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

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      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

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      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

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      Incredible stats shows England are now GOOD at penalties as stars’ astonishing success rate is revealed

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      A STAGGERING statistic reveals that 20 England past and present internationals have taken 52 penalties in games and shootouts in the 2023-24 season and missed only ONE — showing a 98 per cent success rate.The only blemish was Kieran Trippier who fired wide in the penalty shootout for Newcastle at Chelsea in their Carabao Cup quarter-final in December.Harry Kane will once again be taking up the mantle of penalty-taking kingCredit: The TimesCould Cole Palmer be rivalling Harry Kane to take penalties this summer?Credit: GettyIn terms of where England players have netted, it’s a mixed selection with 20 right, 18 left and 13 down the middle.The stats will make for pretty reading for England fans haunted by penalty misses of yesteryear.While the Three Lions managed to miss out on being knocked out via a shootout last time out at the World Cup in Qatar, it was still a penalty that cost England dearly.Harry Kane dispatched his first of the game after 58 minutes but lost his cool when attempting to slot the ball past France keeper Hugo Lloris for a second time later in the match.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSSouthgate’s boys went on to lose 2-1 to Les Blues and exit the competition at the quarter-final stage.The feeling of England crashing out courtesy of a dreaded spot-kick is a familiar one for football fans.At the previous tournament, Euro 2020, England were just a penalty shoot-out away from winning their first trophy since 1966.But they fluffed their lines against Italy in the final, and fell to a 3-2 defeat on penalties.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland players have scored 51 of their 52 penalties so far this seasonMarcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka all failed to find the back of the net from 12 yards.But England’s record in shoot-outs under Southgate hasn’t been all bad on the whole, despite his own infamy for missing a crucial spot-kick at Euro 96.Marcus Rashford and Henderson OUT of Gareth Southgate’s England Squad for Euro 2024The Three Lions triumphed 6-5 on pens over Switzerland in the 2019 Nations League, although it could be argued that the pressure wasn’t nearly as high at the then fledgling Nations League tournament.And a year prior to that, the team showed their steel by triumphing 4-3 on pens over Colombia in the round of 16 at the Russia 2018 World Cup courtesy of an Eric Dier pen.Southgate’s men will be hoping to draw inspiration from those two shoot-outs, plus their players’ generally stellar record from the spot this season – with 51 of their 52 pens scored this season.One potential difficulty for Southgate though could be getting his takers on the pitch at the same time.Cole Palmer leads the way in terms of pens scored, but is likely to be behind Bukayo Saka when it comes to a right-wing berth and Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham when it comes to playing in the 10.Marcus Rashford, James Ward-Prowse and Callum Wilson have all also scored well from the spot this season but haven’t made the cut for Southgate’s initial squad.Current England boss Gareth Southgate will be hoping his players don’t do what he did from the penalty spot at Euro 96Credit: PA:Press Association More

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      James Maddison leaves England camp as he becomes first star to be axed from Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad

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      JAMES MADDISON has become the first player to be axed from Gareth Southgate’s provisional England squad for Euro 2024.The Tottenham star, 27, has learned his fate and has already left the Three Lions camp.James Maddison has been cut from Gareth Southgate’s England squadCredit: GettyGareth Southgate named a 33-man provisional squad last monthCredit: GettyMaddison joined up with the Three Lions after returning from Spurs’ post-season trip to Australia.He featured from the bench in Monday’s 3-0 friendly win over Bosnia.But the midfielder has failed to make the cut.Maddison has earned seven England caps.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSHe was handed his first international start against Ukraine in a qualifier last year.The former Leicester ace was included in Southgate’s World Cup squad in 2022, but did not make an appearance in Qatar.Maddison moved to Spurs in a £40million deal last summer following the Foxes’ relegation.He enjoyed a brilliant start to life in North London, scoring three goals and laying on five assists in his first 11 Prem outings for Spurs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe playmaker suffered an ankle injury against Chelsea last November, ruling him out for 10 weeks.Upon his return he failed to conjure the same levels of productivity, scoring once and laying on four assists in 17 appearances.Tottenham star James Maddison opens up on three-month injury layoff which stopped him being a dad to newborn twinsEngland will take on Iceland on Friday, before Southgate decides on his remaining six cuts.One player sweating on his place is Brentford striker Ivan Toney.The forward, 28, scored just four goals in 17 Prem appearances after returning from betting ban in January.He was an unused substitute against Bosnia, with Ollie Watkins preferred.While minutes for Harry Kane will be prioritised in Friday night’s game, with the Bayern Munich still recovering from a back injury.Southgate, 53, said: “I have got to get Harry Kane right.“Sometimes the priorities of what’s required and what you would like to see, as well, means you can’t achieve all of those objectives. Simple as that.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSouthgate’s latest omissions will come after his ruthless initial squad announcement.The England boss left out experienced stars including Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson and Reece James – opting for fresh blood in the likes of Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze and Jarell Quansah.Ivan Toney is sweating on his placeCredit: Rex More

