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      Croatia Euro 2024 squad, predicted line-up versus Spain, latest odds and star players

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      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

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      I had to pull out of a lads’ holiday to Magaluf… but days later I was scoring in England’s only EVER win in Brazil

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      SCORING for England for the first time. Against Brazil. In the Maracana.It was a life-changing experience.John Barnes and Mark Hateley became heroes for their double act in BrazilCredit: Bob Thomas Sports Photography – GettyHateley, second left, went on to match Paolo Rossi, Paolo Virdis and Ray Wilkins at AC Milan for hair flair, plus was the best of the bunch in the air!But not just for John Barnes — because another player registered his first senior international goal for the Three Lions in the 2-0 win on that famous night, which marks its 40th anniversary tomorrow.And, if anything, the impact on Mark Hateley was greater and more instant.Hateley, 62, recalled: “It was a crazy, crazy six weeks. Everything changed for me — from Second Division football to playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.”Within days of scoring the second goal in England’s only ever away triumph in Brazil, Hateley was on his way to join AC Milan from Portsmouth for a fee of £1.2million.READ MORE TOP STORIESIt was an astonishing turn of events for a young man who had defied his dad, Tony, a former top-flight striker for Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool, to drop down from First Division Coventry to play for Pompey. Hateley hit 22 goals in 38 league games for the South Coast club and caught England boss Bobby Robson’s eye with his exploits for the Under-21s.When the Young Lions won the European Championship in 1984, he scored six goals in the knockout stages and one in the second leg of the final against Spain.Hateley said: “I’d booked a holiday to go away with the lads. Magaluf, I think it was.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS“Sir Bobby gave me a call and asked me if I would like to go to South America as a precursor  to the World Cup qualifying campaign.“I was disappointed not to make the trip to Spain but out of the blue everything opened up for me.”Southgate speaks out after England humbled by Iceland ahead of EurosBefore flying across the Atlantic, Hateley made his senior debut as a substitute at Wembley against the USSR.A 2-0 defeat sparked chants of “Robson out”, with the Three Lions boss already under the cosh after failing to qualify for that summer’s Euros in France. Hateley thought he was going on the trip to learn the ropes but injury stopped Paul Mariner travelling, so the 22-year-old found himself making his first start for his country in the legendary Maracana Stadium.Brazil were fast out of the blocks and Peter Shilton made some good early saves.Hateley said: “It took us a while to get used to the surface.“It was bobbly underneath but if you look at the footage, you can’t really see the football boots because the grass was that long.“They seemed to be able to scoop the ball up off the floor very easily, like they were playing on the beach.”Robson’s team weathered the storm and in the final minute of the first half, Hateley rose high to win and control the ball, before sweeping it out to Barnes on the left flank.He said: “I am actually claiming the assist! I’m looking for the ball back, basically. Centre-forwards only ever lend the ball.“But Barnesy had such ability, he went past three or four players.“When we get to the edge of the box, I’m level with him looking for the little cutback and a side-foot into an open goal.Hateley later joined Glenn Hoddle at Arsene Wenger’s MonacoCredit: 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.

      Hateley poses with Neil Murray after Scottish Cup glory with RangersCredit: SNS“But Barnesy dropped his shoulder, put the goalkeeper on his backside and scored.“The only thanks I got from that was that I copped a right good elbow from Barnesy, right on my jaw, as he celebrated.”Such was the quality of Barnes’ goal that it has always overshadowed Hateley’s own magic moment, in the 65th minute.Hateley, who also shares his November 7 birthday with Barnes, said: “It was a good, old-fashioned centre-forward’s goal from a good, old-fashioned winger’s cross to the far post from Barnesy.“He just hung it up and said, ‘Get on the end of that!’”Brazil keeper Roberto Costa did not cover himself in glory, failing to stop Hateley’s header.The  home team, missing stars in overseas leagues, was hardly vintage. But the victory eased pressure on Robson and was transformative for Hateley.He said: “Ray  Wilkins signed for AC Milan in the Easter.“Two or three days after the Brazil game, he came to me and said, ‘Milan have contacted me — would you be interested  in joining them in the  summer?’“This was how young  and naive I was, I said, ‘I’ve got two years left, Ray, I don’t think Portsmouth will sell me’.“He said, ‘Apparently, that deal has already been done. It’s just about personal terms now.’“I said, ‘Yes, is the answer!’.”The targetman was a huge hero for PortsmouthCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHateley loved Milan and Milan loved Hateley.The header he scored to win his first derby against Inter is still talked about to this day.The self-confessed old-school British centre-forward learned plenty from boss Nils Liedholm, the former AC and Sweden striker and from Fabio Capello, then coach of the Primavera youth team, on how to play like a European No 9.The arrival of Silvio Berlusconi as club supremo led to Hateley leaving after three seasons. But a certain young manager named Arsene Wenger made the England frontman his first signing for Monaco in 1987.Playing alongside Three Lions team-mate Glenn Hoddle, Hateley helped the club become French champions.All was going well until he  suffered an horrific ankle injury in a European Cup quarter-final against Galatasaray in 1989.Hateley bounced back to become a legend at Rangers, where he won five Scottish titles and where he is about to resume the role of club ambassador.But his success can be traced to that night in Rio de Janeiro.Hateley added: “This is what I say to any young player, ‘You never know where you can be next week in the game of football’.READ MORE SUN STORIES“‘Always play like it’s going to be the last game you ever play. If you do that, you’ll never leave yourself short’. It completely changed my life.“And to be the last player to score in England’s only away win over Brazil? I’ll take that plaudit.”PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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      Incredible map shows every England star’s first club including iconic Sunday League team that produced Prem legends

