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    Little-known rule forcing Gareth Southgate’s hand as he cuts England squad down to 26 for Euro 2024

    GARETH SOUTHGATE will only be allowed to name 23 outfield players in his Euros squad due to strict Uefa rules.Guidelines for the tournament state all squads must include three keepers for the competition.Gareth Southgate has some big decisions to make before the Friday midnight deadlineCredit: GettyThe maximum squad size is 26 players, but nations cannot bring fewer than three keepers to try and free up space for an outfield position.Article 48.01 reads: “Each association must provide the UEFA administration with a list of 23 to 26 players (surnames, first names, club and date of birth) as well as the surnames, first names and date of birth of the head coach and assistant coach, mentioning their coaching qualifications.”It then crucially adds: “Three of these 23 to 26 players must be goalkeepers.”The rule, which is also enforced for Fifa tournaments, caught out North Korea at the 2010 World Cup.READ MORE ON ENGLANDThey registered striker Kim Myong-won as a keeper in the hope of playing him outfield.However, Fifa became aware of North Korea’s attempts to circumvent the rules and intervened.They released a statement saying: “The three players listed as goalkeepers can only play as goalkeepers during the World Cup and cannot play outfield.”This will be communicated to the teams in the team arrival meetings and will be enforced on match days.”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey also added: “Kim Myong-won will not be allowed to play as an outfield player if he has been put on the list as a goalkeeper.”Kim did not play a single minute at the tournament.England’s ultimate footballer rich listMeanwhile, Southgate has already axed James Maddison and Curtis Jones from his final Euros squad. Burnley keeper James Trafford has also been left out after being a surprise inclusion in the 33-man training squad.Jarell Quansah is also expected to be left behind.Others who remain uncertain of their place heading into England’s final friendly against Iceland on Friday include Jarrad Branthwaite, Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, Luke Shaw, Adam Wharton, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney. More

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    Euro 2024 free bets and offers – New customer deals from our betting partners

    EURO 2024 is just around the corner with a huge 51 matches to look forward to from Germany!With that being said, are you on the hunt for a new bookmaker for the Euros?Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereSunSport have put together an extensive list of the very best free bets and exclusive bonus offers from our betting partners – and they’re all available to claim RIGHT NOW!The best online free bets, bonuses and sign-up offers from our partnersEuro 2024 free bets & offers – New customer deals from our betting partnersWILLIAM HILLOFFER: Bet £10 & Get £60William Hill are offering brand new customers who register an account a massive £60 in free bets and bonuses!The free bets can be spent on Euro 2024, with the bonuses available in the casino!
    William Hill: Bet £10 and get £60 in bonuses – CLAIM HERE*
    TOTEOFFER: Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets & 50 free spinsTote have recently expanded their betting offerings and punters can now bet on football with them – just in time for the Euros!New customers can take advantage of their special welcome offer, where they are offering £30 in free bets plus a further 50 free spins (worth another tenner) when you bet £10!
    Tote: Get £40 welcome bonus when you stake £10 – CLAIM HERE*
    BETFREDOFFER: Bet £10 get £50 in free betsThis offer is bound to be hugely popular as Betfred’s bonuses are ALL for football!New Betfred customers can claim a colossal £50 in free bets to spend on football when registering and staking £10.
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    talkSPORT BETOFFER: Bet £10 Get £20 in free betsAnother offer here with just sports as the bonuses.Brand new talkSPORT BET customers who register an account and stake a tenner will receive £20 in free bets to spend on football!
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    BetMGMOFFER: Get £40 in free bets when staking £10BetMGM’s new customer offer has been hugely popular all year and that will likely continue during these Championships.New customers can claim £40 in bonuses to spend on football (3 x £10) and horse racing (1 x £10)!
    BetMGM: Get £40 in bonuses to spend on football and horse racing – CLAIM HERE*
    LADBROKESOFFER: Bet £5 Get £20Ladbrokes are stacked with all sorts of offers for during the Euros.Not yet with them? Ladbrokes will gift punters who register and place a £5 bet on football a generous £20 in free bets!
    Ladbrokes: Bet £5 of football and get £20 in free bets – CLAIM HERE*
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    Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*William Hill: 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. #ad*Tote: New customers online only. Only valid with code B5G20PLUS50FS on registration. £/€5 min stake (if EW then min £/€5 Win + £/€5 Place). Receive £/€20 Tote Credit and 50 Free Spins on selected game within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool bet added to the bet-slip. Valid up to 7 days after registration. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register (excl. 13/04/24) with WELCOME50. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get Free Bets: £20 In-Play, £20 Acca & 50 x £0.20 (£10) Free Spins on Fishin’ Frenzy within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET: 18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile, bet £10+ at odds 2.00+, in 7 days. No cash out. Get 4x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. 7 day bonuses expiry. Card payments & Apple Pay only . T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly.*BetMGM: 18+ BeGambleAware.org New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. T&Cs apply.*Ladbrokes: 18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. More

