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    Serbia Euro 2024 squad, predicted line-up versus England, latest odds and star players

    SINCE becoming an independent nation in the summer of 2006, Serbia’s presence on the European stage has been non-existent.In contrast to their impressive run of qualifying for three out of the last four World Cups, this Euros is the first time they have made the tournament stage.Serbia’s hopes will be pinned on Alexsandar Mitrovic and Dusan TadicCredit: GettyThey have previously featured as Yugoslavia (1920-1992), FR Yugoslavia (1992-2003), and Serbia and Montenegro (2003-2006).It was not pretty in qualifying, scraping through in second place on the final round of games, but they should not be taken lightly.They possess some real firepower up top through Juventus ace Dusan Vlahovic and ex-Premier League cult hero Alexsandar Mitrovic.And in manager Dragan Stojkovic, they have someone used to big occasions, having played in a star-studded Marseille team in the 90s alongside Eric Cantona, Didier Deschamps and Chris Waddle. read more on the eurosManager: Dragan Stojkovic Captain, leader, legend of the old Yugoslavia. Was named in the team of the tournament at Italia 90.Key man: Dusan Tadic His best years may be behind him, but the 35-year-old is still capable of controlling games in midfield with a creative spark that cannot be ignored.Likely line-upHow they attackSerbia are consistently one of the most difficult nations to predict coming into these tournaments.They have undoubted technical quality through the squad — combined with the potential to implode at any point.Most read in Euro 2024In attack, they will be slow and patient with their build-up play as they look to get the ball safely into the middle third and into more established positions.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSerbia, in red, overload the central areas with seven players to beat the opposition pressWhen they do then get into the middle of the pitch they will typically change the tempo of their attacking movement.The midfielders look to play longer and more direct passes out to the wings where they will try to get their more skillful attacking players 1v1 with his opposing player.When Serbia do get into these positions they will commit players forward and flood the penalty area as quickly as possible.Meet the ten Wags ready to stun at Euro 2024The Serbia winger has the ball, and the fowards are making runs into the box for the anticipated crossSerbian hopes will be pinned on the goal threat from two top-class forward players in Mitrovic and Vlahovic.They both love to play in the penalty area, and they can create chaos with their clever movement.Vlahovic drops off to give himself space from the defender before timing his run to attack the front post and finish with powerHow they defendIn qualification, Serbia were flexible between playing in a 4-4-2 or a 3-6-1 system.But in both systems they tend to defend with one striker pressing while the rest of the team back much deeper to cover space in their own half. While they may counter press high, as a rule they tend to sit back deeper.When the opposition play the ball long, the defensive line for Serbia will be tight and well positioned.The midfield will drop back to be compact in front of the defensive line.Hungary, in red, have hit a long ball forward but Serbia are well drilled to deal with these attacksSerbia can, however, run into problems when they think that they can squeeze the game and press high against weaker opponents. While they have a lot of creative and technical players they are not necessarily dynamic or quick.All too often they can leave space at the back when they press which can be exploited.Serbia’s press is not consistent and Bulgaria, in white, can escape with an easy pass over the topThe same thing can be true when the opposition look to play through the press. Serbia can be easy to pass through and around as they struggle to adapt as the opposition plays quick combinations around themAgain the Serbia press is beaten, this time by a quick one-twoPredictionThe bookies reckon Serbia will come third behind England and Denmark in Group C.However, they will fancy their chances of getting to the knockout stages ahead of the Danes or as one of the best third-placed sides.Germany or Portugal could be then waiting for them in the Round of 16.Latest oddsSerbia are 80/1 at William Hill to win the competition and 11/10 to finish in the top two in Group C.Glam fans and WagsSergej Milinkovic-Savic’s missus Natalija is a qualified doctor who studied at University in Novi Sad. READ MORE SUN STORIESMitrovic has two kids Luka and Nadja with his wife Kristina. And striker Luka Jovic risked jail when he broke coronavirus quarantine rules to visit his model girlfriend Sofija Milosevic.Natalija Ilic is married to Sergej Milinkovic-SavicCredit: InstagramAleksandar Mitrovic married Kristina in 2021Credit: InstagramSofija Milosevic has a baby with Luka JovicCredit: InstagramSofija is a modelCredit: Instagram More