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      FROM Senrab to Serbia – or in other words, from the odd name of your first club to outstanding fame at Euro 2024.That’s the fairytale chapter just one star is dreaming of in an amazing map showing the first club of every player in England’s 26-man Euro 24 squad.Ezri Konsa began with Senrab and is now at his first England tournamentCredit: GettyDeclan Rice is revered at first club Dickerage Lane Adventure IslandCredit: Times Newspapers LtdThe fascinating information was shared by the England Football account on Twitter.Ezri Konsa is the latest star to emerge from Senrab – a Sunday League club in East London with a jaw-dropping Premier League production line.Players trained at Marion Richardson School in Senrab Street, Stepney – close to Barnes Street.Too much detail? Possibly yes – except that Barnes spelt backwards is Senrab, and that dozens of their players have since gone forwards to have spectacular careers.READ MORE TOP STORIESCrystal Palace defender Konsa, is preparing for his first international tournament at the age of 26.And if he wants advice from ex-Senrab kids, he has plenty of top class experience to turn to.John Terry, Jermain Defoe, Sol Campbell, Ledley King and Ray Wilkins are just a few of their major successes in the men’s game. Fittingly, however, the team where Three Lions’ skipper Harry Kane initially played also has a staggering “hit” list.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      Chingford-based Ridgeway Rovers – just 11 miles from Senrab – not only developed Kane but also another ex-England captain in David Beckham.Manchester United legend Becks was coached there by dad Ted.And Rovers still proudly say on their website that Beckham Junior has “always championed” the club.England star Kieran Trippier reveals ‘lunatic’ team-mate drove TRACTOR to training and did donuts on the pitchRidgeway can even boast of Goldenballs: “In his biography he states that he was at his happiest when playing with his mates at Ridgeway Rovers.”Fellow ex-Three Lions wideman Andros Townsend, 32, who is now with Luton, also started his football life with the Londoners.Meanwhile, Tyne and Wear local Jordan Pickford began his playing days with the team furthest north on the England map.In fact, it turned out to be a red letter day when Pickford joined home-town team Washington Envelopes.That’s because in those days the now-Three Lions No 1 wasn’t normally a goalkeeper.However, he soon stamped his mark between the posts after joining the Envelopes.The Everton hero told the EnglandFootball website: “I remember going to see my brother play and there was an U7s team on the same pitch and they didn’t have a keeper.”I was younger than them, but used to go in goal when I was knocking on the street so I joined in and ever since then I’ve been in goal. “That team was Washington Envelopes, my first club. “I didn’t really think much about playing with the older lads, but I just liked being brave and getting in front of the football.”Jordan Pickford began with Washington Envelopes and is now first classCredit: RexHarry Kane launched his playing days with Ridgeway RoversCredit: GettyAnd if “Washington Envelopes” sounds fun, listen to some of the names of the other teams who launched football for Gareth Southgate’s players, whose group action begins against Serbia on Sunday.So far Declan Rice’s career has only gone up, rather than a rollercoaster ride let alone a slide – his first club was Dickerage Lane Adventure Island.The £105million Arsenal midfielder even opened a new pitch at the London venue as recently last month.Rice told ITV at the special occasion:  “I’m so proud. I’ve obviously spent a massive part of my life here.”I’ve been coming here