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      Dream Team Euros: Belgium’s top stars, bargain options & players to avoid

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      BELGIUM didn’t make the most of their so-called ‘Golden Generation’ but their current side still contains plenty of talent.The Red Devils have been dealt a relatively favourable draw at Euro 2024 with Slovakia, Romania and Ukraine for company in Group E.This set of fixtures should interest Dream Team Euros managers and so let’s analyse Domenico Tedesco’s squad in search of the top stars, bargain options, and players to avoid.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, GREAT FUN!Any team that includes Kevin De Bruyne deserves to be taken seriouslyCredit: Dream TeamTOP STARSWith Kevin De Bruyne (£7m) in their ranks, Belgian boast arguably the best playmaker of the modern era.The Manchester City midfielder has proved over the course of several years that he is capable of massive returns in the realm of Dream Team.Goals, assists, big chances created, bonus points… he does it all.De Bruyne is the outright most-expensive player in his position but if anyone has a body of work that justifies such a status, it’s him.Romelu Lukaku (£5.5m) broke the record for most goals scored in a European Championship qualifying campaign when he plundered 14 of them to book his country’s place in Germany.Most read in FootballSome Dream Team bosses will find it hard to look past the hulking target man’s ineffective spells at Manchester United and Chelsea but it would be a mistake to ignore his prolific record.Lukaku has bagged 83 goals in 114 caps at a rate better than Neymar, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at international level.Lukaku’s record for Belgium is immenseCredit: EPAFew players have a higher ceiling than Jeremy Doku (£5m) when it comes to point-scoring potential.The 22-year-old’s dribbling stats are incredible at times, an attribute that helps him collect plenty of bonus points.His end product still needs work but when everything clicks the skilful winger is almost unplayable.If Doku starts against Slovakia in Matchday 1, he could feast.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      BARGAIN OPTIONSIt would be a stretch to describe Koen Casteels (£3.5m) as a certified bargain but he looks reasonably priced now it’s been confirmed Thibaut Courtois will not play any part in Germany this summer.The Wolfsburg goalkeeper is in line to start for Belgium in a favourable group – most of the other first-choice selections in his position among the top nations are priced at either £4m or £4.5m.Courtois will be watching Belgium from the sofa this summerCredit: ReutersWout Faes (£3m) started every game of the Red Devils’ qualifying campaign and may therefore offer an affordable route into a defence hopeful of clean sheets.In the attacking positions, Johan Bakayoko (£3m) would suddenly be great value if he got the nod on the right flank.The 21-year-old registered 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for PSV this season and offers plenty of excitement in possession.However, it might be wise to wait for a clearer indication of the pecking order before committing to Bakayoko.EUROS SCORE PREDICTOR IS HERE! CLICK HERE TO PLAY FOR FREE – £5,000 PRIZE POT!PLAYERS TO AVOIDLeandro Trossard (£4m) offers plenty but it might surprise some gaffers to learn that the Arsenal man has completed 90 minutes just once for his country since the start of the 2022 World Cup.In fact, he averages just 50 minutes per appearance for Belgium in the same time frame.Trossard’s place in the pecking order isn’t all that clearCredit: EPAThree goals in his last six outings may have persuaded Tedesco that Trossard is worthy of more playing time but his position is one in which Belgium still have decent depth.An ownership of 11.1% feels high for an asset who might spend significant time twiddling his thumbs on the bench.READ MORE SUN STORIESSimilarly, Lois Openda (£3.5m) has bags of talent and is coming fresh off a 28-goal season with RB Leipzig but it’s difficult for him to get a look in up front because Lukaku’s record is so formidable.If circumstances change and he becomes first-choice striker then he would potentially transform into a smart value-for-money option but that’s not the case at present.Dream Team’s Nick Elliott previews this summer’s Euros fantasy game More

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      Who is Daniele Orsato? Meet Euro 2024 referee

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      REFEREE Daniele Orsato is set to hang up his whistle at the end of Euro 2024.The vastly experienced referee, 48, took charge of his final Serie A match last month, receiving a standing ovation from Atalanta and Fiorentina fans – he also broke down in tears after his final Champions League game. Italian Daniele Orsato is one of the world’s most respected and experienced referees but will retire after Euro 2024Credit: GettyWho is Daniele Orsato?The Italian made his first World Cup appearance in 2018 and also officiated at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.Orsato had before officiated a series of international friendlies and World Cup qualifying fixtures, including the first leg of the World Cup play-off between Honduras and Australia.He’s also been a senior referee in Serie A since 2010, officiating 290 games before retiring.Orsato made his Serie C debut in 2002, moving to the premier Serie A division for the 2006-07 season. He has gone on to make nearly 200 appearances in the division.Since 2012, the Italian has been involved in Champions League fixtures. Orsato went on to referee the 2020 Champions League final and multiple semi-finals.Most read in sport He faced huge criticism from Croatian legend Luka Modric in the last World Cup.The Real Madrid star branded Orsata as “one of the worst” and said his performance was a “disaster” as Argentina beat Croatia in the sem-final.Modric said: “Argentina were a fair winner of the match, they were better, they deserved to win, but these things have to be mentioned, I generally don’t do them, but today they have to be done.”‘I don’t like to talk about referees, but this is one of the worst. I don’t have a good memory of [Orsato], he’s a disaster. For me it wasn’t a penalty.”Despite this, I don’t want to detract from Argentina. The penalty killed us. We have to recover for third place and win that match.” More

