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    Tom Heaton reveals phone call from Gareth Southgate that saw Man Utd goalkeeper join up with England’s Euro 2024 squad

    TOM HEATON is shocked to be in Germany’s as England’s training goalkeeper – but is ready to push Gareth Southgate’s three stoppers all the way at Euro 2024.Manchester United’s No 3 keeper last season, Heaton, 38, was part of England’s 2016 Euros squad which saw them dumped out by Iceland.Tom Heaton has lifted the lid on the phone call he received from Gareth SouthgateCredit: PAEngland’s boss has called the veteran Man Utd goalie up to his training squad for the EurosCredit: GettyHeaton hopes to help Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford and Aaron RamsdaleCredit: GettyHeaton has three England caps with two of them under Gareth Southgate. He will work alongside Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson.Heaton said: “It feels very special. Gareth rang me a couple weeks ago, floated the idea and I jumped at the opportunity.”To come and be a part of it, at another major championship, is an honour and a privilege. I’m delighted to be here.”It’s different, but I think it’s just a different challenge for me. I’ve come to support the boys, the goalkeepers, the outfielders, push them in training, try and offer them a different perspective and support in that manner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Of course, I’d love to be playing. I’m a football player that wants to play football matches, but it’s not that role. It’s a different role.”But any opportunity to come and represent your country in some form. As I say, it was an amazing phone call and it didn’t take long for me to say yes.”Heaton made his debut against Australia in 2016 although he was an unused sub for Roy Hodgson on 16 occasions.He added: “I sort of predated Gareth, before he was England manager, and then I was there for quite a bit of his first few years, so I’ve seen him all the way through, really.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS”He sort of brought everyone in together, so that’s how it’s changed. I think that’s given the lads a little bit of freedom to go and perform.”I think we’ve seen that over the last few years. We’ve gone close, there’s been some really good performances and there’s a real good feel to the England team at the minute.Inside England’s stunning five-star Euro 2024 base with robot waiters that will cost £800,000″Of course there’s expectation because we’ve got a good side but you’ve got to embrace that and I think you can see that at the minute.”We’ve got fantastic players, everyone’s hungry to be in the shirt and, of course, we’re going to try and make it successful.”Asked about the other keepers, Heaton said: “As for Jordan, his performances have been absolutely outstanding. Aaron, a young goalkeeper, has done exceptionally well over the last few years. Deano the same.”Obviously, I know them all individually really well, and they all offer something slightly different, so I’m delighted to be working with them. I hope I can support in any way.”Gareth Southgate will take the handbrake off at Euro 2024… because he has no choiceBy Charlie Wyett
    GARETH SOUTHGATE will have no choice but to take the handbrake off his England team at Euro 2024.
    The defensive crisis gripping the Three Lions means the only option in Germany, within ­reason, will be outright attack.
    Southgate has often been lambasted for his safety-first approach — even if he points out you must go back to Walter Winterbottom’s sides in the 1950s to find an England manager with a better scoring record.
    But with the crocked Harry Maguire left out, Luke Shaw not fit enough to start the tournament and John Stones having made just 12 ­Premier League starts this season, this is not a defence you would stake your life on.
    The last time England went to a major tournament in Germany — the 2006 World Cup — the four centre-backs selected were Sol Campbell (68 caps), Rio Ferdinand (47), Jamie Carragher (25) and John Terry (24).
    This time, when England fly out on Monday, the quartet will be Lewis Dunk (six), Joe Gomez (14), Marc Guehi (ten) and Ezri Konsa (three).
    It makes Southgate’s decision not to recall the 49-cap Eric Dier for his ­provisional squad even stranger — especially considering his strong end to the season with Bayern Munich.
    The elder statesman in his defence — and the one who absolutely has to stay fit — is 71-cap Stones. More

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    Former Man Utd boss annoyed England beat his team to Euro 2024 camp as it had his favourite golf course