since I was two year old and now I’m 25.”Rice’s ex-West Ham team-mate Jarrod Bowen began with home-towners Leominster Minors in Herefordshire.Elsewhere, Sheffield’s Penistone Church FC have seen their clubhouse and marquee pack out to watch old boy John Stones for the Three Lions.And Red Devils’ hot prospect Kobbie Mainoo was initially with Stockport side Cheadle and Gatley Juniors FC.Map-wise, Ollie Watkins is the sole representative for the South West, starting out at Devon’s Newton Town & Buckland Athletic – on the way to Exeter City and now his free-scoring Prem pomp with Aston Villa.Predictably, the largest bunch of England’s squad originated in or around London.That includes Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka at Greenford Celtic, Liverpool’s Joe Gomez with Ten-Em-Bee and Man Utd’s Luke Shaw for Molesey Juniors, plus Palace duo Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze at Kent’s Cray Wanderers and Bruin JFC respectively, as well as Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher via Epsom Eagles.Brighton skipper Lewis Dunk flies the flag for the south coast as local side Oakwood were his first team.Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Conor Gallagher began with London clubsCredit: GettyKyle Walker had less exotic roots with the Sheffield United academyCredit: GettyPride of place for less modestly-named clubs goes to Soccer Stars FC in Northampton. Brentford forward Ivan Toney is their man of the moment.And when Toney picked up the first of four caps last October, Stars’ chairman James Witkiss told the BBC: “We have been following his progress for a long time.”You could always see he had the ability. For him to actually make it is absolutely phenomenal.”Arsenal back-up stopper Aaron Ramsdale began with Marsh Town in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold was in the Walton & Kirkdale League with Country Park, who also supplied the Reds with Jon Flanagan and Adam Lewis.New Palace hero Adam Wharton was at Lancashire’s Moorlands International Football Academy – where he was so bright that teachers believe he could have come a rocket scientist.Phil Foden first took flight with Stockport’s Reddish Vulcans – but is now totally blue as arguably the star man for Prem champs Manchester City.Former City team-mater Cole Palmer began with Manchester team NJ Wythenshawe Juniors.And another ex-Red Devil in Dean Henderson, who has dug deep to revive his career at Palace, played as a kid for Whitehaven Miners.Jude Bellingham delighted kids with a return trip to StourbridgeCredit: PARather boringly, Kyle Walker began with Sheffield United Academy – a rare example of a club name in this list being so straightforward that it speaks for itself.The first main club of Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon was Sunday League side Whiston Juniors in Merseyside – leading to a short spell with Liverpool and then six years at Everton.Gordon’s club-mate Kieran Tripper was with Woodhey, near his birthplace in Bury.That just leaves Jude Bellingham – and a story of going from home-town Stourbridge Juniors to Birmingham City aged seven and then to Real Madrid last year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe £115m midfielder retains strong roots in the midlands and thrilled kids at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Stourbridge last September… when he turned up for a football session!After so many exciting ventures for so many England players over so much of the country, that’s the perfect example of keeping it Real.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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      Spain Euro 2024 squad, predicted line-up versus Croatia, latest odds and star players

