosts of 2018 still haunt these lands.It’s hard to look past Kylian Mbappe and friendsCredit: GettySEMI-FINALS
      Spain v PORTUGAL
      FRANCE v England
      France have made the final in three of the last four major tournaments so we allowed our head to rule our heart on this occasion.Nobody likes a jinx anyway…And let’s have Portugal to face Les Bleus in a repeat of the Euro 2016 final.FINAL
      Portugal v FRANCE
      Is it boring to predict glory for Kylian Mbappe and company? Probably.But here’s the thing, Bracket Challenge is all about earning points for accuracy so it’s best to keep your zany predictions holstered unless you truly believe in them.No doubt we’ve overlooked the potential for some exciting upsets so show us how it’s done by playing Bracket Challenge before Friday’s curtain-raiser between Germany and Scotland kicks off!Dream Team’s Nick Elliott previews this summer’s Euros fantasy game More

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      Chelsea star Ian Maatsen trades luxury holiday on half-a-million pound yacht for shock Netherlands Euro 2024 call-up

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      CHELSEA ace Ian Maatsen had to dump his glitzy summer holidays to compete in Euro 2024 for the Netherlands.Maatsen, 22, spent the season on loan at Borussia Dortmund where he shone bright as he helped the Bundesliga giants reach the Champions League final where they lost 2-0 to Real Madrid.Chelsea ace Ian Maatsen had to cut his sunny holidays to Greece shortCredit: instagram @maatsen_Maatsen has linked up with the Netherlands for Euro 2024 after a late call-upCredit: GettyMaatsen stood out at Borussia Dortmund during his loan stint from ChelseaHowever, the full-back was initially left out of Ronald Koeman’s squad for the European championship in Germany, much to the surprise of many.Thus, the Dutchman decided to spend his summer holidays in Greece with his girlfriend where he would regroup while enjoying some sunshine.The defender sailed for Mykonos and shared some snaps of his luxurious holiday on social media aboard his £564,000 yacht.Maatsen and his girlfriend looked set for a month-long vacation in the Med while island hopping on a Hermes Yacht.Read More on FootballHowever, the left-back finally got the call from the Dutch national team and immediately swapped the sunny Greek weather for Germany’s rainy and cloudy climate.Koeman has been dealt a couple of devastating injury blows with both Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong and Atalanta ace Teun Koopmeiners ruled out of the tournament.So the ex-Everton boss decided to shake things up and gave Maatsen a call so the player could fly to Wolfsburg for training.Netherlands’ Euro campaign kicks off on Sunday when they take on Poland at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSKoeman’s men are facing a daunting task as they have been drawn in Group D, which also includes Austria and France.Maatsen could now play a major role in the tournament following an impressive campaign that saw him register a total of 38 appearances for Dortmund.A look at Chelsea’s forgotten wonderkidsThe wideman also made the Champions League’s Team of the Season – this all comes after another successful loan stint at Burnley whom he helped earn Premier League promotion last year.However, it doesn’t seem certain that Maatsen will be returning to Chelsea this summer as he prefers a permanent move to Dortmund, just like Manchester United ace Jadon Sancho.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTChelsea ace Maatsen wants to stay at Dortmund next seasonNetherlands Euro 2024 guideRONALD KOEMAN has overhauled Holland’s playing style after returning for a second stint in charge.

      Captain Virgil van Dijk will be expected to be a stalwart in defence while Xavi Simons will be hoping for a breakout tournament. But they may miss injured Frenkie de Jong.
      MANAGER: Ronald Koeman
      Ex-Barcelona and Everton boss was the scourge of England as a player when he knocked Graham Taylor’s side out of World Cup qualifying in 1994.
      STAR MAN: Virgil van Dijk
      Liverpool star has won everything there is to win at club level and will be counted on to keep things tight at the back.
      How Holland attack
      The Netherlands will play with a typically Dutch patient possession-based build-up.
      They will stagger their positions to play through the lines, but can be overly individualistic in the final third.
      How Holland defend
      The Dutch will play with a medium block, allowing the opposition to break the first line before engaging in the midfield area.
      They can run into problems when they fail to protect the middle of the pitch.
      Read the full Netherlands 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags More

