Euro 2024

COLE PALMER sent London into raptures with his brilliant goal in the Euro 2024 final.The Chelsea star was brought on as a substitute in the 70th minute, just as he was in the previous knock-out rounds and the last group game against Slovenia.Cole Palmer scored a brilliant equaliser minutes after coming onCredit: APHe celebrated with his trademark rubbing of the armsCredit: APIt took him just three minutes to make the impact Southgate desired, as he curled a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the box.He celebrated with his trademark rubbing of the arms, while fans across the country went wild.Scenes from London showed how many had tuned in to watch the Three Lions in their attempt to end 58 years of hurt.A video posted online caught the roars of delight around Canary Wharf as the city erupted after seeing the net bulge following Palmer’s strike.READ MORE IN EURO 2024However joy quickly dissipated as Spain retook the lead 13 minutes later, with Mikel Oyarzabal notching the winner.Palmer’s club team-mate Marc Cucurella provided the assist for the goal, and he was cheered on by Chelsea’s social media team before the match, sparking outrage.Fans were bemused as a post supporting Cucurella read: “Next stop, Berlin. Cucu’s on fire, Europe’s right wingers are terrified.”Our Spanish left-back has been a standout performer at the Euros. Tidy on the ball, combative off it.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland ratings: Palmer the super sub but captain Kane struggles yet again in Spain heartbreakCOLE PALMER came off the bench to be England’s star man – but his heroics were unable to stop heartbreak against Spain, writes Tom Barclay.Mikel Oyarzabal struck a late dagger through the hearts of the Three Lions to seal a 2-1 Spanish victory.And that ensured that 58 years of hurt will go on.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated each England player in the crushing defeat:Jordan Pickford: 8Carefully controlled a blast of a backpass from John Stones on his line in the first half. Could do little to stop Williams’ opener but made two terrific stops to deny Yamal, only for Oyarzabal to poke home at the death.Kyle Walker: 6Had his hands full with Williams but managed the Spanish livewire pretty well but could not get near his powerful opener. John Stones: 8A colossus again as he played every single minute of this Euros, despite lack of Manchester City game-time. Superb block on early Williams shot, was often in the right place at the right time and at one point dribbled all the way up the pitch.Marc Guehi: 6Solid alongside Stones and overall it has been a brilliant first tournament for the Crystal Palace star. But Oyarzabal nicked in front of him for the winner.Bukayo Saka: 7Most consistent attacker for England across the tournament and had a good battle with pantomime villain Marc Cucurella here. It was his cross that Bellingham laid off for Palmer to work his magic.Declan Rice: 7Went past his boss Gareth Southgate’s cap haul by winning his 58th here and he is still only 25. Was in the thick of it in the midfield battle throughout. Kobbie Mainoo: 5Just 19 and starting a major final for England in the middle of midfield. Fewer bursts forward though than in recent games as his side struggled for possession and was subbed for Palmer as Southgate searched for a leveller. Luke Shaw: 7Looked so sharp for a player making his first start since Luton away on February 10, winning his battle against Lamine Yamal in the first half. But Yamal got the better of him after the break to tee up Williams’ opener.Phil Foden: 6Out of possession it was his job to man-mark Manchester City colleague Rodri, until the Spanish maestro went off injured at half-time. Had a half-chance just before the break but could not beat Unai Simon.Jude Bellingham: 7Shunted wide left when England did not have the ball – which was a lot of the time. Riskily flew into a few tackles, but it was his clever lay-off that teed up Palmer.Harry Kane: 4His lack of involvement was summed up by England fans calling for Ollie Watkins in the 57th minute. They got their wish on the hour.SUBS: Ollie Watkins: 6Semi-final hero was introduced far earlier here to get some legs in behind, though he did not have too much impact this time.Cole Palmer: 9What an impact after emerging with just twenty minutes to go. Yet another of Southgate’s subs paid off handsomely as Palmer curled a peach of an equaliser with 17 minutes remaining, sending most of the Olympiastadion potty.Ivan Toney: 6Thrown on right at the end but could not make an impact.Gareth Southgate: 7The game was a chess match for the first half and Southgate was never going to go early with his bold moves.His subs were excellent to be fair, with Palmer brilliantly getting his team back into it.Critics will say England did not play attacking enough but Spain are one hell of a side – and Southgate’s men pushed them all the way.”Up and down the left touchline, Marc’s leaving everything out on the pitch.”The Blues saw what he can do earlier this year, and now he’s ready for the grand finale.The Sun’s Charlie Wyett gives his thoughts on England 2-1 defeat to Spain in Euro 2024 final”This is your time, Marc. Best of luck.”Fans questioned why Chelsea, as an English club, decided to cheer on the opposition, though they did make similar posts about their England players Palmer and Conor Gallagher.ALL THE FALLOUTENGLAND fell at the final hurdle at Euro 2024, losing to a dramatic late Mikel Oryazabal winner as Spain won the tournament. More