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      SPAIN’S team may not be a patch on the one that dominated world football 15 years ago – which had superstars coming out of its ears.Yet Luis de la Fuente’s side still topped a qualifying group full of banana skins.Luis de la Fuente is in charge of a strong Spain squadCredit: GettyThe only slip-up came at Hampden Park when Scott McTominay’s double earned Scotland a famous 2-0 win – after which crybaby Rodri branded the Tartan Army’s style “a bit rubbish”.Spain triumphed in all their other games, seeing off Erling Haaland’s Norway and winning 7-1 away to Georgia, who will also compete in Germany thanks to the play-offs.Chelsea fans may be surprised to see Alvaro Morata is captain, given he was hardly an inspiration at Stamford Bridge.In fact La Roja’s squad is full of Premier League players from the past, present and, quite possibly, future.read more on the eurosManchester City marathon man Rodri is the man who orchestrates Spain’s gameplan.Newcastle fans are still bemused by the reversal of fortune for their former flop Joselu – now starring for Real Madrid – while Mikel Merino also once wore black and white.Merino’s Real Sociedad team-mate Martin Zubimendi is a long-time target for Arsenal, and Spurs are keen on Nico Williams.Dani Olmo – whose hat-trick in August’s German Super Cup denied Harry Kane yet another trophy – has a £52million release clause at RB Leipzig which kicks in this summer.Most read in FootballManager: Luis de la FuenteSurprise choice as coach but won the Under-21 Euros in 2019 and an Olympic silver medal a year later.Luis de la Fuente has got off to a strong start as Spain bossCredit: GettyKey man: RodriRodri is arguably the greatest holding midfielder the Premier League has ever seen.But will Manchester City’s Mr Invincible have enough left in the tank after complaints of tiredness this season?Rodri plays a vital anchoring role for SpainLikely line-upDe la Fuente makes full use of Spain’s reputation for technical brilliance by packing out his midfield.Rodri and Fabian Ruiz provide a solid base, allowing Gavi licence to roam.Morata is often deployed as a target man with plenty of pace on the flanks provided by the likes of Ferran Torres and Williams.There is plenty of experience at full-back thanks to Jose Gaya and Dani Carvajal.How they attackUnder Luis de la Fuente, Spain will be a very different side to what we have seen in recent years. Gone is the 4-3-3 to be replaced by a more structured 4-2-3-1 system and this forms the basis of how they will attack in this tournament.When building out from deeper positions we will see Spain push their full-backs slightly higher – to the same line as the two deeper central midfielders.The goalkeeper effectively forms a back three with the two central defenders.This shape, along with the two central midfielders dropping back, will help Spain to effectively move the ball out from the back.Rodri and Fabian Ruiz are the two deepest midfielders and they will stay deep in build-up as the full-backs push forward, and the keeper moves alongside the centre-backsWhen they are further up the pitch, the wide attackers and central attacking midfielder are very fluid, moving in and out of position in order to create space that can be exploited.  Rodri has the ball and the winger moves inside to allow the ful-lback to dash down the wing to receive the ballWith the two deepest midfielders holding their shape at the base of the attack, Spain attack with four players.The attacking midfielder and two wingers move forward aggressively to support the striker. They will then be further supported by the two full-backs moving into advanced positions.Rodri finds Morata in the channel and the Spanish have plenty of options in attackSpain will be a real threat to opposition teams with their willingness to push players forward.How they defendThe move away from their traditional 4-3-3 shape into a 4-2-3-1 also makes Spain more solid defensively. The presence of two deep midfielders offers security and allows them to push further forward and to press in a higher block.Spain look to press and work in a high block to try to regain possession high. They will press from their strikers looking to cut off passing lanes for the goalkeeperSpain will consistently be brave in their defensive game plan.They will be willing to push players high and to play man-on-man against the opposition. In doing so they will effectively force the opposition either into making a mistake and a loose pass or playing longer and giving the ball away.Nico Williams ends up pressing right across to the goalkeeper from the far side as the rest of the team go man to man.The likes of Williams and Lamine Yamal provide pace and direct running from the wide areas and support Morata, who is defensively intelligent player.Spain work together to limit opportunities for the opposition to play forward.Spain press high and work defensively. They will regain possession regularly in these areas.PredictionShould Spain top their group, their last-16 opponents will be one of the best third-placed teams.They would then likely have to go through Germany in the quarter-finals and Portugal or the Netherlands in the semis.By finishing second, they would probably face Hungary or Switzerland for the right to set up a potential last-eight collision with England.France or Belgium would then be realistic semi-final opponents meaning Spain are going to have it tough either way – as he been reflected in their odds.Latest oddsThe three-time winners are fifth favourites to win the competition behind England, France, Germany and Portugal.They are 8/1 with William Hill to add a fourth crown.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      Glam fans and WagsReal Madrid stalwart Carvajal has been married to partner Daphne since 2022 – team-mate Joselu is his brother-in-law.The two tied the knot at a rustic former Franciscan convent in Ayllon, Segovia, in front of just 250 close friends and family members.Torres has split from former Spain boss Luis Enrique’s daughter Sira.She is a professional show-jumper and a member of the swanky Barcelona Royal Polo Club.READ MORE SUN STORIESCaptain Morata is dating stunning Italian model and fashion designer Alice Campello.She revealed she spent eight months ignoring his messages before they got together.Dani Carvajal poses with wife DaphneCredit: The Mega AgencyLuis Enrique’s daughter will be supporting Spain despite her splitCredit: InstagramSira Martinez was dating Ferran TorresCredit: Instagram / @siramartinezcAlice Campello will also be in the standsCredit: Instagram / @alicecampelloAlvaro Morata finally persuaded the stunning model to date him
      Sara Botello recently had a child with Aymeric LaporteCredit: Instagram / @sara_botello
      The couple tied the knot last yearCredit: Instagram @Sara_BotelloMikel Merino’s stunning girlfriend Lola LiberalCredit: Instagram @lolaliberal More