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      Who is Michael Oliver? Premier League referee officiating at Euro 2024

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      PREMIER LEAGUE referee Michael Oliver is one of the English game’s most experienced officials.And he’ll be the man in the middle throughout Euro 2024 as one of the top refs in the game.English referee Michael Oliver will be in the middle at Euro 2024Who is Michael Oliver?Born in Ashington, Northumberland, , on February 20, 1985, Michael Oliver began refereeing at the age of 14 after being introduced to it by his father.By 2007 he had become the youngest referee to officiate at Wembley stadium when he whistled the Conference National play-off final.Oliver continued to break records becoming the youngest-ever Football League referee and youngest Premier League fourth official.In 2010, Oliver became the youngest ever Prem referee at the age of 25 years and 182 days old when he officiated Birmingham City’s game with Blackburn Rovers.READ MORE ON MICHAEL OLIVERHe is one of the most experienced referees in the Premier League having taken charge of 372 matches in the top flight.He was used as an official in both Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup and has officiated over 50 Champions League and Europa League matches.Oliver was also in charge for the 2018 FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester United – which was notable for the absence of Prince William who was attending the wedding of his brother Prince Harry to Meghan Markle.He officiated again in the 2021 final in which Leicester defeated Chelsea.Most read in Euro 2020He has also taken charge of matches in the United Arab Emirates Pro League.In 2023 he officiated the game between Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal for a reported £3,000.Italy football legend Marcello Lippi sympathises for Gianluigi Buffon after being sent off in final ever Champions League match by Michael Oliver In the 2023/2024 season, the referee came under huge scrutiny after failing to award Liverpool a penalty during the 1-1 draw with Man City at Anfield.He made headlines again in April 2024 over a penalty decision during a London derby between Arsenal and Spurs.In 2024, it was revealed he was one of the main referees at the Euros in Germany.His assistants have been named as Stuart Burt and Dan Cook.Full list of main referees at Euro 2024

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

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      Play our Euro 2024 score predictor to be in with a chance to win £5,000

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      ALL roads lead to Germany this summer with Euro 2024 almost upon us.And we’re giving you the chance to win £5,000 with The Sun’s Euro 2024 score predictor game!”How do you win?” I hear you ask. To be in with a chance to scoop the £5k prize, you must correctly predict the score for just ONE Euro 2024 match! And it’s absolutely FREE to play!You can enter the draw for as little or as many matches as you wish, but each correct score prediction counts as an eligible entry.That means you have up to 51 chances of getting a score correct and entering the prize draw!Play our Euro 2024 score predictor to be in with a chance to win £5,000!Full rules and T&Cs for Euro 2024 score predictorThe game opens this Friday, June 7 ahead of matchday one when Germany take on Scotland on Friday, June 14. Anyone looking to take part can make a maximum of one score prediction per match.Players must be 18+ and UK residents.Most read in Euro 2024The winner will be selected at random from all valid entries and will be notified via email within 30 days of the end of Euro 2024. Full terms and conditions for the Euro 2024 score predictor can be found here.Good luck! More

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      Who is Danny Makkelie? Meet the Dutch referee officiating at Euro 2024

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      OFFICIAL Danny Makkelie is back on the world stage for Euro 2024 and is seen as one of the best referees around.The Dutchman, 41, has huge experience in the middle – having first taking up the job in 2005 and being placed on the Elite list in 2014. Danny Makkelie was in charge during England’s Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark when he awarded a controversial penaltyCredit: PAWho is Euro 2024 referee Danny Makkelie?A former police inspector, Makkelie will accept no messing about in Germany.He was first listed as a Fifa referee in 2011 and at 38 years old, still has plenty of mathches under his belt.Having taken charge of 47 Champions League matches in his career – including Bayern’s 1-0 win over Arsenal in the quarter-finals this year – he also has experience at two international tournaments.Makkelie refereed games at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.England fans may remember a controversial penalty against Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-final that helped the Three Lions reach the final.Makkelie made his Eredivise debut in 2009 and has gone on to make over 300 appearances since.Most read in sportHas he used VAR before?The Dutchman has been involved in two major controversies with the VAR system.Makkelie became the first referee to send-off a player using the technology after he changed his yellow-card decision to a sending off against Willem II’s Anouar Kalu in a KNVB Cup game in 2016.He was also involved in one of the most famous and controversial usages of VAR when he took charge of the Dutch Super Cup final between Feyenoord and Vitesse.During that match, Feyenoord saw a goal disallowed and a penalty awarded to Vitesse instead after a VAR review showed Makkelie should have given the spot kick before the goal was scored. More

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      Who is Euro 2024 referee Istvan Kovacs?

