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      Every Euro 2024 squad’s transfer value revealed as England prove why they’re favourites with £1.2BILLION of talent

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      ENGLAND have the most valuable squad at Euro 2024, according to a new study.But the Three Lions do NOT possess the most valuable player.Jude Bellingham and Co touched down in Germany yesterdayCredit: GettyKylian Mbappe leads a star-studded France squadCredit: ReutersGareth Southgate’s 26-man squad oozes with enviable talent, with the likes of Jack Grealish, Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford among those to have not even made the cut.In a study conducted by Flashscore, England’s squad has been given a transfer value of £1.2billion.From a team overflowing with big-money stars including Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden – it’s Jude Bellingham who is deemed the most valuable.The study reckons that the Real Madrid superstar is worth £165million, even if the Spanish giants probably think he’s priceless after helping them to Champions League glory.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Bellingham, 20, is priced at £165m, he is just pipped as the most valuable player by Kylian Mbappe.The France superstar, 25, is deemed to be worth an eye-watering £170m.In other words, Real Madrid now have a £335m double act, after finally signing Mbappe on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.Didier Deschamps’ French squad is valued at £1.1bn in total, and is the only one other than England that tops £1bn.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      In third place is Euro 2016 winners Portugal.Not so long ago Cristiano Ronaldo would have undoubtedly been deemed the most valuable European player.Meet the ten Wags ready to stun at Euro 2024EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTBut with the 39-year-old, who remains in Roberto Martinez’s squad, now a veteran playing in Saudi Arabia, it is Rafael Leao who has become top dog.Portugal’s squad is valued at £898m – £76m of which is made up by the AC Milan superstar.Euro 2008 and Euro 2012 triumphs may now be fading into their rear-view mirror, but Spain are claimed to have the fourth most valuable squad at this year’s Championships.Luis de la Fuente’s side are led admirably by Manchester City star Rodri, who makes up £98m of their total £784m valuation.The Dutch are fifth in the list at £686m, and boast a particularly star-studded defence including the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Matthijs de Ligt, Nathan Ake and Micky van de Ven.It’s actually Xavi Simons, however, that is their most valuable player – rated at £68m.Rafael Leao is expected to be Portugal’s star man this summerCredit: GettyRodri will be hoping to emulate Spain’s stars of 2008 and 2012Credit: Getty Images – GettyXavi Simons is blossoming into the Dutch star manCredit: GettyHosts Germany appear in sixth at their home Euros, valued at a total £679m.Their most valuable player, Jamal Musiala, is one that got away for England, having played for the Three Lions at youth level.He went on to choose the country of his birth, and is now their talisman at a £100m valuation.The Italians are seventh at £591m, with Nicolo Barella their top man at £64m – while Belgium are eighth on £511m with Man City’s £59m-rated Jeremy Doku leading their new generation.In ninth are Euro 92 winners Denmark, valued at £352m, with Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund their top-rated star at £54m.Jamal Musiala is Germany’s top man… having played for England at youth levelCredit: Getty Images – GettyNicolo Barella will have Italian hopes resting on his shouldersCredit: Getty Images – GettyJeremy Doku is leading Belgium’s new generationCredit: EPARasmus Hojlund will lead the line for DenmarkCredit: AFPHakan Calhanoglu’s Turkey round out the top 10Credit: GettyAnd rounding off the top 10 are Turkey at £320m – with experienced midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu remaining their top man, with the Inter Milan star rated at £36m.At the bottom of the list are Romania, who won Group I ahead of Switzerland and Israel to qualify.READ MORE SUN STORIESTheir total squad value is deemed to be £73m – less than Rafael Leao – with Tottenham’s January signing Radu Dragusin their top man at £21m.Meanwhile Qatar World Cup semi-finalists Croatia are ranked 12th, Scotland 16th and England’s group stage opponents Serbia and Slovenia 13th and 22nd respectively. More

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      ‘Very high risk’ to England fans as 500-strong army of Serbian Headhunters & Gravediggers ultras to swarm Euros clash