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      Joy for Euro2024 England fans after Germans build ‘beer super highway’ to keep booze flowing in stadium

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      THE beer will be flowing long and smooth for England supporters at their opening Euros tie — in pipes three miles long.The high-tech German stadium at Gelsenkirchen has a cellar which is linked to taps by an ingenious “beer superhighway” rather than kegs.High-tech German stadium at Gelsenkirchen has installed a ‘beer superhighway’ with 3-mile beer pipes ahead of England’s clash against SerbiaCredit: GettyEngland fans will watch Harry Kane and the lads’ first match on June 16Credit: GettyIt accelerates the supply of the 50,000-plus litres of lager expected to be sold during the Serbia clash on June 16. And many of the 62,000 fans at the Veltins-Arena will be extra-thirsty as there are only two pubs within a 30-minute walk.Gary Davies, 50, from Preston, will be there to cheer on skipper Harry Kane and the lads, and his mouth is already watering. He said: “The beer pipeline is German engineering at its finest — and their beer’s not bad either.READ MORE ON EUROS“There’ll be no better way to watch our boys than with a perfectly chilled pilsner in my hand.”The ground is named after ­German brewer Veltins but has had to change its name for the Euros to the AufSchalke to avoid upsetting the tournament’s beer sponsor Bitburger.Officials wanted to ban booze for the Serbia clash but police said: “It has now been agreed beer will be offered in the stadium.”England played there in the 2006 World Cup — getting knocked out in the quarter-finals on penalties by Portugal after Wayne Rooney got sent off.Most read in Euro 2024How hosts Germany look to return to their best for Euro 2024 More

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      France name Euro 2024 squad numbers as forgotten former EFL goalkeeper gets coveted No1 shirt

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      BRICE SAMBA has been handed France’s No1 shirt for Euro 2024.The former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper, 30, left the Tricky Trees in 2022 to sign for RC Lens in Ligue 1.Brice Samba has reported for duty at ClairefontaineCredit: ReutersSamba, 30, helped Forest to promotion from the Championship in 2022Credit: RexSamba has gone on to impress in his homeland, helping Lens to a runner-up finish in the 2022-23 season – earning Champions League qualification in the process.The 6ft 2in ace was rewarded for his form at club level with a first international call-up last year.Boss Didier Deschamps handed him his first cap in a qualifier against Gibraltar last June.He has since gone on to earn further appearances against Greece and Germany.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWith stalwart Hugo Lloris having retired from international duty after the 2022 World Cup, France’s No1 shirt had been left vacant.Lloris, 37, had worn it at every major tournament since the 2010 World Cup.After confirming their 25-man squad, Les Bleus revealed that Samba would wear their No1 jersey.Having begun his career with spells at Le Havre, Marseille, Nancy and Caen, Samba signed for Forest in 2019.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFrance’s Euro 2024 squad in full

      Brice Samba
      Benjamin Pavard
      Ferland Mendy
      Dayot Upamecano
      Jules Kounde
      Eduardo Camavinga
      Antoine Griezmann
      Aurelien Tchouameni
      Olivier Giroud
      Kylian Mbappe
      Ousmane Dembele
      Randal Kolo Muani
      N’Golo Kante
      Adrien Rabiot
      Marcus Thuram
      Mike Maignan
      William Saliba
      Warren Zaire-Emery
      Youssouf Fofana
      Kingsley Coman
      Jonathan Clauss
      Theo Hernandez
      Alphonse Areola
      Ibrahima Konate
      Bradley Barcola