GARY LINEKER offered comforting words to Anthony Gordon in a private chat after England fell to a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.Of those 21 England players who featured at the tournament, no one had less time on the pitch than Gordon – who received just FOUR minutes.Anthony Gordon was offered some comforting words by Gary LinekerCredit: RexGordon played just four minutes of football at Euro 2024Credit: ReutersGary Lineker has been fronting the BBC’s coverageHe was limited to just one substitute appearance in the dying minutes of England’s final group game against Slovenia last month.Although Gordon impressed during that brief cameo – helping to create the Three Lions’ best chance of the night – Gareth Southgate did not call upon the 23-year-old again on the way to the final. Gordon threw his arms around Bukayo Saka, John Stones and Luke Shaw after England’s defeat to Spain before later bumping into Lineker.Lineker, 63, reassured Gordon that “it will happen” for him in an England shirt after the Newcastle United star’s lack of game time in Germany.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The Match of the Day presenter told the Rest is Football podcast: “I saw Gordon after the game.”I said to him briefly, ‘I feel for you in this tournament. I think you should have got more minutes.'”He was very kind and I went, ‘But don’t worry. You will get more chances. It will happen for you.’ He’s very young.”Alan Shearer replied by explaining how difficult it was to drop Harry Kane, but agreed that Gordon should have been more involved.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis felt like our time… but keep Gareth’s culture and we can win it in 2026 instead, writes Jack WilshereIT will take a while for me and every England fan to get over this, writes Jack Wilshere.To come so close to winning that trophy, only to be beaten in a second Euros final in a row, is a huge disappointment.Especially when it really felt like this was our time.It seemed that everything was coming together for us to end the long wait for a major title.But Spain deserved it. They were the better team in the final and the best team of the tournament.We will all — supporters, players, coaches, the FA — have to move on and go again.Because English football is still in a good position.Gareth Southgate has taken us to two finals, a semi-final and a quarter-final in four tournaments. We have never produced a run like that before.The challenge now is to maintain this level of competitiveness and make England even better.Southgate and his staff have done a fantastic job in changing the whole environment and narrative around the national team.Whether Gareth carries on or not, the wider culture he has put in place must be preserved.This tournament was the biggest test of that culture the team had to go through.They overcame the problems and went all the way, only to fall at the final hurdle.But there is every reason to believe we can challenge at the World Cup in 2026 and beyond.We’ve got a really good group of players, many of them young, who can go on playing and performing for England for years.Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer — to name just five — have plenty more tournaments in them.This tournament will also be an inspiration for the next generations of players. Unfortunately there isn’t the trophy lift to take that to a completely different level.But England have delivered moments in Germany that will be replayed forever.The Bellingham overhead kick and Ollie Watkins’ semi-final winner will be recreated in playgrounds and cages up and down the country.What I would like to see now is England continuing to develop, to become a team that can consistently dominate opponents and can give a real identity to English football.We now have players who are comfortable on the ball and technically very good.The biggest disappointment of the tournament was that we didn’t see that as often as we would have liked. That leaves us with a ‘what if?’ feeling.England must not lose that old-school mentality of finding a way to win even when you’re not playing well — that never-say-die spirit which got us through this Euros more than once.But the next step is to allow other qualities to shine through, to give the players that our system is creating the platform to show  everything they can do.The job for me and for other coaches is to keep producing players that are comfortable on the ball and understand how to perform under pressure at a high level.English football is in a good place but we need to keep going. Then we will finally get over the line.Real all of SunSport columnist Jack Wilshere’s Euro 2024 columns…Shearer added: “There’s no way you can ever drop your captain and your record goalscorer and a guy who’s on three goals without playing particularly well.