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    Gareth Bale tips Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham to win Ballon d’Or if England win Euro 2024

    GARETH BALE is backing Jude Bellingham to win the Ballon d’Or if he leads England to Euros glory.The Real Madrid midfielder, 20, has lit up the Bernabeu club in his debut season – with 23 goals so far to help them lift the Spanish title and reach the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. Bellingham has been a revelation for Real Madrid since his £115million summer deal from Borussia DortmundCredit: GettyReal are in the Champions League final on Saturday week – a competition Gareth Bale won five times with the Spanish giantsMichael Owen was the last Englishman to win world football’s top individual honour while at Liverpool in 2001.Bellingham’s big rival for the award is Brazilian club-mate Vinicius Junior.And ex-Real star Bale reckons this summer’s Euros and Copa America will decide who comes out on top.Bale, a five-time Champions League winner with Los Blancos, said: “Having a major international tournament is going to play a big part in winning that trophy.read more in football”The Copa America is on as well, so I guess there’s a lot to play for because winning the Ballon d’Or you need to win team trophies – like Lionel Messi did a couple of years ago.”Obviously there’s a lot to prove but Bellingham has done a lot of the hard work already.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He’s slotted in really well and had a fantastic first season. “He’s won the league and to be able to win a Champions League in your first season – obviously from personal experience it is a great thing to have – gives you that platform to keep pushing on.Most read in Champions League”It’s a very nice club to be at and hopefully they can get another win and keep cementing their title as the kings of Europe. “To keep doing it year in and year out is a special skill.”England footie star Jude Bellingham’s new girlfriend is a lads’ mag pin-up in her native NetherlandsGareth Southgate named Bellingham on Tuesday in his 33-player provisional Three Lions squad for Euro 2024.First though, the ex-Birmingham ace, who joined Real from Dortmund in a £115million deal last summer, aims to land the club’s 15th European Cup at Wembley on Saturday week when Bale will be cheering on his old side.The Wales legend, 34, joined Real from Tottenham in what was then a world record £86m transfer 11 years ago and won the Champions League at the end of his first season in Spain.But, speaking at a Mastercard event to launch the Pledge Ball – a football made from recycled boots and engraved with pledges by the football community to promote sustainability – Bale also admitted that Bellingham’s instant impact under Carlo Ancelotti has taken even him by surprise.He added: “I don’t think anyone expected it. His record in the past did not suggest he could score that many goals.”But he’s probably playing in a more advanced role in Madrid and the team is a lot younger. The environment is more comfortable.”Meet Jude Bellingham’s stunning girlfriend, lingerie model Laura Celia ValkBy Jon Boon
    LAURA CELIA VALK is the stunning Dutch fashion model who has stolen Jude Bellingham’s heart.
    The Sun exclusively revealed that she’s been staying at his place in Madrid and is completely smitten with him.
    Laura boasts a huge social media following and regularly travels the world, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.
    From underwear modelling to showing off Pretty Little Thing’s latest wear, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the globe.
    Wherever she is, Laura makes sure to drop into Chanel – her favourite designer.
    She’s also quite the foodie, with pizza and strawberries being her favourites.
    It won’t be long before we see her at the Bernabeu enjoying a prawn sandwich!
    Find out more about Laura.
    Or read all the latest Jude Bellingham news. More

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    Everyone can see the Euro 2024 footballers but you have 20/20 vision if you can spot the whistle in less than 9 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?Everyone can see the Euro 2024 footballers but if you can spot the whistle in less than nine seconds you might have 20/20 vision.Can you spot the whistle in less than nine secondsCredit: BetwayThe picture shows a group of professional players each clutching a ball and preparing to play.There are many different colours of kit including red, yellow, white, royal blue and navy.Somewhere in the picture a whistle is hiding and the game is due to start in just nine seconds, can you spot it and prevent a late kick off?The illusion is made especially difficult a the bright colours on display distract the eyes.read more on brainteasers Need a hint? The whistle is hidden on the clothing of one of the players.Study each section of the image carefully and you should be able to spot it.Meanwhile, why not try some other optical illusions while you scroll?Test your brain power and solve the questions in this test to reveal if you have a high IQ.Most read in FootballOr, see if you have the eyes of a predator and spot the sneaky animal concealed within the carefully sketched image.Psychologists at The University of Glasgow found that staring at an optical illusion can improve eye sight by allowing you to see small print.You have the eyes of a hawk if you can spot the lone white poker chip in this huge pileEscape London says puzzles can also give your mind a great workout and may “boost your brain’s activity” which “reduces the risk of dementia.”And according to ZenBuisness: “These visual puzzles can give you a good mental workout that can, in turn, help you think more efficiently and solve problems more easily.”The whistle can be found on the t-shirt of a player in the third row.How can optical illusions and brainteasers help me?
    Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive benefits as it can stimulate various brain regions.
    Some benefits include:

    Cognitive stimulation: Engaging in these activities challenges the brain, promoting mental agility and flexibility.
    Problem-solving skills: Regular practice enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
    Memory improvement: These challenges often require memory recall and can contribute to better memory function.
    Creativity: They encourage thinking outside the box, fostering creativity and innovative thought processes.
    Focus and attention: Working on optical illusions and brainteasers requires concentration, contributing to improved focus.
    Stress relief: The enjoyable nature of these puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief.

    There it is! did you find it?Credit: BetwayTry to find the hidden newspaper before the timer runs outThere it is, did you find it?Try to spot the three owlsThere they are! Did you find them?Can you spot the missing puppy in this scene?Did you find the puppy? More

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    Laura Woods gives health update after horror injury worried fans as TNT Sports presenter ‘looks forward’ to Euro 2024

    LAURA WOODS is “looking forward” to hosting ITV’s Euro 2024 coverage as she provided a health update on her horror injury.Fans were devastated last week when the award-winning presenter was forced to pull out of the coverage for the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk fight.Laura Woods appeared in public for the first time yesterday after her accidentCredit: GoffThe star suffered a nasty cut to her face and arm on holidayCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyWoods was taken to hospital to receive treatment by her boyfriend Adam CollardCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyITV announced Woods as presenter when confirming their Euro 2024 line-upCredit: ITVThat was due to a nasty-looking injury she suffered in a freak accident that left her hospitalised with Becky Ives replacing her on TNT Sports. Woods posted a heartfelt note on Friday to announce her nasty news that occurred while on holiday with boyfriend Adam Collard.The TNT Sports and ITV star explained how she accidentally smashed a glass lampshade above her head, causing it to shatter and cut her face and arm.That left her with some nasty injuries surrounding her eye and a large gash on the back of her arm but Woods bravely stepped out in public again yesterday.READ MORE ON LAURA WOODSThe 36-year-old, dressed in a smart black outfit and white trainers, covered her eyes with a pair of large sunglasses and kept her injuries protected by a bandage.Now concerned fans will not have to wait long to see the star back on their screens following the injuries.Rival channel BBC first announced their Euro 2024 line-up before ITV followed suit with their list of pundits and confirmation that Woods would be on presenting duties yesterday.As the broadcaster posted the news on X, Woods then shared the announcement along with a message that read: “Looking forward to this.”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne of her many fans then replied: “How’s your face, girl? Hopefully recovering well.”To which Woods responded with: “Healing really well, I’m chuffed.”Laura Woods gets hair done and dresses up for award show Another asked her: “How’s your recovery going Laura?”And once again she reassured worried followers that she was well on the mend.“Really good thanks,” Woods responded. “A lot better than I thought it would go, so I’m really happy.”There was also one more confirmation that she would be back on our screens.A fellow follower said: “Great line up. Don’t come into contact with any glass ! We need you there!”And that led to her replying with a reassuring one-word answer that read: “Promise.”The action in Germany gets underway on June 4 when ITV provides live coverage of the opening match between the hosts and Scotland in Munich.READ MORE SUN STORIESITV will also show England’s final group game against Slovenia.And they will have picks one, two and three of the Round of 16 as well as first pick of the Semi-finals with Mark Pougatch also sharing hosting duties with Woods.The award-winning star has become a huge favourite with sport fansCredit: RexThe 36-year-old also fronts TNT Sports’ football coverageCredit: RexLaura Woods is in a relationship with Adam CollardCredit: InstagramWoods regularly wows her followers on social mediaCredit: InstagramShe has over 760,000 followers on Instagram aloneCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy More