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    Denmark Euro 2024 squad, predicted line-up versus Slovenia, latest odds and star players

    THE winners of Euro 1992 will be hoping for another unlikely surge to the latter stages under boss Kasper Hjulmand.The Danes reached the semi-finals at Euro 2020, narrowly losing out to England at Wembley in extra-time after Harry Kane tapped home a botched penalty.Denmark are a close unit after Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest and run to the semis at the last EurosCredit: Getty – PoolThe spirit of this team cannot be questioned, overcoming Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest three years ago to produce one of this competition’s great tales.The majority of that squad remain intact, including experienced heads Kasper Schmeichel, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, skipper Simon Kjaer and a recovered Eriksen.There are also plenty of notable Premier League faces in Crystal Palace’s Joachim Andersen, Brentford’s Mathias Jensen, Christian Norgaard and Mikkel Damsgaard and Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund.Momentum is with them once more following a solid qualifying campaign that saw them top a tricky group with seven wins from 10.read more on the eurosWithin that was an unbeaten two outings against Slovenia – who finished level on points in second and stand in their way yet again in Group C.There will be a desire to perform on a major stage again after a disastrous Qatar World Cup showing back in November 2022 – finishing bottom of their group winless with one point.Manager: Kasper HjulmandPlayed in America for North Florida Ospreys and became Thomas Tuchel’s successor at Mainz in 2014. Key man: Rasmus HojlundThe 21-year-old has been one of the few bright sparks in Manchester United’s miserable campaign.Most read in Euro 2024He can cause problems with his tireless work ethic and clinical finishing.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeet the ten Wags ready to stun at Euro 2024Likely line-upHow they attackDenmark are very structured and patient in the way that they look to build the attack.What is interesting with the Danish side is that they are always willing to push players into advanced and aggressive positions in order to stretch the pitch on the highest line of the attack.They often push four players up against the opposition to give them plenty of attacking options.Hojlund was very advanced against Finland and scored a hat-trickDenmark push four attackers up on the Swiss defence to stretch the pitch and provide options for the midfieldersExpect to see Denmark come into this tournament playing in a back four system although this will be fluid.While the defensive line and the midfield remain structured, full-backs or wing-backs move into aggressive positions when the Danes are on the attack.The midfield three are well structured with one deep and two ahead and the wing-backs take the opportunity to press forward.They pass the ball around the back while the midfield forms a clear diamondAs Denmark are likely to be patient in the attack, they push into the final third and squeeze the pitch.They make things very difficult for the opposition when it comes to breaking out on the counter attack. Denmark, especially against their weaker opponents, will dominate the game.Against Finland, Denmark push extremely high and dominate the ball in the final thirdHow they defendAs in their attacking tactics, they are very strong when it comes to their defensive shape and structure behind the ball.They drop into a solid 5-4-1 formation when the opposition are building an attack.They tend to sit back and wait patiently for the moment to press the other teamDenmark are well structured in a 5-4-1 shape and when Slovenia make a loose pass, they quickly pressWhen the opposition are looking to play progressively from the back Denmark then start to commit more players into advanced areas to press and control the game. They will start with two strikers and in the likes of Hojlund and Yusuf Poulsen they have players in that position who are intense and strong against the ball.Hojlund and Poulsen are the first line of the press with Eriksen high from midfieldWhen Denmark do press high in their defensive shape to defend in a high to medium block they react very quickly when the opposition suddenly play longer to avoid the press.They work hard to plug any gaps that the opposition might have found.Slovenia resort to kicking longer from the goalkeeper but Denmark rush three players forward to regain possessionPredictionDenmark will believe they have an outside chance of finishing top of the group should England suffer a slow start