“So it’s impossible, I mean you couldn’t do it and I wouldn’t have done it. I would have kept him in the team but I would have had more legs in and around him.”Heartbroken England heroes leave team hotel in Germany and head home after devastating loss to Spain in Euro 2024 final”But Kane did not look right. Whether he was carrying an injury or I don’t know.”Meanwhile Micah Richards declared that Marc Guehi was England’s most consistent player in Germany.Eberechi Eze made three substitute appearances in Germany and had 99 minutes on the pitch.Meanwhile Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton received ZERO minutes and Ivan Toney landed a mere 42 minutes across the month.Ollie Watkins – who scored the 90th minute winner against the Netherlands in the semi-final – was awarded 38 minutes in total.Meanwhile fans were always pleased to see Cole Palmer enter the fray as the Chelsea star got just 125 minutes from the bench.READ MORE SUN STORIESPalmer’s second-half wonder strike had cancelled out Nico William’s 47th minute opener – but his heroics were unable to stop heartbreak against Spain.A late Mikel Oyarzabal goal separated the two sides, with England, despite having an effort cleared off the line – unable to equalise for a second time.Maybe Kane really is cursed as trophy drought goes on… he may never get a better chance with EnglandIT now seems as though he really is cursed. Along with the rest of us, writes Charlie Wyett.Tragically, unbelievably, Harry Kane’s agonising search for a trophy still continues and you know have to wonder whether he will ever actually manage it.Certainly for England, in any case.Kane has now suffered defeat in three major club finals and two finals of the European Championships.Last night, the Three Lions captain was so ineffective that he was replaced by Ollie Watkins just after the hour.Like much of this tournament, he really struggled to make the impact when England needed him, not that he had much service.He had one shot in the first half and that was Rodri, who subsequently injured himself and went off at the break.When Cole Palmer struck that brilliant equaliser, Kane was off on his feet from the bench, only for the national team to get another kick in the bo**ocks at the end.Kane was substituted in both the games against Switzerland and Holland which England went on to win but on this occasion, he could only witness a gut-wrenching twist just when it looked as though Gareth Southgate’s team had dug their way out of trouble.The Bayern Munich striker suffered the World Cup 2018 semi-final loss against Croatia, endured heartbreak against Italy in the Euro2020 final and then missed from the spot in the World Cup 2022 quarter-final against France.He really thought that this was his time, even though England did not play well in Germany.Kane will know that he will have more opportunities with England. But not many more.The World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico seems a long way away and it will surely be under a new manager. Will England be better than they are now? Probably not.And we are all left to wonder how much better England would have been with a fit and firing Kane at his very best.Read the full verdict on the curse of Harry Kane…Or check out all of Charlie Wyett’s Euro 2024 stories… More

MARC CUCURELLA celebrated Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph by standing on a table and singing a bizarre song.The defender played a crucial role in the final win over England as he assisted Mikel Oyarzabal’s winning goal.Marc Cucurella sang to his team-mates after the Euro 2024 finalCredit: X formerly TwitterHe performed a song about himselfCredit: X formerly TwitterCucurella, 25, had an eventful tournament in which he was booed for escaping a handball decision against Germany.He was also pointed out as a weak spot in Spain’s team by Gary Neville.However, the Chelsea ace proved vital to his nation’s victory in Germany.After the trophy lift, the Spanish players made their way to a private function to celebrate.READ MORE ON EURO 2024A video was captured inside the room with the players in which Cucurella serenaded the team.He stood on top of a table, singing a fan song about himself that involved drinking beer and Erling Haaland.The full lyrics are: “Cucu, Cucurella, eat a paella.”Cucu, Cucurella, drink an Estrella.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Haaland’s trembling, Cucurella’s coming.”Haaland’s trembling, Cucurella’s coming. So eat a biscuit.”Lamine Yamal accidentally shows world his naked Spain team-mates in live social media blunder after England win Cucurella hit back at Neville’s comments after the final in an Instagram post.He wrote: “We went all the way Gary. Thanks for your support.”His girlfriend Claudia Rodriguez also fired a dig at Neville as she wrote: “How was your night, @gneville2?”.Cucurella was congratulated by Chelsea on social media.However, fans have demanded that the club “fold” due to it being an English side.Cucurella’s girlfriend Claudia Rodriguez hit back at NevilleThey shared a kiss on the pitch following the final More