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      Arsenal star Ben White rides speedboat on holiday and attends wedding with wife amid England Euro 2024 exile

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      BEN WHITE got over his England snub as he relaxed on a speedboat and went to a wedding.The Arsenal star was not selected for Euro 2024 by manager Gareth Southgate.Ben White and Milly jetted off to a weddingCredit: Instagram @millywhiteWhite relaxed in the sun after not being chosen for the England squadCredit: Instagram @millywhiteMilly dressed to impress as she strutted down the streetCredit: Instagram @benwhiteThe pair enjoyed a trip on a speedboatCredit: Instagram @millywhiteWhite, 26, did not earn a place on the plane to Germany – so instead jetted off on holiday.He was joined by his wife Milly, 27, as the couple soaked up the sun abroad.The four-time capped international posted a picture of his other half on Instagram as she strutted down the street in a stylish jacket and sunglasses.And Milly posted snaps of the loved-up duo celebrating pals Harry and Gabi’s wedding.READ MORE ON EURO 2024White was dressed to impress in a black tuxedo and bow tie.While on holiday, they relaxed together with a glass of sparkling water before taking a ride on a speedboat.Their day ended by watching the sunset from a balcony.White was not chosen for the Euros after he mysteriously left England’s camp half way through the 2022 World Cup.Most read in Euro 2024Ben White’s England timeline

      June 2021: White makes England debut
      July 2021: He doesn’t play at the delayed Euro 2020 during England’s run to the final
      March 2022: White’s last Three Lions appearance
      November 2022: White departs England’s World Cup camp for personal reasons
      March 2024: Arsenal star makes himself unavailable for friendlies
      May 2024: Southgate does not select White for Euro 2024

      There was rumours of a bust-up with assistant manager Steve Holland.Southgate has denied there has been a falling out.Gareth Southgate reveals Ben White told England he did not want to be called up but boss denies rift with Arsenal star Ahead of friendlies against Brazil and Belgium in March, White made himself unavailable for the fixtures.He instead flew out to Dubai with his wife for another getaway.On his Euros omission, Southgate said: “I didn’t speak to Ben, as far as I know he’s not available to us.”Ben White married Milly last yearCredit: Instagram @millywhiteTheir relationship went public in 2022Credit: Instagram @milly_adamsMilly works as a modelMilly has 26,800 followersEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

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      Gareth Southgate handed huge England injury boost as ALL 26 stars train ahead of Euro 2024 opener