to the tournament.A second-place finish for the Danes looks most likely, where they would could then face the tough task of playing host nation Germany in the last-16.Latest oddsDenmark are 40/1 to win the Euros and 4/5 to finish in the top two of Group C, via William Hill.Glam WagsThe glamorous wives and girlfriends were banned from Qatar during the 2022 World Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt remains to be seen whether they will head to Germany this summer.Those potentially missing their loved ones could include Katrine Friis – Andreas Christensen’s girlfriend – and Andersen’s childhood sweetheart Cecilie Porsdal.Katrine goes out with Barcelona star Andreas ChristensenShe is a Dutch modelCecilie and Andersen are childhood sweetheartsCredit: instagramPierre-Emile Hojbjerg alongside wife JosephineKasper Schmeichel with wife Stine Gyldenbrand SchmeichelCredit: Reuters More

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    Slovenia Euro 2024 squad, predicted line-up versus Denmark, latest odds and star players

    SLOVENIA was in party mode for weeks on end after they qualified for the Euros for the first time in 24 years – but the knockouts feel a world away.Never in their history have they escaped the groups in a major tournament, winning just one of nine games at that stage – a 1-0 victory over Algeria at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.Slovenia’s recent results show they should not be underestimatedCredit: ReutersThat year also saw them paired in a group with England and they narrowly missed out on reaching the last-16 thanks to a narrow defeat to Fabio Capello’s Three Lions.The Slovenians will be out for revenge over England on June 25.Manager: Matjaz KekIn his second spell as boss and has been in charge since 2018 – lost just two qualifying games despite having to overcome the death of his father.Key man: Jan OblakA reliable figure between the sticks for Atletico Madrid and his country, Oblak is a one of the best goalkeepers in the world.read more on the eurosLikely line-upHow they attackUnder Kek we expect to see Slovenia playing a 4-4-2 or 4-2-4 shape.They are typically well structured as they build up their attack with the wide attacking players staying outside when the ball is deep and one of the two midfielders dropping deep towards the ball.Slovenia play an expansive 4-4-2BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSlovenia build-up with the two forward players positioned relatively close to one another in the attack. The defenders and the full-backs along with one of the midfielders are positioned to help progress the ball.Most read in Euro 2024In attack, when Slovenia are pushing forward and playing in the opposition half it is not unusual to see the two wide players come inside to play in narrow attacking positions.In doing this, they almost end up playing with two advanced midfielders behind the two strikers.They like to get players up to support their strikerInside the ten stunning Euro 2024 stadiums including historic final venueWhen Slovenia sustain an attack, they narrow their shape in the opposition half with more players in the channel or central spaces as they look to overload.While Slovenia can be structured in the way they build the attack they and also have a significant threat on the counter attack via RB Leipzig and Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko.He is extremely fast and if the opposition are too high against the ball, Slovenia can break through.Benjamin Sesko has the speed to run in behindAs Slovenia regain possession their two forwards find themselves 2v2 against the opposition defenders. A simple through pass is enough to release the striker in on goal.How they defendIn defence, Slovenia are not a team that will press high.Instead, they will drop into a deeper defensive block against the ball in a 4-4-2 shape.The idea is to make it difficult for the opposition to play through them.Slovenia are compact and opponents need to break down two banks of fourThe defensive block for Slovenia against Portugal looks to stop the opposition from being able to play into the spaces between their defensive and midfield lines.As the opposition move into their half in the wide areas we tend to see Slovenia look to slide their defensive block across the pitch.They are quick to move and support team-mates and they deny spaces for the opposition.If the ball goes into wide areas, the Slovenian compact unit shifts across the pitchAgain in the match against Portugal, Slovenia slide across and deny the opposition space.Even when they are looking to build up more slowly, the Slovenian side refuse to press high against the ball.They will hold a medium to deep defensive block and their strikers will remain disciplined in terms of not pressing.They hold a medium block and their strikers will try to block passes centrally to the