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      ENGLAND fans have been warned that a 500-strong army of “violence-seeking ­Serbian ­hooligans” are set to swarm Sunday’s huge Euros clash.The opening game for both sides has already been labelled as a “very high risk” match by German cops with 1,300 extra officers being deployed on matchday as well as heavily increased surveillance.England fans have been warned over Serbian hooligans swarming Sunday’s huge Euros clashCredit: ReutersGerman cops have said that a 500-strong army of ‘violence-seeking ­Serbian ­hooligans’ could descend on the gameCredit: AlamySerbian 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: GettyThe police presence has been increased in Germany after fan violence at previous tournaments involving England fansCredit: AFP or licensorsSerbian 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.read more in fan clashesPeter Both, the chief of police in Gelsenkirchen where the game will be played, has claimed “up to 400 or 500 ­violence-seeking ­Serbian ­hooligans will travel to ­Germany” ahead of the game.The biggest challenge for us will be to identify violent, disruptive groups at an early stage, to separate them from peaceful and law-abiding fansPeter BothChief of police in GelsenkirchenDespite Both saying they don’t “have concrete information” on the number of travelling thugs he vowed his team will prepare for any eventuality.He 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.”Roughly 500,000 Serbs live in Germany and there are fears some may travel to Gelsenkirchen specifically to cause trouble.Most read in Euro 2024With 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”.A 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.Inside Euro 2024 security HQ where crack cops work around the clock to protect tournament from terrorists and hooligansIt is understood British police “spotters” and plain-clothed officers will also be on hand to watch England fans at every match.The cheap price of strong beer in Germany has also led to the Foreign Office issuing an official warning to fans telling them to “drink responsibly”.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.”Around 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.ENGLAND’S TOURNAMENT CHAOSTravelling Three Lions supporters have forged a poor reputation for their behaviour overseas through the years.England have been the target of several international assaults in the past both at club level and for national fans.The 2016 Euros in France was viewed as a major failure for England both on the pitch and off it due to fan violence.Before the tournament had even begun, fighting broke out between England fans and rival supporters in Marseille with cops being forced to tear gas local youths.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 – GettyA crazed Serbian fan once threw a punch at an Albanian player during a matchEngland fans clashed with Russian fans in Marseille before and after they played a group stage matchCredit: Getty Images – GettyAfter England drew with Russia on June 11, clashes broke out on the streets of Marseille between the two countries.Russia, the clear aggressor in the brutal beatings, were given a suspended disqualification as a team and fined €150,000 (£126,000).More violence erupted between English and Russian fans in Lille a few days later.At least 40 fans were reportedly arrested, 50 Russians deported and dozens left injured after the clashes.One was even left in a critical condition in the hospital following a Russian ambush. SERBIA’S CHILLING PASTSerbian brutes are seen as some of the most malicious in football.Ivan Bagdanov – a firebrand hooligan leader with links to Serbian far-right paramilitaries – was responsible for forcing a Euros qualifying match between Serbia and Italy to be abandoned In 2012.He tried to attack rival fans before turning on police and sparking the grisly carnage that led to an all out war on the pitch.Nicknamed “Ivan the Terrible” Bagdanov rallied his fellow mob to set off live flares onto the pitch as players warmed up.They also tried to break down the barriers separating the two sets of fans.With several other fan fights breaking out at games across the past decade including a mass brawl with Brazilian supporters at the 2018 Russian World Cup.As four years earlier at a Euro 2016 qualifier between Serbia and Albania another battle kicked off in the stands.Serb supporters were recorded chanting “Kill the Albanians” and wore T-shirts of Serbian war crimes general Ratko Mladic in a heated snub to two ethnic Albanians in the Swiss squad.These horror incidents have resulted in several fines and bans being imposed on the Serbian national side with the latest coming one-year-ago.UEFA ordered them to play a 2024 European Championship qualifier in front of an empty stadium last year due to racist chants at their previous game against Montenegro.READ MORE SUN STORIESFans of both sides were said to have traded ethnic-based slurs resulting in fines for each with Serbia being slapped with a £50,000 fine.Another issue in Euro 2020 qualifying saw them face a complete stadium closure for a game.Serbian cops battling against ultra members in the standsCredit: EPAFears have also increased due to the strength of beer in Germany potentially affecting fansCredit: GettyIn 2017, Wales fans were seen fighting with Serbs through the gated barriers More

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      Most patriotic Premier League fans revealed as teams are ranked ahead of England’s Euro 2024 campaign