    FORMER Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick has the hump after England beat his Austria squad to their five-star Euro 2024 base in Blankenhain.The Three Lions arrived at the Spa & Golf Resort Weimarer Land yesterday and they will tomorrow train on the pitches for the first time.Austria boss Ralf Rangnick was disappointed to miss out on his chosen Euro 2024 base to EnglandCredit: GettyThe Three Lions are based at the Weimarer Land golf resort and spa in BlankenhainCredit: Darren FletcherToday, they trained in front of youngsters at a German fourth division ground in the city of Jena.But they will be based in Blankenhain for the rest of the time and Rangnick failed in his bid to have Austria stay there – as England got there first.In his four years as Leipzig coach, Rangnick used to play golf at the resort as it was his favourite course in the region – so he wanted to remain there all the time during Euro 2024.Germany also trained in Blankenhain last week but they were always set to return to their normal base which is near adidas HQ outside Nuremberg.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEngland will train in Blankenhain for the next four days before flying to Gelsenkirchen on Saturday afternoon for Sunday’s Euro 2024 opener with Serbia.Meanwhile, Austria are based in Berlin, with Rangnick’s side training at Mommsenstadion, the home of sixth tier Tennis Borussia Berlin.The 2008 co-hosts face France in their opening match on Monday before clashes with Poland and the Netherlands in group D.As for the Three Lions, they follow their match against Serbia by facing Denmark in Frankfurt on June 20.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeet the ROBOT waiter looking after England stars at the Euros
    ENGLAND stars will be served by a ROBOT called Robbie at the Euros.
    Robbie is a key part of 160-strong staff at the vast 350-acre leisure site at Blankenhain, eastern Germany, where Gareth Southgate’s squad will be staying for the tournament.
    The real-life WALL-E – kitted out in a Germany shirt with the name Kehrbart and the squad number 24 on it – helps out in the restaurant.
    Robbie, with flashing blue eyes, says phrases in German including “Excuse me” and “Please let me get on with my work” as he collects dishes from guests at one of the hotel’s six restaurants.
    A source told The Sun: “Robbie is usually a slate grey colour with flashing blue eyes and helps staff deliver plates and dishes.
    “But the German team stayed at the hotel recently so he was given a new look and new name to support them.
    “I’m not sure whether the England team will want to change his look when they arrive but a Three Lions shirt and an English name might be a good idea.”
    Find out all about Robbie the robot waiter…

    Gareth Southgate’s men will then conclude the group stage against Slovenia in Cologne five days later.Ahead of the Serbia clash, all 26 members of the England squad trained on Tuesday.The Sun’s Nick Parker reports from England’s first training session in Germany ahead of Euros 2024After arriving at their base on Monday, the players took part in their first session in Germany at the Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld.The 15,000-capacity ground is the home of Carl Zeiss Jena. who reached the Cup Winners’ Cup final in 1981.Gareth Southgate’s side held their first training session in Germany on TuesdayCredit: PA More

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    Uefa has strict Euro 2024 pitch rule in place after Man Utd clash sparked controversy

    UEFA have implemented rules around watering of pitches at Euro 2024 to avoid a repeat of Manchester United’s clash with Bournemouth.In April, a Premier League game between the two sides led to mocking on social media after fans spotted one penalty area being noticeably water-logged at the Vitality Stadium.Pitches are not set to be in danger of over-watering at Euro 2024Credit: GettyBournemouth’s pitch was accused of being a ‘swimming pool’ against Manchester United in AprilCredit: ReutersViewers described the match, which ended 2-2, as taking place on a “swimming pool”.The incident was caused by over-watering before the game.But no such problems are expected in Germany this summer as a result of regulations put in place by Uefa.The governing body insist pitch-watering must be announced at the pre-match meeting and has to be distributed evenly across the turf.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe “general rule” will also permit that watering must be concluded one hour before kick-off, although there are times when this could be altered.The full guidelines read: “The host association must announce the pitch-watering schedule at the pre-match organisational meeting.”The pitch must be watered evenly and not only in certain areas.”As a general rule, pitch watering must finish 60 minutes before kick-off.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
    “Additional pitch watering may be carried out if so decided by the host association in the qualifying competition and by UEFA in the final tournament, provided it takes place:
    Between 15 and 10 minutes before kick-off (or between 20 and 15 minutes before kick-off during the final tournament depending on the countdown); and/or
    During half-time (for a maximum of five minutes, allowing substitute players to warm up on the field of play).”
    The Sun’s Nick Parker reports from England’s first training session in Germany ahead of Euros 2024The Euros get underway on Friday when hosts Germany take on Scotland in Munich. More