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    ITV snap up daughter of Sir Alex Ferguson’s right-hand-man as stunning commentator joins Euro 2024 coverage

    ITV’S latest addition to their Euro 2024 coverage is the daughter of a former Manchester United assistant manager.Pien Meulensteen, daughter of Sir Alex Ferguson’s former right-hand-man Rene, will be part of ITV’s commentary team out in Germany this summer.Pien Meulensteen will be part of ITV’s coverage of Euro 2024Credit: instagram @pienmeulensteenPien graduated university with first class honours in broadcast journalismCredit: instagram @pienmeulensteenThe 27-year-old was announced as part of ITV’s broadcasting team for the highly anticipated tournament.She will join Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson and Joe Speight as the lead commentators live from the stadiums.Pien is no stranger to getting behind the mic with the Dutch-born journalist working for Sky Sports, DAZN, Amazon Prime and the Premier League in the past.Growing up in England to Dutch parents means Pien is able to speak fluently in both English and Dutch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe impressive talent has allowed her to work for Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport in the past too.This summer won’t be her first major tournament either, as she worked for the BBC in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup.Pien studied broadcast journalism at Salford University and graduated with first class honours.Her incredible rise was recognised last year when she was named as the “One to Watch” at the 2023 Sports Journalism Awards.Most read in FootballBBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in fullHere’s how each channel will line-up:

    BBC presenters:
    Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman
    ITV presenters:
    Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods 
    BBC pundits:
    Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden
    ITV pundits:
    Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina Unkel
    BBC commentators:
    Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce
    ITV commentators:
    Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight
    BBC co-commentators:
    Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFadden
    ITV co-commentators:
    Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend

    Football has always been in her blood thanks to her coaching icon father Rene Meulensteen.Rene had two spells as a coach at Manchester United, initially working as the reserve team manager between 2001 and 2006.Meet the ten Wags ready to stun at Euro 2024He later became Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant manager, a position he held for five years from 2008 until 2013 when Fergie retired.During that period he helped the Red Devils achieve eight major trophies, including four Premier League titles and one Champions League.After leaving the club he tried his hand at management himself with brief spells as the boss at Fulham, Maccabi Haifa and Anzhi Makhachkala.He is now the assistant manager for the Australian national team where he has been assistant to Graham Arnold since 2018.TAKE A PEEK INTO PIEN MEULENSTEEN’S LIFE IN BROADCASTING…Pien has previously worked for Sky SportsCredit: instagram @pienmeulensteenShe was named as the ‘One to Watch’ at the 2023 Sports Journalism AwardsCredit: instagram @pienmeulensteenShe has covered Premier League, World Cup, WSL and European footballCredit: Instagram @pienmeulensteenPien’s father is Rene MeulensteenCredit: Instagram @pienmeulensteenRene Meulensteen was assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyHe now works as an assistant for the Australian national teamCredit: ReutersPien is a rising star in the world of sports broadcastingCredit: instagram @pienmeulensteenShe also boasts an impressive social media following with over 22,000 followersCredit: Instagram @pienmeulensteenPien was born in the Netherland, but raised in the UKCredit: Instagram @pienmeulensteenShe documents her life on social mediaCredit: Instagram @pienmeulensteenPien works as a commentator and a reporterCredit: Instagram @pienmeulensteen More

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    Mauricio Pochettino ready to take England job if Gareth Southgate quits after Euro 2024