PRINCE William’s deep bond with son George will be a relief amid his troubled relationship with Harry, a body language expert has said.Wills and George, 10, warmed the hearts of England fans across the country despite the devastating 2-1 loss to Spain in last night’s Euro 2024 final.Heart-warming moment Prince William hugs son George, 10The father-son duo leapt into the air and pumped their fists as England scored their first goalThe two were seen bonding at the nail-biting match last night, watching the game at the edge of their seats.Body language expert Judi James has given her detailed analysis of the interactions between the father and son duo.Judi James said: “These are spontaneous, knee-jerk body language rituals from William and George as they react to the agony and ecstasy that was England’s performance in the finals.”She claims the two are “two-peas-in-a-pod”, with their shockingly similar reactions.She continued: “Their intense mirroring is more than just flattering, it’s hero-worship mimicry of a dad by his young son. “William and George’s peas-in-a-pod behaviours here look subliminal rather than conscious, showing the pair share stronger, deeper bonds of like-minded thinking and reactions.”GOOD ROLE MODELJudi highlighted the deliberate choice of dressing alike, which signifies George’s view of his father as a positive role model.She said: “The dressing alike is a deliberate mimicry that suggests George sees his dad as a very positive role model.Most read in Euro 2024″Despite being a simple fact, this is a very powerful statement in terms of the continuity of the monarchy.”She comments on the “suffering” the Prince has endured amidst the ongoing war with younger brother Prince Harry.William arrives with George to cheer on Three Lions in Euros final after declaring ‘show the world what you’re made of’Judi said: “William is already suffering from the behaviours of his rogue, rebellious younger brother,”A sense of empathy, loyalty, and shared goals from the son who will also be replacing him as King one day is important and reassuring to both of them. It is defining them as friends as well as dad and son.”A CHANGED PRINCEThe body language expert claims Will has changed, he’s evolved past his usual reserved self and loosened up, especially around George.She added: “William has lost so many body language inhibitions recently. “His rather stuffy, reserved or shy-looking behaviours have now been replaced by an ability to share his emotions,”Whether he’s dancing like no-one is looking at a Taylor Swift concert or leaping, roaring or clutching his face in agony as he does here at the England game.”She said: “George might be partly responsible for this change in behaviour.”This analysis comes amid discussions about the strained relationship between William and his brother, Harry.The shared reactions between the father and son were particularly striking.Judi said: “The pair leap up together with their mouths open and fists clenched in a shared ritual of battleground victory when there is a goal,”They both clap their hands over the sides of their faces in a self-attack gesture that mimics a desire to hide the expression of loss and weakness from your opponents when Spain score.”These are primal rituals that show the strongest of bonds and define William and his son, like their chosen ‘uniform’ as a united team.”After their ‘warrior’ responses though there is also the hugging, which shows shared delight and high levels of affection.”The tension between the royal brothers has been a hot topic, particularly regarding whether the Sussexes or the Waleses should make the first move to attempt a reconciliation.Charles Rae, the legendary former royal correspondent spoke to The Sun’s royal editor Matt Wilkinson on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show.He expressed that he believes it is up to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to make the first move.But he doubts it would be accepted by William and Catherine due to the extensive history of conflict and public criticism, including the Oprah Winfrey interview, their Netflix show, and Harry’s book Spare.He said: “I think it is down to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to make the first move.“Whether or not it would be accepted by William and Catherine, I doubt very much it would be.“There’s too much water which has gone under that bridge.”The former correspondent shared his concerns over William.He said: “William’s got a lot more on his mind right now than repairing the troubles with his own brother. He’s got his wife to look after and his three children.”He then suggested Meghan to be a “driving force” in why the reconciliation may not happen.Charles’ comments echo those of another royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams who told The Sun that “petulant” Harry must be the first one to make a move to heal the rift with William.He added that any rift is “undesirable”, especially when people are battling illness with both King Charles and the Princess of Wales being treated for cancer.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, the Sussex saga continues as William is keeping Princess Kate and his family “well away from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry”.Elsewhere, a royal expert reveals why it’s ‘obvious’ this explosive feud with Prince William is ‘firmly cemented’ and here to stay.A timeline of Prince Harry’s family feudIN 2018, the Sun told how “simmering tensionThe first hints of friction reportedly came after William was introduced to Meghan when she was staying at Kensington Palace.Once she’d returned home to Canada, William and Harry sat down for a brother-to-brother chat.He knew Harry was already head-over-heels for her but it has been claimed he advised him to take it slowly.The younger prince reportedly didn’t take too kindly to the advice, with