midfieldersAs Denmark are in possession deep their defenders are trying to pull Slovenia out to create space. Instead, the Slovenian forwards retain their deep position and refuse to press.PredictionSlovenia are tipped to finish bottom of the group due to the lack of quality across their squad.However, they are perhaps being underestimated after finishing joint-top of qualifying Group H with Denmark, who are tipped to make it the knockout stages with England.Plus, Slovenia beat Portugal 2-0 in a friendly in March.If Oblak and Sesko are on form, then they will think they can make it through in either second or as one of the best third-placed teams.Latest oddsWilliam Hill have the Slovenians as 200/1 outsiders – only Albania, Slovakia and Georgia have longer odds.But they’re 7/4 to make the knockout stages.Glam WagsOblak has reportedly begun dating Serbian tennis player Olga Danilovic.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe made the fourth-round at the French Open this year and has one career title to her name.And defender Miha Blazic recently tied the knot with influencer Weronika, who has a 108,000 followers on Instagram.Weronika is going out with Miha BlazicCredit: @wera_marzedaOlga Danilovic is rumoured to be dating Jan OblakCredit: GettyAmelia Kurtic dates midfielder JasminCredit: Instagram More

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    Albania Euro 2024 squad, predicted line-up versus Italy, latest odds and star players

    ONE of the Euros’ minnows who will be competing at a major tournament for only the second time in their history.But for anyone expecting the Balkan state to just roll over in what is looking like a group of death, then consider how they got to Germany in the first place.Albania will be determined to do their country proudCredit: EPAThe Red and Blacks, who are managed by former Arsenal left-back Sylvinho, topped a qualifying group that involved Czech Republic and Robert Lewandowski’s Poland, losing only once.Premier League interest centres around West London, with Brentford goalie Thomas Strakosha likely to start between the sticks. And they have Chelsea striker Armando Broja up top desperate to prove his credentials to potential buyers.Manager: SylvinhoJust the mere mention of his name evokes memories of that thunderbolt for Arsenal at Chelsea in 2000.read more on the eurosThe first Brazilian to play for the Gunners, where he made 55 appearances, he went on to win a stack of trophies at Barcelona from his left-back position – and six caps for Brazil.He retired in 2010 after a brief spell at Manchester City, before coaching at Lyon and Corinthians back in his homelandSylvinho, 50, took over at Albania last year, and has already achieved his No1 goal by qualifying for Euro 2024.Sylvinho has been working wonders at AlbaniaCredit: AFPKey man: Elseid HysajA Serie A stalwart married to a former Miss Albania, Lazio full-back Hysaj became the youngest player to wear his nation’s armband when captaining the team against Qatar in 2016.Most read in FootballThe 30-year-old could be on his way out of Rome this summer as he has one year left on his contract.Likely line-upAlbania set up in a solid formation that allows them to get plenty of men behind the ball.Hysaj is a superb outfit on the left and Strakoshka has plenty of experience between the sticks.Broja’s movement will be absolutely vital in stretching opposition defences and creating space for team-mates.How they attackAlbania caught everyone by surprise by winning their group in qualification for this tournament ahead of the likes of Poland and the Czech Republic but despite this strong performance they are still likely to struggle this summer.This is especially true given that they have been drawn in group B with Spain, Croatia and Italy.In the attacking phase we can expect to see Albania build from deeper positions.When they are in possession of the ball in deeper areas one of the central midfielders will drop to form a three with the central defenders.This helps Albania to play through pressure.One of the deeper midfielders drops in while the two full-backs push on to play in higher positions against the ballAs they move into the middle and final thirds they are not a team who tend to rely on attacking through crosses from wide positions.Instead, they will look to make runs ahead of the ball to open spaces that will allow passes to be played centrally to the striker or the wide players as they come inside.The full-back starts in possession but comes inside and then passes to the left-sided attacker. It opens up a passing lane that allows the pass to be played through for the striker to run on toAs they enter the final third and threaten the penalty area a midfielder and two wide players will join the striker.They look to attack into the penalty area at angles to provide options and threat.The through ball releases the