    MAURICIO Pochettino would be open to an approach from England if Gareth Southgate quits after the Euros.Poch is on the market following his shock departure from Chelsea after less than a year at the Stamford Bridge helm.Mauricio Pochettino left Chelsea by mutual consent earlier this weekCredit: GETTYGareth Southgate’s contract with England expires in December 2024Credit: GETTYPochettino is open to replacing Southgate as Three Lions gafferCredit: GETTYThe Argentine former Spurs and PSG chief will be targeted by Manchester United and Bayern Munich – with the German giants able to offer him the chance to link up once more with Harry Kane and Eric Dier.But while Pochettino will weigh up his options over his next move – and is determined to prove the problem was Chelsea rather than him – he has not dismissed the possibility of becoming the next Three Lions chief if the role becomes available.Southgate has made it clear he will park all and any discussion about his England future until after the tournament in Germany this summer.The England manager’s contract runs to the end of the year and FA chiefs want him to stay at the helm up to the 2026 World Cup.READ MORE ON POCHETTINOAll the indications are that Southgate will be minded to continue if he believes the nation and his squad want him to remain in charge but that he has set the performance bar for his players as a high one.Yet Pochettino’s sudden and unexpected availability could see him become a viable candidate.Pochettino remains close to Kane and Dier, while he has overseen the development of Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill.His relationships with Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier are more tricky after they both left Spurs under a cloud during his N17 reign.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPochettino’s Chelsea record
    MAURICIO POCHETTINO had just started to turn Chelsea around.
    An impressive run of end-of-season form saw the Blues leapfrog the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle to finish sixth in the Premier League – and earn a Europa League spot.
    But it wasn’t enough to keep him in a job as it was announced on Tuesday evening that the Argentine had left.
    Here are all Pochettino’s Stamford Bridge stats:
    Premier League – 6th
    FA Cup – Semi-finals (lost to Man City)
    Carabao Cup – Runners-up (Lost to Liverpool)
    Total record:
    Games 51Wins 26Draws 11Defeats 14
    Goals for 103Goals against 74

    But both are coming to the end of their England careers, making a Poch appointment less problematic if the FA are inclined to go down that path.Pochettino’s knowledge of the England players is unquestioned after his three spells in Prem management – including at Southampton where he developed the likes of Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez into Three Lions internationals.Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bossesWalker, Trippier, Dier, Dele Alli and Kane all became England fixtures under his Spurs tutelage, while Harry Winks, Ryan Mason and Andros Townsend earned caps while playing for him.This season Palmer’s remarkable first full Prem term has been another tick on the development box for Poch, who knows he will be a man in demand. More

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    Marcus Rashford shows his class with private response to Gareth Southgate leaving him out of England’s Euro 2024 squad

    MARCUS RASHFORD showed his class in his private response to being axed by England, according to Gareth Southgate.SunSport learned that the Manchester United forward was not going to be part of the Three Lions’ provisional squad hours before the official announcement.Marcus Rashford was left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad on TuesdayCredit: GettyGareth Southgate phoned the star to inform him of his decisionCredit: GettyEngland boss Southgate then confirmed the news when naming his 33-man England squad.The 26-year-old has represented his country at the last four major tournaments and has scored 17 goals in 60 caps.At club level, last season he recorded a career best 30 goals in all competitions for United but he has managed to find the net just eight times this term ahead of the FA Cup Final with Man City.And his dramatic slump in form, as well as controversial off-field issues such as his infamous trip to Belfast, have led to him being left out of the tournament squad.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, Southgate has opened up on the star’s response after the Three Lions boss personally phoned Rashford to inform him of his decision.Explaining his omission, he said: “He will be hugely disappointed.“He wants to play for England, he loves playing for England, and the opportunity to play in tournaments is why you play international football.“But again, he was really respectful. I said to him: ‘You’ve got to go and score a couple of goals at the weekend now and put things right.’”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWith 20 minutes of the news being confirmed publicly, Rashford issued a classy public statement where he wished his team-mates and international gaffer a message of support.He wrote: “Wishing Gareth and the boys all the best for the up and coming tournament.”Gareth Southgate names England Euro 2024 training squadAnd Rashford was not the only big-name absentee as Jordan Henderson also missed out despite quitting Saudi Arabia in January for Ajax.Southgate added: “You are conscious for Marcus and Hendo really of the impact because they are two people who externally, they have people jump on them very quickly.“And I think they know I am there to support them. Even though this has been a difficult conversation, both were really professional, really respectful.“But of course, I am aware that that creates a bit more drama in their lives, which I don’t want them to experience but is a reality of the decision I’ve made.”Southgate’s squad will be trimmed to just 26 players on June 8, two days before they fly to Germany.Meanwhile, Rashford looks set to be watching all of the action from home – and he will be spoilt for choice when it comes to coverage.BBC announced their line-up for Euro 2024 this morning before ITV followed-up with their own all-star cast of pundits.BBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in fullHere’s how each channel will line-up:
    BBC presenters:
    Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman
    ITV presenters:
    Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods 
    BBC pundits:
    Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabrges, Thomas Frank, Davod Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden
    ITV pundits:
    Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rphl and Christina Unkel
    BBC commentators:
    Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce
    ITV commentators:
    Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight
    BBC co-commentators:
    Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFadden
    ITV co-commentators:
    Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist, and Andros Townsend More

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    Who are the ITV Euro 2024 pundits?