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      ENGLAND have trained for the first time since arriving in Germany for the European Championships.And Gareth Southgate’s troops have given him a huge boost ahead of their tournament opener.England arrived in Germany for Euro 2024 on Monday night and had their first training session at the Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld on TuesdayCredit: THE FAGareth Southgate was sweating on the fitness of five players just a few days agoCredit: GETTYBut all 26 players took part in the team’s first training sessionCredit: GETTYBukayo Saka was one of the five injury concerns Southgate but took part in the sessionCredit: REUTERSLuke Shaw was also a doubt but looked to be in tip-top conditionCredit: REUTERSThe Three Lions were put through a wide array of drills and stretches during the open workoutCredit: REUTERSSkipper Harry Kane led from the front during the sessionCredit: THE FAJude Bellingham was all smiles – as he was for most of the 2023/24 seasonCredit: GETTYOne of the young fans in attendance showed their support for BellinghamCredit: ReutersThe Three Lions touched down in Germany on Monday night to begin their pursuit of the Henri Delaunay Trophy.England – who will be looking to go one better than their appearance in the Euro 2020 final – have set up base camp at the luxury Spa and Golf Resort Weimarer Land in the small town of Blankenhain.And they’ve wasted no time preparing for what they hope will be a successful five-week-long campaign.They held their first training session at the Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld in Jena on Tuesday afternoon.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSAnd Southgate was given a much-needed boost as his entire squad took part in the session.Southgate was reportedly sweating on the fitness of FIVE players ahead of England’s Group C opener on Sunday night.It was claimed that Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, John Stones, Luke Shaw and star midfielder Jude Bellingham were all injury concerns.The Telegraph reported the quintet would all have to be checked over ahead of their clash with Serbia.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHarry Kane led by example during the sessionCredit: REUTERSGareth Southgate was on hand to give his skipper instructionsCredit: GETTYPhil Foden, Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainno go through the motionsCredit: GETTYThe mood was a jovial oneCredit: THE FAEven Southgate found the time to have a laughCredit: REUTERSFormer Tottenham team-mates Kane and Kieran Trippier have a chuckle with SouthgateCredit: THE FAKane was at one point floored by laughterCredit: AFPEngland’s hopes of winning the tournament will hinge on Bellingham replicating his Real Madrid formCredit: PABut the Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid stars all took part in the first training session.England’s hopes of ending their 58-year wait for a trophy will likely depend on Bellingham replicating the scintillating form he had in his debut season with Real.Harry Kane reveals his ‘perfect outcome’ before heading off to EurosBut Southgate has warned his troops they can’t rely on the 20-year-old to fire them to glory.He said: “I’m sure he will but it is not his responsibility to do that.“It is for all of us to get the focus right, to make sure our mentality is right and make sure we’re working on the areas that need to be better than against Iceland.“We are not putting everything on Jude.“We’ve got a lot of good players and it is a collective thing to go and try to win this tournament.“If we are relying on one person, that isn’t going to be a team that wins.”Southgate took England to the brink of Euro glory three years ago, guiding his side to the final at Wembley.But the Three Lions suffered heartache as they lost on penalties to Italy.Southgate believes his current crop of stars have what it takes to go one better in Germany.The 53-year-old, however, has admitted he likely won’t be in charge of the team if they come up short again.He told Bild: “If we don’t win, I probably won’t be here anymore.“Then it might be the last chance. “I think about half of the national coaches leave after a tournament – that’s the nature of international football. “I’ve been here for almost eight years now and we’ve come close. READ MORE SUN STORIES”So, I know that you can’t keep standing in front of the public and saying ‘please do a little more’, because at some point people will lose faith in your message. “If we want to be a big team and I want to be a top coach, then you have to deliver in the big moments.” More

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      Italy vs Albania – Euro 2024: Defending champions get tournament underway against minnows – stream FREE, TV, team news