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    James Maddison breaks silence on Euro 2024 snub after leaving England squad and says ‘devastated doesn’t quite cut it’

    JAMES MADDISON admits he’s “devastated” to have missed out on a place in England’s squad for the upcoming European Championships.The Tottenham playmaker, 27, left Gareth Southgate’s squad on Wednesday, making him the first of seven to be cut from the provisional roster.James Maddison has been left out of England’s squad for Euro 2024Credit: GETTYThe Tottenham midfielder has been left devastated by his omission from the squadCredit: GETTYNow he has taken to social media to open up about the disappointment.Speaking on X, the 27-year-old said: “Devastated doesn’t quite cut it.”Trained well and worked hard all week. “But if I’m honest with myself, my form for Spurs when coming back from injury in the second half of the season probably wasn’t at the levels I had set which gave Gareth a decision to make.READ MORE ON EUROS”I still thought there would be a space for me in a 26-man squad as I feel I bring something different & had been a mainstay in this whole qualifying campaign for Euro 2024 in Germany. “But the manager has made the decision and I have to respect that.”I’ll be back, I have no doubt.”Maddison didn’t let his personal disappointment stop him from wishing his team-mates good luck for the tournament.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe continued: “Wishing the boys all the luck in the world out in Germany.”[An] unbelievable group and lads that I literally call some of my best friends.Gareth Southgate names England Euro 2024 training squad”I genuinely hope football comes home.”Maddison has been joined by Curtis Jones on the list of stars axed from Southgate’s initial 33-man training squad.His team-mate Jarell Quansah is also expected to be left off the plane to Germany.England will kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on June 16 before playing Denmark four days later.The Three Lions’ final Group C match will pit them against Slovenia on June 25. More

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    Everyone can see the football shirts – but you have 20/20 vision & a high IQ if you spot the odd ones out in 11 seconds

    YOU might just have 20/20 vision and a high IQ if you can spot the odd football shirts out in this mind-boggling illusion.With Euro 2024 just around the corner, this is the perfect puzzle to get you in the mood for this summers football.Only those with eagle eyes can find the three rogue shirts in this imageCredit: Ticket-CompareHowever, overcoming this brainteaser will be no easy feat and it’s bound to leave you pulling your hair out as you race against the clock.That’s because you can’t afford to make any mistakes in order to succeed – so the pressure is on.But with the sharpest of eyes and the strongest of minds, you stand a great chance of victory.Even those with perfect observational skills are likely to pass this test before it gets the better of you.Read more Optical IllusionsAnd by searching every single part of this image, you stand a higher chance of finding the out of place shirts before it’s too late.In the image provided by Ticket-Compare, we can see 40 white and blue chequered shirts lined up in five rows of eight.Each shirt also has the number “10” written on its front.However, while they may all look identical at first glance, there are three rogue kits that aren’t quite the same as the others – and it’s your job to find them.Most read in FootballAccording to Ticket-Compare, cracking this tricky puzzle typically takes about 75 seconds – but you’ll need to crack it in just 11 seconds or less to prove you have the highest IQ.It might sound like a daunting challenge, but we know you’ve got what it takes to get the job done.Everyone can see the Euros footballers – but you have 20-20 vision & a high IQ if you can spot the ref’s whistle in 11 secondsIf you can really focus on the task at hand, and make sure you check every square inch of the picture, then you should be able to uncover the three rogue shirts.Make sure you also think outside the box, too, as this isn’t as simple as it seems.So, without further ado, off you go – and good luck.If you are struggling however, then we can offer you one clue to help you succeed; none of the odd shirts out are in the top two rows!If you still can’t find all three, then the answers have been circled for you below.How does an optical illusion work?
    By Tom Malley
    OPTICAL illusions are a great way to test your eyesight and cognitive skills, requiring you to really think about and observe what’s in front of you.
    More often than not, players are required to find something hidden within an image that can’t immediately be found on a first glance.
    But the more you stare at it, the more your brain tries to help you find the answer.
    What you see and what you think you see are two completely different things, but your senses gather information and send it your brain.
    Your brain then creates a perception with this information, whereby it fills in gaps when there is incomplete information, or creates an image that isn’t even there.
    This reaction is actually a survival instinct.
    Our brains have evolved to quickly work to piece together any information it can get, before doing its best to figure out the rest.
    So when you’re looking at an optical illusion, your brain works with what it’s got to develop a reality in order to help you see the answer in the image.