    GARETH SOUTHGATE and his brave lions are gearing up to go one better this summer after their Euro 2020 heartbreak at Wembley.England lost out on penalties in the Covid delayed tournament three years ago, but go into this summer’s competition in Germany amongst the favourites.England are heading to Germany for Euro 2024Credit: GettyGareth Southgate will be hoping his side can finally get over the lineCredit: GettySouthgate has led his squad to a final, a semi-final and a quarter-final in the three major tournaments he has taken charge of since 2018.But his star-studded squad with inform stars like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice will give him confidence of finally getting over the line this time round.His team isn’t the only set of stars that will be out in Germany though.ITV Sport, who will be sharing the coverage rights with the BBC for the competition, are taking a number of big names to the continent to bring fans the best broadcast possible during the tournament.A lineup that features broadcasting legends and former international football stars will be on screen for those fans watching on from their sofa to enjoy.Here’s who will be representing ITV for the highly anticipated tournament…Mark PougatchA familiar face for those who have watched England coverage on ITV before, Pougatch has plenty of experience in front of the camera.The 56-year-old host is ITV Sport’s chief sports presenter and has headed up broadcasts of huge events throughout his career that stems back to 1992.Most read in FootballLaura Woods Woods has become one of the most popular presenters in the land with the star often the face of TNT Sports’ Champions League coverage.Woods, 36, was part of ITV’s team for the 2022 World Cup and is an avid Arsenal fan.Laura Woods will head up some of the coverage for ITV SportCredit: GettyRoy KeaneKnown for his strong opinions off the pitch and his hard man persona on it, Roy Keane is one of the most popular figures in football punditry.The former Manchester United star made 67 international appearances for the Republic of Ireland and was the assistant manager of the national side between 2013 and 2018.Ian WrightAn Arsenal legend and an icon of football punditry too.The 33-time England international has just retired from a long stint on Match of the Day – fighting back tears in an emotional farewell – and will be swapping over to ITV for the Euros this summer.Full list of BBC Presenters and Pundits
    Presenters – Mark Pougatch, Laura Woods.
    Pundits – Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglu, Danny Rohl, Christina Unkel.
    Co-commentary – Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist, Andros Townsend.
    Commentary – Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesly, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen, Joe Speit.

    Gary NevilleNormally the face of Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage, Neville will be joining fellow Stick to Football podcasters Wright and Keane on ITV.Neville, 49, represented the Three Lions 85 times across five major tournaments as part of a golden generation that failed to end England’s many years of hurt.Gary Neville will be part of the ITV team in GermanyCredit: GettyAnge PostecogluFresh off finishing fifth in the Premier League with Tottenham, the Australian has signed himself up for a busy summer in Germany.He has become a hugely popular figure for his dry humour, straight talking and witty press conferences and should be a natural in the studio.Graeme SounessSouness left fans’ screens last season when he called an end to his time at Sky Sports, but he will be making a sensational return to join ITV for the European Championships in Germany.The former Scotland international, 70, will restart life on screen with Scotland v Germany on June 14.Lee DixonDixon is a veteran of ITV’s coverage and will be on co-commentary duty throughout the tournament. The former Arsenal man won four league titles, two FA Cups and the Cup Winners’ Cup in 616 matches for the Gunners.Ally McCoistThe Scot has become a favourite on co-commentary duties during Champions League coverage for TNT Sports and Premier League coverage for Amazon – as well as his hosting on TalkSPORT.McCoist has previously appeared as a pundit for ITV but will be on co-comms in Germany.ITV’s televised group games
    June 14 – Germany v Scotland, 8pm
    June 15 – Hungary v Switzerland, 2pm
    June 15 – Spain v Croatia, 5pm
    June 16 – Slovenia v Denmark, 5pm
    June 17 -Belgium v Slovakia, 5pm
    June 17 – Austria v France, 8pm
    June 19 – Croatia v Albania, 2pm
    June 20 – Slovenia v Serbia, 2pm
    June 20 – Spain v Italy, 8pm
    June 21 – Poland v Austria, 5pm
    June 22 – Turkey v Portugal, 5pm
    June 22 – Belgium v Romania, 8pm
    June 25 -England v Slovenia, 8pm
    June 25 – Denmark v Serbia, 8pm
    June 26 -Georgia v Portugal, 8pm
    June 26 -Czech Republic v Turkey, 8pm