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      THE most patriotic Premier League fanbase has been revealed ahead of Euro 2024. England head to Germany as one of the favourites and kick off their campaign against Serbia on Sunday.The most patriotic supporters have been revealedCredit: Jack Hill, The Times/The Sunday TimesChelsea come out on topCredit: GettyDie-hard club supporters are ready to ditch their usual kits for Three Lions shirts this summer.And some may be torn as they put rivalries aside to come together to cheer on their country. A study from Betfair and YouGov has revealed which fans are the biggest supporters of their nation. Over 2,000 people were asked if they would rather see their club win the Premier League or England end their 58-year wait for a trophy at Euro 2024.READ MORE ON EURO 2024And overall, the results show that overall that 63 per cent would rather their boyhood side lift the league title.But Chelsea are the most patriotic with 60 per cent of their fanbase choosing England success over joy at Stamford Bridge. Brighton are next on the list with 56 per cent preferring the Three Lions.Manchester City supporters have won the Prem four years in a row and 48 per cent would sacrifice a fifth to see Gareth Southgate bring football home this summer.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThe least patriotic are Liverpool fans, with just 32 per cent going for club over country.Neither Newcastle or Everton fans have seen their sides win a trophy this decade and are perhaps therefore going for Premier League glory.England can win Euro 2024 with these tacticsAhead of the Euros, 22 per cent of England fans believe the Three Lions will win the tournament.But a majority of 29 per cent think France will go all the way. EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

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      Who is Daniel Siebert? Meet the German referee officiating at Euro 2024

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      REFEREE Daniel Siebert is set to take part in one of the most important football events of the year.Read on to find out more about the German national’s 26 years refereeing at top flight matches ahead of the tournament.Daniel Siebert will be officiating at Euro 2024Credit: ReutersWho is Daniel Siebert?Daniel Siebert is a German football referee affiliated with FC Nordost Berlin from the Berlin Football AssociationBorn on May 4, 1984, he officiates international matches as a FIFA referee and holds a UEFA elite category ranking.The part-time school teacher started his journey into officiating in 1998 and in 2007 he was appointed a Bundesliga referee by the DFB.Siebert then spent three years in the German second tier before making the step up to Germany’s top flight.Read more on Euro 2024The 40-year-old is ranked as a UEFA first category referee, a term given to a group of referees classified as among UEFA’s best.Siebert has brandished 147 yellow cards and just two red cards in 33 matches covering more than 10 different competitions.The German refereed Arsenal’s Europa League last-16 second leg victory against Olympiacos in March 2021.Has Daniel Siebert officiated at major tournaments before?In October 2014, Siebert was selected as a FIFA referee, the youngest of the ten German representatives at the time.Most read in FootballHe first appeared on the international stage as a referee on May 29, 2015, during the 2015 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifier between Portugal and Turkey. His inaugural senior international game was the friendly between Luxembourg and Moldova on June 9, 2015.’Every team in Europe is scared of England’ – SunSport’s all-star panel previews Euro 2024During the 2020 European Championship, Siebert was the referee for three games.These included the Group D match between Scotland and the Czech Republic, the Group E encounter between Sweden and Slovakia, and the Round of 16 clash between Wales and Denmark.In the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, he officiated four matches, including the final between Tunisia and Algeria.There was some controversy during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar when Siebert was accused of making contact with Tunisian midfielder Ellyes Skhiri on his desperate run to stop an impending Socceroos goal.Siebert speaks with head coach Jalel Kadri and Hannibal Mejbri of TunisiaCredit: Getty ImagesMany fans believed he deserved a yellow card, while those in favour of the goal say Skhiri had no real chance of chasing down Australian Riley McGree.Siebert is one of 19 referees taking part in the Euros, hence attending a two-day workshop in Frankfurt ahead of the tournament.”Now that I’m here, I can fully realise that I am part of the referee team for the EURO in Germany,” he said. “I am thankful and happy to be selected for this tournament. It feels great.”What else has Daniel Siebert done before?Speaking to German news outlet Morgen Post in 2014, Siebert stated that becoming a referee was a “dream come true”.At the time of his appointment, Siebert was a part-time substitute teacher at the Hohenschönhausen Sports School based in Berlin.He is said to still teach today.Has Daniel Siebert used VAR before?Uruguay players remonstrated with the referee after the matchCredit: ReutersSiebert used VAR during the match between Ghana and Uruguay during a World Cup qualifier in December 2022.Uruguay was momentarily hopeful for a penalty award when VAR recommended that the referee review Daniel Amartey’s tackle on Darwin Nunez at the monitor.This incident marked only the second instance in the tournament where a referee decided not to overturn their original call. The first occurred when a penalty claim for Denmark against Tunisia was dismissed.Siebert will be moderating a number of games at the EurosThe decision-maker then carefully examined the play from multiple perspectives before determining that he had not made a clear and obvious error.Although Amartey did touch the ball, he seemed to also make contact with the forward and the referee’s decision to stick with his initial call was bold.READ MORE SUN STORIESUruguayan striker Edinson Cavani called for the referee to be “put in jail” after the national team crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage.Following this, Siebert did not receive further assignments and soon returned to Germany.Full list of main referees at Euro 2024