    Were you able to spot all three shirts before time ran out?Credit: Ticket-CompareCan you spot the whistle in less than nine seconds?Credit: BetwayIf that challenge was too easy for you, however, then why not have a go at one of our many other optical illusions?That includes trying to spot the whistle amongst the Euro 2024 footballers in less than nine seconds.This mind-boggling football illusion has puzzle fanatics stumped and struggling to find the answer – but do you have what it takes to score?If that’s still not hard enough, then see if you can find the lollipop in the jungle scene in under seven seconds.Everyone can see the cheeky monkey but you need 20/20 vision to have any chance of beating the clock.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlternatively, you can try and spot the pocket watch at the tea party in less than seven seconds.Everyone can see pots of tea and cake but only those with 20/20 vision and a high IQ can crack this unique puzzle.There’s the whistle! Did you find it?Credit: BetwayOnly those with 20/20 vision can find the lollipop in under seven secondsCredit: jagranjoshThe lollipop can be found in the man’s bagCredit: jagranjoshCan you spot the pocket watch in just seven seconds?Credit: jagranjoshOnly those with 20/20 vision and a high IQ could crack this unique puzzleCredit: jagranjosh More

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    Harry Maguire ‘a doubt for England Euro 2024 squad’ with injury as he’s one of three players training away from team

    HARRY MAGUIRE is reportedly at risk of missing Euro 2024 due to an injury.The 31-year-old has not played since April due to a calf issue.Harry Maguire is reportedly an injury doubt for Euro 2024Credit: GettyMaguire has not been training with the rest of the squad todayCredit: ReutersGareth Southgate included him in his 33-man provisional squad last month in the hope that he would be fully fit before England’s opening match against Serbia next Sunday.However, The Daily Mail now claim there are growing doubts regarding his fitness.Maguire missed Monday’s friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina and will also be absent when the Three Lions face Iceland at Wembley tomorrow.He missed today’s pre-match training session to continue following his own individual programme.Luke Shaw also missed out, as did Lewis Dunk.Meanwhile, James Maddison and Curtis Jones left the camp after being told they will not feature in Southgate’s 26-man squad.Maddison was reportedly in line to start tomorrow’s match against Iceland, but made the decision to leave on Wednesday.Jarell Quansah is also expected to miss out, as is Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, while Sun Sport understands Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is sweating on his place.Most read in Euro 2024Of Southgate’s provisional squad, 27 were in full training, with Jude Bellingham still on holiday following his Champions League heroics.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMaguire has been limited by injuries this seasonBrentford striker Ivan Toney is currently sweating on his place, with Ollie Watkins preferred in Monday’s match against Bosnia.And he will likely get limited minutes against Iceland, with England’s all-time leading goalscorer Harry Kane set to start.England’s ultimate footballer rich list More

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    Record-breaker Romelu Lukaku could feast in Belgium’s favourable group – are Dream Team Euros bosses underrating him?

    ROMELU LUKAKU (£5.5m) is a captivating character.Laughable at his worst but unplayable at his best, the Belgium target man is the perfect subject for the next edition in our EURO STAR series – previously featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Jamal Musiala and Antoine Griezmann – that seeks to thoroughly examine players of note in relation to Dream Team’s Euros fantasy game.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, GREAT FUN!Does Lukaku deserve to be more popular?Credit: Dream TeamAt the time of writing, Lukaku features in 12.3% of teams created, which puts him just outside the top 20 most-popular players in the game.Many Dream Team bosses won’t be able to look past the more farcical spells of the 31-year-old’s career – he appeared overweight and disinterested at the back end of his Manchester United tenure and his second spell at Chelsea has proved to be bitterly underwhelming.But it would be a mistake to underestimate what he’s capable of when everything clicks.During qualifying for Euro 2024, Lukaku scored 14 goals in eight appearances – a record tally for a European Championship qualifying campaign.Granted he eight of those goals came from 240 minutes of action against Estonia and Azerbaijan but a hat-trick away to Sweden and strikes in each fixture against fellow qualifiers Austria proved he was no flat-track bully.Lukaku has enjoyed himself in a Belgium shirtCredit: APTruth be told, a genuine flat-track bully would be licking their lips looking at Belgium’s group stage opponents this summer.The Red Devils will take on Slovakia, Romania and Ukraine and while those sides made it to Germany on merit, there can be little doubt Group E pales in comparison quality-wise to Group B (Spain, Italy, Croatia, Albania).Most read in FootballSimply put, Lukaku could feast during the group stage if he picks up where he left off at international level – gaffers may remember he provided an impressive assist during a friendly against England in March.EUROS SCORE PREDICTOR IS HERE! CLICK HERE TO PLAY FOR FREE – £5,000 PRIZE POT!More broadly, his overall record for Belgium is truly immense.He’s scored 83 goals in 114 caps at senior level at a better strike than Neymar, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.Only seven players have scored more goals in the entire history of men’s international football and Lukaku needs just three more to jump up two more places.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
    He was limited to just 54 minutes at the 2022 World Cup, during which time he squandered two gilt-edged chances, but he scored four goals in five outings at Euro 2020.Dream Team managers would understandably be hesitant to back Lukaku if he had endured a torrid domestic season but he returned 21 goals in all competitions on loan at Roma in 2023/24.And let’s not forget that Belgium’s first-choice striker has the luxury of being served by Kevin De Bruyne (£7m), arguably the best playmaker of his generation.Lukaku has occasionally been a figure of fun but he ticks a lot of boxes in the world of Dream Team Euros.Dream Team’s Nick Elliott previews this summer’s Euros fantasy game More