    Andros Townsend The winger has just suffered relegation heartbreak with Luton Town but will have to cast that aside.He has regularly covered England for a variety of broadcasters in recent months.Danny RohlThe Sheffield Wednesday manager is the only German pundit on either ITV or BBC.Rohl,35, is the youngest manager in the Football League and is seen as one of the brightest minds of the next generation of coaches – he secured the Owls from relegation.Karen CarneyFew people are more qualified to talk about England than Karen Carney with the former Arsenal and Chelsea star racking up an astounding 144 caps for the England Women’s team.The 36-year-old only retired in 2019 and has been a leading pundit across ITV, Sky Sports and CBS ever since.Eni AlukoAluko, 37, managed to breach 100 appearances for the England Women’s team during her career.Now fans will know her best for her punditry as a regular on ITV.READ MORE SUN STORIESChristina UnkelThe American will be a refereeing analyst for the channel, a role formerly filled by Mark Clattenburg.Unkel, 37, is a regular on the popular CBS Champions League show alongside Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher, where she acts in the same role. More

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    Who are the BBC pundits for Euro 2024?

    ENGLAND fans are looking forward to another summer of nail-biting nerves as they watch the Three Lions try put an end to their 58 years of hurt.Gareth Southgate will be taking his squad to Germany on electric form and among the favourites to lift the trophy in Berlin.Gareth Southgate is hoping to win his first major trophy as England boss on the fourth time of askingCredit: GettyEngland head to Germany for Euro 2024 this summerCredit: GettyThe tournament, which gets underway on June 14, will be televised in the UK across both ITV and the BBC.And just like Southgate’s start-studded squad for the tournament, the BBC will be taking a cast jam-packed with former pros and broadcasting legends, having announced their full line-up that includes a couple of shock names.Fans will be able to watch on from their sofas as they are guided through the biggest games and moments by European Championship winners and Premier League icons.Here’s who will be coming to television screens up and down the country for the tournament…Gary LinekerThe BBC’s front-man wasn’t going to miss watching his beloved nation take to a major tournament once again in his 25th year as the broadcaster’s anchor.Lineker, 63, represented England at four major tournaments himself and has since become one of the most recognisable faces in football broadcasting.Gabby LoganAnother regular on the screens of those who tune into BBC for their sport.The 51-year-old former gymnast has covered England’s efforts in a number of major tournaments as part of the Beeb’s broadcasts.Most read in FootballFull list of BBC Presenters and Pundits

    TV
    Presenters – Gary Lineker, Gabby Logan, Mark Champman, Alex Scott.
    Pundits – Alan Shearer, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Hart, Micah Richards, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Ashley Williams, James McFadden, Ellen White, Rachel Corsie.
    Co-commentary – Martin Keown, Danny Murphy, Jermaine Jenas.
    Commentators – Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower, Jonathan Pearce.