      Michael Oliver (England)
      Anthony Taylor (England)
      Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)
      Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)
      Marco Guida (Italy)
      Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
      Ivan Kruzliak (Slovakia)
      Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
      Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
      Halil Umut Meler (Turkey)
      Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
      Daniele Orsato (Italy)
      Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
      Daniel Siebert (Germany)
      Clement Turpin (France)
      Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
      Felix Zwayer (Germany)
      François Letexier (France)
      Facundo Tello (Argentina) More

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      Serbia vs England – Euro 2024: Three Lions kick campaign off against tough Serbs – stream FREE, TV channel, team news

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      ENGLAND kick off their Euro 2024 campaign with a challenging fixture against Serbia.The Three Lions and the Eagles face off on Sunday at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen.England are looking to win their first trophy since the 1966 World CupCredit: GettySerbia pose as a tough obstacle for England at Euro 2024Credit: PAGareth Southgate’s side is still chasing its first ever trophy since the 1966 World Cup after coming extremely close in the last few tournaments.England finished fourth at the 2018 World Cup, were runners-up at Euro 2020 and made the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.In fact, Southgate’s men were only just a whisker away from lifting the European trophy at Wembley four years ago but lost to Italy on penalties.The Three Lions are still among the favourites but face a few hurdles along the way in the group stage.Read More on FootballEngland have been drawn with Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia in Group C.And they kick things off with an inexperienced Serbian side that will be laying in their first ever Euros since 2000 when they competed as Yugoslavia.However, Dragan Stojkovic’s side won’t be short of talented and experienced stars at his disposal.Premier League aces likes Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic and Fulham’s Sasa Lukic are expected to play a big part.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAnd they will be joined by ex-Southampton star Dusan Tadic, former Craven Cottage hitman Aleksandar Mitrovic, Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic, Sevilla’s Nemanja Gudelj and the experienced Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.Path to the EurosEngland cruised to the Euro 2024 finals in undefeated fashion during the qualifying round.Harry Kane reveals his ‘perfect outcome’ before heading off to EurosThe Three Lions bested Italy, Ukraine, North Macedonia and Malta with six victories along the way.Gareth Southgate’s men dominated as they scored 22 goals and conceded only four.Serbia, on the other hand, qualified for their first ever European competition as runners-up in Group G behind Hungary.Dragan Stojkovic’s men bested Montenegro, Lithuania and Bulgaria along the way with four wins and two losses.Team NewsEngland will be without a left-back as the only man for the position Luke Shaw is still dealing with a muscle injury that has kept him sidelined since February.However, there is hope Manchester United ace Shaw will be fit in time for the group stage.Manchester City star John Stones should be available despite suffering a knock during Friday’s friendly loss to Iceland at Wembley.Gareth Southgate left a number of big names out of his squad such as the injured Harry Maguire who didn’t make the cut due to a calf injury.Maguire’s United team-mate Marcus Rashford was excluded after a poor season as were City star Grealish, Arsenal ace Ben White, Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling, Tottenham’s James Maddison and Jordan Henderson.However, Southgate is not short of star power with the likes of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, City’s Kyle Walker and Phil Foden as well as record man Harry Kane at his disposal.The likes of Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Kobbie Mainoo, Adam Wharton, Ollie Watkins and Eberechi Eze are facing their first major test on the international stage.The same goes for Southgate’s largely inexperienced defence which will be going up against a fully fit Serbia side whose frontline will be led by captain Dusan Tadic as well as Dusan Vlahovic and Al-Hilal’s Aleksandar Mitrovic.Ones to watchEngland will be showcasing a stunning frontline that will be spearheaded by Bayern Munich superstar Harry Kane.Kane will be joined by the likes of Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka as well as Ballon d’Or contender Jude Bellingham.The Three Lions’ back four will also rely a lot on Declan Rice that will be expected to guard Gareth Southgate’s defence.Southgate’s men will need a solid defensive display as they will have to deal with the likes of Dusan Vlahovic, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Fenerbahce star Dusan Tadic.Manager Dragan Stojkovic also has the likes of AC Milan’s Luka Jovic and Juventus’ Filip Kostic available to fire up his attack.And Al-Hilal’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic could help limit England’s attacking prowess in midfield.Head-to-HeadEngland and Serbia have only faced off once back when the latter competed as Serbia and Montenegro.The two teams met in 2003 during an international friendly at the King Power Stadium.The Three Lions won 2-1 thanks to goals by Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole, while Nenad Jestrovic temporarily equalised for his country.England also hold a better record from back when Serbia competed as part of Yugoslavia.The national team won five out of 14 matches, of which they lost four.SunSport predictionEngland pose as heavy favourites and they haven’t failed to get out the group stages since 2004. Serbia are not to be underestimated but the Three Lions have the experience.Prediction: 0-2PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      When is Serbia vs England?
      England’s opening game against Serbia will take place on Sunday, June 16.
      The game kicks off at 8pm BST.
      Serbia vs England will be held at Arena AufShcalke in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      England’s clash with Serbia will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
      You can live stream all 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 to watch for FREE, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
      READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
      Serbia – 1/4
      Draw – 24/5
      England – 11/1
      *Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