attacking player in the channel on the far side. Immediately the near side wide player will look to make a run off the ball to attack the space in the penalty areaHow they defendAlbania are more effective and much more solid and strong when they drop into a medium or deep defensive block to cut off space. They have players who are aggressive and strong against the ball but when they try to press higher they can lose structure and be played through or around.When they press in a higher structure their wide attackers can be caught too high, as opposed to forming a more effective block with the three midfield players.As Sweden have the ball with their goalkeeper we see the wide attackers have pushed to almost the same line as the striker.When they defend in a medium defensive block they will block spaces and passing lanes in central spaces. Ylber Ramadani brings a sense of solidity to the Albanian structure given his willingness to work and fill gaps consistently.As Sweden play out wide to the near side here we see Albania are well positioned centrallyAs the opposition move into the final third we then see Albania crash back to defend in a deep block with little space in or around the area.The Albanians will then look to win first contact on any crosses before then attacking in transition.Albania defend the area in a deep and effective block. They win the ball back and end up scoring from this positionPredictionAlbania will face one of the best third-place teams if they somehow manage to top the group.By finishing second, they would probably face Hungary or Switzerland in the last 16 which would offer them a chance to make a shock run to the quarter-finals.With favourites England likely to be lying in wait, that may be as far as the Balkan outfit go.READ MORE SUN STORIESLatest oddsAlbania are rank outsiders to go all the way.William Hill have priced them at a whopping 500/1.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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    England star Ollie Watkins reveals he has regular therapy before and after games to offload his troubles

    ENGLAND star Ollie Watkins has revealed he has regular therapy with a life coach before and after games to get his worries off his chest.The Three Lions hot-shot’s career has taken off since he started talking to the guru – offloading all his troubles.Ollie Watkins’ career has taken off since he started talking to his life coachCredit: GettyThe striker, in Gareth Southgate’s Euros squad, hailed his new life adviser for clearing his mind of everything except hitting the net.Although he bravely admitted to still being wracked by self-doubt, he’s learned to trick his brain into ignoring any nagging doubts.The £80m-rated forward, whose 27 goals and 13 assists last season fired Aston Villa into the Champions League, also sees a performance therapist twice every week.Ollie said: “Just working on my mind-set and just making sure going into the game I’ve got everything off my chest.READ MORE ON ENGLAND”I speak to a life coach. Since I’ve been working with him, he’s definitely helped me.“If there’s anything I’m hanging on to, anything that I need to get off my chest maybe before going to the game so I can just focus on that and leave that aside. “Just to perform to the best of my ability and bring the best version of myself on that day.“I feel like it’s the best investment I’ve made, investing into myself, investing into my mind-set definitely made me become a better player.”Most read in FootballOllie, 28, who has two children Amara, two, and 13-month old Marley with long-term partner Ellie Alderson, first turned to the life coach in October 2022.He said: “If I haven’t scored or if I’ve scored three goals, I’ll still speak to him.Roy Keane tips Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins to make move to ‘top team’ like Man Utd, City or Liverpool”I still speak to him before a game and after games, to make sure I debrief on everything and then I can move on to the next game. And since he came in, it’s helped me a lot.”The star told the High Performance podcast “Sometimes I just need to call him for a chat and just to check in and sometimes pick his brains on things.“I never feel like I want to reach out just when I need something.“He’s very, he’s very blunt. I remember I scored a hat-trick after Brighton and he said like ‘well done, but it doesn’t mean anything’.“And he’s right. It doesn’t because I’ve still got the next game to perform in. You need to move on to the next.I feel like it’s the best investment I’ve made, investing into myself, investing into my mind-set definitely made me become a better playerOllie Watkins“But also when I’ve had a bad game, but that doesn’t mean anything.”He says ‘you’ve got the next game to put it right’.