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    A third of England fans deliberately book holidays to clash with Euro 2024 fixtures

    A THIRD of travellers will be enjoying the Euros on holiday – after many accidentally booked their break during the football tournament.A poll of 1,700 people who are travelling abroad this year with their partner found 38 per cent of those away during Euro 2024 made the booking well in advance of when the match dates were announced.A third of England fans deliberately booked holidays during Euro 2024Credit: GettyDespite 57 per cent planning on doing everything they can to avoid watching the games, 52 per cent are thrilled about this coincidence.What’s more, 33 per cent deliberately chose to book their getaway during the tournament, with 36 per cent saying their team’s success will make their holiday even better.A spokesperson for package holiday company, Jet2holidays, which commissioned the research, said: “It seems the Euros are a huge driver for travel this summer.“Some people may have even sneakily booked their trips knowing full well it would coincide with some of the bigger games, while others may simply want to switch off from it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Whether you want to escape or embrace the football, we are giving holidaymakers lots of choice and flexibility this summer and are offering something for everyone.”As a result of the summer sporting showcase, 22 per cent of Euros fans admit they’ll be spending less time with their partner than they normally would do on a holiday.One in five also believe the tournament will cause more arguments with their other half than usual, according to the OnePoll.com data.Of those hoping to escape the football fever, 32 per cent will be choosing to book solo boat trips, 39 per cent using it as an opportunity to explore the local town, and 29 per cent making use of the time to take a siesta by the pool.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMore than a fifth (21 per cent) considered changing their travel times when they realised there was going to be a Euros crossover.With 13 per cent even contemplating booking another holiday for later in the year.Harry Kane tried to STEAL Cole Palmer’s first England goal as Southgate reveals he begged to be brought on for penaltyDespite this, 50 per cent reckon tourists from all over Europe will be happier if their team is doing well – and 43 per cent expect to see a boost to local economies.The Jet2holidays spokesperson, added: “Going on holiday during Euro 2024 allows travellers to immerse themselves in the excitement and energy of one of the biggest sporting events in Europe.“The tournament’s spirit enhances the travel experience, making it more enjoyable and memorable.“Of course, not everyone wants to embrace the football and instead they would like to get away from it all.“Luckily, there are plenty of options for those wanting to avoid the Euro festivities.” More

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    Liverpool stars Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah ‘set to miss out on England Euro 2024 squad’ after James Maddison axe

    LIVERPOOL stars Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah have both missed out on a spot in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad for Euro 2024.The pair are among seven players who will be axed ahead of the tournament.Curtis Jones (L)and Jarell Quansah (R) have both missed out on a spot in the squad, while Adam Wharton (C) remains in contentionCredit: GettyJones was informed by Southgate in the last few days, while Quansah is also expected to miss out.Tottenham star James Maddison became the first player to fall short of the 26-man squad on Wednesday.The 27-year-old has already left the camp.England will take on Iceland tomorrow evening before Southgate decides on his remaining cuts.Read More on Euro 2024Brentford striker Ivan Toney is currently sweating on his place, with Ollie Watkins preferred in Monday’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.Toney scored just four goals in 17 Prem appearances after returning from a betting ban in January.And he will likely get limited minutes against Iceland, with England’s all-time leading goalscorer Harry Kane set to start.The Three Lions kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia next weekend.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJones has impressed for Liverpool this seasonQuansah made his first team breakthrough last yearThey will also face Denmark and Slovenia in the group stages.Speaking after Monday’s 3-0 win over Bosnia, Southgate said: “We understand the significance for all of the players so we’re giving it the respect and attention it deserves to make fair, right decisions.”Of course, it’s always going to be subjective.”It’s not just getting the best individuals in, there’s a positional element to that as well.”We’ve got really good options and I think we’ve come through tonight without any physical issues, which is really important.”He continued: “Some players needed the game, they needed the minutes and they need the minutes again on Friday. That’s why we brought Harry Kane on. He needed some match time today and then to back that up.”We’re spinning a lot of plates trying to get individuals into things, manage minutes, perform well and everything else, but I think it was a good night for us.” More