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      Inside Ollie Watkins’ meteoric rise from non-league football and lads’ holidays to England Euro 2024 star

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      NINE summers ago Ollie Watkins went on a lads’ holiday after helping to save Conference South side Weston-Super-Mare from relegation.Now he’s in Germany as part of the England squad trying to win Euro 2024 after helping Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League.Ollie Watkins is looking to fire England to Euro 2024 gloryCredit: GettyThe star was playing for Weston just nine years agoWatkins was instrumental in securing Champions League football for Aston VillaCredit: ReutersHe has now headed out to Germany after sealing his place on the plane for Euro 2024Credit: GettyWatkins arrived on the Somerset coast as a teenaged striker on loan from League Two Exeter in December 2014.His 10 goals in 24 league games were a big factor in stopping Weston from slipping into the sixth tier for the first time in their history and in giving them something to celebrate on a post-season trip to Spain.But it was also his workrate and attitude that earned him the respect of the dressing room, and helped him take the first significant steps on the road to stardom.Ryan Northmore, boss of Weston at the time, said: “His goals saved the club from relegation. But he contributed much more than his goals, which is really important when you’re scrapping away for your lives.READ MORE ON EURO 2024“He wasn’t just sat at the top of the pitch waiting for the ball to come. He would roll his sleeves up and get involved in all aspects of the game.”Among Watkins’ team-mates at Weston was Tom Jordan, son of former Leeds, Manchester United and Scotland striker Joe.Jordan said: “He always struck me as the kind of lad who had his eyes wide open to different aspects of the game.Sometimes you would have loan lads come in from a League club to non-League and they would be looking at you like they were doing you a favour.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“His attitude was very different. He was coming in thinking, ‘I’m going to learn from this experience’.“I was one of the older lads in the dressing room. Even when you were giving him basic messages about how you wanted him to perform in your team, he was receptive to it.Former England and Arsenal star Jack Wilshere picks his Euro 2024 Dream Team“He had respect for the lads and we had respect for his abilities.”Those abilities were obvious from Watkins’ very first game for Weston.Days after arriving from Exeter with close friend Matt Jay, he starred in a crucial game against Farnborough.Northmore said: “For an 18 year old to come in as our No 9 was a big responsibility.“Ollie was right up for it. He had a big grin on his face. That’s what I think he craved: to have that responsibility.“On the Tuesday night we had Farnbrough at home. They were down in the dumps with us. It was a six-pointer in December. Ollie got off to a flier.”Watkins came on in the 50th minute with the score at 2-2. Farnborough took the lead soon afterwards, but the teenager grabbed the equaliser and Weston snatched a late winner to seal a crucial victory.Northmore said: “Ollie hadn’t even trained with us yet but after the impact, the group really got around him and Matt and were really pleased to have them on board.”Watkins scored some vital goals as Weston went on a great run that all but secured safety before March.Northmore said: “Ebbsfleet had their Kuwaiti owners and one of their players was on the same money that we had for our full first-tam budget.