“I think the mind is probably the most powerful thing. People train every day physically in the gym, but it takes a lot to change your mind-set.”Ollie has learned to overcome the self-doubt that held him back earlier in his career.He said: “Belief was one thing that maybe was holding me back.“You need to have that bit of arrogance, you know that self-belief that no-one’s going to stop you.“I’d say mind-set is the most important thing. Your brain can tell you a lot of things. You kind of can trick your brain into believing different things.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It did hinder my performance, but I feel like it’s got me where I am today. I put pressure on myself, but not as much as I used to.”Ollie said of the Euros: “I’m ready. I have had one of my best seasons, well undoubtedly my best season, and I feel like I’m confident in myself and in my ability and there’s not a better time for me to go into a tournament.”Ollie Watkins says he is confident he can make an impact for England at Euro 2024Credit: EPA More

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    Italy Euro 2024 squad, predicted line-up versus Albania, latest odds and star players

    THEY are reigning champs and have a habit of defying the odds – yet little is expected of this Azzurri side.At least they qualified, given a nasty recent habit of missing major tournaments.Italy come into Euro 2024 with plenty of question marksCredit: RexBut even that was not exactly comfortable as they finished narrowly above Ukraine and well below table-toppers England.Veteran boss Luciano Spalletti, 65, will have to use all his experience given the lack of quality at his disposal.Up front, in particular, is an issue with former West Ham flop Gianluca Scamacca likely to start No 9.Sandro Tonali’s betting suspension hampers them in midfield.read more on the eurosThey won it last time but the view back on the Boot is if they make it out of the group, they will have done just fine.Manager: Luciano Spalletti The veteran tactician won’t stand for any nonsense.Spalletti has already clamped down on the time his squad spends on the PlayStation.But the 65-year-old is no dinosaur tactically and his teams are not to be taken lightly.Most read in FootballLuciano Spalletti struggled in qualfyingCredit: APKey man: Gianluigi DonnarummaThe only genuine superstar in the squad has had an up-and-down year at Paris Saint-Germain.But the big man remains elite – as England know only too well from the last final.Likely line-upItaly have a solid back three in front of Donnarumma, with width coming from their wing-backs.Jorginho and Nicolo Barella will be tasked with controlling the centre of the park and getting the ball to Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Pellegrini.Scamacca and Napoli striker Giacomo Raspadori are two options up front.The former is a physical threat while Raspadori is two-footed and offers solid technique but has never been a prolific goalscorer.How they attackUnder Spaletti, we can expect to see an Italian side that are effective and dogged from a defensive perspective but who are also flexible and fun to watch in possession.They will build from the back using intelligent structures to play through the opposition press.Italy will typically use Napoli right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzi as a third central defender.And Federico Dimarco, who plays as a left wing-back, will move higher and come inside.Dimarco moves into a midfield position from wing-backItaly are patient and composed and they create patterns that help them to play through pressure.They are not limited to one style of play.When the opportunity comes they can attack in a much more direct way.Federico Chiesa is released to run into space as the midfield progress the ball quicklyAs the Italians win possession centrally they often take the high risk option and quickly look for opportunities to release runners wide. As they progress and attack into the final third we will see Italy shift the ball into wide areas.They want to create chances to attack the opposition full-back and break into the opposition area.Zaniolo takes possession wide we see Di Lorenzo make a long run around the outside to provide widthHow they defendItaly are not as deep a defensive side as we have perhaps seen in the past.Instead they will look to be proactive and modern in the way that they look to press and work out of possession. Their two wide forwards, who can look to play in a more narrow position, in particular will work and press along with the forward player to disrupt the opposition attack.Italy press the Ukraine defence high and as a wave The striker goes first and presses alone and as soon as the opposition play a poor pass we see the second player join in. When the ball is forced wide the third player then joins and Italy have the opposition pressed in.When they do move high and look to press in the opposition half we will typically see them press and