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      ISTVAN KOVACS Istvan Kovacs is used to brushing away nonsense from footballers – given he deals with rowdy pupils in his day job as a PE teacher.The 39-year-old Romanian has been picked to officiate at Euro 2024, having also reffed in Euro 2020.Istvan Kovacs, who will referee at Euro 2024, was blasted by Xavi after sending the ex-Barcelona coach off in the Champions League earlier this seasonCredit: AFPKovacs was appointed as an 2010 and nominated to the elite list in 2020.Who is Istvan Kovacs?Kovacs, a native of Carei, grew up a sports fanatic and turned his attention to officiating from a young age.After following his dream, he was appointed as a professional referee in his homeland ahead of the 2007/08 season.In his debut season, Kovacs officiated 17 Romanian top-flight fixtures and within three years he took charge of Europa League matches.He has since become a fixture at the top level of European football, taking charge of numerous games in the Europa League and Champions League.Most read in FootballHe had a perfect view as Ademola Lookman scored a brilliant hat-trick in the final of the Europa League last month.However, he was in Xavi’s crosshairs in April after Barcelona were dumped out of the Champions League.The ex-Barca coach was sent off after complaining over Ronald Araujo conceding a penalty against PSG.Xavi said: “The decision completely changed the game. It was too much to give a red card.”I told the referee his performance was very bad. He was a disaster. He killed the tie.”What games will he officiate at Euro 2024?Uefa have not yet revealed which games will be officiated by which referees.That information will be updated as the tournament approaches. More

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      Who is Euro 2024 referee Artur Soares Dias?

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      ARTUR SOARES DIAS has been selected as a referee for Euro 2024.The Portuguese has plenty of big game experience having been a VAR during the 2018 World Cup and in the middle for Euro 2020. England players – and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – were unhappy with Artur Soares Dias during their friendly with Brazil in March.Who is Artur Soares Dias?Soares Dias has been refereeing since 2010.The 44-year-old and has been on the elite list since 2016, taking charge of multiple matches in the Champions League and other top competitions.Dias has also taken charge of matches in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.He was in charge of Arsenal’s 6-0 Champions League group stage win over Lens, awarding the Gunners a late penalty after a VAR check.Dias also had a front row seat as Olympiacos beat Fiorentina to win the Europa Conference League last month.However, he was at the centre of a bit of controversy in March when England faced Brazil in a friendly.England coach Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was involved in a furious half-time tunnel bust-up with the fourth official in that game, due to decisions made by Dias on the pitch.In 2017, the Portuguese official and his family received death threats before he was due to officiate the Primeira Liga match between Paco de Ferreira and FC Porto.He is also very experienced in games between English club sides and not shy to make the big decisions.In April 2021 he took charge of Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat at Villarreal, sending off a player from both sides and awarding the Gunners a penalty. More

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      Gazza names his favourite England players with three AXED from Southgate’s squad… and he’d never heard of Bellingham

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      ENGLAND hero Paul Gascoigne has named his favourite Three Lions players from the current crop of stars.However, Gazza would have been heartbroken to learn that three of his picks did not make Gareth Southgate’s final 26-player squad for Euro 2024 in Germany.Paul Gascoigne revealed his favourite England playersCredit: GettyGazza’s England squad may have looked very different based on his favouritesCredit: GettyGascoigne, 57, was appearing on The Rest Is Football podcast as a special guest alongside usual suspects, Gary Lineker, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer.And after recalling some tales of his time in the England camp, Richards then asked Gascoigne who his favourite players were out of the current crop of English talent.Gascoigne sheepishly admitted he only knew a couple before revealing the first of his picks.He said: “I like [Jack] Grealish because he always wants to be on the ball.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”[Jude] Bellingham, I’d never heard of him to be fair apart from the last two games.”Honestly, I did an interview and they said, ‘What do you think of Bellingham’ and I said, ‘Who’s he?'”That was only a few weeks ago, but I’ve seen him play at Real Madrid and he was quality when he played for them, he’s good.”Obviously, I like [Marcus] Rashford I just wish he’d smile now and again.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He’s got great talent but I think if he just lightened up a little bit he’d be even better.”Gazza continued: “I like the goalkeeper (Jordan Pickford).Gary Lineker reveals England team-mates ‘quickly evacuated’ communal baths after Paul Gascoigne’s horror habit”I like the Peter Beardsley lookalike, him at the back, the centre-half, what’s his name?”Lineker and Richards chimed in simultaneously said: “[Harry] Maguire.”Gascoigne, who scored ten goals in 57 England games, added: “Yeah Beardsley lookalike, he’s not bad.”Host Lineker then joked: “Why didn’t you go into punditry I can’t figure it out.”The comment prompted laughter from the group, but Gazza replied: “I tried but remember I got kicked off. I was better with a crowd.”I did get offered a job at Sky, the money was good but you ever tried putting dishes up in the winter?”READ MORE SUN STORIESGazza’s comments suggest the Three Lions Euro 2024 would have been vastly different if he were in charge of the team instead of Southgate.That is because Southgate snubbed Rashford from his provisional squad, before Grealish and Maguire were cut from the squad, with the latters being enforced through injury.How England will line up after big names axed from Euros More