      He played 133 times for the Tricky Trees, leaving after three years following Forest’s promotion to the Premier League.In addition to the former Championship stopper, Deschamps will be able to call upon AC Milan’s Mike Maignan and West Ham’s Alphonse Areola.Fan bumps into Premier League star Neal Maupay getting fish and chips and supporters are in stitches at his responseMaignan, 28, has earned 14 caps and will wear the No16 shirt, while Areola, a member of France’s victorious 2018 World Cup squad, has earned five caps and will wear No23.Having been selected to start tonight’s friendly clash with Luxembourg, Maignan is likely to receive the nod as first choice in Germany. More

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

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      IT wasn’t that long ago that German fans were largely pessimistic about their side’s hopes at Euro 2024.A series of disappointing results led to the dismissal of Hansi Flick and debate raged about Die Mannschaft’s best XI.However, consecutive wins over France and Netherlands in March, coupled with the return of Toni Kroos and the eye-catching form of some of their younger talents, have boosted morale considerably.Naturally, Dream Team Euros managers will be keen on Germany, now under the guidance of Julian Nagelsmann, so let’s analyse their top stars, bargain options, and players to avoid.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, GREAT FUN!Florian Wirtz has the potential to take the tournament by stormCredit: Dream TeamTOP STARSMuch of the hosts’ hopes rest on the young shoulders of Jamal Musiala (£4.5m) and Florian Wirtz (£4.5m).The former is one of the most natural dribblers in world football, a gift that should earn him a few bonus points, while the latter is coming off the back of a hugely successful campaign with Bayer Leverkusen.Wirtz registered 18 goals and 20 assists as Xabi Alonso’s side suffered just one defeat in all competitions.Joshua Kimmich (£5m) is the joint-most expensive defender in the game; a reflection of his dual purpose.Most read in Dream TeamThe 29-year-old will be hopeful of clean sheets in Group A, where Germany are joined by Scotland, Hungary and Swizterland, but he’s also got the quality to contribute in attack – he’s played more than enough times in midfield throughout his career.A fantastic crosser of the ball, Kimmich registered ten assists for Bayern Munich in 2023/24.Havertz finished well for Arsenal in 2023/24Credit: GettyUp top, Kai Havertz (£4.5m) is most likely to lead the line and he’ll be hoping to carry over the form he exhibited for Arsenal during the final third of the domestic campaign.Mikel Arteta started using him as a false nine and, as a result, Havertz scored nine goals and provided six assists in his last 14 outings for the Gunners.BARGAIN OPTIONSOutright bargains are generally found among the less fancied teams but that doesn’t mean savvy gaffers can’t find decent value for money among the German ranks.Maximilian Mittelstadt (£3.5m) has just three senior caps to his name but he’s expected to start at left-back after an impressive season with Stuttgart.The 27-year-old took his chance in those morale-boosting wins back in March, he even scored against the Netherlands.Starting defenders among the tournament’s bigger teams generally cost more than £3.5m so Dream Team bosses looking to save some cash at the back could take advantage of Mittelstadt’s price.Mittelstadt is expected to start at left-back against ScotlandCredit: GettyToni Kroos (£3.5m) is a class act and likely to be the man pulling the strings in midfield but whether his understated style will lead to many points is difficult to predict.Truth be told, it’s probably worth finding some extra budget for one of his more attack-minded team-mates.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      PLAYERS TO AVOIDAs previously mentioned, Havertz is thought to be the first-choice centre-forward from the get-go which means Niclas Fullkrug (£4m) will have to be content as an impact substitute, at least initially.The tall target man has an excellent record at international level having scored 11 goals in 15 appearances to date but his domestic form for Borussia Dortmund tailed off at the back end of the season – though he did produce some good performances in the Champions League knockout stages.Similarly, Thomas Muller (£4m) is generally limited to cameo performances these days.The experienced ‘Raumdeuter’ was a tournament specialist in his younger years but he’s only completed 90 minutes for Germany twice since Euro 2020.Fullkrug will have to be patientCredit: GettyAt the time of writing, Marc-Andre ter Stegen (£4m) is the joint-tenth most selected goalkeeper in Dream Team Euros but he’s likely to play second fiddle to Manuel Neuer (£4.5m).Backing a reserve keeper is a bad enough as it is but selecting one that costs £4m is a potential disaster.READ MORE SUN STORIESLastly, Leroy Sane (£5.5m) owners should tread carefully as he’s far from a guaranteed starter.The Bayern Munich winger’s price is a reflection of his talent but he’ll only be viable if he’s assured of minutes – gaffers might want to wait until Matchday 1 has played out before making a decision on him.Dream Team’s Nick Elliott previews this summer’s Euros fantasy game More