work in a man-to-man style.This means they take away passing lanes and options for the opposition players.Italy press high and the opposition player in possession does not have an easy option to play intoPressing and marking man to man in this way can be dangerous if the opposition can play through the initial press. Italy, however, are willing to be aggressive in terms of continuing to man mark when the ball is played through.Even when the opposition beat the intial press, the Italians work hard to force their rivals backwards.England pass their way through the initial press but the player receiving the ball is forced to play backwards as they cannot turnPredictionItaly struggled in qualifying and face a huge test to get out of their group.Should they manage to top the pile ahead of Spain, Croatia and Albania, they would face one of the best third-placed teams in the last 16.Germany would be potential quarter-final opponents with Portugal and the Netherlands potentially lying in wait in the semis.Finishing second would likely see Italy take on Hungary or Switzerland – providing neither stun Germany – and a potential last-eight clash with England in what would be a fiery grudge match.READ MORE SUN STORIESLatest oddsItaly are among the favourites to win Euro 2024 despite their poor qualifying campaign.They are 16-1 with William Hill – behind England, France, Germany, Portugal and Spain.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. 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    England boss Gareth Southgate fires warning to his squad after Iceland shocker and tells them to ‘get the focus right’

    GARETH SOUTHGATE has warned: Jude Bellingham cannot solve England’s problems on his own.The Real Madrid superstar joins up with the Three Lions on Sunday after being given time off to recover from his Champions League triumph.Returning midfield hero Jude Bellingham can’t take all the responsibility, says England manager Gareth SouthgateCredit: GettySouthgate has spotted areas that need fixing after the 1-0 loss to IcelandCredit: RexBellingham arrives at St George’s Park with his England team-mates still reeling from Friday night’s humiliating 1-0  Wembley defeat to Iceland.Southgate admits Bellingham can lift the squad — who head for the Euros in Germany tomorrow  — but the boss 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.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS“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.”Bellingham, 20, had a stellar first season with Real, winning LaLiga then clinching Euro glory with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.Southgate gave the ex-Birmingham and Dortmund midfield star extra time off to recharge.Most read in Euro 2024Ivan Toney, Joe Gomez, Declan Rice and Aaron Ramsdale reflect on Friday’s 1-0 defeat to Iceland in England’s final warm-up gameCredit: GettyPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
    EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHe missed both  the 3-0 friendly win over Bosnia and that disastrous final warm-up against Iceland.Now all eyes  are on  getting England firing for the Euro 2024 Group C opener against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen next Sunday.England star Kieran Trippier reveals ‘lunatic’ team-mate drove TRACTOR to training and did donuts on the pitchSouthgate added: “He is, of course, a player with fabulous mentality and will have a big impact on the whole group.“But the biggest thing over the last couple of games is we’ve never had the collective together on the pitch at the same time.“There are still players we are finding out about and it sharpens the focus leading into Serbia.”John Stones is a fitness worry after his ankle knock against Iceland. The defender will be assessed by England’s medical staff today.With Harry Maguire out of the squad due to a calf injury, Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah is on standby.Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker saw the Three Lions struggleCredit: GettyGareth 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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    Croatia Euro 2024 squad, predicted line-up versus Spain, latest odds and star players