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    Why Luke Shaw is the only England player to wear a green bib in training ahead of Euro 2024 opener

    LUKE SHAW returned to England training on Tuesday… but still stuck out as the only player wearing a green bib.The Manchester United left-back, 28, has not played since February due to recurring hamstring issues.England received a boost on Tuesday as Luke Shaw returned to trainingCredit: PAHis condition meant he had to wear a green bib for the sessionCredit: PAIt was unclear whether he would earn a place in Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad for Euro 2024 due to his fitness problems.But he did end up making the plane to Germany – where England landed on Monday.And 24 hours later Shaw was seen taking part in training with the rest of his team-mates.This will be a major boost for Southgate – who has no other left-footed defender in his squad.READ MORE ON EURO 2024But Shaw did have to wear a green bib which identifies him as a player not to make contact with due to him being in a fragile state.The Man Utd man has 31 caps for his country, scoring three goals including in the Euro 2020 final defeat against Italy.However, it is still not known whether Shaw will be available for England’s opening game of the Euros against Serbia on Sunday.They then take on Denmark on June 20, before their final group-stage match against Slovenia five days later.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTWhy Luke Shaw is wearing a green bib
    Luke Shaw is wearing a green bib in training because he has just returned from injury.
    The bib tells his team-mates not to make any contact with him, so no tackling or physicality.
    It remains unclear whether Shaw’s condition means he is available for England’s opener against Serbia on Sunday.
    If he does not play, it is assumed Kieran Trippier will fill in at left-back.

    Kieran Trippier is in pole position to start in Shaw’s place.Meanwhile, John Stones also took part in training on Tuesday.Ripped Jude Bellingham shows off skills in his pants as England star becomes face of Kim Kardashian labelThe Manchester City centre-back, 30, was substituted at half-time during England’s 1-0 loss to Iceland on Friday.But he appears on course to start against Serbia, with Marc Guehi expected to partner him after Harry Maguire was axed from the squad due to injury. More

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    Ripped Jude Bellingham shows off skills in his pants as England star becomes face of Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS

    JUDE BELLINGHAM showed off his football skills ahead of Euro 2024 in his PANTS after becoming the face of Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS.The England and Real Madrid ace has enjoyed a spectacular season, having led his club side to a league and European double.Jude Bellingham showed off his footy skills in just his pantsCredit: SKIMSHe has become the new face of Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS underwearCredit: SkimsBellingham has enjoyed a brilliant season for Real Madrid and EnglandCredit: SkimsBellingham, 20, now heads into the Euros as Gareth Southgate’s key man.And he is expected to start as the No10 in Sunday’s group stage opener against Serbia.However, Bellingham has been getting into the mood in a very novel way.That’s because the midfielder is now the new face of socialite celeb Kardashian’s underwear brand SKIMS.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSAnd he has clearly been taking lessons from Dutch girlfriend Laura Celia Valk, 25, who is a professional lingerie model.Bellingham posed for several snaps wearing nothing but some of the American socialite’s custom briefs.And a video also showed the ace demonstrating his football talents with some silky skills.Bellingham’s new partnership is sure to have him in top form for England’s Euros campaign.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHe’s not the only footballer to pose in their underwear either, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Son Heung-Min beating Bellingham to the punch.And fans could not resist commenting on the superstar’s latest antics.Former England and Arsenal star Jack Wilshere picks his Euro 2024 Dream TeamBellingham hopes his new deal can inspire England to Euros gloryCredit: SKIMSThe ace is already a Champions League winner at 20Credit: SKIMSKardashian has signed Bellingham up to her SKIMS brandCredit: @SkimsOne joked: “You really can make it out of Birmingham.”Another said: “I’m listening.”One noted: “Love this.”Another declared: “What is going on?”One added: “Serious aura.”PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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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

    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

    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!

    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