“We nicked a 1-0. Ollie ran his socks off all night, got one chance and slotted it in the bottom corner.“Centre forwards can sometimes expect the team to play for them and rightly so.“But he also puts the hard yards in and is willing to play for the team.“It was really important in times like that when we were the underdog, when we needed someone with the character and the quality to give some kind of hope.“That’s what he became in the end, the player that the senior players were looking up to and looking after.”Jordan added: “He would go long spells in matches where he would be doing the ugly side of the game: chasing down clearances, coming back to defend corners and set-plays, and not having much of a glimpse of goal.“But he was very clinical when he got his couple of chances, left and right foot.“On the counter or breakaway, he was the perfect outlet for us.”It was during Watkins’ spell at Weston that the then Walsall boss Dean Smith spotted him.Smith would later take the striker to Brentford and bring him to Villa, where he has reached new levels under current boss Unai Emery.The Villa manager has praised Watkins’ desire to learn and improve every day, the key quality that also shone through all those years ago.Both Northmore and Jordan have watched with pride and pleasure as Watkins has made his way up the pyramid, all the way to a top-four finish in the Premier League and international honours with England.Jordan, now a personal trainer and grassroots coach, said: “I go down with my son to watch Bristol City a fair bit and I remember seeing Ollie with Brentford down there.“You could see a change in him physically but also in his contribution without the ball.“I remember saying to my lad, ‘Watch Ollie Watkins. Watch how hard he works,’ and messaging Ollie after the game and saying how impressed I was, considering he had moved on from playing in front of small crowds to playing at Ashton Gate.“He seems to be continually improving because I think he is a bit of a sponge.Dean Smith is one of the forwards biggest fans and signed him several timesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd“Now it’s England representation and all the things he’s doing at the moment. It’s a credit to his attitude and workrate.”Watkins has never forgotten the part that Weston played in his rise to the top.One of his Villa shirts is on display there, he has spoken to young players coming through and happily tells the local press how important and enjoyable his time at the club was.And he even helped fund an end-of-season boys’ trip to Spain due to his fines for being late – although he was allowed to join the rest of the squad.Northmore, who is now head of football at an international school in Singapore, said: “It helped his transition from youth to senior football.“We never talked about him being on the road to being a Premier League or England striker.“It made Ollie go: ‘OK, I’m at Exeter and my career might go one of two ways.’”“He was a Weston player, and no disrespect to that level of football, it’s not glamorous.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That served as a motivation to go back to Exeter and to maximise every day in training and really focus on developing his talent.“It really did fit into the idea of arriving as a boy and leaving as a man.”EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

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      Who is Sandro Scharer? Meet the Swiss referee officiating at Euro 2024