    Mark Chapman Mark Chapman is one the most recognisable faces in sports broadcasting and will be a big part of the BBC’s efforts in Germany this summer.The host of Match of the Day 2 and a regular on BBC Radio, Chapman is best known for his football but has also covered the NFL and Rugby League for the BBC too.He will also do presenting on BBC Radio.Alex ScottFormer Lioness and Arsenal star Alex Scott has excelled in the world of presenting and punditry since hanging up her boots in 2018.Her 140 caps for the Lionesses put her in great stead to watch on as the men try and win the Euros the same way the women did back in 2022.She will present a nightly highlights show on BBC One as well as more in-depth analysis and previews on iPlayer.Alex Scott will head up some of the BBC’s coverage for Euro 2024Credit: GettyAlan ShearerThe Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer and a 63-time England international.Shearer bagged the golden boot at Euro 96 and is a regular pundit on the BBC for Match of the Day.He will not only be in the studio for analysis and punditry but is set to be on co-commentary duty for England’s opening group game against Serbia.Rio FerdinandAnother Three Lions alum, Ferdinand represented England 81 times over his career.Usually a part of the TNT Sports team he is joining the BBC for the Euros this summer.BBC’s televised group games
    June 15 – Italy v Albania, 8pm
    June 16 – Poland v Netherlands, 2pm
    June 16 – Serbia v England, 8pm
    June 17 – Romania v Ukraine, 2pm
    June 18 – Turkey v Georgia, 5pm
    June 18 – Portugal v Czech Republic, 8pm
    June 19 – Germany v Hungary, 5pm
    June 19 – Scotland v Switzerland, 8pm
    June 20 – Denmark v England, 5pm
    June 21 – Slovakia v Ukraine, 2pm
    June 21 – Netherlands v France, 8pm
    June 22 – Georgia v Czech Republic, 2pm
    June 23 – Switzerland v Germany, 8pm
    June 23 – Scotland v Hungary, 8pm
    June 24 – Albania v Spain, 8pm
    June 24 – Croatia v Italy, 8pm
    June 25 – Netherlands v Austria, 5pm
    June 25 – France v Poland, 5pm
    June 26 – Slovakia v Romania, 5pm
    June 26 – Ukraine v Belgium, 5pm

    Frank LampardThe Chelsea legend has been a semi-regular presence on Sky Sports and BT Sport in between his stuttering managerial career.He has previously been on BBC during the 2022 World Cup.Wayne Rooney The Three Lions’ second all-time leading goalscorer is set to make his debut on the channel.Having been sacked by Birmingham early this year, he has made a couple of appearances on Sky Sports but is said to be looking for a return to management.Joe Hart Fresh off retirement, and a third consecutive title with Celtic, Hart will make his punditry debut in the tournament.The former goalkeeper won 75 England caps and played in three tournaments for the Three Lions.Cesc Fabregas The Chelsea and Arsenal legend proved to be a popular analyst during previous spells with the BBC and is back once again.The ex-midfielder won two European Championships and one World Cup with Spain and has just lead Como to promotion into Serie A.David MoyesHaving left West Ham as one of their most successful managers ever, the Scot will not have to wait long for his next job.Moyes never won a Scotland cap as a player but is one of the most successful British managers of the century.Thomas Frank Current Brentford boss Frank is considered one of the sharpest minds in the Premier LeagueThis will be his BBC debut, but the Dane has previously appeared on Sky Sports Monday Night Football.Jermaine JenasThe former Tottenham and Newcastle star, 41, has forged a name for himself in the punditry and presenting scene since retiring in 2014 and will be on co-comms duty.The One Show host never got on the pitch in a major tournament for England, but that didn’t stop him being chosen to draw the groups for the 2022 World Cup.Micah RichardsA Match of the Day regular who is also a big part of the Premier League coverage on Sky Sports and loved Stateside for his Champions League work with CBS.Richards, 35, is a Premier League champion from his time with Manchester City and donned the three lions on his chest 13 times throughout his career.Micah Richards is part of the Beeb’s teamCredit: GettyMartin KeownAn Arsenal invincible who lifted the Premier League three times and is now a regular on TNT Sports.When he’s not talking about club football Keown is both a pundit and a co-commentator for the BBC.Martin Keown is another former England international who will be joining the BBC team in GermanyCredit: GettyJames McFaddenEverton and Birmingham City cult hero McFadden will be covering Scotland matches for the Beeb.He won 48 caps for the Tartan Army, scoring 15 goals, and worked as an assistant to Alex McLeish for the national team.Ashley Williams The former Swansea and Wales captain has provided analysis for the BBC at the last couple of tournaments.He won 86 international caps and helped the Dragons reach the semi-finals of Euro 2016.Ellen White White is a Three Lions legend and is the all-time women’s top scorer with 52 goals in 113 caps.The former Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City striker was part of the team that won the Women’s Euros in 2022 and has featured regularly on BBC Sport.Rachel CorsieThe Aston Villa midfielder is the only member of the BBC team still playing.Corsie is also the Scotland captain and has amassed an enormous 150 caps.READ MORE SUN STORIESDanny MurphyMurphy, 47, is another BBC pundit who can often be seen offering his expertise on Match of the Day.A career that saw him star for Liverpool and Fulham only earned him nine international caps for the Three Lions – never once completing 90 minutes for the national side. More