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      EUROPEAN champions Italy and surprise package Albania are set for their Euro 2024 opener as part of the toughest group in the competition.The Azzurri and the Albanian national team face off on Saturday at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.Italy will be hoping to retain their European title crown at Euro 2024Credit: ReutersAlbania shocked the continent after advancing to the finals of Euro 2024Credit: AFPThe two teams are part of the fiery Group B, which also includes Spain and Croatia.Italy are looking to defend their European crown after beating England on penalties at Wembley back in Euro 2020.The reigning champions have won the competition twice and made two more finals.However, the Italian national team haven’t been the same since their last title as they missed out on the 2022 World Cup.Read More on FootballNevertheless, Luciano Spalletti’s side still star power with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco and Juventus’ Federico Chiesa available.They are joined by Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario and Arsenal’s Jorginho.Albania are set for their second Euros competition after their debut in 2016.And manager Sylvinho will be able to rely on experienced players, such as Brentford’s Thomas Strakosha, Atalanta’s Berat Djimsiti, Lazio’s Elseid Hysaj, Sassuolo’s Marash Kumbulla and Chelsea’s Armando Broja.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSInter Milan star Kristjan Asllani is also expected to play a big part in Germany.Path to the EurosItaly made it to Euro 2024 as runners-up during the qualifying stage as they finished behind England in Group C.How France can win Euro 2024The Azzurri bested Ukraine, North Macedonia and Malta but didn’t look particularly impressive after just four wins and two losses.Albania, on the other hand, surprised the continent when they topped Group E.Sylvinho’s underdogs overcame runners-up Czech Republic as well as Poland, Moldova and the Faroe Islands with four wins and one loss.Team NewsItaly boss Luciano Spalletti has no injuries heading to the Euro 2024 opener.But Spalletti is not without notable absences as Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali will miss the tournament after he was banned for 10 months in October following betting breaches.Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie, on the other hand, has been sidelined due to a quad injury.The same goes for Aston Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo, Inter Milan’s Francesco Acerbi and Atalanta Giorgio Scalvini.Albania boss Sylvinho is set to field a fully fit squad this weekend.Ones to watchItaly have a raft of stars to help them in their bid to retain their title.Inter Milan star Davide Frattesi stood out in the qualifying stage with four goals for his national team.Frattesi also registered eight goals and seven assists in 42 appearances for Inter this season.However, the opposition will want to be especially careful of Federico Chiesa, Jorginho, Nicolo Barella and of course Gianluca Scamacca who helped Atalanta win the Europa League.Albania will heavily rely on Armando Broja’s brilliance but Gwangju’s Jasir Asani and Sassuolo’s Nedim Bajrami have proven to be reliable.Head-to-HeadItaly and Albania’s first ever match took place in 2014 during an international friendly that the former won 1-0.Since then, the Azzurri have won all of their four meetings across all competitions.The Italians have scored seven goals along the way while the Albanians only managed one.This is the first time ever the two teams face off in the finals of an international competition.SunSport PredictionItaly pose as the favourites as they have the star power and the experience. However, the Azzurri haven’t been as impressive as they were four years ago and will have to be careful against Albania who have been creating upsets the last two years.Prediction: 2-1PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      When is Italy vs Albania?
      Italy’s opening game against Albania will take place on Saturday, June 15.
      The clash will kick off at 8pm BST.
      Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund will play host to the game.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      Italy vs Albania 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
      Italy – 7/20
      Draw – 19/5
      Albania – 17/2
      *Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

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      Claim a completely FREE £2 bet for Serbia vs England at Euro 2024 with Betfred

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      BETFRED are giving customers a completely FREE £2 bet ahead of England’s Euro 2024 opener against Serbia this weekend!That’s right, a completely free £2 to spend on ANY market in the Group C clash on Sunday!Claim your £2 free bet HERE*Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereGareth Southgate has several selection decisions to make across his side for the opener.But the Three Lions remain warm favourites to take the three points in their quest for tournament glory.Betfred are marking the occasion by giving customers one £2 free bet which can be used on any market in the contest.This offer is for new and existing customers, too!EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSSerbia vs England free betBetfred special
      Betfred are giving all customers a completely free £2 bet for Serbia vs England on Sunday!

      Claim your £2 free bet HERE*

      Betfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here**

      New to Betfred? You’re in even more luck as they have a pretty incredible sign-up offer too!Simply register a brand new account with Betfred HERE** using the Promo Code: SUMMER50 and deposit a minimum of £10 using a debit card.Once that’s sorted, stake a tenner on any qualifying sports market at odds of Evens or greater.After that, you’ll receive the following free bets and bonuses;
      3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets
      2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)
      Betfred: Get your £50 in free bets – CLAIM HERE**How to claim..Betfred welcome offer

      Visit the Betfred website HERE**
      Register an account using the Promo Code: SUMMER50
      Deposit £10 using a Debit Card
      Place your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greater
      Once that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free Bets

      Betfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here**

      *New & existing customer. Opt in 12:00 on 07/06/24 – 12.00 14/06/24. £2 Free Bet credited within 24 hours. Max 1x per customer for use on Serbia vs England only. Expires at Full-Time. Ts&Cs Apply.**New customers only. Register with SUMMER50 between 31/05/24 – 14/07/24. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.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