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      SANDRO Scharer is set to officiate at a number of Euro 2024 games.While he may be one of the least-known officials at the event, the Swiss star is hoping to impress in Germany. Schärer during the UEFA Champions League Group A stage match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Lokomotiv MoskvaCredit: GettyWho is Sandro Scharer?Sandro Schärer is a Swiss football referee born on June 6, 1988.After completing high school, he studied sports and geography at the University of Basel.Before becoming a referee, Sandro initially worked as a substitute teacher at various high schools and as a ski instructor. He then trained as a referee in 2005 and began refereeing games in the Challenge League six years later at the age of 24. Read More on Euros 2024In 2013, he made his debut in the Super League in the game between FC Lausanne-Sport and FC Thun. Has Sandro Scharer officiated at major tournaments before?Sandro has officiated at major tournaments before. He has been involved in various UEFA competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. He has also refereed in international tournaments, including qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship.Most read in SportSandro claims he is the type of referee that any player would hate to come up against.”I was a rebel on the pitch and had difficulty accepting referee decisions,” he recalled in an interview with FC Buttikon.Should VAR be scrapped?Has Sandro Scharer used VAR before?VAR was introduced to the Swiss Super League in the 2019/20 season.Therefore, Sandro is up to date with the often controversial video-assisted refereeing system.It will be used at the 2024 Euros in Germany but there could be a last-minute halt.The 2018 FIFA World Cup was the first major tournament to approve the device. It was credited with making the 2018 edition the cleanest World Cup since 1986 as there were no red cards issued in the opening 11 games and only four players were sent off throughout the entire tournament.For the Euros 2024, the high-tech feature will use 12 tracking cameras to determine if any part of the player’s body is in an offside position.READ MORE SUN STORIESA 3D animation will be displayed on the big screens in the stadium.The match ball will also include a chip which will help improve the technology’s accuracy.Full list of main referees at Euro 2024

      Michael Oliver (England)
      Anthony Taylor (England)
      Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)
      Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)
      Marco Guida (Italy)
      Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
      Ivan Kruzliak (Slovakia)
      Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
      Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
      Halil Umut Meler (Turkey)
      Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
      Daniele Orsato (Italy)
      Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
      Daniel Siebert (Germany)
      Clement Turpin (France)
      Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
      Felix Zwayer (Germany)
      François Letexier (France)
      Facundo Tello (Argentina) More

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      Who is BBC Euro 2024 presenter Pat Nevin?

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      PAT NEVIN will be one of the BBC’s presenters for Euro 2024.The retired footballer will be familiar to football fans as he is often on BBC 5 Live providing commentary.Pat Nevin is one of the BBC’s presenters for Euro 2024Credit: GettyHe starred for Chelsea between 1983 and 1988Credit: GettyNevin, 60, enjoyed a successful career on the pitch as he played for the likes of Chelsea, Everton and Tranmere Rovers.The former winger started his career at Scottish outfit Clyde after being rejected by Celtic for being too small.He impressed in Scotland and earned a £95,000 transfer to Chelsea in 1983.Nevin went on to make 176 appearances as a Blue, scoring 26 goals and assisting seven.During his time at Stamford Bridge, he helped the club win the Second Division in 1984.He left Chelsea in 1988 after the club’s relegation from the First Division and joined Everton.He played 123 times for the Toffees and scored 18 goals.In his spell at Goodison Park, he was a part of the team that reached the FA Cup final in 1989 but lost 3-2 to Liverpool.Most read in Euro 2024His time at Everton was tricky as the club had just come out of one of its most successful periods.The club had won two league titles, an FA Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.Six maddest moments at the EurosNevin moved to Tranmere Rovers in 1992 in the Second Division and helped the club reach the playoffs in three consecutive seasons.However, on each occasion, the club was knocked out in the semi-finals.In 1997, Nevin moved back to Scotland and had spells at Kilmarnock and Motherwell.Nevin played for Scotland between 1986 and 1996 and racked up 28 caps for his country and scored five goals.He retired from playing in 2000 and started working as the chief executive of Motherwell.He left the role in 2002 after the club went into administration.READ MORE SUN STORIESNevin soon went into broadcasting and has been a regular on the BBC.He will join the likes of former West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green and Blackburn star Chris Sutton at the Euros this summer.Pat Nevin’s honoursHere is a list of Pat Nevin’s honours…
      Clyde

      Scottish Second Division: 1981–82

      Chelsea

      Football League Second Division: 1983–84
      Full Members’ Cup: 1985–86

      Everton

      FA Cup runner-up: 1988–89
      Full Members’ Cup runner-up: 1988–89, 1990–91

      Kilmarnock

      Ayrshire Cup: 1997–98

      Scotland U18

      UEFA European Under-18 Championship: 1982

      Scotland

      Rous Cup runner-up: 1986, 1989

      Individual

      SPFA Second Division Player of the Year: 1981–82
      UEFA European Under-18 Championship Best Player: 1982
      Chelsea Player of the Year: 1983–84, 1986–87
      Tranmere Rovers Hall of Fame: 2010
      Gwladys Street’s Hall of Fame: 2012
      Clyde Hall of Fame: 2012 More