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      England fans fear ‘we’re in for a shock’ as Serbia tear rivals apart just days before facing Three Lions at Euro 2024

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      FANS have been left fearing for England after Serbia thumped Sweden in their final Euro 2024 preparation match.The Three Lions were beaten 1-0 by Iceland in their final warm-up match which has set alarm bells ringing ahead of the tournament.Aleksandar Mitrovic was on the scoresheet against SwedenCredit: ReutersEngland were beaten by Iceland on Friday nightCredit: GettyTo make matters worse, England’s first opponents looked in good form as they dispatched Sweden.Sergej Milinkovic-Savic opened the scoring for Serbia at the Friends Arena in Sweden.Aleksandar Mitrovic made it 2-0 on the hour mark before Dusan Tadic wrapped up the win ten minutes later.To make matters worse fellow group opponents Denmark also won tonight as they beat Norway 3-1.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNews of the storming wins has reached England fans who have taken to social media to share their concern.One posted: “Telling you man this England team is going to be in for a shock against Serbia and especially Denmark.”A second commented: “The way Serbia are playing right now, I don’t see England beating them.”A third wrote: “Serbia are very good. Our group is not easy at all.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA fourth said: “Play like we did against Iceland and Serbia and Denmark will beat us. Complacency will get us grouped.”A fifth added: “Serbia are gonna absolutely smash us next weekend!”Southgate speaks out after England humbled by Iceland ahead of EurosEngland take on Serbia in their opening fixture of Euro 2024 on June 16.Gareth Southgate’s side will then face Denmark and Slovenia in their remaining group-stage games.The defeat to Iceland however has dampened spirits as the team were booed off at Wembley.The manager admitted that he “understood” the boos but did suggest that the result did not reflect the match.He said: “I completely understand [the boos]. We didn’t play well enough to keep them excited within the game.”We had some very, very good chances which normally would be finished which could have given a different complexion to the game and of course would have affected the confidence of the opponent.”But that would have masked some flaws that were apparent tonight. From my perspective, I’ve learned a lot from the game.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It does focus the mind that any sort of complacency that talent is going to get us this trophy and that we only have to stroll in…football is not like that.”You’ve got to be spot on in every aspect of the game to win any game at this level and we were a long way short of that tonight and Iceland deserved their win.”PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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      England stars will be served by ROBOT in German team colours at their luxurious Euro 2024 team hotel

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      A ROBOT in German team colours will serve England’s stars at their plush Euro 2024 team hotel.The real-life WALL-E named Kehrbart delivers meals to tables and even has a Deutschland motif and the squad number 24.Kehrbart the robot will serve the England team and staff at their team hotelEngland will be staying at the Weimarer Land Golf Resort and Spa in GermanyCredit: Darren FletcherEngland’s player suffered defeat to Iceland in a friendly on Friday nightCredit: GettyIt was previously called Robby but got a host nation makeover when the German team stayed there recently.And it has mischievously kept its new look for the arrival of old rivals England.Three Lions stars including Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham will fly to their tournament base tomorrow.And Kehrbart — thought to be a jokey German name for sweeper — was still in his home country’s colours yesterday as he prepared to greet Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad.READ MORE EURO 2024Sources quipped that it brought back memories of former England striker Peter Crouch’s famed robot goal celebration — also performed in a No24 shirt in 2006.One source told the Sun on Sunday: “Robby 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.Most read in Football“Perhaps Bobby the Robot after Bobby Moore?”The source added: “If Peter Crouch was still playing for England, he could do his famous robot dance goalscoring celebration with him.”Inside England’s stunning Euro 2024 hotel with golf course, spa and robot Kehrbart will help 160 staff at the 350-acre Weimarer Golf Hotel and Spa at Blankenhain, eastern Germany, which the squad will call home for up to a month.The droid says phrases in German including “Excuse me” and “Please let me get on with my work”.It works in the six gourmet restaurants in the hotel where England — who put in a robotic performance in Friday’s 1-0 warm-up defeat against Iceland — have sole occupancy of all 94 rooms.A squad source told us last night: “We’re looking forward to meeting our new robot friend. “We don’t have any plans to rebrand him but will let you know if that changes!”It has been suggested the robot could get renamed in honour of Peter Crouch, famous for his robot celebration, the ace seen in 2006Credit: In-Focus More