one royal source saying he “went mental”.Then in June 2019 Harry and Meghan officially split off from the charity they shared with William and Kate.The Royal Foundation will be divided between the Sussexes and Cambridges as the couples focus on their own separate charitable endeavours.Prince William and Prince Harry first established the Royal Foundation in 2009 before Kate joined two years later shortly after their engagement was announced.The trio would often appear together at events and the Foundation had huge successes with projects like the Invictus Games for injured veterans and the mental health Heads Together campaign.The Royal Foundation said the decision was made following the conclusion of a review into its structure – but added both couples will continue to work together in the future.Harry and Meg were living in close proximity to Kate and Wills within the Kensington Palace estate, but they switched to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor before baby Archie was born.The move further increased rumours of a fallout.Harry also hinted in his ITV documentary “Harry and Meghan, An African Journey” that he and his brother had grown apart.In 2021, Harry and Meghan give their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey where Harry accused his dad of cutting him off financially.Harry then jetted back to UK to join William in unveiling a statue to their mother Princess Diana in the grounds of Kensington Palace. But sources claimed William didn’t want to attend the memorial amid their ongoing rift.In 2022, just before their grandmother the Queen died, sources claimed Kate acts as a “peacemaker” between the brothers.Harry claimed his brother “knocked him to the floor” during an argument about Meghan, in his memoir.In Spare, Harry said William branded Meghan “rude” and “difficult” during a row.Harry alleged William “grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and … knocked me to the floor”.He said he was left with a visible injury to his back following the argument in 2019 at Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace, where he was living at the time.In January this year, Harry flew in to be with Charles after the monarch’s shock cancer diagnosis.Harry flew back to the US the following day – without seeing Wills. In May he visited the UK for a three-day visit without seeing King Charles or Prince William.The pair cheered on the Three LionsAs the game took a heart-breaking turn, the two couldn’t bare to watchThe nail-biting match had them at the edge of their seatDevastated at the loss, George mirrors his father’s reactionThe feud between the royal brother continuesExpert says William has family and wife, Princess Catherine to worry about More

WILLIAM and Kate have shared a new photo of Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis watching England’s Euro 2024 final together.Charlotte, nine, and Louis, six, are both wearing England shirts with their names on the back in the cute snap taken by Kate.Charlotte and Louis watching the gameAnd in a personal message, the Prince and Princess of Wales wrote: “England, your teamwork, grit and determination were an inspiration to all of us, young and old. Congratulations to Spain.It comes as William was in attendance with son George, 10, at the Olympiastadion in Berlin last night.The dad and son erupted with joy when Cole Palmer equalised in the 73rd minute.In their adorable bonding moments, George, was also snapped appearing to strategise with his father.Read more royalsThe young royal furrowed his brows and pointed towards the pitch amid the intense Euro 2024 final.Meanwhile, Wills was spotted with an equally invested expression and open hands as he watched on the edge of his seat.But they both had their heads in their hands as England’s dream of ending 58 years of heartache came crashing down with a 2-1 defeat.The Prince took to X after the game to commiserate the players.Most read in Euro 2024The proud royal wrote: “This time it just wasn’t meant to be. We’re all still so proud of you. Onwards @England. W.”King Charles also sent a message of support to Gareth Southgate, and the England team.Heartbroken England heroes leave team hotel in Germany and head home after devastating loss to Spain in Euro 2024 finalIt read: “Although victory may have eluded you this evening, nevertheless my wife and I join all my family in urging you and your support team to hold your heads high.“All those who have participated in sporting activities at any level will know how utterly despairing such a result can feel when the prize was so near – and will join me in sending heartfelt sympathy, even as we congratulate Spain.“But please know that your success in reaching the European Championship final is a really great achievement in itself, and one that brings with it the pride of a nation which will continue to roar for the Three Lions today – and in the many triumphs which I have no doubt lie ahead. Charles R”In a busy week of sport, Kate also presented trophies to Wimbledon players on Sunday.Kate Middleton, 42, handed champion Carlos Alcaraz, 21, his golden cup as he retained his Wimbledon title against rival Novak Djokovic.It marked her second public appearance of the year as she continues to receive cancer treatment.Kate said she was “glad to be back” at Wimbledon as the royal was greeted with a standing ovation and roaring crowds.She stunned in a custom purple Safiyaa Cecilia dress and wore her hair in loose curls, while pairing the elegant outfit with gold jewelry.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe princess also donned her signature small bow pin to celebrate the occasion.William and George at the final last nightCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)William and George shared a number of bonding momentsCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)Kate at the Men’s Wimbledon final on SundayCredit: Darren Fletcher More