    THE usual suspects remain the key men for Croatia… as they have been over a decade.A clutch of players have either more or close to 100 caps for the Balkan side.Croatia have a very experienced squadCredit: GettyThose include defender Domagoj Vida, midfielders Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic, former Leicester striker Andrej Kramaric and, of course, captain Luka Modric.Another, Ivan Perisic, is doing his best to be fit after suffering a complex anterior cruciate ligament injury at his former club Tottenham in September.Impressive boss Zlatko Dalic has been along for most of the ride too, having taken them to a World Cup final and third-placed finish since taking over in 2017.A lack of young blood – barring Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol – could cost them though.read more on the eurosManager: Zlatko DalicConsidered a national treasure for his brilliant tournament performances, he spent much of his club career in Croatia, Albania and the Middle East.Dalic finished second to England in the Euro 2020 group stage but lost to Spain in the last 16.Performances on the biggest stage have kept Dalic in the job but a tricky group means he has his work cut out this time.Zlatko Dalic has been manager of Croatia since 2017Credit: GettyKey man: Luka ModricThe 2018 Ballon D’Or winner may no longer be an automatic starter for Real Madrid, but he is for his country and is on 174 caps.Most read in FootballJust don’t tell the 38-year-old it’s coming home.Luka Modric gets involved all over the fieldLikely line-upCroatia have an extremely settled line-up with plenty of tournament experience.The midfield three bring bags of quality and creative spark.A solid – if unspectacular back four – is not blessed with pace, meaning Josip Stanisic and Josip Juranovic will be tasked with not leaving the centre-backs exposed.Kramaric will lead the line and look to get on the end of crosses from Perisic – if fit – and Mario Pasalic.How Croatia could line up at the EurosHow they attackWhile Croatia have been fantastic in recent World Cups, they have been less impressive in the Euros.They come into this tournament playing 4-3-3 and their midfield of Modric, Brozovic and Kovacic is one of the most experienced and technically gifted in the world.In the attacking phase of the game, at least two of those players sit deep to help Croatia to progress the ball through pressure.Against Wales, Modric and Kovacic dropped into deeper positions to form a two at the base of the midfieldAs they move the ball into the opposition half, the three central midfielders help Croatia attack with the two wide forwards making movements into the channels or even into the central areas.This will then, in turn, create space wide that they can play into and exploit.Against Armenia, Croatia have narrowed the pitch and can spread to a full-back overlappingWith a quick switch of play into the wide areas, they are then able to attack into space.As the Croats attack to the last line and look for ways to break into the opposition penalty area, the midfield is again key.Croatia will play with a target man looking to receive the ball and link play with the midfielders.As striker Bruno Petkovic takes a pass, Lovro Majer’s run from deep allows Croatia to break through the last line and into the penalty areaHow they defendAlthough Croatia will play in a 4-3-3 this summer, the way that they press sees them move into more of a 4-4-2 with one of the midfielders or wide attackers typically released to work higher along with the striker.They will then be positioned in two lines of four behind this initial press and will be difficult to play around or through.A second player joins the striker in the press with two banks of four behind themDalic’s side can be extremely aggressive against the ball but they tend to only react in this manner when the opposition are in possession when there has been a clear trigger.If an opponent takes a poor touch or plays a poor pass then the Croatians, led again by the midfield, will counter press and be aggressive.Here, the Welsh player has taken a poor touch and immediately we see the Croatian press collapse around the ball as they look for an opportunity to quickly regain possessionThis fluid approach out of possession for Croatia will translate to a higher press if the opposition take a poor touch or make a mistake when they are building the attack. The game intelligence and experience throughout the Croatian squad is key in these situations as they understand when to hold a deeper block and when to jump and press high.As the Turkish player takes a poor touch in build-up, we immediately see Croatia squeeze the opposition in and look to regain possessionPredictionCroatia find themselves in the group of death – with Spain, Italy and Albania.If they can come out on top, they would face one of the best third-place teams in the last 16 and likely have to go through Germany in the quarter-finals.Spain and the Netherlands are also in that half of the draw, while England could lie in wait in the final – a repeat of the 2018 World Cup semi.If they finish second, Hungary and Switzerland are potential last-16 draws, with England, France and Belgium all littering a tough route to the final.READ MORE SUN STORIESPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
    Latest oddsThere are a group of six teams being favoured by the bookies, including England, Spain and Belgium.Croatia are just outside that core with odds of 40/1 at William Hill. More