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      Switzerland Euro 2024 squad, predicted line-up versus Hungary, latest odds and star players

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      IN RECENT years, you’ve been able to rely on the Swiss national team like one of their watches.They will always be there at major tournaments and always go out in the last 16.The Swiss have a mountain to climb to qualify from Group A.Credit: AFPEuro 2020 was the exception, when a remarkable comeback saw them recover from 2-0 down to beat France on penalties in the last 16.A repeat looks unlikely. Murat Yakin’s team made really heavy weather of qualifying, so much so that there was talk of him getting the sack.A squad with plenty of players in top-level leagues need to punch its weight if they are to make the knockout stages.read more on the eurosManager: Murat Yakin Former Basel coach who had a brush with Jose Mourinho in 2013, beating Chelsea in the Champions League.Murat Yakin was appointed ahead of the Qatar World CupCredit: GettyKey man: Granit XhakaThe Swiss captain makes everything tick and goes into Euro 2024 after the best season of his career, anchoring Bayer Leverkusen to their maiden German title.What has always characterised him is that he thinks big and is not afraid to express his ambitions publicly.Granit Xhaka is Switzerland’s appearance record holderCredit: GettyLikely line-upSwitzerland usually play with a back threeHow they attackWe expect to see Switzerland to come into the tournament either playing in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 shape with a lot of experience throughout their squad.Most read in Euro 2024The Red Crosses are calm and composed when playing out from their first-line with their goalkeeper, Yann Mvogo of Lorient, showing ability with his feet.We often see Switzerland breaking the press with their passes out from the first line before quickly launching aggressive attacking moves from that position.Jack Wilshere, Gordon Strachan and Jurgen Klinsmann answer quickfire questions ahead of Euro 2024Mvogo was forced into a mistake against IrelandSwitzerland quickly move the ball wide or into the strikers feet or body before making runs to support this pass from deep. Their midfielders will look to get forward to combine and break into the opposition area. Switzerland will have players making long runs from the midfield to attack the space.In the more established attacking phase of the game, when they have the opposition pressed back into their own defensive third, Switzerland will push multiple players forward into advanced positions to occupy space. They will have options at different depths in the final third and across the width of the pitch to break down the opposition.Switzerland get into good positions and flood players into the final thirdHow they defendFrom the defensive side of the game we expect to see a versatile and varied approach to defending from Switzerland this summer. At times they will work and press in a high block to look for opportunities to regain possession but they are also comfortable when dropping back in and defending in a deeper block.Switzerland defending in a deep and compact defensive block.They are limiting the spaces that the opposition can play into between the lines with this kind of positioning.They are versatile, however, and at times we expect to see Switzerland defending in a far more aggressive manner as they will look to push players forward to defend high and man to man. When doing so they are difficult to play through because they still defend and work as a unit with few spaces between the lines.Switzerland press man to manWith the ball in the touchline the man in possession can do nothing but put the ball out of play.Again though Switzerland will be versatile in their defensive structure and at times they will defend in a medium block to shut off the centre of the pitch for the opposition. By defending in such a varied way, Switzerland will be difficult to break down for teams this summer.Switzerland in a medium block as they sit and defend the centre of the pitch.PredictionPredicting the runners-up of Group A is a difficult task, with Hungary up there as favourites to finish second.The Swiss might miss out on a top-two finish, but they could still progress to the knockout rounds as one of the four best third-placed nations.But if Switzerland manage to win Group A, they will face the runners-up from Group C, which is likely to be Denmark. If they succeed in that Round of 16 tie, their quarter-final opponents will be the winners of Group B, which many predict to be Spain.Latest oddsSwitzerland are at 80/1 odds to win Euro 2024, alongside Serbia and Hungary.Glam fans and WagsThe Switzerland squad will be cheered on by a host of glamorous wives and girlfriends.READ MORE SUN STORIESGranit Xhaka’s long-term partner Leonita leads the list of names, with the pair tying the knot in 2017.Granit Xhaka wife LeonitaCredit: Instagram @leonita.xLeonita Xhaka boasts 221k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @leonita.xBut recently put her Instagram on privateCredit: Social Media – Refer to SourceManuel Akanji is married to MelanieCredit: Rex More

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      England route to Euro 2024 final: Who could the Three Lions play in the Round of 16?