TEENAGE sensation Lamine Yamal went public with TikTok star girlfriend Alex Padilla following Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.Barcelona playmaker Yamal, who turned 17 on Saturday, assisted Nico Williams’ opener shortly after half time in Berlin as Luis de la Fuente’s side claimed a 2-1 victory over England.Lamine Yamal posed with girlfriend Alex Padilla and his Young Player of the Tournament awardCredit: GettyHe was all smiles as he celebrated Spain’s Euro 2024 triumphCredit: GettyYamal and Alex took selfies together after the trophy ceremonyCredit: GettyIt capped a sensational first international tournament for the prodigious young talent – who became the youngest scorer in Euros history with a screamer in the semi-final win over France.And after Spain clinched the trophy on Sunday, all eyes were still on Yamal as he cosied up with partner Alex.Yamal was seen posing for photos with the TikTok star as they held his Young Player of the Tournament award.Student Alex, who has more than 300,000 followers on social media, wore a Spain shirt with Yamal on the back for the match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe pair, who also took selfies together, have been rumoured to be a couple during the tournament as Alex reportedly attended a number of Spain’s games.It is understood she sat next to Yamal’s family for the matches.She is also one of just two accounts the Barcelona star follows on TikTok.Meanwhile, Yamal’s dad, Mounir Nasraoui, was also seen celebrating after the victory over England.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNasraoui recently heaped praise on his son, insisting the teenager can eclipse the astonishing achievements of Barcelona icon Lionel Messi.Speaking to The Telegraph, he said: “You cannot imagine how proud I am of my son.Yamal destroys Rabiot on and off the pitch after France star sparked ’embarrassing’ feud with Spanish teen “I always knew that he would achieve what he has. I had total faith.”And I have faith that he could go all the way and be greater than Messi.”Yamal has already played 51 games for Barcelona’s first team, scoring seven goals and providing 10 assists.Spain’s Euros triumph marks his second major honour after winning the LaLiga title last year.Inside the baffling, brilliant story of Lamine Yamal – from being bathed by Messi to doing homework while taking Euros by stormLAMINE YAMAL has confirmed his status as football’s next superstar at Euro 2024 – but has only been playing 11-a-side games for four years, write Jack Rosser.Spain’s incredible 16-year-old bent home the goal of the tournament so far against France as La Roja sealed the spot in the final.But his first five years in Barcelona’s academy were spent playing seven-a-side football, up until the age of 12 in 2020 when he finally got a crack at 11-a-side games.Yamal’s story is baffling, brilliant and barely believable in equal measure.He is a boy born to a Moroccan father and a mother from Equatorial Guinea, who turns 17 tomorrow and was cradled by footballing royalty at just six months old.Staggering pictures of Yamal as a baby being held and bathed by Messi, taken for a Barcelona charity calendar 16 years ago, resurfaced this week.He did not restrict his brushes with greatness to Barcelona either, with footage of Yamal as an academy player walking as a mascot with Spain and Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos at an El Clasico in 2016.There is a touch of fate about this gem, Spain’s “little MVP”, as team-mate Nico Williams has dubbed him.Yamal has been doing homework in his spare time and received exam results during the tournament. He passed, obviously.Now he’s the youngest ever goalscorer at the Euros, also becoming the youngest player to ever start a major semi-final – claiming that title from Pele.But it’s Yamal’s humble approach on and off the pitch that most impresses everyone he meets.And France star Adrien Rabiot probably felt quite embarrassed as he boarded his plane back home from Germany.He had tried to intimidate Yamal ahead of their semi-final clash – telling Yamal he “needs to do more.”Was this good enough, then? Yamal responded with a goal for the ages and a man of the match performance.A season which started with a pre-season game against Tottenham where Yamal excelled but was overshadowed by Oliver Skipp scoring a brace will end on the biggest stage European football has to offer on Sunday.From being outshone by Skipp to eclipsing Pele’s records is not a bad year’s work – just imagine what he will do when he grows up.Read all about the incredible rise of Lamine Yamal in full… More