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      Germany vs Scotland – Euro 2024: Hosts take on Steve Clarke’s side in tantalising opener – stream FREE, TV, team news

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      EURO 2024 kicks off with a bang as hosts Germany take on Scotland in Munich.The winner will give themselves a fantastic chance of qualifying for the knock-out round, so the pressure is on.Germany go into the clash as big favouritesCredit: GettyCaptain Andy Robertson will be key for ScotlandCredit: GettyGermany already carry the weight of expectation that comes with being the host nation.It is the first time they will host a major tournament since the 2006 World Cup, when they reached the semi-finals.That will be the minimum goal for Julian Nagelsmann and his side, though Germany have struggled in recent years.They were knocked out in the group stage of the previous two World Cups, while England beat Die Mannschaft 2-0 at Wembley at Euro 2020.However with the likes of Mats Hummels, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz enjoying impressive campaigns for their clubs this season, there is a chance they could go far in the tournament.Scotland will have something to say about that with a lot of excitement surrounding Steve Clarke’s side.A superb qualifying campaign saw them finish second in their group ahead of a Norway team boasting Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard.They also proved they can compete with the best after a convincing 2-0 win over Spain at Hampden in March last year.Most read in FootballAnd while Scott McTominay grabbed the headlines with seven goals in qualifying, the midfield duo of John McGinn and Billy Gilmour have been key to Scotland’s resurgence.Path to the EurosGermany qualified for the tournament as hosts but have played several top teams over the last few months in preparation.I wrote Scotland Euro 2024 dance track my wife sings it round the house, even though she’s English They beat France and the Netherlands in March before drawing with Ukraine 0-0 on Monday, but appear to have got over the hiccup which saw them lose to Turkey and Austria in successive matches last year.Meanwhile Scotland lost just once in qualifying – in Spain, winning five of their eight games.However their form has dropped off since with defeats to Northern Ireland and the Netherlands, with the 2-0 win over Gibraltar a much needed confidence booster.Team newsForward Serge Gnabry has been ruled out of the tournament in a big blow to Germany.The Bayern Munich star suffered a torn hamstring in the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid and is facing weeks out.While a thigh injury kept Timo Werner out of Tottenham’s final five games of the season, so he now faces a race against time to be fit.Scotland were also dealt a setback last week with the injury to Lyndon Dykes, who now looks set to miss the Euros.Lewis Ferguson will also be a big miss for The Tartan Army after undergoing knee surgery which could keep him out of action for six to seven months.Serge Gnabry has been ruled out of the Euros with a torn hamstringCredit: EPAOnes to watchGermany have a number of exciting players, perhaps none more so than Florian Wirtz who was a key part of Bayer Leverkusen’s invincible Bundesliga-winning team.The 21-year-old scored 11 goals and produced 12 assists in the league this season, and has 17 caps to his name, with one goal.Finding a way to get the best out of him and fellow midfielder Musiala will be pivotal for Nagelsmann, and the role Havertz plays could be key.Mikel Arteta got Havertz back to his best this season operating as a false nine, but Nagelsmann has tended to prefer playing Nicolas Fullkrig as the focal point in attack.For Scotland their midfield could be decisive in winning games.Even without Ferguson the likes of Gilmour and McGinn will look to wrestle control of possession, with McTominay the key source of goals.Captain Andy Robertson is ever reliable and Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie can produce moments of magic too.Getting the best out of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz will be key for GermanyScott McTominay was Scotland’s top goalscorer in qualifyingHead-to-headGermany will be favourites for the clash and history backs them up.They have won eight out of 17 games against Scotland, losing just four of those with their most recent defeat in 1999.Germany have won their last three meetings with Scotland, winning home and away in qualifying for Euro 2016.SunSport predictionGermany have not fared too well in recent major tournaments but with the help of home support they should prove too much for Scotland. 2-0.When is Germany vs Scotland?
      Germany’s opening clash with Scotland will take place on Friday, June 14.
      The game will kick off at 8pm BST.
      The Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany will play host.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      Germany vs Scotland will be shown live on ITV 1 and ITV 1 HD in the UK.
      You can live stream all the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Can I watch for FREE?
      Yes! The game is FREE to watch on ITV1, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
      READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
      Germany – 1/4
      Draw – 9/2
      Scotland – 17/2
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More