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      ENGLAND will be aiming to put an end to their near 58-year wait for a trophy at Euro 2024 this summer.Gareth Southgate’s side will be hoping they can go one better than the Wembley heartbreak of Euro 2020.England are favourites heading into Euro 2024Credit: REUTERSThe England gaffer left some regulars out of his 26-man squad, with the likes of Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish not on the plane to Germany.Southgate has opted for some new names this summer as he aims to be the man to guide the Three Lions to their first tournament win since the 1966 World Cup.SunSport details every scenario of how football can, in fact, come home…England’s route to Euro 2024 finalFirst up for England in Germany will be taking on the three other teams in Group C:READ MORE IN EURO 2024Sunday, June 16 – Group C: Serbia vs England (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen – kick-off 8pm BST, BBC)Thursday, June 20 – Group C: Denmark vs England (Waldstadion, Frankfurt – kick-off 5pm BST, BBC)Tuesday, June 25 – Group C: England vs Slovenia (RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne – kick-off 8pm BST, ITV)Who can England play in the Round of 16?Should the Three Lions make it out of the group, here are their three scenarios:Most read in Euro 2024If England finish top of Group CSunday, June 30 – England vs third-placed side in Group D/E/F (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen – 5pm BST kick-off)If England finish runner-up in Group CSaturday, June 29 – England vs Group A winners (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund – 8pm BST kick-off)If England finish as one of four best third-place teamsOne of:Monday, July 1 – Group F winner vs third-placed side from Group A/B/C (Waldstadion, Frankfurt)Tuesday, July 2 – Group E winner vs third-placed side from Group A/B/C/D (Allianz Arena, Munich)EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWho can England play in the Quarter-finals?*Key: 1A = top of Group A, 2A = runner-up in Group A, 3A = 3rd in Group AIf England finish top of Group C and win their round of 16 gameSaturday, July 6 (Merkur Spiel-Arena, Dusseldorf – 5pm BST kick-off) – England vs winner of 2A vs 2B If England finish runner-up in Group C and win their round of 16 gameFriday, July 5 (MHPArena, Stuttgart – 5pm BST kick-off) – England vs winner of 1B vs 3A/D/E/FIf England finish as one of four best third-place teams and win their round of 16 gameOne of:Friday, July 5 (Volksparkstadion, Hamburg – 8pm BST kick-off) – England vs Winner of 2D vs 2E Saturday, July 6 (Olympiastadion, Berlin – 8pm BST kick-off) – England vs winner of 1D vs 2FSemi-finalsIf England finish top of Group C, win their round of 16 game and win the quarter-finalWednesday, July 10 – kick-off 8pm BST (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund) – England vs Berlin quarter-final winner.If England finish runner-up in Group C, win their round of 16 game and win the quarter-finalTuesday, July 9 – kick-off 8pm BST (Allianz Arena, Munich) – England vs Hamburg quarter-final winnerIf England finish as one of four best third-place teams, win their round of 16 game and win the quarter-finalOne of:Tuesday, July 9 – kick-off 8pm BST (Allianz Arena, Munich) – England vs Stuttgart quarter-final winnerWednesday, July 10 – kick-off 8pm BST (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund) – England vs Dusseldorf quarter-final winner.FinalSunday, July 14 – kick-off 8pm BST (Olympiastadion, Berlin) – Berlin semi-final winner vs Dusseldorf semi-final winnerREAD MORE SUN STORIESPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      Who’s in England’s 26-man squad?Here is the Three Lions’ squad for Euro 2024:1 Jordan Pickford2 Kyle Walker 3 Luke Shaw4 Declan Rice5 John Stones6 Marc Guéhi7 Bukayo Saka8 Trent Alexander-Arnold9 Harry Kane10 Jude Bellingham11 Phil Foden12 Kieran Trippier13 Aaron Ramsdale14 Ezri Konsa15 Lewis Dunk16 Conor Gallagher17 Ivan Toney18 Anthony Gordon19 Ollie Watkins20 Jarrod Bowen21 Eberechi Eze22 Joe Gomez23 Dean Henderson24 Cole Palmer25 Adam Wharton26 Kobbie Mainoo More