SPAIN broke a little-known law after Lamine Yamal featured in his nation’s Euro 2024 success.The winger, who turned 17 on Saturday, played 89 minutes as La Roja beat England 2-1 in Berlin to lift their record fourth Euros.Spain broke a little-known German law as they deservedly won Euro 2024Credit: GettyYamal played 89 minutes as Spain beat England 2-1 in the finalCredit: APYamal was subsequently named the young player of the tournament following his stellar performances in Germany.But the Barcelona winger reportedly broke a German employment law while at Euro 2024, according to German outlet Bild.It’s claimed that under-18s in the country are not allowed to work past 8pm local time.Athletes are given exemptions allowing them to play until 11pm.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut this must include all post-match exercises including showering and media obligations.As Germany is an hour ahead of the UK, it means the final kicked off at 9pm local time and the celebrations went well into midnight.Yamal was interviewed with Williams by beIN SPORTS France after the game, with Spain’s celebrations continuing beyond 11pm.There had been concerns that Yamal may not have been permitted to continue playing had the game gone to extra time.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe report stated if the Spanish team broke the rules they could reportedly be hit with a fine of up to £25,390 for the infraction.They would, however, not face any sporting sanctions. Fuming Jude Bellingham kicks water cooler after England suffer Euro 2024 final heartbreak againEngland ratings: Palmer the super sub but captain Kane struggles yet again in Spain heartbreakCOLE PALMER came off the bench to be England’s star man – but his heroics were unable to stop heartbreak against Spain, writes Tom Barclay.Mikel Oyarzabal struck a late dagger through the hearts of the Three Lions to seal a 2-1 Spanish victory.And that ensured that 58 years of hurt will go on.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated each England player in the crushing defeat:Jordan Pickford: 8Carefully controlled a blast of a backpass from John Stones on his line in the first half. Could do little to stop Williams’ opener but made two terrific stops to deny Yamal, only for Oyarzabal to poke home at the death.Kyle Walker: 6Had his hands full with Williams but managed the Spanish livewire pretty well but could not get near his powerful opener. John Stones: 8A colossus again as he played every single minute of this Euros, despite lack of Manchester City game-time. Superb block on early Williams shot, was often in the right place at the right time and at one point dribbled all the way up the pitch.Marc Guehi: 6Solid alongside Stones and overall it has been a brilliant first tournament for the Crystal Palace star. But Oyarzabal nicked in front of him for the winner.Bukayo Saka: 7Most consistent attacker for England across the tournament and had a good battle with pantomime villain Marc Cucurella here. It was his cross that Bellingham laid off for Palmer to work his magic.Declan Rice: 7Went past his boss Gareth Southgate’s cap haul by winning his 58th here and he is still only 25. Was in the thick of it in the midfield battle throughout. Kobbie Mainoo: 5Just 19 and starting a major final for England in the middle of midfield. Fewer bursts forward though than in recent games as his side struggled for possession and was subbed for Palmer as Southgate searched for a leveller. Luke Shaw: 7Looked so sharp for a player making his first start since Luton away on February 10, winning his battle against Lamine Yamal in the first half. But Yamal got the better of him after the break to tee up Williams’ opener.Phil Foden: 6Out of possession it was his job to man-mark Manchester City colleague Rodri, until the Spanish maestro went off injured at half-time. Had a half-chance just before the break but could not beat Unai Simon.Jude Bellingham: 7Shunted wide left when England did not have the ball – which was a lot of the time. Riskily flew into a few tackles, but it was his clever lay-off that teed up Palmer.Harry Kane: 4His lack of involvement was summed up by England fans calling for Ollie Watkins in the 57th minute. They got their wish on the hour.SUBS: Ollie Watkins: 6Semi-final hero was introduced far earlier here to get some legs in behind, though he did not have too much impact this time.Cole Palmer: 9What an impact after emerging with just twenty minutes to go. Yet another of Southgate’s subs paid off handsomely as Palmer curled a peach of an equaliser with 17 minutes remaining, sending most of the Olympiastadion potty.Ivan Toney: 6Thrown on right at the end but could not make an impact.Gareth Southgate: 7The game was a chess match for the first half and Southgate was never going to go early with his bold moves.His subs were excellent to be fair, with Palmer brilliantly getting his team back into it.Critics will say England did not play attacking enough but Spain are one hell of a side – and Southgate’s men pushed them all the way.During Euro 2024, Yamal scored once – a superb strike against France in the semi-finals – and also provided four assists.One of those assists came in the final as Yamal set up fellow winger Nico Williams to open the scoring in the 47th minute. Cole Palmer equalised for England before Mikel Oyarzabal scored the winner for Spain.Yamal with his Young Player of the Tournament trophyCredit: Getty More